When Harvey first saw her, he felt his heart leap into his throat.
It was a slightly breezy autumn Tuesday, not that he could enjoy it just yet. There were papers to be sorted, a clinic needing a disinfecting, and a wonderful frozen lasagne waiting for him. He had just thrown out an old cup of coffee when he spotted her waiting at the front desk.
She looked nervous, wringing her hands as she walked up to the counter. "Hello," she murmured, not meeting his eyes.
"Hi," he replied, unable to look away. "I haven't seen you around before."
She pushed dark hair out of her face and focussed her eyes on the wall over his shoulder. "I'm Jane. I'm the farmer a little north of Marnie's ranch. I don't think we've met…"
"I…" he was staring at her intently. "No, I don't think we have. I'm sure I would've remembered someone like you," Harvey blurted, feeling heat rising to his face, panicking. "I… oh, I'm so sorry! I-uh, I'm Harvey! I'm Pelican Town's doctor!" He swore we was having heart palpitations.
Jane smiled pityingly at him. She was lean and fit, her brown skin glowing with health, despite the occasional bruise. Her only aspect that did not match was the dark circles under her eyes, looking like she hadn't slept for days.
"I-" Harvey started to recover from his bout of awkwardness. "Are you here for anything? If you need medical assistance, I'm your guy!" His grin felt more like a grimace.
Jane's smile widened. "I might take you up on that offer later, but I'm okay for now. I just stopped by to give you something." She set a cup of coffee on the counter.
"This is for me? This is my favourite stuff! It's like you read my mind," he exclaimed, feeling lightheaded.
Her smile widened into a grin. "I'm so glad you liked it." Her eyes flitted away once again. "I'll be seeing you."
As Jane turned around and left, he stared at the coffee, processing what had happened.
The next day, Maru teased him, saying he looked happier. "It's good that you aren't moping around anymore. There is only so much sighing I can put up with in one shift."
After that day, Jane came around the clinic almost every day, with a two coffees in tow and a tale of farm life, which incidentally had more than farming in it.
"So you just packed your bags, not even knowing how to farm?" Harvey exclaimed, incredulous.
"Well, Joja was a really terrible place to work. I'd much rather do something entirely new than going back there," Jane replied, shuddering.
Harvey couldn't help but smile. "I could never do something as brave as that. I would be so worried about what could happen I would probably start to crack before I even a thing."
Jane looked affronted. "Have you even seen yourself? You're really brave, just in a different way. You're not a stupid brave, like me. You care about everyone so much, even if they don't appreciate all the work you go through for them. They don't deserve your compassion, but you give it anyway. That's really brave!" She said it with such conviction, a gleam in her eyes.
Harvey stared, feeling heat creep up to his face. "I… I…" He swallowed, silently wondering how one person could make him so tongue-tied so easily. "Thank you."
"You probably work too hard for them. You should take a break and take care of yourself," Jane added, meeting his eyes.
Harvey quirked an eyebrow. "Me? Have you even seen yourself? You're like a gladiator!" He grinned at the mental image, her lithe body covered in spiky armor. "You always come in sporting a new bruise from whatever yoba-forsaken monsters live in that mine, like it's nothing." He frowned for a moment, before adding, "Do you really need more sprinklers? You seem to have more than enough crops as it is!"
Jane huffed, crossing her arms. "Well that's not the same at all. I work because it gives me something to do. If I didn't I would get bored."
Harvey mulled his over. "I guess it's the same for me. Being a doctor in this town doesn't make much but it's enough to live on. I really do it because I like having a role in these people. I like helping them. Their lives in my hands is stressful… but without it, what would I even do with myself?" He shook his head. "You know, I don't want to find out."
Jane didn't respond, staring at the wall past his shoulder.
"By the way, you are very overdue for your check-up. When will you doctor back in the city get around to sending me your files?" Harvey asked, breaking the silence.
Jane snapped back to reality. "I have no idea, but honestly, I don't want any piece of that old life to follow me here."
It was an estimated 12am when Harvey heard an incessant pounding on the door. He rolled onto the cold hardwood in a stupor to answer it.
"Jane?" he said blearily, squinting through his fogged glasses.
"Hey. Sorry to bother you so late," Jane invited herself in, letting the clinic doors close with a thunk. "I went into the mines, and got a little hurt. Nothing too bad, but it probably best to take care of it now."
He nodded, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "If you think it's not too bad, you're probably bleeding out. Head on into the patient room," He pulled on his lab coat over his pajamas.
Every bit of exposed skin seemed to be covered in gashes and bruises; though not too deep they would leave some nasty marks. He grabbed and handful of alcohol swabs, frowning.
"What happened this time?"
"A swarm of blood bats came out of nowhere. I fended them off pretty well, but they did get some hits in," she replied as if talking about a grocery trip.
