[ Oh, no, the pronoun is entirely the gorilla's fault.
For a few seconds, Gintoki just stares blankly at Zura. Letting those words sink in, and the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. Zura would be instinctively wary of police cars, likely more so than is normal for any regular person to be, and it's not like Gintoki would expect him to be honest about why. You don't just drop the fact that you're on a list of terrorists to any random person.
Although people would possibly be more okay with someone calling themselves a rebel fighter. That can garner some sympathy.
Gintoki sighs, scrubs a hand over his face, then tilts his head back to stare blankly up at the ceiling. ]
Zura. You can't just direct all your rebel efforts at one person.
[ It's only been a few weeks. He's been on the run for years. Even if he knows that he's done nothing here to be in trouble with law enforcement, that's not going to just stop his muscle memory from throwing him behind the nearest cover whenever he hears sirens or sees that gold-trimmed uniform. ]
[ Likewise, this whole thing is largely force of habit for him. He might not actually wish for all Shinsengumi to die at this point, despite his occasional insistence otherwise (and yet none of his mostly-successful infiltrations of them doing any actual damage or having any casualties), but it's too damn easy -- and natural -- to focus his ire there when there's few other outlets available, when he's already teetering on the edge of some sort of identity crisis thanks to how unnecessary he feels when he dares to contemplate his current position in depth. ]
[ He hadn't even truly stopped to consider that Hijikata might be just as alone here, without the power of the Shinsengumi or the Bakufu behind him at all. ]
[ Katsura doesn't have anyone backing him up either, but it wouldn't be the first time he's been able to somehow bring down the full wrath of the jouishishi all by himself. It's hardly fair (even if Hijikata is also a one man army of his own). Gintoki might have a point there. ]
[ He looks up at the ceiling as well. ]
Ah, why not? It almost sounds like you're defending him.
[ He didn't protest the name, though. He might just be more on the wavelength of being a little stubborn shit here rather than actually insisting on Hijikata's demise. ]
[ This doesn't mean that he entirely gave up on the idea, and there's always the danger of Sonia accidentally kickstarting the loop again... but for now, at least, he might be willing to hold of on the whole bringing wrath down thing. At least until Hijikata does something to provoke him. ]
[ There are indeed cupcakes, sitting on the kitchen table in all their chocolatey, glazed glory. Unfortunately, the sweet taste will no doubt be soured by the knowledge that Gintoki did nothing to deserve them... 😔💔 ]
Be careful making friends with someone who would have you cut down, Gintoki.
[ Maybe he wouldn't, though. Most of them seem like decent guys, perhaps even potential allies someday. Katsura certainly has no room to talk in that regard either at this point, does he? ]
[ But, well, that's why he says be careful, and not don't. ]
[ No, the cupcakes will taste just as sweet as they would have if he did do what Zura thinks he did.
He doesn't respond to the warning. Not like he doesn't know. It might be idiotic to trust the Shinsengumi as much as he does, but they've given him little reason not to. Their morals align as a whole and he wants to believe that if shit really hits the fan, they'll make the right choice.
And when they do, he'll be there too. ]
Who's this 'we'? I'm still not a part of this.
[ Exhausting. You're exhausting, Zura.
ANYWAY. Chocolate cupcakes! Zura is in fact the best. He plops right down at the table, noticeably brightening.
Still not joining Ellipsa's New Dawn Initiative or whatever though. ]
[ Here's hoping he's right about them. They're right about them. Perhaps, when push comes to shove, once they've been forced to experience the full ugliness of the reality they all live in, they will find it in themselves to make the right choice. To raise their swords to protect the people of Edo and the people they love, rather than what they've been told is the order of Edo. ]
[ Here's hoping the price of it all will never be as high for the Shinsengumi as it's been to them. ]
[ But in the meantime, Katsura is ready for a betrayal, as well. ]
Hm? You seem quite eager to be a part of my kitchen.
