Work Text:
Penelope is lying on her bed with her legs propped up against the wall. It’s the second day of her period and the excruciating pain that she feels is like no other. Her hips feel tight and heavy and her aching legs feel as if they have been wrung out. The pain in her lower back, the pain that has always accompanied her period, is almost unbearable.
If she could remove her lower body so she could massage her hips and legs herself, she would.
“Pen?” a voice calls out.
“Colin? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at work.”
“I bought you these.” He lifts up his left hand which holds a full grocery bag.
“What are those?” she asks.
Colin flashes a giddy, enthusiastic smile at her.
“Period supplies. I got you pads, a hot bag because I know yours doesn’t retain heat well, ibuprofen, and your favorite snacks.” He takes each item out of the bag, one after another. He looks excited, like a kid eager to show off his new toys.
“Does my having a period excite you? And how do you know I’m on my period anyway?”
Their bed dips as Colin sits at the edge of it. Penelope looks at him while he undresses, peeling off his work clothes until he’s only in his boxers. Why is he taking his clothes off?
“Lie flat, love,” he instructs. Despite her confusion, she follows his command. He nudges her legs apart, placing himself within the space between them. She lets out a sigh of relief when she feels his warm, heavy hand on her tummy. “I have your period tracker on my phone. We downloaded it last month, remember?”
They did download a period tracker last month when Colin came home with Pen lying in the fetal position, crying from period cramps. She didn’t have any pain medication in stock, and she was too fatigued to get out of the house, so she endured the ache for hours. When Colin asked her why she didn’t call him, she said she didn’t want to be a bother, a burden.
He made her promise after that, to call him whenever she needs him. And to keep in mind that they’re finally together, which means she can stop enduring her pain alone. She has him to share her burdens with now.
“I saw that you entered the first day of your period earlier,” he continues. “I took a day off so I can take care of you. I love taking care of you.”
“You didn’t need to skip work, you know.”
“I know, but I want to. Do you think I could focus at work knowing that you’re here alone? Suffering?”
Penelope can’t stop her eyes from rolling. Silly man.
“I am not suffering. It’s just period pain.”
“Stop minimizing your pain, love. And please let me take care of you.” He leans down to kiss the plump flesh just above the band of her knickers. “I am here. I will always be here to take care of you.”
They stay like that for minutes—Colin with his cheek resting on her belly, peppering kisses from time to time, and Penelope carding her fingers through his curls.
“Thank you, love. Thank you for looking out for me,” she says.
“Thank you for allowing me,” he answers. “And you,” he says to her tummy. “Stop causing my girlfriend pain, or else you’ll have to fight me.”
Their room is filled with their joint laughter. The pain that Penelope felt earlier is almost gone. Maybe it’s true what they say—laughter, especially when shared with the person you love, is the best medicine.