FIC: De Oppresso Libre, Part 3
Sep. 25th, 2005 12:31 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sam_gamgeeContinued from here
When he returned to work on Monday, Graham couldn't help but notice that Killian's demeanor had changed. While he still studied Graham with a hawk's eye, his gaze seemed to be more thoughtful and speculative, like he was trying to put some pieces together that didn't quite fit. Graham wanted to ask him what was going on, but thought better of it. Ellis also didn't make an issue of it, though Graham could sense that Ellis was relieved at Killian's change in attitude. On Wednesday, the book showed up on Killian's desk with some marked pages. Graham caught Killian reading it on his lunch break and saw that whatever had been marked had only served to deepen his thoughtfulness.
After they had settled into their booth on Friday and ordered, Ellis asked, "So, how were your vacations last week?"
"Good," Graham replied. "A few of us went to one of the shelters in the morning and helped prepare and serve a Thanksgiving dinner before having one of our own. Then I went back to Chicago for a few days to visit."
"How was that?"
"It turned out to be really good. I'm glad I went."
Ellis nodded and smiled. "I'm glad you went too." After taking a sip of his beer, he said, "I went home as well – which, for me, is Cincinnati. It was good to see my parents and siblings and their kids, and even my ex-wife. We did the traditional feast on Thursday followed by football and then I was able to relax the rest of the weekend and visit with family."
Killian sighed and seemed to be collecting his thoughts as their food was set before them and the three set about preparing to eat. When he was ready, Killian started by saying, "I just want to apologize for what I've put you both through the past few months. I was way out of line and I know that I should have been reprimanded numerous times for what I've been doing." Graham tried to not laugh at Ellis' snort of agreement. "So, thank you for your leniency and patience and I promise that in the future I will be a much better soldier."
"And you better believe we're going to hold you to that, son," Ellis replied with an amused smile.
Killian smiled and looked down at his food. "Thursday's not much to speak of – we ate and watched football, the traditional Thanksgiving." He shrugged indifferently. "Friday – I spent the day with my brothers and sister before they had to go back to their posts.
"Saturday night I went out for some drinks with my grandfather, my dad, and some of my dad's Army buddies to a bar down the street from where we live – which isn't anything new since I turned 21. Even though I've grown up around these guys, I still felt out of place because they have a shared bond that I'm not a part of. But it was fun listening to them share war stories and my grandfather even pitched in from time to time." He smiled wistfully as he toyed with a french fry. "And, as it usually does with these guys, the topic turned to gays in the military and how they shouldn't be allowed, that they're bad soldiers, things like that. After a few minutes, my grandfather excused himself and left. I went after him, suddenly feeling very much like the odd man out, plus I was worried that something was wrong with him. Once I caught up to him, I asked him what was wrong and he told me that he simply couldn't listen to their talk any more and that it was disrespectful of those who had served. He also told me that he was sorry for having let me listen to that for my whole life. Then, and I'll never forget this, he looked at me and said, 'Cai, let me tell you a story.
"'Back in 1943, some of the guys from my town and I signed up for the Army and were sent away to boot camp like almost every young man in the country. As it happened, one of my bunkmates was a quiet fellow from a few towns over. Shy, but really knew his stuff and was a crack shot. At the end of our training, we were given the unexpected surprise of having leave for the weekend. It was crazy that Friday evening when our train pulled into the main station for the area with all of the wives, girlfriends, families, parents, friends – you name it, they were there – crowding the station to welcome the troops home. It took a while for me to find your grandmother in the crowd and by the time we had greeted each other and gotten my things to the car, the place was practically empty. The only other person left was the shy kid. I asked him if he needed a ride, and he said that someone was coming to pick him up and thanked me for the offer. I helped your grandmother into the car and then went over to the driver's side of the car and after I had opened the door and leaned in to start the ignition, I got out and turned to call out and make sure that he didn't want a ride.
"'Just as I was about to do so, a young man in civvies stepped out of the shadows and into the pool of light cast by the streetlamp and the two of them, thinking themselves alone, embraced tightly and kissed tenderly before grabbing the soldier's bags and heading on their way. When we got back, neither of us said anything about it, but I made it a point to befriend him and we became best friends. And that's how I became best friends with Uncle Frank.' 'Uncle Frank?' I had replied, stunned to find that my grandfather's closest friend was gay. He had been a presence throughout my father's life, as well as mine and my siblings'. I had never met his partner – I think he died of cancer when I was little, but my grandparents always spoke fondly of him. And Uncle Frank was always the greatest guy." Killian went quiet, as if thinking over what to say next, before continuing, "I'm sorry. I let my father's prejudices cloud my judgment and I won't do it again."
