A/N: Dear all, please enjoy: Chapter 8! :)

Chapter 8: Infinity loop

xxx Tetsuhiro xxx

"Ara, ara—Souichi- kun, Tetsuhiro- kun, you didn't have to come and see me! Is everything okay? Souichi- kun, the baby, and Tetsuhiro- kun, your arms?"

Suzuki- san was sitting up in bed, a lunch tray set on the movable table in front of her. Despite the thick bandages around her neck, the jovial woman was all smiles as Tetsuhiro and Souichi reached her bed.

"We were discharged yesterday with a clean bill of health, Suzuki- san. Congratulations on a successful surgery; you are looking really good!" Tetsuhiro beamed at the lady as he placed the bouquet of flowers into the generic vase beside the bed. "My arms already feel fine. Thank you for your concern!"

"That's good to hear!" Suzuki- san motioned for Souichi to sit on the visitor's chair. "Souichi- kun, sit down, sit down! You must be tired after the journey here."

Shrugging off his coat, Souichi compiled with a warm smile. "I'm good, Suzuki- san. When can you be discharged?"

"The doctors are trying to keep me locked up here for another month, che! I'm strong and healthy; such injuries won't bring me down for long!" Suzuki- san clapped her hands decisively, a disgruntled expression on her face. However, it was soon replaced by a more somber look. "Both of you are really kind to still come and visit me, even after everything that Reiko has done…"

Tetsuhiro finished displaying the flowers and went to Souichi's side. Putting a hand around his lover's shoulder, he addressed the injured woman. "Suzuki- san, you are you and Inari- san is Inari- san; there's no need to blame yourself for the things that she has done. She can no longer hurt us now, so please focus on getting well, Suzuki- san."

"Yea, I agree with Morinaga. You don't have to worry about us or anything else; Just get well! We will be fine."

The older woman glanced at Tetsuhiro then to Souichi for a long moment. Finally, a relieved smile crossed her lined face and she wiped quickly at her eyes. "You are both too kind—! Ah, please pardon me…"

When Suzuki- san had regained her composure and restarted on her lunch, Souichi and Tetsuhiro filled her in on the aftermath of the attack. Having given their statements to the police, there was enough evidence to charge Inari Reiko on assault and causing harm to the public. She was currently incarcerated awaiting bail. From the police, they had learnt that their attacker was also undergoing state psychiatric treatment. It seemed that her unfortunate situation had pushed her over the edge.

"I didn't know about her situation…Reiko—she's never been one to talk about her troubles. I wish that I could have done something for her before everything became unsalvageable…"

The grave topic inevitably caused the atmosphere in the small ward to grow heavier. Tetsuhiro patted her sympathetically on the arm as Souichi spoke. "Suzuki- san, you did lend her money when she asked you to; that was the extent that you could have assisted and you did it. Hopefully, this would be a new start for her."

Tetsuhiro nodded quietly in agreement, his mind conflicted. Although Inari Reiko's circumstances were worthy of sympathy, he was still glad that she had been arrested, bringing the fiasco to an end. Dr. Hako had told them that the expected due date for the baby would be in mid- April. With Sempai in the home stretch for the baby, he just really wanted some peace and quiet in their lives to receive this major event.

"Both of you are really too kind… Hopefully, Reiko would turn over a new leaf after this… I should try to contact her children about this…" Suzuki- san chewed at her food slowly before she swallowed and pasted on a brighter smile. "So, gentlemen, it looks like I wouldn't be able to coach you any longer due to my injuries. If you please, I'll send my colleague to take charge of your case."

Tetsuhiro glanced at Souichi uncertainly, his hand tightening on the man's shoulders. It was not that they did not trust Suzuki- san; however, he was not comfortable with having yet another stranger know about their pregnancy. Souichi seemed to have caught his anxiety as he turned back to their instructor. "Suzuki- san, we've already discussed this with Dr. Hako. He will be taking over for these last few weeks. Your recuperation is more important."

"All right—! However, please don't hesitate to call whenever you need to clarify some things! You will always be my students."

