"You're wearing your uniform?"

Hijikata glanced over his shoulder as he fixed his scarf neatly into place "Ah. Why wouldn't I?"

Sougo sighed deeply, pushing himself away from the wall "You're supposed to be off duty. Relaxing. Do you even know what that word means Hijikata San?"

"I think you know enough about that for the both of us" His eye twitched in annoyance as the door to his bedroom was abruptly slid open, banging loudly against the frame to reveal an excited looking Kondo

"Oi Toushi! You're wearing your -"

"YES!" Hijikata cut in before Kondo had the chance to even finish his sentence. Great, being stuck with just Sougo on his night off was bad enough, he'd be kept on his toes all night long waiting for any possible ambush. A drunken Kondo added into the equation would mean his so called "relaxing night" would turn into a Gorilla-sitting job. What part of this was even supposed to be fun anyway? He'd have to bring his own mayonnaise to make the food taste good. Kondo would no doubt try to drag him to a hostess club. Sougo would probably make an attempt on his life at some point during the night... He could happily stay at the barracks and go to bed early. Now that sounded tempting. "Come on" he sighed in defeat, shooting his friends sharp glance "I suddenly need a drink"

Gin picked his nose and glanced up at the sign above the restaurant. It certainly looked the part anyway, if the food was as impressive as the appearance of the place, then he might somehow, slightly, maybe just enjoy himself. A bit.

"Oi Gin Chan, do we have to wait for those Shinsegumi dogs? We can just go inside already yes?" Kagura asked as she pressed her face against the window, her nostrils flared as she breathed heavily in anticipation against the glass, completely oblivious to the uncomfortable glances from the customers already inside eating their food

Gin smacked her over the head quickly "Oi! Stop it! You're making Gin San look like he can't afford to eat somewhere like this! Act natural!"

"Natural for us is food from the reduced section!" Kagura whined loudly rubbing the back of her head

Shinpachi grimaced slightly "It does look a bit extravagant... Gin San, you sure this is OK? I mean they don't expect us to pay our share or anything... this is the Shinsengumi we're talking about here"

"Patsuan, this is a serious mission, each of us must eat until it hurts. Push past the bloating and chew. Don't forget to breathe and gorge yourselves on as much as possible. Kagura, forget about the rice, go for the meat. Gin San has faith in you oi" he solemnly placed a hand on his companions shoulders and gave them a reassuring nod "The battle may be long, at times it could be painful. Don't look those bastards in the face or you'll run the risk of vomiting your food and all of your previous efforts will have been in vain... but most of all...order the most expensive things on the menu" He grinned proudly at the look of determination now etched onto the young faces before him

"... Danna... that's mean. Civil servants aren't made of money you know" Gin looked over his shoulder to find Sougo casually slouched in the entrance to the restaurant "You and Megane better hurry up and get inside, everyone is waiting. Tell China somebody will bring hers outside, I hear it's no pets allowed" he droned flatly pointing a finger in Kagura's direction

Gin swiftly whacked her across the head once more before she could erupt into a rage and draw further attention towards them "Oi... get your revenge through your stomach" he hissed quietly, pushing Kagura and Shinpachi towards the now retreating Sougo.

Hijikata sipped his sake delicately and pretended to listen to Kondo's ramblings about Otae and how she was the most perfect woman and so graceful and beautiful and blah blah blah "Oi Kondo San, where did you say Sougo went?" he interrupted casually, desperately trying to change the flow of conversation for at least two minutes

"Huh? He went to check on the others" Kondo grinned reaching for his drink "Anyway, Otae San changed her shampoo last week, and it smells like -"

Hijikata frowned and shot his leader a confused glance "Others..?" As if on cue the door to their private booth suddenly slid open to reveal a far too happy looking Sougo. What was he smirking about like that oi? Had he bribed the chef to poison his food? Had he organised for this whole shamble to paid for straight out of his pocket?

"Everyone is here now. We can finally start celebrating" Sougo smirked, locking eyes with Hijikata and edging into the room. Hijikata felt the blood drain from his face as the thee familiar figures trailed in behind the young captain. What. The. Fuck.

"Yorozuya! You finally made it. We've been waiting for you. Shinpachi Kun! Sit down, here, next to me, have a drink" Kondo beamed as the Yorozuya trio shuffled around awkwardly "Oi, Toushi, budge up a bit, let Shinpachi Kun sit down"

Hijikata mechanically scooted along the table, his eyes now fixed on the shiny dark wood. Why were those bastards here? What the hell was happening? Could he just leave? Would that look too suspicious oi? Even the brats were here! That bastard Sougo... he'd planned this from the very beginning... this couldn't possibly get any worse...

