My Enemy, My Boyfriend - 2. Chapter 2

 

Morning with Sergei never came. It was that night that a massive counter offensive began.

All the, recent, attacks had been made to test defences. Across the UK groups of resistance fighters and soldiers rose against the occupying force. The camp I was in was one of the largest in Scotland housing over two thousand military personnel, it was a major target.

 

The camp was overwhelmed. Most of the guards were either captured or had escaped and fled. I had woken in the ward hearing gunfire I realised whatever was going on it was big. A guard burst in shouting in Russian, Nicolai who had been woken by this looked at me terrified and said

 

"We are under attack. Your army is liberating the camp. Most of my comrades are captured, dead or fleeing south."

 

My first thought was 'I'm gonna be free', then 'where is Sergei and Nikita I hope they are alive?' I then saw Nicolai's face, he was terrified. I got up from bed and sat on the chair to be close to him.

 

As I did the door burst open and in rushed a half dozen men wearing camo gear. The Sergeant, by his stripes, shouted.

 

" Those who can, get your hands up." We complied with what he asked. Then we heard it, the shouts of joy and celebration, the camp had been liberated the prisoners were now free.

 

The Russians in the ward were now prisoners the tables had turned. The Sergeant and a Corporal started checking tags. They got to me and found I was from their regiment. I was immediately remove to the main hospital and subjected to a series of test all of which I past. I worried about my friends, strange to think that word when talking about the other side.

 

I was taken to the former command building to be debriefed by the regiments intelligence officer. He was a man in his early forties broad build with a gingerish goatee beard. He had a pleasant manner about him designed to put you at ease. I had no doubt this man could kill me in unimaginable ways.

 

"I am Major Tam Brooks, sit down Lieutenant, how are you felling? How are your injuries?"

 

I knew this was just the start of the questioning. It told him everything except my one secret. I knew I may never see Sergei again but I held out hope. The debriefing lasted for two days, question after question me answering them honestly which spawned more questions. At the end I was told I could return to my unit once I was declared fit to. In the meantime I was to be returned to the ward.

 

On returning nothing had changed. Most of the injured were still Russians, although there were a few new faces. I met the new medical team, all Scots. We got on well but they were a little hard on the Russians in my eyes, I guess after my time with them I realised they were just human. Well most of them, like all branches of the human race some are rotten.

 

This came out as the released prisoners were processed and debriefed. A number had been beaten and raped by a small group of the Russian Guards. This caused problems for the guards that were captured in the attack. Even though there was no proof that those captured were involved they were marked as rapists. Their treatment was harsh. Those in hospital were treated only slightly better, at first anyway. The new Dr, Colonel Millar MD, was a 50 plus Edinburgh man, swarthy heavy set, red cheeks like a jolly Santa without the beard and he had the blackest hair I'd ever seen. He was pleasant when dealing with me and the other Britons, but standoffish and rude to the Russians, I did understand why but thought it wrong.

 

Camp returned to some normalicy and we rapidly approached The New Year.

 

The Boxing Day offensive had been a great success the units of the army still operating along with the resistance had all but driven the Russians across the border into England. Even there, things were bad for the Russians, our military captured lots of equipment which in turn was used against them. We were doing well, mainly thanks to the Russian fighting on so many fronts. Britian had been downgraded to a garrison island so many of their troops were new conscripts, green. We had been fighting for over a two years now in harsh conditions.

 

New Year came and went. Dr Millar confirmed the prognosis that Dr Volgastov had and I lost my right leg cast and the left one was made lighter. The camp had received a constant influx of prisoners, new barracks had been built, even a new hospital block, more wards, larger.

 

I was now mobile enough with the a crutch to be allowed to move into staff quarters. I had been transferred to the medical staff, and thanks to my time learning Russian I spent most of my time on their wards. Of which there were three 24 bed units. The medical staff had been increased through the use of prisoners. There were guards at the door of the ward an in the corridors so there was little they could do.

 

I had been placed in, what they referred to, as the trauma ward. The ward for the worst injured. It was here I, on my third day on duty, found a new patient. It was Nikita, he had been shot in a skirmish and transferred, after emergency treatment, to the camp hospital. I asked the senior orderly about him, not letting on that I knew him. He told me that he had been shot in the shoulder and the leg, the leg wound being the worst as it had partially shattered the bone. As he would need help with feeding and general care I had been assigned to him.

 

I walked to his bedside to find him asleep, he look shrunken, sickly. I resolved to help him all I could after the way he helped me. On seeing him though the thought at the back of my mind was 'What has happened to Sergei?' I moved off to check on the rest of my charges, watching for signs of Nikita waking. When I finally so him stir I moved to the bedside and sat, waiting for him to come round. He looked scared as he woke, obviously with the tables turning he worried what would happen. He turned his head a saw me smiling next to his bed. He started to cry, what could I do, I cared for this person even though he was the enemy.

 

I moved forward and touched him as I spoke gently , like I had done with Nicolai all that time ago.

 

"You are safe for now my friend" I said in Russian. Then in English I added "You are to be one of my charges so now I get to help you." I patted his shoulder gently and squeezed his hand. The sobbing stopped and he falteringly smiled.

 

"I thought I would die, then I woke briefly in the field hospital and again as I was brought here. I thought I had gotten away but I am back now, as a prisoner" he said quietly, trembling.

