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Naoya let out a relieved breath as your fingers work magic on his scalp. The floral scent of the soap, the warmth brushing against his skin, and the sound of running water. All had worked together in harmony, creating a serene setting for his fatigue body.
A soft smile graced your lips as you sat on a stool, just outside of the luxurious bathtub. Hands working wonders, running through Naoya's blonde hair. Making sure to give just enough pressure to massage his head the way he likes it.
When Naoya came home today, you could see the deep frown adorning his handsome face and there was smoke coming out of his head. You had known it had been a hard and long day for him. Truth be told, it has been going on for quite some time now and the first time you asked, he quickly snapped and disappeared into his study. The door was slammed shut and you took that as a code that he didn't want to be bothered. However, at 10PM, Naoya has yet to come out. You slowly place a cup of tea before making yourself comfortable on the couch in his study. Just making sure he wasn't alone.
Now, after almost a full week of Naoya coming home, you have finally managed to convince him to accept your help with bathing. With Naoya’s fatigue slowly evaporating away alongside the steam of the bath, you could see the muscles on his shoulder slowly relaxing as he sank deeper. You let out a small giggle, happy to see your act manage to help him even just by a bit. Naoya has been a very supporting husband throughout your married life and you want to be able to help, even in the most simple way.
“Feeling better, darling?” All Naoya could do was nod, not in the mood to say anything. “Lean your head back, please, I’m going to wash the shampoo off.”
Naoya did as he was told, letting his head hang on the edge of the bathtub as you slowly poured water on his hair, making sure to be careful to not splash his face or get any soap in his eyes. Squirting a bit of conditioner, something he definitely needed for his bleached hair, you slowly curled your hair through his hair. Making sure it was spread evenly through every part.
The two of you sat in silence, not that you minded, as it created a serene setting you seldom have. The soft splashes of water from every movement Naoya made was music to your ears, you didn’t even have to hum a song to fill the smallest bit of void.
As you finished washing his hair, Naoya’s deep emerald eyes stared directly to yours, there was a sense of belonging lingering. You could stare into his eyes for eternity if you wanted but you knew it was not the most comfortable position for him. Giving him a soft kiss on his forehead, you flashed him a genuine smile before standing up, ready to leave him.
“And where do you think you’re going?”
Stopping on your tracks right at the door, you look back to your husband with a confused look. You tilted your head. “To give you some personal time, darling, I’ll be in our bedroom.”
“No. Come back here.” Naoya’s hand motioned you to come closer and despite your confusion, you did as you were told. “Take off your clothes, join me.”
His orders were prompt, something you had gotten used to after being married for some years now. As you slowly peeled your clothes one by one, placing them neatly by the bathroom sink, your body shivered at the cold winter air blowing. Not willing to wait longer in the cold, you dipped your feet into the bathtub, slightly moaning at how comforting the warmth was.
Naoya pulled you flushed against him once you were fully submerged, your back against his toned chest. With one of his arms wrapped around your waist, hand squeezing your side in a protective manner. It was as if you’d melt into the water if he let go. His other hand was busy playing with the tips of your hair, wet from the water.
Being in Naoya’s arms always felt comforting for you, you felt safe, taken care of. If there was a choice of staying in this position for the rest of your life, you’re willing to throw everything away. Alas, Naoya has clan business he always needs to attend to and you have to wait at home.
He brought you comfort, not just financially but also emotionally, he brought you safety and you were thankful for him. Naoya may expect a lot from his partner but he had put himself in the same standard, it was made clear he was to work while his wife would be the one to take care of their home and their child. He kept true to his words.
Your child . The word mingled longer in your head than you anticipated. Even after being together after so long, you were yet to be blessed with a child. In the first year of your marriage, rumors had spread about how the wife of the Zenin Head was infertile. It hurt, their words hurt. You had requested to see the doctor and Naoya was more than happy to oblige. You force yourself to believe it was for your own piece of mind but in the back of your mind, you knew it was to prove them wrong. They were.
However, it only stressed you out more, it’s not like the two of you didn’t try. You missed count on how many times the two of you had tried but still to no avail. Sometimes, it makes you wonder why Naoya stuck with you.
“Darling?”
“Hm?”
Suddenly your throat feels dry, you regret even opening your mouth. There was a possibility you were going to ruin the serenity with your question. Yet, you can’t back down now.
“Why did you stay?” The question seemed vague at first, you gulped, trying to compose yourself. “I have yet to give you…an heir .”
The end came out more as a whisper. The grip around your waist became loose and you could feel his hand on your hair had disappeared. Your body stiffen and you were afraid to look him straight in the eyes. The air in the room felt like it had been sucked away, creating an awful tension. You had fucked up .
A splash was heard as Naoya pulled his arm out of the water and you braced yourself for any anger that may strike. Yet, all you could feel was his arm wrapping around your shoulder, pulling you into a tighter embrace. Naoya had buried his face on the crook of your neck, breathing in your scent.
This was….unexpected. You were still, not daring to move.
“ Why did you ask that? ” While it seems like a normal question, Naoya’s voice was stern and there was a hint of hurt and anger behind it.
Naoya’s question was answered with silence as you kept your mouth shut, not knowing what to answer. A long sigh escaped his lips and his hand moved from your shoulder to grab your chin, turning your face towards him.
It came as a surprise to you to see Naoya’s hurt expression. Did you do that…?
Naoya’s eyes stared deeply into yours, captivating you to keep your focus on him. He wants to make sure you heard him loud and clear. “ I don’t give a shit we don’t have a brat yet,” The words were harsh but Naoya had said it very softly. “ You’re the perfect wife for me, you cater to my every need just the way I like it. Wife, you are perfect. ”
There was emphasis on the last few words of his sentence and you could feel your heart swelling inside your chest. Your husband has never been vocal about his ‘ mushy ’ feelings and yet, here he is. Barring all of his heart, it may not seem much for others, but you knew it wasn’t easy for him to say those words.
Unconsciously, tears of happiness fell down against your cheek. Dropping into the water with a tiny splash. Using his thumb, Naoya softly wiped your tears away before pressing a soft kiss on your eyelids. The act felt so gentle and intimate, you could feel your heart thumping faster.
“Never once have I regretted marrying you.” Naoya said before pulling you into his embrace, sinking deeper into the warm water.
And that was all you needed. It was as if the anxious thoughts had disappeared from your mind and you snuggled deeper against his chest. Feeling warmth, not only physically from the water but also emotionally.
“I never regret accepting your hand in marriage,” You said, reciprocating his confession.
“ I’m glad to have you as my wife, thank you .”
“I love you, Naoya.”
“ I love you too, my wife .”