I owe nothing and am just borrowing the characters and the story to express myself

enjoy! ;)

Ran was running, running as fast as she could. When she had received that call 30 minutes ago, she couldn't believe her ears… HE was back, HE, who she has been waiting for ages, was home. And he called her. Or not exactly him but his mother. But it didn't matter ! Or at least, she though.

A few minutes later she finally arrives in front of the Kudo household

"He is here!" she though excited as ever "He is finally home"

She rushed to the door and didn't even bother ringing.

"Shinichi! You are finally-"

She froze instantly. The scenery looked... unreal. Yukiko Kudo was carying some drinks which she almost knocked when Ran entered the room. Hattori was standing, bandages all over his body. He looked tired but forced himself to smile to her. But the worst was Shinichi. Sitting on a sofa, Ran could see that he was in poor condition. His head was covered by his hands and he didn't even sent her a look: he looked kinda depressed.

"What happened?" Is the first sentence that got out of her mouth.

Hattori was the one to answer.

"It... It is a long story."

"I have all the time"

He grimaced.

"It is not my story to tell" He looked at Shinichi. "Kudo? It is when you want."

The detective finally looked up, Ran had a burst. His eyes were filled with insecurity, depress, and... fear?

"I don't feel like telling a story right now."

"Why not?" Ran asked

"I... I just..."

"Ran-chan, please. Would you mind coming back later? When I called earlier I didn't except you to come... I am sorry..."

Ran literally glanced at Yukiko.

"Yes I do". She sayed. "Shinichi, you have been away for 2 years now! And when you finally come back you don't even want to talk to me! How the hell am I supposed to react?!"

"Ran-chan..."

"No! I have enough of this! Tell me Shinichi! Tell what is wrong!"

She broke into tears.

"Hey Mouri."

Ran looked up at Heiji.

"The thing is... a friend of us has been hurt, like very very hurt, and we don't know if she is gonna make it..."

"She"? Ran did everything she could not to show her anger, "she"? A girl? All the time he was away he was with a girl?

There was a moment when no one said anything.

"I see." She finally said. "Then I'll take my leave."

"Hey! Mouri! Don't misunderstand! She is just a friend!"

"A friend who has been with him all the time he was away? I don't believe it is only that."

Shinichi suddenly stood up. With a furious look on his face.

"You wanna know who she is? Huh?" His soaked eyes glared sharply towards her's. "Well she is my partner!" Shinichi shouted once again. She was still shocked by his rather defensive state. "She has been my partner for a year and half now! She is like my best friend! How would you react if Sonoko was on the verge of death?"

"I... I don't know..."

"Don't play dumb! You would be devastated!"

"Well... Yes maybe! But does it mean that you have to ignore me?"

Shinichi was about to answer when someone suddenly cut him.

"Hey, would you please make less noise, I was trying to get some sleep."

A woman with short auburn hair and deep grey eyes was standing in the doorway, taking support on the wall, she was covered with dried blood, bandage was covering her all body, her face was reflecting exhaustion and weariness. Her appearance casted a cold. Everyone shut down for a minute. Or maybe two. The silence seemed to irritate the injured girl enough for her to say:

"Hey Kudo, what's with that look on that face of yours?"

While speaking, a smile had made his way on both the woman and Shinichi's face. She kept on talking while her hands started to shake.

"Don't you dare worry for me you stupid detective!"

And after a few hesitation:

"I am back."

Shinichi's smile grew bigger.

"Yeah, welcome back, Shiho!"