Two cold bowls.

Gaius sat there, waiting for what seemed forever for Merlin to come back, every night he would make a new batch and put the two bowls out and would wait.

He did this for four constant years.

One day the old man made the same food and again, laid it on the table and trudged over to his desk and worked.

He soon closed his eyes and dreamed.

He woke to a loud bang and gasped away and turned to the door to see Merlin closing it and turing back with a guilty grin.

"Sorry Gaius, did i scare you?" he chuckled and walked in.

"It's been four years, i didn't brace myself for the usual bang…" Gaius said.

Merlin sighed and hid his face in his hand.

"Sorry Gaius…" he said and helped Gaius to the table and the two ate.

"You seem happy…" Gaius smiled.

"I realized that i can't mope after Arthur all my life, it's unfair for me and everyone…" Merlin smiled and ate.

"I'm glad…" Gaius grinned and ate.

"He speaks to me in my dreams every night anyway…the bugger wakes me up nearly all the time!" Merlin chuckled.

Gaius laughed.

The old man smiled.

"Oh Merlin…come back my son…"

BANG!!!!!

Gaius gasped and turned to see door to see MERLIN!

"Shit…" He hissed and closed the door slowly and turned, guilt clearly shown.

Gaius broke out to a bit grin.

"I'm glad you came back Merlin…i can only imagine how hard it was…i'm proud of you my son…" Gaius smiled and the two hugged.

Merlin smiled and hugged back and the two sat down and ate.

"Urghh!" Merlin said and Gaius frowned.

"Too salty?"

Merlin gagged and shook his head.

"Too spicy?"

Merlin shook his head.

"Too cold!" He laughed.

Gaius chuckled.

Merlin gulped it all down.

"I'm staying Gaius…till you…g-go…then i'm leaving…." Merlin said and hugged Gaius.

"Understood…i'm greatful son…"

Merlin smiled and hugged tighter.

"I missed you Gaius…" Merlin said and they parted.

Gaius pouted.

"-And not my cooking?" He asked.

Merlin laughed and shook his head and ran as Gaius threw an empty bowl at him, the man ran through the gloomy castle laughing, soon brighting it once more.