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

[chikaidestroyer]

I won't. [That is, he'll try not to. And if he does, it'll be completely on accident. He shifts the sheet on top of him, tired and aching. His right arm is especially numb, having been flexed and tensed and abused as he received as much of a crash course in practical sword usage.

He catches sight of Kogoro resting on him, sleepily raising a brow when he sees his tail wag faintly.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar's back to dragging his feet as he crosses the rest of the way to the kitchen. He pours a glass of juice with a little ice for his brother, considering something for himself, too, but quickly changing his mind as he starts on his way back to the living room. He'd been ready to sleep hours ago, so he didn't really need anything.

When he returns, he offers the glass to Albert.]

Here you are.

[...he glances at Kogoro, too. Weird dog.]

[chikaidestroyer]

Thank you. [He pulls his left hand out from under the sheet, accepting the glass and taking a drink.]

I'm somewhat surprised you're still awake. Raine and I are fairly settled already.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head, then goes to sit down again. He pulls his legs up onto the chair, and leans against the armrest.]

Like I said, I wanted to greet you. [He might've been waiting.] If it weren't for me, you'd still have dirty sheets on your bed! Good thing I was awake, huh?

[chikaidestroyer]

Yes, how very fortunate. My bed thanks you for your thoughtfulness. [He shakes his head, taking another sip of his juice.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you're welcome, too. [He pauses to yawn a little.] I'll sleep soon, promise. I just wanted to make sure that you came back in one piece. Of course, I already knew you would.

[chikaidestroyer]

That was one of the few certainties of this battle. [He's too tired to scoff, but his tone is low.] There was far more exposure to close encounters this time around.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

A forest isn't exactly an ideal place to fight. [There were people who didn't even know what a rainforest was.] I guess they had the advantage this time around.

[chikaidestroyer]

In numbers, knowledge, and potential reinforcements. But we survived, which was the "objective." [Such a derisive tone at that.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

What a waste of time. Was this supposed to be an improvement? [He really doubts this supposed military.] We might as well have not gone out there at all.

[chikaidestroyer]

They did not expect much, so we did not give as much. The residents, of course, may not feel that way. [It was rather demoralizing in its own way, but he had no doubt that some residents would try to make the best of it.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

This had better not become a regular thing. Sooner or later, they won't be willing to fight anymore.

[And sure, they had no choice—that's why most of them fought at all. But he didn't want to deal with people becoming more stubborn about why they fought.]

[chikaidestroyer]

If this continues, they will simply be fighting for the same reason that the security forces have been: survival. I would not be surprised if they no longer believe they can "win" -- simply fend off the inevitable.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

And if it's inevitable, why bother fighting? They're going to give even less than they gave for this battle. It's no good for the rest of us if they do that.

[chikaidestroyer]

Some would rather fight than refuse to believe they are surrendering. [Human nature and its stubbornness. But he makes a faint gesture.] Not that it matters. We should not be dragged into believing their perspective.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I guess you're right. [He smirks a little. He knows he's right. It'd never be a problem for him. He had his own beliefs, and they'd have a hell of a time making him change them.] I'm not worried. It would just be a pain to deal with people like that.

[chikaidestroyer]

And those who will be very vocal with their displeasure. [He looks very weary just thinking about it, and he distracts himself with another sip of juice.] But there has been talk about reinforcing teamwork and training. So perhaps the residents will actually do something.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Perhaps. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. [Even if he was less tired, he wouldn't expect very much.] At least it's over with for now. You can finally get some proper rest.

[chikaidestroyer]

...Yes. [He eyes the glass he's holding after he finishes the rest of the juice.] I'm sure I will just feel worse when I wake up tomorrow. [If he woke up tomorrow.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

That bad, huh...? [This draft really seemed to be much more tiring for him than usual.] You'll be fine. I'll keep doing those chores until you're feeling better, okay?

[chikaidestroyer]

[Yes, that bad. They will have to have a better conversation once he was less tired.] Good. I appreciate it.

[That itself should say something about how tired he is. He leans forward to put down the glass, jostling Kogoro on his lap. The dog snuffles loudly, lifting his head up.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[He knows it's only a matter of time before his brother is criticizing just how well he does those chores, but it's fine. Until then, Caesar would do his best to help him out.

He looks over at Kogoro with uncertainty.]

Uh... Is someone in your way?

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert manages to set the glass on the table, falling back and leaning heavily against the couch with a sigh. Kogoro perks up his ears, awake and alert from the movement.]

...I should move him.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[With the way Albert falls back against the couch, Caesar has a feeling he should probably help him out with this one, too.]

I'll take care of it. [He stands up and walks over to where Kogoro is sitting, and nudges the dog with his hand.] Hey, come on.

[chikaidestroyer]

[Kogoro snuffles Caesar's hand, rolling over and stretching out on the couch. This earns a sleepy stare from Albert, since Kogoro's head is still against his leg.]

Has he been doing this all week?