Graham was surprised by Killian's story and didn't know how to respond, and was therefore happy and relieved when Ellis thanked Killian and moved the conversation onto another topic.
The next day Graham spent getting ready to go to D.C. He wasn't looking forward to the review, but he knew that it was a necessary evil. At least he would get some personal time to explore the city and Riley and the other guys from the squad would also be there. If only....
Graham clamped down on that train of thought. He knew that if things were different, Xander would be there with him, but they weren't so he'd have to deal. Graham had spent a lot of time thinking since he and Xander had left Chicago and Graham now knew without a doubt that Xander was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, the one he wanted to ask to wait for him. Now he just needed to find the right situation to do it.
That afternoon, Xander and Graham made a late lunch which Graham enjoyed both for the time spent with Xander and with the tantalizing glimpse that it afforded, if he could get up the nerve to ask Xander for, and if Xander was willing to give him, another chance. As they ate, Andrew rushed through grabbing things and called good-bye to Graham. When they had finished cleaning up, Graham glanced at his watch and saw that he was running slightly late.
"Shit!" he exclaimed as he ran to get his bags and coat.
Xander followed him to the door. "Call me when you get in, okay?" he asked as he opened the door.
"I promise," Graham replied absently as he checked his pockets for everything. In his left pants pocket, he felt an odd convolution of metal and pulled it out to reveal his dog tags. Without thinking, he pressed them into Xander's hand and asked, "Keep these safe for me?" before giving him a quick and desperate kiss and disappearing out the door. It wasn't until he was halfway to the airport that he realized what he'd done. And, in a way, it felt like that was the best way it could've gone.
The flight was quiet. Killian had immersed himself in a book as soon as they got on the plane and, as soon as they were in the air, Ellis had pulled out a portable DVD player. Graham stared out the window and let his thoughts tumble around and sort themselves out. So many things had happened in the past six months that he was surprised when confronted by them. He had become second-in-command of a new COM that was showing results. He had weathered Killian's faux witch hunt, if it could even be called that, intact. He had also, with help, come out more fully to those around him outside of work and had found friends among Andrew and Xander's circle that loved deeper and more openly than he had been accustomed to in a long time. That alone gave him a strength he didn't know he had in facing his own inner demons.
And then there was Xander. A smile graced Graham's lips. It still surprised him that he had found someone who so completely and perfectly fit the bill of who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He knew that the two of them would need to have a long talk when he got back and that it wasn't going to be easy for him, since he had been so guarded for so long, but he knew for certain that he was ready to make the commitment.
"Hey, no sleeping with your eyes open," a voice said.
"Hmmm?" Graham asked, turning to the voice and seeing that people were gathering their things and getting off the plane. Ellis smiled and thrust Graham's bag at him.
When they got to the hotel, the rest of the original squad was already waiting for them in the lobby. They greeted each other warmly, though Killian hung back.
"Have you all eaten?" Ellis asked after he, Graham, and Killian had deposited their bags in their room.
"Sir, you know what our appetites to be," Riley replied with a smile.
"Good, because the three of us are famished."
As they walked a few blocks to a bar Ellis knew, Graham brought up the rear and called Xander. "Hey," he said when Xander answered. "You didn't have to wait around for me to call," he teased.
"I wasn't," Graham could hear the smile in his voice. "Just because you asked me to wait doesn't mean I'm going to literally do it. We're having a movie night here."
"I just wanted to let you know that the flight went okay, we got checked into the hotel, and now we're going to find something to eat."
"Good. Have fun and I'll see you in a few days."
"Okay. And you can call me if you want. It's not like they'll be monitoring my cellphone or anything," Graham replied with a chuckle.
"I might just take you up on that. I'll see you later."
"Bye."
"Who was that?" Riley asked as Graham closed his phone.
"Did Miller finally get a girlfriend?" Nelson asked, turning around and walking backwards.
"It's none of your damn business," Graham replied with a smile.
"I think he does! C'mon, Miller! Give us some details! What's her name?"
"Alex." Graham saw Riley's eyes go wide.
