Silver Moon – Book 5 Chapter 4

That night, Tsukuyo tried to put Kyoko to bed at a decent time in the hopes that she wouldn't sleep in too long the next morning. She wasn't sure, but she had a feeling that letting Kyoko sleep for too long would only make her cranky when she woke up. That was her best explanation for what had happened earlier anyway.

Taking that into consideration, Tsukuyo realized in hindsight that it probably wasn't a good decision to put Kyoko back to sleep immediately afterwards. Having allowed her baby to sleep throughout most of the day had been a mistake that she was now paying for.

Kyoko was currently wide awake, and didn't seem to have any interest in going to sleep at the moment, much to Tsukuyo's dismay. Even though it was kind of early, Tsukuyo was actually rather eager to go to sleep herself.

"Come on, Kyoko," she said softly. "Don't you think it's time for bed?"

The baby just stared at her without blinking, not even having the slightest hint of drowsiness.

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" Tsukuyo asked. "Kind of like your parents…"

Sighing in defeat, Tsukuyo knew that holding the child in her arms wasn't really going to get her anywhere. Maybe if I lay her down and turn off the lights, she'll start to doze off?

Putting her plan into action, Tsukuyo gently lay Kyoko in her crib. The baby just stared up at her, almost amused. Tsukuyo shook her head. I hope this works…

Tsukuyo quietly made her way out of the room. She then turned off the lights before closing the door. She then waited a moment, listening. She didn't hear anything.

"What are you doing?" someone whispered behind her.

Tsukuyo nearly jumped. "Gintoki!?" she hissed. "What are you doing, sneaking up on me like that!?"

"I didn't sneak up on you," he replied. "I think you were too focused to notice me." He then stared at the door behind her. "What's going on?"

"I'm trying to get Kyoko to go to sleep for the night," Tsukuyo explained before she went back to listening through the door.

"Oh? And how's that going?"

"Fine," Tsukuyo replied.

"That's what you said earlier," said Gintoki, smirking a little, "even though it clearly wasn't fine."

"Well everything is fine now," Tsukuyo insisted. "When I say something is fine, then I mean that it's fine, okay?"

Gintoki was amused by her defensiveness. "Look, Tsukuyo, if you want I could help-"

"No, I can handle this just fine on my own," Tsukuyo shot back.

Just then, Kyoko started softly crying from within her room. It wasn't anything serious, but she definitely sounded unhappy.

"Kyoko…" Tsukuyo whined.

Gintoki crossed his arms. "You sure you don't need any help?"

Tsukuyo shook her head. "No, I need to do this."

Without another word, Tsukuyo reentered the room before shutting it behind her so Gintoki wouldn't follow behind. She then collected her baby out of the crib and tried to soothe her.

"Mommy is back, don't worry…"

Thankfully, Tsukuyo's presence alone seemed to calm Kyoko down this time. Just sitting in the courtesan's arms, she started to quiet her cries. Tsukuyo was surprised by this.

"What? Is that it? You just wanted to see me? You really are stubborn about getting your way, aren't you…?"

Tsukuyo then paused. She stared at the door that she had closed behind her, before looking down at Kyoko. Getting your own way, huh?

Tsukuyo then frowned as she shook her head. I'm such an idiot…

After about an hour of rocking Kyoko in her arms, the child finally went down peacefully. She fell asleep, and Tsukuyo managed to get her back into her crib before sneaking out of the room and closing the door behind her.

Once she was out in the hall, she took a deep breath. Finally, now there's something I need to do…

Tsukuyo immediately ran into the kitchen and grabbed something, then went to track down Gintoki. As it turns out, he was simply laying in bed, reading Jump.

He soon noticed her. "Did you finally do it?" he asked.

"Kyoko's asleep," she confirmed before walking up to him. She then presented him with the item in her hand. "Here."

Gintoki just stared at it. It was a carton of strawberry milk. "What is this?" he asked, unsure of why she was giving it to him.

"It's a peace offering," she stated seriously.

Gintoki just stared at it before slowly taking it. "I didn't realize that we were at war…"

"Neither did I until recently," said Tsukuyo. "But it's true. Right now, we are in the middle of a three-way conflict. It's you, me, and Kyoko, and the way that things stand right now, the little one has the potential to seriously tear us to pieces if we're not careful."

"It's actually scary how accurate that sounds," said Gintoki as he started drinking his milk. "So what are you proposing?"

Tsukuyo decided to sit down next to him on the futon. "I want me and you to form an alliance," she declared. "We need to work together if we're going to beat her."

Gintoki just stared at her skeptically. "Hey now, are you declaring war on our baby girl?"

"She declared war on her own," said Tsukuyo seriously. "She's vicious, that one…"

"You're the one that seems vicious right now," Gintoki mumbled quietly.

