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Whenever everyone is expecting them to be as lively as usual, the Yorozuya have some unique entertainment they would always bring throughout the district. Not that they do that often, but it could only mean that they are already open for business. And sure enough, the neighbors can tell that it wasn't such a pleasant time for the "president".
“And who the hell told you that?” A loud thump was made by someone who's sitting behind the desk table. His face looked very annoyed by what he just heard from his subordinate.
“I-It’s not like we believed that anyway, Gin-san! We just asked you about it.”
Shinpachi, who's been busy cleaning the cabinets, tried to calm down the silver-haired man. After he finished dusting them off, he whispered, “There were some customers at Otose-san’s bar last night and someone opened the topic.” Then paused for a second, preparing for what he'll say next, “They have no idea where it actually came from, but the rumors say that your relationship isn’t really going well.”
“Heh, as if that’s true. No way I’ll be telling stuff to anyone.” Gintoki immediately replied as he took his cup of fresh green tea.
While he's having a good sip of tea, there's Kagura who just swallowed the last bits of rice and joined the conversation. “That old hag doesn't believe in the rumors either. In fact, she wanted you two to have children together in the near future, yes.”
Now he's feeling more annoyed than ever.
“Why does everyone want to pry on my relationship status? Is that how boring your lives are? If so, try to find someone and screw yourselves with people who are as bored as you are.”
Trying to not retort back, the glasses boy knew how much the permhead hates being talked about. Although, it wouldn't change that Gintoki's the main character in the Gintama series. That's enough reason for him to be the center of attention.
“But it can’t be helped. After all, everyone here knows you, Gin-san. As well as Tsukuyo-san.”
Gintoki was about to say something when the sound of footsteps were heard in the room. Approaching the office, the three thought there might be a customer on the way.
“Pardon me. Looks like no one remembered that the door was open so I let myself in.”
“Good morning, Tsukuyo-san! Wh-what brings you here!?"
Speaking of...
Of course, the boyfriend was surprised too. He has no recollection of their conversation about her visiting the office at all. Maybe he forgot that they have a date on that day?
"There's something that I have to check here on the surface. Have I caught you in a bad time?", Tsukuyo simply told them.
With that being said, Kagura asked out of the blue. “You're actually right on time, Tsukki. This shaggy didn't want to tell us, but is it true that you two broke up?”
“Huh?”
“The old men in the bar said that your relationship with Gin-chan is over”, the young girl continued.
Shinpachi anxiously butted in and said, “You can just avoid answering that, Tsukuyo-san. It's only a rumor."
The tension starts to surround the office even more. Well, maybe not at all parts of the room.
This is getting ridiculous, he thought to himself.
“I’ll be going out for a while. You two, do whatever today. I don't think there's anyone who'd be here."
The silver-haired man walked outside as he avoided looking at anyone's faces. He surely didn't look pissed, but he definitely wanted to avoid hearing everything that relates to his relationship status.
Shinpachi might be used to this kind of scenario, but he can't help but worry.
“Ah, he just went off like that.”
“I guess he just wanted to get some fresh air.”
Maybe, it's quite the opposite for Tsukuyo.
Now that Gin-san is gone, it wouldn't hurt to ask her directly, right?
“Tsukuyo-san. If you don’t mind me asking, may I know if you guys actually..."
The blonde answered, “I don't know where they heard that but we're still together."
"EH? Then what was that!? Walking out when we're asking him nicely here?"
"I bet even as an adult, Gin-chan will always be a child", the vermilion-haired woman reacted as she cleans up her used utensils and bowls.
"Well, if there's one thing that can't be changed, it's definitely that. And I'm not sure what came over him. But I’m sure he’ll be back in a while." Tsukuyo said calmly as she tapped Shinpachi’s and Kagura's shoulders. Then she walked past them, going to the direction where the entrance door is.
"I have to go now, I can't stay here for too long here. You guys continue what you're doin'."
As Tsukuyo left the building, Shinpachi said, "Are they gonna be alright?"
Gintoki wasn't planning to leave things like that. There's no drama between him and Tsukuyo. No breakup or misunderstanding whatsoever. He knows that his relationship is steady and they both like to keep it that way. And yes, that stupid rumor didn't mind him. Nope, not at all.
Even so with his total denial, he has a different take about the behavior he showed earlier. Talk about being lame, he totally lost his cool in front of the love of his life.
That's the main reason why he's at the pachinko parlor. Bad habits always ruin a person, but he might slide it off for the day. Believing that it would help him to unwind and think things over. It doesn't matter if he loses all the money he has, as long as that piece of paper stays with him through the rest of the day.
