This little story is so adorable. For some reasons, the idea of Conan offering a cactus to Ai seems the cutest idea ever, it even put a smile on my face, several times, this day.

OK, this story really put me in a good mood lol From the beginning, something incredible happened. The moment Shinichi talk about the meaning of cacti, I was instantly reminded of the “Cactus's Flower Murder Case” from the anime (Ep37), an episode more than two decades old! OoO I remember me liking that episode, but that’s not important.
Let’s get back on track Shiho’s quote of "Are you calling me a prick?" was hella funny! Sorry if I come off as a lovesick fool, but I do associate warmth and protection with Haibara/Shiho…speaking of Shiho, her second real appearance in the anime “The Shadow Approaching Haibara's Secret” shows the lengths she’s willing to go to protect the Detective Boys. Her taking the antidote in circumstances where the BO is not involved at all was something in the past I thought she’d never do, it just shows how much those kids mean to her. And I digressed into the anime again, sorry u

Here’s one, if not my “most” favorite piece of dialogue in your story:

"I did say that I will protect you, right?"
"And I've told you that I'm—"
"…Not a damsel in distress." They simultaneously say.
"I know." He reassures her, eyes switching back to lock on hers. "That doesn't change anything. I'll still protect you."

Gotta love whenever Shinichi not only asserts Shiho capability of taking care of herself, but also that he wants to keep her safe regardless. Thank you for that exchange! Also, the fact that they spoke at the same time proves how in sync they are and I can’t not love that!
And Shiho’s “blushing” reaction to his “gallant” ways (as you put it), ha, Genius! It is SO in character for her to detest this side of him, but also love him for it at the same time… it’s just endearing :)

And this story had a perfect ending? Yes, it did! And, yes, I picked up on the cactus being a metaphor for Shinichi’s heart, what do I have to say about it? —

"For starters, don't let it die." Touched first base
"Just keep it alive. I entrust you with it." Second base
"No refunds," Third base
"It's yours now." HOMERUN!

10/10 a favorite! Great fic, Momo :D

That is SO cute. Oh my god. This is absolutely amazing - I'm dying in the fluff.
How did I just find your stories? I've been missing out. Seriously. Sorry about that.

Good stuff you got here. Really warms my heart. I love the way you write, it somehow feels whimsical and poetic at the same time. I'm gonna binge-read your stories now. Hope you keep writing, we need more of this in the world.

It's so sweet that I ended up forgetting I have exams tomorrow. Lol

Aww, you make my heart melt with this. How can we not love this couple. Please write more about them . And thank you so much

awwww it's so sweet that I cant taste the bitterness of my coffee XD

Ah, I get so emotional whenever I read one of your stories. They're beautiful, thank you for writing and posting them.

this is so adorable and so like them :)

Momo, this was so good :,0 *claps*

Cute!~~

Lol I love how at the end the cactus became such an obvious metaphor for the heart

i love how the spar of words between these two makes me feel frustrated AND giddy at the same time hahahaha