Disclaimer: I do not own Gintama.

This chapter is dedicated to my beta, Renji-Luvah.

Moonstruck Chapter 19

Pride

"So... Sougo-kun."

Lost in his thoughts, Okita glanced up to see the familiar figure of Isao Kondo, who was dressed casually in a dark blue uwagi and hakama. Seated across from him, the Shinsengumi Commander clasped his hands and placed them atop his heavy, mahogany desk.

"What is it that you would like to ask me?"

Sensing that Okita had approached him to discuss a rather delicate matter, the Shinsengumi Commander promptly issued an order, informing all recruits to stay away from the immediate vicinity of his office. Unless stated otherwise, both himself and the First-Captain were not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

This presented the young captain with a rare opportunity to discuss matters openly and under complete secrecy - a generous gesture that Okita acknowledged and was deeply grateful for.

The First-Captain gave his superior a small respectful bow. "I'm so sorry for the trouble, Kondo-san."

The older man regarded his surrogate son with an easy-going laugh. "Please stop with the formalities already! I'm just glad that you're comfortable, Sougo-kun!"

Sunlight streamed in from the windows, alighting the man's rugged features in a warm, pleasant glow. Relaxing under Kondo's encouraging smile, the blonde policeman flashed his paternal figure a small grateful smile in return.

Truth be told, he was secretly relieved that his Commander had requested to speak to him and Kagura on an individual basis.

Being with his rival, Okita decided, was like being in the same room with a small, excitable tiger. The very last thing he needed at the moment was China breathing down his neck as he was attempting to discuss things with his superior.

The association between his rival and a man-eating predator nearly brought a humorous quirk to his lips - an indiscretion that the officer thankfully managed to prevent in time.

After all, no matter how amicable and even clueless his superior may have appeared in the eyes of outsiders, the First-Captain knew better. Beneath the man's many eccentricities, Isao Kondo could be, if he put his mind to it, a remarkably intuitive man.

Despite his young age, the First-Captain was astute enough to realize that keeping up an organization, particularly one as extensive as the Shinsegumi, isn't simply about hard work and determination. Despite the generous support provided by the Bakufu cabinet, running a large, constantly growing organization required money - and plenty of it.

And yet, their easygoing Commander always seemed to know exactly how to go about obtaining the funds they needed.

Okita had observed several instances where Kondo had succeeded in securing financial support from powerful, wealthy parties that have since agreed to sponsor the Shinsengumi's activities. It was a feat that would have been near impossible without his superior's charismatic leadership and intuitive ability to perceive and interpret the intentions of others - thus turning a potentially unpropitious situation into a favorable one.

This was a quality that the young captain, not being much of a negotiator himself, recognized and greatly respected.

On this occasion, however, Okita sensed that Kondo-san's intuitive abilities would prove to be rather... inconvenient for him.

It would be terribly embarrassing for example, if his superior happened to notice the growing relationship between himself and Kagura - or worse still, attempted to tease him about it in front of his rival.

Okita's left eye twitched at the unwelcome thought.

Prince of Sadists or not, no living person was capable of living down the sort of embarrassment Kondo-san alone was able to dish out without suffering some form of... emotional repercussion.

Determinedly shoving away thoughts of a certain redheaded Yato, Okita began speaking in the formal, deferential tone he reserved for his father figure.

"As you know, Commander, Kagura-san has been my rival for years. This morning she arrived unexpectedly to our headquarters, requesting to see me."

A quick glance showed that his superior was attentively hanging onto his every word. The Officer sighed in relief.

Good... Seems like Kondo-san hasn't reacted yet...

"The reason for her visit is that she wishes to hire me as her retainer - a position similar to a personal bodyguard - over a temporary period. I know that I had already taken two weeks off recently, and this may not be the most convenient time, but I was wondering if it would be possible to extend my leave just a few more days...

... Kondo-san are you following me?"

Instead of responding immediately, the goateed man sitting opposite him had lapsed into uncharacteristic silence. With each passing moment, the quietude between them prolonged, until Okita grew vaguely alarmed.

What can the Commander be thinking?

