Okay, first posted story. It's going to be one of my slower, milder ones. If enough people like it and review I might do a squeal that's faster paced. USUK is one of my favorite pairings, so without further ado here we go.

Edit: It has come to my attention that I am starting with Arthur 'already changed'. I apologize for this, but my intention was to place this scene at the beginning of the end, as it were. If you click over to Chapter 1 you will find yourself at the real beginning. I would like to thank Silverwind10123 for bringing this to my attention. (See what happens when you review!)

Arthur sat on the porch swing, looking out over the front yard as the sun set. Orange fingers poked through the trees, twilight slowly creeping over their property. The road, a half mile away from their house, was barely visible now.

It was this time of day that was Arthur's favorite. He remembered it had once spelled a sense of fear, but no more. This was the 21st century America, and he was sitting safely in the rural depths of Tennessee.

"Iggy?"

Arthur turned his head to look at Alfred, used to the name by now. "What is it, love?"

Even though he was technically twenty six, he was still a boy to Arthur. A part of him still couldn't believe he'd gone through with it, shared his curse with the boy. Another part knew he wouldn't have been able to bare it if he hadn't.

Clear blue eyes met his, and Alfred asked, "How come you like sunsets so much? I mean they're pretty and all, but every day it's clear you're out here."

Arthur smiled faintly, turning back to watch the fading light. He tilted his head, leaning against Alfred. "It is beautiful, but that's not all of it. A sunset is the end of the day, the beginning of night. It means you made it another day, and you can start again tomorrow. The coming night is something of a mystery, always has been."

Pressing his lips to Arthur's temple Alfred asked, "There a surprise you haven't mentioned yet, Iggy?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "No, and if you keep that up there won't be anything at all."

Alfred pouted, but then asked, "Do you ever get bored, watching things go on without you?"

"Mmm, I used to," admitted Arthur. "They say history repeats itself, and it does, though I admit the technological advances were interesting. I don't think boredom will be a problem anymore, you won't allow for that."

"Nope!" said Alfred cheerfully. "I won't let ya get bored."

Arthur chuckled. "No, I suppose you won't."

Regrets? No, he had no regrets. If he did they were quickly brushed aside. After all these years, Arthur finally found someone, and he wasn't about to let something as insignificant as time tear Alfred away.

I'm going to be posting Chapter 1 either way, but I still love reviews :)

Edit: It has come to my attention that I am starting with Arthur 'already changed'. I apologize for this, but my intention was to place this scene at the beginning of the end, as it were. If you click over to Chapter 1 you will find yourself at the real beginning. I would like to thank Silverwind10123 for bringing this to my attention. (See what happens when you review!)