Mama Ren

Home Seems Empty

Horo and Ren had been married for about 6 years. They had travelled all over spending a year in China, a year in France and a few years in Japan. They had been to many a different country. They had just come back to Japan from spending a few months in Spain. They both were getting tired of aimlessly wondering the globe. They had been to college and university in the best places but now they were back home with nothing else to do now they had finished their final years in university. Ren had taken over as head of the family. En had died years ago by choking on his food from the shock he received. It was when he was giving a wedding invitation to Ren and Horos wedding; Ren had made sure to add in a photo of him and Horo cuddling just to make sure he gave En the shock of his life. Ren only attended the funeral so he could watch En being dumped into the ground and plus Jun had made him.

The 2 shaman felt empty, they had each other now life had stopped. They finished their education; Ren had his family fortune so they were set. They kept the house Ren had bought for them on Horos birthday, it was close to Yoh and the others plus it was the only place that really felt like home anymore. It was a peaceful large house near an amazing wildlife park full of animals, trees and plants of all varieties. Horo loved it there, he could always go and be in the serenity of nature when ever he felt like it, Kororo also loved it there because of the large pond that was covered on one side with a group of lily pads. The house had become empty to them, too big for them alone. They didn't know that there next trip would lead to something amazing.

Ren: Why do we have to go? We only just got back.

Horo: You know how important it is

Ren: Yes but I don't see why we can't just leave it up to those tree huggers we hired

Horo: We gotta help. Also it would be nice to see my hometown. We have nothing better to do (Trying to convince Ren with a sad yet cheery at the same time tone)

Ren: I suppose we can go tomorrow

Horo: Thanks you're the best (Hugged Ren from behind and kissed his cheek)

Ren: I know

Horo: I think we should think about going to bed

Ren: It's too early to be thinking about sleep

Horo: I weren't thinking about sleep (Pulled Ren closer)

Ren: I like the way you think

Both headed to bed knowing tomorrow they would be on the move again this time they were heading for Horos home village up north replanting lily pads and recovering all the swamp lands that were destroyed there years ago. Horo wanted to save the minutians. Even though he knew Yoh the shaman king was working on it he wanted to help any way he could. Ren helped because he wanted a distraction from what seemed to be his failed mission of carrying on the Tao name with honour. The honour years of pain anger and merciless murders his family came famous for.

-Next day-

They arrived in record time, they were used to travelling by now and expected the worst but the journey was quite easy compared to the rest. They left the airport and then they decided to drop in on Pilika. He would have gone to see his other relatives but they were still in a state of shock from Horo marrying Ren, 6 years had gone and still they sent him pictures of pretty girls and lovely ladies that he could marry but as always they were binned straight away, none compared to Ren in his eyes or heart. Pilika now lived in a nice little home with her husband Lyserg.

Pilika: Horo I can't believe you're here (Hugged Horo tightly then backed off)

Horo: (Looked surprised) Pilika! You're the size of a house

Pilika: (Hit Horo over the head) that's your niece or nephew you're talking about

Horo: What? (Rubbed his head)

Ren: I think it is obvious she's expecting a baby

Horo: I'm going to be an uncle (Shocked expression turned into an uncontrollable smile) I'm going to be an uncle! WOOOO! … Wait I'm only just hearing about this now

Pilika: Your never home and you're always travelling. How am I suppose to get in contact with you, you don't even know where your off to next.

Horo: Sorry, guess I should try harder to keep in touch

Lyserg: (Came past the door then stopped) Hey Ren, Horo. (Nodded to each as acknowledgment of them being there) what you doing in the doorway, you're always welcome in?

Ren: We have to go somewhere but we'll be back later to see you both

Lyserg: Ok. See you later I guess

Horo: You got to give me the details later

Pilika: Bye! You better come back. Ya know you and Ren should think about settling down and starting a family.

Horo: Maybe… See you later Lyserg. Bye sis!

