Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 23

Disclaimer: Detective Conan belongs to Gosho Aoyama and associated parties. I do not make money nor own anything with the exception of my own original characters.

Author's note: The main storyline stays the same with added content. But it has been heavily rewritten and uploaded as of 28/06/2022, so please read it from the beginning. This story is officially set in an alternative universe where the Miyanos and Akais aren't related.

Chapter 23

Vermouth's eyelids fluttered as her pupils were getting used to the cozy fluorescent light. A smile blossomed on her lips at the sight of a blond man in a robe sitting next to her; a book in his hand. A familiar woodsy fragrance emitted from his body. He must have showered recently. Oh, how much she loved a fresh Gin! "What time is it?"

He glanced at the clock, then resumed reading. "Seventeen twenty-three."

"Did you check on Katie?"

"She's fine other than ruining her teeth with cakes."

She sat up and immediately winced when the muscles in her back and legs protested her every movement. "I'll freshen up. Book me a massage, will you?"

"Why bother? Lie down." He got quite skilled during her stay in the hospital.

She smiled, kissing the corner of his lips. "I'd love to, but save your energy."

He reached over to the nightstand, only to stop short before picking up the telephone. "Can you choose a masseuse?"

She chuckled and walked to the restroom. "If I want to cheat on you, a girl isn't going to stop me."

"At least the women wouldn't be drooling on you. In front of me."

"Are you sure?" She turned around briefly to flash a smirk at him, swaying her hips sensually as she sauntered away.

Rolling his eyes, he reluctantly made the appointment.

***

Vermouth was in her robe, sitting casually on the massage table in the comfort of their hotel room, consulting with a masseuse.

A woman in brown scrubs asked, "What should be my primary area of focus?"

"I overdid it with horseback riding this morning, so my lower back and thighs."

Gin was propped up against a pillow with a book in his lap and a tumbler of scotch on the nightstand nearby. He was an image of peace, except for the smug demeanor. "Sure, it was the horse."

"Oh, shut up." Vermouth grinned; her words were all bark and no bite.

The masseuse said, "We do offer couples massages."

"It's not his thing." The truth was that the paranoia in him didn't enjoy getting massaged by people he didn't know.

Although Gin's eyes were fixed on the pages, his ears followed the women's chatting without missing a beat. It wasn't his first time, and it wouldn't be his last time witnessing that woman casually duped other people. The massage therapist ate up every single lie with enthusiasm. When the section was over, he looked up inquisitively as she was putting her robe back on. "Since when did we have three kids?"

Turning around, she cocked her head, a coy smile on her lips. "I lie, you nod. Isn't that what marriage is all about?"

He chuckled and arched his eyebrow. "Do you always keep pictures of your fake family handy?"

Vermouth always had proof of fake lives ready on her phone. A click and she could be anyone. "A lady can't be too prepared."

He grinned. "There are names for people like you."