Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/8109469.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Fandom:
      名探偵コナン_|_Detective_Conan_|_Case_Closed
  Character:
      Kudou_Shinichi_|_Edogawa_Conan, Mouri_Ran, and_pretty_much_the_main_cast
  Additional Tags:
      Sexual_Abuse, Pedophilia, Darkfic, Angst, Depression, Hallucinations,
      Psychological, Manipulation, Blackmail
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-09-22 Updated: 2017-05-30 Chapters: 3/? Words: 6455
****** Don't Touch Me (But You Like It) ******
by pyupew
Summary
     Conan only wants to be Shinichi again. Only wants to be able to kiss
     Ran, love her, treat her like she deserves.
     However, she moves on, and he's stuck in a spidery web of self doubt
     and his suffocating decaying skin.
Notes
     hey wasup, this story is fucked up and stuff. if ya aint for that I
     suggest clicking away.
***** Books *****
Conan was frankly sick of his situation.
He was sick of this body, sick of kiddy school, sick of lying, sick of hiding,
he was just sick of being Conan Edogawa and not Shinichi Kudo.
He was 12 already, god, he couldn’t fathom thinking a day were he’d be 20 and
still ‘Conan’– he didn’t want to imagine going up towards 30, 40 or 50 even.
This whole charade of being a kid started 4 years ago, and he was just… so
tired. So god damn tired.
He wanted this to be over already – he was a patient person but thisis
something that no one couldn’t soldier through without a bit of off days.
Though, Conan’s “off days” have been a lot more frequent than normal… it has a
lot to do with the fact that he’s started a new school year, 6th grade – only
one year away from junior high.It gave him a harsh reality check of his current
situation.
He’s tried not to let it show too much but he isn’t very good at hiding it,
he’s constantly moody and grumpy, especial when Ran isn’t around. And Haibara’s
annoyed with him, the detective boys have a hard time uttering a word around
him, and he can’t even tolerate pretending to be a child half of the time.
He sighed, playing with a cheap white eraser in his hand as the teacher
continued on with their lecture. The subject was currently grammar, his tuned
out brain supplied him.
The teacher this year was… weird. Though the kids liked him, something about
him sent Conan’s detective instincts on full haywire, though he tried not to
let it show too much… it wouldn’t be the first time he mistakenly judged
someone without any evidence and just pure instinct. That’s a mistake he
wouldn’t wish to repeat.
It had nothing to do with look, however, Irie-sensei looks like a friendly
grandpa who gives you too much money and makes you too much food. He looks
around eighty with a bony thin build with a slightly slouched back. His hair is
a frazzled gray mess that seems impossible to tame.
He looks anything butthreatening – it was just the way the man carried himself,
the way the man eye’s look, and sometimes the undertone of his words made Conan
squint at the man.
Nevertheless, as a person of education the man did well – he seemed like a
perfect lecturer for children due to his cheesy jokes and his genuine care for
kids… which is primarily why Conan is sure he’s just too paranoid.
“Hey, Conan.”
Conan blinked, looking towards Ayumi who sat beside him, tilting his head to
indicate her to go on.
“Want to go to the bookstore afterschool,” she whispered quietly, smiling
brightly, “Everyone else is coming, what about you?”
He looked at the other kids which stared at him with wide eyes, exception being
Hiabara, “I think I’m going to skip this one out today, sorry guys.”
“Oh come on!” Even whispering, Genta found a way to be obnoxious. He lowered
his voice when Ayumi glared at him, “You rarely go out with us anymore…”
Conan cringed, “Sorry guys, just not feeling up for it lately,” He tried to
muster up a good smile for them, “School’s just been so tiring lately.”
The kid’s ate it up, “If you say so…,” Ayumi whispered in slight solemn,
putting her attention back to the teacher – the subject dropped.
Conan tried not to let the guilt over take him too much.
--
Recently he had increased his workload when it came to cases, it’s what he
primarily worked on in his free time, he stopped trying to focus on the useless
cases Kogoro stumbled upon and decided to nitpick whichever one’s he felt are
more necessary to his situation.
He just didn’t have enough time to worry about extra luggage. It was a little
morally challenging, but he had to be selfish in this regard – or else he’d
probably go insane.
