Parties would be More Fun if They Planned Themselves

The sun filtered in through the window, the small beams hitting Gintoki's eyes just right to wake him up but not enough to make him get up, even though he and Kagura had a full day ahead of them. Today was their engagement party and they still had a few things left to do in order to get ready, not that he was in any rush. He sighed contentedly as he nestled against Kagura's back, which was currently pressed up against his chest, her body curved just right against his that he could feel a familiar stirring deep in his core. Umibouzu had mentioned going out that morning, so for the first time in days they were finally alone in the house, both having decided with great reluctance to abstain while Kagura's father was in town. With a smirk he started kissing along Kagura's long neck, nibbling occasionally as his free hand roamed down her scantily clad body to the apex between her thighs. Through her panties he massaged her womanhood as his other hand crept from beneath the pillow with ninja-like stealth to cup her nearest breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers as the assault on her neck and womanhood continued.

"Gintoki," moaned Kagura, her body starting to writhe under his ministrations, "don't stop, please . . . don't stop."

"I won't," promised Gintoki in a low voice as his fingers slipped past her panties and into her core, causing her to moan deeply. He moved his fingers in and out in a strong rhythm, imitating what he wanted to be doing with some other part of his anatomy, her hips met his fingers and he was growing impatient to be inside her as she wiggled against his cock. "Do you want me?"

Kagura did not answer right away, in response Gintoki stopped moving his fingers causing her to whine in protest, the sound sending even more blood south.

"Do you want me?" he repeated, moving his fingers teasingly. "Tell me, Kagura."

"I want you!" managed Kagura. "Gintoki, I want you!"

That was enough for him and he was quick to change positions so Kagura was pinned beneath him, her panties quickly dispatched as he gripped his cock while her entrance unfolded. Leaning forward he kissed her deeply as he guided himself towards her, waiting for the sweet feeling of being enveloped.

"Good morning!" came a completely unwelcome voice. "Kagura! Gintoki! Are you up yet?"

Gintoki's free hand twisted in the blanket his cock still primed to enter Kagura only to hear Shinpachi nearing their bedroom door. "Maybe if we're really quiet, he'll go away," whispered Gintoki and Kagura nodded though he could feel his erection ebbing away with every step Shinpachi took closer to their room. "There's only one way this could get any worse."

"Hello, Shinpachi!" called Umibouzu as he entered. "I just got back from some errands, but it looks like my daughter and her lay about fiancé are sleeping in today."

"They want to sleep in everyday," laughed Shinpachi.

"And it just got worse," sighed Gintoki and he released his grip on his now slack cock. "What do you want Shinpachi? We weren't expecting you until tonight."

"I came over to help you get ready for your party," called Shinpachi, his shadow now outlined against their door. "I mean, you two aren't exactly known for getting things done on time."

"Fine! Give us a minute," shouted Gintoki, when Shinpachi's shadow receded he hung his head in defeat. "Between your father and Shinpachi, I haven't been able to screw you like a man should screw his wife."

Kagura smiled sweetly up at him, cupping his cheek so he was looking at her. "Would you be happier if I maimed Shinpachi so he couldn't leave his house for a couple of days."

Gintoki grinned, kissing her lightly. "If I wasn't convinced that Tae would hurt us if we did, I would absolutely want you to do that. I guess we'll just have to wait until our wedding night . . . which is three weeks away . . . three long weeks . . ."

"I'll break his leg after the party," said Kagura as Gintoki rolled off of her. "Until then, we should just try to control ourselves."

"I'd sooner give up parfaits," said Gintoki as he looked at her half naked body lying next to him, the urge to take her bubbling up within him again. "We probably shouldn't spend much time together today, otherwise we really won't get anything done."

Kagura giggled as she stood up, putting on her panties as she headed to the bathroom though not before teasing Gintoki with a quick flash, making the samurai groan as he fell back on his pillow. "See you in a few minutes!" called Kagura as she closed the door.

"I really need to get laid," sighed Gintoki as he tried to ignore his throbbing erection. "Soon."

The street vendors were yelling loudly, trying to get the people passing by to buy their wares, some were even grabbing people forcefully off the street to get them into their store. Gintoki and Shinpachi were skillfully avoiding the pushy vendors on their pursuit of party decorations and music for that evening, Gintoki was trying to concentrate on the task at hand but his mind kept drifting back to that morning and how Kagura looked beneath him with her flushed skin and swollen lips.

"What theme were you thinking of for the engagement party?" asked Shinpachi, his voice breaking Gintoki's daydream. "You and Kagura didn't mention it this morning."

"We were a little busy controlling ourselves," mumbled Gintoki under his breath then he replied in a louder voice, "We were thinking of just something simple, mostly just food and alcohol with minimal decorations and music to cover up the sound of us eating."

Shinpachi rolled his eyes. "That's the same thing you said about your wedding."

