There was something about this as if this point in time would always be frozen for them.
It was beautiful in the way that they still looked at each other and in the playful way they interacted as if they'd long since given up any animosity from days old and given up the old 'play' of theirs that was reminiscent of danger and harm.
There was no jealousy to this love, not really, not anymore.
Time sometimes could make that vanish as if from existence and left joy to mark a heart in true passion, joy, and love.
Antonio smiled at the way tan fingers resided in paler ones and at the way English sounded when joined seconds later with Spanish or over how his own voice still contained an accent when he spoke in English despite all of this time.
He wondered if Arthur enjoyed those little nuances as well.
Antonio felt that grip against his hand tighten warmly as if it was a present reminder that he really did love him and always would beyond every guilty moment, every nightmare, the scars left from their past, and beyond every argument.
He'd love him enough to joke around with him and loved him enough to find joy in every kiss no matter how slow or how fast or how frenzied or how romantic it all was.
Antonio wondered too when they'd finally grown up despite knowing all of those stories and sharing many memories together.
He still wondered how love could change hearts so and keep them that way even as the person grew and changed.
Antonio smiled as he watched the others, his citizens, greet them as if it was a normal occurrence, long used to who Antonio was, how weird he seemed, and long used to witnessing the long walks the men went on together, hands joined in a very beautiful sign of togetherness.
His people, too, were used to hearing that English accent and the voice that fumbled Spanish all up yet could understand every word that they uttered.
Antonio smiled as he leaned against Arthur and savored the joys each new day brought and longed for many more.
He would drag him to church despite Arthur still not making a decision on whether he was Protestant or Catholic; Antonio knew that Arthur enjoyed being there and strove to be the best Catholic that he could be despite any of this and despite every moment that he may fumble and despite every question he has over his own faith.
Antonio smiles every time they make this walk together as Arthur truly makes him happy.