It's finally here and I couldn't be happier! This is Part 1 of 2 because this was so long, I divided it up. As always, I did extensive research and tried to stay close to the facts while also remembering that there's youkai blood involved.

A/N: A thank you goes to a reviewer who gave a few helpful hints. I really appreciate the advice!

And a BIG THANKS goes to all- past and present, who has reviewed, followed and/or favorited this story! Your continued support means so much and so encouraging to me to keep writing! This has quickly become a favorite story of mine, especially after a decade long hiatus. I hope I'm doing the characters justice!

And now, enjoy!

Chapter 11

Part 1

He never left her side.

Currently, he was holding her hand while she rested her head on his folded leg; her other arm curled around it. She'd just gone through another contraction, just catching her breath. His claws delicately brushed strands of hair from her flushed face.

"That was… the longest one yet." Her eyes were closed due to exhaustion. "How long... has it been?"

"Almost midnight, from the moon's position." The hanyou responded, looking out their window. His hand holding hers stroked the delicate skin of hers. "You're doing great, koi." He whispered. Her hand squeezed his in response.

"Just don't get me pregnant again so soon or I will purify your balls."

Her tone caused a shiver down his spine. A few feminine giggles echoed throughout the room.

Kaede, Rin and Sango sat throughout the room, lit only by the main room's fire-the bedroom curtain was removed, and candles where they wouldn't be a danger.

"You're doing wonderful, Kagome." Kaede smiled. Currently the laboring mother was on her side, recovering from a long contraction. Her stance opened her up, which allowed Kaede to assess her progress. "You're almost there, not quite fully dilated."

"Damnit." Kagome cursed. Licking her lips, she cleared her throat. "Water, please."

Rin gave InuYasha a cup, which he then helped his wife take a few long sips. "Good girl."

She hummed, savoring the refreshing liquid. "InuYasha, remember the time you fought… Sesshomaru and you ended up with…a gaping hole in your gut?'

"Yeah, not something I want to relive." He mumbled. The pain was horrendous, but he didn't show how much to Kagome, although he had a feeling she knew he was hurting more than he let on.

"When was this?" Rin asked, not knowing this information.

"Miroku told me it was before they encountered Naraku for the first time, and shortly before I joined." Sango answered, ringing a cool damp rag. "Sounds horrible."

"Oh, believe me it was." One of the worst physical pains he's ever had.

"Well, imagine that pain, just ten times worse. That's what I'm feeling right now." Kagome winced before taking a deep breath. "I need to move."

The hanyou helped his wife maneuver until she was on hands and knees, facing him. While the position normally would arouse him, now it was to help ease her pain. Despite the sweat and tears, draped in only his fire rat, she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Cradling her damp face, he kissed her forehead before silently sending a prayer to see her and his babies safe. He was never one to pray for much, but right now he needed that reassurance, albeit spiritually.

"Ah that feels better." She moaned. A few seconds later, she felt a coolness all around her face. Peeking to see it was Sango, she murmured a thanks before continuing her breathing. Before long, she felt that familiar feeling. "Oh Kami, here's another one!" Bracing herself, she screamed at the top of her lungs. "Damnit, this hurts!"

InuYasha covered her hands, his forehead touching hers. "You can do this. Just breathe, koi." He synchronized his breathing with hers. "I'm so proud of you!"

Hearing his voice helped center her. "I can't do this without you." She choked out. And it was true. If he weren't here, she'd go insane. "InuYasha, I need you here. With me!"

"I'm right here, Kagome. I'm never leaving you. EVER!" His eyes were shut by now, overwhelmed by her words but strengthened his resolve to help her bring their pups into the world.

It went like this for a few more hours. Between Rin providing the water, Sango with the damp rags and Kaede monitoring and explaining, the couple was reassured all was going well. Kagome often switched positions, to not only help her open but to alleviate the pain in her back as well as the contractions. Despite the open windows providing some cool air, it was still like a furnace with all the bodies and candlelight.

As she was maneuvering back into her preferred position-hands and knees, a new sensation was felt down below. "Kami, I think I need to push!" She gasped.

The elder miko quickly assessed down below. After humming she looked to the younger. "I think you're ready. Ye look fully dilated. Rin, prepare a blanket and the first fire rat cloth." she instructed.

Despite what she said earlier, instead of the hands and knees position the laboring priestess moved into a squat. Her husband immediately went behind and supported her back and intertwined their hands.

"We're almost there, koi. They're almost here." His voice was rough by now, having just a few cups of water after several hours. "Our pups," He kissed her cheek. "Our babies…"

"Damnit, I'm gonna kill you for this!" Kagome cried. "Why did you do this to me, you bastard?!" By now tears were rolling down her face, and her grip was increasing by the second. "Remind me to purify your balls once this is over!"

"That's it, keep her distracted InuYasha." Kaede spoke, getting into position.

He'd been threatened before, during Moroha's birth. And while it scared the hell out of him before, now he knew it was only her pain talking. It still doesn't stop him from gulping in fear. His wife was deadly when she was pissed off. And during labor, well hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Instead, he focused burying his face in her neck, nuzzling her.