[ Zura is in fact the best! Uh, he means, it's not Zura, it's Katsura. Anyway, he doesn't seem too upset about Gintoki's reluctance to participate and claiming of the cupcakes anyway. Mostly because simply seeing him with that bright expression on his face is well worth whatever he's spent on them. ]
[ Also, about half of the table is probably covered with bolts and pieces of cables and tiny electric circuits that look vaguely like some bombs being assembled, but no need to worry about that. He did expend a number of them in the trials, after all. ]
Of course I need you. [ damn first non-bullshit thing out of his mouth today ] But it's not like they have to be eaten before a certain date or they explode...
[ OR IS IT ]
[ suddenly looks a little concerned. still holding on though ]
It means that if you leave, they will simply remain here. Alone. Uneaten. Unfulfilled in every way a muffin could possibly be. Do you really want that on your conscience, Gintoki?
[ He keeps staring with that squint at Zura for several more seconds.
Ultimately, though, he has to admit it would make absolutely zero sense for Zura to intentionally hide tiny little bombs in cupcakes. How would he even go about doing that?
(The concern is there because, somehow, he probably could manage it.)
It's a bit hesitant, but Gintoki finally does sit back down and release the cupcakes. Since it sounds like Zura has no intention of forbidding him from eating them. Then his face softens, and he nods as he says, solemnly: ]
[ It's Zura's turn to squint when Gintoki sits back down and seemingly gives up on trying to escape with the cupcakes. He stares at him for a few seconds longer, then very slowly, ready to revert course upon any sign of attack, withdraws his hand as well. ]
In that case, we should try to avoid such an outcome.
[ He takes a couple steps backwards toward the kitchen counter, still watching Gintoki and the cupcakes like a hawk... then apparently makes the decision to trust him, and turns away to apparently prepare some tea. ]
[ While Zura watches him, he stares back, his gaze never wavering. This is a pointless and ridiculous staring contest and he is going to win it, whether Zura realises that's what it is or not.
So when his friend turns to get started on tea, he smiles to himself, and leans back in his chair. ]
Ah, did you know that the Shinsengumi know who I am now? Did your informants tell you about that?
[ If not, that knowledge might also explain some of what he thinks. After all, they ended up releasing him. They've got an understanding. ]
[ Alas, he did not realize or he may have fought harder to win it. Nonetheless, the fact that he's not hearing Gintoki push back the chair and run off with the cupcakes counts as a win in his mind. Maybe they can actually have a nice moment, rare as it is. ]
[ There is a little pause in the quiet clinking announcing Zura's handling of mugs and tea kettle, before it continues a few moments later. ]
...No. But I'm aware a man matching your description has been seen with a few Jouishishi radicals and later arrested.
[ And, well. If it was indeed Gintoki, it's pretty self-evident that it didn't stick, since they see each other fairly regularly offscreen nowadays. This would be odd enough on a regular day, but Gintoki just said they know who he is -- and that can only mean one thing. And if so, it's a miracle his head is still attached, let alone the fact that he's not in prison. ]
[ He glances over his shoulder, eyebrows slightly raised, clearly confused by such goodwill on the pigs' part, but trusting that Gintoki is telling the truth. ]
[ He huffs slightly and turns away again. ]
I should hope so. If you went and allied with some other faction I'd start thinking you're refusing me just to spite me.
[ He can respect Gintoki's want to stay out of the war -- even if he still thinks it's going to come for him sooner or later, and he can only hope to be there to mitigate the fallout -- but turning him down only to team up with someone else, especially someone else who's worse in every way from dogmas to fashion sense? That's both an insult and injury in one. ]
Sounds like you're still a patriot at heart, though. [ #ACAB ]
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For a few seconds, Gintoki just stares blankly at Zura. Letting those words sink in, and the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. Zura would be instinctively wary of police cars, likely more so than is normal for any regular person to be, and it's not like Gintoki would expect him to be honest about why. You don't just drop the fact that you're on a list of terrorists to any random person.
Although people would possibly be more okay with someone calling themselves a rebel fighter. That can garner some sympathy.