"Our Alex?" Riley asked. Graham couldn't help but nod, not sure what to do now that he had unintentionally outed himself to Riley and he didn't want to dig himself deeper into the ruse of having a girlfriend.
"So, is she pretty?" Nelson asked and Graham knew that the others were listening, even if they weren't looking at them as they entered the bar.
"Alex isn't your type of pretty, if that's what you're asking," Riley replied. "Alex's beauty is one of a kind."
"You could say that again," Graham replied with a chuckle and Riley also laughed.
"So, how did you two meet?" Reynolds asked after they had been seated.
"We met at UC Sunnydale - mutual interests and mutual friends. Then we happened to bump into each other when Ellis, Killian, and I were setting up in Cleveland."
Cutting in, Ellis said, "Pick something before the kitchen closes. You don't eat now, you don't eat until breakfast." There was a mumble of "Yes, sir" as the men began to study their menus.
Back at the hotel, Riley stopped Graham outside of their rooms. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm really happy for you," he said quietly. "From what Buffy's told me - when I hear from her, he's turned out really well."
Graham nodded, relieved beyond belief that Riley was okay with it. "You'd be surprised. And you have no idea how much what you did means to me."
"You're welcome." Riley hugged Graham. "Sleep well."
"You too."
The next day, the group was assembled in the lobby and ready to go by 10 am. Before they headed out, Ellis addressed them and said, "I know very well that our review doesn't start until tomorrow and that we could have come in today, but I thought it would be better for all of us if we met a day early and spent some time together, since we've been scattered to the winds these past six months. I also thought it would be beneficial for Killian, who has only had mine and Graham's gorgeous mugs to look at for that period, to get to know the squad leaders better, since we all plan to be around for a long time. That being said," he handed out small rectangles of paper. "These are your Metro passes for the day. Do not lose them or you will have to walk home. Now, where do we go first?"
All the men except Killian and Ellis looked at each other, smiled, and said, "Museum of Natural History!"
"It appears that we have a majority vote. Move out."
Graham enjoyed the day, knowing deep down that he had Xander and Andrew to thank for that. As they toured the different Smithsonian museums, he felt more at liberty to joke and simply be himself than he had in a long time. And, during the relatively few times when one of the other guys would make a joke about gays, he was surprised to find how quickly Riley was to jump in and take them to task and even more surprised that Killian did it a couple times as well, and each time it was followed by a reprimand by Ellis. By the end of the day, the men seem duly chastened.
That night they went back to Bullfeathers for dinner and drinks. After they had eaten, Riley pulled Graham aside to the bar. "I need some advice," he said. "It's been tough the past few months with my squad being in Europe and Sam being with the Peace Corp down in Africa. With the distance and not having the constant danger, the communication from both sides is getting fewer and farther between. What do you think I should do?"
"Do you still love her?" Graham asked.
"After a fashion. But am I *in* love with her? No."
"How does she feel?"
"The same, as far as I can tell."
"Then I think you know what you need to do." Graham squeezed Riley's shoulder. "I'm sorry, man." His cellphone started to ring, cutting off any further conversation for the moment. Graham stared at the display, which read 'Home' and it hit him how true just that one word now was for him and the place that it was linked to. Riley smiled and clapped Graham on the shoulder before sliding off of the barstool and taking out his own cellphone. Graham flipped open the cellphone and said, "Hello?" not wanting to assume that it was Xander, even if it probably was.
"Hey," Xander replied.
"Hey," Graham repeated, his voice automatically softening. "How are you?"
"Okay. I wasn't going to call you, but I couldn't help myself. It's different without you around, and you've only been gone about a day."
"I know what you mean. I wish you could be here with me. Maybe one of these days we can take our own trip?"
"Sounds like a plan. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and tell you I miss you."
Killian sat down in Riley's empty chair as Graham said, "I miss you too. I'll call you on Wednesday before we leave, okay?"
"Okay. Good night."
"Good night." Graham snapped the phone shut. "What can I do for you, Cai?"
"I just wanted to apologize again for what I put you through," he said. "I feel really bad now, knowing how hard it must be for you - like last night."
"After a while you get used to it."
"But you shouldn't have to. I saw how you got when you answered the phone - you shouldn't have to worry about that. I don't see why you and Uncle Frank and all the others should be penalized for something that's celebrated if I, Ellis, or any of the other guys do it."
"Welcome to the real world, kid." Graham finished off his beer. "If it helps you any, I forgive you."