"We have simple tastes," said Gintoki with a shrug as they entered the first party store they encountered. "Now, go fetch something not too flashy and relatively cheap while I read the Jump magazine I brought with me." He pulled out the latest issue of his favorite magazine from within his yukata.

"Seriously?!" exclaimed Shinpachi as Gintoki sat by the door, his nose already deep in the first story. "Did you just bring me here so I could do all of the work for you and then you'll take the credit for what I find?"

"More or less," said Gintoki as he picked his nose. "Now hurry up, we don't have all day."

Shinpachi stomped away, grumbling under his breath as he made his way to the decoration section, wondering why he came out of the mental hospital in the first place. He perused the aisle, picking up some tasteful yet cheap decorations that he thought would make Otose's snack shop look decent for the evening when he heard arguing on the other side.

"Just pick a card, Hijikata," said a familiar voice. "It's not like Boss and China care what it says, they'll just be strip searching it for cash or food."

"You might be right, Okita," said Hijikata, "but that doesn't matter since as the Vice Chief of the Shinsengumi it is my social obligation to pick out decent cards for people I know."

Okita snorted. "Since when do you care about your social obligations? Last I checked you were just a glorified babysitter for Kondo."

"Yes, that might be true," said Hijikata with a sigh. "Regardless, we should try to improve our image now that Kondo is a respectable family man."

"And that translates to being civilized to a lazy samurai and his Yato bride?" asked Okita, obviously not convinced. "Whatever, Hijikata, it's your reputation on the line."

Shinpachi rounded the corner. "Hello Hijikata, Okita, long time no see."

Hijikata and Okita looked up from the card in Hijikata's hand to stare at Shinpachi, obviously not recognizing him since the last time they saw him he was shorter and so was his hair.

"Isn't that Boss Lady's brother?" asked Okita as he scrutinized Shinpachi, his hand going to the hilt of his sword as he stood in a battle ready position.

Hijikata's eyes widened in realization. "I think it is, Sougo, stand down."

Okita stood at rest though he did not let go of his sword hilt. "You've changed, Shinpachi, you don't look like a complete pushover anymore."

Shinpachi resisted the instinctual urge to roll his eyes. "I guess that counts as a compliment from you, Okita. Hijikata, you're looking well, thanks for not letting Sougo slice me to ribbons."

"It's the least I can do for my chief's brother-in-law," replied Hijikata before taking a drag of his cigarette. "What are you doing here, Shinpachi?"

"Picking out decorations for Gintoki and Kagura's engagement party tonight," replied Shinpachi, showing the few bags of decorations he had procured in the other aisle. "It looks like you two are picking out cards, find one yet?"

"I think we'll go with this one," replied Hijikata, showing a rather fancy looking white card with gold swirls. "It seems appropriate for the occasion."

"I don't think Kagura and Gintoki will care," said Shinpachi with a shrug. "He can't even be bothered to pick out his own decorations, so I doubt they'll look at the card for longer than a couple of seconds."

"Told you so," said Okita, glaring at the card like it was some kind of criminal abomination. "Anyway, we should get going, we're on patrol and it would look bad for Hijikata being caught not doing his duty."

Hijikata rolled his eyes as they headed out of the card section, only to stop and look back at Shinpachi. "You should consider joining the Shinsengumi, we could really use good men, and Kondo would be very happy to welcome you into our force."

"I'll consider it," said Shinpachi sincerely. "Thanks for the offer, Hijikata."

The Demon Vice Chief nodded and ran to catch up with his partner, leaving Shinpachi to consider his offer. 'It might be too out of character for me to accept,' he thought as he looked for some streamers. 'Then again, with Gintoki and Kagura getting married, it might be a good idea for me to look for something else to do with my time and the Shinsengumi aren't a terrible organization. I'll consider it for a little longer before I make a concrete decision.'

Shinpachi continued with his assignment of finding decorations when he was finished he had two bags of balloons, streamers in red and gold colors, and some small bottles of bubble juice that he thought would be fun to use at the party. He went to the counter to pay, Gintoki getting up from beside the store's door to come to stand beside him, reaching into his wallet he pulled out the money to pay then handed it to Shinpachi.

"Since when do you have money?" asked Shinpachi as he handed the money to the cashier.

"Since I started working semi-regularly," replied Gintoki as he took the bags and started to leave the store, Shinpachi following behind.

"What has this author done to you?" he muttered as they continued down the street.

Kagura hummed happily as she brushed Sadaharu's freshly washed fur, glad that the breeze was in the right direction so all of the pieces of fur that came off went in the direction opposite of where she was standing. The giant dog panted as she worked, occasionally licking her whenever her hand got close enough to his mouth, making her laugh.

"You're the best pet a girl could ask for," she said fondly as she rubbed the spot between his eyes. "I'm glad Gintoki let me keep you."

"So am I!" called a familiar voice and she looked around to see Seita, Hinowa, and Tsukuyo standing in the street. "Hi Kagura!"

