Gintama

Judas Kiss

Chapter Six: Salvation

It was still early in the evening when Bansai and Shiori arrived at the Kiheitai's ship. Men were still gathered around the decks, some were lounging about while others played card games.

Every single man shot up to their feet when they noticed Bansai's presence. Each giving him a low bow, as Bansai walked across the deck with an unknown young lady. The men leered at her behind after she passed them. It wasn't everyday they see such a pretty girl on the ship, plus she was much cuter than Matako.

"He's on the top floor," Bansai directed her to a staircase. "Shall I walk you up?"

"That's not necessary," she shook her head. "I'll find him just fine."

XoXo

Upstairs, oblivious to the events that had transpired during the day, Takasugi was enjoying a smoke while he poured himself a cup of sake. It's been too long since he last heard from Shiori, and he had started to worry if something had happened to her.

He saw a photograph of her with the Shogun during his birthday, and she looked absolutely breathtaking. It had only been one picture, but he was completely taken by her beauty. He'd found her attractive the few times they have met, but it wasn't quite the same when she was done up professionally. He had told her that red was her colour, but perhaps every colour was her colour.

A knock came from the sliding doors.

Takasugi couldn't help but frown at the disturbance. He was in no mood for company, if it were usually then it was probably Matako but it could also be Bansai returning from his mail drop-off. If he had seen Shiori while delivering the letter, then perhaps he had something to report about her. Maybe he knew the reason to why she hadn't replied yet. Weighing the chances out, he chose to risk it.

"Come in."

The doors pushed open painfully slowly, and when the person was revealed, he almost dropped his pipe.

"… Shiori."

"Shinsuke."

Her voice was cold; void from the affection he's gotten so used to hearing. Her eyes were watery, not teary but they shone with a knowing gleam. It wasn't difficult to guess that she's found out.

"How did you find out?"

"I asked around," she crossed her arms. "You're a fairly famous person around these parts."

"I didn't mean for you to find out this way," he stood up.

"So you were planning to tell me," she sounded sarcastic. "… You know, you made me feel like a complete idiot."

"I truly didn't mean to hurt you, Shiori," he stepped closer towards her. "I wasn't sure what you would have thought of me if I had told you. If I had told you from the beginning, then we probably would have never spoken more – We'd never have gotten to know each other so well."

Shiori didn't budge; even when he was at an arm's distance from her she didn't meet his eyes. It was difficult for her; it felt as if all her reasoning had been abandoned the moment she stepped onto this ship – Like nothing mattered more as long as she can see Shinsuke.

Perhaps it was the alcohol clouding her judgment, but she was afraid to admit that she might have been more upset by the fact that he lied to her than his occupation.

Takasugi was holding her now, like an owner stroking his beloved little kitten. In his warm embrace, Shiori couldn't help but roll quiet tears. It's been too long since anyone has held her so close and tight; it felt as if her heart was breaking into two – One side for her family and duties, and the other for her forbidden romance.

"You're a man that I should hate by all means," she whispered into his bare chest. "… But why… Why is it that I care about you so much? I don't understand! It feels like you're so important to me that I'd risk anything to be with you!"

"What you're feeling is love, Shiori," he held her closer.

"… Do you love me, Shinsuke-san?" she glanced up, finally meeting his gaze.

There was only one possible answer to give to this question. The only answer that'll make sure that she'll remain at his side. He's never said these words to anyone before; he had been saving them for the right person. He wasn't entirely certain what he feels for Shiori, but that's sure better than knowing he had no interest in her entirely.

"Do you?"

For some reason, he felt the need for some reassurance before he replied. He wanted to know that the feelings between the two are mutual and that he wouldn't be left hanging.

She stared back at him openly, her expression forbidding as if she's upset with him.

"Why are we still going around in circles?" she cried. "Isn't it enough that I've come all the way out here to speak with you in person? I could have sent my guards, or report you to the Shinsengumi or even tell my father! But I didn't! I-I… Tell me! … Tell me and I'm yours… just…"

Her voice cracked as she yelled at him, her yells were soon muffled into quiet sobs. It didn't seem as she has enough fight in her to continue, she hid her face in her hand and turned away from him.

At this point, he realized that he's won. He's won the battle for her heart. The conquer that so many have failed before him; it gave him a sick pleasure knowing that he's influenced such an intemerate lady of such a high class.