He opened the door of the Kudo Mansion, feeling already comfortable and
relieved in the confines of the house. He used to feel lonely and isolated when
he lived here, but now he welcomed it – it helped him feel like himself again
and he was desperate for that familiarity.
Conan made his way up to his old room, flopping onto his bed with a big sigh –
he was away from everything, from the world, in his own space – he wished he
had that again.
He rubbed at his face, he probably should get to work…
But was it really worth it at this point? His main motivation to go back to his
old life was slipping from his fingers… he didn’t have much drive or care at
this point.
He cringed at himself, sighing as he got back up. Of course it was worthit,
images of Ran flashed – her smile, anger, her childish fears – it made him
smile. More than anything… she was still his precious friend and the love of
his life, despite the circumstances.
He forced himself up and got out the files he’d hidden away, tucked away in a
secret compartment (specially made by Agasa), and sat on his floor – spreading
paper across the shining wood.
He clicked his pen as he retraced the information he had so far, the
organization was a tricky snake to catch but if you squinted at unsolved cases
you can find what you’re looking for.
Recently, however, Conan noticed that they’ve been rather inactive.
An inkling of familiar dread trickled down his spine, he’s been through this
thought process… but what if they’d become suspicious someone was tracing their
tracks. That someone being him.
He hoped it was just coincidence, but as he looked at the last case possibly
linked to the Black Organization, it only fueled his suspicion. They slowed
down rightwhen Conan was actively being specific in his search.
Was it really that quickly noticeable? He had called a few times in Shinichi’s
voice at the police station, and had called witnesses of the cases… was that
enough to send the Organizations alarm blaring?
He bit his lip, he should have been more careful… especially using a voice that
is considered dead in the Orgs eyes.
Sighing he rubbed his face, already feeling a headache coming on. The
organization is so carefuland well hidden – it’s frustrating. At this point,
Conan is tired and impatient. He’s not sure how much more he can last in this
body.
He’s just so tired.
Blearily he stuffed the papers and folders back into the hidden compartment,
ending his work early. No one said he didn’t try; he’s way too irritated and
depressed to continue on with his usual work routine… might as well just stop
before he spiraled down further.
It’s so unlike him, giving up so early like this.
Shaking his head he leaves the manor, making sure the place was securely locked
before walking in a leisure pace towards the Mouri Agency. His eyes squinting
at the rays of the setting sun, which casted a glare over his fake oversized
glasses.
Ran was used to him being out most of the day; at this point she just assumes
he’s out with the detective boys. But he hadn’t, in a long time, done anything
with them.
How long has it been? Possibly since they started the school year... he wasn’t
too sure.
He cringed, mainly at himself and his behavior. Conan was being a cold jerk to
the kids, he knew that. He’ll make it up to them tomorrow, take the kids out
for ice cream.
Conans thoughts abruptly ended when he felt the shiver of eyes watching him.
Conan tensed; he slowed down his breathing and took in his surroundings with
sharp blue eyes. He looked at the people who surrounded him. It’s not too
crowded, but there was enough people for him to feel uncertain if someone was
watching him or not.
Nonetheless, he decided it was best to play it safe. With the possible threat
of the Black Org looming over him – he couldn’t afford chances.
He continued walking, but not towards the agency any longer.
If someone was following him, he definitely didn’t want to lead them to the
agency. He decided instead to go to a nearby store, somewhat less populated,
but not empty where he’d be vulnerable to being ambushed.
He spotted a bookstore, which met the requirements of his needs, and casually
strode towards it. The door ringed when he opened it and he was met with the
familiar scent of books.
It would have been comforting, if his senses weren’t on high alert, taking in
every single detail surrounding him – calculating his next move, his next step.
Conan made his way to the kids section, which was practically displayed in one
of the first rows (It was a marketing practice, he side-noted.) He made a show
of browsing the section of books, but side eyed the front door in reality.
He made a bet that whoever was following him, would either wait for him outside
or follow him in – which could work both in his favor.
If they waited outside for him? He’ll leave from the back. He’s familiar with
this bookstore (Fortunately) and he remembered plenty of times walking past the
back exit – he was sure it was more for employees or emergencies, but he should
be able to sneak out without notice.
If on the other hand they followed him inside, he could use the same trick.
He’d just have to be quicker about it. But he’ll have an added bonus of seeing
the face of whoever was following him. Even if there’s a possibility they have
a disguise on – it was better than nothing.
