Downton Christmas Countdown!

Dec 12th: Younger in Sleep.

Bates could not sleep. He rolled over to face his wife, his beautiful wife. Her face looked less tired, less worn in sleep. Bates wanted desperately to sleep. He and Anna had stayed up late the last few nights, making "the most" of their time together. He was cold, even though the blankets were enough to keep him warm. He shivered as he sat up, looking around the room. The discarded clothing lay in a heap on the floor, where it seemed to be taking up permanent residence. He had on pajama pants now, and Anna was wearing her nightgown, but it had been only a short time ago that they had finished, and decided to call it a night. He swung his feet over the edge of the bed, and walked over to the window. The world outside was buried in snow, bright moonlight casting a glow into the dark bedroom.

John was melancholy, yet he wasn't sure why. He was home, his misfortunes behind him, sharing a home with his beautiful wife, Anna. Yet he was sad. He didn't know what more he could ask for. The far-off lights of the Abbey could be seen in the distance...

He heard a rustling noise, and Anna walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulder, her wedding ring cool on his flesh. "Come back to bed. It's freezing." She whispered. He turned around, and smiled at her. She was a nice sight, in her white nightgown and loose hair falling around her face. He obliged and walked back to bed.

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Once her husband was asleep, Anna couldn't notice how he looked younger in sleep, and not as worn. But she didn't care. She'd love him no matter how old he was.