If you haven't read it, then you should. The new chapters and final ending are epic, and so worth looking at, just so you know!

I do agree with what you're saying, canon he was like that, and to a degree he still is. The new chapters show him putting a lot of his demons to rest and how he does have hopes of settling down in the future, which I tried to put it. However, I could show the fact he's still got that hint of stubborness and pride a bit more obviously, and I will try to do that, so thanks.

As for the relationships, he wasn't dating Horohoro, he had feelings for him but they were not reciprocated, so Ren was in a state of limbo when Horo left the City. It was only after being cursed with a possible future with Misao, and as mentioned canon updates that made him think more of what he would do after the Shaman tournament that he started to develop things with Misao, and they had been seeing each other for a few months before getting cursed into premature marriage, but they kinda knew that was future event anyway, so he was less inclined to dismiss it. He has found himself over time falling in love, because she brings out better things in him, so he kinda knew what the outcome would be. That and Misao was very much set on everything, so trying to get her to dismiss the curse would have been a struggle. ^^;

I hope that clarifies things a bit more, thanks for the questions. ^^