DISCLAIMER: I don't own Samurai Champloo or any of the characters.

I'M SO SORRY I KEPT YOU WAITING SO LONG!LIKE LITERALLY IM SORRY! Here it is, luv u.

Chapter 8: Real Life Or Just A Fantasy?

Fuu felt a warmth next to her, snores erupting deeply . Must be Mugen, she thought. She opened her eyes and her assumption was confirmed. He looked peaceful which was a rare thing for Mugen. His face was normally sarcastic, angry or lustful and she loved those faces. To see him at peace was something she cherished, where he truly took off his tanned armour and let the world see the real battle torn Mugen. Her Mugen. The man she owed her life to, who turned her world upside down and made her life worth living. She craned her neck around to search the room and saw Jin sat against a wall, he breathed softly. Even in his sleep he was quiet and acted emotionless.

I need a pee...she thought. She tried to sit up but Mugen had her waist in a death lock. "Fuck sake..." She hissed, gripping Mugen's arm and peeling it off her side. He sat up behind her slipping his arm around her shoulders tightly.

"Whatcha doin' girlie?" He purred into her ear sleepily, he licked her neck affectionately. His warmth wrapped around her and she was tempted to forget about whatever she was doing just to lay down with him. The urge was getting bad now...I NEED A PEEEEE! The thought screamed through her head.

She turned to him, getting up slowly till she fully stood. "Need a pee..." He caught hold of her wrist, just like that day. When she found him after he'd been blown up, how he reached out for her and how she felt special. This moment was even better than then it was better now because she knew he cared for her.

"Come ta bed after..."He let go as warmth unwrapped itself from Fuu's wrist, she smiled knowing that Mugen wanted her back in his arms as soon as he could have her. She turned silently creeping out the hut and observing her surroundings. She found herself a suitable spot and did her business. (I'm sorry I don't know how not to say it awkwardly?!) She sat by a tree as the breeze swayed her hair.

"I'll write some things in my diary" She stuck her hand down her kimono and fished out the black leather pad which contained most of her memories. She flicked through and looked at the date. That's odd...where's my due date? She looked through the two previous months. Nothing...no, I can't...That's not possible! OH GOD WHAT IF MUGEN FINDS OUT? AH...

She started to sob at the thought of Mugen finding out. He only just managed to express himself to me let alone...prepare to be a father. He never had a father...if he fathered my child he'd have to marry me! Oh god he never be able to settle with me...it's not even been long! He already has a reason to leave me...How? How am I going to cope with a child and a broken heart...how did my mother cope? Help me... She collapsed on the dirty path sobbing in her hands of being alone again.

"Fuu?" That one tone, calm voice glided into her ears.

"J-Ji-Jin?" Fuu looked up, her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks red. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and slumped further against the tree. "I..I.."

"Shhh..." Jin shushed her softly, sitting down and wrapping his arm around her. They sat for a while before Fuu started sobbing into Jin's chest. He didn't mind this but it hurt him to see his dear companion have so much pain in her eyes. Nearly as much pain as the day Fuu met her father again...Jin shook the memories out of his mind and concentrated on Fuu. He was going to confirm his suspicions. "You're with child aren't you?"

Fuu wept harder into his gi as she fisted the material even more. "What if Mugen leaves me?"

"He won't leave, he would have left a long while ago if he didn't care about you" Jin rubbed her back comforting her a bit.

"I know he cares for me but this...this is too much. He'd have to settle and I know it'll take a while being me before he even considers that. It's too soon...I should have been careful. I'm going to be like my mother...heartbroken and with a child. The jerk's going to leave me!"

"He doesn't want to hurt you so he won't leave but it may take time for him to adjust to the addition to our situation..." Jin almost wanted to hold her there forever so she wouldn't have to tell Mugen. Even he didn't know what Mugen would do when he found out.

"I'm going back in...thank you Jin..." She got up dusting herself down before dragging herself towards the shack. Jin looked at her as she stalked through the doorway, he wished he could take away her pain. He wished. He stood walking from the shack, they needed time together and there he sat meditating.

Fuu looked through the doorway as she leant against the frame. There he was, loudly snoring as his body sprawled across the futon. It looked like someone had throw him onto the floor instead of him naturally sleeping like that. He looked so peaceful and it made Fuu smile. She lay down next to him and tickled his chest lightly, he wriggled as annoyance appeared on his face. He scratched his chest and caught Fuu's fingers in the process. She gasped.

