when johnny comes marching home

[ayu_nee]

Who: Everyone
What: Returning from the draft!
When: Midnight on the 7th and on
Where: Anywhere
Summary: Open post for post-draft returning and reaction, for those not in the plaza. If you're in the plaza, go to that log; if you're not, feel free to post here. ^^
Rating: Varies.

Comments

[simplestgift]

[Archie returns holding his sword and standing on the bridge by CH1 and has to orient himself for a moment. He's soaked to the bone and has something akin to a sunburn on his face. After a moment of realizing he either got killed in battle and a week has passed or the battle's over, he sheathes his sword. The motion strikes him as one he wouldn't do if he had been killed.

His hands are bloody, but none of it is his. He climbs down to the creek below and washes them off before walking down the path toward home.]

[captainhornblower]

["Sleep" over the last few days for Horatio has consisted wholly of naps on the couch when he's simply too tired to do anything more.

Which is where he is when Archie reaches the apartment. At the sound of the door handle, Horatio is wide awake and sitting up. It takes only one second and two blinks for the sleep to leave his mind enough for a grin to cross his features at seeing the man standing there.

The next instant, he's on his feet and crossing the room.]

Archie.

[It's pure relief to see him back.]

[simplestgift]

[An exhausted smile.] We lost.

[captainhornblower]

You're back. [Nothing else matters.]

[simplestgift]

Yes. [It really is. He closes the door behind him.] And I've kept my word.

[captainhornblower]

That you have. [He puts a hand on Archie's arm, smile widening a bit.]

[simplestgift]

[A bit of a moment passes where the relief fully sinks in, and he grins at Horatio. It's done. Over, for now.]

I'd better take a shower and get dressed in something dry. I'm surprised at you, touching something so filthy.

[But his hand returns the arm-clasp--a brotherly gesture.]

[captainhornblower]

By the Navy's standards, Archie, you're almost spotless.

[He laughs just a little, giving Archie's arm on squeeze before letting go so Archie can get himself cleaned up.]

[simplestgift]

So long as I'm not getting dirt on your uniform, then. [He breezes into his room to collect dry clothes. His voice comes out from it.]

Did anything of import happen today?

[captainhornblower]

[Miss Jilly and I are tentatively planning a rebellion.]

It's been extremely quiet, I'm sorry to say.

[simplestgift]

No-no, Horatio, I couldn't be more delighted to hear the news. [He emerges with clothes.] You'd best have that bottle of brandy ready for when I'm out.

[captainhornblower]

It'll be waiting for you, Archie.

[simplestgift]

Like you've a choice. [He disappears into the bathroom.]

[captainhornblower]

[And while Archie showers, Horatio will be pouring two glasses of brandy from the bottle and settling in to wait. Hell, he feels half drunk even without the liquor, simply out of relief.]