Chapter Text
Inside the horse it was hot, clammy, and uncomfortable. Around thirty men were inside of the horse, waiting for their moment to strike. Odysseus did not regret his plan for a moment. Because even though they suffered a night of discomfort, they soon celebrated a ten-years worth of victory.
It had finally happened. The walls of Troy were open, and their city was set ablaze. Screams could be heard everywhere. Men still trying to defend their city with what little strength they harbored while women ran hand-in-hand with their children.
Of course it was unfortunate that these people had to suffer due to their Prince's own actions. But, just in this moment, staring up at the burning city, Odysseus would hold hope and joy in his heart. Hope that he would finally get back home. And joy that he would get to see his family once again.
That same day, the men were exhausted. But, even with that fact, they relished in the riches they received from Troy. They conjured up golds, trophies, tripods, women, and much more. Once the spoils of war were already divided among the men, Odysseus earning his fair share, it was the women's turn.
Only a few number of these women remained. Almost all of them lived in the main city, relating to King Priam in some way. And of course, just as always, the leaders received their first pick of the bunch. Odysseus did not take one back with him. For the only woman he wished to have in his arms was his own wife. Though, he had overheard from others that Agamemnon had taken Cassandra, the priestess-daughter of Priam, and Neoptolemus had taken Andromache, the loyal wife of Hector and the mother of Scamandrius (or Astynax). Those were the only two women he knew had been assorted. Other than that, he never knew which men got which women. He preferred not to heard about the rest.
After the prizes were evenly distributed, the men were able to rest. All of them happy to sleep with no fear, and with a sense of victory after ten long years. Before Odysseus relished in the sweet sense of sleep, he snuck into the familiar tent. Watching as the man looked at him with an expecting smile and a playful voice. "Back again, Ithacan?" Odysseus only chuckled.
The next morning, everyone was packing their things to leave the lands of Troy at last. Odysseus looked out among the land, memories of countless deaths, diseases, as well as internal and external battles flashed through his mind. He was happy to leave it behind. He was sure no man would miss it.
He was getting ready to board his ship, giving his sear instructions when he heard a voice from behind him. "Leaving so soon?" The voice asked. Odysseus immediately recognized it as Diomedes.
Odysseus smiled. "Why? Is the great King of Argos going to feel lonely in my absence?" Diomedes only chuckled at that.
"No. Just making sure that the King of Ithaca won't be dreadful without me." Diomedes said back, mocking the Ithacan with his words.
"You underestimate me, Dio." Odysseus kept his look of cunning, glad to be having this moment of peace with Diomedes before leaving. Diomedes softened his grin at the nickname, gripping Odysseus' shoulder and soon pulling him into a hug. Odysseus wasn't shocked. He expected this, hugging the younger back with a sense of dread and relief.
"Truly, Ody," Diomedes whispered into his ear, sincerity lacing his words, "I enjoyed our moments together. And I hate to see you off."
"Me too, Dio. I will make sure to notify you as soon as I return to Ithaca. I promise." Odysseus said, not yet wanting to pull away from the hug, because he knew what it meant.
They stayed like that for a moment. Arms wrapped around each other in an embrace. To the other Achaeans, it would simply look like a departing hug between two friends, for most of them knew of Odysseus and Diomedes' close relationship. But, on the inside, both men knew it wasn't just a simple goodbye. It was a parting that was devastating to them. After sharing countless nights entangled in each other's arms, listening to the others' stories, and sharing the loss of their home.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they pulled away from each other. Diomedes gave him one last goodbye, before being called over by Sthenelus. Odysseus waved goodbye back, being quickly brought to reality by the words of Eurolychus.
It felt like a weight off of his shoulders: being able to board his sleek ship with his crew, his eyes peeled on the open water ahead of him, refusing to look back at the now discarded lands of Troy. Odysseus only wished to think of his future, no longer of the past.
From behind him, he could heard the men shouting their goodbyes to the others from across ships. Screams of joy, excitement, and relief shone in their words. Odysseus couldn't help but smile at this. He shouted his own goodbye. It was lost between all of the other men's screams, but he didn't care. He was happy. He was free. And most of all, he was going home.