I don't own detective conan/case closed but I would love to ;)

Finally, the first part of my sequel to tough decision. Actually, I had written this story shortly after tough decision but changed it again. The mood was too much like the story before and I wanted it lighter.

I hope you like the path I chose :)

Rate M for later chapters.

Heiji was impatiently hopping from one foot to the other, looking on his watch every two minutes. This day seemed to be the most important for him. The day he met up with Kazuha. Normally, this wouldn't be special because they have been always together. But the past three years could hardly called normal. Only that he had graduated from high school and visited university in Tokyo now wasn't surprising. Maybe his city choice. Osaka remained his favourite. His hometown. But he decided to leave because of Shinichi. His friend managed to destroy the black organisation and gained his real body back two and a half years ago. Since then, their friendship grew more and more until he became an irreplaceable part of his life. Also because his best friend wasn't around. She wasn't at his graduation. Or his 18th or 20th birthdays, or his first day at university. And he had missed her terribly. But he didn't blame her, rather himself. Kazuha couldn't be there because she was in prison.

He remembered the day of the rendition of judgement clearly. The court room with the old-fashioned wood panelling and ugly linoleum covered floor. Fluorescent light spread a gloomy and depressing atmosphere. Kazuha sat in front of the judgement seat, so small and lost on her chair. Expecting the inevitable verdict. The judge coughed slightly. He was an old man with strained face and hornrims which slipped down his nose every thirty seconds. Most of the time he tried to put it back on its dedicated place.

"Toyama Kazuha, considering every relevant part of your case, there might be no other way than complying your plead of self-defence. But," he pushed his classes up," the fact that you didn't call the police and left the crime scene could not be ignored. Even worse, you manipulated the crime scene by removing evidence. You're a well educated seventeen years old girl. You should have known better. Additionally, your father is a chief detective. Because of that, I assume you're better trained in law and order issues than other teenager. I have to make an example for others. So, Toyama Kazuha, I condemn you to a three years' imprisonment."

"This is ridiculous! Are you..," Heiji jumped up from his seat, no longer able to keep his outrage under control. But also not able to finish his sentence. His father grabbed him hard and pulled him out of the court room even before the judge could respond. Heiji just say Kazuha's face for a second when she turned to him. White as a sheet with pure shock in the eyes.

He managed to free from his father's grip and flashed his eyes at Heizo. "Get off of me!" he yelled angry. "I have to go back inside."

"No, you don't."

"Get out of my way!" Heiji threatened. Suddenly, Heizo punched him in the face which made him fall backwards. "Haven't you done enough already? You make things even worse for Kazuha with our mindless actions. Don't you see that?" he shook his head in disbelief.

Heiji looked up to his father, completely shocked about the words.

Since then, their relationship changed. When Heiji and Kazuha came to the police station that special morning, they went to their father's and explained the whole situation. Both were shocked but Mr Toyama showed some kind of understanding. But his own father was furious, yelled at him. Asked him how he will become a detective when he thinks manipulating a crime scene for his own advantage might be acceptable. After that, Heizo didn't allow his son to go to any crime scene in Osaka. And Heiji, even understood his father's anger because of the manipulation, was angry because Heizo didn't even tried to realize why he had done it. To protect Kazuha. He knew later it was wrong but in this very moment he just panicked and acted impulsive. Like always. And he blamed himself terribly for it. For ruining Kazuha's life. But knowing that his father also blaming him made everything even worse. After trial, they didn't talk for weeks. Now, their relationship is stabilised but not like in earlier times. And another reason for Heiji to move to Tokyo.

A sudden movement jolted him out of his daydreams. The prison's gate opened and a person appeared, moving slowly to him. She just carried a bag which didn't seem heavy but the carrier may have a different opinion. She looked so fragile. Heiji knew that she lost weight. He nearly didn't miss any visit date but they were never allowed to touch each other. They had to sit on a table with lots of room between them and a prison guard close by.

