As soon as Verlaine find out that his partner was fighting Double Black, he rushed to help him without hesitation. However, the fight was already over and Arthur lay in a small crater, barely conscious. Paul fell to his knees at his companion's side, looking at him with fear, worry and concern, he placed his hand on his cheek, looking into his eyes.
-I'm here...I'll take you from here...I promise...just stay with me...please-The Blond haired man spoke in a shaky voice. He was afraid of nothing more than losing his dear partner. Pulling him to his chest, he looks at the perpetrators of Rimbaud's harm and no matter how hard he tried to be tough, tears rolled down his cheeks.
-Chuuya... brother of mine... I could forgive you a lot... BUT NOT HURTING ARTHUR!-Verlaine shouted, pulling out a gun and shooting Dazai, knowing that he was as important to Chuuya as Arthur was to Paul himself. Chuuya in terror looks at Dazai, who has been shot. The red haired boy's eyes widened as he ran towards the young mafioso
-No... NO NO NO NO NO! DAZAI! HOLY SHIT - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!-Chuuya yelled at older brother.
-Leave. But if Arthur doesn't survive... he will murder you, Dazai and your friends from The Flags-Blond spoke again. Both he and chuuya were filled with fear and concern for their partners. Chuuya lifted Dazai onto his back and ran with him to the mafia doctor, at the same time, Rimbaud shake slightly.
-It's cold... I'm...so cold...can we go home...? -Arthur, barely alive, asked. He looked even weaker than a moment ago, and his body was visibly cold.
-Yes... I'm taking you home... -Paul said gently, then picked up the black-haired man in bridal style and headed to theirs, shared with him apartment. Once they were safe at home, Verlaine was dressing Arthur's wounds while listening to classical music on the radio, and after a few hours, when the sun was slowly setting, Arthur went out to the balcony where Verlaine was already watching the sunset and thinking.
-You miss home, don't you...? Rimbaud asked softly
-Yes... hey... maybe you'd like to take a walk? I'm taking you to the restaurant -blue-eyed man suggested the with a gentle smile. Arthur face light up at the suggestion and wrapped his arm around Paul's waist.
The men got dressed and went to their favorite restaurant, talking about everything and nothing until they reached an elegant building, where they took a seat by the window and ordered dinner.The evening was going to be unusually pleasant, but from time to time Paul's face would show an expression of deep thought, but Rimbaud didn't want to push it. They continued their carefree conversations until the end of the meal and then, after paying, they went for a short walk. The moon illuminated their silhouettes as they moved peacefully through the now empty streets of Yokohama, until Verlaine's thoughtful expression returned, unmissed by Arthur's sharp golden eyes. He was about to ask about it, but the man overtook him and started talking.
-Artur...do...do you have someone you like...romantically?- Paul ask him softly with his heart beating faster.
-h...hm? I... why such a question? -Rimbaud played with his long black hair with a shy smile, hearing blond man heart
- so... you have someone... maybe a girl or a boy or- he didn't finish because Arthur's quiet, hearty laugh interrupted him
-Yes, actually... I have it, but-this time Verlaine interrupted him
-but you're not in a relationship, are you? I... I really need to know because... um... b because I think I'm... in love with you -the blue-eyed man confessed, blushing
-Paul... there is someone I like... and it's you. - He gently kissed Verlaine's cheek, putting him in a state of blissful happiness. The blond felt as if the whole world was full and beautiful again. Paul wrapped his arms around his partner, snuggling into him with love and sincerity.
-I love you, Arthur... more than you can imagine...-Verlaine confessed quietly
-I love you too... you are my warmth, my safety - The Second replied
-And you are my home... -Paul kissed Arthur on the lips, engulfing him in a delicate but passionate kiss full of love and acceptance. They went home together without verbally accepting the fact that from that moment on they were an official couple. Arthur shyly grabbed the boy's hand and they continued walking, holding hands.
At home, they sat on the sofa and Paul spoke up
-Let's go back to France... let's change professions... what do you say? -he asked completely seriously
-I think it's a very good idea-he smiled and hugged Verlaine again. They watched a movie, but before they were halfway there the blond was already asleep, so Rimbaud carried him to the bedroom and pushed together the two halves of the double bed which had been separated before they were a couple for added comfort. He undressed his partner down to his underwear and himself changed into his pajamas and lay down next to his boyfriend, cuddling into his warm body and slowly falling asleep.
