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Lewis had been sure this would happen.
He knew it ever since their last date, when Nico couldn’t handle loud noises without wincing in pain. Still, the blond had been far too proud to admit something was wrong, refusing to leave the restaurant even when Lewis suggested taking him home so he could rest.
So it didn’t come as a surprise when he found out his (almost) boyfriend was sick.
What did catch him off guard, however, was the phone call, right in the middle of Nico’s lunch break, from Nico’s best friend, asking him to come pick him up.
And now he was here, standing in the parking lot outside the school where the German taught, summoning every bit of courage he had to go inside.
He wasn’t even sure if he was allowed in without being a parent or a family member of one of the kids. Sure, he knew one of the teachers... but in his mind, that wasn’t reason enough to be let in.
He glanced at the rearview mirror and reminded himself why he’d come all this way, to help Nico. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the car and walked to the entrance, hiding his nerves behind a serious face. Luckily for him, Jenson was already waiting by the door, wearing a blue apron stained with paint.
— Hey, Lewis! Over here —he said, waving both hands.
— Hey, JB. Where is he? —Lewis wasn’t trying to sound abrupt, just genuinely worried about his (almost) boyfriend’s condition.
— Nico? He’s in the bathroom, throwing up —Jenson replied casually as he led him down the school hallways, continuing to speak —I told him yesterday that if he felt sick, he should stay home. That Kimi and I could take care of his class. But no, Mr. I Don’t Need Help insisted on showing up… and ended up slumped over his desk, half-conscious, in front of twenty-five kids.
Lewis’s pale, concerned expression must have told Jenson just how bad that sounded.
— But don’t worry, he’s okay —Jenson added quickly, trying to ease the tension —He just needs to rest. I didn’t trust him to drive home on his own, so I called you.
— Thanks for that. Really. I’ll make sure he gets some rest.
— Aww, I knew you would —Jenson said with a grin, patting his shoulder — You can grab his things from the classroom, they’re in his cubby. The kids are still at recess, so you probably won’t see them. I’ll go get Goldilocks from the bathroom so you two can leave.
Lewis nodded and watched him disappear down one of the hallways. Then he stepped into the empty classroom and began packing Nico’s belongings into his bag, focused, until he heard little voices approaching.
When he turned toward the door, he found four children watching him. They kept a bit of distance, but curiosity shone in their eyes.
Lewis wasn’t quite sure what to say or do until a brown-haired child spoke first:
— Who are you, and why are you taking Mr. Nico’s stuff? —He didn’t sound upset, but his words, though slightly slurred with youth, carried a surprising firmness.
Before Lewis could respond, another boy chimed in:
— Yeah, I don’t know who you are, but those are Mr. Nico’s markers, and you can’t take them. They’ve got his name on them —He crossed his arms defiantly, a blond kid dressed in car-print clothes.
Lewis looked at the markers in his hand and realized that, to them, he was just a stranger walking off with their teacher’s things. They needed an explanation.
— I’m sorry, you must be confused. My name is Lewis, I’m here to help Nico because he’s feeling really sick —he said, crouching to the children’s level with a soft smile.
— Lewis… Lewis… —repeated a blue-eyed boy, thoughtful.
The other three stared at him, waiting.
— I know who you are! —he suddenly exclaimed, lighting up. Then he shouted —You’re Mr. Nico’s boyfriend!
The blush on Lewis’s face answered for him.The children immediately started talking among themselves, not even giving him a chance to respond.
— Are you sure, Georgie?
— Of course I am, Charlie. He must be the one he talked about that time —George replied confidently.
— I thought he’d be taller —Max muttered, eyeing Lewis from head to toe.
— When did he mention him? —another boy asked, confused.
— The time we asked if he had a special someone —George explained to Lando —You had snuck off to see Oscar with Mr. Jenson. That’s why you don’t remember.
— Special someone? —Lewis raised an eyebrow, intrigued by whatever Nico might’ve said about him at work.
— Yeah, on Tuesday —Charles jumped in, beaming — Mr. Nico helped us make Valentine’s Day cards.
— And he told us we should give them to a special someone, like a friend or someone you care about —Max added.
— He made one too. And he wrote your name on it. That’s why we asked if you were his special someone, and he said yes —Charles went on proudly.
— He also blushed just like you when Carlos said the word “boyfriend” —George noted, clearly pleased with himself.
— So, are you his boyfriend or not? —Lando insisted, a bit grumpy that he’d missed such an important moment because he pretended to need the bathroom.
— Well… almost —Lewis murmured, looking away.
— What do you mean, almost? —Lando asked, frowning.
— I haven’t asked him to be my boyfriend yet —Lewis admitted, still avoiding their gaze.
— Why not? Just do it —Max declared, dead serious.
The truth was, not even Lewis knew why he hadn’t done it.
They talked every day.
Spent every free moment together.
Went on dates, hung out at each other’s places, even spent Valentine’s Day side by side. And yet, something about taking that next step still scared him, what if Nico said no?