Ren and Horo walked off and hailed the taxi to come pick them up. Horo thought about what Pilika said, he wanted a family of his own but didn't think Ren was ready. He thought about adoption and stuff but honestly he kind of wanted a kid of his very own. A little Horo junior running around with Rens eyes and his hair, a mix of both himself and Ren. It was not meant to be, neither could give birth…

Could they?

Horo: Ren (climbed into the cab

Ren: Yes (climbed in after him and closed the door)

Taxi driver: Where do you want to go sirs?

Horo: The swamplands

Ren: Horo you were saying

Horo: Oh yeah, do you think Pilika was right?

Ren: About the family

Horo: Yeah

Ren: I don't know we'd have to adopt. I'm not sure I want to start lining up children and picking one out like I were shopping for a pair of shoes

Horo: Yeah, I wouldn't feel right but maybe we could get the adoption service to just randomly pick one for us

Ren: You mean just grab any kid and stick them with complete strangers they have never met

Horo: (Sighed heavily at the realisation) its not like they would give a gay couple a kid anyway. They are pretty strict about these things

Ren: Can we change the subject please? (Looked out the window)

Horo: Sure (Looked at Ren then turned to look out the window on the other side of the cab)

They drove on through the woods and stopped right at the end of the dirt track road.

Taxi Driver: End of the line, this is as close as I can get you. The swamp lands are just a 10 minute walk down that path there.

Ren: Pick us up here at 5.00pm and we will pay double for the trip.

Taxi Driver: Yes sir (Smiled happy to take the offer)

Horo: Here's the fee for bringing us here

The taxi driver drove off leaving the two there. Ren headed off first down the pathway, Horo followed being quiet afraid to say anything that would make Rens attitude even more cold and distant or worse loose his rag with him. He didn't want to fight with Ren especially when he knew he'd loose. Ren stayed focused on the task, helping with the progression of Horos dream to save the minutions. He bought a lot of land around here to both expand the Tao Empire and to help Horo with his mission. They had already set aside lots of land all over for nature preserves and they had done a lot of work to help keep the planet clean. Ren still felt empty, as though there should be another part to him. He could feel a void inside that he could not fill. Nothing could fill it.

Ren saw something ahead. It was a tent, the kind you see at the circus only this tent was small and had a gypsy style with a sign next to it saying in big letters 'One wish cookie £5'. Ren stood in front of the tent and stared at it, Horo caught up to Ren and stood by him reading the sign.

Horo: Hey Ren look, its one of those gypsy fortune teller things

Ren: Another way to con people. Let's go, this thing is too tacky to bare

Horo: Come on its worth a try

Ren: I'm not wasting £5 on that nonsense

Horo: I dare you

Ren: What?

Horo: I dare you to go in… or are you afraid?

Ren: I don't get scared. Especially not of petty gypsy's

Horo: Then go in

Ren: Fine, but I will get you back for this. Maybe not today, maybe not even tomorrow but someday.

Horo: Make sure you give me the details on your wish

Ren walked in saw a youngish woman sat sorting what looked like tarot cards. She was blond and had it tied back in a small plat, her eyes were a piercing green and she wore a poncho with a long black dress. She saw Ren and asked him to sit.

Gypsy Girl: Sit Ren, I've been waiting

Ren: How do you know my name?

Gypsy Girl: Well I am suppose to be able to see these things but I know your name because I heard you and that other young man talking outside (She pointed at the opening that had closed after Ren walked in)

Ren: Oh…

Gypsy Girl: Sit and we can begin

Ren: … (Sat down opposite her and crossed his arms)

Gypsy Girl: I have three things to say before I give you your wish. First I would like to talk about your past

Ren: Do you really expect me to tell you anything? If you do then you're seriously mistaken

Gypsy Girl: No I'm going to tell you. First I see a dark past with huge obstacles. Your father being one, your family ties held you in a painful place at which you barely escaped the past almost destroyed you! You found refuge and changed. You're a leader proud and strong. A warrior-

Ren: This is ridiculous! You can't possibly know anything, you're just guessing (he got aggravated feeling that what she said had truth to it but he did not want to admit it)