"Oi! I'm not sitting next to that stinking brat! Shinpachi! Switch places with me!" Kagura yelled as she gestured wildly at an unfazed Sougo

"O-on second thought, why don't we just go home oi? Gin San has some instant ramen left somewhere..." Gintoki stuttered awkwardly, still standing in the doorway. Oi. Hijikata Kun? Hijikata Kun was here? Why had he conveniently assumed that the stupid sexy mayo bastard wouldn't be here? Wait! Did he want to bump into like this? He must have known that Okita Kun had invited them all here... had he come out just to see Gin San oi?

"Hah?! Sit down!" Kagura yelled aggressively as she forcefully pushed Gintoki further into the room "We're not turning back now! Nobody leaves until I'm full"

Gin winced as he ungracefully landed directly opposite Hijikata. Oooooiiiii... Kagura... your stomach couldn't have picked a worse time to take over... How is Gin San going to get through tonight...? Sake. Saaaaake ooooiiiii.

"Is everything OK in here?" a waitress slid open the door and poked her head inside, obviously concerned by the yells and crashes coming from this section "Please let us know if you need anything" she added warily, glancing at each of the inhabitants in turn

"SAKE, ONEGAI!" Gin and Hijikata yelled in unison, their fists clenched on their thighs and heads bent forward as they refused to look up

The waitress smiled tremulously at the two men seated opposite each other at the end of the room, their faces looked strained and their shoulders looked tense... what kind of party was this? "Right away" she nodded quickly, immediately ducking straight back out of the heavy atmosphere.

Sougo leaned back and glanced at Gin and Hijikata in turn "You two are getting along just as well as ever... do you secretly meet up and practise your lines?"

"AHN?" Gin yelled incredulously as Hijikata momentarily choked on his cigarette "Who gets along with who? I'm here to eat! Eating! That's what we want! And drinking! You bastards owe us remember!" He exhaled gratefully as the door slid open to reveal the waitress with their drinks. He tapped his fingers against the table in agitation as she seemed to laboriously place the cups and flasks out before them "It's fine! We can pour it ourselves!" he cried nervously, instantly grabbing for the flask and pouring a large measure. The waitress blinked in surprise a few times before turning to the rather handsome dark haired man on the opposite side of the table in order to serve him

"More sake onegaiii..." Hijikata breathed as he held his now empty flask out towards the girl

The girls eyes grew wide. Wait... how on earth had he drank that so quickly? She had only just placed the flask before him "O-of course" she stammered

"... Onegai..."

She whipped her head back towards the sleepy looking silver haired man, who also held out a now empty flask. What the hell were these two made of? Was this an alcoholics goukon or something? "Right away..." she smiled, scrambling to her feet

"Oi Toushi, you're thirsty tonight" Kondo laughed loudly as he affectionately ruffled Hijikata's hair "Careful you don't get too drunk or we'll have to hire this lot to carry you home" he joked pointing at Gintoki

Hijikata breathed in sharply through his nose, refusing to even so much as glance at the lazy samurai before him. If he did it would definitely be game over...

"Oi Yorozuya, you have them trained well. China girl was about to chain herself to the barracks gates!" Kondo laughed, his cheeks were flushed red and his voice boomed more loudly than usual as he waved his cup around, sake sloshing all over the place

"Free the Yorozuya one! Free the Yorozuya one!" Kagura yelled, pounding a heavy fist against the table and causing leftover food to bounce around and empty flasks topple over

Gin blinked slowly as he tried to focus on the person next to him making so much of a racket. It smelt like sukonbu... "Oi Kagura, no more Oranamin C for you..." he slurred quietly

Sougo raised his head above Kagura's to look in Gintoki's direction "Danna, China has been drinking sake all night. Sake" he repeated, holding up an empty flask as if he had to demonstrate what it actually was

"HAH?" Gin cried over the sudden eruption of laughter from Kondo and Kagura "Patsuan! You let her drink...?"

"What do you mean I let her drink! You're the adult here!" Shinpachi retaliated "And you're more drunk than anyone in here!" he added, trying to unsuccessfully hide the evidence of his own alcohol consumption

"Oi, I think Toushi wins that contest" Kondo laughed, gesturing towards Hijikata who was lying face down on the table, a blob of mayonnaise smeared across his cheek

Gin allowed his eyes to wander to the man sitting before him for the first time that night. They had both tried their hardest to ignore each other, each drinking themselves into oblivion to ease their embarrassment and discomfort. The occasional brush of contact from a readjusting leg or the scent of tobacco penetrated the drunken bubble Gin had surrounded himself in. But there was no getting away from the fact that Hijikata was right in front of him. And there was no getting away from the fact that no matter how hard he tried to deny it or how much he drank... he wanted him there.

