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She was late, Daryl thought as he paced about his lab.
Melody always visited him on Monday evenings… with food!
The scientist grumbled alongside his stomach. It was Tuesday afternoon, for crying out loud! Where was she?!
Fed up with not being fed, Daryl exited his lab to see what the hold up was.
Upon reaching Harmony Farm, Daryl was confused to see Takakura talking to the farm animals. Wasn’t that how Melody did things? Why was he taking her role?
With Takakura’s focus elsewhere, Daryl was able to reach Melody’s house undetected. It was too easy without that dog barking.
Wait… Why wasn’t the dog barking?
As he creaked the door open, his question was answered with the sound of barking coming from inside.
“Mmmm….” a low whine came from the bed in the main room. “Nooo…”
A pale hand emerged from within the mass of blankets and pet the dog.
“Shhhh...”
“I thought he was an outdoor dog,” Daryl mused aloud.
“Hm?” the pile of blankets rustled, a messy haired face emerging from within. “Who?”
Melody squinted, unable to see him clearly without her glasses.
“It’s me, Daryl. What is going on here?!” the scientist asked, feeling frustrated and confused. “Why is Takakura doing your job? Where were you yesterday?”
Melody let out a low groan and fumbled for her glasses, placing them on.
“Oh… Daryl…” she coughed into her arm a few times, sounding a bit wheezy. “I’m so sorry. I forgot to bring you dinner…”
Daryl’s brows creased, a new feeling replacing his frustration. Guilt?
“It is… okay. I can see you’re ill. I can wait until you have healed.”
“No,” she tossed of her blankets and stood, wrapping her arms around herself as the lack of blankets made her freeze. “I’ll go get it…”
She attempted to walk to the kitchen, only to catch her foot on a blanket, collapsing to the floor with a yelp, followed with a low groan.
“Melody!” Daryl yelped, fearful for her safety. What should he do?! What should he do?!
“Takakura!” the scientist yelled as he feebly hovered his hands over Melody’s form, unsure of how to help.
The door to the little house burst open as Takakura rushed in.
“What happened?!” the gruff older man barked at Daryl before crouching down and helping Melody back up into bed.
“I tripped,” Melody quietly answered, sitting back down and bundling herself in blankets.
“You need to rest,” Takakura firmly reminded. “What were you doing up?”
“I forgot to bring Daryl’s dinner yesterday,” the farmer coughed. “It’s in the fridge in a plastic container.”
“I’ll get it,” Takakura grumbled and left the room.
Daryl frowned deeply, wishing he could disappear into the shadows. Why did he feel so awful suddenly? He was starving minutes ago, but now his appetite was miles away…
When Takakura handed him the meal, Daryl actually found himself feeling a little queasy.
“...Thank you…” he muttered quietly, not looking up at either of them.
Keeping his eyes on the floor, the scientist fumbled his way to the door and excused himself from the residence.
“What was that?!” Daryl shouted at his mirror. “What is wrong with you, Daryl?!”
He ran his hands through his hair,
“You lost your composure! And for what?! Because some farmhand yelled at you?! Because a farmer was sick?!”
He grumbled and exited his bathroom, pacing around the lab.
“It’s ridiculous,” he huffed, forcing himself to sit down and consider his newest energy storage attempt.
“Hrm…” he stood up and began pacing again. “I know there’s a way to make this work. Maybe if I consider another variable…”
The scientist stopped at his blackboard and erased an old equation, scribbling a new one in its place.
“And if I mark this with ‘m’ I can-”
He froze in place and dropped his chalk.
“…”
He hadn’t written an m variable… He had written ‘Melody.’
This wasn’t the first time he’d accidentally written a name instead of just a letter… but this was the first time it wasn’t ‘Flora.’
“What just happened?” Daryl asked himself as he stared at his shaking hands. “I can’t work like this.”
He forced himself to sit down once more. Scratching at his scalp in frustration, the scientist grumbled. “What is wrong with me?!”
Growling, he stared ahead and tried to get his thoughts in order.
“I seem to be… emotional. Damn it, Daryl!”
He let out a huff.
“Well, I suppose the first step to solving a problem is addressing it,” he sighed.
“I am… concerned. Why? Am I worried I won’t get my food? … That can’t be it. When I was given my food, I lost my appetite.”
Another growl.
“I do not want Melody to be ill and it not because of the food.”
He folded his arms.
“Perhaps… I have come to enjoy her company,” he finally considered. “She is interested in my scientific endeavors and is always… kind to me.”
He could feel his face heating up. Damn it! He did not want to be admitting this!
“I want her to return.”