"Some hits…" Harvey mumbled, swabbing a wound. "You know what I'm going to say, don't you?" When he glanced back up, she was still tensed, a coiled spring about to burst. A silence fell between them as Harvey swallowed the panic of seeing her hurt.
"…I know I should be more careful. But I just don't see what the big deal is… I'm fine! Really, I am," Jane said it pleadingly, like a child who had gotten caught with a hand in the cookie jar.
Harvey felt heavy. "You're fine now, but what about the next time? Or after that? You don't know, and neither do I. Can you blame me for being terrified?"
Jane winced, but there was no sting of her wounds this time. "Don't worry about me. I'm the last person who deserves it."
Harvey put down the swab. "Jane, of course I'm going to worry about you. You're-" the words caught in his mouth. "It's my job to care for your health, and right now you're putting yourself in danger. I will never approve of that, no matter what you tell me."
She was quiet for a moment, looking small. "I know," was all she could say.
Silence filled the room once more. Harvey bandaged the abrasions deliberately, like he was trying to prove a point with every piece of cotton.
"Lift up your shirt. There are some wounds on your back."
Jane complied, bracing herself for the cold salve. But none came.
"What is this Jane?!" Harvey stared in horror, running a finger on the jagged scar running across her back, long since heal It looked reasonably deep, at least to have had stitches. Suddenly, he felt sick.
"Harvey… it was from a long time ago."
"From the looks of it, not that long ago!" Guilt was racing through him, a mixture of pity and anger. "Why didn't you come to me?!"
Jane's voice sounded constricted, but she didn't turn around. "I… don't like hospitals."
A part of him was filled with disbelief, a shocked sort of righteous fury. His heart was hurting, but he didn't know exactly why, didn't know how a person could ever allow themselves to hurt in such a way.
He took a shaky breath. No, this wasn't the time. He had a job to do.
The rest of the treatment took place in silence. When it was over, Jane sild off the wax paper with a loud crunch.
"Harvey."
He fixated his eyes on a spot of wall directly behind her. "Yeah?"
"I…" he could see that she was wringing her hands again. "I know I haven't made the best decisions in the past, but I really do want to change. I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to hurt myself." She gripped his arm, and he found himself gripping hers back. Her eyes shone dangerously bright, piercing him. "I'm sorry."
Harvey knew she was, that she had meant every syllable, yet his heart ached. She was right in front of him, warm and alive, and yet he was hurting for her.
He wrapped his arms around her gently, through the bandages feeling the beat of her heart; strong, steady.
The weeks progressed, the dead flowers of Jane's bouquet still sitting on the table of Harvey's room, somehow more appealing to him amidst the spring blooms.
He had let her in, more than he ever had with any other person. When she was around, work seemed a little less tiring. Maru complained the humming was a little loud, but he couldn't help it. He was trying cooking real food more instead of microwavable mush, which almost always turned out terrible, but that was okay. As long as she was around, it would be okay.
However, a part of him felt that Jane wasn't doing as well. Though she had a knack to keep going no matter what injuries she had, she still had worrying dark circles under her eyes, a sliver of distance between them, as if she was constantly weighed down.
"A balloon ride…"
He hoped this could help.
"I found a clipping in my apartment for a balloon ride! I knew I had to surprise you with one." Harvey beamed. Jane smiled apprehensively.
"It's yours for two hours – make sure you don't spend too much time fooling around," Marcello said, hopping out giving Harvey a friendly punch.
"What is he on about? Does he think we're going to wreck it?" Harvey asked Jane, rubbing his shoulder.
"Well, you do look slightly terrified right now," Jane said, studying the balloon. "Aren't you afraid of heights?" she added, looking at him.
Harvey frowned, "Yeah, I am." He mustered up a smile, turning red, "But I'm determined to not let that stop me from doing what I want… and experiencing this with you." he said. Jane smiled, eyebrows knitting together, and hopped into the balloon. Harvey followed, and soon they were rising into the sky.
Harvey's scream died at his lips when he looked down. He clutched her, as if she was his one tether to life.
"I…" he whimpered into her, "I'm sorry. I really am just a coward." He forced the cold air into his lungs, the frantic thud of his heart matching hers.
"Harvey…" Jane tilted his head up, and smiled. "You can do this! I know you can." She said it with such certainty. "You don't have to be afraid, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
Harvey took a steadying breath, processing the weightlessness. It was exhilarating, the air small pinpricks upon his skin, and the sun's warmth sending chills down his spine. "Alright. I'm going to look down. Don't let go of my hand, okay?"
As he looked down, felt the gentle wind, Harvey was washed over with a dull terror and a bright, curious familiarity. The countryside of the valley was a colourful mosaic, the puzzle pieces somehow coming back together after a winter of separation.
"I… I can do this."
Harvey loosened his grip on her hand, only to find her gripping back just a tightly. He stole a glance; her eyes glazed over, as if she wasn't truly seeing what was in front of her.
