Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 11 The treasures

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 11 The Treasures

It was a sign. The day was going to suck.

Gin knew a world of hurt was heading his way the moment he was woken up by something jabbing his face. He opened his heavy eyelids to find a tiny foot pinning his cheek.

He swore he tucked the girl in normally between him and her mother last night after Kate insisted on sleeping with them. And surprise, surprise, that woman yielded, completely disregarding his objection.

Sighing, he was sitting up when a swift kick bruised his ribs. The child was dreaming, swinging her arms and legs around vigorously. Somehow, she only managed to hit him. He muttered a curse, grabbing both of her ankles.

"What are you doing?" Vermouth asked; apparently, the thrashing roused her up.

"She kicked me." This didn't shine a great light on him.

She glanced at her husband, then at her peacefully sleeping angel. "Sure."

"She did kick me." He repeated it to no avail.

Vermouth gathered the girl into her arms, brushing him off, gently laying her head on the pillow. "Get back to sleep."

***

Darkened streets were illuminated by pools of yellow light emitting from lampposts. Gentle winds brushed through tree branches, creating a symphony of light and sound celebrating life. Perfect weather for a perfect night out.

Gin crossed the street leisurely with Kate holding his hand while the girl was chatting away with her mother about every mundane little thing. Standing on the porch, he ruffled his daughter's golden locks and grinned at his mortal enemy, who was already waiting. "Get used to babysitting—"

Akai interrupted before he could finish. This was one occasion that he didn't mind the obnoxious man. "For the rest of my life. Yes, I heard. Thanks for taking care of Akemi."

"You owe me." Oh, he was going to enjoy this. Akemi had given him the perfect ammunition. "Forever."

Kate pouted, pushing his hand away. "Mean daddy, you mess up my hair."

Vermouth chuckled at the sulking girl, leaning down, hugging her child. "Be good. I love you."

"I love you too." Kate scurried off to hide behind Akai, then stuck her tongue out to her father. "Bye, mean daddy."

"You will go home with me eventually." Gin narrowed his eyes.

"Alright." To prevent escalation, Vermouth gave the former FBI agent an apologetic smile, then physically dragged her husband to the car. "Come on."

***

Akemi sat on the rug; her legs folded by her side. Next to her, Kate was holding a Lego duck, bouncing it around, mimicking the sound while Akai was busy in the kitchen.

Wiping his hands on a clean towel, Akai asked, "Have you thought about it?"

Akemi looked up to see her husband approaching. "About what?"