 

"I will do everything I can to keep you safe. If you have trouble with anyone let me know". I said to him. I hoped he would be treated fairly but there were some who would make his life difficult. I sat with him for a little while reassuring him. Then as he drifted to sleep I moved off to continue my tasks.

 

For the next two weeks my tasks were much the same, help with the general care of the wounded. Some were transferred to other wards and we got fresh casualties in. Nikita was too injured to be moved thanks to his hip. There was a chance he may never be able to walk without assistance again but it would take time before we would know.

 

I thought about Sergei almost everyday it was difficult not knowing. I had fallen in love and then lost it. The monotony of prison life set in. The war was going well. The Russians were on the back foot on every front. Former enemies had joined together in their fight against the Russian aggressor. The old enemy of my enemy adage. In Britain, the Russian force had been pushed back now as far as the Watford Gap, just north of London. Although pockets of their forces still existed in some areas..

 

I carried on in the ward helping as I could, I was now adept at providing the assistance required even with a leg in a cast. Dr Millar checked my progress every week and as January became February true to what I had been told I got the final cast removed. He did tell me I would not be fit for front line duty and had recommended that I stay in the hospital as an orderly. Much had happened since January. The camp was now expanded, it held three and a half thousand prisoners in various barracks. Things had calmed down with regards to the treatment of prisoners as well. Nicolai had been transferred to the main prison so I lost touch with him.

 

Nikita was slowly getting better. He was one of my charges and I tried to spend what time I could with him. We talked when we could, he always got embarrassed when I had to help him to the toilet or bed bath him. I admit I used to tease him a bit reminding him how he had gotten to see me all those time when I was in the ward. He had a great body, for a man his age, and a cute arse and dick, but enough of that.

 

Each night I would finish my stint in the ward and head to the guards accommodation, I shared a room with three other medics. Once there, if alone, I would take out Sergei tags and hold them praying he was alive. My prayers would be soon be answered.

 

As I said earlier the war was going well, the Russians were almost out of Britain barring a few stubborn groups. One such group held Stirling and had done so since New Year. Now mid February they were starting to surrender. Needless to say any prisoners were brought to us for checking in and processing.

 

It was a miserable day, the rain was coming down sideways. It was cold and I was tired, one too many nightmares. I was helping out with prisoner induction,working with a Sergeant Michaels, a terrifying bear of a man, when my prayers were answered.

 

We were triaging the prisoners in the latest batch, they were mostly young conscripts, terrified of what was happening, the sergeant was surprising gentle with the younger ones, not so with the older guys though. I later found out he had two sons both in there mid to late teens. We had received just under 100 prisoners in various states of health. Some were sent straight to the hospital others held to be assessed. We worked quickly, taking names and military Id's numbers checking their tags to clarify this.

 

We had worked through more than half of them when there was some commotion in the holding room. The guards had separated a fight, I was called, as the nearest medic as there had been some injuries. I entered the room to find the remaining prisoners along one wall, facing it, hand clasped behind their heads, they looked terrified, the guards behind them a few paces back. On the other side of the room were two prisoners both on the floor, one sitting the other lying clutching his side. I move to the man on the ground, I knew him. It was one of the orderlies that worked with Nikita when I had been held.

 

Just as I had recognised him he realised who I was. He mouthed my name and tried to smile a little. I spoke, in Russian, to him asking what was wrong. He had a stab wound, not to deep luckily but it was bleeding quite badly. I treated him and sent him under guard to the hospital to get it treated properly. I turned to check on the man who was sitting. It was Dr Volgastov. He looked twenty years older his eyes were sunken and he looked emaciated. I would find out later he had been punished for his failure to hold the camp by demotion, and placing him in the unit of conscripts we had captured.

 

I told the guard commander, a young lieutenant not long out of training, who the man was that he was an officer and a Dr. He radio'd for instructions and soon the Dr was heading off for treatment. The fight had broken out because some of the conscripts had thought Dr Volgastov, now Captain Volgastov, should have surrendered earlier. One of them had tried to stab him but the orderly stepped in the way to prevent it, getting stabbed instead. The guards had yet to find the man who had stabbed him, they had the weapon, a small knife and while I had been treating the injured men they were searching the prisoners.

 

They were nearly done when one of the older guards shouted.

 

"Hey Lieutenant, this guy is 3rd shock. Look at his insignia". The lieutenant move to the man who was standing head hung. I had looked up on hearing the 3rd shock, that had been the unit that had captured me.

 

"Name and Rank". He repeated this again in Russian. The prisoner lifted his head slightly. I suddenly felt sick, dizzy and an overwhelming urge to cry. There in front of the Lieutenant stood Sergei. He looked thin, he was haggard, dirty, and old. My heart was in my throat. Here was the man I loved he was alive but looked unwell. To be honest most of the prisoners looked unwell, they had been through hell, under siege in Stirling, Sergei looked dreadful. I stood and moved to the door not wanting to leave the room but I had to continue processing the prisoners. Sergei had not noticed me or my departure.

 

I knew that, soon enough, Sergei would be brought in to either myself or Sgt Micheals. I prayed it would be me. We continued processing and were coming to the end of this batch. There were five more prisoners to come and still no Sergei. I was beginning to wonder what was going on when the guard brought him through, Sarge was still finalising some paperwork from the last prisoner. I motioned to the guard to bring the prisoner over, which he did. I looked at Sergei, his head was bowed, as he stared at the floor. He looked terrible, I felt sick. The guard pushed him into the chair, he still had not raised his head. I asked my first question.

