#engswe

    “I’m t’red of h’ding us.” Berwald tilts his head down so he’s looking into the beautiful green eyes of the one he holds closest to his heart. Arthur smiles sadly, and pulls away from him. His warmth and scent linger long enough to make Berwald ache with want. He watches him shuffle over to the bed, and sit at the foot of it.

    “Berry, you know we can’t-”

    “I don’t care wh’t they s’y! Or th’nk! Jag älskar dig! And I w’nt everyone t’ know! I w’nt-”

    “Berwald.” He falls silent. “I know. Believe me, I know. But we can’t. You know we can’t. We aren’t allowed to love each other. It’s dangerous. Homosexuality may have been decriminlized, but it’s still classified as… as…!” He shakes his head.

    “A d’sease. A m’ntal illn’ss.” Berwald’s words come out bitterly.

    “Hey.” Arthur stands, and makes his way over to him again. He takes both of his hands and squeezes. “It’s not. But we have a limited say on that. You know that. I believe in our people though.” Berwald gives him a pained look.

    “And wh’t if th’y don’t ch’nge anyth’ng?” Arthur sighs heavily.

    “We can’t think of that, Berry.” He presses their foreheads together lovingly. “We have to think of positive things. We have to. Otherwise we-” Berwald kisses him gently. He doesn’t want to hear any more. After a moment, he pulls away with a sorrowful smile.

    “Let’s n’t w’rry about th’t. We’re at a h’tel f’r a reason.” Arthur chuckles quietly.

    “You’re right. After all, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have even come here tonight. I love you. And I know our people will do the right thing.” Berwald grunts in reply, and leads him over to the bed. That’s enough talking until after they’re done with their main activity.

~ Late October, 1979

    “Berwald?” Arthur stares at him in confusion. “What are you doing here?” He opens the door a bit wider. “Please, come in.” He steps aside, watching his lover come inside. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” Berwald’s bottom lip trembles, and he pulls Arthur in for a tight, loving hug.

    “Th’y decl’ssified homos’xual’ty as a d’sease in m’ c’ntry.” He feels tears pricking at his eyes. “Th-th’y d’d it…” Arthur kisses his jaw.

    “That’s wonderful news!” He lifts up Berwald and spins him around happily, eyes shining.

    “I f’rg’t you c’ld do th’t.” Arthur grins at him as he sets him down. “A-anyw’y,” he looks away, cheeks flushed. “I w’s w’ndering… W’ld you l’ke t’ m’ve in? We m’y st’ll get h’te, but… It’s n’t a disease th’re anym’re.”

    “Of course. I would love that. Thank you.” He tangles his fingers in Berwald’s hair. “I’ll have to visit here often, but I want to officially be living with you. And we can be open about our relationship, at least there. I know how much you want that.”

    “J-ja. Please.” Arthur laughs, and leans into him.

    “I love you.” He kisses him, but not without leaving enough time for him to pull away if he doesn’t want it.