Archive of Our Own ^beta

It is not often when Toushiro wakes up with a smile. It is not often when he wakes up not feeling the urgent need to get to work. It is his off day, the one day in a month he gets to do whatever he wants. He usually wakes up a little later (if you consider 7 AM any later than the usual 5 AM). He makes breakfast. He might go do a bit of shopping. Then he will come back, prep lunch, watch some TV. Sometimes he goes out for a walk. Sometimes he spends it lazing around all day indoors.

He does spend his off days mostly lazing around now. He can blame that on Gintoki and Gintoki alone.

So, Toushiro turns to his side and finds Gintoki still fast asleep, his hands still around Toushiro's waist, keeping him close. Toushiro lied before—he usually wakes up with a smile most mornings. And it is because of the moments when Gintoki is not looking, Toushiro saves the fondest smile for him. God, he truly does fucking love this crazy, lazy man. He never imagined he could feel so much like this. 

He raises a hand and places it on Gintoki's head. He cards his fingers through the unruly silver curls, his nails gently scraping against the scalp. Gintoki hums in his sleep and burrows his face deeper into the pillow. Toushiro smiles again.

It has been two years since they began dating and it has been seven months since they started cohabitating. It is chaotic all the time with Kagura, Shinpachi and Sadaharu and the host of ridiculous people who come for help and the friends Gintoki has made along the way. Toushiro has stopped counting the times he would come home to Katsura randomly lounging in the living room with his terrifying sidekick. Or the times Sakamoto would show up at the door but you heard him ten blocks away anyway thanks to that irritating laugh. 

But it is okay. Toushiro began calling this place his home even before living here. This little place with the creaking floors is home, a place where he belongs. The place he comes to after working 10 hours a day. The place where he knows the fridge never runs out of mayonnaise.

The clock reads 7.15 AM. He should be moving but...but it is his off day, right? He can do whatever he pleases. So, he nestles closer to Gintoki, who instinctively tightens his hold around Toushiro, muttering, "Bananas on pizza…"

Toushiro frowns but keeps his voice low, afraid to ruin the morning's tranquillity, "What?"

Gintoki slowly peels his eyes open and with a voice as thick as honey, he says, "I had a dream about banana pizza."

Toushiro inhales deeply and sighs, "Only in that brain of yours."

Gintoki grins and pulls Toushiro even closer. He brushes his lips against Toushiro's forehead and says, "It's not any worse than mayo on pizza…I'd say they are the same."

Toushiro narrows his eyes and lightly knees Gintoki's thigh, saying, "Shut the fuck up."

Gintoki chuckles and it makes goosebumps rise on Toushiro's skin (he savours the sound of that). Suddenly, there is a hand on Toushiro's ass and a firm squeeze follows, which makes him yelp a little and he slaps Gintoki's chest, "Hey!"

But the fight can never be sustained for too long. The urge to resist is nonexistent. The want is always there, nestling right under his skin, thrumming and anticipating.

So, Toushiro curls his fingers around Gintoki's neck and waits. Gintoki smiles at him before his gaze flicks to Toushiro's lips and this sleepy gaze is filled with all that he feels. All that is reflected in Toushiro's heart. And then, finally , Gintoki kisses him.

It is, unsurprisingly, slow and languid. Their lips slide against one another with no rush, no raging desire, just acknowledging the slow tension and gentle ardour blossoming between them, unfurling at its own pace. 

Gintoki gently nips on Toushiro's upper lip and Toushiro smiles into the kiss. He is feeling indulgent, perhaps a little fiendish. You can say that is Gintoki's effect on him too. His knee rests right between Gintoki's legs. He shifts with the smallest of movements but it works. Gintoki groans into his mouth and his fingers dig deeper into Toushiro's flesh. But Toushiro has his plan. He suddenly breaks the kiss and sits up, grinning down at Gintoki, "You should really brush your teeth, you know."

Toushiro quickly gets to his feet because he knows Gintoki is strong and he can pull Toushiro down easily. And a Gintoki with blue balls is ridiculously focused , so Toushiro makes sure he is out of the bedroom when Gintoki shouts, "You can't do this to me!"

Toushiro laughs and Sadaharu woofs in response. Why does the dog always take Toushiro’s side anyway?

Gintoki falls back on the futon and pouts at the ceiling. Why is his boyfriend such a tease? But he hears Toushiro laughing again and Sadaharu barking and he is sure the big dog is smothering Toushiro right now. It has become the canine's morning ritual to greet Toushiro first. Sometimes, Gintoki is sure Sadaharu has a list of favourite humans and Toushiro is the second. He should be the second! He fed that dog for years before Toushiro came into their lives! A fluffy traitor. 

However, Gintoki does not like missing the look on Toushiro's face when this happens. He sits up again and he can see Sadaharu butting his head against Toushiro's chest and Toushiro is giving a good rub behind his ears, just the way the dog likes it. Toushiro radiates pure joy, his eyes crinkled shut as he smiles widely. It is akin to staring directly at the sun. 

Gintoki watches from his spot as Toushiro moves around, his routine like clockwork even on an off day. He freshens up but he will save the shower for later. He gives Sadaharu his breakfast and fills his water bowl accompanied with another affectionate ear rub. Gintoki loves the way Toushiro navigates his way around his home, from the bedroom to the kitchen to the living room, curving around the furniture and the big dog with graceful ease. It is like he always belonged there. He looks at the stack of Jump at the corner of his room and thinks about the certificate he is hiding under it. Well, it is not like it would be a complete surprise…

They have talked about it. They have agreed they should do it soon. So, it would not be much of a shock. Gintoki hopes, fervently, it is not. 

Gintoki gets up. He does not have any plans for today, especially when Kagura is not here. She accepted Soyo’s invitation to go to Kyoto with her and since, most of Toushiro’s free day is filled with her shenanigans and her dragging him wherever she wants, Gintoki knows it will only be him and Toushiro today. Shinpachi keeps himself far from the house on Toushiro’s off day ever since he walked in on them making out on the couch. 

Gintoki enters the kitchen, yawning and scratching his belly and finds Toushiro frowning at the rice maker. Gintoki asks, “Why are you glaring at the poor machine? Did it try to topple a government?”

“That’s only you and your buddies,” Toushiro comments. He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, “I think the machine’s dead.”

Gintoki peers over Toushiro’s shoulder and slaps the power button. It does not light up and something jangles inside it when Gintoki hits it. He shrugs, “Well, this thing has been here since I rented this place. Could’ve been here even before me.”

Toushiro runs a hand through his hair, “We need a new one.” He transfers the rice and water to a pan and says, “Well, we need some groceries anyway. Kagura is returning home this Wednesday after all.” He looks at Gintoki, “Let’s go to that big department store by Shinjuku station, we can get them both.”

Gintoki nods and then scoffs, “Right, we need some sukonbu.” He nuzzles Toushiro’s nape and says, “Let’s get lunch at Ikumatsu’s shop?”

“Yeah, yeah okay. Now go get the eggs.”

Gintoki mentally pumps his fist in victory. His plan is forming smoother than Katsura’s hair. He had wondered how to show the certificate to Toushiro, so maybe a nice lunch would make the conversation flow easier. For now, he obeys his lover’s command and grabs all the things to make the omelette. 

It is miso soup, tamagoyaki and rice for breakfast. Toushiro obviously has drizzled the (un)holy condiment over his eggs. Gintoki cannot believe he still loves the man despite that . But then he eyes the glass of strawberry milk by his soup bowl. Well, they truly are not that different despite all that differs between them. 

If anyone had told him four years ago that he would be head over heels for Shinsengumi’s vice commander, he would have slapped their back and laughed in their face. But two years have passed and sometimes Gintoki still gets awed that Hijikata Toushiro chose him of all people in Edo. 

They had decided to try friendship after the last (hopefully) catastrophic event that decimated Edo. But like flowers in the concrete pavement, Edo found a way to grow back to its former self and so did their bond. The Yorozuya and Shinsengumi found themselves working with each other more often than not and since Gintoki and Toushiro were the same age, they naturally gravitated more towards each other. Just drinks turned into dinners and then it became Gintoki showing up at the barracks with lunch and Toushiro popping in for dinner at the Yorozuya every now and then. It was the kids first who pointed it out, how close they were getting. Then it was the older people like Kondou and Otose. Even Sarutobi weighed in (and whined about it). Somewhere along the way, friendship turned into exasperated concern and shy gazes, and then it became this, right where they are now, in the Yorozuya living room eating their breakfast and lightly teasing each other as they have for many mornings now. 

