A/N: So, I'm thinking of just ending this story here. I'm not feeling it as much as before and I don't want to leave it hanging. If I get twenty reviews telling me to keep going, I will but only then. I hope you enjoy!

Wedding Bells Sound Suspiciously Like Funeral Bells

The day was finally here. The day they had been planning for weeks was here and Gintoki was incredibly eager to get it over with and finally call Kagura his wife. Last night he spent the first night in a very long time without Kagura by his side and he hated every minute of it. Normally he fell asleep listening to her breathing and with some part of his body touching hers, it did the trick every time and now he could hardly remember how he fell asleep those nights before he welcomed her into his bed. Now he was regretting giving in to Tae's demand that Kagura spend the night at her house so they would not see each other before the ceremony. It was an irritating Western tradition but he was not about to tell Tae that, especially when she looked ready to pop at any second.

Gintoki sat up and yawned as he ran a hand through his silver curls; he did not sleep well and was already starting to feel the effects. It slightly amused him how soft he had gotten over the years. Sleep meant almost nothing to him during the war, it was more of an escape than a necessity but now he would gladly trade in his sword for an extra hour. There was a hint of irony in that thought, his friends used to say that he was the heaviest sleeper of the four of them. He just slept heavier because he wanted to stay in his dreams longer.

"Gintoki, are you up?" asked Shinpachi on the other side of the door. He and a few others came over last night to celebrate his final night of freedom with an extra large bottle of sake and a few boxes of takeout from Katsura's wife's place. Needless to say, it was probably wise that they did not wander beyond the door of his house, otherwise he might have a repeat of that one time when every woman he knew claimed they had slept together. Gintoki shuddered at the memory.

"Yeah, I'm up," said Gintoki with another yawn. "Are there any other survivors?"

"Hijikata is moaning for some mayo and something about the moon," replied Shinpachi as he opened the screen. "Okita has a monster hangover and handling it like a wimp, in my opinion."

Gintoki smirked. "The sadist can dish it but not take it. Typical."

"Katsura is already up and doing some exercises on the roof with Elizabeth," continued Shinpachi as he went over to the closet and began pulling out Gintoki's wedding clothes. Being the best man meant he had certain tasks and ensuring his best friend was dressed and ready for his wedding was high on the priority list; as was making sure he made it to the ceremony on time. "And Hasegawa is spooning the sake bottle."

"Sounds about right," chuckled Gintoki as he slowly got out of bed and stretched his arms high above his head. "So this is it, huh? Ol' Gin-chan finally ties the knot and settles down. I bet my fans weren't expecting that."

Shinpachi smirked. "I think many of them were hoping you'd get with Hijikata."

Gintoki shuddered. "No thanks, I really don't want to kiss Mayo Breath for the rest of my life."

"And I wouldn't want to get a cavity from kissing you," shouted Hijikata from the living room followed by the sound of something hitting the floor. "Oh god, too much noise."

"Shut up!" shouted Okita only to groan loudly. "Ugh! Now look at what you made me do."

Shinpachi sighed as he went over to the screen door and slid it closed to try and muffle the sound. It was far too early to be dealing with all of this. He turned around and found Gintoki holding the shirt of his wedding outfit, looking at it like it was a dying friend.

"Do you think I'll be a good husband?" asked Gintoki quietly as he stared at his wedding clothes.

It was strange to him to actually be putting these on, after all this waiting and longing, he was finally going to do this but at the same time it filled him with trepidation. He had nothing to model himself off of, none of the men in his life were ever married or were in great relationships; most of how he acted with Kagura was just instinct and improvisation. He could get away with that as her boyfriend but as her husband . . . it felt like he should do something differently and with more consideration.

"I'm sure you will," said Shinpachi encouragingly. He wondered where this was coming from but decided not to ask. It was very rare for Gintoki to open up and he was not about to ruin the moment. "Kagura's obviously happy with you and her dad would definitely let you know if he didn't think you were the right one for Kagura. You're going to be a great husband and even a terrific father someday."

