Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

So...

Remember when the Oguri Cap and Belno Light told everyone in their vicinity that they were getting married?

Yeah, that day and the big day was very chaotic.

Lots of tears and cheers (a few teasing) came out that day.

Surely the surprises would be over...right?

Well...the next morning, after the previous day/night's abrupt news—The appropriate reaction for all parties, beside the happy couple, to said news had finally set in.

—and let's just say that, it was plenty.

"ARE."

Shakes.

"YOU."

Shakes.

"SHITTING."

Shakes.

"ON."

Shakes.

"US RIGHT NOW?!"

Four bulging pair of eyes were staring down hard at the ashen girl, as one of them, a yellow haired rowdy mare, was gripping onto the shoulders as she each shakes violently to release the stress from the bombshells.

"No," Oguri replied, "I don't think I was defecation on anything at you all."

Rudy's eyes twitched.

Her friends in mischief beside her had the same tombstones teeth with a more extended grin.

"Daaaang, dust bunny." A short girl tease. "Didn't know you had that kind of game in you~"

'Dust bunny'—better known as Oguri, was somewhat oddly calm despite being shaken hard by her friends. This news had been on their minds ever since they received the news from Norn Ace last night, however at the time their immediate response was a casual 'huh, neat' to which it made Oguri happy but sad that they didn't think much. Now that they're more aware and is now actively trying to get her to spill, she felt happy again.

Yes, I did get my lovely wife Belno pregnante.

Yay :)

A redhead girl in their group just smirk at them.

"Ha! So now you two are finally awake, about time actually."

"Oh shut up Norn." The short one replied, Mini the Lady was her name. "I bet your reaction was far worse than ours hehehe..."

"Wha—" Norn cheeks were red, scoffing. "Pfft, that's not true. I'll have you two know that I was happy for them, and congratulate the happy couple, like any normal person would!"

She huffed with pride, both Mini and Rudy Lemono just gave her the side eye.

"...w-well," another voice chimes in, this time it was Belno to which she sounded nervous.

All three of them (excluding Oguri who's now been dropped after getting manhandled) turn around to see their currently pregnant friend, sitting on a comfy sofa that their other gray friend, Fujimasa March, had brought for them as a gift...that was quick.

"This might sound embarrassing....but Norn was somewhat a handful." Belno look away as the two smirking miscreants are now eyeing with interest.

Norn Ace immediately went red in the face just like her hair.

"Hahaha. You don't need to say it Belno, I told I moved on—"

"Oh No," Mini smirks and shush her up. "Go on~"

Belno nervously fidgeting her hands and said. "...This happens before Oguri had gone back from grocery shopping with Tamamo Cross. She already told her, by the way."

Ah, so it seems that the couple hadn't told everyone yet back then until now.

"When I told Norn about me being pregnant and wanted her help us on decorating...she was crying from the first part, keep on saying congratulations..."

She then sheepishly ended. "—while also sobbing a few words that sounded like: it should've been me, it's not fair...or something like that."

...

~Silence~

Until—

"BAHAHAHAAHA HAHAHAHA!!!"

Barking of laughter howled on from both of them, they almost sounded like hyenas.

Mini couldn't help herself and sneered. "Girl really is still down bad for that fast idiot even after seeing them getting hitched!!!"

"I know right?" Rudy's stomach held tightly as she couldn't stop herself. "You had even wished you were the one got knocked up!"

"Shut up both of you!" Norn angrily yelled, stopping them from spreading horrible lies.

Not wanting to be the source of this vile rumour for the happy couple.

To which she started to fight her own besties.

Meanwhile, the happy couple in question alongside March was just watching this weird thing unfolding. None of whom were bothered, or sense anything nefarious really—just thinking they were joking around as usual.

Ignoring the conflict entirely—

Fujimasa March clears her throat. "...ahem, anyways, I just wanted to say congratulations to the both of you. I wish you both on having healthy children, hope this sofa is enough."

She then added. "But if there's anything you two are I need of helping, let me know."

Belno, who was the one that started said squabble, just smiled and nodded feeling gratitude .

"Thank you, March." Oguri happily replied. "We appreciate your kindness."

The blue haired girl smiles warmly before chuckling.

"You know," March sighs. "I'm still in awe with all of this, at both of you really."

This tilted their heads simultaneously, confused.

"You accomplished so much in our time, far more than I or even anyone else would say they did..." March admitted. She then gestures at the couple fondly, "Both of you supported one another from day one, and now being together expecting twins? Not many people could say that they're lucky."

"...I guess we just keep on making more extraordinary feat one after another." Oguri noted.

