Hijikata went back to work, but his mind stayed adrift for a while. Gintoki resumed his daily routine as well, including another trip to the grocery store – to replace the eggs. He kept replaying the scene that occurred next to his home, and he had a weird smile plastered all over his face for the rest of the day.
Somehow neither of them feared their next encounter.
Which somehow happened next day, late in the afternoon. It was a really unfortunate chain of events yet again. Hijikata was about to give directions to his subordinates regarding their patrol routes when he had a catch on his walkie talkie. Joui activity has been spotted out nearby, making a perfect chance to capture their notorious leader. It was a gang of simple thugs, not too skilled or organized, but their leader had a very good talent at smuggling and hiding their traces altogether. All gratitude should go to Yamazaki and his anpan mission for finally smelling out their hiding place. Hijikata wasn't one to praise his men, but he had intention to say a few good words to Kondo-san for the sake of Zaki. In the course of action which consisted of smoking out the bandits and luring out their leader, Hijikata kept the situation coordinated, protecting his men. Their swift attack didn't last long as the thugs surrendered and their boss was caught by Sougou.
He couldn't suppress a smile when Kondo kept complimenting him for the deed done so well and chief told him to go back to the barracks early to fill in reports and to take a well earned rest as well. So Hijikata was in a good mood thanks to the success, up until he tried to cross a road to buy cigarettes from a vending machine he spotted on the other side.
He was hit by a white scooter. The rider tried to avoid the collision by skidding to halt with an alarmed scream, but the impact was inevitable. Both Hijikata and his assaulter flew a few meters then rolled on the asphalt, noticing that there was really big traffic and it was only sheer luck that they weren't ran over by something bigger. Some cars collided as well, a few drivers got out of their car to help them, while others kept shaking their fists in anger because they were going to be late for dinner. Hijikata felt pain all over his body but nothing crucial was hurt or broken. He assessed his body looking for possible injuries as he slowly tried to get up, when he felt a hand on him. The touch was tentative, and it was accompanied by a nervous question.
"Hijikata-kun, are you hurt?" It was the Yorozuya, and Hijikata felt like punching the other for turning up like this. His voice was full of worry, uncharacteristic for someone like Gintoki. Of course he had every reason to be worried, but the Vice-Commander was miraculously fine. Quickly he was helped up by a silver haired man, who held him steady for a long moment just to making sure that he could stand on his own. Hijikata was really pissed off at the man but he couldn't start a fight now as they were in a middle of a busy road and the traffic has started to revive around them. Gintoki ran for his scooter and with care he lifted it, making sure it wasn't damaged even more. Once balanced on its two wheels, he was running as he pushed it in the direction of the sidewalk, escaping the danger of passing cars. Hijikata accompanied him as they quickly left the road.
"What the hell was that Yorozuya?"
"I could ask you the same. You stepped onto the road without looking anywhere. Just what got into you? You could have died!" Hijikata was so ready to blame the Yorozuya for the accident that he forgot that it was mainly his fault. Now the words made sense and he realised how foolish he was to cross a road blindly. It was probably the exhaustion, but that's not a good excuse.
Only now he noticed that Gintoki was bleeding. A thin line of blood trickled down the mans cheek, it's source somewhere beneath the curls. There was a huge scrape on his right forearm too.
"I didn't die. But you're hurt!" Hijikata not only felt tired now, but also stupid and guilty. This man always made him feel wretched no matter what situation they were in.
"I will live. What made you think to cross the road, eh?" Gintoki wasn't accusing him anymore, and he seemed relieved that the other was fine. With his yukata's sleeve he wiped off the blood from his face, not caring about the fabric as it was already dirty from his fall.
Hijikata gulped a little because Gintoki's voice was gentle, just as it had been a day before and he was reminded of…
"Mayoboros." he said.
Gintoki raised an eyebrow at that. Cigarette? Hijikata almost died for a pack of cigarettes? No, wait. Gintoki almost died so that Hijikata can buy tabbacco? Gintoki felt a nervous laugh coming out of him. This was absurd.
"Ahahaha, emergency, was it? You ran out…"
"I did, why are you laughing?"
"No, it's nothing." Gintoki wasn't one to brag, but if he didn't try to stop his scooter by skidding and falling purposely, Hijikata would have been subjected to full impact. "But you owe me a parfait."
"Like hell do I owe. Let me buy my damn cigarettes already!" Hijikata snapped, the adrenaline wore off and now his need of nicotine had him angry. With that he went toward the vending machine he so long ago spotted from the other side, and searched for his wallet inside his jacket's pocket.
As his hands reached into empty space he heard an exclamation behind him.
"Ahh what a lucky catch! Gin-san can buy so many parfaits from this amount." Irritated the officer turned around only to see Gintoki counting money in his wallet.