Seated on his hard, plastic chair, (one of Kondo-san's various attempts at making his office appear more "modern") Okita felt that his back becoming as stiff as a steel ramrod. The officer was sure that If he dared to slacken his posture in the slightest, his apathetic veneer would somehow crack and fracture, exposing his Commander to the inner turmoil he was facing.

Prideful man that he was, the First-Captain hated showing weakness in front of others. For the past few years, he had been staunchly proud of his ability to remain expressionless in the face of whatever catastrophe fate happened to throw his way - invading Amanto monsters and Joui patriots be damned.

And yet, where was his composure now when he needed it most?

All of it, shattered because of a woman. It was humiliating. Unacceptable.

At that moment, a sequence of images slipped past his defenses, crowding into his thoughts.

A glimpse of a pink dress billowed slightly in the breeze, emphasizing the slight sway of her hips as she half-turned towards him... the curve of her smiling lips... and her hair, bright red, like a sheet of flame...

Okita resisted the urge to groan in frustration.

China was the source of his turmoil. It was all her.

Since when had his rival become such an all-consuming obsession?

The officer felt himself distinctly growing sick.

"I'm already twenty-two. An adult," he thought, vehemently clenching the sides of the chair. "I'm not some lovesick teenager!"

China's case is nothing I can't handle.

Eventually, Kondo opened his mouth to speak.

Like a steel pin, the Commander's words seemed to puncture the air, releasing the bubble of tension that had built up inside the small, cluttered office.

Unfortunately, they were not the words Okita had expected to hear.

"I understand what you're saying, Sougo. My only question is... why did Kagura-san choose you?"

After exiting the office, Kagura found herself following the tall, dark-haired Vice-Commander, who walked at a brisk pace some steps ahead of her. The man kept a curt silence, only glancing at her from time to time to make sure that she was keeping up.

This was completely fine by the Yato. Although the Yorozuya had crossed paths with the Shinsengumi on several occasions (mostly because they were causing some kind of trouble and the Shinsengumi were sent to clean up the said trouble), she had rarely spoken to the man, making them the briefest of acquaintances. If they happened to run into each other on the street - which was seldom - they would nod politely to acknowledge the other's existence, but that was all.

Looking around her, the young woman found, to her mild surprise, that she was back in the small landscaped garden situated in front of the meeting room.

"Why have you brought me here?"

Hearing her question, Hijikata Toushiro paused in his footsteps and turned around to face the young woman.

"I just received word from Kondo-san that an order has been issued for us to avoid the area surrounding his office. Apparently, whatever Sougo has to say, has to be said in complete secrecy," the man snorted dismissively at the thought.

"I wonder what all this is about. Geez, what a troublesome brat."

"Oh... I see."

Seeing the redheaded woman next to him subtly avoid his gaze, the policeman quirked an inquiring eyebrow.

So, the straightforward China-girl is acting coy huh... how unexpected of her.

Truth be told, the Vice-Captain felt some curiosity as to what was going on between the two longtime rivals. Even for a hard-bitten guy like him, who was not particularly attuned to frivolous things such as cupcakes or romance, it was clear that there had been a noticeable change in the atmosphere between them.

Hijikata opened his mouth, as if to say something, before abruptly changing his mind.

Knowing Sougo, it's probably safer to just mind my own business...

Straightening his back in preparation to leave, the officer half-turned towards Kagura and spoke in a detached voice. "Now that we've gotten you safely out of the way, I'm going to attend to my duties - "

"Wait, Mayora!"

Annoyed, the black haired policeman whipped his head around.

"Cheeky brat. I have a name you know!"

The redhead's smile was sly. "Oh yes, wasn't it tax-robber-san?"

Furious at the implications of the insulting term, Hijikata felt his anger flaring at once. No one, absolutely no one, insulted his job and got away with it!

"It's HIJIKATA-SAN to you, brat!", he spat furiously. "Get it right!"

Now, Hijikata wasn't named the "Demon Vice Commander" for nothing. Usually, if he used such an angry tone, the heavens themselves seemed to darken and his cowering subordinates would fall over themselves in their pitiful attempts to apologize to him.

The redheaded young woman, standing determinedly in front of him, did none of these things.

Instead, her voice was loud and indignant. "What, I'm not a brat! I'm almost eighteen! Just how old are you anyway?"