The ringing of the door opening made him whip his head towards the door and he
did a double take at who it was.
There, greeting the store clerk with a friendly wide smile and easy wave, was
his teacher.
“Irie-sensei!”
The teacher blinked at him, his eyes registering before he slowly smiled,
“Conan-kun!” He limped towards the other (Conan isn’t sure howhe’s still
standing sometimes), “What a pleasure to see you.”
Conan smiled, a little awkwardly, taking a glance behind the teacher – perhaps
whoever followed him backed off for now due to his sudden acquaintance.
 “You too,” he started, forcing himself to sound chipper, “I came here to grab
a quick book!”
Irie-sensei smiled, seemingly pleased his student is enjoying his free time
reading, “Excellent, do you need help getting one? I have a few I could
recommend.”
Conan nodded with enthusiasm, but felt himself already feel worn by this
predicament, “That would be great!”
The teacher nodded and motioned for Conan to follow him, which he obediently
did, towards the children books section, “I heard you like detectives,” he
stated, grabbing a couple of books off the shelf and handing a total of 3 to
Conan, “I’m sure you’ll love these.”
Conan blinked at Irie-sensei and at the books, “How do you know that?” He’s
never mentioned it much in class – mostly because he hasn’t discussed anything
detective related with the kids.
Irie-sensei smiled, wide and sincere, “I asked your past teacher.”
“Kobayashi-sensei?”
He nodded, “I wanted to make sure I knew more about my students.”
Its… not everyday you meet a teacher this serious with their work. In a way it
was refreshing, like the world isn’t so bad after all.
Conan looked down at the books in his hands, his heart warming further at the
sight of two detective mice on the cover with stereotypical Sherlock Holmes
attire. The title Basil of Bakers Fieldautomatically came to his head – when he
was a kid he’s read these series religiously before he moved to the more adult
stuff.
It held a nostalgia he could never forget and he appreciated Irie-sensei for
this. Because he had felt down, and just knowing there’s still good people and
good things is just nicewith his line of work.
“Thank you, Irie-sensei,” he smiled at the teacher, a full sincere smile.
Irie-sensei smiled back, wide, causing his wrinkles to become more prominent.
His eyes twinkled with happiness, “Anytime, Conan-kun.”
Conan thinks he can handle another year if a man like this existed.
***** Loss *****
Chapter Summary
     He will lie again and again if it meant keeping her alive.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
 
Conan loves puzzles, he loves it when everything slides together perfectly to
complete a whole distinguishable picture. It’s a satisfying feeling when he
just knowshow something works, how something happened and how someone became
who they are.
So he feels himself alight with giddiness, satisfaction, as he has one clue
closer to the Black Organization. Honestly, it wasn’t much; he definitely has a
long way to go. But weeksof frustration and paper crumbling brought him this
new slot of information, it was better than nothing. It was one more piece to a
complex wide puzzle.
He flopped down on his bed with a sigh, his 12 year old muscles felt way too
sore than they should be and his eyes felt tired and droopy from hours of no
blinking, reading, analyzing, drinking in every article for evidence.
It seems once Conan backed off from investigating for a week, the Organization
deemed it safe enough to continue with their antics – which he had dearly hoped
would happen.
Either way, once you know the Orgs habits and patterns, it becomes quite simple
to track them. The Org specializes in getting rid of risks and enemies with
assassination while covering it up with either an accident or a person.
However, that doesn't make things easy peasy. Obviously that’d mean he’d have
to analyze everycase that fits that criteria to see if it was tampered with.
No one has the time or patience to scrounge through 90% of Japans case files,
which brings one last characteristic of the Black Organization.
It’s rather continues behavior of using fire or explosives to hide their
evidence.
You’d think an elusive underground company wouldn’t use such a flamboyant way
of hiding their crimes and while Conan would like to go into depth of how
thatmight not be the greatest strategy – he’s just going grateful about this
fact.
Because recently the Organization has been very active in getting rid of areas
where big amounts of illegal drugs were being produced in a very loud and fast
approach.
It was a little weird and somewhat alarming because the Org likes to stay on
the down low when it comes to their crimes, they don’t likegrabbing the media’s
attention too much.