Taking a step forward, he held his arms out for her, pulling her towards his chest once again. She gasped then; so faint that he could have mistaken it for a hiccup due to her crying. He couldn't tell either way because she's facing the other way.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you any further."

"… Then trust in me more," she shook his arms off, turning to face him dead-on. "I'm risking a lot being here for you and I'm doing it because I've got these gratuitous feelings for you. I think about you so much it's like my head will explode any moment! Why don't you show the same amount of trust that I give to you?"

"It's not that I don't trust you, Shiori," he held her cheek. "This is no game – are you prepared to face the consequences of being with a man like me?"

"Of course, I wouldn't be here if I thought any different," she pushed closer towards him. "… I love you, Shinsuke-san."

"… And I love you."

The moment those words left him her heartbeats soared. Having caught him off guard Shiori crashed her lips over his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him towards her. It wasn't something that either one was very experienced with, but they were driven by their pure primal instinct.

She may have been the one to initiate the kiss, but he soon took the control. Weaving his hands down, he held her close around the hips. Shiori groaned when she felt a hand in her hair, lightly yanking on a handful of strands, he forced her lips open for him. All her senses ran wild when his tongue met with hers. Her heart raced as they explored each other further.

Shiori panted as she pulled away from him. Her cheeks were dyed so brightly that she was too embarrassed to look him straight in the eye.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine," she breathed. "… A little flustered… and thirsty."

"Here," he chuckled softly, leading her to where he was sat originally. "It's not much but it should help with your thirst."

"Sake?" she sniffed at the cup in her hand. "… If I drink anymore tonight I might lose myself completely."

"Then lose yourself," he poured himself a cup. "I know you're brought up to behave as you're told, and I know it must be difficult for you to represent your family. But tonight you're with me, there's no reason for you to uphold that façade of yours."

"… You make it sound like you're my salvation," she giggled as she sipped onto the alcohol.

"Perhaps I am."

As she reached for the sake flask, her sleeve slipped off her shoulder slightly. It looks like Shiori hasn't even realized that that her bony collarbone was now on display. It was an attractive sight, and he found it difficult to look away. At a closer look at her, he noticed that her obi was loosening and her kimono was pretty much falling apart.

She had said she shouldn't drink anymore tonight, and if she had met up with Bansai that must mean that she was returning home late at night. Where she could have been could be anyone's guess, for all he knew she could have been returning from another marriage proposal.

No matter how much she had drank before, right now in front of his eye her calm exterior was breaking down over two small cups of sake. The woman really had trouble handling her alcohol; her face was now even rosier than before and she was spluttering as she spoke.

"Is it just me or is it really hot in here?"

"It's just you," he hummed, flickering his eyes shut.

"Well yeah, you're only wearing one layer that barely covers a thing," she retorted.

"It covers enough."

He heard some rustling beside him, and he immediately knew what was going on. Turning to her, he watched as she struggled to get her obi off.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to take this off."

"Why?"

"It's so hot and tight!"

"… Please don't yell something like that out loud…" he grimaced. "Remember that we're not entirely alone here."

"I don't care!" she cried. "Help me get this off!"

Not only can she not handle her alcohol but also Shiori was the kind of graceless drunk that would yell and get into fights over little things. It amused him to see the normally so reserved young lady in such a state.

"Stand up," he instructed.

She did as she was told and stood in front of him. The obi had the Fujiwara house crest etched onto the fabric; the way the gold shone almost seemed like it was mocking him. Daring him to rip off her family's pride and name.

Shiori watched as his thin fingers reached for the obi around her waist, mesmerized by his movements she grew quiet as he untied the fabric. The kimono came undone, and the fabric dropped aside. Thank god Shiori wore an extra thin layer on the inside, otherwise she'd just have flashed him completely.

Fingering the obi in his hand slightly, the crest gave one last mocking shine before he tossed it aside.

"Better?" he asked as she pulled off the top layers then tossing them over to where the obi lay.

"Much, much better," she smiled, sitting back down.

Takasugi studied her again. This silk layer she wore underneath looked more like underwear than anything, leaving nothing to imagination. And if he had to take a guess she was wearing nothing underneath it.

He smiled as he imagined how she'd be in the next morning. Eyes watery, head pounding and semi-undressed. She might even accuse him of something, he realized the more he thought about it.

It seems like she's forgotten the reason she came here in the first place. She was now humming as she drank, giving him little to no acknowledgement as she did.