"Hehe..." Belno chuckles, "I will admit that it has been a tough ride to get to this point." However, her face stares down at her own stomach. The life that is being form inside her, it was just so surreal. "...and I won't lie that it'll be even harder ride after they're born."

Sensing her concerns rooting beside her, Oguri puts her right hand on her shoulder, her gray tail intertwining her brown. It was reassuring without saying a single word, it felt nice.

"But I think we can do this," Belno said determinedly.

Seeing this side of her, March nodded as she felt the feeling despite not knowing the trials of carrying kids at all. "Your kids would be proud that you both as parents."

"Thank you," Belno replied.

Aaw, what a wholesome and mature moment.

Definitely ending this with a high note—

...

"So Belno, how did you managed to put all of that in??"

This made Belno's eyes wide open, and the two grays beside her turns towards the source.

Mini called out to them from afar, just on the ground being mud wrestling with the other two. What made hers look even more disturbing was that she causally puts both hands a stretch it, putting a lengthy distance between them.

⁠(⁠ ͡⁠°⁠ ͜⁠ʖ⁠ ͡⁠°⁠)

"Bet you were sore from all that jockeying am I right?" Her eyebrows wiggling, smugness. "Or was it the other way around? Our dust bunny is known to be somewhat greedy, your hips must sooo tired from all that grinding right about now~"

Huh?

Oguri, being the way that she is, tilted her head in confusion.

Meanwhile, her wife and old rival were hearing this with a mortified expression. The former being red in the face as if she realized what Mini was implying.

But it wasn't just Mini though.

"Yo! Oguri!" Rudy as well. "Tell us how you get your peas inside her pod!" She exclaimed, as if her getting hair pulled by Norn didn't stop her at all.

"—Ow..ow!?!" Though the pain was still there.

"It was actually WAY better when you both are undermining the news!" Norn exclaiming angrily, she may have weak arms but she's willing to kill anyone.

Mini and Rudy just kept on laughing.

Those two were always the troublesome between the three, at least Norn was trouble in Yuri.

Both Belno and March just sighed, embarrassed and mortified.

The former being the one pregnant, was very much full on red-faced.

Only Oguri Cap was the exception here—

She was still confused with what her friends were saying about 

Peas in the pot? She doesn't recall her having any peas (none that she'd already ate) or Belno having pots she carries around, babies aren't made by food. If that were the case then Oguri would've been staying far away from them for their safety.

Jockeying, What the heck is that??? Is it a sport that she doesn't know of. Also, What's the connection between her wife Belno and jockeying around? Perhaps it's another new workout routines that she made, that explains the tired hips part. Maybe she'll ask her if she does do this type of sports, and perhaps asking her to take a break from it.

Oguri turns towards Belno, only to see her short brown ears flattened with reddish hue on the tips. Looking a bit more red, feverish looking, as if puffy smokes coming would out of her, like boiled up tea kettle.

"What do they mean, Belno?" Oguri asked.

"H-huh?"

"Jockeying," She said. "Did you make a new running technique? I never heard of it before." Concerns breaching in "Was this before or after? The doctors told us to not over strained you. Are your hips alright?"

And with that the stallion steps forward towards the sofa and kneeling down on her knees,  hands on Belno's hips to ease any joints (despite being mild).

"O...Oguri??" Belno blushes.

Yet her wife's kept on checking, massaging the mare's hips with such care, paying no mind to their friends awkward stares at the couple.

Oguri's eyes were only on her future.

Oblivious and kind to a fault, her wife's mind was apparently just so innocent about the connotation—clueless even, despite her already doing the deed and beyond... Just having twins on the way is somewhat of a achievement considering they are Oguri and Belno's.

March looked up on the couple and smiled.

"They'll be alright," that's what she can say.

...

"Trainer, are you sure you should be standing that long?"

Her ears flicked towards to the left.

"I’m fine," Belno answered, not even looking up from her clipboard.

It's been 2 months, and things have gone quite the experience, I'll tell you that.

The Cap-lights household (surname still pending) has been going through this period for a good amount of time. The house that was usually quiet was now always buzzing with all sorts of things.

One of them being, from her pregnant wife, Belno Light.

Who's currently still working as a trainer despite being two months pregnant, is currently standing near the track of the school holding both a stopwatch and notebook in her hands.

A job that she still does, after many assurances to her wife, Oguri Cap. The latter being hesitant on having her work for the next 28 days before Belno starts feeling back pain.

Now itting on a flip chair, thankfully had been prepared for by one of her trainees, and taking notes on any development of her girls in the field.

