Disclaimer: I never have or will own Gintama, that honor belongs to Sorachi Hideaki.

A/N: I wrote this as I realized that I never wrote about Otae's birthday. So sorry but you need to rewind your memories back to just before the date with Okita and Kagura to be in the right timeframe here. This is just the first part as it got kind of long. So enjoy!

Bonus Chapter: Otae's Birthday Part 1

Kagura had been back since October 11th and, now that she'd been back, Shinpachi wanted to organize a party for his sister. Around October 18th, Gin, Kagura, Kondou and Shinpachi scattered from the Yorozuya and Shinsengumi to organize the party. Gin, Kagura and Shinpachi gathered past customers and friends for help while Kondou enlisted help from his officers in the Shinsengumi.

The morning of October 18th, Gin ran to Tetsuko's smithy first.

"Hey Tetsuko! Can I talk to you?" Gin shouted as she pounded her hammer on a sword for a customer.

She looked towards the door and seeing Gin there, put the hammer down.

"Hello Gin-san, did you need something?" Tetsuko asked politely.

He sighed and explained, "Remember Shinpachi? His sister's birthday is coming up and we need some help. Can you help?"

As he was explaining, she nodded and when he finished, she simply said, "Of course, I'll help with whatever I can."

Gin grinned and thanked her in a hurry as he ran to go see others for help.

Next he ran to see Heiji and Haji, the woman at the recycle shop, Tatsumi, Santa and Ben and Katsuo.

By the time lunch came around, Gin had arrived at Ikumatsu's ramen shop.

Ikumatsu turned from making ramen when she saw him come into the shop.

"Gin-san! It's been a while, how are you?" she greeted him cheerfully.

He smiled and said, "Hey, I needed to talk to you actually. Can you-"

"Gintoki, how rude. Do you have nothing to say to me, your friend?" Katsura interrupted his old friend as he spoke.

A vein popped in Gin's forehead when Katsura started speaking.

"Zura, I didn't see you there. Why don't you speak up then?" the sweets samurai started then sighed, "I need to talk to you and Elizabeth too so listen up: I need-"

Again he was interrupted but this time by Katsura's wife, who had a bowl of ramen in her hand.

When she put it down, she gestured for him to eat so he said, "Your cost to ask a favor?"

She nodded with a sneaky grin as he ate some before again, "Can you three help me? We're trying to find people to help with Otae's birthday."

Surprised, Katsura asked, "You mean Shinpachi-kun's sister?"

He rolled his eyes and said, "Yeah Zura, that's her. Well?"

"I-" Katsura started to announce before his wife simply said, "We'll help you, just tell us what, when and where Gin-san."

Gin smiled and told them, "I will just a bit later. After I devour this ramen, I have a bunch of others to ask. See ya!"

When he flew out the door five minutes later, Ikumatsu just shook her head at her crazy friend and continued serving customers. Her bonehead of a husband was babbling about Gin but she just signaled to Elizabeth, who promptly smacked Katsura in the head with his signboard.

Gin's next stop would be Hasegawa' at his house. When he got there, Hatsu was cooking and waiting for her husband to come back for lunch.

When she saw him at the door, she smiled and said, "Sakata-san, hello. Taizou isn't back yet, did you need something?"

"Actually I did. I need help with Otae's birthday party," Gin explained.

She smiled and replied, "He'll be happy to help his boss, I'm sure."

Just then, said man came to the door and exclaimed, "Gin-san! What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to ask if you could help with Otae's birthday party," the sweets addict said.

Hasegawa smiled as he responded, "For my boss, of course! Just let me know what you need, Gin-san."

"Great to hear, I gotta go now. See ya Hasegawa and Mrs.," Gin said as he ran to the next person.

When he got to Zenzo's house, he sighed and knocked on the door. Gin wasn't expecting Zenzo to be happy to see him and, surprise, he wasn't.

Gin got glared at as Zenzo sarcastically asked him, "Oh are you here to hit me in the ass with your scooter? Sorry, one day without that pain is too much to pass up!"

Gin rolled his eyes and said, "Drama Queen much? I didn't come here to be yelled at. I need a bit of help planning Otae's birthday party but if you and your ass are busy-"

"Stop, excuse me for being sensitive because it does hurt a lot. Geez, you need help so why not ask Sarutobi?" the hemorrhoids ninja suggested, still a little upset.

Gin sighed and recited his reasons, "One, we need a lot of help, two, Kagura is asking that female pig."

It was time for Zenzo to roll his eyes and say, "Ah, fine I'll help. Just watch it. If I get hit in the ass again, I will be in kill mode."

