Who Knew?

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

Light filtered in from the wide window of the Ravenclaw tower and into the room surrounded by blues and books. The sound of birds twittering outside and the chatter and noise inside the room seemed to melt together, making it harder for the young boy, who, at the moment, was still tangled in his sheets,to distinguish a chirp from a word. Even if there is no twittering though, the voice all ran into one another that the noise seemed to just merge into an unintelligible whisper. With a groan, the young boy, previous covered in his blanket, push himself up and ran his hand in his already messy hair. It was a fight just to keep his eyes open, but then again, it is much harder to try to keep on sleeping with all these chattering inside the room. It was a surprise for him the everyone was making such noise really, after all, he was quite used being surrounded with all these bookworms who can't even bother to lift their heads from their books to chat with someone. Not that he's complaining though, after all, it was nice to be met with such change too. With a sigh, Ryuuji untangled himself from the sheets and blindly look for his slippers. Still on his PJs, he headed for the bathroom and proceeded to change out of his sleeping attire and into a simple white shirt and pants. Checking his reflection in the mirror and making sure that he looked decent enough, Ryuuji decided to explore around the castle. He had been feeler better this days, just days earlier, he had finally talked to Ai Edogawa, one of his treasure people. He finally learned of her and her twins current situation, and from then on, honestly, he had tried to think of ways to solve the twins' problems. He still hadn't found a perfect timing for the two to actually make up and fix their gaps, but he was sure, he really was, that things would settle down just fine for them once again.

With a light and quite a happy feeling, the fourth year ravenclaw proceeded on his way towards the Hogwarts Garden. He wasn't entirely sure, but somehow, his feet brought him to the place. The strong fragrance around the air was calming enough that as soon as he reached the old tree on the center of the garden, he found himself feeling a little sleepy once again. Stretching his hands over his head, Ryuuji proceeded to position himself under the tree's shade, looking for a comfortable position to sleep in once again. Leaning against the tree's trunk, he placed his hands behind his head, closing his eyes as he peacefully enjoyed the morning breeze. He had a feeling that something's going to happen to him. He cannot put his finger on what it was, and he wasn't entirely sure if it would be a good thing or not. Nevertheless, he had always been the type to take anything on. With another soft sigh, birds singing a comforting lullaby, Ryuuji found himself drifting off to dreamland once again.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

Five months. It has already been five months since his birthday, meaning it has also been five months since Ai's birthday. It was really the first time Conan hadn't celebrated his twin's birthday. He wasn't really the type who enjoys celebrating his own birthday, instead he would like it better if they celebrated Ai's birthday. But the birthday they celebrated last November was different. Conan didn't care whether Ai received a birthday greeting. He didn't care.

Another thing that bothered his mind, was that, in five months time it would also be the death anniversary of their parents. Eight long years have already passed since then. He knew that this year, he wouldn't be able to visit his parents' grave again, but it made him think. Does he deserve to go there when he's having a huge fight with Ai? He doesn't regret having that argument with Ai, he grew angry at her, he couldn't control his patience on her any longer. It always had to be him in a knight in shining armor. But not this time.

Thinking had made Conan stressed out in his room and made him wonder on what he would do next. He was mostly bored this school year since he kept on skipping classes, he was too lazy to do each and every one of them. He looked through his old stuff under the bed and found his old clothes. The clothes that made him look simple. He also found his collection of books which he received from Ryuuji for his birthday last year along with a necklace. And there, he found his soccer ball as well. Conan grabbed it and went straight for the Gardens, bumping into a lot of people and grabbing attention, he didn't care. He was not the old Conan, he was now a bad boy who didn't care. He threw the ball to the ground and kicked real hard, without control and full power. He had no idea where it would hit or if who it would hit. But one thing's for sure, it was heading to the center of the garden, at full speed. And he was sure he would get in trouble. He followed the ball with a smirk on his face, excited to know on what would happen next.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

It had really been quite a long time since Ryuuji Tsukino had felt at ease. When was it that he had last fallen asleep without any anxiety? When was it that he had really looked forward to the next things to come? The last year had been specially hard on him, though right now, it seemed like yesterdays events had only been a nightmare. The old him was slowly coming back and now he finally find himself smiling like he always did before. He had already resolved to be stronger this time after all. No problem would ever prevent him from enjoying his life once more. Turning a little as random images flashed on his mind, Ryuuji tried to find a more comfortable position to sleep in. While he had said that he felt quite comfortable and at ease now, it still doesn't change the fact that he's leaning against the hard trunk of a fairly old tree. But then again, this place is better than his noisy room at the moment. The gentle breeze, the sunlight, the flowers and the singing of the birds, all of these factors combined is already enough to compensate for his makeshift pillow which is far from being soft at all.