"Hi Seita!" she called back before leaping off the balcony, landing just a short distance from their position. Brushing off the dust she hurried over to them, taking Seita in a strong embrace that lifted him off the ground. "It's so good to see you!"

"And you, Kagura," said Hinowa happily as Seita struggled against Kagura's grip. "Kagura dear, I believe you're suffocating Seita."

Kagura looked down and saw Seita thrashing to get free, with a shrug she released him causing the boy to fall on his rear, which made the women giggle.

"It's not funny!" he protested as he got back on his feet, dusting himself off. "So Kagura, thank you for inviting us to the party and the wedding."

"Of course!" said Kagura, beaming. "I couldn't even imagine my wedding without the three of you there, you're some of my dearest friends. Won't you come inside?"

Hinowa nodded. "Of course, though if you wouldn't mind . . ." she indicated to herself and Kagura got the message, gingerly she picked up the immobile leader of Yoshiwara and started towards the house, Seita and Tsukuyo carrying Hinowa's wheelchair between them as they headed up the stairs. When they reached the door, Tsukuyo quickly cleared the chair of a box she had put in it when Hinowa left then Kagura lowered the Sun of Yoshiwara back into it. Seita pushed it into the house and over the small step into the living room, kicking off his shoes as he pushed his mother into the living room properly. He took a seat close to Hinowa and Tsukuyo sat beside him, putting the box in the empty space beside her as Kagura sat across from them.

"You keep a clean house, Kagura," said Hinowa as she admired the pristine room. "Gintoki is very lucky indeed."

"I suppose," said Kagura with a shrug though she was pleased at Hinowa's compliment.

Hinowa smiled then she looked at Tsukuyo. "Give her the box."

Tsukuyo took a drag from her pipe. "Sure, Hinowa."

Kagura looked at the colorfully wrapped box sitting beside Tsukuyo, very tempted to snatch it away but restrained herself enough to allow Tsukuyo to hand it to her.

The courtesan stood then picked up the box, offering it to Kagura with more grace than one would expect from the gruff courtesan. "On behalf of Yoshiwara, Hinowa, Seita and myself we present you with this gift in honor of your upcoming wedding."

Kagura nodded then tore into the paper, opening the box to see a beautiful midnight blue cheongsam as she pulled it out she saw it was embroidered with silver swans along the body, with silver lace along the capped sleeve hems and collar, and bright crystals sewn on throughout that looked like stars in the night sky. She wanted to cry at the sight, not having expected such a beautiful and lavish gift from them while at the same time she wanted to give it back; it was far too much for someone like her. "Thank you," she managed to muster as she set the dress back in the box, swallowing a sob, "but it's too much."

Hinowa shook her head firmly. "Don't be silly, Kagura, it's certainly the least we can do for you. Besides, it was Tsukuyo who designed it, so you really should thanking her."

"Thank you, Tsukki," said Kagura sincerely before launching herself at the stunned courtesan. Hinowa chuckled and Seita grinned as Tsukuyo tentatively returned Kagura's enthusiastic embrace before finally giving in and hugging the young girl back with a small smile on her lips.

"You're very welcome," replied Tsukuyo before they pulled away. "I'm sure Gintoki will fall over when he sees you in it."

Kagura grinned broadly. "I hope so, Tsukki, it would serve him right for going to the pachinko parlor."

Tsukuyo laughed. "That baka will never learn, will he? Hopefully you'll set him straight one of these days, Kagura."

"I hope so," said Kagura, giggling then she blushed slightly. "You know, I wasn't exactly expecting guests before the party, so I have nothing prepared in way of food or entertainment."

"That's fine, Kagura," said Hinowa kindly. "If you like, we could help you prepare for your engagement party, I know Gintoki mentioned getting decorations but he didn't say who would be handling the food or anything like that. Besides, someone has to be here to help you get dressed, we wouldn't want the bride-to-be to have to get herself ready, now would we?"

Kagura looked to Tsukuyo. "You'll help me get dressed right?"

Tsukuyo seemed a little surprised and hesitated before speaking. "Of course."

The young Yato could hardly believe that she had such kind and generous friends, if she had been told when she was a child that she would be surrounded by people like this, she would have called them a baka and likely knocked them in the head for good measure. She was especially surprised that Tsukuyo was being so nice to her; she thought she would hate her for the rest of her life after Gintoki rejected her declaration of love. She thought back to that night, when everything changed.

Gintoki stumbles in through the door looking dejected and tired as he kicks off his shoes, Kagura watches from the hall debating whether she needs to grab a blanket and a bucket but then she sees the expression on his face and knows this has nothing to do with sake. The samurai sits down on the little step and looks out at the night sky through the door he had forgotten to close, sighing heavily as he rests his head in his hands. She wonders if she should leave him alone with his thoughts or join him to see if he needs someone to talk to, but he turns around and she knows what he wants. Quietly she pads over, sitting down beside him as a cool breeze blows through the door, rustling her hair and nightshirt.

'What happened?' she asks, knowing that he had been to Yoshiwara to see Tsukuyo that night, and she would never admit to him that she had been incredibly jealous when he told her.