By the time it is ten, they finally move and get out of their pyjamas. Gintoki puts on his usual outfit of tracksuit and yukata (tucks the certificate too) and Toushiro dons his usual off-duty black yukata. Sadaharu is instructed to keep guard and off they go. 

The department store is approximately ten minutes away from their neighbourhood but they take it slow. Summer has almost ended and fall is around the corner, so the day has the lightest chill in it, making it a very pleasant walk. Gintoki intertwines their fingers and Toushiro does send him a look but his pink ears give him away.

They are passing through the more commercial street and Toushiro suddenly pauses. Gintoki turns his head around and finds Toushiro gazing at a window display. Gintoki realises it is a jewellery shop. His heart skips a beat and when he follows Toushiro’s gaze, he inaudibly gasps. Toushiro is looking at the wedding rings on display. 

Toushiro feels his heart pulsating as he stares at the wedding rings. They have a gender-neutral design and he remembers a conversation they had a month ago…

Shinpachi turns twenty and it is quite the party at the Shimura house. Kondou and Kyubei have ensured the young adult experiences his first hangover tomorrow. He is now cuddling a bottle of sake and snoring in his sleep. Most of the party left before the inebriation hit but the people closest to Shinpachi stayed. So, his sister, his sister-in-law, his boss, his boss’s lover and his fellow colleague stay. 

Otae and Kyubei are still awake and giggling in hushed whispers, heads pressed together. Kagura is blacked out due to a food coma, head nestled in Sadaharu’s side. Gintoki and Toushiro are somehow not drunk enough and decide to do a bit of cleanup. 

Gintoki grabs a trash bag and collects all the metal cans. He is about to head back to the kitchen when his gaze lands on Kyubei and Otae. They have only been married for some months and Gintoki smiles to himself. It was a nice wedding and they look content. It must be nice to be married, to have someone to be by your side for the rest of your life...

The sound of footsteps makes Gintoki look back and he finds Toushiro reentering the dining room with a trash bag. Unbeknownst to Gintoki, he had been watching Gintoki looking at the two women and he had similar thoughts. Out loud he says, “Got all the cans?”

Gintoki nods and they take back the trash bags to the kitchen. The bin is already overflowing, so they decide to carry all the bags to the back of the house for garbage collection. It is after midnight now and the sky is pitch black. It had rained early in the evening, so the night is humid and slightly chilly. Toushiro lights a cigarette in the backyard. Gintoki stays with him.  

Toushiro takes a long drag and says, “Their wedding was pure chaos, remember?”

Gintoki chuckles, “That’s what happens when you let Tsukuyo drink.”

“I think Sougo and Kagura having an impromptu fight was also a possible factor.”

“And the gorilla commander’s snivelling.”

“And that creepy guy around Kyubei, who was wailing.”

“It’s their fault for thinking these women were straight.”

They share a laugh and when it fades out, Gintoki murmurs, “But they are happy, which is all that matters.”

“Yes,” Toushiro sighs. He laces his fingers with Gintoki’s and he is suddenly too shy to look at the man. So, he looks at the smoke curling out of his mouth as he asks, “Do you, do you ever wonder if that could be us?”

Gintoki is taken aback. However, he reminds himself he should not really be. They often think the same way about things. He squeezes Toushiro’s hand and whispers, “I do.”

Toushiro finds the courage to look at his lover and he smiles, “I won’t mind marrying you, I think.”

Gintoki nudges Toushiro’s shoulder with his and grins, “Of course, you won’t! I’m Edo’s most popular bachelor!”

Toushiro rolls his eyes but warmth spreads throughout his whole body anyway. He shoves Gintoki back and says, “That poll happened two years ago and no one reads that awful tabloid anyway.”

“Alright, popular bachelor number two, I see you’re still Salty McSalt.” Toushiro is about to shove at Gintoki again but he grabs his wrist and pulls him close. He clasps his hands behind Toushiro’s back and kisses his cheek. Then, he noses into Toushiro’s neck and with his face blazing he admits, “I would marry you too.”

It was not the world’s best proposal. It was not even expressed in the correct, conventional way. No one got on their knees and no one pulled a ring out of their pockets. Yet it was an irrefutable fact that their intentions were similar and they did talk about it a bunch of times, but they have not actually taken any actual action about it or even told their nearest and dearest people of this decision.

Toushiro, presently, turns around to look at Gintoki and says, “We don’t even have rings.” His gaze flits to the side and he bites his lip, “We don’t even have a plan, do we?”

Gintoki feels his face heating up and his heart is crawling up his throat. Looks like they do not need to go to Ikumatsu’s shop after all (and here Gintoki was also looking forward to the char siu bowl). It is now or never. He swallows and pulls out the certificate he had tucked away. He hands it to Toushiro and quickly looks away. Oh, is that bakery on the opposite pavement new? Must be. Gintoki has eaten through every bakery in this part of the town.

Meanwhile, Toushiro unfolds the certificate and his eyes nearly pop out of their socket when he realises what he is reading. It is the certificate of marriage notification, the document you absolutely need before one can register their marriage. Gintoki has filled in their first names and he also has attained the signatures of Kondou Isao and Katsura Koutaro as their key witnesses. Toushiro is gaping when he looks at Gintoki, who is whistling the Doraemon tune.

Toushiro’s breath quickens and his hand trembles when he asks, “How the fuck did you even get these two’s signs?”

Gintoki scratches his neck and flushes as he replies, “They went out for drinks with me that weekend, right? When they were drunk as hell, they signed the paper.”

Toushiro widens his eyes, “You went drinking with them three weeks ago.”

“Yes…”

“You hid this from me for three weeks?”

“It was under the Jump magazines.”

Laughter bubbles up and Toushiro is slapping his knees as he doubles over. He wheezes, “You do have a functioning brain under all that hair?”

Gintoki scrunches his face and says, “Well, you don’t care about manga after all, so I knew you wouldn’t look there.”

Toushiro straightens up and looks at Gintoki, who is furiously blushing and still refusing to look at him. He glances down at the certificate in his hand again and smiles. He is not known for his impulsiveness but as vice commander, he has had to make last-minute decisions, especially making them based on gut instinct. Right now, his gut tells him something important. He winds his hands around Gintoki’s shoulders and grins, “We’ve got the certificate and we’re standing in front of this shop. And the municipality building is that way. Hell of a coincidence, huh?”

Gintoki’s brain processes everything Toushiro says and then his eyes widen. He grabs Toushiro’s waist and raises his eyebrows, his voice dropping to a whisper, “Are you sure?”

Toushiro plants a quick kiss on Gintoki’s lips and nods. Gintoki kisses him this time, harder, and Toushiro steps back and drags Gintoki inside the shop. Toushiro asks the salesgirl about the rings on display and she looks at them, connects the dots and beams as she skips to the window to get them. 

When she shows it to them, she informs them, “You can engrave messages on the rings, it’s free of charge!”

Gintoki and Toushiro share a grin and both say at the same time, “We’ll take it!”

They are running sheerly on adrenaline at this point and the rest of their brains probably have not caught up to this very impulsive tempest of events. Gintoki looks at the girl and says, “I want dearest Oogushi-kun in his.”

Toushiro laughs and then he covers his mouth. He narrows his eyes at Gintoki, who just winks at him. Toushiro tells the girl, “And please put beloved permhead in his.”

The poor salesgirl blinks at Gintoki and then at Toushiro and then repeats it four more times. Is she hearing things all wrong? What kind of messages are those? Do they not know engravings are permanent? She slowly asks, “Um, are you sure?”

Gintoki grabs Toushiro’s hand and nods, “Oh yeah, we are!”

Well, not her money, not her business, not her commitment to make. She politely smiles and bows. She takes the rings they selected and takes them to the back. After some minutes, she returns with the ring and shows them the engravings and they look delighted with it. Oh, she is going to be calling her best friend as soon as they leave and telling her all about this. She packs the two wedding rings in a pretty cream paper bag and the dark-haired one makes the payment.

Now, with the rings, Gintoki swings their intertwined hands, and beams, “So, you surely sure?”

Toushiro shakes the bag and raises his eyebrows, “I didn’t just spend money to keep them as decoration now, did I? I’m going to marry you.”

Gintoki takes a deep breath and he smiles, tightening his hold, “Damn right, we’re going to get married!”

The Shinjuku municipal government office is right around the corner. Locating the marriage registration office is not too hard either and they are the only couple in the waiting room. A clerk comes and takes their certificate and asks for ID proof. Toushiro always carries his Shinsengumi ID card and Gintoki hands his driver’s licence over. A short middle-aged woman welcomes them into her office and she genially smiles when she remarks, “Ah, what a handsome couple! Please take a seat.” 

