Chapter four.
Gintama has actual plot?
After Okita was done, he found that Gintoki had actually made effort to make breakfast. That is, if you could call it an effort. It was some plain rice, with an omelet, and some tea. Maybe the old hag from downstairs had made it, Okita didn't care. He sat down, as he dug in, but soon found out that everything was way too sweet, and spit it out. ''Neh, Danna. I think their has been a mix-up. Egg's are supposed to be eaten with salt, not sugar.'' he told Gintoki, who was pouring some tea in his cup.
''Don't be so ungratefull. You should thank me for this meal, I prepared it myself.'' Gintoki told him, hesitant to eat his own creations. ''Should have known that. Pouring sugar on everything isn't a solution.'' Okita said. ''Sugar makes everything tasty. Surely you must be used to that. Your sister drenched food in spicy sauce, and Hijikata drowns everything in mayonaisse.'' Gintoki replied, before feeling like an asshole. Okita's sister had just died, and he hated Hijikata for a reason. But Okita shook his head.
''Never mind that, I gave up my hopes for Hijikata long ago. Spices are more savory, so I did like those, just not in the amount my sister did. Maybe it'll be best if I do the cooking, until glasses returns.'' Okita said. ''Shinpachi hardly ever cooks. We usually stick with take-out, or whatever Otose brings us.'' Gintoki said. ''Well, I can cook, and it's pretty decent. At least allow me to repay you guys for staying here by preparing the meals.'' Okita requested.
''If you have to. You work night shifts, how are you going to come up with the energy to cook for me as well?'' Gintoki asked, taking a bite from his omelette. Sugar really didn't make it tastier at all! ''I could make it during the day, then put it in the fridge. That way you only have to reheat it, and Hijikata can drown it in mayonaisse without our food suffering the same fate as well.'' Okita replied. ''Can't say I'd mind it. How are you going to afford groceries?'' Gintoki asked.
''I'll ask my work if they can pay me some of my salary in advance. Maybe I'll recieve some extra tips tonight. If not, I still have some savings left on my bank account.'' Okita said. ''I wondered, you two are both Shinshengumi right? What's this deal with new jobs? I find it hard to believe that that gorilla found more capable people, considering he cares strongly about both of you two nitwits.'' Gintoki told him.
''We may or may not have damaged the city, possibly quite costly.'' Okita replied. ''Kagura and that mutt of hers do that every week.'' Gintoki deadpanned. ''She isn't Shinshengumi. Besides, I have this feeling that Kondo-san has hidden reasons.'' Okita said. ''Then why not use those savings you have.'' Gintoki asked. ''First of all, that's not enough to repay my possible, even likely, debt. Secondly, I recieved that money from my parents, I won't blow it on something silly like this. And third, I don't think Kondo would have accepted it.'' Okita told him.
Gintoki nodded along. ''I see. Then using your savings for once will be fine, I suppose.'' Gintoki said. He didn't mind free take-out, but then again, if Okita could cook decently, it would be way better than whatever that hag Otose would feed them. ''I needed to get something for my temporary job anyway, might as well go shopping sometime soon.'' Okita said, deciding not to finish the eggs Gintoki had made. ''Mind if I join you? I've got a part time job as well at night, thanks to Otae, but maybe giving you a key is not a bad idea.'' Gintoki replied. ''Ehr, sure. I don't see a problem with that.'' Okita lied, wondering how he was supposed to explain that he was going to buy some high heels as well. ''Then, let me grab my stuff, and let's head into Edo.'' Gintoki said, Okita nodded.
Soon enough, they headed into Edo, and Okita couldn't help but wonder if Gintoki mentally had never grown past the tender age of twelve, as he noticed that the silverette had drooled at the candy department, he had nearly wailed when he saw a Jump selling point, and currently was looking at girls with very short skirts. ''That would look adorable on Soko-chan.'' Gintoki randomly pointed out, making Okita cough. ''Say what. Look adorable on who?'' he managed to choke out.
Gintoki grinned as he said, ''I mentioned her yesterday night. I think she'll become part of the main cast, because she's incredibly cute, and smoking hot.'' Gintoki said. Okita figured that he was most likely blushing as he felt uncomfortable. ''Is that so? So what would make her more adorable then?'' Okita decided to ask. Gintoki pointed to a random girl, in a maid costume. 'No way. I'm not going to wear something that short. My pride is already at stake here!' Okita thought.
