6 years after I started this story and I finally put it to rest. This is the last chapter! Hallelujah!

Well this was certainly a … new type of experience for Arthur.

Regardless of the fact that he hadn't been invited to a friendly gathering in ages, this type of hangout was simply not his forte. All the same, he couldn't really complain about the circumstances he had found himself in. Arthur watched on as Alfred happily chatted with his Japanese friend while some other guests at the apartment battled each other in Call of Duty. This "video game party", as Kiku had presented it, was an excuse for nerds to flock together to geek out about the latest and greatest games to hit the market.

Arthur couldn't even remember if he had ever played a video game before. He preferred reading as a child. None of this violent, headache-inducing mayhem ever appealed to him. It was obvious how different Alfred's upbringing was from his own.

The taller man had practically begged Arthur to come along with him to this party, even though Alfred was obviously very close with Kiku (or at least he used to be, before he lost his job and became homeless 6 months ago). Arthur knew he would feel out of place but he decided to appease Alfred and accompany him. The big puppy dog eyes that Alfred had displayed were impossible to say no to, and also ever since Alfred had moved into Arthur's flat two weeks prior, Arthur felt like he had to protect him somewhat.

Arthur had even purchased a new phone for him and got him set up on his own plan, so Alfred was able to talk to his friends and family again. Arthur sighed contentedly as he recalled how thankful Alfred had been with the new phone, adding contacts and texting people he hadn't spoken with in so long.

This excluded his parents, since Alfred had already disclosed to Arthur how his shitty parents had kicked him out once he told them he was gay. Just thinking about it made Arthur's blood boil. He wanted to teach them a painful lesson for ever treating Alfred poorly. In fact, anyone that even so much as glanced at his newfound roommate the wrong way would incur the Englishman's wrath. A twinge of guilt reminded Arthur of how he had treated Alfred when they first met, how hostile and cruel he had been when the poor man was only trying to return his money to him.

But regardless of that initial meeting, they had quickly developed a strong friendship after Alfred moved in. They were open with each other, talked about anything and everything, and had formed a comfortable rhythm as roommates. Arthur would work during the day while Alfred stayed in the flat working out (to regain some muscle mass) and job-hunting on Arthur's computer. For dinner, either Alfred would have it prepared before Arthur returned from a long day at work, or the pair would cook together.

Arthur's heart fluttered just thinking about it. He never realized cooking could be so fun, but Alfred really showed him to open his mind to new experiences. Everything they had done together thus far had seemed like an exciting new adventure, for both of them. In all honesty, it was completely barmy that the stone-cold Arthur Kirkland had been reverted to a kind-hearted and fun-loving person – but supposedly Alfred just rubbed off on him, a little too much.

He wasn't going to complain. Not at all. Which was why he wouldn't complain about his current predicament being stuck at a party with complete strangers playing games that he couldn't care less about. Alfred was happy and that's all that mattered.

The American man was talking animatedly to Kiku from the far couch, his blue eyes sparkling and his hands gesturing wildly as he recounted a story. Arthur heaved another blissful sigh…he hadn't meant to fall this hard but he couldn't keep denying it. He liked Alfred. He really liked Alfred.

All of a sudden the blue eyes darted over to him. "Hey Arthur, why are you staring off like that? Don't be a wallflower!" Alfred motioned for him to come over which Arthur begrudgingly obliged.

"I'm not being a wallflower," Arthur said as he rolled his eyes. "I just want to give you some time with your friend since you two haven't hung out properly in so long."

Kiku smiled briefly. "It is no trouble. Since Alfred has a phone again, we have been texting more frequently."

Arthur couldn't deny the tiny bit of envy that coursed through him. "Ah, alright then," he tried to appear as nonchalant as possible even though the thought that someone else was vying for Alfred's attention left him feeling a tad bit emotional and angry.

"I have been wanting to ask you, would you like some tea? I see you haven't gotten a drink from the soda table yet, but you seem like the person that would enjoy a cup of tea instead."

Okay so maybe Kiku wasn't so bad after all. Arthur couldn't dislike this man even if he was slightly jealous of his friendship with Alfred. "That would be lovely, yes. Jasmine tea, if you don't mind."

He heard snickering coming from Alfred which he should have expected. "Oi shut it, will you?" Arthur exclaimed, which just incited more laughter.

"Not a problem, Arthur, I will be right back," Kiku said as he excused himself to the kitchen.

Arthur nodded politely at him right before he felt a hand grab him to pull him down on the couch. He yelped indignantly at the manhandling but Alfred just continued laughing at him. "Oh c'mon, I'm just trying to make you comfortable!"

"I can assure you, this is not the way to do it," he retorted as he jerked his arm out of Alfred's grasp.

"Sorry, I just don't want you to look so bored and lonely. You need to relax and try to have some fun! Why don't you call dibs on the next game? It can be something easy, like Mario Kart," the American man replied semi-sincerely, with a hint of humor fluttering below the surface of his words. It was obvious that Arthur was a novice when it came to this kind of thing, but now that he was being challenged, he would show Alfred and everyone else that he could hold his own!

….Well he tried anyway.

After failing at Mario Kart, Halo, Overcooked, and Call of Duty, Arthur finally conceded the controller to a more advanced and worthy player – a lively woman named Elizabeta. It was embarrassing, but he knew it was all in good fun; even with his roommate tittering loudly behind him, calling him a rookie, egging him on and trying to encourage him at the same time.

