Chapter 37: I'm back
The rain poured out all over Edo. As the sound of the door sliding in the Yorozuya Headquarters were heard all over it. Gintoki entered and march up to his bedroom. In the living room, Shinpachi and Kagura was waiting for his answer but sadly Gintoki dodges their question and went inside of his room.
"Gin-san…" Shinpachi murmured.
They knew that he failed to let the lady return to them. It saddened them for this result since who knows Satsuki might not really back.
Meanwhile inside his room, he leaned on the door and slid himself downward until he can sit on the floor. Remembering things when Satsuki used to sleep here beside him. Without knowing a thing, he glances over her bags that she didn't able to retrieve since she's in the hospital. He knew that meddling over her things is not good and he'll get smack by her. But there's no way she will do it since she's not her.
He headed over her bags and snoop over it. He kept on doing it but stopped when he found out a diary. Without any hesitations, he did open it and read it. This diary contains all the scenes of her life from her childhood days up until now. Though he was surprised that she's too eager to write. He didn't bother to check what happened when she's a kid and proceeded to the current standing when she joined the Yorozuya.
"Today was really a happy celebration for my birthday! Since it's really been years since I haven't had one. But I am really thankful that I manage to celebrate it with the people that I really love most. This year might be the best of all the years. Reuniting with my childhood friend, getting to know lots of people and meeting the Yorozuya is the thing that I love the most."
"I am really an idiot! I went too far from being too selfless. Imagine facing millions of people in that island made me exhausted. Though, I do have people here with me who were an idiot with me who saved me from those guys. We are Yorozuya and we are idiots!"
"The things that I've spent with the Yorozuya couldn't be compared to anything in this world. They were like precious gems. Shinpachi, a boring guy who never ends to retort and rant about things. But he's really mature unlike their leader—I mean—our leader though. Kagura, a glutton Chinese brat who has inhuman strength but she's really caring and sweet as well. Sadaharu, who bites our heads off but is an adorable one. Gintoki, that idiot guy who's not even paying his people nor his rent! Jeez, that man! He is a bad example of a good citizen. But… Whenever I need help he does come and get me. I am really happy to meet them. All of the moments we had together, laughing together, being an idiot together… All of them… I treasured them in my hearts. But… It's too late already… He is coming… And I do not want them to get involve further like what they did in the Kihetai ship. It's really painful but… I have to do it… Lastly, I wanted to say this to them… I love Yorozuya!"
A sad smile curve down to his features as he tried not to laugh the things that she wrote on her diary, "Idiot, woman. She said those things…"
"There was never between you and me. I never once enjoyed hanging out with you. We haven't gotten any closer and all my memories with you. They're complete fake, all of them."
Remembering what she stated a while ago made him really determined to get her back to his arms. He clutched the diary in his hands and leave the room. In the living room, Shinpachi and Kagura was there silent and thinking about things. But Gintoki entered the scene and plopped the diary over the table.
"Read her last entry there in the diary." He ordered.
Hearing what he stated both made them do so. They read the last entry in the diary and they couldn't help but smile while tears were forming on their eyes.
"Satsuki-chan… Truly… She's an idiot, uh-huh!" Kagura declared while trying to wipe her tears.
"That's right, she can't hide anymore. We felt the same as well." Shinpachi cheered the atmosphere between them.
Gintoki sighed and smirk, "We're going to drag her to this headquarters… to us… And we'll never let her do as she pleases…"
The duo agreed to his statement.
"The day tomorrow… She'll be released in the hospital. That's why, we have to do something. Satsuki is hard to crack as well. But do not get so emotional, okay? Satsuki won't give a damn since she's hard as a rock for now." Gintoki explained.
Shinpachi, hearing his resort, made him ask, "Gin-san, do you have any plans?"
"Do you know the sunflower field in the hill with a maple tree? I go there a lot before though." Gintoki tried to pinpoint the place as the duo carefully listen to him.
"You know Hamano Meiko, right?"
Hearing this made Kagura alarmed and shot back, "You're first love, right? Gin-chan do not make us mad. Just focus on Satsuki-chan, okay?!"
Gintoki tried not to gaze on their eyes since he is getting embarrass to this, "I know! Mei and I usually go there when we are having trouble. Seeing the field made us give hope… So I am trying to say is that, tomorrow, we will be going there and decide about our plan."
"Sure."
…
Satsuki's POV
Since tomorrow will be the day I'll get discharge, I might as well go to the field today. I am hopeless today. Things happened and I do not know what to do already. Maybe that made them leave me, I guess? Before contemplating about these things, I should escape for now.
