I apologise for not replying to all reviews but because of the errors on I couldn't do anything and well I'd just like to say this chapter kind of sucks because I written while in agony from a hangover and tooth ache. Painful mixture, trust me! Thanks to everyone who has given me names they are much appreciated.
Christmas blessings
Jun arrived Christmas Eve as expected but what was not expected was Ren being Pregnant. She had a laugh about it but had to quickly retreat to her room with the excuse of needing beauty sleep once Horo went into detail about it. The hot flushes, him and Ren discarding their clothing etc. It was a brilliant idea to out do Jun, when it came to prying into Rens business Jun was champ but even she had her limits to what she wanted to know and the details Horo decided to give were too graphic for her frail innocent (Yeah right) mind. Christmas Day was a sleep away and Ren didn't care for the presents but enjoyed the reunion of everyone at once. This time he was weary of it this year due to the bump were his next in line were growing and with Ryu and Chocolove in the same place it was going to be a day full of bad puns and bad jokes and all would be about him. He wad his kwan-doa all polished up and sharpened ready though, Horo had caught him getting it ready.
Flashback-
Horo: (Pokes his head around the door) Ren, what are you doing?
Ren: (Turned and pointed a sharp kwan-doa in his direction) Getting ready?
Horo: For what… looks like your getting ready for war.
Ren: No, but if any of those idiots even try to make a mockery of me I'll cut them down to size. War will seem like a walk in the park compared with what I'll do to them if they even think of starting tomorrow! (Carried on polishing his weapon)
Horo: (Came in and placed a hand on the Kwan-doa lowering it to the table) I don't think its Necessary I have something better. (Gave a quick smirk)
Ren: (Turned to his husband and wrapped his arms around his neck liking the wicked smile) What might that be?
Horo: Home videos and blackmail. Ryu has been caught on tape doing something he shouldn't and trust me Anna will kill him for it, a dare from yours truly. As for Chocolove we have a certain videotape from my birthday party. You remember that (Rubbed noses with Ren who smirked maliciously)
Ren: How could I forget? Although the visual is blank, the reminder Pilika taped will do just fine to fill in the gaps. But I'm still taking my kwan-doa, even if it's just to intimidate.
Horo: Okay, coming to bed
Ren: Sure
They both turned and left the gym/weaponry to go to bed flicking the light off as they went.
End of Flashback-
Now it was Christmas morning and they were heading to Yohs house. They had all the presents at Yohs already because the best place to hide presents from Horo was with Anna were he did not dare venture. Even though he fears Ren he knows Ren wouldn't kill him for sneaking a peek but Anna would. When they were at the gates Ren decided not to hesitate in going up to the door knowing Jun would end up mocking him and then he would go into the house already fuming making even the glances from everyone make him loose it.
Ren reached for the door and knocked, shortly after Yoh opened the door with a wave and a plain Yoh like greeting. He stepped aside and let Ren, Horo and Jun enter the house. Pilika rushed and practically jumped on Horo then grabbed Rens neck shouting her hellos. Lyserg waved from where he was with Vixen in hand. Anna sat there looking unfazed by the presence of more houseguests but everyone else stared. Ryu was the first to comment.
Ryu: Ren you let yourself go my friend (Pointed a thumb towards himself and straightened up his posture) I see you gave up realising that you could never be as skilled and buff as me
Jun: Ryu! It's not nice to taunt someone in Rens condition, especially since pregnancy is already stressful (Smirked smugly)
(Ren gritted his teeth and his arms were held down by his side by Horo who expected the worst)
Chocolove and Ryu: Pregnancy?
Chocolove: Ren a boy not a girl… isn't he?
Ren: I'M MALE YOU BAKA!
Ryu: What an excuse for gaining weight. You know I hear slim fast works wonders on those unsightly pounds and inches
Chocolove: Hey Ren what do you get whe… (Before he could tell a joke Yoh put his hand over his face)
Yoh: No Ren is pregnant. He had a run in with a gypsy with one strange sense of humour
Jun: Any relation to you ey Chocolove?