"Gin Chan... I don't feel so good..." Kagura's voice suddenly snapped him back into reality. He blushed slightly at the thought of any of the others noticing how long he had been staring at the out cold Hijikata for

"AH! Water! Get this kid some - ! Kagura no! Not in here!" Gin cried instantly recognising the familiar look cross the girls face. Too late. Kagura treated the entire room to one of her most impressive displays of vomit

"Oi! China! Get out...!" Kondo cried pinching his nose "You're going to make me.. hhhwwwwoooooaahhhhh" the Shinsengumi Commanders sentence was cut shut as he returned fire and proceeded to throw up with as much gusto as Kagura

"Oi! Help! Waitress!" Shinpachi yelled as he fussed about with a pathetic paper napkin "I can't stop them! There's too much!"

"I-it's Mayora's fault... that mayonnaise on his face made me hhhhwwwwoooooooaaaaahhhhh" Kagura panted, pointing an accusing finger in Hijikata's direction, who remained out cold on the table oblivious to the escalating chaos surrounding him

"Oi, Megane. Take China out before the restaurant makes us pay for new floor mats" Sougo commanded with a swift nod in Kagura's direction. He waited patiently as Shinpachi nodded and struggled to get Kagura to her feet and out of the door

"Yes, yes! Get her out!" Gintoki yelled flapping his hand quickly, his alcohol buzz now well and truly destroyed. The stupid kid had wasted all of that booze and food. Her stomach would be as empty as it was when they first got here...

"Kondo San, how about some fresh air?" Sougo asked innocently placing a reassuring hand on his leaders shoulder "You'll need to sober up a bit before you go to the hostess club..."

"W-what about Toushi...?" Kondo whimpered pathetically, swaying dramatically as Sougo helped him to his feet

Sougo shot a sly glance over his shoulder "It's alright Kondo San, Danna can look after Hijikata San until we get back" His red eyes narrowed into slits and an evil grin spread across his face

"Eeeeh? N-nani?" Gintoki stuttered suddenly realising his latest predicament "T-take him with you! I have to make sure the kids are OK!" he yelled whipping his head back and forth between the sadist-gorilla combo and the unconscious mayora

"We'll see that they're OK, we're going out there anyway" Sougo replied flatly as he began dragging Kondo out of the door "He stupidly wore his uniform tonight... leaving such an important member of our Shinsengumi team alone and unarmed in such a vulnerable state... who knows what could happen...?" he added flippantly

"Toushiiiii...!" Kondo wailed trying to look over his shoulder "Make sure he's OK Yorozuya!"

Gin swallowed loudly as the door slid shut. Shutting him inside. With Hijikata. Alone.

Gin chewed his bottom lip quickly. Oi. Why was this happening? What was he supposed to do? He quickly glanced around his surroundings; one thing was for sure he wasn't going to stay in here much longer. He swallowed nervously before prodding Hijikata with a chopstick "A-anno... Hijikata Kun? Time for school..." he called out tremulously. He frowned as the Shinsengumi officer mumbled something unintelligible before readjusting himself into a more comfortable position so he could continue to sleep "Oi! Wake up!" he shouted, annoyed by the way he had blatantly been ignored

"Mnnah...? Ah...?"

"Don't 'ah' me! Wake up! I can't stay in this room any longer! Look at it! It's like 'Gorilla's Gone Wild' in here!"

Hijikata dragged his head upright and winced slightly at the sudden movement. He tried to focus on the blabbering face before him "Y-Yo...rozuya...? Where am I?"

Gintoki gave an exasperated sigh and scrambled around the table to Hijikata's side. He definitely couldn't hold his drink properly. "Oi, let's get you outside to where your buddies are waiting, they'll take you home, just stand up and get out of this room already, Gin San seriously needs to leave now..." his hands froze and his fingers stretched awkwardly just as they were about to grab hold of the drunken man before him "Aaahhh..." he stuttered stupidly. Why did this bastard have such a cute drunken face? Oi. This wasn't fair, why had Gin San been left with such a task? How was he supposed to get him out of there without having to...touch him...? "So... any time you want to stand up so we can leave already..." he added, withdrawing his hands away slowly. Gin bit back a squeak of surprise as Hijikata suddenly latched onto his shoulder's, leaning his body weight completely against him. Na-Na-Naniiiiiiiiiiiii

"...Yo-rozuya"

