It's early in the morning, sun just peaking over the horizon, weaving through the buildings and pouring in-between their shades. He's up first, brushing his teeth and washing his face before setting off to start the coffee. Maria is still out cold and will surely stay that way for a few more minutes, which gives Phil plenty of time to just look at himself in the mirror.
He's gotten older for sure. It's in how his shoulders hunch over and how his neck favors one side of the other, or the lines in his face around his mouth and eyes. And his hair. He's a little self-conscious about his hair but too proud to do anything about it.
He flexes a bicep and watches how puny the muscles are now. Years ago, he was trim, and fit, and muscular, completing missions with his strength and smarts. He still does, but now there are a few sugary snacks here and there, some lazy days where he doesn't leave the bed until noon, and so many more things to worry about.
At least he doesn't have a beer gut yet. He could never forgive himself if he did.
It just bothers him that despite his skill and knowledge and strength and drive, he looks the odd man out. In his younger days, he's sure he could have given many of them a run for their money, but now, it was unlikely.
He stands up straight, shoulders back, and puffs out his chest and tries not to sigh at the sight of himself. He doesn't have beefy pecks or python sized guns, he never really did, and they were never requirements for his job. His years of training in communications, fighting, shooting, and strategy more than make up for abs you could eat waffles off of, but still…
"Is this a private show or do I get an invitation?"
He looks away from the mirror and finally notices Maria sitting on the counter just to the right of him. Her hair and clothes are still rumpled from sleep and her voice is thick and rough. He can't help but notice his old pajama shirt slipping off one of her shoulders and her knee high socks pushed down to mid calf. Underneath her grogginess, he can clearly see that sly smile she gives when she's hunting.
"I'm just doing my morning routine."
"A morning routine means washing your face, shaving, and brushing your teeth. But you were flexing many of my favorite muscles."
He grins and leans over to peck her, but she grabs his face and sloppily kisses him with promise. When she finally breaks it off, she leans forward and stares into his eyes, then pinches his ass and runs back into the bedroom laughing. He quickly follows her and traps her underneath the covers,
Later in the day, sun rising high in the sky, he turns to her. "Do you ever feel old?"
"Our daughter is in college. Of course I feel old," she replies. Apparently he's not the only one.
Before he can think anything else, Maria climbs on top of him and grins down at him. "But you keep me young."