 

What is your name, and rank?". We would ask this question first in English then after a short wait in Russian, if we got a response to the first at least we knew they understood a little English. No sooner were the word out then Sergei's looked up straight into my eyes. I will never forget his look. It was as though he had had some terrible fright, seen a ghost. He lost all colour in his face then just collapsed off the seat.

 

I was out from behind my desk the second he started to fall, he hit the floor. Just as I got to him , quickly kneeling next to him Checking his breathing and pulse. The first was fine the latter was rapid. I checked for other injuries or signs of trauma and found none so assumed his collapse was likely to have been through shock, coupled with all the other issues he had at the time. He was out for about three minutes when someone finally brought me a first aid kit. I dug around in it to find so smelling salts, 'hope this works' I thought as I held it below his nose.

 

Sergei sat bolt upright taking a deep breath and coughing. He was awake and seemed lucid. As I had an audience I asked are you ok, as I held his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. He looked at me and said "can I have some water.". I knodded to the guard who sauntered off to find some water. The Sarge was on the other side of the room watching what was going on. So with my back to him I mouthed to Sergei to pretend he didn't know me. I then directed him back to the chair and resumed my position behind the desk.

 

Once settled I watch him intently waiting for the guard to return. The guard reappeared shortly after with the water and placed it on the table. I waited till Sergei picked it up and took a drink. He thanked the guard, who was a bit taken aback at this, then he turned and said. My name is Sergei Konochenko, I am a sergeant in the 3 shock guard army. I rapidly wrote the details marking that he spoke English. I then asked questions about where he had been based, some of the answers I already knew, well at least up to the last two months.

 

I noted his general health and appearance then motioned the guard over.

 

"Take him to the infirmary please, here is a transfer request." I wanted to have him checked over after his collapse just to be sure. Once he was gone I sat thinking of what to do next. I was interrupted by my last prisoner to be debriefed. I worked quickly and passed all my notes to Sergeant Michaels.

 

As I did this the Sarge asked.

 

"You ok, you seem distracted. What was up with the prisoner who collapsed."

 

My response was that I didn't feel to well. As for the prisoner I thought his collapse was maybe just malnutrition. He continued to look at me with a weird expression on his face then gathering all the files left the room, myself in tow.

 

Once free of him I immediately went to the hospital. I went to the Russian wards to see Nikita and tell him my good news. I found Dr Millar escorting Dr Volgastov around the wards. Dr Millar had thought it a good idea to allow the Russian medics to help treat the wounded, his only concern was them plotting to escape. He knew I knew Dr Volgastov from my records so asked me to follow them. It was decided the the acute casualty ward and the recovery ward would be staffed with a mix of Russian and British personnel. The triage ward would be entirely staffed by the British.

 

When the Doctors had finished I asked Dr Millar if I could talk to Dr Volgastov. Getting the ok I ask him if he knew his son was in camp. He hadn't known where he was. Dr Millar said he would find out what barracks and arrange a meeting. I was happy for Dr Volgastov, he was a good man. I then asked to be excused as I had rounds to do.

 

I left the Doctors talking and headed to the triage ward. I was looking for Sergei, I needed to be sure he was ok. One of the orderlies said he had been sent to the recovery ward, he was malnourished to the point of near death, that's what had contributed to his collapse. I thanked him and disappeared out the ward. 'I could have lost him' was the thought running through my head.

 

I got to the ward and stopped at the door. I gathered myself and entered, I took stock of the room and spotted Sergei in the bed nearest the back wall. I spoke to the two duty orderlies and then walked to Sergei's bed. He lay facing away from the ward towards the back wall. Moving to his bedside I spoke quietly

 

"Sergei you asleep. It's Liam,". He moved a little then I heard sobbing, his shoulders shaking each time he tried to catch his breath. My heart was being torn out by this sight. I moved round the bed to look at him. He was crying heavily his eyes screwed shut. I touched his shoulder.

 

"Sergei it's me, please look at me." He shook his head and continued crying. I moved closer to the bed then leant in to him kissed his tear streaked cheek. At this point I couldn't care what people said or how they reacted. The man I loved, there I had admitted it, was hurting and I had to do something. At the kiss there was a break in the sobbing. I touched his shoulder again then gently clasping his bestubbled chin I lifted his head. He still refused to open his eyes. But he was resisting my touch less.

 

It was tearing me to bits to see him in this state. I leant in to him again this time planting kisses on his lips, cheeks and eyes. "Sergei, I never told you this but, I love you. I have done since forever it seems." This time there was a response, his eyes opened they were blood red which was not a good look with the pallor of his skin. He looked at me as if trying to read my soul. Checking to see if I was lying. I sat back a little and fumbled inside my uniform. I pulled out a set of dog tags with a ring on them, his dog tags.

 

He recognised them and smiled weakly, "You kept my gift" he said.

 

"It was the best gift I had ever been given. The rest is in my room. I only wish I could have given you my gift which I had planned to do on Boxing day." I trailed off at this point. I had tears in my eyes Sergei had stopped crying and propped himself up in the bed. He was now smiling.

 

"You had a gift for me. How could you? You had everything confiscated on arrival at camp."

 

I could only smile at this "True, but they left me two things I could give you. This is one." As I said this I pulled my tags off and placed the over his head. "The other you already had but it would have proven it to you boxing day had I the chance."

 

He was looking at me quizzically, "What could you have given me? He asked in a quiet voice.

