Chapter Text
“On October 10th?” Exclamation punctuated by the cold bottom of Gintoki’s beer glass hitting the wooden bar counter.
Remark ignored by Otose as she proceeds to dry freshly washed glasses post bar closure.
“Trying to steal my thunder or what Baba, that is my birthday!”
It’s not that Gintoki was particularly inclined to celebrate his birthday, it wasn't usually more than a special dinner with the kids and an extra few cartons of strawberry milk but he could do a big celebration if he wanted to. He liked to have the option open and now a big event taking place on this day would get in the way.
Not just that but a wedding would now constitute every following year an anniversary would take place on his birthday.
Since when had the old lady become a thunder-stealer mean girl and since when had Gintoki started to care about such menial things?
“Aren't you a little too old to be getting married anyways?” Gintoki tsked as he was about to reach for the beer tap to get a refill. Otose locked the faucet.
“Shut up you idiot and the date has absolutely nothing to do with you, the location that we- He wanted did not have any other available date so it is what it is” She proceeds to take a drag of her cigarette taking a dismissive stand to Gintoki’s whining.
“Listen Gintoki, I am going to need your help with a job, consider it a request”
“Huh?” Gintoki tilts his head in attention.
“There are certain things expected of me but like you said I am in fact a little too old for this” She puts out the remainder of her cigarette on the ashtray. “I need you to plan my wedding, Gintoki”
“What!? Isn't that job more fitted for a woman’s touch? Besides not only are you taking my birthday date for your wedding now you also want me to spend my valuable time do-”
“I will knock two months of rent from your balance” Otose states, interrupting Gintoki’s rant.
Gintoki pulls out a Wedding planning for dummies book out of God knows where.
“You got it Baba!” Uninterested dead fish eyes replaced by a determined stare.
***
Gintoki scratches the side of his head atop of his ear, pencil neatly tucked behind it. Placed there as he thought it might help get in the mood to plan this wedding. Kagura and Shinpachi are much more thrilled than he is. Well he isn't thrilled at all but two months off his past due rent balance is an offer he could not refuse.
“Well, at least she already has the date and venue so there’s that” Gintoki seems to be writing on the notebook but really he is just squiggling some lines.
“We need flowers and cake and music and decorations and food!!!” The excitement in Kagura’s voice pours as she jumps around with a frilly old dress in hand.
“Perhaps we should start by writing a proper list of steps we need to take care of” Shinpachi suggests as he grabs the pencil and notebook from Gintoki and start writing;
- Food
- Decorations
- Wedding ceremony and attire
- Music
“I still can't believe Otose-san entrusted you with this but I guess for the sake of the plot” Shinpachi adjusts his glasses after having finished with the list.
The work is not as difficult as they initially thought it was going to be thanks to Shinpachi’s help and following the book's instructions. Taking care of the decorations was easy as everything is when you have money.
The most difficult part was convincing Otae that she couldn't cater dinner for the wedding.
Gintoki uses his great negotiator interpersonal skills to strike a deal with the owner of the Hokuto Shinken ramen shop, Ikumatsu. Look at him saving the old couple some money.
“Say Ikumatsu perhaps you can also help us with getting the wedding kimonos since-”
The little bell atop of the entrance which announces a customer entering the establishment interrupts their conversation. Gintoki raises his eyebrows in wonder as he turns to look around, the sight immediately causing him to furrow them.
“Ah it’s just Zura” He waves a hand around dismissively as he turns back to Ikumatsu and his planner notebook.
Gintoki goes back to reviewing his notes and by that it means squiggling little circles around Shinpachi’s bullet points. Trying to distract himself from how Katsura sits beside him, perhaps a tad too close that when he moves his soft hair brushes on Gintoki’s unsleeved elbow. Or the way he gently tucks hair behind his ear before eating, showing off the way his face creases when he smiles.
Smile not currently directed at him but instead at the beautiful widow in front of them. Makes sense really, she is kind-hearted, attractive and just his type. There are always high chances of running into Katsura whenever Gintoki goes to her shop and you can always expect him to agree with her in whatever she says. As if he isn't a freethinker anymore.
