Author: Greetings all! Staying true to my promise, I've posted yet another chappie for my most loyal fans :) The ideas you guys pour in are ASTOUNDING! No, but seriously. I love how creative your ideas are.

But anyway! We've got twins on the way, so let the naming contest once again begin! I've got one name planned already, but now I need one more! Leave some awesome names for our soon to be favorite pair of inu babes in the world :D

K, rant done. Read and review!

Previously...

"I wish to tell you something. You've wanted to hear it for quite some time."

At that Inuyasha straightened up. He knitted his brows together in confusion and got ready to say so, but was stopped by a finger to his lips. Sesshomaru leaned in as far as his stomach would allow and whispered three delightful words into his mate's ear.

"I love you." And with that Sesshomaru took his leave from the medical room, leaving behind a stunned Inuyasha.

Chapter 14: 3 months into Lord Sesshomaru's pregnancy

The last month at the palace appeared to be calm and smooth sailing at its surface. The servants did their usual routine caring after the semi-permanent guests and their Lords. Kagome had gone back to the well to complete some school work, since the search for jewel shards was put on indefinite hold. Miroku and Sango had recently gotten their own private room a few doors down the hall as they'd begun a relationship of their own. It was slow and tentative for them, but Miroku knew not to rush it and Sango was greatful for it.

Rin began to meet with tutors as per Inuyasha's request. He felt that she was as much his charge and she was Sesshomaru's, and as much his daughter as Aki-chan was his son. As such, he felt it was only right that she be given the same treatment as a princess of the estate, and with that included regular lessons with her tutors.

Sesshomaru noted that Rin was no longer the little girl that followed his orders blindly. She'd experienced a growth spurt, and her body was developing into that of a young woman. Already she'd experienced her menarche (a woman's first menstrual cycle), marking her as a fertile female and eligible bachelorette. Not that either inuyoukai were allowing any men to come within a few feet of her.

Akihiko gained the ability to speak in complete sentences, his lisp all but gone. He came to be known as the 'Jewel of the Palace', the West's pride and joy, their harbinger of joy and promise. None could be in Akihiko's presence without a smile, as his naturally joyous aura was infectious and hard to resist. His good looks were becoming apparent as well...Sesshomaru's femininity was apparent in his lithe body, but his personality contained the spontaneity of the Lord Inuyasha. His natural charm would most certainly make him a popular subject with the ladies in the future, the brothers were sure of it.

Both brothers had finally put an end to the pretense of submission on Sesshomaru's part, though at this point his acts of submission were no longer just for public show. However, it was just as clear he wouldn't become anyone's lapdog. Inuyasha was the head of their family by nature, but Sesshomaru still had several centuries of age over his mate and was still used to being independant. It took some trial and error...more errors than none...but they'd finally learned to just what their roles entailed. They'd found it was often just easier to go with whatever their inner youkai dictated.

Both brothers were currently in a section of the gardens where the trees already turned into their varying hues of reds, browns and oranges. Sesshomaru grit his teeth at the powerful kick delivered within himself and growled in aggravation. He rubbed his belly soothingly in attempts to calm his pups down. "Never ask me to bear another child for you. Ever. Again."

Inuyasha chuckled and rubbed his mate's stomach. Sesshomaru's abdomen had grown so large so quickly, Inuyasha was convinced he would pop. He couldn't imagine how two little beings could possibly fit in on person. He certainly gained a new level of respect for the elder from all of this. He could feel the discomfort his mate felt, the nausea, the back pain, and other little nuances that came with pregnancy. Not that Sesshomaru truly ever voiced this aloud. Proud bastard even in the last stretch of pregnancy.

"Awe, I planned to have a whole litter," Inuyasha joked. The daiyoukai turned to look at him so sharply that it made the half demon laugh. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!"

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and turned away again, ignoring the smile tugging at his lips. In truth, he would give his brother any amount of children he wanted at the snap of a finger. But his brother didn't need to know that. "How are Akihiko's studies?"

"They're fine. His tutors say he has a quick mind."

"A great advantage for the future Lord of the West." Sesshomaru hissed and leaned back against Inuyasha's chest. His back ached, and the pups kept kicking as they had less room to wiggle in. Wouldn't be much longer now. In fact, he doubted he'd complete all four months of the pregnancy. Any day now, he could be in labor all over again. Any day now the birth of the pups would be announced to the public.

Any day now, Naraku could be pounding on their palace doors.

Inuyasha felt the sudden shift of emotion in the elder inu and pulled him closer, wrapping his arms around them. "What is it, Sessh?"

When he received no answer, he knew what the problem was: Naraku. Sometimes Inuyasha would find Sesshomaru in Akihiko's nursery sitting absolutely still, just staring into space. When he'd walk up to him to gab his attention, Sesshomaru would just glance at him with blank eyes until he finally came to. Other times he'd be woken out of his sleep by thrashing, Seshhomaru convinced that Naraku was again raping him...It was frightening. He'd been trying to goad his brother into some sort of discussion about that night of the rape, about how he felt, and what he feared...but Sesshomaru refused to talk about it. No matter how much he pushed the issue it was like running into brick wall: unyielding, unchanging. Maybe he ought to try again..?