"Damn you to HELL, InuYasha!"

"Yes, damn me to hell and back." He agreed, gritting his teeth as the grip was becoming more painful even for him. He knew she had a powerful grip, even with his high pain threshold, he wouldn't complain. Not when she needed him to be strong for the two of them. If she wanted to crush his hands, then so be it. He'd endure it for her.

"Kaede-san, the towels are ready."

"Excellent, Rin. Sango, please assist InuYasha."

And with that, InuYasha moved to Kagome's right side while Sango helped stabilize her friend on the left side. Kagome clung to each of their shoulders, while each had a hand keeping her knees apart, careful not to pull or strain the muscles.

"Great job, Kagome. Just keep breathing." Sango encouraged.

All she could now was scream and curse everyone and everything in sight. Whenever the urge to push came, she clung to her husband and best friend tightly. All she heard was the encouraging voices of all around her and felt the love and pride in her husband's tone. Instinctively, her head leaned on his, seeking that comfort as she pushed.

After a particularly hard push, she hung her head, exhaustion hitting her hard. "I'm so tired…. I don't know… if I can… do…" She panted between breaths. "It's so hard."

"Don't lose faith, Kagome." Sango said, patting her knee. "I know it's rough but you're doing extremely well."

"That's right. You can do this, without a doubt." Rin quickly wiped her forehead.

Groaning, she looked up at the two women. "Now I have more respect for what you two went through." She smiled before closing her eyes as another contraction was starting. "It's trying as hell."

"But you're strong. Always have been." Her husband's soothing hand on her back was comforting as she prepared for another push. "You got this."

"InuYasha…." Her moan turned into a gut-wrenching scream, throwing her head back. Clenching her teeth and bracing herself, the young woman pushed with her all might.

Meanwhile, Kaede was keeping track of the contractions, making sure nothing was amiss. Rin was by her side, ready to catch the first babe. She couldn't deny the sense of excitement as two new lives were about to be brought into the world. It always gave her a thrill to aid in such a miracle. And to such a loving couple she's known for years.

Looking out the window to see the half moon, she nodded. "Despite a slow start, things are moving rather swiftly. It won't be much longer now. "

"Oh, THANK KAMI!"

"How much longer?" InuYasha asked the old woman.

"Soon I expect. The first babe should be making its appearance before long." Quickly she dunked her hands, washing them of any residue in a small basin-courtesy of Rin, and dried them off. "Brace yourselves."

"No problem here!" Kagome bit out. Right now, all she wanted was for her babies to be born and this pain to go away. She was tired but hearing that the end was near gave her a small energy boost. Leaning into the arms that braced her, she took several deep breaths- her hanyou always there, breathing along with her. Quickly she turned her head for a kiss, which he gladly gave. "Almost there." She whispered into his lips.

"Yeah, we're almost there." He confirmed back, giving her a lingering peck.

"Alright, Kagome, Ye ready?" The young woman nodded, flushed and teary eyed. The poor girl was quaking in exhaustion, but she didn't give up. "Push whenever you're ready."

Kagome had no problem pushing. It took a few more sessions before she started to feel the stretch between her legs. "HOLY SHIT! GOD DAMNIT!" She cursed to the heavens.

"Excellent, excellent work, child. Your baby is crowning." She smiled, getting ready to catch the pup. "Just a few more, child. You're nearly there."

His heart was beating frantically now, the excitement of seeing the first of his pups being born. The stench of labor, sweat, tears, blood, and herbs were enough to drive his senses wild, but watching as his beloved wife push and push until a small silver head was out enough to make him cry.

"Alright, child. The baby's head is out." Kaede cradled the infant's head.

"Hear that, koi? First one nearly out." He choked out. By now his head was against hers, his eyes shut, his hand that held her knee went up to grasp her hand which she gladly took.

And after taking a few more quick breaths, she let out a bone chilling yell as she pushed the first of two pups slipped into the elder miko's hands and began bawling.

"Oh, how marvelous! Well done, Kagome!" Kaede praised, handing the babe to Rin, who was equally stunned.

"She's absolutely beautiful." She cooed. After the cutting of the cord, she placed the babe on Kagome's bare chest. "Congratulations you two. It's a girl."

Immediately InuYasha got behind his wife so she could lean against his chest and so they both could see their pup. He was in awe as he saw a silver-haired baby girl, crying for all she was worth, resting on her mother's breast. The first skin to skin contact.

The exhausted miko cradled her newborn, letting out the first tears of happiness. She cooed, caressing her daughter's delicate skin while her husband stroked the infant's cheek, initiating a bond with first contact. She was so happy to see not only silver hair but also small flaps of skin against her skull. She had her father's ears! "She looks just like you." She felt a deep chuckle against her back.

"I know. The features that make me stand out and that you adore." He cuddled her close. She wished for such when they first found out. Quarter demon or not, their little girl had his ears.

After a few more moments of bonding, she gave their daughter to Rin so she could be washed and swaddled in her new fire rat. One thing was for sure; the infant had a set of lungs in her. And now, the second and hardest part; delivering their second.