Gintoki's eyes grew wide and a deep blush coloured his cheeks at the sound of that raspy voice calling out to him. W-was he panting? Oiiii. Stop being so unnecessarily sexy. "W-w-w-what?!" he choked out nervously, his entire body frozen rigid as Hijikata became dangerously close. This wasn't the most perfect setting for a dalliance - no matter how tempting it was right now. It had been a long time since Gin had been on a date but even he knew that being surrounded by vomit was definitely not OK for a romantic encounter to take place "Y-y-you need to stand up OK? Gin San really needs to go home now so maybe we can pick this up where we leave off some other time...?" he gulped nervously as Hijikata's fingers gripped his shoulders tightly. Eh? Was he trying to be dominant. Wait. That's not what he had had in mind...

"Shut up!" Hijikata shouted suddenly raising his gaze to meet with Gintoki's for the first time "Help me up bastard, my leg has fallen asleep! This place is making me sick! Hurry up!"

Gin's previously excited expression melted into the usual mask of annoyance whenever dealing with the troublesome Demon Vice Commander "Ahn?! Is that anyway to ask for a favour Hijikata Kun?! I'll leave you in here and wedge the door shut, see how you like that!"

Hijikata gave a low growl and pulled Gintoki closer by his shoulder's "A-ah! Seriously! Help me up! My leg!" his brows knitted into a dark frown at the stupid smirk that was smiling back at him. The bastard

"What's in it for me?" Gin cackled, his eyes flashing mischievously. He felt his stomach churn slightly at the cute blush that suddenly flushed across Hijikata's face... damn it.

"I wont kill you if you help me up – ah! Seriously Yorozuya!" Hijikata yelped as he tried to shift his position, his leg tingling uncomfortably "P-please!"

Gin smiled to himself and suddenly placed one of Hijikata's arms around his own shoulder and shifted the Shinsengumi officer up onto his feet in one swift motion. He gulped slightly as his other hand reached around and supported Hijikata's waist, his taught muscular frame apparent even through the layers of his uniform. He gave a quick glance out of the corner of his eye at the man beside him; Hijikata's expression was one of surprise and utter embarrassment... and just about the cutest thing Gin had ever seen in his entire life. He tore his gaze away and grimaced before moving towards the door. This wasn't going to end well...

Hijikata inwardly cursed himself for asking the Yorozuya to help. What had he expected? Now they had their arms wrapped around each other in some bizarre escape mission from that absolute hell hole of a dining room and were currently shuffling towards the exit. Even in his drunken state he was all to aware of how easily the Yorozuya had half lifted him... how those strong arms were still supporting most of his weight even now... He clenched his jaw and stared straight ahead, refusing to even think when they were in such a position... His heart pounded quickly in his chest at the sensation of Gintoki's fingers gripping his waist tightly as they manoeuvred a narrow corner with some difficulty. This was hell. This was sheer hell. How had they even ended up like this?! After trying to drink away any thought of that stupid baka and now he was practically hanging from his neck all because of something as stupid as a numb leg. Toushiro... you idiot

"O-oi!" Hijikata yelled as Gintoki suddenly sped towards the exit "Yorozuya! Wait -!"

"Ooooiiiiii! Okita Kuuuun!" Gin shrieked as dragged Hijikata quickly outside, his eyes wide in horror at the image playing out before him "Where the hell do you think you're going?!" he yelled as Sougo bundled a dazed Kondo into the back of a cab

Sougo gestured for the taxi driver to wait briefly. He wound his window down slowly and stuck his head out, the light from the street lamp lighting his features in an eerie manner "Danna, I've taken the responsibility upon myself to make sure that your employees arrive home safely by paying their cab fare home. Please look after our Vice Commander as a way of returning the favour. Oyasumi" he added casually, winding the window up once more as the taxi began to roll forward

"E-eh? S-Sougo! Oi! Just let me in! Sougo!" Hijikata yelped as he awkwardly shuffled towards the car "Sougooooooooo!" His jaw fell slack as the taxi rolled away.

"...He left" Gintoki mumbled awkwardly

Hijikata ground his teeth together and whipped his head around quickly "I can see that!"

Gintoki pouted and threw his arms behind his head "Oi. Don't shout at someone who just helped you! Gin San should have left you asleep in that disgusting room with mayonnaise spread all over your face"

Hijikata frowned at the idiot before him. Why had he felt so nervous only a few moments earlier when he had been held by that big stupid perm! It was the Yorozuya! What was wrong with him?! "What are you talking about bastard I haven't got any -" his words were cut short as Gintoki suddenly reached out and gently brushed his cheek. He glanced nervously at the man before him, his heart suddenly beating quickly inside his chest. What the hell was with these sudden conflicting reactions!?