''Of course, she's a bit young, so not fully outgrown yet, maybe it wouldn't look good on her. She should consider taller boots, with the smallest heels possible. Heels are killers, but shouldn't kill her.'' Gintoki continued. 'That's usefull advice.' Okita decided, before he said, ''She sounds like your type, Danna. But fangirls will kill you for dating, so, tough luck. Might want to keep Hijikata away from her. He can date girls, and become more popular, you know.'' Okita said.
''She wouldn't be into him.'' Gintoki replied, and Okita had to give him that. ''You're probably right.'' Okita said. ''If you don't mind, I'll go ahead, and go to the can.'' Gintoki said, ''Go and get some groceries. We'll meet back at home.'' Gintoke waved as he walked towards the public toilet. ''Why bother coming if you're not coming to carry the groceries!'' Okita shouted, before watching him leave, a smile plastered on his face.
'Maybe it's for the best.' Okita thought, before he headed to the supermarket, buying the supplies he needed. It was a recipe for a curry Mitsuba had learned him, though he didn't use the amount of spices she had used. But it had a sweet taste to it, something Gintoki would appreciate. And it was something Hijikata could drown in mayonaisse. Suddenly his eyes fell on the aisle filled with deserts. 'Maybe I can bring one of these to the new Jaden palace beforehand. Soko-chan will surely suprise him with this, and keep her promise.' he thought, as he took one parfait and a bottle of chocolate sauce.
Suddenly he bumped into someone, it was the leader of those sore losers from last night. As his eyes met the leader's, the man's breath seemed to hitch, before saying, ''I am so sorry, please don't kill me!'' he bowed, making Okita cock his head. He didn't even look like last night, so what was up with him? ''Ehr, okay, I suppose. That is, if you're willing to pay my groceries.'' he said. The weeping man handed over some money before running off. 'I've got a feeling I'm going to like this day.' Okita nearly cheered, before going over to the cashier.
After he had purchased the aforementioned groceries, Okita took a detour, quickly buying some shoes that fit Gintoki's description before heading towards the restored Jaden palace. ''Wow, they fixed it so fast!'' Okita said, as he looked at the building. The bartender from yesterday nodded along. ''It is even better. We can stock more Dom Perignon.'' he said. ''Can we also stock a dessert? My customer wanted one.'' Okita said, as he rummaged through his bag for the parfait he had bought. ''Your customer?'' the man asked. ''Ehr, did I say my customer? I mean, Otae's new collegue, my niece's customer wanted one.'' he rapidly corrected.
''Oh, thought you were familiar. She's going to stay with us?'' the man asked. Okita nodded. ''Cool, one of the better waitresses, despite the damage she's done. I'll keep it in the freezer for her.'' he said, as he took the parfait. ''Thanks.'' Okita told him, before taking a step back to leave, but the man stopped him. ''Otae-sama told me to give your niece a package. Would you mind handing it to her?'' he asked. ''Sure thing.'' Okita said, surprised, before the man went inside, and came out with a plastic bag. ''She requested her to wear flat shoes with this one, or a tiny heel.'' he said. ''I'll keep that in mind.'' Okita replied, before heading back home.
Once he had gotten there, he saw an old lady standing on the staircase. ''Can I help you?'' Okita asked. ''Not so cocky brat, I'm the landlady. Gintoki said he was needed somewhere else, I sure hope it's to get my payment. It's about freaking time. Anyhow, he also requested for me to hand you this.'' she said, before handing him a key. ''That's quick.'' Okita commented, before taking the key. ''Thanks.'' he said, before heading up the stairs. Otose sighed, before taking a drag from her cigarette. 'What trouble did you get yourself into this time?' she wondered as she looked up to the sky. She shook her head, before heading back in, to see if Catherine wasn't stealing any of the supplies.
Okita got in pretty easily, wondering how Gintoki had arranged a key that fast. Not that it mattered, it was nice he had gotten one anyway. He threw the bag he had gotten from the bartender on the table, and took the groceries to the kitchen. The kitchen, to put it nicely, was in a shambles. ''I'm supposed to cook here?'' Okita wondered, pondering on whether the stove would actually work. The burners didn't seem to be in the best shape, and the dust covering everything strongly suggested this room was usually abandoned.
