#fff230

[a-forbidden-detective]

The girl next door

For @flashfictionfridayofficial #FFF230: Fool me once prompt

Fandom: Ron Kamonohashi no kindan suiri/Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions

Note: Got inspired with Ron Kamonohashi voice actor Youhei Azakami’s costumes the other day. What if Ron Kamonohashi dressed up like that for a disguise? All mistakes are mine.

The girl had a pretty face. She was taller than an average Japanese woman. From Toto’s point of view, her long, straight black hair styled in braids with even fringes matched the eyeglasses that shaped her oval face and shapely lips dipped in rouge. Her school uniform suggested that she was probably attending the renowned private school for girls in Minato Ward. Truth to tell, he never had once encountered Ron’s tenants except for Dr. Mofu, who returned to her own flat three weeks ago. Toto waited until the young woman was already inside the building. At 27, he was still awkward toward the opposite sex, unless he had to deal with them professionally.

After counting until 10 using the car to take cover, Toto then walked toward the Maison du Kamonohashi and trailed the stairs to his friend’s flat. “Ron, are you in?” He called in after buzzing the bell three times. On the door hanged the ubiquitous“Manager’s Office” signage. No answer. A few minutes later he heard rustling from the other side of the room. “Ron? You told me to come,” the police detective called out again. Nothing would prepare Toto for a big surprise when he realised who opened the door. It was the young woman he saw coming in to the building. “Hello!” Her high-pitched voice hit Toto like a whiplash. “Ah!” Toto quickly recovered. She was more beautiful closer. Her icy blue eyes reminded him of his friend’s, which were now freed from the glass frame. Ron never informed him of a younger sister, didn’t he? “I-i-i-is Ron here?” Stammered Toto, beads of sweat began to run on his forehead. The young woman arched her left eyebrow, smiled mischievously. Her full lips reminded him of a certain someone, who was not in the room, apart from those eyes. “He sent me a text saying he needed some help,” Toto mustered the words more coherently. “Yes, he did. He wanted your opinion on a particular case,” replied the woman, who guided him to the lounge area to take a seat. Toto chose the red armchair he always sat on. She then positioned herself in front of him and began to lift up her skirt and slightly bending her knees as if to pay a curtsy to an aristocrat. As soon as she stood up, her fingers began to untie the ribbon on her chest, then proceeded to unbutton her blouse. Toto’s eyes went bigger and wondered what the hell was happening. The police detective noticed that she was wearing a grey camisole. “I-I-I a-am not … what this is…” Surely there had been a mistake. Toto tracked the woman’s hands attempting to remove her undershirt. The skin-toned brassiere was suddenly on the floor. What???? Toto couldn’t help closing his eyes. He was still on duty and there in front of him was a beautiful lady. Whatever this was he was not prepared for it. “Relax, Toto, this is going to be as swift as possible!” His friend’s familiar voice echoed in the four corners of the room! The laughter was imminent. “Ron! You!!” Phew! There was both relief and disappointment in Toto’s sigh. “Only tried to fool you once Toto. I just wanted to gauge your reaction. You were never like that with Chikori-kun,” Ron explained. “Ron? But why?” Toto couldn’t help asking the reason of Ron’s disguise. “I noticed your reaction the other day when we watched a TV program featuring those idols wearing schoolgirl uniforms. So I made an experiment,” Ron smiled. “Don’t worry, Toto, no harm done.” Toto was speechless. He really thought the young lady was real. “Ack… I thought she was your young sister.” “Was she beautiful? Was she your type,” asked Ron curious now. “She was. But only because she reminded me of you,” Toto admitted his feelings.

“Ah! I’ve been waiting for you to say that,” Ron held his friend’s hands, who tapped it away, still upset. “Idiot,” Toto smiled back, his anger melting away.

~ fin ~

[writing-far-too-badly]

Fool Me

Thanks for the prompt!

He trudges through the grey slush and ice. His breath comes out in a fog, and it wraps around his mind. The laughter behind him bites like the frigid wind.

A hand taps his shoulder, and then pulls his hand to hers. "I knew that it was you!" she says, laughter in her eyes.


"I think that you must be confused," he says, not pulling his hand away. She leans in for a hug, and he hugs her back hesitantly. A warmth spreads through his body and reminds him where he is.

"Coffee?" he asks, nodding in the direction of the closest cafe.

She nods and runs ahead, tugging him along. He goes along, unwilling to make a scene. Inside, the cafe is bustling, and some song plays on the radio. He cannot hear it, too focused on her eyes. The scent of coffee seems to emphasize the browns that look at him.

"What have you been up to lately?" she asks. "I feel like it's been ages."

"There's nothing new in my life," he says, a wry chuckle on his lips.


"I know that can't be true," she says, and pouts a little bit. "With as many sunsets as you've seen. None of them stuck out to you?"

Something in her tone makes it clear that she is not kidding.

He takes a long sip from his own mug, buying a few scant moments of time. The warm liquid slides down smoothly, but he is already warm inside.

He sets the mug down, now certain beyond any doubt that he has never met her before.

"Who are you?" he asks.

Her smile is all the more radiant.

"Honestly, I was wondering when you would ask. You seemed down, and I couldn't think of a better way to cheer you up."

The two continue talking. The songs change around them, and the day quickly turns to night. As the cafe closes, they say goodbye beneath the glow of a warm streetlight.

He trudges through the fallen snow. His breath comes out in a cloud, and he is flying as he walks. The wind wraps its gentle arms around him, and he smiles.