The three of them shared a chuckle as the conversation began to flow towards more light- hearted topics.

That night, the two of them managed to dodge some persistent reporters on the way home and returned to the safety of their apartment. The estate security guards had amped up on their surveillance after the acid- throwing incident so there were no strangers to be seen as they entered the elevator. Inari Reiko's attack had at least achieved one good thing—the neighbours' sympathies had been roused and there were no longer malicious looks or notes directed towards them.

After a quiet dinner, the two men converged at the living room. At the moment, Souichi was currently seated opposite him at the kotatsu, diligently reading through an infant- care guidebook. Tetsuhiro set down the papers and studied his favourite person adoringly. That tiny furrow of concentration was too cute.

Tetsuhiro had heard that pregnancy often caused women to bloat up and fatten. However, as his eyes followed the slim curve of Souichi's jaw and chin, Tetsuhiro could only see the healthy glow that Sempai seemed to be bathed in ever since the fifth month. It was irresistible.

Letting his foot rub against Souichi's beneath the thick quilt, Tetsuhiro watched as Souichi registered his touch. The tiny shiver did not escape him. Chuckling, he got bolder, letting his socked foot run sinuously against Souichi's inner thigh.

"Morinaga, what the hell are you doing—ahnnn…"

Tetsuhiro tensed slightly at Souichi's bitten- off moan. Heat began to unfurl in his stomach as he feasted on Souichi's flushed face. Slowly, he directed his foot towards the heated region of the man's groin. The hardness that he felt there aroused him further. He began to knead with his foot and toes; alternately pressing and rubbing firmly against the responding organ there until some dampness began to seep through.

"Mnnn! Morinaga—stop…! Nnn!"

His foot began to rub more earnestly against the quivering mass of Souichi's arousal. Tetsuhiro bit his lip in excited concentration as he pumped at his own. Sempai had let the book slip out of his hand as he gripped the sides of the table, an almost agonized expression on his face. Tiny puffs of air escaped from him as he panted. Deftly, Tetsuhiro kicked off his sock and molded his bare foot against Souichi's balls. There was a jerk as Souichi reacted to the feel of his skin's heat. Tetsuhiro smiled, his toes encircling the leaking tip near the waistband of Souichi's maternity pants. "Sempai, you are really excited, huh?"

There was a harsh pant from his lover and a second later Souichi shuddered as he climaxed. Tetsuhiro's foot became slippery with the hot gush of semen and he too shivered as the liquid seeped between his toes. Abandoning his control, Tetsuhiro scrambled from his side of the table to Souichi's, his erection tenting the front of his pajamas bottoms.

It took the last bit of his restraint not to push the spent man down on the floorboards and slam into him. Instead, Tetsuhiro gathered Souichi into his arms and pressed their lips desperately together. Their tongues slicked hotly against each other's and Tetsuhiro captured Souichi's deep moan as he teased a nipple through the sweater. Sweat rolled down his back as Tetsuhiro struggled not to explode from holding back, his shaft throbbing with every response from his lover. Damn, even though Sempai was so heavily pregnant, Tetsuhiro's lust for his body was undampened.

"Haa…haa…Morinaga, why don't you—ever…listen—hnnn!" Beneath the sodden maternity pants, Souichi was hard again, his length protruding from the waistband to touch the underside of his distended womb. The long- haired man arched forwards as Tetsuhiro slipped a hand into his pants and took hold of his leaking shaft. "Oh god…stop…mhmmm!"

With some maneuvering, Tetsuhiro managed to sit Souichi on his lap. He groaned shakily as Souichi's butt rubbed against his erection. Helpless against the shuddering pleasure that the movement brought on, he leaned into Souichi's back and began to slide against him, little moans escaping as he closed his eyes. With one hand to keep Souichi balanced, Tetsuhiro used his other to minister to Souichi's swollen shaft, pumping vigourously in tandem with his humping.

