Chapter 7

"I'm gonna go take a bath."

"I guess I should take one too."

"Wanna go together?"

"A woman shouldn't go around offering to do that you know. You should save it for someone special!"

"I'm askin' if ya wanna walk ta tha bathin' area together."

"Oh. I totally knew that. Haha."

She moved her face closer to his and inspected it. Somethin's off 'bout 'im. "Gintoki are ya okay?"

Her face is so close to mine. "Y-Yeah! I'm fine. I think it's a little hot in here, don't you?" he replied in a high pitched voice. "L-Let's go." He quickly walked out of the room while she walked behind him. After walking for a bit they came to the bathing area.

"Alright. See ya soon." She walked into the women's bathing area. After seeing her off, he went to the men's bathing area.

By the time Gintoki came back, he saw Tsukuyo in a navy yukata, waiting by the table full of delicious food.

"Welcome back."

"I'm back. Were you waiting for me?"

"I felt that it'd be unfair ta eat before ya."

God she's so nice. Also she looks so damn good in that yukata. Her hair is still slightly wet. Why is she so beautiful?

"Gintoki? Are ya gonna come?"

His thoughts stopped at her question. "Huh? Yeah I'm coming!" He quickly sat down across Tsukuyo. "That old hag has never set a table this big before. It must be because you're with me. Thanks for waiting for me."

"Ya must be hungry, let's dig in."

They said their thanks and dug in. There were so many dishes, they took their time savoring the food. After dinner they had a nice relaxing evening playing card games and even went out for a nice walk and did some sightseeing. The time to sleep finally fell upon them. Gintoki was in a dilemma.

W-What do I do?! There's only one futon. She should sleep on it.

"Gintoki, ya sleep on tha futon."

"No, no, no. You sleep on the futon. I can sleep on the floor."

"N' what if ya catch a cold? Ya sleep on it."

"And what if you get a cold?! You sleep on it!"

"I'll be fine! So ya!"

"You!"

"Ya!"

"Okay, okay. I'll go sleep on it then." Gintoki slipped into the futon. "Can you come over here for a second?"

She had a confused look on her face. "What do ya need me fer?"

"Just come."

Tsukuyo walked over and kneeled down. "What is it Gintoki?"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the futon with him. "Let's just share it then."

"G-Gintoki!"

He rested his chin on top of her head. "Just share this futon with me stubborn woman."

"Oi. Am I yer chin rest? Get yer chin off my head."

"Will you stay and not leave?"

"Ya have my word fer it."

He took his chin off her head and turned his back on her. He pretended to let out a yawn. "Well good night, I'm going to fall asleep any second."

"G'night," she replied. She got out of the futon and blew out the candle.

Hours went by and Gintoki was too nervous to fall asleep. He carefully turned his head to check whether Tsukuyo was sleeping or not. Tsukuyo was facing his way and had fallen asleep. She had a peaceful expression on her face. He carefully moved his body towards her and kept staring at her with a smile on his face.

She must be tired. Always working so hard. This is dangerous though. I'm having such a hard time restraining myself. She drives me crazy. He continued to stare at her and had the sudden urge to touch her face. Her cheeks look so soft. He carefully poked her cheek. It's so soft and squishy! Why is she so adorable?! He poked her cheek once more.

"Mmn." She moved slightly moved her head in her sleep.

"Pfft!" Gintoki covered his mouth, not wanting to wake her up. She's too cute and I'm having way too much fun. I guess I found a way to entertain myself until I pass out.

-x-

Morning came and Tsukuyo was the first one to wake up. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. She had a bit of a bedhead and for some unknown reason her cheek felt so sore.

Why does my cheek feel so sore? She gently rubbed her cheek. She looked down to her left and saw a knocked out Gintoki. She slipped out of the futon and put the remainder of the blanket over him. She carefully changed into her usual kimono and walked out of the room. She immediately bumped into Tama who was holding a huge pile of blankets.