Unused to verbal resistance from others, save from their sadistic First-Captain, Hijikata froze in astonishment. Narrowing his eyes, the Vice-captain spluttered in fury. "Are you implying that I'm an old man?"

Shadowed under the furious gaze of the intimidating man in front of her, the young woman dipped her head downward – the very image of a contrite child.

"Of course I'm not implying that you're old, Hijikata-san," she murmured sweetly.

Breathing deeply, the officer felt himself calming down at once.

"... I'm saying that you are."

"WHY YOU IMPUDENT BRAT!"

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Okita felt his entire body stiffen.

In his eyes, the very sunlight in the room seemed to have shifted. Rather than being warm and inviting, it was now much too bright to look at - becoming almost blinding in its intensity.

All at once, the familiar room seemed oppressive, and much too small.

Under the weight of his Commander's penetrating eyes, Okita opened his mouth to speak, and discovered, to his dismay, that he could not find a single thing to say.

Truth be told, he had expected his father figure to ask something along the lines of, "Why does Kagura-san need a private bodyguard?"

Or perhaps, "Why would a Yato with superhuman strength need you to protect her?"

After all, those seemed like rather obvious questions to ask, and not the question his commander had ended up asking.

Why did... Kagura choose me?

That was when he heard her voice, echoing inside his head.

Okita-kun, you said last night that I was the first person who could keep up with you. With the other boys, I am forced to control my Yato strength in case I accidentally hurt anyone. Even playing sports got boring after a while. I couldn't be myself at all… but it was better than being alone.

And then I met you.

You were irritating and sarcastic, but I didn't care, I finally found someone about my own age that I could fight and go all out with! I wasn't a scary Amanto or an outsider for once, but somebody's rival, I was so happy!

Papi is already set on having Gin-chan as my retainer, but last night... You told me that I wasn't a monster. It made me really glad! That was when I knew it was you and not Gin-Chan that I wanted.

Now that he properly recalled her words, the First-Captain found himself faltering, for they sounded almost like a... confession?

Okita's mouth almost fell open at the startling realization, but luckily managed to contain himself in time.

How exactly am I going to convey all of that to Kondo-san? It's far too personal!

That was when he heard Kondo's voice, cutting smoothly into his turbulent thoughts.

"Sougo-kun, I could be wrong but... Doesn't it seem like the Ojou-chan chose you because she wanted to spend some time with you?"

Absorbed in his own turbulent thoughts, a startled Okita flinched at his Commander's unexpected comment.

Urgh... Is Kondo-san always so spot-on when it comes to personal things like these?

Desperate to allay the man's rising suspicions, the officer waved a dismissive hand. "No Commander, that's not it..."

Looking up to face his commander, Okita blinked suddenly, for Kondo's stern countenance had faded away to reveal a bright, boyish grin. His dark eyes flashing playfully, the burly man leaned conspiratorially towards his First-Captain, who stared back at him with a stunned expression.

"Kondo-san, are you okay?"

The Commander heaved a dramatic sigh. "Come on Sougo, don't give me that! Pretending to be all cool and detached! Just admit it already, the Ojou-chan chose you because she LIKES you, isn't it?"

Okita's reply was carefully stoic. "I don't know what you're-"

"I've known you since you were a small boy, Sougo, nothing escapes me. I saw the way the both of you were looking at each other. Do you or do you not have feelings for the Yorozuya girl?"

Completely flustered by that point, Okita sighed deeply before deciding to throw in the towel. Now that things had progressed to such a point, there was no further reason in hiding the truth from his Commander.

"I don't know for sure," the officer confessed, carefully mulling over each word.

"But I think that I do."

As soon as the words escaped his lips, he regretted it, for Kondo's eyes lit up in an adoring gleam.

"Oh," he thought dully. "Here it comes..."

Right on cue, tears of emotion sprung into the Gorilla-Commander's eyes, "Oh my, our Sougo-kun is growing up -"

"Please stop it Kondo-san, it's embarrassing."

Though strained, the young captain's voice was nonetheless, firm. Turning his eyes towards the ceiling, Okita uttered a silent groan.

Kami-sama, please kill me now!