Gypsy Girl: You might as well get your £5 worth's so just bare with me

Ren: Done expect me to take any of this seriously

Gypsy Girl: I wont, promise. Now present. You have found your true love and you have done all you have set out to do which so happens to be the one thing that really mattered. Right now everything you do is preparation for the future; you keep trying to find a way to carry on your family name with honour yet you don't even know where to begin

Ren: Oh and I suppose next you'll tell me the future

Gypsy Girl: No one can tell you the future only predict a variation of what could or should be. Your future is blank, a clean slate. You are lucky to have such a clean fresh start for the rest of your remaining days but there is something missing from the picture. Or should I say someone. Ah now I see, I have the perfect wish for you

The Gypsy Girl turned and opened a box that had three cookies in it. She pulled out the end cookie and placed it on the table in front of Ren who looked at it sceptically before reaching over and opening it revealing his wish

A gift from my love to me,
A gift I take with glee,
To give a life we will love,
An egg from the turtle dove.

Ren: What nonsense is this? It's not a wish at all

Gypsy Girl: It's a wish in the form of a riddle. You will see its meaning for your wish will be granted very soon

Ren: What a rip off (Stood to leave)

Gypsy Girl: Aren't you forgetting something? (Held out her hand)

Ren: graraframarafersas (indecipherable mutters and then he places £5 in her hand)

Gypsy Girl: Thank you and good luck… you'll need it, trust me

Ren walked out the tent still holding his wish and gave it to Horo who read it but didn't understand it either but by the look on Rens face asking him about it would have been a death wish (irony, don't you just love it)

-Later-

The swamplands had been almost completely restored and all the minutions were thrilled just like all the other wildlife around there. Horo was amazed at how different it was. His sacred people the minutions couldn't stop thanking Horo or Ren who couldn't understand so just nodded to each as they came over. Bason however was having a great time chatting away with all the little minutions. After the work was done, the good byes were said and they headed back to get picked up by the taxi but on the way back they both noticed the gypsy tent was all closed up and the sign now said in big black letters 'closed'. They hurried back down the path and reached the opening were the taxi was waiting. They both climbed in and then got dropped off at Pilikas making sure to pay the double fare that they had promised. They walked up to the door and knocked.

KNOCK KNOCK

(Door opens)

Lyserg: Hey your back. How did things go?

Horo: Great the minutions love it

Lyserg: Come in we were just about to order dinner

Horo: Great I'm starving

Ren: You're always hungry

Horo: I'm full sometimes

Ren: Hardly

They both walked in and sat down on the sofa together with Ren leant into Horos shoulder. Lyserg got Pilika and they all started chatting. Pilika couldn't wait to spill all the details to Horo of when he should expect to be an uncle, also she didn't fail to go into detail on the pains of child birthing. The weird cravings, back ache and of course the morning sickness and fatigue. Lyserg spoke of the hormones that made Pilika even more emotional than usual. They all got dinner from a near by take-away which Horo and Pilika used to go to when they were little. Pilika and Lyserg offered them a place in there home for the night but both Horo and Ren wanted to go home badly so politely turned down the offer and called another cab to take them to the airport. The plane boarded at about 8.30 and they got back home really late. Ren and Horo walked in, the second they walked through the door a rush of heat swept over them. It wasn't that the house was warm it was just they felt a flood of heat from inside, like they had a fever only this fever felt different. It wasn't a sick feeling more a like longing. They both locked the door and fixed their eyes on each other. They took in laboured breaths and looked like they had just done a sprint.

Ren took a look at Horo and felt a pull. He thought Horo looked drop dead gorgeous, irresistible, something he had to have right there right then. The very glance Horo gave made him feel hotter. Horo felt the same; he looked at Ren and couldn't contain himself. They began to make-out in a supply yet hungry way barely parting for breath. They left a trial of clothes leading from the front door to the bedroom. Horo pressed Ren against the bed and they drifted under the covers, both become more and more passionate and aroused. Horo had felt tired after all the work they had done all day and the only thing that had been on his mind was sleep but for some reason he felt reenergised, aroused and longed for Ren in a way that could only be explained as love and raw sexual attraction.