He was just about to find a right position when out of nowhere, a ball came flying towards him. Thankfully, Ryuuji was able to dodge the said object, but only just by a little, as the ball had almost hit him square on his face. Which would have been really bad. He's not vain nor is he too proud of his appearance, but seriously, having a wound on his face when vacation is already near would be really bad. This time around, after all, he had decided to visit his family at home. Silently scolding himself for not being observant, he vowed to start practicing and polishing his reflexes once again. Feeling seemingly annoyed, though his face remained quite calm, Ryuuji eyed the ball which now rest safely on his side. Now that he had finally looked at it though, it was actually a soccer ball. All annoyance beginning to melt away, Ryuuji picked the ball up and started to throw it upwards before catching it again, repeating the same process again and again as he surveyed his surroundings for its owner. Who could possibly play at such an early hour of the day? "Hey? Anyone here looking for a soccer ball?" He called out, still remaining seated and still playing with the said ball. He wasn't sure why, but somehow, he felt excited, like fate was working its hands in favor of him once more. Hopefully, he was right.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

It had been a while since he had lost brought out his soccer ball for leisure, as far as he can remember, he last used it during his first year, that is, if memory served him right. Conan really had no interest in playing a game of soccer last time he went home to Japan because of the argument with his sister, and he knew that their friends would have to both invite them to play. He knew that Ai can't say no to Ayumi, so Conan had always declined the offer to play, and now who would have thought that out of his boredom, he would bring out that ball from the box under his bed and out to the Gardens.

Although, now, Conan played more roughly than before. And by roughly, it meant not friendly at all. He kicked the ball with full power, and being a soccer varsity player as well as a Karate Brown Belt, if someone was to actually get hit, they could be sure it would hurt a lot. Not only did Conan kick it at full power, but he also kicked it without control, not knowing where it would be heading. He only followed the ball as fast as he can towards the center of the gardens. And when he started looking for the ball, he started to get really irritated, "Where the heck is that d@mn ball?!" he shouted as he looked under benches, until he came close to an old tree with a familiar boy. Ryuuji Tsukino. His senpai and old friend.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

Not bothering to stand up and look around like what he was supposed to do, Ryuuji Tsukino continued to just juggle the ball with his hands, pausing every now and then to survey his surroundings before he continue with what he was doing while humming a tune under his breath. He would have gone and look for the owner of the said ball, but his curiosity and him being engrossed with the thought of finally being able to hold a soccer ball once again got the best of him. It wouldn't hurt to just wait a little bit more right? Besides, if the owner really cares for the soccer ball, then he's bound to find him anyways. This would save him the time and effort then. Realizing how lazy and self centered his thought was, Ryuuji cannot help but laugh, making him lose his focus which led the ball rolling away from him.

Caught off guard by his own clumsiness, Ryuuji quickly pushed himself to his feet and run after the ball. One would be amazed at how fast he had ran then. He had grown after all. He didn't think that it was possible. Cause honestly, he had believed that his growth spurt thinks that it has an eternity to wait before it kicks in. Thankfully, it didn't. He grew taller. His old clothes no longer fit him now. Or maybe it still does, cause his body build still hadn't changed. He's still quite lean and narrow for his age albeit a little taller. Finally catching up to the ball which had somehow rolled and found its way to hide under this rose bush. "Really? You're being quite stubborn aren't you? Fine, I'll give you back to your owner." He muttered as he reached out, slowly making the ball roll towards him. Holding the bold closed to him with one hand and the other wiping the sweat off his forehead, Ryuuji Finally turned around, only to be met by surprise. He just can't believe his eyes. His mind was probably playing tricks against him once again. "Conan-kun?" He muttered. Though now that he had actually thought about it, he had heard a voice earlier. Looking at the soccer ball on his hand once again then looking back at the younger boy, the ravenclaw cannot help but to smile. "It really is you, isn't it?"
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

The last thing Conan wanted to happen was to bump into Ai's friends cause he knew that that there would be trouble when he does. And maybe, just maybe, he had no intention of seeing their senpai, Ryuuji Tsukino while they are having a huge argument. In fact, he didn't want to see the boy because it reminded him of memories with Ai, and his temper at the very moment was not really fitting for memories of the said twin.

But at the moment Ryuuji said his name and asked, Conan couldn't really hide himself anymore. And besides it seemed that Ryuuji was the one who got his ball. "Yeah, it's me. So what?" He said with a smug look on his face. he wasn't really pleased with their little encounter and Conan wasn't really in the best of mood either. He looked at his ball and said, "You plan to give that back or you plan to hold onto it forever?" he asked quite irritatingly. He really hoped that they could get over with it quick because he really was in no mood for a chat.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

A lot of things could happen within a day, a week, or even a month. And so, it wouldn't be a surprise to see how a year could have changed someone to a person that he really couldn't recognize. But even so, it would be an understatement to say that Ryuuji had been surprised with the way that the younger boy had responded to him. He had known Conan to be a boy brimming with confidence. Someone who's sure of themselves. But this colder and, to say honestly, rude part of him, Ryuuji had never expected to be met with it. He had rather liked the younger boy as he reminds him of himself. They share the love for sports and the protectiveness over the boy's twin sister. They shared the love for books. But this boy before him, he was a stranger. "Quite a way to greet each other ne, Conan-kun?" He said, smile fading as he tossed the ball back to its owner. Ryuuji really thought that between the twins, talking Conan into reconciling with his sister would be much easier. Ai, for him, is the more emotional of the two after all. It never really crossed his mind that Conan would be building a wall around him that is much harder to break that Ai's.