Chocolove: No I don't have any gypsy's in the family
Tam: You mean he's really… (Froze when she saw the look on Rens face who was less than amused)
Ryu: Short pants is… this is hysterical. (Burst out into laughter with Chocolove, Tam just backed away which was a wise choice)
Chocolove: Yeah, Rens going to be a mommy (laughed until their sides were sore)
Ren: WHY YOU!
Horo: (Grabbed Rens shoulder as he was about to launch an attack, he held up 2 tape cases) There's no need for that. How about we all watch some of our better memories? (Smirked)
Jun: Home movies sounds smashing don't you think?
Pilika: Yeah and maybe after that everyone would like to see Vixens birth. Ren has seen it but everyone else hasn't
Morty: What we waiting for?
Horo: Anna I think you would be very interested in this tape. Ryu might remember it (Looked at Ryu with a satisfactory smirk)
Ryu got curious but merely thought it was a bluff. Horo inserted the tape and the images came up after a moment of plain blue screen. It was a tape recorded by Ryu. It showed him slipping something into Anna's tea.
Tape-
Ryu slipped sleeping medicine into Anna's tea to knock her out for a while; he was dared by Horo to do something to Anna and record it to prove he did it. He gave some commentary to go along with it.
Ryu: (Held the camera up so he was in sight then smiled) If I die as a consequence of this tape then I give Yoh my wooden sword use it wisely master Yoh. Tokageroh it's been a pleasure being partnered with you and now I join you in the spirit world. Short pants the only thing I can say to you is lighten up and you can have my comb, maybe you can find a better hair-do with it.
(While watching the tape Ren slaps Ryus head, this bit isn't on the tape it's them now watching the tape so as not to get confused)
Ryu puts the tape recorder down near the door so as not to be noticed by Anna who is in the dinning room. Ryu is seen walking across to her and handing her the tea that he had made and spiked.
Anna: It's about time
Ryu: Sorry Miss Anna, I hope it's to your liking
Anna: (Sipped it then barked out another order) what are you stood there for. Go start dinner; no junk food and this time make it on time. I want dinner served in 1 hour got it.
Ryu: 1 hour, isn't that a little short notice
Anna: I said 1 hour, no exceptions and no excuses.
Ryu: Yes Miss Anna
Ryu picked left and the camera was left there for about 1 minute and then she dropped off to sleep with her head on the table, Ryu came and got the camera then spoke into it again
Ryu: I hope you know that I'm going to be dead meat if she finds out. You cannot call me a coward after this
We see Ryu take the unconscious Anna out and put her on a bus that took her half way across Japan, he then could be seen waving her off. He had a scheme worked up that he admitted to the camera
Ryu: I was dared to drug Anna and send her half way across Japan then convince her she sleep walked, got on a bus with out us being able to stop her. I hope this works…
It stops then comes back up recording her arrival back. She was shouting and screaming at everyone to see who did it; Ryu gave her the crackpot story then started to try convince her
Anna: I'm suppose to believe that bull
Ryu: (Cracking under the pressure but still carried on with his scheme) Well Miss Anna who would dare put you on that bus and besides how could we get you on the bus without you knowing. You must have done it in your sleep.
End of Tape-
It cut off because Ryu had run out of tape, all the way through the tape Ryu was held down by Yoh, Pilika and Horo so he could not turn off the tape. Anna watched with her eyes twitching her arm shaking as she clenched up her fist then turned her focus to Ryu, she had a kind of tunnel vision all she could see was the target. She was like the terminator except nothing could stop this killing machine.
Ryu: How did you get that I destroyed the tape and deleted it off Mortys laptop. Where did you get a copy?
Horo: You deleted it but dude you forgot to empty the recycling bin. I found it a week later. You really suck with computers. (Had the most smug smile plastered on his face)
Ren: If I were you, which I'm glad I'm not. I would run (Everyone who held down Ryu let go and moved out the way as Anna approached)
Anna: That was the reason Tamao tied me to the bed every night for a month! RYU! (Darted after the fleeing Ryu) Get back here (Used her beads to capture him then inflict unbelievable torments upon him)
Horo: Now happy memories of my birthday party. Chocolove will like this one; he's the star (Put the tape into the video player)
Ren: I finally get to see your humiliation with my own eyes (smirked at Chocolove who crossed his arms and mumbled something about the moment he became homophobic.)
