"Haaaaah?" Shinichi questioned on the opposite line. While sitting in her library, Haibara had decided to call. Oh... Joy... "What are you talking about Haibara? A new BO member?" She shifted in her seat.

"I'm not sure," a voice came from the other end, "the woman gave me that feeling. But it was... different."

Shinichi shook her head. A new BO member? If it was true, then she might have to be extra careful. Especially if this person is a local. "Did you hear anything that could relate to a code name. Any alcohol mixed into the conversation?"

"No, but the children were there. It would've been odd if the women just spontaneously began throwing around alcoholic beverages' names."

"I see. Alright, I'll be careful." A soft, sarcastic, 'Yeah, right,' could be heard from Ai, but it was promptly ignored. "Describe her to me."

"Red."

Silence. "...Red...?" Shinichi asked, unsure if she caught all of it.

"Red. The women had so much red on. Red dress, red nails, red shoes, red hair, red purse, red-"

"Wait," Shinichi interrupted, "red hair? And was it cut short?"

Ai paused. "Yes. It was." Her tone changed to a quieter, scarier one. "You haven't... met her, have you?... Kudou?"

Shinichi was biting her lip, unsure how to respond. Of course she had, but if she told the truth, Haibara was most likely going to freak. She had stupidly talked to a suspicious person who could potential be a part of an evil organization who also may or may not be hunting her down. Not her smartest choice, but come on. How was she supposed to know?

"Kudou?"

"No." Shinichi lied through her teeth. "I just saw someone like that walk by."

"She didn't see you, right?" Shinichi could tell Haibara was trying to keep her voice even. Whoa. Imagine if she actually told the truth.

Shinichi nodded, but then remember she was on the phone. "Yeah, she was looking straight ahead, pretty focused."

"She's looking for a girl. With piercing blue eyes."

"Eh? That was random-"

"You, idiot! I think she's looking for you!"

"What? You mean Conan?"

"No, your other alter ego. Of course Conan!"

"Your sarcasm is really starting to piss me off." Shinichi sighed and sat back in her chair regaining her patience for the she-devil. "Why do you think it's Conan? Did she say the girl had glasses or something?"

"No."

"Why do you think it's Conan then!?"

"How many seven year olds do you know where a woman can use 'piercing eyes' as an adjective?"

"Uh... A lot."

"What kind of elementary school did you go to?"

"One probably more normal than yours."

"... Touché, jerk." A sigh could be heard. "Just... don't do anything stupid. Please."

"Don't worry, don't worry. I won't."

"You will never understand how much I worry when you say 'don't worry'."

"Aw, Haibara, you're stressing over me. You do have a heart."

"Wrong. I have a brain. One smart enough to know it's usually you that screws us over."

"... Touché, jerk."

Haibara hung up, leaving it at that. Puffing out an irritated breath, Shinichi tossed her phone on the table. Always have to get the last insult, eh.

She pulled herself up and walked out the study. "A new BO member, hmm. Tch, she could be part of the FBI for all I know. I haven't completely screwed us over yet." Shinichi began reassuring herself.

"Not yet, Shinichi-chan." A hand was slipped onto Shinichi's shoulder, startling her. She jumped, chills running down her arm, and pushed the person away. Standing ready, she looked at the person. And grimaced.

"A-Ah. I'm sorry, Subaru-san..."

Rubbing his neck and pushed back a few inches, Subaru shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. It was my fault for scaring you." Shinichi relaxed. "Good reflexes, though."

"Sorry," She blushed from embarssment, "still not used to people, other than me, in my house."

Subaru nodded. "Who were you talking to? And dinner's ready." He added quickly, walking forward.

Shinichi followed, keeping pace with the older man. "Haibara. She thinks there's a new BO member." She looked down, unsure of her standing on the issue. "I'm not so sure... But if it's true, than I might've... Ah, nothing."

"I see." Subaru said, turning into the kitchen. "A new member."

Shinichi sat at the table. She began twiddling her thumbs as Subaru brought the food over. "A women in her late twentys. A lot of red. Red clothes, red hair, red accessories-"

"Omurice[1] tonight." Subaru places the steaming dish in front of her and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "Eat up."

"Oh. Uh, thanks." She stiffed the aroma and licked her lips subconsciously. "Looks good."

Subaru smiled. "I'm glad you're finally eating." He sat down with his own plate. Clapping his hands in prayer, he mumbled, "Itadakimasu[2]..."

