Work Text:
A single light burns from the window on one side of the cottage, casting a warm glow into the night as he walks up the hidden path. A smile tugs beneath the helm at the thought of you trying to wait up for him. His movements are silent as he lets himself in and climbs the stairs.
You’re a light sleeper but you won’t hear him when he sheds his heavy armour and weapons, won’t feel him slip the book from your grasp and mark your page before switching off the lamp. Without a sound, he eases himself under the heavy quilt towards the warmth radiating from the center of the bed where you’re curled around his pillow. Careful not to jostle the bed, he fits himself around the shape of you, inhaling the soft perfume of your hair.
He’s home.
He’s home and the smooth curve of your shoulder now shines silver with moonlight where your sleep shirt has fallen wide, he’s careful in the gentle press of his lips, not to let his mustache touch your skin.
But you’re a light sleeper.
He hushes you before you can startle, his low muted voice like cotton over gravel ‘shhh go back to sleep’
Even slurred with slumber, he hears the relief in your voice. ‘You’re back.’
He hums a soft reassurance, cinching his arm around your middle, needing you closer, murmuring into the warm crook of your neck.
‘…told you it wouldn’t take me long,’
You unfurl in his arms with a slow inhale like a cat stretching in the sun, all long legs and twisting spine before falling limp again, settling back against the safety of his solid chest.
A broad hand finds the bottom edge of your pyjama shirt and slides over your bare stomach, low and firm and tempting.
‘I’ve missed you.’