They couldn't contain their lusts; foreplay was not on the menu all they wanted was that moment when they felt whole. Horo placed his lover in his lap bringing him as close as they could possibly be. Ren wrapped his arms around Horo lightly waiting for the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place and surely it did. Horo slid himself into Ren gasping at the feeling of completion. He began to rock with Ren gaining speed and power with his movements. Ren kept him close feeling his heart race like never before. His eyes closed as he enjoyed the moment of bliss Horo endued, the feeling only grew from their as he left a release of joy as they both let out their final cry of pleasure and sank into each other embracing sweetly before saying the last good nights and were set afloat in a sea of dreams. This was the soundest sleep either had ever had before, maybe it was the deepest sleep they ever would have. Ren felt a sense of completion that void deep inside felt as if it had began to fill again into how things should always have been. His dreams were so happy and full of jubilations of intense gaiety, these dreams lasted all night but he would not remember them when he woke although the happy effects would stay with him for a while.

-Morning……….Barely-

Horo woke yawning and rubbing his cheek against the fluffy pillows and breathed in the morning although it would not be for long. Horo caught a glimpse of the clock in the corner of his eye and saw it was nearing dinnertime and the day was brightly shining through the window with the curtains open. He knew Ren didn't like the curtains being left open but noted it down as forgotten due to the rush of the moment. He remembered their night of what seemed to be perfect love. He gazed upon the person in his arms to see a smile and a glow. Not literally a glow but a kind of radiant inner light only love could detect. Horo smiled letting the moment last, not wanting to blink in case he missed it. He had to wonder why he suddenly felt so calm, why Ren seemed to look happy even though nothing had really changed or happened in his eyes. But something had changed just that it would be a few months before he would notice.

-Three Months Later-

Ren and Horo were once again travelling back to Horos old village. They were visiting Pilika who had just gave birth to a baby girl she called Vixen or Vix for short (poor kid will be ripped because her name sounds like the name of the company that sells that vapour rub). Horo couldn't wait, he was officially an uncle to a lovely little girl his niece. Pilika beamed, as did Lyserg. Ren spent most the time in the bathroom obviously not feeling well. It was weird he got tired easy he had been throwing up daily but after he was sick he felt fine and a lot of the time would go snack afterwards. He felt sluggish and although he didn't want to admit it he had slightly gained a bit of wait. Not enough to really notice but his stomach did look swollen. He couldn't train properly at the moment because it made him cramp up painfully and his back would burn. He didn't know what was wrong, it had lasted a while and now Horo was beginning to worry.

Pilika: Want to hold her

Horo: Yeah, she looks so little (held her after Pilika handed her over and then Horo began to talk to his niece softly) Hey I'm your uncle; you'll want to visit me because I'm going to be your favourite uncle.

Ren: The fact you're her only uncle puts you in the lead

Horo: What about you?

Ren: What about me?

Horo: Aren't you her uncle too

Ren: Hardly

Horo: Come on your part of my family too

Ren: I hardly see how that makes me her uncle

Horo: Come on I think you'd be a great uncle

Pilika: Maybe Ren would like to hold her. He might change his mind afterwards

Horo: Yeah, great idea (Held out the baby so Ren could hold her)

Ren: (hesitated) Fine (Held out his arms to receive the child but then froze and turned pale) I got to go

Pilika: Ren she's not going to bite.

Horo: I don't think it's that Pilika

Pilika: Oh

Ren ran from the room and faintly everyone heard Rens stomach empty itself of his dinner.

Horo: He aint been feeling too good lately. He's been sick for a while, I convinced him to go see Faust if it doesn't go by itself. We're giving it a week

Pilika: Oh I see well he better get well soon

Horo: I think he'll be all right but this is one strange illness

Pilika: He should try giving birth now that is hell trust me I should know I've been through it

Ren came back into the room holding his stomach and his colour had come back yet he still looked rather dazed.

