chaotically_rem

Betrayal.

The words stuck in Gintoki's throat, an apology maybe, an excuse. His mouth was open but nothing came out. This wasn't supposed to be how it ended, wasn't supposed to be how he left his mark. But when he looked into the eyes of his comrades, battle weary and exhausted, he could see it clear as day. The men were divided already, picking sides, already looked at him like a traitor. While no words had been said, the betrayal must have been clear.

Gintoki had done something and the men knew he had been in the wrong. The majority seemed to favor Katsura and Takasugi, only a few asking Gintoki if he could possibly make this right.

There was no way in hell he could make this right. The only way he could make it right was to leave.

So he left, his back to the smoke and ashes, blood and broken steel. He left, his back to the friends he had promised to protect, the friends he had ruined in one fell swoop.

He left with blood on his hands he would never wash off.