Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 10

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 10

Akemi sat down on the bench, catching the last rays of sunlight, and absorbing the scenery. These past couple of days hadn't been her best; even watching television depleted her energy. Her wandering mind caught a snippet of conversation that sounded all too familiar.

A grating voice said, "Have all the ice cream you want. Just be cute for your mother."

"I was born cute."

"Have you seen your baby pictures?"

"Please, I'm always cute."

The man paused for a moment, then continued. "You're your mother's daughter."

The child suddenly exclaimed. "Akemi!"

A waving, cheerful little girl appeared in her view as she turned around. "Hello, sweetheart."

The child reached out, trying to embrace Akemi, but all her attempts were foiled when her father kept a firm grasp on her hand.

Kate frowned and pouted. "Daddy, let me go."

"You'll take off." Gin sneered.

"No, I won't."

"Yes, you will. And I won't be chasing you around like a maniac."

Akemi walked over, then crouched down and gave the girl a good hug. Somehow, the father and daughter always brightened her days.

"We're having a movie night. Join us!" Kate brightened up.

"I'd love to, but wouldn't I be intruding?"

"No, I need a buffer." Gin's answer took her by surprise. He had made his displeasure toward them very clear, especially in the case of her husband.

"Please, Akemi!" The young lady added, wrapping her arm around Akemi's leg, looking up with her blue puppy dog eyes.

"Alright." She chuckled, stroking the girl's wavy locks.

"Bring Shu too."

"Oh, sorry, sweetie." Akemi explained. "He was called to attend a conference. He won't be back for a couple of days."

"Aw, you are alone all day!" Kate grabbed her hand, pulling her by force, heading home.

Akemi shot Gin an apologetic look as she followed the child, to which he shrugged, letting his daughter have her way.

***

Gin opened the door, waiting for the two to come in.

"Mommy, Akemi is here!" Kate ran up to Vermouth, who was sitting on the couch, one hand holding the phone to her ear.

"Is that so?" The actress asked and smiled apologetically at her guest, then turned her attention back to the caller. "It's Katie. I've got to go." She placed her phone between her ear and shoulder, proceeding to take off her daughter's coat, scarf, and gloves. Smiling, she said, "Sure, another time. Yes, I love you too."

Akemi blinked at her words. To her albeit feeble knowledge of Vermouth, the actress's entire family was here—with her, so who was she talking to? Completely taken by surprise; she sheepishly glanced at the fuming man, waiting for him to explode. Much to her surprise, he only sneered and walked to the kitchen.