Horo: Feeling better

Ren: A lot actually

Horo: Good because we have an early flight tomorrow morning

Ren: Don't! It's hard enough being sick on the ground never mind being sick thousands of feet in the air

Horo: Sorry…

They stayed with Pilika and Lyserg for the night and left in the morning with Ren feeling very bloated and sick. He cursed whatever was making him feel sick but did not feel it was a big deal. That would all change once he sees Faust the following week

-A Week Later-

Horo was determined to get Ren to go see Faust and eventually a deal was made with Ren going to see Faust while Horo stayed home and caught up on the cleaning. Horo agreed eventually and Ren walked to the clinic because it was only a 30-minute walk away. It had been open about three years along with a whole chain of clinics that were meant for shaman who got injured in battles or fell ill in some strange way. It also had normal humans attending but its main purpose was for any shaman who needed help. Faust had been travelling like Ren but had settled in Japan for the last few years. Ren walked into the doctors spoke with reception, thew his guts up, then saw Faust. Faust inspected him and got the list of symptoms finding that they were similar yet strange. He ran some tests out of curiosity like blood tests, urine samples and many more. He found that there wasn't really anything wrong with Ren to a certain extent but the findings to the tests were unbelievable and never before seen in this lifetime. There must have been something paranormal going on to get this but what? The next bit really freaked out Ren.

Faust entered the room where a very short-tempered Ren sat there getting more and more impatient.

Ren: It's about time. What are all these tests for? I doubt it's needed to just tell me I have a cold

Faust: It's not a cold its something much more err … Significant than that

Ren: What do you mean significant?

Faust: Well I could give you the textbook answer but there is nothing in any textbook to explain this. Nothing has ever been recorded like this

Ren: What's wrong with me dam it! I'm bloating like a balloon, throwing up every single morning without fail and I'm waking up in the middle of the night craving god knows what Horo keeps in those tins in the fridge. What the hell is it?

Faust: Basically…

Ren: (Bangs his fists against the table he was sat on) BASICALLY WHAT?

Faust: …………….Your………….Pregnant……….

Ren: I'm…….I'm………Preg…. (Fainted)

Faust: (Shook Rens shoulder to wake him) Ren, Ren wake up

Ren: (Opened his eyes and looked at Faust) Oh I just thought you said I'm pregnant (said it trying to believe it was a strange dream)

Faust: I did. Your three months pregnant. Congratulations

Ren: WHAT! HOW THE HELL? WHAT THE HELL? YOU BETTER BE JOKING!

Faust: I don't joke (Very serious expression the same as he always had when dealing with a patient)

Ren: What could have done this…this…this atrocity? I'm a freak of nature, who did this?

A tiny bit of paper floated out of Rens coat pocket, it was unmistakably the cookie wish. That Gypsy Girl came to mind and all her words. Ren put two and two together convinced it was the work of that Gypsy Girl. He sprung from the table and sprinted out the clinic and down the road until he saw a passing cab and hailed it over. He got the taxi to take him to the airport. The only thing Faust could do this minute was staring at the doorway where Ren had run out of thinking 'how strange!' Ren got on the next plane up north with the mission of getting the Gypsy to reverse whatever curse she had placed (Ren believed it to be a curse I think its kawaii) on him and if she didn't or couldn't as the case may be he would destroy her slowly and painfully. At that moment Horo was still at home waiting for Ren who should have been home a long time ago. He thought it was just taking a little longer than expected or Ren may have gone shopping on the way back. Horo also worried slightly but did not get into details at this moment. Horo once again clueless to what's going on.

Ren however couldn't stop focusing on his swollen stomach all the way to the small village. Some time later he finally arrived and rushed off the plane unaware his presence was now known by a certain green haired friend of his. He got the nearest cab and ordered the driver to take him to the pathway leading to the swamplands. They did as instructed. Ren sat in the back seat once again gaping at his stomach now hoping it was just him getting fat and lazy. That would actually closer to normal than this thing growing in his belly. Most of all he just thought about what Horo would think and say about this and of course in Rens mind every reaction played over was negative. The taxi stopped in the familiar clearing with the path in site. Ren got out the cab gave the driver some money and told him to wait here and he'd pay triple for the fares. Once again no objections from the taxi driver who accepted it graciously.