"I am serious though," said Tsukuyo, frowning. "We're not going to be able to handle this on our own. We need to work together from now on." She then turned towards him. "I'm sorry for doubting you when you said that she could be a handful, and I'm also sorry for pushing you away when you were just trying to help out. I wanted to prove that I could handle things on my own, but I think that I was being naive."

Gintoki stared at her, but then smiled before drinking some more milk. "Fine then, I get it. The parents are supposed to stick together, right?"

"I'd like that," she admitted quietly before suddenly leaning onto his shoulder.

"It's a deal then," said Gintoki. "From now on, we'll work together."

"Agreed."

Gintoki smiled as he put his Jump and carton of strawberry milk aside. "Great, now as part of this alliance, I'm going to bring up an important topic that we need to discuss."

Tsukuyo stared at him. "What's that?"

"I've been thinking," said Gintoki seriously. "Kyoko, when she's older, will definitely need to learn how to fight."

Tsukuyo felt surprised. "What? Really?"

Gintoki nodded. "Yeah, I think she'll need to know how to defend herself."

Tsukuyo was having trouble grasping what he was trying to say. She simply couldn't imagine her infant daughter as anything but. "You want to teach Kyoko how to fight? Why?"

Gintoki just stared at her. "Come on, you should know that better than anyone. It's a pretty dangerous world out there, full of evil criminals and villains. I think she needs to know how to fight if she ever finds herself in trouble."

Tsukuyo just frowned. "Gintoki, this isn't Jump…"

"Hey, I'm being serious here," Gintoki replied.

"I don't know," said Tsukuyo, unsure. "Why can't we just protect her from danger?"

"You know that we won't always be there to save her," said Gintoki with a sigh. "She can't rely on us forever. Besides, doesn't it only make sense that the child of you and me would know how to fight?"

Tsukuyo thought about it for a second. "Well, I guess you have a point…Whether it's the way of the sword or the way of the kunai, it wouldn't hurt for Kyoko to have some combat experience when she's older."

"Exactly," Gintoki agreed. "This way, we can rest easy knowing that Kyoko is at least somewhat capable of defending herself against criminals and villains…"

Gintoki then paused before flashing an insane grin. "And above all else," he muttered, "she'll be able to defend herself against any lecherous boys that come her way when I'm not around…heh heh heh…"

Tsukuyo just froze as she stared at him with the biggest frown on her face. "Gintoki?" she asked quietly, but very serious. "Is that what this whole discussion has been about?"

Gintoki dropped the grin. "Eh? What? No, of course not. I meant what I said earlier, about the criminals and whatnot…"

"Yeah right!" Tsukuyo retorted. "You idiot! You're just worried about Kyoko getting the attention of some boys!?"

"I'm not worried," said Gintoki, shaking his head. "I mean, realistically, I'll kill most of them before they ever even dare try to lay a finger on her."

"Now you're the one that sounds like a criminal!"

"What's wrong with a father trying to protect his daughter from danger?"

"You're the one who's dangerous!" Tsukuyo just shook her head as she sighed. "Honestly, what's the matter with you?"

Gintoki just stared at her, unflinching. "I don't like this whole 'boys' idea. Not one bit."

Tsukuyo just shook her head some more. "So what are you going to do when Kyoko comes home one day with a boy she likes?"

"Kill him," he replied with a shrug. "And then display his corpse out front as a warning to the others."

"Don't be stupid!" Tsukuyo retorted. "So what then? Kyoko is just never going to be allowed to fall in love because you're not comfortable with it?"

Gintoki thought about it for a second. "No, she can date…when she's thirty."

Tsukuyo just stared at him. "Isn't that a little old?"

"She can date when she's thirty, and only with Shinpachi!"

"Why Shinpachi!?" Tsukuyo shot back.

"Because he's a responsible kid," said Gintoki, flashing a thumbs up. "I approve."

"Kyoko can't date Shinpachi!" Tsukuyo yelled at him. "He'll be in his late forties by that point!"

"I know, and he'll probably still be single too."

Tsukuyo decided to shut him up by forcing a pillow into his face. It didn't quite carry the same impact as a kunai to the forehead, but it still got the job done. Tsukuyo then took a deep breath.

"Honestly, we need to focus on the present. Kyoko is barely even a week old. Don't you think it's too early to be thinking about these sorts of things?"

Gintoki just slowly removed the pillow from his face before staring at her. He then sighed. "I know, it's just…Being a parent…it makes you worry too damn much…"

Tsukuyo stared at him for a while before nodding. "I know."

They both sat in silence for a bit before Tsukuyo eventually spoke up. "Do you think that we'll get better at this?"

"Yeah, eventually," said Gintoki.

"Being a parent is hard," said Tsukuyo with a frown.

"Yeah, but it's like you said," Gintoki told her. "From now on, we're a team, right?"

Tsukuyo smiled. "Right. Let's be the best that we can, for Kyoko's sake."

