duncan was sure that he had never loved anyone in the way that he loved you right now.

as moonlight washed through the windows, he found himself unable to sleep, his eyes focused on your form as you laid next to him. one broad arm was wrapped loosely around your waist, as if holding you in place against him.

there were few people that made him feel as if he wasn't taking up too much space, and you were one of those few people.

every single night, as he lay by your side, he was sure that he was the luckiest man in all of the land, seas and skies. tonight was no different, his eyes tracing your face as you laid against him, features slack and relaxed, a byproduct of the sleep that kept you under its spell.

shifting quietly, the arm around your waist tugging you closer.

pressing closer, his nose found the crook of your neck, breath coming out in soft puffs against the soft skin he found. it was purely affectionate need as he pressed as close as he could get without crushing you with his bulk. he was careful. always careful.

"i love you so much," duncan whispered. he knew you wouldn't hear it being dead asleep, but he still liked to say it. he still liked to whisper those few words into the darkness.

one large hand slipped further around your waist, finding its way under your shirt, seeking out the sleep warmed skin beneath it. he needed to touch you. needed to make sure that you were still warm and alive beside him, even if he could hear your soft breaths.

the touch of his cold hand had you stirring, yet he did not move. if you woke, then you woke. he did not mind whether or not you were asleep or awake.

"so, so stunning," the words were a low rumble against your throat.

duncan felt the moment you stirred properly, shifting and adjusting under his hold, yet he did not let go. his grip tightening once more, pulling you even closer. even if it wasn't intentional, he would not let you get away from him. not right now.