send me ❥ for your muse to cuddle up next to mine while asleep on the couch
accidental affection . accepting
It had turned into some sort of tradition over the past weeks - in an effort to stay closer to her family, Melissa had committed herself to following some of the same TV shows her mother and sisters were anxiously following back in the US. And thankfully, that was very much possible in a world with streaming - even if sometimes the release dates got shifted around a little bit.
It was Eleanor's turn that week - and the Drysdell matriarch had been obsessing over a reality show which involved baking mostly cakes (but sometimes other types of desserts). It made Melissa's mouth water just by watching it - she often had a snack with her while she caught up with the latest episode available... Usually around 3am.
That was usually when she was free to watch it - after closing the club, going home, showering, having dinner and spending some time with her fiancé. But lately, Daigo had decided to keep her company through her family's selection of TV shows; their daily routines were so different that they had to make some effort to be with each other before either one of them needed to leave for work or go to bed.
Dojima Daigo had the energy of a thousand suns to wake up at 5am for jogging, then carrying on to his fitness training that would have qualified him to be a contestant in American Ninja Warrior (Rose's choice, actually), then be at the office before 9am fully refreshed and energized. Melissa, on the other hand, was barely able to form any coherent thought at that time.
During the nights - it reversed; she sometimes cleaned the apartment, baked or even organized her closet at ungodly hours. And 2am was the time she was used to having some food while watching the TV shows and texting her family in real time. And Daigo had been insistent in making an effort to join her, promising he would be awake for as long as his fiancée wanted him to.
His currently record had been 12:17am - Melissa had timed it. Not that she minded, honestly; she was hardly going with him for a run during the mornings, so she appreciated the gesture nonetheless. Besides - when Daigo slept anywhere else but the bed, he tended to unconsciously adapt given his size. And on the couch, it more often than not meant leaning over her and cuddling with her somehow.
It was endearing - Daigo had come such a long way, healing traumas and allowing himself some peace of mind. He had been set off by the minimum surprise touches, seemingly incapable of returning it sometimes, too. And while the former hostess had always managed to be some sort of exception, it filled her with affection to see how he unconsciously sought her when asleep. His head nestled comfortably against her shoulder, one of his arms had remained around her waist - and even without realizing, he pulled her close when he moved in his dreams.
There was a lot of power in physical touches, Melissa knew that - and the fact that hers had always been able to soothe and ground Daigo instead of triggering unpleasant memories was nothing short of a honor for the woman. Turning around just a little, she planted a soft kiss to his hair, all fluffy and messed up after the shower - a far cry from his professional look, slicked back and perfectly combed.
[Rose; 2:13am] Onee-chan, how are things? Is Daigo still watching?
[Melissa; 2:16am] Nope. Out like a light since... 11ish, I think? Just enough to see the first guy attempting that syrup thing.
[Heather; 2:18am] Good for him, he doesn't get hungry at least. I need sugar. Noooow.
[Eleanor; 2:21am] Speaking of which - don't eat anything too heavy, sweetheart.
[Melissa; 2:25am] ...I'm having Pocky, mom. Not a barbecue.
[Rose; 2:26am] BRING SOME NEXT TIME YOU'RE OVER???
Melissa chuckled at her family text group and glanced at Daigo - he barely seemed to notice her moving at all, or the lights from the TV or even the sound of a blender being turned on during the last part of the show. At long last - he was able to sleep soundly. The nightmares had receded for most of the months; and as long as they were close, they tended to remain like that.
If it was up to Melissa - she would hold him forever while he slept.
