"I know, and you have been amazing the last couple of weeks." Melody said with a smile, relieved that Topher was seeing it her way, even if it was just a little. "But now you have more than earned yourself a break. Just a few days. I'll be your nurse and make sure you have everything you need." It wasn't even meant in a naughty way, but the way her eyes gleamed happily might make it sound that way. She just wanted to take care of him for a change.
She would never think less of Topher for becoming sick, or for taking a while off to get better. And to be honest, she had no clue why he would push himself so hard. Maybe it had been his family putting pressure on him? She didn't know and she didn't know how to ask, she just wanted him to know that he was great the way he was. Maybe she just needed to tell him more often... She made a mental note to do exactly that. Who knew, maybe it would help?
She hadn't even realized what she had said until she saw Topher's expression. "I what?" she asked, confused, until realization hit her. She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks and she was pretty sure that it was very visible. But in the end all it had been was the truth. Biting her lips, it took her a moment to find the courage to lift her gaze from the ground back to Topher. "I...I love you." she muttered, voice wavering a little. "That's...that's not a bad thing, is it?"