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

Chapter 2 {Y/N}

Senya must've seen the look on my face, and seems to be fighting back her own tears. "Maybe we can go to your place together sometimes," she offers.

     "Really?" I beam.

She giggles and walks to the house. "Let's see." I catch up to her. "But in this village, everyone's mostly looking after themselves so it might be hard to get you employed," she says, setting down the wares near the hearth. I suspend the lever of the pot onto the iron rod hanging above it.

     "Is there any place at all that needs employment?" I ask.

Senya considers it for a moment. Then she jolts as if a thought practically hits her. "I think there is a place after all. The job would simply be chores, along with some serving around maybe," she says.

     "Perfect," I reply instantly. Maybe too quickly because a strange smile is creeping up on her lips.

Senya clasps her hands courtly. "Then let's have you dressed up, shall we?"

_______________

After a daze, Senya holds out a wide mirror, which I have no idea where she first kept it, and lets me behold my form.

I'm dressed in a white kimono with designs of birds and bamboo leaves embroidered in a warm yellow with a matching sash. My hair has been pinned to the back of my head by a sparkling hair stick that dangles down from the knot. Senya even manages to paint my lips into a rosy flush.

I watch her in confusion as she goes to the closet and carefully places the mirror against the back of it. My several attempts on asking about the sudden fuss have been shushed by thrilled comments about my looks.

     "Now aren't you going to tell me what this is about?" I ask her when she smiles at me like I'm her finished craft.

     "You're going to work for the Mayor," she says, barely containing her excitement.

     "The Mayor?" I repeat.

     "Yes, he's the one in charge of this village," Senya answers. "And I hear that he's short on housemaids lately."

     "But you could've done it yourself too," I say.

     "And scare him away with my face? No!"

     "How about my face?" I ask, not understanding her squeakiness.

     "You're the most beautiful girl in this village now. He can't possibly decline," Senya asserts.

     "That's not the point-"

     "And he's a kind person," she goes on. "He'll listen to what you have to say and would probably hire you if he knows that working for him helps you instead."

I give it another thought. There's a chance right here. And as I've known from my previous lessons, I'm never really granted with the luxury of choices to make freely since the start.

I look to Senya. "I guess I'll give it a try."

______________

The way to the Mayor's estate is pretty much straight forward. We just need to head down the dirt road. I soon learn that Senya's house is located at the rear of the village while the Mayor's is at the opposite end.

We pass some of the folks along the way. They greet Senya fondly and question about me. Most of them have the strain of hard work, yet none have a particular dissatisfaction about the condition of their homes. Senya says it results from the Mayor generosity. Then she goes on about how he's still single despite his age.