'She told me she loves me,' he replies, his voice quiet as if he does not trust the words.

Jealousy and rage boil up in Kagura, it is not the first time and it will probably not be the last that she thinks no other woman should be with Gintoki except herself; though she has to continually remind herself that she is just a teenager and he is a grown man who can make whatever stupid decision he wants to make. 'When's the wedding?' she asks, a trace of bitterness in her voice as she looks down at her hands, seeing that they have magically twisted into the fabric of her clothes.

Gintoki does not reply right away and she takes it as a sign that he does not want to tell her what happened and she thinks of leaving when he opens his mouth. 'I turned her down,' he says, this time turning to look straight at her. 'I said that I would never be able to love her, no matter how hard she tried to make me.'

Kagura's heart pounds in her chest, her mind racing with questions she desperately wants to ask but dreads to hear the answers. 'Does that mean you're in love with someone else?'

'Yes,' says Gintoki simply and she wants to faint, he is never this straightforward nor so honest, this must be a very serious issue and it scares her all the more. 'And I've been in love with her for quite some time, but I will have to wait a little longer for her, because I don't think she even knows or has feelings for me.'

'Are you going to tell me who she is?' Kagura asks, praying that her cheeks are not as red as they feel. 'Or are you going to make this a cliffhanger?'

Gintoki smiles casually. 'Well, I could give you three clues, if you're up to humoring me.'

She tries not to pout as she nods. 'Sure, give me your first clue.'

'Alright,' says Gintoki as he stretches out his legs, 'your first clue is she has unusual taste in food, the amount she eats of it is almost to the point of the revolting.'

'That must be saying something given your preferences,' replies Kagura with a small grin. 'I have an idea but give me another clue so I can be sure.'

Gintoki nods. 'Fair enough, okay, you're second clue is we met under very unusual circumstances, we more or less bumped into each other literally.'

Kagura nods as her mind works on unmasking the woman who holds Gintoki's heart, she is definitely convinced that it is Sarutobi but she wants to hear the last clue before declaring her deduction. 'What's the last clue?'

'Really? You haven't figured it out yet?' asks Gintoki sounding defeated. 'I guess I'll have to make my next clue even more painfully obvious: I made a horrible mistake once and almost sent her away, only to then almost lose her to an alien plant creature so I rode in on a giant dog's back to save her. Is that helpful?'

Kagura thinks for a moment, her mind reeling as she goes through the clues one by one to make sure she is right: unusual taste in food . . . sukonbu, something she eats large amounts. They had met under unusual circumstances; well Gintoki did hit her with his scooter. Finally the last clue is a detailed account of him saving her when she was going to leave the first and last time with her father. 'You're in love with me?' asks Kagura, almost not believing that the words are coming out of her mouth. 'I thought you were going to say Sarutobi.'

Gintoki makes a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. 'Give me some credit, Kagura, I obviously have better taste than that clingy, kinky ninja.' She smiles weakly and he takes her hand in his. 'And yes, I am in love with you, Kagura. That's why I turned down Tsukuyo even though I was very tempted to accept her declaration; I was just about to when I realized that I would have to come home to you eventually and I knew that nothing would ever chase my feelings for you away. Not even the thought of being with Tsukuyo was strong enough to shake them.'

'Does this mean we're together now?' asks Kagura and is dismayed when Gintoki shakes his head.

'Not yet,' he says sternly. 'Two things have to happen before that does: one, you have to turn eighteen so I'm not accused of taking advantage of a child and two you have to tell me that you love me and mean it.'

Kagura cannot resist teasing him. 'Really? Eighteen? I turn eighteen in a few months, wouldn't it be better to wait until I'm twenty or something like that?'

Gintoki shakes his head again. 'I thought about it and decided that no matter what the age, you would still be able to kill me if you thought it wrong. Besides, aren't most Yato girls married at eighteen? It might not be a conventional relationship but I wouldn't want one anyway, I've always been one to take on a challenge.'

'Are we going to tell Shinpachi about this?' she asks, knowing that the third member of their group would certainly notice a change in their dynamics.

'Not yet,' says Gintoki. 'There isn't a reason to tell him anything, and besides I don't want to hear him lecturing me for the next few weeks about me taking advantage of you, the situation or all of the above.'

Kagura laughs. 'I would hardly say you're taking advantage of me when you are fully aware that I can kill you, especially if I wasn't receptive to this conversation.'

'Which is why I don't think eighteen is an unreasonable age,' replies Gintoki as he pulls her close. 'But tell me right now if this isn't something you want and if it isn't we will pretend that this didn't happen and go on with life as it was.'

'I want this,' says Kagura honestly. 'I've always wanted this, Gintoki, even though I know that I shouldn't be interested in an old man like you. And I'm sure some people will tell us that you're a pervert and I'm too naïve to know better, but I'm not and you're not.'