“Gintoki, what is this list?” The idiot inquires as he gets closer to look at Shinpachi’s planner. Long hair now splayed all over Gintoki’s lap.
“Oi get off you idiot!” Gintoki exclaims, pretty loud as if that could mask the way his cheeks have grown warm and probably match his eyes by now.
“Oh, well Congratulations to Otose-dono and Jirocho-dono, who would have thought!? A friendship that has endured so much since childhood is bound to be an unbreakable bond as lovers”
Gintoki’s eyes open wide as he is thrown off by that comment, he leaves the money for payment on the counter and grabs the notebook as he immediately leaves the establishment.
Katsura shrugs his shoulders in confusion and gets back to his dinner.
Tsk that imbecile spouting nonsense about childhood friends. Gintoki thinks to himself with extreme annoyance.
Gintoki brings the planner closer to his chest and hugs it as he sighs. He is a grown man, he should not be acting like a damn school girl, shame on him.
Because in all the 30 years he has been alive falling in love with Katsura has been the worst thing that has ever happened to him. That insufferable idiot that has been a thorn in his side.
Ok it isn't really the worst thing that has happened to him, far from it, but it’s certainly annoying and unexpected. The way these feelings crept up on him without him realizing. The way Katsura squirmed his way back into his life uninvited, falling back into their friendship as easy as breathing.
Katsura sends mixed signals at times giving Gintoki the impression that perhaps yes there might be a chance between them. Gintoki shakes his head at his ridiculous wishful thinking. Katsura sees him as a friend, a comrade and brother-in-arms.
He won't ever think of Gintoki in any other way, he has his mind occupied with widows or perhaps a certain widow.
The scooter ride from the ramen shop to Otose’s bar feels longer than usual, his body is hot despite the cool breeze hitting his face. Gintoki puts all thoughts of that imbecile to the back of his head and goes do what he usually does when he’s pondering on his feelings, drink.
The fact that he needs to discuss some important wedding matters with Otose is secondary.
“Oi, Baba give me some alcohol” Gintoki practically throws himself into the stool and places the planner down after he sighs heavily and dramatically.
“What kind?”
“Whatever is free” Gintoki shrugs his shoulders as he watches Otose reach out for the corner in which the nearly expired bottles go and pours him a glass.
“All right, there is a few things we need to discuss bride-to-be”
“Ugh” Otose rolls her eyes and takes a drag of her cigarette.
“Pre-Wedding bliss huh” Gintoki chuckled before taking a sip of God-knows-what.
“All right, so far for the wedding party we have Tama and Kagura as bridesmaids, Catherine as the maid of honor and Pirako as the best man, her choice” Gintoki looks up at Otose before she questions the line-up.
Otose nods in agreement as she lets out smoke.
“According to Shinpachi’s notes all we’re missing for this part is who is walking you down the aisle”
“Scratch that part I’ll walk myself”
“Heh what? I know your dad has been dead for a million years but-”
Gintoki proceeds talking while rubbing his head where Otose had hit him with the keg’s hose.
“You should walk with someone, I don't know, take Shinpachi or Kagura?” Gintoki offers with hesitancy in his tone.
“Shinpachi is on photography duty and Kagura, well I think may have something else in mind for her so no” Otose is firm in her answer as she struggles with her lighter.
“Anyways, Gintoki, are you bringing a date?” She asks with a smirk after finally managing to get her lighter to work and lighting a new cigarette.
“I don't have time for that Baba with the mountain of work you have given me” He waves his hand dismissively as he stands up to leave, a little tipsy from expired alcohol.
***
A date to the wedding, the old hag has lost her mind. Why would she even bring that up is not like they talk about their love lives. He didn't even know she was reconnecting with the ganguro old man until she dropped the wedding news on him.
It took him by surprise surely but deep down he wants the old hag to be as happy as she can be.
Gintoki doesn't ask Katsura to go with him to the wedding but he feels relieved when he sees his name on the guest list. Should he hijack Katsura’s invitation and make a note no plus-one allowed in hopes he won't even entertain the idea of inviting someone. Gintoki can just casually stand by his side while the romantic songs are playing, dramatically drag him to the dance floor and kiss him at the height of the song.
Would that imbecile like that? Of course he would, he does enjoy drama and theatrics after all.
