Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 34

Author's note: New batch of updates from chapters 30-34 as of 13/10/2022. Update illustrations for chapter 29.

Update warning for genitals spanking.

Chapter 34

The gentle sunlight peeked through the wintry mist rolling on the ground. The early morning was dominated by lively chaotic quacks. Mallards paddled the chilly water, bobbing their signature green heads and yellow bills beneath the surface. Occasionally, some waddled on the grassy river edge and swarmed any passersby with a hint of food. Beautiful but small low stone bridges connected the streets over the shallow waterway running through the center of the village. Majestic trees reigned over the riversides, magnificent weeping willows with bare branches brushing the crystal clear water. The mostly empty street provided a rare window of serenity. In the middle of the shallow river stood a decked-out Christmas tree.

Wearing toasty winter wear, Yukiko held onto Vermouth's arm as they were strolling along the river with an eager Kate by their side. "I thought topping off yesterday was difficult."

"It's worth getting up early, isn't it?" Vermouth smiled. "I've always wanted to visit Bourton-on-the-water. But my shoots were during peak tourist season. The place was packed."

Kate wasn't interested in why she was here as her eyes drew to the many ducks and swans. "Mommy, duck feed. Hurry!"

"Calm down, sweetie. They aren't going anywhere." Vermouth reached into her coat and pulled out a paper bag. Her gaze focused on the tiny energetic feet jumping up and down ever closer to the edge. The lack of railings provided uninterrupted views along the shallow river and a bit of danger. "Be careful."

"Yeah." Kate took the paper bag, and squatted down on the river bank, leaning over the water. Her mother's warning was more or less out of the window.

Yukiko watched Kate enthusiastically chuck pellets at a raft of ducks. "It's hard to believe that she was wiped last night."

"She has boundless energy when she's awake." Vermouth nodded.

Raining pellets quickly gathered Kate a following. While the ducks were chomping on the floating pellet, a paddling swan carefully observed her, then craned its neck to eat out of her hand. In the thrill, she stood up abruptly to brag to her mother, and her feet slipped. The water was barely up to her knees, but falling flat on her bottom wouldn't be comfortable. Fortunately, a gentleman nearby who was also feeding his fair share of waterfowl caught her just in time.

"I've got you," the man said, placing the girl down on the ground.

"Thank you," Vermouth gratefully said. "Are you alright, baby?"

"Yes." Kate nodded, composing herself before turning around to thank the man. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Be good for your mums." He reminded Kate, then walked away with an entourage of ducks trailing after him.

"Did he say mums?" Kate wondered thoughtfully.

"He's mistaken, baby," Vermouth said and held her daughter's hand to avoid another accident.

"But I can't have two moms."

"Some people have two moms or two dads, sweetie." Vermouth smiled, stroking Kate's hair.

"So Yukiko can be my mom?" Kate perked up.

"She can't because she's already married." Vermouth chuckled at her silly logic.

"Aw." Kate pouted.

Yukiko smiled at the girl's visible disappointment. She chalked it up to her charming personality. Leaning on Vermouth's shoulder, she said, "I don't hate it. We would have made such a cute couple."