Log; COMPLETE

[ginironosora.livejournal.com]

When; December 31st, morning
Rating; G
Characters; Sakata Gintoki [ginironosora], Takasugi Shinsuke [oneeyedbeast]
Summary; Shinsuke's affected by the curse from the past that turned him into a child, and he seeks out Gintoki for solace. Not able to hold a grudge, Gintoki takes the kid out to buy some better clothes and ice cream.

Log;
It was just way too friggen weird. Why was he a kid again? Was it a curse? Why wasn't anyone else affected that way? ...And why wasn't he affected? Just too. Fucking. Weird. Didn't help any that the kid was breaking his heart. He wasn't seriously gonna tell him that Shoyou-sensei died, but...

He seemed so lost without him, still...

And he seemed convinced that Amanto were about, haha. He needed time to explain and talk shit over, and what better way to do that than over ice cream? The idiot seemed a little disconcerted anyways.

"So, Shin-chan, wanna go out for ice cream? We'll talk, and get away from all the idiots in the house."


"Don't call me that!" Takasugi snapped back at him, tempted to kick him in the ankle for good measure.

What was with this place? It didn't look like they were in Edo anymore. There were way too many people around from different places, and Gintoki had told him they weren't Amanto. At least that strange lady didn't chase him down and try to kill him. He didn't think he could survive against her with so little kendo training, but he would have at least died fighting.

"You're going to tell me everything, right?"


He smiled, resting a hand on the boy's head. It was hard not to get attached. "Yeah, as much as I can, at least. Don't wanna mess with crucial stuff or anything, yanno?"

He might have to get the boy some proper clothes, too. It was snowing out and the kid was tromping around in oversized sandals and a yukata. Gintoki removed his scarf and wrapped it around the boy's neck, smiling as it seemed to engulf him.


Swatting his hands away in annoyance, Takasugi shot him a glare from over the scarf that was around his throat and tried picking up the bottom of his yukata to keep from tripping on it. Why was he wearing something this offensive to people’s eyes, anyway?

Butterflies were kind of… unbefitting for a samurai.

"You keep forgetting that we're actually the same age, and that you're an idiot who smells bad."


"Hey now, I don't smell bad, do I...? Or do I still smell like Nel's drool... Man... even the cologne doesn't hide it?"

He plucked his yukata from his shoulder and sniffed at it. No, still had that spicy cologne scent...

"You keep forgetting that now you're a kid, and you asked me for help. Now, do we wanna get you some clothes that fit first, or do we wanna get ice cream?"

In truth, he wanted to laugh at how offensively Taka looked at his own clothes, but managed to keep it down. The kid was rattled enough, he didn't need the future version of his friend laughing at him like some idiot.


Giving into the urge, Takasugi kicked him hard in the foot and tried to walk ahead, shivering and pulling the scarf tighter around himself. His small legs kept sinking up to his knees in the snow, and the clothes he was wearing weren't doing much to keep it out.

Maybe his future self was impervious to it if he didn't even bother with underwear.

"I only asked you for help," he finally replied, picking his feet up as he marched, sandals crunching loudly, "because I didn't like those strangers. That place smelled like death."


"As it should. They're all indiscriminate killers." He ignored the pain that shot up his leg, his facade fading to a serious expression. He took a few long strides to catch up to the boy and had to restrain himself from hefting him over his shoulder. No need to pile a cold on top of it all, but Takasugi was so independent that Gintoki figured it best not to try.

"Well, either way, let's at least get you some warmer clothes before I feed you frozen dairy products. This way, this way."

The freelancer led them off into one of the stores in the town square, which seemed to sell an assortment of The Weirdest Span of Clothes in Existence.


The store was definitely big and carried a lot of things Takasugi wouldn't be caught dead wearing. He didn't like any western styles and frowned stubbornly, sitting on the nearest chair and crossing his arms as he glared up at Gintoki. Was this a joke to him? That guy never took anything seriously.

"I want my old clothes and to be back home… Why isn't Shoyou-sensei around?" He paused for a moment, face going a bit paler as he considered it. "Did… did something happen to him?"


Gintoki was silent for a long moment, managing to find the small Asian section where he'd bought those kimono for Christmas, and started going through the racks to find a relatively cheap winter yukata. He took his time as he formulated an answer for Takasugi, turning the hung robes one at a time.

When he found one that looked like it'd fit, he pulled it off the rack and held it up to Taka, frowning. "He just... isn't here. We kinda lost touch with him in our world and all."

The silver-haired freelancer couldn't bring it upon himself to tell Takasugi his beloved teacher was dead.


Takasugi's face fell, hearing the news. He didn't know what had happened, or rather, what would happen to separate the strong bond they'd all formed with their teacher. He didn't think he could just simply forget Shoyou-sensei. He was the most important person to him in the world.

