Chapter Text
Your husband has that look in his eyes. It’s not hunger, not entirely. His desire for you is far greater, more emotional than physical, it transcends flesh and bone. Knowing all this, it should be easier to let him touch you again, but some irrational part of your brain keeps worrying, what if. What if he sees you, flesh littered with scars, and will no longer want you?
It is absurd. You refuse him nonetheless. Excuses muttered into the pillow, you roll to your side and go to sleep.
Sasuke persists. “You’ve been avoiding me lately. Why?” He whispers, as to not wake your child. Your child. You imagine her, sleeping soundly in her crib, and your heart flutters.
“I…” A sigh escapes your lips. “I just…I haven’t been feeling very well ever since Aiko’s birth, is all.”
There is unhidden panic in his voice. “Are you in any pain? You have to see the doctor if-“
“It’s not that!” You turn to face him, tears already threatening to spill. You feel stupid, and like you failed somehow. “I don’t look like I did the day you married me. Is that…a problem?”
The look on his face is nothing short of surprised. Shaking his head, he takes your hands into his, squeezing tightly. “Listen to me. You have brought a new life into this world after nine months of hardship. Those are your battle scars. You should be proud of them.” He gives you a small smile. “I know I am.”
Words fail you, so you kiss him instead. Responding with equal passion, he locks his arms around you in a tight embrace, and you begin to remember just what you’ve been missing.