word count

a collection of pieces; good, bad, and ugly

a love that can last forever.

chapter one.

Hyde couldn't believe it when she first said it. He thought that she was joking, but the dreamy look on Megumi's face told him otherwise. "Can you believe it?" Megumi breathed. "We're going to start a family."

Now, Hyde could think of millions of reasons why this was not a good idea. First: it was the worst timing ever. L'Arc~en~Ciel was already on tour. Where in his busy life could he fit in a baby? Second: what about the kid? Hyde already new that he'd always be away. What would it be like to grow up without a father? Third: babies are expensive. They need constant care, milk, diapers, toys, a nursery, and other stuff! He couldn't possibly raise a kid with his job...or even without his job.

"Megumi--" Hyde tried to stay, but she cut him off.

"I really want a baby girl," Megumi gushed. "To think, that we made life together. We're going to be parents. I know you have your job, but others can make it work!"

"Like how?" Hyde muttered under his breath. He had to skip a rehearsal for the Tokyo tour just to come home.

Megumi said nothing, and patted her belly. A small smile crept onto her face. "A baby."

* * *

"What was that all about?" Tetsu asked, as Hyde slummed into building. He was concerned about Hyde, he looked so glum. What did Megumi tell him?

"Nothing," Hyde grumbled, as he sat in the lobby couch next to Yuki.

"Come on," Yuki poked him in the shoulder. A silly grin was spread over his face. "You know it's nothing. What did Megumi tell you?"

Hyde he pushed away Yuki's hand. "We need a band meeting...now," Hyde demanded.

"Ooooh," Yuki continued prodding Hyde in the shoulder. "Getting serious, now, huh?" This time, Hyde ignored Yuki. In his mind, all he could think about was the baby.

What if it was twins? What if it had some birth defect? What if it didn't make it? What if it was a girl? What if it was a guy? What if...What if it was ugly?

"Band meeting?" Ken queried. "Now? What about?"

"Megumi and I..." Hyde sank into the couch. He closed his eyes and too a deep breath. Just tell them. Maybe it really is no big deal... "Well, Megumi's pregnant."

"For real?!" Tetsu screeched. He nearly jumped out of his seat. The others in the hotel lobby stopped what they were doing and turned to stare. "Oh my God, that's great! Why do you look so sad? You should be happy. This just means that you and Megumi are just a little bit more committed to each other. Dude, that's awesome! A fucking' kid!" Tetsu took in a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.

"Yeah," Hyde mumbled. "It's great." Hyde looked down at his shoes.

Why don't they understand? This could ruin everything...

"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Yuki slapped him on the back. "This is great news!"

"Just think," Ken smiled as he patted Hyde's head. "You're going to be a dad. I know you're going to be great."

Hyde weakly smiled at his band mates. At least they want the best for me. Maybe...maybe... In his head, Hyde shook his head. No, this can't be the way things should be.

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