She checks the things provided and nods her head, “Everything's in order. We checked the witnesses and they seem solid, especially with the Shinsengumi commander as a witness.” She beams at them and asks, “I see you haven’t put your surnames? Are you planning to share the same last name?”

Toushiro and Gintoki share a look and Gintoki opens his mouth to answer but Toushiro beats him to it, saying, “Yes, it’ll be Sakata for both.”

“Good, you just need to sign it and your marriage will be processed!”

Gintoki is staring at Toushiro, trying to understand why he did what he did just now. They did not discuss this much but Gintoki thought he could take Toushiro’s name if needed. He did not think Toushiro would like a surname change, considering his position as a government official. Toushiro signs his name first and then passes it to Gintoki, who stares at the name Toushiro wrote down.

Sakata Toushiro

Gintoki grits his teeth and swallows. His chest tightens and swells and his heart is full of emotions he does not even know how to label. Toushiro taps his knuckles with the pen and says, “Hey, dumbass, you aren’t getting cold feet, are you?”

Gintoki snatches the pen and scowls, “No!” He quickly scribbles his name and hands the document back to the lady. 

The woman smiles and calls for the clerk. The man takes the document away and she tells them, “Please don’t forget to collect your kekkon-todoke juri shoumeisho from the front counter. And if you want, you can take your picture with it at the photo booth too. Lastly, congratulations!”

Toushiro and Gintoki both thank her and bow. They find the clerk waiting for them at the counter and he hands them the kekkon-todoke juri shoumeisho, the official document declaring them married.

They are married. Married. 

Toushiro licks his lips and sighs, “Huh, we did it, we actually fucking did it…”

Gintoki throws an arm around Toushiro’s waist and smiles, “Yeah, we fucking did it.”

Toushiro chuckles and leans into Gintoki, “We need those pictures.”

The clerk perks up and informs them, “That will be three hundred yen.”

Some moments later, they leave the office with their kekkon-todoke juri shoumeisho and their official wedding photo. The photo is simple, they are both smiling—not at the camera but at each other. Toushiro thinks he has never looked happier in a photograph. Gintoki wants to frame it right away. 

Chewing his lip, Toushiro asks, “What now?”

Gintoki rubs a thumb over Toushiro’s pulse, and grins, “The honeymoon follows next, right?”

Toushiro turns red and pinches Gintoki’s forearm, “You only have one mode and that’s horny!”

Gintoki pokes Toushiro’s arm and pouts, “You left me hanging this morning!”

“You deserved it.”

“No, I did not!”

“Yes, you did.”

Gintoki huffs and blows his cheeks. He turns his head to the side to fume but then he sees the signboard directing pedestrians to the east gate of Shinjuku. He suddenly gets an idea. He looks back at Toushiro and grins, “Say, let’s take a train for our honeymoon.”

Toushiro widens his eyes, “And go where?”

“Wherever it takes us,” Gintoki says with a shrug.

Toushiro knows it is sheer madness but fuck it, he does not get married every day. He laughs, “Shit, your crazy has rubbed off on me because I want to say yes.”

Gintoki cups Toushiro’s face with his free hand and whispers, “Then, say yes.”

Toushiro swallows and his heart thuds but he knows his answer already. He nods his head and Gintoki beams at him. It is that beautiful fond smile and Toushiro is in love all over again. He takes a deep breath and says, “Alright, let’s see what trains are available.”

An hour later, they are back at their home, busy packing their bag. They found out there is only one overnight train leaving Edo in the evening and Takamatsu seemed like a good destination. It is down south, close to Osaka. They will figure it out when they get there. People do not take a lot of vacations in September, so getting seat reservations was a breeze. 

Toushiro packs the rings in their duffle bag and Gintoki enters their bedroom with two steaming bowls of ramen. He says, “Sorry, it’s Sakata's ramen shop today.”

Toushiro chuckles, “It will do.” He takes the bowls from Gintoki’s hand and he is pleased to see the pale, creamy broth. Ever since he found the mayo hack online, he has been eating his ramen this way, even Gintoki makes it that way for him. As he slurps his noodles, he realises Gintoki is staring at him. He looks back and asks, “What?”

Gintoki puts down his bowl and asks, “Why did you take my name? Wouldn’t it have been better for me to take yours? You’re a government official!”

Toushiro swallows his food and says, “That’s alright. I just need to send a copy of the certificate and they will change my name in every channel, notify the system and departments too, and even send me the updated seal.”

Gintoki frowns, “You know, that’s not what I meant.”

Toushiro puts down his bowl and leans forward, “What do you mean then?”

Gintoki sighs, “It’s just me, Toushiro. The Hijikata name means something, but it’s just me, rice field on a slope.”

Toushiro smiles and reaches for Gintoki’s hand. He rubs circles on Gintoki’s knuckles and mutters, “That’s exactly why. It was just you. And now you have me.” Then his smile drops and he presses his lips, “And honestly, the Hijikata name is a burden. My very last tie to it died a long time ago anyway.”

Gintoki feels a rush of love, affection, happiness and gratitude fill him up. His eyes burn and he knows he would cry if he does not control himself. He shakes his head and smiles, “Your brother is appalled in the heavens, Toshi-kun.”

Toushiro sticks his tongue out and picks his bowl back up. He eats his noodles but he does not miss the way Gintoki’s entire face turns pink and how the stupid dopey smile does not leave his face. 

They have a twin berth tucked at the very end of the car. Toushiro puts away their bag and Gintoki follows suit and unloads their food on the small table. The Sunrise Seto train is spacious, and the beds are rather nice and clean. With their tickets, they also got coupons for the showers. Toushiro and Gintoki are ready for their honeymoon.

The train leaves on time. They head for the showers and by the time they return to their coop, the train has left Edo city behind. Gintoki rubs the towel through his hair and watches the darkness rush by them. Toushiro plops down on the lower berth and stares at Gintoki. The more aggressively Gintoki dries his hair, the fluffier it gets. It is amusing to Toushiro.

They are still in the bathrobes they got complimentary with the room but Toushiro feels too lazy to move and get their pyjamas. He goes through the bag, looking for his comb. His hands brush against the paper bag and he pulls it up. 

Gintoki has been watching Toushiro, so he smiles, “Are we gonna wear that?”

Toushiro picks the velvet box and opens the lid. He pulls the rings out and gives the ring engraved with “Dearest Oogushi-kun” to Gintoki. He says, “Well, we should do it in the right way.”

Gintoki sits down beside Toushiro and the latter reaches for his hand. He gives Toushiro his left hand and Toushiro slips the ring marked with “Beloved Permhead” on his ring finger. Gintoki does the same for Toushiro. The rings are a perfect fit. He kisses the ring and Toushiro’s eyes glimmer. Toushiro kisses Gintoki’s palm and whispers, “My beloved permhead, I love you.”

Gintoki cups Toushiro’s face and smiles, “My dearest Oogushi-kun, I love you more.”

Toushiro rolls his eyes but he is smiling. “Is everything a competition for you?”

Gintoki laughs, “When it’s us, it always is? I can’t deal with being bested by you!”

Toushiro laughs and Gintoki can no longer help himself. He leans forward and captures Toushiro’s lips in a kiss. Toushiro does not dally and he moves his hand to cup the back of Gintoki’s head to press him closer to himself, to kiss him back with equal fervour. 

Gintoki shivers in Toushiro’s arms when the latter moves his lips. He traps Gintoki’s upper lip between his and harshly tugs at it. Gintoki gasps a little in pain and Toushiro pulls back for a second. There is a teasing smirk on his face and Gintoki feels affection radiating from his chest and filling up every nook of his being. His head buzzes and when Toushiro’s flushed, smug face mollifies into a fond expression, Gintoki’s breath catches. God, he is so beautiful and he’s all mine.

Toushiro licks his lips and his eyes dart down to Gintoki’s mouth. He shifts to sit on Gintoki’s thigh. He balances himself by placing both his hands on Gintoki’s shoulders, silently asking for more. And who is Gintoki to deny his husband anything? So, he puts his lips back on Toushiro again. Toushiro tilts his head, which lets Gintoki press more firmly, allowing him to feel every line on Toushiro’s plump lips. He licks over it, before nipping at it, sucking on it, and Toushiro positively makes a choking noise in the back of his throat. 

Their mouths fall open as their tongues slide against each other. Toushiro’s lower body starts moving on its own accord and he finds himself grinding down on Gintoki’s thigh. He feels Gintoki’s harsh grip on his waist, bunching the fabric and exposing his skin to the cooled air. 

