It was hard for Josh when his husband was confident enough to take his shirt off in front of him.

"Baby, you're beautiful," Josh said. "You know I think you're beautiful. There is nothing in the world that could possible make me think you're not beautiful."

"I-I'm okay," Tyler said softly.

"We're married, Tyler," Josh said. "We're married and there's no reason to be ashamed of your body."

Tyler shook his head.

Josh sighed. He wanted more than anything to say "I take my shirt off in front of you all the time, why can't you?" But he knew it would hurt him.

Their entire honeymoon, they didn't even have sex. Every night, Josh would say something to try to get it going, but Tyler wouldn't take it. He just wouldn't do it.

It was the last night of their week long honeymoon, and Josh was a little on edge.

"A-are you upset?" Tyler asked softly.

"Am I upset? Am I upset?" Josh snapped. "No, I'm not upset at all that my husband won't take his fucking shirt off in front of me because he doesn't believe that I love him! I'm not upset at all that I've waited for three years to have sex with the person I love because they didn't feel ready for it, and now that we finally can have it, they won't! No, Tyler, I'm not upset at all!"

Tyler flinched at how loud Josh was yelling at him. It made him shake. He was scared and felt so small.

But instead of running to the bathroom to hide, he took in a deep breath and lifted up his shirt, taking it off.

He revealed dozens of scars all along his abdomen, Josh's eyes widening.

"O-oh my god," Josh said. "O-oh my god, Tyler..."

"T-this is why," Tyler sniffled softly. "I-it's not that I thought I was fat o-or that I didn't trust you. I-it's a personal thing."

"Baby," Josh said. "O-oh, baby, come here." He quickly pulled Tyler onto the bed with him, lying him down.

"Baby, I'm so sorry I yelled," Josh said. "I'm so, so sorry. But please, please tell me these aren't recent," he said as he looked at the scars.

"T-they aren't," Tyler said quietly.

Josh let out a sigh of relief. "When are they from, honey?"

"A-a few months ago."

"A few months ago?" Josh asked. "Tyler, that's recent."

Tyler shrugged.

"A-are you... a-are you doing it anymore?" Josh asked.

Tyler shook his head. "N-no."

Josh nodded, kissing Tyler's forehead. "I shouldn't have raised my voice at you, baby. I'm so, so sorry. I should have respected your insecurity."

"I-it's okay," Tyler said. "I-I get that I was being frustrating."

Josh shook his head, opening his mouth to say something then closing it. He instead began to kiss each scar, wiping Tyler's tears with each one.

The boys didn't have sex that night.

They didn't even have sex once they got home, either.

It took about a month to get Tyler to a point where he was ready for it, and once he was, they took it slow.

It took a few times for Tyler to start to enjoy it, but eventually, he did, and Josh did as well.

As the scars healed, Tyler did too. He was much happier and more energetic and just more... there mentally.

Josh would be forever grateful.