Arthur had lost a lot of people throughout his life. A lot.

Whether by death, like his parents, his dog, his girlfriend, his son, people in the gang, or by separation, like Mary Linton, his ex-over. It was quite natural for him to think that no one would stay with him. And you know, when he is in front of a mirror, if you listen carefully, you can hear him denigrating himself because of his appearance.

"No wonder why everyone is leaving you."

That's why at the start, with you, he didn't do anything. He accepted you into the gang normally, became friends with you, but didn't do anything more. Even if he felt his heart beat faster in your presence, even if he felt those damn butterflies in his stomach with you, even if he thought about you too much, even if he drew you often. Because in his eyes, you were going to leave like everyone if he was honest with you - and himself.

But no, you stayed. And with time, patience and effort, you showed him true love. Since you two confessed, his life has become relatively better.

Tonight was one of the famous nights where he had nightmares. Imagining he was fighting the O'Driscolls but they had you. That they were killing you.

He woke up with a start, panting, his forehead sweating and his heart rate racing. He sat on the bed and reached towards your side of the bed, not daring to look. Then his hand touched your back, warm, and relief washed over him.

He lay down next to you and turned you towards him, wrapping his arms around your waist and burying his head in the crook of your neck for more relief. To feel you. To know you were alive. He unfortunately woke you up in the process.

“Sorry…” he grumbles, still a little sleepy, “You can go to sleep, it was just a stupid nightmare, y'know.”

But his heart was still beating too fast and you felt it because of the proximity.