"Whatever, I have others to see okay? Just come down to the Yorozuya sometime and we'll figure out the details then," the sweets samurai said before he left to the Ketsuno estate.

As he got to the gate to the Ketsuno place, he noticed Ketsuno Ana just going in.

"Hi Gin-san. How are you and why are you here?" Crystal said when she saw him behind her.

"Ah, I actually came for help from you and the Shirino's. Can I come in?" Gin said hurriedly as he was a little out of breath.

Smiling, Crystal pointed him in and they went in. The first person they saw was Gedomaru, who was eating a Pandemonium.

"Hello Gintoki-sama. What brings you here today?" Gedomaru said as she finished her snack.

"Ugh, hi. That is nasty but whatever. i wanted to ask you and the Ketsunos and maybe even the Shirinos to help with something," he asked the shikigami.

Just as he asked them that, Seimei and Douman walked in.

"Oh, hello. I didn't realize we had another guest, Crystal," her brother said when he saw Gin.

Gin saw that Douman was there and teased, "So the two bakas are back from a playdate huh?"

Seimei scowled at him before saying, "Ha ha, you need help? With what?"

"You remember Shinpachi? His sister has a birthday coming up and I wondered if you'd help us," Gin inquired.

Before anyone else could say anything against it, Crystal answered, "Of course, it's the least we can do to pay you back for your help before."

"Well, thanks but it wasn't just me anyways. I gotta go now since I have one more visit to make today," he said as he left.

He waved goodbye to them before heading back to the Otose Snack Bar. Seimei laughed at Gin's departure so he missed the kiss on the cheek that Douman got from Crystal. Douman blushed but didn't say anything.

Meanwhile Kagura was running that morning to see Saigou and Azumi at the Okama bar.

When she came inside, Azumi saw her at once.

"Mama! That China-girl from the Yorozuya is here!" he shouted as said person came out from the back.

"Hello China-girl. How are you? Did you need something?" Saigou asked as she ran to hug him.

Kagura grinned as he hugged him tightly.

"Hi! Gin-chan and Shinpachi and me are getting help for Anego-chan's birthday. Can you help? You remember her?" Kagura asked cheerfully.

"Ah the Queen of Kabuki-chou, it's her birthday soon? Sure, just let us know what we can do," the Okama leader told her.

"Yay, thanks! Come by the Yorozuya and we'll tell you! Bye!" Kagura exclaimed with another hug before she ran to see the next person.

Kagura went to talk to Hanano Ana then Yocchan in the park. her next stop was to the Shogun's castle.

When she got to the gate, she announced herself so the guard let her in. As soon as she walked in, Soyo-hime enveloped her in a crushing hug.

"Kagura-chan! Hi! Did you come to play?" the princess asked.

Kagura sighed before answering, "Sorry, not today Soyo-chan. Tomorrow for sure. Can I talk to you and your brother?"

"Oh, yes! He was just coming out now. Brother! We have a guest!" she shouted inside.

A minute later, the Shogun came out and smiled when he saw his sister and her friend.

"Hello Kagura-san, what brings you by today?" he asked politely interested.

Grinning, Kagura said, "Yeah, Anego-chan's birthday is coming and we need some help. Can you help us?"

"What do you need?" he asked, curious now.

"A location!" Kagura shouted vaguely as she looked at him and Soyo.

Knowing what she meant, Soyo pleaded with her brother without words. Just from her eyes, the Shogun knew what Soyo was asking.

"Hm, it might be a problem," the young ruler began to say before Kagura said, "Oh, we have that part working itself out actually."

"You do? How?" Soyo asked, confused.

"You'll see! Bye for now!" Kagura said mysteriously as she left but not before she briefly hugged Soyo and waved to her friend's brother.

The Shogun and Soyo looked at her as she left, both surprised but not too shocked at the Yato girl.

Just before noon as Gin was heading to Ikumatsu's, Kagura found Ayame at the dango shop they had agreed to meet at in Yoshiwara.

"There you are Kagura, so what was so important anyways?" the stalker ninja said as they sat to order their meal.

Once they got their dango, Kagura told her about Otae's birthday and why she came there.

"Ah, so that psycho bitch's birthday is coming and you want me to help? Eh, why not? I might as well, it could be fun and I can see Gin-san!" she exclaimed as she started to drool at the thought of the silver-haired samurai.

Disgusted, Kagura brought her back to reality by smacking her on the side of her head.

"Hey!" Ayame exclaimed shrilly.

"Sorry, but you were being a bit creepy Sa-chan," Kagura apologized.

