To both of their enjoyment, Arthur never got around to leaving. Arthur didn't have to be alone any longer, and nor did Alfred (Plus, Alfred found that Arthur was awful at cooking and felt better cooking for him). With Arthur, Alfred was more comfortable to begin attending church again. It wasn't quite his cup of tea, nonetheless. He would have been alright with not going out at all. He didn't quite believe in the idea of there being such a God who made miracles happen when he had nothing to help him.
He figured that the best thing that God had done was bring Arthur to him. Maybe even that was just dumb-luck, though... It still brought a smile to Alfred's face. He thought living with someone, anyone, was better than being alone. And living with Arthur was better than living with just anyone. Arthur was proper, refined, and complimented Alfred when he deserved it. Not only that, but Arthur helped around the house when Alfred was gone at work (working as a blacksmith).
Arthur was caught by Alfred one day, though. Arthur was making more herbal remedies and secretly selling them. Alfred had advised him that that wasn't "pure". Arthur just smiled and argued that neither of them were pure people.
But the more and more time that Arthur spent, the more and more Alfred became acquainted. At some points when he worked, he wondered what sort of things Arthur could be doing. He loved venturing off into thought, only until the other blacksmith pulled him back to reality before he leaned too close to the fire. He never quite believed that anyone would be able to affect him in such a way that Arthur had. Yet, it had happened...
Arthur didn't even judge him or make fun of him when he is upset over his brother or over David.
He'd gone for so long alone that he forgot what it was like to personally care about someone. It was uplifting, and stressful. He perpetually worried that something had happened at home. But, after hours when he raced home, he was glad to see Arthur making some sort of brew over the fire... and he was glad to hear the reassuring "fool!" from the startled Arthur.
"Arthur," said the happy blacksmith as he entered the small house, "I learned all about Goldsmithing today." Arthur's look turned skeptical.
"Why?"
"The local Goldsmith in the village is getting too old... They fear he'll fall ill soon enough. I just pray that he makes it to heaven," Alfred said as he stepped up to the cauldron sized pot on the fire. "What are you cooking?"
"I'm cooking up a new remedy, what do I appear to be doing?" snapped Arthur. He stirred the contents of the cauldron once, then looked back to Alfred with softening eyes. "I apologize for my bitterness but a moment ago... I just have some things on my mind."
"What sorts of things seem to be on your mind?"
"Someone saw me delivering a remedy... I pray to God that they will not say anything about it. It never hurts to be prepared, though," said Arthur as he moved his cauldron off of the fire. "Goldsmithing sounds interesting... is it, darling?"
Alfred nodded. "It is thrilling. I am ready to Goldsmith full time, but I should do both. Is this interesting?"
"Oh, do you mean making these remedies? Yes, it is quite interesting. I have people to which I sell them. I worry that someone will tell the church about them..." said Arthur. He turned from the fire, and looked into Alfred's cerulean eyes. The hue of green captivated Alfred's attention, and caused the two to pause for a minute. They said nothing as they looked over each others' faces. Alfred stepped forward and put his hand on Arthur's cheek gingerly.
"I always hated your eyebrows," said Alfred. He suddenly leaned forward and met Arthur's lips with his own. Arthur was caught off guard, and almost drew back... but a wave of a new feeling overtook him, and he responded by returning Alfred's emotion. They were nowhere but with each other for a moment... There was nothing but them. They were alone, and it seemed as though it would last... but then it ended too soon, and Alfred pulled back. Their eyes held contact, and it didn't break.
"I hope this can last forever," Arthur whispered. Alfred nodded in agreement. He smiled and held Arthur closer...
"And I wish we could last forever..."