#Anyway yeah take this and laugh about Gin's potential angst with me | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fyregrayfong · 3 years

Note

Could you write a angst turned fluff for Lin x female or gender neutral reader?

Bonus points if the reader is a firebender. You don’t have to tho :)))

okay, so I’m gonna have to split this into parts because weeee boi

do I write a lot.

Fun Fact: This story was a piece I was thinking of adding to my Book 4 of See You At The Station Series. Idk If I will still use it, but I did change the Reader to a fire bender per your request. ;)

Reunion (Lin x Reader)

This is set after the whole Zaheer (within the three year gap)

“Thanks for agreeing to accompany me tonight, Cin” you gave your date a gentle smile

“If I didn’t, you would make some excuse to leave early. What of our potential investors and buyers?”

You laugh as you fix your collar while looking at the rearview mirror “It’s always about business with you.”

“Here let me help” Cinder offers and reaches over to fix the collar laying it out then flattens out the suit jacket. Your cheeks slightly blush of the close proximity. Cinder slowly looks up and meets your eyes.

You clear your throat as you straighten up “thanks”

She gives you a warm smile as she sits back into her seat and puts on her seatbelt “don’t mention it. Let’s go”

Asami was invited to attend a state dinner in Republic City as she has been coming up with plans on modernizing Republic City's Central City Station. Asami had a stroke of inspiration on the tram designs and wanted to work on the ramifications. So she couldn’t attend so you offered to go as a representative for Future Industries. Rather than attend this dinner by yourself, you decide to take Cinder. The Head of Automotive Interiors for the Satomobile. You and Cinder, a firebender, have become friends in the past six months after going through a bad breakup. You decided it would be a good idea to bring a fellow designer to talk up the next line of Satomobiles while you talked about the business.

Walking up the steps into the government building where the state dinner was being held. You smoothed down your suit jacket and let out a deep exhale. “You good?” Cinder looped her arm around yours giving your hand a gentle tap. Looking over you nodded your head “yeah, all good.” you reassured her and gave her a smile before walking the both of you toward the doors giving the guard your invitation.

“There’s president Raiko, we should introduce ourselves” Cinder looks at you and she starts walking both of you towards his direction. “Mr. President” Cinder approached and Raiko’s brows raised as he saw you giving you a big smile, “Captain y/n! So nice to see you here!” he extended his arms.

You smiled politely before gently correcting him “that’s former Captain, Sir. I no longer hold that position, remember? I’m now working along with Ms. Sato at Future Industries as partner and Head Designer.”

You and Raiko grab each other’s forearms in greeting as you give a firm shake “Right, sorry Ms. y/n, but is it okay if I call you Captain still? Despite the trouble in the city you held that position well. Wonder what happened.” He spoke as his security team covered him, keeping him safe while the perimeter was protected with RCPD’s finest. He took out his metal cigar canister taking one out.

“Uh...sure I guess although I’m not sure how the current Captain will take it” you looked around before looking back at Raiko as he is looking for a lighter “oh allow me Sir. If I may of course”

Raiko looks back at you and gives you a nod and you flick your finger, a flame coming out. An officer approaches to stop you but Raiko puts his hand up to prevent him as you continue lighting the cigar for him. “Thank you, Cap”

“Anytime, President Raiko.”

Cinder nudges you and fakes a cough giving you a cue “oh right so sorry” you apologized and turned dropping your arm down as you direct the attention to your date. “Mr. President, I would like to introduce you to Cinder, our brilliant Head of Automotive Interior of our successful satomobiles. She has been working diligently with our creative team on creating a beautiful car in the next season.”

Raiko gently shakes Cinder’s hand as she gives him a smile and respectfully bows “Mr. President, pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh no the pleasure is all mine. Are you two?” he eyes and points at the two of you. Your cheeks slightly blush “no no, sir. Purely business associates. We’re friends of course but just colleagues.” you clear your throat trying to bring down the head to your face.

“My apologizes”

“It’s okay, I understand with my arm around hers and our clothes slightly matching. I’m also from the Fire Nation.” Cinder tries explaining and you gently put your hand on her back and whisper in her ear “I think that’s good Cin.” you smile at President Raiko as he nods understanding “I don’t judge.” there’s an awkward silence before Raiko’s assistant comes up and whispers in his ear. Raiko speaks up, turning back to the both of you “Well I hope you enjoy the state dinner.”