It's been almost twenty minutes since he started playing in his slot machine and he keeps on winning. Very odd for someone who always loses in pachinko.
There goes one of the staff who witnessed his unexpected wins. “Danna, this is the first time I’ve seen you being lucky in pachinko!”
“What do you mean by that? I'm actually great at playing! But if I’ve already won before, you wouldn't have me as your customer again.”
“I don't buy that, danna. I can still remember how many times you lost."
The permhead chuckled, “Don’t worry. It’s because the pachinko gods are on my side that you’ll forget all the times I’ve lost in this game!”
Another staff member who knows Gintoki also came to intervene and went beside his co-worker. “Whatever you say, danna. Though, I think it’s not because of them.”
“Huh? Then I must have my guardian angel at my side, guiding me to win today.”
“Yeah, you can say that. From her appearance, she really looks like a– goddess!”
“Damn, you must be so lucky to have a woman like her in your life!”
“Wha–”
He stopped for a while to see his girlfriend on his right side.
“Yo.”
“She’s been here just before your winning streak started.”
“Didn’t notice you there, honey.”
For sure as a skilled kunoichi, Gintoki can't help but be impressed by her. But the woman seemed to look disappointed at him.
"I-I'm here 'cause I got tempted, y'know! Not because I want to escape from work or the kids or you!"
Being shunned by her presence, his sweat has gone cold due to his nervousness. Out of panic, he continues to play by balancing the knob without looking at the machine. He's getting luckier, though.
That's funny, 'cause after getting his victory, he'll get killed by her for sure.
“I-I don’t think anyone has ever been this good at pachinko!”, one of the staff said as they watched the game intensively.
"Having the woman you love surely helps you win in life, huh."
After hearing that, Gintoki realized something.
Is this his chance to show off?
Is that even a great idea, though?
But it wouldn't hurt to try, right?
Unless she declines.
“Ok, if my balls land on the jackpot, then we get married.”
Everyone who heard him saying that immediately joined the commotion.
While, the person involved in that 'marriage' started getting her cheeks red.
“Wait, what are you even saying!?"
"We'll check-in to a luxurious room for our honeymoon in Hakone, then have our reservation and go relax in a nice hot spring. And–"
“Are you even for real?"
Gintoki told her with pure confidence, “Why not? People have been asking us when we'll tie the knot. And we can put a stop to that breakup rumor. We'll be killing two birds with one stone so that could be a win-win situation, right?"
"That's not how it works!"
Tsukuyo has never been this anxious since the Love Potion arc. She questions herself if her boyfriend was drunk or drugged by the incense. Although, this could also be one of his gimmicks.
"Now honey, I'm not really great in decision-making–"
"Wait, are you seriously gonna decide on something that's big and life-changing to our lives by playing pachinko?"
The silver-haired knew that tone of her voice. She is utterly mad.
He then again tried to look at his woman directly eye-to-eye. But instead of flushed cheeks, he saw her head hung low.
Seeing her like that, he can’t help but feel guilty for his rash actions.
"Y'know Gintoki, I'll talk to you when you're done joking around."
The blonde woman starts walking out of the room. Witnessing that, the other gamblers in the rooms just went back to their machines and acted like nothing happened.
One of the staff then asked his co-worker, "Did we went too far?"
Without a word, Gintoki immediately went after her. But as he left the pachinko parlor, he saw himself lost in the busy streets of Tokyo.
And once again, tapped his sleeves, where the paper was hidden.
This is not the first time they had a fight over something that he has done impulsively. He didn't mean to hurt her in some way.
It's true that he really does want to marry her. But recalling what happened earlier, it was a total failure.
Gintoki's the type who just can't act the way he used to, especially when it comes to his woman. Even though he's been in a steady relationship for quite a while now, serious topics like marriage would make him go awkward.
Not because he doesn't like talking about it. It just feels unusual. Growing up, he knew what he actually craved for. People who wouldn’t leave him behind; who he can call his guardian, or a friend, or a family.
Someone who’d dedicate his whole life to.
And for the most part, he’s lucky to have them now. Yet, it felt like it was the farthest thing he could ever deserve. It’s not really himself if he did anyway.
Walking towards the only place where he could find her, Gintoki knew it might be hard for him to clear this up. This time, he knew it wouldn’t be that easy.
He’s finally at the headquarters of Hyakka. He knocked softly to the door, as he’s preparing himself, hopefully for the best.
There Gintoki saw her, sitting on her desk while reading daily reports from her subordinates.
"I'm not playing right now", he said in a serious tone.