The next morning, Ellis had everyone in dress uniform and lined up outside their rooms at 8 am. After making a few minor adjustments, they all went down to breakfast before heading out for their review. Graham was surprised at how thorough the review board was - asking details about the most minor and trivial things, though he guessed that it was more because they weren't used to dealing with demons than because they were being hard-asses. Graham was relieved as they neared the closing of Tuesday, glad to have it over with and happy that they seemed to pass muster.
"And one more thing, LTC Ellis," the General in charge said as they closed files and shuffled papers. "You and your men are familiar with Regulations 635 through 689 and their attendant changes, are you not?"
"Yes, we are, sir," Ellis responded. "And that matter has been resolved."
"Good, then I hope I never see another mention of it in the records. This review board finds you have satisfactorily met, if not exceeded, the requirements set forth at the beginning of your trial. You are free to go."
The next morning, the men roused early and donned their dress uniforms again on Ellis' orders. Before they left the hotel, Ellis pinned a green carnation to each soldier's lapel.
"We are going to the WW II Memorial for the playing of Taps," Ellis said. "After that, you will have time to visit another monument if you wish before we leave."
The walk over had a sombre tone to it and Graham couldn't help but think of the flash and crest adorned his COM's berets. On a patch of mottled green and brown, there were two crossed arrows to signify peace, an unsheathed dagger to represent military preparedness and the Berets' motto, "De Oppresso Libre" - "To Free the Oppressed". It wasn't until now that he realized that not only did it have a professional significance for him, but it also had a personal one.
They marched from the Metro station to the WW II Memorial in silence, gathering respectful stares from early morning tourists and people heading to work along the way. Once there, they lined up at the edge of the memorial and went to parade ready. When the ceremony started, they snapped to attention and saluted, holding the position until the ceremony was finished. Then they dispersed, as some went to other memorials. Graham slowly wandered around the WW II memorial, looking at the inscriptions, and feeling the quiet power of the place. Before they left, he murmured a quiet, "Thank you."
After changing and checking out of the hotel, the group was on its way to the airport, ready to once more split up and go their separate ways. As the plane bound for Cleveland took off, Graham was looking forward to going home for the first time.
When he returned to work on Monday, Graham couldn't help but notice that Killian's demeanor had changed. While he still studied Graham with a hawk's eye, his gaze seemed to be more thoughtful and speculative, like he was trying to put some pieces together that didn't quite fit. Graham wanted to ask him what was going on, but thought better of it. Ellis also didn't make an issue of it, though Graham could sense that Ellis was relieved at Killian's change in attitude. On Wednesday, the book showed up on Killian's desk with some marked pages. Graham caught Killian reading it on his lunch break and saw that whatever had been marked had only served to deepen his thoughtfulness.
After they had settled into their booth on Friday and ordered, Ellis asked, "So, how were your vacations last week?"
"Good," Graham replied. "A few of us went to one of the shelters in the morning and helped prepare and serve a Thanksgiving dinner before having one of our own. Then I went back to Chicago for a few days to visit."
"How was that?"
"It turned out to be really good. I'm glad I went."
Ellis nodded and smiled. "I'm glad you went too." After taking a sip of his beer, he said, "I went home as well – which, for me, is Cincinnati. It was good to see my parents and siblings and their kids, and even my ex-wife. We did the traditional feast on Thursday followed by football and then I was able to relax the rest of the weekend and visit with family."
Killian sighed and seemed to be collecting his thoughts as their food was set before them and the three set about preparing to eat. When he was ready, Killian started by saying, "I just want to apologize for what I've put you both through the past few months. I was way out of line and I know that I should have been reprimanded numerous times for what I've been doing." Graham tried to not laugh at Ellis' snort of agreement. "So, thank you for your leniency and patience and I promise that in the future I will be a much better soldier."
"And you better believe we're going to hold you to that, son," Ellis replied with an amused smile.
Killian smiled and looked down at his food. "Thursday's not much to speak of – we ate and watched football, the traditional Thanksgiving." He shrugged indifferently. "Friday – I spent the day with my brothers and sister before they had to go back to their posts.
