“So… my efforts were in vain?”he asked, his voice still quiet.
It was strange to talk about something he didn’t remember or know about, but Malcolm recognized the pain behind it all. If he had been willing to sacrifice himself like she said, then he had truly loved Daya.
“Yes, and while I cried for hours on end, I still could not convince you otherwise.. And it only made me feel more guilty when I died..” she said
Malcolm sat there for a long moment in silence, simply trying to process everything. He then shook his head, turning back to Daya.
“I’m going to guess Maximus remembers everything as well. Am I right?”he asked quietly.
“Yes, yes he does. I haven't been able to figure out why you lose your memory,” she said and sighed, rubbing her temples. Daya needed sleep but at the same time, she didn't wanna leave Malcolm's side. Years of torment flooded his head and rushed her like the wind
Malcolm nodded. He then noticed the way she was acting, and remembered her recently acquired wounds. Daya needed rest.
“Come on. It’s probably best we both get some sleep,”he said.
He then helped Daya to her feet, and led her to the cot he’d set up for her.
“Mal.. I can't… I really don't wanna leave you alone..”
Malcolm gazed at her solemnly.
“Daya, I’ve been alone most of my life. Another night won’t bother me,”he stated.
“But it will bother me. I shouldn't be leaving you alone. I feel like I'm failing to save you once again, and now that I've found you once more.. You're gonna get taken from me..”
Malcolm leaned closer to Daya, his expression intense.
“I don’t need saving, Daya. And, I’m not going any-fucking-where. This…”he tapped the mask covering half of his face,”This is proof of that. Besides, no one gets in this store without my say-so, unless they have a severe death wish. Trust me on that one.”
Daya placed her forehead on his “I believe you.. I've just.. I've seen it so many times over.. I'm just scared..”
Malcolm was a bit startled by the way she leaned her forehead on his. That hadn’t been his goal whatsoever!
He leaned away after Daya spoke, taking a deep breath then sighing.
“Daya, don’t be scared for me. If I’m going to die, then I’m going to die. But, I will take my killer with me,”he replied.
Daya chuckled, “ just as stubborn as always,” she said with a soft smile “ ill go to bed on one condition, you have to stay with me for a bit”
Malcolm snorted at her comment. He then rose his eyebrow.
“How long’s a ‘bit’? Also, my bedroom is literally on the other side of this room. You can’t miss it. It’s the only little room in this back section of the store,”Malcolm mentioned.
“Just until I fall asleep, please Malcolm,” she asked softly (just tryna push ‘em closer )
(I know. Malcolm’s just being antisocial, as usual, lol)
Malcolm considered her explanation for a moment, then sighed. At least he wouldn’t have to babysit her all night.
“Alright. Until you fall asleep. Then, I’m going to bed,”he said gently.
Daya nodded, getting up shakily and walking over to the cot and laying down
Malcolm followed, grabbing a chair along the way. He sat down next to Daya, watching her silently.
Daya curled up into the blanket, yawning once more and slowly falling asleep.
She knew she'd need Malcolm's help to get up and down for a bit, but she didn't wanna be alone when she didn't either. She was scared and didn't wanna be alone.
Malcolm continued to silently watch Daya. He didn’t move for a long while, the sight of her actually inspiring him to doze off a few times. He didn’t know why, but it was just so tempting to fall asleep where he was.
Eventually, Malcolm quietly got up and went to sleep in his bed. The clock on his nightstand showed that he’d been sitting next to Daya at least an hour, if not two. Malcolm shook his head at that, stunned, then laid down and fell asleep.
Daya didn't wake until the pain woke her. Her soft yelp echoed in the shop as she bit back tears
Malcolm woke to the sound of a strange yelp. He groggily stood up, dressed, and headed out of his bedroom. He saw Daya and paused, confused until he remembered last night. He then sighed and headed over to her, sitting down next to her.
“Come on, sit up. It’s time for the next dose of medicine,”he said drowsily, helping Daya up to a sitting position.
Daya was gritting her teeth "never again" she mumbled as she hesitantly touched the stitches " sorry for waking you.."
Malcolm shrugged at her apology. It wasn’t the first time he’d been woken up by something, nor would it be the last. He then gestured to her for the bottle of medicine Dr. Hunderly had given her.
Daya sighed, taking the medicine and lowering her head a moment. " I feel like shit, being this weak.."
“At least you will heal, and have full function of your body. I’m missing half a face, and the left side of my body is fucked,”Malcolm commented.