***
Nothing like getting woken up by the force of a Yato teenager elbowing your stomach harshly bringing you back from your midday nap. To make all matters worse there he is idiotically standing, hovering above him, head tilted to the side, long hair cascading along.
Katsura has seen Gintoki in all situations one can think of, dirty from playing in the mud, freshly woken up from a horrible hangover and drenched in blood and dirt from the remnants of battle and yet..
Gintoki feels embarrassed that Katsura is standing there while he is drooling, hair shaggier than usual and clothes all messed up.
“Gintoki, what are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Katsura stands there with a plastic bag in hand.
“What are you doing not minding your own business, Zura?” He asks as he purposely makes the most uninterested and lazy expression known to man.
“It’s not Zura, It’s Katsura, I am dropping off Leader’s dress for the wedding, we had to make some adjustments to fit”
Gintoki rolls his eyes, we.. of course Katsura had graciously offered to help with wedding preparations and naturally he had given Ikumatsu a hand with the wedding party dresses as he had really taken to sewing lately.
“Say, Zura”
“It’s Not Zura-”
“Yeah yeah” Gintoki waves his hand dismissively as he takes the bagged dress from his hands “May I ask you something?”
“What is it, Gintoki?” He asked with a curious expression in his eyes.
“Are you-? Em” Gintoki scratches the back of his head and strays his glance away from his childhood friend.
Katsura continues to stare in wonder, piercing yellow eyes that could almost drill a hole in him.
“Are you going to the wedding?” Gintoki opts for the easy way out, laughing nervously and turning his back on him.
“Yes, Gintoki, I was invited, why do you ask?”
“Eh no reason, how about you go hang out with your duck or whatever it’s that you do”
“It’s not duck, it’s Elizabeth and this was a quick visit I have to go back and help Ikumatsu-dono with-”
“Of course, tsk, All right Zura go”
“Are you okay, Gintoki? Is there anything you want to talk about?”
“No, go away, I have important things to get to, let’s stop wasting time” His awkward tone now a harsher one.
Katsura offers a small bow and leaves.
Once he is sure the other man has left he throws himself back on his sofa without delicacy and brings both his hands to his face. Guilt washed over him, asking himself why was he so mean? just because he did not have the courage to ask Katsura to be his date to the wedding nor convey his feelings he doesn't need to be acting like a tsundere.
An audible Ugh leaves his lips as he brings his hands to the top of his head. He is not a damn school girl to be feeling this way. Why do things feel so complicated with Katsura sometimes? He is incredibly simple minded and Gintoki has known him since they were like 5.
He says incredibly dumb things, can't read the room and somehow knows exactly what is the worst moment to arrive. He also resembles their teacher, it is not just a matter of appearances but he dresses and acts like him at times, it’s incredibly frustrating. Gintoki accepts Katsura has a right to grieve and move forward however he pleases but at times it can be painful.
He’s also reliable and kind hearted, his friendship has always been and will always be unconditional. Whether 10 hours or 10 years without seeing each other he was always the same, Just Zura.
Whether Katsura could return Gintoki’s romantic and sexual feelings or not it didn't change the fact that his love for Gintoki was unfaltering.
If a magical fairy were to appear today and give him the chance to start a new life from scratch, one without war, death, loss or pain. Just a regular ol’ boring life with loving parents and a house would be tempting.
But to imagine a life where he didn't get to meet Shinpachi, Kagura and Sadaharu. A life without Takasugi’s drive pushing him to get stronger, the old hag centering him, or without Shouyo’s warmth? Without the company of every single friend he ever made.
A life without loving Zura? It wouldn't be worth it.
He would bear it all again because the people that have found their way into his life are worth all that.
***
Surprisingly the Yorozuya have been killing it in the wedding planning game, 2 months off rent and free food at the party? Totally worth the countless hours they have invested into this. The fact they all love Otose doesn't really come up. Has Gintoki’s tsundereness rubbed off on the kids now? Even Sadaharu has projected some of this behavior towards Katsura.
The day of Gintoki’s 31st birthday and Otose’s wedding were fast approaching and for some reason his nerves were all over the place, nearly chewing on the carton of his strawberry milk and losing interest in his weekly pachinko sessions as if dreading something.
