Chapter Text
At Kasamatsu. It was supposed to be a normal day. Norn Ace, the red head diva. A self-proclaimed city chick. Fashionista of Kasamatsu. A once high school bully later to biggest simp fan of Oguri Cap.
Was currently visiting another old friend, Belno Light.
Oguri's wife.
Yeah, that's a thing a now.
And it's not a joke or fake news that fans like her couldn't deny, she should know. Norn was one her bridesmaids, therefore a witness to the beautiful matrimony. Tears and cheers were involved, the former was more involved than the latter. To see your bully victim turn idol marrying their best friend that stood up against you? Karma.
She won't lie to herself that it stung, however she knew that those two were head over heels with one another. Even when at the start of their relationship, Belno had to study abroad making it difficult for them to cope with, Norn knew that distance relationship only made them closer once they've reunited.
It was a typical romance story.
Nowadays those two are doing alright, both having jobs of their own, but they still visit Kasamatsu together from time to time. Today she heard that they planned on staying at Oguri's old house, where her mother now lives.
Daughter's earnings had bought her mother a house.
However, today Norn felt something was off. When she initially planned on visiting, she had expected to be greeted by Belno's smile and Oguri's crushing hug. Instead of seeing the two of them, she only sees Belno alone.
"Belno?! Are you okay?" Norn gasped as she saw her.
The young woman looked exhausted, her ears were down, her brown hair slightly disheveled, and having Panda eyes by the looks of it. Makeup can't hide the stress. Something was clearly wrong. Belno didn't reply immediately as she was half-asleep, it didn't take long before Norn gave her a slight nudge.
"Wha..Huh?" Belno looked up, her eyes weren't focused. "Wait...Norn? Norn!"
She stood up and hugged the redhead, trying to greet her but stumbled a bit midway. Norn Ace managed to catch her before she fell, the former gently guided her back down to sit.
"H..how are you? I'm sorry that I didn't put on any..." She yawns, ".. make-up on, too tired."
"Yes," Norn nodded off "I can see that."
There was so many questions to ask Belno, but she started out with something simple.
"Are you okay though? You look way too tired to be greeting people, we can do this another day if you'd like." Norn suggested, clearly seeing that Belno was very much out of it.
However, Belno declined. "N..no, it's fine. It's actually why I wanted you to come here." She gets nervous, "There's something that me and Oguri wanted to ask you..."
Norn raised an eyebrow, curious.
"What is it?" She asked.
Belno's eyes wandered about, nervous as heck. "Promise me that...you won't panic, please?"
"Uhm.." Norn hesitates but nodded, "sure?"
She exhaled, trusting the redhead for this, she then lean closer and whispered.
"... I'm 8 weeks pregnant, and we'd like you to help us on decorating."
.
.
.
Silence, absolutely stunned. It took a minute or two for Norn to process the news. It was so long that an older horse lady walked in, it was Oguri's mom. "Oh my, I didn't know you're Norn. How are you on this lovely—"
Finally, after awhile, she blurted out:
"OH MY GODDESS, WHAT THE F—"
But there's something else that needed to be addressed on, where's Oguri?
Answer: getting groceries with Tamamo Cross, to which she revealed it and currently being screamed upon.
"—UUUCCCKKK OGURI CAP?!?!?!"
The short ashen girl cussed at her friend; eyes widen in both shock and mad (happy). The other shoppers inside the store were startled by the yelling and were staring at them, causing a scene. What started as a typical day out for Tamamo turn into a full-on bombshell. Her attentions were simple, hanging out with Oguri who invited her to go grocery shopping, unusual at first but she listed it off as just her friend wanted to eat everything—to which she did. Little did she realize that same friend was hiding another agenda, the evidence was the more items in the cart that aren't food related based.
However, when she saw her eyeing up baby formulas that trigger the shorter gray's senses. A radical thought on her mind was Creek's blackmailing her, something that's too crazy to be real and brushes it off. But when Oguri told the truth in public, words only being heard by friend's ear—that's when Tamamo started cussing.
Oguri, on the other hand, was acting as if it's a normal thing to say.
"What's wrong Tama?" She asked, to which Tamamo was clenching her tall friend's jacket. Putting them in her eye level and whispered to try not causing a bigger scene.
