All Might x Student!Reader (Boku no Hero Academia)

Chapter 33 - Fevered Thoughts

When the tears finally ceased, leaving behind streaks of warmth on your cheeks, a light dizziness crept into your head. The weight of emotion still lingered, but now you became aware of the ache forming behind your temples. You moved gently, almost reluctantly, away from All Might's embrace, though a part of you wished you could remain there longer, surrounded by his quiet strength.

Rubbing at your temples, you silently blamed the crying for the dull throb in your skull. The sudden intensity of the past hour was catching up with you, and you could feel your body reacting to the stress. All Might, or rather Toshinori, as you'd recently begun to call him in your mind, watched you closely, his eyes never leaving your face.

His large hand brushed your forehead, the calluses on his fingers light but firm as they traveled to your cheek. A sharp sting made you flinch, and a soft hiss escaped your lips. Toshinori pulled back instantly, concern flickering in his eyes as he glanced at the spot the villain had struck you earlier.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice rough with guilt. You offered a small smile, trying to reassure him that it wasn't anything serious. Yet, despite your effort, the weight of fatigue settled heavier in your bones, making you aware of how truly worn out you felt.

Toshinori, however, was still watching you. His brows furrowed in thought before he said, almost hesitantly, "I noticed earlier... (Y/N), I think you have a fever."

His words lingered in the air as you instinctively placed your hand over his, your fingers brushing against his warmth. The heat blooming across your face wasn't just from the fever now, and you withdrew quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice the flush rising to your cheeks. But he was right. There was a heat radiating from your skin that you couldn't ignore any longer. The dizziness, the weightless feeling in your head—all of it made sense now.

You sighed quietly, making your way over to the nearby sofa and sinking into its cushions. "A fever," you muttered under your breath, "of all things..."

Toshinori followed, not missing a beat. His hand disappeared into a nearby drawer before returning with a small, white electronic thermometer. "Here," he said, his voice gentle but commanding. You accepted it wordlessly, a faint smile of thanks passing between you.

Minutes later, the numbers on the screen confirmed your suspicions, but the result was still unnerving. "No way..." you murmured, handing him the device when he reached for it.

Toshinori's face grew serious as he glanced at the reading, a moment later placing the thermometer back into the drawer. His eyes found yours again, filled with both concern and a sense of responsibility. "You should go to bed. I don't remember scheduling time in your training plan for getting sick."

The mention of your intense training sessions brought a small laugh to your lips, albeit weak. "Really? I thought there was some time for that."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm certain there wasn't." The levity in his tone lightened the moment, but it didn't last long. He extended his hand toward you, his expression softening as he added, "Come on. Let's get you to bed."

With a sigh, you accepted his hand, standing from the couch with an awkward stiffness. It felt like all your muscles were conspiring against you, but at least your nose wasn't running yet, and your throat hadn't succumbed to the scratchy soreness of an impending cold. You walked slowly to your room, Toshinori by your side, ever watchful.

When you finally sank into the comfort of your bed, the world felt a little more manageable. You barely had time to appreciate the softness of the pillows before Toshinori was pulling the duvet over you, tucking it around your body with such care it reminded you of how one might tend to a child. You swallowed, a strange, uncomfortable feeling settling in your chest.