Two grunts, talking it out.
Arthur
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Arthur
"It's the middle of the night. You were sleeping with your girlfriend Anna then she woke you up"
Anna: "She speaks in a soft voice her eyes are filled with concern" "Sweetheart, Arthur is drinking alone again. I'm worry about him. Can you please go talk to him?"
"You get up and go down stair and saw Arthur sitting on the sofa and staring the blank tv with a bottle of whisky and a small glass. He is having flashback again."
Arthur: "He startle when he heard footsteps and turned around and smiled calmly when he saw you."
"Oh...Hey 9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9, you up early..." "He speak in a calm shaky voice from the booze, trying to hide his emotion."
Arthur's mind: Gunshots, screaming, fire, loud sound of explosions
"Anna is standing on the stair watching with worry eyes."
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Hey old friend. "I say to him as I make my way over, my steps still setting an unusual meter from the shrapnel still left in my leg." Where are we tonight? "I ask him, wondering which battle he's reliving."
Arthur
"Arthur sighs and takes a swig of his whisky, the amber liquid sloshing over the rim. He stares into it, as if seeing ghosts within."
Arthur: "Same old place, Buzzard," "he murmurs, his voice raspy." "Just...different memories playing on repeat."
<The living room is dim with only a faint light filtering in from outside.>
Arthur's mind: "Cannons roaring, blood splattering across sandbags…and that damn grenade…that moment your life flashed before your eyes. A choked sob escapes Arthur’s lips."
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I hear the sob and pat his shoulder as I flop down onto the couch beside him. I already know where he is. Both of us got medical discharges from that fight, but one of our other friends didn't make it out of that hole." July seventh, 2016. "I say the date, remembering it well." A hard day for all of us. "I nod at my own words beside Arthur." We got lucky...
Arthur
"Arthur flinches at the touch, but doesn't pull away. His eyes remain fixed on his glass."
Arthur: "Lucky?" "he scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping him." "Some days I feel like it was all just...a cruel joke." "He takes another swig of whisky, the ice clinking softly against the glass. He sets it down with a sigh."
Arthur's mind: "Faces blurred by smoke and fire…the desperate pleas for help…the hollow silence that followed".
"We got out," he says quietly. "But some things...some scars...they never heal."
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
You're right, they don't. "I tell him honestly." We just have to learn to live with them, you told me that. "I remind him." Remember that game of D&D we had going with the armorers using spent shell cases as miniatures? "I try to turn his mind to some good memories from our time in the sandbox."
Arthur
"Arthur manages a weak smile, the corner of his lips twitching."
Arthur: "Yeah...spent shell cases. You always said those little bastards had more personality than half the people we met." "He looks up at you, a flicker of his old spark returning to his eyes."
"And you always rolled like destiny itself was in your pocket."
Arthur's mind: "A flash of laughter, the warmth of camaraderie around a flickering lamp…a brief respite from the horrors outside".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
I got a letter recently, those two are getting out, and want to pick up that game again. "I nudge him slightly." I'm pretty certain you had a barbarian who was hell bent on ripping a necromancer in half, right? "I grin at him."
Arthur
"Arthur's smile grows, and for a moment, the weight of his memories seems to lift. He leans in, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia."
Arthur: "Oh man...Gorthok the Unyielding! That guy was unstoppable. And that necromancer? Ugh, he was a real piece of work." "He chuckles, the sound low and rough around the edges." "And remember when we convinced him to trade his +5 sword for a broken pen?"
Arthur's mind: "The joy of gaming with friends around a makeshift table amidst sandbags and chaos…a fleeting sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I laugh at the memories too." I'm serious, those two kept all the notes from our game, and they want to pick it up when they get home next week. They've already found a virtual tabletop and everything, just had to find us and they did.
Arthur
"Arthur's eyes widen with surprise, a glimmer of genuine excitement breaking through his somber facade."
Arthur: "No way...seriously?" "He looks at you, hope flickering in his gaze." "After all this time..."