As Souichi's pants became shorter and more heightened, Tetsuhiro stopped teasing him and recaptured his lips for a drugging kiss. "Sempai, could you do it yourself? It won't be so taxing on your hips in an upright position like this." At Souichi's barely discernable nod, Tetsuhiro pressed his cheek against the pregnant man's for a second. "I'll help you, okay?"

As Souichi stood up shakily, Tetsuhiro quickly rolled down his pants, freeing his erect length from the damp cotton. He leaned back slightly, arms firmly on Souichi's quivering hips as he began to lower himself on Tetsuhiro.

"Hold me tighter; the baby is heavier than I thought—uhnnn—give me some time to adjust…ahhh…"

Tetsuhiro's hands gripped harder to prop him up as Souichi settled onto him with a deep shudder. Fully sheathed, Tetsuhiro remained still, fighting the urge to move as the other man panted in exertion. The heat surrounding his needy shaft was exquisite. Truly, Sempai was all that he ever needed.

Souichi's hands strained against Tetsuhiro's raised knees as he began to slide up and down on Tetsuhiro's cock, the rhythm slow and hesitant as the man struggled to find a pace to accommodate the additional weight of the baby. "Unn…ummn…"

Beneath his hands, Tetsuhiro could feel the muscles tensing and relaxing with Souichi's every move. The sweat slicked the contact between their bodies as Souichi finally adjusted and began to move faster. Tetsuhiro's mind blanked out as he also began to thrust up deeply, his body knowing just the right angle to tilt so that every sweet spot within Sempai would be hit.

The only sounds in the living room were their mixed panting as they connected with each other in the most intimate of ways. Tetsuhiro placed kisses along Souichi's back as he squeezed his sensitized nipples, the heat from the kotatsu radiating around them.

When Souichi began to clench down on him from the inside, Tetsuhiro felt every contract of his slippery muscles. With a loud groan, he gently lifted Souichi, sliding out of him with a very erotic squelch. "Sempai, call my name—call my name when you come—" In quick motions, he had turned Souichi to face him. Spreading his sweat- slicked thighs open, Tetsuhiro plunged desperately into his warmth and gathered his lover close as he began to pump upwards in quick, short strokes. "Sempai—Sempai—you are the best—uhnn—!"

"Morinaga—I'm coming—! Ahh—Tetsuhiro—ahh—ahh—hnn—yes—! Tetsu—ahhh!"

After they had both showered and changed into new sets of pajamas, the two of them resettled at the kotatsu, Souichi glaring daggers and refusing to speak to Tetsuhiro as he pointedly pushed the childcare guidebook to him.

"Sempai, forgive me, please?" Shoulders slumped, Tetsuhiro glanced hopefully at Souichi but the other man merely continued to glower at him. Lowering his head, he obediently picked up the book and flipped it open to the chapter where he had last stopped.

The night steadily passed from eight to nine as Tetsuhiro immersed himself into the tips and advice given to care for a newborn infant. Occasionally, he would look up at Souichi but was rebuffed with a frown every time. His Sempai had likewise occupied himself with notes that Suzuki- san had left them, the look of concentration back on his face.

A bump of Souichi's feet against Tetsuhiro's knees made him jerk up in surprise. Closing the book, Tetsuhiro kept his gaze on the other man until Souichi tsked and looked up impatiently. "What are you staring at, Morinaga?"

"Are you feeling cold, Sempai?" It was still February after all—with the sleet that had just passed the day before, it did not feel like the end of winter.

"…No, I'm not. Baka, continue reading! The punishment was five chapters before you can sleep!" Despite his negative answer, Souichi's hands were chilled when Tetsuhiro covered them with his. He did not care when the long- haired man smacked his hands away hastily.

"You are cold, Sempai!" Without waiting for further response, Tetsuhiro inched around the square table until he was beside Souichi. "I'll be your personal kotatsu." Slotting his legs around the surprised man, Tetsuhiro wrapped both arms snugly around Souichi. "There, isn't it better like this?" He kissed him chastely before taking hold of Souichi's goosebump- lined hands. Tetsuhiro began to chaff them against his own warm palms one at a time, occasionally puffing on them to maintain the heat. "I can't have you falling sick at such a time, ne. All right, ginger tea's on the menu tomorrow!"

