Drabble prompt: Sometimes you have to think of yourself as a priority.

Henry found his eyes drifting of their own accord to his computer, far from focused on the text from which he was trying to take notes for his latest research. He hadn't thought about it in several years, didn't think he needed to, but now…

A gentle caress on his shoulder startled Henry from his reverie.

"Are you coming to bed, babe?" Elizabeth asked, softly, through a yawn. "It's late."

Henry glanced at his wife, almost guiltily, shifting away from the screen toward her. He knew Elizabeth had gone to bed quite awhile ago, but had no idea of the time. "What are you doing awake?" Henry wondered, looking at the clock on his desk."At 2am?"

"Ally's teeth woke her," Elizabeth informed him. "She's had a hard time with this round."

Henry slid his chair back suddenly and moved to stand up. "I didn't even hear her cry," he admitted.

The pressure of Elizabeth's hand stopped his motion. "I got her. Some Tylenol and cuddles, and she's back asleep."

"I'm sorry," Henry apologized. "I should've heard the baby before she woke you."

"Babe, it's fine," Elizabeth soothed her husband, much as she had just calmed their daughter. "But you need some sleep. Don't you have to be on campus in the morning?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to finish taking notes on this chapter." Henry looked back down at his papers. "I haven't gotten very far," he sighed in resignation.

"Why don't you give it up for the night?" Elizabeth suggested. "There's always tomorrow." She combed her hand softly through his hair, and leaned over to kiss his forehead.

"That's not Aquinas," she murmured softly, noticing the browser window glowing in the dark of the room. "Virginia Department of Aviation," Elizabeth read off the screen, then her eyes widened in recognition. "Are you thinking about flying again, Henry? You haven't been in a cockpit since you left the Marines."

"Yes. No. I don't know," Henry stuttered uncharacteristically. "I couldn't get it out of my mind the past few days, but I'm not sure I want to, much less have the time."

"I can't help with your desire to fly again," Elizabeth acknowledged, "but we can make the time."

"Babe…" Henry began to protest. Elizabeth shifted to sit on the edge of his desk, blocking the books and computer screen, to get his full attention.

"Henry, you do so much around the house, with the girls, even with Janie around." Her voice was low and adamant. "You're always with them, or working on your research. You need some time to yourself."

"I enjoy spending time with the girls, and I have the more flexible schedule of the two of us."

"I know you do, and I really appreciate you." Elizabeth paused for emphasis. "I couldn't have a career without you, not as demanding as this one can be. But sometimes you have to think of yourself as a priority."

"Our family is my priority, Elizabeth," Henry insisted.

Elizabeth sensed she wouldn't succeed in her argument, and perhaps even unintentionally diminish Henry's role in their family, so she changed tactics. "Weren't you the one that insisted I go riding last month, when I couldn't get work off my mind?" she reminded him. "Granted, I was snapping at everyone, so I still think you were just trying to get rid of me." Elizabeth shrugged ruefully. "You told me I shouldn't feel guilty about taking time for myself, so I could be a better mom and wife."

Henry didn't respond, but his eyes focused thoughtfully.

"Well, hi, pot, I'm kettle," Elizabeth concluded with a smirk.

Now Henry laughed. "Alright, I'll think about it," he conceded.

Elizabeth slid her hand down Henry's arm to link her fingers with his, tugging him to his feet. He reached behind her to switch off his desk lamp, then slid his arms around Elizabeth's waist, drawing her into his embrace.

"Just don't join the mile high club with anyone else," she warned, her voice muffled in the crook of his neck.

"Never, babe," Henry promised. He kissed her hair, then shifted his lips closer to her ear. "Did I ever tell you about the fantasy I have with you and an airplane?"

Elizabeth shivered at the sudden desire in his voice. "No, but come to bed, and you can now."