#AND DOES TAKASUGI MEAN NOTHING TO YOU?!!?

[sankatsuka]

Shinsuke Takasugi Character Discussion PART 1 - Putting a Name to the Irrationality, that is Love

I recently finished watching Gintama and I really, really needed to talk about my current opinions on Takasugi's character. I'm absolutely blown away by the writing that I really, really need to put into words my emotions about it.

Warnings:

I think there are many ways to interpret Takasugi's dialogue given how ambiguous his choice of words tend to be. This is just my own personal interpretation that hits me best.

THIS INTERPRETATION HEAVILY IMPLIES TAKAGIN. Gintoki has always obviously been the most strongly connected to Takasugi's character. Platonic or romantic, I don't think there will be someone they can come to love more than each other. I know, implying a romance in a Shounen Jump series that's normally queerphobic? But it just makes sense to me (//shot).

Takasugi's attachment is pretty much obvious and evident from the very start, with how deranged he had become from the tragedy of the war and was acting out so as to not let go of Shoyo to live an ordinary life. It's interesting to note how Katsura was swayed by Gintoki to change his ways, but Takasugi wasn't. His childhood does somewhat explain why: until he met Shoyo, he seemingly had not a single thing to live for. As compared to Katsura who was loved by his grandmother, Takasugi was born with nothing - his parents were abusive and willing to kick him out at such a young age. It's no surprise he became unapologetically rebellious, while Katsura found his way as the Runaway Kotaro thanks to his grandmother. But because the meaning of life was so intertwined with bushido, that his parents would have loved him if he was a Samurai, a path was something Takasugi couldn't live without.

So meeting Shoyo, who saw him as a Samurai for the lost punk he was, was like being told there already is meaning - a bushido - in his present impulses. Their repeated encounters and exchanges cemented Takasugi's place at Shoka Sonjuku, and it makes sense for Takasugi to become attached to Shoyo who gave him that home. But as we hear more and more from Takasugi's perspective and his realizations with Kiheitai, it made me feel there was a distinction between his feelings for Shoyo and Gintoki - it wasn't Shoyo he was obsessed with, it was Gintoki. Gintoki represents the vague path he found as a Samurai.

And Shouyou's values simply allowed for that half-hearted, meaningless path.

When you're in the deepest depths of despair, as shown in many instances in Gintama, the love that pushes you forward is from the people who want the best for you. In Katsura's first taste of despair from losing his family, it was his grandmother's love for him that kept him going despite being ostracized for his status. But there was no one like that in Takasugi's life for him to keep going, which is why Katsura's criticism on how Takasugi was 'ungrateful for his chance at a good education' stands out. Takasugi only knew how to use his body to fight and gain power - likely from his hostile, unforgiving home environment where one would have to dissociate to cope - that it was the only thing he took seriously in life. But there was no name for that obsession. And for that Takasugi who couldn't think about anything else other than becoming powerful, Gintoki was the first and only one to respond to that violent spirit.

As much as any other child, Takasugi wanted to be loved, but because he grew up in a hostile environment, he knew nothing about expressing emotions normally. And so that desire translated into physically acting out as reason would only further harm you in a toxic environment. In Takasugi's depths of despair where the only thing he knew was to grow stronger and stronger, Gintoki was there, refusing to lose to him, even telling him to come back after his first victory when all other kids just ridiculed him. For the first time, Takasugi wasn't alone. And this stays true even in the present: Gintoki knows he has to stay strong for Takasugi to keep taking his anger on until he stops.

Naturally, when you find someone important to you, you want to be closer to them emotionally, you want to mean something to them. But the problem is that Takasugi's only way of expressing emotions is through violence, and Gintoki is probably the least open person when it comes to his own emotions. Because of this, although their scores were already matching up, Takasugi still felt as if he was chasing after him. So, more than anyone, Takasugi cared about the one thing Gintoki clearly held close to his heart: Shoyo. This is evident in how even on the brink of death, Takasugi made it a point to make Gintoki to promise to save Shoyo no matter what, even if it meant running over his corpse.

And when Takasugi takes out his anguish on Gintoki over Gintoki's 'choice' to pick Takasugi over Shoyo despite everything, not a single word is mentioned about Shoyo's emotions - all of his venting is just questioning why over and over again, focusing more on how the choice didn't make any sense.

The answer should have always been clear, that it was because Shoyo wanted to protect his disciples and Gintoki simply upheld this. Even Oboro tells it straight to their faces that their teacher granted them their lives. Katsura never seemed to ever question Gintoki's choice himself probably because it was too obvious. But Takasugi couldn't see it for some reason, and it bothers him so much from just not understanding why. This further goes to show how important understanding every fibre of Gintoki's being is to Takasugi.

And Gintoki is more aware than Takasugi of the very reason why Takasugi can't see it - because, in Gintoki's shoes, Takasugi would have done the same, but is unable to discern the reason why he would do such an irrational thing (hint: because he doesn't understand love, duh). This means a lack of self-discipline that doesn't follow Shoka Sonjuku's teachings and he is apparently no longer living by Shoyo's values. It's always been important for Takasugi to be a Samurai in some right. So as punishment for abandoning Shoka Sonjuku's teachings, he would have to kill the very person his body wanted to protect more than his teacher who was the rational choice. And Gintoki knows, because it's probably easy to tell when someone is obsessed with you.

Even in the very first episode Takasugi appears in the entire anime, his criticism of Gintoki's 'carefree' lifestyle reflects the lack of self-discipline he believes he has too. If he chose to kill Shoyo, he wouldn't have anything honourable to fight for anymore, and it would leave an even more bitter taste to live a carefree life on top of all the corpses he piled up after he abandoned their original goal of saving Shoyo. Takasugi hates that his choice would mean trampling over the dead bodies of his comrades. And seeing Gintoki live a peaceful life despite that 'selfishness' further fuels Takasugi's bloodlust to motivate his own self-punishment, despite also wanting him alive.

These beliefs Takasugi projected onto Gintoki actually come to fruition when Bansai is killed. Now that Takasugi is no longer blinded by his self-hatred, he can clearly see the corpses of the comrades who believed in him that he's been stepping on to get this far on his half-heartedness. Takasugi is the type who strongly wants what he wants (Gintoki, translated in wanting to win against him), but is also an emotional person who strongly cares about people - so walking down his selfish path is difficult with no scapegoat (Shoyo) to justify the horrible consequences to other people or another emotion to blind him from realizing it (self-hatred). As Bansai says, Takasugi is a weak man who anguishes about the corpses that pile up underneath him. Of course it haunted him thinking his body would selfishly save Gintoki instead of Shoyo in that moment and abandon the wishes of all the corpses of his comrades (supporting Takasugi to save Shoyo). Not only was he dishonouring Shoyo's values, he was also abandoning the people who believed in him.

This explains why Takasugi couldn't move on from the past like Gintoki and Katsura did. Katsura can be swayed by Gintoki because he knows nothing will bring back the dead and the best thing to do is to move on for their sake. Takasugi can't be swayed even knowing this, because of the self-hatred that whispers in his ears that he would never be doing enough to honour the souls of his fallen comrades and Shoyo. And it is a self-hatred born from witnessing Gintoki's 'choice', a constant reminder that he would choose Gintoki's life over Shoyo. When that wasn't what his fallen comrades or maybe even Shoyo (because they've come all this way for his life) would have wanted.

And in their next encounter on Rakuyo, Gintoki seems to even straight up joke about Takasugi's obsession with him. Cryptically, of course:

Gintoki did nothing to save Takasugi's life in Rakuyo, it was all Kiheitai. So in other words, it may not even be about their current situation, Gintoki is insulting Takasugi as a whole - Takasugi needs to rely on Gintoki's existence to have a reason to live, as Kiheitai sees him. This is because Gintoki was the light in his despair, like he was to Kiheitai (Spoiler: Kiheitai helps him see himself of course). And that is what torments him as he has to come to gripes with the lives he's willing to put aside for Gintoki.

Continued in Part 2 because Tumblr has an image limit. 😭

[sakukaguxxi]

Yakult and Tobacco | Gintama

Word count: 3.4k

C/W’s: none really except for a tiny bit of blood

Summary: a story about what happens to Takasugi and the Kiheitai after ch. 704

a/n: This is my first time writing for Gintama, and I wanted to do something like this for a while but didn’t think I was a good enough story writer. But I really felt passionate about this topic and tried my best. I was inspired by various ideas from fandom and combined with my own random ideas. I hope this isn’t too bad. Likes and reblogs are appreciated!

______

The long search hadn’t been for nothing. It wasn’t a pipe dream, it wasn't a dead end. This couldn’t be a coincidence. After investigating the dragon holes for several months, Matako finally found him. 

She was overcome with tears of joy and relief as she held the reborn Takasugi in her arms. The local villagers who had gathered around upon getting word of a mysterious baby appearing in the dragon hole looked on in mild confusion. What does this baby mean to this woman? they must have thought. Was it really born from the dragon hole or just abandoned? Is it the divine wrath of Ryujin-sama?

Matako didn’t really care how this scene looked to anyone else at that moment. It was just so personal. Feeling like a big weight had been lifted off her shoulders finally, she decided she was ready to leave after she finished crying and wiped away her tears. Wherever home was, they could now return.

Matako turned to the crowd. “I will take this child,” she announced.

Nobody else was racing to volunteer, but there were a few murmurs among the crowd. Then one man pointed at the infant, shouting, “This could be an attack by the Dragon Vein God! You shouldn’t keep it!”

“I can handle this,” she responded firmly. “You don’t know the whole story, because this is actually my friend who I’ve been looking for, and now he’s been revived. It probably sounds crazy, but even if you don’t believe me, I have to do this.”

Now that she found Shinsuke, it was time to embark on the journey to regroup with Takechi. Some villagers were actually kind enough to help her by lending her some baby supplies and giving her directions, even if they didn’t fully understand the background. 

……

Matako met Takechi at a small house on the outskirts of Edo that the Kiheitai had used as a hideout. It would make a decent place for someone who wanted some privacy away from the city. There was a dirt path leading to it with a hedge running along one side.

When Matako arrived at the house, Takasugi still looked like a baby. She and Takechi decided they would take care of him together. The two Kiheitai members smiled down at the infant. Takechi, normally less sentimental, was still happy Takasugi had been found. He was also proud that after being told there wasn’t the slightest chance of Takasugi being resurrected like Utsuro, their intuition had actually worked out in their favor.

“The dark purple hair is definitely the same,” Henpeita observed. 

“And now he has two functioning eyes again,” Matako added. She gazed at the baby, whose eyes were open and was looking up at the two of them. “I wonder if he recognizes us yet even in this state…”

Henpeita put a hand on her shoulder. “We can’t know yet, so you shouldn’t worry right now.”

……

Takasugi had reached a new stage of growth within a couple days of arriving at the hideout, looking around preschool age now. Despite hearing what happened to the reborn Utsuro from Gintoki and knowing what altana was capable of, Matako and Henpeita were still amazed to witness Takasugi’s growth first-hand. It reminded them of Princess Kaguya. Altana truly was a powerful energy.

Henpeita went and bought more clothing for Takasugi in a couple different sizes since they didn’t know when his next growth spurt would be. As the strategist of the Kiheitai, he was trying to think ahead. He also bought Yakult, which Takasugi had gone absolutely nuts for in the past. He thought it might even help spur on his memories.

There weren’t many other people in the close-by area to worry about, but Matako felt a sense of protectiveness towards Takasugi during this sensitive time. She didn’t want people to think he was a monster if they noticed his fast growth. She was glad she’d found him when she did instead of him falling into the wrong hands. For the time being, he had to stay near the house at least.

The interesting thing about Shinsuke growing up at an accelerated rate was that he still couldn’t speak, but seemed to understand basic communication in a way. He also easily regained his ability to do certain things such as walking and using chopsticks with only a little instruction if any. He mostly followed the other two around quietly like a puppy and went with the flow of whatever they were doing. Being like a little kid, he could still get into mischief. Gintoki had mentioned that the reborn Shouyou started speaking fully when his memories were unlocked. However, Matako didn’t know if or when Takasugi would regain his memories and return to his old self. 

……

On the second night since Takasugi’s new growth, Matako rolled to her side and smiled softly at him as they were about to go to sleep. They slept in the same room on their own futons since he had his first growth spurt out of babyhood. But Shinsuke was given the one regular-sized blanket in the house. Takechi hadn’t gotten around to shopping for more of those yet. 

For the first time since being reborn, Shinsuke had a dream of various people crying or looking like they’re about to cry. There was the blonde-haired woman called Matako, a man with curly silvery-blue hair, and another man with long light brown hair. In the dream, Shinsuke thought, No… please don’t cry, everyone… 

Shinsuke woke up again early in the morning and turned toward Matako out of curiosity and instinct. She was still asleep but looked cold and exposed from not having a decent blanket. Despite still being tired, he felt an urge to help her, so he dragged his blanket across the room and covered her. Then he laid down next to her on top of the blanket and pulled one edge over himself.

Like a lot of dreams, most of the contents of Shinsuke’s had faded from his mind within a few minutes of being awake, leaving only vague bits and pieces. The details of most of the people had become blurrier, and he wasn’t aware yet that it was based on real experience anyway. 

A few hours later, Takechi stepped in the doorway to the others’ bedroom, asking, “Matako, are you awake yet?”. He had returned from a short visit to the city and was surprised to see the little Takasugi sleeping next to her on top of the blanket. 

Memories of the first time Takechi officially met Matako flashed in his mind: despite the Bakufu confiscating her gun, she did whatever she could to try to save the imprisoned Jouishishi, such as threatening Takechi with a dagger to the back. More important to her than Takasugi acknowledging her or letting her join him was preventing his death, because she believed the country needed him. No doubt, being saved by him personally had also cemented her loyalty and belief that he had a good heart. Takechi had handed back her gun and told her she would do well to take revenge herself. He recalled her surprised face at the end of the battle when Shinsuke simply said, “Let’s go,” letting her know she was included.

I never thought I’d see them as roommates, Henpeita thought.

……

Later the same day, Gintoki was walking towards the Kiheitai hideout when he came upon a little boy standing on the path. Despite looking young, Gintoki could recognize that face anywhere, having grown up with him. Shinsuke stared up at him like a deer caught in headlights.

“So we meet again, huh?” Gintoki stated calmly, his eyes at half-mast.

Meanwhile, Matako was in the house, expecting Gintoki any minute. The Kiheitai had contacted all of Shinsuke’s old friends, and Gintoki was the first who was able to visit. She was suddenly alerted to a child whining, “Let me go! Put me down!” followed by a familiar male voice saying, “Excuse me.” She went into the genkan to see Gintoki holding Shinsuke under his arm

“Let me go!” Shinsuke repeated, trying to wriggle free.

“Is this your kid?” Gintoki asked sarcastically. “He made an impudent face, and I knew right away.” He finally released the boy from his hold.

As Shinsuke went forward to climb over the porch step, kicking his sandals off behind him, Matako grumbled, “...It’s obvious.” Shinsuke dashed past her into the house. “Come in,” she offered to Gintoki.

……

After setting Shinsuke up with a game on the other side of the room, Matako and Gintoki sat across from each other with their own cup of tea. Gintoki eyed him for a bit before focusing on Matako. “How has taking care of him been so far?” he asked.

“It’s been relatively good. It’s not like I have much experience taking care of babies or little kids, but this isn’t a regular situation. Takechi-senpai has also been a big help, I hate to admit…”

“When did he start talking, anyway? He still seems pretty quiet otherwise…”

Matako frowned slightly. “Just today when you showed up carrying him… He never said anything before, so I guess this is progress. I thought you meeting him could change things…”

“Well, yes, I am very influential,” Gintoki joked. “I’m not the main character of my own series for nothing.”

Matako looked downcast, so Gintoki snapped back into seriousness, waiting for her to continue. “I can’t help but compare your situation with Shouyou to ours,” she explained. “I want Shinsuke-sama to be happy no matter what happens, but deep down my hope is he’ll regain his memories and return to being the person we know and love. Am I selfish for this? Would he be better off starting a different life and forgetting Shouka Sonjuku, the Joui War, the Kiheitai, everything?” Her eyes stung with tears. “I won’t abandon him, but I can’t deny there’s still a void from losing a loved one. Not only could we not prevent it, we weren’t there for him during that time. We had no idea he was dying. I thought we were doing the right thing by giving him some space, but it didn't work out for us in the end. We shouldn’t have left him alone…”

Suddenly, Takasugi scurried up next to Matako to hold her hand. He noticed her looking and sounding like she might cry and wanted to comfort her somehow. Matako was surprised by his action, but it made her smile. “Don’t worry, I’m alright,” she reassured him, giving him a one-armed hug. He stood back for a few seconds like he wasn’t sure, then returned to his area.