"How have you been Conan-kun? I haven't heard from you for a long time." It wouldn't hurt to try to start a conversation would it? Though it felt a little awkward considering how the boy answered him earlier. Still, Ryuuji's the older one here. He's not going with the childish route and fight fire with fire. It's not in his personality to argue back and be all arrogant with the kid. Raising his hand to brush his fringe off from obscuring his view of the hufflepuff, he waited for the younger boy to answer. Hopefully, in a more welcoming way this time around. Though he, of course, cannot blame him for acting cold towards him. He is also one to blame for what had happened. Sighing once more, he proceeded to walk back to the old tree where he was situated before, pausing for a while to look back to see whether he was being followed or not. "Would it hurt if you and I talk? Won't you sit down with me even just for a while?"
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

Conan really didn't mind the change that occurred to him. He was actually pretty glad with it. He no longer had to force himself to excel at everything. Even though his sister which he now considered to be a bit 'pesky' has proclaimed him as her rival, he wouldn't be letting her win if he wanted to. But at the moment, he was really not up to a good fight, that is if his sister could actually bring up a good fight. Lost in his thoughts, the Hufflepuff managed to hear the Ravenclaw give out a comment as how he had spoken earlier. "And you're point is?" he asked, irritation showing in his tone. The boy wasn't really in the best of moods lately, and it is surely showing. He had already gotten used to others not minding the change that had happened to him, and now the boy looked like he was pointing out which was obvious enough. Conan had changed.

With the Ravenclaw's question, Conan decided to just answer it as he knows that he probably won't hear the end of it if he just turned his back on this guy and leave. He couldn't quite remember if Ryuuji was a stubborn guy or not. In fact, he doesn't remember the boy too much already. After all, Conan was a bit mad at him for he wasn't there when they needed him, just before the fight had begun. "Good. Better than ever, actually," he said smugly, making sure he got his point across. He was glad that Ryuuji and Ai had left his life for a long time. He had left him alone and the only ones he were able to talk to, were as he remembers, Amelia, Taylor and Satsuke. Not wanting to be too much rude, "And you?" he asked bringing the question back to the Ravenclaw. Just then, the Ravenclaw had asked him if a little chat wouldn't hurt him. "I guess it won't," he answered before throwing the ball in his hands upward and kicking it as soon as it reached the height he wanted. The ball just flew off in a direction Conan remembered, after this little talk was done, he wanted something to do and it would probably search for the ball.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

It was certainly a good thing that Ryuuji had been raised to be a patient and tolerant guy. Of all things, he is pretty proud of the fact that his patience meter is quite long, and thus, he rarely if ever, gets into any fight. It was a good thing, especially during times like this. Sighing, Ryuuji let his shoulders sagged, making the impression of a defeated puppy as he eyed the younger boy before him. As it seem, Conan wouldn't let things be easy for him. "This is quite troublesome." He muttered, stretching his hands up above his head before he tried to muster a smile and gain enough confidence to get himself going. He had not expected to meet the younger boy, but at least, this could probably turn out to be good in the end. Who knows, this might just forge the way for the twins to reconcile. But first things first, what he needed to do was to gain the younger boy's trust again, or at the very least, make the boy's hostility towards him disappear even just for a while for them to be able to talk properly. "Nothing, I just thought that you've grown... time could really do its stuff to a person ne?" It was obvious that they had changed, and no matter what he does, that fact would remain the same. The irritation of Conan towards him is quite evident too, and to state honestly, it was making him quite uncomfortable. He had been to various situations wherein his presence is unwelcome, but this case is surely different.

