#;odysseus

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@wreathcrowns said: "Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to find." Diomedes' gaze upon Odysseus is at once soft, but still wary.

"Indeed they are, friend Diomedes! Aren't you, then, glad that we have each other?" Odysseus grins, clasping his hands behind his back. True, it is difficult for anyone to trust Odysseus for his honesty is hard to come by. The man weaves lies like a tapestry, but at least he doesn't tangle himself in it.

Even still, Diomedes is one of the few people he finds himself being completely, or well...mostly honest with. Isn't that strange? Not that he's complaining. To have a friend that he can actually trust is a rarity in war. "You and I compliment each other quite well. What would my wit be without your strength to go with it, hm?"

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@eripeteia from x

"I'm not trying to read your mind...though I am curious." Damn Diomedes for always being able to read him! It's both a blessing and a curse to have someone that knows him so well. The only other person who holds that title is Penelope, so it's a feat in its own right. Even still, Odysseus tilts his head, crossing his arms as he looks over at him. He really can't help himself. He needs to know everything, even if it doesn't involve him. Besides...what could Agamemnon have to say without him present?

So he huffs, reaching over and taking the ball from Diomedes' hands once it drops again. "You know I don't give a shit about being in Agamemnon's favor...not that much, anyways, but I do have to wonder. What has you two suddenly so cozied up that he calls you in for private meetings?" He grins his playful grin, absently tossing the ball back and forth between his hands. "So fine. I'll ask directly: what was that about?"

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@wreathcrowns said: ❝ I suppose you do love me, in your way. ❞ [x]

"Hm, suppose I do."

Odysseus' expressions softens as he reaches over and pats Diomedes on the hand, an odd kind of affection rising in his chest. Of course he loves Diomedes. He doesn't think there's any other word he could say that describes how he feels. He loves Penelope, yes. She is the one person that drives him everyday to live so he can return to Ithaka to her, but this...

...This relationship he has with Diomedes is complicated. It feels like they are intertwined in such a way that Odysseus can now no longer imagine what life without him is like. They've been attached to the hip since day one, Diomedes always following in his shadow, silent and stalwart. Wherever Odysseus goes, Diomedes is certain to be found. Love. Yes. It has to be. What else could it be?

He looks away for a moment, unsure where to go from here. The confession feels odd and ill timed. For once, sharp-tongued Odysseus is left with nothing else to say. "...And you? Would you say that you feel it, too?"

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@wreathcrowns said: [ UNDRESS ] Diomedes helps Odysseus remove an article of clothing or jewelry :) maybe it is paramount that he helps to do it quickly ... maybe they are getting ready for a bath ... at a lake ... owo

It is an oddly tender moment. Odysseus is still getting used to the touch of another human again. Spending ten years adrift after ten years at war makes a man thirst for gentleness. Penelope is different than Diomedes. Her hands are soft and delicate and she holds his face and looks at him like he's the only person in the world. Diomedes is....well, he still doesn't know. It feels like they're dancing around each other, not quite sure of where they stand. Odysseus knows how he feels, has likely known it for a long time. Diomedes has always been a bit more difficult to read, even for someone as close to him as Odysseus.

He doesn't know why he took Diomedes here. Perhaps an innate desire to be truly alone with him for once. Ithaka may be a rocky island, but there are a few places deep within the woods that bring their own sort of beauty. There is a small lake in the middle of the island, one that he has always gone to when he needed to be by himself. Here, they can have that moment to themselves. Here, he finds himself letting out a shaky exhale as Diomedes unties the belt around his waist.

Why does he feel nervous? More nervous than he likely ought to. Odysseus clears his throat, letting Diomedes help him undress. It's not necessary, but as he's gotten older, it's a bit more difficult for him to move around with ease. "You don't need to do all that. I'm not old like Nestor yet." He grins playfully, trying to hide his anxiety. "Isn't it beautiful? I told Penelope we'd be out for a few hours, so."

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@wreathcrowns said: Diomedes offers Odysseus the last piece of food without comment.

Odysseus blinks, looking down at the bread that Diomedes offers him. He tilts his head, smirks a little, slightly amused. "What's this? You know, I've had enough to eat. You have it."

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@eripeteia

Odysseus is silent as he stares up at Diomedes, uncomfortable and ashamed. There is no honor in what he's done, a poor attempt to kill the man who's shown him nothing but care and adoration this entire damnable war. For what? For his five minutes of glory? The regret had come the moment Diomedes turned around and caught him, and maybe part of Odysseus was hoping that he would. Even now, he would prefer anger, yelling, being thrown around to the silence.

"Diomedes, I--I'm sorry," is what he finally mumbles, his brow furrowing. And he is. Odysseus has never been known as a man of honor, but Diomedes has always defended him, always been there, always patiently stayed by his side, and this is how he repays him? Odysseus feels disgusted with himself, the feeling wriggling underneath his skin. It's not often he feels shame, but he hates the feeling.

"Say something, won't you? Anything? Curse me, scream at me, tell me you hate me and you want to damn me forever. Just--just don't keep looking at me."

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@eripeteia

Odysseus wasn't entirely sure what to expect when he came across the shades of his former companions. It's a bittersweet sight, to see those he once cared for but also stabbed in the back. When he sees Ajax, he is awash with a sudden sorrow that grabs him by the throat and threatens to choke him. Despite it all, he wishes he didn't win that debate for Achilles' armor. He knows what he did, and if he had the knowledge that Ajax would die because of it, well...

Hindsight is 20/20, he supposes.

"Ajax? Ajax!" He calls out to him, but Ajax doesn't acknowledge him. Odysseus feels frustration rise up within him, and he calls out again. "Ajax! Don't ignore me! I know you can hear me, so listen to what I have to say!"

Apologies are difficult for Odysseus, he will admit, but he has learned a lot on his long journey thus far, and putting his pride aside is one of those things. "Ajax, I wish to apologize...please."