Gintoki smiled at her. "Yeah," he agreed. He then reached over and turned out the lights so the room went dark.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," she whispered back.

The next morning, Tsukuyo made sure to wake Kyoko up at an appropriate time instead of letting her sleep in. Naturally, she didn't force the baby awake, but instead simply carried her out into the kitchen and allowed her to slowly awaken on her own. Once she was placed in her carrier, Tsukuyo joined Gintoki at the table for breakfast.

"We can do this," she said confidently.

"You sure?" asked Gintoki while he munched on his cereal. "You're the one that should be worried here. You'll be stuck with her while I go to work."

"I think I can handle it," she replied. "I feel much more prepared today."

Gintoki then smiled as he stared at Kyoko. She was still slowly starting to arouse from her slumber.

"Well, I'll leave it to you then," said Gintoki as he finished his breakfast. He then stood up. "I better get going. You know those idiots at Odd Jobs can't get anything done without me."

"Right," said Tsukuyo, rolling her eyes.

Gintoki then paused. "Wait a second…I forgot my wooden sword. Have you seen it?"

Tsukuyo just stared at him. "What do you mean you forgot it? Isn't it where you always leave it?"

"I don't know," said Gintoki, looking around the room like he couldn't remember where he put it. "Could you go check for me?"

Tsukuyo gave him a weird look but stood up anyway. "Sure, I'll go see if I can find it."

Tsukuyo then left the kitchen. Gintoki carefully watched her go. As soon as she disappeared from sight, Gintoki crouched down right in front of Kyoko.

"Hey, kiddo," said Gintoki, keeping his voice low. "I'll make this quick, okay? I just have a request to make. Could you please, please, be a good girl for mommy today?"

Kyoko just stared at him with wide eyes.

Gintoki sighed. "I'm only asking for her sake, all right? Be a good girl and behave yourself. I don't think I'm asking for too much."

Kyoko simply continued to stare at him.

"Well, it's a promise then," said Gintoki seriously. "I'm counting on you to keep it."

"Gintoki, I've found it," Tsukuyo suddenly called.

Gintoki quickly stood up straight. "Keep this secret between us, okay?" he told Kyoko before turning around.

Tsukuyo walked back into the room carrying Gintoki's wooden sword. She handed it over. "Here, it was right where I told you it was."

"Oh, so it was," said Gintoki, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, honey. Well, I better get going." And with that, Gintoki gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out the front door. "See ya!"

Tsukuyo just crossed her arms and shook her head as she watched him go. She then turned to Kyoko. "What was that all about? He was acting a little strange, wasn't he?"

"Hnnn…"

Tsukuyo stared at her. "Oh?"

Without warning, Kyoko suddenly started to descend into tears. She soon started crying loudly.

Tsukuyo just shook her head with a frown. "Oh dear…" She then reached down and picked Kyoko up. "Come here."

Kyoko continued to wail as Tsukuyo held her closely. The courtesan then gently patted the baby on the back while she softly shushed her.

"It will be okay, Kyoko…"

Meanwhile, Gintoki was watching this whole scene from outside. He was staring in through the kitchen window, trying to get one last peek at his family before heading off to work. Naturally, he was not happy with what he saw.

That damn lying brat! he cursed to himself. I thought we had a promise! What the hell is this!? Why are you throwing a fit the moment I leave the house!? Didn't I tell you to take it easy on your mother today!?

Kyoko suddenly started crying louder. Gintoki could hear it quite clearly through the widow.

Shitty brat…What kind of person just breaks a promise that quickly? Who raised you to be like that, huh!?

Gintoki paused. Oh, I'm the one raising you…

Still, there's no excuse to act like that!

Gintoki just sighed as he continued to watch Tsukuyo try to calm the infant down. Kyoko was certainly putting up a tough fight though.

As stubborn and as tough as her parents, apparently thought Gintoki with a frown. I feel bad…I hope Tsukuyo doesn't feel too overwhelmed with this…Maybe I should just stay home for the day and help?

Just then, Gintoki heard Tsukuyo speak up again. He leaned in closer so he could listen.

"Kyoko, don't worry," she said in her softest and most caring voice. "I won't let go of you, I promise. You're safe in my arms, okay? Mommy will take care of you…"

Gintoki just stared at her for a second, a little stunned at her sincerity. Then, something odd happened. Whether it was because of Tsukuyo's words or by pure chance, Kyoko suddenly started to quiet down. Within moments, her loud wail fell to a low hum.

Tsukuyo herself just stared at the infant, surprised. She then smiled slightly. "That's my girl."

Tsukuyo then proceeded to carry Kyoko off into another part of the house. Gintoki stared at them until they disappeared. After a moment, he then retreated from the window and finally started heading off to work.