"Keep your breathing steady on the third turn!" She'd yelled from where she's at. "You need that stamina you've stored to finally give you the speed it needs!"

"Ay!"

The girl on the track yelled and nodded, following her trainer's instruction.

Belno then smiled as she sees her words being conducted.

On the track, her trainees finished their last lap, breathing hard but steady. She watched them with the same sharp focus as always—timing, posture, stride length. Nothing had changed.

At least, that’s what she told everyone.

A few of the girls exchanged glances.

"…You’ve been saying that a lot lately," one muttered.

It had been more than a hour since they started, she was too endorsed on her work that she forgot to drink water in a few occasions. One of the girls had to hand her one without their trainer knowing that it was in her hands.

When their trainer first told them about the news, the girls were excited for their trainer. Remembering the many questions that they asked, and gifts they bought despite only been a weeks since Belno told them.

However, they soon realize that their trainer might need to redirect the mare's attention towards taking care of herself more often. These fillies might be facing off against an opponent that they can't raced against. Which is taking care of a currently 2 months along pregnant horse woman who's responsible for their progress in training.

And so it began.

"....a...Ahem, Mrs. Light?"

Her ears twitch to her left, a student in her team, known to be quite shy and nimble. The girl had long black hair with a blazer from her bangs to her ears making them different than her hair. Though despite being one of the tallest in the team, she's rather hard to find whenever she hid herself. Although, now it seems things might be different. Blue eyes stares down at her own feet, voice mumbling a bit, but she tries to straightened herself.

"Yes? The Uma trainer replied. "Is there something you wanted to ask, Badger Paramore?"

That's the horse girl's name, something that it'll only be mentioned once and never brought up again. With the list of horse girl's name being varied in the world, whether recorded or not, you'd think that there would be a reality that existed. A promising freshman, one of Belno's newest recruit in the newest generation.

The girl nodded profusely, "Yes! B...but it's not training related, I'm sorry."

"I see," Belno nodded. "Well then, if you don't mind on telling me what is it that's bothering you?"

"...It's about your pregnancy, trainer."

A quiet almost silent like the breeze had blown the weakest winds.

"Pardon?" Belno raised an eyebrow, likely curious rather than offended.

The girl quickly reiterate herself, "I..I mean as in me and a few others are concerned about your health!"

Fidgeting her hands, murmuring. "We know that it's only been 2 months...But we fear that it might hinder you while training us for our races."

Belno had seen this coming for several days now. Not that it's unsurprising considering she was the one who told them, hoping to still continue on working as their trainer as long as she can, she could understand their concerns.

Smiling, she replied. "I appreciate for all of your concerns towards my condition, I wouldn't lie that it makes me feel happy and embarrassed that you all would fuss over me..."

Both ears had a flush of red.

"However, I can assure you all that I am capable on being your trainer while simultaneously taking care of myself....at least for a certain periods of time, to which I must take leaves."

"But," her eyes stares back at the track. "Until then, all of you are still be training under my watch." She then assures them kindly.

After saying that the girl that was running had ran past the finish line with flying colours.

The Uma Musume let out a triumphant roar, despite being a practice run. Her friends that stood on the chance were cheering for the girl, even those who had initially concerned on their trainer. Including the timid girl, who know despite her fears, trusted her trainer's words.

And so training presumed without a hitch.

⌛(I don't know much about clocks)

Eventually time passes by and the school bell rings.

Students are told to head back on for next hours of classes, trainees who were running on the track earlier were now packing up for their studies after a grueling training.

Another more hours of school, this time indoors with the students honing their brain skills, as in school—work. Such as memorising general subjects that either be actually used in the real world alongside unnecessary amounts of homework.

Wait, how's that any different to training???

That's something to be discussed some time later, for now everyone was to head inside, including the trainers with the exception of them not doing the "school" in school—work.

It's just regular work, and Belno was happy with it.

She left the track and entered the main halls of Tracen Academy, where the atmosphere shifted immediately. The noise softened into something more structured—footsteps, distant voices, doors sliding open and closed.

And then—

"Belno-sensei!"

She barely had time to react before someone, a student, suddenly pressed a small box that smelled delicious into her hands.

"Please take this! It’s good for stamina!"

Her eyes widen, Belno couldn't think for second before another voice followed.

"A-and this—herbal tea! My family swears by it!" A shorter Uma Musume stepped forward to her side, hers looks fancy.

And then another, "Here's some snacks—low sugar! My mother told me it's great for cravings because Uma Musume soon to be mothers loved this!"