You and Cinder bowed to the president before Cinder rubs her eyes “I blew it didn’t I?” she whispered. “Noooooo not at all.” you tried to assure her when she glares up at you and you laugh softly “it’s okay. He’s going to forget about it by the end of the night.”

A waiter with a tray of drinks comes by and you grab two glasses handing one to Cinder “Here this should take the edge off” you pass her a glass and watch as she downs it quick then grabs the one that you intended for yourself and downed it as well.

“Uh...that was for me…” you looked at Cinder then down at the two glasses in your hands

“Crap, I’m sorry”

“No worries, this isn’t my kind of drink anyways. Feeling better?” another waiter comes by and you set the two empty glasses on the passing tray. Cinder gives you a wide smile and nods “loads better. We should be meeting with these important officials on transporting vehicles for sales.” Cinder grabs your hand and tugs you along, but you stop. “Woah, how about you speak with Ambassador Zeng from the Earth Kingdom while I grab myself a drink from the bar.”

“Seeing as I took your glass back there. Fine. See you soon” Cinder gives you a smile before she heads over and approaches Ambassador Zeng.

You sigh as you near the outdoor bar unbuttoning your suit jacket as you wave a hand at the bartender, “a Pegu Club please” you order and the bartender nods as she starts pouring some gin, curaçao, lime juice, and bitters into the shaker with crushed iced. She starts giving it a good shake before pulling out a chilled cocktail glass and pouring the drink in it, finishing it off with a twisted lime and hands it to you. You gave her a nod and raised the drink in appreciation before taking a sip. Once you savored the alcohol you felt your shoulders relax.

“New haircut? Surprised to see you here”, it’s been a while since you heard that voice. It still gave you an effect as you felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You inhaled before turning around and placing a smile on your face, “Chief Beifong, I’m sorry I can’t say the same. Figured I’d run into you sometime throughout the night, but it seems like you ran into me.” you calmly spoke as you took another sip from your drink.

“Pegu Club?” she eyes the glass then up at you as a little bit of your facade escapes but you try regaining it and look away. “Yes, it is” you tap on the glass.

“At least some things never change...” She looks away at the surrounding scene, before her eyes look back at you. Noticing your physical changes, for once you’re dressed in a fire nation suit and your hair once long in length has been cut short. It looks nice on you, Lin thinks. Though the thing she couldn’t stop looking at were those eyes she missed. The bright amber eyes that seem to look like glowing embers from a fire. Sometimes it brought a shiver down her spine in the way you looked at her at night.

“It’s a favorite-” your voice brings her back from her thoughts and she looks back at you.

“I know….” a sudden softness slips from her voice, causes you to look up and meet those jade eyes. It causes you to lose your breath for a second that you need to take another sip to regain some control. Pegu Club was one of your go to drinks and Lin would often order it for you at restaurants and even tried to prepare it for you at home. Home.

“It’s good to see you Lin-I mean- Chief Beifong. I should get going. I left my partner alone long enough.” you stepped forward and started walking when Lin grabbed your arm to stop you “that Fire Nation girl you gallivanted in with? You sure have a sweet spot for fire nation don’t you?” she looked at you talking under her breath.

“What are you insinuating?” you looked down at her then darted your eyes around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. Lin doing the same. “Say it”

“Don’t act daft. First Iris and now her.” Lin put an extra emphasis on the word and you arch your brow up. Lin thinks you and Cinder are together. Is she jealous?

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Lin. Please let go.” you mutter back and Lin’s grip loosens as you smooth the sleeve and button it up. “Now, if you excuse me, Chief. I have business to attend to” you bowed your head and walked away. Lin watched you go and pinched the bridge of her nose as she cursed herself for acting like this.

-/-

After talking to various ambassadors and important officials at the dinner making influences and possible deals with the neighboring cities and nations. Cinder and you decided to leave a couple of hours early before the festivities were to end.

“If you wanted to stay, I could have left you the car and I could’ve called a cap” you smiled as you walked Cinder down the steps to the valet. “Nonsense, what fun would I have with you gone.” she nudges you and you laugh nudging her back.

“I’m glad you came. I needed a friend tonight and glad you helped with the pitches. Hopefully we’ll hear from the assistants tomorrow morning on scheduling test runs and meetings.” you talked as the valet driver handed you the keys and you opened the door for Cinder. Cinder smiles and gives you a kiss on the cheek before squeezing it “look at you opening doors for me. So cute, but I could’ve done that myself” you laugh as you rub your cheek “I know, but let me do something nice.”

