Laugh
This is a scene from prompt 53 Laugh in my ff.net fic 'Oddments'. Thomas and Elizabeth Cromwell. Drawn off of a picture of Frain (The Tudors' Cromwell) fro a play (I think - Thank you Google Images). I'm a little miffed that the boob is the only thing with definition, the shading in the hard copy is rather nice. Don't get me started on her face, I'm not happy with it at all. Just as I know she should be seven months pregnant, but I'm no artist. I'm really pleased with him though.
Laugh
Thomas knew it was to be one of those evenings when he found Elizabeth in just her chemise, curled, as best she could at seven months pregnant, in the fetal position before their bedroom mirror, sobbing.
“Elizabeth!” he cried, joining her on the floor, “What is the matter?”
“I’m fat!” She wailed. “I’m fat and I’m ugly and - and I can’t poop!” her voice cracked in despair.
Do. Not. Laugh. Do not laugh.
“No, you’re pregnant.” Thomas said, cradling her in his arms. She shook her head.
“I’m ffffat.”
“Pregnant.”
“Fat.”
“Pregnant.” he wasn’t sure why he bothered arguing with her about this. Before she was pregnant her logic was thin at times. When fathers complained that pregnancy stole their wife’s sanity they weren’t joking.
“Look at me Thomas!” Elizabeth exclaimed, ripping herself from his arms and standing before the mirror, tears streaming down her cheeks, “I’m a cow! M-m-moooooooo!”
Do. Not. Laugh.
Thomas stood and his arms reclaimed her.
“Listen to me Elizabeth, you are beautiful.”
“No I’m not!” She cried into his chest, “You’re ju-just saying that.” He turned her so she faced the mirror, back to his chest and with expert fingers removed the last of her clothing.
She closed her eyes tightly.
“Why are you doing this to me?” she whimpered.
“I am simply showing you what you are clearly not seeing.” He replied, “Now open your eyes and see what I see.” Slowly she did.
He held her tightly, resting his chin on her shoulder, his clothed arms around her the only fabric on her body. His hands rested protectively on the swollen bump that was their child.
Her stomach was larger, as were her breasts, the look in his dark eyes told her he didn’t mind that at all - especially not the second part. His hot gaze warmed her. He still loved her. He still wanted her. But how?
“So many other husbands take another when their wives look like me.” His heart broke.
“I am not other husbands, and you are not those wives.” His heart healed at he smile. She turned in his arms and kissed that spot along his jaw that she knew drove him wild.
It wasn’t fair. He was already aroused by the sight of her bare before him. If she had not been with child she would be a well and thoroughly loved woman at this moment. But she was pregnant. His excitement pressed against the bump as he hissed,
“Elizabeth.” She pulled back, flush pink all over.
“Oh Thomas, I’m sorry.” She giggled, “I should not have started what I cannot finish.” He took a deep breath.
“Do you still doubt your beauty and my desire for you?” she kissed his cheek.
“I never should have.”
“Do you feel better now?” she gave him one of her beautiful smiles and gathered her chemise.
“Yes, thank you.” She said, leaving him to get a hold of himself.
“Well, that makes exactly one of us.” He muttered looking down at his protruding desire.