Pretty soon others joined in, surrounding the Uma Musume trainer in mere seconds of entering, as if conveniently waiting for her to arrived.

"W...wait, hold on girls—"

But it was too late, poor Belno was now surrounded with young horse girls giving her gifts, saying their congratulations, and promising her that they'll train even harder when she's away on leave. To which it'll take many months from now.

Now, let's check on our dear Oguri Cap shall we?

Across Tracen grounds, far from the calm of the halls—preferably inside of a cafe that's like a few blocks away from the gates.

There lies the father/mother, stallion or whatever—Oguri Cap.

The lovable and guidable horse girl.

Who's currently was being violently shaken by the shoulders, by a fellow friend of hers. All because she conveniently forgot to share the news on the group chat, and only said it directly or there is a third person who reveals it.

Huh, she said.

This had happened for the third time since the pregnancy started.

You'd think she'd be used to by now...maybe, perhaps to start actually telling them all at once,

"Oguri-chan!!"

—then again it's happy news that brings smiles to her and reactions from her friends.

Oguri Cap was being shaken.

Firmly.

Relentlessly.

By Super Creek.

The taller mare had both hands on Oguri’s shoulders, eyes sparkling with overwhelming excitement as she rocked the gray stallion back and forth like she was trying to mix enthusiasm directly into her bones.

"Oi, Creek, yer gonna shake the poor thing apart," Tamamo Cross cut in, arms crossed, tail flicking with friendly annoyance.

“You are… very enthusiastic,” Oguri admitted.

Nearby—

Tamamo Cross snorted.

"Ha! ‘Very enthusiastic,’ she says. That’s one way to put it," Tamamo muttered, arms crossed. "She’s been like this for ten minutes straight."

Inari One laughed, leaning back casually. "Heh. More like twenty. Thought she was gonna start knitting on the spot."

"I could!" Creek shot back instantly.

Super Creek had both hands on her shoulders, blue eyes shining like stars exploding, smile so radiant with excitement as she shook the gray horse girl back and forth with surprising strength.

Nearby, Inari One let out a loud laugh, today's a very Oguri day. "Hah! So the great Oguri Cap finally gets caught up in somethin’ she can’t outrun. Kids, huh? Didn’t see that one comin’."

Oguri nodded. "Neither did I."

"That’s usually how it works," Inari shot back.

Standing firmly, hands behind her back, Yaeno alongside Mejiro Ardan let out chuckles.

"We're happy for you, Oguri-chan." Ardan amused.

"Thank you," Oguri replied, grateful for their kind words and support.

"Oh Oguri, I'm so happy for the both you and Belno." She exclaimed. "You two are going to have babies. Babies! Do you understand what this means?!"

"I do," Oguri replied evenly, despite her head lightly bobbing with each shake. "It means I'm going to be a parent alongside with Belno, we'll be having twins."

The dam broke immediately.

"Twins?!" Creek repeated, somehow even more delighted. "That’s even better! Twice the love, twice the care, twice the—"

The taller horse girl realised. "Oh, I need to prepare! I need to shop twice now, not only that but I need to prepare you both on children as well!"

She was so lost in thought that the rest of their friends, who were still dumbfounded by the news, were simply ignored and felt a bit awkward. Even the other customers inside the cafe were also ignored despite their meal being disturbed by the sudden squealing.

Oguri Cap could only smile :)

Super Creek clasps her hands together.

"Do you think they’ll need a babysitter? Of course they will. I'm available anytime!!!"

“Denied.”

Coming from behind the two, it was from Dicta Striker. The chestnut-haired bullet's word came flat and immediate.

Creek froze mid-shake.

"…Eh?"

Dicta let out a snort, "No offense, Creek. But I just think you would've taken the whole babysitting just a bit overboard than needed."

Creek tilted her head.

Tamamo and Inari gave the yellow jacket the hard stare.

'Shut up, man.

If Creek do it and Oguri said yes.

We would be free from her clutches.'

Dicta noticed and deep inside just gulped.

"Well..." Oguri blinked calmly. "We haven't really decided if we needed a babysitter just yet..."

"But you both really do!" Creek protested, hands flying to her cheeks. "Twins isn't something to be easily cared for, and with you both having jobs you'll need all hands on deck. I’m perfect for it! I have experience, patience, warmth—!"

"That’s not the ONLY point that's needed to be discussed!" another voice cut in.

Yaeno Muteki stood with arms folded, expression sharp, clearly displeased. "Oguri. Why was this information not shared with all of us at the same time? Why did only tell us, 2 months later?!"

Oguri looked at her. "...I forgot."

"It seems you were," Yaeno said firmly.