Counting the days for this ordeal to be over.
***
~The dreaded day was finally here~
Gintoki was not sure what he was looking forward to less, getting his montsuki kimono ready, ensuring everything and everyone was in place for the ceremony or seeing Katsura arrive with Ikumatsu as his date.
No time to be thinking about ridiculous things right now he needs to focus on his tasks at hand. Thank God Shinpachi is getting ready in his own home so it’s only Kagura he has to yell at to hurry up in the bathroom because he also needs to get ready.
Naturally they need to arrive a little earlier than other guests to ensure everything is in place.
Gintoki approaches the catering area where he spots Ikumatsu, she is wearing her hair in a bun and an all black chef uniform.
“Ikumatsu-san, it seems everything is good here you can go change” Gintoki offers a friendly wave.
“Change for what Gin-San? I am currently working” She raises her glance to meet his own and immediately continues setting the plate heaters to keep the guest’s dinner warm.
“Um-” Gintoki stands there a bit confused, was she not invited to the wedding? Then who is Katsura’s plus-one? Is he gonna bring some stranger, is he dating some stranger?
He stops his train of thoughts and nods at Ikumatsu in gratitude before leaving. There’s too many things to take care of now to be worrying about his crush like a damn schoolgirl.
Gintoki lets out a sigh of relief when he makes 2 discoveries;
- Shinpachi and Kagura have taken care of the pending preparations diligently; when it comes to following Gintoki’s orders inside of their own home, at times they couldn't care less but for the old hag it seems there isn't anything they wouldn't do.
- Katsura arrived at the wedding with his plus-one and is just his stupid duck Elizabeth.
The venue is very cozy, a traditional japanese chashitsu overlooking a garden. The space is perfect for the very intimate event that now has Gintoki wondering how Katsura scored an invitation.
If Katsura didn't bring a date with him, why is he looking like that? Traditional kimono fit for a wedding guest but his hair sporting a more modern style. Bangs parted to the sides and perfectly styled so that they naturally stayed in place. Two big braids on each side with a silver ribbon intertwined in between the threads, coming together in the middle to complete the half down half up look.
Looking as beautiful as ever he takes a seat alongside Elizabeth. Gintoki doesn't miss the empty spot next to Katsura. This looks like a perfect chance to swoop in and sit by his side, he shakes his head at this and walks away, he has more important things to do right now than to be thinking with his dick.
Gintoki finds the changing rooms in the venue and he finally spots her, the bride. Wearing a beautiful shiromuku bridal kimono a little bit on the cream color side rather than stark white. Something about being married before, her age and marrying her dead husband’s best friend, something something.
Gintoki proceeds to clear his throat to catch her attention.
She turns around, hands together as she is not smoking raising her eyes to meet his;
“Well you look somewhat nice when you shower”
“And you look somewhat decent, Baba”
His mocking expression changes as he straightens his posture and his glance becomes more serious.
“I-” Goddamn it why is he choking up.
“I'm happy for you Baba” Falling in between his teeth, almost a whisper.
“Stop babbling Gintoki and go be with the guests, I need to get this over with so I can smoke”
“Smoke? Are you serious?! Also don't kick me out, I came here to get you. I am walking you down the aisle to the old man ok!”
Otose’s careless expression immediately shifts into surprise.
“Why?” She inquired.
“Because you shouldn't do this alone” Gintoki offers her a warm smile which is immediately requited.
“And also you are old, what if you faint or something?” Warm smile replaced by usual dead fish eyes.
“Idiot” She lightly smacks the back of his head which he dramatically caresses it as if it hurts.
“Gintoki, I am making a big step forward here, taking a leap of faith out of love and I hope that you do too” She says as she proceeds to link her arm around his.
“What are you talking about Baba?” Gintoki keeps his glance forward and avoids Otose’s.
“I hope a certain invitation didn't get lost in the mail” She closes her eyes as she exhales “Now Gintoki let’s get going”
Gintoki rolls his eyes and walks alongside her to the entrance where they need to be. Lining up behind the rest of the wedding party Gintoki can see from where he stands that Kagura takes the lead on the ceremony as the flower girl.