Cinder rolls her eyes and gets in the car as you close the door for her and starts walking around to the driver’s side. You open the door before looking up and see Lin talking to one of her officers and she turns her head and looks at you.

You sigh and tilt your head down on the roof of the car before you run your hand through your hair, “I’ll be right back, I forgot something” you told Cinder before you stepped back and walked over toward the Chief of Police as she orders the officer back to their post, “leaving so soon?” she folds her arms as you exhale “uh.. Yeah busy morning at work” you slide your hands in your slack pockets. Lin looks over your shoulder then back at you “is that what you’re calling it?”

You roll your eyes and look away “you can just say it Lin”

“Say what?”

“That you’re jealous for starters.” you smirk a bit as Lin rolls her eyes and shrugs “I’m not.”

“Sure, so you insinuating falsely over the relationship between my colleague and I twice in one night has nothing to do with you being jealous.” you pulled your arms out and folded your arms looking at the chief of police. The night late and a sudden chill with a couple party goers starting to leave and head to the valet.

“I have work to do” Lin snarls as she drops her arms and starts to turn. You step forward and touch her arm but quickly retract it “If you want to talk, really talk. I’m going to head back to my office after dropping Cinder off”

“Cinder?” Lin pursed her lips and you sighed getting the car keys from your pocket “office”. You sternly looked at her before you turned and walked back to the car. Getting in the car and starting it up “everything okay with the Chief?” Cinder looks at you as you slowly let go of the clutch and apply equal pressure to the gas, driving out of the area “yeah, just wanted to check up on former bosses. It was nice to see the chief” you look straight down the road as you drive away from downtown. “That lady scares me. She’s so intimidating.” Cinder taps on the window then decides to roll down the window as you let out a chuckle “yeah, she can be, but once you get to know her she isn’t all that bad” you turn a street and drive down the bridge until you reached Shassa Village. “You had to live in one of the fire nation neighborhoods.” a light chuckle as you looked at the street signs. “Well do I need to remind you that I am a fire nation lady” she ends in a sing-song tone.

“Yeah, but just because you’re from the fire nation doesn’t mean you have to stay in a fire nation borough.”

Cinder shrugs and smiles “it reminds me of home. Is that a problem?”

“No, of course not” you smile back as you pull up to Cinder’s townhome “alright, here we are.” you shift the gear stick in park, “thanks for the ride and for tonight”. Cinder gets out of the car and closes the door “See you bright and early tomorrow morning” she taps your car roof then walks up the steps and opens her door to give you a wave and you wave back, driving off.

-/-

Rubbing the back of your neck as you stare at your drafting table looking over the sketches you drew in the past two hours. Drinking the glass of whiskey you’re holding then rubs your eyes. It’s been the third straight night that you’ve snuck back to your office to work. Stifling a yawn then quickly blink as you set your glass down and grab your brush and softly brush off the eraser shavings from your drafting papers and get your pencil and compass to work on the new satomobile’s curves. You were planning on presenting a new line of satomobile, a luxury line. This new car would be sleeker with curves, integration of phones into the cars into the Public Switched Telephone Network of Republic City, and a better radio system.

-/-

Lin was able to secure and made sure everyone left the area safe and sound while her men checked surrounding areas. Saikhan approached the chief “I saw the state dinner was a success.”

“It seems it had” Lin gruffed back as she watched her men work

“Were my eyes deceiving me or did I catch Cap in the night? Did you request them to help us with the security intel?” He looked at the metalbending officers packing up the squad cars before looking at the chief.

“No, former captain y/n was here as a guest. It appears Ms. Sato couldn’t make it so y/n had to come as a representative for Future Industries.”

“Some snazzy date they had” he commented and Lin glared at Saikhan “apparently they’re just colleagues” she muttered and Saikhan nodded “So you two talked?”

“We ran into each other at the bar earlier in the night”

“Did y/n want their job back? As much as I hate to admit it, they were a damn good detective and leader” he gruffed as he folded his arms.

“No, let’s head back to headquarters. I don’t want to hear a word from your wife about how late I’ve kept you. All because you wanted to gossip.” Lin dropped her arms and started walking away, thinking back to her interactions with you throughout the night. Never forgetting how you looked and worked around the room.