Her irritated tone was not lost on her.

Mejiro Ardan, standing beside her, nodded gently. "We’re very happy for you, truly. But… it would have been nice to hear it from you."

"I'm sorry everyone," Oguri frowns. "I was planning on telling everyone but I was too busy thinking about this mess that I've completely forgotten about telling at all."

She then sheepishly ended. "I...It took me a day of grocery shopping that I remembered."

"And it was with Tamamo," she admitted.

Yaeno alongside everybody else eyes snapped at the other gray stallion.

"...I see."

Tamamo froze.

"…Don’t look at me like that," she muttered.

Inari’s grin widened dangerously. "Oh? So you knew and didn’t say a word?"

Yaeno’s gaze sharpened. "Tamamo Cross."

Super Creek stopped shaking Oguri just long enough to turn slowly. "You kept this from us?" Feeling heartbroken by Tama-chan betrayal, taking this a bit seriously.

Tamamo raised both hands defensively. "Oi, oi, don’t gang up on me! It's not my fault she just remembered it, you all have to thank for actually telling you the news!"

"We thanked you for that truly, Tama." Ardan nodded, the only one understanding.

However, her friend, Yaeno wasn't keen.

"It is truly dishonorable to hide secrets from your friends."

Tamamo jabbed a thumb at herself. "Hey, I didn't ask to be the first! I'm honored, don’t get me wrong—but now they’re actin’ like I kept state secrets."

"You did keep it," Inari pointed out.

"I was dumbfounded by all of this too, okay?!” Tamamo snapped. "She just said it like she was talkin’ about the weather! And this happens while we were grocery shopping by the way!"

"In public." Hands stretched at the surrounding, "—just like right now!"

All eyes turned back to Oguri.

Oguri nodded. "It was a recent development."

"That does not excuse the delay," Yaeno said.

"She made it sound like she was just grabbing lunch!” Tamamo added. "Telling me causally, 'Oh yeah, by the way, Berno’s pregnant.’ That’s not casual information!"

Oguri thought about it.

"...I thought it was."

Silence.

Then—

Inari burst out laughing.

"Pfft—! She’s serious! Your kids are going to have a fun time having you as parent."

Creek, having recovered, grabbed Oguri’s hands this time, eyes shining again. "This is wonderful news! You must let me help. I insist. I can prepare meals, organize schedules, assist Belno—"

"I have already planned that," Oguri replied, "right at when we reach the halfway mark."

Ardan smiled softly, though there was a hint of amusement. "You’re taking this very seriously."

"I am," Oguri said simply.

Yaeno’s expression softened just slightly. "As you should."

Another pause settled over the group.

Then Tamamo smirked.

"…So," she said, leaning in, "you ready for no sleep, constant crying, and getting kicked in the ribs by your own kids before they’re even born?"

Oguri nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

Inari grinned. "She ain’t even flinch."

Creek clasped her hands together, practically glowing. “This is going to be amazing…”

Ardan chuckled quietly. “It really is.”

Yaeno gave a small, approving nod.

"If Oguri is preparing to enter this stage of life," eyes open with all seriousness, "—then we must support her properly."

Super Creek suddenly grabbed Oguri's hands. “We should start preparing things! Decorations! Support plans! A schedule!”

Oguri, now free from the shaking, stood calmly in the center of it all.

"They are two months along," she stated. "There is still time."

Super Creek gasped again. "Then we must begin immediately!"

"We?" Dicta Striker echoed, horrified.

"Yes, we," Creek smiled.

Inari clapped her hands once, clearly entertained. “Alright, this just got interestin’. Guess we’re all involved now, huh?”

Tamamo clicked her tongue—but she was smiling too.

"…Tch. Fine. Just don’t forget we’re around too, yeah?"

Oguri looked at all of them before nodding.

This was going to be a very long discussion...

The streets were quieter by the time Oguri Cap arrived.

She was waiting for her wife, and her shift was already over.

Late afternoon light stretched long across the pavement, the usual rush of Tracen easing into something softer. Students passed by in small groups, voices fading into the distance as the day wound down.

Sometimes it felt weird to be standing outside the gate after so long, and the feeling of astonishment as she stood there at the gates. It never left her side.

Once a student from dirt who had been brought to the limelight because of her immense abilities that dominated. Now here she was, long since retired, younger generations see her as history. But no longer without a purpose in life, spending her remaining days with the people she loves and preparing for a future that's coming soon.

Just as she waited, the air around her felt a sudden spike, a scent that was familiar to her and yet felt different all the same. Turning towards where it's coming from, Oguri waved.

