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It was dark, unarmed and lacked any form navigation, a situation that would have probably alarmed Shuuichi Akai if not for the lack of guidance from his son, Asahi.
Shuuichi found himself walking through the labyrinth, guided only by his son’s voice and footsteps. Darkness surrounded him, making him feel blindfolded and stumble step after step to find his baby.
“Almost there, Otōsan!” His laughter brought a smile to Shuuichi's face as he tried to catch up. He almost did, multiple times, seeing the blurry image of his son white T-shirt. But every time he outstretched arms out to his son, he would wound up brushing the fabric of the clothing before, he would disappear, again and again. And then Asahi cheered at him to “Try harder, Otōsan!..Ha..Ha...Ha”
He wasn’t sure how he had found himself in this place or how long it had been. But the situation frustrated and made him fearful for both of them. Fear slowly crept around his spine, there were no stars in the sky, no moonlight, he was alone in the darkness. No. Not alone. He was not alone, he needed to find Asahi, discover a way to get out while keeping himself and his child safe.
Walking down the path he tried to remember how he got to this point in his life.
After the Black Organization had been wiped out, the days that followed were eventful. First, came the high of victory for the much-perused goals of taking down the BO and the relief of an antidote for the APTX 4869, that helped restore Conan Edogawa and Ai Haibara to their original forms of Shinichi Kudo and Shisho Miyano. Then, came the blizzard that chilled not just him, but also Shinichi, both the agent and highschooler had to come clean about their involvement with the Organisation - fake death, excuses, lies and deception. His mother and sister did not the news well, Shuuichi was beaten, berated and even had to endure the silent treatment for his actions. But he did not protest he understood he had hurt both of them with actions no matter how justified they were at the time. An insight pointed out by his then EX/Colleague Jodie who along with Camel were the unfortunate audience to witness the Akai Family breakdown. And advised him to "maybe give them space until they are calm enough to hear you out and reflect on their own". Post which, Jodie managed to irritatingly make herself scarce and out of his sight until she returned to US after settling her affairs in Japan (visiting and bidding goodbyes to her friends, students and her favourite detectives – Conan & Haibara).
While his mother and sister eventually forgave, Shiho his shockingly new found cousin remained hateful towards him for his role in her sister's demise. But admitted that she would act civilly with him for the sake of their family, which was good enough for him. They later visited Akemi’s grave, where he told Akemi of everything that had happened, apologized for leading her on and reassured her that her sister would be taken care of by the family. It helped him gain a sense of closure, allowing for forgiveness and leave his guilt behind at her grave and started working towards a new and, hopefully better future.
He and Rei also got around to talking about Hiromitsu, and his death after a video clip had been sent to the PSB HQ obtained from a nearby building that showed him trying to talk Hiromitsu out of doing the unthinkable. And although they were not quite entirely able to put their differences aside then, they managed to be on talking terms without insults and maiming each other, which was better than before. He would later be able to visit Japan without having the PSB officer at his throat and instead had to deal with an annoying "self-proclaimed best friend" whose actions made him he could kill him. But the sender of the clip remained a mystery.
He stayed with his family in a proper house and not a hotel, met his brother's girl friend and left for New York and the FBI after his mother decided to kick him out noticing his restlessness.
Coming back to the US he noticed a monsoon of changes for one Jodie nowhere to be found and questioning Camel because it was easier than getting hold of his boss James. He found out that post BO mission their teams had been dissolved and she had taken up a post in the BCU, Quantico. Shuuichi was offered a spot on Fugitive taskforce. The agents would not see each other until they were promoted, although he kept tabs on her solo journey and was impressed with her progress and intellectual reasoning used to solve the cases, especially when they were paired on a case to track down an escaped serial killer. He thoroughly enjoyed riling her up with their banter and later joined the Heinous Crimes Unit to reunite, catch criminals and hopefully explore something more.
But it proved to be difficult up hill task. One, Jodie was beautiful woman, she had plenty of admires in the department. Two, he was no longer the centre of her universe a bit due to his own cursed designs and so was free and casually went out on dates with men set up by her friends. Three, he felt friend zoned! Whenever he tried asking her out to coffee or dinner, she tended to make the affair into a team exercise. It drove him crazy enough that he unfortunately or fortunately his feelings were picked up on by his mother who then berated, dragged him into a conference room and offered some genius life lesson advices to win Jodie back.
“Kāsan?” Shuichi stared at his mother, dumbfounded.
“Nice to see you, too, son,”
Mary replied with a scowl.
“What are you doing here?”
“How long has this been going on?”
Both the mother-son duo spoke at the same time.
“What”
“You trying to clumsily ask Miss Starling out like a baboon.”
“How…No wait you said Miss Starling. Did you use your contacts again to spy on people around me?”
“Kāsan, I thought we agreed on not abusing Mi6 resources for personal use.”
“Your father did, I do not recall making such a promise. Besides you could do worse, she’s nice girl, has a clean record, belongs to defence background, can use fire arms adequately, and, is intellectually smart enough to keep up with you. Plus, I spoke to her in the hospital and found out that my idiot of a son is alive and playing dead. Pity, you only inherited that mystery fever from your father and not his charms. Miss Starling would have been Mrs. Akai by now.”