Gintoki grins as he cups her cheek, resting his forehead against hers. 'Then I guess I really can wait for you to be eighteen,' he says quietly before sealing her lips with his in a sweet, chaste kiss: her first ever and his last until the time is right.

The smell of freshly made food stirred Kagura's stomach as she assisted Tsukuyo in rearranging the snack shop's furniture so it would be more appropriate for a party. She tried not to moan at the smells coming from Otose's kitchen but she was finding it increasingly difficult to control her urges, especially when she could smell something that was distinctly chocolate in aroma. "Why won't Gintoki just hurry up already?" groaned Kagura as she put a table down gently against the wall.

Tsukuyo chuckled warmly as she moved the chairs out of the way. "You know how he is, he doesn't do anything on time. Besides, I'm sure he got distracted by a parfait or candy store."

Kagura giggled. "I'm sure you're right, Tsukki. Maybe we should send Seita out to try and locate Gintoki and Shinpachi?"

"Good idea," said Tsukuyo, her pipe clenched between her teeth. "Seita! Come out here, please!"

The boy came bolting out of the kitchen, his hair and clothes covered in a light dusting of flour, and came to a perfect stop in front of Tsukuyo. "What do you need, Tsukuyo?"

"I need you to go out and look for Gintoki," commanded Tsukuyo though Kagura could hear the affection on her voice. "The party is soon so remind him that this is his party and he should at least put some effort into it."

Seita nodded. "I'll find him and bring him back before you or Mom goes out looking for him yourselves." He then looked at Kagura. "Do you want him uninjured or injured?"

Kagura made a face like she was thinking about the options. "As much as I think he should be punished for running late, I would prefer him uninjured. He still has to attend the party and I would rather not listen to him bellyache about a broken limb."

"I can do that," said Seita, winking at her before taking off out of the snack shop.

When he was gone Tsukuyo and Kagura burst out laughing.

"Does he really think he can take on Gin?" wondered Kagura between giggles. "I know Seita's bigger, but seriously? Gin would have him pinned in seconds."

"I don't know what that boy is thinking half of the time," replied Tsukuyo, holding her sides as she tried to control herself. "I did like your response to him though, you almost had me fooled that you were seriously considering having him harmed."

Kagura shook her head. "No, that's going to be Shinpachi. He's been the most irritating cock block lately."

Tsukuyo's violet eyes lit up with interest. "Really? He's been denying you and Gintoki some alone time?"

"Yes," replied Kagura with a small sigh. "We were so close this morning but between him and my father, it was utterly pointless."

"You should have said something sooner," said Tsukuyo with a slight smile. "I could have distracted your father and Shinpachi long enough for you and Gintoki to have a quickie or two."

Kagura raised an eyebrow. "Really? You know of a way to keep them occupied for an hour?"

Tsukuyo shook her head. "I said a quickie, not a full on romp."

"But that is a quickie to us," said Kagura and Tsukuyo looked both shocked and jealous at the same time. "And anyway, Tsukki, you don't have to we'll just wait until our wedding night."

"As long as you're sure," said Tsukuyo nonchalantly with a shrug. "You finish up in here and I'll go see if the others need help in the kitchen. We'll go upstairs as soon as you're done so you can change."

Kagura nodded and went about moving what furniture remained, almost dropping a table when she heard Hinowa shout, "An hour is a quickie!?"

Seita rounded a corner and stopped to catch his breath, he had been running up and down the streets looking for any sign of Gintoki or Shinpachi and so far had come up with nothing except a few people saying they had seen him hours ago. He had run into some people on their way to the engagement party, all saying that they had yet to see Gintoki or Shinpachi. He was starting to get discouraged, wondering if maybe Gintoki skipped town and took Shinpachi with him so no one would know where he went. 'If that's true then Kagura certainly deserves someone better,' he thought as he scanned the crowd of people in front of him. Recovering enough breath and determination to continue the search, he pushed past several people on his way over to the small candy stall that sometimes would set up shop in the market, deciding that if Gintoki was not here he would return to the snack shop to get Tsukuyo.

When he got to the stall he saw Shinpachi and Gintoki standing near it, the former trying to pull Gintoki away as he munched on a candy apple and a caramel apple, taking bites from each before chewing.

"They really should combine these flavors." Seita heard Gintoki say as he drew nearer. "Candy caramel apples are something the world desperately needs."

Shinpachi pulled on Gintoki's arm. "Well we desperately need to be getting back to the snack shop, otherwise we're going to have a very angry Yato woman chasing after us. The party is supposed to start in fifteen minutes and we went out almost six hours ago! We have to deliver these decorations at least, as a peace offering."

Gintoki did not seem overly concerned with getting to the snack shop. "Calm down, Shinpachi, the women have probably taken care of the decorations and everything else. We just have to arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time and offer up some explanation for why we weren't there sooner. I'm leaning towards an ambush, what about you?"

"I'm leaning towards the idea that I'm never going to live to see my own wedding, let alone yours," fretted Shinpachi. "Kagura's going to kill me."

