Chapter Text
Morinaga was surprised to see the overseas number calling. Of course it was Soujini Sama, senpai's father calling after receiving a customized desk calendar printed with his kids school photos and birthdays marked as a new year gift from Morinaga. Soujini Sama was so touched that the-person-who-only-emails-his-kids made time to make an international call to convey his appreciation. After a few minutes of talking he said "now that we are talking, Kanako emailed saying you have a job now with S Pharma. I am not surprised that you still share the house with Souichi even if your work location is outside. Souichi kun always kept his loved ones close and keeps an eye on them however busy he is. He sounds harsh but he is very protective and jumps in without thinking into any situation to ensure they can flourish - very much like my wife."
Tetsuhiro had goosebumps on hearing that. He remembered Senpai who threatened Kurokawa when his brother moved in with him and the fisticuffs he had with his own brother Kunhiro. He knew Souichi paid attention to know when he felt down and acted to pull his spirits up. The way his senpai showed care was very different from himself.
Tetsuhiro always paid attention not to be a burden to his loved ones and be as supportive and thoughtful as he can for them. Souichi just acted to remove anything that causes discomfort to those precious to him - he didn't overthink or plan his reactions and never cared to get along with people for the sake of it. While Tetushiro judged the care based on thougfulness showed his Senpai took note only of actions and didn't take time to think through motivations and intentions behind those actions. May be the world is more black and white for his Senpai.
So, would senpai understand why he had not yet discussed the training opportunity overseas and his reasoning for not taking it up? To be honest, he was scared that he would ask him to go saying 1 year of separation is nothing. But he would die not knowing how well senpai is. Even now on top of visiting weekends to be with him, he hounds his university friends and even the convenience store owner and Matsuda sama to ensure he is eating and sleeping well and not smoking too much. Senpai, if he came to know would be livid. Ah, then I will have to seduce him to make him forget his anger , thought Tetsuhiro , who had a one track mind from the time he had his first glimpse of Souichi
*
Tomoe and Kanako were the first to login to the zoom call. They were curious as to why their Nii chan who must be busy with his final thesis defense has asked for a family call and what could be the important update. Kanako concern etching her face told Tomoe about Isogai hinting that Morinaga might leave the country for work and she was worried about how it will affect their brother (who lost his appetite and weight when he had a disagreement with Morinaga before and lived apart from him for 2 weeks). Tomoe found it hard to believe that their invincible brother can be that sensitive. As they were discussing ways to be supportive Soujini sama joined and exclaimed about his latest research breakthrough and then asked over their health.
Souichi was uncharacteristically solemn when he joined and shared the news that his thesis defense went well. Tomoe ventured to ask whether and where he is planning to continue his field of research. "That is what I wanted to discuss. I have found a few suitable openings" said Souichi dropping this bomb further "and where I will go, I want to decide based on Tetsuhiro". His family looked at him surprised and speechless for a few moments.
For Kanako, their brother considering the wishes of Morinaga to decide his career move felt like a new level up in his relationship. Tomoe felt speechless that another person could weigh in on his brother's decision. For Souijini it came as no surprise and felt natural. His wife kept him involved with everything going on on her life when she lived - her presence lingered with him even now.
So just like that with Souichi's action Tetushiro got established as family in their midst.
*
Tetsuhiro was feeling contented with life at this moment. His arms were around Senpai, his back against the headboard of his bed, nose buried in Senpai"s sweet smelling silken hair thay flowed down his naked chest , gazing tenderly at the dozing souichi in the afterglow of dopomine rush. Its good that there wasnt a single cigarette from the valentine dinner through the walk home and now almost past midnight - senpai has seriously listened to his nagging, thought Tetsuhiro fondly
" What are you smiling about" asked Souichi adjusting within the tight hold to look back . " I was thinking about the lease that we should remember to extend Senpai. I heard that the department head had a new research grant that he was looking for you to discuss with."
"How do you keep up with such news ! Anyways it all depends on you. Don't you have something to tell me" enquired Souichi amiably.
Ice slid down Tetushiro's spine as he answered " what , where ..why. , It depends on me? I am happy to continue weekend commute until they approve my transfer here Senpai. You want to continue in the university eh?"
" Silly, I can follow you now to keep an eye on. With my doctorate done i have an offer to teach at Hammatsu if you wish or do a fellowship in the USA in a university near your training location or" , when Morniga interruped hastily " you mean you will be with me where ever I go? I dont have to go alone?".
"Baka, ofcourse ofcourse. How can I let you runaway. I will be beside you, you need a home to come back to eh? And you told me often enough that where I am is what you consider as home?"
Morinaga felt the rapture to his toes. His heart soared as he set about kissing and licking souichi sensless who kicked and screamed "when will you learn to discuss with me before making decisions and jumping to conclusions on your own, holding senseless burdens huh? Why are you doing this now when we are talking, stupid" all words fell into deaf ears and souichi's grumbling words ceased soon as he got pulled into the world of pleasure.
They plan to keep their eyes trained on each other , as always.