"Heiji!" she smiled at him and quickened her path on the last metres. He embraced her, stroking on hand over her hair. It was much longer than before but he liked the look. In his arms, he felt her form and saw his suspicion confirmed about her weight. Kazuha was way too thin. He buried his face into her hair, trying to fight back tears of guilt and sorrow. After a minute, he broke the body contact and pulled her with him, the bag now in his hand. "Let me get you to your father. He allowed me to pick you up alone but had to promise to bring you as soon as possible to him. He's so incredible happy to see and hug you again," he twinkled with a smile on his face.

"And my mother?" she asked cautious.

"Umm.., she is thrilled to see you tomorrow. She has to work today," he replied, trying to sound easygoing.

"Don't take me for a fool, Heiji. He still refuses to talk to her, right?" her voice sounded incredibly sad. He pulled her back in his arms, placing a soft kiss on her temple. "I'm sorry, 'zuha," he whispered. "It's okay. Let's go home now."

When they arrived his car, she frowned. "What is that?" she asked confused. "A car," Heiji replied with a grin. "Have you already forgotten? It's used to bring someone from one point to another." "Really, you already make prison jokes two minutes after I got out? I thought you would have grown up over the last years and at least wait five," she smirked and even he couldn't refrain from laughing. Reminding him of their old verbal exchanges.

"Where's your motorbike?"

"In Toyko. I also thought it would be more comfortable for you."

"Yeah, you're right. Thanks," she sounded a bit disappointed. Somehow, Kazuha thought they will drive like in earlier times. On his bike. With her arms around his waist. Of course, I have to face a lot of changes, she tried to comfort herself. And need to view everything in a more relaxed manner. Right, good idea. Relax! she breathed deeply and got into the car with renewed spirit.

Heiji started the engine and drove out of the parking lot. While he was fully focused on traffic, Kazuha used the opportunity for an undisturbed observation. It wasn't like they didn't see each other for ages but still different. In the prison visiting area, there was never enough time. But now… Comparing to his seventeen's self, he really looked more mature, his face fuller with a three-day beard. Also his figure. Broader shoulders, maybe also more muscles but she couldn't say for sure. He wore a jacket which covered these parts of his body. He just looked broader somehow. Or maybe it was only her imagination. Doesn't look soo bad, she concluded dreamily. „Is something wrong?" Heiji asked a bit confused. „You're staring at me."

Oh shit! Kazuha's face turned purple for embarrassment. „Umm…I..just..umm..asked myself if… you didn't shave today, do you?" Yeah, that sounds like a kind of logical explanation for staring, she agreed with herself about the first thing that came to her mind.

Heiji stroked sheepish over his cheek. „Umm, I hadn't much time today. My train was late yesterday when I arrived in Osaka. And I had to stand up early this morning, soo.."

By seeing his uneasiness, Kazuha felt sorry for bringing that theme up. Now he thinks that I think he didn't tidy himself up for our first real meeting since three years. Like it wouldn't be something special for him, she cursed herself.

„Does it look that bad?" he asked uncertain.

Kinda hot, actually. „No, it's completely okay. Just crossed my mind. But not in a bad way. It's fine, really!" she tried to ease off the awkward moment.

Heiji just nodded and got his attention back on the street, but occasionally, rubbing his cheek absentminded.

When they arrived, Kazuha's father waited on the sidewalk in front of the house. She jumped out even before the car stopped completely. "Otô-san!" she yelled while falling in his arms. She could no longer hold back her tears "Kazuha-chan," he whispered in her ear. "I'm so glad to have you back." They stood like that for more than three minutes until Mr. Toyama guided her to the entrance, followed by Heiji. Inside the house already waited a bunch of people to welcome her. Beside her uncles and aunts, cousins and grandparents, there were also some old high school friends and Mr. and Mrs. Hattori together with Ran and Shinichi. A lot of hugs and warm words followed. Shizuka made all of Kazuha's favourite foods. The whole evening, she forced Kazuha to eat, always with the same phrase "Eat! You're too thin, Kazuha-chan. You need to gain weight!" In the end, her stomach hurt so much, she just crawled into her bed, falling asleep at once.