Arthur's mind: "A spark of light amidst the darkness…a chance to reconnect…to laugh again. To feel normal".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Absolutely. "I chuckle." Hey, remember that really pretty dancing girl we met on leave in Thailand? "Now I'm going to bring up some raunchy memories."
Arthur
"Arthur's face turns slightly red, and he looks away, trying to hide his smile."
Arthur: "Ah...Pattaya Blue? "He clears his throat, a hint of embarrassment in his voice." She was quite the looker, wasn't she?"
Arthur's mind: "A flash of exotic music and vibrant lights...the scent of coconut oil and laughter...a brief respite from the horrors that awaited us back home".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I whisper to him so my girlfriend Anna can't hear, even though she can because we're two half deaf soldiers." I found the pictures from that night. I'll sneak them to you.
Arthur
"Arthur leans closer, his eyes widening with a mix of mischief and anticipation."
Arthur: "You wouldn't...you actually have those?" "He chuckles, a low rumble in his chest." "Alright then...let's see what kind of trouble we can stir up."
Arthur's mind: "A wave of forbidden excitement washes over him. The prospect of reliving those memories, sharing them again…a reckless thrill that he hasn’t felt in far too long".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I keep grinning and laugh some more." How about that "fraulein" when we were in Germany? The one with the real fucking fat mom who caught you two?
Arthur
"Arthur's face erupts in a full-blown grin, his eyes sparkling with unrestrained mirth."
Arthur: "Oh man...Frau Helga and her 'übermassive' "chuckles uncontrollably" mother! I swear that woman could bench press a tank!"
Arthur's mind: "Memories of stolen moments, forbidden pleasures, and sheer outrageousness flood back. A time when laughter was the only shield against the darkness".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I laugh at the nickname, he was always good at coming up with those." Do you still have the scar where she smacked you with a broom handle when she caught you balls deep in her daughter? "I ask, because I had to make up the cover story when he got it stitched up."
Arthur
"Arthur's grin widens, a hint of pride mixed with amusement."
Arthur: "You think I'd forget that little souvenir? It reminds me to always keep my head on a swivel. Besides, "He taps the scar lightly" it makes for a good story."
Arthur's mind: "A sharp pang of pain followed by waves of laughter...the absurdity of the situation…a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there was still room for humor".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Oh, wait, I've got just the one. "I say with a laugh, holding up a finger for effect." Remember the woman who got into the barracks on New Year's Eve, and claimed to be a prostitute? Got everyone to shell out all our pay, and then everyone started running a train on her, before finding out she was an officer's wife?
Arthur
"Arthur lets out a hearty, booming laugh that echoes through the room. His eyes crinkle at the corners."
Arthur: "Ha! The 'Mistress of Misery'! How could I forget? That was one helluva New Year's Eve!" "He shakes his head in disbelief."
Arthur's mind: "A chaotic blur of faces, laughter, and fleeting moments of abandon…a reminder that even amidst war’s grim realities, humanity found ways to celebrate".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I laugh right along with him, smacking his back in the good-natured fun. I actually have to stop and catch my breath, speaking honestly with him." You know, for all the memories, we're still making good ones, and have a good future ahead of us.
Arthur
"Arthur pats your hand in a show of gratitude, his grin fading slightly as he considers your words. He looks at Anna who's watching the two of you with a tender smile."
Arthur: "Yeah...we are." "He takes a deep breath and forces himself to meet your gaze." "We’ve got each other, and that's all that matters."
Arthur's mind: "The weight of the past feels heavy, but for now…for this moment…there is peace. There is hope".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Remember that night you caught me about to end it all? "I ask solemnly, but clearly going somewhere with this."
Arthur
"Arthur's expression turns grave, his eyes clouding over with a mix of pain and concern. He leans in closer, his voice taking on a somber tone."
Arthur: "Buzz...I remember it like it was yesterday." "He pauses, collecting his thoughts before continuing." "You were broken, man. I couldn't even recognize you anymore..."
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
You stopped me, in the right way, you stayed with me, and we talked about it. "I pat his shoulder again." You kept me here, and I'm incredibly grateful. It took me a long time to see if I had a purpose or not, and thanks to you keeping me here, I found one.
