The next morning, they woke to the sound of birds chirping and the delicate rustle of palm leaves in the breeze. The warm golden sunlight poured through the flimsy drapes, sending a lovely glow across the room.
Arthur glanced at Nick, his heart bursting with love as he watched the sunlight play across his husband's face. His chest clenched at the absolute tranquility that flowed from Nick's features. How long had it been since he had seen him like this—content, unburdened, honestly happy?
Arthur stretched out, stroking a strand of hair from Nick's forehead. "Good morning," he muttered, his fingertips lingering across Nick's skin as if to satisfy himself that this was genuine.
Nick moved, a quiet hum departing his lips before his eyelids flickered open. The moment they focused on Arthur, he grinned, slow and lazy, the kind of smile that made Arthur's heart skip a beat. His hand reached out, reaching for Arthur's, his fingers tangling smoothly with his.
"Good morning," Nick answered, his voice husky with sleep. He grasped Arthur's hand gently, his touch warm and familiar. "I had the most amazing dream."
Arthur chuckled, leaning closer till their noses brushed. "Oh?" he asked, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "What was it about? "
Nick's fingers stroked absent patterns over Arthur's wrist, his sight still foggy with sleep. "You," he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "It's always you."
Arthur felt his breath hitch at the earnestness in Nick's voice. No matter how much time had gone, no matter how many obstacles they had encountered, Nick still chose him—again and again.
Overwhelmed by passion, Arthur leaned forward, planting a lingering kiss on Nick's lips. It was gentle and sensitive, filled with the silent promise of forever.
"I love you," Arthur said as he pulled away, his thumb running over Nick's cheek.
Nick's gaze softened, his own palm going up to cup Arthur's face. "I love you too," he muttered. "Forever."
And while they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, they realized that this was just the beginning.
A Day of Forever
Later that morning, they found themselves cuddled up on the balcony of their beachfront villa, sipping coffee and listening to the rhythmic sound of waves breaking against the shore.
Arthur stretched, reveling in the warmth of the morning sun, his fingers still loosely connected with Nick's. "I could get used to this," he pondered, observing as the sea breeze tousled Nick's hair.
Nick smiled, bending his head to gaze at Arthur. "Then let's make it a habit."
Arthur looked to him, raising an eyebrow. "What? Waking up in paradise? "
Nick shrugged, taking another drink of his coffee. "Why not? We've spent so much time pursuing things, escaping from things… I want this. Just us, somewhere calm, somewhere we can breathe."
Arthur glanced at him, his chest constricting. For so long, Nick had been restless, yearning for something he couldn't describe. But now, sitting here, watching him so at peace, Arthur realized—this was it. This was what Nick had been yearning for all along.
"You really mean that?" Arthur asked.
Nick nodded, his fingers tightening over Arthur's. "I do. I just want a life with you, Arthur. Nothing else matters."
Arthur grinned, his heart bursting with so much love he thought it might burst. "Then let's do it," he muttered. "Let's build that life. Together."
Nick leaned down, placing a light kiss against Arthur's temple. "Together."
A Walk on the Shore
That evening, as the sun slipped below the horizon, coloring the sky in shades of pink and orange, Arthur and Nick walked along the coastline, their bare feet sinking into the cool, damp sand.
The breeze was mild, conveying the salty aroma of the beach as waves lapped at their ankles. It was calm, tranquil, and wonderful.
Nick reached down, connecting their fingers, his hold firm, grounded. "Do you remember the first time we did this?" he asked, glancing at Arthur with a smile.
Arthur laughed, prodding him playfully. "Yeah. You yanked me into the sea, and I swore I'd never forgive you."
Nick smirked. "And yet, here we are."
Arthur rolled his eyes, yet there was no true annoyance in his stare. "Yeah, well… I guess I've always been weak when it comes to you."
Nick stopped walking, tugging Arthur back so they faced each other. The setting sun poured a golden tint over his features, making him look almost otherworldly.
"You're not weak," Nick remarked, his voice soothing. "You never were."
Arthur gulped hard, his fingers clenching over Nick's. "Neither were you."
Nick sighed, his free hand reaching up to brush against Arthur's cheek. "You saved me," he said quietly. "Even when I didn't deserve it."
Arthur shook his head. "You've always deserved love, Nick. You just didn't believe it."
Nick closed his eyes for a brief while, as if attempting to comprehend Arthur's remarks. When he opened them again, there was nothing but warmth in his gaze.
"I believe it now," Nick muttered.
Arthur felt his throat tighten, his heart suffering in the nicest way. "Good," he murmured softly. "Because I'm never letting you forget it."
Nick's lips twisted into a faint, knowing smile. "Hold me to that."
Arthur grinned. "Oh, I will."
And with that, he dragged Nick into another kiss—one that tasted of salt and sea breeze, of promises and forever.
As they resumed their stroll, their hands firmly clasped, Arthur recognized something.
This was it.
Not simply a new beginning, but the life they had always dreamed of.
Hand in hand, heart in heart.
And it was all that mattered.