"What do you mean 'what's wrong?!' You just casually said that you're having a baby with Belno, and you're acting that's fine!" Tamamo eyes her up, she was both happy but mad at her slightly stupid friend.
"...because it is, right?" Oguri titled her head.
Hearing this, she doesn't know whether to congrats or feel sorry for the upcoming mini Oguri clones later in life. Taking a deep breath, Tamamo then replies to her. "You're right, unfortunately." She took a step back, calming herself down from her own outburst.
"So," Oguri looks at her short friend. "What do you make of this?"
Tamamo thinks for a moment, sensing that she needed her friend's support to go through this turbulent time.
"Honestly," she muttered "I'm both in awe that you're having a kid...and also mad that you're being casual about this type of news."
"Heh," Oguri nervously chuckle "yeah... Belno said the same thing when she told me."
...
"What."
Her eyes narrowed at Oguri, today is getting even more surprising and unsurprisingly.
"W..wait, before you say anything about it...it took a few minutes for me to get it through and another to process it." She recalls the day when Belno told her the news, it was very much tense for the couple. "...It almost made her think that I didn't want this, but that wasn't true at all."
"That's not helping you, Oguri." Tamamo retorted.
"I know," she sighed. "I'm not the smartest person... I'll probably will make even more mistakes," She looks down at the cart filled with groceries, "but I really do want this with Belno, it's something that we've discussed for a while."
She stares up at her friend, never in her life to have hear someone like her talking this type of things. With a deep sigh, "I mean, I get...you two were thinking about the next step." Tamamo replied.
"And believe me when I say this, that I'm happy for the both of you man."
Just as Oguri was about to smile her friend gave her honest truth, "But believe me when I also say this. Having kids isn't something to be messed around with, it's a big responsibility than what you're used to." she looks down at the cart, it was mixed of food and baby related necessities that prior from learning, Tama didn't know what for.
"It's not an upcoming race or different type of edible food; it's raising a living being."
"I know," Oguri puts another item into the cart, this time it's more food—soft kinds, something that Oguri might like eating. "I've confided this with my mother as well; she was both happy and helpful. But I don't want to just rely her on everything like she had done with me, that includes the others..."
"Sure, but you know that it ain't going to last well without outside help." Tamamo interjected, "Beside we'd be okay if you did ask us. Just don't surprise us with the news very late, thank goddesses that it's only a few weeks."
"Haha, yeah..." Oguri was nervous, embarrassed even by her carelessness. "Again, sorry about that."
Tamamo walked ahead on the isle, "Water under the bridge, I suppose." She then places another item onto the cart, "heck... That explains the amount of baby related things you asked Super Creek last week." Remembering a certain brownish redhead of theirs. "I didn't believe her when she suspected something because...you know her." another valid point of her lack of believability.
They knew that in their trio rivalry and friendship—Super Creek, to put it mildly. Someone that's terrifyingly perfect to discuss this type of matter. She's the mothering type, loving, caring, parental-like knowledgeable and good with kids. But in doing so, might be a difficult person to control. Creek's obsession on babies, pampering them to no end, not to mention the irresistible aura. Hence why the title 'Super Freak' made those who's under careful lookout to be wary, one of them being Tamamo Cross herself.
Oguri, despite her lacking socially, was aware on that front. "I did plan on telling Creek first about this, but we're already here so..."
"tch, you'd think telling something big to your friend while grocery shopping is any better than getting coddled by Creek?" Tamamo eyed her.
She only shrugs it off, "It was in the moment... but might as well say it now, right?"
Tamamo merely laughed and walk ahead, the cart now filled with their groceries with the mixed of parent-baby related items that Oguri found. In a couple of months from now, the great idol of Japan and gray beast of Kasamatsu is going to be a parent. The mighty blue lightning wanted to imagine the many ups and downs of her old rival's upcoming life, what would those little munchkins be thinking about their dad/mom/sire—or whateves?
There will be chaos in that household, she can be sure of that. Chaos that'll be awaited by everyone with open arms. A welcome surprise. One that will be cherished and taken care of by not only their parents but those that will love them.
"You might start taking diets or saving up your food pile, Oguri." Tamamo warn her, she jests. "You'll be having competition at the table later."
As Oguri held the cart's handles tightly, "...Wait, what?"
The night in Kasamatsu was gentle.
