Denial
Requested by wdedalus about forever ago...a sequel to this drabble. Enjoy!
Mary watched her husband with a critical eye as he entered their bedroom, having changed into his pajamas. He was smiling, or at least trying to, but Mary knew better. “How are you holding up? You did quite well in the match.”
He shrugged and undid his dressing gown. “I’m doing well. And I probably hindered the team more than helping it, in all honesty, but we won and that’s really all that Robert cares about.”
“You’re not in…any pain, are you?” She had to approach him sensitively, because despite the fact that he tried to be honest with her, Matthew hated letting anyone know if he was ill or in pain. He tried to suffer through whatever pain he felt, and was mortified if anyone suspected that he was hurting. She knew that if he overexerted himself, he would end up sore, but he chose to live in mild ignorance of that fact. He was careful, but in denial.
“Mary…” He gave her a meaningful glance as if to ask her to not bring it up, but he didn’t deny it either.
She raised her eyebrows. “Are you?”
“I’m fine, Mary. Don’t worry about me.”
“That’s my job. I am your wife, I will worry about you. Is your back hurting you or not?” She got up from the vanity and took his hand. “You can tell me. I’ll know the answer soon enough.”
He closed his eyes, swallowing quickly. Swallowing his pride. “It hurts a little bit, but I’ll be fine after some sleep.”
“Come here,” Mary said, sitting on her side of the bed delicately. She beckoned for him to come. “You should lie down.”
“Very well. Really though, I’m fine. I’ve had worse.” He closed his eyes, out of both fatigue and frustration, and carefully lowered himself down on the bed. He couldn’t hold in the groan that escaped him as he sat. Mary shook her head. “Darling, do you want me to rub your back? I mean, if you’re sure you’re not hurting, I don’t have to…”
He sighed quietly. Mary wouldn’t leave him be until he admitted to being in pain. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. But if you’d like, I guess…” She scooted towards him and unbuttoned his pajama shirt, allowing her fingers to rest on his chest longer than was necessary. “Turn over.”
“Don’t worry so much, Mary,” he said as he turned over with a groan. “Honestly, I’m okay.”
“Oh, don’t be so obstinate. You’re too stubborn for you own good, you know,” she said, rubbing his back gently, tracing her fingers over the multiple scars that marred it.
“That makes two of us.”
Despite his efforts to deny his pain, it was obvious that the massage released some of his tension, and he seemed more relaxed with each ministration. He sighed in relief, loving the feel of Mary’s smooth hands on his rough back.
“Feel better, darling?” She gave a slight smirk, settling into her side of the bed.
“Much, thank you. In fact…” He reached for her, pulling her down and stroking her face gently. “Perhaps a little reward might please you.” He kissed her, so full of love for his beautiful and caring wife.
She ran her fingers through his soft hair and kissed him in return.