“Shuukichi also don’t have a wife you know,” he said petulantly.
He received a whack in response.
“Do not be rude. At least he has a girlfriend, what do you have to show hmm?"
He scowled at her words the dammed woman knew how to hit where it would hurt.
"Although maybe scaring her that she might lose him to another woman might do the trick,” she mused, causing him to break away from his thoughts.
"It might work for Shuukichi, he has been sickly in love with her" he agreed reluctantly and added "but my case Jodie has been avoiding me like a plague unless we're working or other team members are around."
"Smart Girl"
At her son unhappy/confused expression she elaborated "she's playing it safe. Not that anyone can blame her since you put her through a winger. Now, I am going to offer you some advice if you're serious about her so be quiet and listen well because I will not repeat this." Taking a deep breath she said.
"Shuuichi you need to revaluate your choice in breaking Miss Starling’s her heart. Recognize her pain and don't deny that you did not feel hurt in doing so. If you didn't, we would not be having this discussion.”
“I…I Know”
“Put her on the throne where she belongs. See her for who she really is. Begin by writing up a list of qualities you liked about her and an equal list of things you disliked about her, and a longer list of What you love about her.”
“How is that going to help. I am already aware that she’s great.”
He received a whack in response.
“It’s remainder of why you’re perusing her and maybe you can even share the list with down the line. Also” she tightened her arm and said.
“Set goals for yourself in making her yours.”
WHACK
“Focus on HER."
WHACK
“Notice HER."
WHACK
“Compliment HER."
WHACK
“Send HER gifts."
WHACK
“Just stay close to her at all costs.”
WHACK “
"Is it really necessary for you to hit me like this.”
“YES, it seems to be the only way to get things through your thick skull. So, stop pussyfooting around, go after her BOY! Pretty soon, she'll be running off with another guy, someone who isn't good enough and will hurt her worse than you did. Don't let her see other men and just ask her out yourself. Go get your girl,” she added.
“I am going…I am going,” he said feeling much better about his predicment.
Moving away from her hitting he asked anything else.
“Make friends with her friends. If they like you then they’ll help create opportunities for the two of you to get closer. And hurry up give me grandchildren already!”
Post the discussion, Shuuichi tried his best to follow his mother’s surprising helpful advice. It took two years before Jodie and Shuuichi began to date and later eventually married. As the road consisted of acknowledging the pain, he had caused Jodie for the sake of their mission. But could not see himself spending the rest of his life with anyone else. Jodie in turn was reserved but told him about her fear of being a replacement in his heart, a second best. Further, wanted space to meet other people without the shadow of their relationship hanging on heads and advised him to do the same. He did not take that offer and waited.
When they began to date in earnest, they faced both good and bad times. Shuuichi and Jodie were two people who were competitive to a fault and stubborn to the last gasp. There were disagreements, rows where Jodie would storm off to their bedroom and steal all the blankets when Shuuichi tried to come to bed later that night and the mundane reality of living together which included riveting debates such as ‘who’s turn is it to empty the dishwasher?’. Shuuichi had to fight to change himself to be less rigid in his views on handling everything by himself and to allow his family and Jodie to know when he wasn’t okay.
There were also good times to make up for the bad ones. Like the time when Jodie got invited to Shuuichi’s home for a family dinner and it gave Shuuichi no end of joy to see his family fall as in love with her as he was. Or the time they painted his sister’s room purple and they ended up covered in emulsion after engaging in a paint fight. Or one of the half a thousand times when they couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other and would end up fucking frantically on the coffee table or kitchen counter or the stairs. Or the nights they cooked dinner and watched television like normal people who didn’t have to worry about everything and nothing. He’d never been so happy.
Although his greatest joy came after second to having Jodie becoming Mrs. Akai was the birth of their son Asahi post their honeymoon.
In hindsight, Jodie should have noticed missing her course twice, but she was a little preoccupied with her husband. A fact that made him unbelievably smug.
The labor was long and painful, for both of them but the first cries of their son were like a balm on his soul. He couldn’t believe it was all a reality and not a dream as he held the little sun, Ashai -- morning sun; dawn of a new day in his arms, cataloguing each and every trait, from the large eyes and adorable little nose to tiny feet that used to kick his mother’s womb at all times of the day.
Ashai was a happy child, showered with love from the happy parents, grandparents (Mary & James), Aunts (Masumi & Shisho), Uncles (Camel & Shukchi) and their friends alike. He grew up quickly and was one of the brightest things in Shuuichi’s life. Now, a four-year-old, he got into all sorts of mischief. Which brought him to their current situation. Trying to find him and bring him home. He wasn’t sure what kind of game his son was playing, but it needed to end.
”Ashai!” He called. “We need to go home!”.
Silence. Shuuichi looked around, as he felt the fear clawing to him, overwhelming him. He shook his head and tried to concrete on his footsteps. “Ashai!” could hear a panic in his voice.