She scowled a bit but shrugged it off.

"So next is Tsukky then," the ninja guessed.

Surprised, Kagura replied, "Yeah, is it that obvious?"

"Yeah but lucky for you i already called them here," she said just as Hinowa and Tsukuyo arrived with Seita.

"Hi Kagura-chan, Sa-chan," Hinowa happily greeted them.

Seita smiled at them and waved while Tsukuyo sat to eat a stick of dango.

"Tsukky, can you help us? Sa-chan is going to and you, Seita and Hinowa would be a big help too!" Kagura asked cutely.

Hinowa giggled at Kagura and Tsukuyo sighed after she ate.

"Of course, we can help. You guys have helped us so much, we'd be happy to help," the hyakka leader answered.

"Yay! Just come by the Yorozuya soon and Gin-chan and Shinpachi will help you get things ready along with everyone else. I have to go now so see you soon!"

As soon as Kagura said that, she scarfed down the rest of the dango and ran to head back to Kabuki-chou and the Otose Snack Shop.

"Well, we better order some food now and pay our bill for Kagura-chan then," Hinowa said without a care to the eating fest Kagura had just had them witness.

The others just laughed at Kagura's antics and shook their heads once they stopped their laughter. They ate quietly once they had their dango.

That same morning, Shinpachi wrote a letter to Kirara and her sister Urara asking them them for help and to come to the he sent the letter, he headed down to visit Ane and Mone. When he got there, he knocked and Komako came running to the door. Mone heard her and came to answer the door.

"Oh," she said, surprised, "Shinpachi-kun, how are you?"

"I'm good but my sister's birthday is coming up-" he started.

"You need help?" she finished.

He smiled and replied, "Yes, if you both could help we'd all appreciate it."

"Ugh, that one's birthday is coming? We have a little one at work on the day before that I have to help with anyways. Mone, you help them and I'll do the one at work," Ane said grumpily.

Mone rolled her eyes as Shinpachi just chuckled and said, "Thanks, go to the Yorozuya soon so we can get ready. Bye!"

His next stop was the cabaret, where he met Oryou and Hanako.

"Thanks for meeting me Oryou-san, Hanako-san," he said as he caught his breath.

"It's okay, we know you want help with Otae's party. We'll help a bit but we have to help at work too," Oryou explained.

Hanako finished, "We can't help the two days beforehand but we'll help with what we can until two days before her birthday."

"Thank you both a lot, you can just go to the Yorozuya for what you can help with. I have to go, it's nearly noon," Shinpachi told them before he left.

They waved to him as he went to find Musashi. He found him in the park and he greeted him.

"Hello Musashi-san, Hasegawa-san told you to meet me. Can you help me?" Shinpachi calmly asked.

He waited for Musashi to answer and ten minutes passed. Shinpachi was about to repeat himself when Hasegawa showed up.

"Hey Shinpachi-kun, I thought you might need help. Hey Musashi. You remember what I told you yesterday?" the former Madao suggested as he spoke.

Musashi was silent for a minute but said, "Help for a party? Two weeks?"

Shinpachi visibly brightened as Hasegawa confirmed and gave him a paper to keep on the board, the address to the Yorozuya.

"Thank you Hasegawa-san, Musashi-san," the megane said as he bowed.

"It's not a problem, Gin-san passed it to my wife a little bit ago," the older man insisted.

Shinpachi nodded and said, "Goodbye, see you soon!"

He ran to find Takachin with the Terakado Tsuu Imperial Squadron and was surprised to see Otsuu herself there.

"Hello Shinpachi-kun! Kagura-chan told me to be here today-raccoon dog testicles!" the idol greeted her fan.

Shinpachi was happy she'd remembered his name and stuttered, "Y-yeah, I um, just need help with Ane-ue's birthday party. Can you help us?"

She smiled brightly and replied, "I'd love to, should I stop by the Yorozuya soon then-corn poop?"

"Yes, please do. Takachin," the young man addressed the blonde fan, "you'll help too?"

Takachin saluted, "Yes Captain! We all will!"

"Thank you all of you! I have to go now okay? See you later!" Shinpachi shouted as he left to the Yagyuu estate.

When Shinpachi arrived at the estate, he sighed before he approached the gate.

When the guards asked for identification, he simply stated, "Shimura Shinpachi. I need to see Kyuubei-san."

As soon as they heard Shimura, the one whispered, "The young master's personal friends' brother."

They opened the gates swiftly and ushered him in.

"Thank you very much," the young samurai said as he went in.

Once he came to the house, Tojo came up to him immediately.