Gintoki pulls back this time and mumbles, “Baby…” He rubs his thumb over Toushiro’s swollen lips and Toushiro moans. His face is tinted the most delicious shade of pink and his pupils are dilated. Gintoki sighs and he tilts his head to plant a kiss under Toushiro’s jawline, nuzzling into his skin, taking in the clean, musky scent of him. 

Gintoki slowly pushes Toushiro down and rubs his thigh between the apex of Toushiro’s thighs. Toushiro moans some more and his fingernails dig deeper into Gintoki’s shoulders. Gintoki attaches his mouth to Toushiro’s neck, sucking bruises into the honeyed skin. He pushes the opening of the robe aside and covers a perk pink nipple with his mouth.

Toushiro muffles a cry in the back of his hand and the hot lash of Gintoki’s tongue and subsequent tug of his teeth leaves him trembling. He slips his hands underneath Gintoki’s robe and groans when he feels the firm muscles twitch underneath his fingers. He pulls Gintoki up and licks a stripe up Gintoki’s neck before sinking his teeth into Gintoki’s thudding pulse. 

Gintoki groans and returns to kissing Toushiro’s mouth, sucking on his lower lip before slipping his tongue back in. Toushiro moans and he tries pulling Gintoki closer to him than he already is. Their hips meet and Toushiro shudders when he feels Gintoki’s erection nudging into his thigh. Gintoki knows what every tremble means, so he moves his hands from Toushiro’s waist to his ass, which he cups to push the lower parts of their bodies together. 

Toushiro breaks the kiss and his head falls back on the pillow with a low whimper. Gintoki cannot resist it and their lips crash in another open-mouthed kiss. Gintoki wants this man so much, wants Toushiro to feel all the pleasure in the world as well. He wants to take as much as he wants to give. Toushiro sets him aflame like nobody else. 

Toushiro turns his head to the side, his mouth falling open, his lungs protesting. Gintoki looks at him, his heart racing faster. Toushiro’s chest heaves and his blue eyes are wide with lust. Gintoki peels the robe off Toushiro’s body and tosses it away. Though scarred, Toushiro’s skin is still soft as silk and so warm, so supple blotched with spots of pink. Gintoki is still in awe. 

Toushiro bites his lip and asks, “What are you looking at?”

Gintoki kisses along the delicate collarbones and replies, “You.”

Toushiro runs his fingers through Gintoki’s hair and whispers, “Me?”

Gintoki pushes himself on his elbow and smiles, “I can’t believe we’re married.” He kisses Toushiro’s nose and watches it scrunch adorably. “You got Edo’s most popular bachelor to commit matrimony. What will all the single ladies say?”

Toushiro scoffs, “They can go cry. Edo’s most popular bachelor is all mine.”

Gintoki’s heart skips several beats and he chastely presses his lips against Toushiro’s, mumbling, “All yours, as long as you’ll have me.”

Toushiro suddenly feels his chest tightening and his eyes burning with unshed tears. There goes Gintoki again—ready for Toushiro to leave him at a moment’s notice. He cups Gintoki’s face and holds his intense crimson gaze steadily as he says, “Then, strap in for a long ass ride. I’m not going anywhere and I’m not letting you go either, you dumbass, I love you more for sure.”

Gintoki laughs but he tucks his head back on Toushiro’s chest to hide his teary eyes. He cannot believe he deserves this, deserves Toushiro who can do so much better than him. Of all the people who would have thrown themselves at Toushiro, Gintoki is the one he wants. It is nothing short of a miracle.  

Toushiro does not let him stew in his thoughts and jerks his knee, which makes their cocks brush against each other. It brings Gintoki out and he jumps back. He quickly takes his robe off and splays his hand on Toushiro’s thudding heart. He smiles, “I love you but,” the smile becomes sharper, “God, I wanna wreck you so badly right now.”

Toushiro swallows; he knows that look. Remember when he said how focused Gintoki can become when his base desire overtakes everything else? His eyes smoulder and his wicked hands know how to play Toushiro just like an instrument to make the right sounds. And Toushiro? He cannot help but relinquish his control every time. He knows he will be okay. 

Gintoki wraps one hand around Toushiro’s cock and makes a tight ring with his forefinger and thumb, stroking it to full hardness, making Toushiro gasp. But he does not want to fall behind (they are still competitive, after all), so he wraps his fingers around Gintoki’s length and strokes him. Gintoki moans, “Fuck, where’s the lube?”

Toushiro swallows the saliva pooling in his mouth and says, “Front pocket.”

Gintoki grabs the bag and finds the lube right where Toushiro kept it. He grabs the bottle and coats his fingers generously. He kisses Toushiro again and lightly traces the latter’s rim. Gintoki slips in one finger, and then two, opening him up. Gintoki crooks his fingers inside him and Toushiro sees stars behind his eyelids. When Gintoki finds Toushiro’s prostate, rubs it, and Toushiro cries and arches off the bed. Toushiro feels each drag in and out of him and his legs quake, his stomach caves as wanton moans fill the coop. 

Heat like molten lava runs under his skin and when he finds Gintoki looking at him, his gaze piercing, Toushiro whimpers, pleading with his eyes. Gintoki presses light, fluttering kisses all over Toushiro’s face as he adds another finger, pumping them, driving Toushiro a touch more insane. He grabs Gintoki’s nape and his voice strains when he says, “Please, god, get inside me.”

Gintoki smirks but he listens. He removes his fingers and Toushiro sobs at the loss but he knows something better is coming. Gintoki slips his fingers through Toushiro’s and brings their joined hands near Toushiro’s head. He commands, “Wrap your legs around my waist.” Toushiro heeds and locks his ankles behind his back. Then, with the silver-haired man’s crimson eyes boring holes into him, Gintoki enters him, slowly. Toushiro gasps, suddenly breathless as every inch breaches him. 

Gintoki buries his face in Toushiro’s neck as the latter heaves, trying to remember how to breathe. Gintoki wants to move, wants to completely start ploughing into Toushiro but he knows he has to let Toushiro adjust first. 

Gintoki nudges into Toushiro’s shoulder, leaving butterfly kisses on his shoulder. Finally, he hears Toushiro saying, “Move.”

Gintoki begins moving, slowly pulling out before thrusting back in. The pace is steady but deliberate, each drag leaving Toushiro feeling like his entire body has been lit aflame. Gintoki keeps kissing him all over his chest. Toushiro knows he is doing that to distract him because they both know that even after all this time and marathon rounds of sex, the first round is always slightly painful due to Gintoki’s girth alone. Toushiro’s heart sings at Gintoki’s attention and gentleness. 

Gintoki takes from Toushiro as much as he gives, and Toushiro knows he is probably moaning too loudly, but he cannot bring himself to care. Even if the train was not as empty as it was tonight, he could not bring himself to care. Sweat covers them both, making their skin slide against each other and the room echoes with the sounds of their passion. Gintoki likes how it is always intense, their connection is always like an inferno threatening to reduce them to ashes. Toushiro is so tight around him, sucks him in so well. Gintoki feels it coiling in his abdomen, he knows he cannot last much longer.

Gintoki keeps one leg around his waist and pushes the other down on the bed. Thank god the train moves with zero jerkings, so he can risk this without them falling off the bed. And then, he grinds into Toushiro, who cries out loud, Gintoki’s name like a chant on his lips. Gintoki gasps, “Fuck, fuck Toushiro I’m close…”

Toushiro knows so is he; when Gintoki started grinding, he hit the spot so well that his mouth parted and there was drool running down his chin. He is ready, so close, he whispers, “Me too, Gin…”

Gintoki nods as he wraps a hand around Toushiro’s cock, leaking with precum. He tugs, once, twice, maybe again and Toushiro comes with the most beautiful cry ever. Gintoki needs to see, so he raises himself up and watches Toushiro spurting cum all over his hand and his own chest with his eyes tightly shut and his mouth open, his lower lip swollen and slicked with saliva, and Gintoki has never seen anything so sublime.

Toushiro slowly opens his eyes and his body goes lax. He pulls Gintoki over himself and urges him, “Come on, my love.” With that, Toushiro tightens his legs some more, taking Gintoki in deeper and clenching around the other’s throbbing length as hard as he can. Gintoki grunts as he choppily thrusts in a few times before reaching his climax and filling Toushiro up.

Toushiro inhales when Gintoki’s seed fills up and he shivers a little. Gintoki finds Toushiro’s mouth again and they kiss slowly, tenderly as they try to get down from their highs. They break for air and Gintoki gazes at him, his eyes shining with an emotion that makes Toushiro smile, all sleepy and content. 

Gintoki pulls out and grabs a discarded robe to clean themselves up. Toushiro pulls him down over him when they are clean enough. Gintoki chuckles, “Why did we even buy two seats?”

