5 years later
Their lives had been harmonious for a long, long time.
Every day, the sunrise held a fresh surprise, as they learnt more about each other and faced their challenges for the day, hand in hand, creating an interweaving dance of their two narratives. Francis and Arthur appreciated life in London for what it really was— hectic. But together throughout the years, they had learnt to navigate it together, and appreciate the beauty amid the chaos.
Huffing, Arthur squinted at the screen and typed out a few more words for Melody of Île-de-France's sequel. His publisher often complained that he used too many complex similes that nobody understood. Considering how cryptic and oddly experimental his writing had been previously, though intriguing to read, it had not made any sense, Arthur considered 'complex' to be a significant improvement. His writing roll had been cut short, though, because he had left his notebook that had important prose notes written inside at home.
All around him were the softly, ambient sounds of the restaurant as the guests wined and dined, all of them quietly lit by the warm glow of the golden fairy lights above their heads. Francis was late today. So were Antonio, Roderich, Emma, and Vash. Arthur hoped that Gilbert was late with them, and that he too would come tonight, especially since Francis had been so nervous about inviting him.
They were all a little late today, and so Arthur had become carried away with editing his novel while waiting. Because of the dim lighting, his eyes were starting to strain. Francis had told him that he needed to get an eye exam. Arthur agreed, suspecting that he probably inherited the same set of nearsightedness genes that Angus had. He had already started considering what to get - either one of those round ones - or some contact lenses, perhaps. It was a question of whether or not he was bothered enough to put up with the teasing that would surely come from Angus, despite Arthur knowing how good the glasses would look on him.
Clutched at his side was Francis' new saxophone case. His old case had been almost completely destroyed after it had fallen into the River Thames. They ordered a new one, custom made, since Arthur had been in the mood to spoil him. But while the case was still being commissioned, Francis made do by stitching together some pieces of leather from some old briefcases. Really, Arthur was shocked it was able to hold up at all.
But Francis wouldn't have any use that thing any longer, because the new case was at Arthur's side now. If only Francis would get here-
A kiss on the forehead caught him off guard. He looked down to see a hand holding his, a hand that bore a silver ring matching his own, then up at Francis' smiling face.
Francis winked, then pranced towards the backstage area. Arthur smiled, but then realised that in his hurry, Francis had not even seen the case.
Arthur held the saxophone case up and shook it. "Francis! Your saxophone case!"
Francis stopped suddenly with realisation and dashed back to grab the case. He paused for a second, pulling out a handkerchief and taking a small booklet from it, the one that Arthur had been trying to find since he came to the club. "That reminds me! You left your notebook at home."
Arthur gasped, smiling gratefully at Francis and plating a kiss on his cheek. He was about to ask Francis where it had been when Lucia, the pianist, called for Francis to come onstage. Arthur pouted, but let Francis go anyway, watching his retreating back as Francis disappeared backstage. The lights dimmed down as Francis and his band prepared to come onstage. Arthur glanced at his watch, realising in annoyance that the others were late. Oh well. At least Arthur could savour this moment. He sipped his ale and leaned forward.
Francis stepped onto the platform, arranged his strap, and as the spotlight fell upon him, his gaze met with Arthur's.
And suddenly, Arthur was 23 again. Dressed in that shoddy business suit, gazing out of the window, wondering who was the cause of the sweet, melodious saxophone playing through the haze of the traffic and bustle so early in the morning. This time, the musician was gazing back at him, his autumnal sky-blue eyes so impossibly filled with love and warmth.
Francis was his brass in the grey. Without him, where would Arthur be? And Arthur wondered that without Arthur, where would Francis be? They had been so young back then, confused, stumbling through the mysteries of life, but they had found each other. They had found friends, rekindled family. They had stumbled through life together, lifting each other up and kept each other walking forward.
People come and go. It was funny how you could lose a friend just as easily as you could make one. Companions you thought would always be by your side forever would leave, and companions you thought were gone for good could reappear out of the blue.
Arthur and Francis may not know what will be in their future. They do not know whether they'll always be together. But they understand that at this moment, they have each other, and they're holding on to one another as they continue to move forward to the future And that? For now, that is enough.
La Fin
The End
Thank you, everyone, for following this story for long 3 I can't believe that it is finally over. Special thanks to GokuSuperSaiyanTime who edited this fic since 2018! Bless you all, and have a fantastic 2021!
- Clover