"Oiiiii that's mine you asshole." he was nearing the end of his patience. This fool annoyed him more than Sougou ever did, and that was really hard to top.
"Ah I don't think so. I found this on the asphalt, it was clearly thrown there on purpose so Gin-san could buy himself a strawberry parfait. Maybe an issue of Jump as well!" Gintoki said in a mocking tone. Much to Hijikata's surprise though, Gin didn't try to keep his wallet. He threw it to him and the Vice-commander caught it.
Hijikata didn't know what to say, so he just stared at Gintoki in confusion. There was a cavalcade of reactions stirring within him. He felt a mixture of gratitude and anger within, but the scale was ready to tip toward gratitude as he thought of the possibility of his wallet being left on the road only to be constantly ran over by cars.
Without a word he turned toward the machine and with his recovered money he finally managed to buy the long awaited packet of Mayoboros. The packet barely arrived in the machine's dispenser, he tore it open and put a cigarette between his lips hastily.
Meanwhile Gintoki didn't leave at all, he was merely watching the other enjoying his smoke puffs. The abrupt accident had shaken Gintoki a little, knowing that traveling by scooter was far from safe in Edo, recent events supporting evidence for that fact.
Hijikata stood next to him as he sucked on the tobacco stick, almost hungry to swallow the vile smoke. He glanced at the other and on a whim, he offered the Yorozuya a cigarette from the packet.
Gintoki could think of many reasons to refuse it. It was stinking, unhealthy and wrong on many levels. But he found his hands reaching toward it, taking out one and putting it between his lips almost unconsciously. Hijikata lit it for him and then they just stood there, two figures and a slightly damaged scooter, lit by the late afternoon sun tinted with a slight orange hue.
For Gin, the cigarette was a bit to strong, yet he managed it and even enjoyed it a little when he neared its end.
"The next time we meet. I will buy you a parfait." Hijikata said as he inhaled another bout of smoke from his cigarette.
Gintoki smiled. Free parfait was always welcome! He somehow felt calmer around Hijikata – a lot calmer than he felt yesterday. Strangely their accident brought peace between the too. It could have turned out really nasty, and that possibility made the two man put aside their conflicts.
"Want me to give you a lift home?" Gintoki asked.
"With that piece of scrap? No way. I'll just grab a patrol car." He reached for his radio which was attached to his belt. Except it was very obviously broken and deformed, not giving a hint of function at all.
"You won't be able to reach anyone with that" Gin commented, slightly sulking because his offer was declined and even his scooter got bullied.
"Then I'll just take a taxi." Hijikata somehow didn't want to ride that scooter. He could think of many reasons to refuse it. It just proved to be dangerous and unsafe, and most of all Hijikata didn't wish to ride behind Gintoki while holding onto that man.
"This is a one time offer from Gin-san. You might consider it." Gintoki spoke, and he averted his gaze. Yesterday's moments flashed vividly once again, and a faint blush creeped on the lazy samurai's cheek at the memory. Hijikata's closeness was strangely comfortable and he didn't want them to part yet.
"…" Hijikata thought about it, his will wavering. Gintoki went out of his way with the offer and he knew that.
"Fine. But don't take me all the way to the barracks. We mustn't be seen together." he said as with one final drag, he dropped his cigarette stub, stomping on it to estinguish the remaining embers. His heartrate elevated just a little at the thought of the upcoming ride.
Hijikata held the body in front of him loosely, trying to touch not more than necessary. The back in front of him was broad and firm, blocking the strong wind. The ride was swift and smooth, somehow even the scooter managed to survive the collision unscathed except for a small dent. Hijikata didn't get to see the smile plastered on Gintoki's face as they rode on.
They reached their destination all too soon. The Shinsengumi barracks were only one corner away, less than 2 minutes of walk. Gintoki stopped the scooter and parked it. They were at the entrance of a narrow alleyway again, one that resembed yesterday's scenery way too much. Hijikata gulped a little as he got off the seat. Gintoki stood next to him, seemingly unsure of his next move as he looked at his passanger.
"Well, thanks for the ride-" Hijikata couldn't finish the sentence. His farewell was interrupted by a sudden pull on his arm and both men disappeared in the shady alley.
The next thing Hijikata knew was that he was pressed against a wall by a firm body and his lips were kissed. Again.
He knew this was about to happen. He both feared and anticipated the kiss, yet it took him some time to respond by kissing back. It was good, better than yesterday's one.
They went more far this time, experimenting and enjoying. Gintoki used everything he had without overdoing it. He pressed their bodies together, a hand caressed Hijikata's neck gently while the other was busy getting buried within the silky depths of the black straight hair. Hijikata reacted to the sensations by holding Gin arms circling around his back - that broad back he secretly admired while they rode the scooter together. He pushed his left leg slightly between Gintoki' thighs, resulting in a low moan escaping from said man.