"Saturday night I went out for some drinks with my grandfather, my dad, and some of my dad's Army buddies to a bar down the street from where we live – which isn't anything new since I turned 21. Even though I've grown up around these guys, I still felt out of place because they have a shared bond that I'm not a part of. But it was fun listening to them share war stories and my grandfather even pitched in from time to time." He smiled wistfully as he toyed with a french fry. "And, as it usually does with these guys, the topic turned to gays in the military and how they shouldn't be allowed, that they're bad soldiers, things like that. After a few minutes, my grandfather excused himself and left. I went after him, suddenly feeling very much like the odd man out, plus I was worried that something was wrong with him. Once I caught up to him, I asked him what was wrong and he told me that he simply couldn't listen to their talk any more and that it was disrespectful of those who had served. He also told me that he was sorry for having let me listen to that for my whole life. Then, and I'll never forget this, he looked at me and said, 'Cai, let me tell you a story.
"'Back in 1943, some of the guys from my town and I signed up for the Army and were sent away to boot camp like almost every young man in the country. As it happened, one of my bunkmates was a quiet fellow from a few towns over. Shy, but really knew his stuff and was a crack shot. At the end of our training, we were given the unexpected surprise of having leave for the weekend. It was crazy that Friday evening when our train pulled into the main station for the area with all of the wives, girlfriends, families, parents, friends – you name it, they were there – crowding the station to welcome the troops home. It took a while for me to find your grandmother in the crowd and by the time we had greeted each other and gotten my things to the car, the place was practically empty. The only other person left was the shy kid. I asked him if he needed a ride, and he said that someone was coming to pick him up and thanked me for the offer. I helped your grandmother into the car and then went over to the driver's side of the car and after I had opened the door and leaned in to start the ignition, I got out and turned to call out and make sure that he didn't want a ride.
"'Just as I was about to do so, a young man in civvies stepped out of the shadows and into the pool of light cast by the streetlamp and the two of them, thinking themselves alone, embraced tightly and kissed tenderly before grabbing the soldier's bags and heading on their way. When we got back, neither of us said anything about it, but I made it a point to befriend him and we became best friends. And that's how I became best friends with Uncle Frank.' 'Uncle Frank?' I had replied, stunned to find that my grandfather's closest friend was gay. He had been a presence throughout my father's life, as well as mine and my siblings'. I had never met his partner – I think he died of cancer when I was little, but my grandparents always spoke fondly of him. And Uncle Frank was always the greatest guy." Killian went quiet, as if thinking over what to say next, before continuing, "I'm sorry. I let my father's prejudices cloud my judgment and I won't do it again."
Graham was surprised by Killian's story and didn't know how to respond, and was therefore happy and relieved when Ellis thanked Killian and moved the conversation onto another topic.
The next day Graham spent getting ready to go to D.C. He wasn't looking forward to the review, but he knew that it was a necessary evil. At least he would get some personal time to explore the city and Riley and the other guys from the squad would also be there. If only....
Graham clamped down on that train of thought. He knew that if things were different, Xander would be there with him, but they weren't so he'd have to deal. Graham had spent a lot of time thinking since he and Xander had left Chicago and Graham now knew without a doubt that Xander was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, the one he wanted to ask to wait for him. Now he just needed to find the right situation to do it.
That afternoon, Xander and Graham made a late lunch which Graham enjoyed both for the time spent with Xander and with the tantalizing glimpse that it afforded, if he could get up the nerve to ask Xander for, and if Xander was willing to give him, another chance. As they ate, Andrew rushed through grabbing things and called good-bye to Graham. When they had finished cleaning up, Graham glanced at his watch and saw that he was running slightly late.
"Shit!" he exclaimed as he ran to get his bags and coat.
Xander followed him to the door. "Call me when you get in, okay?" he asked as he opened the door.
"I promise," Graham replied absently as he checked his pockets for everything. In his left pants pocket, he felt an odd convolution of metal and pulled it out to reveal his dog tags. Without thinking, he pressed them into Xander's hand and asked, "Keep these safe for me?" before giving him a quick and desperate kiss and disappearing out the door. It wasn't until he was halfway to the airport that he realized what he'd done. And, in a way, it felt like that was the best way it could've gone.
The flight was quiet. Killian had immersed himself in a book as soon as they got on the plane and, as soon as they were in the air, Ellis had pulled out a portable DVD player. Graham stared out the window and let his thoughts tumble around and sort themselves out. So many things had happened in the past six months that he was surprised when confronted by them. He had become second-in-command of a new COM that was showing results. He had weathered Killian's faux witch hunt, if it could even be called that, intact. He had also, with help, come out more fully to those around him outside of work and had found friends among Andrew and Xander's circle that loved deeper and more openly than he had been accustomed to in a long time. That alone gave him a strength he didn't know he had in facing his own inner demons.