"Shinpachi-kun! It is great to see you, did you need anything?" the man eagerly greeted him.

Sweatdropping at how eager he was, Shinpachi replied, "Hello Tojo-san, I came to talk to Kyuubei-san."

Excited, Tojo exclaimed, "I'll go get her now, come along!"

Before Shinpachi could respond, he was being dragged by the blonde, slit-eyed man to the main house.

After a few minutes it took to get there, Tojo knocked and announced, "Binbokusai-sama, Koshinori-sama. Young master, Shinpachi-kun is here!"

Almost as soon as he opened the door, a foot flew in his face and Shinppachi watched as Kyuubei landed her foot onto her servant's face.

He was flat on his back but he still exclaimed, "Young master!"

The young woman pushed her foot a bit into the older man's face before she remembered that Shinpachi was there. She walked on Tojo over to the megane and said politely, "Oh, hello Shinpachi-kun. Sorry about Tojo, he's been on my nerves a lot lately."

Shinpachi laughed a bit nervously at the scene, he just answered, "It's fine, I just wanted to ask if you could help us? Ane-ue's birthday-"

"Is in two weeks. You needn't have asked, Shinpachi-kun, I already plan on financing the party," Kyuubei finished succintly.

A bit shocked, he stuttered, "But, Kyuubei-san! Y-you can't! We just need help, you don't need-"

Interrupting Shinpachi again, she stated simply, "I want to, it's Tae-chan we're speaking of. Tojo will help manage things and the Yagyuu house will finance the party and whatever you need."

Knowing he was defeated, Shinpachi sighed and told her, "Thank you Kyuubei-san, Tojo-san. I should go now. Just come by the Yorozuya when you can."

Once Shinpachi left, Kyuubei told Tojo forcefully, "Get uo now, why must you be so embarrassing?"

He could see a slight blush dust her cheeks and smiled as he got up.

"I'm sorry young master. I'll go start checking on what they will need then," Tojo told her apologetically.

Her grandfather and father had left when the idiocy started so Kyuubei made a bold move: she grabbed his hand before he left.

Shocked, Tojo turned to look at her.

"Young-" he started before she said, "Kyuubei, since we're alone," with a furious blush.

Smiling at her, Tojo simply said, "Ayumu then."

As she didn't trust herself to speak, Kyuubei merely nodded. They shared a quiet moment holding hands before they both had to continue on with their days.

Around the same time, Gin was running to Otose's Snack Bar to see Pirako and Jirochou while Shinpachi was headed there to talk to Gengai. Kagura was going next door to see Hedoro.

When Kagura arrived at Hedoro's, she found him outside watering his plants.

"Oh, hello Kagura. How are you?" Hedoro asked cheerfully.

Grinning, Kagura answered, "Great and you?"

Hedoro smiled and told her, "I'm good, just taking care of my shop. Did you need anything?"

Kagura brightened and explained about Otae's birthday to which Hedoro readily accepted her offer to have him help.

"Oh! I almost forgot, I need help with a present for her! Can you help me?" she exclaimed suddenly.

"Of course I will," Hedoro affirmed happily.

Gin and Shinpachi got to Otose's bar and saw Pirako and Jirochou out front, chatting with Gengai. They rolled their eyes as they came to talk to them.

"Hey ganguro old man, how are you and that brat daughter of yours?" Gin teased.

Jirochou narrowed his eyes as he quipped back, "Yeah, same to you punk. How are you with handling that pain in the ass Otose?"

Before they knew what happened, Otose was there as she bopped them over the head with her fist. First was Jirochou, who cussed and then Gin who complained about, "Dammit Babaa!"

She rolled her eyes and said, "Talk better of someone who's letting you stay here and maybe I won't have to hit you."

Shinpachi shook his head before he said, "Okay, settle down. Can you help us get ready for Ane-ue's birthday party Gengai-san? Pirako-san? Jirochou-san?"

Gengai laughed before he said, "Why not? I'll help so just let me know what you need."

Pirako piped up, "We can help with decorating, we have lots of flowers and we can help with other stuff too."

Sighing, Jirochou agreed, "Yeah, we'll help but I can't do as much. I am an old man now."

"Pfft! Bullshit! Ganguro old men are such bad liars! Just come to the Yorozuya and help with what we tell you!" Gin teasingly told Jirochou.

They all laughed a bit before Gin and Shinpachi went upstairs to the Yorozuya. Kagura came upstairs a few minutes after the guys got back. it was time for dinner as Shinpachi made them stew before the day came to an end.

Again that same morning, Okita was traipsing around with a list that Shinpachi had given him. His first stop was the host club that Kyoshiro and Hachirou ran.

