One day late on this one; my apologies. This prompt is from Poseidon God of the Seas - Xmas.
I let my head fall back against the earth. Cold water and mud soaked into my uniform, but I paid it no mind; I was so cold and so dirty that it no longer mattered.
"You still with us, Doctor Watson?"
"Yes," I breathed, nodding weakly. "Yes, I'm alright. How's your arm, Tom?"
"'s good." Tom leaned back next to me, panting. I feared that the wound fever was setting in, though he'd been hit only hours earlier; the climate made infection quick and deadly. His skin was flushed and sweaty despite the cold, and he favoured his right arm noticeably, switching to the less coordinated left hand whenever he could.
"May I take a look?"
"It's alrigh', Doc," he murmured, his eyes drifting closed. "Not the firs' time I've been shot."
His accent was queer; something of upper-class London and the streets mixing together, along with an American twang that slipped in when he wasn't paying attention. It became more pronounced as his fatigue increased.
"All the same. I'd like to examine it when we have a moment."
The boy gave a good-natured shrug, then winced. "If you want."
Two young soldiers stumbled down into the trench, slipping in the mud and collapsing. "'ello, Tom. Doctor."
"Morning," Tom responded, offering a feeble wave. It was very early, the sun not even up, and none of us had slept over three lads were exhausted; their young faces drawn and strained.
"Say, guv," Freddie pushed himself up and gave me a look that was a last attempt at composure. "What's t' date?"
"It's the twenty-fifth." William, the youngest of my three companions, gave a small smile. "Christmas Day."
Tom started out of his trance, crying out as he jarred his shoulder. I stilled him with a touch and a stern look.
"Easy, lad."
"Sorry sir," he said, sheepish. "I... jus' didn't realize it was Christmas already."
A mournful silence extinguished our conversation. The only sounds were faraway shouts and gunfire.
"Merry Christmas, then," Tom said softly, at last.
"Happy Christmas," Freddie returned, giving an encouraging grin. "I s'pose if I've gotta spend it 'ere, yer not such a bad lot o' coves to be with."
I motioned for them to come closer, mustering the final reserves of my strength. My pack was thankfully dry; waterproofed, with the last of my pay. "Cheer up, lads. We've made it to Christmas, the four of us. I believe it is safe to deem that an accomplishment."
They sat in a circle around me, slumped. I pulled out four cigars, sent from home, and offered one to each. Tom and William declined, but Freddie puffed his with a grateful look.
I rummaged around, removing the small bag of sweets that I generally reserved for my most frightened patients. "A taste of home," I said, passing them around. "I bought these at the corner shop near King's Cross some weeks ago."
William's face lit up. "I've been there! With my Mother, and my sister. We went last Christmas."
"Aye, I've seen it too." Freddie blew a ring of smoke.
"Thank you, Doctor Watson," Tom said softly. His mind was somewhere faraway, as I suppose all of our must have been.
"Of course." I closed my pack again and rolled my cigar between stiff fingers. "I know it musn't be what you're accustomed to."
"It's wonderful, sir," William said, holding the candy wrapper almost reverently. "You're very kind."
I waved my hand, embarrassed. "That is quite enough of that. Do you know any carols, Freddie?"
Freddie had a fine voice, when he was comfortable enough to sing. He nodded with a faintly shy look.
"Aye, I ken a few."
William smiled hopefully. "Do you know Silent Night?"
"'course, ye toff." Freddie nudged him fondly. "Everybody does."
Tom clasped William's hand on the right and mine on the left; the others joining suit. The first hint of sun began to warm our faces, and the sounds of battle faded away as Freddie sang.
"Silent night, Holy Night..."
A sense of comfort and warmth filled my heart. The future was uncertain, and we were far from home. But I could think of no better way to spend Christmas than with these, my brave, young friends.
"Sleep in heavenly peace...
Sleep in heavenly peace."