A/N: Okay so on my livejournal there was an interesting theory: what if Ren (that boy in England with Takumi and Reira) was Nana's first child, and Satsuki the second? So the child they're all making a fuss over is actually the boy. I'd like to think so, because it leaves it so much more open to interpretation… such as it being Nobu's child? Yes, yes.
Disclaimer: Ai Yazawa's creation.
It's Nobu and Ren, alone in the hospital.
Not his friend Ren.
His Ren.
Nobu looks closer at the baby boy nestled quietly in the incubator. He knows this is his only moment with the baby alone, when everyone is rushing around Hachi to make sure she's all right. Nobu instinctively went for the baby.
Was there something on his face that would show as he grew older? Would his eyes be like Nobu's? His face? His nose? Would his hair be the same shade? Would he like the same music, play guitar?
As he watches Ren sleep and fitfully fling his clenched, pudgy hands in his sleep, Nobu feels both fear and joy welling up inside of him. Takumi has already said he'll take care of this baby, but now Nobu wants him back. He wants this baby because there is some undeniable link between them; Nobu doesn't know if he should ignore it or embrace it.
The link is saying he's your child.
Your child.
Your child.
Nobu is stupid and stubborn for not having figured things out with Hachi. Because here was his (maybe) son. His. A little Nobu, someone created from a part of him that would grow up, live life, have his own family.
Would he know Nobu? Or would he never speak to him, like Hachi?
He watches the little face for a long time, staring at it, hoping something will show if he is his child or not.
And then there is a swarm, friends and family rushing over and Nobu steps back quietly. He doesn't want people to think the wrong thing. He catches one last glimpse of his son, and feels the guilt and the sorrow burning a tattoo into his heart.