You had been thinking about something lately. With Simon home on leave from his military service, the two of you had spent a lot of time together, and it was impossible not to notice a pattern in your relationship. When things got heated in the bedroom, Simon never took the dominant role. It wasn’t something you minded — not at all — but it did strike you as unusual. A man like him, exuding confidence and authority in so many aspects of his life, seemed like the kind of person who’d naturally take charge. Yet, he never did.

Your relationship was built on honesty, and Simon always encouraged open communication. So, one afternoon, you decided to ask him about it.

You found him in the living room, lounging on the couch with the TV on. The moment he spotted you, his eyes lit up, with a soft smile plaguing his face. You walked over and slid into his arms, curling up against him. You simply enjoyed the closeness, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the feeling of his hand absentmindedly tracing patterns on your back.

Finally, you gathered the courage to speak, your voice soft. “Simon… can I ask you something?”

“Always,” he replied, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

You hesitated, unsure how to phrase it without sounding critical. “Why don’t you ever… you know, take the lead? In bed, I mean.”

You felt him tense beneath you, his hand stilling. His breathing hitched slightly, and he cleared his throat. “It’s not… I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just…” His voice faltered, and he shifted uncomfortably. He sighed and leaned his head back against the couch.

“I… I haven’t told you this before,” he began quietly, his voice barely audible. “But I was sexually assaulted. A long time ago. And… being dominant, it brings back memories I’d rather not relive.” His words came out haltingly.

Your heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. This man, who carried so much weight on his shoulders, was now trusting you with something deeply painful.