-/-

You looked up at the clock and noticed it was nearing 2 in the morning. “I should leave now and get some sleep on an actual bed”, you muttered to yourself as you stood up from your drafting table and walked over to your desk to grab your jacket. You turned around to look out your office window as you fixed your sleeves and collar. A part of you was upset that a certain chief of police didn’t show up, although you understood. She had a job to do tonight and she most likely had better more important things to do. You sighed then finished off the whiskey left in your glass before setting it down on your counter. As you’re cleaning up your desk you hear the door open across from you “I’m sorry Jed. I know I promised to leave sooner, but-” you shuffle some papers into your portfolio.

“If you’re going to keep Jed up this late. He should get a raise or at least buy the poor boy a coffee. He was practically asleep when I saw him”

Your eyes widened as you placed your palms on the desk and slowly looked up. Lin standing across from you. Slowly stand up straight and walk around your desk “We provide our security with the amenities. I would have to check up on that later.”

For a second there was silence between the two of you and you were unsure of what to say “I wasn’t sure you would show up...”

“Neither did I...”

#lin x reader #linbeifongxreader #linbeifong x reader #lin beifong x reader #fyrefics #fyrewriting #The Reunion

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sapphiresterreart · 5 years

Text

Misery Loves Company: KaiShin Idea

KaiShin would’ve happen eventually in this idea, but I lost steam towards the end, so. Conan might seem a bit...OOC? But well, I was aiming for angst so, anyway. This is all I got.

Summary: An almost-kidnapping. A heartbreak. And a little bit of magic.

Misery Loves Company

There was something…odd about KID tonight. Maybe it was his posture: stiff and rigid unlike the usual fluid movements. Maybe it was his smile: a little too wide and a little too strained. Or maybe it was the fact he wouldn’t meet his gaze. Whatever it was, Conan hoped it wasn’t too serious. The lack of their usual friendly banter was unnerving. Still, he gave chase.

Conan burst onto the rooftop. “Kaitou–” he blinked. “…KID?”

There was no one there. Nothing but the wide open space of an empty rooftop under a full moons light. He strode to the edge. Nothing. No sign of KID ever being up there. Had he fallen for one of the thief’s tricks? He gazed at the cityscape below a beat longer before he turned.

A leather texture slapped over his mouth. Instinct ripped a scream from his throat and he flailed for his watch. KID didn’t wear leather gloves. There was no one else on the rooftop. So who the–

“Shut it, brat.” A deep but smooth voice snapped.

Relief flared. Not Gin. The other arm manhandled him until it was snaked around his stomach with his arms pinned to his sides. He wriggled, kicking anything within reach. He managed to score a few hits in what felt like someone’s chest before the man (it had to be a man, women didn’t have such large hands) shook him. He screamed harder. The hand on his mouth tightened to a painful degree.

“Behave.” The stranger growled. Amidst the loud rustling of fabric in his ears, his captor stood and twisted him till his face was smashed against the stranger’s chest. Now he was held in place by just one arm. Damnit. And his left wrist was still pinned.

The man walked. The movements were jarring. Weight shifting heavily on one side. So was the man injured? Limping? Or was it an old injury? The weight shifted. Definitely the left side. If he could get down, then he could smash a soccer-ball into the jerk’s leg. But what did the man even want? Was he after him? Or KID? Part of a larger group or just an average thug? Couldn’t be the organization, They wouldn’t attack so openly or let him live. So then…?

The wind whipped his hair. An engine revved. The sound of whirring blades neared. He swallowed. Helicopter? If this person had an accomplice driving the helicopter then the police wouldn’t have a chance to–Damn. Guess he think fast.

He lifted his leg, intending to grab the knob on his shoe and clock the guy in the stomach, when something whizzed by his ear. The man cursed, hold loosening, but didn’t drop him. Conan took the chance. He cranked the knob, reared his foot, and snapped it forwards. The hold dropped and he tumbled backwards to the floor.

“Shit!” A dark patch colored the attacker’s shoulder.

The stranger reached for him but a card indented the concrete between the two. Conan scuttled backwards, straight into a waiting thief’s arms. Or at least I hope it’s– He craned his neck to see a familiar monocle and exhaled.

He leveled a glare at his savior. “Mind telling me why–”

“Later!” KID leapt to the side as a gunshot rang.

Oh. “Okay.”

KID sprinted for the edge. “Hang on.”