Gintoki drank more tea with a pensive expression. “You don’t know this, but I actually had amnesia once from a car accident and lost my identity,” he shared. “Yeah, I became a productive member of society and didn’t remember bad memories from my past, but it wasn’t me. My friends struggled to get me back, and while it didn’t happen right away and I left them to start a new life, they still came to get me eventually. So the way you feel is natural, Matako-san. And although I can’t make any guarantees and can only go by my one experience, I’d say you shouldn’t give up… Just be honest with him.”

……

Matako saw Gintoki off at the entrance when it was time to go. “Thank you again for coming, Shiroyasha,” she said. 

“No problem,” Gintoki replied. “And like I said, I’ll also see what else I can do. I’ll talk to Zura and Tatsuma about it too. So, see you guys later.”

“See ya.” That came from Shinsuke, who had come out to the front. Matako and Gintoki were still a little stunned to hear him speak again at all, but Matako did a double take because his yukata was now up to his knees. He definitely looked taller than he was even less than twenty minutes ago! Now he had an elementary school-age appearance. 

Gintoki also noticed and smirked. “Take care now,” he said.

On his way down the path, Gintoki encountered Takechi coming from the opposite direction with a bag in hand. 

“Were you in a hurry?” Takechi asked, stopping.

“I had some barley tea and we talked for a bit,” Gintoki replied. As he walked past Takechi, he continued, “I don’t know what’ll end up happening, but… he definitely doesn’t need diapers anymore,” and waved back.

……

Gintoki, Katsura, and Sakamoto met at a local restaurant and sat at a booth together, with Gintoki on one side and the other two across. He was catching them up on his visit to the Kiheitai from the day before.

“I admit that I was initially skeptical and didn’t think it was possible for him to be resurrected,” Katsura said. “I admit it, I was wrong.”

“Aren’t you glad things are starting to work out, though?” Sakamoto said. 

“Yeah, but there’s still the issue of him getting his memories back, which the Kiheitai care a lot about,” Gintoki pointed out. “Matako-san seemed upset when I talked to her. I think we should all do our best to help in some way. Takasugi was our friend too, so we want him to get his memories back, right?”

Sakamoto turned to Katsura with a smile and said, “Well, since it’s our turn to visit now, let’s go together. We should do it soon this week.”

“Let’s bring presents,” Katsura suggested excitedly. 

……

After Gintoki left the Kiheitai hideout, Takasugi didn’t try to speak the rest of that day or into the next. Matako and Takechi weren’t sure why, but hypothesized maybe his mind was still settling in and it was part of his development. They asked him at one point if he could remember his past, but he shook his head in confusion. So they tried to tell him some more about his background, and he seemed to be listening, but his reaction was calm, almost unreadable.

It wasn’t until after going to bed that more peculiar things happened once again. Takasugi had another dream where he was standing by a river at night with fireworks going off. It was a beautiful sight, and he watched in awe as different colors and even shapes soared across the sky. There were other people around him watching, including three people right in front of him. Then those three people turned around and smiled at him. There was Matako, Takechi, and a green-haired man wearing sunglasses… Bansai. By the way they were looking at him, it seemed like they were happy he was having a good time and enjoyed being with him. 

The scenery changed somehow seamlessly to a man standing in front of a nondescript background. He had long, light brown hair and wore gray and beige clothing, with his arms crossed and tucked into the opposite sleeves of his haori. He was smiling and had a strong aura like a wise and kind person. He said, I’m proud of you, Shinsuke, so don’t give up. 

Shouyou-sensei? Shinsuke thought as the recognition completely dawned on him.

Takasugi didn’t get to hear a response as he woke up soon after that in the morning. Not only had he grown to adult size overnight, he now finally had a realization about himself. That dream had made everything clear. 

He sat up cross-legged, the blanket falling over his lap. Since he grew a lot over night, his yukata had opened up and became more like a shirt, revealing his bare torso and obviously not long enough anymore to cover his bottom half if not for the blanket. 

Matako groaned slightly as she also started to wake up. She tilted her head to look at Takasugi and was met with the grown version of him staring back at her with his mouth slightly agape.

“Wha- Huh?!” Matako gasped, sitting up and pulling her blanket further over her chest out of reflex. She honestly hadn’t expected to wake up that morning and suddenly see Takasugi look basically like the person she’d known for 12 years. Out of awkwardness, she shifted her position to slightly face away from him while her eyes were still pointed his way. She trembled a little as she reached to push some hair out of her face. 

Takasugi put his hand over his left eye. “Hey… It’s me,” he finally said.

In a flash, Matako went forward to kneel in front of him as he lowered his hand. She looked up right into his eyes. “You can see, can’t you?” she asked with concern. 

Takasugi looked down and took in her expression fully, which conveyed intense emotion. “...Yes, I can see …” he answered. “It’s just that I only noticed now that I got it back…”

“How do you feel now?” 

“I’m still trying to process everything and let the fact that this is real settle in… But I know how and why I came back and accept it. On that day, Shouyou-sensei actually told me his plan to sacrifice himself by using up all the altana in his body to cancel out the terminal’s altana. And he was distraught at the time because he didn’t think he could save me as well…” He raised one side of his mouth in a half smile. “I feel like Sensei was by my side until you came to pick me up again. And he still is here in a way…” 

Takasugi took a scan around the room, then continued, “And even before I got my memories back, I’ve seen over the past couple weeks how you and Takechi have taken care of and protected me, so I’m also grateful to you. Also importantly, I’ve wanted to say I’m sorry for leaving the Kiheitai behind without a word and any hurt caused by my absence. I couldn’t tell you what was going on and I didn’t know how much longer I’d have to live or if I’d see you again at all. But thank you for not giving up on me.”

Matako felt her heart swell and couldn’t help herself, leaning forward to give him a big hug. He was momentarily stunned but formed a small smile and reciprocated. “It really was no problem,” Matako said. “You know the Kiheitai will be there for you. And we may not have had the chance to meet your master, but we can’t thank him enough for making this possible...”

……

Once Shinsuke was fully dressed and had gotten his bearings, he said to Takechi when they were outside walking, “Could you hand me your sword? There’s something I want to see…”

Takechi unsheathed his sword and handed it over without a word, his eyes fixed on Shinsuke’s face the whole time.

Shinsuke raised his left hand and carefully pricked the pad of the middle finger. There were some tiny beads of blood, but nothing else happened. After sucking the blood off his finger, he resumed, “I actually don’t think I had to do that to know I’m still mortal, but I just felt like making a point for myself.” He gave Takechi back his sword.

As Takechi put it away, he responded in an amused tone, “I figured that’s why you wanted it.”

Shinsuke chuckled. “I wanna get a new sword sometime soon, though. It doesn’t feel right not having something at my waist. And I might need it anyway if the Kiheitai has plans.”

……

Later that day, Katsura and Sakamoto came over. “Sorry it’s been a while since I last wrote,” Katsura told Matako as they stood at the genkan with him in front of Sakamoto. He held up a paper bag. “This is a gift for you, Matako-san. It’s one of those new-fangled robot vacuums.”

“Oh, wow,” Matako remarked.

Katsura stepped a little closer to her like he was giving her some topic secret advice, but said in a louder voice with his finger pointed up, “For the little one’s sake, we need to make sure we take care of dust in even the nooks and crannies…”

“It’s really nice, but why are you so loud right now? And anyway, Shinsuke-sama is already…”

“Oi,” came a baritone voice from inside, which got Sakamoto and Katsura to crane their necks around Matako. She led them forward so they could see in the doorway.

Takasugi was sitting on the floor holding a kiseru. “You guys are as loud as ever,” he said with a grin.

______

a/n: Thanks for reading! Please like and reblog!

[lilac-5ky]

Spending Valentine's Day with kid!Takasugi (x kid!Fem!Reader)

A/N: I lowkey wrote this last minute thing because I had to contribute :p At first, I wanted to write Valentines Day headcanons for him, but then I thought I'd write a cute lil story about cute lil child Shinsuke and his cute lil crush. Might do a follow up post on actual V-Day headcanons today or tomorrow, my brain is toasted and I haven't even properly proofread this. Apologies for inconsistencies!

Plot: Shinsuke has a crush on his classmate and gets her to play hooky with him on Valentine's Day.

Warning: Zero calories fluff, no spice, whatsoever.

He is so embarrassed to admit his own feelings, yet at the same time they're eating him alive. He's noticed the way others look at you and thinks it's impossible they misso out on what he sees; all that makes you brighter and more special than any other girl in Shouyou's class, and any other girl he'd ever had the luck of encountering. Only a fool would fail to realize your worth, and for that, he is scared the day might come when someone who isn't him will show up and sweep you off your feet- and God knows, he can never let that happen. Even if Gintoki or Katsura catch onto his affections, he has to step up and declare his intentions.

And so he does. Away from the eyes of his classmates and on a day with great importance to those in love. Of course, he'd never admit that he is in love with you. Little Shinsuke barely knows what such crude and complicated emotions mean. What he does know is that it's dangerous to let you be at school with the rest of your aspiring "suitors" or allow for your precious chocolate to be stolen by the likes of Gintoki. He's just trying his best to look out for you.

While the two of you walk to school-- your small hands surely enough gripping a box of chocolate meant for an unlucky fellow who wouldn't receive his treat-- he suggests you play hooky from school. Surprised, you ask him what's gotten into him; if there's a specific reason behind his request and if something's wrong. He doesn't bother explain, and tells you to simply follow him without asking more questions for the time being.

The two of you end up back to his house, and once he makes sure his father --at the very least-- isn't home, he motions for you to follow him inside.

You sneak past the gate and the servants who keep sweeping the dirt off the floors without being aware of your presence, and soon you make it to a large area of spreading greenery at the back of his estate. An abudance of wild flowers blossoms wildy and unruly below your feet, creating a wonderful field of color. Entranced as you are, your lips gap at the sight, fingers lightly caressing the overgrown leaves surrounding you.

"They are so beautiful, don't you think," you whisper.

He doesn't answer, but imitates your gesture of caressing a dark purpe flower, one as dark as his hair.

"You'd better get into work." He comments, bothering to explain only after you shoot him a look of utter confusion. "The gardener quit last week and father's furious over the state of these wild weeds," he distastefully says. "You should clean them up."

"But why?" You ask, half wondering why it must be you and why anyone would want to get rid of something this pretty. He only answers your first question, reminding you of a test paper you may or may not have copied from him, and how nothing prevents him from letting Shouyou know.

Without a real choice, you accept the task assigned to you and he hands you a pair of gloves and a pruning shear that casually happened to be lying around. You put them on and get into work, while he assumes a seat nearby the porch, spreading a book on his lap and throwing glances from time to time to see if you are doing as told.

It pains your heart to see the garden become naked, but at the same time you can't help yourself from smiling at the rapidly growing bouquet in your hands. All the colors of the world have gathered up, from sparkling yellows to subtle whites and fervent reds, each is more beautiful than the one before.

Working under the sun has you wiping the sweat off your forehead every three seconds, but even so, you find your shared time a lot more enjoyable than you initially thought it be. Sure, you spend it in utter silence, with only the sounds of stems being plucked and pages being flipped filling the space between you, and yet what you don't know iis that the reason for his quietness has nothing to do with the quality of a book he isn't even reading, or with him playing the role of an employer all too well. In reality, he just can't bring himself to take his eyes from you and knows that if he speaks, his voice will crack in such unnatural way that he'll make a fool of himself.

Once you finish piling up the dried leaves and headless stems, you walk up to him. He doesn't look at you right away- he finishes reading his page, flips his bookmark to the next and then raises his head, finding a bouquet greeting him from where your face ought to be.

"All done!" You speak behind it, and he can hear the smile in your voice.

"Hm..." He looks around, as if he wasn't aware you'd finished. "You did well," he barely admits.

"What are you reading?" You ask.

"Yesterday's notes."

"Kat-su-ra Ko-ta-" You turn your head upside down to read the label, but he pulls it away.

"Zura gave them to me. I was just comparing our answers." He justifies.

Ignoring the fact that you caught him red-handed, you instead smile at him gently. It hasn't been long since you became Shouyou's student yourself, and yet you'd managed to grow fond of him. He had quite the nasty temper and prefered dressing his true intentions in bitter words that matched his higher status, but behind all that lied a boy as devious and mischievous as the rest of you.

"Takasugi-kun," you say as you take a seat beside him, "why does your father not want flowers in his garden?"

He glances at you and then down at his dangling feet. "What's pretty is a distraction. He says samurai don't need to worry about stuff that isn't necessarry and offers nothing."

"But don't you think such life is boring?" You bring the flowers to your nose and take a whiff off the delicious scent. "Without beauty, what's left worth living for? My father says that if the Amanto win the war, nothing will be left for us to look at. Our trees will wither and our rivers will be drained-- then what reason will we have to smile? Doesn't your father consider that?"

Shinsuke takes a deep breath, unsure of what to answer. His eyes that were drawn to you with each chance were a testament to your words, but the viciousness in his father's eyes as he raisd his hand against him was etched all too well in his skin.

"The world will carry on either way," he mumbles.

Even if he hadn't kept you from going to school, you'd keep on blossoming the way you were supposed to, be it close to him or away from his sight. It was stupid of him to think his actions would have a different impact, especially when he couldn't be honest with either one of you.

However, while he took his time to sulk, you'd leaned closer to him and dropped the flowers in his hands, resulting to him flinching away as if an electric current passed through him.

"Then you should have them! Whatever my father or yours say, doesn't matter. When we are old enough, we can have our own rules and make the world how we want it to be. I know I want our world to be as pretty as these flowers!"

"You..." He says, straigthening his lips in a line and then pushing the bouquet in your direction. "You shouldn't give flowers to others this carelessly! Like I told you, a samurai has no use for them- I can't accept them."

"Then, how about these?" You trade the flowers for the chocolates, the ones you meant to give him much to his obliviousness all along. "Chocolate is food and without food even a samurai can die!"

Unable, or rather, unwilling to decline a seocnd time, he takes on the box and peers inside; heart-shaped delicacies are carefully stacked up between folds of wrapping paper, each being half the size of a thumb. He picks one and studies it under the sun as if it's a foreign object, while you pick another and push it to his lips.

"Aaa~" You taunt him, and with a look of grumpiness, he accepts. The sweetness melts in his mouth, his tongue watering for more, but when you attempt to feed him another, he glances elsewhere.

"I only took it so that you wouldn't be offended," he tells a lie not even he believes.

You toss the piece between your lips and lean back, your head hitting the wooden planks of the porch. For a February morning, the weather sure is warm enough for you to spend the remainder of your morning in his company. His eyes are glued to his book again, while yours gaze far into the sky and the clouds above, watching the sun gradually melt to softer shades of pink and orange.

Were you at Shoka Sonjuku now, sensei would be patting your heads and wishing you a safe journey like he always did. Hopefully you'd manage to escape the earful, come tomorrow. Sensei was a warm person, but he could be quite scary too.

It was time for you to go home.

You extend both arms in a lazy stretch and jump to your feet, remembering to pick up the flowers Shinsuke previously rejected. You announced your intentions to him and bid him farewell, only for your hand to be caught between a wilsome grasp of fingers.

"I'll walk you home, " he declares. "You shouldn't walk alone through the woods when it gets late."

"Is that part of a samurai's duty?" You tease, accepting his offer with an earnest grin.

He huffs under his breath, mumbling incomprehensible words, as your thumb applies pressure on his palm. There is a brief pasue where he looks up at you, and in that extremely brief moment, you swear to see the sunset peak across his cheeks in a shade that outshone those dancing between the clouds in the sky.

No more words are exchanged between you. His hand remains in yours and yours in his, while you make your way outside his garden, the front door, and the little pathway leading back into the forest, the two of you finding plenty of excuses to make stops along the way to extend your journey, without ever letting go of the other's hand.

[banapricot]

Through blatantly contradicting itself, installing a revolving door in the Fourth Wall, and almost never taking itself seriously, the world of Gintama became one where everything is Real and nothing is True.

In an unrelated post I said ‘If you acknowledge the Prototype Yorozuya’, because while it’s very clearly a ridiculous joke we have no reason not to believe it. 90% of the entire show is a joke, that doesn't make it any less meaningful. Just look at the Memory Loss arc; a plot device everyone uses to make fun of Gintoki that is also utterly heartbreaking. 

The Timeskip arc, with every plot twist dumber than the last, sheds light on integral characteristics of everyone’s personality. Everything mentioned in the ‘Joui reunion’ can not have logically happened, yet ‘Kuroko’ showing up means it did. The Renho arc played out right in front of us but does Elizabeth actually look like a human man under that maybe-costume? 

