Work Text:
Arthur came home late from work. It being the busy season meant that he’d been having to stay as late as nine sometimes. Tonight was one of those nights, and after his commute, it was nearly ten before he took off his shoes and tie, draped his suit jacket on a chair at the kitchen counter, and walked through the entryway of his and Merlin’s flat.
The telly was still on in the living room, playing Doctor Who. All of the lights were off though, and Arthur saw Merlin’s phone on the coffee table. And then he heard a faint snore. He peered over the edge of the couch and saw Merlin, mouth wide open and scrunched against a pillow, completely crashed out.
Arthur shook his head, smiling. He came around the couch and knelt down by Merlin’s face, cupping it with his hand. “Merlin,” Arthur said, stroking his cheek. “Merlin.”
Merlin flinched as a loud snore erupted from him; and then he settled further into the couch and leaned into Arthur’s touch.
“Merlin. Let’s get to bed.”
Merlin stirred, opening his eyes just enough that Arthur could see two thin stripes of blue. “Hmm?” he hummed.
“Come to bed with me?”
Merlin hummed again, nodding his head. “Carry me,” he mumbled, eyes slipping shut.
Arthur huffed. “Nice try. I’ll help you walk.”
Merlin frowned.
Arthur stood and tugged on Merlin’s arms until he was standing too. Arthur grabbed Merlin’s phone and wrapped his arm around him. Merlin rested his cheek on Arthur’s shoulder. Slowly, they walked to their bedroom.
Once they had made it, Arthur sat Merlin down on the bed. Arthur plugged his phone in, then grabbed each of Merlin’s ankles and slipped his socks off.
“Shirt on or off tonight?”
“Off,” Merlin mumbled, his eyes shut.
Arthur sighed incredibly fondly and stripped Merlin of his shirt.
“You brush your teeth already?” Arthur then asked.
Merlin nodded.
“Good.” He slipped Merlin’s legs over the bed and under the covers, then got himself ready for bed, opting to go shirtless as well.
He came back from the bathroom only to hear Merlin’s soft snores, but they stopped as soon as Arthur got into bed.
“Good day at work?” Merlin murmured.
“Good day,” Arthur said.
“That’s good.”
“And you?” Arthur asked.
“Good day.”
Arthur smiled, turning on his side and wrapping himself around Merlin. Merlin happily hummed, and Arthur pressed a few small kisses to his neck. “Goodnight, Merlin.”
“G’night. Love you.”
Arthur smiled, tightening his grip around Merlin’s warm, soft side. “Love you too.”