But that tiny confirmation, knowing Nico couldn’t hide his feelings, not even from his students, was all the push he needed.
— You’re right. I’m going to do it —he said, this time with conviction.
The children erupted with excitement, immediately filling his head with ideas of what he should write in his letter. Because, of course, he had to ask him to be his boyfriend with a letter.
While Lewis listened to the kids and their ideas about how to propose, Nico and Jenson had taken refuge in the bathroom. The Brit was splashing cold water on the German’s face, trying to help him pull himself together.
— You look awful, mate. Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you? Or better yet, we could ask your boyfriend, he wouldn’t think twice, believe me —Jenson joked, rubbing his friend’s back as he waited for him to settle down.
— I’m fine, Jenson. I just… need a minute to breathe —Nico replied, though his voice betrayed just how tired and sick he felt.
Accepting help had never come easy to him. Since childhood, he’d carried the weight of feeling like a burden. Maybe it was because of his schoolmates, who mocked him for crying too easily or always running to his father. Or perhaps it was the way his parents dropped everything to pick him up, planting the seed in his mind that he shouldn't inconvenience others. He grew up convinced he had to deal with his problems alone, that no one should have to waste their time on him.
And so, he learned to never ask for help. To do everything on his own, even when he moved to another country with no one to lean on. Over time, Jenson and Kimi helped him open up. They were his first real friends, the kind he trusted completely, the kind he knew would always be there.
And now, there was Lewis.
Their first meeting had been strange, even a little funny. But after Lewis reached out and they had a chance to talk, the months went by, and Nico realized how happy he was to have him in his life. Lewis was kind, funny, dependable… a genuinely good person. He was grateful to share time with him, and he knew that sooner or later, that special connection between them would grow. That’s why it didn’t surprise him when Lewis immediately noticed he was getting sick, or when Jenson turned to Lewis to take him home.
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— Have you seen Nico? —Jenson asked, pulling Kimi aside as the parents started arriving with their children.
— He looks awful. And he’s been getting worse since Tuesday —Kimi replied in his usual neutral tone, though everyone knew how much he worried about the blond.
— Do you think we should step in? —Jenson asked, knowing Nico wouldn’t ask for help unless he was already at his limit.
— Go talk to him. I’ll take care of the three groups.
Without another word, Jenson walked up to Nico, who stood pale and dazed, staring at a spot on the wall.
— Hey, princess… you okay?
— Yeah, yeah. I’m fine —Nico answered without looking up, his voice sluggish.
— Nico, don’t be stubborn. You’re sick. You should’ve stayed home.
— What? Of course not. Who would’ve taught my kids if I hadn’t come? —he snapped defensively.
— Hmm, I don’t know… maybe us? —Jenson replied with feigned offense —Seriously, Nico, go home. You need to rest.
— I told you I’m fine. I already took some medicine. Classes are about to start. Go to your group.
Before Jenson could say more, Nico was already walking to his classroom, followed by the first kids to arrive. Jenson decided to keep a close eye on him, but one thing was clear, Nico was going to get help, whether he wanted it or not.
Later, during lunch break, Jenson went to check on him. He found Nico with his head resting on the desk, eyes closed, while his students worked quietly.
— Hey, kids. If you don’t mind, I’m going to borrow your stubborn teacher for a moment to help him out. Don’t worry, Mr. Kimi will come soon and take you out to recess, okay? —he said gently, careful not to scare them.
The kids nodded silently. Jenson crossed the room and carefully helped Nico to his feet, guiding him outside. As soon as they stepped into the hallway, the blond muttered something.
— What did you say?
— I’m going to throw up.
— Oh, for God’s sake…
Jenson rushed him to the nearest bathroom. When Nico started vomiting, Jenson knew that was it. He pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
— Hello?
— Hey, Lewis, it’s Jenson. Are you busy?
— No, why? What’s going on? —Lewis sounded immediately concerned.
— Well… Nico’s really sick, and I could really use your help getting him home, if you’re free.
— Of course. Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll be there.
— Thanks, Lewis. You’re a lifesaver. We’ll be waiting.
Jenson was surprised by how quickly Lewis agreed, no questions, no hesitation. When he turned back, Nico was glaring at him.
— Oh, don’t look at me like that. You and I both know you’re sick and need rest. And you definitely shouldn’t be around the kids like this. You have to go home —he said in the same tone he used when scolding students, a firm, protective voice that only came out when the blond acted like the stubborn child he could sometimes be.
Nico didn’t reply. The nausea took over again.
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Nico glanced at himself in the mirror for a moment, trying to catch his breath, silently admitting that he needed help… and rest.
— Alright, we can go now —he murmured with resignation.
— Perfect. Let’s go. Your Prince Charming is waiting —Jenson teased as he helped him toward the exit.
— You’re an idiot.
