(Nicky's smile fades as it occurs to him that the last thing Joe remembered was not the last thing Nicky remembered. He stares at Joe silently, and there was some small degree of panic beginning to build within him, but he doesn't let any of it reach the surface.

He does humor Joe with a mild grin at the mention of Malta, and he moves closer to him. He nudges his nose against Joe's and kisses him. This time it was a bit slower than their first few kisses of relief. It was a proper kiss, one he lets linger for some time, long enough to ease the dull roar at the back of his head.)

We will have to have a repeat of Malta here to celebrate our freedom.

(He rubs his hand against Joe's cheek, thumb sliding over his cheek. He drops his hand, sighing.)

That is not the last thing I remember though. I remember escaping from that miserable place. I remember...

(It clicks then that Joe wouldn't remember Booker's betrayal at that point. Nor the hurt it had caused them all.)

A few months past that, actually.