"Here we have the sleeping Arthur, in all his glory. Like always, his hair is a mess, he sleeps in next to nothing on top of the covers, and he's curled up in a little ball."

Arthur opened his eyes blearily, and then groaned in annoyance. "What are you doing?"

"Filming." Alfred moved his camera closer. He sat on the edge of the bed, and then leaned over. "You're so cute when you take cat naps."

Arthur buried his face in the crook of his arm. He let out another frustrated moan which made Alfred laugh. Alfred stroked Arthur's hair.

"I'm making you lunch." Arthur made a noise of acknowledgement. "Your favorite."

"Thank you," Arthur murmured.

Alfred put the camera on the bed, pointing it at Arthur's face. The majority of the man's face was covered by his arm. His chin and lips were the most visible. He began to breathe deeply and evenly. Alfred kissed his head one more time before he left. The camera continued to record.

After a time, Arthur opened his eyes. He lifted his head to check for Alfred, and then nestled his head back down under his arm. His bright green eyes focused on the camera.

"Hello darling. You think I'm asleep and I hope you don't see this until after I'm gone. I'm hoping that's why you're recording; to remember everything I do. I…I want you to see this, and not of me sleeping. You'll be seeing that all too soon… I think you know you will too. You took the news of my AIDS rather well… You're so sweet… So… loving and warm. Please don't stop loving after I'm gone. You deserve happiness…

"We've never had sex and I'm fine with that. I don't need it. You make love to me in hundreds of different ways every day. I'm sorry I'm so tired all the time and that I eat so little. I'm sorry I still get angry even after I had promised I would stop. I'm sorry I make you go with me to get treatment. I'm sorry you have to watch me get smaller and weaker.

"But please know that I did not go in pain. How can I when you've been so wonderful all this time?"

Arthur hesitated a moment to take a deep breath.

"Soon…you won't see my eyes anymore. They'll be closed forever. I'm going to keep them open as long as I can for you."

Arthur stared at the camera with a small smile. The green in his eyes were bright as they focused solely on the lens. Then, a tear trickled out. His smile grew wider as another dribbled down across his nose and fell onto the bed.

"Do you remember when we met?" Arthur's voice was soft, but still strong. "I loved you from that very moment. So beautiful and pure. I'm sorry I have to ruin a part of your life, but… that's all I am to be. Just one part. …Because you will go on in life. You will find someone and you'll be happy again. You'll tell them of this gussy Englishman you dated and think fondly of me, but don't hide how I died. Tell them I was happy. Tell them you made me feel loved. And remember… I love you…"

Arthur closed his eyes. More tears slipped out, but he continued to smile. "You're coming back now, so I'll say this here. Good-bye my darling, my best friend, my sweetheart."

Arthur pretended to be asleep again. Then, Alfred was heard coming back into the room. He touched Arthur's cheek affectionately.

"Babe, are you crying?" Alfred moved the camera aside to collect Arthur into his arms.

"It's nothing. I'm fine. Did you finish cooking?"

"Yeah… Are you sure you're okay…?"

"Positive." Arthur showed a smile. Alfred smiled back tentatively, and then leaned in to capture Arthur's lips with his. "Come now, turn off that stupid camera and let's go eat."

Alfred chuckled. He rubbed his nose against Arthur's, and then reached for his camera.

Click.

Hoshiko2's cents: …I'm not sure where this story came from, but I cried while writing it. Sorry.