I got up from my bed. In order for them not to know that I escaped, I cover up a pillow in a blanket for them to be tricked with this. Then, I left my room pretending to go to the comfort room but instead I went to the changing room and steal a nurse outfit. I tied my heart into a bun since it'll be too showy that I'm not really a nurse.
After my preparations, I immediately went outside of the hospital without them noticing. Wow, I felt like I am a ninja today! I hurriedly rushed to the field wherein I can relax and forget all of the things… Oh wait... It's been 5 years though. I hope that it's not affected by the war.
Few moments had passed and finally I am here. Staggering up to my position since I didn't ride any vehicle but I just ran my feet here. And I was really blessed to see that the field is doing fine. The sunflower fields swayed over the rhythm of the wind.
"Feels good!" I breathe in slowly and dashed over the top of the hill. The maple tree is here! It's alive! I thought it wouldn't be. I was so happy about this matter when I notice something on the bottom part of the tree.
"Eh? What's this?"
There's a sign saying that Meiko should dig this ground. Now that I remember it, I am Gintoki's first love. Drats, what's with the turn of events? When I was about to dig the ground, I sensed some people nearby the field. I don't know why but this was hidden… Maybe for the past few years they discovered this field. Oh well, I'm glad people were coming to this place.
But I had this nervous feeling… When I squinted my eyes I saw the Yorozuya heading off here right onto my spot! What the hell? Why are they here anyway? I stopped digging the ground. I was so nervous and hesitated where to hide. They're coming! Arggh, jeez, the trunk seems wide and tall, I better hide on its back.
I calm my beating heart and sat to the ground. Now they're here, in front of the trunk on the other side. I can't help but be nervous to this situation. Gulping harder, I tried to listen to their conversations.
"You see; this is fields of hope that Mei worked hard for them to bloom." Gintoki welcomed them to the field.
Honestly, this is really awkward. Well, by hearing him compliment me with all these stuffs and if he did found out that I am her, I do not know what to react nor to do.
"That girl isn't bad at all. But let me clear it, Satsuki-chan is the one you'll get married get it, uh-huh?!" Kagura shot back with a tsundere tone.
"H-Huh? What the heck are you saying?" He countered back and smack her.
By hearing this made me somewhat blush since I've been remembering that Gintoki did confess to me. I hope that he won't harbor his feelings up till now.
"When I remember Mei, I remember Satsuki. Mei is the one who pulled me in the solitude before and that's the same as her. I kind of hope that Mei is Satsuki but they're attitudes were so different!" Gintoki laughed of while remembering those things.
"I love Yorozuya. I thought that we, three, can somehow pull out this but when Satsuki-san joined us. I felt really happy. I am glad Satsuki-san is part of the Yorozuya." Shinpachi expressed his feelings as well.
"That's right, uh-huh. Yorozuya became more enjoyable when Satsuki is around with us. She should not leave us because of something like that." Kagura said.
I also loved the Yorozuya. I love them that I can sacrifice my own life in order for them. I can and I will. It may break my heart but I need to do this for them. I do not want to lose anyone anymore.
…
"This is bad! Satsuki already left her room!" Kagura informed the other two while rushing to their aids.
"No way! It's just 7:00AM!" Shinpachi replied worriedly. They thought that barging early in the hospital will work. But they guess, Satsuki is just too smart to know their plan.
"Satsuki really doesn't want to see us that badly?" Gintoki murmured to his self. Though, the duo heard his statement that made them turn to him worriedly.
He tightened his feast and let out a sadistic grin, "Fine with me, amazon woman!"
"G-Gin-san?!"
"Let us put ourselves to her shoes and think what will her move will be from now on. Remember this, she is running away from us." Gintoki explained to the duo.
His statement made Shinpachi alarmed and replied, "That means…! Satsuki-san planned to leave Edo?"
"I get it, uh-huh! Let us split up and find Satsuki-chan, yes?" Kagura suggested as the other two agreed from what she said.
They split up into various places; Kagura heading over Kabuki District, Shinpachi to the terminal. Though, Gintoki is the one who wanted to find Satsuki the most, he didn't eventually run to different places to search her. He went inside Satsuki's room first and look at it with a sad smile.
"Idiot, I didn't allow you to leave." Gintoki mumbled under his breath while tightening his grip from the pink hairclips that Satsuki used to use. Remembering the memories, they had with her, made him determine to get her back. He was about to leave the room until Toushiro came up.
