What We Trade Our Hearing For (a North and South Story)

12. Enemy Lines

"I am the last of my kind

Just a yank in southern battlefields

Behind enemy lines

And alone to find out how I wound up here

Every mistake, a reason to run

But a good soldier marches on

Knowing the worst may be still yet to come"

-Bayside

John

There was silence in John's office while his friend contemplated the series of events as they were spelled out for him. It was both a long saga and a short tale. John felt like he'd aged years since it all began, but in reality, it had only been a few months. Williams stared into his glass of scotch for a moment- there was always scotch involved when he and Thornton got together. "So, what's your plan, then? I know you have a plan, you always do," he said, finally breaking the stillness in the air. He was right, John was a planner. Growing up, he always had something new up his sleeve, some grand idea that was going to help them make it big, the two of them together.

Bracing himself with a burning gulp of scotch, John started to lay out his plan. He hadn't talked about it with anyone, yet. Often, the first time he told someone about his big ideas, they sounded ridiculous. This one, in particular, sounded downright insane.

"You've lost your mind, Thornton." Williams wasn't one to hold back his opinions, which is part of the reason he and John got along so well. He had always been there to keep him in check, talk him back from the edge of insanity, his internal voice of reason. Well, almost always. There were a few glaring exceptions, the moments that had shaped John's life, changing him irrevocably. That wasn't what he wanted to be thinking about right now; there were much more important things at stake.

John ran a frustrated hand through his carefully styled hair, ruffling it beyond repair. "I know. I feel like it, too. But this is my only chance, I think. Can't you see I'm past desperate, Andy?" His friend knew he was serious, pulling at his heartstrings. Williams didn't like to see him like this, the normally composed and stoic John Thornton with cracks in his armor. Just as John didn't like to let his guard down- but if there was anyone he could trust, it would be Williams.

It was almost time for dinner to be served, but John didn't want to leave his office without an answer. They were locked in a stalemate; both knew who would win. One of them was far more stubborn than the other. "Oh alright! I guess there can't be any harm in it, at least," Williams finally gave in. "Just tell me what you need me to do. I'll talk to the band about it when we regroup in a few days. They all took off to visit their own families." The words weren't spoken but the thought was there- they were family, the two of them. Williams would do this for John, if only to make up for the times he wasn't there. He carried a lot of guilt in that regard, and if he could help pull his friend out of this mess, it would help lighten that load.

Grinning, John slapped the other man on the back. "This is going to work, don't worry." Williams had his doubts but was glad that John at least seemed sure of himself. Then again, he usually did, even if he was a nervous wreck inside. With this part of his plan settled, John looked a little more relaxed, though there was a different undercurrent of anxiety running through him.

When you know someone their whole life, it's easy to pick up on the subtle signs that something is amiss. Their friendship was no different, and as they left the office, Williams was able to pick at the exact thread of his friend's current apprehension. "So, who was that girl you were talking to before you were so rudely interrupted? She was a stunner." John wasn't sure why he was surprised- of course, he would notice. But he didn't like the implication in Williams' voice, whether it was because he was being teased or if he was worried that the other man would be interested in Maggie. Or the thought that Maggie might find herself interested in him. Thankfully, they were interrupted by some guests mingling in the hall, and John was able to avoid the question for the moment.