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There are few mundane things in life that are truly terrible. One of which is that traveling by airplane for more than 10 hours was hell.
But to Yukichi, there was something worse. Traveling by airplane for more than 10 hours with your easily bored, almost constantly snacking 20 year super genius of a son. Pure. Torture.
He loves all of his kids dearly. He really does, he chose all three of them, they're the lights of his life. But sitting next to Ranpo as the detective was rambling excitedly about American things he wanted to experience. Yukichi almost wished he let Akiko go with her brother instead of him.
But if his daughter had gone with. He'd undoubtedly receive a call that his eldest two had been arrested. A truly concerning thought, seeing as both of his children were detectives, and Akiko a doctor on top of that.
"Ranpo, please. This is a 14 hour flight. Get some sleep." He pleaded with his son.
But Ranpo would not even try. "But Dad, when will I get to learn about airplane mechanics if not now?"
"Any other time except right this second." He sometimes wondered if Ranpo had trouble sleeping due to his brain constantly needing input. He might have to look into that after they return to Japan. “If you don't sleep now you'll be exhausted when we land.”
"Touché. But I can just drink some energy drinks when we get there!" Ranpo said animatedly.
Yukichi's worst nightmare. Any of his children after drinking energy drinks. Ranpo had once gotten himself and his siblings energy drinks. And where Atsushi, who was 9 at the time, was bouncing off the walls, literally. Ranpo lost all his verbal filter and Akiko got so restless, she started throwing scalpels at Ranpo.
He'd had to take her scalpels away when she started considering using Atsushi as target practice. His youngest was also considering it. Saying it would be good to learn how to dodge projectiles as soon as possible.
"No, Ranpo. No energy drinks. You'll offend someone and it will be a disaster. Take a nap, please." He had one other option, a large book of various logic puzzles. But he was hoping to save that last resort for the plane ride back to Japan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little over thirteen hours later and they had finally reached their destination. Ranpo had not slept a wink. It was only a couple hours later than it had been when they'd left Yokohama. So while both of their internal clocks said it was evening. It was only around mid-morning.
When they reached the hotel, Yukichi was prepared to rest for the day. But first, he had to let his other children that he and Ranpo had arrived safely. And it seemed that Ranpo had the same idea.
Armed Detective Family
DetectiveSon: We're at the hotel! It's fancy ~(°w°)~ Airplane food sucks >:( It's already boring on a plane, but the food makes it worse.
CatDad: I hate flying. Have I ever mentioned that? After this I'm never traveling by air again.
SushiRoll: Yes, Tou-chan. I know you hate flying.
DrMiddleChild: Ranpo, airplane food is supposed to suck. At least you get to try real American food now.
He watched Ranpo type furiously for a minute.
DetectiveSon: >:3 Cheese. Burger. Shachou! It's early enough in the day here. I want a real American cheeseburger. And chocolate!
CatDad:...Akiko. why did you remind him?
DrMiddleChild: Sorry not sorry!
SushiRoll: I want to try American chocolate. But I know if I try to get some. Someone *cough*Akiko-nee*cough* will threaten to shut down every candy store in Japan. And I'd never hear the end of it from Ranpo-nii.
DetectiveSon: Don't you dare! (;o;)
DrMiddleChild: (n_n) Then Atsushi better not have any chocolate then!
CatDad: Somehow, from opposite sides of the globe. You argue as if in the same room.
DrMiddleChild: That's the sibling bond!
CatDad: Yet neither of you argue like this with Atsushi.
DetectiveSon: You know why. We try to and he pulls the sad kitten eyes. It's like arguing with a rain soaked kitten.
SushiRoll: Get better at arguing with me then. :p Maybe I should join debate club. That way I'll get a real challenge.
DrMiddleChild: Pay him no mind, he's been yawning all evening. It's bedtime for him.
SushiRoll: Have a fun day! Tell us all about it later! But as Akiko-nee said, it's late and I am exhausted.
CatDad: Sleep well, you two.
DetectiveSon: Goodnight!
Once his younger two children had gone to bed, Ranpo leaped up and started pulling Yukichi out of the hotel. “Come on, Dad! I want to explore! Who knows if we'll have the time tomorrow.”
He vaguely wondered how this would've gone had Akiko been the one to go with. “Do you even know where we're going?”
Ranpo just shook his head. “I just know where we're going, not how to get there. That's the adventure!”