Toushiro smiles, “Why? Did you want an audience?”

Gintoki raises an eyebrow, “My, my, are you into that fukucho?”

Toushiro kneads his knuckles into Gintoki’s temple and huffs, “Shut up.”

Gintoki does shut up and pulls the blanket over their bodies. It is a tight fit but it is not unmanageable. He noses into the hair on Toushiro’s neck and says, “Hah, that was our first night as a married couple.”

Toushiro switches off the light and says, “And in a train too.”

“Thank god this train runs like butter. Imagine falling off and explaining those injuries then.”

Toushiro laughs; Gintoki puts his arm around him. The train passes through a station and the lights fall on the silver ring on his hand. Toushiro looks down at it and elation expands his heart. He puts his own left hand over it and closes his eyes. 

The next morning, two letters await—one at the table in the Yorozuya house and the other at the Shinsengumi barracks.

The first is opened by Shinpachi, and it reads:

Patsuan,

If you find this, I just want to let you know I won’t be home till Saturday. I’m on my honeymoon. 

Yeah, your former Hijikata-san and I got married. 

Feed the dog.

Gintoki

Shinpachi reads and re-reads the sparse letter and his eyes nearly fall out of their socket and he forgets to pick his jaw up from the floor. He screams, “What!” And then, he rushes downstairs to the bar.

Catherine and Otose were smoking outside and when Shinpachi shoves the letter in their faces, Otose’s lighter drops from her hands and Catherine’s cigarette falls out of her lips and almost burns her kimono.

The second letter is opened by Kondou Isao, and it reads:

Dear Kondou-san,

Sorry for this last-minute leave appeal but I won’t be available till this Saturday. I’m going out of Edo and it’s a very special occasion. 

Gintoki and I got married today but you will probably read this next morning. We’re going off for our honeymoon. I know you would be happy for me. You were the one who told me that I should listen to what my heart says more often.

Please take care of the Shinsengumi and yourself. Make sure Sougo does his work and Yamazaki doesn’t sneak off to play badminton.

Love,

Sakata Toushiro

Kondou reads and re-reads the letter and then he promptly faints. Sougo and Yamazaki find their commander like that, sprawled on the floor, ass up with a piece of paper in his hand. Yamazaki and Sougo read it. Yamazaki just gapes, his brain overheating trying to understand what he read. Sougo calmly comments, “If I say “Sakata-san die!”, it will cause some confusion now, won’t it? I guess I’ll try “Fukucho die!” instead?” He crosses his arms and clicks his tongue, “This is such short notice.”

Gintoki is the first to wake. The train is moving still, the coop now washed with sunlight. Toushiro is still in his arms, fast asleep and Gintoki smiles. It is not often that he wakes up before early bird Hijikata Toushiro.

...No, he is Sakata Toushiro now. Gintoki’s heart thuds and he hides his grin in those dark silky tresses. He remembers Toushiro’s reasons for doing it yesterday and his whole body is warm, happy. He realises he might know why Toushiro made that decision. It was a night a year ago...

Gintoki is not quite drunk yet, but he likes leaning into Toushiro, who is quietly smoking, his eyes focused on the other side of the river bank. Empty cans of beer are strewn behind them. They were discussing a recent case. Toushiro was terribly busy, so Gintoki hardly saw him for two whole weeks. That is why when he heard from Sougo that the case was closed and the murderer had been caught, Gintoki walked into Shinsengumi and simply lifted Toushiro off his feet and got him out here by the riverside.

It is Toushiro who breaks the silence first, “Did you know Sakata is a very common surname in Japan?” Gintoki nods and Toushiro feels the movement on his shoulder. He continues, “I was wondering if you’re indeed Sakata Gintoki.”

Gintoki straightens up and blinks in confusion. He points at himself and asks, “Huh, who am I then?”

Toushiro scoffs, “I’m not giving you an existential crisis here. What I mean, your name, didn’t your sensei give it to you? And it is kind of an obvious name.” He touches Gintoki’s head, “Silver hair—Gin.” Then his hand moves to rest over Gintoki’s heart, “Hope or time—toki. And Sakata is a common last name.”  

Gintoki did wonder once, a long time ago, who he truly was. He has no memory of his life before Yoshida Shoyo found him. He shrugs, “It’s a good name.”

Toushiro nudges his shoulder into Gintoki and smiles, “I never said it’s a bad name. It suits you very well.” He teases some of the silver curls and asks, “Did you never try to learn?”

Gintoki shakes his head, “No.” He lies down on the grass and sighs, “My family most probably is dead. Or else how do you explain a kid running around in battlefields?”

“So, it’s just you, the one Sakata.”

Gintoki grins, “The one and only.”

Toushiro lies down beside him and mumbles, “Hmm, it’s just you.”

Gintoki tightens his arm around Toushiro and drops kisses on the latter’s shoulder. He did not think he would ever be capable of loving someone so deeply, so profoundly. He knows love, he loves his friends and kids, but this kind of love, the romantic, all-encompassing one where your chest hurts and you only want them. You only want to be close to them, hold them, cherish them, do anything for their smile. And to know Toushiro does the same makes Gintoki think being lucky must feel like this.

Toushiro slowly wakes and Gintoki whispers, “Morning.”

Toushiro stretches his legs and turns to lie on his back, scrunching his face as he says, “Morning...I can’t move my legs.”

“Did Gin-san fuck you so good?”

Toushiro sees the obnoxious wink and eyebrow wriggle and promptly pulls Gintoki’s ear. “Go sleep on the top bunk, you idiot.”

Gintoki pouts but he does not push it. Thing is, he wants to stretch out and sleep as well. So, he slides out of the lower bunk. He pulls on his boxers and climbs to the top bunk. He asks, “When do we get to Takamatsu?”

Toushiro picks up the information card on the table and answers, “In another three hours.”

“Alright, I’m gonna nap. Just wake me up.”

Toushiro hums and closes his eyes next. Gintoki hangs over the edge for some time, watching Toushiro’s breath evening out as he falls asleep. His eyes next land on Toushiro’s left hand, which rests on his belly and Gintoki smiles. That is his husband, indeed.

Takamatsu is the capital of Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa, and it is located on Shikoku island. It is a castle town and the Tokugawa Shogun has relatives here. They have not made an itinerary as such, but Toushiro wants to visit one of the nearby islands, so they decide to spend a night here and do some sightseeing during the day. 

They select a hotel close to the station, change into a new set of clothes and head out. The first stop is the famous Ritsurin Park, which is considered this country’s finest garden. And it is rightfully so—Gintoki and Toushiro are stunned by the lush green all around them. Some of the trees have already begun turning red and yellow, so it is a treat to the eyes. 

They walk around, hand in hand. The park is a little crowded but it is alright, it does not stop Gintoki from forcing Toushiro to take pictures of him posing ridiculously. Gintoki sits on a bush shaped like a cat and Toushiro is embarrassed when a couple of kids point at them. He also makes a baby cry, scares another because the baby had a lollipop in hand and Gintoki suddenly wanted one too. Toushiro is very close to leaving him here and going to explore the rest of the garden alone. But that is the fool he married.    

They are walking on a bridge when Toushiro finally checks the message notifications on his phone. Gintoki eyes the device and says, “That’s why I haven’t turned on my phone yet.”

Toushiro scrolls through it all but he does not open any. He knows what they will be saying. He shakes his head and smiles, “I’m not gonna read them anyway. We’ll be facing them when we return.”

Gintoki stops and puts his elbows on the railing and chuckles, “Kagura will be the maddest.”

Toushiro joins him and scratches his neck. “What if we get her enough souvenirs?”

“You want to buy her peace? Tch, are you into bribing now, oni no fukucho?”

Toushiro raps his knuckles into Gintoki’s temple and frowns, “Shut up. When she beats you up, I’ll not help you.”

“You’d let your husband die an untimely death?” Gintoki sniffs and widens his eyes, “That too at the hands of a Yato?”

Toushiro cups Gintoki’s face and pouts, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the Yorozuya lives on.”

Gintoki narrows his eyes but he wants to kiss that pout, but before he can lean in, someone says, “Hijikata-san?”

Toushiro looks to his side and gasps, “Matsudaira-san?”

Gintokii frowns; she looks familiar. She is that old man’s kid, isn’t she? She says, “It’s so surprising to see you here!”

Toushiro bows back, “I can say the same.” 

She giggles, “I have family here, so I often visit.” She looks at Gintoki and asks, “Are you here for work, Hijikata-san?”