As he approached the door, the man at the door asked who he was.

"Oh, I'm Captain Okita Sougo of the First Division of the Shinsengumi but I'm off duty," Okita relayed as he showed his badge.

Gulping, he asked him, "What do you need then?"

"I need to speak to Kyoshiro and Hachirou actually, on behalf of the Yorozuya," the sadist explained.

At hearing the owner's name and the Yorozuya, the man told him that he would go get him if Okita would wait there. A few minutes later, Kyoshiro came out along with Hachirou.

"Why hello Okita-san. What brings you here?" the host asked.

"Danna and the others need help with Nee-san's birthday party. They had so much to do though so they asked me to come ask you. Kondou-san also asked me for help with the party since he's in Bushu with Hijikata-san on Shinsengumi business," the captain explained in his usual bored tone.

"Ah, thank you! Please tell them we'll help and we'll come by the Yorozuya later. Hachirou, can you watch over the shop when I go to see them later?" Kyoshiro asked his employee.

"Yes, I can do that. Just let me know when you plan to go and I'll watch the shop," Hachirou replied firmly.

"Good, it's been nice seeing you but I have another errand before I can get back to work. Ja ne!" the sadist told the hosts before he left to drive over to the Mimawarigumi headquarters.

Once he arrived, the members watched the lone Shinsengumi member as he walked to the building.

When he saw a Mimawarigumi guard, Okita asked, "Do you know where Nobume is?"

Once Okita glared at the guy a little, the guard told him that she was in the training grounds. He went and found her just going to start training.

"Oh it's you, killer. What do you want?" she asked in an offhanded tone.

"Your buddy China-girl and the other Yorozuya need you to help with a birthday party for Nee-san," he told her.

Nobume stared for a moment before answering, "If Kagura needs help, I guess I'll help. I assume you'll tell her so let her know I'll be over after work tomorrow. Now I have to train, goodbye killer."

She went back to her training so Okita left to go back to Shinsengumi headquarters. Before he headed into work, Okita had to talk to Commissioner Matsudaira. When he walked into his office, he called, "Hey old man, I have a favour to ask."

"Oh? What would that be Sougo?" the commissioner asked, a bit curious as he sat up straighter in his chair.

"Nee-san's birthday is coming up, can you help? China-girl said you could help with location and she went to see the princess this morning..." Okita explained when he realized what her plan was.

"Shou-chan and Soyo? Oh! She wants to have the party in the castle! Well, I think we could pull some strings," Matsudaira said as he thought about it, "Let them know we're working on it, okay Sougo?"

Okita smiled and said, "Yes sir! I'm headed to work now."

When the captain left, the commissioner called up some people to get started getting the party a location.

Okita arrived and went to get into his uniform when Tetsu knocked on his door. Since he was almost dressed by then, he opened the door and was surprised.

"Sasaki? What is it?" the sadist asked in confusion.

He saluted him and told him, "Hijikata-san asked me to assist you as both him and the commander had to leave for two weeks."

"Oh. Okay, let me put on my jacket and we'll get started," Okita said as he put it on and they went to the meeting room.

Tetsu sat down and explained, "They left an hour ago and ordered me to come see you. I'm to inform you that for the two weeks that they're in Bushu, you are in charge including paperwork. You will report to Commissioner Matsudaira for the errands that Kondou-san needs done for Nee-san's party."

Okita blinked and said to himself, "Was that up already? Damn, no one to torture for a bit then."

"Okita-taichou?" the assisstant asked hesitantly as the captain was distracted.

"Hmm?" the sadist responded, "Oh right. Damn I hate paperwork. Alright, when will they be back?"

Tetsu looked over what they had given him before they left and replied, "I believe just in time for Nee-san's birthday. Early morning should be about right or a little earlier."

He sighed and told him, "Okay Tetsu, all of the errands are done but one is a work in progress. Let's go address the others and continue preparing for the party."

Tetsu brightened and said, "Yes sir! Let's go!"

They went and addressed them all and all of them decided they would throw a great party for their Nee-san while their Commander and Vice-Captain were gone.

Despite Kondou and Hijikata's absences, the Shinsengumi enjoyed some good nabe and rested after a strenuous day as the Yorozuya did after their stew.

A/N: Phew! I got this typed up finally and the next part will be up as soon as possible. I'm having some computer problems so I'll work on getting the next part typed up as soon as I can and then get back to the storyline around Christmas. Thanks for the people reading this despite the problems getting it up on a regular schedule. I'm doing my best so keep enjoying it!