Tape-
(Read Happy birthday Ren final chapter- don't mess with Ren, Chocolove)
Chocolove was dressed in a pink duvet that was styled like a very short dress. He was stripped of all his other clothes except his boxers. He had make-up put on him and then he was gagged and tied up to be traipsed around in front of the gay bar in town. At the gay bar Chocolove got men hooting and screaming at him. He had a couple grab his rear and ask if they could take him home etc. There were also a few that purred and growled but most just started laughing at him. He likes laughter but he didn't like the men gaping at his state thinking he was good looking or cute or even sexy. He never went near that bar again in fear of being recognised or worse but Ren who was temporarily blind seemed to be content in listening to the torture for now.
End of Tape-
Everyone's sides split as they laughed at the long forgotten memory and Ren who had forgotten also about it was seeing it for the first time and had to comment
Ren: Blue really does bring out your eyes
Horo: And those cheek bones (Pinched Chocoloves cheek hard to make it go red) you really did suit the blusher. (All comments of course were sarcastic)
Jun was laughing but in a lady like manner not like Pilika who was slapping her knees and almost crying at Ryu being killed by Anna not literally but he probably wishes it was the case and the memory of Chocoloves well deserved punishment. She stood and went to put her tape in next.
Pilika: Okay have I got a treat for you. Vixen's birth!
Ren: (Plotted an escape plan) I don't feel well I… need to go to the bathroom
Horo: You don't look so good I'll go to (They both left the room quickly before she could object)
Pilika: Oh well looks like it's just us
Lyserg: Actually I think Vixens too young to be hearing such language I better take her out
Pilika But… (He was gone before she could object)
Yoh: (Leaned over to Tam and whispered in her ear) If that tape can scare Ren out the room then it can't be good. Better make up an excuse to leave
Tam: (Whispered back blushing that Yoh was whispering in her ear) really, what excuse?
Yoh: (Stood up) I have to…
Pilika: (Cut him off) SIT!
Yoh: Yes Pilika (Sat back down)
The tape went on and everyone watching in horror with Ren, Horo and Lyserg just in the other room waiting for it to stop. Yoh tried to turn away but Pilika stopped him and rewound the tape so he could see what he missed. Once the tape had finished there was no movement except from the females in the room because they had seen it all before.
Jun: What is wrong with the boys? They look ill
Pilika: Ren was the same way when he saw it but they all get over it eventually
Jun: It reminded me of my social studies seminar
Pilika: I saw my first childbirth in Child studies. I took it because cooking was full up. It came in handy though, as you can tell
Jun: I really should wash your mouth out with soap. The language that came out of your mouth, very un-lady like
Pilika: Trust me it's not exactly lady like to be laid in that position and male doctors hovering over you but we all have to do it when we give birth.
Jun: Well I guess that it would be an exception
Pilika: Dam straight
Tam: Oh dear Yoh are you ok (Waved her hand in front of his face)
Ren: I assume it's over (Re-entered the room with the other two and Vixen)
Pilika: Yeah. Horo you missed it
Horo: That's alright I don't think I should see it
Pilika: What are you going to do at Rens Birth?