Crickets stitched the darkness together outside their small home, and a summer breeze slipped through the barely open window, stirring the thin curtains in slow, lazy motions. Moonlight spilled across the tatami floor in silver rectangles, brushing softly over two futons laid side by side.
The house was quiet in that intimate way only shared spaces ever were—the faint rustle of fabric, the subtle shift of breathing, the warmth of another body just within reach. Belno Light slept on her side beside her, one hand resting protectively over the gentle swell of her stomach.
Their children.
The word still felt unreal.
Oguri Cap lay awake on her back, staring at the ceiling.
The words that Tamamo left for her, it didn't actually leave her.
Now back home and lying down on the bed, cuddling lovingly with each other. Two horse girls were lying on their futon together; the shorter one was sleeping on her back comfortably while her partner was contemplating on something.
Oguri's mind went into her 'analysis' mode:
Oguri (me) + Belno = Baby
Baby = needs food
Food = more money
Money = work hours
Also, more food for Oguri (me) to work and Belno.
That would mean, food = Oguri + Belno + Baby ---> MORE FOOD ---> MORE WORKING HOURS?!
More working hours = less time with Belno and baby...
Her ears dropped slightly from the result of her 'analysis'. It was the first time she felt that wanting food for herself wasn't desirable. If she can't managed to get it for her soon to be family then why bother wanting it for herself?
The night felt long despite only being 7 PM. The ashen stallion was still up, her eyes were staring up at the wooden ceiling, the air feels colder as the windows were slightly open to get some air in. However, it causes Oguri to feel chilly slightly as where Belno was warm-up with their blanket. She didn't want her currently pregnant wife be cold in the night.
A selfless act, but at the cost of her own health?
Old habits died hard...
Her eyes gazes down towards the sleeping body next to her, Belno looked so peaceful in her sleep. Ever since telling the news, the brown mare was easily exhausted from carrying it all. With her work as a trainer it was difficult for Belno, she didn't want to take a leave just yet.
Seeing her sleeping soundly now was a blessing, a gift.
Something she promised to never take for granted.
After returning home from grocery shopping with Tama, she finds out that Norn was also there as well, she forgot that her friend planned to visit them. It's suffice to say that the redhead mare had so many questions with little answers that Oguri could muster up each second of questioning.
In the end, after she endure Norn endless rants, congrats, and shaking shoulders. Oguri was able to get some piece and quiet. With the exception of tomorrow, it being the day she'll explain everyone directly and cleanly. Both Norn and Tama were given the option to either tell the news early so that it'll be easier, the latter replied that it'll just end with chaos anyways.
But the former on the other hand? Well...
Oguri glances at her phone, the light never dims as each notification reminds her of tomorrow.
In the Kasamatsu group chat, it was chaos:
Norn: "Girls! And trainers. Guess what I found out during my visit to the cap-lights!"
Rudy: "Who?"
Norn: "You know, as in Oguri and Belno."
Rudy: "Oh, no way that's their official surname together..."
Norn: "I made it up, cool right?"
Mini: "Hah, still salty or what?"
Norn: "No! I did it because it's cute for them."
Mini: 🙄
Norn: 😤
March: "Girls, this is 10 PM. What's going on?"
Norn: "Something that will blow your minds!"
Mini: "Is that you saying that because you didn't want to feel alone?"
Norn: "Oi!"
Rudy: "Just spill it already, too tired for this nonsense."
Norn: "Well someone not liking the suspense..."
Norn: 😒
March: "What's happening to Oguri and Belno, Norn?"
Norn: "Okay, here it is."
Norn: "Belno is pregnant and they're having a baby!!!!!"
.
.
.
March: "Congrats for the both of them."
March: "Perhaps we should visit them if we ever get a chance."
Rudy: "Damn, that dust bunny got game huh?"
Mini: "Shorty Belno gonna be bloated lol."
Rudy: "You're one to talk shorty."
Mini: 🙄
Rudy: 😛
Norn: "You girls are underwhelming this big news..."
Rudy: "We're too tired for this Norn!"
Mini: "Yeah, we'll mess around and tease it later in the morning."
Norn: 😤
March: "As much that I wanted to disagree with them, I too am exhausted from work. But I'll make sure to call Oguri and Belno in the morning to congratulate them, perhaps I'll get a souvenir while I'm at it."
March: 😅
Norn: "Thank you! Finally someone gets it. 🥹"
And with that, it finally died down.