Quickly, he latched onto the arm around his waist. Small fingers curled into the white fabric. KID used his free limb to shoot at their attackers. A thrill shot up his spine as they free fell. From what little he could see, apparently whatever he shot involved pink gas or smoke. Maybe paint? No, probably sleeping gas. Hopefully Nakamori-keibu had noticed the sounds.

White erupted above them as the hang-glider opened. KID banked around the building. Catching an updraft, he soared back above the building and regained the helicopter’s attention if the roaring sound of blades whipping nearby was any indication. The phantom thief swerved left and right, purposely evading any aimed shots. Conan studied the skyscrapers below him.

He spotted an approaching building. “Hey!” He called over the rushing wind and jerked a finger. “Drop me off there!”

“And let them grab you again?” KID shouted back.

He scowled. “Just–!”

“Nah,” The thief tightened the hold and jerked as a wayward breeze sent them higher. “There’s no lakes nearby. Where will the helicopter crash?”

“Then at least the police station!”

“And let them grab me? No thanks.”

Conan groaned. Shoulda brought my parachute-backpack. The thief twisted, the hang-glider rolled upside-down, and he shot another card. A boom echoed behind them and he wiggled just enough to see white smoke before they toppled right side-up. With the haze behind them, KID jerked and they curved down and into a street. The choppers grew fainter and he sighed. Somehow, KID was able to lose them.

They continued to fly, weaving between streets, until a familiar building came into view. Mouri Agency. They alighted atop the roof and KID let him loose. Conan pivoted but the thief was already walking away.

“Hey!” He ran after. “Don’t ignore me! Why–”

“Sorry ‘bout that, Tantei-kun.” The airy dismissal only riled him up. “Do take care, hmm?”

“Whoa, you can’t just–”

“Do me a favor and return this to Nakamori-keibu, won’t you?” A glittering blue light soared towards him and he hastily stopped to catch it. “Bye!”

Little legs were too short to reach the jumping thief. Just as Conan reached the edge, KID was gone. He exhaled. “Damn thief…”

He ventured to the rooftop exit, huffing. Just who were those guys? Why did they grab him? Did they know who he was? No…they would’ve killed him right away, right? Or…He was at a KID heist, after all. Known as the KID Killer to boot. So then…then they had to be after that damn thief. Did they think they could use him against the phantom? The criminal did have that ‘no-one-gets-hurt’ rule. But then…?

His phone buzzed as he walked down the steps. He checked the device. Shinichi’s phone? From Ran? He fished his bow-tie out of his pockets and adjusted the dials.

He pivoted to head up the stairs. Best not be caught by accidental eavesdroppers. “Ah, Ran?”

“Shinichi?”

Wow her voice didn’t sound good. What happened?

“Yeah?”

Static crackled on the other end of the line. His childhood friend sucked in air and spoke in a rush, too quick to hear. He opened the door and stepped into the moonlight.

“What? Sorry, you spoke too fast.”

Ran repeated herself, slowly and shakily. His heart dropped into his chest. The door clicked shut behind him. Time seemed to stand still. It couldn’t be true.

“…what?”

It couldn’t be true.

“I’ve waited long enough.” His best-friend, his potential girlfriend, sobbed. “It’s time I moved on.”

“What? Ran, where is this–”

“Three years.” Her voice trembled. “It’s been three years since you vanished. Three years since I’ve spent more than one day with you. Three years since you’ve gone to school. Three years since… Three years since you were here.” She slowed, quieting. “I’ve put my life on hold for three years. Please…don’t ask me to wait anymore, Sh-Kudo-kun.”

And just like that his world fell apart. He dropped his eyes. Dropped to the ground. He curled into a ball against the door, studied his too small palm curling into a fist, and sighed.

“…I understand, Ra-Mouri-chan.” His own voice cracked. “You’ve waited long enough.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me too.”

He hung up. This…wasn’t how he wanted the night to end. He flipped the phone closed and dragged a palm down his face, fighting the urge to cry. Three years. He held on for three years in hopes his old life was waiting for him. But now…?

What was waiting now?

Nothing but broken hearts.

He sighed and forced himself to stand. He needed time. But he didn’t have time. He ran out of that three years ago. He needed space. He needed to think. He needed…

He needed a friend.

“Damnit.” He kicked at the ground and spat. “You’re on your own, Kudo-kun. Always have been…”

He exhaled. Damnit. He didn’t have time for thoughts like this! He didn’t have– he halted. What didn’t he have? He didn’t… He didn’t have his life back.