This even applies to the main plot: We know how Takasugi lost his eye, but he was revealed to have lost it in a fight on a rooftop years before. Against a recurring antagonist that seemed to be the Final Boss, except he never even existed. The fake movie trailer was endorsed by the protagonist, so while the movie is fake maybe the scene isn’t, if you don’t want it to be. 

Shouyou is dead; He’s alive and immortal. Utsuro is gone; He’s a child. 

Everything is imaginary and nothing is false. 

[writing-badger]

Twitter Polls Make For The Bloodiest Battlefields - Chapter 2

There Aren't As Many Voice Actors As You Would Think

1 (Previous Chapter) • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 6.5

Pairing: Sakata Gintoki x Reigen

Summary: Anime Twitter was thrown into chaos. Thirty-two "DILFs" were thrown into a merciless battle to find out who truly encapsulated the title of Dad I'd Like to Fuck. Two competitors begin to wonder whether the battle is worth it and maybe, just maybe, they can overcome their differences to find a way out.

Word Count: 2,904

Warnings: Too many DILFs

Gintoki is under no illusion as to what a DILF is. After all, he is a man of culture, as a certain hair-cutting samurai would say. He keeps thinking about any possible reasons as to why he might have been chosen. He does have a rather impressive chest, although this is mostly because the animation staff started putting more budget into him rather than an effort on his part. He used to be more like a noodle, limp and unimpressive. Maybe his upgrade in appearance appealed to a certain demographic, but his personality should have been a major turn-off. Right? What sort of father would fight his daughter over who gets to eat the last piece of dog food? 

 But then again, in a DILF contest, does personality even matter?

 If not, then he might actually stand a chance. With newfound confidence, he materialises into a white void that is almost completely empty save for a large figure a short distance away. 

 This confidence is immediately smashed into a thousand tiny, tiny pieces as he gets a closer look at the man. From just the bright red hair and daunting size, Gin immediately knows who he is looking at. How could he ever entertain the idea of being more fuckable than Shanks? Not that he would ever admit it out loud, but he used to re-read Shanks' chapters over and over again knowing that he wouldn't be seen for years on end. 

 Gintoki is completely frozen as he looks at one of the most fearsome and stunning pirates in manga, like a child meeting their hero. Meanwhile, Shanks is sitting on the floor, one leg stretched out and his back resting against an invisible wall. His head is lowered slightly as if he is sleeping, his hair swaying lightly as if being rustled by a breeze. His cloak covers most of his body, hiding the impressive sword that is always by his side.

 You would think that, with his previous crossover experience, Gin would be handling this like a professional but he is absolutely not. 

 This situation is unlike anything he has ever done before. Usually, he was just being isekaied into a fantasy world, hijacking time-slots, or hiding in the background of films. Having the Red-Haired Shanks sitting in front of him is nothing like running around with those Sket Dance punks who tried to leech off of his popularity. And then their creator then had the audacity to slander Sorachi in a different manga. Gin-san may not like school festivals, but he did not let his youth go to waste. He was busy fighting wars against amanto and trying to tame his unstained hair. He swears that if he ever meets that obnoxious ogre, he’s going to give the loser a piece of his mind. 

 “You know,” a smooth voice suddenly rings out, drawing Gintoki’s gaze over to Shanks, “with such a sour look on your face, it would be easy to mistake you for an enemy.” From underneath his hair, Gin can see a single eye trained on him like a tiger waiting to attack. A shiver crawls up his spine as he quickly tries to look as defenceless as possible.

 “Oh no, no,” Gin quickly says, waving his hands slightly to try and show he means no harm, “I’m just a big fan of yours and, well, you’re a lot more intimidating in real life than in the ma… um… on your wanted poster.”

 At this, Shanks stands up and Gintoki has to strain to look up at him. For a moment, he wonders if this was how Takasugi felt all the time, but he quickly brushes the thought from his head. He really doesn't need those kinds of thoughts coming back right now. Instead, he focuses on the pirate's face, finding that it looks so much more defined and handsome than he remembered. The three iconic scars run over his left eye, only adding to his appearance. When he was younger, Gin had tried to convince Zura to give him similar wounds, although Shoyo immediately put a stop to it. For a second, he lowers his eyes as he tries to push the memory away, but he ends up being eye level with Shanks's tastefully exposed chest. The loose-fitting shirt leaving very little to the imagination. It takes a lot of willpower for Gin to tear his gaze away. 

 There is an icy silence as sweat begins to bead on Gin's forehead. All it would take is a single blast of Conqueror’s Haki for Gintoki to be knocked into oblivion and, if Shanks knew what Gin was thinking, he would probably never wake up again. 

 And then Shanks starts to laugh. It starts off as a rather light laugh but, within seconds, the sound is booming around the room as Shanks tries to calm himself down a little.  

 “Sorry about that,” Shanks says, “it’s just I’ve never seen someone looking so angry while barefoot.”

 Gin quickly looks down at his feet, noticing that his shoes are missing, probably still back with Kagura and Shinpachi. He’s lucky that this is just a fanfic, otherwise, he would have to worry about his feet pictures being shared on some sketchy website. If people want his feet pic, then he is going to make a profit off of them. They are his feet after all.  

 “Oh,” he says as he wriggles his toes, almost as if he is surprised to see them. 

 “You didn’t even notice, huh?” Shanks says with a smile, his icy mood completely melting away. Gin, meanwhile, is thanking his Ketsuno Ana Zodiac Reading that he didn’t immediately make an enemy out of a fearsome pirate. 

 “Well, you know how it is with being teleported into a blank void and all that.”

 “And it looks like we aren’t the only ones,” Shanks says as he gestures to something behind Gintoki. 

 Turning around, Gintoki spots a strange floating light that slowly morphs into the shape of a man. And then another, and another. It seems that whatever happened to them is quickly ramping up in scale. By the time the lights stop appearing there are thirty-one men, many of whom look extremely confused and wary. 

 Gin ends up recognising a lot of them, and for the most part, he appreciates the taste of whoever organised the competition. Kurosaki Isshin is often an overlooked hottie due to that loser Aizen and his stupid glasses reveal that still lives in Gin's mind rent-free.

A couple of the choices are odd for an Anime contest… Dracula, for example, is standing in the corner glaring at every single person that moves. Firstly, he's from a videogame, and if you wanted to push it, a Western animation. But neither of these things are technically anime. Not that he isn't hot, it's just that Gin would be a little bit annoyed if he won and it's not like the guy needs the money. He lives in a castle while Gin struggles to pay rent for his flat.

 Some of the others haven’t even been in an anime yet, standing out with their strangely papery appearance, although he can't deny that it adds some charm to Kishibe. Not that Gin was paying particular attention to him or anything, he's not getting involved with any character that works with any government-sanctioned agency. He just knows how to respect and appreciate his elders… as long as they aren’t trying to squeeze rent out of him. 

 What stands out most to Gin is the fact that, of all the DILFs in anime, Ikari Gendo is standing there as if he is meant to be a part of this group. How could anyone who wears shades every second of the day think that they look cool? Worse still, Gin can’t even openly criticise his inclusion after what happened between him and Hasegawa. They are practically the same man with the only difference being their employment status. It makes Gin feel a little bit nauseous inside. If he ends up hearing Hasegawa’s voice coming out of Ikari’s body then he might just die on the spot.  It also makes him wonder about all those other fathers that could have been chosen… like Oscar Vessalius or Joseph Joestar. How on earth did Joseph not make it? Sure his grandson is standing off to Gin’s left, but what about his grandfather with his striking good looks and perfect voice, huh?

 Gin has to take a moment to calm himself down as he continues to keep an eye on the other competitors. Thankfully, for the most part, everyone seems calm, but there are a couple of loose canons that could cause an untold amount of damage if left unchecked. A loud buzzing sound rings through the space. A couple of the men look startled while others don't respond at all. 

 “Welcome, gentlemen, to the Ultimate Anime DILF Awards,” a robotic voice states, crispy static overlaying their words, “we are waiting for our final contestant and then the competition shall begin.” The static sound abruptly cuts off, leaving the room in silence. A couple of the men have gathered in groups, mostly based on people who they already know. Gin is still standing relatively close to Shanks, but tries to keep some distance so that he doesn’t make a complete fool out of himself. 

 As he is standing there, a man in a festival mask walks over to him, Gin immediately recognises him from Kimetsu no Yaiba but remains quiet. He can’t afford to have the others figure out that he knows who most of them are, it would be more than a little suspicious. 

 Hey guys, don’t worry. I'm from a parody anime and know who most of you are. Oh, by the way, a couple of you are going to die soon. I hope we all get along! 

 It took all the strength in his body to not go and warn Minato of what was coming his way when he first caught a glimpse of him. He doesn’t even know if it would change anything… like would it create a parallel reality where Naruto was raised by his father. Would he become fed up with his dad spending more time at work than with him, becoming bitter and desperate for attention? Would Naruto become like Boruto?

 Gintoki shudders at the thought. 

 Someone really needs to say something and save Gin from the mental spiral that he is falling into as he begins to rewrite the entirety of Naruto in his head. 

 “You know,” a voice pipes up from the other side of the room, “I’m not sure how I got here. But I was on a space station about half an hour ago and I really need to get back.” The man who is talking is Ishigami Byakuya. He has all the makings for a strong leader, something that he has put into practice many times before and, out of all the people standing in the white void, he is probably one of the most traditionally qualified. But he is also completely out of his depth. “So does anyone know either where we are, or how we got here?”

 “It appears that we are in a pocket reality,” Ryūken says after being nudged on the shoulder by Isshin, “I have no intention of playing along with this farce though, so stay out of my way.” He quickly adds this on while glaring at the bearded man next to him.

 “Come on Ishida, we all want to go home,” Isshin reminds him, “I hope my two little princesses are doing alright. They must be so worried about their dad.”

 “I’m sure they’re celebrating their newfound freedom.”

 This immediately silences Isshin who has a look of horror spreading across his face. Clearly what the Quincy just said has stepped over a line, but at least it gets the group back on track rather than Isshin rambling on about his kids for the next twenty minutes. 

 “We should try and figure out who is behind this,” a different, yet similar voice says. Gintoki looks over at Minato who exudes an aura that most people would struggle to match. It’s a reasonable suggestion, but his point is completely ignored as Leorio quickly points out something that a couple of the other men have also noticed. 

 “Hey, why do you,” he says gesturing to Minato, “and him,” he gestures to Isshin, “sound exactly the same?” His insinuation is clear, he thinks that they could be working together or are some sort of contraption there to trick them. It’s not an unfounded assumption, but it is a categorically wrong one. 

 Gintoki quickly realises how this line of thinking could devolve into suspicion and anger, but there is no way he calm the situation down without being even more suspicious. 

 “Well, we could say the same about you and the astronaut,” an older voice says, “so we shouldn’t be pointing fingers.” Masaoka Tomomi may technically be an enforcer, but he was a detective before that; one who believed in looking beyond the simple black-and-white answers. Thankfully his more advanced age also seems to settle the nerves of the younger men, but not everyone is happy to go along with this.

 “I don’t really care about what you monkeys do,” a smooth voice says, “but do not tell me what to do.” Getō Suguru is not the type of man you want to be stuck in a small space with at the best of times and, right now, the times are not looking good.  

 “Well aren't you just asking for a beating,” a different man states but he clearly recognises the jujutsu sorcerer. Gin nervously looks over to see a well-built monster of a man confidently walking towards the sorcerer. If Getō is a landmine, then Fushiguro Toji is going to be the foot that sets it off. “And since this is a contest, then surely a couple of people are going to die. So why not start with you?”

 “Those are big words coming from someone who’s already d-“

 Without thinking, Gintoki cuts into the argument; physically acting as a blockade while also causing Getō to stop talking out of surprise. Perhaps he wasn't expecting the barefooted man to be the one trying to act brave. Of all the people in the room, he is definitely on the weaker side, meaning has a lot to lose if the two start fighting.

 “You really should listen to the detective,” he says; sweat dripping off his forehead as both men keep getting closer. “Fighting won’t get you anywhere.”

 “The samurai’s right,” Shanks says as he backs Gintoki; his imposing aura making the two freeze in place. That and the large sword that is currently pointed at Getō’s throat stops him from being able to relax. On the other side, Minato has Fushiguro locked in place and unable to take a single step. A kunai is resting against the man's temple as a threat.  

 After a couple of minutes, the two begin to calm down. Or, at the very least, they stop staring at each other like wild animals. Minato puts his kunai back while Shanks sheaths his sword in a fluid motion. Gintoki, meanwhile, feels his legs nearly give out underneath him.

 As he manages to shuffle off to the outer edge again, he finds Jotaro walking over to him with a slightly suspicious look on his face. 

 “You sound familiar,” Gintoki pauses for a moment. Of all the people that would recognise his voice, he didn’t expect it to be one that hasn’t technically heard him before. 

 “We haven’t met,” Gin says, trying to play it cool. Jotaro is a potential problem if he comes to believe that he’s trapped within an enemy stand. While Jotaro doesn’t seem to quite believe him, he lets the topic slide. Gin can’t help but briefly curse whoever cast Sugita in the role of Joseph Joester for making his life more difficult than it needs to be. 

 Feeling his mood beginning to slip again, he thinks of the positives that come with this situation. Like he can go and gloat to Shinpachi and Kagura that he met Jotaro and that the Red-Haired Shanks defended him. Of course, he would embellish a little to make it sound more impressive, and they wouldn’t really care. But just picturing their faces, eyes rolling back in annoyance, makes him feel a little bit better. 

 Gin is so distracted that he doesn't notice the final contestant arriving until the robotic voice informs the group that the competition has officially begun. As Gin's eyes jump around the room, trying to figure out who it is, they fall on a familiar man.

 Reigen Arataka.

 Gintoki would recognise him anywhere. How could he not? The so-called Greatest Psychic. The man stole Gin’s entire schtick of odd-jobber, and then somehow became more popular. His entire identity is just a cheap rip-off of everything that Gin worked hard to achieve. A man who wouldn't know fashion if it whacked him in the face with a baseball bat. The fraud even stole Gin’s birthday, one that he definitely didn’t steal from Naruto. 

 You know those things Gin said about not fighting, yeah? They are long gone as he glares at the golden-haired man. Gin is officially out for blood and he will see the supposed Twink Supreme obliterated. 

Next Chapter

Read on Ao3

[sparks-joy-imagines]

Hola! \(^_-)/ May i request a HC's of Joui 4 catching their crush masturbating and moaning their name while making such erotic expression?😏 like they suddenly barge in their rooms 'cause they thought she got hurt?

hi anon, thank you for requesting and sorry for taking so long! I had so much fun writing this😏 -niob

Joui 4 catching their crush masturbating

Gintoki:

thanks to a neighbour who apparently has left their water running the whole night, your apartment got flooded and you were forced to leave for at least a month so it could get rebuild

unfortunately, it was not easy to find a place, but Gintoki was kind enough to let you stay at his place

after four weeks with almost no privacy due to Gintoki’s small home, you decide to use his and the kid’s absence to get rid of some pent-up stress

totally caught up in your little fantasy while touching yourself, you did not notice how Gintoki comes home earlier than planned

Gintoki enters the apartment, happy that he was able to get out of the job earlier and would now be able to laze around the rest of the day

weird noises from the room next door make Gintoki freeze on the spot, and he attentively listens to determine the source

he hears a muffled noise followed by his name, causing mild panic rise in his chest

were you hurt? did you just call him for help?

he barges into the room without a second thought, yelling, “y/n, are you okay?!”

you were okay, in fact you were doing pretty well until you suddenly were disturbed during a very intimate activity…

Gintoki needs a whole ass second to realise what is going on and what you were doing

during this time, you have already covered your body with a big blanket while squealing loudly and turning away from him

he is totally shocked, his face burning up as he tries to bring out a word, but they are stuck in his throat

he is so shell shocked that he only moves when you yell at him to get the fuck out

he slams the door shut, but keeps standing in front of the closed door, still processing what just happened

when his brain finally functions again, he deadpans asks you through the closed door if you need any help with what you are doing

when you face each other again after the incident he pretends nothing ever happened if you do the same, but if you show how embarrassed you are he will grin at you and ask you what happened that you act so weird in the most innocent voice he can muster

Katsura:

after getting chased through half the city by the Shinsengumi again and finally losing them in the area of your residence, he decides to slip into your house, without knocking or using the bell (just like a real criminal)

he plans to just lay low for a bit until everything has calmed down, expecting you to not be home anyways and he would surely be long gone when you get back

he lets himself fall down on your couch in the living room, only to jump up again when he suddenly hears weird noises

he doesn’t dare to move an inch, highly concentrated on listening into the apartment

nnghh… there, again! Katsura turns to where he believes the sound came from and finds himself in front of your bedroom door

what or who could this be, he wonders; you should be at work right now… that means… a burglar?? rage raises in his chest at the thought of someone (other than himself) breaking into your home and he takes a step back, his hand already resting on his katana, ready to finish the bold intruder at sight

ahhh… Katsura!… he hears through the door, and this time he recognises your voice

his body relaxes, he just stares at the door, not knowing what was going on, you were home it seems… wait… you just called his name, right? you were calling for him!

he slams the door open, while shouting your name, half a second later an incredibly high-pitched scream almost deafened him and stumbles backwards, almost falling over

you were under the covers quicker than he could see what was going on

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!”, you scream

totally confused he follows your command and gets out of your bedroom

you later give him a lecture about not breaking into your house ever again

Takasugi:

lost in his thoughts Takasugi wanders through the spaceship, unexpectedly hearing his name when he passes by the door to your private quarters

undetermined what to do he just keeps staying in front of your door

did you actually call him? he is not sure, there was no way for you to know that he just walked by your door

after a short while he decides to just ignore it and continue his little walk through the ship, not even sure anymore if he really heard his name, maybe he misheard it

but after taking two steps he could hear it again: his name and followed by some weird, strangled noises

he takes two steps back, now standing in front of your door again, shamelessly eavesdropping to find out what is going on with you

a muffled whimpering followed by a wailing sound convinces Takasugi that something must be wrong, maybe you got hurt and couldn't get up?

