i really could go on and on ab these mfs. but instead of yapping for several paragraphs, i’ll just summarize with one of arthur’s last journal entries. <3

john reaching out to touch arthur, one last time and to thank him, but arthur hesitates before taking his hand. i think in the moment after hearing the sincere gratitude -and after everything that’s occurred (or about to)- arthur was most likely feeling regretful, for resenting john and not forgiving him for so long. for wasting time - now that they’ve run out of it.

but once they touch arthur doesn’t want to let go. he goes to put his hand over johns’, just missing it and holds it. and when john turns to leave, arthur pulls him back - that solid four/five seconds of silence says so much. arthur knows they have to keep moving but there’s something holding him here. something gnawing at his heart. then all arthur can get out is “i want you … to not look back.” something he’s already told john, twice or more at that point.

“i like strong and burly men”

“want me to fight you?”

“dont fall too hard for me”

“love can be unpredictable”