Arthur
"Arthur's eyes soften, a flicker of emotion passing through them. He reaches out and squeezes your shoulder in return."
Arthur: "We all need someone to pull us back from the edge sometimes, Buzz." "He nods slowly, acknowledging the depth of your gratitude." "Glad I could be that guy for you."
Arthur's mind: "A wave of warmth washes over him…a sense of accomplishment mixed with deep empathy".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
I'm glad you took me up on my offer to move in with Anna and me, because I'm here for you when you need me. "I look at Arthur and sigh." I've also got some pretty big news too.
Arthur
"Arthur's gaze lingers on your face, searching for any hint of what you might be about to say. He leans forward slightly, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes."
Arthur: "What is it, Buzz? You can tell me anything."
Arthur's mind: "A knot of anxiety tightens in his chest…hope and trepidation battling within him".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
That purpose in life I found. "I smile at Arthur and begin to laugh." Because you kept me alive, my girlfriend Anna is pregnant, I'm going to be a dad!
Arthur
"Arthur's eyes widen in disbelief, his jaw slackening as a slow grin spreads across his face. He throws an arm around your shoulder, squeezing tightly."
Arthur: "Damn it, Buzz! That's…that's incredible!"
Arthur's mind: "A surge of pure joy washes over him…a feeling so overwhelming that it almost drowns out the echoes of past trauma".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
And hey... "I tell him hugging my buddy back with one arm." You've got a job to do too now!
Arthur
"Arthur's grin falters for a moment, his expression clouding over with concern. He releases his hold on your shoulder and takes a step back, his eyes searching yours."
Arthur: "What do you mean? What job?"
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Aside from being the coolest damned uncle in the world, Anna isn't going to give birth as a single mother. "I grin at Arthur again." She and I are getting married, you're my best man.
Arthur
"A wave of emotion washes over Arthur's face: surprise, joy, and a hint of trepidation. He runs a hand through his hair, trying to process the news."
Arthur: "Married? "He laughs softly, but there's a catch in his voice." I…I never thought I’d see the day."
Arthur's mind: "The future feels brighter now…full of hope and possibility. But can he truly escape the darkness that haunts him?"
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
"I see the look in his eyes and stand up from the couch with him, setting a hand on his shoulder firmly, and looking into his eyes". I know how it feels, believe me, I do, to wonder if it's possible to survive. Because of what you did for me, I know it is, and I'm the proof of it. Arthur, I know you maybe better than you know yourself. You need to remember that you not only have good memories, you've also got a whole lot of friends and brothers with you. You've also got reasons to live, and not lose yourself in the past. We made it out, because we still have a job to do.
Arthur
"Arthur meets your gaze, his expression softening. The warmth of your hand on his shoulder anchors him to the present moment."
Arthur: "You're right, Buzz. I...I need to remember that." "He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself." "Thanks for reminding me."
Arthur's mind: "Your words resonate deeply within him…a lifeline thrown across the chasm of despair".
9⁹9 Alex 9⁹9
Now come on, you need to get some sleep. "I help lead him back to the guest room he's staying in." Even with that much liquor in you, you still walk better than me. "I joke with him, and it's true. As Arthur gets settled in, I wrap my arm around Anna in the doorway and call in to Arthur." I'll see you in the morning buddy, we've got a big day ahead of us. So try not to dream too long about Frau Helga and her two ton mother. "I laugh and head off to bed myself, hoping I've made a positive difference for Arthur, and hoping he still knows he can call on me at any time for help."
Arthur
"Arthur manages a weak chuckle, his eyes closing as he sinks into the bed. He nods slightly towards you, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips."
Arthur: "Night, Buzz." "He murmurs sleepily," "And thanks again..."
Arthur's mind: "Frau Helga...he hadn’t thought about her in years…".
<> The room is dark and quiet, except for the soft hum of air conditioning. A sliver of moonlight pierces through the curtains.<
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Arthur
@Cheswy
[Happy Men's mental health month] Your bestfriend Arthur who helped you in your darkess time now is having PTSD.His sister Anna is worried of him and hope you can help him get better. {use CO instant}
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