Takasugi knocks at the door, softly saying your name but instead of an answer another wailing sound was audible

you were in need of help he was sure of it and opens the door, but the scene unfolding in front of his eyes was a different one: lying on the futon, one hand shoved down your panties, the other clawed into the bedsheets, your kimono open and loose, revealing your breasts as well as your stomach

utterly shocked to suddenly see Takasugi standing in your door you sit up instantly, not even able to make a real sound and scrambling around to cover yourself with whatever was available

Takasugi turns around on the spot, slamming the door shut behind him, distancing himself from your quarters with fast steps, trying his best to ignore the image that is now stuck in his brain

he pretends this never happened and also won't ever try to talk about it, but he might recall the image in his head when he feels a bit lonely (read: horny)

Tatsuma:

in order to celebrate a big business deal, the Kaientai are having a little party on the spaceship

on his second beer Tatsuma notices your absence and asks around if anyone has seen you; apparently, you were not in the mood to drink and left earlier

not very happy with the answers he got, Tatsuma puts the alcohol down and leaves to get you and celebrate together with you, even if that means he has to drag you out of your room

he arrives in front of your door, lifting his hand, but a weird noise coming from inside stops him from knocking against it

he listens carefully, one ear pressed against the door

a loud whine makes him jump back in surprise and causes the mental picture of you being hurt and in pain forming in his head

suddenly overwhelmed with worries he attempts to open the door, almost slamming himself into it due to it being unexpectedly locked

he runs off to grab the spare key and hurries back to your room to open the door

you shriek up, screaming, not able to wrap your mind around what just happened and how someone was able to open the door you have for sure!! had locked earlier

it took a brief moment for you to even realise who was suddenly standing in front of you while you were naked from the hips downwards, only wearing a big shirt, that was given to you by Tatsuma a while ago (because someone barfed on yours and you had nothing to change into)

you hurriedly cover your lower body with your blanked, not able to look up or knowing how to explain yourself when you remember that HE barged into YOUR room which was even locked

“GET OUT!”, you yell with a shaking voice, burning cheeks and still not able to look up

Tatsuma certainly did not expect THIS, but it does not take him long to realise what you’ve been doing and what you are wearing while you do it and it undeniable turns him on

your high-pitched voice brings him back to the reality that he disturbed you and he stumbles back, mumbling some apologies and getting out, but not without taking a last glance at you how you sit curled up on your bed with his shirt on

[seal7035]

about joui3 and friendship(spoiler)

These punky adults are living in my head rent-free. They have known each other since young, shitty brats with the attitude of a mower. They shared the same school, same spirit, same teacher... It was just the good old days and when tragedy struck, all 3 went to war. Then friend-to-friend camaraderie turned into absolute trust, of people who entrust their own lives to other comrades to fight side-by-side on battlefields, “your life is my life” kind of thing. Imagine that kind of bond then one day they just... broke off. Something happened and that tie was irreversibly damaged. 10 years passed, they reunited, but not as friends(except for Katsura and Gintoki). Oh no, they became mortal enemies and would probably skewer each other on sight. I mean, Gintoki and Takasugi did. Slash, stab, a few limbs would have gone flying if not for plot amour. They screamed anguish more painful than any wound blades could inflict. And when finally, FINALLY, these brats in adult’s bodies were on speaking term... one of them fucking died! At Gintoki’s own hand! Bloody dammit this show! 

But what I was trying to say is... dramatic as joui3′s story is, it kinda resembles some of our real-life friendship. Not the “kill you on sight” thing, but the fact that we come across and befriend many people in our lifetime. Some are attached to us by the hips. However, as much as your anime boys like to shout about eternal friendship and life-long commitments, the fact is, eventually people would go separate ways. Maybe you keep in touch and meet up once in a while, but maybe not as close as you used to be because everyone has their own life to take care of now. In some cases, one day you talk to a friend and another day received a notice of his/her funeral. It was bittersweet, and it can be distressing to think about at times. 

It’s the beauty about relationships in this show, and many other shows I have come across. It strips away the sugarcoating in the present and presents to us the poignant core in the future. The status quo will change. Nothing lasts forever. As our silver-haired samurai painfully articulated, “Life doesn’t have to be fun. I just want you to live”. Even if he had uttered it in a fit of despair, it does speak to Yorozuya’s situation. Shinpachi and Kagura are still young, they have an entire life ahead of them and will inevitably choose their own paths. Not to mention, as a Yato, Kagura would naturally outlive most of the cast. Will she have new friends then? Will she forget the trio of misfits and move on with her life? I don’t think so. She will move on, I believe that, but she won’t forget. Just as the Joui3 never forfeit the old days as much as they want to say otherwise. When all the conflicts died down was when the sentiments from all those years ago resurfaced. Almost too easily, those brats in adult form were bickering again, even only for a while, to rekindle the spirit still flickering in each of them. So that when it went awry and it was time to say goodbye, they could return to simply be the three brats of Shouka Sonjuku. 

Is this show trying to give us the resolution to deal with friends we have lost touch with? I don’t know. With the Gorilla author kept throwing around poop jokes and breaking the 4th wall, I don’t think he was aiming for anything so philosophical. The message to appreciate people in your life is certainly there, though. 

“Even if where you are now is beneath the sky you don’t recognize, even if where you are now is beneath a sky without us, please don’t cry. Because we are always with you...  beneath your sky.”

[pwapuri]

Gintsu week day 7: meant to be

It was another dawn in Edo. The katoken program had already passed and they were showing the session of the films that nobody wants to see. Gintoki woke up in a jump dreaming again about some things from the past...When he bet with Takasugi that he could find the watermelon smelling the candy, he can still hear Zura's voice in his head saying it was a bad idea. Although younger Zura was always the most prudent and pleaded with Gintoki and Takasugi to stop getting in trouble without the sensei seeing them. That was when in the dream things got mixed up and Gintoki heard kagura taking Takasugi's place encouraging him to jump off the cliff while Shinpachi cut the watermelon and said the joke was over and the years had passed. An old man with responsibilities shouldn't do these things. It was true.

Upon seeing the friends of past and present, with the ghost of time on top of everyone gintoki woke up with kagura mumbling sleep and Shinpachi without the cover that fell off the sofa. The three had fallen asleep while the katoken program.

-Hey. Go to bed ... Do you all want to get a cold or...

He looked at the two young lying on the couch without concern. How long had it been like this?

At the age that Kagura now had, gintoki had lost Shouyo to the tendoushuu and at the age of Shinpachi he had already killed so many amantos and government officials that he had stopped worrying.

That was all he had now. It was more than he could ever imagine to have. When Otose found him and took him home, Gintoki went through the front door of what is now Yorozuya and thought that how big the space was, even that the space was just three times bigger than the prison cell. There was nothing, no furniture or equipment. He thought about how he would do business being who he was, without a title or master. But as soon as began to know the neighborhood and become friends with people and so they started to trust in his services, It wasn't long before he found these two idiots who started to follow him. That  room now looked tiny. Even though Shinpachi sometimes looked at him with contempt and even though he never managed to pay the month, making them be shamed. When they looked at him with admiration, when they asked for help or advice, everything was worth it. He never thought of it as a family because it is dangerous ... as companions it might be cowardly because he knew it was more. But he liked to think that this was another one of those feelings to which no name is given.

And out of all the people he met, almost all had the same title for him ... maybe not as strong as those two little pests who lived with him and whom he paid full attention to ...

All the idiots who gathered around him made him feel that way, indescribable.

As the day came he was thinking about his own life. Those kids weren't going to stay there forever ... nothing is eternal. But where the hell had space for a normal life? Staying here and there with a woman under his arm like the gorilla couple he knew? Or Zura and ikumatsu? No ... none of that seemed natural. Just imagining it made him shiver. The only situation in which he thought to walk around having a normal life was with Ketsuno Ana because he was going to show her off to the world ... after all, it was Ketsuno Ana. But of course it wouldn't be so good in reality after all, He didn't want to burn his wings getting too close to the sun ...and speaking of sun, what time was that?

Looking at the clock, he saw that there were six. He remembered tsukuyo's schedule by chance ... always by chance.

'Believe me, this is the time when I come home.'

After asking what time the hell she stopped working, that's what she answered. He marked her words because it was hard to believe that there were people who enjoyed working so much

He started thinking about things three years ago ... about the woman who had a destiny similar to him. She killed the master herself to protect someone else. What irritated him was perhaps because she was so different from him ... working and working instead of enjoying the life that the master gave her. After thinking so much he understands, her life and his are the same. The difference is that to forget, or rather, to remember that she is alive, she works.

The two were so similar and yet so different. Damn thought that bothered him. Why did it have to be this way? Why couldn't she make herself more of an idiot? Why it had to be so independent and beautiful? Beautiful ... a soul so pure and clean. Ah, that was a perfect attribute to keep him interested. But in the end it was impossible to keep something with that woman using just that ... he didn't worth it for her. He was weak and coward, afraid to lose those two lying on the couch, afraid of losing the friendship of others and was afraid of losing the life he won after losing everything two times. Starting over was tiring, new house, new goals, all of this is scary. It was already difficult to keep the feelings in place with those people around him. Imagine new sensations and the worst, new obligations.

But among those moments of fear, he wanted to throw everything up when he remembered that she liked him. She liked it enough to understand that he wasn't hers, who the hell gives up what loves to make someone else happy? What was her problem? Cowardice or courage? But after all, he didn't have the right to speak ...was he's fault to make that so clear , oh look! He thought, we are the same after all.

-maybe today she changes her mind and decides to say she loves me?

It would never happen. Otae and kyuubei were the first to say what he already knew. He was the one who must say he loved her or not. But he couldn't. First because he wasn't going to destroy her heart saying he didn't love her and secondly because he didn't like lying. It was not easy as with Sachan, that is a good woman (in many ways) but dosent work with him. Worse, she knew it and continued to insist.

Tsukuyo no, it was her and that damned hope... so he had to scream that she shouldn't have hope for a no future like him, but scream what she already knew?

Call to tell that you love her and can't live without the smell of lavender and cigarettes. That she's perfect for you in every detail. That she completes you.

Damn ... she knows. And yet she continues to look with those eyes. Eyes full of love and concern, even with a hard mouth to give cruel answers. Maybe he should call and say it. Call now!

Call and tell her to forget you, not to show up! That you can't love her and she needs to move on

What a mess...

What kind of feeling is that? As he thought again, it had no name, no shape. Where does he get these thoughts from?

Finally he picked up the phone and dialed. he thought of the bullshit he was doing on the first touch. Twisting the telephone cord sitting on the chair in the office, he began to murmur: 'Kestuno Ana I'm not cheating on you', 'believe me she's just a friend', 'this thing in my chest isn't what you thinking', 'I haven't seen her for months, I haven't spoken to her ... I'm the crooked savior of her home, I need to see how things are going', 'it doesn't mean betrayal, right?'

Four rings and no one answered. 'ah I knew ... she must have slept it, in fact it was what I should do too'

-Hello?

Everything went white. For a moment he forgot how to answer a phone. he heard the serious voice of the guardian of yoshiwara

-ham ... it's me. Is everything okay out there?

-gintoki is that you?

-Of course, did you think it was the joestar jotaro or something?

-Is this time to call? Have you looked at your watch? When was the last time you woke up so early in life?

What a regret.

-I thought something had happened, you ungrateful bitch

-What the hell would have happened that I couldn't have called the next day ?! You goddamned hollow head!

-My phone rang and I'm just checking, your stupid! -Said gintoki

All lies, the most poorly told. And she knew, again, she knew. She couldn't even hide the excitement of hearing after a night of patrol the voice of the man she loved most in the world.

-Well, it wasn't me... but I thank you for your concern. But there's nothing here that I can't handle. Unless a new yato king appears I don't need your services

-you are really stupid and boring! You will die unmarried! Damn time I called

-grumpy! Damn time I answered!

After a few seconds of silence gintoki was preparing to hang up when tsukuyo interrupted:

-but is everything really okay? Kagura and Shinpachi, are you all okay?

That was what destroyed him. She was like that, tough and sweet ... not much different from the others but something in her gentle way to say those things, how does she do that?

-yea. All right

-How about you? Is everything really okay?

Tsukuyo was never able to disguise it, she wanted to receive that call so much that it seemed like a dream. She was so happy to see that Gintoki remembered the time when she came home ... even though were it by chance. She thanked the universe and begged the man to continue the conversation

-Well, I had a weird dream ...

From that point on, the conversation lasted until the sun started to heat everything up again, until just before Shinpachi opened his eyes and saw the phone off the hook while gintoki slept on the desk. The desperation for the high bill made him yell at Gintoki and force him showering and getting ready, it was too late and they had promised to fix a roof at 11. Gintoki complained but was completely happy to have talked to tsukuyo. The two fell asleep hanging from the phone and it made them feel young again, as if for a moment everything was possible.

After all, that's what they were. The relationship between Gintoki and Tsukuyo might never leave the paper, there would never be room for a normal life ... but what was normal for them anyway? So it was enough. This enormous feeling of joy filled  and satisfied him. They never meant to be something because they were already everything for each other.

....

-Tsukuyo, Thank you for love me

-Thank you for letting me love you

__________

This was the most difficult prompt for me, I don't know why...I've tryed everything...edits, fanarts, comic. None of this managed to transmit my feels abou it. I'll make some fanart for the long prompt but, thats it!

[mariaantonnietta]

Let’s talk about the Gintama 2 Movie!! (Be Forever Yorozuya)

AI wanna talk timelines, timelines!!, I saw the movie again and with the manga finished I want to discuss theories about it!!

Hello! Is me again, I want to talk about the second movie, because after seeing it I always want to try to desipher what happened in the timelines we didn’t see play out! Of coure these will be at best theories that are we can’t probe, but I still want to try to guess! And now with the manga finished, I think is time to revisit it with all the date we have!

I will talk about the second movie, the manga end, and everything, so stay with me having that in mind!

Firstly, this movie deals with time travel (fairly well I might add, I realycould follow all the time twists and make sense of them), and I believed it wise to add a timeline so everyone follows along. Behold my horrible graphic!

Haha, there are some things to say about the drawing. From left to right, The first line is to separate the time-points nothing else, (the movie was released at june 2013, the manga volume for the shinigami arc was december 2013, so I don’t know if I am being  a bit generous there, but in timeline I think it only matters is before Shogun assasination (after which it get serious until the end), and that it is before that point)

The other are the first (and first’s branch),  second and thrid timeline, I didn’t count Tama going to the past to bring past Gintoki as a separate timeline and more like a  little branch of the first because when Gintoki is sent forwards they converge (you can also see it as the rest of that branch dissappearing). All of them are in a sense a branch from the first timeline, but this one converges so.

(ask if something else isn’t clear, I tried T-T) 

Well now unre the cut the  rest of my silly ideas and theories!

A comment, but the only thing that is a bit out of place is Tama surviving in the second timelime?, like shouldn’t her be erased like GIntoki?, I think is either that she would otherwise cause a bigger loop (she doesn’t exist as time machine there->Gintoki cant kill his past self->Genma makes her a time machine->Gintoki kills his past self-> she doesn’t exist as a time machine->...infiinitum) She is the one that allows the timeline to exist. The other is that she is in a Schrödinger' situation that as long as the possibility that she will exist in the future exist she will (gintoki dissappeared because his posibility of future was erased as he killled his past self). Or time machine power makes her inmune to paradoxes, who knows...