But eventually Alfred excused himself from the couch to have a one-on-one chat with Kiku in the latter's bedroom. Arthur couldn't contain his curiosity, wondering what the pair were discussing in such private quarters. The jealousy was something he would have to work on. He was 30 years old for Christ's sake! He wasn't going to keep this man from having a private discussion with his good friend. Arthur took a deep breath and kept his eyes trained on the telly, blankly watching the cascading colors and figures flash across the screen as the other guests shouted and jeered at one another.

This was going to be a long night.

The walk back to Arthur's flat was mostly quiet. Arthur couldn't tell if it was a comfortable silence or if Alfred could feel the tension that the shorter man was radiating.

Maybe he should just address it. They had been pretty open with each other about everything up until that point and if he didn't say something, it would just gnaw away at him until he exploded with unprecedented hostility. It had happened many times in his past. It was all a matter on how he breached the subject.

"So…" the Englishman began gingerly, "How was your talk with Kiku? Did you two catch up?"

The American tossed him a quick glance before sighing deeply. But it wasn't angry, it seemed resigned. "Yeah… I told him about everything. I owed him the truth and I knew he was super curious even though he didn't outwardly say it. So I told him after I lost my job I was homeless for a while and I lost a lot of hope that things would change… until you crossed my path actually."

Arthur hadn't been expecting that response. Once again proving that it was silly to jump to conclusions and allow jealousy to consume him earlier. Of course Kiku and Alfred had been discussing the trauma and suffering that Alfred faced during his time living on the streets. It made perfect sense to have that kind of talk in private. And the last part of what Alfred said made his heart skip a beat.

"I see, and how did he take it? Did he offer words of encouragement? I assume he was supportive, correct? He seems like a decent lad."

"Oh he is. More than decent! Honestly it was a huge relief to tell him the truth. I'm so happy we saw him at that suit store. It was such a lucky coincidence and I have YOU to thank for that too." Alfred raked a hand through his hair, as if coming to some awe-inspiring realization. "I seriously have so much to thank you for. You completely changed my life around in a short amount of time. And I know I've said it before but I'll say it a million more times. Thank you so much for everything, Arthur. I mean it," his smile was bright even though his eyes were watery as green locked with blue. And Arthur couldn't help but feel the emotional impact of those statements as his own eyes teared up a bit as well.

"It's unnecessary to keep saying that, I do appreciate it though. More importantly, I should be thanking you. This is going to sound completely sappy so don't you dare make fun of me…," he collected himself with a deep inhale before continuing. "…I know I have a long way to go but I do feel like you changed me for the better. I just feel…happier and lighter almost. Like the weight of the world has been lifted. I suppose what I want to say is that I'm glad we met, and I'm glad you agreed to live with me."

That was probably too much information, but he couldn't stop the words from spilling out of his mouth. Everything was still so new, they still had so much more to learn about each other. And yet… it just felt right, when they were together laughing and bantering and sharing memories, it all felt so natural. Arthur wanted to be sure he wasn't the only one who felt that way.

He spared a glance at Alfred who was staring at him in amazement. The light blush on his cheeks was illuminated by the overhead street lights as they continued down the sidewalk and Arthur had to turn away as he felt his own face flush in response.

Alfred grabbed his arm lightly to stop him from walking. Arthur's heart was thundering inside his ribcage as he turned to face the taller man.

"Do you really mean that?"

They were so close together. Too close together. "Yes. Every word."

"Is it okay if I kiss you?" it was a whisper but Arthur heard it as clear as day.

He didn't trust his own voice but he managed to croak out a "yes" before the distance was closed between them. Alfred kissed him so deeply and passionately that Arthur's head was spinning, he felt overwhelmingly hot and unsteady but like hell that would stop him from enjoying this. He kissed back with as much fervor as he could muster, while Alfred wrapped his arms around him pulling him closer for a heated embrace.

They broke for air after a few minutes that felt impossibly long.

"Damn, that was…," Alfred tried to put a coherent sentence together but was clearly having trouble formulating his thoughts. "That was just…holy shit."

Arthur agreed with that sentiment wholeheartedly. "I think I saw stars."

"I think I saw sparks."

"…I think we have a spark," Arthur replied cheekily.

There was a lopsided smile in response before he replied, "I think so too."

The rest of the walk back to Arthur's flat passed in a blur, with both men hand-in-hand and smiling so brightly it rivaled the luminosity of the moon.

That night Alfred moved his stuff from the guest bedroom to the master bedroom. He never moved out.

Bonus:

After a few months of job hunting, Alfred finally lands a job at a non-profit organization. It doesn't pay much, but it's enough for Alfred to pitch in a bit for the rent so he doesn't feel like a total freeloader. Obviously Arthur just wants Alfred to be happy so it's not a big deal. Arthur decides to throw Alfred a surprise party for getting a new job and he enlists the help of Kiku in rounding up some of Alfred's other friends around the city. Alfred is so shocked and happy that all his friends are there to support him, with his new boyfriend being the greatest support of all.

A/N: Well this concludes my writer's block. Hope you enjoyed this story (for however many people are still left in this fandom LOL). But for real, the reviews are what made me gain the motivation to finish this. Thanks for the support over the years!