They walked slowly for a few minutes, with Jenson supporting him, until they reached the room where Lewis was chatting cheerfully with four of the students, who were, in theory, still on break.
— What are you doing here, kids? —he asked gently.
— We wanted to see if you were okay —Max replied sweetly.
— Yeah, you looked really sick earlier and we wanted to help —added Georgie with a tender smile.
— Thank you, little ones. I’m feeling better now, but I’m going home to rest. You’ll stay with Mr. Jenson and Mr. Kimi, so behave, alright? —Nico said, touched by their concern.
Lewis walked over with the bag slung over his shoulder and, without saying a word, wrapped an arm around Nico’s waist to help him stay upright.
— It was lovely meeting you, kids. Goodbye —he said with a warm smile. He had found them charming, and thanks to them, he now understood a bit more about Nico’s world.
The children waved enthusiastically, and Jenson took over, telling the blond to take care and not get out of bed unless absolutely necessary.
Lewis drove carefully to the parking lot, attentive to Nico’s condition. Though he seemed slightly better, he was still weak. When they reached the car, Nico leaned back in the seat with his eyes closed, relieved to finally rest.
— I’m sorry for making you come all the way here. I didn’t want to be a burden.
— You don’t have to worry about anything. Besides, it was my day off, I had nothing planned —Lewis replied, gently stroking his thigh to reassure him.
— That’s exactly why… it was your day off. You should’ve been resting, not picking me up —he whispered.
— Don’t say that. I’m pretty sure we were going to see each other anyway, weren’t we? —he smiled —Now rest, I’ll take care of everything.
Nico didn’t argue and nearly fell asleep on the drive home. When they finally arrived at the apartment, he collapsed onto the couch without ceremony.
— God, I feel awful —he confessed more openly now that he was home.
— You haven’t eaten anything, have you? —Lewis asked, gently running a hand through his hair.
Nico shook his head, sinking into the cushions.
— I’ll make you something. Can I use your kitchen?
— Just don’t burn it down, please.
— Too late —he joked as he walked off.
Lewis inspected the countertops and the fridge. Everything looked in order and well-stocked, to his relief. Knowing Nico had been vomiting, he decided against anything too heavy. His cooking skills were still pretty basic, so he went with something simple but comforting: a vegetable soup.
When it was ready, he went to fetch him. Nico looked like he might fall asleep again, worn out from the morning at school.
— I made you some soup. Come on, eat something and then you can sleep as much as you want… preferably in your bed.
They ate in comfortable silence. Nico was slow, likely worried his stomach might protest, but he finished the bowl in the end. Then he asked Lewis for a glass of water and the painkillers sitting on the counter to take with food.
After eating, Nico took a hot shower to relax and changed into more comfortable clothes. They curled up in bed together, a movie playing as they waited for sleep to return. Nico nestled against Lewis’s chest, who gently stroked his hair. They stayed like that, sharing quiet warmth, until Nico broke the silence:
— What were you talking about with my students when I walked in? —he asked, not accusingly, just curious. He’d noticed how well Lewis got along with the kids.
— Oh my God —Lewis laughed, covering his face —They interrogated me the second they saw me with your stuff. Once I introduced myself and they heard my name… they said I was your boyfriend.
— Oh God… those kids can’t keep anything to themselves —Nico chuckled, remembering how nervous he’d been when they first asked who Lewis was.
— So… am I your boyfriend? —Lewis asked, lowering his gaze to meet Nico’s blue eyes, smiling.
— I don’t know… if you want to be —he answered, grateful he could blame the blush on his cheeks on the fever.
— Well, as far as I know, you only give letters to your friends and your special person —he said with a teasing smile.
— Seriously, those kids don’t hold back —he laughed affectionately.
— Hey, you still haven’t given me that letter… or is there another Lewis you haven’t told me about? —he said, pointing an accusing finger, clearly joking.
— Sorry you had to find out this way, Lewis number four —Nico said with mock seriousness, though the smile that escaped gave him away.
— Wow, I’m not even number one?! You’re evil.
They laughed for a while, the movie playing quietly in the background.
— Well, Lewis number four… do you want to be my boyfriend, or do I need to give you a letter first?
— Hmm… I don’t know, I don’t know —he pretended to think, dramatically.
—Hey, don’t act like that or I’ll have to ask Lewis number three.
— Alright, I accept —he said quickly —But only because the kids said nice things about you.
He rushed in to kiss Nico before he could reply. The German smiled against his lips, still a little weak, but his heart lighter than ever.
— So it’s official —he whispered when they pulled apart just slightly —You’re my boyfriend, Lewis number one.
— That sounds much better —he replied, settling into the bed, still stroking his hair.
The warmth they shared beneath the blankets contrasted with the soft breeze drifting in through the open window. The movie kept playing, but neither of them paid much attention anymore. Nico yawned again, letting sleep wrap around him in peace.
— Thank you for coming for me —he murmured before closing his eyes.
— I’ll always come for you —Lewis whispered back, like a promise.