Horo was at home and rang up the clinic wondering if he was still there or if he wasn't when he left. The receptionist said he left hours ago but she added that Ren ran out looking like he had just seen a ghost. Horo placed the phone down feeling confused and a little worried but his worry only grew more when he got a call from Pilika. She was talking about how Lyserg had seen Ren down their way and asked if Horo knew. She was equally confused when Horo said no but she decided she would send Lyserg to find him and question him. Horo put the phone down and sank down in nearby chair holding his head in his hand feeling abandoned.

Ren ran as fast as he could, not stopping till he came up to the tent and ran inside to find it completely empty except for a tiny table with a note pinned to it. The note said…

Dear Ren

Why on earth are you here? Why come to me when you should be telling the father of the gift he has given you. Why come seeking me when he seeks you unknowing to what you have for him. He expects one to come home but two will return. I gave you your wish, what more can I do?

Go To Horo!

Ren read the note and then realised that it was true. He had gone all the way there without even telling Horo. The note confirmed the thing growing inside him was Horo to. Ren felt overwhelming guilt because it was Horos and he was Horos husband. Ren, although he felt guilty, he also felt furious because now he knew how it felt to be knocked up just like all those teens he saw on the TV talking about how it felt to not suppose to be pregnant yet they are. But still the main thing on Rens mind was what Horo would think, Ren still couldn't get it to sink in so how could Horo. Ren was so confused and angry, the letter didn't help. Ren felt alone, as if no one would ever understand how he felt not even Horo. He headed back to the cab to find another car waiting with someone he didn't really expect stood there.

Ren: Lyserg?

Lyserg: Hey. What are you doing here?

Ren: None of your business

Lyserg: Well actually Pilika wanted to know. She is Horos sister and seems as you hopped on a plane here without telling him I think they both deserve an answer.

Ren: I'll tell Horo myself when I get back

Lyserg: When are you going back?

Ren: If you're implying I'm running away your wrong. I have come here to find about the only person who might know what is going on.

Lyserg: What do you mean? You're not making any sense Ren

Ren: I can't tell you

Lyserg: Why?

Ren: Because it would be insulting to Horo

Lyserg: How would it be?

Ren: Because it wouldn't look good that I tell you who have nothing to do with this before it tell Horo who has everything to do about this. He needs to know first

Lyserg: (looked at Ren realising it was personal) Ok, then go tell him

Ren: If he calls tell him I'm on my way

Ren climbed into the taxi and told the driver to take him to the airport. Lyserg watched Ren leave before he climbed into his own car and drove homeward. Once he got home he told Pilika of what had happened but made her promise not to call and tell Horo but to let them both sort it out themselves. She whined and sulked for ages but he knew it would be better that she didn't. Back in Japan Horo waited pacing back an forth knowing it was getting late and Ren still hadn't shown up, there was no word from Pilika so again he was clueless. He thought about why Ren had gone there. He couldn't have intended to disappear because Pilika and Lyserg lived there and he knew they would inform him if they saw Ren so why? He was frustrated beyond belief.

Just when Horo was about to grab his coat and go look for Ren he saw a car pull up in front of the house. Ren got out and stood there for a minute looking at the house and gulping loudly before walking down the path to the door. Horo walked to the door and opened it startling Ren who was about to reach for the door handle. Horo stared at a wide eyed Ren then grabbed his arm and lead him in the door closing the door behind him with a faint click.

Horo: Ren where did you go all day? I've been worried sick and the last time I heard from you was early this morning

Ren: I know………..I'm sorry

Horo: Why did you go?

Ren: I was looking for someone

Horo: At my village way up north. Ren what's going on? What happened? (Getting impatient at Ren who stood there clenching his fists wanting to scream and then kill the Gypsy Girl he dubbed a witch) Ren!