One of his eyes opened and narrowed on her, he yawned and rolled over and onto her. He pretended to fall back to sleep, putting all his weight onto her small body.

"Mugen, Mugen get off of me! Mugen! MUGEN! SO GOD HELP ME I'LL KILL YOU!" Her fists beating into his chest as hard as she could. He smirked opening his eyes and looking at her.

"Don't get ya obi in a twist babe" He rolled off and smirked even more at Fuu. "What kept cha girlie?" He bit her shoulders affectionately.

"Had some lady business to sort, nothing for you to worry about" He bit her shoulder a little harder and licked like a dog which made Fuu chuckle. "Woah, down boy!"

Fuu tried unlatching Mugen's mouth off her shoulder but it didn't surprise her when he resisted her actions. She struggled as she tried prizing his jaws off her fragile shoulder. "Mugen it's starting to hurt! Get off you dog!"

He looked up panted and licked her shoulder. "Ya love it" He winked before getting up and stretching. His bones cracked as he flexed and suddenly relaxed with a yawn. All his muscles flexed and Fuu blushed. I'm sleeping with this? Thank you God! "Where's grub?"

Fuu looked at him as she sat up. "In my travel pack where else?" Mugen tilted his head confused with her attitude, "I'll get it then..." She scrambled up as her hand dived into her pack. She pulled out a bag of rice and started cooking at the fire. She stayed silent during her cooking, she didn't want to tell him...

"What's with ya?" Mugen sounded irritated as Fuu looked at him with confusion.

"Wha-what do you mean Mugen?"

"Ya not talkin' much...sup babe?" Mugen crouched to her eye level as he stared into her eyes.

"I'm concentrating on your food!" Fuu smiled and fake laughed.

"Nah, nah. Ya ain't right...what's goin' on Fuu?"

"Nothing's wrong!" She shuffled away from his menacing stare and looked at the rice that boiled and bubbled in front of her.

Some bastard did somethin' to her...If it's fish face, that mofo gonna die...He thought. He shuffled towards her again and snatched her wrists from their occupation. He pinned them above her head and straddled her hips against the floor. He leaned close to her face, fear radiating off her face.

"Fuu, what's goin' on? If some bastard hurt ya. I'll take care of it but ya gotta tell me!" His eyes softened a little. "Ya gotta tell me..." He kissed her cheek quickly as he leant away.

"Do-don't be mad...okay?" Fuu unlatched her wrists from his grip and sat up a bit so they were eye level.

"Some bastard touched ya didn't he?" Angry spread across his face and just as he got up Fuu pulled his face towards her.

"No, no, no, no! No one touched me..." Mugen sat down again and took her hands away from his cheek.

"Sup then?" He scratched his hair quickly.

"Don't get mad..."Fuu grabbed one of his hands between both of hers and rubbed his knuckles. "We've been having a lot of sex for the last two months..."

"Yeah...hey ya not enjoyin' it?!" He looked at her shocked and slightly hurt.

"No, no. Of course I enjoy it!" She kissed his knuckles, "Well, we all know if people have sex a lot women have a possibility of getting pregnant..." She put Mugen's hand against her stomach. His eyes followed his hand and his eyes widened.

"Ya saying...ya got a kid in there?" Mugen actually looked scared for the first time Fuu had known him. He shook a bit. He took his hand away and stood up, pacing the room.

"Mugen...listen to me." Fuu got up and put her arms round his torso. "It'll be okay..."

"Don't get mushy on me..." He wriggled out of out her arms and turned so his back was facing her. "Is it mine?"

Fuu gasped. "Yes, of course it's bloody yours! I wouldn't do that to you!" Fuu punched his arm and caught his shoulder as she turned him around. "How dare you think I'd do that? Is that what you think of me?"

"I just thought...if it ain't mine. It'll have a better life...I ain't made for this" He bent down and kissed Fuu before pulling away. "I'm goin' out..."

That old line that meant he was going to have sex with women. Fuu's heart crushed at those words...The last two month must of meant nothing to him...he's leaving me...She thought.

"Mugen! Come back...I love you!" Fuu ran to the door way but he was gone. A tiny figure at the horizon. She fell to her knees as tears filled up her eyes and made her blind. She looked down at her hands as they shook and grasped onto the door frame. She couldn't breathe as her sobs shook her body with gasps and splutters. She could feel the heavy weight on her throat as she gave in and sobbed harder and harder against the door frame. She felt strong arms wrap around her shoulders and she knew who it was. "Jin...I'm so sorry." She stopped sobbing and wiped her eyes with her sleeves.

