Ad Infinitum (Remus Lupin X Reader)

XLVI • Convaluisset

XLVI • Convaluisset • Recovery

I frowned and traced my fingers over the raw skin on my wrists. Remus was at the front of the classroom, twenty-five minutes into a lecture. I looked up at him through my eyelashes and then let my eyes drop down to the belt around his hips. So unassuming. He had just slipped it right back around his hips.

I looked away and pulled my sleeves down to cover the irritated skin, my eyes traveling over to the clock. It was so nearly the end of the day. I didn't feel the best. I had a headache and I felt queasy, not to mention that I was exhausted. I sighed softly and cradled my chin in my hands, focusing on Remus' voice to keep my heavy eyes from falling shut.

"No homework tonight. I appreciate all of your hard work lately. Make sure you all get some rest and relax."

I blinked slowly as I watched the students begin to collect their things. Remus held the door for them as they left. Once they were all gone, he turned to me and set his hands on his hips.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching my desk. "Come on, get up."

"Hm?"

"Come on," he repeated. "You need some rest. You look worn out."

"I don't know why I'm so tired," I muttered, standing and grabbing his hands when he held them out for me.

"I shouldn't have been rough with you when I knew we had class later. You should have been given some time to recover," he said. "You need to hydrate and eat something, and you need to get some rest."

"I don't..." I trailed off and shook my head, confused.

"I know it didn't feel much different but there's physical and emotional stress that goes along with the roughness. It's new to you. I want you to get changed into something more comfortable while I go to the kitchen, alright?"

"Yeah, I guess," I said and followed him into his bedroom. I sat down on his bed and closed my eyes as he pressed a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll be back. Don't fall asleep on me," he said, brushing his thumb over my cheekbone.

I nodded and watched as he left the room. I really was feeling drained, but I doubted it was from before. I pushed myself onto my feet and dug through Remus' dresser for something to wear, noting with irritation that my favorite sweater of his wasn't there. I pulled a soft, forest green sweater over my head and kicked my pants off, nestling into his covers. I would have fallen asleep if not for the headache that was pounding in the base of my skull. The lights in his room worsened it, so I buried my face in his covers.

No more than ten minutes passed before Remus returned.

"You awake?" he asked quietly.

"Mhm," I mumbled and sat up.

"Here, drink this," he said and handed me a glass of water. "I got you some food."

"I'm not really hungry."

"You just haven't eaten enough today so you don't feel good. I got you some applesauce. The cinnamon one you like. Nice and easy on the stomach," he said and handed it to me, his eyes stern as he sat down on the bed.

I accepted the applesauce and frowned at him. "I feel like you're coddling me."

"It's called aftercare, and you should have gotten it earlier. Had it not been for our schedule, you would have," he said and brushed a strand of hair away from my forehead. "You should get used to it."

I raised my eyebrows and took a bite of applesauce. Between that and the water, my headache was slowly subsiding.

"So?" he prompted.

"I am feeling a little better," I admitted.

"Perfect," he said and a smile grew on his face. "Keep eating and drinking. I'll be right in."

"Where're you going?" I asked, spoon halfway to my mouth.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be just outside."

I nodded and watched as he left his bedroom, leaving the door cracked open behind him. I readjusted in his bed and ate more applesauce, chasing it with water. Once I was done eating, I stood to throw the packaging away in the garbage can in his classroom. As soon as I opened the door, Remus met me and instructed me to go back to bed, taking the garbage from my hands.

"Remus, I can do it," I said, watching as he threw it away.

"Go, relax," he said and shooed me back through the doorway. I did as he said and laid back in his bed with my back pressed against the headboard.

I fought off sleep as best as I could, and when I thought I couldn't for any longer, Remus returned.

"You're still awake?" he asked. "I would have thought you'd be out by now."

"Almost was," I mumbled.

"Sorry I took so long. I'm unorganized," he said and settled onto his bed with a grunt.

"It's okay. What're you doing?" I asked.

"Grading," he said. "Just some homework I'm behind on."

"I'll help," I said and blinked to ward off the heaviness of my eyelids.

"Not a chance, my love," he said. "Get some sleep."

"Huh?"

"Get some sleep," he repeated. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"No, Remus, I would feel bad," I started.

"Don't. There's not too much and it is my job to grade it. I just want you to get some rest."

I nodded, too tired to fight him. He lifted his arm and I cuddled close to him, feeling his arm wrap around my shoulder. The weight and the warmth of his arm calmed me and, almost immediately, began to lull me to sleep. I curled my arm around his torso and buried my face in his chest, breathing in his scent. Remus graded papers on his lap, the quiet scratch of his quill and the rustle of parchment blending into my sleep.

this chapter is short. but so are you.

Sorry I forgot to update this morning. I was in a car crash lmao. ANYWAYS if you're interested, the first chapter of my Viktor Krum fanfiction is out!! :) much love