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Minato’s head pounded like nothing else. Unable to think straight, or even at all for that matter. It was concentrated all around and he hated it.
Standing in front of the whiteboard in front of everyone, he felt all eyes on him. It felt like that added more stress to this situation.
Dammit, he had an alchemy lecture to teach! One about important historic events no less!
He could barely stand upright with this headache too. Putting everything he had into standing up. Was this caused by stress? A lack of proper food or water? With multiple options he wasn’t sure. But Minato still pressed on, wanting to make sure he’d give the class a good lesson for the day.
Even if he had to mask his pain.
Just another day that ends in “y”. Repressing what hurt him for the sake of everyone else… What else was new?
At least the weekend was soon. If he could make it through the rest of today, then he could take care of this over the next two days. It would have to go away within that time frame. He could totally make it go away once he locks himself in his apartment.
Right?
“Minato-sensei.” Hotaro raised his hand.
Time to focus on the task at hand. If he continued to stand idly, everyone will grow more and more suspicious. That was the last thing Minato needed today if he was going to push through this.
“Yes?”
“You look pretty rough. Are you okay?”
Hotaro struggled from an academic sense. However when it came to people’s emotions, he was extremely astute.
Minato waved his hand. Trying to play it off. “I promise I’m fine—”
Doors opened, and Spanner suddenly walked into the classroom. Laying back against the wall. Hands in his pockets. Staring daggers at Minato. “That’s bullshit and you know it.”
Taken aback, “Language!”
“What a ridiculous joke.” Spanner stormed over, “You clearly are not fit to teach and need to go to the infirmary.” He started to yank Minato and drag him out the door.
“Hey! Wait! What about the class?” Minato tried to fight back and break free, but his headache made it a struggle. Spanner easily overpowered him here.
“I can get a substitute. We have some around today.” His tone was curt and to the point.
Sighing, Minato knew he couldn’t stop Spanner. Once he was set on something it was nigh impossible to get him to stop. Especially when it came to his well being. He accepted the inevitable.
“Fine.”
Spanner had appointed himself Minato’s bedside vigil as he got rest. The lights were dim in the infirmary, and the curtains shut. As little light as possible got in, which was nice. It made it easier to rest.
As Minato laid on the infirmary bed, Spanner got out some pain medication and water. “Here. Take this.” Minato did just that.
Even though it pained him to admit it, Spanner was right. He really was not fit to teach today.
Yet again he put the needs of others over his own… He had gotten a little better about it since Glion was defeated. Despite that he clearly still had a long way to go. The impulse to carry on and put others over himself was still there.
This was never going to be a straight path, but that was life at times. No point in dwelling on this mistake. What is done is done for today.
Minato still found it rather cute how much Spanner fussed over him. That hadn’t changed after all this time. It warmed his heart to see that he was cherished so dearly by someone.
In the past he thought he was unlovable. Someone who didn’t deserve to be cared about. That he was nothing but a burden to those around him. But everyone, and especially Spanner proved that was far from the case. And that he did indeed deserve love.
Deep inside, Minato was grateful Spanner yanked him out of there. Looking at things realistically, there was no way he was going to make it through that entire lecture. Collapsing in front of the kids would have been a much worse outcome. Spanner had spared everyone from that.
“So what’s next?” Minato slowly sat up.
Spanner promptly laid him right back down. Minato couldn’t help but chuckle from that. “You’re coming back with me for the weekend.” Getting up, he walked across the room to get a hot compress.
Minato blinked. “Oh you don’t have to do that—”
“I want to.” Spanner placed the compress on Minato’s head and crossed his arms again. A wave of heat spread itself across Minato’s head once it touched his skin, and it felt so nice. “Plus someone has to make sure you get the nutrients you need while you’re like this.” He smirked.
Minato had a wry smile. He had been called out without any semblance of hesitation.
Not that Spanner was wrong. Far from it. He still needed to go to the grocery store and stock his fridge with actual food. Something with more substance than convenience store leftovers and coffee jelly drinks. He promised Spanner and Kyoka that he would do that soon…
Having two teaching jobs made finding time for things like that rather difficult. Two sets of classes to teach. Two sets of papers to grade. Dealing with two separate administrations who didn’t understand a damn thing.
Once this headache ended, he really needed to begin to work on his work-life balance.
“Then what’s on the menu for tonight?” If he got to experience Spanner’s cooking again, then he wouldn’t complain one bit. His cooking was the best, and always hit the spot whenever Minato felt sick.
Not to mention that he would be able to spend some quality time with him too. Another thing Minato always enjoyed.
Spanner’s smirk turned into a tiny smile. “I’ll be making vegetable soup.”
“If you’re the one making it, I know it’ll be delicious.” Minato reached out and started to hold Spanner’s hand. Softly stroking it with his thumb. Spanner quietly returned the gesture.