He shook his head. “Of course she will return! Why would she stop?”
Daryl rose from his seat and began to pace once more.
“Her illness is very likely temporary. She is in ideal health otherwise… Although her father died of heart complications. Perhaps she has issues lying dormant.”
He froze.
“Perhaps these issues are rising to the surface… No!” he shouted, frantically scratching his scalp. “She must not die!”
He didn’t question why this must be this time.
“I just need to make sure she’s okay,” he mumbled with a sense of sadness, rather than frustration.
Abandoning his lab for the moment, he headed for Melody’s farm once more.
This time around, Takakura caught sight of him.
“What are you doing here?”
“I do not have time for you, Daryl growled. “I need to make sure Melody will recover.”
Takakura paused. For some reason, he doubted Daryl was worried about losing his food. Perhaps he was genuinely concerned for the farmer.
“...Sorry I yelled at ya…” Takakura muttered, turning away and allowing Daryl to enter Melody’s house.
Upon entering her home, he saw that Melody seemed to be sleeping… That was good. If she was to recover, she needed to rest.
But would she recover?
...He began to pace about the room, causing the floor to occasionally creak.
“Mm…” Melody started to stir.
“Melody!” Daryl gasped in anticipation. Was she getting better?
“Daryl?” she groaned and sat upright, placing her glasses on. “What are you doing back?”
Oh… This was unpleasant…
Daryl grumbled and looked at his feet.
“I was simply making sure you are going to recover.” He glanced up at her. “Are you going to recover?”
Melody blinked and was silent a moment. Was Daryl… worried about her? That was sweet…
Had she not been flushed from fever, she’d have been red for another reason. She offered him a smile.
“Of course I will,” she assured before coughing. “Sorry… Doctor Baddoch thinks I may have the flu. I just need to rest and drink plenty of fluids.”
Daryl nodded, averting his gaze and stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“I’ll be okay, really,” Melody spoke softly. “You can go home. I’ll let you know when I’m better.”
Daryl stared at the floor and tapped his foot anxiously. “I… do not want to leave.”
Oh… he was really worried…
“...Then you can stay as long as you want,” she offered. “I can’t really entertain you though. You’re welcome to look through my books or watch TV, but I need to rest.”
“...Okay,” Daryl agreed.
As Melody lay back down and close her eyes, Daryl simply observed.
It didn’t take long for the farmer to fall back asleep, Daryl noted when Melody began lightly snoring. A result of congestion, most likely.
He watched for a moment more before deciding she was okay in the moment. Taking her up on her offer, Daryl looked through what books she owned. She seemed to have several.
He wanted to look for something relevant to his interests, but he found himself more curious about what Melody liked to read.
Books on farming, that seemed a given… Animals… Dog training… Autism… Her collection was separated by subject and whether it was fictitious… He liked that.
Deciding on a book about cows (know your enemy) he sat cross legged on the floor and opened the front cover.
Daryl was surprised to find himself becoming engrossed in the book, the time flying for him.
After what felt like minutes, but was really two hours, Melody began to stir once more.
Tearing his eyes from the book, Daryl stood and rushed over to Melody’s side.
The woman groaned and sat up. “Owww….”
“Are you injured?” Daryl asked, startling Melody.
“Gah!” she yelped, devolving into a coughing fit.
“Are you okay?!” the scientist asked.
Catching her breath, Melody replied. “I will be… And I’m not injured. My body is just really sore.”
Daryl frowned and simply stood silently, unsure of what to do.
“It’ll be okay,” Melody reminded, getting out of bed.
Daryl gasped and grabbed her arm. “Be careful!” he scolded.
“Daryl,” she sighed, “I just need to use the restroom.”
“O-oh,” he let her go. “Just be careful.”
Daryl stuffed his hands into his pockets, feeling awkward.
Melody nodded and made her way to the restroom.
As she washed her hands, the sick farmer caught herself in the mirror. Oog. She looked a mess… and Daryl was here!
Letting out a whine, she did her best to clean herself up. It hurt like hell to move, but she wanted to be at least a little presentable.
She combed the tangles out of her long hair, noting that is was weighed down with sweat… She would need to wash it… A bath actually sounded good right about now. Then she could clean up properly.
“Daryl?” Melody called out as she made her way back to the main room, “I think I’m going to take a bath as well. You don’t need to stay, but if you do, you’re welcome to anything in the fridge.”
Daryl’s eyes widened at this, quickly realizing he’d calmed enough for his appetite to return and that he’d forgotten to eat completely. “Oh. Thank you.”
The scientist wasted no time checking the fridge as Melody gathered what she needed for her bath.
