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When Odysseus finally returned home, sex was the last thing on his mind, and the same went for Penelope.
So much had changed, and it would've been unwise for them to jump right back into that aspect of their relationship.
Odysseus was glad for this. He wanted to take things slow.
Months passed by and, finally, Penelope made a move.
Telemachus was out of the house, so the pair had their home all to themselves, and Penelope was finding Odysseus particularly attractive this day.
So, her hands began to travel his body a bit. It was nothing crazy. She knew he'd been through a lot. But it was clear where this was headed.
Odysseus loved her dearly, and he figured enough time had passed, so he swallowed down the bile rising in his throat and allowed her traveling hands.
He allowed her to take off his top and touch his bare skin, though it was getting harder and harder to hide his reactions.
As much as he hated that his brain did so, he couldn't help but feel Calypso's hands traveling his body, taking advantage of him when he was far too exhausted to fight it.
Penelope could tell something was wrong, and she stopped. Odysseus was shaking like a leaf and looked physically ill.
"What's wrong, my love?" she asked softly, moving her hands to caress his cheek. This only seemed to make him worse, though, so she quickly retracted. "Do you want to stop?"
"I'm sorry" Odysseus said, tears beginning to fall down his face. He looked terrified. "I don't think I can do this, I'm sorry"
"Hey, hey, it's okay" Penelope soothed, helping him get his top back on. "It's okay, my love. We don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. It's okay. Just focus on my breaths, okay?"
It took a while but, with Penelope's guidance, Odysseus eventually managed to calm down, grounded back to the present.
"I'm sorry" he apologized again, more solemn this time. Penelope shook her head.
"None of that" she dismissed. "Would you like to just cuddle?"
"Yeah" Odysseus nodded, grateful that she wasn't prying about the issue. Maybe one day he'd be able to tell her about Calypso, but he needed more time. "Thank you"
"No need, my love"