Your old mentor is happy to see you. His kids are all grown up. His sons already knights, his daughter already married. You tell him about your own family, your own kids. You stay as long as you can, but politely refuse dinner. You meet up with Jake at his knight's house, and together you leave. Jake has been here more recently than you have. As a major port city, he visits frequently as ambassador. But you insisted that could find a place for you to stay. With your saddle bags tossed over your shoulders, you lead Jake through the city.After a few twists and turns, you found it. The Pumpkin Patch, inn and tavern. You lead him inside. He pauses only a moment, making a face at the sign, before following you inside. You buy a room and dinner for you both. You store your possessions in the room, eat dinner, and go out to explore the city a little more."One of these days I'm going to teach you how to swim." Jake says as you stroll along the docks."I already know how to swim." You say.Jake snorts. "Floundering doesn't count, mate." He nudges you with his shoulder."Keeps me afloat, doesn't it?" You say."Barely." He laughs. You smile.The sun sets over the sea.You return to the inn and your room. As you unlock the door, Jake looks up and down the hall."This place looks familiar..." He says, making a face.You chuckle. "It should." With the door unlocked, you slide the key into your pocket, but you don't open the door. Instead, you grab him and push him against it. You lean your body against his, pressing him to the wood. You're both bigger than you were when you were squires, and both much older. "This doorway, in this inn, in this town, is where I first kissed you." And you kiss him again, light and quick. You lean back, smiling, and open the door.You walk into the room, leaving a very stunned Jake in the doorway. "Jumping jehoshaphat!" He says, spinning around and following you into the room. "Dirk! THIS was the inn!"You sit on the bed and begin unlacing your boots. He closes the door. You smirk up at him. "Sure was, English."Suddenly Jake is standing between your knees. You look up at him and he takes your face in his hands. He leans down and kisses you. It's soft, and long, and tender. You feel his lips move against yours. It's perfect. He's perfect. And he's all yours. Over twenty years since your first kiss, and he's finally all yours.You wrap your arms around his waist and lean back, pulling him onto your lap."I love you, Jake." You mumble against his lips.He chuckles and you open your eyes to see his emerald ones, sparkling with the smile on his lips. He's so close, so warm. "I love you too, Dirk." He breathes, like he can't believe this moment is real. You know how he feels. You feel the same way.You hold each other tight and exchange sweet kisses in the deepening darkness.For years, you've hoped for this.You know now, it's never too late to fall in love.