'Better clean this mess first. I thought Shinsengumi were pigs, but these guys might actually take the record from us.' Okita thought, as he rolled up his sleeves, ready to clean the place. It took quite some time, and because of the narrow space, Okita was sure he could have had an accident or thirty, but it was probably worth it. ''Aniki would have enjoyed this. She liked cooking, and to be fair, apart from the ancient utensils, it's a nice kitchen.'' he said, to no one in particular. He started making the curry by cooking the rice, preparing the herbs, and cutting the vegetables.
When these were done, he threw them in a pan, setting the burner to a low simmer so the flavours would blend with the rice as he stirred it. It was only then that he decided to look at the clock. It was almost seven o' clock. Apparently, cleaning this junkyard had taken more time than he imagined. He quickly turned off the stove, took a clean plate, laddled his share of the curry on it and wrapped it up, a note attached to it, to signal that this was his share and there would be hell to pay if someone would eat it, or worse, throw it out. He covered the pan with a lid, leaving a note on the counter, telling those idiots to reheat and enjoy their meal.
He quickly took the bag with clothes from the table, before opening it. He had but an hour to spare before getting to work, and it was only yesterday that he had learned how much time a hostess needed to look decent. When he saw the contents of the bag, he shook his head, before saying, ''She doesn't seriously expect me to wear this, does she?'' The skirt was flimsy, and it barely reached his thighs. The wig was long and had a tail on the right side, and the blouse could be described as see-through. A high school uniform wasn't that bad, but this was too skimpy, even for his standards.
''She better be kidding me.'' Okita said, before throwing the clothes on the table. ''I'm not wearing this!'' he said, before taking the yukata from yesterday and the wig. ''They accepted this yesterday, so this should be fine.'' he decided as he threw it in the bag, before heading off to work. A couple of minutes after Okita left, Gintoki came home, his clothing torn, and skin smeared with grime. 'Who knew breaking into the Shinsengumi for Shinpachi's key would be this difficult?' he thought, as he watched the key in his hand. 'And I have to do it again tomorrow, to deliver his new key. The process of keymaking should be much faster by now. They managed to rebuild the Jaden palace in one day and that building was huge!'
The unexpected scent of curry hit his nostrils, he had to admit it was a nice change. 'Guess he must have used my key.' Gintoki thought, before he saw some clothes on the table. 'Soko-chan must have used her other clothing. Doesn't that idiot know they have theme events? But he'll know that I know about his identity if I were to bring this.' Gintoki thought. 'I can't call Otae, she'll kill him, and pin that crime on me.'
Of course, what he did not know, was that Otae had a back up plan. 'Of course she's cunning like that.' Okita thought, as he stared at the new school uniform being presented, if you could call it a school uniform. ''I expected you to forget yours, you shouldn't make rookie mistakes like that, Soko-chan. Luckily, I prepared a spare, just in case.'' she told him. ''Afer all, you can't wear a Yukata to school unless it's a school festival.'' she added.
''Dear me, how could I forget that?'' Okita said, rivalling her sarcastic tone. ''Your regular customer wouldn't like that. Even if you prepared him that sweet suprise.'' she said. ''Gintoki is my regular?'' Okita asked, he didn't expect Gintoki to come back at a regular basis. The man barely had spare change, let alone the money to pay for visiting him. ''Don't give me that look. I was suprised too, you know. Just, don't wreck this place again. I like my new dressing room.'' she said, before handing him the outfit and darting off.
Okita twitched a few times, already regretting his decision to leave the other outfit at home. 'I can't call Danna for obvious reasons, and I'd never make it back on time. This will have to do. But.. it's so, so...' he ended up wearing it anyway, on the count of not wanting to take the risk of losing this job. A gloomy aura similar to that of the night before had returned, but this time, people seemed less bothered by it, as at least some of the new customers greeted him.
He had to admit, the new technology had done a great job. Suddenly someone in orange clothing sat next to him, smoking a cigarette. ''How do you like this place now, doll.'' the guy said, and suddenly Okita regonized him. 'Hijikata! So he belongs to the company that rebuild this building! Also, doll? Really?' ''Ehr, it's okay.'' he said, in a high pitched voice. ''Okay? Do you have any idea what it takes to do this kind of work. Never mind, you're just some hostess here.'' he said. 'Hey, that's uncalled for. This job is kinda tough too.' Okita said in his mind, as he said, ''Don't underestimate a hostess.''
