Our Future, Together (Zenyuki)

Healing

While most things had gone back to normal, some things just couldn't change.
Shirayuki no longer gave off the aura of a determined teenager driven by love, but more rather, a wise young woman with the comfort and capability of a mother. Everywhere she went she could put people at ease, but somehow at the same time feel the tiniest bit sad. Her being a mother who had lost her child just months before, gave off almost a haunting presence. She still remained her cheerful self, but everyone could feel the hurt she would always feel.
However, life continued on.
Zen had to stop taking so much time off to be with his wife so he could catch up on the work his brother Izana demanded he took care of, and Shirayuki slowly but surely readjusted to working back in her office as well as the pharmacy. Everyone welcomed her back with open arms, but were weary and felt deeply sorry for the girl. While they definitely had less time to do so, whenever Zen and Shirayuki could spend time together they would cherish it, whether it be visiting Shirayuki in the greenhouse during Zen's fifteen minute breaks, or them purposely not getting any sleep so they could stay up all night taking moon lit walks. Those were the moments that counted to them.
While they kept in touch emotionally, Shirayuki had had some troubles readjusting after avoiding all physical contact for a good few weeks. While she wouldn't reject them, hand holds and kisses generally made her uncomfortable. Zen was terrified he had done something wrong, and worried about it for weeks. They sat in bed, late at night.
"Shirayuki,"
He started, staring at the ceiling above.
"Do I make you uncomfortable?"
Shirayuki, who was laying on her side facing away, turned to sit on her back while moving her head to face him.
"Of course not. Why would you ask that?"
He turned his head to her, their noses almost touching.
"You don't seem to like holding my hand, or cuddling. And you never make the effort to be physically affectionate."
Her eyes sharpened, and her face looked sad.
"I don't know why I've been this way, Zen. I'm sorry."
He shook his head and hands, desperately trying let her know that she didn't have to be.
"No, no. You don't have to apologize, and it doesn't irritate me. I just want to make sure you're okay."
She shifted uncomfortably, and turned her body completely.
"I'm fine, really."
She bit her lip.
"Zen... it isn't that I don't want to be. I want so badly to be more intimate with you, but every time I try to get myself to think that way, I... I start to get sad. I don't know why."
Zen, now also facing his whole body towards her, reached his left hand out to grasp her shoulder, but stopped just before touching her.
"Take as long as you need."
Zen sighed as his hand returned to his side.
"I will be here always, to talk to you, to cry to, and to love you. Nothing physical needs to happen to prove that love, Shirayuki. You will forever be mine, and I will forever be yours, through thick and thin. I don't at all blame you for feeling the way you feel, and it is delicate. Take your time with it, and handle yourself with care. I will always be here to help and remind you of that."
Shirayuki, tearing up, looked at him in pure love.
Her graceful hand rose and her fingers went to Zen's face. She cried softly as she traced the outline of Zen's jaw.
"Thank... You."
He smiled gently as she continued to cry, her hand now fully placed on his cheek. Her other hand came up and guided Zen's to her face, craving him to caress her as they used to.
"But I don't always want to take my time."
Zen chuckled, now rubbing her soft cheek.
"Then don't. Do whatever makes you most comfortable."
She moved in closer, removing her hands from his face to wrap around his torso tightly, crying his name. He returned the hug and moved his hand to her hair to massage it. She cried, perhaps out of relief, feeling his warmth under the crisp night air. He let her, just soothing her until the crying slowly stopped, her drifting into sleep wrapped in Zen's arms.
Physical affection isn't necessary, but it sure is wonderful.