"Good morning Tsukuyo-sama. Did you sleep well?"

"I did thank ya. Do ya need help with that?"

"I could never do that to an honored guest."

"It's fine. Let me help ya." Tsukuyo took half of the pile into her arms.

"Thank you Tsukuyo-sama."

"What will we be doin' with tha blankets?"

"They need to be washed."

"All of it by yerself?!"

"We're currently understaffed. We have one more employee but she's currently on vacation."

"I'll help ya out."

"You've already done more than enough Tsukuyo-sama. You're an important guest, I can't allow you to do more."

"Don't worry 'bout it, just lead tha way."

-x-

Gintoki turned in his sleep and his arm went to the spot where Tsukuyo slept. His hand kept patting the spot and his eyes ripped open. He immediately sat up and looked around the room.

"Tsukuyo?"

The room was completely silent and there was no response. He quickly got up and ran out of the room. He sped walked down the hallway and saw Otose reading a book.

"Look who decided to finally wake up."

"Where is she?"

"Oh? You woke up and panicked because you didn't see her?" Otose asked with a smug grin. She noticed his serious expression and decided to just tell him. "She's helping out Tama. Since Catherine is on vacation, Tama's the only staff currently available and she's doing all the work."

"'Bout time ya woke up."

Gintoki turned around to her voice and saw her holding a big bucket filled with water.

"Instead of just standin' there why don't ya help out?"

"That's a great idea. Why don't you help out too?"

"Yer not doin' anythin' today anyways. Come on, let's go." Tsukuyo started walking ahead.

"I was going to do something. I wanted to take you out," Gintoki mumbled.

Otose snickered. "You woke up a bit too late for that, don't you think?"

"Shut up old hag."

"Heh. If you really want, you can take her to the ocean later tonight. I heard it's a really romantic spot and the sunset view is beautiful."

"Why are you being nice all of a sudden?"

She scowled at him. "I'm only telling you because she's such a nice girl. That girl is seriously too kind."

"Where's this location?" Otose told him the location and he thanked her for it.

"Oi Gintoki get over here."

"I'm coming!" he yelled in response as he ran towards her.

"She's got him wrapped around her finger all right."

Gintoki spent the entire day helping Tsukuyo who was helping Tama. After the long day they were relaxing in their room. Gintoki wanted to ask her to the beach but was afraid it might be too romantic when he hasn't even heard her feelings yet.

"Gintoki is somethin' on yer mind? Ya look tense."

"Oh, uh. Tsukuyo."

"What is it?"

"Let's go to the beach together!" I said it. I finally said it!

"Right now?"

"Right now."

"Sure let's go."

The two of them left for the beach. Gintoki led them to the location where Otose told him about and when they got there they were speechless. The sun was setting and the sky had a beautiful orange glow, it was breathtaking. They both sat down on the soft grass and watched the sunset. Tsukuyo had a faint smile on her face and Gintoki was smiling at her.

"Gintoki, it's really beautiful. Thank ya fer bringin' me here."

It's not as beautiful as you. "The old hag actually told me about this location," he said as he faced the sun.

"Really? It's nice of her ta. I should thank her when we get back."

The two of them sat in comfortable silence just enjoying each other's company. A nice breeze was blowing through their hair. Gintoki thought now would be the perfect time to bring up personal feelings. He needed to know how she felt too.

"Hey Tsukuyo."

"Hm?"

Gintoki turned his face to her and she turned hers to his. "I'm falling in love with you."

Tsukuyo's eyes widened for a brief moment. "Gintoki, I think ya've mistaken."

"What?"

"I think yer confused with ya feelin's. Ya probably think yer in love with me."

"I'm mistaking my feelings? Tsukuyo what makes you say that? I know what I'm feeling and it's love. There's no other explanation for it. I am falling in love with you."

"Gintoki, it's impossible."