Tugging Gintoki's yukata, he stared up at him with wide eyes, throat feeling dry all of the sudden. "He wouldn't abandon us, Gintoki. That's not the type of person he is. He's always been with us…"


The freelancer gave a watery smile, resting a hand on top of the boy's head again. But he refused to tell him the truth. "He never abandoned us, Taka. Zura and I just don't keep in touch as much anymore. I bet you still do, though."

He dropped his hand to work the small fingers from the fabric of his yukata, and his other arm offered the thick winter robe he'd found. "Here, wanna pull this on real quick so we can see how it fits?"

It was dark blue in color, with a brown lining, but it was warm, and it was on clearance. It only had to last a few days anyways, at most.


Taking the robe from him, Takasugi slid it on over his shoulders, feeling much warmer. Even though the entire situation was rather weird, he didn't think it was entirely unpleasant. At least, he wasn't alone and in the middle of nowhere, and at least, Gintoki and Katsura were there, as well, even if they were a lot older and kept treating him like a baby.

"It fits," he muttered after putting it on the then taking it off and holding it out to him.

If they were still around, though, maybe it meant that they hadn't gone their separate ways entirely. They'd always promised to remain comrades and practically brothers even though they rarely got along together. "We're still… together, right?"


One thing Gintoki couldn't lie about had come up a lot earlier than he'd hoped. "....No... No, we're not. After the war... eh, things just kinda fell apart. Me and Zura are still friends, and Tatsuma, who you don't know yet, is a good friend..."

Why was he telling him this? He shouldn't depress the kid. He checked the tag inside and took the yukata back, rummaging for another of the same size. When he found a cream-colored one, he slung it over his arm and went to the gi and hakama, looking for the same size. "Well don't just sit there, come help. Iunno what you like."

He tossed a light smirk to Takasugi, and then followed with, "And besides, we gotta go get ice cream soon, right?"


That was …a bad thing to hear. He didn't want to separate from them. Did something happen during this war that made him leave? Maybe he went off with Shoyou-sensei wherever he went! That seemed the most likely.

Releasing his grip on Gintoki's yukata, he grabbed the first pair he saw that looked like it might fit him, uncaring about the style or color. He just wanted to put warm clothes on.

"I bet Shoyou-sensei and I are still together, then. He always liked me the best because you always slacked off, and 'Zura was annoying."


"Probably." The answer was noncommittal, and for that he was glad. Takasugi didn't seem alerted otherwise and for that, he was also glad. When it seemed Taka had picked out all they needed, he took them to the sparse shoe section and dug around for a plain pair of boots and smiled. "This about it, then? I'm ready for some ice cream."


Takasugi nodded in agreement, trying to balance the new clothes in his arms, wondering how long things would be like this and when would he go back to his own world. He didn't really want to leave quite yet, but he missed Shoyou-sensei and missed having Katsura and Gintoki being his same age and not bossing him around.

"Is there any way to fix this? When can I be all grown up again, so you don't have to treat me like I'm two?"


"Curses fade after a day, usually. You'll probably be back to normal soon enough. Here, let me take some of that."

He took one of the bags the lady had given them from Takasugi, frowning. "We aren't really treating you that young, are we?"


That was good. Takasugi wouldn't be like this for every long. Things would be back to normal… whatever normal was. It didn't sound too bad, at least, but it still bothered him. Who were those people he'd woken up close to?

Taking the bag from Gintoki, he shrugged slightly, walking ahead of him again. "Just because I'm the younger one today doesn't mean we're not equal all along."


"I never said you weren't. It's just... it's really nice to have you like this again. I'm probably not alone in that sentiment, either."

He smiled wide, patting Takasugi's shoulder affectionately, pulling him closer.


Takasugi's shoulders sagged a bit, just relenting to the idiot rather than pushing him off again. The old Gintoki wasn't like this. They usually fought and threw dirt in each other's eyes, but this guy seemed kind of… sad-- like they'd been separated for a long time.

Clutching the bag tighter to himself, he absently kicked at the snow when they stepped outside, heading towards the ice cream shop. "Don't get weird on me… I don't know what happened, but… I …me… we're friends…"


Gintoki closed his eyes, smiling. Taka was a sweet kid. It made him crave what used to be, and he missed it something horrible. "Yeah, yeah I know."

He hugged him close to his side, leading them into Pandora's and found an open two-seater by the far windows. "You wanna go change out of those wet clothes in the bathroom while I order something?"


"Okay, but don't order anything disgusting," Takasugi replied, giving him a glare for good measure before walking to the bathroom, the tail of his yukata dragging noisily on the floor.

It only took a few minutes to change into his new clothes, prompted by the fact that he didn't like being cold at all. When he was done, he balled up the yukata and the sandals and brought them out so Gintoki could keep them if he wanted to… Though it would be extremely funny if Gintoki walked around in something so… girly. The thought alone made him bite down on a bit of laughter.