It only took a stern look from Yukichi to make Ranpo pull up the gps on his phone to get directions.
Their destination turned out to be the National Zoo of all places.
'Jetlag must not apply to him.' Was the only thing going through Yukichi's mind as he was dragged around the National Zoo.
He had no clue what his son was looking for, but he was clearly looking for something. The detective would pause for a minute, look around, and then keep moving.
They'd been there an hour when Ranpo suddenly shouted "Ah ha! I found it!"
What was "It"? You may ask. A white tiger in its enclosure. And honestly, Yukichi didn't know what else he was expecting. "Ranpo, did you seriously refuse sleeping off your jetlag just to see a white tiger? You live with a white tiger. If you were so desperate to see one, you could ask your sister to take a picture of Atsushi."
Ranpo just rolled his eyes. "I wanted to see a real white tiger. Atsushi still acts somewhat human when he's a tiger. I wanted to observe a real tiger's behavior."
His children sure are unique. That's for sure. "I think Atsushi might get slightly offended by you saying he's not a real tiger.”
Ranpo didn't respond. The detective took a picture of the tiger and frantically typed in the family group chat. And attached the image of the tiger.
DetectiveSon: They've finally arrested Atsushi for his crimes. (u_u) Smh, how did they catch him?
“Ranpo, son. It's like you want your brother to fight you. You know that's a fight you won't win, right?” He'd offered teaching Ranpo to at least defend himself. But the detective had declined.
After another 7 hours of ‘exploring’ Washington DC, which included Ranpo buying so many snacks that he'd need his extra suitcase to bring them back to Japan. They finally went back to the hotel.
At the same time. It was clear both Akiko and Atsushi had woken up for the day.
SushiRoll: I'm going to stab you, and our sister will help cover it up.
DrMiddleChild: Atsushi's right. And Ranpo, you forget that our brother is the only one out of the three of us to have never committed a crime of any kind.
CatDad: Normally, I would tell you to stop antagonizing each other. But after today, please, both of you, keep antagonizing Ranpo.
DetectiveSon: :’( so mean to me.
SushiRoll: what'd he do????
CatDad: He dragged me across this city just to find the zoo and the white tiger. It's as if jetlag doesn't apply to him. Akiko, your job is to antagonize Ranpo. If you do nothing else today, do that.
DrMiddleChild: >:) With pleasure.
Yukichi felt a surge of paternal pride every time he heard Ranpo's phone go off with each text from Akiko. She did her job well.
Day three~~~~
Yukichi stood back and watched Ranpo work alongside the American detective. He wasn't really paying attention beyond making sure his son didn't accidentally offend his partner in this mystery competition.
What caught his attention was the look in his son's eyes. Ranpo was looking at the American like he'd hung the stars in the sky.
He decided to listen closely as the two young adults introduced themselves.
"Edgar Allan Poe, I'm from Virginia, a couple hours from here. Pleased to make your acquaintance." The taller one held his hand out. He seemed polite enough, Yukichi noted. Though the young man had pretty severe bags under his eyes which were hidden behind his hair.
Ranpo took the hand gently and responded as if in a daze. "Edogawa Ranpo. Though- I guess here it would be Ranpo Edogawa. My father and I are visiting from Yokohama, Japan. And the pleasure is all mine."
'Oh no.' Yukichi thought to himself with dawning horror. 'This American has caught Ranpo's eye. This can't end well. I'm too young for my son to be wooing an American.'
Yukichi didn't care who his children loved. But if Ranpo was infatuated with this American, it would at the bare minimum be a long distance relationship. And Ranpo was not a patient man.
The American surprised Yukichi by slipping into near fluent Japanese, with only a slight accent. He didn't even have to look at them to know Ranpo was likely head over heels already.
~~~~~~(Ranpo POV)
When Ranpo first set his eyes on Edgar Allan Poe, his first thought was 'Oh no.'
But then the tall goth man with long hair covering his face and also tied back with a soft looking ribbon spoke, and Ranpo felt himself grow weak in the knees.
"Edgar Allan Poe, I'm from Virginia, a couple hours from here. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Edgar introduced, holding his hand out. His voice was heavenly. With the slightest accent Ranpo could now place as Southern US American.
The detective was so mesmerized by the man that he almost forgot to introduce himself. He took Edgar's hand almost awkwardly. "Edogawa Ranpo. Though- I guess here it would be Ranpo Edogawa. My father and I are visiting from Yokohama, Japan. And the pleasure is all mine."