"You have no need to apologise to me..." He smiled at her, as her doe eyes were still watery and glittering. She raised her hand to his cheek and smiled. A friendly smile that said 'I'm okay'. She got up with Jin and as he stood at the doorway she returned to boiling the rice. She trembled but she managed to serve two bowls and other one of them to Jin.

He bowed and began to eat. Both sat in silence until on this rare occasion Jin broke the ice. "I wouldn't worry Fuu. He'll be reckless...he'll get drunk and stagger here after he realises how much of an idiot he is..."

Fuu chuckled. "That sure sounds like him...I just hope he's not..erm you know..." Fuu cleared her throat finding it difficult to say the words that plagued her mind.

"He wouldn't. Not now at least, he may be a pig but you need to start trusting him now." Jin set the bowl down and excused himself. He wants me to have time to myself...bless him Fuu thought as Jin sat outside and meditated.

*meanwhile in the restaurant the trio occupied the night before*

Mugen walked into the restaurant, he was doing what he did best. Apart from sex and fighting...drinking. He made his way through the crowds, shoving and glaring at anyone who came into contact with him. Waitresses were blushing when he made eye contact with them and shuffled away to the kitchen or tables. He slumped into a seat at the bar. The smell of alcohol tainting his nose and senses, the smell was so familiar and he greeted it like an old friend. He rested his arms against the thick wood as he thought, how many times would I have ta smash some bastards head inta this before he died? His thoughts were interrupted by a man. Why do I recognise this pisshead? He thought, Ah it's ta guy Fuu chatted up for a free meal. He's safe.

"Jug of sake" Mugen snapped towards a bar girl.

"Right away sir!" She seemed chirpy and he wasn't in the mood for 'chirpy'.

The man recognised him and he literally skipped over to Mugen with a smile upon his face. "Ahh Mugen! Lovely to see you again, I hope you enjoyed your meal here last night!"

"Yeah, ta grubs good here" The bar girl set down the jug of sake with a cup for Mugen before scuttling away again. Scared of me...ha, stupid broad, he thought. He popped the cork of the jug with his teeth and spat it onto the table. The man didn't seem at all scared which disturbed Mugen, everyone was scared of him except Fuu and Jin. He ignored it and drank away.

"So Mugen, where's Fuu and Jin?" The man appeared next to him quickly.

"I don't know an' I don't give a rat's ass..."Mugen snapped, emptying his jug already. The man smiled and sat down.

"Don't worry about drinks, they're on the house!" The man stayed cheery which pissed Mugen off. Ta opposite of what I wanted old man...

"Sweet..." Mugen started emptying another jug.

"How old is Fuu?"

"Seventeen, I think?" Mugen guessed as he wiped sake off his chin. "I don't even know ya fuckin' name..."

"Seventeen...hmm" The man put his hands through his hair and looked back at Mugen. "My name is Hiro..."

"Why do ya wanna know Fuu's age?" Mugen was facing Hiro now, Mugen's hand was dangerously close to the hilt of his sword but Hiro hadn't noticed.

"She's a fine young girl, I'm surprised she isn't married but-"

"I don't give a rat's ass what ya think, answer ta damn question..." He snapped and finally Hiro looked a bit scared.

"I'm interested in Fuu, she's beautiful, she loves food, her laugh..." Mugen stiffened.

"Ya realise she's pregnant?" Mugen tried putting him off Fuu, no...Fuu's mine...she can't leave me.

"I don't care, I'd happily look after her and the child! As long as she was mine!" The man smiled happily. Fuck... "If you don't mind me asking, wh-who's the father?"

Ere we go...stupid fucker, Mugen thought. "I thought ya didn't care?" Mugen smirked at Hiro. Hiro blushed and stuttered.

"Erm...w-well. I only care because I don't want some other man trying to take her away from me in the later years...if you know I married her?" Has a point, I wouldn't want myself chargin' in takin' the broad and some fat kid... Mugen thought.

"Hmm...what if me or Jin were the kid's dad?" Mugen spluttered emptying a third bottle of sake.