He wasn't quite sure what it was, but for some reason, he almost felt like Tsukuyo's words had reassured more listeners than just Kyoko…

She believes in herself thought Gintoki with a grin. And I know that I can trust her.

That evening, Gintoki came home earlier than usual. He snuck in the door so as not to potentially wake his child. He then quietly walked in, looking for Tsukuyo. He then turned a corner and entered the kitchen, where a kunai was suddenly shoved into his face. Thankfully, it stopped short.

Gintoki jumped at nearly being attacked. "What the-!?"

Tsukuyo's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, Gintoki, it was just you." She pocketed her kunai.

"Of course it's me!" said Gintoki, trying to catch his breath from being startled. "What was that all about!?"

"Sorry, I heard someone sneaking in. I thought you might be an intruder," said Tsukuyo with a shrug.

"Why do you always assume that!?" he whined.

Tsukuyo just shrugged again. "With a baby around, I'm a lot more watchful."

"Oh…"

Sc-Scary…Gintoki thought as a sweat drop rolled down his forehead. Is this what they call maternal instinct? It's really scary! I need to be careful!

"Anyways," said Tsukuyo, "you're home early. Why is that?"

"Oh, well..." said Gintoki, suddenly growing quiet. "I just…wanted to come home early today. No reason."

Tsukuyo just stared at him some more. "Well, all right."

"Say, where's Kyoko?" said Gintoki looking around.

"She's in the living room." Tsukuyo then held up a bottle in her hands. "I was just about to go feed her."

"Oh, can I do it?" Gintoki asked.

"You want to?"

"Of course," said Gintoki, reaching for it. "I promised I would help, didn't I? Let me help."

Tsukuyo just stared at him some more before handing it over. "All right then."

"Great, thanks."

Tsukuyo watched him head for the living room. Since when did he become so eager to parent? He seemed willing to help before, but this just seems…excessive. He really is acting strange today.

A few moments later, Gintoki had Kyoko in his arms, and she was gladly drinking from the bottle he offered. Tsukuyo just watched the two of them as she crossed her arms.

"What's up with you?" she eventually asked.

Gintoki looked surprised. "What do you mean?"

"You've been acting weird today. Leaving for work in a rush, coming home early, nearly begging me to help with Kyoko…Is everything okay?"

Gintoki just stared at her. "Of course everything is okay. Why are you asking me that?"

Tsukuyo stared at him for a bit before smirking. "Did you miss us or something?"

Gintoki felt like he was caught off-guard. "What? No. Well, I mean, of course I missed you two, but that's not what's going on."

"Then what's going on?"

Shit thought Gintoki, realizing his blunder. "It's nothing."

Tsukuyo just shook her head before walking up to him. "Come on, tell me what's going on here."

Gintoki sighed, realizing that she wasn't going to let this go. Moms are damn nosy too…

"Fine, the reason I'm acting 'strange' is because…well…"

Gintoki paused. "Honestly, I just want to play my part too."

Tsukuyo stared at him. "Huh?"

Gintoki sighed again. "I watched you this morning before I went to work. I saw you calming Kyoko down."

Tsukuyo felt surprised. "You did?"

"Yeah, while I watched you, it kind of made me think that…that you're a good mom…"

Tsukuyo started blushing and quickly became quiet. She hadn't expected him to say that.

"It also made me think that, you know, I want to be around to help as much as I can. It's not fair if you get to have all the fun moments. I don't want Kyoko playing favorites."

Tsukuyo just shook her head. "Don't be stupid," she told him. "You're really not missing anything here."

"I know," Gintoki admitted. "But it's like I said…Being a parent makes you worry too damn much…"

Tsukuyo just stared at him for a moment longer before shaking her head and leaving. "Trust me, you're worrying over nothing…"

As he watched her walk away, he saw her pause and turn to him with a sincere smile.

"I'm glad you worry, though," she said quietly.

And with that, she left the room. Gintoki just smiled as he stared after her. "It's like we agreed, isn't it? We're in an alliance."

I'm pretty sure I made up like 90% of this chapter as I was writing it. Almost none of this was included in the outline I created for Book 5. Because of that, I basically made the scenes up without any sense of direction. It kind of feels like a mess. I'm not sure if I'm okay with this XD

I liked the idea of having Tsukuyo refer to raising a kid as being the same as waging a war in which the parents have to forge an alliance. I thought that this would probably be the easiest way for her to get a grasp on her new parent lifestyle and explain her views to Gintoki. I hope you liked it.

Damn, I was trying really hard not to write an "I hope" statement. But I just did. I honestly tried not to, but at this point it feels weird not saying it. I'm so used to it that I just can't help it. Hmm, maybe I broke myself…

I still need to go watch the last two episodes of the Gintama anime that came out. I just wanted to let everyone know that XD

Please feel free to leave a review with your thoughts on the chapter and please look forward to the next one! I'll see you all then!