Hi everyone! I'll always be grateful for all the readers who took such bother to read this story. In this AU, I don't want to use Yoshiwara for Tsukuyo, since it's a red light district, and she's a teacher so I decided to use a Hotel and Casino so it won't really be out of the picture. I considered a Hostess Club or a Cabaret but I don't think it'll work. Also, hope you're ready for some revelation…
Happy reading!
-Tsukuyo-
It is weekend. Hinowa and my other friends insisted that I should take this time for resting. They always said that I should take things more lightly, or I might not last that long. It's true. Maybe I need a short break; I've been feeling the exhaustion creeping in my system. From the preparations of the Science Fair my designated class in putting up, I'm also concerned as the head of the security team in a prominent Hotel and Casino. Hinowa doesn't want me to, she said it'll drain the energy out of me and burn me out but I insisted. How can I leave Seita's mom in a large cage made up of earthly pleasures and people who wears dress and suits but can turn into a hideous, sly monster when instances occur?
Its weekend and I was forced not to go to work.
I borrowed a book from Ginpachi-senpai. He may not look like it, but he knows his Nihongo. I borrowed a book from him; a compilation of Japanese fairytales. I flipped the pages into a random story that seemed interesting to read, (even if I already know the story) until my attention was diverted to something that dropped in my lap.
I looked at it; it was a laminated picture in the size of a 2x2.
I can tell by sheer want to recognize the faces in the photo. It was a full body photo of a few people. I don't know much about Ginpachi-senpai; his relatives, family, friends. I never saw him bring one. But during university days, I can remember that he had this serious face when talking on the phone, and then he suddenly ran off but I won't ask him about it. It is his personal matter. If he would only know that there are people around him who want to help him, For example…
I'm now using a magnifying glass; the slit of my eyes were narrower and narrower. The picture looked a little old. And there's Ginpachi-senpai, recognizing his wavy, silver hair. Beside him was… a girl. No, a man, a long, sandy-color haired man and beside him was another long-haired man. They have a similar appearance due to their hair and their attire. They're wearing dull blue and the other was gray Kimono. I recognized the other guy with eyepatch. Takasugi Shinsuke. The eleventh grader who got suspended due to beating up his seniors.
Another guy beside that Shinsuke was another wavy-haired guy… man but this time, it's brown. He seemed really happy. And oddly how this another guy with Chonmage managed to fit in the picture of a 2x2 size. An old man, whose eyebrows reminded me of a symmetrical garden that got its bushes trimmed and shaped into a hotdog bun. He's face was protruding, and so was his body. He was dressed like a wealthy man; just look how colorful his Kimono was.
And in between Ginpachi-senpai and the old man was… Fukuyama Chie.
-Chie-
It was supposed that when you go to bed late, you'll wake up late. That's true for Jace and Ginpachi. But as for this bitch over here, I woke up earlier than them, but that wasn't because I went to bed earlier than them, but because I can't keep sleeping with all the things that happened. Ginpachi-sensei was waiting outside, in the dead of the night, drenched and well, you know what happened. I'm just too inexperienced that I kept thinking about those things. Then I remembered that he's sleeping in the living room. I can't help but feel a little thrilled. Hey, I know it is creepy, but as a young, inexperienced, pure, chaste (I said these before, didn't I?) lady, who wouldn't be thrilled with the taste of the first sleep over of a guy you feel attracted to?
I can't sleep anymore. I looked at Jace. She'll have a hungover when she wakes up. I might as well buy a Pocari sweat for her to drink. It's already 10:27 in the morning. I did what a proper human being with hygiene would do and went down to make some breakfast. Maybe I shouldn't make breakfast. Brunch would do.
What do we have in here… as I opened my fridge. Eggs, Chilled tofu, chicken, some vegetables. I decided to make a sautéed of whatever was in the fridge. It may not look like it but I'm not a bad cook, just a good scientist of food.
I put some natural flavor and seasonings in it. I was told never to play with the food. Well that's what Zura would say. I wonder how is that long-haired freak doing… Then I remembered the phone prank I played. I can't help but smile by the sudden memory.
"Having fantasies now, are we?"
