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It was late afternoon, and the sun was just setting. At least, that's what Arthur assumed, given the fact John had clicked on the lamp next to the sofa a few moments ago, presumably to be able to continue reading.
It'd become a ritual for them. Some nights, Arthur would read a book. His friend had insisted, saying it'd be good practice for him learning braille. He was right, though Arthur would sooner die than admit it. Especially because he much preferred the nights in which John would read to him, his smooth voice reading out the pages of whatever story had caught his attention as of late. Sometimes he'd let himself fall asleep then and there.
Tonight was no different. But as he felt his eyes start to close, the next words startle him back awake.
"Ah, shit!"
John hisses, and Arthur lifts his head slightly.
"What? What is it?"
"Er- nothing, sorry, just a papercut..."
John sighs, before Arthur hears another page turn and he continues reading. He doesn't hear the words anymore though, his mind had been pulled elsewhere.
Ever since they'd split and John had gotten his own body, he'd been very... clingy, for lack of a better word. Always wanting to hold hands, hug, even give a peck goodbye or hello every once in a while. This of course led to Arthur having to tell him to stop, at least in public. It just wasn't... It wasn't proper. It had taken a while for his friend to understand, and even then, Arthur could still hear the hurt in his voice.
That aside, in the privacy of their own home, it was just fine.
What he didn't expect was an increase in frequency when he told John about "feel better kisses". He'd rambled on about something or other, and the conversation had drifted to how he'd used to kiss Faroe better when she'd get hurt.
He should've known what that conversation would lead to.
Because John will use any excuse to love him.
And Arthur is, unfortunately, very clumsy.
Burnt his hand attempting to make tea?
Kissed better.
Bumped his elbow carrying groceries inside?
John couldn't put his bags down fast enough before rushing back and demanding to kiss it better.
Headache? You guessed it. Lips planted gently on his temple as if it could take away the pain.
And in some ways, it did. Maybe it was childish, but... it felt like it helped.
Any pain, big and small, old and new, John would attempt to comfort him.
He knew part of it was purely John indulging himself.
He also knew part of it was because he cared.
And Arthur cared for John as well.
He admits that he doesn't show it as often, not in the way John does at least. He's never been the type for physical affection of that nature. Too many expectations, too much meaning connected to it.
But they're alone right now. No expectations or assumptions to be made.
John had practically already finished reading the page when Arthur finally spoke.
"John, could... could I have your hand for a moment?"
The reading stopped, followed by a short silence.
"...okay?"
Arthur felt a palm being placed in his.
"Where's the papercut?"
John sounds even more confused.
"On the other hand... why-"
"Oh my Go- just... give me your other hand John."
Arthurs' face is burning slightly. This feels foolish. Maybe he should-
"It's right here..."
John guides his hand, placing Arthurs' finger over a spot on his own. Arthur could tell where it was, based on the slight flinch as he ran his thumb over it gently.
"Right..."
Arthur takes a breath, lifting John's hand to his lips, and pressing a small kiss onto the cut. After a few seconds, he pulls away, letting go of his hand.
The room is quiet for a few moments. Arthur shifts uncomfortably at the fact John is still and silent. He changes the subject nervously.
"Erm... next line, John...?"
Is all he can manage, not really knowing what else to say. This seems to do the trick though, John sputtering back to life.
"Wh- uh... fuck, right, where was I?"
Arthur laughs quietly, sitting back into the couch cushions, the silence once again comfortable.
John breaks it again after a few moments.
"Um... Arthur?"
Arthur hums quietly, sleep ready to overtake him once again.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"Of course."
John continued reading, but Arthur only heard a few lines more before falling asleep.
Maybe he could convince John to continue reading tomorrow as well.