“It’s alright, Otōsan”, said a quiet voice. Shuuichi turned around and saw Ashai standing in front of a fountain, which Shuuichi was sure wasn’t there a minute ago, his back to him. “We’re just playing, right?”
Shuuichi moved slowly towards him, hoping that this time he wouldn’t run away. He wanted nothing more than to run to him and never let go, but forced himself to step forward slowly. He didn’t want to scare him away. “What are we playing, Ashai?” He asked, forcing his voice to be steady. “Pretend.” Ashai answered turning towards him and looking at him with an innocent expression he must have learned from his mother. “That’s what we’re doing, did you forget?” “What are we pretending?” Shuuichi asked standing right in front of him and kneeled, taking a hold of his hands. “Come, we should go home.” He tried to lead the child, but Ashai wouldn’t move.
So, Shuuichi kneeled down and raised his hand, running his fingers through the boy’s ebony locks. Ashai looked perfect mixture of Jodie and Shuuichi with his wife eyes and smile and his own dark curly locks and complexion. The boy closed his eyes in pleasure and smiled.
“You are the best Otōsan in the world,” he announced with the seriousness only a four year old child can possess. Shuuichi smiled. He loved this boy so so much, he was their little miracle. “And you will be a good Otōsan to me and my little brother and…and sisters too!”
“I will, will I?” he hummed, pulling him towards himself in a hug. This time Ashai came willingly, and wrapped his little arms around her neck. “Do you want a brother or a sister, little one?”
“I don’t think that will happen yet. But you are the best Otōsan and I love you and I don’t want you to be sad when we stop playing pretend.” The child whispered in his ear, clutching him tightly. Shuuichi returned the hug, confused. His thoughts were racing but he couldn’t figure out what his son was saying.
“Playing pretend?” “What do you mean?” He pulled away to look in his eyes. “What are we pretending, sweetheart?” But the next thing she knew he knew he was alone, in the darkness again with no sign of Ashai, except for his voice echoing all around him. “I love you Otōsan, and I will see you again real soon!”
"No, ASHAI..ASHAI, COME BACK"
“Shuu? SHUU!"
Shuuichi woke up with a gasp, his heart pounding in his chest, as he tried to catch his breath. He closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to anchor himself.
“Hey, are you alright?” Jodie asked with a sleepy voice. He felt her pushing herself up and wrapping her arms around him.
“Bad dream?” She asked as she rubbed his back.
'Bad dream?' Shuuichi thought to himself a bit confused as he took in his surrounding.
He was in the couple’s bedroom. A soft morning light peaked through the curtains. On the night stand lay Yakuko Kudo’s latest mystery novel lay on the nightstand, their clothes were thrown haphazardly on the floor as the couple had the previous night made haste to make love before falling asleep and bundle of wedding gifts laid on the side congratulating the couple on their wedding that laid unopen since they had recently come back from their honeymoon.
No crib. No toys. No sign of a child anywhere. Shuuichi looked at Jodie’s flat stomach and realized it was all just a dream. He hugged Jodie and hid his face in the crook of her neck, willing himself to calm down, as his wife ran soothing circles on his back and murmured promises that everything would be alright and she was here if he wanted to talk to her about anything.
After a while, Shuuichi breathed in and pulled away.
Jodie asked her eyes were full of concern. “Are you alright? Is there anything I can do?”
He couldn’t help but smile softly at her and a gentle kiss on her palm.
“Shuu?”
“I am alright,” he assured her. “I’m sorry for scaring you, my love.”
Jodie didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure? You were screaming someone to come back? If you need time may be you can call in sick today and lay in bed. I can call Mary and rest and let them know that we won't be able to host the party today and keep to a family only dinner."
“Dinner?” he repeated, her mind going a mile a minute.
'Why were their friends and family coming to their house?' Before realizing that they had promised to host a dinner party after coming back from their honeymoon. And Ashai, his son was was just a figment of his imagination. It wasn’t real. There wasn't a maze or a chase in the dark, or even plans to have a second child with Jodie.
There was only himself and his wife Jodie, the couple had recently married and were now beginning their life as a married couple.
"I...had dream," he said. He then went into detail and told Jodie about the darkness, the maze, and their son who had her eyes and laughter, and his looks and untamable locks.
She heard him out without interrupting and once he was done asked with a contemplative look on her face.
"How would you feel if I were to say that we might just be able to achieve half of your dream?"
"What do you mean?"
"I am late and I...I can't promise about the gender or if I actually am. But would you be okay if I am actually pregnant this early in our marriage?"
He heard it again. "I love you Otōsan, and I will see you again real soon!”
"Shuu?"
He looked at her and said, "YES!." He took a shaking breath, composing himself. “Yes, I would be very happy welcome any of our children be it boy or girl.”
Shuuichi smiled thinking back to that little boy with Jodie’s smile and his cheekiness. The boy who stole his heart the minute he laid eyes on him, even if it was a dream, he decided that he was a door to their brighter future and he would try to be the best the husband and father to both his wife and children.”
Nine months later they welcomed a baby boy similar to his dreams and named him Ashai Akai.