There's no second thought about whose voice it came from. Ginpachi-sensei peeked at my food experiment and said "Just who the heck gave you permission to play with the food?" He snatched the knife from me. "I'll cook. You better clean. Your house smells like beer." He said, and he's hands were fast in chopping the vegetables.
"You're just a guest. Don't act like you own the house." I said, well playfully said.
"And I don't remember making a guest eat this obvious failed experiment out of these abused innocent ingredients." He said. Well, I can't argue with that.
I don't know but my body moved its own, and I swayed my hips to bump his hips. I was shocked of my sudden gesture. Fortunately, I have good mental reflexes. "Th-that's rude! It's not abused!" I said, and to all the pain in the world, I just squeaked and stammered all at the same time. "I feel bad for your husband." That hurt!
"I'll be better with cooking! I'm still a kid you know!" I said, and I was about to leave the kitchen.
"I know. Puberty hasn't arrived yet, Roberto de Flato?" He said, and I can hear his teasing tone. I can just leave. Or I can just stamp his face with my foot and leave.
A it is.
"The stew's ready. Go wake up your drunk friend." He said. "I'll do that- don't order me in my own house!"
"Shut up… my head's gonna split…" Jace was awake. I never got drunk but I've seen a lot of people do. Heck, I'm working on a club after all. But the aftermath of being drunk was what I had observed to Jace. I spoke softly so it won't induce more pain in her head.
"Here. Pocari." I handed her the ion drink and yea, she drank it. I saw Ginpachi-sensei prepared the meal for three. "Sit down and eat." He said, pouring that savory food that's best during cold days like this.
I only took a spoonful of the stew and the flavors exploded in my mouth. It's too delicious that his wife would be embarrassed! The buzzer rang. "I'll go check the door." I said, I can take another bite later, food doesn't run anyway. Somehow leaving the food for whoever was in the door doesn't make up for it. It'll probably a salesman or a newspaper subscription.I watched the little monitor that I forgot what it is called.
"Chie, are you home?" I know that voice, that silky hair, that attractive demeanor. And I'm so screwed.
Zura?! Why of all the time in the world?! Even if I haven't eaten anything, I felt bile threatening to escape from my stomach. I need to think of something, quick!
"That your brother?" Ginpachi whispered from behind, almost making me wet my panties. No need to be creeped out, I didn't. Panic continues to spread in my system. I'm gonna get a clean shave in the head if Zura ever finds out there's a guy in the house, let alone a teacher slept inside the house. And the bottle of vodka and sake in the living room! How do I deal with this?!
"He doesn't have a spare key?" Ginpachi was about to press a button from that monitor thingy in the door, but luckily, my reflexes allowed me to stop him before he can do anything disastrous.
"Guess she's not home. Well, can't help it. This is a surprise after all…" I heard Zura said through that monitor thingy, and I never appreciated the wonder of that machine- that's not the time for that!
"Do you understand? We'll be annihilated when he knew you are here!" I whispered furiously at Ginpachi. Hopefully he'll get the hint. Zura is already taking out his keys!
"This is a pain. Let's just explain." How can he scratch his head and his ass?! Does he even realize that our neck and his job my dream and my dignity are on the line?! How can he rap at this time of despair?
"Hide in my room! Quick!" I said, pushing him over. I pressed the monitor thingy again, "A-Ah! Zura! Aren't you with dad?" I said, buying some time until he reached my room. Finally, he did. I opened the door.
"That's slow-again! It's not Zura, It's Katsura!" Can you stop that?
"W-Why are you here?" I hope he doesn't notice the change of smell in the house. I guess his nose is keener than a fart sensor.
"The smell of the house changed. It smells like liquor. Have you been drinking, Chie?" His eyes turned into a dangerous slit, I would've shit my pants. Then he looked at the hanger beside the door along with the shoe rack. That's Gin-sensei's coat! It's much better watching Coming Soon (A/N: A Thai Horror movie) at three AM in the morning than this.
"Whose coat is this, Chie?" His voice became dangerously unbearable. I need to make an excuse that isn't far from the truth. Think. Fast.