"Drats, I thought Satsuki is here but the way things are going… I guess, she isn't here and left already." Toushiro said. He knew that the Yorozuya is here to find her.
Toushiro continued, "She's in the station going to the Heatherfield."
Gintoki was surprised since he knew he was an ally of Satsuki and he won't even drop a hint on her current place is.
I also do not want the fact that she is leaving Kabuki-chou. I heard about that guy she is avoiding. Therefore, I conclude that guy is really troublesome in the ass. I don't want her to face that guy alone. That's why, I let you guys drag her all the way here."
He couldn't help but smirk to him. This intel did help him to go find that flat board. He charged out of the room while giving a reply, "We'll drag her here for you."
He quickly left the hospital and head to the station where Satsuki is.
…
Gintoki's POV
If she left just a few minutes before we got to the hospital, then there's a chance that she's not yet boarding the train. I know this is ridiculous to do and I haven't done this to my entire life! I have to catch up with that idiot!
Finally, after ridiculing my mind all over again. I arrived at the station, it's too far! But I couldn't careless, I didn't even notice myself getting tired. I entered the station hurriedly though I got caught by the guards in the ticket booth. Since I just rushed in and didn't bought one.
I didn't have money with me, geez! This stupid guard, this is important!
"Let me go, bastards! This is important and a life-to-death situation!" I shouted at them while struggling over them.
"Let that guy go."
A familiar voice showed up. They all stopped from tying their arms onto me as I glance over that man and saw Souichiro-kun.
He inserted a ticket onto the machine and stated, "I paid for his ticket already. So let him pass already it's too troublesome if there's an uproar here."
The guards untied their arms around me and I replied to him with a smirk, "Souichiro-kun, thanks!"
"You better catch up to nee-san." He dumbfounded. I headed towards the stairs and gave my regards to him. This is a never-ending stairs and I can feel myself getting tired. Damn it, where's that flat girl!?
Finally, I am in the station. Just how many stairs did I just climb to? Oh well, got to drag that flat board out of this. I hope she didn't board the train already!
There are many people in station and I can't even find that girl. Is she disguising? I glanced over the upcoming train. I can't find her! Damn it!
"Satsuki!"
…
Satsuki's POV
In the end, I left the hospital in a hurry. I just somehow knew that they come and drag me so I left the hospital already. Though, my only clothes are the ones I worn when I am Hamano Meiko. This sucks, I do not want him to see me in this. If he did, I'm going to die. I won't let him know that I am Hamano Meiko.
I sighed while sitting on a bench waiting for the train to arrive. This is it, huh? In the end, I didn't even tell them how much I love them.
I pulled my red scarf upwards as the train arrived. When I was about to take a step inside of the train, I heard someone scream.
"Satsuki!"
Hearing my name made my attention turn and all I can see is…
"Gintoki..?"
We both froze on our pace as we kept on staring at each other. Realizing that he caught up with me means that I need to hurry before he manages to halt me. I can't do that! Anyway, why the hell is he here anyway? How did he know that I am going to Heatherfield?!
I was about to enter the platform when I felt something tugging my scarf. He's too fast! Crap, I'm going to fall! I fell out of the platform and thanks to him, the train departed. We fell into each other. I rapidly sat straight while clutching at my hair.
"I'm sorry!"
That's the first thing he blurted in front of me and in front of the people here. I am somewhat surprised to his actions. Since he is acting weird and out-of-character here. I thought he will rant over things like leaving them.
"I'm sorry for being stubborn, jerk, idiot, moron!"
I can't help but be puzzled. Why the hell is he apologizing? Moreover, bowing his head on the floor before me. I hate this! It's getting embarrassing.
"H-Hey G-Gintoki, let us— "
"I'm sorry that I couldn't even protect you. Though, I promised that I will protect but… instead… you're the one who protected me from the chimera. You're the one who protected me from dying. I am an idiot for getting you hurt!"
He is trouble by this up until now. Idiot. I'm the most troublesome here. Anyway, this is getting embarrassing!
"G-Gintoki!"
"Sorry!"
"Gintoki! Let us not discuss here since it's getting tri—"I tried to stand up but he caught my wrist. Because of his actions, I sat down again. Ah, my butt hurts.
"I won't let you stand."
"H-Huh?"
"If you stand, you're going to leave again. This is the only thing I can think off for you to not leave." He mumbled softly.
He is still holding my wrist. And I think that he didn't have any reason to let it go. I know that he will rant over things again. But I'm begging you… The people kept on staring at us.