"Sessh," he began, "is it Nara-"

"I refuse to discuss it, Inuyasha," came the immediate answer.

"Sessh..."

"Otouto, I have already said no."

At that final act of defiance, Inuyasha's youkai bristled. Without a second thought, a warning growl ripped itself from his throat, and Sesshomaru immediately bared his neck. The daiyoukai knew at once that he'd crossed the line and closed his eyes. He hadn't meant to come off so dismissive of his mate's authority. He knew Inuyasha was just worried about his wellbeing...but he himself was just too terrified to voice the events of 'That Night'.

The gardens were deserted save for them. For a long while neither demon said a word, Inuyasha with his back against a log, his mate leaned against him. "Sesshomaru, you're due date is less than a month from now. That gives us less than a month's time to prep for Naraku's inevitable return."

No, no no...Sesshomaru kept his eyes shut. He didn't want to think on this now. "Otouto, let us not-"

"No, we have to talk about this. We've put it off long enough and now we have to face this situation at hand." He ignored the spike in fear that wasn't his own. This had to be dealt with today. "Sesshomaru, Naraku is waiting and watching and planning his moves from now," Inuyasha said. "He's an annoying little prick, but he's smart. He'll have means of knowing when you are due, when you are in labor, and how the pups look. The best case scenario is that he comes after the children are born, that way the chances of keeping all of you safe are high. But..."

Sesshomaru forced himself to listen. He knew his brother was a relaxed and jovial man, but tripping the anger of his Alpha youkai would quickly erase all of that personality. Not that he ever tripped it before, but he knew what consequences would come if he did. And so, to avoid that, Sesshomaru listened and obeyed the order to talk. " 'But' what, otouto?"

"But," continued Inuyasha, "Naraku will know we're more prepared for his reappearance post-labor. He'll want us off-guard. He likes to surprise us, and what better way to do that than to appear prior to your due date? What's to stop him from coming in the middle of labor?"

The daiyoukai sighed and finally opened his eyes. His brother was right, of course. He himself had been wondering what would happen if Naraku came back while he was in the middle of pushing. So many things could happen in that moment...it was disconcerting. "What do you propose we do little brother?"

"I've been talking with the rest of the gang about the possible ways we could go about this," said Inuyasha. If you're still pregnant, you'll be escorted by a guard to a location known only by myself and that guard, hidden away from this palace."

Sesshomaru opened his eyes and turned to look at his brother. "But what of you? How long must I stay away?"

"Until its deemed safe enough to return."

"You've evaded my question, otouto," said Sesshomaru

Inuyasha sighed and nuzzled his brother's long locks. "You used to be the Lord of this place, Sessh...you know what it means should anything happen to me."

He was right, of course. Akihiko was the crown prince, and would be next in line to ascend to Lordship if Inuyasha was somehow unable to rule. Akihiko was still too young to rule, and Sesshomaru would have to act as regent until the prince grew old enough to take over himself. However, Sesshomaru was still an uke, worse a male uke; he'd have potential alphas burning mark him as their own and usurp all power. Both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru knew he'd have to go into hiding should Inuyasha meet some unfortunate end...something they both wish would never come to pass.

Sesshomaru shifted out of his brother's arms to turn and look into his eyes. The exhaustion was evident in them, these last few months already taking its toll on the young lord. Sesshomaru gazed into those eyes so much resembling his own, their deep amber color, the fire of determination burning in them...and the love they held for him. He remembered back when he'd watched his brother be impaled through the abdomen and nearly bleed to death in his arms...that fear of almost losing the one person who'd come to mean everything to him. He never wanted to relive the experience again.

"Inuyasha, you cannot leave me. Not again." He'd said it so softly, it was as though no words left his mouth to begin with. "I...I do not remember how it was like to live without you here...I don't want to...you...I order you to stay alive through all of this."

Inuyasha gave a little laugh. Sesshomaru was still bossy even when he attempted to be affectionate. He understood, though...he knew it better than anyone else. He leaned in to place a little peck on his brother's forehead before rising from his place on the floor. "Yeah..love you too Sessh. Don't worry about me...You just care for our pups, and I'll do my part. This'll all work out, I promise."

Sesshomaru felt a funny sensation in his gut that told him otherwise, and his inner youkai chastised him for being so little of faith in their Alpha. "Where are you going?"

"To check in on Aki-chan," came the reply. He stroked his mate's head with one more reassuring smile before departing back toward the castle. Inuyasha remembered the time when traversing the palace halls was an impossible adventure all on its own...now he knew the twists and turns like the back of his hand. He wondered what would happen to these halls if it were left in someone else's care...it was his job to think of the consequences that could arise with his demise. He'd already discussed with Jaken several backup plans that were to be executed in the chance he didn't make it out of all this alive. Plans that only he and Jaken knew of, since Jaken was still their retainer and the only Official in the palace aware of the events that occurred the night Sesshomaru was kidnapped. Not even Sesshomaru was fully aware of these plans. It was safer that way.