"U-um…that's-"
"Chi, I'm hungry, is that the newspaper?" Jace entered the scene, and unconsciously saving our asses. She looks… like two words: Puffy. Eyes.
"Ah! Zura, this is Jace, a real close friend. Jace, this is Zura, my brother." I calmed down a little. The liquor problem would be solved now, I think. Jace realized my brother's presence and tried to straighten her look. You don't need it bitch. Go walk in Victoria's Secret or something! I heard Zura said his famous line, and quickly dismissed it with my 'Shut-up-sourpuss' look.
"Good morning, Zura-san-"
"It's not Zura, it's Katsura!" should I put staples in his mouth? That's the third time you used that line!
"Ah…" her face getting sour. "Katsura-san. I'm Jace, your sister's friend. Nice to finally meet you." she tried to finger comb her hair, bowing a little. I stole a second of looking over my bed's door, and Ginpachi's half-face and curly, silver hair was sticking out. I showed him a 'Go-inside-or-you'll-taste-pain' look and heard him go 'Tsk'. Then, he closed the door. The clicking of the knob was loud enough that Zura glanced over the second floor. "I just heard something closed…" He mumbled, and I know his suspicion was getting higher.
Please don't go in my room…
"N-No way! We-re the only people here!" I said, hoping he'll believe me. "Well, Gin-" again, thanks to my fast reflexes, I swiftly put a hand to Jace's mouth and shot her a look parring to Sougo's sadistic tendencies… well, in my point, I think.
"Are you saying something, Jace-dono?"
"I said, Ginormous rain was pouring yesterday night, s-so… since Chie-san was alone, I decided to accompany her here. Because, you know… it might not be safe, and lonely…" She's talking fast! And she's making that face! That Bossun face! (A/N: If you haven't watched Sket Dance, you better should!)
"I see. Friendship is caring and protecting each other! We are in your debt!" He was in his high strung mode, talking so passionately like that one time we went to Akihabara and I was keeping a safe distance away because he transforms from the Zura I know to that…seemingly pedophile who shakes his shoulders creepily while looking at couple of 'moe'-shit of little sisters or wives…
I'm creeped out because I am his little sister, and I'm just exaggerating.
He recovered. "Then, did you drink those sake, Jace-dono?" he inquired. "Or did you two drink it all?" the stinging look in his eyes are back. This time, I already know that looks can really kill. Jace took the bullet for me.
"Ah… no. I drank it all. I was in need of a little comfort so…" Jace said it, saving me from my brother's guillotine look.
"Oh, I see. But still, you two are still high school students. You should be responsible of the consequences thereof." There it is… he's going to start lecturing about discipline and youth… ahhhhh, life.
But he let us off the hook. Maybe he's tired, or maybe he's trying to hold back because it's Jace who drank every single drop.
"I'll be going to my room to change for a bit. Then…" He excused himself. That dignified back was climbing the stairs. When he was out of earshot, Jace and I convened.
"Did you know he's gonna be home?!" We were whispering furiously.
"No! Ginpachi's at my room, what do we do?!"
"Let's get your brother out of the house!"
"I can't do that-"
"Chie!" Crap, did he find out?
"My favorite Kimono's missing. Do you know where it could be?" I said from the height of the railings, loud enough that we can hear him from the bottom.
"Ah?!" That's what I gave to Ginpachi-sensei! "Maybe you left it with dad? It's your favorite after all…"
"I'm pretty sure I left it here. I brought suits alone, you see." My ass is sweating like hell…
"What's with the favorites?! They're all the same anyway!" I said, throwing a fit. It's true. His clothings are all the same. Blue kimono, blue haori.
"I specifically want that. Well, can't help it." And he put on the very same clothing he called his favorite. What's the difference of it, anyway?!
"Jace, bring this to Gin-sensei." I handed her his phone, "Then get mine."
"Chi…" she trailed off, like my plan will never work. She looked at his phone. "It's a dead battery." Shit…
"Can I borrow your phone? Please?" I begged. It's a desperate measure.
"And I'll give him your phone?" Yes! We really took the same medicine!