He felt his heart being shattered into a million pieces. "Impossible? What do you mean impossible?"

"Yer tha king of a country. There's no way we can be together."

"So what?" Gintoki started clenching his fists. "So what if I'm a king?! Is it because you work in a brothel?! Who gives a shit about that?! You're a virgin!"

"Gintoki calm down."

"No Tsukuyo. This is the one thing I will NOT calm down about. I want you. I want you to be with me."

Tsukuyo shook her head. "No. Maybe this is some fleetin' feelin's. Ya should give it a good thought. Let's go back fer now." Tsukuyo turned to walk back but he hugged her from behind.

"Don't go," he whispered into her ear.

"Gintoki, tha entire country will be against this. I don't want ya ta be hated by everyone."

"I don't care if the entire world hates me. I want to be by your side."

"Ya should find someone more suitable ta rule tha country with by yer side."

He wanted to argue back but another couple showed up and Tsukuyo took this opportunity to break free from his arms and walk ahead of him. He followed her with a dazed mind.

I don't know what the hell just happened but I'm not giving up. I will not give up on Tsukuyo.

I realized I have feelin's fer 'im also but I can't. I can't let 'im be hated by an entire nation 'cause of me. I'm just happy ta be by his side time ta time. I'm sorry Gintoki.

-x-

Gintoki and Tsukuyo finally made it back to their country after watching Kondo and Otae get married. She got off the ship with Gintoki following closely behind her. She turned around and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks fer tha trip. I had a nice time."

"Did you really have a nice time? I couldn't show you around as much as I wanted to..."

"I did. Thank ya."

Gintoki wanted to bring up his feelings but he got interrupted by Katsura. Dammit Zura! Bad timing!

"Gintoki! Tsukuyo-dono!" He ran up to them and bowed his head at Tsukuyo. She did in return. "How was the trip Tsukuyo-dono? Did Gintoki behave himself?"

"I had a nice time n' he did."

"That's a relief."

"Well if ya'll 'cuse me, I'll be goin' back now."

"Oh! Do you need to be escorted back? Gintoki you should take her back!"

"Oh no it's fine! Gintoki's probably really tired."

"I'm not. I can take you back."

"I'm fine by myself. I'll be goin' now. See ya around Gintoki, Katsura-san."

The two of them watched Tsukuyo leave and then Katsura suspiciously eyed Gintoki.

"Oi Zura why are you looking at me like that?"

"What happened between you two?"

"What do you mean?" Gintoki asked plainly.

"The atmosphere between you two. It's different."

Gintoki scratched his cheek. "I may have told her my feelings."

Katsura's eyes widened in surprise and started hitting Gintoki's back. "You finally did it! What did she say?!"

"She shot me down. I asked her why. She told me that she doesn't want me to end up with someone like her. She's protecting me. She doesn't want me to be hated by the entire nation. I told her I don't care about the entire world as long as I have her by my side. In the end she told me she's just happy to be a part of my life."

"What will you be doing now?"

"What else? I will keep pursuing her. I can't imagine any other woman by my side. I'd rather die alone if I can't have her."

Katsura smirked. "Hmph I knew you'd say that. You're so deep in love with Tsukuyo-dono."

"I am. I really am."

-x-

"Sorry Gin-san. Tsukuyo's out this time. She just left actually."

"She's not available again?" Gin tried not sounding dejected. He's been dying to see Tsukuyo again but fate was cruel. She's been too busy or unavailable for him to see.

Hinowa noticed he was looking a bit down. "I do know where she is though if you want to know."

"It's fine. I don't want to be a bother to her."

"Are you sure? She's just meeting someone right now."

Gintoki was surprised. "Tsukuyo's meeting someone?"

Hinowa giggled. "You're surprised too, right? All she ever does is work I'm surprised she decided to meet with someone. He did keep pestering her daily though."

Gintoki's eyes widened from shock. "It's a man?"

