Vineyard [Detective Conan fanfic, Vermouth x Gin]

Chapter 22

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 22

Lush fields stretched endlessly to the horizon; green foliage mixing with shades of amber and orange overwhelmed the senses. In contrast to the beautiful scenery, Gin was in a foul mood; not even bathing beneath the gentle sun would help. "When you told me to pack my things for the weekend, you didn't mention horses."

Vermouth smirked, ignoring the complaint, keeping a steady grip on her cellphone, recording her daughter's development. Over the short wooden fences, the young lady donned a long-sleeve sport shirt with a quilted vest, beige riding pants, and leather boots, rising up and down as her chestnut pony trotted in the paddock under the watchful eyes of the instructor; her fishtail braid flowing out of a black helmet bounced along with every movement she made. "I haven't seen her ride firsthand."

Between the physical therapy and lesson plans, Vermouth left the escorting duty to Michael or her husband. Never once did she have the chance to witness her daughter's progress in person.

The stable master stood next to the pair; the crow's feet around his eyes furrowed as his gaze followed the child. "You have a fearless little girl. She fell off a couple of times, but she got right back on."

"She fell?" Gin's tone deepened. A sign of danger. Certain facts were omitted in his communication with Michael.

"The instructor was by her side at all times." Vermouth reasoned, glancing at the stable master, who was quick to pick up the hint.

"Of course, we always put safety first. Normally, kids would be afraid to continue. Some refused to ride altogether." A smile lightened the older man's expression. "But the little lady didn't care."

"It's in her blood." Gin smirked, unable to hide his approval.

The stable master frowned, thrown in a loop by the remark.

Vermouth explained. "I grew up with horses. So did my mother. It's a family tradition."

"I see. Do you want to have a go? We have gears you could use."

"Really?" Kate beamed, having her pony trotted to her parents. "Let's. Please, please, pretty please, with a cherry on top!"

"Alright." Vermouth sighed. Her daughter's bright blue eyes would be the death of her. Handing the phone to her husband, she whispered in his ears with a sweet smile. "If you miss anything, you're dead."

To be fair, Gin didn't mind accompanying his family to these outings, or the obsessive filming for that matter. However, the thought of spending the entire weekend surrounded by horses made him cringe. Not only did the animals reek, but they also weren't potty-trained. He had had two close-calls already, and he could swear the horses had it out for him. The stable was only a part of the estate, which included a mansion, gardens, and equestrian facilities. And the owner was surprised, surprised Michael. The estate, like its master, rejected him as if he were a foreign organ.

"Daddy, ride with us, or are you chicken?" Kate clucked, her arms flapped, imitating the birds.

"How about pony steaks for lunch?" Gin bared his teeth, eyeing the mount.

"Why are you so mean?"

"A simple no would have sufficed." Vermouth tried to ease the situation, now that the instructor and the stable master's expressions had darkened significantly, making sure the horse lovers knew he wasn't serious. "Sorry, he has a morbid sense of humor."