Which made him second guess if it was even thembut he had reviewed the type of
bomb they thought was used – advanced, not something they heard of – and had
went and done some field investigating at one of the sites they’d decided to
implode. He’d found specialize designed bullets that weren’t caught up on the
explosion after some digging – it was definitely them.
While he isn’t sure of what the reason is, it is something. A lot more than
what he had these last few weeks. With such information he had even the
potential to find out where they might strike next.
However, that isn’t quite enough, is it? He’ll need a plan first. His next goal
should be to obtain the information the Organization is trying to hide.
And… Conan has a time limit and he doesn’t even know howlong. How long will the
Organization keep their noses in illegal drug reproduction? If he acts too
late, he has to start all over again.
Rubbing his head, he sighed, staring listlessly at the ceiling.
If only things were simple, but such a thing wasn’t going to hold him back – he
wasgoing to get something out of this. He hasto. No matter how little or big
the outcome will be.
--
“Conan, you’re late.”
Conan flinched, looking up timidly at Rans scorching gaze.
“Sorry, Ran-neechan,” he looked down, trying his best to look guilty, in a way
that would melt Ran’s heart.
He tried not to think about how manipulating that was.
As predicted, her voice came out softer, “At least call, ok?” She sighed with
defeat, “You get into so much trouble; I get worried sick for you.”
He twiddled with his thumbs while looking up, smiling sincerely at Ran, “You’re
right, I’ll do that. I’m sorry for making you worry.”
Ran smiled, soft and warm – Conan’s heart fluttered at the sight – “Good, now
get the table ready, Dad will be home soon.”
Conan did as told, getting the plates and utensils from the kitchen in a neat
stack and carrying it out to the table. He aligned it without thinking about
much, the task so routine to him at this point, as he set up 3 rice bowls,
plates, chopsticks and little saucers.
His stomach absently groaned in protest when his nose caught the scent of Ran’s
cooking. Right, he had only eaten a bit of breakfast today – his body was not
happy with him right now.
On top of that he was rather tired, he slaved his mind over case after case to
the point where his brain felt a bit fuzzy.
He glanced at the clock slightly dizzy, his mind fogging with old memories of
Ran getting upset at him, as Shinichi, whenever he’d forget to take care of
himself. Unconsciously, he smiled fondly at the memory.
 “Conan,” Ran called from the kitchen, startling him from his thoughts, “Can
you help me?”
“Okay!” he called back probably a bit too quick and stumbled passed Ran who
only quirked an amused eyebrow at his sudden clumsiness.
“Get the other tray, please.”
Nodding, he got said tray from the counter, feeling a mix of dread and
enjoyment that he can reachthe damn thing. He was growing… the thought made his
fists clench tighter around the tray handles.
He couldn’t spend another year in this body, he wants to go back. Shinichi just
wants to be himself.
Something must have shown on his face while he was putting the tray on the
dinner table because Ran tapped his shoulder with a concerned smile.
“Is something on your mind?”
Conan automatically faked a smile, “Just thinking about school,” he lied
without flinching, the act so fluid and easy it made him sick
Ran’s eyes sparkled, causing Conan’s heart to leap, “Oh? How’s school been?”
She asked while casually serving his empty plate with food.
“It’s okay,” he smiled sheepishly, “Our teachers nice, the work’s okay.”
She smiled fondly, listening with care. She cared so much for him, for Conan –
a fake kid he made up – he choked with guilt, his gaze drifting down at his
plate. The idea of looking at Ran’s face made his stomach quiver unpleasantly.
When had spending time with Ran start to feel so awful.
“Dad’s late,” she huffed, oblivious to Conan’s inner turmoil as she glared
heatedly at the clock, “Whatever, let’s just eat without him.”
Conan could only sheepishly smile as he picked up his chopsticks, wondering
what was taking the old man so long this time – beer, gambling, woman, such
endless possibilities.
He glanced at Ran from the corner of his eye, she seemed a lot more peeved than
normal at Kogoro’s antics and Conan couldn’t exactly blame her. Kogoro’s
outings have been quite frequent lately, Conan isn’t sure if there’s been a day
where the man was sober.
And being drunk or hungover 24/7 isn’t a practiced worth ethic, so money has
been a little tight lately. While Conan’s “parents” are helping a lot with the
situation, it’s still not quite enough to fully support them financially.