 

I could only smile. "My love, my being, my body all mine to give and I would have freely. I'm sure the rest of your present would have been used to prove it.". On saying this I felt myself blush. I noticed Sergei was to.

 

"Liam, I thought I had lost you forever when the attack came and we pulled out. Dr Volgastov made me follow him and Nikita, oh poor Nikita I saw him get shot as we ran. I never knew what happened after that. We made it to the the base at Stirling and then we were surrounded. I would not eat, and any time we were attacked I would fight without a care for my life. I wanted to die. The Dr convinced me not to. I told him about us and he admitted he knew from quite early on. Nicolai was passing him information."

 

Sergei continue to pour out his story "Then we were captured and I heard your voice as if in a dream. I looked and saw you, then darkness. I awoke here and you were not with me I assumed I had dreamed it all. The lack of food was making me hallucinate, I know. Then again I heard your voice calling to me this time your touch followed it. My tears were those of relief and joy. But what now, I am now the prisoner, you my captor."

 

That was the question. We were officially enemies, but wanted to be lovers. What to do?

I sat at his bedside holding him, as we talked. I caressed his head and shoulder as i told him of my time in the camp since it was freed. Then I told him Nikita was alive and well. This brought fresh tears and a request to see him. I planned to ask Dr Millar when I next met him. Neither of us had noticed the man who had moved to the other side of the bed till to late.

 

"So what do we have here? A little prison romance? ". It was Dr Millar, looking none to happy. Behind him was Dr Volgastov and Sergeant Michaels. They must have heard quite a bit, and our touching gave us away entirely. Dr Millar and the Sarge turned to walk away.

 

The Sarge turned and said "Lieutenant Watson please follow me?"

 

I stood shaking a little, wondering what would happen. I followed the two men along the ward and down the corridor to Dr Millar's office. He directed us inside and ordered me to sit.

 

"What were you doing with the prisoner Lieutenant? It looked like you were kissing when we came in then we caught some of your conversation."

 

I had the look of a rabbit in headlights, I had been found out. What would or could I do.

 

"I was sir, kissing that is." I then related the tale of my imprisonment. How Nikita and Sergei had cared for me, how Sergei had declared his love but I had waited till to late. Both men looked on in disbelief at my tale.

 

At the end of my tale I said "Dr Millar, I know it is wrong to love my enemy but I see Sergei as a man not my enemy, I believe that Dr Volgastov can confirm all I have told you."

 

He sat his fingers steepled together. The Sergeant's face was red with anger, I could not look him in the eye.

 

Dr Millar then asked me to leave the room and wait outside. I stood at parade rest outside his door for about an hour. Then I hear voices. Down the corridor came Dr Volgastov and his son followed by a guard. They saw me, both looking sad, then were admitted to the office. I stood for what seemed like hours. I could hear snippets of conversation but could not piece it together.

 

Suddenly the door opened and the Sergeant said "get in here Lieutenant"

 

I entered to find Dr Volgastov sitting in a chair his son standing at ease beside him. The Sergeant closed the door and moved to behind the desk next to Dr Millar. I was brought to attention in the centre of the room.

 

Dr Millar looked at me then began.

 

"Lieutenant Watson I find this situation unpleasant I cannot allow this relationship to continue for all it seems you were not the instigator. I believe Dr Volgastav in that, throughout Sergei's confession of his love for you, he was the one to start the relationship. He also confirms your reluctance to take part. In this I am please you realised the situation. But to be so blatant in the ward earlier." he paused for thought gathering himself "I should have you flogged or worse. I am transferring you to the main prison rooms. I do not want to see you in the hospital block unless you are ill. Do you have anything to say?"

 

I stood thinking then spoke, "Dr Millar I cannot undo what has happened. You as a doctor should know something about love. It is fickle, Sergei is innocent in all this except for his love of me, as for me I will gladly declare I love him. I wish to be with him, the sooner this war is done the better. Having spent time as a prisoner and a guard, I see no friends, no enemy, just people. We all bleed red no matter what. The scene you walked in on today was my relief at finding Sergei was alive, if not completely well. I have been a boat without a sail for the last few weeks, I do my work and that's about it, I showed no signs of living. Ask those I work with, they will confirm how I have been. The Sergeant will also confirm my change today. I have something to live for again."

 

I paused then continued. "You are a man of medicine, Dr, your job to see people healed. Seeing that man in the ward today has healed me completely. I am whole again. If I must, I will obey your order for now but tell me will I be transferred again once Sergei is fit to be released. I have one request though. Please let me tell him what is happening."

 

I could see the Sergeant shaking his head, Dr Millar rubbed at his brow thinking. It was Dr Volgastov that broke the lull in conversation.

 

"Dr Millar, you are aware that my commanders have been told that they are to surrender in a week. I believe that the entire Russian army will declare a global ceasefire at the same time. They will consolidate somewhat but I think peace will come soon. Let these boys have their time. Sergei is no threat in his present state and I'm sure Lieutenant Watson will be so busy looking after him he will not cause problems. My only concern is what their colleagues will say. Well some of them anyway."

 

He sat looking at Dr Millar, who spoke next.

 

"I need to think this through. I know our intelligence people have confirmed what you say Dr. If this is the case we will be looking at repartition of prisoners not long after, probably some time in July. As for you Lieutenant I think it be to transfer you to the main camp, for now."

 

I was crestfallen. I had spent the last month wondering if Sergei was alive I find he is then this. To be so close but not able to talk to him, be with him. I stood to attention then saluted and turned to walk out. Both Dr's stayed and talked. The sergeant followed me out, once in the hallway he told me to halt. Then in a fatherly voice he asked.