Surprisingly, Tsukuyo put down the papers on her desk and looked at him. She didn’t look mad now.
"Come in."
Gintoki closed the door to have their own privacy. He just realized the time it was already evening when he entered the room as he saw the open balcony. There’s no time to waste from here on out, and his chance to explain himself.
"Honey, I–”
"Aren't we supposed to have important things talked out, just the two of us?"
Tsukuyo interrupted him. The whole room was quiet, which was somewhat tense.
He at first thought she’s still furious about him earlier. But when he saw her eyes, she looked so serious. And sad.
"I can see how you're not comfortable with people who would meddle in your private life. But I just want you to know that if there's something’s wrong... like that rumor, then we'll clear that up."
“I’m just caught up in the moment.”
After that, it occurred to Gintoki that it might be his turn to talk. "So, about earlier, I'm sorry.”
"Apology accepted. I'm sorry too, for not telling you I'm coming to your office. Or follow you to that parlor."
He flashed a smile as he thought about teasing her a little.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm kinda glad that you came to see me."
Her cheeks turned red the moment he told her that. But being a tsundere that she is, it wasn’t the case.
"For the record, I-I wasn't really looking for you."
Checkmate.
“Ah, really?”
He paused, knowing what he really wanted to say to her next. For sure, it would be the craziest thing he has ever done.
You need to be prepared for me to buy your freedom, Tsukuyo.
"So, we're good?"
"Yeah."
“Let's get married then.”
Now it’s her whole face that turned red.
“What?" Tsukuyo shouted as she started to walk backwards, creating a distance between each other. "Are you only making fun of me, bastard? Do you wanna die here?”
“I mean it!”
Startled, the Courtesan of Heavens can’t believe what she’s been hearing from him. She can totally hear the deafening sound of her heartbeat.
At that moment, the two were staring at each other.
“I really mean it. And it’s not because of the rumor or whatever the hell everyone has been saying about us.”
Gintoki took a piece of paper hidden in his sleeve that was miraculously folded neatly.
It was a marriage registration form, with his side already filled out.
"I have this one with me. After I went out, I didn't immediately go to the pachinko bar, I went to the city hall to get us this."
Whatever she’s feeling at this moment is completely different when he asked her out or when he gave her presents on special occasions. And now she’s a little nervous on how this plays out.
"To be honest, I don’t have a ring with me right now. I didn’t get anything from playing pachinko as I tried to follow you here. But please believe me that I'm serious about this whole thing."
It’s been getting to him, whatever he’s doing and now his flushed cheeks are getting visible. But he knows how crucial it is for him to put it into words.
"Tsukuyo, there's no other woman that I'd give my all to. I'm all yours."
Truth be told, all the silence is freaking him out a little.
It’s been a couple of minutes since he heard her voice. This is the most nerve wracking he has ever been. But by her tight-lipped response, he’s starting to notice that he may have caught her in a bad time. Worth a shot though.
“Look, If you think you’re not ready yet, I understand.”
The blonde suddenly murmured, “Yes.”
“Eh?”
Confused on how soft her voice is, Gintoki went closer to his girlfriend.
That’s when he heard her sobbing. He caught a glimpse of her eyes once again as he saw tears falling down on her cheeks.
He’ll surely never forget that look on her face for the rest of his life.
She started bawling as she said the next words due to embarrassment. “I agreed, right? Do you think I’m still with you just because I’m putting up with it?”
As her feelings started to come out like crazy, Tsukuyo wanted to think it was a dream. As she tried to look at him directly, she blinked a few times to see if it was all just an illusion.
It’s not. Everything that’s happening at that time is real.
It took her a few seconds when she realized it. With a silent gasp, the weeping blonde immediately muffled her cries with both of her hands.
Gintoki brushed off her bangs that covered her left eye and beautiful scars. He smiled and held her. Those gestures he bravely imposed, the kind of happiness he’s feeling and that sense of relief were worth the wait.
That moment, Tsukuyo embraced him closer. After that, he gave her an endearing kiss on her forehead.
He knew what they had to do next.
"Let's go then."
"Where are we going?"
"Make this official, of course.”
Sure, the blonde has her stamp and personal papers in her office. But…
“Wait! We just, this just happened!”
“Why are we wasting time? It’s not that much of a hassle to be married in Japan. We could even get married right now.”
Still, Tsukuyo is a little hesitant.
“The witnesses! Maybe we can ask–"
"I got it. I asked other people to do that", the silver-haired man interrupted.
Is he that prepared? They’re not rushing things, aren’t they?
"Aren’t we supposed to be asking Hinowa, or Shinpachi and Kagura for that?"
