Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 20

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 20 The New Normal

The aroma of stir-fry garlic permeated the house, a towel casually hanging on the shoulder. Akai dexterously flipped the vegetables in a pan as the sisters were busy crowding over a bassinet, watching the newborn soundly sleep, occasionally sucking his thumb.

"Aw, I could never get tired of him." Akemi mused, stroking the child with her index finger.

"He's cute." Shiho agreed; her nephew was going to be popular with the ladies.

"Dinner's ready." Akai wiped his hands on the towel, walking up to the trio.

"When will Masumi get here?" Akemi looked up, still drawing circles on her baby's chest.

Akai glanced at his phone. No new messages. "Last time I checked, she was in a cab. Anytime now."

"Are you sure Mary is fine, not visiting?" Akemi asked.

Akai glanced at his son. "I did promise to go to Japan as soon as the little one can travel." His mother wasn't one of those hands-on types. She preferred to let her children grow at their own pace, watching over them while keeping a distance, especially now that they were all grown up. "Besides, I can't explain to her how Vermouth is my neighbor."

The women winced at the thought. Imagine having them both in the same room, shivers running through their spines simultaneously.

"Speaking of which, aren't you guys babysitting Katie today?" Shiho asked. The scientist was in tremendous relief when Vermouth woke up. Physical therapy went smoothly. She wasn't summoned during their vacation; it was safe to assume things went well. At the rates, she could go home soon. In the months she was away, Prof. Agasa's weight control went haywire. Apparently, stern scoldings through video calls weren't as effective as in person. She did ask Shinichi to check on him, but the detective got his mind wrapped around cases and dating.

"Only for a couple of hours. I do miss her." Akai explained; he was used to having the girl in his life. When Vermouth was in the hospital, she spent the majority of her time with Michael; he even took her to work. And after the discharge, they were incredibly busy settling in, resuming their lives, and preparing for the trip.

"Why are they going out so soon? Didn't they just get back?" Shiho asked.

"Gin insisted." Akai shrugged. The man did seem determined. It was then that his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light knocking. "Must be Masumi."

As expected, Akai opened the door to see his sister standing by her suitcases. However, her expression was less than delighted, more on the side of troubled. "I'm so sorry."

"What do you mean?"

Not too far behind, Mary crossed her arms, frowning. "Where's my grandson?"

"Mum?" Akai asked in disbelief.

***

"This is Hikaru." Akemi picked up the child and handed him to her mother-in-law.

Mary cradled the baby, carefully examining every detail as Masumi was in awe at the sight of her nephew, stroking the boy's cheek. "He looks healthy."

"He is." Akai assured her, holding his breath.