Gintoki smirked. "I wouldn't go throwing that word around, Shinpachi. At the rate we're going, we won't be having children anytime soon."

"Your honeymoon will change that," said Shinpachi with a snicker. "A week without anyone barging in on you and no distractions other than food? You and Kagura will be all over each other."

"I like the sound of that," said Gintoki with a bright smile and he turned to face his best friend. "C'mon, I have a wedding to get to."

Kagura awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and wind chimes fluttering in the breeze while sunshine poured into the room from the many windows inside. The noises were so peaceful and calm and the day seemed beautiful for her wedding. She huffed and buried herself further into the futon, pulling her pillow on top of her head for good measure; it was all she could do not to throw the pillow at the birds. She did not sleep well at all the previous night and it was all stupid Gintoki's fault. He just had to agree to Tae's suggestion that they did not see each other before the ceremony and that they stayed in separate houses for the night. Granted Tae threatened him at sword point, but still! He should have argued, but no, he gave in and she was forced to stay in Tae's guesthouse without him.

She pouted as she nestled further into the blankets. She had nightmares last night, terrifying ones and when she woke up, he was not there to hold her and tell her that it was just a bad dream. He was good at that. He was always good at chasing away her fears and giving her courage when she felt cowardly. She really needed him last night and for the first time in a long time, he was not there.

"Kagura," came Tae's voice from the other side of the door. "Kagura are you up? I have some breakfast for you."

"Not hungry," she mumbled, clutching her stomach. It felt like it was full of angry butterflies and food did not appeal to her for once in her life.

Something crashed on the other side of the door and Kagura shot up, pillow and blankets flying in different directions. She barely saw Tae's retreating form before it registered in her mind it was the breakfast tray that fell. Kagura shrugged as she laid back down on the futon, she was not in the mood to eat and she was not sure if she ever would be again.

"What the hell did you do to her?!" raged Gintoki so loudly that Tae needed to hold her cellphone away from her ear.

"Nothing," she snapped. "All I did was go to her room and told her I had food."

Gintoki was silent on the other end for a few moments. "Let me talk to her."

Tae's brow furrowed. "No, you're not supposed—"

"We're not supposed to see each other," countered Gintoki before she could get the words out. "You never said anything about talking on the phone. Besides, I think I know what's wrong. Just let me talk to her for a few minutes."

Tae sighed heavily. "Fine, but only for a few. She still needs to get ready and so do you."

"Don't worry, Shinpachi's all over that," said Gintoki with a smile in his voice.

Tae headed back to the guesthouse and knocked on the door. "Kagura, Gintoki wants to talk to you."

Kagura sat up immediately and almost leapt for the door but stopped herself. "I don't want to talk to that perm-headed idiot! This is his fault to begin with."

"She says it's your fault," said Tae into the phone.

"I thought she might," said Gintoki. "Put the phone on speaker and then slip it through the door. Even if she doesn't want to talk to me, I can still help."

"Alright," said Tae as she did what he instructed. She was glad that the door was not locked, as her phone might not fit through the crack.

Kagura watched as Tae quickly slid the phone into the room and then closed the door again. She glared at the device and firmly turned her back to it.

"Kagura, I'm sorry," said Gintoki softly. "I should've been there to protect you from your nightmare, like I always am. I'm sorry for being an idiot."

She smiled a little.

"I didn't sleep well last night either," he continued and her ears perked up. "I missed you so much, I couldn't sleep until really late and I kept tossing and turning." He chuckled warmly. "I guess we're quite the pair."

Kagura's smile widened and she dove for the phone, taking it off speaker and pressing it to her ear like her life depended on it, barely remembering that she could break the fragile device with just a bit more pressure. "I guess we are."

"It's so good to hear your voice," sighed Gintoki contentedly. "Can you believe we're getting married today?"

"No," she giggled. "It seems so weird!"

Gintoki chuckled. "Well, I hope it isn't too weird, otherwise we might have some problems already."

