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"How are the kids?"
Those children were not supposed to see.
They didn't run to a dark fucking alley early in the morning just to be caught doing... well.
"Well, they are certainly traumatized." Katsura sighed, taking the vacant spot next to Hijikata. "Not that it means they are against you, just that they were stunned to see something... vulgar early in the morning. But don't worry, Gintoki's with them."
For once, Hijikata was glad to see Katsura that morning. The man had the mind to quickly shield the children's eyes and take them away as he and Yorozuya struggled to regain a bit of their dignity.
But still, Hijikata winced at Katsura's words; both because of guilt, embarrassment, and the strong urge to smack the idiot at his string of words, especially for the tone in which it was spoken.
They were not supposed to see!!!
"Good grief, Hijikata-kun. I didn't expect you to take your duty way too seriously." Seething, Hijikata turned to Katsura just in time to see the man smirk. "Well? How does it feel to finally achieve your life long goal of hunting down the Jouishishi? You succeeded in defiling one of our own, the group's ace to be specific!"
Glare as he may, Hijikata knew it was all futile knowing how his face flared up at such blatant accusation. But his pride wouldn't allow himself to be at an idiot's mercy, Katsura's much more. "You're still a wanted man, I can arrest or even kill you whenever I want."
But Hijikata's threat felt oddly empty, because he didn't want to arrest Katsura. Partly because he knew this idiot never deserved it, but also to the weird sense of camaraderie the entire Shinsengumi developed with the Joui Leader. Not to mention a debt he knew they could never repay.
And of course, Katsura knew all of that. And he confirmed it with a knowing chuckle. "My, my, I should've known. Although, I think it would be a lie to say that I did not see this coming from a mile away."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"Oh, you know, Hijikata-kun." Katsura teased, his eyes wiggling mockingly grinned. "You were giving Gintoki a whole 'I want you' eyes situation from af—"
"Shut up!"
"Eh? But it's true, though! Same can be said for Gintoki, trust me." Katsura actually laughed, not the idiotically maniacal kind they usually hear from him, no. It was calm, a glint of genuine glee peeking from behind.
Or so Hijikata guessed.
"Katsura." Hijikata called, his tone a sudden descent into a serious one.
"Hmm?"
"How do you feel about all this?" Hijikata asked, might as well an admission of the sincerity of his feelings for Yorozuya. A few years back, he'd be absolutely appalled at the very thought of being on friendly terms with Katsura. Hell, he hadn't think it was even possible.
They've been through so much with each other, one could even argue that hatred existed between the two parties.
"Beats me." Katsura answered. "What I think doesn't really matter in this scenario, Hijikata. Gintoki is not one to value my opinion, anyway."
To others, Katsura's response would imply disapproval; that he was merely allowing this all to happen because he had no other choice. But the smile he gave Hijikata betrayed such a thought.
"Look. Let's be honest, you and I have never really seen each other from eye to eye until recently. Before that we've done plenty of awful things to each other, so how come you're welcoming me with such an easy attitude? It's kinda annoying."
Katsura chuckled, crossing his arms atop his chest as he averted his gaze from Hijikata to the wide, blue skies. "I could ask the same to you. How come you're asking for my approval? Since when did my opinion become something of immense value to you?"
Hijikata couldn't answer. But Katsura didn't need him to. Because the fucking idiot could see right through him. And the smile on his stupid face served as proof of it. Really, why the hell was Katsura even deemed an idiot in the first place?!
Most of Yorozuya's past still remains a mystery to Hijikata. He knows of Yoshida Shouyou (How could he not?). But many still remain in the dark, and there they probably will remain for their entire life. But one thing that will be eternally and irrevocably true is that Katsura is important to Yorozuya.
And if Hijikata is actually going to do this, then he must at least try to build an amicable relationship with what's left of Yoro... Gintoki's first, true family.
Besides, Katsura's approval is the closest he could ever get to that of Gintoki's father.
"Hijikata-kun, you make my friend happy. That is not something I would stand against." Katsura continued, a small smile remained firmly on his face, his gaze casted back to Hijikata as he feigned disgust. "Even if it's with a Bakufu dog."