@flashfictionfridayofficial

[fourohfourrealitynotfound]

Double Agent

For @flashfictionfridayofficial #FFF230 - Fool Me Once

549 words

"I've got her! Stay after the others," I said, planting my hand on the corner of the building and swinging into the alley after the girl.  

She was still on fire, the blaze on her shoulders growing taller than her head. She was trying to reach a fire escape ladder on the building to my left, but she was just a hair too short. The flames on her fingertips licked the bottom rung every time she jumped up. 

I pressed a finger to my ear, muting and silencing my comm. "Hey," I said, softening my voice as best I could around my panting breaths. 

The girl started and whipped around. When she recognized my uniform she tried to back away, but she just ended up with her shoulders pressed to the bricks behind her. 

"I'm not going to hurt you." I started to raise my hands up beside my head, but thought better of that gesture when she flinched. Instead I clasped them behind my back and knelt. The pavement bit my knees at their sudden meeting, but I ignored the spike of pain. "I just want to help." 

Slowly, the girl's fire died down, leaving a low burn at her hands. I could see her face finally: she was younger than I'd thought, only ten or eleven. Her eyes were wide, and the tip of her long, dark braid smoldered. 

"You should head towards Lexington Street," I said. "There's people there who can help you. Do you know where that is?"  

The girl chewed at her lip and shook her head. 

I exhaled. "Okay . . . when you get to the top of that building, find the Spire. Keep it on your right. The buildings will start to look older and worse. That's where you want to be. Stop and ask for directions to the old Cherry Lane Theatre. You got that?" 

She nodded.  

"I'm going to lower the ladder now, okay?" When she nodded again, I latched my eyes onto the fire escape and pulled down the ladder, keeping my hands behind my back. 

I watched as she scrambled up. Just as her sneaker disappeared over the lip of the roof, a voice behind me said, "What do you think you're doing?" 

My heart hopscotched its way into my throat. I whirled around to find blue eyes freezing me in place. "Finn!" I gasped. "I—she was just a kid! I don't think she meant to--" 

"Chill," he said. "I agree with you; that was a good call." He nudged my shoulder with his fist. "Since when have you been so nice?" 

I shrugged. "She didn't seem like she meant to be using her power. I think she was just scared."  

I didn't say that this was my first time letting someone go, but I didn't admit to my sins, either. If Finn didn't see through my lack of admission, then could it really be called lying? 

A grin spread across Finn's face, and he shook his head. "There's hope for you yet. Just invite me the next time you decide to be rebellious. I'll keep lookout."  

"Uh-huh," I said, but I was already calculating ways to keep my next rescue mission away from his sharp eyes.  

"C'mon, we've gotta tell the boss man how your target 'got away.'" 

[renee-writer]

Santa Claus?

Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial 280 prompt.

“I am not fooled.” Her eyes look over the presents stacked under the tree and the full stockings, “I know Santa Claus didn't bring them.”

Her parents exchange a look. “No. Some are from your mom and I. Some from your grandparents.” when did their six year old stop believing?

“They can't be from Santa. Billy says he can't possibly travel all over the world in a day.” Their eyes move to their son who is trying to hide behind the tree. 

“Billy forgot about Christmas magic.” their mom says, given her eldest a clear look of disappointment. At eight, he no longer believed but he wasn't to say anything to his sister.

“Right Christmas magic. I forgot, Sally about that.” he tries to redeem himself. 

“That stuff is for babies, like Timmy.” She looks to her baby brother, reaching for the shiny wrapping paper from their mom's arms, “that's okay.”

It isn't. She deserves a few more years of innocence. 

“I can play Santa.” Billy offers. He knows he has messed up bad.

Before anyone can answer him, there is a knock on the door. Exchanging looks, the grandparents aren't due for a few hours, the dad heads off to answer it.

Standing at their door, covered in the freshly fallen snow, is Santa Claus. His neighbor had offered to dress like the jolly old elf, for the children. He is glad.

“Perfect George. Seems Billy told Sally that Santa isn't real. This will help them both.”

“Santa not real. Preposterous.” he says. The dad gives him a thumbs up sign and leads him into the living room. 

“Let’s let the man himself hand them out, eh Billy.” 

The boy knows better than to roll his eyes, at least externally. He nods enthusiastically.

“See Sally, I was wrong. He is here.” 

Sally narrows her eyes. “Are you really Santa?” 

“Ho Ho Ho! Of course Sally Jean Harold. You are on my nice list. William Patrick is as well, even if he was speaking lies about me. Timothy James is, of course. Now, let's get these presents handed out. I had to return and do it to show you I am real.” he sits on the floor handing out gifts. 

“He is good.” The mom says.

The dad nods. Had he told him their middle names? He must have.

He soon has both children watching wide eyed as he hands out the presents. They are completely taken with his act.

“Well, I must be off. Other children to visit. A busy morning, you know.” 

They hug him. “I am sorry Santa, for doubting.” Sally whispers .

“It is okay Sally.” 

“Thank you. That was wonderful.” The dad says as he walks him to the door.

“Always happy to help with Christmas magic.” he winks and walks out. 

The children are in the middle of opening their presents when there is another knock. 

Santa again stands at the door. “Did you forget something, George?”

“Huh? Didn't you want me to come by? Sorry I am late.”

“Late,” he frowns, “you were already here.”

“Have you been spiking the eggnog? This is the first time.”

“Then who was the man that was here last and how did he know my children's middle names?” 

They stare at each other. Billy runs out. “Oh hey Mr. Carley. Thank you dad,” he hugs him, “for the air rifle.” 

He hurries back in. 

“We didn't buy that.” he feels wobbly. Has Santa Claus been at his house?