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If you asked Joe, holding Nicky in his arms was one of the best things in the world. Another good thing about Nicky was that he was a source of heat no matter the time of the year because the room got colder and colder as the night went on.
"Yusuf?" Nicky said. "The fire is going out."
"As I recall it," Joe replied. "It's your turn to put more wood on the fire."
They were staying in one of their old safe houses in Switzerland. It was a small cabin without central heating but with a big fireplace so they could warm up the entire cabin. They both remembered spending a summer some hundred years ago after a war building this place. It was their own private safe house, and none of their friends knew about it. That was how things were: there were their own safe houses, and then there were the safe houses they shared with their friends.
"And as I recall it," Nicky said. "It's your turn to put more wood on the fire."
Nicky turned around a bit in Joe's arms so they were face to face. They kissed.
"Hmmm," Joe said. "You and I remember things differently because I'm sure it's your turn to put more wood on the fire."
Nicky ran a finger over Joe's cheek. It would only be a matter of time before Joe's beard would have grown back to its usual size. Something Nicky was looking forward to because he loved the feeling of Joe's beard on his skin.
"Let me ask you this," Nicky said. "What will happen the moment I leave the bed to put more wood on the fire?"
"The bed will get cold, and I'll freeze even more," Joe replied. "Fine, I do it, but the next time, it's your turn."
"Let's have that discussion the next time we need to put more wood on the fire," Nicky replied. "And thanks for doing it."
Joe kissed Nicky on his cheek before getting out of bed.
"While I'm up," Joe said. "Do you need anything?"
Joe threw wood on the fire.
"No thanks," Nicky replied. "Kind of you to ask."
Nicky stretched his body with a happy sigh. It made Joe happy to see Nicky so relaxed after a decade of fighting different wars.
"Need a bathroom," Joe said. "Don't move."
"I promise," Nicky replied. "Hurry back. I miss you holding me in your arms."
"And I miss having you in my arms," Joe replied. "Be right back."
When Joe returned, he quickly got under the five duvets before pulling Nicky into his arms. Nicky placed his head on Joe's chest, and while listening to Joe's heart, Nicky swirled Joe's shirt around his fingers. While Nicky was playing with Joe's shirt, Joe ran his fingers through Nicky's hair.
"Tell me," Joe said. "Why is it we're in Switzerland, wearing more clothes than I like instead of being naked in Egypt and making love?"
Nicky craned his neck before looking at Joe.
"Because of your new favourite movie you have watched so many times," Nicky replied. "You said that once the war ended, you also dreamt of a white Christmas like Bing Crosby. That is why we're here."
Nicky kissed Joe on his chin.
"Hmm," Joe said. "Me and my romantic ideas."
Nicky gently elbowed Joe.
"Don't say it like that. I love you and your romantic ideas," Nicky said, a bit angry. "And since I'm the only one who seems to appreciate being snowed in with the, what is it you call it? Oh, yes, the love of your life, you can have the bed for yourself."
Nicky tried to get up, but Joe pulled him back again before pinning him down on the bed.
"I didn't say anything about not enjoying being snowed in with you," Joe said. "All I was complaining about us was not being naked in bed."
Joe kissed Nicky.
"Nico?" Joe asked. "Are we friends again?"
Nicky got a mischievous smile on his face.
"Isn't that a setback?" Nicky asked. "Especially because I remember us being friends meant you being moody all the time."
"Me being moody?" Joe asked. "Says the one who invented being moody."
"Did not," Nicky replied. "I'm pretty sure it was your invention."
Joe quickly straddled Nicky's groin.
"You..." Joe said. "Remember you brought this upon yourself."
Joe started tickling Nicky, who couldn't stop laughing. It felt so good to laugh together without a care in the world and not to mention to do silly things again after years of war.
"Please, stop," Nicky begged. "Please, Yusuf."
"I better do it one more time," Joe replied. "Just to be sure you have learned what happens when you tease me."
Joe tickled Nicky again before they kissed.
"Uhm, Joe," Nicky said. "The fire is going out."
Joe looked at the fire before looking at Nicky. This time, Joe was sure he would win the discussion about who should put wood on the fire.