Another chapter already?! Yes, I've been inspired lately to write more- plus I'm excited to see-and write about Inu and Kag's new babies! As I'm sure y'all are too!

-As always, I thank each and every new favorite, follow, and review for this story- plus for my other new fanfic Heat X Three (which I'm in the process of writing the third-and closing chapter!) It means so much to see that my work is appreciated!

ENJOY!

Chapter 10

The day of the half-moon (1st quarter)- 3 ½ weeks later

All was silent within InuYasha and Kagome's hut as Kaede's frail, yet capable hands moved around her former apprentice's bare abdomen, feeling around to assess the babies' movements. The older miko with her years of experience, nodded now and then in a positive manner. "Well Kagome, it feels like at least one of your babies is in the head down position, a clear sign you'll be delivering any day now. And your other twin is working their way down too." She looked up, smiling. "Ye were right to call on me-" Looking over her shoulder to the only other occupant, the husband and father. "InuYasha."

"Keh." The hanyou huffed.

"Thanks so much, Kaede." She sat up on her elbows. "After all the false alarms and constant movement, we needed some assurance." Kagome looked towards her husband. "He was just very worried. "

"Perfectly understandable, child." Kaede marveled at the word. Kagome was no longer a child, but a mother of a teen and about to be mom to twins. But in her eyes, she'll always be the young girl that happened upon her village many years ago. "How's your production?"

"I don't think my breasts have been so big in all my life." Kagome looked down at her heavy milk-laden mounds. "I've been leaking more frequently, and the sensitivity is nearly unbearable." Her sleeping robe- which exposed everything save her breasts, she now lifted to get some air. "And it's very warm despite the early spring air outside."

"Aye, child. All signs that you're close to birth."

"Thank GOD!" InuYasha cried. The hanyou quickly came to wife's side and sat in his usual position: cross legged and arms crossed.

Kaede chuckled. She has seen and observed many irritable fathers-to-be in her extensive career and the frantic hanyou was no exception. But he was half dog, and that half was extremely protective. "She'll be fine, InuYasha. Ye know your wife is a strong woman."

"Damn right she is!" He reached for a hand and felt Kagome's easily slip into his. He looked down at her, resting. "The strongest person I've ever met. Nothing's going to keep me from her!"

Kaede figured as much. "As before, just don't get in the way."

"Keh! I know that old hag!"

"InuYasha!" His wife chided.

"What?!" The baffled hanyou barked back.

The old woman chuckled, knowing some things never changed no matter how much time has passed. "Alright ye two." Making sure she had everything, she slowly stood up. "I recommend small walks from time to time, just to stay limber." She reached for her cloak. "And also, practice deep breathing techniques, Kagome."

"Will do, Kaede. And thanks again."

Nodding to the couple, she turned and left.

Moaning, she turned to her side. "I forgot how tiring it is, just waiting for it."

Knowing his wife, InuYasha used his knuckles to dig into her back. Hearing the groan- a welcome one, he continued. Lately, her energy levels have been going up and down. And with the pups due to arrive any time now, the worry was in full force. As was his own. "I'm sorry I overreacted." He was recalling the panic he felt when he thought Kagome was going into labor. Turned out it was a false alarm.

"Don't worry about it." She felt both sets of knuckles digging into her back and was in heaven. She loved his hands. "It's in your nature; I don't fault you for it. I love how you worry for me."

With a smile she couldn't see, the hanyou kept up the massage silently grateful for such a creature that was his wife. She was a beautiful, loving wife to him and a wonderful mother to his pups. The thrill and fear of becoming a father-again, was enough to freak him out.

"I'm thinking of different ways to deliver- either on all fours or on my side. Sango says I should deliver on my side, and Rin highly recommended all fours-which she did do, with which I was extremely impressed." Kagome explained, feeling much better. "What do you think, Inu?"

"I dunno. Moroha was easy, she just slipped out and started screaming." Both chuckled at that memory. "You wanna try both?"