"You're right about that," said Seita sternly, crossing his arms against his chest. "The women are already wondering where you are, so I would suggest coming back now and not waiting until five minutes before it starts. Kagura might show mercy then."

"How cute," said Gintoki fondly as he patted Seita on the head. "He thinks he's big enough to boss adults around, how adorable." He took another bite out of each apple. "We'll be back soon enough."

Seita frowned deeply. "No, you're leaving with me now or I'll send Tsukuyo and Otae after you."

All color drained from Shinpachi's face at the mention of his sister, his very pregnant, very hormonal, very violent sister. He fell to his knees and clasped his hands. "Please, Gintoki, let's leave now! I don't want to die after just getting out of the mental institution."

Gintoki rolled his eyes as he chewed. "Fine, we'll go. Are you happy now?" He started walking towards the snack shop, Seita and Shinpachi running to catch up to him.

"Thank you, Gintoki," said Shinpachi, very relieved. "If my sister came after us, you and Kagura would never be able to . . . connect as a man and wife should."

"Like that makes a difference right now," mumbled Gintoki as they walked. "Anyway, Seita, did the women set up decorations?"

Seita nodded. "They did, Mom and Kagura went shopping for them earlier. They look really nice."

"That means they were expensive," huffed Gintoki as he looked at the two bags on Shinpachi's arms. "Women always choose the most expensive of anything, and what are we supposed to do with the stupid decorations we bought?"

Shinpachi rolled his eyes. "Well if we had gotten back sooner, we wouldn't be in this situation, now would we?"

"You're starting to sound like an old mother, Shinpachi," sighed Gintoki as they rounded a corner, the snack shop just a short distance away. "Come on, time to go lay on the charm."

Upon entering the snack shop the two men were greeted by several angry looking women: Otose, Catherine, Tama, Hinowa, Tae, Sarutobi, and Kyuubei were all standing around in a half circle at the entrance of the store. They all had their arms crossed and the fiercest looks that Gintoki and Shinpachi had ever seen on a collective group of women before, inwardly they prayed to never be in this kind of situation again if just to avoid the glares. Without thinking twice, they fell to their knees and bowed at the waist so their noses touched to floor, wailing pleas of mercy as they continued bowing.

"What a couple of bakas," said Catherine as she took a drag of her cigarette. "I say they should clean the snack shop for the next month to pay back what we spent on the food and decorations. And be our personal servants for a month."

"Anything but that," begged Shinpachi as he came up only to go back down again.

"I don't want to have to serve that monster," cried Gintoki as he came up.

Catherine scowled before kicking him square in the chest, sending him flat on his back as the others looked on, not even bothering to assist him. Seita went to help him but Hinowa held him fast beside her, shaking her head.

"I don't want you anywhere near that man, Seita," she said sternly. "He's a disobedient and childish man and I don't want that rubbing off on you."

"Hey! I gave you that kid!" protested Gintoki, pointing accusingly at Hinowa. "You should pray to your deity that he turns out like me! Most women would kill to have a son like me."

"Don't hold your breath," muttered Otose as she lit a cigarette.

"Where's Kagura?" asked Shinpachi, hoping that the change in subject would prolong their lives a little longer.

Tae rubbed her belly as she glared at her brother. "She's upstairs with Tsukuyo getting ready. And really Shinpachi, I'm surprised at you, I thought you were more responsible than this."

Shinpachi wanted to cry as she looked at him harshly. "I am! It's just there's no reasoning with Gintoki when he's set on something."

Kondo came up and put a hand lovingly on Tae's shoulder. "You know he's right, Tae, you really shouldn't blame him for what's happened. If anything he's just as much a victim as the rest of us, so how about letting him off easy? Just this once."

"Sure," said Tae as she smiled at Kondo, then she motioned for Shinpachi to stand up and join her. "I know this wasn't your fault, Shinpachi, but I want you to remember this the next time you're in this kind of situation."

Shinpachi nodded as he scrambled to his feet, joining his sister and brother-in-law as the others continued to harass Gintoki for his behavior. Suddenly from among them emerged Umibouzu, whose gaze was just as fierce as the women's and Gintoki suddenly found himself wanting to go back and time and punch himself for ever having thought that returning five minutes before the party started was a good idea.

"Is this how you intend to act on your wedding day?" demanded Umibouzu, casually throwing his umbrella over his shoulder. "Because if it is, I will take Kagura back with me and she will marry someone who will take marrying her a bit more seriously."

Gintoki felt very much like a child being scolded by his parent but he knew better than to argue, looking back he had behaved very stupidly and he should have just done what he said he would instead of playing games. Those kinds of games no longer worked now that his life did not revolve completely around Jump magazine, pachinko, and strawberry milk. "I'm sorry," said Gintoki, bowing his head slightly. "I acted stupidly and caused you all unnecessary trouble, for that I apologize."

