Thank you for the lovely reviews! This chapter takes place on Christmas Day.
Nasir hurried along the boards that formed a rough path towards the front line. Sections had been destroyed by enemy fire, but he pushed forward regardless. Despite the comparatively low number of casualties in the field hospital Nasir had worked beyond his shift after one patient's condition had deteriorated rapidly and so his half day off had only begun mid-afternoon. As he hurried towards the front Nasir hoped that yesterday's truce would still be continuing and he would once more be able to converse with the German soldiers- one in particular. On making his way through the trenches Nasir found it strange to see them so empty- the soldiers would usually be cramped together finding shelter wherever they could- and he correctly surmised that the truce was still continuing.
Upon going stepping out into No Man's Land Nasir was surprised to find a game of football taking place and even more amazed that he was made join in the match within a minute of reaching the improvised pitch. He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much and had the chance to experience the simple pleasure of physical exercise without any of the danger that would usually accompany it. To see men moving so fast across the ground made him reflect on how slowly they had been moving during the war. One game of football advanced them far more than slaughter.
Xxx
Agron immediately noticed when Nasir was brought into the match and he found it difficult to keep his focus on the game as his eyes kept straying to the newest member of the opposing team. His distraction was so bad that he missed the ball when Duro tried to pass it to him, but instead of being angry his brother followed his gaze to where the doctor was running and then gave Agron a look of pity followed by censure. Rather than hear a reprimand from his younger brother for his lack of subtlety when he knew full well the danger of his feelings Agron ran off to intercept the ball hoping that pushing himself to exhaustion would clear his mind of anything but the strain. The plan worked and it was not long before he scored a goal bringing the score to 2-2 causing much cheering from the German soldiers- proof that the match had become increasingly competitive.
Both sides were evenly matched and with both teams desperate to claim a victory the game became very tense. Agron knew what it would mean for the men's morale to win the match and he knew that successfully working together as a team today could only strengthen them for the future. It warmed his heart to see the smiles on his men's faces and to hear their laughter ringing in the air after witnessing their misery for the past few months. Whilst he knew the truce was tenuous he could not help but hope it would last for many more days.
After a long time with neither side scoring Agron finally noticed his chance. Nasir was dribbling the ball in his direction and behind him there was a clear line to Lugo. He moved quickly towards the little man and was able to intercept the ball and kick it towards Lugo, but in doing so he tripped knocking the medic down with him. The cheer of his men as they celebrated Lugo's winning goal faded into the distance as he looked down at the beautiful man lying beneath him. It struck him how well his warm body fitted with his and he could not help but revel in the feel of Nasir's hair brushing against his arm where he was holding some of his weight off the little man. The puffs of warm air from Nasir's mouth tickled his skin and made the moment seem intimate despite the crowd of people around them. It was this thought that forced him to get to his feet and he quickly regretted staying where they had fallen for so long wondering if Nasir would have guessed the reason for his delay and be disgusted.
Yet Nasir did not get up immediately, but held out his hand to Agron to be helped up, in spite of the ease with which Agron is sure Nasir could stand. Nevertheless he was quick to offer his assistance and to have the opportunity of holding the little man's hand. Even when the medic was back on his feet he did not release Agron's hand at once but first gave it a gentle squeeze which caused the German to feel a surge of hope… before it was quickly doused by the remembrance that their feelings did not matter. They could never have anything more than a few days of tentative friendship.
Xxx
Nasir hoped his blush was not noticeable as he finally dropped the German's hand. Despite the bitterly cold wind he could still feel the heat of Agron's body where it had been pressed against his own. He was sure the pounding of his heart was loud enough to be heard as he desperately tried to control his body's reaction to being so close to such an attractive man. If Agron knew his thoughts he would want nothing more to do with him… or would he? Nasir noticed the flush spreading across Agron's face and he could not help but wonder.
"I didn't need to trip you". Agron's awkward words interrupted his train of thought.
"It didn't hurt" Nasir reassured him. By unspoken agreement the two men did not head towards the group of soldiers gathering together after the match, but chose to stay talking together.
Yet before they could talk any further a German soldier came bounding towards them.