Gintoki leans closer to Otose and whispers “18yo cant be flower girls Baba”
Otose proceeds to shush him as she waves a hand dismissively while her eyes keep fixated on Kagura, as she does with the rest of the wedding party. As they walk in Gintoki notices how all guests and family admire her but even so, she doesn't care she continues to look at her daughters in awe.
Gintoki basks in the attention, sure everyone is staring at the bride but there he is in the center. He is not sure if his mind is playing tricks on him but he catches Katsura staring his way, while everyone's eyes are on the bride. Gintoki must be imagining things.
It is a concise but beautiful ceremony. Gintoki hands the bride over to the groom with a loving smile on his face. There is no space for witty jokes or comments anymore, his mind is currently too full of joy and love. Not that he will admit it of course.
During the ceremony he catches Katsura staring again, he might have initially thought he is losing his mind but the other man maintains his eyes fixated on him. Gintoki can't do anything but smile back at him, tuning out the priest's speech, Kagura's sniffles and the harp playing on the back.
The rest of the wedding goes without a hitch, the music is good and the food is delicious, decorations are on point. Gintoki is quite surprised with how well everything came up, the Yorozuya team really had it in them. All thoughts are interrupted when older Shimura approaches him;
"Gin-san, everything came out wonderful, perhaps you should go into the wedding planning business" Otae smiles fondly at him with a glass of champagne in her hand.
"Eh I don’t know about that, it was a special situation" Gintoki keeps his gaze towards the dessert area.
"Truly, it was for someone you love so perhaps the next time someone close to you like Kagura-chan for example, gets married you will step up again" She expresses her idea in a chirpy tone.
"Huh, what are you saying?" He inquired with incredulity.
"It's not such an insane thought, there is already a suitor in the midst" Otae leans forward smiling as she almost sings the last word.
Gintoki shakes his head in denial and starts looking for Kagura in the crowd, to his relief he spots her in the buffet area rather than on the dance floor which is currently playing romantic songs.
"I shall take my leave now Gin-san, perhaps you have something you need to do too" Otae winks at him as she taps his arm in what feels like encouragement before leaving.
He searches and searches around for the thing that he needs the most right now and is dying to get his hands on. Alcohol, whether is to drown out stress or perhaps is for courage he can breathe as he feels the warm sake going down his throat. A voice interrupts him before he is able to down his third shot.
"Gintoki" The black haired childhood friend speaks after clearing his throat.
"Katsura" Gintoki's usual tolerance to alcohol betrays him as he is feeling tipsy over two mere drinks. He turns around to meet Katsura's eyes of horror, open wide in shock.
Katsura takes a deep breath as his horrified face changes into a stern one.
"May we talk in private, please?"
Gintoki shrugs his shoulders and nods in agreement following Katsura into a quiet space. Some curtains are covering the sound system for the musicians and it's a bit cramped. Gintoki can smell Katsura from where he stands and some strands of long hair stick to his kimono.
He curses the fabric. Katsura's long hair should be on his skin, not on his clothes.
"Happy birthday Gintoki"
"Well you are the first one that remembers" Gintoki rolls his eyes and pouts while a lie falls through his teeth.
Shinpachi and Kagura woke him up with breakfast and by that he meant strawberries and cream cake. The old lady knocked yet another month off rent after calling him a nitwit and congratulating him.
And yet here he was acting like a pick-me.
"Everyone has been so busy with everything I can only imagine it slipped their minds"
Katsura tilts his head to the side to meet Gintoki's glance before speaking again.
"I have these tickets for an all you can eat dessert bar and I wanted us to go for your birthday, well late celebration. I didn’t want to interrupt Otose-dono's preparations" Katsura pulled a flyer for the establishment that just recently opened.
"Heh this looks delicious, bet the kids and Elizabeth will also enjoy it" Gintoki says as he examines the document.
"I was hoping it would just be us, Gintoki" He swallows, his eyes express something akin to pleading and softness.
"Zura, I need to tell you something" Words falling from his mouth, acting before thinking.
"What is it, Gintoki?" Katsura's eyes light up in wonder.
"I- um well, I have these feelings for you and I think we should, you know I think you feel the same way" Gintoki speaks while avoiding Katsura's glance.
