Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 19 The Vacation

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 19 The Vacation

Gin had developed a ritual after spending the majority of half a year in a medical facility. In the evening, after the bustling activities were done; he would relax on the couch, catch up on events of the day, and maybe read a good book. Then a curveball named Yukiko happened. He peered over his newspaper at the guest as the actress completely took over the room with manicure and nail polish cases. "You're in the hospital."

"Relax, I cleared with David." Yukiko smiled broadly, beaming at Vermouth. "You can't go to a salon. I'm bringing one to you."

One could hear his eyes rolling, even when hidden behind the newspaper.

Yukiko gave her friend a quick scan, who had exchanged the dreadful gown for a long-sleeved t-shirt and sweatpants. "Can you do the rest of the physical therapy at home? You're well enough."

"Technically yes. But David wants to be on the safe side." Vermouth examined her hand—the usually-manicured-to-a-tee nails had fallen astray. "Last time I scared him."

"No worries." With an emery board in hand, Yukiko got to work. "You'll be discharged in no time."

"I'm thinking about a vacation. Away from the dreariness." Vermouth leaned back onto the pillow, enjoying the attentiveness. She knew better than to refuse Yukiko's generosity. The younger actress was a force of nature.

"Excellent! What are you thinking? White sandy beaches? Serene mountain ranges?" Yukiko brightened up at the mere mention of a trip. "Yu loves these castles in Scotland."

"Caribbean." As Vermouth expected, the subject struck a right nerve. "Katie has never been to the beach before. It'll be a lot of firsts for her."

"Leave the girl home." Gin's growl interrupted the merry conversation.

Vermouth squeezed her eyes shut. "Here we go."

Yukiko paused in the middle of the filing, and blinked at the man in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It's not a vacation. It's work." Gin lowered the newspaper, staring directly at his guest, letting her know he was serious. His pupils had an animalistic quality, stunning lesser minds into submission. "I have to keep an eye on the little terror all day. Amid the ocean, no less."

"Too bad. It's called being a parent." Vermouth smirked.

Undeterred, Gin switched targets and flashed a wolfish grin at Yukiko. "You love Katie, don't you?"

"Don't answer him." Vermouth's warning ultimately fell on deaf ears.

"Of course, I do." Yukiko responded and fell into the trap while her friend sighed.

The corner of his mouth quirked up. "How about taking her off of our hands? Only a week. Japan is lovely this time of year."

"She's going," Vermouth said in no uncertain terms. Every time the subject came up, he would always try to exclude his own daughter.

"What's the point of a private island when a kid is stuck by your side?" Gin pointed out.

Vermouth eyed him knowingly. "Nice try. I want to admire the coral, swim with the fish, and not spend all day in bed. I've had enough of that, thank you."