Author's Note: Okay, so I'm gonna have to apologise for another short chapter. I realised a few weeks ago that this was the fault with this fic - the action just went by too quickly, making my chapters short! So, in my newest RenxHoro story, I've made the chapters all around the same length, as long as possible. And trust me, it's alot better than this one! I'm thinking about putting up the first chapter of the said RenxHoro fic today, so please check it out if you are interested! It goes by the name of 'Shattered'.

To make up for the short chapter, I'm putting two up today. Hope you enjoy!

Ren looked down scornfully at the broom in his hand. Anna had taken the liberty of granting him the chores for the day. He rested for a moment on the handle, narrowing his eyes at the already spotless floor. Why Anna insisted someone clean it every day, he didn't know. And on top of that, he had even more chores to do after he had finished his current task.

"Hey, Ren. Could you do me a favour?"

Ren lifted his gaze from the floor to see Horo's face in front of him, a pleading smile on his face.

Ren just glared back at him, waiting to hear his proposition.

"I know I'm supposed to be covering for half the chores today, but I've really gotta go into town…"

Ren already knew what Horo was going to ask of him. Still saying nothing, he raised an eyebrow – a slight indication for Horo to continue.

"Would you fetch the groceries today in my place?" Horo begged, head bowed and hands clasped, pleading. "The grocery store is on the other side of town from where I need to be!

Ren sighed impatiently. "And why should I even consider doing this for you?"

"Thanks, Ren. I'll pay you back sometime."

He did not answer, fury building as Horo jumped to his usual assumptions.

Obviously knowing it was not wise to stick around any longer, Horo stuffed a small piece of paper into Ren's hand, and darted out of the house, calling, "Later!"

Ren watched him leave, his fist tightening and crushing the piece of paper in his hand. He looked at it furiously as Horo disappeared out of the yard gates. A shopping list, he thought. Suddenly, a stronger wave of rage came over him, and, looking at the paper once more, he screwed it up into a ball. A second later, he had tossed it into the trash.

"Baka Ainu…" he muttered to himself, returning to his chores.

Let Horo do Anna's push-ups by himself.