Toushiro shakes his head and laughs, “No, Matsudaira-san, I’m here for my honeymoon.” He pulls Gintoki to his side and says, “This is my husband, Sakata Gintoki.” 

Gintoki nods and bows, “Nice to meet you.”

Kuriko’s eyes go wide. She thinks back on the date she had with Hiijikata and the absurd stunt he pulled to get rid of her (yeah, she figured that out after some days). She was young back then and she knows she was much at fault as well. She grabs Toushiro’s hand and shakes it, beaming, “Oh! Congratulations!”

Toushiro blushes, “Thank you, Matsudaira-san.”

“Oh, this is my fiance, Kento Satoru” Kuriko giggles, “I’m getting married soon as well.” She covers her mouth, “Well, at least now I know I need to send an extra invitation!”

She makes some small talk but soon leaves them. When they are gone, Gintoki punches his palm with his fist, “Ah, she was that girl who believed the Mayora-sama shit!”

Toushiro chuckles, “That’s how you remember her?” He shakes his head. “I can’t believe I listened to your insane idea that day. Or that it worked.”

Gintoki throws an arm around Toushiro’s shoulder and grins, “You know, I had another plan that day.”

They start walking again and Toushiro raises an eyebrow, “Oh?”

Gintoki says, “Yup. I was ready to ask you to fake date me for a day. You know, show her you’re taken.”

Toushiro blinks at Gintoki, mouth open. “And I would have killed you if you had done that.”

“Back then, yes.” Gintoki leans closer and smirks, “But I get to do more than fake date you now, don’t I?”

Toushiro feels his face heating up. He lightly swats at Gintoki’s chest. “Are, aren’t you hungry? Let’s get lunch.”

They find this mom-and-pop joint close to the park. They sit at the counter and Gintoki manages to chat up the owner. When the sweet old lady learns they are married and that too recently, she smiles, “Oh my, congratulations my dears! You two make such a nice couple.” Gintoki only grins wider and Toushiro blushes. The lady even gives them a small bottle of sake on the house, saying it is the least she could do as their “wedding gift”. When she turns around, Gintoki whispers, “Say, I would’ve married you sooner if it meant getting stuff for free.”  

Toushiro simply elbows Gintoki in response.

The food is great, even Toushiro refrains from drowning his oyster miso soup in mayonnaise. But Gintoki orders a potato salad for him anyway, so his mayo cravings are satisfied. When the lady returns to ask them about the food, she asks where they plan to go from here. When Gintoki says they do not have much of a plan, she suggests, “You can head to Ogijima, if you like. A ferry leaves every morning, noon and evening. It’s a beautiful place.”

They take her recommendation and thank her for the meal. The rest of the day, they walk around the city and try some of the bakeries. Toushiro finds himself smiling every time Gintoki enjoys whatever he gets. Even though he is not that fond of sweet things, he does like this red bean and matcha cookie Gintoki gets. The other strawberry, chocolate and pistachio abomination he gets is horrible though. 

Dinner is at this quaint little udon place. By the time the day ends for them in their hotel room, Toushiro cannot help but think it was a good idea to leave Edo for a while. Not just for honeymoon purposes, but it is just nice to be with Gintoki here, despite how much he manages to give him secondhand embarrassment. 

Gintoki is in the shower and Toushiro is on the bed, already showered and in his mayo-printed pyjamas scrolling through the gallery on his phone. He likes the selfie they took under a ginkgo tree, so he makes that his wallpaper. He feels the bed dip beside him, followed by a pair of lips on his temple. Gintoki notices the wallpaper and mumbles, “You know, I’m happy we took this trip, no matter how last minute.”

They do think alike, don’t they? Toushiro turns and smiles, “I was thinking the same. When was the last time it was just you and me?”

Gintoki scrunches his face and tries to think. It is difficult. With the many people in their lives, it is sometimes troublesome to carve moments out of their time where it can just be them. Sure, they live together and share a bed, it is not the same when they go outside—they will run into someone they know. Gintoki chuckles, “Does that trip to the onsen last year count?”

Toushiro rolls his eyes, “That onsen trip was a scam, a setup. Otose-san knew what she was doing, saying it would be free and all. And in reality, her friend needed help with his brothers who were threatening him.”

Gintoki laughs, “Well, it was still fun to have the whole place to ourselves.”

Toushiro snorts, “You just wanted the onsen for yourself.” Gintoki wriggles his eyebrows again. Toushiro is quick to react, knowing very well his husband is going to say something lewd. He remembers all the sex they had too well . He pulls Gintoki’s ear and says, “Shut up, don’t say another word.” He lies on his side again and says, “We have an early start, so sleep.”

Gintoki chuckles again but listens. With his arms securely around Toushiro, he lays his head on the pillow and closes his eyes.

Matsudaira Katakuriko only has two passions in his life after retirement: one, is to be a complete menace to Imai Nobume, and the other is to make sure his sweet little girl is alright and convince her to not marry that Kento guy. 

He calls her every night and his daughter picks it up every time with a tired, bored voice, just like tonight. “Hello, dad. No, I don’t care, I’m marrying Satoru.”

Katakuriko gasps, “But Kuriko—”

“No, I don’t care that you don’t think he’s not right for me. You think no one is, and I cannot bring myself to care.”

“Kuriko—”

“No, dad, our babies will be perfect to me, I don’t care about his massive ears.”

“Kuri—”

“No, dad, we will not stay in Edo with you, we’re going to live in Osaka no matter what you say.” Katakuriko sighs and mumbles incoherently under his breath. Kuriko smiles a little and then she recalls, “Oh, dad? I saw Hijikata-san today.”

“In Takamatsu?”

“Yes, he’s here on his honeymoon.”

“HIS WHAT? HE’S MARRIED? WHEN? WHO?”

Kuriko moves the phone away from her and frowns at her father’s response. She puts the device back on her ear and adds, “Yeah, he’s here with his husband, Sakata Gintoki. Since it’s their honeymoon, I bet they got married recently.”

Katakuriko is shocked, completely taken aback. He thought Hijikata Toushiro is a cherry boy who is not interested in relationships, sex, women or men. And now he is married? How is that even possible? And who is this Sakata? Is it that silver-haired clown Kondou hangs out with?

Looks like he needs to visit Shinsengumi soon.

Ogijima is basically a set of mountains peeking out of the Seto Inland sea. It is a tiny island with only one village. The ferry ride from Takamatsu takes forty minutes and the pace is leisurely. The sky and the sea merge in stunning cerulean as far as the eye can see. 

The ferry docks at a diminutive ferry terminal. Gintoki, like usual, chatted up a local on the ferry with them and the kind man informed them about a small bed and breakfast five minutes away from the terminal. Since the village only has about two hundred inhabitants, the man says he knows the owner well and she will gladly let them a room. 

The man is proven correct when they find the house. Bright yellow flowers cover the front gate and as Gintoki opens the wooden gate to the house, he shouts, “Hello! Hello!”

Toushiro clicks his tongue, “Don’t shout like that!”

A woman appears, and wiping her hand on the apron around her waist, she bows, “Welcome, welcome. You two need a room?”

Toushiro steps forward, bowing, “Yes ma’am. We need a room for two nights.”

She grins, “Sure, sure, this way.”

The place is modest and clean. They walk into the house and the lady takes them to the very back of the house. She opens the shoji to a moderately-sized room. The window in the room looks into the harbour, so the view truly takes Gintoki and Toushiro’s breath away. Gintoki says, “Oh, this is perfect.”

The woman giggles, “This is one of our best rooms.” Toushiro puts down the bag and she continues, “Baths are down that way and we’re still serving breakfast, so please do join us.”

She leaves them and they quickly freshen up. Gintoki is famished, even Toushiro is not faring any better. When they scent the aroma of eggs frying, they both drool a little. In the eating room, they find three other guests: two women and one man. As they take their seats, a round of introductions follows and conversation kicks up.

There is another couple and the other woman is a student. The woman in the couple, Mai, asks, “Are you two here for the festival too?”

Toushiro frowns, “Festival?”

The student, Misaki, answers, “Yeah, the annual festival here at the Toyotama-hime Shrine. Married couples, affianced couples or even couples just dating come here for this festival to ring the bell.”

Gintoki leans forward, asking, “Ring the bell?”

The other half of the couple, Kuojo, explains, “They say the couple whose bell rings the loudest gets the sign from the local god, who knows which couple will last the longest.”

Gintoki and Toushiro share a glance. Gintoki chuckles, “What a coincidence, indeed. We’re here on our honeymoon.”

Misaki grins, “Ah, you’re here at the right time, indeed!”