"I see. That's good to hear then. I am doing quite well too, thank you, though, some things could have been better." He said, lips pursed, his hands tucked inside his pockets. Since when had they been so formal with each other? If his younger self saw how he is talking right now, he would have been laughed at. It used to have been really easy for him to communicate with the twins. It used to have been like they were his real family. But right now, Conan felt like a completely different person to him. But being the stubborn person that he was, it wasn't like he would just let things falls apart. If there's even a little hope, he'd grab the opportunity to bring things back to how they were before."So..." He started, still unsure of what to say. He would have gone straight to the topic about Ai, but with the way things are, it would probably best to just talk about a lighter topic. It would be better if he would test the water for now. Acting hastily would probably lead to Conan leaving and possibly avoiding him in the future. This might be his only chance to actually get his point across. The gap between the three of them would probably be wider if he let go of this opportunity to actually talk to the hufflepuff. "You still play soccer eh..." He knew that it was pretty lame of a topic, but as it was, he can't think of any other thing to say. Finally reaching the comfort of the old tree's shade, the ravenclaw sat down on his previous place, looking up to see what the younger boy would do.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

Maybe, having sharp sense of hearing wasn't so nice at a time like this one. Reason? He still managed to barely hear the muttering of the Ravenclaw in front of him. And Conan sure wasn't happy about what he heard. "Then why don't you just leave if it's so troublesome," he said as he gave a little glare at the boy. Conan wasn't in a good mood and what he heard just made his mood go from bad to worse. He could only hope that his patience would not leave before this little chat or conversation would end. Cause he really isn't happy with what's going on. "Whatever," he told Ryuuji. The older boy had no idea how much he had change since the fight with Ai, and he was more than willing to show his irritation if the boy has somehow gotten on his nerves.

"Could have, huh? I don't think so," Conan disagreed greatly with what the Ravenclaw stated. The younger boy thinks that Ai leaving him alone and becoming his rival could have been one of the best things that had happened to him over his school life. Thinking about it, Conan was really comfortable now that he had kicked the ball with all his might, since it practically drove some of his anger away, but he really did hope that the other boy would not try his patience. "No," he practically told him before he continued, "The last time I touched this ball before today was a year ago," he stated. And it was indeed true, Conan has lost a bit of interest in the game and was looking for something more interesting to do other look for trouble, create one or join one.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

For the nth time during that day, Ryuuji Tsukino, the self proclaimed eternally calm person, let out a sigh. Who could blame him though? Conan, after all, seemed to be really bent on making things really hard for him. "It IS troublesome Conan-kun, but if even if it is that troublesome, I wouldn't have left." He said, shaking his head ias he waved his hands in front of him. Conan have all the right to be annoyed, but the way that he's responding to every little thing that comes out of Ryuuji's lips is really quite annoying. Pursing his his lips once more, Ryuuji sighed again. He could feel his patience thinning, but he would never let that happen. Though easy going, once provoked, he's quite a handful after all. But despite all that, he was well aware that Letting annoyance take over would not result to anything good. He's much older, and as such, he should be the one who should understand. He's at fault here. He had been gone during the times that the twins needed him. Conan's annoyance towards him is justified. He just so wished that he'd be able to find a way to make amends.

"You'll never know what could happen Conan-kun, it's good to remain positive you know." Though he wouldn't say it, Ryuuji was aware that Conan was pertaining to the events of the past year. Conan, to him, seemed to have given up the thought of ever reconciling with his twin sister, but Ryuuji would never tolerate that thought. He's their big brother, and as such, it's his responsibility to take care of them. It will be a big waste if the two would never be fine again. Things would be fine. Maybe not perfect. But at least, just fine.

Ryuuji was actually quite disappointed to hear that the younger boy had stopped playing. As it seemed, not only was he not communicating with his sister anymore, he had also given up with his love for the sport. If the rumors that he had heard were also to be trusted, it seemed like he had also been failing to attend his classes. The past year had been really hard for them. But as it seemed, it had been a little crueler to Conan. Ryuuji could no longer see the old Conan in the one that is facing him now. But he knew, knew that somehow, there's a way to bring him back. "That's such a waste then. You used to love to play." He said, disappointed evident in his voice as he continued to observe the younger boy. From his point of view, he would say that this Conan was indeed jaded, and it sadden him so much. It was much harder to reach him than Ai. Probably because of the two, the younger girl was really the one that he had met first. But then that doesn't change the fact that Conan too was special for him. "What went wrong Conan-kun?" He didn't meant to say it, but with that old habit of his, he did anyways. He wanted to know the younger boy's side of the story.
​

 

[Ai Nightray]

Conan really couldn't help but be irritated with the boy in front of him. This Ravenclaw was surely trying to talk him into reconciling with Ai, but Conan wasn't even considering the idea. He liked the things as they are now and wouldn't want to change them back to the way it was. "Don't think you being persistent changes anything," he glared at the Ravenclaw. He was pertaining to the relationship between him and Ai, as well as Ryuuji not being present during the times they needed him. The times he needed him. Conan tried to get his mind off of what the other boy had appeared to be babbling about. "Not with everything," he commented as he thought about himself being positive all the time and where it got him. He surely had learned a lot about those experiences and wasn't willing to hear otherwise from someone else.

