Thank you for the lovely feedback and I'm sorry for the delay. There's alot going on in real life, but I'll try to update more quickly next time!
This chapter takes place on Boxing Day.
Quickly sorting through the supplies Nasir made note of the medication they were lacking before hurrying back to see to a patient whose fever had risen dramatically in the last hour. On his way he almost crashed into Sura who was taking an armful of blankets to be washed and Naevia who was busy changing the bandages of a soldier who had numerous wounds on his legs. The pace of the day had been relentless with many of the medical staff being given leave. Knowing that other members of his team had had to work through Christmas day whilst he had taken his leave did not make it any easier for Nasir to accept the heavy workload which was keeping him away from the front line.
Of course he knew how vital his work was and he was grateful that he had at least experienced the incredible truce, but his thoughts kept straying to No Man's Land and the German captain who was waiting for him. It seemed cruel that the first time he ever met someone with the same inclinations as him might well be his last. The truce was unlikely to continue for long and after that they would be fighting on opposite sides of a war that was already continuing for longer than expected. What if he never met Agron again? Would Agron understand that it was his work keeping them apart or would he believe that Nasir regretted their closeness the day before and think he was avoiding him? The thought of causing Agron any pain was unbearable and Nasir forced himself to trust that Agron would have faith in him.
xxx
Laughter rang out across the ground that was still laced with barbed wire and craters. Even after a couple of days the sound felt alien to a place usually filled with booming guns and the desperate shrieks of men. It was hard for Agron to believe that the sound of merriment was genuine and not the ghostly reprise of happier times before the villages and fields had been destroyed by battling armies. There was a sense of transience to the whole event as if this were merely a dream of his tormented mind and war would soon resume as if it had never stopped.
Agron knew that his somber thoughts were much affected by his concern that the higher powers would soon put an end to the improvised truce and he would never see Nasir again. Yet Agron knew it was selfish of him to be so upset at his absence. Despite the Christmas truce lasting another day, the doctor still had crucial work to do and Agron felt sure that his little man would give nothing less than his full attention to his patients. Yet this did not stop him from wishing the intriguing man was here with him.
It was no surprise that Duro should notice his brother's strangely downcast mood which contrasted heavily to the enjoyment of the other soldiers. Their relief at having another day's respite from the fighting was evident and yet his brother seemed desolate.
"You do not join us, brother?" Duro asked in concern. "Unless you come soon, there will be nothing left for you to trade for." The men gathered in No Man's Land were eagerly exchanging items to keep as souvenirs. Their focused delight at their new gains warring in their minds against the dreaded knowledge that these items would soon be all that remained of the truce once the peace had ended.
"I…" Agron tried to give an excuse but his brother knew him too well.
"Perhaps it is the company you find to be lacking. None of the men compare to your little man."
"Quiet!" Agron hissed glancing around quickly to ensure nobody had overheard. "You know how much trouble I would be in if anybody knew."
"I'm sorry" Duro said quickly and Agron knew he was being sincere, "I didn't think. I just haven't seen you like this before. He must be pretty special."
"It's the wrong time." Agron spoke quietly hoping that Duro would contradict him in spite of his words being the truth. "We are on opposing sides and once this truce is over I have to be prepared to attack enemy lines. I cannot care about him."
Agron knew his words to be true, but the knowledge did nothing to ease the ache in his chest as he sought to quell the hope that anything more could come of their new friendship. He could not even assume that Nasir felt the same way about him. What if Nasir only sought friendship with someone who had the same preferences as him? Had he read too much into their interactions? Yet regardless of how Nasir felt, the situation was hopeless and so any such questions were arbitrary. Nothing could ever come from their feelings.
It must have been clear from Agron's expression that he had no desire to continue the conversation and so Duro merely patted his shoulder before coaxing him to oversee the men trading souvenirs.
Xxx
When Sura brought Nasir the message from General Batiatus two days after Christmas he could only stare in shock. The General has ordered them to send many men back to the front line in spite of the fact that most still needed time to recover. The head of the field hospital had tried to speak out against such an action but had found himself overruled and so had no choice but to order the soldiers back to the front line. News of the truce must have reached those higher up the chain of command and it had been decided that a change in the men on the front line was the best way to make the fighting continue. Those injured from battle were more likely to have a grudge against the enemy and abandon the truce. That the general was so eager to return to the slaughter angered Nasir when he knew how desperately the men needed a rest from the war and a chance to appreciate their humanity rather than being the killing machines the generals' made them for their own use.
xxx
Throughout the day Agron struggled to concentrate on maintaining order amongst the men, his thoughts continually drifting to the little man he felt a growing attachment towards. It surprised him to feel so strongly towards somebody after such a short space of time, but he could not deny the connection between them.
