A/N: Belatedly I note that the grammar in this story is often broken, deliberately so, as I'm trying to write it in the same fashion the show speaks. There are slight variances in the dialog on the show that I hope to properly use in my own writing of the characters' thoughts and speech. Gratitude to all who read and review. :)


"It is in such unexpected gestures they win our hearts."

Naevia's quiet observation broke through Nasir's thought and made him to realize the sight of Agron's form had long faded from the horizon. Yet they had stayed there, leaning upon one another and staring after the handful of rebels that would see Crixus freed.

Her words echo Nasir's own thinking and he hopes for them both that this mission will be swift and successful.

"The first time Crixus kissed my lips with such love it was as if the world both turned on its axis and settled all to rightness. I've never known the like of such a feeling within myself."

Nasir turns to her curiously, instinctively smiling back at the soft smile she seemed to unconsciously bestow upon him; but within, he frowned.

He processes her observation slowly as they shuffle back to his sickbed. The effort of leaving that berth left him leaning against the woman more than he cared to, but she placed herself there beneath his shoulder for just such a purpose.

Never would he regret his choice to save this person that he had known only by rumor before rescuing Naevia from the mines. Though he had feared it may cost him the bond that had been forming with Agron, Nasir had followed his own judgment in confessing to Crixus the truth of what the fallen Roman had said of this slave's fate. Even if that confession had led to his own death, Nasir would have felt no regret at the world he left behind so long as this rare gem was allowed to still shine.

It is evident to any with eyes or ears that this female is a rarity among all creatures and the Gaul's devotion to her was just. To bear witness to a true reunion of these parted lovers would be a gift from the Gods. He hopes it not too much to ask of those Gods that he be allowed a similar rejoining of his German's company once this plan saw fruition.

"You react as if struck speechless by the gesture," Naevia's speaking draws his mind again from wander. "Surely Agron has not been so sparing in his affections to have not kissed you before now."

"Agron is quite generous with his gestures," Nasir defends instantly. "He simply had not led me to believe his sentiment more than friendly."

She huffs out a doubtful laugh and he shambles to a stop to look at her in surprise at her doubt. Her dark eyes meet his with concern at the sudden halt then move over his features with surprise dawning in her gaze.

"Apologies," her eyes lower and all trace of smile fades from her expression as they resume their slow trek. "I must have mistaken his devotion to you as a sign of more lengthy a bond. Perhaps it is that it reminds me so of love recently lost in tragedy and treachery. Barca and Pietros. The fondness they had shared for one another had been inspirational to many at the ludus."

He knew fault for said tragedy to lie at the feet of the Syrian that had soured the views of many from the ludus and did not comment on the mention of this pairing. His mind instead lingers upon a single word she had said.

"Devotion?"

It is she now who brings them to a stop to stare in puzzlement as they near his chamber.

Her gaze seems to be turned inward for a moment before understanding visibly dawns and the smile returns to her lips.

"I forget you have not been fully aware of much as you heal," her eyes drop with apology to the bandages upon his stomach. "Agron has been faithful in tending to you when not called to plan with Spartacus. It was he who would relieve me each night to rest while he watched over and bathed you through your fever. His eyes and hands as I witnessed them upon you held such care and concern, I thought it reciprocated."

"This is the first I am coming to know of such things," Nasir confesses. "I am not certain myself capable of reciprocating them."

Or worthy of them with such a man, Nasir thinks in conclusion.

"It is hard to believe happiness possible for ourselves," she muses, gleaning his thoughts. "Years of service to the want and ways of Dominus and Domina give us little ability to envision simple things for ourselves. When the heart has found its mate, though, the mind and body will always find their way to that partner."

Considering his fears for the safety of said organ, Nasir thinks over her words carefully as he is able to finally resettle his healing body back upon bed. She moves to help him, ensuring he does nothing to set back his recovery, and he is glad of her assistance.

He hopes to be able to call this woman friend after the fashion in which their acquaintances have been met.

To that end, as they seem to be sharing confessions of the heart, he speaks up when she would have left him to rest.

"There is much I see both you and Crixus endure for all this talk of hearts. Is it worth it?"

She pauses on the threshold she had reached and he sees her weighing the possible answers carefully before she turns to face him.

"When I thought him gone from me…there are no words for such agony. To have been given hope that he lives….I have no words for such joy," the emotion shimmers in her eyes as he can see her relieving those feelings. "That I might possibly have him returned to me, no matter the condition…," she blinks moisture from her eyes and meets his gaze without flinching. "We have paid much for a dream that we may someday be together without outside interference and I find myself at this moment willing to pay whatever additional cost may be required to have my heart restored to me."

She leaves him with those words and there is a reflexive thud from the organ within his chest at thoughts stirred by her conviction. Visions of Agron fill his head as Nasir drifts back to slumber and the Syrian knows what he will do should the Gods see the German returned to him.