"Honey!" She was never one with pet names, but the moment had caught her.

Belno Light stood near the gate, arms full of papers—and a few too many gifts.

"Oguri!" She exclaimed, tired but happy.

The ashen stallion slowly approached and hugged her tightly, though she had to restrain her strength to not crush Belno's spines, or worse, wipe out her twin babies' existence.

"I've missed you," she murmured softly.

The brown mare had her head below her wife's hard chin, greeting her, rubbing her cheeks softly against hers as a sign of affection.

Passersby would see this scene as a couple showing their love through innocent physical means. Some would smile, others would giggle and tease, a few specifically singles would be envious, and the rest would mind their business.

And yet this was their moment, so who's going to stop them that would make them actually stop? Answer, no one.

"Me too, I'm sorry for being late."

Belno tilted her head, confused.

"...I was cornered by everyone, specifically Super Creek."

Ah, it seems they found out.

It's something they should've expected and frankly deserved, the couple didn't tell everyone about the news after finding out. What's more it took 2 months later, a gap that doesn't compare to the rest that they still hadn't told yet. Musaka and Symboli Rudolph being among of them.

They think Tamamo and Norn had it better for being the first outside of family to know? Their anger mixed with happiness were there as they demanded answers.

Trainer Kitahara? Unsurprisingly he was the first lone person to be told.

It was obvious for White Narubi, Oguri's mother, and Belno's parents to know about the news.

"Oh well," Belno had wry smile. "It was fun while it lasted, now everyone that we know will be coming for us with gifts and questions."

Oguri puts on a brave face.

"I'll let them shake me many times to keep you both safe."

"Please don't."

Belno held gifts on her side, they were more than she could carry. Without any hesitation Oguri took all the gifts and paperwork from her wife's hand.

"What's with all of this?" She asked.

"Most of them are gifts from my trainees and students alike," appreciated their gestures but there were one too many. "I told them that I was still fine, but alas..."

Lifting them with ease, she chuckled. "At least we'll have time to open them up, tomorrow is a Saturday right?" To which Belno nodded, thanking the three goddess for the timing.

"Yeah, but let's not open everything all at once once we get home."

"Why?"

"I just don't think our house wanted to be filled with unwrapped papers." Belno jokes about the mess it'll bring. "It's better to open the smaller ones, if you're okay with it."

Oguri didn't mind, as long as Belno's happy.

Soon they start to walking along the streets of the city, the afternoon sky was deep orange as the highest were starting to darken with the night sky. Street lamps start to flicker on, lights from cars were shining. There were still people walking around the square, all of whom were minding their business and were on their own little world.

Oguri and Belno were walking by each other's side, none were far apart from the other. The latter had her arm around hers, linking them together. While the former, who despite had to carry the heavy weight, held hers firm on Belno's.

Blue eyes narrowing the streets and it's surrounding, keeping an eye on the world as she held the woman she loves beside her, and the two heartbeats that were forming from their union.

Belno let out a sigh.

Ever since the news of her pregnancy Oguri's behaviour towards her and the world have been changing. It wasn't an instant thing, but it wasn't a slow one either. Belno doesn't know what to make of it.

Let's get this out there, Oguri has become overprotective over Belno's well-being. I mean, that's something to be expected, especially to a loyal stallion like her right? Clingy much, hardly taking her eyes off her (except when at work), and would always fuss over something that would potentially inconvenience Belno.

Just as she thought about that, Oguri was unknowingly glaring at a group of horse girls in the distance. Standing idly by outside a cafe, unaware of a monster stare. Three at most, look to be young adults, and...their scents signifying them as stallions.

"Their scents are annoying", Oguri muttered under her breath.

Subconsciously she held Belno's hand tighter, gray tail swaying with such tension.

Just as the couple walk past them without any fuss, nobody gets hurt.

When they weren't in their line of sight, despite them never been in the first place, Oguri let out a huff of satisfaction. To her, this was a victorious moment. To Belno? This was another day.

Trying to start a conversation, Belno pipe up.

"You know, my trainees have been improving recently ever since you came to visit and helped them out." This gotten her wife's attention, recalling that time where she became a running partner at Tracen.

"Really?" Oguri's eyes sparkle, mood went into a different swing. "I'm glad that I was able to help, did any of them improve their forms?"

With her interest piqued, Belno chuckled.

"Yep, ever girl who had raced against you are now have better form. Though it wasn't an instant change, there were still stumbles here and there but they were motivated."