Everyone congratulates them again. They learn Kuojo and Mai recently got engaged and live in Osaka. Misaki says she is here to do research on island festivals for her dissertation as a folklore and mythology student. As breakfast gets served, Mai and Kuojo share their story, how they met at his workplace. When Mai asks Gintoki and Toushiro how they met, Toushiro chokes on his miso soup and Gintoki starts guffawing out loud. 

Misaki smirks, “Bet you two have quite the tale, eh?”

Gintoki points at Toushiro, “Ever heard of the Shinsengumi?” When the other three nod their heads, Gintoki grins, “This is their vice commander.”

Kuojo widens his eyes, “Oh wow, I read about you guys in the paper all the time.” He smiles, “We know how you saved all of Japan.”

Toushiro drinks some water and says, “It wasn’t me alone, this guy here helped as well.”

Misaki grins, “So you two fell for each other while saving the world? Now that’s romantic.”

Mai agrees, “So much more romantic than ours for sure!”

Gintoki winks at Toushiro, who furiously blushes. They both think, “ If they only knew .”

Kondou Isao is still reeling from the news and it has been a day. Everyone in the barracks now knows their vice commander is married. While his relationship with the Yorozuya boss was not a secret, the very fact that they got married is strange to digest. But even stranger to accept is the fact that they eloped . 

Kagura returned this morning and the news had her stomping into the Shinsengumi compound, demanding explanations. She rightfully shouted, "BET THEY DID THIS SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO THROW A PROPER WEDDING AND FEED US! MY WEDDING EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN RUINED!" 

It was Sougo who dragged her out of the compound, letting her know they do not know any better either. 

However, the day was only going to get worse because Kondou is jolted from his own sadness (how dare Toushiro deprive him of the joy of planning his wedding? Are they not best buddies? Are they not sworn brothers? Kondou could weep and fill a whole reservoir with his tears. Not even Otae telling him she is a lesbian hurt him this much) by the sounds of gunshots. He rushes outside and finds Totsan rampaging. The old man shouts, "Who let the cherry boy vice commander marry?"

Sougo calmly replies, "I can assure you he's no cherry boy. You haven't seen him on his walk of shame. The danna must be quite ruthless, Hiji—I mean Sakata-san could hardly walk straight. Not that he is very straight to begin with—"

"Wait!" Matsudaira interrupts, "Why are you calling him Sakata-san?"

Sougo widens his eyes, "Ah, he changed his surname, you see. Oh my, Kondou-san, you look very pale—oh, he fainted again."

Matsudaira jerks a thumb at him, "What's with him?"

Sougo shrugs, "He couldn't be best man, you see."

"Damn, I thought it'd be Kondou pulling a stunt like that."

"Oh, don't you know his one true love turned out to be gay and married her childhood friend."

Matsudaira only crooks one bushy eyebrow in response. These characters are still mad as ever. 

The first day passes by visiting the lighthouse, checking the art museum and playing by the beach. Gintoki and Toushiro were not alone, Mai, Kuojo and Misaki joined them too, and it was nice to have their company. It drizzles a little at night and the sound of the rain hitting the roof wakes Toushiro up. He grabs the discarded yukata and wraps it loosely around himself. He is worried the rain might blow into the room, so he walks up to the window. When he is near the window, he realises it is not raining that hard, so he keeps it open. 

The night sky is cloudy and Toushiro misses the stars. He grabs the ashtray and lights a cigarette before sitting down by the window, elbows on the ledge. He puts his hand out and the rain kisses his skin. The sea is calm, not at all bothered, so Toushiro hopes they get a sunny day tomorrow. 

Gintoki is awoken by the scent of nicotine. He opens his eyes and finds his husband sitting by the window, smoking. The yukata he wears is slipping off his shoulders and the smoke curling around him makes him look like a phantasm Gintoki is experiencing. He leaves the futon and crawls towards Toushiro, not bothering to put his clothes on. He sits behind Toushiro and wraps his arms around him. 

Toushiro leans back, putting his head on Gintoki’s shoulder. He smokes and Gintoki watches the rain. Their silences are always shared, they have always found comfort in it. The only sounds right now are the rain, a cat yowling somewhere and their breathing. It is personal, intimate. Toushiro finishes his cigarette and puts it in the ashtray. He turns his head and nuzzles into Gintoki’s neck.  

Gintoki grabs Toushiro’s chin and covers Toushiro’s mouth with his. Toushiro easily parts his lips, allowing Gintoki in. The way they crave each other is something so novel to both of them still. It is how Gintoki wants the other so deeply, it is how Toushiro wants Gintoki’s hands all over him all the time but will never say it out loud. Gintoki likes rendering Toushiro helpless to his own desire. Toushire does not mind being reduced to his most helpless need with Gintoki, so he parts his mouth, lets Gintoki lick into his mouth, lets his hand slip under the yukata and find his skin.

Toushiro can be so responsive and he is not even entirely aware of it. His skin shudders under Gintoki’s touch, his nipples perk up when Gintoki rakes his fingernail over it. And when he finds his cock under the fabric, Gintoki strokes him to hardness in mere moments. The answering moan to Gintoki’s firm strokes hits him right in his loins, making the blood rush south. He groans, “Get on your knees.” Toushiro heeds, even though he is in a daze from the kiss and there is drool running down his chin. Gintoki checks with two fingers knuckle-deep inside Toushiro and he is relieved to find him still very loose and wet. Gintoki asks, “Think you can take me?”

“Put some lube on your dick first,” Toushiro mutters.

Gintoki leans back and the lube is right by the futon, so he grabs the bottle and generously slicks himself up. Then, he kneels behind Toushiro and with his hands on Toushiro’s hips, pulls him down on his cock. Toushiro’s long, drawn-out moan worries Gintoki for a moment but then when Toushiro makes slow, grinding movements with his hips, Gintoki sighs in relief. 

Toushiro rides him and Gintoki muffles his own lustful moans by attaching his mouth to Toushiro’s shoulder. Toushiro grabs onto the ledge for leverage and his thighs quake every time it meets Gintoki’s thighs. The friction is mindblowing and the way Gintoki’s cock curves right up against Toushiro’s prostate makes him see stars behind his eyes. At some point, Gintoki grabs his waist and rams himself up into Toushiro, who can only moan in response. Toushiro’s head droops against the ledge and the mist from the rain lands on his face. He peers through his bangs and sees how Gintoki’s face shines with sweat, his silver curls sticking to his forehead, his arms straining to hold Toushiro up, the muscles flexing and the veins popping. It makes Toushiro moan some more, knowing how Gintoki's body demands his pleasure, shamelessly takes it from him every time.

Gintoki feels eyes on him, so he catches Toushiro’s fucked-out gaze and he parts his lips, licking them. He winds a hand around Toushiro’s front and pulls him up. He keeps a hand on the base of Toushiro’s neck and he puts the other on his leaking cock, not ceasing the snapping of his hips for even a second. The double assault on his body is too much and Toushiro does not last too long. He curves over again and releases into Gintoki’s hand.

Gintoki follows soon and with a few sloppy thrusts, he spills inside Toushiro. He falls back on his ass with their bodies still connected. Toushiro tries to catch his breath and Gintoki pants into Toushiro’s nape. 

Toushiro suddenly chuckles, “The futon was right here.”

Gintoki laughs along, “I’m usually not thinking with my brain around you, you know?”

Toushiro snorts, “You’re insatiable.”

“ You make me insatiable.”

The words are said in a whisper, filled with longing and love. Toushiro thinks that that does not need a comeback, so he just leans into Gintoki and shuts his eyes with a small smile on his face.

The festival begins right after sundown. The whole village is lit up with colourful lanterns. From the vantage point of the window, Toushiro can see the lanterns all the way to the beach. The boardwalk has some stalls set up and the general celebratory feel is infectious because Toushiro feels it too; he is eager to see what all the excitement is all about. He adjusts the obi and pats down his black yukata, which has printed gold geometric designs on the sleeves and hem. He is thanking his stars that he packed the dressier yukata for the trip. 

The doors slide open behind him and Gintoki steps in, dressed in a cobalt blue yukata with swirly designs painted in white. Toushiro cannot help but admire how well the blue suits him. Gintoki probably reads his mind because he puts one hand on his hip and the other on the back of his head, and smirks, "Yes, I know, I'm too good-looking, so hard to look away."

Toushiro bites down his lip and shuts his eyes. He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs, "I can't believe I married a clown like you."

Gintoki wags his finger, "Too late. You can't return me even with the receipt."

Toushiro frowns, "Receipt?" Then Gintoki's grin widens and Toushiro gets it. "Our marriage certificate is not a receipt."