Horo: Erm…
Ren: Don't scare him
After about half an hour the boys started to recover but they threw the tape out the window and threatened to burn it if she ever tried to show it again. Christmas presents were exchanged between everyone. Pilika got the bracelet she was eyeing from Lyserg, Yoh got new training clothes off Anna who had finally let Ryu go but she only made a truce for Christmas after that the truce was off. Anna got a new phone/fax machine because she threw the other one out the window at the paperboy who knocked over the milk on the doorstep. Faust got a doctors coat with patches on the elbows, Lyserg got a map book and a special hand made pendulum from Pilika, she had crafted it herself out of fine crystal. He loved it of course. The gift exchanging carried on until it was Rens and Horos turn to exchange gifts. Ren was given a small black book that had pictures of him and Horo in with all their best memories written down with mementos and drawings from Horo himself and a message in the back. The message was 'I don't know if you wish came true but I know in every single picture and memory in here my wish came true because I wished for you, merry Christmas love Horo' corny but moving and sweet. Ren thanked Horo and cuddled into his chest. Ren got Horo a book but this was more a joke than anything. Horo had been freaking out about naming the babies when they are born so Ren decided he would buy him that book to entertain him for a while. He got a big thank you then bothered all the rest of the day about what name he liked and does he think they should have similar names because they are twins? Ren wanted to shoot himself for that. After the day had ended Jun, Horo and Ren said their good-byes and walked home. Horo didn't drink because he wanted to make sure Ren was okay and he couldn't do that under alcohols influence and Ren couldn't drink for obvious reasons. Jun on the other hand did and she was an even bigger light weight than Ren, he didn't drink much but when he did he was all over but mainly he fell asleep no matter where he was. It seemed to make him sleepy more than anything else.
They arrived home and Ren had to help his neesan to her room but Pailong got her the rest of the way. Everyone decided that an early night was best, Jun because she had passed out on her bed, Ren because he was carrying twins around which is tiring and Horo who had over eaten like usual and now could hardly move.
The Next Morning-
Horo and Ren received a call about a forest fire and apparently some of the swamplands were damaged but the extent was unknown so Horo was pushed into going with Jun to take care of it. Ren wanted to go but Jun said she would take his place and Horo wanted to stay with Ren but Ren insisted he had to go. In the end Ren stayed home and Jun went with Horo. Ren sat at home with nothing to do so he flicked on the TV and got a snack, he detested daytime television but something caught his attention when some women said 'is your home safe for your children' he left it on to see what it was on about. She started going through all the different ways toddlers have died in their own homes and how babies have been injured by simple things like pens or coins that have been left on the counters. Ren looked around seeing every danger she listed. Everything was a threat and as a threat to his kin he needed to take action. He grabbed his coat and went out for…well…supplies. When he returned he began work, he had sand paper and safety gates, locks for the draws padding for anything he couldn't round off etc. Let's just say Horo was surprised when he got home.
Late Night-
Horo had returned but Jun had stayed to sort out the rest after all Ren had bought the land with money from the Tao fortune and put it in the name Tao which meant she could sort any and all paper work and money issues. She sent Horo home because he was worried, he didn't realise he was about to enter the worlds safest house… ad least for toddlers it would be. He opened the door but tripped on something; he rubbed his head then stood to see what had tripped him seeing a safety gate placed by the front door. He thought Ren must have put it there and stood, he looked around and he was stunned. The counters corners were filled down. The legs of the tables and skirting boards were padded and plug sockets all blocked. There was nothing on the counters and the phone lead was pinned down but stranger still there was a safety gate at every door. Horo walked up to the one that was in the front room and tried to open it but no matter how many times he fiddled with the lock it wouldn't open.
Horo: Dam gate, it's supposed to keep kids in not me out. Ren!
Ren: Horo? What are you doing home?
Horo: Jun said she could handle it and I could come home. Why do we have all this?
Ren: I watched a program and apparently your kids are at risk from simple household things. Any threat must be eliminated.
Horo: You can't eliminate every threat
Ren: Why not?
Horo: Because you can't keep babies in bubbles, you have to be careful but this…
Ren: What? I just added a few things to the house.
Horo: Are you sure we need all this? I mean when I left that counter was square now it's an odd oval
Ren: Of course it's necessary (Turned and went to the kitchen) if you don't like it then change it back
Horo: (Decided to leave it because he wasn't sure what to do with Ren in a sensitive stage like this) No I trust you.
Horo walked into the kitchen were Ren was making tea.
Ren: Get me a spoon would you
Horo: Okay (Tried to open the draw then started tugging like mad)
Ren: Unlatch it first
Horo: Huh? (Looked at the draw more carefully and saw 2 latches on the draw) What are the latches for?