''I suppose you're right. I'm going to get a drink.'' Hijikata said, as he stood up to head towards the bar. ''By the way, you're a lousy hostess, not even offering me a drink.'' he added, before he walked away. 'Asshole. Glad Aniki never ended up with him. I loved her, but god, her taste in men was awful.' he thought, relieved Hijikata hadn't regonized him at all. ''Hey, you look good today. Don't mind that man that just sat here, he's got brain damage.'' a voice said, obviously Gintoki.
''Ah, it's you again. Welcome back.'' Okita said, patting the space next to him, inviting Gintoki to sit down. ''You seem excited? Don't be so on my account, I only came back because you promised me a parfait. Looks like they didn't bother to change the Dom Perignon menu.'' Gintoki shrugged. ''We didn't, but we do have one parfait for you in stock. Hold on, I'll go ahead and get it.'' Okita said, before rushing over to the counter. The bartender recognized her right away, as he said, ''You want the parfait you nephew had brought today, don't you.''
Okita nodded, but the bartender shook his head. ''It was past its due date, so we had to throw it out. Probably why it was that cheap. We've got Dom Perignon instead.'' he replied. 'Huh, it wasn't beyond due date, I'm fairly certain of that.' Okita thought, before saying, ''But my customer really wants one.'' The bartender sighed, before motioning Okita to come closer. ''I can't give it, we don't serve those, and other customers will complain.'' he whispered. ''Oh, I see.'' Okita whispered back. ''It's in the freezer. You can go ahead, and take it. But you'll have to sneak it with you.'' the bartender whispered, before offering Okita a hand, so that he could climb over the counter. ''Thanks.'' Okita said with a dazzling smile, before heading into the kitchen.
'Soko-chan is taking her sweet time. This place doesn't even have parfait.' Gintoki thought, just before a voice said, ''Hey, I didn't know that poor idiots like you are welcome here as well. Good for you.'' He didn't have to look to know that it was Hijikata. ''You're supposed to be at your a job. Okita-kun will be devastated to know that a pervert like you is here, rather than working hard like he's doing right now.'' Gintoki replied, as Hijikata sat beside him.
''My job was here today, it's finished already. And Okita won't find out unless you tell him, moron. So I know who to beat up when he talks about it.'' Hijikata said. ''That is, when you've learned how to lay a scratch on me.'' Gintoki said, throughout all of their fights he still remained unbeaten. ''I'm not here to waste my time on you. I was looking for that girl from before.'' Hijikata said. Gintoki's eyes widened, did this guy seriously not realise that that was Okita-kun? His own partner in crime?
''She said she was going to get something. I don't know when she'll be back.'' Gintoki replied. Out of the blue, like a ninja, Soko-chan jumped over the couch, still managing to hold her plate, covered with a rag. ''I'm back, master.'' she said, all while huffing, and took the rag off, to present Gintoki's plate, with one parfait. ''Hey, you did have one in stock! Awesome.'' Gintoki said, as he snatched the dessert for himself.
It was only then that Okita faced Hijikata, and said, ''Oh, you're back.'' with a deadpan voice. ''Yeah, you seem like the only fun hostess here, no matter how crappy you are. Can I have one too?'' he asked, as he pointed to the parfait. ''Ah, I'm sorry, that was the last one we had. Besides, you'd only drown it in mayonnaise.'' he giggled with a high pitched voice. ''Huh, how do you know that?'' Hijikata asked, lighting one of his cigarettes.
'Oops.' Okita thought horrified. ''Ha, ha, ha. You're infamous, sir. Everyone knows about the captain of the Shinshengumi around here. Rumors spread fast you know.'' he said awkwardly. ''I'm not wearing my uniform.'' he said. 'Crap, I'm screwing this up. It'll be so degrading when he realises it's me.' Okita thought. ''I told her who you are. Miss, this is a cheap parfait. I'm able to tell the difference. At least get me a decent one the next time. I saved your ass before, I deserve a decent dessert.'' Gintoki complained.
''Ah, I'm sorry master. At least be glad I arranged one.'' Okita said, glad that Gintoki had spared him an answer. ''Arrange a better one.'' Gintoki demanded. ''You are a terrible host.'' he added. ''And you're a terrible customer.'' Okita retorted, sticking his tongue out. Just as Gintoki scoffed and was about to object, Hijikata interjected ''Then go and see someone else.'' Gintoki smirked, as he said, ''Nah. A terrible hostess means that the customer has the responsibility to teach her. Shinpachi was nagging for me a to get a job anyway. I suppose this could be my task for now.'' 'What is with that logic?' was on both Okita's and Hijikata's mind.