Everyone in the room was stupefied, they had expected him to argue and try to charm his way out of the situation, none of them had anticipated him actually admitting to what he had done being stupid. No one could come up with anything to say in response, just sit in stunned silence as they came to the realization that maybe Gintoki was starting to mature . . . maybe.

"What's going on?" asked a voice, Gintoki turned to see Kagura standing at the entrance, wearing the most beautiful dress he had ever seen. She seemed to have transformed into a goddess just by putting on that dress, or she had always been that way and it took the dress to fully show it. "Gintoki, it's nice of you to join us."

He immediately jumped to his feet and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry about the delay, Kagura, I, well, uh—"

Kagura put a hand over his mouth and smiled. "It's alright, you're here now and that's all that matters." She moved her hand and he smiled. "Now, since everyone's here, I suggest we start celebrating! It's not everyday I get a chance to show off something nice Gintoki bought me."

Then just like that the music started and food was brought out while people began mingling. Gintoki was a little surprised at how quickly the party began but he knew better than to question it, after all who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth when he had been so close to screwing everything up? He stuck close to Kagura's side, determined not to ruin this night more than he already had, and to be honest it was quite nice to relax and accept presents from people without question.

"This is from the Shinsengumi, Boss," said Okita as he approached with a card. "We would like you to accept this as a token of our esteem."

Hijikata came up suddenly. "Yes, we have learned to appreciate your input in our cases and the friendship we have fostered, and this is the least we can do."

Gintoki and Kagura looked at each other before tearing into the card, Kagura coming up with the check for 5,000 yen. The two of them looked at the check then back at the two Shinsengumi samurai, they could hardly believe they were being given this much money.

"We're rich!" shouted Kagura as she waved the check around. "Thanks to the Shinsengumi we're fabulously well off."

Okita shook his head. "Oh no, that wasn't from us, that was from Hijikata personally."

Hijikata looked stunned then suspicious as he snatched the check away from Kagura, inspecting it. "I don't remember writing it."

"Don't be modest, Hijikata," said Okita smoothly. "You have such a modest and caring spirit, of course you wouldn't want to take credit for making these two so happy. It's not as if you paid for their honeymoon."

Gintoki pulled another piece of paper out of the card. "Wow! Hijikata did pay for our honeymoon! A deluxe suite at a seaside resort for an entire week."

Kagura squealed happily and Hijikata looked as if he had been kicked in the stomach.

"You did this, Okita!" shouted Hijikata angrily. "You set all this up and used my bank account to do it."

Okita shook his head. "Now why would I do something like that? It's not like now everyone will be expecting the same kind of treatment from the Vice Chief of the Shinsengumi . . . oh wait, they might."

"What do you mean they might?" demanded Hijikata. "I'll never do this again, I won't even give a lousy card to the next person I know getting married."

"You shouldn't say that, Hijikata," said Okita with a slight smirk. "After all, you can't be showing favoritism to Boss and China over your own men, and besides your reputation would be put at stake and not just yours but the entire Shinsengumi's."

Hijikata glared dangerously at his subordinate. "This isn't over, Okita." He then turned to Kagura and Gintoki, showing massive restraint in his emotions. "I hope you two enjoy your honeymoon, and spend the money wisely."

The Vice Chief slowly walked away, keeping his face on anything except Okita, the younger of the two winked at Gintoki and Kagura before disappearing into the crowd. Kyuubei was the next to approach them, her fiancé Toujou standing dutifully at her side.

"Congratulations on your upcoming marriage," said Kyuubei as she bowed. "On behalf of the Yagyuu Family we ask that you accept this cash gift." She took an envelope from Toujou and handed it to Kagura. "We also ask that you accept this finely crafted sword as a token as well." Toujou brought out a black sword scabbard, a golden handle topping it, he handed it directly to Gintoki who proceeded to pull the blade out and examine it carefully.

He laid the blade across the top of his arm and noted the thinness of the sword, how sharp the edge was and the intricate the dragon design had been inlaid on the flat surface of the blade. Looking down at the end, he saw that the point was perfect, the curve just angled up enough that it would cut through any enemy like it was made of butter. "Thank you for the sword," said Gintoki as he sheathed it. "We will treasure it always as a sign of friendship between our two families."

Kyuubei smiled kindly. "I look forward to the day when our children play together, Gintoki and Kagura. It will be a beautiful day."

Kagura smiled widely as she hugged the serious samurai. "Thank you for the gifts, Kyuubei, I can't wait to return the favor at your wedding."

Gintoki chuckled nervously as he pulled Kagura away from Kyuubei. "Now, now, Kagura, don't go making promises we can't keep. When Kyuubei gets married we'll give her a nice gift, maybe not as nice as the sword, but nice."

"Don't worry, Gintoki," chuckled Kyuubei warmly. "Ayumu and I are going to only ask for guests to donate any amount they can to the charity of our choice, we don't need any money or gifts."