"I think that's a good idea." Reaching behind and patting his hand, he gripped it and helped her sit up. Her robe still covered her breasts, but her stomach was on full display. "I can't wait to see my feet again." Long locks of her silky hair draped over her front, unknowingly causing her husband to gaze at her, lust evident in his eyes. "Come on, pups. Momma and Daddy are waiting for you."

Suddenly, she gasped as she felt a nose and pair of lips on her exposed neck. Smiling, she closed her eyes at the wonderful sensation of her husband's tongue. She faintly registered a hand on her belly, claws sending shivers down her spine. He was arousing her. "You know… orgasms… can lead… to my… water breaking…"

"I remember." He growled into her skin. An orgasm is what caused her to go into labor with Moroha. "You're just so damn tempting!" His fangs scraped her flesh, feeling and hearing her intense shudder. He knew she loved his fangs and claws during foreplay, and especially when they made love. It drove her wild.

But as much as he wanted to see her flush and panting and looking damn sexy while doing it, now wasn't the time. "Sorry, my wife." And he did sound immensely apologetic. "But Moroha is coming back soon, and I don't think she wants to hear us in mid-orgasm."

"Such a way with words, you are." He was right. Damn him for riling me up! She fixed her robe until she was completely covered. "But you owe me."

"With added pleasure."

Ugh! Damn him again! She thought, seeing his teasing gaze and a sexy fang peeking out. Her sexual frustration was evident, and he knew it, the smug bastard.

A brief time later, they heard footsteps approaching. "I'm coming in!" They heard Moroha enter, panting, as if she were struggling with something.

"Need help, pup?" Motioning for her to stay put for a minute, he left the bedroom leaving a very baffled Kagome.

She heard both move around. "Ah, I still can't believe we got this! She's going to love it!"

"You did great, pup." She heard that fatherly pride and without needing to see, she knew her daughter was beaming.

For a few more minutes all she heard was shuffling and moving around. This had her wondering just what the hell was going on in her hut.

As she was about to call for her husband, said man appeared before her, a huge grin on his face. He was up to something, he and Moroha both. "What are you two doing out there?"

Helping her stand up, he told her to close her eyes and had her grip his hands. Instead of answering he said, "Don't worry I won't let you fall."

Melting at his words and knowing how true they were, she let him lead her out of their bedroom and into the main room. She felt the early spring air that had a touch of warmth, which meant the windows were open. It felt quite nice. "What's going on?"

"You're going to love it, mom!" She smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm.

"I swear, if you two did something outrageous…"

"Kagome, just shut up and enjoy the moment woman." Usually, she'd smack him for that, but his playful banter was contagious, and she laughed along with him. He stopped her and went to support her back with his arm. "You ready?"

"I've been ready! What is it?" She laughed; her eyes still shut.

"Alright, OPEN!"

And with that, she opened her eyes to see her daughter standing in front of what looked like a…

"SURPRISE!" Her daughter shouted, arms wide, huge smile with eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Oh my…" She was speechless. All she could take in was the large futon and a beautiful blanket on top. "You guys… What?"

"It was dad's idea!" Moroha exclaimed, coming around to stand beside her mom. "We both worked our asses off to save enough to get a brand-new futon- and the merchant knew of you and dad's reputations and gave us this spider silk blanket as a thank you gift." Hands on hips, Moroha was quite pleased with herself.

"She picked out the futon, I just provided half the means to get it." He started rubbing her back affectionately. "We were fortunate to get it before the heavy snow came. I wanted to get you a new one for a while but when we found out you were pregnant, I thought it'd be great present to give you before we had the pups."

Kagome could only gaze at the beautiful gifts. With some help, she knelt and softly touched the blanket, feeling the slight demonic aura emanating from it and the cool, soft material of the futon below. She was in utter disbelief.

"This is so amazing…." Her eyes met her husband's, then her daughter's. "I don't know what to say… I really don't."

"Just say thank you!" Her daughter cheekily said.

"Smartass." Her husband retorted with fatherly affection.

Unable to stop the tears, she started sobbing and instinctually went to InuYasha, immediately wetting his haori. He gathered her up and started rocking her. He could sense her tears were ones of sheer happiness. Moroha, after getting the okay nod, hugged her mom from behind. With one arm securely around his wife, his other arm went to encompass his daughter.