"All we need is their family stamps. Besides, it’s better this way.”
Never thought in her life that holding the copy of the marriage certificate could make her feel scared.
"Are you sure about that? Make this a secret and not let the rest of the cast know?"
"They keep on sticking their noses in, so why bother about what they’ll say or react about this? It would be too much, don’t you think?”
Risky was the first word that popped in her head, but at the same time, he’s got a point.
“Also, it might be fun this way. Just us knowing what’s going on. I kinda like sharing these things with you, honey.”
He knew how he would convince her. It’s not a talent per se, but most of the time, she can’t resist his ways of persuading her.
“Okay, I’ll look for my documents then”, Tsukuyo finally agreed.
With her approval, Gintoki helped his fiancée in fixing her table. Not really the first time he helped her work.
Maybe it’s because of how exhilarating that moment it is to him.
After a little longer to the office where she signed up and collected her papers, they went to Gintoki’s house to check on his documents.
It was a bit challenging as he didn’t want anyone to know what’s going on. He then found out from Tama that Shinpachi and Kagura will be gone for a while to help Gengai with his new job request. There’s his only chance to get everything he needed.
Minutes later, he got everything needed: both of their family registration forms and other important documents that identify their age and citizenship, marriage form filled up with their personal seal stamps, and a couple of witnesses’ seal stamps that serves as their approval.
Riding in his scooter, Gintoki and Tsukuyo went quietly to their final destination.And when they finally arrived at the city office, there were some desks open for inquiries and services.
Only the sound of their footsteps were heard as both of them were completely calm yet too quiet entering inside the building.
“Good evening. I assume you’re here to have your marriage registration?” TA person behind the desk asked right away.
True, it's not that they don't want anyone else to find out about their marriage. But it's better to have it hidden first. Until they're both ready to confess about their relationship status.
They waited for a short while as the people on duty were checking the papers. A minute after finalizing it all, the personnel gleefully greeted them as he handed them out the official copy of their marriage certificate.
“Here’s your certificate. Congratulations on your marriage! I hope you’ll find your true happiness and peace with each other for the rest of your lifetimes.”
The bright, full moon and the stars were shining in the night sky. It's only been minutes since they got out of the city hall, but the feeling of being officially married started to weigh in.
They were now walking to where they parked the scooter. A lot of things happened today and it was surreal for both of them as they can now be addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Sakata.
Everything about that night must be fictional. Tsukuyo thought that she's completely day-dreaming.
But before that day ends, there’s one thing she wants to know. It may be embarrassing for her, but she wants to know the truth.
"Gintoki?"
As they were strolling down the streets, the silver-haired was somewhat in cloud nine as he’s got the certificate with.
He then responded, "Hm?"
"Are you really okay being with me? I mean, why me?"
Now that’s a genuine question coming from her.
Tsukuyo continued explaining herself as her head bowed down, "You know how busy I could get, and we have less time together when we're together."
There might be some things that will never change in their lives. Even after getting married, they won’t have much time together because of her duties in Yoshiwara.
Gintoki grasped her hand with both of his and put it close to his chest. He then replied to her, "You're having this time with me though."
"Between us, I'm more dependent. I know that I don't do my work diligently."
Countless times when he acknowledged her as a strong-willed woman, and most times, he compared her strength to his, he’s totally cool with that.
"Everyone knows that I totally suck being your partner.”
And Tsukuyo will always be out of his league…
“Yet, you still said yes when I popped the question."
Noticing what he just said, it was Gintoki’s turn to tell his doubts.
“See? I should be the one asking you why you agreed to marry me.”
The blonde ninja stopped walking, making the samurai curious on what she's thinking.
Not a long while, her beautiful face has that glowing smile as she stared at him, "It's you, Gintoki. Although, you're shitty, shitty man, you're the one I want to be with."
"Seasons of spring and winter, those times are more than enough to make me happy and content. But I do want you more than you can imagine", Tsukuyo continued.
In between reflections about her life, she never imagined having the life she’s living at that point. Years back, she’s not even accepting her true self as a woman who can protect and love people without erasing a big part of her own self. She’s never had this bliss in life.
She then added, "And you know what I realized?”
“Yeah?”
“I want this. I want us. What we have is priceless. And there's nothing that comes close to what the rest of the world has."
With those simple words, he already knew how he was captivated by her. And soulmates or not, he knew that she’s the only person he’d like to commit to forever.
He went to where she is until he got close to her. Gintoki took her left hand and gave it a gentle kiss, making it a symbol for his undying and intimate love for Tsukuyo.
"Same here", he gently whispered.