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Odysseus stared at his son's face, lit up by the moonlight, delicate and full of innocence. It wasn't often that they'd find him this quiet. In fact, if it wasn't for the few hours of sleep he got each day, their life would be full of nonstop giggling and babbling from the boy.
He loved it, of course. He found the sound melodic and comforting in a way. It was a reminder of everything great in his life.
Arms wrapped around his waist from behind, pulling him closer. He felt Penelope rest her chin against his shoulder. "Have i bored you?"
"No. Never." Odysseus answered without a moment's hesitation.
"Then why have you left our bed?" She questioned, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck.
Odysseus leaned back into her as he spoke. "I couldn't sleep, knowing our little boy was over here all alone."
"He's not alone." She moved to sit next to him, rather than behind him. "We're right here."
"I know, but still." He spoke, eyes never leaving his son. "Look at his little fingers, penny. He's so small."
"I know." She said.
The baby let out a quiet whine and squirmed, causing Odysseus to tense up. He stood up and moved closer to him immediately. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Penelope followed him. "He's fine, my love. He's simply dreaming."
Odysseus frowned, looking back up at her. "But what if something is wrong?"
As silly as it may seem, Odysseus' concern wasn't unfounded. After all, the birth wasn't an easy one. The fact that they both survived was a miracle Odysseus will forever be grateful for.
Although even then, Telemachus was born fragile. The midwife had predicted he wouldn't survive for long and It broke their hearts. Nevertheless, they treated him well and never let him out of their sight. For a while they even ran shifts of who would sleep first so that one of them would always be able to watch him.
Months passed since then, and he's better now. Still, their worry never faltered. There was always that small chance, and they weren't willing to take it.
"Would it bring you comfort if we brought him back to bed with us?" Penelope offered.
"Yes, it would." Odysseus moved closer, pecking her lips. "Thank you so much, my dearest beloved."
Penelope smiled when he picked up their boy. He held him close to his chest, and kept his eyes on him the whole walk back. He even rocked him slightly to ensure that he'd remain asleep.
Joy chased away at the exhaustion as she watched the endearing sight. There was slight concern due to the fact Odysseus wasn't watching his step, but other than that she couldn't have been happier.
She helped him into the bed, making sure Telemachus wouldn't be too disturbed by the movement. then once that was done, she climbed in next to them.
She continued to silently take in the sight for a few more minutes, not wanting to disturb the peace. Seeing her husband act so soft with their son made her fondness for him grow even more.
To marry him was the best decision she had ever made.
"You two are adorable." She said, her voice soft.
"And who's fault is that?" Odysseus shot back competitively, giving her a look that she knew all too well.
Penelope grinned, accepting the challenge. "Well he has your looks, doesn't he? So clearly it's your fault."
Odysseus gasped, feigning offense. "That doesn't even make sense. He's still too young to tell that. Besides, you're the one who carried him for eight months, and gave birth to him. So if it's anyone's fault, it's yours."
"We can keep this up all night. You know you'll never win." Penelope moved closer, pressing a kiss onto Odysseus' cheek. "So shush, and accept defeat."
"Never." He pecked her lips in retaliation. "I will convince you that it's your fault. Just you wait."
"In your dreams."
Just as Odysseus opened his mouth to bring up another point, Penelope pressed her finger onto his lips. "I told you to shush, didn't I?"
He stared at her wide eyed for a few moments before slowly nodding. The feeling of her finger against his lips was impossible to ignore.
"And are you going to listen and actually 'shush' now?" She continued, never breaking eye contact.
Odysseus noded once more.
"Good." She smiled, and moved away. "We wouldn't want to disturb our dearest boy with our noise, now, would we? Plus, I'd also like to sleep."
Odysseus watched as she laid down and got comfortable, before pouting dramatically. "I thought you liked my voice."
"I do." She let out a quiet chuckle. "I love it."
"Then why are you shutting me up?" He laid down next to her. He made sure to be extra careful when it came to putting Telemachus down.
"Because you're going to wake up the baby."
"And is that really so bad?" Odysseus tilted his head. "I miss him so much."
"Well, if you wake him up from his sleep, then you're the one who'll have to deal with how cranky he gets." She warned, a slight smile on her lips
"He doesn't get that cranky." He said in an attempt to defend his son, despite knowing that her words were true.
"Sure he doesn't," a yawn interrupted her words. "But if you continue to talk, then I might be the one getting cranky."
Odysseus took in the sight of his wife, laying down with her eyes half lidded. For a moment, he considered begging her to stay awake, but he knew better.
Just a few months ago, she was carrying his son. Just a few months ago, she almost died giving birth to that son. She deserves to rest, even if he'd much rather stay up all night talking to her and admiring their baby.
"Fine, I'll let you sleep."
"Thank you."
He watched her get lulled away into a realm of peaceful dreams, and smiled.
"Sleep well, my darling loves." Odysseus whispered. He leaned in, pressing a kiss onto her forehead first, then doing the same to their son.
Thanks to the tranquility of the night, sleep managed to lure him in not long after. This was the happiest he'd ever been. Getting to marry what he's sure to be the love of his life was the biggest honor and greatest accomplishment of his, but that title was being swayed by his sweetest joy: a son, his son.
His son that he will get to see grow up and flourish. He simply could not wait for all the memories they were bound to make, to learn everything about him, to watch him grow up to be a strong king. to be by his wife's side through all the stages of growth.
Truly, he couldn't even think of regretting anything that had led up to this moment. He was so perfectly serene as he lost consciousness, he couldn't help but pray to the gods to stay in this moment forever.