"I'd still care for her!" Hiro spun Mugen round and stared him in the eyes. "She's a lovely woman and whoever got her pregnant and left her is obviously a fool! Every guy in town thinks she's pretty, they all tell me as they leave. I wouldn't let her go if I had a chance with her...I may be an old man but I know a deserving young lady when I see one...I would have her anyday" Hiro backed off again, panting slightly from shouting.

Mugen froze...he was that fool. That blind fool who couldn't see he was lucky to have her...lucky to have another version of her arriving. Kagura. His little Kagura was coming and he...he was letting it go. Shit! Mugen thought. He threw the jug of sake down. Hiro flinched as the jug broke into shards and alcohol soaked their feet. Mugen unsheathed his sword and held it at Hiro's throat before snarling at him. "Ya fuckin' touch or try anythin' with Fuu. My Fuu. I don't give a rat's ass bout ya reason but I'll kill ya! She's my bitch an' she got my kid..." Mugen sheathed his sword once Hiro was whimpering on the floor trying to grasp the counter with fear. "Later, old man..." Mugen gave him one last scowl before running out into the street.

He hadn't realised but the day had died and the night was reborn. Balls of light wavered in the lanterns as he sprinted down the dirt path. He ran faster, the atmosphere around him becoming a blur as he staggered to get to her. Sweat was forming on his brow as he panted and increased his speed. He struggled as he ran. He fell to his face but scrambled up as his geta clicked in a beat becoming faster and faster. He stumbled but in the distance, not too far away. The shack was there on the lonely hill. Only the moon lit it up and a faint candle light lit the doorway and he swore to himself that he could see Fuu's figure standing at the doorway. He ran up.

He panted and stopped near the doorway. Bending over and clutching his knees as he looked up he locked eyes with her. She was leant against the doorway, her hair was swaying across her shoulders. Her kimono collar falling down her shoulder Her brown doe-like eyes shimmered with tears as her small, pale hand appeared over her mouth.

Fuu gasped. Her eyes shutting and opening again to see if she was dreaming. She wasn't dreaming, he was back...smelling of sake but he was back. She whimpered as she tried not to cry. Mugen stood fully and walked over still panting hard from running. He wrapped his arms around her small body and all she could feel was warmth and relief. He pulled back and kissed the stop of her head as he held her small skull in his hands. Hands that could easily crush her skull if he wished but he wouldn't wish it. He breathed in her scent. She smells like honey, He thought as he held her tighter to his chest. Her warmth leaked into him and he welcomed it. She trembled in his arms and wriggled out. She just stood as anger spread across her face and she struck him. "JERK!YOU HADN'T SLEPT WITH ANY WHORES DID YOU?I HOPE YOU HAVENT?!"

Mugen rubbed the red cheek as it stung like fire. He raised his eyebrow at her. "Course I fuckin' didn't ya dumb chick! I had a drink not a orgy!" He flicked her hand away playfully.

"Oh...sorry...WAIT I SHOULDN'T BE SAYING SOR-" She was cut off when Mugen connected their lips. He backed her against the doorway and held her hips tightly. He pulled away smirking at her.

"Shut up," He flicked her nose with his index finger and thumb and chuckled when she rubbed her nose. "I ain't into mushy shit like old fish face but erm I'm sorry..."

Fuu smiled and patted his shoulder. "It's okay...I know it must be difficult for you to adapt into this. You're not used to someone caring for you. We've been together for over two months and I knew this would happen at some point but I didn't think it would be now. I'm scared too..."

"I ain't scared..."

"Oh yeah I forgot you're a stubborn jerk?" Sarcasm flowed through her voice.

Mugen opened his mouth to retaliate but she interrupted as she grabbed hold of his wrist. "It's late...we'll talk in the morning" She led him inside, she let go of his wrist and settled herself. She sat in what looked like a nest of bedding she'd made and it made him chuckle. She curled up on her side and he felt abandoned. He shifted to the other side of the room but she whined. He turned to see her looking up at him and holding her arm out to him. Inviting him over. He stalked over settling himself next to her and she smiled. She wrapped her arms around his torso and placed her head on his chest, feeling the pumping of his heart beat as it helped her to sleep. "You're not going anywhere yet jerk..." She mumbled sleepily before her breathing changed and told him she was asleep.

He smirked at her and patted her head like a master would to his dog. "I'm one lucky motherfucker..."

THE FEELS! I hoped you like it. I'm real sorry for taking so long!