 

"Why Lieutenant? Why did you do it? You are risking your career."

 

"Sarge have you ever fallen in love. I'm mean so much so that every waking hour is occupied with the thought of the person."

 

He stood looking at me then smiling slightly nodded. "Yes, Catherine Mulligan" was all he said. He didn't have to he had said it with such reverence.

 

"Well until November I didn't know what true love was. Then it hit like a train. Because of the situation I ignored it till to late. Then I thought I'd lost him and didn't care if I lived or died. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

 

He just smiled at me then started off again. I followed him to my new post . The only upside was I was now working the section that housed both Nikolai and Dr Volgastov.

 

I was on duty for a day or two getting into a routine when it happened.

 

I had not long come on duty when Nikolai, I hadn't spoken to him since taking charge of the barracks, came up and asked to talk to me. We moved to the back off the hall and spoke.

 

"Lieutenant, I heard you are now in charge of our barracks, I'm glad, you are a fair man, I know that it is hard to be kept from what you hold dear but you will see him soon. I know this" he smiled at me then moved away before I could respond.

 

I pondered his words wondering if he knew what was happening in the war. Rumours were everywhere but little truth was known. We knew that the Russians were almost pushed out of Britain, their attack on the United States and Canada had floundered and across the rest of the world their front lines had halted advancing in some cases they were in retreat. I prayed that they would soon surrender. But that would then cause it's own problems. Sergei would likely not be allowed to stay. I would not be allowed to move there. We would be separated again.

 

'Maybe it would be better to call it quits now? It would save heartache.' I thought. "What can I do? I feel empty when not around him." I stood watching, but not seeing the prisoners for the rest of my shift. I was elsewhere, I was in a croft in the highlands with Sergei by my side. Lost to my thoughts I failed to hear my name being called.

 

"Lieutenant WATSON" came the bellow. I jumped and turned to see the sergeant looking at me. "get your arse to the commanders office NOW, sir!"

 

I double timed it out the barracks and across to the commanders shack. The Sarge quickstepping behind. The Sarge was smiling for some reason, it reminded me of a shark, I was worried.

 

We reached the commanders office and I was asked to enter. I did saluting as I came to attention in the middle of the room. The commander sat behind a large desk. To one side sat Dr Millar, he had a small grin on his face.

 

"Lieutenant Watson, I have been told of your situation by the good Dr here" he said indicating Dr Millar "I was a little surprised to hear about it, but then you did spend some intense time in hospital so when I had all the details, and I do mean all, I could see why it happened. I am not condoning your action and I think the Dr's decision was right but I have had a request from another party so wanted to offer you a chance to help. As you are aware the Russians are in full retreat. I have heard that their command has already left the country and that only the local commanders are left. Very soon we will have retaken Britain.". He paused to let me absorb this information.

 

"High command wants teams created to assist with repatriation of all prisoner when, not if, a ceasefire is announced. These teams will be made up of a mix of guards and paroled prisoners. Their task will be to collate information on all prisoners and help facilitate their return home. The guards that are picked are required to be able to understand and speak Russian, also have an understanding of what the prisoners are going through." he paused again. I was starting to get excited 'could I be one of those to be chosen, who would be in charge?' I thought.

 

My thought was interrupted by the commander continuing.

 

"As you may have guessed I have selected you as one of this team, what you will not know is that I expect you to head it. Your Russian is good, you are liked by both guard and prisoners and you were a prisoner so understand the situation better than most. Your team will include the Sergeant and two other guards. As for the Russians you will have Dr Volgastov and Nicolai Volgastov to assist you. I think the third member you are already aquatinted with as well." he said this with a grin.

 

"I want you to take over the interrogation room and adjoining offices. You will have two days to sort out an office for yourself and your team then we will start, to process the prisoners. I know I'm jumping the gun a little with this but this war is almost finished, taking it any further would be suicide for the Russians. You are dismissed lieutenant. Sergeant Michael's will take you to your third team member now. Once you are done you may visit your friend, to talk I might add". He smiled.

 

We got up and left. We headed out of the building and towards the hospital.

 

'Could it be that Sergei would be the third man, god I hope so' I thought. But we passed his ward to the next one. 'It must be Nikita'. Sure enough it was.

 

When we entered the ward their sat Nikita in a wheelchair his leg in a cast We smiled at each other and spoke.

 

"I believe I am to work with you Liam to help repatriated my friends and countrymen."

 

"Yes, you, Dr Volgastov, Nicolai the Sergeant and myself. We are to use the rooms on the first floor that are now vacant." I couldn't call them what they were even though we all knew. "We start tomorrow, we need to sort out office space then an interview room. The Dr, Sergeant and myself will conduct the interviews, Nikita and Nicolai and if I can get one an admin clerk will compile and input the info we collect. That sound ok to you lot." They all nodded. "I'll see you all tomorrow at 8.30 sharp." Then we went our separate ways.

 

The past days had been a weird first talking to Sergei, then getting caught and transferred now this, and to top it all I had permission to talk to Sergei. I felt good as I walked to Sergei's ward. When I entered there were some looks of disgust from one or two orderlies but in the main things were not bad. Sergei was dozing, so I sat on the chair I had been in some 10 or so hours before. I just watched him his face at peace as he slept. Even with the weight loss from starvation and the bruising he was beautiful. No wonder I felt the way I did. I sat staring, I dared not touch him for fear what might be said. In the end I stood to leave him, as I did my chair scraped on the floor.

