Epilogue
"Oi fag, are you going to your boyfriend again?"
Arthur struggled free from Patrick's vice-like hold on his slender body.
"Let go, I'm already late! This is important for me, you tit!"
"Oho, such dirty language!" the other laughed, letting go nonetheless.
The four brothers watched Arthur sprint away. He still had green and pink hair, but most of the piercings were replaced for less visible ones. And still their parents had no idea of the G-string on Arthur's butt cheek.
"I'm still not okay with it," Allistor grumbled.
"Ah, let him have his fun. We never said a thing when you brought your girlfriend home every other night," Patrick laughed, successfully dodging his brother's fist.
Finn didn't comment, but Dylan smiled.
"At least he isn't such a grump now."
That was true, they all silently agreed.
…
Arthur met up with Gilbert a bit further down the road. The other showed him his homework, complaining about how the teachers really gave too much of it. Arthur didn't comment on the bouquet of flowers dangling from his left hand.
They walked down the sunny lane, letting the light and warmth caress them as long-lost friends. It really was a nice change of pace, going out during the day. Gilbert looked twice as handsome without his animalistic features – not that Arthur was going to tell him that, the albino didn't need another ego-boost.
Gilbert held the gate open for him, getting a scolding because Gilbert-I-am-not-a-girl-for-heaven's-sake. Elizabeta was already waiting at their destination, pleasantly surprised to see Arthur's presence.
Gilbert stepped forward and placed his bouquet in front of the rock, reading "For Fritz." It wasn't his true grave, but here under the blossoming apple tree Gilbert and Frederick had shared many intimate moments.
The three stood there in quiet reverie for quite a long time, sending mute messages to Gilbert's deceased loved-one.
Elizabeta slung an arm around the werewolf's shoulder, getting a smile in return.
Arthur showed no reaction as his hand was captured. He understood.
Gilbert loved him, he truly did. Gilbert also loved Fritz.
It wasn't a competition, how could it be?
But Arthur felt happy, being here with the two of them. Happy for sharing this experience, for the trust Gilbert put in him. Happy for himself, for the old heart in his young body which had finally calmed down.
Happy, because even though it might take another couple of years, he knew Gilbert was never going to leave him, whether it be as a lover or a friend. And that was enough for now.
After all, they were creatures of the night.
There were worse things that could happen.