"Oh! Where is my mind?" Hinowa smiled, "It's a man. We have a new guy doing the girls' hair and he saw Tsukuyo. It seems that he's fallen for her at first sight. Tsukuyo is a beautiful girl, it's understandable he did. They're by the river area right now. It's a romantic place. Men usually take the women they like to ask them out. Of course Tsukuyo doesn't know the romantic meaning behind the place." Before Hinowa could continue talking, Gintoki bolted out of the place. Hinowa softly chuckled to herself. "Good luck Gin-san."

Gintoki ran to the river area and saw Tsukuyo with a man. The man was tall, nicely built, had a handsome face, deep blue hair, and bright hazel eyes. Gintoki hid behind a tree and tried eavesdropping to their conversation.

"I-It sure is a beautiful day today Tsukuyo-san!" the man said. Gintoki could tell how nervous he was.

"It is Kaito-san. Ah I wanna thank ya fer helpin' Mika-san out tha other day."

"It's no problem at all! I'm sorry for asking you to meet with me everyday! I know how hard working you are and how you don't like to leave work."

"Ah no it's fine. Thank ya fer bein' understandin'. May I ask why ya kept askin' me out fer?"

"Do you not know the meaning of this place?"

Tsukuyo looked at him with a confused expression. "There's a meanin' ta this place?"

Kaito nodded and a smile formed on his face. "Yes. A man brings a woman he likes very much to this place to ask her out. I like you Tsukuyo-san!"

Gintoki's hand unconsciously curled into tight fist. He was fighting so hard not to pop out and yell at the man.

Tsukuyo bowed her head a bit. "I'm sorry Kaito-san. I'm afraid I must reject ya."

Kaito rubbed the back of his head. "I expected that haha…. Not going to lie it hurts still."

"I'm really sorry."

"No, no it's okay Tsukuyo-san please put your head up!"

Tsukuyo looked at Kaito and had an apologetic expression on her face. Gintoki was relieved that she had rejected Kaito but was upset how genuinely sorry she looked. He didn't want another man looking at her with that expression. Scratch that he didn't want any man to look at her beautiful face.

"If it's okay with you can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Is it because of this man called Gin-san?"

"Wha-! Why are ya bringin' that idiot up?!"

"I just heard from the ladies that this man named Gin-san comes pretty often and just sticks around you."

"It's nothin' like what ya think!"

"I see. Well thank you for your time! Would you like me to walk you back?"

"It's fine. I'm sorry once again."

"It's no problem really. I'm glad I got to ask you. Well see you around Tsukuyo-san!" He gave her a big smile and quickly turned away. As he was walking away Gintoki saw tears falling down his face. The man really liked Tsukuyo and was heartbroken. Gintoki turned back to Tsukuyo and saw her smoking her kiseru as she was looking at the water flow. He wanted to approach her but decided to silently watch her from afar.

-x-

"Well if it isn't Lord Katsura!"

Katsura turned around and saw it was Abe who called out to him. He gave him a curt bow, "Hello Lord Abe. How can I help you?"

"I'm looking around for his Highness. Have you seen him around?"

"He's very busy doing something right now."

Abe lifted one of his eyebrow in a curious manner. "Is that so? Do you know where I can find him?"

Katsura shook his head. "I'm afraid I do not know. If you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

"Ah by all means don't let me hold you."

Katsura bowed his head once more and left.

"He's probably with that scarred wench. It's time to make my move. Hanzo!"

A man dressed in all black showed up next to Abe's side in an instant. "You called for me milord?"

"It's time."

"Understood." Hanzo immediately disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

"She'll pay for getting in the way."


*A/N: Hey! Sorry for the late update guys. Looks like next week is the final week of Gintama. I've just been really busy with life and things got hectic. Anyways I hope y'all enjoy this chapter and I'll try to post more often. Thank you for the reviews and follows! It means a lot to me :') See you guys around~