“I can’t believe father is being like this,” she grumbled, trying to be angry,
but her eyes screamedconcerned, “Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised but… he at
least has some decency, right?”
Conan paused, staring at his chopsticks. She’s not wrong, while Kogoro isn’t
the most responsible person, he isa caring father… he wouldn’t be the type to
leave Ran to fend for herself.
While it may pain him a little, he’ll give the man the benefit of the doubt, “I
don’t think it excuses his behavior but,” he poked at his fish, “Maybe he’s
going through something?”
“But what would it be?”
Conan shrugged, looking up at Ran, “I don’t know, but you should talk to him.”
She looked unsure, “Do you think he’d tell me?”
Conan smiled sincerely, “Of course he will, if it’s you.”
Ran paused, staring at Conan as she seemed to think about his words, then she
smiled – soft, sheepish, a little insecure but it held trust.
 “Thank you, Conan-kun,” She put down her chopsticks, staring right into
Conan’s eyes as she analyzed his face – Conan merely blinked in confusion.
“Is something wrong?”
Ran shook her head, “No,” She smiled gently at him – it was so filled with love
it caught Conan off guard, “I wanted to… thank you.”
“For what?”
“For the other night,” she whispered, looking down at her lap, “And I want to
apologize, I didn’t want you to see me cry like that…”
“Oh,” Conan clenched his chopsticks, “That… don’t worry about it Ran-neechan,”
he forced a smile, “We all have our days, its okay.”
She shook her head again, “You’re too sweet Conan-kun,” she looked up at him,
her smile and eyes so soft and gentle as she regarded him fully, “Honestly,
thank you so much… your advice that day really helped me.”
His heart plummeted, his smile felt so strained against his face – he wasn’t
sure if it looked normal, “Of course, Ran-neechan.”
She put a hand over his that laid rest on the dinner table, he looked up at
her, seeing such trustin her eyes for him, “Always remember, Conan-kun, if you
ever need anything – I’ll always be here for you.”
He nearly closed his eyes in shame, but instead he forced a smile – full of
guilt and loss, “Okay.”
--
Weeks ago, he’d woken up to an undistinguishable noise. Confused, he patted
softly downstairs to the office door, seeing the lights on – a little
suspicious that it might be a thief, he put his ear to the door, straining to
hear the source of the noise.
First, he heard a hiccup followed by sobs and sniffles – which Conan
immediately recognizes (so uncomfortably familiar) – and his heart shuttered
painfully.
His heart only broke further when he peaked through the door, Ran was on the
couch – tears spilling over rosy cheeks, her eyes puffy and red, her shaky
hands clutching a tissue for dear life as her body shuttered with each soft
sob.
He opened the door fully which alarmingly still didn’t alert her of his
presence, being so caught up in her inner turmoil, “Ran-neechan?”
She looked up, processing, realizing, before she hurriedly wiped away her tears
– she tried to figure out how to smile as she regarded Conan, “C-Conan-kun…”
He clenched his fists, feeling waves of worry wash over him, “What’s wrong?”
Ran’s broken smile could only remain for one more second before it fell apart,
her eyes solemn, sad, “It’s…,” she paused, her face filling with embarrassed
shame, “It’s Shinichi.”
Conan wanted to cry, of course it was his fault, “Shinichi-niichan?”
“It’s stupid isn’t it?” She laughed, but it held no humor, “Crying over that
idiot,” She paused, as more tears slipped, closing her eyes as she tried to
calm down.
“Ran…”
“I’m sorry you had to see me like this Conan-kun,” her voice hitched and she
smiled with a little more success, “It’s okay, just please go to bed, I’ll be
fine.”
Conan shook his head, walking towards Ran, “No, I can’t do that,” he stared at
her hands, shaking and tightly clenching the tissue before hesitantly putting a
noticeably small hand on it, “Please tell me what’s wrong, Ran-neechan, I won’t
be able to go back to sleep like this.”
She stared at his hand before looking up at Conan, her eyebrows furrowing
before she took a deep shakey breath, “I guess.. I guess I’m just tired.”
“Tired?”
“I’m tired off… being left in the dark,” she whispered, closing her eyes
tightly as she tried to hold back a sob, “I just don’t… feel like I know
Shinichi anymore. Does he think I don’t notice how much he dances around
topics? How much he lies to me? After all these years does he think he can
trick me like that and expect me not to realize?”