Laughing heartily at his thoroughly embarrassed subordinate, the older man raised his hands in a gesture of mock-surrender. "Alright Sougo, I'll stop teasing you already! But only since you asked me to..."

Pausing for a moment, the Commander blinked rapidly, as if struck by a sudden thought.

"Wait a minute - the Ojou-chan is a Yato isn't she? Why does she need a bodyguard in the first place?"

Gazing at his Commander's earnest and yet, confused expression, an astonished Okita found himself staring blankly at the older man. In a twisted way, he actually felt proud of himself. Any man who with less self-restraint than he did would surely have his mouth hanging open by then. Placing an exhausted hand against his temple, the young Captain sighed.

... Same old Kondo-san.

An explanation was clearly in order.

"Kondo-san, have you heard of the term, "Moonstruck?"

"What do you want from me, Kagura-san?"

"It's Kagura-sama to you. I'm the Queen of Kabuki-cho after all."

Astounded for a moment, the older man stared at the brazenness of the redheaded Yato seated next to him. After insulting him, the troublesome woman had the gall to drag him to a nearby bench by the Koi pond, where she intended to pester him with pointless questions.

Though it felt mortifying to be dragged around by a woman, curiosity had succeeded in getting the best of Hijikata Toushiro - and here he was, paying for the consequences of his actions.

... The Queen of Kabuki-cho, eh?

As violent and obnoxious as this girl was, she could be surprisingly dense at times.

"Oi. Do you even know what that title means?"

"Of course! I live in Kabuki-cho and since I'm the strongest female fighter there, that title automatically belongs to me!", the young woman piped triumphantly.

"No, you see- ", Hijikata sighed. "You know what, do whatever you want. I haven't got all day to babysit you. Who do you think I am, your diabetic baka of a Danna? What do you want from me?"

When the young woman failed to reply immediately, the officer placed his hands on his knees, ready to hoist himself up to leave.

"I'm giving you three seconds. If you don't reply, I'm going."

"I wanted to ask you about Okita-kun!", Kagura blurted out suddenly.

The Vice-Commander blinked. Her coy look was back, and she looked deeply uncomfortable.

... Heh, I guess that makes the both of us.

"You wanted to ask me about Sougo? Why?"

"Because I had asked him to be my retainer, and he seems okay with it...

Look, that guy has been my rival for years, but I don't know much about him, who his family was, where he came from. He did tell me that he had a sister but-"

"Wait- Sougo told you about Mitsuba?"

Cut off mid-rant by the Vice-Captain's strained voice, the Yato gazed upwards in surprise. Hidden in the officer's dark-colored irises were surprise and the faintest flicker of pain. She frowned in concern.

"Tax-robber-san, are you okay?"

Hijikata's temper flared immediately. "I said to stop calling me that, do you want me to walk away right now, huh?"

"No, I don't. Look, I'm sorry, dragging you around like this- "

The officer gritted his teeth in a supreme effort at self-control. "It's fine. What do you want to ask?"

"Will you... tell me about his sister, about his childhood in Bushuu?"

"His sister, eh?"

Although initially reticent to agree, Hijikata caught the hopeful spark in the Yato's eyes and sighed. For a fleeting moment, her innocent enthusiasm reminded him too much of a certain someone and he found himself unable to refuse the young woman's request.

Cheh... What a troublesome woman.

"As you wish," he shrugged, not before gazing at her in a slightly suspicious way. "By the way, how did you know that I had known Sougo during his childhood?"

Faced with the unexpected question, the redheaded woman appeared mildly surprised. As she pondered over his words however, her azure eyes grew thoughtful.

"Ah, it was a lucky guess. Okita-kun is kind of young for a Captain, and also, only you and the Gorilla call him "Sougo", so I guessed that you guys must have stuck around together for a long time," she mumbled in a rush.

"Plus, Okita-kun seems to hate you a lot. No one acts like unless- "

There, Kagura stopped and frowned lightly.

"I'm guessing that there's some kind of past-history involved but… I'm not really sure."

"I see, that's quite a speech, China-girl. I have to say that I'm impressed. It looks like you have been observing our Sougo rather... closely. Don't tell me that you actually have feelings for that Sadist?"