The next morning, she had problems realizing where she was. Familiar and strange at the same time. Completely awake, she took a closer look around. The furniture was still on the same spot. She walked over to her desk, sliding her fingertips over the wooden board. Nothing changed since my last day here, she noticed with a nostalgic smile. The eyes travelled through a picture of one with her mother on it. Suddenly, the urge to see her again was overwhelming. Kazuha reached for the mobile phone, typing a message for Heiji. Yesterday, they agreed to drive to Kazuha's mother together, but set no time. He insisted she need to sleep late and just let him know when she wishes the departure. Within an hour might be enough time to get ready. Then, she went to the bathroom and took a long hot shower. Back in her room, Kazuha stood in front of the wardrobe, examining her old clothes. Finally, she chose her favourite blouse and dark-blue jeans but one look in the mirror made her regretting the choice. Her clothes didn't fit anymore. Even her bra was too wide. She grumbled annoyed, then picking a wrap dress, mostly covering the weight lost. Just to be sure, she put over a wool cardigan. Her mother should not worry. After a short breakfast, she went outside and found Heiji leaning casually against his car. His glance rested on a few children who played soccer in the neighbours' front yard. He shaved, she noted with amusement. Finally, he became aware of her presence and opened the passenger door. "Milady," he offered with slight bow. "Thank you," she slipped into the car with a put-on attitude. After Heiji took his seat, she couldn't suppress a comment. "Since when are you so well-mannered?"

"You know, after yesterday, I wasn't sure if you still know how to handle a car right," he replied with a cheeky smile. "And before you gonna make yourself comfortable on the roof instead of the passenger seat and fly off on the expressway, I have to explain myself before your father." His face faked a frightened expression.

"Oh, I really appreciate your help. It seems that so many things change you know, this morning I found a strange guinea pig in my room. With paint on it!"

"Wow, really? Paint, hmmm! And you're sure it's not Yogi? Maybe after three years..." he kept his eyes suspiciously intense on traffic.

"No, I'm certain. Do you know anything about it?"

"Why should I?"

"Heiji?"

"No idea."

"Heiji?"

"Why asking me, I..."

"HEIJI!"

He jumped by that sudden scream, nearly drove into a parking car next to them. Finally, he sighed in surrender. "Fine. Yes, it was me. Happy?"

"Are you nuts? You painted an animal, for god's sake! Why?"

"Because your actual guinea pig died one year ago. I mean, you had it a long time and I thought you would be really sad about it. So, I tried to replace it. But I couldn't found one who really looked like your old Yogi. With the same colour and so on. And then...you know, it was late and sounded like a good idea back then," Heiji explained a bit offended.

"Ahou! In which way sounds 'painting a guinea pig' good?"

"I used food colouring, not some toxic stuff!"

"Oh, yes. That makes it much less crazy!" she replied sarcastically.

"Sorry for trying to be sensitive and not smashing the dead-guinea-pig-confession right into your face!" he slowly talked himself into a rage.

"Heiji, I'm not a small child anymore. That was my third guinea pig. Do you really think I'm that STUPID. Why didn't you just pin a note on the cage 'moved to a big farm with a lot of other animals where I can play and run the whole day. See ya, Yogi'?"

"Oh, would have been easier for me. Easier than visiting every pet store in Osaka until business hours ended! "

"But you...Wait!" They stopped in front of an iron gate. Through the bars you saw a long driveway leading to a large property. Heiji wound his window down, pressed the button of the intercom and said his name. Meanwhile, Kazuha read the entrance sign. "Why are you driving into a sanatorium? Do you have a case or something?" she sighed bugged. "But please hurry. I'm dying to see my mother."

"Umm,...I-I don't have a case here," he replied with serious expression, his eyes still on the road while gate opening.

At first, Kazuha looked puzzled and then realization hit her. "My mom lives here," she whispered in a rather broken voice. "No one told me that she..."

"We didn't want you to worry. She...she had a mental breakdown after your conviction. She blamed herself for your situation. We thought everything will be alright again before your return. But..."

"Why didn't YOU tell me?" Kazuha's eyes were full of accusation. Not even he told me. My best friend, my...