He knew this would be one of the most, if not the most extravagant gifts he would ever buy, but for her he would do anything to see her in comfort. To see his children in comfort. This moment, to see his wife so overwhelmed made him want to cry, was one he would keep close forever.

After calming down a bit, she pulled her head from his chest, a beautiful mess to his eyes. "Thank you." She choked out. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips lovingly kiss her forehead.

Freeing her arm, she hugged their firstborn, kissing her temple. "Thank you." She mumbled into her daughter's black hair. She felt her daughter's answer in a squeeze.

"I love you. I love you both so much!"

"We love you too, mom." Moroha sobbed out, a few happy tears escaping.

And simultaneously, they both leaned over and kissed her on her cheeks. "That we do." InuYasha murmured, sneaking a small kiss to the corner of her lip.

Oh, how she loved her family.

It was decided that when the time came, Kaede, Sango and even Rin would be helping with the delivery. So, everyone was on alert when Kaede passed news that the babes could come any day. With a few walks around and outside the hut, and bedside with some deep breathing practice in between, Kagome wasn't feeling terribly stressed. She was delegated to the bedroom, where she would deliver. It was bigger and with five people in there it would be needed. The window would remain open for fresh air, a basin for hot water, rags for cleaning, and the swaddling clothes were already in their designated places. The new futon would see its first sleep with a mother and newborn twins.

Right now, the anxious father sat outside while his wife and daughter remained inside. He could hear Moroha chattering about what the twins would look like while braiding her mother's long dark hair. He focused one ear inside and the other on the conversation taking place outside.

"Hey InuYasha, so you pick any names yet?" Shippo asked. The kistune had recently flown in from another round of examinations and was taking a breather. Resting on the hanyou's knee, the young fox looked up in excitement.

"I told ya, runt. We're keeping names a secret." He and Kagome decided to keep all possible names a secret until the pups were born, until their genders were known. He might have a superior sense of smell, but not being able to know frustrated the hell out of him.

"But why?!" The kitsune whined. He folded his tiny arms. He didn't see the shaking fist getting ready to pummel him.

"Now Shippo, we must respect their privacy." The third member of the discussion, Miroku calmly said. "InnYasha and Kagome have their reasons."

The trio was sitting underneath the barren tree by the hut, enjoying the first taste of spring. The snow was nearly melted, the first chirps of forest birds and the grass was just barely beginning to sprout. The gardens and fields would be tended to soon, he guessed, including theirs. He couldn't wait to share the experience with all three of his offspring.

"You'll understand when it's your turn to be a father. But for right now, I wouldn't push InuYasha too far."

The red-haired fox didn't like it, but he kept quiet.

The hanyou subtly nodded towards the monk, grateful for his intervention. Miroku knew, going through three births himself, was stressful for any man. "'So, Sango told me you're planning on being there when Kagome delivers. How did Kaede take it?"

"Better than Moroha's birth. The old hag didn't quite like my being there." Golden eyes narrowed, remembering. "She said the birthing room was a forbidden place for men. Well, I'm not one for following rules, am I?" He saw Miroku nod. "I was adamant. I wanted to be there for Kagome and our pup. I wasn't going to budge. Kagome and I talked about it before, and she agreed she wanted me there. She said it was common in her era for fathers to be there during the birth. The old woman begrudgingly agreed, only said to stay out of the way and to do what she asked."

The monk chuckled, knowing the hanyou used the terms for old lady Kaede without malice, but with affection. "When Sango was in labor with the girls, I wanted to be there but both Sango and Kaede said for my sake, I would stay outside until it was over. And with my wife's history of violence, I opted to stay outside the hut." Miroku hummed, mimicking his friend's position. "Didn't make it easier when she screamed out in pain."

"Yeah. Even when you're there, hearing their screams is… gut wrenching." His ears dropped slightly.