Kagura shook her head. "No, it's not weird like that. It's just weird to think that after today, we won't be boyfriend and girlfriend or engaged . . . we'll be married and husband and wife. It's like a dream come true."

"It is," he agreed, sounding distant. "Kagura, I know we'll see each other later and say this sappy crap then, but I just want you to know that you're probably the best thing to ever happen to me. I wouldn't be half the man I am without you standing behind me, pushing me every step of the way. I can't imagine doing anything in my life without you by my side."

Kagura felt tears well up in her eyes. "I feel the same way, Gin. I love you."

"I love you, too," he said with a smile in his voice. "Now, go get ready. I plan on marrying a beautiful woman today, not some skinny brat that claims to be a grown up."

"I am a grown up!" she snapped despite knowing he was goading her on. "You're the one who needs to learn to grow up."

Gintoki laughed. "I think we've already established that I'm growing up. I have a steady job now that pays fairly well and we're working towards owning our home. We've both grown up considerably, Kagura."

She smiled sadly. "I guess we have. I don't want to grow up, Gin-chan, it's scary."

"I know, Kagura," said Gintoki softly. "But if growing up means I get to be with you, I'll gladly do it."

"Me too," whispered Kagura as tears fell down her pale cheeks. "I'll see you soon."

"Same."

The day was as sunny as the morning promised. If he took the time to look around, Gintoki would have seen the bright blue sky above his head, stretching out like an endless sea; he might have heard the leaves as the wind moved through them, shaking the branches on which they sat or noticed the sweet way the birds sang. He might have even realized that the weather and day itself were absolutely perfect for a wedding, but he did not.

The only thing Gintoki noticed was the sound of blood rushing in his ears while his heart pounded wildly in his chest. His eyes were firmly locked on the devastating creature approaching him with such intent, he felt weak in the knees. His palms felt sweaty the closer it got and he discreetly wiped them on his sleeves, hoping it went unnoticed. He could not afford to look weak or nervous now, not when he needed to exude confidence and calm, two things he was certainly not at the moment.

"Something wrong, Gintoki?" whispered Shinpachi when he noticed his friend's distress.

Gintoki slightly shook his head. He would have told his friend that he was just nervous about this day but his mouth seemed to forget how to work so he hoped his gesture conveyed enough reassurances.

Kagura smiled at him as she glided down the grassy path on her father's arm. He felt his lips twist up and into what he hoped was a nice smile, but he could be wrong and decided not to look too closely at Kagura's face at that moment. Instead, he took in the sight that was approaching him. She was wearing a red qipao just like he hoped she would, her vermillion hair was pulled back and up, all of it hidden under a large hair ornament of red and gold coloring. She was carrying a small bouquet of red rose buds, which he thought looked like ripe strawberries. Her bright blue eyes were swimming with tears and her pales cheeks were flushed pink. She was truly the vision he saw that night not too long ago when he decided that he could never lose her.

The bride-to-be was busy trying to calm her galloping heart. Never had she been so nervous. Not even when she faced off against her brother for the first time. That she knew how to handle, it was her stupid big brother after all, but this was different. She never had been a wife before; this was new and uncharted territory. That morning, after getting off the phone with Gintoki, it really hit her that she was doing something important and unknown. She recalled the conversation she had with her friends, as she was getting ready for the wedding, when she subtly inquired about how to be a good wife:

"Don't let him forget who's in charge of your marriage," Tae says lovingly. "And a full Nelson every now and then can't hurt."

"I'm learning that crying over nothing is a great way to get his attention," says Kyuubei with a sly grin. Something about it told Kagura that she only did it to freak out her fiancé. "And if that doesn't work, you could always try holding a sword to his family jewels."

"I've never been married," says Hinowa gently, "but a revealing outfit and demure behavior goes a great way in getting a man to agree to whatever you want."

"Don't listen to them," says Tsukuyo quietly. "You already know what works and doesn't with Gintoki. Just do those things and your marriage will be fine."