"I'm really sorry, 'zuha! But there was nothing you could do. And you shouldn't feel bad or blame yourself for her condition. "

"That's why she never visited me. And you always came up with lame excuses."

"I wanted to protect you, don't you understand!"

"That is none of your business. Stop treating me like a small child."

"What are you talking about? It's completely my business. I'm your..."

"NO! It's not. You have no right making decisions for me. Of course it would have hurt me but I had to deal with it. Like any other person in the world. Life is hard, it has not escaped me over the last three years, you know. Stay out of my life!"

She tried to open the door. "Kazuha, wait! I'm still driving."

"Stop the car!"

"What!?"

"I said: Stop the car. I'm going alone. You don't need to wait. I'll catch a cab."

"Come on, Kazuha. Please, I..." But she already left the car and slammed the door.

"Damn it!" Heiji banged his fists on the steering wheel in frustration.

When Kazuha reached the building, she settled on a bench nearby and cried uncontrollable. Because of her mother and because of Heiji. She couldn't believe what he did. Every time she asked about her mother, he lied straight into her face. Sometimes she was kinda hurt and angry of her for not visiting. Now, Kazuha felt terrible for those feelings. Terrible for assuming that she wasn't important enough for her mother. All because of Heiji! BAKA!

When Kazuha was back at home, she stretched out of her bed, completely exhausted. The last hours had been an emotional rollercoaster. It was great seeing her mother again, but she changed. A lot. There were worlds in between her and the strong mother she had known.

Detective Toyama stuck his head into the room. "How was your day, Kazuha-chan?" She sat up, looking at him with serious expression. "You know it," he noticed, taking a seat on the bed beside her.

"I can't believe Heiji lied to me all the time."

"Don't blame him. We decided it might be best for you."

She sighed. Now, she was too tired for arguing. "Let's talk tomorrow, Otô-san I need to digest the information."

"Of course, sweetie," he placed a kiss on her forehead and left the room. Kazuha laid back again, looking up at the ceiling. Somehow, she felt lost. Lost and alone. If you really thought the world you had left will be the same by your return, you're the ahou! A small voice echoed in her mind. Of course not! I mean, maybe! I think I hoped for it. Yeah, I'm an ahou! She realised with a deep sign.

The silence in the room was broken abruptly by a strange noise. After a few seconds, Kazuha realized it was the guinea pig that nibbled on the water bottle in his cage. It brought the previous discussion with Heiji back to mind. Suddenly, she burst out laughing. That ahou! she smiled warmly. Deep inside, she knew, he lied to protect her. Like he always did. Still disappointed and hurt but also glad in a way. It's good to know that he still cares for me and shows that in his typical stupid, maniac Heiji-style. I should talk to him. But not until tomorrow, she yawned and pulled the blanket up.

In the morning, she stood up early to walk over to the Hattori's house. Shizuka was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She hugged Kazuha tightly, placing her on the kitchen table and put a lot of plates and bowls in front of her. Miso soup, steamed rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, tsukemono pickles and hourensou no gomaae. At least, she laid a plate full of round pastries. "I hoped you gonna come by, so I made your favourite: imagawayaki."

"Oh, arigato, Oba-san!" she already grabbed one of the pastries and ate with relish. With vanilla custard, she noticed gladly.

"Eat, Kazuha-chan! You consist only of skin and bone." Fulfilling her request with pleasure, Kazuha took another imagawayaki.

"Is Heiji already up?" she asked with her mouth full.

"No, not yet. But I gonna throw him out of bed within the next 10 minutes," she smiled diabolic and even Kazuha couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"Hey Oba-han! Did you see my blue t-shirt?" Heiji strolled lazily into the room.

"Yes, I put it in the washing machine."

