Chapter 3: By Your Side

"Can't sleep?" Shinichi asked, sitting a few inches away from Shiho.

I doubt I can sleep here. Shiho thought to herself. It was not the first time she slept with Shinichi, though, they were both in their child bodies at that time. However, that night was different. They were fugitives, there would be no one else with them from that moment on.

"Trying…" Shiho answered in a low voice, almost like a whisper. She turned to see Shinichi and she noticed the depression in his eyes. She remembered Ran, she knew he would blame himself for everything.

"I know it's hard to take it all in." Shiho tried to lift him up, "But...don't blame yourself."

An awkward silence took place. The sound of the heavy rain became louder.

"Hey Haibara…" Shinichi laid back his head against the wall, "Why are you...doing all of this for me?"

Shiho froze. It was not the first time she was asked that same question. Her heart suddenly beat like crazy. She knew exactly why but she refused to admit it herself. She was certain of her feelings but everytime she felt like following her heart, there was always that big wall hindering her. She didn't want to make things complicated, she didn't want to be in the way.

But that night was different. All the feelings she bottled up for so long was coming to the surface. There was nothing that could hold her back. She was ready. She was ready to open up. Maybe it was about time...about time that he'd know.

Shiho gathered all of her courage, "That's because...I...I-Aachooo!" Shiho sneezed and suddenly felt a tremendous shiver all over her body. It could have been caused by her drenched clothes.

She was startled when Shinichi pulled her into him. Shinichi wrapped his arms around her, trying to give her his body heat. Shiho found her face pressing against his chest, feeling and hearing his every heartbeat. Shiho flustered, she didn't know if she would pull away or take it in and embrace the moment.

"Whatever the reason is...Thank you." Shinichi said as he leaned his head on Shiho's, his lips touching her hair.

They had been together for quite sometime now. Shiho had always been there for him, perhaps, had been helping him too much, even more than he could ask for. There were times when he felt his heart race around her but he chose not to overthink it because he knew Ran was the woman for him. However, that night, everything changed. Walls were melted down. He started to look at Shiho differently. He was grateful, he was starting to realize the woman beside him was not merely a friend.

Shiho was breathing heavily. Her heart was pounding. She closed her eyes, smiling, and had been more certain of her feelings than ever. I do love him...more than anyone.

"I will stay by your side...Kudo-kun," Shiho said as she moved her hand over Shinichi's chest, "Whether you like it or not."

Shinichi chuckled, hugging her more tightly.

~End.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who read from chapter 1! I hope you like the story. As always, faves and reviews are greatly appreciated.

Thank you! :)