A/N: Decided to write my own take on how these two characters will grow up together. The POV will switch between chapters and sometimes in the same chapters, but this one is all in Sougo's POV.

Ages 14 and 18: The First Meeting

On their first official meeting, Sougo wondered what a little girl was doing with the Yorozuya, asking for fried chicken skin. It was only a few moments later that Sougo realized she was not just some little girl. The China brat was able to match him in the helmet game so well that they ended up forsaking the hammers and went straight to their fists. It was the first time he actually enjoyed a game without bringing his sadistic nature out.

It was only a few days later that they'd meet again, this time the brat surprised him by kidnapping the Princess of the country. Thinking it was too early for this, he watched as Hijitaka-san tried to handle the situation poorly. It was one of Sougo's past time to watch his supervisor fail. Still though, it was rather impressive how the girl was able to kidnap the princess so easily. He'll have to keep his eyes on her if he wanted to make sure his nap time wasn't constantly disturbed by her presence...

However in time, Sougo would soon realize that their paths would cross more likely than he liked. He was just thinking about how he hadn't seen the weird Yorozuya group in a while when he bumped right into them at a public event. They didn't recognize him at first due to the fact that he was wearing his civilian clothing. But seeing them there made him think of a case he was trying to solve on his own.

Being a younger captain in the Shinsengumi always made people think he was the weakest of the group. As if they didn't think the reason he was so young and a captain was due to his talent and skills. But being in a leadership position has also awaken his eyes to the corruption in society. He knew as a member of the police force he wouldn't be able to go against the government officials.

But despite the common misconception that sadists only care about themselves, Sougo knew the difference between right and wrong and he wanted to fix it. Asking for the Yorozuya to help would unexpectedly become an annoying occurrence that he and the Shinsengumi would begrudgingly accept. Not expecting much from a bunch of freeloaders, Sougo was truly surprised at the amount of dedication and admiration the trio put into their work. But that didn't change the fact that they were still just a bunch of freeloaders.

The girl in particular was almost a replica of the Yorozuya Danna. Sougo doesn't know if it's because China was rather young or because she grew up with a different lifestyle, but Sougo was amazed to see how vulgar the girl could be.

For example, the incident where the Shimura girl was kidnapped and they had to play a game with dishes was one of the worst days for Sougo. He had only followed along to see Kondo-san suffer, but he ended up getting stepped on all over by China. Then again it was also probably due to the fact Sougo egged her on whenever he had a chance. But it was really such a shock for her to tell him his crotch was in the way.

Sougo had sustained more injuries that day than ever before but not because the enemy was strong, but because that China girl was so stupid. He had helped her fix her arm that day and she ended up breaking his leg and then taking a selfie of her stepping on him. He never knew he could feel that embarrassment in his entire life...

Again and again, the Yorozuya and the Shinsengumi got together, fought over stupid things, and bonded over even dumber things. But there are some days when Sougo is reminded that not every day can be a happy one.

He thought he had left the Rokkaku incident behind him but it seems the past can bite you on the ass and never let go. Although he was surprised to see how attentive the China brat had become, talking about family and murderers. Maybe she wasn't just a little idiot after all? Then again she vomited right next to him and Sougo would like to kindly not see her face for a while even if it meant she got them to escape. He realizes as he gets her to take Kirie away from here that this is the third time he has practically saved her since they've met. He made a small mental note to rub it in her face later if they make it out alive. (He barely did, but that made all the teasing even more worth it)

Somehow, being with the Yorozuya brought out a slightly sillier side of Sougo. Almost as if he could live the life of an ordinary teenager and not as a police officer. Although that usually ends up with Sougo getting more injured than usual.

Perhaps this is why men have a shorter lifespan than women...

Throughout the year, if Sougo wasn't busy trying to murder Hijikata-san, he was a giant beetle, a video game character, a bakaizer, a giant snowball, and a woman… Actually Sougo's still not really sure how half of those were really real.

But in one year, Sougo had more fun than he could ever imagine in Edo. The Yorozuya all had made an impact on him, whether it was Danna and him teaming up to be the sadistic duo, or the China brat who didn't seem to have a problem bringing out his (cough) uncool side. She'd somehow managed to make him apologize to her and he even made a cheesy joke about marrying her. Something about her.. Just made him think he could show a side that he usually hides.

There was another member in the Yorozuya but Sougo didn't really bond with the pair of glasses. It was more Yamazaki's thing anyways.

A/N: Will try to push chapters out weekly now that the Gintama anime has ended and my Wednesdays are now more free TuT Also if anyone's interested, I used Momo's guide on tumblr as a reference to all the OkiKagu moments that have happened in the series let me know if you want the link!