And then there was Xander. A smile graced Graham's lips. It still surprised him that he had found someone who so completely and perfectly fit the bill of who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He knew that the two of them would need to have a long talk when he got back and that it wasn't going to be easy for him, since he had been so guarded for so long, but he knew for certain that he was ready to make the commitment.
"Hey, no sleeping with your eyes open," a voice said.
"Hmmm?" Graham asked, turning to the voice and seeing that people were gathering their things and getting off the plane. Ellis smiled and thrust Graham's bag at him.
When they got to the hotel, the rest of the original squad was already waiting for them in the lobby. They greeted each other warmly, though Killian hung back.
"Have you all eaten?" Ellis asked after he, Graham, and Killian had deposited their bags in their room.
"Sir, you know what our appetites to be," Riley replied with a smile.
"Good, because the three of us are famished."
As they walked a few blocks to a bar Ellis knew, Graham brought up the rear and called Xander. "Hey," he said when Xander answered. "You didn't have to wait around for me to call," he teased.
"I wasn't," Graham could hear the smile in his voice. "Just because you asked me to wait doesn't mean I'm going to literally do it. We're having a movie night here."
"I just wanted to let you know that the flight went okay, we got checked into the hotel, and now we're going to find something to eat."
"Good. Have fun and I'll see you in a few days."
"Okay. And you can call me if you want. It's not like they'll be monitoring my cellphone or anything," Graham replied with a chuckle.
"I might just take you up on that. I'll see you later."
"Bye."
"Who was that?" Riley asked as Graham closed his phone.
"Did Miller finally get a girlfriend?" Nelson asked, turning around and walking backwards.
"It's none of your damn business," Graham replied with a smile.
"I think he does! C'mon, Miller! Give us some details! What's her name?"
"Alex." Graham saw Riley's eyes go wide.
"Our Alex?" Riley asked. Graham couldn't help but nod, not sure what to do now that he had unintentionally outed himself to Riley and he didn't want to dig himself deeper into the ruse of having a girlfriend.
"So, is she pretty?" Nelson asked and Graham knew that the others were listening, even if they weren't looking at them as they entered the bar.
"Alex isn't your type of pretty, if that's what you're asking," Riley replied. "Alex's beauty is one of a kind."
"You could say that again," Graham replied with a chuckle and Riley also laughed.
"So, how did you two meet?" Reynolds asked after they had been seated.
"We met at UC Sunnydale - mutual interests and mutual friends. Then we happened to bump into each other when Ellis, Killian, and I were setting up in Cleveland."
Cutting in, Ellis said, "Pick something before the kitchen closes. You don't eat now, you don't eat until breakfast." There was a mumble of "Yes, sir" as the men began to study their menus.
Back at the hotel, Riley stopped Graham outside of their rooms. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm really happy for you," he said quietly. "From what Buffy's told me - when I hear from her, he's turned out really well."
Graham nodded, relieved beyond belief that Riley was okay with it. "You'd be surprised. And you have no idea how much what you did means to me."
"You're welcome." Riley hugged Graham. "Sleep well."
"You too."
The next day, the group was assembled in the lobby and ready to go by 10 am. Before they headed out, Ellis addressed them and said, "I know very well that our review doesn't start until tomorrow and that we could have come in today, but I thought it would be better for all of us if we met a day early and spent some time together, since we've been scattered to the winds these past six months. I also thought it would be beneficial for Killian, who has only had mine and Graham's gorgeous mugs to look at for that period, to get to know the squad leaders better, since we all plan to be around for a long time. That being said," he handed out small rectangles of paper. "These are your Metro passes for the day. Do not lose them or you will have to walk home. Now, where do we go first?"
All the men except Killian and Ellis looked at each other, smiled, and said, "Museum of Natural History!"
"It appears that we have a majority vote. Move out."
Graham enjoyed the day, knowing deep down that he had Xander and Andrew to thank for that. As they toured the different Smithsonian museums, he felt more at liberty to joke and simply be himself than he had in a long time. And, during the relatively few times when one of the other guys would make a joke about gays, he was surprised to find how quickly Riley was to jump in and take them to task and even more surprised that Killian did it a couple times as well, and each time it was followed by a reprimand by Ellis. By the end of the day, the men seem duly chastened.