Anger rushed through him. It wasn’t fair! And damn if he didn’t feel like a petulant child but– Three years! Three years! Three years of being in the wrong body. Of holding hands and fake smiles. Of leading adults to answers because he couldn’t say the truth without being believed. Of being picked up and hauled anywhere someone bigger than him pleased. Of–of–of…

Lies. Sorrow cooled the anger. ‘Conan’ was nothing more than a massive lie.

“One truth prevails, huh?” Conan laughed bitterly. “Only one truth…” It took him a moment to realize it, but his pants were damp. “Ah…”

His cheeks were thoroughly soaked. He needed to change. But to do so would mean facing Ran and–well, that wasn’t an option. Forcing himself to breathe, he stood. Alright. Fine. Maybe he didn’t have his life back. Maybe he’d never get his life back. But he could still be a detective. He could still… What else was there besides being a detective? Soccer?

His phone buzzed. He glanced at it, finding Ran calling Conan. Probably asking where he was. She wouldn’t find him tonight, though. Conan needed a break. For just a little while he needed to be…whoever the hell he was without a mask.

He opened the rooftop door and crept down the stairs. Quick glances confirmed no one was in the stair well and he hurried down the steps as quickly and as quietly as he could. He knew it was cruel not to tell anyone he was fine. He knew they cared. He knew they thought he was only a 10 year old child. He knew a lot of things. But what did he ever know, really? He was living a lie, after all.

He was at the bottom of the steps, almost home free, when a door opened. He turned just enough to see a tear-stained Ran spotting him and he was out. He flung himself along the sidewalk, running fast. She would no doubt follow. So he checked the street and crossed. He ran. A feminine yell followed his retreat but he ran until he couldn’t hear her footsteps. He ran until he found himself standing in front of familiar gates. Right now, Suburu was somewhere in there. Right now, he needed somewhere to hide. Somewhere no one could find him.

So he ran.

It wasn’t until his lungs burned and his legs ached and the streets had changed did he stop. He scanned the street-lit area. His phone buzzed. A rundown shopping center, empty of people. Perfect. Judging by the condition of the shops and the “remodeling” signs, no one had been around for awhile. So. His phone buzzed. He was alone. The buzzing continued.

Absently, he pulled out both phones and turned them off. Tucking them away, he set to clambering up the chicken-wire gates on one closed building. When he reached the top, he curled on the concrete and sighed.

It was late. He was tired. He’d probably get a cold from the night air. For just once, he didn’t want to think.

He closed his eyes.

It was a long night. He didn’t sleep until the sun rose and warmed the air. It was uncomfortable and his body ached but at least it was warm. Nightmares plagued him and he woke several times. Still, he tried to return to sleep. He’d rather face nightmares of his own mind than the one he was living. He kept his phones off. He just…needed a break.

It wasn’t until he realized that his glasses, Detective Badge, and phones had trackers in them did he remember he couldn’t get a break.

“Conan-kun!” The Shounen Tantei called, followed by Ran’s voice. “Conan-kun?”

He couldn’t stop a groan and rolled over. Let him be miserable in peace. Petulantly, he muttered to himself. “Go ‘way…”

They continued to call until Mitsuhiko raised his voice. “It says he’s here. Is he in one of these buildings?”

The group quieted and Haibara idly commented. “Or on?”

Damn you. He growled because nope. Not today. Not playing child today. Ran wouldn’t let him out her sight and then he’d have to pretend and fake and lie, lie, lie. He pushed himself upright and headed for the back of the building. He scaled down the walls as Ayumi exclaimed “he’s moving!” before he took off.

The group hurried into the same street. “Conan-kun!?!”

“Leave me alone!” He called back, putting on speed. “Go away!”

They gave chase. He checked the area and hurried to the nearest crowded area. He wove between legs, Ran hot on his heels, and dove for for the underground subway. He sprinted down the steps, skipping several, and hopped into the first train about to leave. His heart hammered.

“C’mon…” he chanted.

Ran appeared amongst the crowd.

“C’mon…”

The doors shut on her anguished face.

He averted his gaze and sighed. He climbed into an empty seat and let the train take him to wherever. Vaguely, he heard something about ‘Ekoda final stop’ but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Vibrations hummed in the air as the train glided along the tracks. Idly, he watched as the train emerged above ground and the scenery blurred past him.