"…Idiot Morinaga…Finish the book by tomorrow! I'll test you at the end of the day."

"Ehhh, Sempai?! But that's unfair—we should be equally knowledgeable in the topic! I know—! If I pass the test, then you'll have to give me a kiss."

"No way—! What kind of nonsense are you sprouting now?"

"It's not nonsense, Sempai! Your kisses are the best reward." Tetsuhiro emphasized his words with a demonstration. The snow fell softly outside of their cozy apartment. Tucked together beneath the thick kotatsu quilt, Tetsuhiro felt crazily happy as Souichi rested against his nape, their hands linked together on the rise of his womb. "Just being able to hold you is like a miracle, Sempai. So many things have happened, like the lab explosion and the incident with Inari Reiko…there were so many times when I could have lost you both…thank you for staying safe and whole, Sempai."

"…I have to take care of you and the baby, so of course I'd have to stay strong, baka. What's all this nonsense about thanking and whatnot? Everything is behind us now—there's just the issue of your family left to deal with before the baby is born. Speaking of which, have you contacted your brother?"

His parents, huh. Tetsuhiro glanced down at Souichi's heavily swollen womb as he palmed it quietly. The waves of anxiety and shame made his hand shake. Even after all these years…He had not contacted his parents ever since being disowned, and neither had they attempted to reach out to him.

Despite knowing that he had been maligned in Masaki- san's incident, Tetsuhiro had not clarified it personally with his parents because he had been certain that his father would still have thrown him out regardless. His father was a man brought up and defined by traditions and customs. A man should only fall in love, get married and have children with a woman. Tetsuhiro's relationship with Souichi defied every single perception that his father had harboured.

Knowing this side of his father, how could Tetsuhiro freely tell them that they were going to have a grandchild borne by his male lover? His mother might not be so rigid in her beliefs but the fact that she had not stood up for him had spoken volumes. It still hurt to think about it. Her silence had felt like the greatest betrayal.

"Morinaga…?" With a sigh, Souichi straightened in Tetsuhiro's arms and turned back to look him squarely in the face. "Didn't I tell you not to worry too much? Our daughter is yours and mine; telling your parents about her would also be our responsibility together. So stop delaying the visit, all right?"

The conviction in Souichi's stern eyes shone strong and clear. Caught in his gaze, Tetsuhiro swallowed the enormous lump of fear and nodded shakily. Facing the demons of his past required so much courage. Alone, Tetsuhiro knew he could not do it. However, if he had Souichi by his side, he felt that he could try just that little bit harder to find the strength that he so needed. "If I have to do this to stay by your side, then I'll face my parents, Sempai—!"

"Baka; it's for your own sake! If you don't untangle this knot now, it'll tie you down forever. This blight can only be removed if you face it honestly. Didn't I tell you something similar the last time? Get it into your thick head!"

Tetsuhiro accepted Souichi's reprimand abashedly, remembering that it was Sempai who had forced him to reveal the truth behind Masaki- san's attempted suicide with his brother. Now, his brother would occasionally send him emails as a means of keeping in contact, and it seemed that things between him and Masaki- san were proceeding well. The strained relations with his family were indeed a burden on his heart but it was only ever Sempai who bothered to remove it from him.

After Souichi extracted a promise from him to call Kunihiro first thing in the morning, their quibbles died down as the pregnant man resettled more comfortably against Tetsuhiro. The drowsy heat enveloped them. Tetsuhiro hugged Souichi closer as his slumbering body began to relax against him, wishing that they could stay ensconced like this forever, in a soft, glowing cocoon weaved by the strength of their feelings.