"It kind of is, isn't it?" Gintoki closes in and wraps his arms around Toushiro. He kisses the other man's neck and says, "It's proof of the fact that you're mine and I'm yours forever."

Toushiro's breath quickens and he has nowhere to hide his warm face. He tries to push at Gintoki's chest but he puts no muscle behind it. He tugs at Gintoki's ear lightly and whispers, "Why are you so cheesy?"

Gintoki probably has an inane answer ready but there is a knock on the door and Misaki calls, "Sakata-san, we're ready to go!"

A few moments later, they follow the crowd going uphill to the shrine. Couples of all ages are out on the streets, so are children and large groups of friends heading towards the shrine. Everyone is dressed in their best clothes. 

The old Torri has been eaten away by the salty air over the centuries but it is still majestic and makes the transition from the mundane to the sacred feel genuine. The decorations are subdued here, mostly in soft yellow lamps and the shimewana has several papercut talismans hanging over their heads. The trees along the steep rise are also dotted with small white lanterns.

Misaki quietly remarks, "Feels like a fairyland, no?"

Mai nods, "I'm so excited to see what waits for us at the top."

Gintoki asks, "Do you know what this sign means?"

Misaki frowns, "I think it must be a flagpole of some sorts. My informant wasn't very clear either."

The shrine is situated at the highest peak. One can see the whole town, the surrounding mountains and the sea from the main courtyard. They stop for a moment to take pictures before continuing.

Mountains rise behind the shrine and it is nestled prettily between thickets of trees. Most people enter the main building for blessings and others head towards the bell ringing ceremony. Some couples have already lined up. Toushiro and Gintoki decide to go after Mai and Kuojo. They watch the procession, which is just people in pairs using this big wooden stick to ring this ancient copper bell. If the sound they make is loud enough for the goddess to hear, the flag on the cedar tree nearby will wave twice. 

Toushiro whispers to Gintoki, "I bet there's just some extremely complicated physics involved in this."

Gintoki nods, "But I suppose it's still fun." He digs his nose and comments, "I mean, if your relationship lasts fifty years even without the goddess hearing, you can come back here and flip her off."

Toushiro frowns and shakes his head in exasperation. He slaps at the hand Gintoki is using to pick his nose and hisses, "Behave!"

Some twenty or more minutes later, it is finally Mai and Kuojo's turn. They ring the bell and the flag waves twice. Misaki cheers for them from the side, even Toushiro and Gintoki cheer them on. Finally, it is their turn. 

Toushiro is kind of certain he knows how this is working. The reverberations from the bell are probably reaching the tree, which is causing small vibrations, thus, the flag wave. And since he and Gintoki are samurais, he knows they will not fail in the strength department. He expects the flag to move more than twice. 

So, when they grab the stick and ring the bell, it toils thunderously and the flag waves like crazy. However, when the flag waves, two butterflies appear out of nowhere and dance around them. One lands on Gintoki's unruly nest of curls and the other lands on Toushiro's shoulder. The old man overseeing the ceremony gasps out loud, "Oh my, this is auspicious indeed!"

The butterflies fly away and Toushiro looks at the man with much confusion. Gintoki nonchalantly asks, "Why? You don't get butterflies around here?"

Misaki laughs, "Two butterflies dancing symbolise marital happiness! This is a sign of a long, blissful marriage Sakata-san."

Gintoki and Toushiro share a glance and quickly look away, both with red faces. Mai teases, "Aw, look how shy they're getting!"

Gintoki deadpans, "Mai-san, you're a hundred years too early to call me shy." He puffs his chest, "I'm the boldest samurai out there, okay?"

Mai only dissolves into peals of laughter. Misaki and Kuojo join her too, but they are better at hiding it behind their hands. Toushiro rolls his eyes and inhales, "Alright, enough, I'm hungry."

They go downhill and walk towards the beach. It is already thick with people, but they get to enjoy the snacks at the various stalls by the seaside. Gintoki is munching on a dango stick when the first fireworks begin. 

They find a secluded corner between two rocky outcrops on the beach and sit down. Everyone selects a comfortable enough rock, the couples pairing up and Misaki sitting on her own. 

Gintoki finishes his dango and watches the sky light up in brilliant golds and pinks. He looks at Toushiro and the same warmth expands from his chest and fills his whole body as he admires that beautiful side profile. He might have tried to brush it off as mere coincidence but it does make him happy deep down that those butterflies appeared. He is not much of a superstitious man, but it feels good to have such an abstract affirmation of their love.

Toushiro looks at Gintoki and the raw love in his red eyes takes his breath away. Toushiro understands he is thinking of what happened at the shrine. He was thinking of it too. He did not specifically need divine evidence of his feelings but it still makes his heart expand with hope and joy. He says nothing and laces their fingers together. He chastely presses his lips against the corner of Gintoki's lips and smiles. Gintoki smiles back; then he puts his head on Toushiro's shoulder. 

On the return journey, the dread and the magnitude of their decision finally dawns on them. No, they do not regret marrying or the whirlwind honeymoon. They are scared to face their friends.

Toushiro rests his head on Gintoki's shoulder and groans, "Damn, Imai-san will be notified of my surname change."

Gintoki adds, "Kagura will kill us."

"Shinpachi will just radiate enormous amounts of disappointment and not say a word."

"Otae will smash our heads."

"Kondou-san is probably crying."

"Otose and Catherine are probably laughing."

"Sougo is probably stressed about addressing his death threats now. I'm Sakata now and you're Sakata too."

"Sarutobi might get dramatic."

Toushiro frowns, "If I see your former stalker anywhere, I'm arresting her."

"Please." He pinches Toushiro's cheeks and grins, "You're adorable when you get all possessive."

Toushiro juts his lower lip out, "Can't help it. You're literally surrounded by people who had crushes or still actively like you. You're such a damned Libra, I swear."

Gintoki laughs; he knows how insecure Toushiro was in the early days of their relationship. He was constantly worried that Gintoki will leave him for someone else. Toushiro is better about this now and he is not grave about it like before. Gintoki has proven to him he is not going anywhere. Right now, he wraps his arms tighter around Toushiro and kisses the top of his head, "I love you and only you. If I'm still wanting to kiss you senseless after watching you eat parfaits with mayonnaise, I'm not leaving."

Toushiro looks up and sends his best death glare. "You think sleeping beside the man who wears the most cartoonish boxers he can find is fun? My love for mayonnaise is nothing compared to how much you love sweets either."

"Aw, I thought you appreciated me for what's inside. Like what's under my bo—" Gintoki sees the hand coming for his neck and he quickly acts, pushing Toushiro on his back and hovers over him, smirking, "Don't even deny it, Toshi baby."

Toushiro does not know what he should be feeling or doing now. He is mortified but he secretly likes the nickname. He should be punching Gintoki's smug look away but he also wants to kiss him. He grumbles, "Shut the fuck up."

Gintoki just laughs and covers Toushiro with his body. He wraps himself over the other man and rubs his head on Toushiro's neck like some oversized fluffy cat. He mumbles into Toushiro's pulse, "I love you."

Toushiro smiles despite everything else. This man is crass, crude, picks his nose, thinks strawberry milk is the elixir of life and Toushiro married him. This man is also wonderful, his soul shines brighter than silver, his every touch makes Toushiro feel incredibly alive and he…"I love you too, you dumbass."

The next morning, Toushiro and Gintoki get down at the Shinjuku station. Toushiro swallows, "Ready?"

Gintoki's lips tremble, "To be murdered by Kagura? Not really." He laughs and Toushiro can hear how terrified he is, "What if we get on the next train and just go anywhere? Change our names, start farming or fishing?"

Toushiro levels Gintoki with a look, "Edo is home."

"Also our graves."

Toushiro sighs, "We got her enough food, right? We will just distract her with those."

Gintoki nods; they had to buy another bag from Osaka to carry all the snacks they got her from the train's pantry. Food is the best way to make sure they live.

However, they both realise they are not that lucky because the whole Shinsengumi and Yorozuya (Otose, Otae and et al) are awaiting them outside the station. 

Kagura shouts at them, "Oh, look! The traitors are back!"

Otae grabs her naginata and her eyes gleam an alarming shade of red, "I can't believe you deprived me of a wedding."

Kondou cries, snivelling, snot and drool running down his face, "How could you do this to us Toshi? Did our friendship mean nothing to you?"

Sougo beams at them and puts his bazooka on his shoulders, "Sakata-san and danna, let us welcome you back. Congratulations on your elopement. We're all absolutely okay you got married without us. Now die."

Toushiro and Gintoki share a look. Gintoki grabs Toushiro's wrist and shouts, "RUN!"