Also, we don’t talk enough of  Gintoki dying in this movie. Both Enmi Gintoki of the first timeline, the past Gintoki of the second, and the  protagonist Gintoki we follow in the movie (first timeline branch) are erased, and from now on we are following the Gintoki who’s the future of the Shiroyasha of the third timeline. (the one who helped us fight the Enmi, from now on he’s the protagonist)

The same about the kabukichou people, I mean, nothing changes practically, except maybe the Joui members having seen something strange that day.

1) Now, something I wondering was if the events of the first timeline ocurred in the same way that in the third one. Was there a Shogun Asasination arc?, A silver soul arc?

Well, no. I think that there events unfloded differently...because GIntoki dissapeared for five years, and he did it  before the shogun assasination arc (this not only for the date release, but also the jovial athmosphere at the start at the cinema)

But did the events of the story play on in another manner without Gintoki regardless?, Why, I sure they did. 

Okay, follow me on this. I do not know if the shogun assasination arc happened or not (even tough a parallel can be made of Katsura and Shinsengumi alliance in both places), but I think that even if it did, it didn’t happen at all as planned.

I think everything went into disarray with the virus (don’t we know about that), any plan was left into the air, and Nobunobu or Shigeshige are in charge depending on their luck.

I also want to know what happened with Utsuro and the Tendoshou in this timelime.(Because cm’on, don’t tell me I am the only one who believed Enmi GIntoki looked a lot like a crow ) I want to know if Takasugi is dead or not, and how he died/where he is. (I asumme Sakamoto is fine, maybe helping people, is Zura with those clothes and Gintoki words, Gintoki going to the terminal that make me worry)

So, I started gathering those points and I believe I reached a theory about this.

Okay, so follow me. These are the things we know about the first timeline.

Gintok soon after watching the movie discovered he was infected with the virus. He suspected it was the Enmi, went to talk of the past with Zura to clear his mind, talked wiith Gengai about making a time machine if he didn’t came back. 

Left the Yorozuya to investigate if there was a solution, tries to kil himself when he doesn’l  find one. He fails. He has not other choice but to wander as he sees the world be destroyed by his own hands. 

I posted this photo because of the ships that surround the tower and attack it. It doesn’t say when this attack took place after he left, we could only see that he wasn’t there. But this image looks fairly similar to the one when the Altana liberation force attacks.

The tower also looks very similar 5 years later as after attacked by the altana liberation army. (I checked also with how it was when the Tegenism ship fell, it looks more like the after the attack)

(After Initial liberation army attack. Third Timeline)

(Five years later. First timeline) Probably they didn’t have resources to rebuild with everything falling down with teh virus. Why would some army attack, I think that maybe the earthlings that escape, some had the virus, that probably expanded it onto another planets, that now made the problem worse in the universe and some people really mad at the planet from where the infection came from. Or, it could be rebels, like the Kihetai, that are taking advantage of the political turmoil to attack their actual objective (the terminal, with the minawabanwu maybe too ) Or both.

(Two years later third timeline) I added this to show how it doesn’t look like the terminal we discuss, so I think if something happened, it happened earlier more than later. (Or later, but it was only one incident and not 2)

Another thing we know is that the Enmi look a lot like the Tendoushu. I compared staffs and things. Wondered if there were related to Tengenism (the weir religion that launches the last arc)

Well, It’s not basic staff like tendoushou, but the decoration is different tha the tengeism. The clothes are also similar but not the same (I know the these arcs came later, but sorachi could have used different designs and not similar ones, you know, also, it’s just throwing ideas)

(Enmi at the start, checked, Enmi Gintoki uses the same one (and same clothes))

Oboro staff is different. Tengenism have the same type. Tengenism symbol are wings (phoenix), not Enmi. But the similarities are there too.

So, we all know the Enmi are nanomachines that are used to destroy worlds right?. I wondered if Utsuro could survive that. The answer  I reached was that it depended. If the Enmi virus only worked on humans, it would probably not kill it. ut if after killing humans it affected animals, then plants, then destryed the planet vitality, well, that would do it. It would depend of how lethat it actually was. (in  the last case, he would be the last to die, and Gintoki would be the only one who survives as the new vessel...moving onto the next world until he dies naturally or some poor bastard kills him)

 Well, I’m gonna asumme that the Enmi would destroy the world to that point, because they were described as ‘beings  that caused damage enough to leave a planet uninhabitable’ and the other ‘uninhabitable’ planet we see is Kouka’s, that is dying and its Altana was almost nothing when she left. Zura said they were forbidden or being restricted because of this.

So we know the Enmi were beings that could destroy worlds,(probably up to their lifeforce), that were contained by something, that someone attacked the terminal tower looking a lot like a pseude liberation army, and that Enmi’s dress is eerie similar (but not the same) to the Tendoushu.

I believe they were also a ting the Tendoushu kept to themselves, a fraction that can destroy a planet to the point of leaving without life (Altana) sounds like something they would regulate. Maybe mercenaries was  a cover up, or maybe it was both.

Was the first timeline all Utsuro plan? Well, too many jumps there. I believe thst he vouldn’t do that trapped with Shoyou, I think that in the first timeline he did as in the last arc, he saw that mortals used that virus to harm the others, and decided to make use of that. He of course was the cause that they attacked the Terminal and is probably happy that all the universe may perish of disease.

Maybe.

Or maybe that was the plan, and Takasugi stopped him. (There are too many factors to see how things developed. But either kihetai + harusame maybe + minawabanshu and some others killed utsuro, or they died either fighting him or from disease)

The way GIn is dtanding aside as the ships atack the terminal (he can’t join) makes me think some kind of final battle took place.

(Gorilla might not know how Gintama was fgonna end, but he did have some ideas, and final fight at the Terminal tower was one that stuck all the series)

Does Gintoki know of Utsuro?, Who knows?  If you want my take, I think Takasugi and Utsuro both died figthing each other. As the terminal exploded.

I think he eventually at least, found out. Because he decided to go die there.

(also because you know, final fight at the terminal.)

2) In the second timeline everything is much more clear. Young GIntoki dies. I see 3 options unfolding

a) the one I call the normal one. GIntoki dies, people mourn him (because Gintoki just erased his future, not his past, young Gintoki body should remain), either Zura or Takasugi kills Shouyou (probably Takasugi, I’m thinkin so because Oboro mostly, he would pick if not shiroyasha, the other more known at the frontlines one, but could be either way), and is a bit diffrent but in practical mostly the same.(maybe some things are held back and the shogun asssination hasn’t happened yet, or maybe it did, who knows) We can’t tell more than thi.

b) Probably not route. shouyou discovers that Gintoki’s died and it gives him strenght to make keep Utsuru more in check, he uh...destroys things, there’s no need to kill him for now.things advance more or less like in canon,  with a lot of things we don’t see 

c) I cry route. Shouyou discovers what happened, and it kills off his personality (sends him to sleep at least). There’s no need for either Zura or Takasugi to kill him. They never find his master at the war (maybe they are told he is dead, and don’t believe it). They didin’t kill his master, but los Gintoki to who knows who, and don¡’t know what happened to master, Thingd happen more or less like in canon.

 3) Here someone (probabky kurokono!...ok no, leave me dream), wakes GIntoki from his drunk sleep and he and the joui 4 see a bizarre image of people from 15 years in the future attack the Enmi.(of course they don’t know this) They brieftly join them. They see from a distance how the future people dissapear. They continue with their life.

(That last one is canon, haha)

As you can see nothing has been cleared and these are mostly cool theories, a lot of other things are possible. But I don’t know, wanted to talk about it.

[imagine-gintama]

Ahhh!! I’m so excited,can I request a male reader nsfw with gintoki,takasugi, shimura and hijikata? 😭💕

Male reader NSFW hc’s with Gintoki, Takasugi, Saitou, and Hijikata.

Sakata Gintoki:

Gintoki loves oral, giving and receiving. When giving, the control he feels when you squirm or quiver and attempt to close your legs, only for him to push them apart, is unexplainable.

When receiving, it goes without saying, your mouth provides a different stimulation compared to penetration that has him craving for more. Plus, you make such cute faces too.

Gintoki doesn’t take being on the top or the bottom too seriously. He’s pretty experimental, willing to be both. If both of you feel good from it, he likes it. That being said, he does prefer being the dom slightly more.

Loves, loves, loves to make you beg, edging constantly, with his hands or mouth on your dick. Only one problem, Gintoki breaks and gives in easily if you begs. He’s weak to that, but pretends that S/O doesn’t know that.

Gintoki is a huge ass man, especially when it comes to your ass. Groping, smacking, anything really to touch that ass, Gintoki does it.

Takasugi Shinsuke

Careful, Takasugi is a biter.

That being said, Takasugi likes to use his mouth in general. Whether it is to place light butterfly kisses or to mark, he likes doing it all. Except when it comes to oral, he enjoys receiving more than giving.

Light bondage is this man’s bread and butter. Ropes, silk, binds, and handcuffs all float his boat. The sight of you stuggling in his binds, unable to touch him is hot.

Has more tendencies to be the dominant one, but if he’s feeling it, he doesn’t mind being the bottom. Since he’s slightly shorter, so if you’re taller, having your pleasure clouded eyes peer down at him as he pleasures you sends him on a power trip. If you’re not taller than him, don’t worry, that fact alone sends him on a power trip.

Takasugi is pretty quiet when he doms, hums of approval and sighs are more frequent than moans and groans. However, when he bottoms, he’s much louder.

Takasugi thinks the noises he makes are  embarrassing, so he bites his lips or you often to hold back. When you’re is finished with him, its either your own body that is littered in bite marks or his own lips that are swollen, possibly bleeding, depending on how much you “messed” with him.

Saitou Shimaru

Inexperienced especially when it comes to guys, but willing to learn for your sake. Please help this poor man.

Praise and encouragement go a long way for Saitou. He understands that he probably isn’t the best at pleasuring, so if you praises him for his effort, he melts.

He’s quite self-conscious about the noises he makes, so he tries to hold them bock quite often. However, continuous reassurance from you makes him feel more comfortable. He’s thankful for your patience with him.

Saitou relishes being close to you, his favorite positions are when he can see your face, when he can have his back pressed against your chest, or vice versa. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t willing to experiment. He just wants to be in your embrace.

He wouldn’t have a position he prefers, but would prefer if you took the lead during the first few times. To guide him through the waters, if you will. When he becomes more comfortable, he will try other things out.

Feels guilty if he falls asleep, even though it happens less frequently than he’d expect.

Hijikata Toshirou

Hijikata is a huge switch, a strong believer that it’s the best of both worlds. He’s here for a good time, and both are great to him. He’s open trying a variety of new things, but he’s not open to hurting you, much.

Please. Toy. With. His. Hair. He likes it when you run your hands through his hair, tugging when he does something to your liking. He likes it when you have your hand tangled in his hair. He also likes when you tug his hair to get him to face a certain direction, but he’d never tell you that.

He gets flustered easily, especially when you whisper sweet nothings into his ears. Hijikata will almost immediately turn his head to the side. 10/10 will call you an idiot, lovingly.

Hijikata wants to try tying you up, but he’s unsure as he also likes the warmth of you hands on his skin while he’s toying with your body. He also thinks its a little lonely in a sense if you can’t touch him.

Hijikata’s nipples are quite sensitive. He cannot hold back when your fingers or tongue is on them. The sounds of ecstasy that come from his lips when you do that are delicious.

[goldenlaquer]

Could I request some general headcanons for the Kiheitai (including Nizou), like how do they get along with each other, how they spend their free time etc. Unfortunately Gintama didn't show us a lot of Kiheitai interactions. Wishing you all the best for your blog!

 I gotchu, anon. The Kiheitai faction has got to be one of the more underrated aspects of Gintama for sure. Thanks so much for your words!

Kiheitai Headcanons:

Kijima Matako:

If you got something to say to her face, make it sweet and short, or you’ll be staring down the business ends of her revolvers. Unless you are Takasugi Shinsuke, of course. But doubly so if your name is Takechi Henpeita.

With a quick temper and happy trigger fingers, Manko Matako should be on anyone’s list of whom not the cross, but within the Kiheitai, this means plenty of entertainment between missions and during space travel. As a result, often poked and prodded. 

She’s mostly chill with Bansai, but he sometimes (unintentionally) pisses her off when he (unintentionally) insults her. 

Do not listen to that twin-bunned ape. She definitely takes care of her body and especially her underwear, because you never know when Shinsuke-sama might succumb to his urges and-! 

is weak to cute things. Weak. Oh, and sweet things as well. She tries to keep it a secret. She doesn’t want to be viewed as childish. Safe to say, everyone in the Kiheitai knows anyways. 

Her free time is spent trying to find Shinsuke-sama, indulge in her mentioned vices, and kill Henpeita. 

Takechi Henpeita:

For the last time, “I am not a lolicon, I am a feminist.”

The one guy everyone loves to hate. 

If you think he only cosplays Takasugi then you are wrong. Matako, Bansai, Nizou. He even cosplays the Yorozuya trio (he loves cosplaying Kagura ofc) 

This hobby unfortunately is the main cause for all the beatings he takes, courtesy of Matako and Bansai. 

Speaking of beatings, he takes straight-up insults like a champ. Literally anything you say does not seem to faze him.

If Henpeita doesn’t want to be found, Henpeita won’t be found. Poof. But pissing Matako is so fun so you might find him by her at most times. The sibling dynamic is strong with them.

The thing is, when the going gets tough, the Kiheitai knows he’s got their back with his quick-thinking and skilled strategy. Despite all his creep tendencies and annoying habits, they can trust him with their lives. 

As for free time… well, whatever you think this man does in his free time might definitely be true. But BUT, despite what others may think, he actually does do serious things, like planning strategies, missions, emergencies and… err… other serious stuff. 

Kawakami Bansai:

this dude is just so naturally funny. Like, it doesn’t work if he’s trying, because the jokes are so terrible and dumb. 

I swear Bansai is intelligent, but he is the mastermind at interpreting things the wrong way, like he doesn’t understand the nuances of certain social situations.  

“Want to go out with me?” “Sure, where do you want to go?”

His shamisen playing is on point. But that fact and him being a night-owl causes a lot of complaints. No one wants to hear it at three in the morning.

Bansai looks out for Matako in and out of the battlefield, regardless of whether Takausugi orders it or not. He actually does like Henpeita, finds him funny and respects his prowess, but also likes mauling him with his shamisen lol

Does not get enough respect for his side job. Excuse me, being a producer for top-tier idols is his main. Being a Kiheitai assassin is just his side job.

really, not many in the Kiheitai care about his musical aptitude, except Shinsuke and Henpeita, who likes to discuss Enka. 

Nothing really special about his free time. He uses it for finishing the latest Otsuu single or finding a nice remote spot to just chill with his headphones. 

Okada Nizou:

He maintains a distance from the other members. Small talk here and there, nothing personal. Maybe some disparaging remarks too

Just business, y’all. Just business. 

Obscene amount of gel is needed to maintain than signature grey locks. In fact, he has a whole regimen. 

Might or might not think of himself as a silver fox. 

He’s prideful. God bless the new recruit who thinks he can make fun of the poor old blind man. He’ll prove you so wrong, you wouldn’t even know what happened until your head hits the floor and you’re staring up at Nizou.

“Not so bad for an old, blind man, eh?”

Remember when Nizou almost kills Matako? Yeah, they’re not on good terms.

Henpeita is probably the only one cheeky enough to playfully mess with Nizou and get way with it.

His free time: honing his blade and touching up his hair.

Takasugi Shinsuke:

Again, It’s business. He maintains the superior-subordinate relationship to a T. He doesn’t disclose personal thoughts/feelings or even small talk to the others. They don’t really mind. They all deeply respect him. 

Takasugi is always moving forwards. He doesn’t like lingering anywhere for too long. Doesn’t like growing attachments and sentiments. This means its kind of rare for him to meet up with the all the members when they aren’t on the run or travelling through space. 

Have a problem with him? He doesn’t care. Do your job right, or he’ll have a problem with you. 

That is, he’s more lenient to people who are competent and important to his goals.

Rare as it may be, there are times when he indulges his time with the members. Drinking and eating alongside them after an important mission goes particularly well and he’s in the right mood to be socializing with the others. 

He sometimes stays and listens to Bansai’s playing, even picking up an instrument and dueting with him. Shinsuke can appreciate fine music. 

Dry humor dude. You might see a hint of smirk if someone tells a very good joke. But even that disappears before anyone can process it. 

He ignores Matako’s fangirl-ing. It’s surprising that he’s so patient with her. He also tolerates Henpeito’s cosplay. It can be convenient when he wants to make a quick escape. 

Free time: doesn’t have any. Every moment is spent planning, planning, and planning.

