Inspired by the song 'Sanctuary' by Welshly Arms

It was still dark when Arthur roused from his slumber; the light of the full moon flooding the room with its cool grey glow, thanks to the fact that he had had far more important things to think about than closing the curtains, when he had got to his bedroom. And that more important thing was currently fast asleep, curled up in his arms. Her soft, contented snore bringing a smile to his lips, as he slowly reached up and carefully pushed some of her hair away from her face. The slight touch of his fingertips on her skin, making her murmur a little, before she snuggled ever closer into his side.

Once he got back from the war, Arthur had been lost; alright, he wasn't the only man to feel that way. Any man that had seen the horrors that they had seen, could not help but to be affected by it, in one way or another. And even though he didn't have extreme instances where he would believe that he was still in the war, like Danny Whizz-Bang; that didn't mean that he didn't have those times when the memories would eat away at him; when he would not wake up in the middle of the night, his body, hair, covered in sweat. And that, coupled with the booze, drugs and whores, had pushed him to the breaking point. To a point when he had wanted to take his own life. But then, there she had been, his (Y/n); like a beacon in the darkness, she had lit his way. Brought him to a better point in his life. A point where he felt more at ease; where he felt safe.

She was his sanctuary; his refuge, his safety from the pursuit of the demons, the monsters that lived within his mind. From his suffering, and the danger that he could cause to not only to others, but also to himself. She was the one that would hold him close, when the darkness that surrounded him, would stop him from finding peace, finding sleep. She knew when he needed his space, and she would let him go; let him do what he needed to do and be there waiting for him to return to her, which he always did; for she was the only woman that had been able to bring the spark back to his eyes, when he had believed it to be lost forever.

(Y/n) was his home. The only person that he felt as though he could truly be himself with. She would listen to him when he needed someone to talk to; she would see his hurt, feel his pain, wrapping her arms around him and holding him close, as he would break. Her reassuring words and gentle touch making him feel secure enough to be weak for as long as he needed to be and not have to fear that she would think any less of him, afterwards. And when he was done, when the tears that needed to be shed had been wiped away, he would always feel as though he was, anew. As if (Y/n) was a wonderful shower of sweet rain, and all the dirt had been washed from him. The former sapper ready to face the cold, harsh world again, and all that it had to throw at him. She there, by his side, walking the road of life with him; the oldest Shelby never having to feel any shame for who or what he was, because he knew that she accepted him; the good and bad, she was there for it all. Arthur never sure what he had done to deserve her, to deserve all that she did for him; but whatever it was, he was glad for it, not wanting to imagine what his life would be like, how empty it might be, if not for her. Arthur placing a soft kiss to her forehead, in a silent thanks; knowing that no matter what he said or did, it would never be enough to show her how much he truly appreciated her, and all that she had done for him.

"Arthur..........?" A soft voice heavy with sleep suddenly said. Arthur feeling his heart beat a little quicker, as (Y/n) slowly opened her eyes, and looked up at him.

"Is everything alright......? Did you have a nightmare..........?" She asked, as she reached up and placed her hand on his face; slowly brushing her thumb across his stubbled cheek. Arthur letting out a soft sigh at the feel of her touch.

"No, luv; just woke up, that's all........." He assured, before placing another kiss to her forehead. The oldest Shelby feeling as though he were looking down at some angel that had been sent to earth just for him, as the light of the moon kissed her naked form and seemed to give her an otherworldly glow.

"I could go down to the kitchen and warm you some milk, if that will help you get back to sleep..........?" (Y/n) continued, as she pushed herself up onto her elbow. Arthur carefully catching her arm, as she moved to rise from the bed.

"Nah, luv, I'm right; just need you, is all........." He countered. (Y/n) giving him one of her most beautiful smiles, as she climbed back under the sheets and snuggled back into his side.

"I can do that......." She told him, before placing a kiss to the tattoo that was above his heart.

"I love you, Arthur Shelby; you know that don't you.......?" (Y/n) continued as her fingers moved in small circles around his bellybutton. A broad smile making its way onto Arthur's face.

"Aye, sweetheart, I know; ya wouldn't put up with me otherwise. And I luv you, an ole." He replied. His smile getting even wider, as her arm tightened around him, and she lay her head on his chest.

"Good night, Arthur.........."

"Good night, darlin.........." He answered. A soft, contented sigh leaving his lips before he pulled her closer and then closed his eyes. Arthur slowly drifting back to sleep, safe in the knowledge that in (Y/n) he had truly found his sanctuary.