“I thought… I knew him. But I’m not sure if… this is the same Shinichi I knew…
and loved.”
Conan looked down at the floor, unable to force himself to witness Ran’s
defeated expression. He’s an idiot… of course she’d notice… how could he think
any differently?
He tried to protect her from keeping her in the dark but… it only hurts her.
“What am I suppose to believe?” she continues.
Conan closes his eyes, its better than her being dead.
“Is it…,” Ran breathed in, “Is it my fault? Did I do something to make him run
away?”
Conan clenches his teeth, “No… no, of course not.”
He makes himself look at Ran who merely looks at him with her sad droopy eyes,
her blue eyes so lost and confused.
She can never know the truth, he does this to protect her, he’ll do anything to
keep her safe, “I know.. I know Shinichi is special to you,” he pauses, his
mouth feels dry and his heart is beating with anxiety, “But if it causes you
this much pain… I don’t think it’s worth it.”
“What do you mean…?”
Conan looks at Ran one more time, her soft long hair, her face so open with
emotions – he loved that about her. In his line of work Conan can see the
darkness in peoples hearts, but when he see’s Ran – she doesn’t hide herself,
she doesn’t hidethe worst parts of herself.
He loves her so much.
“What I’m saying is, I think it’s time to let Shinichi-niichan go.”
“I don’t…”
He clutches Ran’s hand tight, to reassure her (and himself), he opens his mouth
– feeling regret at his words, wanting to pull back, he didn’t want to let go,
“Ran-neechan, he moved on without you,” his words were stern and he can see the
pain it caused Ran, “He isn’t worth it,” he gulped, his insides screaming at
him to stop, “It’s time to find someone else.”
He gulped, as he watched Ran’s wide eyes look down, her shoulders – her whole
posture just sags – like weight was release off her shoulders, her gaze softens
and her face is the very definition of acceptance.
And god did it hurt, but when Ran looked up at him, she smiled – a genuine
stress free smile – he would say that to her again and again if it meant seeing
that smile again.
He’d do anything for her.
Even if it meant stomping on his own heart.
Chapter End Notes
     dood srry this chapter took so long, i was having trouble thinking of
     what to write. pray that the next chapter goes more smoothly.
***** Beach *****
Chapter Notes
     hey look, an update.
     i tried not to heavily edit this one, because i love myself enough
     not to.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
 
“Conan-kun!! Ran-neechan!! Over here!!”
Conan blinked up at the silhouette of Ayumi, the sun glazing heavily over the
detective boy’s figures as they frantically waved – in fact, they kept waving
even if it was obvious their method to get both him and Ran’s attention had
worked,not stopping for one second until they were right in front of them.
Conan already felt irritated – call him grouchy and a party pooper but he just
wasn’tup for this get together right now.
He looked down at the sand under his feet with a frown, before looking up at
the crashing waves of the ocean – he had felt bad ignoring the detective boys,
so he had agreed to come to the beach… he had hoped it’d clear his mind but he
just feels tired and annoyed.
It was way too goddamn sunny.
“Ah, its perfect weather to be outside! Isn’t it Conan-kun?”
Conan does a small smile up at Ran and a thumbs up, not really up for much more
acting than that.
Ran gave him a smile that looked both confused and concern so he immediately
smiled even brighter and tugged on Genta’s arm.
“Let’s go guys!”
The detective boys immediately cheered and ran towards the beach, which he
partook in, mostly to show Ran he was A-OK – he wouldn’t want to worry her as
both Shinichi andConan.
He looked behind him, catching Haibara’s amused smile as she walked over to him
with leisure, Conan merely gave her a flat look and she responded kindly with a
wider smirk.
“Glad to see you finally joining us, Mr. Loner.”
He turns his flat look to the detective boys that are splashing around, “I’ve
been busy.”
Haibara is silent for a minute, “I understand you feel the need to rush, but
don’t destroy yourself in the process.”
Conan side eyes Haibara, her face carefully blank and uncaring – but her words
seemed to indicate she is heavily concerned for his well being – he feels his
face soften at that, “It’s Okay, I’ve been taking breaks.”