She rushed inside, and I know he's gonna take a while because of some other layers like the Juban and so on and oh, the fastening and unfastening of Haori would be a little pain.
I cleaned the coffee table, getting rid of the remains of Jace's mourning session and after a few minutes, he was in his usual kimono. Really, unless it's New Year, festival, fireworks, temple and other occasions, it became rare to see someone still into traditional clothing. But really, it looks good. He looks so appropriate, cultured and sophisticated in that attire. A pony-tailed Katsura in a suit is not so bad too…
"So, do you want to go anywhere today?" I asked, looking at him with such innocent pup eyes as he took his sweet time climbing down the stairs, taking one step at a time with the allowed space the hem of his Kimono gave to him. And to my dread, he went to the kitchen. Yes, that part of the house where he knows I don't cook food but conduct half-assed successful experiments. And that part of the house where I should only serve two plates instead of three because we lied that there's only Jace and I in the house. And no, we didn't know Zura or anyone will come over.
So, yes. He will find out that there's a third person in this household before he arrived.
So we're so screwed.
"Oh, you expected me to come home today? Like you did before." What? Where's the guy with the keen instinct of a woman?
"Why don't you call Jace-dono for dinner?" He looked at me, "A-Ah… I'll call her." I saw and opportunity to climb up and check on Ginpachi-sensei. I'm pretty sure he's hungry.
And what more do I expect, hunger will turn a jerk into a prince?
"I'm hungry, at least bring me food." Zura will definitely call me sloppy when he noticed I sneaked the food in my room.
"I'll bring after so pleaaase…" I helped Jace beg. I'm not really putting much on this…
"I cooked it and you'll give me the leftover? You've got a brand new hospitality going on." Ginpachi-bastard's sarcasm sounded fifty times harsher.
"Oh, I remember!" I pulled out a sealed box in my drawer, a stash of choc and so other candies are in there. "Bear with this for a little while. I'll bring you real food after…" I whispered; don't give a middle name's fuck if I sounded desperate or begging. Our neck, our dream, his job and my dignity are hanging in here!
"Text me if there's anything you need Yay, sensei?" I said, leaving him gobbling my stash like there's no minute left. We slowly closed the door and-
Zura!
Did he see that?! Please tell me he didn't! Please tell me he didn't! Please tell me he didn't! PLEASE TELL THIS STUPID PERSON BEGGING RIGHT NOW THAT HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!
"Let's go, eat. The stew's getting cold." He didn't see anything silver? Is this what the person who invented the word miracle must've felt?!
We spent the day inside the house, no matter how much we persuade Zura to go out. We even gritted out teeth while offering to go to Akihabara to find newly released games and consoles. He didn't. We spend all day playing inside. Even Jace felt real comfortable inside the house. I mean, when did he not? We almost forgot a starving Ginpachi-sensei under my bed.
Your brother still there? He texted Jace's phone.
He doesn't want to go out. I'm really sorry about this. I told Jace to send a text while Zura's busy playing. Our house turned out like some kind of an arcade.
A thought crossed my mind. Ginpachi's files. If you're old enough to forget, I'll remind you that Zura was the only person written in Gin-sensei''s references. I decide to sniff a little.
"Zura. Do you know-"
"It's not Zura, It's Katsura!"
"Aye, aye." That joke is as old as my saggy strawberry panties.
"Do you know anyone with a weird hair? I mean like silver or something…" I said, as casual as I could manage. Hopefully I sounded just right. But I think the way I brought the topic out was weird enough.
"What?" His attention is now divided between the game and mine. Then he stopped completely. "Silver? Why?" He said, not even panting from all the movement and balance he's doing with that kinetic console shit I forgot what-its-called but I'm pretty sure it's awesome.
"Don't-"
"We found your name in one of our teacher's files. Do you know any Sakata Ginpachi?" Jace, what happened to being subtle?! What happened to 'taking the same medicine'?!
"Sakata Ginpachi? Of course I do. He's a long time, and probably one of my closest comrade." He said; now here comes the trouble. It's awkward enough to sneak a teacher from my room but it's even more awkward to sneak your brother's friend and your teacher out from my room. But anyway how did they meet?