That night they went back to Bullfeathers for dinner and drinks. After they had eaten, Riley pulled Graham aside to the bar. "I need some advice," he said. "It's been tough the past few months with my squad being in Europe and Sam being with the Peace Corp down in Africa. With the distance and not having the constant danger, the communication from both sides is getting fewer and farther between. What do you think I should do?"
"Do you still love her?" Graham asked.
"After a fashion. But am I *in* love with her? No."
"How does she feel?"
"The same, as far as I can tell."
"Then I think you know what you need to do." Graham squeezed Riley's shoulder. "I'm sorry, man." His cellphone started to ring, cutting off any further conversation for the moment. Graham stared at the display, which read 'Home' and it hit him how true just that one word now was for him and the place that it was linked to. Riley smiled and clapped Graham on the shoulder before sliding off of the barstool and taking out his own cellphone. Graham flipped open the cellphone and said, "Hello?" not wanting to assume that it was Xander, even if it probably was.
"Hey," Xander replied.
"Hey," Graham repeated, his voice automatically softening. "How are you?"
"Okay. I wasn't going to call you, but I couldn't help myself. It's different without you around, and you've only been gone about a day."
"I know what you mean. I wish you could be here with me. Maybe one of these days we can take our own trip?"
"Sounds like a plan. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and tell you I miss you."
Killian sat down in Riley's empty chair as Graham said, "I miss you too. I'll call you on Wednesday before we leave, okay?"
"Okay. Good night."
"Good night." Graham snapped the phone shut. "What can I do for you, Cai?"
"I just wanted to apologize again for what I put you through," he said. "I feel really bad now, knowing how hard it must be for you - like last night."
"After a while you get used to it."
"But you shouldn't have to. I saw how you got when you answered the phone - you shouldn't have to worry about that. I don't see why you and Uncle Frank and all the others should be penalized for something that's celebrated if I, Ellis, or any of the other guys do it."
"Welcome to the real world, kid." Graham finished off his beer. "If it helps you any, I forgive you."
The next morning, Ellis had everyone in dress uniform and lined up outside their rooms at 8 am. After making a few minor adjustments, they all went down to breakfast before heading out for their review. Graham was surprised at how thorough the review board was - asking details about the most minor and trivial things, though he guessed that it was more because they weren't used to dealing with demons than because they were being hard-asses. Graham was relieved as they neared the closing of Tuesday, glad to have it over with and happy that they seemed to pass muster.
"And one more thing, LTC Ellis," the General in charge said as they closed files and shuffled papers. "You and your men are familiar with Regulations 635 through 689 and their attendant changes, are you not?"
"Yes, we are, sir," Ellis responded. "And that matter has been resolved."
"Good, then I hope I never see another mention of it in the records. This review board finds you have satisfactorily met, if not exceeded, the requirements set forth at the beginning of your trial. You are free to go."
The next morning, the men roused early and donned their dress uniforms again on Ellis' orders. Before they left the hotel, Ellis pinned a green carnation to each soldier's lapel.
"We are going to the WW II Memorial for the playing of Taps," Ellis said. "After that, you will have time to visit another monument if you wish before we leave."
The walk over had a sombre tone to it and Graham couldn't help but think of the flash and crest adorned his COM's berets. On a patch of mottled green and brown, there were two crossed arrows to signify peace, an unsheathed dagger to represent military preparedness and the Berets' motto, "De Oppresso Libre" - "To Free the Oppressed". It wasn't until now that he realized that not only did it have a professional significance for him, but it also had a personal one.
They marched from the Metro station to the WW II Memorial in silence, gathering respectful stares from early morning tourists and people heading to work along the way. Once there, they lined up at the edge of the memorial and went to parade ready. When the ceremony started, they snapped to attention and saluted, holding the position until the ceremony was finished. Then they dispersed, as some went to other memorials. Graham slowly wandered around the WW II memorial, looking at the inscriptions, and feeling the quiet power of the place. Before they left, he murmured a quiet, "Thank you."
After changing and checking out of the hotel, the group was on its way to the airport, ready to once more split up and go their separate ways. As the plane bound for Cleveland took off, Graham was looking forward to going home for the first time.
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Date: 2005-09-25 11:24 am (UTC)Very well done, sweetie! *hugs*
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Date: 2005-09-26 05:16 am (UTC)*hugs*