Thank you for reading this short drabble!
I will write three of them for three pairings, with the common theme of summer. This one is for UmiKouka.
If you like them, please send a comment.
Gintama is a creation of Hideaki Sorachi.
"Kanko, are you ready?" A woman using a white kimono with a red fish pattern asks him.
The man takes a couple of bags and looks at himself in the mirror. His body shows the passage of time; instead of his messy hair now the reflection of light on his head appears. The skin is not as elastic as in his prime years, and the tips of his fingers press against it in frustration.
Meanwhile, the figure next to their house's entrance stays radiant like summer. He is not worthy of her presence, of the delicious aroma of flowers she offers, but regardless she stays by his side. Umibouzu assents and they both leave home. Tonight is a good time for fireworks.
In summer, the stars appear on her eyes when she looks at him. He feels the warmth of the Sun when their hands touch, and something indescribable blooms within when she stares and gives him food like he is a child. He doesn't remember when Kouka learned to laugh like this, since he doesn't recall it from Kouan, but the hunter is glad with the way their voices mix and burst together, creating a melody just for the two of them.
Kouka takes his arm and the pair finds a good spot for the colorful show. In their own bubble, the sky paints them with flashes of yellow, blue and red. Kids smile everywhere, his attention fixated on two of them from a familiar memory far away. He wants his partner to notice them, but realizes she is content enough looking at the figures filled with stars.
He doesn't think much when he kisses her hair, a protective hand on her shoulder. They stay like this until Kouka breaks the contact, much to his dismay. When he is about to open his mouth in wonder, her index finger touches his lips.
"Kanko, thank you for bringing me to Earth to see this festival. Please take care of them," she tells him, referring to the kids he saw earlier. He fights against his memories and the way her scent disappears so quick, the world turning into darkness.
When he opens his eyes, he is in a foreign ship in the middle of his job. The festival and the woman are gone, replaced by a room filled with metal and a bunch of men. He doesn't let the knot in his throat dominate him, breathing instead.
Perhaps it is a good time to pay Kagura a visit.