“Ahh…” Melody let out a quiet sigh as the warm water rose in the tub to envelop her. She needed this.
...Cleaning could wait. For now, she would simply let the water soothe her muscles and steam ease her sinuses. So peaceful…
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
...So much for that.
“Occupied!” Melody called out.
“I know,” Daryl announced through the door. “But I need to urinate… urgently!”
It was embarrassing to admit, but the scientist had been so distracted by everything that he’d neglected his own bodily needs. Completely forgotten them, at that.
Melody sighed. She really didn’t want to get up, but Daryl sounded seconds from bursting. Could she even get up in time?
“...The curtain’s closed,” she finally announced. “You can come in just this once. Just don’t tell anyone.”
Daryl nodded, even though Melody couldn’t see it, and rushed into the room.
Even with the curtain closed, Daryl did his best to allow her modesty and kept his gaze anywhere but the tub area as he relieved himself… or tried to.
‘What is this?!’ Daryl thought to himself. ‘I need relief desperately, but I can’t! Don’t tell me I have stage fright…’
This was taking forever… Melody thought to herself, the whole situation painfully awkward. Not only was she nude in the same room as Daryl, but he was likely indecent at this point.
“Daryl?”
The scientist grumbled.
“Are you almost done?”
Daryl shuffled in place. “I… can’t go.”
“Oh dear… Stage fright?” she asked.
The man flushed red, grateful she couldn’t see him.
“Y-yes.”
Melody sighed, then scolded herself. That would just make him more uneasy!
“Just try to relax,” she offered. “Take a deep breath and pretend I’m not here.”
With that, she went quiet.
…
The room was silent.
‘Poor, poor Daryl,’ she thought to herself… Ah, perhaps this would work!
The sound of Melody loudly splashing the water in the tub triggered the proper processes in Daryl, allowing him to do what he needed to do.
“Oh, thank science...” Daryl quietly uttered to himself.
‘Thank science? Heh. Cute,” Melody thought to herself.
“…”
“...You really had to go, huh?” Melody asked during the painfully long awkward moment.
“D-don’t talk to me while I’m urinating!” Daryl stammered out.
“Oh, sorry.”
Daryl grumbled.
After what felt like an eternity, he was done.
“...Never speak of this…” Daryl demanded as he washed his hands.
“Same to you,” Melody retorted.
Hastily closing the door behind him, Daryl returned to the kitchen to eat, hoping to get the whole scenario out of his head.
“Finally,” Melody sighed to herself, sinking back into the water.
As time passed, the water began to cool and Melody forced herself to actually clean up. Lather, rinse, lather, rinse, scrub… As she dried off, she found herself already missing the warm water…
Daryl had since returned to the book about cows, sitting cross legged on the floor once more.
“Oog…” Melody groaned to herself as she looked in the mirror. She had clean untangled hair, fresh pajamas, and a non sweaty body, but her face was still flushed with fever and the bags under her eyes betrayed how fatigued she was…
Well, it was the best she could do for now.
Returning to the main room, Melody paused as she saw Daryl on the floor. She was surprised he was still here.
“...You can sit in a chair, you know.”
Daryl looked up from the book and simply stated, “I’m comfortable down here.”
“…”
The scientist found himself staring.
What was it about Melody just now? She had just taken a bath and even though she was sick, she looked…
His face flushed.
...cute.
“Are you okay?” Melody asked as she noticed the man’s red cheeks. “Oh, no! I didnt’t get you sick, did I?”
“Huh?” Daryl shook his head, trying to come to his senses. “No. I’m alright. I was just distracted by…”
He scrambled for an excuse.
“… your pajamas. I didn’t know they made adult pajamas with rabbits on them.”
She looked down at her pajamas. She was indeed wearing the bunny ones… Did he think them immature? She frowned and began rearranging the blankets on her bed.
Noting the change in her expression, Daryl could only assume what he’d said had upset her somehow… He didn’t like that…
He was quiet as he went back to the book, trying to ignore the guilty sensation in his gut.
“…”
It wasn’t going away.
He looked up from the book.
“It’s good you have those pajamas. They look comfortable,” he remarked, trying to rectify whatever he’d said that upset her.
Oh? He didn’t find them silly?
Her smile returned. “They are! They’re one of my favorite pair!”
Despite himself, Daryl found himself smiling as well.
Slipping back under the covers, Melody bashfully lifted them to cover the lower half of her face.
He was so handsome when he smiled…
“Are you feeling any better?” he asked.
“I felt pretty good in the tub, but now I’m congested again,” she admitted. “I just need to rest. Really.”