 

The noise was loud and Sergei woke he saw me as I was starting to leave.

 

"Liam?" Was all he said, all he needed to say. That one thing asked as he did spoke so many words. "Is it really you? Are you ok? Were are you going? Please stay." All these and more.

 

I stopped and turned. "I didn't won't to wake you when I got here so I just sat watching you sleep. I just needed to be near you. I thought before this week I had lost you. Then all that happened the last few days I thought I'd lose you again. I just needed to know you were still here. I love you, I know that more now than ever, I'm at peace sitting here with you."

 

He smiled and interrupted. "Liam before the counter attack we spoke of our feelings to each other. When I was on the run I only wanted to die rather than not be with you. Dr Volgastov was kind and helped me, he knows about us. Then I was captured I met you again only to have you taken away. Nicolai came to tell me you were transferred away to the main prison. I did not know what to do. Then some of the orderlies started to say you were to be courtmartialed for treason. I started to panic, I had found you and then lost you again, worse I may have lost you for good. If it had not been for Nikita and Nikolai visiting me I might not be here. I could not live knowing you were gone."

 

We both sat looking at each other. We wanted to touch but knew it would only cause trouble.

 

I then told him of my new job and that it would allow me to visit him more. Also I would be interviewing him in the next week. We sat and chatted, he seemed more alive now, as did I. I finally said I had to go and stood. I could see the sadness in his eyes, it hurt to leave him. I left the ward and headed to my bunk room to get some sleep, the next few days would be busy.

 

The next few days flew in we set things up as ordered, and on the third day we started to collated all the records and information on our inmates. I managed to spend time will Sergei most days be it lunch or dinner or a visit in the evening. His health was improving all the time and soon he would be back in the main compound. I hope not to soon.

 

While we were starting our information gathering, news came in about the war. It would be over in a week. Russia had sued for peace there would be a signing of peace terms in London in a week, the first week of April.

 

The camp was alive, guards and prisoners alike were in good spirits. My four companions and I would be almost done by the time the peace treaty was signed. We decided to celebrate, the Sarge somehow managed to get some beer and we had a small party. I also managed to get time with Sergei, who told me he was returning to the main camp the day of the signing. I had to work fast to do what I wanted.

 

I had also had time to run the errand on the last day before the war was to end. I had managed to make a trip home to my parents house. Where after a hour of hugging and kissing, I had managed to collect what I was after and then spend another hour saying goodbye. I made it back to camp in time for dinner. Sergei would now be in the main compound. But he was still to be interviewed regards repatriation. With the war officially over tomorrow there was a celebration planned so I needed to finalise things tonight.

 

I asked the Sergeant to bring me Nikita, he was a lot more mobile now. I explained I needed a translator for my last interview and he agreed. I then contacted the guard commander and ask him to bring over Sergei and three other from the barracks to complete their interviews. They arrived and were made to wait out in the main office. Nikita got busy as did I and we quickly processed all bar Sergei.

 

Before bringing Sergei in I explained my plan to Nikita. He loved the idea, moving beside me and shaking my hand. He then asked for Sergei to enter. As before the guards stood outside. I went though the questions with Sergei, then got up and went to the door to talk to the guards.

 

"Private, this prisoner will take some time to process, maybe thirty minutes. You can take the others back and come back for him. I will be ok I'm armed and what good would it do him to try anything."

 

The guard looked at me for a second or so then said

 

"Ok sir, I'll drop this lot off grab some coffee then come back."

 

With that off he went with the other three prisoners.

 

I walked back into the room.

 

Nikita was talking quietly to Sergei, who was smiling. I had no idea what had been said but they both looked at me and said "now what?"

 

I could only smile. All sort of thoughts running through my head.

 

"Well first of all let's at least look like we are still interviewing. Then we can talk." We sat at the table Sergei opposite me smiling, I could not stop looking at him. "right the ceasefire starts tomorrow and all being well the peace treaty will be signed at midday. Once that is done my job will be to see that all the prisoners get home. Well all that want to." I looked at Sergei when I said this, smiling. "Nikita and Nicolai have already expressed an interest to Dr Millar to stay on at the hospital. They understand that it will be difficult but I think that given their records with the hospital and the people we are hoping it will be made easier."

 

Sergei looked at me a touch of sadness in his eyes, "What about me, if I asked to stay what could I do. I was a soldier although not a great one?"

 

I looked at him and smiled, trying to reassure him without touching him which I wanted to do so much.

 

"Well my friend I have had an idea, Nikita likes it, we are going to let you get lost. Nicolai and his father are going to help. I am not telling you what it is, but I think you will like it. How would you like to be with me when this is over, live with me?".

 

The look on Sergei's face was amazing, his eyes sparkled, his smile was radiant, he started to cry. Then spoke so softly I barely heard it.

 

"I'd like that, I'd like that very much. I need to touch and hold you, something I have dreamed of all this time."

 

Nikita smiled at both of us, it was plainly obvious that we loved, no worshipped one another. "Liam I'm going to stand at the door for a minute I need air."

 

This had been planned by both of us, with Nikita at the door he could warn us of anyone approaching.

 

I stood and moved to Sergei pulling him from the seat. We embraced and kissed quickly, this led to a deeper kiss and some groping. If we could have we would have went further but Nikita coughed and came into the room.