Oguri let out a breathless chuckle, she has very unique friends and their sense of humour. She couldn't even imagine them ever being mean to her or Belno, they really are good people.
Her eyes went back to her wife, still sleeping soundly next to her. Her body despite being covered stayed cuddled next to Oguri. The blanket is helping her stay warm throughout the night, it was very simple and yet it felt amazing.
Would I be good at this?
She flexed her fingers against the blanket.
On the track, things were simple. Run forward. Don’t stop. Endure. Eat. Repeat.
Parenthood did not have lane markers or finish lines.
Her gaze drifted downward to Belno’s stomach again. The curve wasn’t dramatic yet, but it was undeniable. Every time she saw it, something inside her chest tightened—not fear exactly, not joy alone, but something vast and unfamiliar.
"I’m going to mess it up," she muttered quietly to herself.
Then silent before continuing, "but that doesn't stop me for trying."
She was afraid of failure, but that doesn't mean she won't try her best.
Oguri could see her wife's tail poking out the blanket down there. She gently uses her own, trying to not wake her up, and held hers closer. Now both were holding each other even in their sleeping bodies.
"... it's like we're holding hands."
She told to the suppose sleeping form of her wife.
But then, with a chime from her. "...I guess we are."
Oguri's eyes widen when she looks down, only to find Belno's pretty eyes staring right back at her. She has a smile forming on her face as her brown tail wrap around the ashen. She's hers and so was the other way around.
"y-you're not asleep yet?" Oguri was baffled. Her hand was on her wife's blanket, feeling her belly underneath the soft cloth. "it's late, you should be resting."
However, Belno didn't budge as she carefully sat up. This made Oguri feeling anxious to what her wife's doing. She readied herself for any sudden movements but then feel the same blanket covering her own body.
The ashen stallion was puzzled but couldn't think before the brown mare wrapped herself around her. This time both horse girls were cuddling underneath the warm blanket, it felt good. Not only for comfort but the feeling made Oguri embarrassed, she's the one who's supposed to be wrapping her comfortably.
As if sensing her mate's bashfulness, Belno giggled. "It's better this way Oguri, now you can be warm and feel the baby next to me."
Her blue eyes were now in awe at the prospect, "really?" she asked.
It didn't need to have a verbal response, as Belno cuddled her face underneath Oguri's chin. The stallion feels the heat on her neck and in response becomes more possessive by holding the mare closer. She could feel the baby bump next to her own stomach, it felt soft and round.
"...It feels like you're full of food, just like me." Oguri murmured.
She had the habit of saying the darndest things without realizing it. Even after all these years of education and being married. Her social skills are still on par with many who had believed her to be. But it didn't bother her, Belno Light let out a soft chuckle, still amused by her wife's inadvertent cluelessness.
"Yes," she replied. "Though, I'm filled with something other than food."
This made Oguri blushing red in the face, realizing the implication. Such a tease. Perhaps Norn's antics had rubbed on Belno, she remembered her wife (prior of them dating) wearing a very amorous clothing for an edgy theme promo. She will admit that it made Oguri feel a certain type of way.
"Belno..." Oguri whine a bit.
"Don't go shy on me now dear," Belno teases her. "You walked right into it."
The ashen stallion knew that but was still embarrassed regardless. She snuggles her against the brown hair of her mate's. Smothering her with affection. It made her tickle a bit. She muttered between Belno's strands of hair, "You're too good for me..."
Belno propped herself up on one elbow, studying her wife’s profile. Even in the dark, she could read Oguri easily. The furrow in her brow. The stiffness in her shoulders.
"You’re doing it again," Belno said softly.
"Doing what?"
"Preparing for a race that hasn’t started yet."
Oguri blinked at that.
Belno smiled faintly and shifted closer, her hand reached Oguri's and placed it gently over her stomach. It was warm. It felt something was alive. Then with a gentle whisper, Belno encourage her.
"Feel," Belno whispered.
For a moment, there was nothing.
Then—
A small, unmistakable movement beneath Oguri’s palm.
Oguri inhaled sharply.
It wasn’t strong, not like a kick from the training grounds. It was softer. A flutter, then a firmer nudge as if something inside had decided to announce itself. "They're awake too," Belno murmured.
Oguri’s hand trembled slightly as she kept it there. Another movement answered, this one more deliberate.