"Hm… I see. It's kind of late. Shouldn't we sleep?" Jace said. Yeah, she owns this freaking house. Zura checked his phone.
"You're right. We should be sleeping now."
-Sakata Ginpachi-
I did not notice the time; it was already past midnight. These two brats are sleeping so soundly above me, because I fell asleep under the bed. I agree; it would be awkward sneaking right under 'her' brother's nose, because I am their teacher, and Zura is a close comrade of mine. The plan was to wait until Zura is asleep, and sneak from the window using the rope Chie uses when she needs to go somewhere, which I scolded her about. I crawled from under the bed, and at the same time, hunger crawled in my stomach. Oh yes. I haven't eaten anything except the stash of choco and other sugar. Who in the right state of mentality would hide their sweets in the closet?
Me. I was the person who taught her that, but she won't remember any of it.
I paused for a moment to look at her face. It was almost like two years ago, just that I can't run my fingers through her hair anymore nor can I stay a little bit longer. I dragged myself in the veranda, securing the rope so I can land safely from this two-storey house. And as soon as I did, I know exactly who the hell was behind me.
"How did you find her new room? Was the décor to your liking? After all, you had a day to stay inside."
"Zura. You knew?" I asked. Of course he did.
"I think the former lover of my newly found sister should experience a little pain." He said, drinking his cup of tea. "Will you come with me?" It wasn't a question, rather his tone was imperative, and I already knew it was important.
"No one broke up. She just forgot."
In their greenhouse, a bowl of anko and rice was there, a set of tea and a goblet of parfait. "You should be hungry, Gintoki." I haven't used that name for too long. He was one of the very few people who still call me with that name. "Chie asked me about you. She found out that we are related." He said, out of the blue. Why did he have to interrupt a hungry man's first bite?
"As long as his father wouldn't know, she'll be fine." I said, and quickly took the first bite before he can say anything else. I took the delicious time to savor the sweetness of anko and rice.
"That is what concerns me. He will come back here in Japan. That person didn't even say anything about coming back or when will he come back." I took another bite. I honestly have nothing to say, nor do I have a plan in mind.
"Is that why you came back out of the blue? Does Sada-Sada know you're even here?"
"I said there's a minor problem in the headquarters and that I have to go back." I waited for Zura to say anything to add, and he knew I was begging for more details.
"He's on the move. I'm relieved he already stopped the hunting for your head, but in any case-"
"Zura, I'll definitely protect the people that matters to me." I heard him chuckle.
"I already know that, Gintoki."
"It's Ginpachi until everything is over."
I took another bite of anko over rice.
-Tsukuyo-
It's past midnight and my supposedly calm weekend turned out to be a hurricane. I spent all this time finding out those people in the photograph. It directed me to different paths, in which I sort out as irrelevant or important, a lie or a truth. The faces led me to different connections; relationships that I didn't know existed. Some of the news was vaguely engraved in my memory and some I have to dig in the news articles two years ago.
Shouka Sonjuku Group, owned by Yoshida Shoyo was found guilty due to the incident of Daruma Case. The verdict, according to theSupreme Court was Reclusion Perpetua…
The young heiress of Tokugawa Housing Corp., Tokugawa Chie was reported missing two days ago…
The young heiress of Tokugawa Housing Corp., now critical under serious observation due to a grim car accident….
The CEO of Shouka Sonjuku Group found dead in prison. The investigation suggested suicide… a suicide note was found…
Young gentlemen, probable successors of the Contractor Company Shouka Sonjuku Group founded by Yoshida Shoyo now owned by Tokugawa Housing Corp. Is this a tragic end?
Plans to publicize stocks for Shouka Sonjuku Group, failed…
The fragments of the sinister past of Ginpachi exploded in my head. By mere will, my system tried to digest it all. But there's more to it. I cannot glue the information together yet, I need to know more. I want to drown myself with his past so I can help him.
So I can save him.
End.
Author's Note:
Sorry, not familiar with Japanese government and crappy internet that's why I can just post it today. I just extracted that judicial detail in my head, but I'm pretty sure I got the basics.
Tune in now! Thanks for reading!
