Arria let out a soft giggle, wrapping his arms around Carter’s neck and hiding his face in the crook of his neck. Stars he could do that all day and not get bored. He loved him. He loved him so fucking much and didn’t think he could be apart from him ever again.
“You know Arria,” Carter whispered softly, smiling, “I don’t care whatever fate throws our way. All I care is that I’m with you.” They’d face the future together, and that’s all that mattered to Carter. “Until the very end,” Carter said softly, a promise.
Arria smiled softly back, a light giggle escaping, "Until the very end." He echoed softly. They'd been through their fair share of challenges and heart aches, but they'd keep fighting to stay together, for that future they wanted. He knew it.
Carter kissed Arria’s forehead gently, then slowly -reluctantly- shifted himself off Arria’s chest. “You know, that was a wonderful way to start the day,” Carter said, a laugh escaping him.
Arria giggled, pushing himself up on his hands and making himself wince in the process, "I-It was a pretty goof way to wake up," He offered a small smile, resting his arms in his lap.
Carter’s smile faded just slightly as he looked at Arria’s arms. “So how are you feeling today?” He asked softly, his features hinted with concern. He couldn’t help worrying until Arria was better.
Arria chewed his bottom lip and shrugged a shoulder, looking down at his hands. He felt bad for making Carter worry so much, “U-Um… M-My arms are a l-little sore…” he mumbled. It was more then a little bit it wasn’t as bad as it had been.
“Should I get Janie to put some more salve on it?” Carter asked gently, reaching his hand up and brushing it through Arria’s hair softly. At least they were both safe, and together.
Arria leaned into the touch before shaking his head, "N-No, I'll be okay," He didn't want to worry Carter even more then he was.
“Alright, love,” Carter said, a bit skeptical but he didn’t want to push Arria. “Just let me know if they ever start hurting badly and we can go right back here and get some salve or something,” Carter told him, and gave Arria a gentle kiss on the cheek as he finished his sentence.
Arria nodded a little, blushing a light shade of pink. He still couldn't help but get slightly or a lot flustered when Carter cared for and treated him the way he did. And the small touches and kisses didn't help, "O-Okay, I will."
“Good,” Carter said with a smile, his eyes crinkling at the edges. “I just love you so much,” He said softly, but made himself stand, “Would you want to go home and rest or see your friends?” Carter asked with a soft smile.
Arria bit his lip and thought for a moment, fiddling with his fingers, “Um… home… please.” He said softly, standing up next to Carter. He just wanted to go home and sleep.
“Alright,” Carter said with a smile, slowly swimming and opening the door for Arria. He was sure Arria’s friends trusted him enough to know he’d take care of the love of his life.
Arria followed, holding out his hand for Carter once he was out the room. He muffled a yawn with the back of his other hand, blinking rapidly to wake himself up just a little more.
Carter took Arria’s hand with a smile, massaging Arria’s knuckles with his thumb as they swam out. Just before they head off out of the shop, Carter made sure to add, “And if you ever need me to carry you or take a break, let me know. I certainly don’t mind.”
Arria nodded, leaning his head against Carter's shoulder, "O-Okay, but I'm sure I'll be fine." He said quietly, offering a small smile and giving Carter's hand a small squeeze. Yes, he was tired, but he would be fine.
Carter squeezed Arria’s hand in response as they swam. He kind of enjoyed it, even though Arria was still recovering, Carter knew that nothing would hurt them. Yuri was gone, humans couldn’t get to them in the water, they were safe. Maybe for once they could live out a normal life together.
Arria got lost in his own thoughts as they swam, mainly tired 'what if' thoughts that he couldn't stop from slowly creeping in. He pushing them away, focusing on the man at his side, the one he loved so much.
“Arria… I’m happy. Happy we made it out,” Carter said softly as they swam, their cave could be seen in the distance. “We did it. We’re both alive.” That was a miracle within itself. He squeezed Arria’s hand again, smiling at him.
Arria smiled softly back, a small, one but a smile nonetheless, “I’m happy we made it out, too. I’m happy we’re safe.” He squeezed Carter’s hand back, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Carter grinned, leaning in to Arria a bit more as they got closer to their cave. He loved him so much. More than anything. Carter swam into the cave with Arria, murmuring, “Home sweet home, love.”
Arria sighed contently, wrapping his arms around Carter’s neck and hiding his face in his chest, “Thank you…” He said quietly, voice slightly muffled by the position.
Carter’s arms drifted around Arria’s waist, “I’m just glad you’re alright. We’re alright,” Carter kissed the top of Arria’s head with a small smile, slowly swimming to a shallow spot in the water.
Arria hummed softly, pressing a light kiss to Carter’s chest, “I-I’m sorry you got mixed up in all of it… b-but I’m glad you’re safe now… we both are…”