Insult aside, Hijikata let out a sigh of relief he wasn't aware of holding. A smile suddenly crept up to his lips.
Damn, he's getting ridiculous, isn't he?
"However, I must ask you one thing."
The smile fell.
"And that is?"
"Do you love my friend?"
"Eh?"
"Come now, Hijikata-kun. It isn't a difficult question, isn't it?"
"Y-Yeah, b-but..."
"Answer my question or I will kill you myself, right now—"
"What the hell, Katsura?" Hijikata demanded as Katsura abruptly stood up.
"—I swear in sensei's name." His hand now flew atop the hilt of his sword.
"Oi, this isn't how it's supposed to pan out!"
"Do you love my friend?!" Katsura's hand twitched dangerously against his katana.
"Yes! Yes, I do!" Hijikata exclaimed, his hands flailing in desperation for this to just end.
A satisfied smirk was on Katsura's face, an intense blush was on Hijikata's.
"Will you value Gintoki's kids the way he does?"
"What the hell Katsura, this is getting out of—"
"Answer!" His katana now unsheathed and pointed against Hijikata's chest.
"Oi, oi! Calm down! Of course, I will!"
"Even when he gets sick with an incurable disease and hope is all lost you will never leave his side and stay with him until the end?! Be there for the kids even when he passes?" Oh, here comes the musings. Gintoki had warned him of the very same thing unfolding before him.
Now he was being reminded why Katsura was, in fact, one crazy (genius) bastard. He should've prepared.
"Oi, where is this even leading to?!"
"I didn't hear an answer, Hijikata-kun."
"Yes, yes! You bastard, put down the sword!"
Finally fully satisfied, Katsura gave him a smile as he sheathed back his katana, relinquishing his seat on the bench next to Hijikata.
"What the hell was that for?!"
Katsura sat back, "I just had to ask."
"Can't you do it calmly and normally??"
"It was a ruse to lighten the mood."
"Lighten the mood?!" Hijikata exclaimed incredulously. How was that light?!
He was taken out of his own thoughts when he heard the man beside him sigh, "You've met sensei, and I think you know what he meant to Gintoki. How much he means to us. I know you aren't moronic enough to think that his pain had completely passed. So as my duty dictates, I am compelled to make sure you will not add any more to that. Otherwise I will personally see to it you finally witness all the rumors I know you've heard about me."
Wow, if Hijikata's threat lacked it's usual vigor, Katsura's certainly was full of it.
"Gintoki could take care of himself but you know, just in case." Katsura grinned, hitting Hijikata's lower rib with his elbow as he closed his eyes in victory... in an evident attempt at a friendly gesture.
Hijikata groaned as he doubled over in pain, it wasn't much but the force in which it was given still hurts like hell.
Damn Jouishishi.
"Bastard." Hijikata managed to hiss, a determined smile also on his face. "Man, didn't know you could be such a softie."
"Naturally. Adamant as he is to admit it, he's... " Seems like the reluctance does not only apply to Gintoki. "...well, he's my brother. Who would watch after his back but myself? Takasugi isn't exactly trustworthy in that regard. Not that he's alive to be one, that is."
Does this kind of humor persist in every Shouka Sonjuku student? If so, he'd rather not think about their teacher slash immortal pseudo parent.
"But worry not, I'm the least of your concerns. Gintoki's children, however..."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll try my best." Hijikata allowed himself to be at ease. After months of worrying, he finally found a bit of peace.
One down, two more to go.
For a moment, the two of them basked in a weirdly comfortable silence. Katsura gave his full support, and it gave Hijikata more relief and glee than it should have.
Damn, that Gintoki. He's got Hijikata wrapped around his fingers now, hasn't he? Hijikata knew he was down so bad, to make him bow down before an enemy he used to despise???
Well, maybe because the mere fact that he didn't really despise Katsura made it easier. Maybe because he was grateful, for all the help Katsura extended to Hijikata's own family, for helping keep Gintoki alive long enough for Hijikata to find him. For protecting all that Gintoki held dear.
So he voiced it out.
"Thanks... Zura."
"I'm not Zura, I'm Katsura!"