Forged in Our Blood - Teaser 1/2 [2]
“Yusuf”, Nicky repeats, over and over again, the name that sings in his blood every day and dispels the shadows when darkness threatens to drown everything out. I’m so glad you’re alive. I’m so glad I found you. I’m so glad you’re here with me. None of it leaves his mouth. Only Joe’s name, a mantra in its own form. “Yusuf, my Yusuf.”
“I’m okay”, Joe returns, his face furrowed with pain, but he nestles his unharmed hand against Nicky’s nape, holding him close. Nicky sees the same reassurance in his expression he too feels because Joe is still with him. Because even this death has not separated them. “Well, except for my arm, but that’s just a scratch.” The joke is weak, but Nicky laughs anyway, brittle and dull. “Are you hurt, habibi?”
“I’m fine, cuore mio”, Nicky assures him while pulling his belt out of the loops in one swift motion. Joe stays silent as Nicky applies the makeshift pressure bandage to where his arm has been, and doesn’t speak up again until Nicky takes a deep, shaky breath.
“It’s already healing, Nicolo. Everything will be fine.” The gentleness and warmth of his voice create a fleeting illusion of security and ease the inner tension that lights Nicky’s nerves on fire.