All the while they didn't break the kiss. Now they parted a little to get some air into their burning lungs while their gazes locked. They were totally entvined now, almost every inch of their body touched in a way and they felt almost uncomfortambly warm despite the chill increasing with the approaching night. Gintoki cupped Hijikata's face as they were staring into each other's eyes. The light was dull again and he wished for a situation where he could see those blue eyes in all their glory. He chuckled at that thought, how silly it was and dove in for another kiss. Hijikata was already waiting for it, and he pressed his tongue into the other's mouth, licking and sucking the other's tongue. Brushing over teeth and gums he finally settled for Gin's lower lip, sucking on it gently. Suddenly he bit on the lip and a gasp escaped Gin's mouth. The bite wasn't sharp, it was firm so it didn't hurt but it was unexpected nonetheless.
Gin responded by pushing his tongue in the other's mouth circling around and exploring Hijikata's palate. They both tasted of tabbacco from their earlier cigarette. They paused again for air, now Hijikata was smiling as well. It felt heavenly, and somehow he had grown to trust the other since yesterday. It was absurd how their rivalry escalated suddenly into something like this, but Hijikata didn't mind it as long as he got to exchange kisses like this. With newly found courage he pressed his lips again to the other's, brushing their noses together. He released Gin from his embrace and sneaked his hands between them to grab Gintoki's collars to bring the man even closer. They both heard the wet noises they made which only fueled their feelings further. Suddenly Gin abandoned his lips and moved to the corner of his mouth, pecking and licking his way. That spot was also left behind soon as Gintoki made his way slowly, sweetly towards his jawline, then advancing to kiss behind his ear. Hijikata didn't remember being so sensitive on that spot but somehow the way Gintoki suckled the thin skin just beneath the shell of his ear felt extremely good and he exhaled audibly.
Gintoki kept doing his stuff for one more long minute then left off. He then buried his head into the crook of his neck and stayed like that. He was leaning against Hijikata with his full weight, keeping the other pinned to the wall. The officer didn't mind at all. They were embracing now, not wishing to let go, it was comfortable like this. They tried to exclude cold reason. This peace was very fragile. They had to worry about so many things that it was hard to count. Starting from Hijikata's reputation in the Shinsengumi, and the fact that they were both men, they also were rivals, alas, not long ago they hated each other's guts so much that they had to fight the urge to kill each other. Now this was a different kind of urge and it was distastefully romantic how they just made out. So out of character for both of them, yet it felt so perfect that right now neither of them cared at all.
Their hug was firm and it lasted a long time. They breathed together and they could feel each other's heartbeat. Gintoki was the one to speak first.
"To think that I ran over you with my scooter."he chuckled against the others neck, speaking into his scarf.
"Sorry about that… In the end it was you who got hurt." Hijikata spoke into the silver curls in return.
"Oi, kissing is one thing, but hearing you apologizing is way too unnerving!" Gin said with a laugh, remembering on a side-note how Hijikata loathed to thank people, apologize to people and altogether being polite to people. Hijikata laughed at that to and pecked Gintoki on the cheek.
Slowly dusk fell on them and they could barely see each other anymore. How long they had been there, neither of them had any clue of.
"Ne, Hijikata! Wouldn't Gori-kun miss you if you stayed out late?"
"Probably he noticed. I'm afraid I must go." he didn't want to.
Gin didn't want to let go either. He removed Hijikata's scarf only to kiss the revealed neck there with newfound fervency. The ravenhaired man arched his neck and gasped audibly at the sensation. Gintoki had no intention to mark him or leave a hickey so he stopped soon. They looked into each other's eyes, knowing that Hijikata had to leave at last. It was really dark now, but within the darkness there was hope. They knew that there would be continuation to this, meaning they would resume soon.
Also Hijikata promised Gintoki a parfait, this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Gintoki stepped back and and smoothed out the officer's clothes. The scarf was still in his hand, so with swift movements he retied it around his neck thoughtfully. Hijikata didn't move at all as he waited the piece of garment to be rearranged to its original state.
With one final embrace and a sweet goodbye kiss they parted.
"When will you be free?" asked Gin.
"I don't know. I'll contact you." slightly disappointed, Gin sighed at the answer. There was so much more to explore.
Hijikata walked away with a smile on his face, leaving Gintoki in the shadows.
[A/N: Okay, I just keep writing this disgustingly OOC stuff. I enjoy it much, though I know my writing style hasn't improved at all. That's sad. I'm sorry for being unable to bring you quality story but my English needs some serious vocabulary update. (It's a bad excuse, but true: English is not my mother tongue.) Anyways I hope you found some bits to your liking – Please review if you do!]