In response to the policeman's straightforward question, the Yato quickly averted her eyes, flushing a rosy pink. All at once, the unexpectedly feminine gesture transformed the loud, tomboyish woman next to him, causing Hijikata to blink in surprise.

With her porcelain-like skin and flowing pink dress, the blushing young woman appeared vulnerable and almost… delicate-looking.

Just like a China-doll huh? Heh, how deceptive women are...

A knowing smirk made his way to Hijikata's lips.

It looks like the China-girl could be pretty feminine if she tried. No wonder Sougo is beginning to fall for her.

"Ne, Hijikata-san, does Okita-kun really hate you?"

The older man gave a dry chuckle. "Does Sougo hate me? Of course he does. After all, I'm the person whom he thinks has taken everything away from him."

The silence in the room was crushing.

As Okita had expected, his Commander appeared greatly shaken by the news. "I see. Are you quite sure about your decision to be Kagura-san's retainer, Sougo?"

"She's been taking over my thoughts recently, and I need to know why," the Captain insisted in a stubborn voice. "Guess there's only one way to find out."

At the younger man's words, Kondo relented with a sigh. "I won't say that you're not walking into danger, but… You're a good man, Sougo. I fully trust your capabilities."

"Your smile looks shaky, Commander," teased the younger man. "Are you worried about me?"

The man looked indignant. "Of course I am! You're not just my subordinate you know! You're like my little brother, almost a son to me!"

Astonished at hearing his Commander's sudden, emotional outburst, Okita dropped his gaze. Although his facial expression didn't change, Kondo could tell that the boy was deeply moved by his words.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Kondo-san, but I'll be fine."

"You know... when you were young, you were such an unsociable kid that me and Mitsuba-dono had our hands full, worrying about you all the time," reminisced Kondo. He chuckled lightly, raising a hand at the uncomfortable look on the younger man's face.

"Don't try to stop an old man as he's lecturing you, Sougo! This needs to be said. We hoped that you would change when you grew older, but you remained reclusive and distant. On top of that, you were always so selective of your friends. What would you do when Mitsuba-dono, myself and Toshi-"

Catching the fleeting look of annoyance on his First-Captain's face, the Commander sighed.

"Don't look at me like that. You know he cares for you too. What are you going to do when all three of us are gone? Who would be there for you then? You barely have any friends your own age, and that, I believe, was Mitsuba-dono's greatest concern."

"Kondo-san..."

The officer's mouth had gone dry.

Although the topic was not something that he was entirely comfortable with, Okita knew that heart to heart talks with his father-figure were especially rare, especially due to their demanding schedules. Sighing, he resigned himself to listening as patiently as he could.

"When you first met Kagura-san at that Hanami party, I was so happy to see you finally playing with someone your age- "

"I was aiming to destroy her, Kondo-san," Okita's voice was deadpan.

"Oh stop it already!", Kondo scolded. "It was clear to all of us that you were having fun. And don't think I don't know that you've been secretly slipping off to the park every Thursday- "

"I was not slipping off. Look, I just needed to blow off some steam and I- "

The Commander waved a placating hand in the direction of his subordinate. "Yes, yes I know that you're stressed, but surely there's something else that keeps drawing you back to meet up with her?"

"What exactly do you want from me, Kondo-san?"

The Commander's voice was firm and unyielding. "I want to hear the honest truth from you. Or else, I'm not allowing you take on this position."

For a split second, the Gorilla-Commander thought that he caught a flicker of irritation in Okita's eyes. Before he could attempt to clarify this however, the young Captain had already launched into a lengthy explanation.

"Alright Kondo-san, since you insist. Let's see... China is the only girl who ever comes close to keeping up with me in a fight. Plus, her Yato strength gives me complete freedom to vent my work-stress as much as I like. That's a big reason why I hang out with her. Also, she's really strong so I don't have to worry much about her safety."

The officer continued to speak bluntly, deliberately ignoring the dismayed look in his superior's eyes.

"It's been a mutual exchange between the both of us for many years, until... "

For the first time since he had begun speaking, Okita visibly hesitated.