"Oi. See. Mayonnaise. Want to eat it?" Gintoki smirked holding his finger up that now had a blob of mayonnaise on. There was that blush again... had he always blushed this easily? A knot formed in his stomach as he realised maybe only he got to witness something so adorable on this usually scary face. Hijikata Kun's cute side belonged exclusively to him right now...

Hijikata forced down his embarrassment and the alarming urge to suck the Yorozuya's finger... why would that even spring to mind? Seriously, what the hell was wrong with him? He was still drunk... that had to be it "Sh-shut up bastard... I'm going home, you can leave me alone now..." he mumbled awkwardly, turning his back on Gintoki and hiding his flustered blush at the same time.

"Oi, what about Gin San? I'm miles away from home! You bastards were the ones that picked a place all the way out here – the least you can do is pay for a taxi to get me home!" he moaned, catching up to Hijikata and matching his stride "What if someone tries to attack me! You're the police! You have to protect me! My good looks may get me kidnapped!"

Hijikata growled in annoyance "Who would try to kidnap someone like you hah? Even if you do end up kidnapped they'll soon turn you out when they realise what an annoying bastard you are"

"Hah? Are you refusing to consider the well being of an Edo citizen? You earn enough money to pay for one cab fare, I'll share yours I don't mind!" Gintoki wailed, his voice booming loudly through the dark street. He frowned as Hijikata stopped dead refusing to take another step "Oi. What's wrong? Your leg hurting again?"

Hijikata shifted awkwardly on the spot, still refusing to take another step further "Just leave me alone" he mumbled quietly "I don't need you to walk with me so just go on ahead"

"Hah? What if you're the one who gets attacked? Who even wears their uniform to go out drinking when unarmed anyway? You're a moving target right now baka! Plus you're drunk!" Gintoki lectured, folding his arms with an air of self importance, secretly thrilled that he had such a sound argument. And it was certainly plausible... Hijikata didn't have to know that Gin found him incredibly cute and hopeless at that very moment

Hijikata glanced up through his spiky fringe. Gintoki felt his hair stand on end by the way the man before him could smoulder so effortlessly... the pale street light softly illuminated his features making him even more attractive than usual "And why do you care hah? I thought that I was at the top of your "to get rid of" list..."

"...Not really..." Gintoki muttered, willing himself to drag his gaze away from those deep blue eyes "I promised Okita Kun and the Gorilla I'd look out for you..." he added, trying to ignore that familiar pull that he had tried so hard to ignore all night "Gin San keeps his promises oi" he breathed, taking a step closer to Hijikata, who remained rooted on the spot yet never breaking his heavy gaze

Hijikata let out a shaky breath, realising that he was once again completely entranced by the intense look in the usually lazy eyes that were currently boring into his own. He knew he should walk away now. Should push past the Yorozuya and keep walking until the alcohol and any trace of Sakata Gintoki was completely expelled from his mind. But he didn't. He couldn't. He licked his lips in anticipation as he allowed Gintoki to lean in closer to face, their breath escaping in shallow gasps as the intensity of the situation took over, any rational thought or care now at the very back of their minds "Oi... why me...?" Hijikata managed to breathe out as Gintoki ran tentative fingers through his hair, pulling their faces closer together. He closed his eyes as the Yorozuya softly pressed his lips against his own, the faint taste of sake still lingered on his mouth "I-I said why me...?" Hijikata pressed once more, still allowing Gin full control of the situation as he planted light kisses against his mouth. He opened his eyes as the Yorozuya ceased his kisses yet remained close

"Why not you?" he asked simply, their eyes still completely focused on the other

Hijikata felt a faint surge of annoyance. No matter how much this bastard annoyed him he was now well and truly under his skin. For whatever reason "A woman... wouldn't a woman be easier?" he asked softly, half directing the question at himself. What good could ever come from such a relationship, whether it was the Yorozuya or anyone else... he was still Hijikata Toushiro, feared Demon Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi "I didn't know you preferred men" he added, again as if he was somehow addressing himself

Gintoki smirked before claiming the perfect mouth before him more forcefully this time, pressing his lips firmly against Hijikata's as he finally allowed the feelings he had been so desperately trying to ignore to take control "I don't like men" he breathed as he pulled away "Just Hijikata Kun"

Hello again! I'm so sorry that this has taken a while to update - I definitely haven't forgotten about it and plan to continue with more BL as soon as I can. Thanks again for reading so far and I LOVE to hear what you think about the story - I really hope you have enjoyed it and will continue to do so. All reviews/favourites/follows are really appreciated!