Oguri nodded as she hears her adorable wife rambling on and on about all of her trainees improvements. It never gets boring,

In all honesty, Oguri had always done that in the early days of her retirement. Helping the next generation of horse girls, whether racing beside them or having them witness her form. Something she still does to this day.

However, now it had a different purpose. Other than teaching younger students, helping trainers, and getting an exclusive VIP passed on the cafeteria deluxe meal without being judged. It being able visit Belno at work.

"—and there's Badger Paramore, the poor girl maybe a bit shy but her strength and speed on sprints are astonishing. She never ceased to surprise me, always trying her best with that cute face of hers." Belno's start to become affectionate, almost motherly.

Oguri's face soften, this particular trainee was always on her wife's lips when it comes to praise, and yet she never felt any jealousy but admiration and a sense of pride.

Perhaps this was a sign of parenthood? She asked herself.

It could be.

Although, Oguri won't lie that she feels a tad bit jealous that her wife is talking about someone else instead of herself.

Another 2 months later.

Time flows faster than you realize.

No more constant worrying and wary of docile behavior from her wife (don't worry, it'll flare up again, but ten times worse). Oguri was now very happy that Belno was doing fine, despite being simultaneously unaware of other people looking at her funny.

The last part was more of Oguri's exaggerated jealousy and paranoia than what it really was.

Things should be smooth sailing in the middle, right?

Well...

What used to be a calm, almost disciplined household had turned into something... louder. Not chaotic nor quiet, but alive in a way that refused to settle.

Cabinets opened more often. Footsteps echoed at odd hours. Conversations lingered longer than they used to. Currently, in their lovely home, the kitchen is unfortunately in a hostage situation to an—unusual dispute between stallion and her mare.

"I will not move."

Oguri Cap sat firmly in her chair; hands tied tightly behind her.

But it's not just her hands that are tied. As a precaution, she also tied her body to said chair. It looped around her torso, arms pinned to her sides, then secured to the backrest like she was anchoring herself against a storm.

That knot was... impressive. Practical. Unyielding.

Across from her, Belno Light stood frozen, almost too tired to deal with this. Her left hand was resting instinctively over her stomach. The oven was heating those buns very well.

"...Oguri," she said carefully. "You really don't have to do this."

"But I do," Oguri replied, completely serious.

Her blue eyes narrow towards the locked pantries, specifically on what's inside them. Since the news, the couple had bought a large amount of food for themselves over the past few months. Usually, the 'normal' amount would be for Oguri herself, but now, with Berno expecting twins, those same amounts would only be for her wife.

And she wasn't going to let herself gorge on it all.

"No, you really don't," Belno tried again, voice soft but edged with worry. "Look, there's clearly more than enough food for both of us."

"You are four months along," Oguri continued, as if presenting an argument before a panel of judges. In which case, Belno was the high and mighty.

"The doctors said that your cravings would start to be far more severe than the average. Therefore, I have taken the liberty to keep myself from eating too much so that the entire food supply is all for you."

Her left ear pointed at the meal she had prepared for her wife on the table; it was a lot.

The brown-haired mare just sighs. She knows that Oguri means well, but that doesn't mean she couldn't eat her usual portions in front of her.

"I'm eating just fine," Belno replied. "You don't have to force yourself to stop eating your usual amounts right in front of me."

"This is necessary," Oguri said without hesitation.

"Not, it isn't." She countered.

"Yes, it is. I want to keep you well fed so that you'll be big and round. Last time we've eaten out on a date, ever since the news, you always ordered the biggest portion, similar to mine. You were never the type to eat everything like me before, even before dating, you always eat regular sizes than chunks!"

"...I'm not saying that I'm getting jealous of your hunger," thinks for a moment, "okay, maybe a little bit."

Belno stared at her, eyebrow twitching. "...You make it sound like I'm a greedy, fat pig."

It didn't take too long, just a mere second for Oguri to realize what she had just said. "W-wait, I didn't mean it like that! I-I just wanted you to be healthy, and I don't want anything to go wrong." She was starting to sweat bullets, apologizing profusely.

However, her wife, Belno. Known by many to be calm and patient with others. However, she can and would fight back if those whom she holds dear are in trouble.

Now, this time, the love of her life is being stubborn and has said some things she unintentionally implied.

All she did at this point was stare at Oguri, which almost feels like she's criticizing her ability as the pants in this relationship.

At least, that's what Oguri suspects.

Her ashen ears flat down, "I'm sorry, Belno! I didn't mean it that way..." she looks down, ashamed of herself. "I..I'm trying my best, and I just wanted everything to be perfect for us."

Another pause.

Belno exhaled slowly, running a hand through her hair. She walked closer, the stallion is folding, now dreading her mare's imminent anger, which is doubled with hormones.