To make the time until Nasir may be free to join him go faster Agron helped his men repair the trench. It had been agreed with Spartacus that both sides could use the truce to repair any damage and the men were glad to improve the structure of the trench. From the few conversations he had had with the man Agron felt a deep respect for Spartacus. Given the propaganda the German soldiers had been fed about the villainous nature of the Allies he knew some of his men had been surprised at the humanity of the soldiers they encountered. Agron was particularly impressed with the respect Spartacus held from his men and the calm authority with which he spoke.
xxx
Once the soldiers had been brought back to the trenches Nasir turned to Naevia who had driven the ambulance and shared his concerns about the condition of their former patients. It was clear to see that she was just as angry about their premature return, but there was little they could do. Feeling slightly guilty at the real purpose behind his offer Nasir suggested that they should stay at the trenches for a short time and observe their former patients; if any seemed in serious danger of relapsing the medical corps could return them straight back to the field ambulance. When Naevia immediately agreed to stay- her eyes drifting to the French trenches- Nasir felt his guilt lessen and he moved through the trenches towards No Man's Land.
Keeping his professional duties his first priority Nasir duly watched the soldiers closely and assessed that none would need to be returned immediately although they would return to full health slowly. Just as he had made his decision and stepped out onto No Man's Land he heard a beautifully familiar voice call to him,
"Nasir! I had worried you would not be able to join us today."
"I would have hated to miss you." Nasir replied, then worried he had been too forward. The smile Agron gave in return soon made him forget his concern.
xxx
As promised Agron duly gave handed Nasir the letter for his Aunt, although both knew this was not the real reason for him seeking the little man out and rushing to his side so soon.
"I'm glad you could come." Agron spoke quietly, wary of their conversation being overheard by the other men gathered together on No Man's Land.
Nasir seemed to share this concern and Agron noticed his gaze flickering to the nearby soldiers.
"Come with me." Nasir spoke too firmly as though he was persuading himself as well as Agron. "I know a place where we can talk in private."
Eager to have some privacy and hopeful that they could express themselves better away from the other soldiers Agron eagerly followed Nasir towards the New Zealand line. Yet he hesitated when he came towards the front trench, his sense of justice not allowing him to gain information about enemy lines.
Noticing his hesitation Nasir wound his scarf around Agron's eyes while teasing "I hope you didn't think I would betray my country over a man… even one as pleasing to the eye as you."
Agron could not control the blush that spread over his cheeks at these words. Thankfully he was spared from answering as Nasir began the difficult task of guiding him down the ladder into the trench. Nasir went first and carefully directed the German's legs to each rung until he had safely reached the ground where he spun him quickly in a circle to disorientate him before guiding him through the trenches.
A part of Agron's brain was protesting that he should be trying to work out the direction he was moving in or using his remaining senses to gather information about the enemy lines. Yet even if such a thought were not against his honour he would not have been able to. Instead he was completely focused on his grip on Nasir's forearm as he was guided forwards. Putting his trust so fully in Nasir and concentrating on being guided made him feel so connected to the man and he became hyper aware of him.
Eventually they reached the place where Nasir had parked the ambulance and Nasir removed the blindfold before beckoning the German inside the back of the vehicle. For a long moment the pair simply stared at each other as their eyes adjusted to the darkness of the ambulance. Now that they were finally alone and for the first time could act as they desired they experienced a shyness that had not existed between them before. They could touch but would the other allow it? How far could they go?
It was Agron who first gained the bravery to act and he reached out to stroke a strand of hair away from Nasir's forehead. "You have beautiful hair. I've been imagining what it would be like to run my fingers through it."
"You don't have to imagine." Nasir whispered back, his eyes shutting in pleasure as he felt Agron's lips press against the top of his head. Slowly Nasir stroked his hands up Agron's side simply revelling in the fact that he could finally touch and enjoying the sold presence of his body.
Both men were content to move slowly, savouring each touch and memorising the feel of the other's body. When their lips finally met it was with the same leisurely pace as if they had all the time in the world.
xxx
Slowly the kiss became more passionate and it was Agron who reluctantly had to pull back for air first, pressing his forehead against the smaller man's as he breathed raggedly.
Nasir smirked at him, "need a rest so soon?"
"Never" Agron gasped as Nasir's hand trailed down his chest until it reached its goal. Roughly Agron pushed Nasir backwards intending to press him against the side of the ambulance but he tripped and fell to the ground bringing Agron crashing down on top of him.
"Are you alright? I didn't mean to… I'm sorry" Agron stuttered until Nasir drew him into kiss.
"I'm not complaining." Nasir pointed out enjoying the feel of the German's body against his.