Inuyasha came to a halt outside doors of the Academic Wing of the palace. He sniffed once...yes, fresh rain and jasmine. That's Akihiko alright. He smiled and waited for his presence to be announced by the servant at the door before stepping into the large room. Akihiko looked up with surpise and rose from his cross-legged position, bowing immediately. Inuyasha cocked his head to the side. So formal this child.

"C'mon Aki-chan, no need to be so formal with your old man. Get over here." He opened his arms with a large smile in invitation for a hug. Akihiko grinned wide and ran into his father's arms, giggling happily. The boy was up to his hip in height already, but his growth spurt slowed significantly. He'd probably be around this height for the next few months before the next stage of development began. His hair still had the same color as Inuyasha's, but had the length of the ice lord, nearly dragging onto the ground. The young prince usually kept it tied high onto head to keep it out of the way, much like his late grandfather. It was uncanny, the resemblance between Inutaisho and he.

"Sensei says I have to be really respectful to you because you're the Lord of this place and really important!" Akihiko explained. "He said you get the most respect from me, and then a little less respect for chichiue-sama!"

At that Inuyasha paused and pulled his son a little ways from him by the shoulders. Akihiko noticed the frown and worried if he made a mistake. "Uh-oh...did I do something wrong?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "You must give equal respect to both your parents, Akihiko," he saind, kneeling to eye level with his eldest child. "Sesshomaru is just as important as I am...remember that he was Lord of the West long before I came along. He carried you for four long months inside his belly with lots of love, and nearly died to protect you. I think that warrants a lot of respect. Don't you?"

Akihiko frowned in confusion. "But...but sensei says-"

"I don't care what that bozo says. I'm tellin' you he's wrong, okay kid?"

Akihiko nodded. "Hai, Inuyasha-sama!"

"My lord," said the lesser demon still sitting at the lecture table. "We are in the middle of a history lesson, my lord. May we please be allowed to complete the day's lesson? It is his last subject and then he may go free."

Akihiko silently pleaded with his father with wide eyes, tugging on his sleeve and jumping up and down. Inuyasha almost always gave way to his son's requests. He was the 'nice parent' who bent around the rules, while Sesshomaru stuck to traditional rules like glue. If Akihiko wanted something and Sesshomaru said no, he knew to ask Inuyasha and almost always get the answer he desired.

Inuyasha pursed his lips at the cute pup bouncing before him. To say no to so much charm was a most difficult thing to do. "Hmm, which part of history are you lecturing today?" he asked the tutor.

"Ah, the reign of the late Inu no Taisho, my lord."

Inuyasha winked to his son. "That's my old man, I know more than those textbooks can ever tell. I'll take over from here, Juro-sensei."

"Yay!" Akihiko jumped onto his father's back with ease. "You're the best dad in the whole wide world!"

"You tell Sesshomaru the same thing whenever he gets you a rice cake."

Akihiko giggled. "So?"

"Conniving little pup," Inuyasha joked while he stepped out of the room. He supposed he could take his favorite bright prince down to the market to buy a sweet. Though Sesshomaru would probably drone on and on about him spoiling their child rotten for it.

'Something is amiss'. Inuyasha halted in his tracks and gripped his stomach. What the hell...?

"Papa, what's wrong?" asked Akihiko.

Inuyasha slid his child to the ground and ordered he go straight to the nearest guard. "Tell him your father is ordering he bring you to Sango and Miroku. Go, now."

Akihiko nodded and ran off, Inuyasha taking off down the adjacent hallway. 'Something is wrong, something is amiss!' Inuyasha leaned forward, arms free flowing behind him. He was sure it was to do with his mate, nothing else would trigger his youkai so strongly. How many weeks had Sesshomaru been pregnant? Was he due already? When did the midwife say he'd be ready to deliver the pups? Why couldn't he freakin' remember!

He ran into Shiori on the way back to the garden where he'd left his mate earlier. She paused him in mid-run. "My lord! Where are you running off to?"

"I need to see my mate-"

"Then you are going the wrong way! Have you not heard? The palace is going mad from the news!"

Inuyasha stopped shrugging out of her grasp and gave her his full attention. "Spit it out lady, this is not the the time to talk riddles. What's going on?"

Shiori beamed at him from her petite and short stature with those large blue eyes. "My lord, Sesshomaru has gone into labor!"

Author: As promised, here it is! Another chapter in time for the holidays. I stayed up for a better part of the Xmas Eve night to type this up...My gift to you all in reward for your patience and support. May you all have a very, very Merry Christmas. I'm grateful for all my loyal fans, and the new ones I've gained along the way. Thank you.

Read and Review! Don't make me sad, now! 3 :) And don't forget to drop some names for our twins!