Gintama; Takasugi X Reader (part 2) [Save Me]

Chapter 18 {Kamui}

     I lean on the balcony railing. People casually stroll by beneath as a drunk couple carry each other along the street.

     "Humans really have time on their palms, don't they?" I say as a current of cool air blows by.

While receiving no response, I turn from the evening sky to the room behind. Takasugi is leaning against the wall, kiseru between his fingers.

     "I suppose so," he says.

Seeing his distant expression, a sudden urge to provoke him sparks within me. "I hear rumors that you've recruited a girl," I pause, inspecting for a reaction. "And that you're fairly attached to her. But sadly she didn't survive that long."

Something flashes across his face before it becomes neutral again. And his silence only fuels my tempt.

     "Don't tell me the reason you stayed low for all this time was because you were mourning for a girl." His expression darkens. "Well, captain?" I taunt.

     "Don't be ridiculous." Another puff of smoke emerges as he exhales. "There's a festival tonight." He darts his eye to me. "I'm staying low to wait for my net to spread," he amuses.

     "Oh?" I cross my hands and continue, "Tell me about it."

He turns away and explains. "The higher-ups are preparing to celebrate a festival here in Kyoto to officially uphold the new shogun."

     "Didn't that good-for-nothing fool already obtain the title? Why celebrating it now?" I ask, brow raised.

     "The commotion of the assassinated shogun had just calmed, but citizens still grieve," he breathes. "I believe it's to avert the people's attention to their new leader."

I remain silent, taking in the new information. "The shogun himself and many other effective officers will gather at this festival," Takasugi asserts. A smug look creeps to his face as he says, "I'll take the pleasure in wiping them out one by one."

My face now a mirror of his. "Smart, but do you think you can get to them that easily?"

     "I have my ways," he dismisses. I study him curiously as he steps pass me to the balcony railing. "I've changed plans. Instead of returning to Edo, I'll stay here and see the end of things."

     "Great to have things on your favor. But I have no interests in your little games," I mildly say, smiling.

He releases a loose breath and turns to me. "Do whatever you want. But if you get in my way," he pauses. I return his threatening gaze with a leveled one.

     "No need to tense," I coax. "I told you I'm not interested in what you're doing. Yet along the way, if someone worthy of my attention appears..." I step forward. "Then that's a different story."

He keeps his gaze on my for awhile before it goes back to the room.

     "I'll make sure to join if things become lively," I cheerfully muse as he walks out and shuts the door behind. But I'm sure he heard me.

I stay in the room, not yet deciding what to do next. The world glitters beneath the now darkening sky. On the far side of the street, big crowds of people gather for the upcoming festival.

     "Truly careless creatures..." I mutter to myself, putting my hands on the banister.