He must have dozed because when he woke it was to bustle of a large crowd standing at once. He blinked, dazedly realizing the LED sign in the train interior stated ‘Ekoda’ and he followed the crowd out of the underground and back into open air.

He wandered the unfamiliar streets. Eventually he found himself following the sound of faint excited cheering. It brought him to the center of a local park. His curiosity piqued, he wandered along the path, letting it take him to a clearing where a crowd of children and adults alike sat on the grass before a stage. There, on the raised platform, was none other than–

Huh?

A Kudo Shinichi lookalike performed magic tricks on the stage. But the stranger couldn’t have been impersonating him. The hair was too wild, the grin too wide. So then, who…?

Regardless, the mystery pulled him forwards and he blended into the edge of the audience. He settled on the grass.

The stranger showered the audience with flower petals. The man plucked some from the air and chewed. Conan grinned as he grasped one of the petals, surprised to find it real. He looked back to find the man staggering as his stomach seemed to grow. How–?

“Uh oh…” the man groaned. “It seems I ate too many petals..”

Conan lurched forwards, worried, when the man sneezed and doves erupted out of the man’s button down shirt. Conan laughed despite himself. Feathers swirled around them and the man yelled as if surprised.

“Where did–Hey! Come back here!” The doves cooed and spiraled through the air. They dipped and dived and flew together. It was beautiful. It was entrancing. It was mysterious. Just who was this guy?

The performer whipped off his silk tie and spun it around until it became a makeshift loop. “I’ll catch you!”

He flipped off his empty top hat. Then, one by one he looped the doves by their beck and feigned a massive struggle, as if the doves were strongly resisting the leash. When he brought them close, he scooped them up in the top hat, twisted it in his hold, and revealed an empty top hat. Conan’s eyes widened. Where did the dove–?

There was only one dove left but it was one the magician couldn’t catch. The dove cooed, as if laughing, as it dodged every attempt. The man wiped his brow, as if exhausted, when the bird flared its wings and drifted into the audience…right onto one small head.

Conan snorted on a laugh, watching the bird preen, and stayed still. The dove settled as if his hair were a nest. He looked to the magician only to find the stranger staring at him with an unreadable gaze. He shifted, uncomfortable under the scrutiny, before a wounded expression shadowed the man’s face.

“Tama-chan!” The man feigned offense. “Don’t you love me?”

The bird ducked her head into feathers.

“Ta-ma-chan!” The stranger whined and let his whole body droop. The audience laughed. He faked a sniffle. “Traitor, I say!” A wild smile lit the face as the man tossed out his arms. “But just you wait! My next trick will absolutely dazzle you.”

And fireworks zipped out from the man’s sleeves. The man continued the antics with an upbeat grin and silly jokes. Conan found himself lost in the magic, just letting himself enjoy the show without analyzing every move. (Not to say he didn’t analyze anything. But his brain needed a break. Just for a bit. Just for now. Let the magic be magical. Just for now)

The untamed energy was infectious. When it came time for the magician’s final bow, he actually found himself disappointed the show was over. Still, a welcome break was a welcome break. And the bird was still on his head.

After the most of the crowd cleared, he made his way towards the stage where a line of children waited. Many begged for an autograph and so he settled in line. Some of the children tried to touch the bird atop his head but he dodged the efforts with a reminder than “Tama-chan isn’t mine. You have to ask Magician-san if you can pet her.”

And so they clambered to the front but the magician herded them back into line. Once it was his turn, the man held out his hand but the bird didn’t move. Huh. Conan reached up and gently plucked the bird into his arms.

Just as he reached to return the bird, the magician commented. “Did you enjoy the show?”

“Oh!” He blinked as the dove pecked his grassy palm. Absently, he stroked the delicate head. “Yes! Thank you, Magician-san. It was…” incredible. “…I needed it.”

The look-alike to his older self studied his face for a beat before he patted his head. “Glad to hear it. Now, looks like your friends are here!”

He tilted his head and turned to look and– “Conan-kun!” Ran and the kiddos approached. “You had us worried sick!”

“Oh, sorry!” He lied through his teeth. “I just wanted to watch…” he turned to introduce the magician only to find him gone. “…the show.”

Ah, well. He had his break. He offered a smile, a genuine one this time. “Let’s head home, okay?”

#Detective Conan #Magic Kaito #KaiShin #Kudo Shinichi #Kaito Kuroba #Kaito KID #Conan Edogawa #DCMK

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