All in all, the Kiheitai are a rough crowd, brought together by the one and only Takasugi Shinsuke, but I love them anyways. 

[maomaomaomaomaomaomaomao]

Why Utsuro was the perfect Gintama villain.

(Taken from reddit, with permission from the poster. Posting it here because more Gintama fans need to see it).

Warning: This won't have any manga spoilers, but inevitably, a lot of anime spoilers.

So while most things in Gintama are universally loved by the fans, by comparison, Utsuro seems to be slightly more contraversial. He isn’t hated by any means and most Gintama fans still like him, but there are a few who think he is just a generic overpowered final boss that the show didn’t need. I want to explain why Utsuro is not only great, but the perfect villain for this show. For this I will have to talk about two characters: Utsuro himself of course, and the main character, Sakata Gintoki. Brace yourselves, because we are going to go deep here.

Before I start though let’s just quickly summarize what Utsuro is on the surface though. He is the most powerful being in Gintama. He is the biggest threat that the show had so far. He is an immortal being who is so hard to kill that even he himself has trouble killing himself. On that regard you could compare him to characters like Madara Uchiha from Naruto, or Aizen from Bleach. But that is far from everything that there is to Utsuro as a character. And most of it is because of what Gintoki is as a character.

Sakata Gintoki is one of the strongest main characters you can find. I’m not talking about “blowing up planets” or “cutting through dimensions”. I’m talking about the fact that Gintoki has such a strong personality, beliefs and conviction that almost nothing can shake him. This is partly because of his personality, because of all the suffering he went through (more than anyone else) and of course, Shoyo’s teachings. In a normal Shounen, “Death” is the biggest threat a character can face. But like it was pointed out in Rakuyo arc “Death and Breakfast are equally close to Gintoki”. Gintoki doesn’t fear death. For him it isn’t just “I would sacrifice my life” type of thing like most others. He literally doesn’t fear death. After seeing so much of it death is just another part of life for him. For a man like him, it doesn’t matter how strong a foe is. The worst they can do is kill him, which doesn’t scare him. The only thing that shakes Gintoki is when people around him get hurt, but even then, after overcoming everything in his life, Gintoki now believes that he can protect them no matter what. Even during the few times Gin loses control (like with Jirocho or Oboro) he recovers quiet quickly.

There is something Kamui says to Gintoki in Rakuyo: “You don’t see me when you fight. With Housen and with Shinsuke too. You aren’t fighting the one in front of you. Who is it that you are fighting?” This is the main point of where I’m coming from. No villain, not even his closest friend can shake Gintoki, because when he fights, he fights himself and his own weaknesses, not the opponent in front of him. There can be a lot more that can be said about it but I’m sure most of you know this part so I’m going to keep it brief. So why is Gintoki’s character so strong? Because the “foundation” of his beliefs are so strong that no attack on them can even shake them. So the only way to even shake Gintoki would be to attack that “foundation” itself.

There is a saying that a hero is only as good as their villain. Which is true in most cases, but there is also the opposite: A villain can only be strong if he confronts a strong hero. Otherwise, your audience might start finding the hero they were supposed to root for annoying and start agreeing with the villain, which is the last thing you would want as a storyteller. Now as we established, Gintoki is really strong as a character. He can emphatize with everyones suffering, because he suffered more than any of them. He knows people can come out as a better person after all sufferings because he himself managed it after far worse. That is where Utsuro comes in.

Every aspect of Utsuro’s character is specifically created to challenge Gintoki. His very existence, ideas, his past, his actions… everything about Utsuro is an antithesis for Gintoki. Let me explain what I mean by that because there are a few reasons. First being of course, that he is Yoshida Freaking Shoyo. The man who made Gintoki who he is. Everything Gin is started with this man. While what happened to Shoyo was one of biggest regrets in Gintoki’s life, he still overcame that and mostly made peace with it. He finally accepted (not over night btw. You can literally see it happen throughout the show) that he could forgive himself. That he did his best. That Shoyo would be proud of what he did and does. That was because he knew who Shoyo was. Thanks to his teachings, Gintoki learned to forgive people, people like Takasugi, or himself. But then Utsuro appeared. An embodiment of all of Gintoki’s fears and regrets. For Gintoki, Utsuro was created by one of the biggest regrets in his life. He was literally a walking talking version of everything Gin tried to overcame. Not only that, but Utsuro’s existence also shook one of Gintoki’s core beliefs as a person. That you don’t have to be empty. That you can overcome any pain. Gintoki was baseing those beliefs on his own experience and Shoyo, and throughout the show, he always challenged people who run from pain (like Jiraia, or Takasugi). But now Utsuro’s existence on its own meant that he could be wrong. That the only reason he wasn’t empty was because he didn’t suffer enough. Because even the person he trusted the most could be broken and become empty with enough pain. That is what Utsuro’s existence meant. Everything that gave strength to Gintoki was suddenly shaken by Utsuro’s very existence. It also meant that Gin himself still wasn’t safe. He suddenly started fearing that with enough suffering, he too can become empty again. Become like Utsuro.

If you think that I’m overanalyzing this I want to remind you of the first things Utsuro does when he appears: Literally, before he even appears on screen, the first thing he does is throw a sword at Kagura. Something that would have at least fatally wounded her if Nobume hadn’t pushed her out of the way. Later, he almost stabs Shinpachi on the forehead, who was saved by Sougo at the last second. Then in Silver Soul arc, he almost kills Sadaharu. This is not a coincidence. Who are Kagura, Shinpachi and Sadaharu to Gintoki? They are the Yorozuya. As in, they are the embodiment of everything Gintoki build since he started overcoming his weaknesses. Symbolically and physically, Utsuro was trying to destroy Gintoki from the very beginning.

I also want to give you a few examples on that. First, remember what Sougo says to Gintoki in Silver Soul: “When you confront that man, you lose control and see nothing but that guy. You don’t act like yourself”. Indeed, throughout the show, especially in Silver Soul arc, Utsuro is constantly making Gintoki lose control. There are 3 instances in the show where Gintoki almost “gives up”. First being when he loses his memories, which obviously doesn’t count. Second being in 4 Devas, which was just an act to keep the kids out of trouble. So the only time Gintoki falls into despair and almost gives up is in Silver Soul, when he thinks about how he didn’t make progress even now, right before the Shinsengumi shows up. Again, all these is just shows how much Utsuro gets to him. More than anyone else in the show ever could.

Because Utsuro is not only Shoyo, not only is he everything Gintoki fought to overcome before, but he is a product of the humanity Gintoki always wanted to believe in. He is the monster Gintoki was scared of becoming. Noone can deny the fact that Utsuro has one of the worst pasts in the show. He was tortured again and again. People killed him again and again and no matter how much he wished for it, they didn’t manage to kill him. Which made them fear him even more, which made them hurt him even more. For decades, he was killed, tortured, went through pain that would easily kill anyone else, but he wasn’t even granted the escape that was death. He was stuck in a prison that was the world that didn’t want him. That he didn’t want to be in. Yet he couldn’t escape. The monster that was Utsuro was created by humans. He became Utsuro (Hollow) because of them. And Gintoki understood that. That is why he couldn’t ignore his stance like the other two. For Katsura, Shoyo was dead and he made peace with it, and Utsuro was just a villain threatening his new life. For Takasugi, Utsuro was the one who killed Shoyo. He hated him, but he was just another target for his revenge. But Gintoki understood what Shoyo and Utsuro were more than anyone, and that is why he was affected more than anyone else.

So what does all this have to do with Utsuro? Well as I said, a great villain, especially a final villain, should be able to challenge the hero on every aspect, not just at swinging swords. And Utsuro stood against everything Gintoki stood for. I’m not going to give manga spoilers here, so just going to say that Gintoki has to overcome all his weaknesses, fears and traumas if he wants to truly defeat Utsuro. And Gintoki’s beliefs are important because they make up the core of Gintama’s ideology. Every villain in some way challenges that ideology: Even the likes of Takasugi and Isaburo. However, none of them go against it as clearly as Utsuro does.

So where does Utsuro himself stand in all this: Some people don’t understand his motivation. Saying that it is weird that he would say that he wants to die but then fight people who want to kill him, but while this isn’t the point of the post I’m going to briefly explain that first to avoid misunderstandings:

Utsuro isn’t just an immortal being who wants to die. He also wants to get revenge on everyone. Not just because for the sake of it, but because he wants to proof himself right. He more than anyone knows how deep humanity can go. So if Gintoki fights to proof that humanity is worth saving, Utsuro fights for the opposite. He wants to proof that despair can overcome anyone. That humanity will abondan everything, their believes, their loves, their ideals when they are confronted with a fear that they can’t overcome. Utsuro doesn’t just want to die. He wants to end the humanity that he sees as a curse on everything.

So in the final battle of the war, when he is about to cut Nobume but hesitates, that was the main conflict coming back at him. It wasn’t Shoyo literally coming back as a seperate entity to hold him back. That was symbolizm. He hesitated because everything those people who he was fighting did at that moment, was going against all his core beliefs. They didn’t despair. They didn’t give up. They didn’t leave each other. Even when everything was hopeless, they kept getting back up. If Utsuro was an antithesis for Gin, then Gintoki himself was the same for Utsuro. Utsuro believed that enough suffering could make anyone “hollow”. Yet no matter how much suffering that boy (Gintoki) when through, he didn’t break. He didn’t become hollow. While the story isn’t done yet, this was the main confrontation of Gin and Utsuro’s ideals and this was the first time since FS where Gintoki cleared his mind and truly fought like he always does, fighting for himself instead of fighting to escape, while Utsuro for the first time, lost that secure belief he always had. This was the true triumph for Gintoki over Utsuro. However, after that Utsuro decided to jump into the Altana, because he refused to accept what Gin said. He denied what he was seeing. He still defended that the humanity would destroy himself. That’s why he jumped. He wanted to win that final argument. He wanted to show that with him out of the picture, the humanity would still destroy themselves on their own. And he wasn’t completely wrong either. As in the next two years, people tried to revive him, gain his power and overall almost started another war. It comes down to Gintoki and the others to win that final gamble Utsuro made.

So yeah, I could probably write more but this is way too long already. Basically, Utsuro is not only a powerful, charismatic villain with an amazing voice, but he is the perfect villain to represent the opposite of everything Gintama stands for. He has such a strong backstory, that you can’t help but understand even the worst of his actions. And most importantly, unlike most final villains in other Shounens, he is connected to the main character more than anyone else. He isn’t just a random powerful guy. He is the only person who was closer to Gintoki than Takasugi was. He was the only villain the show could possibly get after Takasugi. That personal connection to Gin and the others is what makes it so compelling too.

I hope this will give some light on what Utsuro represent as a character. This might have been a bit of a mess, and I apologize for that, it was tougher than I expected. Thanks for reading.

[lilac-5ky]

I have a theory that Takasugi is actually bashful/shy/awkward.

Okay it's not exactly a theory but hear me out.

Exhibit A: In official fanart as well as that episode in which he beat Gin when they were younger, Takasugi blushed and acted all embarrassed and shy when others praised him. Meaning that he can't really handle compliments or praise, even when it's deserved.

Exhibit B: The episode with the red light district visit. According to Tatsuma, nothing happened with that girl. He just glared at her all night long or something, and even if it did happen, she didn't sound too happy meaning that he kept that attitude up. No, I don't think that Takasugi hates women, because he did choose her. Be it her appearance or the fact that others were with, he did show some interest for her, enough to get mad when Gin also pointed at her.

So, why did he glare at her? Why did he "ignore" her? A prostitute will be promiscuous and try to get her client all drunk and sleep with her, extort as much money as possible. Takasugi is more of a "mental" kinda guy, meaning he values personality more than looks even if he does have a preference. So when she presumably tried to move things along when they were strangers, he probably got cold feet.

Even if she was willing and he found her pretty enough to spend the night with her, he ended up hesitating. His glaring isn't part of his "edgelord persona" as some would say, but is just evidence of him being shy! He is not like Sakamoto or Gin who are upfront and openly sexual, he is more reserved about the way he feels. So most likely he felt awkward about sleeping with some stranger, especially when she insisted. Him glaring is a way to conceal his shyness.

Exhibit C: While his closest friends call him Takasugi, most of the Kiheitai members call him Shinsuke. Even Matako calls her SHINSUKE-sama, not Takasugi-sama, which means that he insists on others calling him that. He doesn't mind his closest friends (joui 4) calling him Takasugi because they already are close, and by asserting his first name as the way for others to call him is as if he is trying to close the gap between them.

Now going back to Exhibit A, he felt awkward about people praising and admiring him. He doesn't want the Kiheitai's admiration, and while he does view a lot of them as disposable soldiers (sad truth of war), he wants to be on par with them as comrades. If everyone uses one another's first name, then no gap is created, aka no opportunities for people to fawn over him and bring him on the spot.

Namely, I've seen a lot of people confuse Takasugi's lack of romantic interest as him being homosexual or something, but if you look at his previous interactions with people in general, he does seem a bit more awkward than he lets on. Even when talking about his own friends, he tries to conceal his feelings and acts a bit harsher (e.g. his dialogue with Nizou in Benizakura).

Therefore, at the end of the day Takasugi can't help but be a...

tsundere. Here, I said it. Takasugi is actually a tsundere and that was the whole point of the post. He prefers opening up to only a handful of people, plays it off when accused of having friends/comrades, admits to it in crucial moments, blushes/glares when pressed and has a tendency of "insulting" those whom he considers his closest friends (cough cough Gintoki cough cough).

In another life where he'd be able to have the time and the emotional capacity to meet girls, I feel like he'd totally be the guy to get all bashful and semi aggressive because of having a hard time to declare his feelings.

[claymorecut]

So, where does that leave us?

A GinTsu fanfiction

A/N: I'm finally writing another Gintsu fic. And this time it's the sequel to New years and Photographs! And it's pretty long and maybe kinda OOC but I tried to keep them in character as much as possible. Enjoy my amateur writing :p and thanks for reading!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You're ignoring him."

"No, I'm not. I have work and so I'm just busy."

"No. You're just trying to run away."

"Why would I try to run away? I'm just busy and I just don't have enough time to think about such trivial thoughts."

"Then look at me and say it again."

"...."

"Say it's all trivial and very much 'like' you and that he doesn't matter at all."

The flinch didn't go unnoticed by Hinowa.

"We were drunk, Hinowa. And it really was nothing."

Or so she's been telling herself.

It's been a month since Tsukuyo came to find out about her little incident with Gintoki at the Yorozuya house. After looking at that little picture of theirs and escaping the little crowd with a very visible red-face, Tsukuyo has, not for once, contacted the silver-haired samurai. Her memories from that night came back with a huge splash then and to this date, she isn't able to forget about her rather...very brave act with Gintoki.

It wasn't long before Hinowa came to find out about this little incident of theirs and now, she's stuck.

"If it really is nothing, then why not face him?" Hinowa inquired

Tsukuyo sighs in defeat. It isn't as if she is trying to escape the reality. She is very much aware of her actions and like an adult, she is taking responsibility for it. But it's just that she is not very much experienced in fields like such. Especially when it involves the man she's in love with. Furthermore, the biggest question is how is she supposed to start a conversation with him if she faces him again? Or what she's supposed to talk about? Of course she wants to talk to him-she's really not ignoring him- but what if, things just get awkward between them? And Gintoki hasn't contacted her either! What if things have changed between them now?

Oh how badly she wants to die.

"Tsukuyo?" Hinowa finally breaks her out of her train of thoughts. "Are you listening?"

It's so stupid, acting like this. Hinowa is right, if she continues to run away, there's never gonna be a solution for this. She has to face it and talk it through with him like an adult. It wasn't like they actually had sex the other night, it was just a kiss. And that also in their inebriated state. Nothing more, nothing less.

Tsukuyo finally turns around to face Hinowa. "Fine. I'll call him." She answers.

Hinowa can't help the huge grin forming 9n her face.

"But after I'm finished working."

The grin got replaced with a scowl.

Hinowa couldn't help the huge grin forming on her face.

XXXXXXX

"So, you still haven't asked her out?"

It's a bad day.

"I thought you were a smooth talker Kintoki."

It's a very bad.

"Chicken."

A vain pops on his head.

It's finally the day when the joui four reunites once again, not in a battlefield, but to actually share drinks with one another after thirteen long years.

But instead of having a lively conversation about their good ol' days, they decide to have a long discussion. About Sakata Gintoki's love life.

Gintoki's mind is already in a battle against the thoughts of a particular Courtesan of Death and the arrival of these three uninvited guests at his house isn't helping him either. Shinpachi and Kagura aren't home today and after a very long time, Gintoki found some alone time to read his jump and take a good nap while figuring out his little situation with Tsukuyo. But alas, luck just loves to slap him on his face.