"Yes, we are quite content," said Toujou and his fiancée smiled at him before heading off to talk with Tae. "Although if you are feeling particularly generous, you wouldn't mind buying a couple of Gothic Lolita kimonos for Kyuubei."

Kagura and Gintoki laughed as Toujou headed towards where Kyuubei was standing with Kondo and Tae, who had Shinpachi between them as if trying to create some distance between his sister and brother-in-law. So far the party seemed like a success, though that could change at a moment's notice.

The party progressed late into the night and throughout, Kagura and Gintoki were given more presents: Shinpachi gave them a framed picture of the Yorozuya and Sadaharu, Kondo and Tae gave them credit at a furniture store for when they felt like refurnishing their house, Sarutobi gave Kagura a handkerchief and to Gintoki she gave a framed photograph of herself in an S&M costume as well as a box of tissues. He immediately smashed the photograph when he unwrapped it. Otose said her present would be arriving later, closer to their wedding, Catherine said she could care less about giving them a present, and Tama gave them a scrapbook full of images from some of their past battles. They found it a little creepy since Tama had not been with them during some of these encounters. The group from Yoshiwara, in addition to the dress Kagura was wearing, provided Gintoki with a set of robes to wear at his wedding. Tsukuyo even smiled at him before returning to a conversation she was having with Hijikata.

They found themselves nestled in the nearest booth, their haul on the table as they watched their friends and family dancing and drinking, the two of them quite content to just sit back and let things proceed naturally. That was until Hasegawa came out with a massively sized bottle of dom perignon. The MADAO stood on top of Otose's bar and shook up the bottle as hard and fast as he could, somehow managing to pop the cork out with only his thumbs, causing the bubbly liquid to explode like a volcano all over the guests down beneath him. The majority of the blast caught Kagura and Gintoki, soaking them completely through with the sticky substance. Gintoki did not mind the shower in expensive champagne, actually it was quite refreshing, but Kagura on the other hand was absolutely seething with rage, her brand new dress was now soaked through with the champagne and she was ready to kill. Leaping up onto the table she glared dangerously at Hasegawa.

"You're going to pay for a new dress, MADAO!" she shouted before jumping from the table, doing a flip as she began to land so her feet were propelled right into Hasegawa's chest, sending him backwards into Otose's shelves of cheap alcohol. She landed on the top of the bar and that was all it took for other fights to break out. Okita punched Hijikata squarely in the jaw, laughing as he stumbled only to get a mouthful of Hijikata's fist moments later. Sarutobi let out an annoying battle cry before picking up a chair, about to break it over Tsukuyo's head when the death courtesan stepped out of her way, sticking out a foot to trip her and she came crashing down. Tsukuyo laughed before taking a drag from her pipe, having not even dropped it in the process of evading Sarutobi's pathetic attack.

Catherine took the opportunity to tackle Tama, only for the robot to lean forward at that precise moment, sending Catherine into the nearest table. She growled then turned back on Tama who was ready with her broom in the air, fire shooting out of it as she chased Catherine around the snack shop with it. Tae and Kyuubei decided joined in, both sucker punching their significant others just for old time's sake, then high fiving before finding a place to hide among the upturned tables. Shinpachi was hiding with Hinowa and Seita until the small boy decided to tackle him, the two then proceeding to roll across the floor while Tsukuyo placed herself between Hinowa and the anarchy going on around them. Kondo and Toujou had for some reason decided to fight each other and were scuffling in a corner as Okita and Hijikata came tussling through, throwing fists and punches as well as barbed insults. Gintoki watched the chaos and merely shook his head as he resumed his position at the table, still soaking with champagne. Kagura saw him and maneuvered herself across the battlefield, managing to put a few well-placed punches on Okita as she joined Gintoki.

"This is some party," said Gintoki casually as some of their friends tumbled by. "Are you actually going to make Hasegawa pay for a new dress?"

Kagura shrugged as she took a drink of some sake sitting in front of Gintoki. "No, Hinowa told me earlier that she knows a drycleaner in Yoshiwara who is pretty skilled at getting anything out of any fabric. I'll take it there in the morning, but I might make the MADAO pay for it."

Gintoki chuckled. "You know that won't happen, Kagura, Hasegawa's pretty damn broke. You'd be better off making him do it himself."

"Maybe," sighed Kagura as she nestled against Gintoki.

"Are you really not mad at me for not being here sooner?" he asked, putting an arm around her as Seita went flying through the air.

Kagura nodded. "I was mad at you but Tsukuyo convinced me to let it go, and I have to say she was right. I didn't want to spend the entire night angry with you and not enjoy the party, so I decided to let it go."

"I'll have to thank Tsukuyo then," said Gintoki as he watched the brawling. "And find some way of making it up to you later."

"I look forward to that," said Kagura seductively. She leaned up and kissed him deeply then pulled away with a calm smile on her face. "Shall we join them?"

Gintoki nodded then holding hands they jumped up from the table and began tussling with their friends, both wondering how their wedding would turn out now that their engagement party had turned into a brawl. They looked forward to finding out.