The freelancer laughed, watching as Takasugi trotted off with the wet, and faintly dirty, yukata trailing behind him. It was so nostalgic to be with him again, but at the same time, it was so different. He couldn't play samurai with him like they used to, they couldn't spar on equal levels because, no matter what the boy said, they really weren't equal now. Gintoki was too old to act like he was twelve again, and Takasugi was far too innocent to treat him like an adult.

When he came back with the wad of clothing, Gintoki offered him a bag to drop them into and assessed his work. The boots looked a little silly with the rest, but it was definitely an improvement. "I ordered you a banana split, and I got a strawberry parfait. Dunno how you'd like it and all so I just got you something basic."


"You're the one who likes sweets," Takasugi muttered with a shrug, sliding in across from him, stomaching growling a bit as he waited. He didn't know when the last time he ate was, but it was starting to gnaw at him and make him crave whatever was put down in front of him. It had two bananas sticking out of it, though, and three giant lumps of ice cream topped with chocolate.

His lips pulled back in a grimace as he eyed it, not one for anything that wasn't traditional food. Picking up a spoon, he absently poked at it, his cheek coming to rest on his palm.

"Are you and Zura married with kids by now?"


"HAHAHA, oh geez, no way! We're only 27, you know. And I don't think any of us are the type to settle down, really. I'd be scared of the kids we'd produce. Though I guess you could say, Tatsuma and I took in a kid from another world, he's a bit like a son. His name's Koutarou, you guys might get along."

He buried his spoon in the fancy parfait, strawberry ice cream covered in banana slices, wafer sticks, nuts, hot fudge, whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles-- the works. When he brought it back to his mouth, the smile that spread was quite pleased. He gave Takasugi another once-over, proud of his work.

"You look good. Much better out of that magenta thing with the butterflies. Never could understand your sense of fashion."


Takasugi's eyes widened a bit as he scooped up some of the ice cream and brought it to his mouth, pausing as a slight look of horror overcame his features. "You mean that's really mine? …Was I really into Kabuki or something?"

He hoped that wasn't the case. He wanted to be a warrior and not a cross-dresser like those weird guys that lived in Kabuki-chou. Swallowing down some of his fear at the prospect, he shoved the ice cream into his mouth, swishing it around with his tongue for a while.

"…it's not bad…"


"Yeah, it's really yours. Iunno, I think you go color-blind or something. I couldn't imagine you willingly wearing something so uh.... flamboyant."

His smile was still present, taking another bite of his parfait. "I'm glad you like it. Eat up, I wanna get you back home soon and introduce you to everyone. They must’a gone out to get some groceries or something."

He had to make a note of posting on the network to ask for details on the curse-- he wanted to know how long he had.


Taking another bite, Takasugi slowly continued to eat his ice cream, liking the parts that were covered with chocolate syrup the most. The taste made him lick at his spoon, a small smile on his lips that he hid by bowing his head. He was starting to see why Gintoki ate so much sugar, even though Shoyou-sensei had told him it would be bad for his health later on.

"As long as I'm not a cross-dresser," he murmured around another mouthful, wiping his mouth on his sleeve whenever it got full of ice cream.


The freelancer laughed, shaking his head. He was amused at the amount of pleasure Taka seemed to be taking from the ice cream alone. "No, no, you're not a cross-dresser. Far from it, don't worry."

He pushed a couple of the napkins the waitress left towards the boy, resting his cheek in his palm as well, his spoon sticking out of his mouth.


Takasugi took another couple of bites before his head suddenly felt like it was going to explode. There was a reason he didn't trust foreign food. There were little hidden surprises, enough that it made him drop the spoon on the table and rub at his temples, eyes squeezing shut.

"Ow," he groaned, hoping the pain would suddenly pass. "…hurts… why would you eat this?"


Gintoki chuckled, reaching across the table to muss Takasugi's hair. This was one of the few things he loved about kids. "You ate it too fast! Now your brain's freezing from the stem up. It'll thaw out in a bit though, don't worry."

He polished off his parfait and left the strange-colored coins on the table, moving to stand and stretch. It was about time they headed home now, to get some more things sorted out. Taka was quickly prying into him and he didn't wanna spill unnecessary details.


Collecting the last bits of the warm syrup onto a spoon, Takasugi abandoned the rest of the ice cream and finished only that part out, unwilling to go through another one of those …whatever that was. It was weird, and his head still ached a little as he stood up, spoon sticking out of his mouth before he pulled it out with a popping noise.

"I guess it wasn't all that bad, but…," he gave Gintoki a light shrug, running ahead of him and back into the snow, glad to have boots now so he didn't freeze his legs. It also provided better traction to keep from slipping. "Are we going home, now, Gintoki?"


"Yeah, we're going home." He suddenly felt older, warmer, watching the kid that, though fifteen years regressed, had fought him just days ago, running through the snow. It really was a shame that Takasugi turned out the way he did. What if he was normal? What if the war hadn't scarred him the way it had? Could he have been as close as Zura, him, and even Tatsuma were?

But the future was already decided, and nothing he did with this Takasugi could change that. He still hoped, though.