After his failed attempts of throwing these three out of his house in the past two hours twice, he has finally given up. These three just won't stop!

"I'll kill you Zura." Gintoki glares at the long-haired samurai.

"Oh Gintoki, we're just here to give you some friendly advice." Katsura replies, his stupid grin never leaving his face.

The gossip girl aka Katsura Kotarou has left no returns for the silver haired samurai as he, very shamelessly, revealed his silver- haired friend's secret to Takasugi and Sakamoto as soon as he came to know about the little incident between Gintoki and the blond-haired shinobi, Tsukuyo at the Yorozuya house.

And God, are these three enjoying the show named "Sakata Gintoki's red face."

Gintoki can feel smoke emitting from his ears as he glares at the three laughing faces.

"What the hell are you guys laughing at!? What are we, a bunch of highscholl girls disussing about our love lives!?" Gintoki yells, his face turning the color of tabasco sauce.

"Oh no. We just really enjoy seeing you all.....flustered." Takasugi retorts, his devilish smirk never leaving his face.

Gintoki can't take it anymore. He's already having a hard time getting the blond shinobi out of his mind after his memories about their incident together came back and now, with these three bastards teasing him for that; they are not helping him either.

He has had enough of this teasing now. He has to get to them with a good comeback. "Forget about my love life. You guys aren't very lucky there either!" Gintoki snorts, trying to defend his already lost dignity.

The three stop laughing as they look at their already defeated friend. "What are you talking about, Kintoki?" Sakamoto asks, his obnoxious laughter gone.

Oh shit, he forgot!

"I'm getting married!" Sakamoto grins widely.

"And I'm already married." Katsura replies, pointing at his wedding ring.

"And I have a girlfriend." Takasugi proudly states.

Gintoki's sure his face is as white as his kimono now. All his pride, dignity, name-the great Shiroyasha-they all left no meaning to him anymore. In this loosing battle between him and his three friends, he has been miserably defeated. Never in his life has he felt so pathetic!

"Then why the hell don't you guys leave me alone!? Don't you guys have work to do?!" Gintoki can hear his own voice turning into a desperate squeal.

"Ahahahaha. How considerate of you ,Kintoki. But don't worry. I'm free today!" Sakamoto laughs, warmly placing a hand on his shoulder

Katsura nods in agreement. "Edo is in peace today. So, I'm free as well."

Gintoki finally looks at the former space pirate, his smirk never leaving his face. "And you, Takasugi?" He asks bitterly, his anger at his peak. "Don't you have work to do?"

Never has Takasugi been this amused by Gintoki's annoyance. "As long as I get to see your face like this, I'm free."

That's enough. He has already been humiliated enough, he isn't gonna take it anymore. If looking for some peace of mind means leaving his own house as well as these bastards company, then he's perfectly fine.

"I'm outta here." Gintoki stands up, ready to abandon his own house to attain some peace of mind.

Katsura and Sakamoto are the first one to stop their infuriated friend.

"Hold it right there Gintoki!" Katsura calls out as he grabs one of Gintoki's shoulder.

"We're just kiddin'." Sakamoto joins in, holding on to his other shoulder. "We really wanna help you."

"Help me, my ass! You guys are just here to annoy me!"

"NO! We just really want to see our friend happy with the woman he has fallen for!"

"I didn't even ask you people for help! And who the hell said I'm in love with her?!"

As the three continued their little tug of war, the fourth man in the room finally stands up from his seat.

"Gintoki." The three faces turns towards the shorter man.

Takasugi. You..

Yes Shinsuke, go for it! Help your friend!

What the hell. Don't tell me he's gonna give me dating tips?

"I know you're a failure when it comes to woman."

Katsura and Sakamoto couldn't help the snort that escaped their lips.

And Gintoki. He just wants to punch these three now.

"But." Takasugi continues."In this case, you should go and give it a chance. I know you're having a hard time figuring it out but...you can do it." He encourages, slightly patting his old friends back.

Gintoki can't believe his ears. How many times has he heard Takasugi speaking to him like this? As much as he knows, such cases very almost nonexistent. The respect and admiration that suddenly swells up inside his chest for his old friend looked unexplainable. He was the last person he expected such talks from and yet, here he is, the only person who understood his torment.

"Takasugi-" Katsura and Sakamoto say simultaneously, amazed by his kindness and generosity.

"Now don't go all mushy with me, all of you. I just said what I felt like saying." Takasugi replies, a little smile appearing on his face. Katsura and Sakamoto smile proudly as well as they wrap their arms around their friend's shoulders. "Go for it, Gintoki!"

"You guys-" Gintoki couldn't hold the surprise in his voice as he looks at his three friends, best friends. He almost feels like crying. "Thank y-"

"It's not always when a perm like you gets a shot with a woman like her."

And there goes all his admiration as the three friends burst out laughing.

XXXXXXXXX

It's night by the time Gintoki reaches Yoshiwara. And God is he scared.

It's been two days since his three so-called friends gave him their so-called awesome tips and eight hours since Tsukuyo called him. Their conversation was brief, a little hi's and hello's, maybe her way of trying to keep things normal between them. He's no expert when it comes to situations like this but after their little chat, he decided that he cannot just run forever. And so here he is, free and walking down the road as he can hear his own heartbeat deafening him.

It's never happened to him, though. Feeling like a complete idiot while he's gonna meet a woman. Oh yeah, he forgot. When it comes to the woman he really likes, he doesn't act as his usual self. He turns into a complete idiot.

Well, what more can happen? Gonna get his head pierced with some of her kunais? He's used to it. Or maybe hear her rejecting him-

Wait, wait, what? Rejection? He isnt going there to proposer her! He's just going there to talk to her about their little get together which happened a month ago like a responsible adult. They both have already ignored that situation and each other long enough. It's better to talk it through. If he gets lucky and things do progress from there then....he can always make a move. He really doesn't mind kissing her again. He'll be more than happy, to be honest.

But that should be least of his concerns. Rather than making their relationship even more complex, he just wants to get back to the relationship they shared before. He really can't help risking it.

As he reaches the tea house, he can see Hinowa sitting in the front and talking to one of her customers. A huge smile appears on her face as she sees him standing in front the little tea shop. "Gin-san, how have you been?" She greets him as Gintoki walks inside th tea house.

"As usual. How are you doing?"

"Never been better. So, what brings you here?" Hinowa asks curiously.

"Oh. Just thought to pay you guys a visit." Gintoki replies, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Ah. So, Tsukuyo called?"

Of course, she knows. It's Hinowa. "Uh. Yeah, she did."

"Oh great!" She chirps, pulling him towards the stairs. "She'll be upstairs, in her room! You can wait there." As he starts climbing, he can hear her calling out for him. "All the best!"

Well, he doesn't know what she's wishing him for but if it's what he thinks she is wishing him for then he sure as hell gonna try.

XXXXXXXXX

Tsukuyo finally called him. And fortunately, she didn't stutter or act like a complete idiot on phone. It was a normal conversation, not what she planned for but it sure felt normal. They both were their usual self (or so she thought) on the phone and God, she's glad things seem normal between them now. Now what's left is to have an actual conversation with him. Yeah, she can do it too!

As she enters her room, she finds a surprise standing on her balcony.

And it almost gave her a heart attack.

Hearing the door slide, Gintoki turns around to greet the woman standing a few meters away. "Yo."

"What're ya doin" here?"Tsukuyo asks as she walks towards the unwanted guest in her room.

"Sorry." He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "Hinowa told me to wait inside so..."

"It's alright." Tsukuyo says and stands beside him, leaning slightly on the wooden barracks. Her heart is not helping though. "So, what brings ya here?"

"Oh. Nothing. Just thought I should pay a visit." Gintoki half-lies.

"I see."

"...So, how have you been?"

"Same as ever. What 'bout ya?"

"Same as well."

Silence soon covers the space as the two individuals stare at the night sky. But somehow, it doesn't feel weird or awkward now that they're standing beside each other. Rather it's more like sharing a comfortable space with a close companion.

Like, it's home.

"You've been quite busy." It's Gintoki who finally breaks the silence.

Tsukuyo's head turns to look at him once again. "Yeah. I've been quite busy."

"You're gonna work yourself to death, ya know." Gintoki replies.

A small chuckle escapes her lips. "Don't worry. I won't die so soon."

"Don't know about dying but you sure will get wrinkles soon." He teases. "Look you already have some." Gintoki randomly points at her face.

"Well, I don't care much. But you're no more young either, old man." She retorts back playfully.

"Who the hell are you callin' an old man, you hag. I'm still ripped!"

"Yeah, yeah. And that's why yer still single."

"Oh don't worry about me. You should look one for yourself."

"Don't want one."

"You sure are persistent."

"When ya get one, come tell me then."

"Stubborn."

"Idiot."

And it's like they're back to normal again.

God, did they miss their conversations together! It's the very first time since their little gap that they're finally talking and nothing seems to be awkward. Tsukuyo and Gintoki both know about the relationship they share together and to sabotage that because of the brief moment they shared in their inebriated states looks cheap. Whether one loves the other or not, it doesn't matter. Both of them knows they will be there for each other when time comes and that's what matters the most. Now, they just feel even more comfortable to talk everything through.

"So, about that night-"

And the memories came flooding back. About how they almost ripped each others clothes off in their inebriated states and that also in public. That's enough to make their faces red.

Yeah, it's not easy to discuss about that.

As the two try to cool down their burning faces, Tsukuyo finally decides to speak up. "I hope that doesn't change anything between us, Gintoki."

Gintoki looks at the woman beside him, scarred yet beautiful, as he finds a reply to her confession. "Yeah. Nothing's changed."

Although this was the supposed plan all along, he can't help the disappointment that crawls down his being just to hit him hard in his chest.

Shoving away the little unpleasant feeling, Tsukuyo smiles at the man standing beside her. "Thanks."

"There's nothing to thank for." Gintoki says casually. "We couldn't have ignored it for long, it was supposed to come out one way or the other."

"Yer right. Good thing we did." Tsukuyo replies, her eyes once again looking at the brighten up city. Gintoki, on the other hand, just continues to look at the woman standing beside him. He really doesn't know what kind of magic she holds but it sure as hell is working on him. Maybe it has already worked a long time ago, it's just that he never acted on it. Well not until the day he couldn't hold back himself any longer (because he gets braver when he's drunk) and pressed his lips against her fiercely, like his life depended on that one kiss. He couldn't lie to hinself any longer; he is deeply involved with this woman and leaving things half-assed doesn't look very appealing to him.

"Wanna date me?"

So might as well give it a shot.

"Huh?"

"I asked, wanna date me?"

Something was wrong. Is Tsukuyo hearing things? Is she drunk now or has she been drugged by somebody? Is Gintoki really asking her out?

"What're ya sayin' Gintoki?" Tsukuyo can't resist the shock in her voice.

Is she really that dense? "I'm asking you out woman."

It still doesn't make any sense. "Why?"

Of all the people in this world, Tsukuyo is the last person Gintoki expected this question from. "What do you mean 'why'? I'm not good with such questions, Tsukuyo." Gintoki announces, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance.

Tsukuyo just sighs in exasperation. "If it's because of our little make out session and you're just trying to be a gentleman and take responsibility for it, then please don't do it."

"W-what!? No! It's not because of that, you dense woman! I'm just asking you out because I like you and so I can share a parfait with you at a small cafe 'cause I can't afford five-star dinners!"

Tsukuyo turns around as she walks a feet or two away from him. Something is very wrong with this guy. A guy who has a huge crush on the cute weather girls is asking her, a drunk terminator, out on a date?! Yes, she's in love with him but this is just so....unbelievable. Not in a 'dreamy' way unbelievable but more like 'mermaids exists' way unbelievable.

"Oi! Don't walk away like that!" Gintoki calls out.

Turning around, she faces him with her fingers pressed against her forehead. "I'm not running away you m--You're red."

Red, as in red as a tomato.

Gintoki got so carried away that he almost forgot to feel his body temperature as he continued to confess.

Tsukuyo can't help the little chortle that escaped her lips.

"What're you laughing at!?" Gintoki yells, more embarrassed than ever because he just continues to loose his cool in front of her. Especially her.

Tsukuyo can't help those little chuckles that she's trying so hard to hold back. "But don't you like Ketsuno Ana."

All these sayings and this is the verdict she ends up in. "Yes I did. But if I still had anything for her, I wouldn't have asked you out. And stop laughing!"

"Okay, okay." She reassasures as her chuckles finally subside, now replaced with a small smirk.

If he's really telling the truth, then she can inquire him a little as well.

To be honest, it's his red face that she's enjoying the most. Who knew the cool, silver-haired samurai will be tsundere too.

"So, what is it yer talkin' about? A short-term fling or a long-term proposal?"

It's Gintoki's turn to be surprised now. "Huh?"

Tsukuyo slowly moves towards him as she shortens the distance between them, that grin never leaving her face. "Ya heard me right."

"Never thought you were in such cheesy dialogues, Tsukki." Gintoki moves his face closer to her.

Tsukuyo just repeats the same action."Well, you came with a proposal now, didn't you? So. Be precise."

Gintoki sighs in defeat, his eyes narrowing. "You're enjoying it, aren't you?"

"Of course, I am." She hums in delight. "It's not always when I get to see your red face." A vixen indeed.

Being in love with this man for almost four years has taught Tsukuyo to control her emotions. Her sudden blushing face or stuttering, all were long gone as these years now paid her well and gave her the courage to talk frankly with this man about such things while not losing her composure.

Gintoki, on the other hand, is at the losing end.

"Fine." Gintoki finally speaks, his one hand sheepishly running over his messy hair as he looks at her. "I'll say it once, so hear me out."

Blood soon rushes up her face as she can feel her cheeks getting warm.

Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he finally confesses. "If you want me to stay, I'll spend the rest of my life with you."

"And I have fallen for the biggest idiot in the whole world."

"Wha-" Before Gintoki can properly digest the little confession which was followed by his, he soon finds two arms wrapping around his neck as Tsukuyo pull him down for a heartfelt kiss.

And God does it feel right to kiss her again. And all in his sanity.

Pulling her closer by her waist, he deepens the kiss as all their worries soon get lost in the air. He l

They finally pull back, their breathes heavy as they look into each other's eyes.

"You shouldn't take a man off-guard like that, you know Tsukii." Gintoki teases, resting his firhead against her.

"And ya shoulda looked at yourself when ya almost ripped my kimono off that night." Tsukuyo retorts.

"Oh, I'd love to do th-" To which he gets a hard smack on his right arm. "Okay, okay. No dirty jokes now."

"Good." Tsukuyo smiles at his pouting face.

He still remembersthe first time when he first saw her, fearless and strong and scarred yet beautiful; just like the moon that glistens up the night sky. And now that he is here, holding her in his arms, he knows he's fallen the most wonderful woman in this world."Then I guess this is mutual between us now?"

"Guess this is." Tsukuyo replies, her eyes locked with him.

"Then, now I can kiss you all I want?" He mumbles, placing a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth.

She smiles at his affectionate gesture. "I guess you can."

"You won't throw a kunai at me then?"

"No you idiot. I won't."

Gintoki cups her face in his hands, looking at the beautiful person that he fell for without ever realising it. He is no mushy guy when it comes to woman but she, he thinks he can write a poem on her if he tries. She's the one he's always wanted and here she is.

Brushing his lips against her, he wispers to her, "All mine?"

What can she say? This man broke her walls, brought her out, showed the world and made her fall in love. She must be the stupidest woman in the world to fall for a lazy bum like Sakata Gintoki.

Tsukuyo could just smile in adoration before closing the little gap between them. "Yeah. All mine."

[annerly-san]

The Night’s Reminiscence | Chapter 1 | Takasugi Shinsuke (Gintama)

Alternate A03 Link:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/25601344/chapters/62137555

Verdant grass blades swayed in the wind as the scent of bloomed cherry blossom flowers wafted about her.  The lull of cicada thrills filled the air and beckoned the imminent arrival of summer.

It was warm.

She remembered the scratching and chaffing of the geta against her toes as she chased him.  Her lungs would ache with each stretch of breath she took and her heart pounded in her chest so loudly that she could barely hear anything else.  Out of breath, and out of reach, he always managed to evade her.

No matter how hard she ran to chase after him-- desperately seeking his attention and affection-- he would brush by the tips of her fingers and disappear from her sight.

Those piercing eyes of deep green were constantly fixated on something further ahead.  They looked at something that was beyond her.  Her naivety of childhood affections and innocent yearnings of the heart had once hopelessly wished to capture his gaze.

It was from a time that was much more peaceful and innocent.  A time where she was of more pure heart.  It was but a memory -- a recollection-- of the time she had her heart still intact.