"Jane? Are you alright?"
She blinked, eyes shining. "Huh? Oh, yes. The sky is so beautiful from up here," she deflected, looking away.
"Jane, we've known each other for some time, and I can tell something is wrong. Please tell me, I can stand to see you in pain." Harvey felt a pang of guilt seep through him. "Please, please let me help," he pleaded, meeting her eyes. Jane had a small smile, affectionately pushing the hair out of his face. The she kissed him.
Harvey was hit with a wave of nostalgia, one hand on her waist, the other cradling her cheek. It felt so right, like it was something he didn't know he missed.
"I love you," she breathed, leaning away. "I love you so much."
Not long after, on a day pouring rain, Jane walked in Harvey's apartment, sopping wet.
"Jane! You're in time for lunch, but why didn't you use an umbrella?" Harvey asked, putting his washed pan back in the sink.
"I needed to go fishing," she dismissed, kicking her boots off. "Sorry, I still smell a little fishy."
He fetched her a towel. "You know, rain doesn't cause sickness by itself, but it does make your body more susceptible. Antibodies don't work as well in the cold."
She plopped onto his couch. "Okay, I get it, you're a doctor," she replied, smirking. The towel hit her in the face.
Harvey returned to the stove. "Are you ready for the best spaghetti you've ever had?" he challenged.
"It's the only thing you know how to make."
Harvey arrived with two bowls, sitting down next to her. "I'm going to ignore that."
Jane took a bite, snuggling closer to him. "I've been thinking a lot lately."
"Very mysterious. About what?"
"I…" she hesitated for a moment. "What do you think of children?"
Harvey grinned. "Why? Do you have an ulterior motive?"
Jane smiled despite herself. "Just answer the question!"
He thought for a moment. "Well, I really like them. I've always wanted a little family, honestly."
"Why?"
Harvey was taken aback. "I… well, babies are cute. And… honestly, I think you'd make a good mom."
"What? I'm not- I've never-" She was wringing her hands.
He frowned. "So you don't want kids?"
"No! I mean-" she was fumbling her words now. "I'm not a good parent! How could I be?"
Harvey looked over her, concerned. "It's okay! I don't think I would be a good parent either! But you- well, you're hardworking, patient, and dedicated. Not to mention having excellent genes," he felt an uncomfortable heat rise to his face at that.
Jane looked incredulous. "But you! You would make an amazing parent! You're kind, careful, selfless…" she froze for a moment. "I'm not," she gazed away.
"Jane… everyone thinks they can't be parents, even when they're parents." He took her hand. "And we don't even have to have kids! Just know that you can be anything you want to be, just as long as you try."
Jane looked at Harvey like she was seeing him clearly for the first time. She fidgeted with her pocket, then wordlessly held out a mermaid pendant.
Harvey felt his heart leap into his throat. "Jane!"
"Your face is so red," she laughed.
"I accept!" he was grinning, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'll start making the preparations for the ceremony, it'll probably take-"
"No," Jane responded firmly. "I don't want a ceremony. I want to marry you right here, just us. I don't want any prying eyes on us."
"I…" he looked over uncertainly. Her eyebrows were deadest, looking at him so intensely. "…If that's what you want, I'd be more than happy. As long as I get to be you husband."
Jane laughed again, running her fingers through his hair and kissed him, possessively, hungry – and Harvey couldn't help but oblige her.
They were walking together towards Jane's house – their house, Harvey realized with a start. Together they carried the last of boxes containing his prized possessions. It almost felt surreal, seeing the boxes in the house, seeing himself in her life.
Jane was lighter than he had ever seen her – Harvey supposed it would have been more worrying if that hadn't been the case. She walked with a sense of freedom, joy. Harvey couldn't help but wonder what had changed – after all, she had always held his heart - but he was so drunk in his own joy he couldn't help but to just revel together.
The house waited, unassuming, until it heard a thud.
"Jane?" Harvey asked, finding his medical textbooks on the ground.
Jane's mouth moved, but no sound came out. Her legs shook violently, then gave out.
Harvey dropped his box. "Jane!" She was hyperventilating now, nails digging into her body. "Jane, look at me. Deep breaths. It's going to be alright." Harvey used a soothing doctor voice, but it fell to deaf ears. He wrapped his arms around her, willing her to return.
"I'm sorry," Jane was muttering under her breath. "Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry…" she was clutching her head, burning tears running down her face. "I didn't- I didn't know! If I could- I wouldn't- I know I wouldn't!"
"Jane!" Harvey urgently pulled her gaze towards him. She froze, looking into his eyes like she was seeing him clearly for the first time. Immediately, she pushed him off, backing up as if cornered.
She scrambled to her feet and sprinted into the dusk.
Harvey was about to take off after her, until he spotted what Jane was looking at. Two mourning doves, perched perfectly still on the porch, boring their eyes into him.