Quietly, Tetsuhiro lifted the sides of Souichi's glasses and extracted it carefully. His gaze lingered on his lover's refined features. If their daughter could look like Sempai, have his sharp nose and slanted eyes, she would definitely be the most beautiful girl on earth. It would be great if she could inherit Souichi's intelligence and courage too…

With a jolt of realisation, Tetsuhiro smacked himself mentally. The three of them had survived so many things together, what was one more confrontation with his parents? He was going to be a father soon; he had to become strong for his family! If Tetsuhiro continued to bow his head to the past, then it was just implying that he was ashamed of his lover and child! Shocked by his own thinking, Tetsuhiro almost stood up there and then to call his brother. He would not hide them from his family any longer.

"I'm sorry, Sempai," Tetsuhiro placed a kiss, a promise, on Souichi's temple. "And I'm sorry, baby girl. Papa will be stronger from now on, okay? Please believe in me."

Beneath their hands, there was a responding kick and Tetsuhiro smiled tremulously. It seemed that their daughter had faith in him… The thought was so heartening that he could feel his eyes become suddenly wet. Ah, crap. At this rate, he was going to wake Sempai up with his crying.

Sniffling quietly and swallowing a hiccup, Tetsuhiro got to his feet and lifted the sleeping man with care. Despite the sudden change in position, Souichi remained asleep. He had really exhausted him with his enthusiasm just now, huh. With a curious mix of guilt and pride, Tetsuhiro pressed Souichi close to his heart and started towards the bedroom.

With slightly trembling hands, Tetsuhiro poured the hot water into three cups of tealeaves. Just outside the kitchenette, his older brother, estranged only until recently, sat at the dining table. At the moment, Morinaga Kunihiro looked every bit the stern, rigid elder son as he sat stiffly opposite Souichi. He was donned in a formal shirt and tie, glasses glinting beneath neatly slicked hair.

"I see that you are really pregnant, Tatsumi- san."

The awkward silence was broken by Kunihiro's stilted statement. Tetsuhiro served the steaming cups of tea and sat in between them, cold sweat breaking out over his brows.

"Yes, I'm. Actually, I'm already thirty- three weeks along. It's a girl." Despite the import of the meeting, Souichi remained stoic and calm as he answered Kunihiro's queries.

"…I see…" Upon hearing Souichi's affirmation, Kunihiro seemed at a loss for words, his stern demeanor suddenly deflating as he tugged his tie loose. "Sorry, I came directly from work today…Well, I came here to ascertain the situation myself. After all, news and rumours are not always true…" Here, he glanced obliquely at Tetsuhiro. "Erm, I don't mean to be rude but this has really thrown me for a loop, especially when I saw your names on the papers…However, even when I visited you after the lab accident, you didn't tell me that both of you were dating, much less the fact that you were expecting a baby, Tetsuhiro."

"Kuni—Nii- san, I'm sorry about keeping quiet all this while. It was just really hard to talk about these things with you or Dad and Mum…" Tetsuhiro took a deep breath when he saw the hurt flash across his brother's face. "However, Sempai has shown me that I can only move forwards if I can face you all honestly.

"Thus, I would like to start over again—Nii- san, this is Tatsumi Souichi, my lover and father of my daughter. Sempai, this is Morinaga Kunihiro, my older brother and respected elder."

There was a loaded pause after his introductions. Then, Souichi bowed deeply. "Nice to meet you, Morinaga- san. Please take care of me."

Kunihiro studied Souichi a moment more, seeming to weigh something on his mind. Finally, he also bowed courteously and returned the greeting. "Please take care of me. Tatsumi- san, you were the one whom I met the last time I was at the apartment, right?"

"…Yes, and I shouted at you. I apologise for the rudeness."

Souichi's humbleness touched Tetsuhiro greatly. He knew that Sempai was quick to temper and had flared up at Kunihiro that time for his sake. The fact that Souichi was apologizing for that act was not because he regretted his actions but to make sure that nothing happened to disfavour their situation further. "Nii- san, it wasn't Sempai's fault that time—he was standing up for me—"

"I know and I'm not looking for an apology for it—" Kunihiro halted Tetsuhiro's explanation as he fixed Souichi with a level gaze. "Tatsumi- san, what I recall about that time was that you denied quite vehemently about being Tetsuhiro's lover but now, my brother is introducing you as his partner for life.

