Chapter Text
Nicolò didn't stop the horse before dawn. Just to be sure, there was some distance between them and the town. When he walked around the cart, he found Yusuf sleeping. It was typical that they needed to rest after dying. After running his fingers through Yusuf's curls, Nicolò got Yusuf out of the bandages, and when that was done, Yusuf curled together with a happy snore. Then Nicolò sat down on the ground to keep vigil.
"As much I like watching you sleep," Nicolò said when Yusuf looked at him. "I'm glad you're awake."
"Bed hair?" Yusuf asked as he stretched his body.
"Nicely tousled," Nicolò laughed.
Joe groaned when he sat up, which made Nicolò stand up.
"Do you know," Nicolò said. "I was thinking of Malta."
"What time in Malta?" Joe wanted to know. Nicolò raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Oh, that time in Malta."
They both laughed.
"We should go back there," Nicolò said. "It has been too long since the last time."
"That would be nice," Yusuf replied as he reached out a hand. "Please take my hand, my Love."
As always, Nicolò took Yusuf's hand without blinking and hesitation and let Yusuf pull him up in the cart. There Yusuf placed his arms around Nicolò's shoulder while Nicolò placed his head on Yusuf's chest and placed his arm on Yusuf's stomach. Yusuf ran his fingers through Nicolò's hair while Nicolò ran his fingers over Yusuf's stomach. They just sat there in silence for a time.
"Tell me," Yusuf said. "Where did you go in your mind?"
"To a place, I don't want to go," Nicolò replied. "Let's just say that Malta wouldn't be the same place without you."
"I didn't mean to scare you," Yusuf replied. "It's the last thing I want."
"I know, Yusuf," Nicolò replied. "But with the life we're living, it can't be avoided. No matter how hard we try."
Yusuf placed a kiss on Nicolò's forehead as a comfort. Nicolò appreciated the thought.
"It's a horrible truth," Yusuf said. "Still, I feel like there are days when we're winning over death big time by insisting on loving each other. No matter what is thrown after us."
"I still like that thought," Nicolò replied. "That together we're stronger because we insist on loving each other."
Yusuf could tell from the way Nicolò was breathing that he was still worried after the fire and falling down three floors.
"Nicolò?" Yusuf said. "Please look at me."
Nicolò craned his neck a bit so he could look at Yusuf.
"As proof that I'm still here," Yusuf said. "Fell with your fingers, the warmth on my skin. "
Yusuf took Nicolò's fingers and placed them on his skin. Nicolò ran his fingers over Yusuf's skin, feeling the familiar warmth.
"As proof that I'm still here," Yusuf said. "Place your head on my chest and hear my heart that is still beating only for you."
Nicolò did it, and when he heard Yusuf's heart beating, it made Nicolò smile.
"As proof that I'm still here," Yusuf said. "With my lips, I'll kiss you and speak words of love only meant for you."
Yusuf gently pulled Nicolò's face closer and kissed him.
"As proof that I'm still here," Yusuf promised. "Once I have gathered my strength, I'll bring you pleasure when we make love under the stars. And by bringing you pleasure, it will bring me pleasure."
"Incurable romantic," Nicolò said with a smile. "And I can't wait to feel you again."
They kissed again before Nicolò said that Yusuf should sleep. Tomorrow, Nicolò would keep his promise to the Doctor and ask the Doctor's friend to tell him that Yusuf died on the road. While Nicolò would do that, Yusuf would get them fresh supplies for their journey to Malta. But that was tomorrow, right now; all Nicolò wanted was to lay in the arms of the man he loved, and that was all that Yusuf also wanted to do. They both were grateful for still being alive so they could still be together and love each other.