MinAo nursery fic series.

This was based from a cute MinAo AU comic strip where Aoba is a kindergarten teacher and Mink was one of his student whose now all grown up.

Due to granny having a sprained back, it's up to Aoba to run this nursery by himself for the time being.

But he's not worried, after all he has two partimers who'll help him. A strange but cute guy name Clear and another he know well named Mink.

Mink was once taken care of by Tae and Aoba when he was in his late teens. Now that he's older, Mink would come over almost daily after school to help.

"Sorry you have to skipped your club activity to help me out, Mink." Aoba smiles apologetically as they carry the futon beds into the house after it's been aired out.

Mink simply made a sound that sounded like he didn't mind. Aoba can't help but smile hearing that. Not long ago this tall teenager used to follow him around as a boy. He'd tugged his sleeve so that he can politely request if Aoba's free to read his favourite book for him.

"Hearing your voice eases my state of being…"

Said the child with impressive vocabulary for a boy his age.

Aoba has a lot of memories growing up with Mink. Funny how Mink looks more mature and a bit older compared to Aoba. Perhaps it's their way of dress since Aoba still prefer to wear like when he was in his early 20s.

How time flew so fast, by next year maybe Mink won't be around much…

Argh, how pathetic can he be? Mink hasn't even left yet and already he felt lonely at the thought of it.

Daily Aoba remember the good old days with Mink. How he discovered Mink is pretty good with his hands and often teach the children how to craft simple jewelries and paper toys.

How Mink teaches art for the artistic children using natural ingredients from the garden and decorated the nursery interiors beautifully.

How Mink and Aoba once brought the children to camp out during Summer and play fireworks and share creepy tales around a bon fire.

How Mink was there for Aoba when Tae first collapse after working too hard at the hospital she fainted from exhaustion. She was fine but Aoba was so emotionally scared Mink had to comfort him privately outside the room.

How Mink was there to helped him when Aoba found an injured puppy which Mink did a quick first aid kit before they carry it to the vet. Turned out all that reading on medical books really help although Mink himself admit treating animal wounds is beyond him.

Medical books.

That reminded Aoba to the topic that depresses him the past week.

Mink is studying to be a doctor because he once confessed he remembered his mother… or grandmother used to be a medicine woman. Something related to his past, he wanted to pursue it.

Mink is now in his final year of high school. Soon… he won't be around anymore.

The thought of not seeing Mink, his favourite student, the first boy who got attached to him since he started working at this plac—-

"Aoba?"

The blue haired man in his late 20's gasps in surprise, "y-yes?"

"Where are you going? the door is here." Mink points with his chin since his hands are full with three to four futon beds for the kids to have their nap time.

"O-oh! sorry about that Mink, my thoughts were elsewhere." Aoba blushes and reverse his steps to enter the room first.

The teenager with wavy brown locks tilt his head to the side, "are you still thinking about the announcement I said few dinners ago?"

Aoba froze for a second before forcing a smile, "no, of course not. Like I said that time, I'm happy that you got the college scholarship abroad, Mink!" he tried to sound energetic and supportive but it lack the power in his voice.

Why is he being selfish? why couldn't he be genuinely happy for the teenager?

Being a man of few words, Mink let the silence hover between them.

So they get to work without another word.

Setting up the futon one by one as the kids finish their singing activity in the next room. Both men can hear Clear, one of the new part timer, play the piano as a few of the kids sing off key here and there.

There's still a bit of time before doing the next chore so Aoba steal the chance and rest a bit at the colourful bench. Mink followed him soon after.

The awkward silence ensues.

Finally Aoba speak first, "well… remember to eat when it's food time and don't read with little light, okay?"

The corner of Mink's mouth twitch up a bit, "yes, I know."

"And call us often, you know, so granny won't be worried."

"Yes." Mink nods at the transparent lie.

Aoba wanted to say more but his eyelids feels oh so heavy. After all he overworked himself and it's a feat he managed to wake up early the past week just so he has enough time to sweep the front steps and cook breakfast for Mink and Baa-chan.

A large palm gently pull Aoba's head to rest on a strong shoulder.

"Rest up, I'll wake you when the children are here." Mink's deep voice informs him.

But Aoba didn't want to close his eyes.

He can feel the clock ticking, the seconds passing and for all he know in a few blinks Mink will be packing his suit case and leave this place.

Leaving him alone.

"No…"

Mink shook his head at Aoba's stubbornness.

"You'll get sick if you don't take a break."

Aoba's already battling a loosing battle with the sandman right now as the head on Mink's shoulder grew heavy.

"But… but what if when I next wake up… you've… lef..t?"

Mink made a pained expression.

Aoba's tone of voice sounded so sad.

Reaching out to grasp Aoba's hand, he lace their fingers together, "I'll still be here. Now rest, Aoba."

Aoba smiled when he heard his name because Mink only calls him Sensei or his family name. It's almost a rarity to hear the taller man call him so personally. As if they're truly a family and not strangers.

Honestly Mink was cuter when he's a boy.

He missed that quiet boy, at least Aoba gets to wrap his arms around his small body as they hold the big picture book together.

Snuggling close, Aoba soon fell asleep with his head on Mink's chest, "Mink… don't go…"

Hearing that soft plea, Mink look away with a troubled gaze.

He's left with a big decision to make.

Should he leave this place to pursue his career at the mainland?

Or stay here where the blue wind blows?

He has to make a phone call by 2 pm because the university awaits his final answer by then. If he fail to call them back, his application is considered null.

"What should I do, father and mother in heaven?"

Clear open the door, "nap time!"

He let the kids in for their afternoon nap but when he saw the two adults at the bench, he quickly press a finger to his lips, "Shh… jellyfishes are dreaming."

The children poke their heads from behind Clear's legs and follow his actions, "shhh…jellyfishes are dreaming."

Everyone obediently tip toe and one of the oldest kid take a blanket to cover the sleeping Mink and Aoba. Staring at how Aoba hugs Mink's arm almost possessively and Mink rest his head on Aoba's blue mane.

They must be so tired, the usually light sleeper Mink didn't even budge at the pitter-patter of children's feet around them.

Once all the children tucked in and comfy, Clear smiles proudly of his completed task before reaching the door. He saw the wall clock and beams.

"Oh, it's already 3 pm, better start cooking for the afternoon snacks." he hums a pretty tune before closing the door gently.

Leaving everyone to enjoy their blissful dreams.

END?