Chapter Text
It takes barely a second for Gaku to pick up Tenn's call, and he can't help the smile that draws in his lips at that. He makes sure his hair looks good for the umpteenth time before turning on his phone's camera and he lets his soft smile show as he greets Gaku.
“Hey. I miss you” is the first thing Gaku says, as expected, before immediately asking “How are you doing? What time is it over there?”
“It’s easier than ever to check a timezone converter these days, you know” Tenn jokes, absolutely no malice in his voice even though he tries to sound cheeky.
“Coming from you, that can only mean it’s awfully late and you don’t wanna say it” Gaku frowns and pouts, letting out a long sigh when Tenn just smiles at him, refusing to either confirm or deny that claim.
“How’s everything over there?” Tenn returns the question, instead.
“Ryu misses you, too, but he says he doesn’t want to bother you too much” Gaku tries to hold back a chuckle, and then he lets out a pensive hum before speculating, uncertain, “And I guess even though she tries not to show it, Anesagi kinda misses you too”
“That’s strange, we speak almost every day” Tenn cocks his head to a side, puzzled. They even had an interesting conversation (though through text messages) earlier today.
“Wait, really?” Gaku sounds a lot more surprised than he should, then realization hits him and he chuckles, sounds almost embarrassed for not getting it at first with how obvious it is before he comments “Right, she is your manager after all, you have to talk about work”
Tenn shrugs, trying not to say anything too mean to Gaku. He misses messing around with him, but the distance makes it feel harsher somehow, so he tries to stay as kind as possible.
“Is it really okay for you to stay up late? I’m sure you were working hard all day” Gaku’s voice takes Tenn back to reality and he wonders if he looks tired, but a quick glance at his face in the split screen shows he looks as perfect as always.
“It’s okay, don’t worry“ Tenn smiles in an attempt to reassure Gaku, teasing him just a bit “Are you okay, though? It’s strange of you to complain at me for making an effort to call you”
“I’m not complaining, I just wonder if we can make it work better at another time so you don’t push yourself too much” Gaku explains, almost in a rush, before taking a long second to think and, finally, admitting “At least as long as you’re away, I don’t want you to do that”
“I agreed to do only one season here for a reason” Tenn reminds him, his voice soft, sweet, almost seductive as he smiles and promises “I’ll be home soon, Gaku”
“I know, I know, you couldn’t miss the chance of your life when those guys at Broadway had their eyes on you pretty much since we debuted” Gaku rolls his eyes, tries to sound dismissive but Tenn understands it’s just to reassure himself. He decides to change the subject and asks “Is it going well, by the way? Can I go see you?”
Tenn can’t help but laugh a little at the desperation Gaku tries and fails to hide in his voice, and he shrugs again, throws Gaku a flirty smile and replies “If you’re done filming by the start of the season, sure”
Gaku laughs too, his eyes longing when he finally whispers “I can’t wait to hold you again”
“I’m looking forward to it, too” Tenn admits, a bit embarrassed but trying not to look away from Gaku’s eyes. He lets out a dreamy sigh and mentions “I can’t wait for TRIGGER’s next live”
“Same” Gaku agrees with a confident smile that turns endeared in an instant, his voice and expression overflowing with affection as he whispers “I love you, Tenn”
“I love you too, Gaku” Tenn replies instantly, as if the words had been waiting all day to come out of his mouth. Unfortunately, a yawn comes out right after, making Gaku frown, worried.
“Do you wanna go sleep?” Gaku asks, as kindly as he can, though Tenn can see in his tone that he’s not really asking.
“Not yet. Tell me more about that movie you’re working on?” Tenn asks, almost pleading, prepared to kill Gaku with the most irresistible puppy eyes he’s ever seen in his life if he dares say ‘no’.
Fortunately for Tenn‘s dignity , it’s not necessary, and Gaku nods, agrees easily with a simple “Sure”
Still, Gaku waits for Tenn to lay down in his bed, ten thousand kilometers away from him, before he speaks again.
Tenn is glad that Gaku doesn't feel like pointing out how obvious it is that he just wants to hear his voice until the moment he finally falls asleep, how transparent it is that Tenn just wants to feel connected to Gaku for as long as his body and mind can take to stay awake. He doesn’t even ask to be sure - he just prepares to hang up once Tenn finally stops responding, and Tenn knows he’s lucky for this.
Falling asleep to Gaku's voice always guarantees sweet dreams, and Tenn knows as long as he gets to have just this, he can keep doing his best pursuing his dreams tomorrow.