Her ears twitched upright. "They're...strong," she said quietly.
Belno laughed under her breath. "Of course they are. Look at their mother."
Oguri shook her head faintly. "That’s what I’m worried about."
Belno tilted her head. "Worried that they’ll eat as much as you?"
"...That's genetic."
A sleepy giggle escaped Belno. "Then we’ll just need a bigger rice cooker."
Oguri chuckled but she looks away for a bit, "but it's not just that." She continues on, "I'm afraid that they'll inherit my...weak knees."
Belno's ears flattened, she knows the history of her wife's pre-condition. Having been born with weak knees, Oguri whole purpose of racing was that she can walk after recovering. The idea of where your children might inherit your weakness that they can't control. That's a nightmare where a parent wouldn't want to be real.
Another small kick pressed against Oguri’s palm, firmer this time. Instinctively, she leaned closer, lowering her forehead until it nearly touched Belno’s stomach. "I don't know how to do this, Belno." Oguri admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Belno’s expression softened completely.
She brushed a hand through Oguri’s hair, fingers lingering there. "We'll figure it out along the way," she said gently. "Any obstacle that'll be waiting for us, we'll be ready."
Oguri closed her eyes.
"Wait if I'm not enough?" she asked. "I don't want you...or them, to feel alone in this."
Belno shifted carefully, bringing their foreheads together. "We won’t," she said. "We'll have you. Our friends and family. And more food than any household in Kasamatsu."
Oguri huffed quietly.
Belno guided Oguri’s hand in slow circles over her stomach. "They can hear us, you know."
Oguri stiffened slightly. "They can?"
"Mm. So, try saying something less dramatic."
Oguri hesitated. Then, awkwardly, she leaned closer.
"...Hello," she said, voice deep but gentle, "I'm your mother."
Another kick answered, stronger this time.
Belno laughed softly. "See? They like you already."
Oguri’s lips curved despite herself. She pressed her palm more firmly against the warmth beneath it. "I'll make sure you eat well," she promised quietly. "And train properly. And rest. And... I'll run with you if you want."
Belno smiled, "I think they'll like to spend time with you regardless."
"I know, and I promise that we will." Oguri exhaled softly.
Belno tugged her closer until Oguri was half-draped over her, careful not to put weight on her stomach. The night air felt softer now, warmer. "You don’t have to be perfect," Belno then whispered.
"You just have to stay."
Oguri stilled at that.
Stay.
It sounded simple. It felt enormous.
Another small kick brushed against her hand, almost playful this time.
Oguri exhaled slowly, tension easing from her shoulders.
"I’ll stay," she said.
Belno kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Good. Because I refuse to raise two future gluttons alone." Oguri allowed herself a quiet chuckle.
Until she stops herself, ears forward with both alert and interest. Oguri blinked. "They?"
Belno nodded, her lips curved in a soft, guilty smile—the kind that suggested she had been waiting for this exact moment.
"We're having twins," she whispered. "Surprise..."
And with that she nuzzled her head against Oguri's shoulder, getting conveniently sleepy, as if the surprise had taken all her energy. Before the ashen stallion could even ask, her wife had already fallen asleep.
That cheeky Belno!
Now Oguri was staring at the ceiling, her wife cuddling next to her, along with their foals inside her. Peacefully unaware of their parents fumbling.
Oguri could only feel Belno's breathing next to her, as if finally sleeping after their conversation. Except for Oguri, who was now pondering about what the future might bring to her family and with the recently extra knowledge of possibly having twins.
Two heartbeats.
For a moment, fear surged again—sharp and protective. What if something went wrong? What if one was weaker? What if she failed them before they even opened their eyes?
She shook her head, trying to think of other more helpful thoughts.
Her throat tightened.
Joy rose slowly this time—not explosive, not overwhelming, but warm and steady, spreading through her ribs until it made her eyes sting.
Two.
Double the noise. Double the appetite. Double the tiny hands reaching for her.
Double the love.
Oguri didn’t argue.
She simply shifted closer, wrapping an arm gently around Belno’s waist, careful and deliberate.
The house was quiet again.
Outside, the night breeze moved through the trees. Inside, two faint heartbeats pulsed beneath Oguri’s hand.
She listened to them as long as she could stay awake. And when sleep finally claimed her, it did so with fear still present—but braided tightly with something stronger.
A promise.