"Oh." Shinichi copied him. "Itadakimasu." She took her chopsticks and tasted a bite. "I-It's good!" She said, somewhat surprised. She hungrily took another bite.

"That's good." Subaru slowly ate his. "So. What about this BO member in red?"

"Ah." Shinichi wiped her mouth. "Haibara thinks she's one. I'm not sure though, she said the sensation wasn't exactly the same. And then there's you, who gives off the same feeling." He nodded, understanding. "I..."

Shinichi felt conflicted. Subaru would take it so much better than Haibara would if she told him she had met the women, yet she still felt hesitant.

Subaru finished his food. He was patient. "You don't have to force yourself."

"But I-" Shinichi began, completely conflicted.

"If you're full, then I'll just wrap the food up." He stood and brought his plate to the sink.

"Eh?" Shinichi blinked, somewhat puzzled. Her chopsticks were resting in her hands and she barely ate half of the dish. Then, she understood. "Pffft- Alright... Thanks, Subaru-san."

She pushed the plate away. He wasn't very good with people, yet for Shinichi's sake, he tries his best to lighten the mood, even if it's with a lame, barely functional 'joke' like that. Yeah, A for effort.

"Shinichi-chan. I'll finish up in here if you want." Subaru was already on the dishes, washing each carefully. He knitted his eyebrows at the dozens of coffee cups and mumbles under his breath, "Well, she ate today, so I guess it's fine..."

Shinichi stood up. "No, I'll help. It's the least I could do." She quickly took her plate up and began to throw the food into a container. Her eyes flickered to Subaru quickly. "You're a lot more... personable today." He nodded, drying off the plates he had just used. Shinichi's gaze returned to her work, but she still continued to push conversation into the mix. "... Sera's doing good."

"That's good." He replied in an even tone. Shinichi nodded slowly. Ah... How awkward. She looked at the clock and sighed. It was too late for a fuming Ran to come bursting in her house to break up the tension. It was just socially challenged detective and awkwardly silent agent. Oh... Joy, again.

"How long have you been alone?" Subaru asked quietly. Shinichi barely heard him and when she did, she wasn't sure if he'd actually said it.

"A-Alone?" She repeated. "What do you mean?" She placed the food in the fridge and grabbed the dirty dish.

Subaru stopped his work, pondering how to respond properly. He mentally scolded himself for asking such an odd question, but his mind had trailed to earlier that day. "I guess, how long have your parents been overseas?"

"Ah..." Shinichi trailed off. How long has it been? Two, no three years. "Ever since I was fourteen." She responded.

"Hmm..." Subaru nodded. He turned away from Shinichi, in deep thought. Shinichi sighed and placed the plate in the sink. If he didn't want to talk, that's fine.

"Thank you for cleaning up." Shinichi said politely.

Subaru turned to her and softly smiled. "I'll finish up. It's late. You should get some sleep, Shinichi-chan." He began to clean again, starting with the dish Shinichi had just dropped off. "The doctor said you can go back to school tomorrow."

"I see." Shinichi nodded. "Um, well, goodnight then." She swiftly turned out of the kitchen and walked along the long, empty halls.

"Goodnight. Sleep well." Subaru called.

She continued walking ahead. Feeling only half satified. Walking into her bedroom, she started to wonder why Subaru asked such a random, somewhat personal question.

She walked into the bathroom and sighed. There are time when he seems crystal clear to Shinichi and times where she can never quite get what he's thinking. This was the latter. She quickly changed out of her clothes and into pajamas. It was too late to think of such complicated things.

Pausing at the mirror, Shinichi looked at herself and frowned. She was tired of thinking? Thinking. Now that was different.

Many things have changed since she reaged. Not around her, but more inside of her. Not wanted to solve mysteries, not wanting to think. Shinichi hoped this was a phase and by tomorrow she'll feel refreshed and detectived(?) up. She climbed into bed.

"For now," she murmured to herself, "I'll finally just let myself rest."

"Goodnight, Kudou Shinichi."

[1] Japanese dish, google it if you care
[2] Basically giving grace for a meal/ maybe translate to something like "I humbly receive

A/N: Two chapters in one day!? Haha that's to make up for my laziness and slow updati-IM SORRY ;A; ILL TRY TO BE BETTER/weeps in the corner

Pshaw... Now you have no excuse to kill me, EclipseKuran! lol jk. Ily too ;U; (Even if this is the first time I'be ever talked to you...)

Guest: Haha yeah! Ai is super fun to write for because she's just so witty and non caring XD Shinichi, Kaito, and her are probably my favorites to write. Q vQ