Ren: I wanted to find that damn witch who did this to me, I wanted to kill her! (Clenched his fists tighter trying to keep his voice lowered)

Horo: What? Who do you want to kill?

Ren: That witch who gave me that damn wish cookie curse! (He was now raising his voice in anger)

Horo: You mean that Gypsy…….. Why?

Ren: (Gaining in volume) why …Why! ...WHY… WHY! Because she turned me into a freak of nature that's why. Because of that witch I got this thing growing in here (Pointed to his stomach) that witch is the reason I'm… (Stopped dead)

Horo: You're what?

Ren: …

Horo: Ren what are you talking about? You're what? Tell me!

Ren: (Screamed out after a short pause) IM PREGANANT GOD DAMN IT!

Ren started to shout and scream out all the different ways he was going to kill her and forever curse her soul while Horo sorted the words into thoughts of his own.

Horo: Your...Your…Your…P...Preg…Pregnant… (Slowly let it sink in)

Ren: Yes and it's all her fault!

Horo: Who's is it?

Ren: Who's is what!

Horo: (pointed to Rens stomach

Ren: Who else's would it be? The wish said a gift from my love

Horo: Me...? (pointed to himself)

Ren: I don't have anyone else Horo!

The room fell silent as Ren breathed in heavily unable to calm, still seeing red as his rage bubbled higher and higher until Horo grabbed Ren in a tight embrace and bringing Ren and himself down to their knees. He had tears forming in his eyes and he rested his head on Rens stomach. Ren was gob smacked at Horos behaviour. Ren tried frantically to get this scene to register so he could begin to understand.

Horo: I…I can't believe it. I'm going to be a dad

Ren: What are you doing? (Relaxed slightly letting his arms drop from their raised position of stiff shock)

Horo: I love you Ren and I don't know anyone I'd rather have a baby with

Ren: Horo?

Horo: I didn't think I'd ever get a baby, I thought we would have to adopt because I knew I could never love anyone else. I'll always love you now I have a whole new part of you to love

Ren: You're happy about this? (Genuinely not expecting this)

Horo: Of course I am why wouldn't I be?

Ren: Because I'm a defective freak of nature with no idea of how this thing got in me never mind how to get it out

Horo: Your no freak of nature and your not defective (pulled him closer and smiled) you're the father of my child

Ren: (Put his hands on Horos back) the fact I'm male…

Horo: (Cut Ren off there) … Doesn't mean a thing

Ren: How can't it? I'm no girl so why am I carrying a foetus around

Horo: I don't know. Does it Matter?

Ren: Yes

Horo: Ren

Ren: What?

Horo: Your not thinking about getting rid of the baby are you?

Ren: I haven't had time to think about it. I just couldn't think at all, it's not everyday my gender falls pregnant. (Almost seeing the comical side to it, that soon passed mainly because he'd be the pun of the joke) But I can't give birth; I'm not built for this

Horo: Please Ren you can't destroy our child its part of both of us

Ren: I'm not sure what to do; I don't think I can Horo

Horo: You can do anything; I know you can do this…….. for me!

Ren yawned loudly feeling very, very tired and almost dozing off

Horo: Want to talk in the morning, you look tired

Ren: Sure sleep sounds good after today

They stood up with Ren following Horo into the bedroom. He closed the door drew the curtains and changed into pyjamas. Horo climbed into bed but Ren laid on top of the sheets feeling it was too warm to have covers over him. He laid with his left arms behind his head and his right arm at his side. Horo cuddled right up and rested his head on Rens chest staring down at where his unborn child was growing. He beamed uncontrollably unable to avert his gaze and silently saying his good nights in his head to Ren and his baby boy or girl before taking in a last breath before sleep took over leaving him still smiling as he dreamt on. All Ren could do was gawk at Horo in bafflement. A million questions ran through his head Why does he want it? How can he think I can do this? How can he lay there with that dopey smile spread across his face and yet all I can do is panic? How can he accept this? Why can't I do the same? None of his questions were answered as sleep caught up with his mind sweeping over him like a wave.