The monk and father of three sympathized. "I know you're deeply concerned for your wife. We all are, but more you than anyone. She IS about to bring two babes, with both youkai and spiritual powers into the world. Moroha is a prime example of the impossible, but for as long as I've known you both, you and your wife have beaten the odds regardless."

"That may be true." He heard laughter in the hut. "But the risk of anything going wrong is the same for any woman."

"Come now, my friend." Miroku placed a hand on the fellow father's shoulder. "You've said yourself Kagome is the strongest person you've ever met. Your faith and belief in her abilities are evident, we all know the love you two share is undeniable. You mustn't allow what could go wrong stop you from enjoying the experience of fatherhood."

"Yeah…" He heard the monk and listened. "I am, and I've done everything I can to make her comfortable. It's just…"

"I understand, I understand. It's the new father jitters that are talking. You know as well as I that all we can do is shut up and be there for our women." And with that, he smacked his shokujo onto the hanyou's head.

"The hell?! What was that for, you lecherous monk?!" He growled, standing up over Miroku and causing the kitsune to scramble of the way.

"A mere distraction to get you out of your head." The man closed his eyes, unfazed by his friend's temper. "No need to work yourself up over things that haven't happened. You need to concentrate on your wife and unborn children."

Shippo, who wisely stayed quiet during the whole exchange, hopped onto Miroku's shoulder. "Yeah, InuYasha! And you got us to support you, don't forget!"

'Damn, they're right. I'm getting myself all wound up for nothing!' It was the impending birth jitters. He needed to get a grip and be strong for his wife. She needed him, would need him forever, she often told him in whispers at night.

Taking a few deep breaths, the inu hanyou sat back down and closed his eyes. Miroku and Shippo shared a smile.

Before long, the trio resumed conversation, steering away from talks of births and the emotions it brought. Shippo was rising quickly in the ranks, but the tests were getting much tougher. He decided to come back and take a break before the next big one, also glad to be there for the upcoming excitement. Miroku, along with his daughter Kinu were training more together, even going out to scout, which surprised the village. Unlike Moroha, Towa and Sestuna, who all possessed demon blood, Kinu was the only human female to accompany the men. Not only did she have the strength of her mother's demon slaying heritage but also spiritual prowess. Miroku couldn't be prouder.

He heard his daughter leave the hut briefly and make her way to the shed. Hearing her mumblings, he presumed it was to get a specific herb she wasn't fond of. Despite her dislike for certain herbs, his eldest hardly complained. He grinned, a warmth filling his chest at having such a capable daughter.

"Hey Dad?"

Turning, he saw Moroha with a bundle of herbs. He recognized it as one to help with muscle relaxation. "Yeah? What is it?"

After saying hello to Miroku and Shippo, who decided to perch on Moroha's shoulder, she said. "Mom wants to know if you want some tea and to see if we had pickled radishes. I checked but couldn't find any. She's craving them like mad."

"I know we had quite a lot before winter. Are we out already?" he mused, scratching his forehead.

"No need to fret my friend. Sango has a fresh batch." Miroku answered. "I can bring some over, if you wish?"

"Thanks, Miroku." When it came to his wife- hell any pregnant woman, when it came to cravings no man stood a chance. And the monk understood the urgency.

Bidding farewell, the monk hurried down the path and towards his humble abode. InuYasha, Moroha and Shippo all went inside, to enjoy some hot, steaming herbal tea and wait for the pickled radishes.

The western sky was now colored with the deep hues of sunset, while above the half moon was clearly visible. The village was preparing to retire to dinner and a good night's sleep. But inside a larger than average abode, a housewife was restless.

Holding her lower back, Kagome was slowly walking back and forth between the bedroom and main room. Every few seconds she inhaled, held it, and then let it go. She'd been experiencing lower back pains, as well as increasing pain in her pelvis. She knew the signs, and she had a suspicion that she'd be going into labor very soon, possibly tonight.

"Mom? You need help?" She heard her daughter from the fire, being entertained by Shippo who was staying with them.

"I'm fine, sweetheart." She was anything but. But her eldest didn't need to know that.

"You need me to go get Kaede-baba?"