Gintoki sighs, scrubs a hand over his face, then tilts his head back to stare blankly up at the ceiling. ]
Zura. You can't just direct all your rebel efforts at one person.
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[ Likewise, this whole thing is largely force of habit for him. He might not actually wish for all Shinsengumi to die at this point, despite his occasional insistence otherwise (and yet none of his mostly-successful infiltrations of them doing any actual damage or having any casualties), but it's too damn easy -- and natural -- to focus his ire there when there's few other outlets available, when he's already teetering on the edge of some sort of identity crisis thanks to how unnecessary he feels when he dares to contemplate his current position in depth. ]
[ He hadn't even truly stopped to consider that Hijikata might be just as alone here, without the power of the Shinsengumi or the Bakufu behind him at all. ]
[ Katsura doesn't have anyone backing him up either, but it wouldn't be the first time he's been able to somehow bring down the full wrath of the jouishishi all by himself. It's hardly fair (even if Hijikata is also a one man army of his own). Gintoki might have a point there. ]
[ He looks up at the ceiling as well. ]
Ah, why not? It almost sounds like you're defending him.
[ He didn't protest the name, though. He might just be more on the wavelength of being a little stubborn shit here rather than actually insisting on Hijikata's demise. ]
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He scoffs, and turns to head for the kitchen. What was that about cupcakes? ]
Don't get the wrong idea.
More importantly, like I've told you a billion times before, I ain't joining your Jouishishi. Not here or anywhere.
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[ There are indeed cupcakes, sitting on the kitchen table in all their chocolatey, glazed glory. Unfortunately, the sweet taste will no doubt be soured by the knowledge that Gintoki did nothing to deserve them... 😔💔 ]
Be careful making friends with someone who would have you cut down, Gintoki.
[ Maybe he wouldn't, though. Most of them seem like decent guys, perhaps even potential allies someday. Katsura certainly has no room to talk in that regard either at this point, does he? ]
[ But, well, that's why he says be careful, and not don't. ]
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You may have a point. We should consider a rebranding for this world. What about Ellipsa's New Dawn Initiative?
[ He'll totally join that, right? ]
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He doesn't respond to the warning. Not like he doesn't know. It might be idiotic to trust the Shinsengumi as much as he does, but they've given him little reason not to. Their morals align as a whole and he wants to believe that if shit really hits the fan, they'll make the right choice.
And when they do, he'll be there too. ]
Who's this 'we'? I'm still not a part of this.
[ Exhausting. You're exhausting, Zura.
ANYWAY. Chocolate cupcakes! Zura is in fact the best. He plops right down at the table, noticeably brightening.
Still not joining Ellipsa's New Dawn Initiative or whatever though. ]
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[ Here's hoping he's right about them. They're right about them. Perhaps, when push comes to shove, once they've been forced to experience the full ugliness of the reality they all live in, they will find it in themselves to make the right choice. To raise their swords to protect the people of Edo and the people they love, rather than what they've been told is the order of Edo. ]
[ Here's hoping the price of it all will never be as high for the Shinsengumi as it's been to them. ]
[ But in the meantime, Katsura is ready for a betrayal, as well. ]
Hm? You seem quite eager to be a part of my kitchen.
[ Zura is in fact the best! Uh, he means, it's not Zura, it's Katsura. Anyway, he doesn't seem too upset about Gintoki's reluctance to participate and claiming of the cupcakes anyway. Mostly because simply seeing him with that bright expression on his face is well worth whatever he's spent on them. ]
[ Also, about half of the table is probably covered with bolts and pieces of cables and tiny electric circuits that look vaguely like some bombs being assembled, but no need to worry about that. He did expend a number of them in the trials, after all. ]
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[ He came willingly to your apartment, Zura. Are you sure you want to chase him off? ]
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You may leave if you choose to, but they're staying right here.
[ You wouldn't leave your chocolate soldiers behind, would you, Gintoki?! ]
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ALSO MAKING A GRAB FOR IT
So they both end up with their hand on the box. ]
Oi oi, I didn't ask you to get these, you know. I thought they were a gift, a gift.