"After I returned from Bushuu, we met by chance on the street... and well, an accident happened. China-girl isn't ugly to look at, so I took the opportunity to kiss her. She reciprocated, so I would assume that she is at least physically attracted to me. Perhaps that's why she asked me to be her retainer.

Bodyguard work may be boring, but it pays well. Since I can't think of a good reason to refuse her, I said yes. That's all there is to it," he finished.

Shocked at his subordinate's callous words, Kondo's warm gaze turned steely.

"Well, Sougo, is that all you have to say? I'm very disappointed to hear that."

"Why is that, Commander?"

"As you know, I and Mitsuba-san love you very much, but Kami-sama! I would never have expected you to turn out to be such an unfeeling adult!"

His superior's voice radiated deep sadness.

Seeing the officer in front of him wince slightly, the Gorilla-Commander sighed before softening his tone.

"Look, I know that you haven't exactly had the most fortunate childhood, but there are people out there who have had it worse than you have."

"Who exactly are you talking about?"

"I heard from the Yorozuya danna that before Kagura-san's mother died, her older brother had left home, followed shortly by her father as well. At least you had people who loved you and looked out for you. The Ojou-chan on the other hand, had no one. After escaping to Earth, she was forced to fend for herself until she finally found the Yorozuya. Those guys became like a family to her. Despite that, between her surrogate father and you, she chose you to be her retainer. Don't you know what that means?"

Okita's reply was oddly composed. "I don't actually."

"In her weakest moment, Kagura-san took a serious gamble. She chose to place her trust, not in the Yorozuya danna, but in you. Since you agreed to take up the job, shouldn't you also prove to her that you are deserving of that trust?"

Gazing at the silent young man in front of him, the Commander sighed heavily.

"Look Sougo, if you're going to accept this job, you are going to have to prepare yourself for the fact that Kagura-san isn't always going to be that strong independent woman you knew as a rival. Without her strength, the Ojou-chan is going to be afraid, confused and insecure. It's going to be a difficult time for her, so…

Why don't you take the chance to know her better, earn her trust?

Seeing something waver in the young man's stony eyes, Kondo drew in a deep breath and took the plunge.

"After all, Kagura-san has grown up to become quite the beautiful woman. You can't keep her by your side forever. If she finds you undeserving of her feelings, I'm sure there are other men who- "

"I understand, Kondo-san," Okita interjected quickly.

"And I'm... sorry. I think I understand now why you chose to speak to the both of us separately." The young captain's voice sounded uncharacteristically humble.

The truth was that the thought of his rival being with someone else had disturbed him greatly. Okita sighed inwardly before reluctantly letting down his defenses. If there was ever a good time for him to be honest, this was it.

"I didn't really mean what I said about Kagura-san just now. I was just confused... and afraid of what I was feeling."

To his surprise, Kondo saw that the officer's apathetic mask had lifted. Like the thick mist that sometimes descended over an autumn lake, Okita's stoic demeanor had retreated, revealing the turbulent emotions the young man had been secretly harboring.

Ooh, so you do care for her!

Softening at the honesty behind his subordinate's confession, Kondo regarded Okita with a warm, genuine smile.

Just look at that expression! That open look in his eyes, it's just like how he used to look before Mitsuba passed... It's been a while time since you've shown your true feelings haven't you, Sougo?

The Commander couldn't resist a light chuckle.

It looks like that Ojou-chan really means something to you, eh?

Thinking that his superior was making fun of him, the look in Okita's mahogany eyes immediately turned guarded.

"Hey hey, calm down! I didn't mean to laugh at you Sougo-kun," Kondo spoke in a hasty voice.

"I was just thinking… Opening up to one's feelings can take up a lot of courage, doesn't it?"

Although the only response he received was a confused stare, the Commander was patient. Not having had a chance to speak to his surrogate son for months, Kondo was firmly determined not to let this rare chance slip by.

"It's been a long time hasn't it, Sougo? Since we've talked like this?"

The officer's response was quiet. "Yes, it has."

"Look, I know that it must have been hard on you since Mitsuba-dono passed on. For awhile, I thought that you had closed up completely to your emotions, becoming mistrustful of everyone and throwing yourself into your work."

"Kondo-san- don't- " Okita could feel his voice cracking.