-Morning-

The skies were filled with clouds as rain poured from up high pattering off every surface and shattering into a thousands new droplets before gathering in the ground or into puddles that lay spread across the earth. Horo woke to the sound of fresh rainfall covering up all other noises but the sound of the slumbering Rens heart beat. He laid dormant still placed on top of the covers looking tired and un-rested. Horo was so happy to find he was going to be a dad, still he was ecstatic about it but Ren didn't seem sure at all in fact he seemed a little against the idea or was it just he was confused and unsure… maybe a little scared too. Horo felt he had to do everything he could to relax, comfort and support Ren just like Lyserg had to for Pilika. Horo plotted all his best forms of persuasion and manipulation to get Ren to stay home and do what ever your suppose to do when pregnant. Horo had his worries about Ren and how on earth was the baby going to be born when it has no well we will say exit. How would they feed the baby? … Not breast milk that is for sure. How psychologically this would affect Ren? That had to be the number one concern.

Ren woke dazed, tired with morning sickness, lucky him. He sprung up shoving Horo aside throwing up just as he did the morning before that and the morning before that as well. This time it felt worse after finding out what was doing this to him made his stomach knot up further. The swelling of his stomach made his self-appearance low, his pounding head made his sanity lost and all that was left was the morning sickness. After 10 minutes of emptying his stomach Ren lifted himself up and flopped down on the bed with his head face down on Horos legs. He felt stupid; less of a man and not even killing the Gypsy Girl could cheer him up now. He got Horos hopes up too, Ren didn't want to give birth ok he thought about kids but not now, not him giving it life, letting it leech off him. The only words Ren could bring to mind were 'I can't, no way, not ever, sorry, no, how, why, damn Gypsy'

Horo sat up and stroked Rens hair staying still watching Ren who was in an intense track of thought.

Horo: Ren

Ren: What is it?

Horo: (Smiled) Just wondering if you wanted any breakfast

Ren: (Turned over so he was looking up at Horo) You never asked me that before

Horo: I know but I guess I want to help out

Ren looked at Horo unsure if he wanted to be treated any different, it only added to the weirdness of it all. He pulled Horo down kissed him briefly and broke apart wrapping his arms around Horos shoulders giving him a pleading look.

Ren: Don't

Horo: Don't what?

Ren: Start mothering me or treating me differently (Let go of Horos and turned his head away still laying on Horos legs)

Horo: You may not want my help but I'll give it anyway. I'm part of this too; it takes two as the saying goes

Ren: Then why do I feel like a knocked up teenager to ashamed to go to anyone. I don't feel like me anymore

Horo pulled his legs from under Rens head and crawled over placing himself on Rens legs and leaning on his arms that were placed either side of Rens lowering himself until he was looking straight into gold eyes.

Horo: Your no knocked up teenager and there is nothing to be ashamed of, you have me and soon another member to the household. You'll always be my Ren no matter what. You're still stubborn, tight, proud and insulting but you're also generous, caring, strong and able to do things many could never hope of doing but most of all you're the same person I fell for. I remember our first kiss up top of the fairs Ferris wheel and when we went on our first official date, you remember that

Ren: (Thought about the fond memory) Yes, you begged me for weeks and if I remember correctly you black mailed me with photos

Horo: Yeah (Smiled trying to look innocent) you made me burn all the copies

Ren: Never to be used against me again

Horo laid down beside Ren looking at the ceiling and holding Rens hand. He placed his head next to Rens and started humming. Ren sat up slightly then gazed down at Horo who had his eyes shut still humming away to this tune. The music was soothing and Ren to closed his eyes and swayed to the melody but then swiftly froze when Horos cold hands placed themselves on his backs bare skin. He opened his eyes tensed from the cold then glared at Horo who was still humming but the melody was broken by faint giggles. Ren feeling to stressed to put up with this grabbed a pillow and put it over Horos face holding it down not letting Horo remove it. He sat up then took his hands off the pillow as he exited the room into the bathroom and locked the door before taking a shower.