"Oguri."

"...Yes?"

"You're clearly hungry, and yet you're choosing to suffer by not eating your share of food," she gently held her belly. "Something that I'm not even asking for you to do..."

"And," she added. "I don't think our babies would want their mother (father) to starve herself for their sake when our livelihood is pretty.... secure financially."

"...How can you be so sure?" Oguri asked, unsure. "We aren't exactly the richest couple in the world, our families don't have that many prestige unlike the Mejiro or Symboli...so any shots on getting our kids a headstart in racing, if they ever wanted at least."

Belno nodded.

"Yes, I know. We are fairly modest, something that we both agreed upon prior to our wed."

"What I'm worried about is own volition for... possibly making us poor, by spending our entire budget on my own hunger." If she could move her hands, she'd covered her face in shame, though the rope that tied her wrists together ain't leaving.

Her partner gave her the look before she starts laying it off in her.

"Oguri Cap, you are a retired fame racer that dominated the track and was once a renowned idol horse girl in all of Japan. Writing and rewriting history of the country's racing scene, while simultaneously putting our hometown here in Kasamatsu on the map. I don't think anyone dumb enough to not give you any credit, be it praise, fame or gains for all you've done for us."

"Kasamatsu has been growing more since my time." Oguri ponders, noticing a few changes in her hometown.

"Yes, and now you're currently living your life as a married woman to me, someone who's a trainer that studied in America and is training horse girls in the most esteemed schools in the country that produces great racers." She points at herself.

Her blue eyes glance at her own hands, a shiny modest ring on her finger was visible and so was on her wife's. Remembering the day when she bought them, it had been a typical normal day before Oguri walked past a jewelry store, take a step back, and just simply said 'I wanna ask Belno on marrying me' and that's was that.

That was a joyous and hectic day.

She could almost remembered her friends vigorously shaking the girl's shoulders, and a lot of shouting, just cause for the obliviousness in Oguri's part on perfect marriage proposal.

"...And also, the daughter of a company she'll one day inherit that produces high quality racing shoes, cleats and other necessity that are high demand. To which you not only married but also work for her parent's company as it's signature spokesperson let alone mascot."

This made Oguri a bit embarrassed, not that she feels ashamed of being employed by his wife's own family company when she was depressed about post-retirement. A solution that was made in a different time, and fiction.

It's not weird to get hired by your in-laws, right?

Belno let out a sigh and teasingly pinched her wife's left cheek (face), finding her partner's actions weirdly adorable despite not thinking it through.

Ignoring the fact that Oguri Cap is also potentially receiving large sums of money from a well-known but also who unknown to her corner of the world, being labelled as her share small part in inheritance. That involves American dollars and her mother's secret.

Her pale face red like roses, mutters.

"I'm so sorry, Belno."

Regret surging in her eyes, "I just wanted this to going well for you. I know that we're still new to this and we are learning, but I keep on wanting the journey to go on smoothly without fail."

"Oh Oguri..."

Her eyes soften, 

"Y...yes?"

"I'm sorry too..." Belno admitted.

"Huh?" She tilted her head, but before she could ask Belno had slowly and carefully, without hitting her stomach, crouch down behind the chair that Oguri had tied herself up on.

"I know it's something that I can't control myself on or apologize for, but I'm sorry for making you feel obligated to keep yourself from eating so that I could eat this share."

Belno continued on, her hands slowly doing the work untying the binds.

"Pregnancy isn't something we could ever be easily prepared for, not to mention parenting as well. But what we can prepare for is to go through the challenges together, as in I wanted us to be both happy and well fed."

"But is it wrong of me, to priorities your wellbeing over mine?"

Her wife shook her head, it's not wrong but not right either.

There was just silence after that, except for rope cutting and the untangling of the bind. By the time her hands were freed, Oguri turned around and gently cupped her wife's face. Her sharp (beautiful) blue eyes frown apologetically about this mess they had caused.

"...I didn't mean to concern you," she confessed.

"I know and I appreciate what you're doing," her own hand on top of hers. "I really do, but I don't want you to sacrifice your own well-being entirely for us alone. It may sound noble but it'll later cause problems in the long run. If you want to eat your regular portion, then it's fine."

Letting out an exhausted exhale, she chuckled.

"I guess the two of us have been a bit stubborn when it comes to this."

Months before this, it seems they weren't in the right in some cases. Making a few mishaps all labelled, 'for the other's sake'.

But nobody said that this would be easy after a while, it takes more than a few steps to reach the top and they're still on the steppingstone.