Xxx
Normally Agron would be pleased to see his brother, but at this moment he wished he could continue his private conversation with Nasir.
"Did you see my goal?" Duro asked, making Agron remember his brother as a child always wanting his older brother to be proud of his achievements.
"Congratulations- you scored the first goal on No Man's Land, but it's not exactly tactful to celebrate in front of the losing team." Agron teased.
Nasir was not above taunting back, "If you can celebrate a victory only won through nobbling the opposition then by all means continue."
Agron was instantly worried that he had upset the little man, but then he saw the small smile he was stifling and began to join in laughing, "why you… you…"
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed his brother looking between them with a confused look on his face.
"Nasir this is my brother Duro, Duro this is Nasir- the New Zealand medic who helped one of our own soldiers yesterday." Agron belatedly introduced them.
"It was nothing." Nasir said quickly while Agron tried to ignore the calculating way his brother was looking between them.
"Not everyone would have done that" Agron protested despite knowing how his quick defence would spark Duro's curiosity even more. He looked pointedly at his brother.
"It's lovely to meet you Nasir, but I'm afraid I can't talk longer. Some of us are going to take a photograph together."
Agron was pleased that his brother took the hint and left them alone, but not before shooting Agron a look which made it clear they would be talking about this later.
Once Duro had left the conversation naturally turned to their families and he learnt that Nasir's brother was also in the army, but had been reported missing early in the war. It was clear that this was not a topic the little man wished to continue as he quickly turned to explaining how he was originally from Syria but his family had moved to New Zealand when he was so young that he did not remember the country. In turn Agron told Nasir about his life in Germany and how he felt like a father figure to his brother as his own father was often absent and seemed to have no interest in raising his family.
Xxx
The ease with which both men conversed surprised them and Nasir realised he felt a stronger attachment to this German soldier than to any of the New Zealand soldiers he worked with. He had to admit that some of the attraction was purely physical, but it went beyond that. Yesterday he had seen the respect and authority Agron held with his men, but seeing the softer side of the man as he spoke of his family made Nasir warm to him even more, grateful to be seeing this more private side of the German. Yet he knew this affection was going too far and if he had a hope of maintaining a friendship with Agron for as long as the truce lasted he needed to end any such thoughts.
As the conversation turned to leave Nasir saw his opportunity, "I suppose you have a wife or girlfriend you're eager to get home to?" Knowing Agron was taken would force him to keep his distance.
"No girls." Agron replied a strange expression flitting across his face. "You?"
Nasir wondered if he was reading too much into Agron's use of the plural 'girls' and he chose his next words carefully, "No, I've never had much interest in girls."
"Me neither". The tension between them was palpable as they looked into each other's eyes. Both daring to hope the other felt the same, but neither wanting to be the first to admit the truth.
"I find my interest lies in… other directions… another direction" Nasir felt his heart pounding as admitted a part of himself he had never shared before.
"In men" Agron spoke quietly and Nasir nodded, eyes flicking away before defiantly staring back at Agron.
"I am the same." Agron told him pleased to meet somebody the same as him.
The conversation did not change drastically after their shared revelation as they both continued to reminisce about life before the war. Yet the undercurrent of the conversation had altered as the talk was no longer between two friends, but between two men attracted to the other and having a real interest in learning more about the man they were developing feelings for.
xxx
As the light faded they were unable to avoid noticing the other soldiers returning to their own trenches for the night and knew that to stay longer would invite comment. Reluctantly they prepared to take their leave.
"I have an aunt in Australia." Agron blurted out.
"Now I understand why your English is so good." Nasir replied, confused at the change of conversation.
"I am unable to write to her while we're at war." Agron explained. "I was wondering if you would be able to send her a letter from me."
"Our post is censored." Nasir began, but seeing Agron's face fall continued, "but I can take it home when I go on leave and send it then."
"I'll give you the letter tomorrow?" Agron asked looking slightly unsure of himself and Nasir realised this was Agron's way of ensuring they would meet the next day.
"I'll do my best to find an excuse to return to the trenches soon." Nasir did not know if it would be possible to return to the front so soon, but he knew he would do everything in his power to see Agron again before the truce was over and they would be forced to fight against each other.
