---

The back porch is softer than Melones bed. It was a place he felt comfortable in, unlike his room, which he normally only went into to hide or spiral into another depressive episode.

(Y/n) stands in front of the same railing he often leaned against to study passing birds, and in that same place he'd smile with the little joy he could muster, their shoulders racked with quiet sobs.

He gazed at them, pitifully, with such an emotion of worry he nearly tripped when he attempted to limp over to them. His stumble didn't go unnoticed, and just like that, their crying went out like a candles flame, and their head snapped to look at him.

"Who's there?" They choked, sniffling through their words.

"It's Melone, (Y/n); Are you al-"

"Melone!" At first, they sounded surprised, happy even. But then, they repeated themselves, this time, with an upset tone. "Melone! What are you doing out of bed? Why are you awake? God, I'm so sorry, I must've woke you up, please forgive me-"

"It's not a big deal, I was already awake." He lied, hobbling over to the nurse in search of more even ground that wouldn't paint him a fool. "Why are you crying? What happened?"

"O-Oh, me? It's nothing, please don't concern yourself. That's my job, y'know!" They tried to giggle, but it came out as a sad whimper.

It was disturbing, seeing them like this. Their arms trembled in the loose sweater they wore, hands wringing each other anxiously, all while their lips pressed into a flat line as they struggled to hide their tear-stained cheeks.

"Did someone do something to you?" He managed to ask, gently reaching over to thumb at a falling tear.

"No, no one did anything, I'm just being dramatic again, so please don't worry." (Y/n) swatted away his hand, though for a moment, they became conflicted, regretting pushing him away so soon.

"Could you please tell me what happened then?"

"I just thought no one was here, that's all. Gave me a real scare!"

"Why would you be upset over no one being here?" He tilted his head, gently leading the nurse back into the house by their sleeve.

"Ah, i just have a little fear of being alone; had a nightmare everyone left and didn't tell me. I felt so relieved when I heard your breathing that I almost began to cry on the spot, but of course, I had to stumble over the damn chair.."

"Well, it's ok, we're all here, yeah? No need to worry anymore."

It was that strange time of night, one knows, when all is too silent and still for it to even feel like reality anymore. Melone clings onto (Y/n)s arm as much as they are to him. In the dead silent, they carefully move back to the tiny yet spacious medical room, the still very much wounded man helping the doctor back into their queen bed and tucking them in.

They looked so shaken, sinking into the horribly soft blankets they were stuffed into, and allowing only the bottom of their eyes to peek out. Praying they won't have another nightmare, Melone turned to leave and rest his aching leg like he should've been doing, but surprisingly, was stopped at the tug of his sleeve.

"Promise you're not gonna leave me alone." (Y/n) squeaked. "Please."

"I'll be right outside, remember? I'm not gonna leave you."

"No, no, don't go, please. Just sit here for a bit?" They sounded desperate. "Until I fall asleep. Please. Just until I fall asleep."

He complied, secretly enthusiastic of course, and fell right next to them on the mattress, admiring their beautiful glossy eyes staring into nothing. What was it like, not being able to see the first breath of a flower in the spring? Not being able to take in the sight of the first months sunrise?

They probably didn't want that pity, so he kept his thoughts to himself, and shoved them into the dark reaches of his mind where he may never recall them again.

"Alright, I'll be right here." He huffed, brushing a stray strand of hair from their face.

"Promise?"

"I promise. You can sleep now."

Hesitantly, they slowly allowed their eyes to close, though with each shift Melone made, they'd snap open. Eventually, they finally seemed to convince themselves that he wasn't going anywhere, and allowed their eyes to flutter closed, as if they had been weighed down.

For a while, and a good long while, Melone sat there, staring at the nurses face in the dim light the moon could offer through the windows. With each passing minute, he found something new to admire about them, catching himself leaning forward to kiss that adorable little beauty mark beneath their eye. He managed to stop himself; but ah, but they're asleep, surely they wouldn't mind a single peck?

Yes, a single little kiss wouldn't hurt! But after was all said and done, he had to restrain himself from squealing, for the sight of them giving off a tiny smile in their sleep was almost too much for his poor heart.

Their breathing turned to a slow, steady beat, and after a while of trying to copy its pattern, Melone almost started a coughing fit. Breathing like that could've killed him!

No matter-- goodness, his leg hurts. He shouldn't have walked on it like he did, like (Y/n) instructed him not to, but he just had to see what was wrong with them. Hell, limping back over to his creaky little hospital bed seemed impossible now... And hey, this bed is pretty comfy...

He was sure that (Y/n) would probably not object to him sleeping there had they been awake. And if they do in the morning, then he'll simply apologize. After all, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.

It was a feat trying to reach the vacant side of the bed without disturbing the slumbering nurse, who let out a barely noticeable snore every now and then, but he managed. The throbbing in his calf had worsened through the struggle, and for a single moment, he allowed himself release through a hardly audible whimper, before forcing himself quiet again.

So now, he lays there, staring into the back of (Y/n)s head, letting his mind wander as it pleases; Thinking about what flowers they may like.

Color won't cut it, since they can't see, so how about smell? He'll have to find the sweetest around, as if it'd ever come close to how sweet they are themselves. Some chocolate, too. Do they like chocolate? He'll need to ask.

No, firstly, he needs his leg healed. Then he'll take a trip over to the flower shop, and put together their surprise.

But as for now, he'll relish in the presence of the darling nurse, his body close, but not too close, to theirs, and his arm carefully draped across their waist.

This is nice, he realizes. If he were of weaker constitution, he may wish to lay there with them for the rest of his life.

Yeah. That'd be really nice.