It’s What You and I Do
Thanks to the lovely and amazingly talented @vordark for the inspiration and the motivation for this short fic. I am obsessed with the art, so everyone needs to go look at it here! Now onto the fic (under the cut and also on ao3) <3
"You told me you loved me."
“Yes.”
"While you thought I was dying in your arms."
“Yes.”
"Well, I'm still alive. Care to repeat that?"
She enjoys seeing the pink dust his cheeks, his flustered expression as he takes in her words. Her tone is teasing and light hearted, which is just like her after experiencing a life or death situation.
She watches as his reddening features creep to the tips of his ears, his nervous fidgets as he tries to stammer out a coherent response. She graciously decides to end his misery, taking a step back as is in her nature when it comes to him.
“I’m kidding, I know you didn’t mean it that way.”
She gives him an out as always, deflecting behind lies, taking back her advances. She’s a scientist at heart, testing her experiments then observing as they react. This is no different. At least, that’s what she keeps trying to remind herself.
She’s long gone by the time his brain catches up to him, the opportunity to double down on his confession slips out of his reach. He draws out a heavy sigh, his hand resting over his beating heart as he wills it to calm down.
He doesn't have the excuse of adrenaline pumping forcing him to acknowledge his feelings. The sheer panic rising within at the possibility of losing her. His shaking form as he holds her close in his arms, the words slipping out so organically as if he meant to say them all along.
But he didn’t. It wasn’t intentional. He wasn’t even sure she heard him. Evidently, she did.
He clenches his fist, looking towards the direction she disappeared to. He knows now, it wasn’t a fluke. An accidental slip of the tongue.
He was on the verge of spilling out those same three words again, when he saw her mischievous smile. The amusement behind her lively eyes, no doubt enjoying his struggles to appear unaffected by her taunts.
His breath leaves his body when he feels her draw near, backing him into a corner to face the consequences of his admission. One that will forever change their dynamic, all he needs to do is speak those damn words aloud.
He doesn’t get the chance, she backs out as she always does when they’re caught in the flames. Squashing away the barely lit fuse before they’re set ablaze, leading them back to safety.
It’s what she does best. One step forward, two steps back. It’s the only way to keep the peace, protecting them both from getting too close.
He’s tired of this routine, enough is enough. Next time, he’s determined to tell her next time.
.
.
.
She wants to wipe the smirk off his face, she has half a mind to punch his stupid face. If she could manage to hit him without damaging him more, she would absolutely send an uppercut his way.
“You told me you loved me.”
His grin grows wider, he knows he’s got her now. So much so, the only thing she can do is keep her mouth shut. Even though she was midway through reprimanding him, for his reckless behavior.
Maybe he’ll pass out from the pain of his injuries if she just ignores him. He presses forward, which only further irritates her.
“While you thought I was dying in your arms.”
She knows he’s enjoying the way the tables have turned. She needs to come up with a quick remark, lest he gets it into his head that she actually means it.
“Well, I’m still alive. Care to repeat that?”
“You must've hit your head too K-Kudo-kun... C-cause I would never said such thing... "
The way her words trail off does not help her case, especially when she cannot muster the courage to meet his eyes. Her heart is hammering in her chest, she feels her cheek getting hot.
She chances a glance in his direction, she expects to see his arrogant stare, instead she sees his softened expression. His tender gaze breaking down her walls.
Her breath catches when he dares to close their distance, his hand reaching up to hold her chin keeping her eyes locked on his.
“I know what I heard back then, Shiho. I just want you to say it again..."
Her head spins trying in vain to come up with a witty reply. Her arsenal of comebacks are empty, she can only try and convince him it was all but a prank.
“I don’t…”
“I love you too, Shiho.”
The weight of his words, spoken with such conviction, has her at a complete loss. She cannot believe her ears, did he really just? No, it can’t be.
“I love you. I’m alive and I’m repeating it. I love you, Miyano Shiho.”
Her body trembles as she struggles to keep herself together. She never thought she would ever hear those words directed at her, especially from Kudo Shinichi.
The first time he said them, she thought it was a figment of her imagination. Of course her dying wish would be hoping he reciprocates her feelings.
She was hopped up on too many painkillers, when she woke up in the hospital bed with him by her side. It wasn’t until she was discharged with a bill of health, that she’s able to reflect on what she thought were her final moments.
She was so embarrassed with herself over her silly hallucinations, she thought she made the whole interaction up. Until she starts to notice Kudo acting differently around her.
Piecing together her memories, she comes to the conclusion that maybe he did accidentally confess. The realization sends her heart soaring, but only for a second. She quickly reasons it as a blunder, he probably meant it in a platonic way. There’s no need to hold him to it.
Still, she can’t help blushing when she thinks back to that moment. This will only cause her trouble, if she keeps deluding herself into believing he could actually feel the same way.
In a bid to crush her hopes, she decides to casually bring it up in front of him and see how he reacts. He gets flustered as expected, all she needs now is for him to admit it was a mistake.
She takes the easy way out, stopping him from breaking her heart, running away before he gets the chance to clarify his intentions. She’s a coward, but at least now she knows he doesn’t feel the same.
Except he does, and he’s standing in front of her telling her as such. She knows he’s waiting for a response, looking at her expectedly.
“I…”
They’re interrupted by a swarm of reporters who appeared out of nowhere, hounding them for answers, effectively ruining the moment. He lets out a frustrated groan, making her laugh.
He shoots her a glare, letting her know that she’s not off the hook yet. He intends on finishing this conversation when they’re alone again.
She smiles, giving him a nod as she works to keep the flashing cameras at bay.
Next time. Enough is enough. No more running away.
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