He isn’t sure if Haibara believes him and he doesn’t find out as she starts
walking towards the laughing kids instead of humoring him with a response.,
“Lets join them shall we?”
Conan sincerely smiles.
--
When Conan looked back at Ran along the shore, a guy was talking to her – he
was tall, blonde soft hair (American?) his eyes glimmering a soft green – And
Ran… Ran was blushing, happily chattering, tucking her hair behind her ears (A
habit she did when she was either flustered or nervous.)
Conan felt the immediate burn of jealousy but then a new feeling blossomed
alongside of it– Loss.
And he stood there, unable to do anything, as he blankly watched Ran fall even
farther away from him – he had done this to himself, he almost laughed out
bitterly but held his tongue.
He reminded himself this was for the best, especially as he watched a genuine
relaxed smile grace Rans soft lips.
“You should probably go there soon, she seems to be falling fast.”
Conan  paused, his inner self-loating monologue halting arubtly. He blinked at
Haibara, who was radiating pure amusement at the thought of Conan being an
overly possessive, jealous, controlling, manipulative, selfish -- he stopped
the thoughts there.
He looked back at the two, back at Ran’s radiating face and back at the man who
possibly would treat her better than he ever could, “No, its okay.”
“Is it now?”
Conan looked at Haibara, her expression lost the amusement, instead she held it
carefully blank.
“Yeah.”
The good thing about Haibara is you don’t need to explain things to her, she
just gets it, she’s very intuitive like that – he can give her the most vague
sentences and she will know what he’s trying to say, how he’s feeling, what’s
happening.
So she just looks away from Conan, gazing at the sunset dipping into the
horizon, “I’m sorry.”
He decides to remain silent along with Haibara, as they mutually mourned over
how much of an idiot he was.
It’s ironic, how sunny and blissful the wind feels against his skin – but his
heart feels heavy and tired. If only simple things like this can improve his
mood currently, if only he can appreciate this little trip, there are so much
“ifs” he can list off that are worthless and illogical. He hates being so human
sometimes.
The moment is shattered when the detective boys splash them both with water,
giggling to themselves before running off – Haibara’s face calculatingly blank,
but she quirks up an amused eyebrow at the kids running off.
And Conan, ever the good playmate that he is (and admittedly needing the
distraction) runs after them, yelling at them and trying to splash them back.
Ayumi giggled when he tackled Mitsuhiko into the water, who gurgled and gasped
under Conans grip, “Ok, Ok!! Uncle, Uncle!!”
Conan grinned as he let the other go, being childish felt good.
“It wasn’t even my idea,” Mitsuhiko grumbled.
“Yet you decided to go along with it,” Conan quipped back, looking down at the
ocean water gently coursing back and forth.
“I’m hungry!!” Genta whined and bumped into Conans back, nearly causing him to
topple over but he caught himself, quirking up an irritated eyebrow at the kid.
“We can go get something to eat,” Conan ducked away from Genta and started
walking towards shore, “It’s getting rather late anyways.”
He can hear the kids splashing footsteps follow him, chatting excitedly about
what they should eat. Conan tuned them out as he observed where everyone else
was – He saw Haibara lounging on one of the beach chairs and sipping some water
while… Ran was still chatting with the new stranger. It explains why Ran hadn’t
really called out for them to come back in, she was rather distracted.
He almost wants to run away, but he forces himself to move towards them – he
chants to himself that he won’t get in the way, that he’ll let Ran do what she
wants – he doesn’t own her, he doesn’t control her.
But he’ll still be here as her friend, if he see’s this guy is an asshole
thenhe’ll do something about it, otherwise – unprompted—he can’t allow himself
to act passive aggressive. He needs to be accepting. He hasto be accepting.
Sighing, Conan braces himself.
--
The rooms dark and eerily ambient, there’s an unnecessarily loud clock that
ticks and tocks, but its slow and droning – like it’s meant to be intimidating.
There’s two sillhuotes facing each other, ones sitting behind an office desk –
he’s casually leaning back and seems relax while he regards the other
silhouette who’s seated on the opposite side. He’s also relaxed, but he has a
certain rigidness to his posture in comparison – showing the obvious difference
in power.
“So?”
It’s the one behind the desk that speaks, it’s the first word spoken between to
two since the other arrived.
“I think you’re right about your hunch.”
“Continue.”