Daryl nodded and went back to reading. He had been feeling better, but his prior worries were surfacing again.
“...You said your father passed of heart complications?”
“Yes?” Melody confirmed.
“Is it possible that-” he couldn’t finish the question.
Melody rose a brow, then realized what he was implying.
“Oh… Well, my mother did mention it may be genetic, so I had a bunch of exams done for my heart and everything came back normal. My heart is healthy.”
“Oh,” Daryl visibly relaxed, tension in his shoulders leaving as he sighed in relief.
Melody couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s really sweet that you’re so concerned about me.”
Daryl tensed again.
Though he lifted the book to obscure his face, Melody could tell the scientist had gone red.
Something about being called sweet must just get to him, she reasoned.
While Daryl did not believe himself a sweet person, he couldn’t help but feel happy that Melody believed he was.
His heart fluttered.
A coughing fit from Melody served as a good distraction from the moment.
She reached for her glass of water and sipped what little was left, setting the empty glass back on the side table. Shifting position, she tried to sleep again.
Daryl looked up to check on Melody’s condition, noticing the empty glass.
She was supposed to be drinking plenty of fluids to get better!
Letting out a huff, Daryl stood and took the glass, leaving to refill it.
“…” While he had initially planned to simply get her water, Daryl realized she hadn’t eaten the whole time he was there. She needed nutrition if she was to heal.
Knowing Melody was in no condition to cook for herself, Daryl realized he would have to do so.
Melody could hear the sound of pots and pans in her kitchen, but decided it best to ignore it. She did welcome Daryl to her food. It wasn’t a big deal if he wanted to cook it.
WHINE
She let out a sigh as that was a noise she couldn’t ignore. Standing up, she hoped no one would scold her for getting out of bed, and stealthily let her dog back inside.
Russet may be an outdoor dog, but he wanted to comfort his owner when she was unwell.
As Melody got back in bed, Russet jumped after, circling around before lying down in her lap.
“Good boy,” Melody softly cooed, petting the dog’s back.
Daryl soon re-entered the room to set the glass of water back on the side table. Upon spotting Melody petting the dog, he addressed her.
“I thought you were sleeping.”
“Russet wanted inside,” she replied simply. “What are you making in the kitchen?”
“Herbal soup,” Daryl answered. “It should be ready within the hour.”
Why did he need to tell her it would be ready soon. Wait…
“Daryl?”
“Yes?”
“Did you make the soup for me?”
“Yes. You are in no condition to cook and you must eat to recover. The soup should be easy on your stomach while still nourishing you sufficiently,” the scientist explained.
“Oh, goodness,” Melody covered her face, feeling incredibly bashful.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she squeaked.
“Then why are you covering your face?” Daryl asked.
“It’s just- well… cooking has always been a sort of love language for me…”
“Love language?!” Daryl sputtered.
“N-not like that!” Melody exclaimed. “It’s more of a- It’s like-”
She groaned. “I just find cooking a way to show I care about someone. I used to cook for my dad all the time. Having you do the same for me, just feels…” she glanced away.
“Like I care about you?” Daryl guessed.
Melody nodded.
“I do care about you,” he admitted, shoving his hands into his pockets and averting his gaze. He’d admitted this to himself, but it felt different to say so openly to her. Why?
“I care about you too,” the farmer replied softly, scratching the back of her neck.
Daryl’s shoulders rose as though to retreat from the moment. He soon retreated in a more literal manner.
“I need to check on the soup,” Daryl lied, darting into the kitchen.
Resting his back against the wall, the scientist tried to assess the situation. His heart was pounding, but he had not been physically exerting himself. Placing his hand to his chest, he could feel his heartbeat from the outside. He wasn’t imaging it.
...And he felt warmer than he should… He was certain his face was red again…
Why?! Why did she make him feel like this?! What was he even feeling?!
...He should focus on something else.
Deciding to invest himself in cooking, he was able to distract himself enough to calm down.
When the soup was done, Daryl brought a bowl out to Melody.
“Here. It’s hot, so be careful.”
“Thank you,” Melody carefully took the bowl from him, her fingers momentarily brushing his, causing her to smile sheepishly. “Sorry.”
She’d done nothing wrong, Daryl told himself… but he could feel his heart accelerate again. Why had a mere touch done that?
“It’s getting dark,” Daryl pointed out. “I should get going.”
“You go on ahead then. I’ll come visit you when I feel better. And thank you, Daryl. For everything.”
The scientist turned to hide his face, hoping she merely thought he was preparing to leave.
“...It was of little effort,” he assured and promptly left.