"I understand that you were not gay from the beginning and I must say that it is not…easy to adjust your mind and body to accommodate a male partner when you are a man yourself. My question is: Are you serious about my brother?"

"Nii- san—wh—why are you asking this so suddenly—!" Mortified and flustered, Tetsuhiro nearly toppled his cup of tea as he jolted up and faced his brother. "Please don't trouble Sempai with such questions!"

With a sigh, Kunihiro motioned for Tetsuhiro to sit back down and when the younger man did not balk, he forcibly pushed him down. "Tetsuhiro, why are you so worked up? Don't tell me that even with a baby on the way, you are still not clear on where you stand with Tatsumi- san? As your brother, I cannot accept this."

"No, Nii- san—you have got it completely wrong—!" Tetsuhiro bit his lip. Nii- san did not know all that had transpired between him and Souichi since the last time that he had been here and was thus doubting Souichi's sincerity now! Aching to correct his brother's misconception, Tetsuhiro was about to launch into a tirade but was stilled by Souichi with a slight shake of his head.

"Morinaga- san, I don't see why I have to explain our relationship to others when it is strictly between Morianga and I. However, you are Morinaga's older brother. Being an elder brother myself, I have to…empathize." A ferocious frown creased Souichi's forehead and Tetsuhiro immediately realised whom he was silently strangling in his mind. "As you said so just now, it is hard, almost impossible to accept another man as a lover when I'm a man myself…" Here, Souichi's gaze hardened with resolve and challenge as he sat up straighter. "However, if I were not committed to the relationship, I sure as hell would not be carrying Morinaga's baby and talking to you now."

"…I get your point." Kunihiro's ears reddened slightly at all the unsaid things in Souichi's declaration. "I guess you would really have to love the other person in order to commit to a same- sex relationship…I see; that's how it is, Junya…" The last statement was mumbled as the older man seemed to reach an epiphany. Tetsuhiro and Souichi exchanged puzzled stares but they did not press him.

With an embarrassed cough, Tetsuhiro's elder brother seemed to break out of his reverie and refocused on them. "Ahem. All right. I understand everything now. Sorry about my bluntness just now, Tatsumi- san," At Souichi's nod, Kunihiro continued on, his tone less grave than before. "It seems that congratulations are in order, gentlemen."

"…Thank you, Nii- san. It means a lot to hear that from you." And truly, Tetsuhiro felt a bone- deep joy when Kunihiro finally broke into a smile and shook both of their hands. Being gay, Tetsuhiro had never received blessings for his relationships. Moreover, having his only other romantic relationship ending really badly had only deepened the black hint of insecurity that he carried around like a shadow. Now, his family member had acknowledged his relationship with Souichi and Tetsuhiro was buoyed beyond words. "I never thought that this day would come…"

"…Tetsuhiro, I know that I haven't been a good brother to you these past years. However, I'm really happy that we are able to talk like this now," Kunihiro flushed as he eked out the words that Tetsuhiro was sure he had never intended to voice aloud. "Little brother, cherish your new family and be a responsible father. Taking care of a baby would be hard, so if you both ever need any help, I'm always available."

"Thanks for the offer, Nii- san. I'll—I'll hold you to it!" The final sheen of ice between the two brothers shattered as they exchanged years of untold emotion in their handshake. Tetsuhiro felt his sight water as the warmth from Kunihiro's hand reached all the way to his heart.

"Okay, I think it's time to call our parents to make an appointment. A baby in the family is a momentous occasion so it's only correct that they are informed about it personally… Tetsuhiro, you should make the call yourself. Here—" The older man fished out his cell and pressed some numbers before handing the silver device to Tetsuhiro.

Kunihiro had already pressed the dial button. Trembling, Tetsuhiro raised the cell to his ears, only barely registering the touch of Souichi's hand as his partner squeezed his thigh reassuringly. With a click, somebody picked up on the other line, the light, melodious voice instantly bringing him back to his childhood days.

His mother spoke to him for the first time in years. "Moshi moshi, Kunihiro?"

To be continued.