In response Agron bit down on Nasir's neck causing him to groan, before sucking and licking at the mark he had made. So intent was he on causing more gasps and moans to unwittingly escape from Nasir's mouth that he didn't notice the flood of moonlight bathing the ambulance as the doors were flung open. He certainly did notice the knife at his throat.
"You disgust me." Agron recognised Spartacus's voice and the disappointment he could hear in his tone made his heart drop. Looking at the man who had grown so precious to him so soon, Agron saw the same hurt reflected in his eyes. Did Spartacus really believe their feelings to be so disgusting?
"That's hardly fair…" Agron tried to argue his case, but Spartacus interrupted,
"We had a truce!"
"We didn't break it." Nasir spoke up, but Spartacus just scoffed,
"You don't have to defend him Nasir, I heard you cry out in pain and found him fighting you."
Agron shared a quick look with Nasir before he made up his mind. He knew that under New Zealand law any act between two men was seen as sexual assault and he didn't want Nasir to be punished. It would be better for his little man if Spartacus believed he had attacked him.
"I know what I did was wrong, but please do not let this break the truce. The men need as much rest as they can get." Agron pleaded, hating that he had lost all respect from a man he admired.
"You should have thought of that before you attacked Nasir." Spartacus replied, his voice hard.
"He didn't attack me." Nasir's voice was equally firm.
Shocked, Agron stared meaningfully at Nasir trying to make him understand the danger he would be in if his captain found him engaged in homosexual activity. Nasir, however, did not waver knowing that more lives would be risked by the truce ending if Spartacus believed Agron to have attacked him.
"Then why…" It was clear from the widening of his eyes that Spartacus had worked out the true nature of the couple's interaction. In shock his arm fell limply to his side freeing Agron to stand next to Nasir.
"Don't punish Nasir… please." It was obvious that this was not a word often used by Agron which made the plea more meaningful.
"I had a young soldier in my platoon when we first came to the front line." Spartacus' soft words surprised the couple. "He was a conscript with no experience but eager to learn and always looking out for the other men. One day my Sergeant found Pietros with a French soldier Barca. Instead of reporting it straight away Gnaeus chose to blackmail him for weeks before the incident was reported. Before any action could be taken Pietros… he couldn't…he killed himself." The grief in Spartacus' voice made Nasir reach out to him and place a hand on his shoulder. There was nothing he could say to take the pain away, but he could at least let Spartacus know that he was not alone in coping with it.
Finally Spartacus was able to speak again, "He was a good man and an asset to the platoon. To lose him over something so irrelevant was such a waste. You're a good man Nasir and we need all the men we have in this war."
Nasir was so moved he could only nod, hoping Spartacus understood how much the man's acceptance meant to him.
"There is another problem here." Spartacus reluctantly continued.
"My nationality." Agron stated knowing that they had been forcing themselves to ignore the issue.
"The truce will not last for much longer." Spartacus' voice was firm despite him knowing the pain his words caused the two men, "and you have brought a German officer into Allied territory."
"I blindfolded him!" Nasir was quick to defend himself before he blushed deeply realising the suggestive nature of his words. A quirk of Spartacus' lips told him the other man had noticed the implication.
"I promise you I didn't learn anything of tactical importance". Agron reassured Spartacus.
As Spartacus looked between the two men- his expression deadly serious- Agron realised he was holding his breath. He knew there was nothing he could say which would help the situation and he could only hope that Spartacus would not stop the truce because of his actions. He would not be able to bear the guilt it would cause him.
Finally Spartacus nodded as he obviously came to a decision.
"It would be difficult to take formal action against you Nasir as this whole truce is going expressly against orders. However I want to state quite clearly that your actions in bringing an enemy soldier behind our lines were completely irresponsible and you risked the lives of many men by doing so. I did not expect such thoughtlessness from you. You are not to return to the front unless on duty in which case you must report to me as soon as you arrive."
Nasir felt his heart sink as he felt a wash of shame rush over him. His feelings for Agron had caused him to act wrongly despite knowing that Agron was far too honest to use this information to his advantage. The reassuring smile that Agron gave him made Nasir relieved that Agron did not judge him for taking such a risk.
"Agron I will not put a stop to this truce" Spartacus promised, "The men need it and I know you would not want to be responsible for the fighting to continue. Yet if I find you approaching Nasir again I will not look so kindly on the situation."
Agron simply nodded, unable to form words as he took in the dreadful reality of never seeing Nasir again.
Picking up the scarf Spartacus made to blindfold Agron and return him to No Man's Land but Nasir pushed past him and flung his arms around the German.
"I'll never forget you" Nasir promised before pulling the taller man's head down for a desperate kiss was returned with equal despair and passion.
Spartacus wrenched them apart and shoved Agron out of the ambulance, ordering Nasir to drive it back to the hospital.
Don't worry, this is not the end :)