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It was nothing they could have done or prevented being caught in the crossfire. They both went down together and they both didn't stand up again. They both crawled towards each other when their wounds didn't heal up as the wounds normally would happen. When they reached each other, Joe as usual wrapped his arms around Nicky and they tangled their legs together. Together they waited for death to claim them together, just as they had been born into their long life together.
Nicky: "Is ok, Yusuf. I will be right behind you as always."
Joe: "You were never behind me, Nicolò. You were my equal in every aspect of my life."
They both removed their hands from their wounds and interlocked their fingers before sharing one last kiss. Then Nicky buried his face in Joe's shoulder.
Joe: "When we wake again we will be at our favourite spot in Malta eating figs."
Nicky: "And watching the sun rise and set."
Both their breathing slowed down even more and Joe buried his face in Nicky's hair. They both weren't crying because to them death would be their next big adventure, just as life had been. And they would discover it together.
Nicky: "Love you, Yusuf."
Joe: "Love you too. Now close your eyes and I'll be there when you wake as always."
Nicky: "Only if you do it also. Close your eyes."
When their friends found them, they had already started on their next big adventure together. Because Joe and Nicky had wished to have their ashes scattered in the ocean around Malta, their friends did it because they understood the importance of Joe and Nicky still wanting to be together.