"Ne, Shinsuke."

"Yes?"

"You've always written that you wished for us to admire the night sky together," she rested her head on his shoulder. "And here we are, watching the same moon and the same stars together… Aren't you a lucky boy…"

The last part came out as a light giggle. His heart thumped. Her voice was so close to him, and it didn't help that she was whispering such sweet things.

"Shiori…"

"Hm?"

He leaned his face over towards hers, and pulled a hand into her hair. He held her head; her soft long locks lacing his fingertips. The two gazed into each other's eyes momentarily before he tilted her up into a kiss.

Shiori's heart raced and her mind grew blank. By the time he pulled away from her, she's already lost all sense of balance. Toppling over completely, her face landed dangerously close to his nether-regions. For the first time tonight, it was him that was flustered. With her breathing over… there, Takasugi froze completely, and when Shiori didn't move from where she lied he panicked and reached for her shoulder.

"Shiori?" he shook her carefully. "Shiori?"

No replies came from her, and when he finally pulled her off his lap he realized that she's fallen asleep. All anxiety he felt before vanished as soon when he saw her face.

'This woman, really…'

Cupping her cheek in his hand, he admired her dormant features. Shiori really was blessed with a beautiful face, from her long lashes to her perky lips. With just her looks she would have been able to seduce any man, even Takasugi had originally feared that he might fall prey to her beauty.

With her head resting comfortably on his lap, he sighed as he rested back against the wall. It looks like in her drunken state; she's managed to find herself a comfortable pillow – namely being his leg.

Shiori may have been all right with the arrangements, but he's still got to get the futon out for the night. Shuffling forward slowly, he reached for a cushion for her to sleep on for the time being while he got the futon out. Reaching forward, just as his fingers reached the cushion, her head stirred on his lap and she grumbled a few quiet words that he didn't catch. Lifting up her head with great care, he slipped out from under her and pulled the cushion to where he was just sat. Walking over to the cupboards, he pulled out the futon.

Setting up the futon was the easy part. The second part would be moving Shiori onto it, and the most difficult part? Managing to fit the two of them in. Shiori will have no problem falling asleep due to her own mindlessness, but it'll be entirely different for him.

Watching over her sleeping body, he pondered if he should just leave her there. But with so little clothes on she would probably catch a cold if he just left her, and putting her kimono back on wouldn't be an option either as it'll wake her from her slumber. Even if he didn't help her, he'd probably hear an earful from her in the morning. He didn't want to add more to his already inevitable scolding.

Takasugi gave in, and knelt over to pick her up. Just like he thought, her body weighed virtually nothing. Having the slippery material on, her tiny body felt even smaller in his arms. He tucked her in, making sure the covers wrapped around her securely. He evaluated the place, and it looked like there wasn't going to be any room for him. Not unless they held each other close, but he doubt that she can even recognize who is who in that state of hers.

After another minute of surveying, he simply gave up. Pushing her over slightly, he made enough room for himself on the futon. It was a tight fit but he managed.

It's been a really eventful evening, going from one of his late night drinks to ending up in bed with Shiori. When he woke up this morning, he never expected for so much to happen. His identity was now revealed, but Shiori has proven that she was someone that he could keep close.

Things are going well so far, but it was just the beginning. He's won Shiori's heart but convincing her to help him may be a little different. But with this first win, he was confident that with due time she'll fall completely helpless to him and his cause.

Running a finger down her warm cheek, he gave her a light kiss over her lashes.

"Sweet dreams, my kitten."

Wooo, finally Takasugi in this one! Well there was only this one part but still counts ;) Hope all you guys enjoyed that ;D

And guys please review if you can, just saying because it really does help us writers get chapters done faster as we get proper feedback and motivation to continue. So please do if it's not too much trouble!

Thanks for the alerts, favorites and reviews!

Reviews:

AL19 – ooh, that's for you to find out next chapter ;) Matako's definitely going to have something to say about another girl with her precious Shinsuke-sama xD

KyaChann –I hope you enjoyed this! It was quite a wait but finally he shows up! :)

Amari – You're very welcome! Omg, writing Gin serious had to be one of my toughest moments. I just couldn't get it right xD I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :D

ResyaAfhirsa – thanks for your advice! I'll keep it in mind as I write the next chapter :) and for sad moments… don't think they'll be coming soon but they'll definitely be coming – and when they come it's gonna be big :P