"Satsuki… Why don't you discuss it with us? The thing about that troublesome guy. With that, we can help you fight—"
"No! Outsiders should just shut the hell up! This is my own problem, why the hell are you concerning yourselves to my own problem? Just let me leave already! Why the hell are you getting so fixated over me?!" I shouted not caring for others now. I just have to blurt anything for them to stop already. They do not know how much that guy will cause them trouble or worse—death.
"Don't be fool over yourself. We are the Yorozuya. We're old enough to take care of our lives already. Stop being so selfless already Satsuki! Do you think you'll even protect us and we will live on with our lives without you by our sides? That's ridiculous!" He started to give rants over me.
The people kept on listening and staring at us. Thinking that, are we on a soap opera that we are acting like this.
"Like hell, I want this thing to happen to me! Why the hell am I being selfless?! Because I am tired of being self-centered, always being a burden and getting protected! The Shinsengumi, Sarutobi-san, Tsukuyo-san, Otae-san, Kyubei-san, Shinpachi, Kagura, Sadaharu… They all needed you! That's why I gave my life to protect you since things won't be the same without you! On the other hand, they will rather you will forget me…" I started to cough out my feelings towards the Yorozuya. Tears began to pour out of my eyes, "I do not want to be troublesome anymore. I have to do something with my own hands. I do not want lose anyone…anymore…"
He replied, still not letting go of my wrist, like his hand is a handcuff binding my wrist, "Who the hell are you? You're not some sort of hero who will save our sorry asses. Do not talk shit, damn flat girl!"
I gasped. Hearing his uproar to me made me stop for a while and look at him. All I can see is that he is too furious that his tightened fist is trembling from anger. Of course, he is mad. That idiot chasing me from the hospital to the station.
"You are part of the Yorozuya. Shinpachi, Kagura and I won't ever think of something that absurd. We are a family. A family helps one another right? Do you think we will be please by walking over someone's corpse and kept on living?" These words struck me.
Gintoki knew how painful it is to walk over his comrade's corpse. Somehow, I get the glimpse on the reason that the blonde me sent me into.
"You're an idiot. Trouble us in every troublesome cases you have. Well that's because that's what it means to be a part of Yorozuya right?"
Tears continued to flow from my eyes when hearing those things. Out of nowhere, Kagura and Shinpachi popped out and sat with us. I do not know how the hell they knew about this. Seeing their heart-warming smiles made a spot on my heart.
"Satsuki-chan, stop crying already. Every time we see you, you're always frowning and crying on yourself." Kagura pat my head; trying to calm me down.
"Satsuki-san, we are here with you. We all knew that you love the Yorozuya above all else. And the Yorozuya won't be complete without you." Shinpachi mumbled gently to me.
Without any reason, Gintoki pulled our foreheads together causing it to ooze blood from our foreheads.
This made Kagura and Shinpachi surprised with his sudden actions. As well as I though, it fucking hurts! My forehead it hurts! I held my bleeding forehead. I shot a glare to him.
Wait a minute… Isn't this…? Déjà vu?
"Stop crying will you? You're ugly when crying." He stated.
"What the hell are you doing Gin-san?! You're both bleeding!" Shinpachi retorted; trying to pull out his handkerchief.
"Let it be, Pattsuan. I have to tell her something."
Shinpachi stopped from searching his pocket. And he gazed intently to me, not giving a single damn about it.
"Satsuki, you're a retard for thinking these things." Gintoki noted.
In some way, it made me pissed. The hell, I am not a retard! I glared hardly to him when he started his statement with a smirk.
"Satsuki, no one asked you to protect us. We came here with you because we wanted to! We knew that one day, we will die… But you see, we didn't come here to die. We came here to live with you. Satsuki, nobody's at fault here so stop blaming yourself! We also do not want to see you like that. I do not want to see you like this, the Satsuki that I know is that you always smile despite of these things. So…"
We both stated the last line in unison, "Please smile…"
These are the words I stated when he is cursing his self to death that time. And this time, I am the one receiving my own words. I smile upon realizing these things. I came to the past not to protect him rather to give myself hope.
"Thank you. I love Yorozuya!" I proclaimed.
All of them, including the people in the station cheered when we reconciled.
"Okay, let's do this!" Gintoki signaled.
1..
2..
3…
"WELCOME BACK TO THE YOROZUYA, SATSUKI!"
I smiled back, "I'm back."
Author's Note:
It's been ages… Anyway thank you for the support!