Kagura smiles just a little wider. Of course Tsukki could see through her terrible question and obvious self-doubt. The woman was trained in the art of reading people better than they knew themselves. She knew now the others were aware of why she asked but were being polite and answering honestly, probably hoping to reassure her without calling her out. She was glad Tsukuyo had not followed suit.

"Who gives this woman away?" asked Kondo, breaking both the bride and groom from their mutual revelry.

"I do," said Umibozu, his voice thick as he took Kagura's hand and placed it in Gintoki's.

Umibozu looked at Gintoki and they nodded as Gintoki's hand closed around Kagura's. Gintoki understood that the monster hunter was giving him a great treasure and was silently ordering him to protect it with his life. Umibozu understood that Gintoki was accepting that task and was more than ready to act on it.

Gintoki and Kagura then looked at each other. For a split second, they were both transported back to the first day they met, when Gintoki crashed into her with his scooter and then she respectively crashed into his life. All those years ago, neither one could imagine that this is where they would end up, but if they were given the chance they would gladly repeat every single action that led to this moment. Even those when they nearly lost the other. It was all worth it.

"Thank you," said Kando as Gintoki and Kagura stood hand in hand in front of him. "Today, at the request of the bride and groom, we will be doing a simple saké ceremony as was the tradition of samurai." He then looked at Tsukuyo and Shinpachi, both of whom stepped forward with small pitchers of warmed saké and three dishes in their hands.

Kagura and Gintoki smiled. This was exactly what they wanted, a simple ceremony that reflected their status as warriors and honor Gintoki's deceased master. They watched as Tsukuyo and Shinpachi set the pitchers and shallow dishes on the table in front of them, pouring some sake into the smallest of the dishes. When they were finished, they handed them to Gintoki and Kagura; the pair each took three sips from the small cup, ensuring to finish off the alcohol on the third sip. They repeated this cycle with a medium sized dish and a large sized dish. Kagura found the alcohol a little difficult to handle, given that she never drank any until today, but she enjoyed the taste. Gintoki found the saké tasted better today than any other time he drank it, even the previous night's had nothing on what he was drinking now.

When they were finished with their drink, Kando smiled at them and gestured at Gintoki, who stepped forward beaming proudly. There was one more part of the ceremony and he had been preparing for it for weeks, studying when he thought Kagura was asleep or between bakes at the bakery.

He cleared his throat and spoke loudly for all to hear, "We make this marriage vow respectfully before the Hachiman deity. We Gintoki and Kagura are delighted to be able to make our vows on this great day, and to become husband and wife through the blessing of the Hachiman deity. We swear before the Hachimang deity to love and respect each other forever, and to strive to bring our family prosperity. Moreover, we swear never to veer from the true path of matrimony, and to work to share the divine grace of Hachiman deity by helping people and society."

He looked over at Kagura and smiled widely at his blushing bride, who smiled back at him to the point he was sure her cheeks probably hurt. This was more than he could have ever dared hope when he was a child, wandering around aimlessly trying to survive or when he was a samurai, fighting a war he did not want to be part of to begin with. If he could, he would travel back in time and tell his younger selves that it would all be worth it, that all his suffering would lead him to the most amazing woman.

Kagura wanted to cry and laugh, her emotions were so high right now she was not sure which she should do. She wanted to laugh because she was so happy that she and Gintoki were finally married, that those dark times would never come to pass because she had him at her side and together, they could conquer anything. She wanted to cry because she missed her mother and brother, she wanted her entire family here to see the happiest day of her life. She wanted to go back to when she was a smile child, sitting in the rain, dreaming of the sun, and tell her that she would find a sun that would not hurt. That she would find a family that did not break apart because of violence. That the sun and family would be wrapped up in the same person, someone who would love and treasure her forever.

"And as this vow is made by those who are of sound and moderately sober mind," said Kando and Gintoki rolled his eyes. He was hung over, not drunk. "I now pronounce that they are bound until their deaths as husband and wife. Gintoki, you may kiss your bride."

"Finally!" he said as he turned and cupped Kagura's face in his hands. They both leaned in and pressed their lips together in a warm and tender kiss. Yes, they could do this. Together.