'Alright, Ranpo. First interaction with a really hot goth guy was successful. Now, get through this challenge. Impress him.' Ranpo thought to himself.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his dad facepalming. He must know that his son has turned into a disaster.
Edgar didn't seem to notice Ranpo's gay awakening, he just smiled cordially and asked. "I have my ESA Raccoon, Karl, with me. Is that a problem, Edogawa-san?" A baby raccoon made himself known and Ranpo was so distracted that he hadn't even noticed that Edgar had spoken Japanese until he went to respond.
"That's fine. Not a problem for me!" He froze. "You speak Japanese?!”
The baby raccoon, Karl, chattered joyfully. And as Edgar reached to his shoulder to pet the small creature. Ranpo noticed a small splotch of oil on the man's cream colored shirt sleeve.
Ranpo adjusted his glasses and it all fell into place. "Oh.", he muttered softly, barely audible to himself. "Oh, how fascinating." A grin broke out on his face.
Edgar was a military sniper in training. This made him all the more appealing Intellectually. Ranpo didn't care for guns. He thought they made their wielder grow more stupid. But the amount of focus, coordination, and training it takes to be a sniper. As well as Edgar being a detective of sorts. He'd be the perfect rival for Ranpo.
'A real rivals-to-lovers situation.' he thought to himself. The open tabs on his laptop at home proved that he was an expert in knowing he was in a dynamic like that
The case they were given had been solved rather quickly. And out of force of habit, Ranpo couldn't help but boast. He was still kneeling on the floor, but he kept looking at Edgar. The American’s deductive skills had given Ranpo chills. He was in love already.
The goth was looking at him with a mixture of bloodlust and intrigue. That mixture of expressions did funny things to Ranpo's heart.
Karl was rubbing his tiny face in Edgar's hair, trying to calm him down. Ranpo felt a little bad. He knew he tended to get carried away. But he'd hoped Edgar knew it was all in good fun. The American was obviously near or at Ranpo's level or else he wouldn't have been invited to this convention.
He stood up straight and held a hand out to Edgar. "This was fun. I'd love to work with you again one day. If you're ever in Yokohama."
Edgar took his hand. A little more stiff than it had been a while ago but somehow more familiar. "Yes. I'm sure we'll see each other again. One day. As rivals."
Ranpo couldn't help but smile as he let go of his hand. "Rivals it is then! See you around, Poe-kun!"
He quickly joined his dad and left. Ranpo could feel the blush on his cheeks. "I hope I see him again, it was fun working with him."
"He was looking at you with bloodlust, Ranpo. That's hardly romantic." Ah, so his dad had read him like a book.
The detective tried to play off his shock by rolling his eyes. "It's totally like an enemies to lovers love story, Dad. I just want to see him again. And one day the bloodlust will turn into a loving gaze! You'll see!”
"Ranpo, my son. You know I love you and will support you no matter what. But your taste in men is worrying.”
Ranpo was offended “You don't care to talk about Akiko's love life! What's wrong with mine?!”
“Because your sister has eyes only for Haruno. And Haruno isn't likely to murder your sister.”
He was loathe to admit, but his dad was right. But that didn't mean Ranpo was giving up on Edgar!”
As they left. Ranpo noted his dad texting the group chat. Even though both Akiko and Atsushi were probably asleep.
CatDad: Atsushi, Akiko, I must warn you that your brother has lost his mind.
DetectiveSon: I have not! >:(
DetectiveSon: I've fallen in love
CatDad: You've met one, singular time. That hardly constitutes friendship, let alone love.
DetectiveSon: He's my soulmate, Dad! It's true love!
CatDad: If there is any God or gods out there. Have mercy on me.
DetectiveSon: I'm going to marry him and we'll adopt equally as smart children and create the ultimate detective family. Imagine, Dad! Your grandchildren being the top detectives in the world!
CatDad: As I told you, he's lost his mind.
Several hours later. While they had a late dinner, Ranpo was betrayed by his little sister and brother.
SushiRoll: Are you sure Ranpo-nii ever had his mind?
DrMiddleChild: Yeah, Shachou. We just read over all of this and we're both pretty sure Ranpo never had a mind to lose.
DetectiveSon: Y'all are so mean to me. And for what? >:(
DrMiddleChild: omfg, "Y'all". what, is your boy-toy southern?
