-after Yoshiwara in flames arc-
It was almost 4am, Kagura couldn't sleep and kept getting lost in thought. She was thinking about her brother, how he's changed, and her old life. At any rate she was making herself depressed.
She could really stand for some fresh air. Kagura removed herself from the closet as quietly as she could, so that she wouldn't wake up Gin-chan. After his fight with Hosen, he really needed rest.
Her arm hadn't healed yet so she didn't bother changing clothes. (Yato healing abilities are amazing but they work best when you have a surplus of food to fuel the healing process. In her case it would probably take 5-7 days.) She slipped out the door and into the cool night.
Kagura headed to the park. She sat in the grass up against a tree and stared up at the stars.
She sat in a daze, trying to imagine all of the things that could have happened. The good, the bad. What if Kamui brought her with instead of leaving her? What if he hadn't gone? What if Kamui never existed? What if Gintoki never let her join the Yorozuya? What if she never met Gintoki in the first place?
She went over countless simulations in her head. Soon she heard a voice.
"China, its 5:30 in the morning. What the hell are you doing?"
"Huh? Sadist? What are you doing up?"
"Since the Harusame was spotted in Yoshiwara, we have been forced to start our patrols earlier. Now what are you doing laying in the park in your pajamas at 5 am?", he asked while sitting down next to her.
"I couldn't sleep and came to clear my head. I didn't realize that so much time has passed though. Why are you sitting too?"
"It is 5 when we usually start at 7, I'm tired. I don't see the point in patrolling; they have probably left already anyway."
"Well duh. He's not that stupid."
"He?"
"Forget I said that. Anything you want to do? I don't really want to fight right now."
"What are you talking about? We don't always fight."
"Yes we do, like all the time."
"Oh really? I thought we were playing. Does that mean you've been fighting me seriously all these years? I honestly couldn't tell."
"You fucking bastard!" On impulse she throws a punch but pain shoots through her arm making her visibly wince and pull back.
"That's new, what happened to your arm?" he asked while shooting her a concerned glance.
"I-umm picked a fight with someone I shouldn't have." seeing the worry on his face she quickly says, "I won though!"
"If someone's able to get you that injured, it makes me wonder who it is."
"It doesn't matter anymore. They all left. We made it out. It is all over now." she says with a slightly annoyed tone, her eyes struggling to stay open.
"China, you need sleep, and it is almost sunrise. Let me bring you home."
She nodded slowly and stumbled as she tried to get up.
He grabbed her good arm before she fell and said, "I don't need to carry you home do I?"
"N-no, I'm ok."
They walked to the Yorozuya in silence. As they neared the door, she says, "Be as quiet as possible. Gin-chan's injuries are way worse than mine. Please don't wake him."
Feeling a bit unsettled that she would go as far as to say 'please' to him, he took care to open the door as silently as he could. "Where do you sleep at? Do you need any help?" he whispered.
"I sleep in the closet."
Sougo looked rather dumbfounded as he saw her struggling to lift herself into the closet.
He lifted her up by her waist into the small space. It almost went unheard, but he made out a small "Thanks" as she closed the door.
He gave a small, genuine smile as he whispered "Good night". He went to leave when he remembered what she said about Gintoki.
"How much worse?" thought Sougo.
Soon he found himself in front of the door to Gintoki's room. He slowly opened the door and peered inside.
Gintoki was still asleep, but this was the worse Sougo's ever seen him. He was covered with gauze, blood soaking through in places. There were reddish tints in his hair, showing how they tried to wash the blood out but didn't do a great job at it. Gintoki had a pained expression and a small pink, rabbit print bandage on his cheek.
Sougo quietly shut the door and left as soon as he could.
"How the hell did he get that injured?! She is definitely keeping something from me. Considering our conversation earlier, it probably has something to do with the Harusame. If I can prove that they have a relation to the Joui or Harusame, I would get a raise and maybe even a promotion. Sorry China, but you won't be able to keep it from me for long. ", he thinks while heading back to Headquarters.