Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 18

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 18

Accompanied by the sounds of mechanical beeping, Gin was sitting down in his usual spot and irritatingly swiped through the pictures on his tablet. He crossed his legs, then proceeded to uncross them when a photo got on his nerve. In the images, Kate seemed to have the best time. She was smiling, riding a little pony. All was right with the world for a regular parent. "This can't possibly be safe. Look how high that thing is. You've got to talk to him. The madness has to end."

The only answer he got was the sound of machines doing their jobs, prolonging the blonde woman's life, pumping in the air, medication, and everything else she needed.

It didn't faze him. "If you don't, I will. It won't be pretty."

***

Akai relaxed on the sofa with one arm wrapped around his wife's showing belly. His chin nuzzled her hair. Their eyes fixed on a black and white photo of a tiny human being. At long last, he said, "We're having a boy."

Somehow, finding out about the sex made everything seem real. They could start putting pronouns when referring to their child now.

"Let's pop the champagne. Don't worry, I'll have apple juice." Akemi suggested. Seeing the apprehensive look on his face, she immediately reasoned. "I'm still strong enough to open a bottle. Besides, it's good to move around."

Shiho waited for her sister to be out of earshot before taking a shot at Akai. "You do realize I can read ultrasounds too, don't you?"

Akemi wanted them both in the ultrasound room for emotional support. Usually, the doctor would ask if you wanted to know the gender, and without warning, Akai blurted out the answer. Not letting her sister have the chance to decide.

"Sorry, I got carried away." It was one thing not to know; it was another to keep a secret. "He's my first child."

Shiho pointed out with a not-too-friendly smile. "Might be your only child."

Akai sighed. "What else do I have to do to prove myself?"

"No one is good enough for my sister."

The conversation instantly subsided when Akemi came back with a tray of drinks. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Work." Shiho smiled and checked her watch. "Speaking of which, I'll have to get back to the hospital soon."

"How is Vermouth doing, by the way?" Akemi asked.

"The same. I don't understand what went wrong." Shiho was completely baffled. "The antidote is working as expected. Every test I could throw in suggests that she should've woken up six weeks ago."

"But she's not responsive?" Akai asked, sipping the fizzy liquid. "To questions or sounds?"

"I've considered locked-in syndrome. No response. For all intents and purposes, she's sleeping." Shiho sighed. For the first time, she felt out of breath, hitting an invisible wall.

Akai asked, "And Gin?"

"I can't tell with him. He's always looked angry." Shiho winced. The man struck a deep-seated fear in her heart.