CatDad: 1. Don't be so mean to your brother And 2. Yes, Ranpo's "beau" is, in fact, southern.
This was betrayal of the highest order. And by his own father too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the rest of the week, at every event of the convention. Ranpo would keep an eye out for a tall goth with a raccoon. At every seminar, demonstration, and even in between events. He just could not find Poe.
It was as if Edgar had vanished into thin air. How was Ranpo supposed to get his contact information now? He supposed he could ask Katai, that kid was unnervingly good at computers and hacking, even without his ability.
But then he and Katai would get reprimanded by Shachou. And Katai would get doubly reprimanded by Kunikida.
The two teens may be Atsushi's friends and not his own. But Ranpo wasn't going to subject one of them to being given two disappointed looks directed at him.
And now, Ranpo was faced with a dilemma. He'd brought an extra suitcase with him for souvenirs and snacks. But what if he ran into Edgar again? The American was taller than him, but the suitcase could fit Edgar. It'd be a tight fit. But he'd fit, even if it meant Ranpo would need to be rid of his snacks.
"Son, you're saying all of this out loud. Why are you planning on kidnapping that young man?" His dad interrupted his thoughts.
He looked over to his father. "Well, I was thinking. This Edgar guy is obviously my soulmate."
"Debatable, you met once." He was interrupted yet again.
"Anyway! I want to take Edgar back with us. If I can find him. But it'd be tricky because I'd need to ditch my snacks. And I promised Atsushi and Akiko I'd bring them something."
A deep tired sigh escaped his dad. "Ranpo, why do you want to kidnap him? Why didn't you just ask for his contact information? Your brother and sister are going to make fun of you and I'll be unable to stop them."
It was like his family didn't want him to have his true love! "Dad! I was too starstruck. He's so cool! And Karl is such a cute little creature!" Thus started Ranpo back on his daydreaming about a domestic life with Edgar. Living in a quiet place preferably just outside of Yokohama. With an army of raccoons.
That night found Ranpo lying awake in his hotel room. He knew he was playing it up for dramatics. But he had actually felt a real connection with Edgar.
He usually didn't care much for romance or mushy feelings beyond caring about his little sister and their baby brother. But something about Edgar made him feel, well it made him feel his age.
For a while. Ranpo had felt like he was on a rollercoaster of feeling much older or acting like a kid. But that hour he was around Edgar. He felt his age. Like a young adult with a crush.
He wondered if this was how Akiko felt around Kirako. So warm and fuzzy. He'd have to ask her after they'd gone home.
The memory of the older man's cologne swirled around Ranpo's brain. Calling to him. Causing him to sit up and power on his laptop. If he could find the cologne, maybe he'd feel closer to Edgar.
Was it a little creepy? Probably, but Ranpo was nothing if not determined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before Ranpo knew it. The week was up. He and his dad were at the airport, waiting to board their plane, and he hadn't seen Edgar again.
It was safe to say Ranpo felt more than a little dejected. He'd wanted to at least say goodbye. Tell him that their encounter was the highlight of Ranpo's week. But no, Edgar had seemingly vanished. And Ranpo would be solidly on the way back to Japan in a couple hours.
He'd managed to find a dupe of the cologne Edgar had been wearing, the real one was atrociously expensive. Edgar was clearly well off.
The detective knew his brother and sister would make fun of him for this. But he didn't really care. While he was sad he didn't see the American again, he was happy to have met him.
~~~~~~~~~~~(Fukuzawa POV)
Their plane had taken off and finally, they were on the way back to Japan. But Ranpo looked sullen. Like all his strings had been cut. It was a dramatic change "I didn't get his contact information. He didn't even try to find me." His tone was dejected.
Ah, Yukichi figured this might happen. Ranpo had gotten fixated on this Poe young man, and hadn't considered that they might not see each other again. He hated seeing his children so upset. Even if Ranpo was no longer a child by any definition of the word.
He placed a hand on his son's head and gently scratched his scalp. It worked on Atsushi, so it very well could work on Ranpo. "I'm sure you will see each other again. Despite my reservations about your taste in romantic partners. If you think you'll see him again, then you probably will."
Ranpo visibly relaxed at that. "Yeah! I will see him again. Even if it takes years and years. And I'll never stop thinking about him!"
A sense of foreboding crept up Yukichi's spine. He may have just doomed himself and his other children to listening to Ranpo's lovesick rants for all eternity.