Glaring at her daughter's term for her mentor-She's just like her dad- "Maybe, if this continues."

Her husband was resting against the wall, watching his wife pace back and forth. He could smell the pain she was in. Like before with Moroha, Kagome's scent had changed over the last few hours. He too knew the signs of impending labor. Earlier, she complained about the discharge ruining the sheets. "Bloody show" she called it. Another sign she was close to labor. And watching her now, he noticed her belly was hanging lower, signaling the pups have dropped, having learned that term from Kaede when Sango was expecting. He knew it with Moroha.

Now it was the waiting game. And he hated that part.

Seeming to read his mind, Kagome paused to look at him. "I know. It's just a matter of time." Her smile soothed him a little. She walked over and stroked his head, he automatically leaned into her belly. He could sense the pups were lower down, both were ready. The barriers he sensed early in the pregnancy were few and far in between now. Perhaps as the risk of danger decreased? If so, that was a good sign.

She observed her parents silently. Her inu senses were tingling that her mother could deliver any time, probably tonight if her dad's irritability was any indication. His ears twitched more often, and his eyes darkened with concern.

"You guys okay?" Even Shippo noticed the changing atmosphere.

She stroked her hanyou's ears before answering with a smile. "We're fine guys. Just nervous is all."

Scooping up Shippo Moroha got to her feet, as if to leave. "Uh, I think we're gonna go and get Kaede. Mom, you're not looking too well."

"Moroha, it's not serious yet." Kagome patted InuYasha's hand on her stomach before turning to continue her stroll. "It's just the waiting game right now."

The kitsune and shinhanyou looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Sure, they trusted Kagome to know when she wasn't feeling too well, but she was also stubborn. She wouldn't want to worry them unnecessarily. In the end, Moroha sat back down, Shippo now beside her showing her the many tricks and skills he's acquired.

For a while, Kagome was alternating between walking with hands on her lower back and resting against the wall, one hand supporting her pregnant belly, the other on the wall. Her face changed from cringing to grimacing in pain to relief. Every moan or grunt didn't go unnoticed by the hut's occupants.

Occasionally, InuYasha would offer words or gestures of support. He was starting to feel that helplessness that came with the labor and impending birth. That nagging fear popped its ugly head now and then but the hanyou refused to let it control him. He needed to be strong for Kagome, for his unborn children…

Leaning off from a wall, Kagome took a deep breath and prepared to sit down. She was reaching for InuYasha when she suddenly felt a trickling down her leg. Taking another settling breath, she gritted her teeth and said, "I think my water just broke."

With his sensitive nose, her husband knew quickly that indeed it was the smell of birth fluid. "Moroha, Shippo- get Kaede. And Sango. And Rin. Tell them Kagome is in labor. NOW!" He shouted urgently.

He faintly heard the hurried footsteps of his daughter, but his primary focus now was getting his laboring wife to bed.

Sweat now dripping down his face, the fears he tried so hard to suppress were now surfacing. With every moan and groan from his beloved wife the hanyou's panic was overwhelming his usual sense of calm. 'I can lose her! I WON'T lose her!' He remembered when Moroha was born, how scared shitless he was then. Luckily, her birth was an easy one, and both Kagome and baby were healthy. But this time was different...

As soon as he laid her down, he got into position behind her, supporting her, holding her hands. He rested his head against hers, waiting for help to arrive.

No, he told himself. His wife had the strength he lacked. Kagome was always stronger than he. He's faced many enemies, fought in many battles with his own determination and power. But all that was nothing compared to what only Kagome could do- bring his babies into the world. And for that alone, he loved her with all his heart.

Still, it was going to be a long, grueling night.

Kagome is now in labor! The births will be in the next chapter- and Ya'll get to meet the newest members of the InuYasha family! Even I can't wait!

A/N: As one who has never experienced childbirth, I've been doing extensive research about pregnancy and trying to stay as close as possible to the facts.

So how was it? Let me know your thoughts and comments- just don't be mean about it! And like I said Heat X Three's update will be soon I assure you!

Until the next exciting chapter...

Ja Ne!