Conan was now mad at how Ryuuji told him that when he stopped playing the sport it was a waste. He doesn't want others telling him that his decision was a waste. No. Conan was the only one allowed to decide for himself whether what he decided had gone to waste or not. "You don't decide whether it was a waste or not," he told him coldly. Conan was on the verge of losing his patience especially when the boy had asked another question. "Went wrong?! What the heck do you think went wrong?!" Conan practically yelled at him, trying to resist the urge to attack the boy with punches that would surely hurt. "Can't you see the almost everything went wrong?!" he yelled at him. Everything went wrong after Ryuuji had left them alone, everything went wrong when the fight had started until the time they went home. And now, Conan had changed and it was too late to revert it all back to how it was more than a year ago.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

If glares could kill, Ryuuji was sure that he would have rotten on his grave already. It was annoying really, and if he would let it get on his nerves, he would have gone berserk and would have let all his patience thrown out of the window. But then, being who he was, though hard, the ravenclaw tried to manage his temper. "Don't snap Ryuuji..just don't snap." He muttered under his breath, convincing himself that nothing good would ever come out if he would get angry at the younger boy too. Fist clenched, he looked at the hufflepuff. His face betrayed the turmoil of emotions that he was feeling, void of any expression, he forced himself to remain calm at the very least. He is supposed to be the understanding one between them after all, but alas, probably, he too have changed.

Feeling his patience slowly slipping away from him, Ryuuji stood up from his position under the tree's shade and walked to distance himself away from the younger boy. He needed a little space at the moment. He's feeling suffocated from all the boy's hostility towards him. Any sane person will, probably. Lips pursed into a thin line, the Ravenclaw forced himself not to yell back at the younger boy. He's not good with such thing, and never had he done it before. At least, that is as far as he could remember. He didn't want to go that way. He didn't want to lose control here. Biting his lower lip in an attempt to stop himself from talking, Ryuuji turned his back to the younger boy. He wouldn't let him see the emotions that is starting to show on his face. Sad, angry, disappointed, disheartened - he couldn't even name what it was that he was feeling right now. He felt like crying too honestly, but he had promised himself not too long ago that he would stop doing such thing. He's supposed to be brave and take this head on. Like what he tells himself every single day, he's at fault here too. He's responsible too. And he should help with putting things back to how they were. "I know. I could see that Conan-kun. I'm not blind nor am I dense to not see that." He still had his back turned, his voice low as he refused to look at the younger boy now. He wouldn't yell back at him. He can still take this for now. Yelling back would only make things worse. "Sorry, but you can talk to me you know. I know things had gone wrong but you don't need to act like that. There are things that you could do to make things fine." His voice was wavering a little as he turned to look at younger boy.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

"Then why'd you have to ask if you knew?!" Conan was burning in anger. He didn't like the way this conversation was going. And judging from how short his patience is, it won't probably be long before he puts that Brown Belt knowledge of his to use. He has been holding out his patience for the older boy and just hoped that he would cut it out or he would definitely lose his control and just either punch or kick the Ravenclaw.

"Don't need to act?!" he yelled out as soon as the Ravenclaw had made that statement. Conan never really felt that he needed to act the way he is, but instead, the change just came to him and he liked it. He didn't want anyone, especially Ryuuji, to change that. "Well here's some little information for you. THIS is how I WANT to ACT!" Conan made sure the emphasize some words, making sure his point made it across to the once easy-going guy. He was really getting on his nerves. "Things to do?! Like what?! Reconcile? And be who? That brat's caretaker?!" Because of his irritation, he just couldn't help but refer to Ai as a brat. He was a bit shocked that he called his twin by the same name their aunts had called her, but now, it didn't really matter to him anymore. "Well, guess what?! Conan-kun's tired of being her nanny!" he shouted as he was on the verge of giving a series of attacks to the Ravenclaw in front of him.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

All the self control that he had spent years mustering, the patience that he was so proud off, all of these things were instantly thrown aside as soon as his ears picked up the words that the hufflepuff had said. No, it wasn't the fact that he was yelling at him about him doing the things that he wanted to do. Nor was it the way that the younger boy was clearly disrespecting him. He could care less about that. Ryuuji was not the type to snap just because someone is belittling him. He's not the type of person who would explode because he's being stepped on. Yes he will get annoyed, but not to the point that he will resort to any physical harm. That's why he had never been into any fight before. What had gotten on his nerves was not how Conan had been talking to it, it was how he had just referred to the only sister that the younger boy had. Faster than he could stop himself, Ryuuji found himself running towards the boy, hands grasping his shoulders. "Don't you dare call her a brat Conan. Don't you ever do that." He said, annoyance evident on his voice as his eyes turned a deep shade of red. He was angry. Definitely angry, and his personality had just done a 180 degree turn. Conan had just pushed the right buttons to make him angry. Though not the type to snap, once those that are important to him had been hurt in any manner, even when people are just talking about them, Ryuuji would easily just burst. One could even say that he's overly protective, and he himself knew that too.