Kondo chuckled lightly. "I'm sorry if all this talk is making you uncomfortable, but I'm only going to say this once, so please bear with me a little longer."

Okita appeared to hesitate, before nodding silently in assent.

"Sougo, I can see that you've been working hard and doing a mighty fine job. But you don't have to be a Shinsengumi Officer forever. Having a career is not everything to a man, life goes on and when the time comes that you meet someone and choose to settle down... Well, who am I to hold you back from living a quiet, peaceful life?"

Kondo-san, what are you saying?

All at once, Hijikata's words flowed into his mind and Okita understood.

So, Kondo-san had offered Kaname-san the same choice huh?

Noticing his superior's poignant expression, the young Captain drew in a deep breath and abruptly straightened his back.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Kondo-san, but I'm afraid that I'm a bit of a greedy person."

Smiling lightly at his superior's confusion, Okita looked directly into Kondo's eyes.

"I'm going to find a way to have my cake and eat it too. I'm not planning to leave the force anytime soon. So…"

The officer stood up from his chair and bowed deeply.

"Until that time, please take good care of me as you have always done."

Surprised and moved by his First-Captain's words, Kondo broke into loud laughter. It echoed around the small room, eliciting a small smile from the younger man.

"It's a relief to hear that from you, Sougo-kun! If it's you, I'm sure that you can achieve your goal!"

The officer's smile was genuine, with no traces of his usual sarcasm. "It's my pleasure to work alongside you, Kondo-san."

Kondo smiled proudly, his eyes watering slightly as he gazed at the handsome, confident young swordsman in front of him.

Ah, looks like our Sougo is all grown up…

"That's my boy."

Still standing with one hand resting against the back of his chair, Okita hesitated before venturing. "Kondo-san, I know that this may sound kind of abrupt but... Why are you attracted to Shimura-san?"

"Are you referring to Otae-san?"

"Yes sir."

A tender expression crossed the Commander's face.

"Well... Otae-san is beautiful and fiery, but very much a lady as well. She has her vulnerabilities due to the hard life she's experienced, but she can also be incredibly strong-willed and confronts her problems head-on. These are all qualities that I greatly admire in a woman."

Hearing his superior's words, a drop of sweat rolled down the young Captain's forehead.

Erm, Commander? I think that you are the problem that she always confronts... head on... with her fist.

Smiling blithely, the Gorilla-Commander folded his arms with a knowing smile.

"After all, aren't these the very same reasons you're drawn to Kagura-san?"

Okita hesitated, before nodding.

"Now go! She's waiting for you in the garden."

"I will, Kondo-san."

"Oh and Sougo-kun- "

Already turning to leave, Okita was halted by the note of mischief in his Commander's voice.

"If rumors are to be believed, Yato women are supposed to have amazing physical stamina. In other words, they don't easily 'run out of steam', if you catch my meaning."

Horrified at the bawdy innuendo, Okita's mouth dropped open in astonishment.

Kondo-san did NOT just say that!

A faint blush staining his cheeks, the officer bowed awkwardly, almost tripping over in his haste to exit the room.

Watching his surrogate son's rapidly retreating back, the Commander called out in a cheery voice, "And don't forget to bring Kagura-san back to see me, okay?"

Leaning back onto his seat, the Gorilla-Commander looked out into the garden with a wistful sigh.

Haha... young people nowadays.

A/N: Hi OkiKagu fans, so there are a lot of conversations going in in this chapter. Kondo and Okita have a honest heart to heart talk and Kagura questions Hijikata on Okita's past! Personally, I really enjoyed writing this, as it helps to get certain important issues out of the way for our favourite, dare I say, tsundere couple XD Hopefully I haven't bored anyone too much haha..

Next up! Hijikata tells Kagura more about Okita's past? How will Okita react when he sees his rival sitting and talking together with his least favorite colleague? Stay tuned!

As usual reviews are much appreciated! All reviewers will receive a personal PM from yours truly. Have a great week ahead!

Ps. This chapter is specially dedicated to my beta RenjiLuvah, for taking precious time off her work to beta "Moonstruck" despite her crazy schedule! Thank you so much for all your hard work over the labor day weekend and being an invaluable source of motivation!