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[ but he also sort of ruined it by letting the air out of Zura's metaphorical balloons, so the least he can do is stay and hang out!! ]
[ CLUTCHING HIS END OF THE BOX TIGHT and slowly trying to pull it toward himself ]
They were a gift for your initiation, which you refused.
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See, he wants to hang out too, but you're being annoying and now threatening the cupcakes! Do you want war?
CLUTCHING HIS END JUST AS TIGHTLY and keeping it put right there. ]
What, you're telling me you're gonna eat them all yourself? That's too much sugar for your tastes.
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[ JUST SIT THE FUCK BACK DOWN AND IT COULD HAPPEN!! Why you gotta threaten him with leaving when you know it's a sore spot for him! ]
[ still trying. his knuckles are white at this point ]
Don't be ridiculous. Sweet food like this puts cavities in the soul of any normal man.
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So you need me. I'm not a normal man.
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Of course I need you. [ damn first non-bullshit thing out of his mouth today ] But it's not like they have to be eaten before a certain date or they explode...
[ OR IS IT ]
[ suddenly looks a little concerned. still holding on though ]
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[ SQUINTS ]
The hell is that supposed to mean?
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It means that if you leave, they will simply remain here. Alone. Uneaten. Unfulfilled in every way a muffin could possibly be. Do you really want that on your conscience, Gintoki?
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Ultimately, though, he has to admit it would make absolutely zero sense for Zura to intentionally hide tiny little bombs in cupcakes. How would he even go about doing that?
(The concern is there because, somehow, he probably could manage it.)
It's a bit hesitant, but Gintoki finally does sit back down and release the cupcakes. Since it sounds like Zura has no intention of forbidding him from eating them. Then his face softens, and he nods as he says, solemnly: ]
It would be a heavy burden.
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[ It's Zura's turn to squint when Gintoki sits back down and seemingly gives up on trying to escape with the cupcakes. He stares at him for a few seconds longer, then very slowly, ready to revert course upon any sign of attack, withdraws his hand as well. ]
In that case, we should try to avoid such an outcome.
[ He takes a couple steps backwards toward the kitchen counter, still watching Gintoki and the cupcakes like a hawk... then apparently makes the decision to trust him, and turns away to apparently prepare some tea. ]
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So when his friend turns to get started on tea, he smiles to himself, and leans back in his chair. ]
Ah, did you know that the Shinsengumi know who I am now? Did your informants tell you about that?
[ If not, that knowledge might also explain some of what he thinks. After all, they ended up releasing him. They've got an understanding. ]
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[ There is a little pause in the quiet clinking announcing Zura's handling of mugs and tea kettle, before it continues a few moments later. ]
...No. But I'm aware a man matching your description has been seen with a few Jouishishi radicals and later arrested.
[ And, well. If it was indeed Gintoki, it's pretty self-evident that it didn't stick, since they see each other fairly regularly
offscreennowadays. This would be odd enough on a regular day, but Gintoki just said they know who he is -- and that can only mean one thing. And if so, it's a miracle his head is still attached, let alone the fact that he's not in prison. ]You walked free, then.
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[ He plays idly with the box of cupcakes, but surprisingly doesn't grab one for himself immediately. ]
After all, I wasn't actually allied with those Jouishishi. I just didn't wanna side with the cops.
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[ He huffs slightly and turns away again. ]
I should hope so. If you went and allied with some other faction I'd start thinking you're refusing me just to spite me.
[ He can respect Gintoki's want to stay out of the war -- even if he still thinks it's going to come for him sooner or later, and he can only hope to be there to mitigate the fallout -- but turning him down only to team up with someone else, especially someone else who's worse in every way from dogmas to fashion sense? That's both an insult and injury in one. ]
Sounds like you're still a patriot at heart, though. [ #ACAB ]
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[ yawns ]
Sure.
[ Aaand that's all.
He props his chin on his hand, and stares off into the middle distance. ]
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1/?
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wrapping i guess?