 

"Someone is coming"

 

We broke the embrace and sat down again. We continued as though interviewing, when in walked Dr Millar, closely followed by Dr Volgastov.

 

"Lieutenant, the Dr here has told me about Sergeant Konochenko request for asylum. I understand the reasons as well. You now it will be hard for him especially if you move to Glasgow. I plan to grant the asylum request or at least put it to the commander with my recommendation for granting it." He then turned back to the door and on leaving said "good luck Sergeant.". Then disappeared down the corridor.

 

Dr Volgastov just smiled and followed him. Sergei, I could see, was a little shocked. The man who had just left had tried to stop us being together only a few days before. He now was wishing him the best of luck.

 

Once they were away Nikita moved to the door and checked the corridor. I moved to sit on the desk corner nearer Sergei, looking at him.

 

"Are you ok? You look a little shaken." he looked up and smiled at me nodding yes.

 

"Sergei I have one more thing I have to do before you go back to the barracks.". His eyes never left me while I spoke. I reached behind me into a tray and pulled out a small box. I handed it to him saying.

 

"Sergei on Christmas day you gave me a gift I will always cherish. I am now able to return the favour with a gift of my own." I handed him the small box which he unwrapped. He opened it to find a plain gold band. He looked at me his eyes glistening with tears. I smiled starting to tear up myself. He was looking at the ring then at me the tears now rolling down his face. I held up my right hand the back facing him. "As you can see I wear the ring you gave me on my right ring finger. I know the significance of this, I hope you would wear my Grandfathers wedding ring on the same hand."

 

I had been wearing the ring on that finger declared I was married, well in Russia anyway. Sergei took the ring from the box and handed it to me then he held his right hand out. "I would like you to put the ring on me Liam. It would mean a lot." I did this and then had a flash of inspiration. I reach into my shirt and pulled my tags over my head. Then without a word placed them on Sergei. I still had his tags on. I lent forward and kissed him quickly.

We then returned to our seats and Nikita joined us. He noticed the rings, and smiled saying.

 

"Congratulations to you both when will you do it properly. I know that in Great Britain you can have a Civil Union so I assume you will at some point to make it all correct.".

 

To be honest I hadn't thought that far ahead. It would probably help with keeping Sergei in the country. It may cause some problems but together we could deal with anything. I was planning on how to approach this issue when the guard came back.

 

"You done here?, I need to get him back before supper"

 

I nodded and thanked the Private. I also smiled at Sergei knowing I'd see him soon, Nikita left with them talking to Sergei in English. It had been a busy and emotional day. I had done a lot so decided that an early night was in order to be ready for tomorrow. There would no doubt be some celebration planned and we would be expected to attend. I grabbed a tea and headed to bed. Once there I stripped and was asleep almost the second my head was on the pillow.

 

It was treaty day. The war would, officially, be over in a few hours. I headed to the offices we occupied to continue compiling information only to find Sarge waiting smiling.

 

"Commander wants a word Lieutenant can you follow me please. We are not working today I've been told. The Russians have been told as well." We walked towards the main offices and then inside to the commanders office. The Sarge knock the door and stood waiting

 

"Come in Lieutenant take a seat, Sergeant. I'd like to say congratulations on the job you have done. We will be able to start repatriation almost the minute we get the go, thanks to your team's efforts. I am sure that you know that the request by the Volgastov's and Nikita Gramovich to stay has been allowed. They will be based here for the time being. I would also like to confirm that 16 other Russians have been granted asylum. They will all be based here for the time being."

 

My one thought was 'Is Sergei one of them?'

 

I sat just listening to the commander as he explained the plans for the day and the camp after repatriation, I was to be involved, somehow, in these plans. The Russians that were staying were all trained medically according to records so they would be of use to the local hospitals. My heart had started to sink at this information, Sergei was a soldier not a medic. I was going to loose him. The commander talked more on the plans for the hospital then asked me if I had any questions.

 

I asked what I was expected to do and was told I'd be in administration as a liaison. I would work with him and the Russians. I had already proved to be popular with most of those who wanted to stay.

 

"Anything else you need to know Lieutenant?" he said this time a slight smile twitching at the side of his mouth.

 

'Dare I ask him'. I thought to myself then said "No Sir.".

 

I would wait to see what the day brought. I went back to my barrack to get ready for the ceremony planned for midday. There was now to be a parade, prisoners and guards alike were taking part. I would be marching with the medics as would all the Russians that were to be given asylum. I showered and got ready donning my cleanest uniform and headed to the hospital block, where I was to meet with the Volgastov's and the rest.

 

I could see the hospital staff that were taking part getting organised outside the building, it was going to be a lovely day. I did not see Sergei so assumed that he was marching with the main camp. I went up to Dr Volgastov and spoke to him exchanging greetings and then discussing the parade. He told me he had left some staff in the hospital to assist so only ten of the sixteen would be marching. I saw Nicolai but no Nikita, so he must be one of them.

 

When the time came we formed up and marched off to join the parade ceremony. The day passed quickly with few hitches. An announcement was made regards to the plans over the next few weeks. Around 3 o'clock we were dismissed and headed back to the hospital, some to work some to pack others just to visit. The rest of the day was to be easy going, guards and prisoner alike were relaxed. Everyone knew that soon they would get to go home.

 

I stood at the door of the hospital staring at the comings and goings I had not seen Sergei, but given the numbers involved I likely would not have. I was staring into space thinking about my future when Nicolai came out of the hospital to talk to me.

