I just want a peek into their first year(s) together after they've stopped killing each other, but before the language barrier is dropped. Trust has grown as they travel together, but both of them are struggling to communicate to each other beyond basic sentences.
I'd love to see the growing sexual tension between them, but they're unable to verbally express their feelings. A few rushed handjobs in the dead of night, but confusion as to where they stand the next day. Trying to understand boundaries and consent, and both of them wondering if the other feels the same way ("can we kiss, hold hands, and cuddle? Or is this just a quick release fuck?"). Awkward questions about whether Yusuf has a wife, or whether Nicolo has slept with anyone, or what sexual activity they want from each other. Struggles with religion and the Crusades, and sleeping with the enemy, from both sides.
But also cute things!! Like one of them leaving gifts for the other as a form of courting, because they don't yet have the words to express how they feel. Both of them working HARD to learn new words beyond objects and actions. One of them trying to explain "Hey I think we're soulmates" or "I never thought I'd get to have this". And both of them trying to make their depth of love known to the other, in as many ways as they can.
Joe/Nicky, the early days of their relationship
I'd love to see the growing sexual tension between them, but they're unable to verbally express their feelings. A few rushed handjobs in the dead of night, but confusion as to where they stand the next day. Trying to understand boundaries and consent, and both of them wondering if the other feels the same way ("can we kiss, hold hands, and cuddle? Or is this just a quick release fuck?"). Awkward questions about whether Yusuf has a wife, or whether Nicolo has slept with anyone, or what sexual activity they want from each other. Struggles with religion and the Crusades, and sleeping with the enemy, from both sides.
But also cute things!! Like one of them leaving gifts for the other as a form of courting, because they don't yet have the words to express how they feel. Both of them working HARD to learn new words beyond objects and actions. One of them trying to explain "Hey I think we're soulmates" or "I never thought I'd get to have this". And both of them trying to make their depth of love known to the other, in as many ways as they can.