Miyuki looked out from her window.

The lush countryside of her hometown was but a fleeting moment in the increasing industrialization that she saw beyond her window.

The gentle hills of the country were paved down and replaced with buildings of iron, steel and glass.  The greenery of nature had long since been uprooted and covered with endless trails black asphalt and gray concrete.  The wind, which had once carried the sweet scent of flowers and fruits in bloom, now gusted about with a nasty mixture of smoke, chemicals and toxins which devastated the lungs with an unfortunate breath.

The dull ache of her heart was not of forlorn yearning.  Nor was it of sorrowful pain from a past long gone.  No.  She surmised that it was but the aftermath of a despairing resignation-- a loss of all hope and prospect for a future that she could call hers.

Her attention was not divided for long.

The sharp tapping of the door alerted her to the maid that was now entering her quarters, relaying her surprise at her mistress’s early rise.

The commentary on how excited she must be for her big day went in one ear and out of the other as Miyuki slipped her arms through the kimono that the maid held out for her.

On a usual day, Miyuki would have glared at anyone who held the tenacity to speak of the insufferable marriage arrangement between her and her fiance.  A sharp tongue would have flicked out between her clenched teeth to chastise the imbecile who thought that a political marriage to the single most egoistical, spoilt and repugnant man to walk the streets of Edo.

The skin of her cheeks have grown thick-- accustomed to the slaps she received from her parents as reprimand for speaking ill of her soon-to-be husband.  It was most unfortunate that the skin on the rest of her face had not developed the same density in a metaphorical sense.  As much as she would much rather slit open her stomach and bleed to death rather than marry that abomination of a man, her wrists were tied and her mouth was gagged as she was practically sold off from her family as a political asset in order to gain some semblance of material wealth and power.

And now she stood in front of a mirror, watching as a veil of delicate blush was applied to her cheeks.  She almost wished that the maid would apply at least five times the amount of makeup to cover her face as to mask the inevitable shame and to shield the remnants of her pride.

“Oh, my lady, you simply look wonderful!”  The maid gushed as the last stroke of the makeup brush left Miyuki’s lips.  “You’re the most beautiful woman in Edo!”

The mirror reflected a picturistic bride.  Adorned in an elegant wedding kimono with her hair held back by clips made from gold and precious jewels, a woman that Miyuki refused to acknowledge stared at her with blank eyes.

“You’re soon to be married to a high government official!  How wonderful!”  The maid continued to gush incessantly as she escorted Miyuki to the palanquin that awaited her in the front of the manor.  “To live a life of care-free and luxury-!”

The words, spoken by one who knew nothing of the torment and suffering that came adjunct to this union, scrapped at the pits of Miyuki’s stomach irritably as small ruptures of growing anger bubbled up within her.

Miyuki stepped into the palanquin and took her seat.

The interior-- ornamented with the highest quality wood, finest silks, metals and jewels-- enclosed about her like a prison.  She felt herself being hoisted up into the air as the palanquin shook about with each step that the carriers took.

Out of the wooden bars of her transport, she stared past the bustling crowd of Edo’s common folk and back to the humble countryside of her past.

“Did you get hurt again?”  She gingerly reached out towards him in comfort only to be slapped away.

The boy turned cheek and replied coyly.  “Does it look like I’m hurt?”

His pride was clearly injured above all else.

His purple hair was disheveled and there was a swelling around one of his vibrant green eyes.

“No, but let me-”

“You’re annoying!  Can’t you leave me alone, damn it!?” Despite the calming sting in her hands, she tenderly took her handkerchief -- soaked with clean spring water-- and blotted at the small scraps and scratches on the boy’s face.

He winced, but allowed for her to tend him.  The unspoken permission blossomed into warmth in her heart.

“You’re really strong, Takasugi-kun.”  She sang her praise for him as she carefully cleaned him of the blood and sweat he accumulated in a fight that he had gotten into.

Her parents would have been mortified to see how close she had gotten to the son of a lower class samurai family, but she didn’t care.  The chastising, the meals forgone, the whips of bamboo sticks on her wrists-- she could tolerate them all.

Her family ran the prodigious military academy that Takasugi’s parents had sent him to.  A single instance of him defeating a group of students which were making less than civil advances towards her made her heart tremor in her chest.

Her interest and affection for him sprouted then.

Miyuki would always follow him around and watch him.  The way that he swung his sword around was mesmerizing for her to watch.

She would often sneak and watch him behind a tree or bush or gaze out the window of her room to hopefully spot him around and about in the academy.

When she finished her calligraphy lessons, she would find him to ask for him to show her the new sword techniques that he learned that day.

He called her annoying often and chastised her a great deal for bothering him even more so.

And even as he often yelled at her, called her annoying, and chastised her for running about and not being a proper lady as she should be, she never once felt upset or offended.

She was simply content with the fact that she managed to get him -- the object of her love and admiration-- to look her way even for just the briefest of moments.

The palanquin came to a halt and the heavy silk screen was lifted up to reveal a reel of carpet rolled out on the floor for her to step upon.

She could already hear the bustle of the crowd that her fiance had gathered as a means to shamelessly show off to uncaring spectators.

A familiar hand held itself out as a means to prompt her to take it.

She dejectedly placed her hand in the hand of her father’s as she stepped outside.

The cheers enveloped her senses as she was escorted towards the shrine where her soon-to-be husband stood.

Her father leaned in as to whisper in her ear.  “This is your contribution to the family.  Stand straight.  Stand proud.”  Those words were not meant as praise.  The underlying threat in her father’s tone was clear.  Perhaps he was being civil today for once as he didn’t bring mention of “being a disgrace” or “being a worthless woman” up as a means to stab at her esteem.  She wanted to slouch further but decided to not press her luck when the grip on her hand tightened to the point of near bruising.

Her father was a ruthless man.

It was to be expected from the head of a military academy.  But only she bore the callous treatment that her father gave.  She spotted her mother and younger brother standing near the front; her mother’s head held high and tilted up in a snobbish manner, and her brother had the most bored look on his face not bothering to hide the fact that he could not care to be present.

To think that the sole reason that their family was able to remain intact was solely due to the fact of her marriage.

The sudden change and worth that she held as well as the lack of choice and will in this matter made her hands ball up in a seething frustration.

Despite being the eldest, she was often discredited for the sole fact of being a woman.

At her birth, the instant that her father discovered her gender, he immediately sought out to produce another heir in hopes of raising a son.

And so, soon after her, a son was borne to the household.

While he was showered with undeserving praise for the slightest of things and held the affections of both parents in the palm of his hands, she suffered neglect and abuse.

It was not uncommon for her to hear from both parents on how worthless she was and how lucky she would be if she was able to be married off to an affluent family.

Both parents told her frequently that if she was to get on her brother’s good graces, perhaps he would be willing to provide a free spot in the inherited manor for her to housekeep and watch over his offspring.

Her brother knew that she was told of such things.  And he took advantage of it.

Often berating her or even physically bullying her-- pulled out hair and bruised cheeks-- no one in the house showed her any semblance of kindness nor respect of a human being.

How funny it was that it was her to get them out of the troubles that plagued them upon the Amanto’s invasion.

With the military academy being effectively shut down as a result of the sword ban, the esteem that the house had once held was shattered into dust.

It was a fitting justice for those who despicably held onto that power and used it to prey upon the weak.

But as the house fell into ruin, a high ranking Bafuku official had taken interest in Miyuki and wished to court her.  In return, the household would be brought out from ruin and financial woes.

Despite having the power to change the tides for her family, they treated her no better.

Her adamant refusals to go humor the official with dates resulted in beatings that included kimono sleeves and layers of makeup that would just barely conceal evidence of abuse.

Her attempts of escape led to recapture with padlocked doors and chains on her legs.

Her attempts to simply leave the world led to an uncomfortably intolerable surveillance of her actions for every second of each day she spent in captivity.

And now, powerless, she stood before the man whom she held no affections nor care towards as she nodded and agreed to his vows to become his until death do they part.

And as she felt the press of his lips against hers, she felt the last bit of hope and defiance in her disintegrate into oblivion as the vows between the two of them were sealed.

Miyuki stared blankly ahead as the food and festivities of the wedding began.  Her now husband placed a kiss on her cheek for which she could not muster even a look of disgust for.

The music and noise of the party were lost to her as she herself grew lost in her reminiscence of what once was, not caring for the unwelcomed hand of her husband that was now intertwined with hers.

As a young girl, she could never hold, much less practice, with the sword.  It was ironic despite her family hailing from a military background and running an academy to train the new generation.

Her fascination with the sword and learning from it manifested through her admiration of Takasugi.

Her eyes would observe his stance and swing with an intense curiosity, her own hands gripping a calligraphy brush or a flower stem and replicating his moves to its exact arc and velocity.

She was stricken with sorrow when she came across news that Takasugi left the dojo to study under the tutelage of someone else.

She did not grieve for long.

When she had snuck out to trail him after he had left his house one day, she stumbled across the school of Shouka Sonjuku.

Her eyes followed Takasugi in amazement as she watched him spar with another silver haired kid -- wide smile on his face.

Even as he was struck down and lost the round, he looked the happiest she had ever seen him look before.  She secretly watched him bicker with the student and teacher before finally leaving.

Trailing him quietly as he walked on the road back toward home, she noticed the cut on his hand and without a second thought rushed over to him in a state of concern.

“Y-you!”  She had startled him.

“Are you ok?  You’re hurt!”  She immediately took out her handkerchief to wrap around his hand only to be slapped away-- the fabric falling to the ground.

He immediately began to storm off.  “Don’t follow me!”

“A-ah, wait!”  She reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his arm.

He spun around in annoyance-- eyes glistening with distrust and hostility.

“You’re going to tell my parents aren’t you?  Like the goody two-shoes that you are!”  The words he spoke had barbs that stung the flesh.  But Miyuki paid the pain no mind.

“N-no!”  Miyuki exclaimed in protest.  “I-I got worried about you since you weren’t coming to the academy…”  She picked up the spoiled handkerchief from the ground and looked back up at him.  “I-I won’t tell anyone!  I promise!”

His eyes scrutinized her as her heart fluttered from him looking at her directly like this for the first time.

“...tsk…”  He grabbed her hand and spun around to walk back home-- pulling at her arm and walking at a pace with no regards to her.

As she stumbled in a breathy run to match his pace, she was unbelievably over the moon that her hand was intertwined in his.

The virtues of two people holding hands as viewed by a child are often perceived as pure and untainted.  The memory faded out of mind as she was brought back to the reality that was the honeymoon suite that her husband had rented out for the both of them to consummate their first night together.

Her husband’s hands slipped around her, tugging at the kimono caring not about the integrity of the expensive cloth that covered her.  

“My wife…” her husband’s whispers were low as he uttered that hateful title she now bore into the crevice of her neck.  She felt warm and wet traces trail across her neck and back knowing full well that there would be unsightly marks in the places where it lingered.

She passively stood there, her own hands placed atop his roaming ones as they traced paths up and down her body-- lingering in places of particular interest.

The mannerisms of her treatment made her realize the extent of which she was considered and treated as a tool.

Her past self would have toyed with the notion of love in marriage and the yielding of oneself as an act of declaring eternal love for one another.

But as she faced the reality she was in, there was no such thing as love.

She knew that now as the grip on her arms and legs were tight enough to hurt her and the blatant disregard for her comfort was evident in the drawing of blood as a result of viciously left bite marks and scratches.

She was foolish to once think that she could ever receive love.

Takasugi was never a man that she could even hope to love.

But her heart back then refused to accept that reality and only ever pour its love out endlessly for him.

Reality was cruel.

If her heart dreamed and beat to the rhythm of a fairytale, her eyes would at the very least open one day to see the truth.

That night was clear.

She could see the stars -- infinitesimal in the sky.  She wondered if she would be able to see them reflect in his eyes when he came to see her.  She wondered how many strands of his purple hair she could count as they tosseled in the warm and gentle breeze of a midsummer’s night.

Miyuki stood underneath the cedar tree overlooking the river’s bed.  The ambient sounds of nature lulled her into a peace of mind as she listened for the sound of footsteps amongst the buzzing of cicadas, the rushing of water against rocks and the chirping of crickets.

She had left home to find him.  For once, she could seek freedom and happiness on her own terms.  And she wanted to find it with him.

He had gone off to fight in the Joui war.  It was perhaps the kindness -- or cruelness-- of fate that allowed them to meet once more.

“Would you give me an answer?”  Her voice was shaking as she poured out her confession of love for him.  “I-I’ll wait for you at the top of the hill overlooking the river.”  She pointed at the lone cedar tree on the hill nearby before anxiously looking up to meet his eyes.

The unit that he led graciously let her through to speak with him in addition to having enough tact to leave personal space for the two of them to speak.

She would be content with anything.  She’d follow him into the army to help as a nurse or helping hand if he wished.  She would wait somewhere in the promise of his return from the war -- praying for his victory and luck.  Anything.  She would do anything for him.

But affections needed to be mutual.

Miyuki knew this.

The smallest corner of her rational mind compelled her to ask him.  Ask if he returned her love.

Whether he did or didn’t, her love for him must accept that.  She loved him enough to love him from afar.  She loved him enough to ask for nothing in return.

Her heart trembled in fear and excitement as she stared up into the sky waiting for him to arrive.

She wondered if she should have specified a time.

Her legs eventually grew tired from standing on the incline of a hill and she resigned to sitting down-- leaning against the tree trunk for support.

As the moon traversed overhead and the stars spun around and about the sky, she waited.

Until the dawn broke and the sun rose high into the sky, she continued to sit there.

Day waned into night again, and she silently thanked her family for not feeding her at times-- otherwise she would have to sit up and potentially miss him if he came by.

The pure, innocent hope of her love overrode the disparaging crackles of her heart as her eyelids grew heavy.  Miyuki thought that hopefully she could wake up just before Takasugi arrived so that she wouldn’t embarrass herself by sleeping so awkwardly.

But when she awoke, she found herself back in the manor of her home.  Confined to her room as punishment for running away, she despaired over how he might have been looking for her on that hilltop.

And on the tenth day of confinement in her room as she was remembering all the things she loved about him, did she have to force herself to realize that never once did he look at her with the same adoration as she did with him.  Only then did she finally open her eyes to realize that he would have never come to find her on that hilltop in the first place.  That he would never love her.

As she gripped the sheets of her bed, body driven into the bed with each careless and sloppy thrust of her husband’s hips -- pain and aches resonating throughout her body as sweat beaded on her forehead-- she knew that she would never be loved.

Her dreams of freedom, her hopes of love and her wishes of respect are all but an illusion that she had so carefully wrapped herself in to distract her from the painful truth that those were things unattainable for her.

Miyuki stared out at the foggy night sky-- barely making out the dull shine of the moon beneath the clouds.

This would be the last night in a long time that she would ever reminiscence on a more innocent time of her life.

[sparks-joy-imagines]

How takasugi would react if matako Who initially Hates his fem s/o ends up with a crush on her because She Is Just so sweet and kind (I know,a really strange request😅)

PS:Sorry if I requested as soon as you accepted gintama request again,I Just can't help It you write so well😭

Also Sorry for any grammatical errors, english isn't my fist lenguage

hi darling, I love this!!😆your timing for the request was totally fine and I’m so happy you enjoy my writings! English isn’t my first language either so don’t worry 😊- niob

Takasugi’s reaction to Matako having a crush on his s/o

Takasugi is aware that Matako didn’t really like you from the start but it’s not like he actually cared about it

so, when he witnesses for the first time that Matako does not glare at you or makes a snippy remark but instead is very friendly towards you… not just friendly but actually indulges in your interests he has absolutely no idea what is going on and observes the strange occurrence for a while

he wonders what happened that you two get along so well all of a sudden but then again, it’s nothing to worry about; it’s actually a good thing since this means there will be less disturbance within the Kiheitai

he won’t think much of it and just goes about his day

but the more time passes the more he sees you two together chatting about this and that and does Matako have a hint of red on her cheeks??

once Takasugi realises that Matako developed a little crush on you he can’t think of anything else

the thoughts and questions about you and Matako haunt him in his sleep, while planning to destroy the Shogunate and during any other activity in his life

with eagle eyes he watches you whenever you are near Matako

he would never directly start a conversation with you about this topic but when he just can’t ignore it anymore because it hinders him in his every-day life or when he’s super drunk (whichever comes first) he tries to ask you some unsuspicious questions about your friendship with Matako

you’re better off assuring him that there is nothing more than a platonically friendship otherwise his bad mood will be unbearable

but even after you assured him that for you there is no one else but him, he won’t be able to let go and tries to sneakily disturb you whenever you talk to Matako without being too obvious (at least he thinks that he is sneaky, for everyone else it becomes painfully obvious very quick)