"God, I didn't even wear it. Next, you will change the sheets while I'm still sleeping in it," he replied slightly annoyed. Just now, he noticed Kazuha's presence. "Kazuha," he shouted in surprise. The moment he went inside, her eyes widened. He wore nothing but shorts. While the discussion between mother and son, her eyes had wandered over his body. Her suggestion from two days before proved to be true. He had build up muscles. His upper body was indeed well formed. Her mouth went dry while suddenly images from their one night together flashed through her mind. Not now, she cursed silently. When Heiji turned to her, she couldn't stop her face from blushing. He also realized his outfit or rather the lack of it. Suddenly, he felt a bit uncomfortable and his cheeks started to burn. In the past, he never had cared about it in front of Kazuha, but suddenly he felt embarrassed.

"Go back to your room. After you put some clothes on, you can have breakfast," Shizuka manoeuvred his son out of the kitchen. "Since he lives in Toyko, he walks around like he doesn't own any clothes," she rolled her eyes while turning back to Kazuha.

"Because you wash everything that you get your fingers on," Heiji shouted from out of the hallway. Shizuka rolled her eyes. "Kazuha-chan, do you want to check if Ran-chan is already awakened."

"Ran-chan is here?"

"Of course, just like Shinichi-kun. There was no need for them to get a hotel room. We have more than enough space. Shinichi-kun stayed with Heiji and Ran-chan in our guest room."

Kazuha's eyes lightened up. "Of course."

When she entered the room, Ran was already dressed and preoccupied with making her bed. Looking up, she smiled widely. "Kazuha-chan," she shouted and hugged her tightly. "I'm glad you're here. Yesterday we decided to go shopping in amerikamura and later to an okonomiyaki restaurant. And we hope so much you will join us. Please! They will only talk about detective stuff. I need female support, please!"She also made a pleading gesture with her hands.

Ran's request got Kazuha into a pretty pickle. She came over to talk to Heiji about...about everything actually. They really needed to clean the air. Not only because of yesterday's fight. Because of the whole situation. Something changed between them. She couldn't really tell but it was there. Their friendship changed which wasn't a big surprise. Normally, they spent most of their time together. But then, everyone was on its own. They made new experiences, met new people and changed. Without the other one. Even the monthly visits, letters and emails couldn't maintain the formally strong bond.

"And think about all the clothes stores. The guys wouldn't dare to complain against so much girl power," Ran added and clenched her fist triumphantly. Kazuha looked bewildered at her friend who blushed for embarrassment."It's just...since Heiji moved to Tokyo; they spent so much time together. You know, solving cases and so on. Sometimes it's so hard to cope against both when we decide about activities. But now, you're back to redress the balance." She winked with a cunning smile then changed back to a warm one. "I'm really glad you're back. We missed you all so much. Especially Heiji. The last weeks became completely crazy. He walked around like a real nutcase. Told everyone, even strangers of your return. Shinichi said he chattered on to an old man during a case. His wife had been the victim and was strangled with a hair band. Which of course reminded the great detective of you. Heiji didn't stop bothering the mourner until he lost his temper and tried to beat him up with a biwa. Seemed to be a really ridiculous scene. He chased him through the living room until Megure-san and Takagi-san got hold on that old guy."

Kazuha wasn't sure if she should fell rather flattered or frightened. That story sounded besides of its ridiculousness very unlike Heiji. Normally, his full concentration lays on the current case. How often he forgot a date with her or even her existence. Did he change that much? That thought made her sad somehow.

Ran watched her friend's serious expression with astonishment. She also told the story to make Kazuha understand Heiji's feelings. After so much time, she wanted to get the ball rolling for them. Since Heiji moved to Toyko, Ran saw him waiting for her and showing no interest in any other women. Specially the day of Kazuha's return. Heiji followed her with his eyes the whole time while she talked with her family and friends and got stuffed from his mom who appeared every five minutes to put more food into the young woman.

„Kazuha-chan? Are you okay?"

"Umm, sure. I'm alright," Kazuha replied, putting on a smile. "You know, I could need a few new clothes and..," she got a small item out of her bag," Otô-san gave me his credit card." She declared with a wink.

"I have Shinichi's unlimited card his parents left to him," Ran smirked.

Both girls put on a naughty smile, leaving the guest room.

Thanks for reading!

Please review! :)

And I know you won't get normally 3 years for that kind of crime but I needed it for my story, so please no lecture about it