Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 29 The Birthday

Author's note: New batch of updates from chapters 25-29 as of 12/8/2022.

Chapter 29 The Birthday

Burning the midnight oil, the two blondes were the only ones left in the room. While sitting at the workbench, Mary set down her brush and suddenly said to the hovering actress behind her, "This class is for me."

"Michael wants an expert." Vermouth smiled; a hint of pride in her tone. "Not only in disguises, but also in teaching."

"And the other agents are ... learning tools?"

"I'm teaching them the same way I'm teaching you. The difference is I have higher standards for you." Vermouth sat down on the workbench, easing the load on her back. "We have two goals. I'm sure you've already figured them out. While one goal is more important than the other, I'm not harming them."

"You and he orchestrated this. Forcing me to accept the job." The rest of Mary's life would be intricately linked to MI6. They knew full well she couldn't back out the moment she knew Vermouth was in charge of the project. She couldn't leave such power in a criminal's hands. That woman was the dangling bait above her head; she fell hook, line, and sinker.

"We thought long and hard on whom to approach. And we couldn't think of anyone else but you. You have experience, reputation, and connections within MI6. The agents trust you, and so do the higher-ups."

"And Michael can justify keeping you around." Mary scoffed.

"That's the idea. The next step is improving the masks and he also needs an expert over there." Vermouth grinned, leaning back on her hands. "Next Monday, I'll be leaving early. Ask someone else to drive you home."

"Next week is our crucial crunch time."

"It's my daughter's birthday." Vermouth sighed. "I've missed enough birthdays, Mary. You're welcome to bite me, but I'm not going to be late."

"People have questions about you and him." Mary narrowed her eyes.

Vermouth smiled devilishly. "And at the right opportunity, I will reveal to them with a heavy heart."

Mary frowned, partially curious. "You're willing to open that can of worms?"

"I'll tell them that he's my half-brother. That my father met a wild-eyed Bambi college girl and left the country before he knew she was pregnant. Hence, she gave Michael up for adoption. Years later, by a stroke of luck, we reconnected. Aw, heartwarming." Vermouth exhaled softly, clutching her chest in exaggeration.

Mary scoffed. The lie had two layers. First, that woman told everyone that Michael was a close friend and her daughter's godfather. If they got suspicious, she would unravel the second layer. Furthermore, the lie worked whether they knew about her true age or not. "People stop wondering when they think they're exclusive to the truth."

"Thank you, Mary."

"It's not a compliment." Mary ignored the amused actress and picked up her brush.

"If you say so." Vermouth smiled ever sweetly; her counterpart's annoyance was evident in each brushstroke.

***

Gin was in his usual spot, half-sitting on the mattress, leaning against the headboard. He had abandoned the books for his cellphone. His brows furrowed together as his fingers tapped endlessly on the screen. "What're you getting her?"

"Aw, want to take a peek at my gifts?" Vermouth grinned, putting her magazine aside.

He clenched his jaw and admitted. "Give me a hint."