"Take that back Conan! Ai's suffering too you know. Stop being selfish and start acting your age. You're not a little kid anymore." He yelled, still glaring at the younger boy. He didn't like the way the Conan had called Ai. Ai may have been the one at fault here too, but at least, she's more open to the possibly of ever reconciling. To him, Conan was just being a reasonable kid. And honestly, it disappointed him. "And here I thought that you're much mature than Ai-chan, turns out that I have been wrong. You're calling Ai a brat, then what do you call yourself now?" the Ravenclaw continued. He could not stop himself even if he wanted to. Maybe this is better. Talking doesn't seem to work on the younger boy. He's just too jaded it seemed.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

"And why shouldn't I?!" Conan yelled back at the boy who just seemed to light on fire with rage. If Conan was right, he had just said the right words to trigger the Ravenclaw's anger, although it wasn't really what he intended to do. But it just made him annoyed to death that he just yelled whatever came to mind. "It is true so why should we deny it?!" he ranted on. He felt as if it were true after giving thought about it during the fight. And after that incident, he began to think that his sister was indeed a brat.

"I won't take it back!" Conan said, firmness showed in his voice. Although, the following statements by the Ravenclaw had also triggered certain buttons on the boy. He couldn't help but approach Ryuuji angrily and grab him by the collar. "Me?! Selfish and start acting like MY age?!" he asked him angrily, "Then how old is she?! FIVE?!" Conan was furious as he was told to act his age while Ai kept on acting like she was a little girl who lost her lollipop. "Don't you ever compare me to her!" And that comparison and the following question had pushed the final button. "What am I?! The brother who just got tired of being a nanny!" he answered as he clenched his fist and aimed his punch at the boy while still holding on to his collar.

 

[Ai Nightray]

Ai had been quite relaxed since he had last talked to Ryuuji that she felt that she had hope in reconciling with her brother. At least, she would have the chance as the Ravenclaw had promised her that he would talk to Conan so that Ai could have the chance to make-up with the brother that she misses. It was rather then that her mind began floating away, and she knew that she needed to find some sort of relaxation. That is when she decided to visit a place special to her, Conan and Ryuuji. The Gardens where they had celebrated their birthday once.

Although, it was quite a scene when Ai had approach two young men who seemed to be having a fight, until she realized who they were. Ryuuji and Conan. She had arrived just in time to hear from Conan's own mouth that she was a brat. "I can't believe he just called me that." she whispered as tears started to form but she started to stop them, while unconsciously hiding behind the bushes, ready to stop them in case the fight would get worse. "Oh no!" as her brother grabbed their senior's collar, Ai knew what it meant. He was too mad and his patience had already worn off. Ai had ran off and stood between the two, barely having enough space but managed to block her brother's punch, and take his hand from Ryuuji's collar, before managing to kick Conan. "Don't you dare, Conan!" she warned as she gave off a warning glare to her brother. She could stand being called a brat but she can't stand having Ryuuji getting hurt because of it.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

"You're such a kid. You just care about yourself. Not everything is about you Conan!" He knew that those words would hurt, he knew that, yet, despite knowing, Ryuuji just cannot help himself anymore. His brain tells him that he should be reasonable and that he should act the way that he should, yet, he emotions had gotten the best of him. He really did changed too. It was not only Conan. He too had changed. He had never expected that he would be capable of doing things like that, but even so, he just can't stop himself from yelling like a little kid too. He remembered that time when his sister told him that he's like a sleeping lion, once provoked, he's just too much to handle. And that is being proven right now. "I'm disappointed in you Conan. You're blaming everything on her. What, do you think that she's happy with things being like this? You're just being self centered." He continued. He was just too angry that he didn't even flinched when he felt the younger boy grabbed his collar. He's not going to back down now though. Forget being calm. Forget the ever smiling and easy going Ryuuji. He's not just going to let Conan to just talk about Ai like that. "She's your sister! Whatever it is that had happened would not be able to change that fact!" He could practically see red right now as his hands moved on to the younger boy's collar.

"I can't believe that all this time, you think that you're just acting as her babysitter. I thought you genuinely cared about her!" Hurtful words just kept on being said. It was the truth though. He just couldn't believe that Conan had just said that he was tired of taking care of his sister. He knew that it could have been said just because he was angry at her, but even so, he just can't accept it. He was already prepared to take the punch aimed at him when he saw someone stood between him and the younger boy. Only then that he realized that they weren't the only occupants of the garden. Maybe he was just too focused on Conan that he had not seen the person coming nor did he felt her presence around them. He really didn't expect her to be there too. Before he could do anything, he saw the the younger girl kicked her twin. "Ai-chan..." He said, voice softening as he looked at the younger girl. He was surprised with what she did. Yes, he had seen the two spar before, but this time, it's different. "How long have you been here?" If she had been there since earlier, then he was quite sure that she had heard the exchange between the two. He could only imagine how hurt she must have felt. "Gomen." He had promised that he would reconcile the twins, yet here he was, seeming to make matters worse. He wasn't even sure now whether things would be fine again.
​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