 

"Liam, there is someone that needs your help, he has decided he wants to stay here. My dad is busy and told me to call you." I smiled and said "Ok lead on."

 

I followed him to the third floor, usually only occupied with surgery cases and admin both were absent. The floor was like a ghost town, as we walked our foot steps echoed down the halls. We came to the office that Dr Volgastov used and Nicolai opened the door and waved me through. I entered to find Dr Millar and Dr Volgastov sitting at a conference table, both smiling.

 

"Sit down Lieutenant I have some good news for you. I requested a promotion for you and it came through today. I am happy to say that as of now you are Captain Watson. You are now the new Officer in charge of this facility. Enjoy the peace while you can." He stood to shake my hand. Dr Volgastov stood and kissed my cheeks Euro style then shook my hand congratulating me. Nicolai shook my hand then hugged me, I was overwhelmed with this latest news I thanked them all and stood there a little shocked.

 

Dr Millar spoke again. "It was decided that you were the best choice to administer this facility during closed down, but to help cut red tape you would need the promotion so here we are. You have my office along the corridor. I think you should move in today. Tomorrow will be busy as will the coming weeks." He then left the office.

 

Dr Volgastov went to follow then stopped at the door, he turned smiling and said.

"Your husband is waiting to help you move offices Liam"

I stood staring, 'Husband, what did he mean.' It suddenly came to me. He knew that I had given Sergei the ring and had assumed the best for me and Sergei. I quickly headed to my new office, my heart was beating like a train, could this be real. I opened the door to see Sergei standing at attention in the middle of the floor. I entered, closing the door behind me. Next thing I knew I was in his arms being kissed. He was all over me, kissing me, caressing me.

 

"Liam I love you, you have saved me. I was not going to be allowed to stay but all because of you I am now."

 

I stared at him questioningly. "How?"

 

"Your ring, the one I gave you, Dr Millar had noticed it the day we were caught. Then yesterday after we spoke and you gave me my ring he asked to see me. During our talk he noticed the ring and asked where it had come from. I answered him. He knows the significance of wearing the ring on that finger. So he called the commander and spoke to him. Up to that call I was not going to be allowed to stay. But due to the rings they realised we were telling the truth all along. So here I am. I'm to be assigned as your personal assistant."

 

I started to cry the past weeks had been an emotional roller coaster. Now here I was being held and comforted by my once enemy, now my boyfriend, my lover most importantly, my partner.

 

*******************

 

Some months had passed since that day, the day I finally felt complete. Sergei and I worked hard during the repatriation of the prisoners. That had taken longer than expected. Finally we were done and I was allowed to take leave.

 

It was the week before Xmas I had 4 weeks of leave. I had already been back to my home in Glasgow, what was left of it anyway, it had been destroyed. My parents wanted me to return to live with them at least for the time being they had a large house just outside the village. They had known about Sergei for sometime now and seemed to accept the fact we were together.

 

Xmas would be special as we would be together with my parents and Nikita and the Volgastov's had also been invited. My family were always welcoming to my friends. Once Xmas was out of the way we would celebrate boxing day in a very special way. We had arranged to have our Civil Union on this day. All the remaining Russians and most of the hospital staff would be there. The time was flying in, soon it would be Xmas.

 

I sat in the window of my parents living room watching the snow fall, Xmas had been a brilliant day. My father and Dr Volgastov had got along famously, Sergei was welcomed and loved by both my parents. Tomorrow we would be a legal couple our life together would truly begin.

 

We spent our last night as single men with our friends and my family. We were in bed early, I didn't sleep with Sergei that night as I had ever night since treaty day. My companion was Nikita, he had healed well except for a pronounced limp. We sat talking for a good part of the night before finally falling into sleep.

 

The morning of our ceremony dawned bright and crisp. The weather was to be calm and cold, the previous nights of snow had left their blanket of white over everything. Everyone got up around nine showered then breakfast. We were to be at the village hall for our Union ceremony at quarter past noon. The ceremony would start at twelve thirty.

 

We arrived smartly and waited till the guests, most of whom had travelled the previous days, gathered. The ceremony was lovely we said our vows and exchanged rings, again, this time wearing them on our left hands. Once we had finished we started the party. The Ceilidh was wild and Sergei proved a quick study when it came to dancing. I even managed to get Nikita up on the floor for a slow number.

 

The night finished all to soon and Sergei and I headed of to a cottage a close friend owned. We would have peace on our first night as a "married" couple. On crossing the threshold we stopped to kiss, as we removed our heavy coats. We moved down the hall to the bedroom clothes flying in all direction. Finally in our underwear we reached the bed.

 

"To think it's been a year since you gave me your ring as a present. I also remember the other items. I think I can know use them for a last time." I reach to the bed side and pulled out the very box I had been given a year and a day ago. It still contained two items which I removed. As I was doing this Sergei was watching eyes sparkling a grin spread over his face.

 

We pulled back the covers and dropped our underwear. Tonight would be special for both of us. We would use the lube and condoms Sergei had given me. Then as we had been given a clean bill of health would not use them again. We lay down kissing and holding each other our warmth increasing our pleasure then.........

 

I don't want to bore you with the details suffice it to say very little sleep was had. It's been 10 years since we "wed" and we are still together, our love grows daily. We still work in the hospital and keep in touch with our old friends British and Russian alike. We even went to Russia on a visit last year, so I could see Kiev were Sergei was brought up. But that's another tale.