Spender knew the silent rule. Never date a co-worker. Everyone knew it was for the best, especially if it made the teacher's lounge less awkward. Ms. Baxter could relax and sip her tea in peace. Even Mr. Starchman was calm as he graded English papers with his box of stars near by, ready to be given to students if their paper proved to be extraordinary. Then there was Mr. Garcia, fighting off sleep as he ate. The coffee rations of the day were already handed out. Caffeine couldn't save him now.
The teachers knew of his poor sleeping habits. Though, none of them had a clue what he did outside of school. The group kept to themselves, it had always been that way. No one pried, except, of course, Mr. Spender. Pushing his sunglasses closer to his face, he stared at his coffee rations. One mug of caffeinated black, bitter coffee. Cream and sugar weren't provided, not since the last budget cuts. The only good thing about the liquid was it was warm and free. He swished and swirled the coffee in his Dog Lover mug and looked to his half awake co-worker.
Spender's lips thinned as he walked over the Mr. Garcia. Just offer him the coffee. You already had two cups today. He paused in front of the science teacher. "Here, have some coffee." Spender said, sliding the mug in front of him. "You look like you need it more than I do."
Mr. Garcia looked up from his food with weary eyes. The bags under his eyes seemed bruised and worse than they appeared to be from across the Lounge. He grasped the mug with shaky hands and muttered, "Thanks. I love you." before taking a swing of the coffee.
Spender smiled, "Love you too." He rebutted before turning to return to his post at the counter where his waiting snack resided. His cheery expression turned to that of dread as he felt the weight of the words they exchanged hang over him. Ms. Baxter arched an eyebrow as she continued to sip her tea. She had a question on her lips, but chose against speaking.
Spender swallowed, adjusted his tie and gave the math teacher a short nod before quickly walking back to the counter. His mind was churning a mile a second. Without thinking, he left the Teacher's Lounge without touching his food. Maybe spectral work would clear his head.