"And then what? Everything's about her then, I assume!" he answered back. The Ravenclaw stated that not everything is about him. And those statements just made it a point to him that everything must be about Ai. "Be disappointed all you want! This is me and you can't do anything about that!" he told Ryuuji. Conan doesn't care what Ryuuji says or what he thinks of him, after all, in the boy's opinion, the older boy only cared about his sister. "I don't care if she's happy or whatever she feels!" he told him. After that fight had started, he didn't care anymore about the younger sister he has. Because after that fight, he never even felt that he had one. "Oh yeah? Well. I DON'T CARE! Be her brother then if you want her so badly!" he released the words, not caring who else was listening, not that he thought anybody would be prying on two boys having a fight.

"Well, you thought wrong," he said softly as he gave the punch. But he was caught by surprised when someone had blocked the punch, and to his surprise, it was Ai. Another thing that caught him by surprise, was that she kicked him and the kick had landed on his stomach that he had to back away a few steps and cough. He was already furious, and the actions that the girl had made had just made his anger worse. Waiting for the right moment as she was distracted with the Ravenclaw, Conan saw his chance. He attacked kicking the girl hard on the leg, with his full power before giving a punch straight to her stomach. "That'll make you think twice before doing something like that again," he told her as he backed away a few steps, giving a slight grin at the scene before him. "I told you, you could never win against me," he said as he remembered what had happened during their last vacation in Japan.

 

[Ai Nightray]

Ai was pretty surprised herself that she had managed to kick her brother, and during that time, she heard the Ravenclaw say her name. As soon as her brother had backed away, she turned her head and gave a slight smile. "Hey there, Ryuuji-niisan," she said as cheerfully as she possibly could. Hearing the question the older boy had given her, Ai tried to hold back tears and put a smile on her face, "Don't worry. I wasn't here that long." It was partially true since it hasn't been a long time yet since she arrived, but if the older boy was referring to how much she had heard, she already had the feeling that she heard the worst parts of the fight that had occurred. "Ie (No). It's not Ryuuji-niisan's fault," she disagreed to accept the apology being given by the Ravenclaw because, she knew she was to blame for the start of the fight. "Gomen ne (Sorry), you almost got hurt," she apologized, before giving him a little smile while trying to hold back the tears that wanted to escape from her eyes.

Ai had lost concentration that Conan was still in the area and had failed to block either of his attacks. The young girl had almost lost her balance when Conan had kicked her harder that he ever did before, and the girl could have sworn she heard something crack, and hoped that she just had a mistake in her hearing. After that kick came the punch, she didn't have the chance to block the attack as she was focused on the pain on her left leg as Conan had used his right to kick her. After that punch, Ai had just lost her balance and was now coughing and laying down on the grass trying to stand up, or at least be in a sitting position. Pain ran through her leg as she listened to Conan and she tried to stop the tears already forming in her eyes.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

Everything was just happening so fast for Ryuuji to even catch up. One second Ai appeared blocking her brother's punch and kicking him on the stomach, another second, Conan's already recovered and had gotten that chance to get his payback. The Ravenclaw's eyes widened in surprise and in worry as he saw the younger girl get kicked by her twin. He couldn't believe the event that is unfolding before him. He just can't believe that Conan would do such thing to the sister that he thought he would be willing to lay his life for. Looking at the younger girl lying on the ground attempting to stand up, Ryuuji felt his feet go numb. He felt like thousands or possibly even millions of knives are stabbing him. "Ai-chan.." Was all that he managed to say as he willed himself to approach the younger girl. It as just too much for him. Never in his life did he witnessed someone close to him be hurt like this. Emotionally, possibly yes, but physically, no. The moment that he reached the young hufflepuff, he went down on his knees and pat the younger girl's head. He knew that she's really hurt right now, not just physically, she was probably hurting more on the inside. Who wouldn't? Ai may be strong, but Ryuuji knew that being told such thing and being harmed by your family hurts so much more than when other person does it.

"I'm really sorry Ai-chan, nii-san's really useless you know." He whispered before he stood up and faced the other hufflepuff. If he had been annoyed earlier, this time around, he was beyond angry. Conan may have been one of the important persons for him, but he cannot just simply turn his back on what the younger boy had done. "You've become someone that I cannot recognize anymore Conan. Is this really what you want?" Walking in front of the younger girl as if to block her and to defend her from the younger boy should anything happen, the Ranveclaw continued to train his eyes on the hufflepuff. He had really thought that everything would be fixed with talking. He may have been too naive to have thought about that. "Tell me Conan, is this what you want!" Ryuuji yelled, tears starting to form in his eyes as his emotions built up inside him. He knew that he wasn't supposed to cry now. Conan would just probably think that he's being weak. But even so, what he was feeling right now was just too much for him. He hadn't felt this angry and sad before. His chest felt like bursting and he was actually finding it to be quite hard to breath. "I don't know why you're like this."​