Ren: Stop kids from getting in the draw
Horo: Erm Ren, what exactly could a baby do with spoons, eggcups and dishcloths?
Ren: They could pull the draw out and it could fall on them
Horo: The draws don't come out
Ren: (Gave Horo a look that meant don't question me) And your point is?
Horo: Nothing
They made the tea, When they walked through Ren went upstairs to get his book and Horo tried to get into the front room but again the gate was stuck. He sighed heavily and lifted one leg over but got his leg caught falling face first over it. The tea was spilt and the cup broken with Horo again rubbing his head because of the child safety gate. He mumbled little phrases of annoyance such as 'death trap' and 'menace disguised as something safe'. Ren came down stairs to see Horo climbing up off the floor but most of all saw the mess he had made with the spilt tea. He growled quietly then brought a cloth through and then fussed with the lock Horo had struggled with then gave up trying to climb over it making the same mistake Horo did. He tripped as he was bringing his second leg up but was saved by Horo who had just brushed himself off and seen Ren fall. Horo pulled Ren up so he was upright again then smiled at Ren who looked relieved.
Horo: You should be more careful
Ren: You tripped to
Horo: But I'm not the one pregnant (Smirked)
Ren: (Held up the tea towel) Just hurry up and clean up the mess you made
Horo: Ok, but I think we should think about getting rid of the gate from that door. I think we only need them on the stairs and in the kitchen doorway.
Ren: (Looked at the ground) I suppose… (Pouted)
Horo: (Gave Ren a peck on his lips) Don't worry, when they say baby's can get hurt they don't mean you should keep them in a padded room they mean you should be careful and watch them
Ren: You can't watch them every minute (Trying to find a flaw in Horos argument)
Horo: Yeah but that's why they make little things to try help like the safety gates for you stairs and rooms that children shouldn't be playing in. Not to cage them in, especially not caging us in (Smiled)
Ren: I guess we can take the safety doors off a few doors but you have to leave the one on the gym doorway, my kwan-doa is not a toy
Horo: Yeah now you're getting it
Ren: Don't talk to me as if I'm stupid (Thumped Horos arm quite hard)
Horo: (Rubbed his arm) I'm not it's just I get that maybe you haven't seen this stuff before.
Ren: Servants always did this for my mother
Horo: Really
Ren: Yes, there was no need for her to worry about this she just let the servants do it all
Horo: That explains a lot actually…
Ren: What is that suppose to mean?
Horo: Well Pilika and me learnt everything from our mother but you didn't did you
Ren: …no…
Horo: I tell you what I'll clean this up while you get the instructions then we can get rid of that dam gate, I've tripped on 2 already (Gave a bashful smile)
Ren: Sure it's entirely the gates fault (Sarcastic tone)
Horo: You tripped to so it can't be me
Ren: I managed to get around before you came, its just you distracted me
Horo: How did I distract you?
Ren: (Smirked) You looked appealing spread across the floor
Horo: Don't I look appealing to you now? (Raised eye brows playfully)
Ren: Yes but you were more… Cute
Horo: Cute huh? Well you look… Foxy
Ren: Foxy? I think your just distracting me again so you don't have to clean up
Horo: Maybe, do you mind? (Kissed Ren)
Ren: Yes, you can save that for later
Horo started picking up the broken pieces of the cup and dabbing up the tea, Ren got a screwdriver and started to remove the safety gates from the doorways Horo had dubbed safe, after the question of removing the latches and the padding. The tables couldn't be repaired so they had to stay rounded off. Ren had gone full out with everything. Even the butter knives were locked up tightly, nothing sharp or small was left without a place to lock it up. Horo was surprised at the lengths Ren went, he also was astonished Ren actually got that worried he padded everything a child could bump into. It was uncharacteristic but not in a bad way. After the finished Horo rushed Ren to bed telling him he needed rest. A bit of a weird day all in all. This was only 4 and a half months into the pregnancy things were only going to get more complicated.
All baby names submitted will be looked at then I will pick the best boy names and the best girl names then have a vote. I will do that for next chapter or the one after that… Just keep submitting them, yey!
Rock-On!