“I’ve caught a Rat who’s sniffing out the information I laid out for them.”
“I presume you’ll figure out who it is?”
“Of course, as long as you keep your side of the deal.”
“Heh, I don’t see why I wouldn’t. You’ve been a royal subordinate for many
years. We’ve discussed this many times already.”
“Yes, we have. You can’t blame me for checking, however,” he gets up from his
seat and bows respectfully, “Nonetheless, thank you sir, for this opportunity.”
--
A total bust.
Guy seemed to only want Ran for a one night stand; Conan can’t say he’s
surprised. For once he hadn’t interfered and just kept to himself. He hadn’t
been actively investigating, but he accidentally stumbled on the guy on a phone
call – talking about “Totally getting laid tonight” along with a disrespectful
oversexualized description of Ran.
Not that Conan see’s a problem with one night stands, but the guy could have
been you know… not a jerk about it. Or called Ran a slut behind her back.
Long story short, Conan recorded the whole thing and showed Ran who proceeded
to tell the guy out.
“Man, guys can be such jerks.”
Conan turns his head from Ran to Ayumi, who seemed rather angry as well. As a
matter of fact, all the detective boys seemed rather upset in respect to Ran,
they did like her a lot.
Mitsuhiko crossed his arms, taking a quick glance at the still fuming Ran
(she’s out of sight and out of hearing distance, besides, she’s a little
distracted ranting to herself), “I’ll never treat woman like that when I’m
older.”
Genta clenches his fists, “Me too!”
Conan smiles at them, the detective boys will grow up into such good kids
He looks at the clock, its nearing bedtime and Conan is way too surprised no
one died yet to tell the detective boys to go to bed.
“Hey… wasn’t Ran-neechan already with that one guy?” Ayumi tilted her head,
squinting in thought
Conan froze, she couldn’t be talking about…?
“That’s right,” Genta scratched at his chin, “Wasn’t it that weird detective
guy--”
“They never were dating,” Conan quickly explained.
“Yeah but it seemed like they were into each other, right?”
The detective boys all looked at each other with agreement, the added tidbits
being lost to Conan’s ears as he felt himself wallow in his misery. Man, he
wished moving on was easy.
Haibara stood up, crossing her arms as she looked pointedly at the clock,
“Isn’t it time for us to go to bed?”
The detective boys immediately get derailed from the subject as they all panic
at the time, all of them shouting offhandedly about needing to get up early
tomorrow ‘or we won’t be able to fish on the boat!’
With the kids rushing to the bathroom to brush their teeth, Conan turns to
Haibara and clapped his hands together in gratefulness – all she did was quirk
an unamused brow at him.
“Come on,” Haibara walks towards the closet of the room their staying in,
opening it to reveal the futons, “Let’s get some sleep, shall we?”
--
They sip their coffee as they type, laptop sitting innocently on a pristine
white wood coffee table, it’s not very efficient typing with one hand – but he
needs to stay up late to finish everything on time and the coffee in his grasp
is what’s saving him from crashing.
He can tell the Rat’s close, he’s been placing bits of cheese here and there
for them to follow after all, now all he needs to do is lay the trap.
It’s a pleasant surprise, one he didn’t predict, as to who the Rat is.
He had moved here, as permanently as he can, just for this one individual. They
had intrigued him for a while to the point where it had consumed him, so he had
sought out, and what did he find? That they were a lot more snoopier and
intelligent than he had first thought.
Perhaps not smart enough to be able to tell that his little clues are fake, but
quite smart for his age.
This is what primarily fascinated him, such a young kid being able to catch the
attention of the media and numerous newspapers surrounding cases they had
solved.
He likes kids, one may say he likes kids a little too much. But he particularly
got enamored with this one, intelligent and able to manipulate a situation at
hand, very calculative – it’s surprising no one has caught on to how much of a
prodigythis child was.
He clicks open a file, and he smiles gently at it.
No matter, it shall all go into his benefit anyways.
He’ll make Conan Edogawa his.
-
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     that end was super creepy to write, im questioning if i should go
     through with this.
     short chapter, mostly filler and stuff.
     there was a lot more but i felt like it really didn't fit so i just
     pushed it to the next chapter.
     also side note: im really annoyed with how many scene changes i make
     but im not sure how else to write. suggestions? :(
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