"What?"
Gintoki takes a step back and accidentally steps on a cable, almost bringing down the speaker system with him. Katsura is quick on his feet and is able to avoid the disaster. Carefully placing the speaker back into its stand. All while maintaining eye contact with the other man.
Gintoki clears his throat and tries to regain his cool aura back. Not that he can out-aura Katsura after he heroically stopped the disaster all while looking like the main character of a Danmei novel.
How does Gintoki even know what these are? Kagura has been getting into them lately.
"What was I saying?" Gintoki asked, well he definitely isn't getting his cool MC aura back again.
"That you want to be lovers" Katsura says as he looks him straight into his eyes, yellow piercing scarlet.
Gintoki just stands there wide-eyed and dumbfounded.
"I didn’t say that, well I guess I did. I'm surprised you understood"
"Gintoki, there are many times that I can't tell what you are thinking and if I'm being honest just now I couldn’t either. I just-"
Katsura stops talking and takes Gintoki's hands on his own.
"I took a gamble"
Gintoki feels his cheeks grow warm and his heart quicken, Zura, his Zura being so direct?
"Zura" Almost a whisper.
Katsura leans in and brushes his lips against Gintoki's. A mere feathery touch to which Gintoki immediately responds. His grip on Katsura's hands tighten before he wraps his hands around his neck and Katsura brings him closer by his waist before pushing back.
"Gintoki, that was much better than I ever imagined, thank you"
"Zura, do not thank me for this" His face reveals he is flustered.
"I guess we should get back to the others, perhaps tell Otose-dono that we are lovers now"
"Zura, no, this is her wedding, I can't steal her thunder anymore than I already am being the birthday boy"
"That is true. We must respect Otoso-dono and Jirocho-dono's special day, let's go dance then, since we are lovers now"
"Ok Zura you are going to wear out that term huh"
"It's the only appropriate way to refer to you and the one ive been dying to since forever"
Katsura's serious look changed into a soft loving smile. Gintoki has no choice but to grab him by the collar of his kimono, smashing their lips together again. This time is hungrier and uncoordinated, Gintoki’s tongue invades the inside of Katsura’s mouth.
He feels Katsura’s hands wrapping themselves around his waist, again. Gintoki brings his hands to Katsura’s chest and shoulder. It suddenly feels like a million degrees. Katsura’s soft moans interrupted all thoughts before he pulled back for air.
“Gintoki,-” Katsura is not allowed to finish his sentence because Gintoki kisses him feverously again.
“What, you wanna stop?” Gintoki pulls back and runs his fingers on Katsura’s long hair, keeping in mind to avoid the braids and accessories without missing how reddened his lips have become.
“No, let's just continue later in private, yes?” Katsura asks before giving him a peck on the lips. Much more innocent than the session they just had.
“Mmm you wanna fuck already?” Offering a devilish smirk before biting his own bottom lip.
“Gintoki!! Why are you saying such immoral and vulgar things!!” Katsura takes a step back and lets go of Gintoki “If you mean make love, I do want to but not yet”
“That’s fine by me, Zura”
“Let’s go back to our friends now, Gintoki” Katsura takes his hand and smiles at him.
Gintoki pulls him by his wrist and brings him close to him, kissing him for the third time today. Katsura has no choice but to comply. Hands all over as they make out like desperate teenagers, making them miss the electricity cord on the floor. Katsura accidentally trips Gintoki, the curtain and the speaker system with them.
Tangled in between the curtains and a mess of limbs the new couple of lovers fall flat toward the middle of the dance floor landing just exactly in front of the bride and groom. Everyone steps away and all eyes are on them.
“Gintoki, what the hell is going on?!” Otose screams at the top of her lungs while Jirocho gives them a dirty look for ruining the romantic dance.
“Gintoki, I think you are stealing their thunder” Katsura whispers or at least he thinks he does.
“Shut up you idiot” Gintoki is mortified to have all eyes on him while he lays on the floor with his new boyfriend on top of him.
“Gin-chan, Gin-chan!” Kagura comes screaming and pops confetti cannons on him.
“Happy birthday Gin-chan!!!”
This isn't certainly how he expected to spend his birthday and yet it’s the best one he’s ever had.