 

[Conan Edogawa]

"What?!" Conan yelled at the girl laying on the ground attempting to stand up. Apparently, the girl probably had no strength to stand up with the attacks he had landed on her. There were only two reasons to which the younger boy thought why the girl couldn't stand. It was either she was too shocked or injured. But in any case, he paid no attention to what the girl had felt. He has changed and it was the most noticeable yet of all. "Can't take another?! Don't attack someone you can't handle," he told her with a smug look on his face, still annoyed that Ai had attacked him, although she can't manage to put up a good fight. "You're an idiot and a brat," he said well enough for her to hear, before reverting his attention back to the Ravenclaw who had triggered his anger.

With the words he was hearing, Conan grew angrier and angrier. "Am I asking you to recognize me?! I AM NOT!" he yelled at the Ravenclaw who looked just as about ready to defend her sister anytime he needed to, which was probably unnecessary since Conan had lost interest. "YES! This is what I want!" he answered back, "That is what I want," pointing to the scenery in front of him, stating that he was free from the pestering of his twin sister. "Then find out why and quit bugging me," he said as he turned his back and started to walk away from the Gardens. Possibly going out to search for the ball he had kicked.

 

[Ai Nightray]

Pain was running non-stop through Ai's leg that she could barely stop the tears that were forming. She was hurt and she was sure that it wasn't only physically, but it may have been emotionally as well. She couldn't help but be hurt by the words her brother first muttered when she lost her balance. And when she heard him yelling at her again, Ai tried her best to push herself to stand, but the pain on her leg just kept on increasing as she tried to move it. She couldn't do anything but remain silent all throughout hearing her brother's hurtful words. "Who is this person?" was all she managed to think while she felt like she was stabbed by the boy's words.

Although, she can't help but have that spark of hope as she felt a hand pat her head like the older boy had always done. Before he whispered something to her, "Nope. Nii-san's not useless at all," she managed to say with a small smile on her face. No. She can't let either of the two see her as weak now. She won't allow it. She could only stay in her place as the two exchange words and was quite surprised when Conan pointed her. It must have been the final blow since Ai could no longer stop the single tear that fell, but she would have to hold the rest back, until she was alone. "Onii-chan," was all she could whisper as she watched the back of the boy she once knew differently leave her and the Ravenclaw.

 

[Ryuuji Tsukino]

"Fine! Do what you want to do. Just run away!" Ryuuji doesn't even know why he had uttered those words. He should have stopped the younger boy and tried to talk to him. He shouldn't had let him walk away just like that. But even though he knew what he should have done, the anger and disppointment that he was feeling was just too overpowering. He cannot even think straight right now. All that's running in his mind is how Conan had just hurt his own twin, said those hurtful words, and just walked without any hint of ever apologizing. Conan had indeed changed. He was just too far away to chase, and as such, Ryuuji wasn't sure whether he could catch up and bring the Conan that they knew back. He's not the type to give up easily. He's stubborn, but even so, during that time, he can't help but to feel a little hopeless. The possibility of the twins ever reconciling seemed to be close to zero. He felt defeated. Conan had won.

"I wasn't able to do anything Ai-chan. I Am useless. Gomen." He continued to apologize as he turned to look at the younger girl. It seemed like she was finding it hard to get back on her feet, and really, he should have expected that, after all that had happened. It may not only been because of the attacks by her twin, but probably because of what he had just said earlier. "I really am sorry Ai-chan. I thought I could..." He couldn't stop the tears anymore. Everything was just too much for him just now. Turning his face away wishing that the younger girl had not seen him cry, he wiped his tears away using his sleeves. He's not a kid anymore. He can't cry just like that. If he did, he knew that the younger girl would feel worse and he didn't want that to happen. He should be strong right now. He should think about the younger girl first before he consider himself. "Gomen. (Sorry)"
​

 

[Ai Nightray]

"Mou!" Ai suddenly shouted as she heard the older boy apologize to her once again. Seriously, if Ryuuji wasn't an important person to her, she would have seriously gotten annoyed over the series of apologies since she knew the boy had done nothing wrong. "Ryuuji-niisan! Stop apologizing!" she told him, a mix of firmness and guilt in her tone of voice. For all she knew, it was her fault, but instead this brotherly figure of hers was taking all the blame, and she wasn't too happy with this idea. "We'll get another chance so stop saying you're useless, ne?" she said as she attempted to hold his cheek but held back since she was dirty from all the dirt and grass that were now clinging to her. "Can you help me stand?" the little girl asked as she found it difficult. No. Not just difficult. Impossible to stand up because of her very painful leg. From her position she couldn't see it's condition or in how bad of a shape it is. All she knew was that it really hurts and she just wants to go somewhere where she could give it treatment.