Just a little something to answer a challenge from Janice, my self proclaimed biggest fan. Dunno, this is just what came to mind when you said older. Hope you like!
Odd took a deep breath, letting it out slowly and opening his eyes. The dark ceiling of his bedroom met his tired gaze. He turned his head to the side, his eyes searching for something a little more interesting to watch. They found what they were looking for. Odd smiled as he watched his wife sleep, reaching a hand over to brush a strand of hair from her face.
Odd always thought that, while always gorgeous, Aelita was most beautiful in her sleep. The way her long lashes rested against her pale cheeks; and how her lips parted slightly, the corners of which seemed to quirk up slightly in smile for the dreams that only she could see.
With a contented sigh Odd let his hand ghost over his wife's cheek, allowing it to pass along down her shoulder and her arm, coming to a rest over her hand. He gave the smaller hand a gentle squeeze, then leaned over and gave Aelita a light kiss on the cheek.
Then, as quietly as he could, Odd lifted himself from their bed. He tiptoed over to the chair in the corner, where his robe lay. He gathered it up and slipped it on, giving Aelita one last glance as he left the room.
Prowling silently down the hall, Odd slipped into a room not far from his own. He didn't turn on any lights, having already been in the room so often he knew it's layout by heart, heading straight for the window. Or more specifically, the crib underneath it.
"Hello my beautiful little girl," he whispered as he reached the crib, leaning lightly on the side and looking lovingly down at its occupant.
As if sensing her father's presence, the little girl's eyes flew open. She looked about for a moment before her eyes locked onto Odd's face and she gave a happy gurgle, lifting her tiny hands towards him.
"It's nice to see you too," Odd said, lifting the girl into his arms and cradling her against his chest.
The baby gave another happy gurgle and a sigh, curling up against her father and falling back asleep.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Aelita whispered, appearing behind Odd. He nodded as she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder.
"She has your nose," Aelita said, and Odd could hear the smile in her voice. "Your nose, and your hands."
"Yes," Odd said, leaning his cheek against Aelita's. "And she has your lovely eyes and your beautiful smile."
Aelita gave a 'hmm' of agreement, reaching up one hand to hold the baby's hand. Odd and Aelita both smiled as the girl wrapped her tiny fingers around her mother's longer one. "She's wonderful."
Odd shook his head. "Not just wonderful, she's perfect."
Aelita giggled. "Yes, she is. And she should also be in bed, like a certain man I know."
"Yeah, okay," Odd sighed, lowering the baby back into bed and allowing Aelita to lead him from the room. She pulled him back into their bedroom and took his robe, tossing it back onto its chair. She then climbed back into the bed, followed quickly by Odd.
Odd lay down beside his wife, wrapping an arm around her waist as she tucked herself against him.
"Aelita," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers.
"Hmm?" she hummed, resting a hand against his chest.
Odd whispered, "I love you," and pressed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss.
Aelita smiled against his touch, returning the kiss and whispering "I love you, too."