A.N.: This was based off the WOTD Challenge 'quiescent': in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.

Disclaimer: Don't own Merlin


He was often alone when he got back.

Sometimes because Merlin still had chores to do. Sometimes because Merlin was away somewhere. Sometimes because Merlin was off saving the world.

Today, however, he was lucky. Today, Merlin was there.

Softly, he padded over to Merlin's side of the bed.

Merlin was lying on his side, and facing outwards – facing towards him – as quiescent as he had ever seen him.

Gwaine reached up and carded his fingers through Merlin's hair. Merlin's lips quirked slightly, but he didn't wake.

Gwaine placed a kiss on his forehead, and took his place beside him.