Fortunately, the second pup wasn't ready to come out immediately, so it gave Kagome time to rest and lay on her side, leg bent. She could see her sister-in-law washing off her newborn daughter, still giving shouts of protests. Her smile was tired, but the love was shown clearly in her eyes. She felt InuYasha hand rubbing her back, being by her side through thick and thin since they met. His silence meant he was also looking across the room to see his newborn being washed and wrapped in the protective fire-rat.

"Are you feeling okay, Kagome?" His voice was low, filled with many emotions. From watching his wife give birth to their first twin to seeing said twin crying her eyes out, he was all over the place.

"Yeah… just very tired. I'm just going to stay here… and birth our second this way." Squatting did help deliver their daughter smoother, but it was still no less painful…Speaking of which…

"Oh, that reminds me…InuYasha, sit boy." She heard a sudden yell before the familiar crash. She didn't use the subjection spell much anymore- in fact, the only times she sat him recently were during her pregnancy when her emotions were flying everywhere, and when he was too overbearing. She felt terrible afterwards. "I still love you… that won't ever change." Then she smirked, fortunate to be facing away from him. "But that was for putting me through this horrendous pain to begin with."

"Damnit… woman…" He should've seen that coming. Her mood swings were unpredictable but that literally came from out of nowhere. Getting back his strength, he resumed his position but without touching her, fearing she would sit him again. Rubbing his cheek, he sent a glare at her head. "You'll pay for that."

"Oh, I'm sure I will… in many ways…" Her tone left no room for interpretation. Everyone in the room knew what she meant.

'Damn woman and her vicious mood swings!' His face was now fire rat red. The giggling from his wife didn't help that flush go down.

The atmosphere changed when Kagome let out another painful groan. "It's coming. I really need to push!"

Kaede, taking a small breather herself, got back into position. "Sango, be ready with the cloth." The old woman then instructed the anxious father to hold-not pull, his wife's bent leg to open her up. "As before, push whenever you're ready."

She reached up to grasp her husband's hand and held it tightly. As before her head was cushioned on his folded leg. She closed her eyes, took another breath, and pushed with all her strength, "Oh Kami…." She panted. "Help me… please help me… Inu…Yasha."

"You got this, my good girl. You're so strong, woman you amaze me." She was crushing his hand, but he barely felt it now. "Don't give up! I won't let you give up, Kagome!" He felt a tear slip down his face. "I LOVE YOU-never forget that!"

To hear him speak the "L" word openly in front of company, it only reinforced their undeniable, unbreakable soul-binding bond. No matter what, more than anything else, his love for her and hers for him would help them overcome anything and everything, including birthing their children.

The elder priestess watched in awe at the hanyou comfort his wife. She never thought she'd see the day when he would express his love so openly. He has undoubtedly changed from the angry, uncaring youth he was when Kagome released him. Now she sat, about to bring his third baby into the world while he cheered on his wife to keep going.

His voice, as it always has, brought forth a new determination and when the urges came, she pushed with all her might. Tears leaked from her closed eyes; her voice raw from screaming after hours of labor. And when Kagome felt the familiar sting and heard her former mentor saying the babe has crowned, she let out a victorious moan. It was almost over.

"This one is more stubborn, I see." Kaede remarked. This babe, unlike their sister, took its time. "No doubt like their father."

"What was that old hag?" He growled.

Sango couldn't help smiling. "Oh, come now, InuYasha. Take it as a compliment."

"Stubborn huh? If anyone is more stubborn it's my wife."

"Oh, you are SO FULL OF IT!" Said wife bit back. If possible, her grips on his hand and leg tightened more. "You're more stubborn than anyone I know!"

Even during labor, the couple was arguing. If anything, both matched each other in stubbornness, Kaede concluded silently. "Alright ye two, let's concentrate on getting your child out."

Stubborn indeed. This babe took a bit longer to push out. But eventually, the pup's head finally popped out.

"Alright, child. Just one more and this'll all be over."

"C'mon Kagome! One more!" Her husband coaxed.

And after a final breath, she let out a thunderous roar and with all her remaining strength, pushed out her second child, who like their sibling came with a mighty scream.

Kaede smiled, handing the baby to Sango. "Ye two have a strong, healthy son."

"Also, with a healthy set of lungs." Sango added.

InuYasha again gently brought Kagome to lean against him, careful not to put too much pressure on her stomach. "A son?" He watched as the demon slayer brough his second pup to rest on his mother's chest. "We have a son?"

"We have a son." Kagome confirmed, laughing and crying as she cradled the wailing boy. Her husband looked over her shoulder, and she quickly kissed his cheek. "Are you happy?"

"So happy. Happy we have two healthy, beautiful pups." After kissing her temple, he softly caressed his son's tiny hand. "So happy that you're okay. And that they're okay."

Unlike his sister, he inherited his mother's dark hair and human features. But he nonetheless had that overwhelming presence like his twin sister.

After the second umbilical cord was severed, the new mother softly kissed her son's head before giving him to Sango to wash up.

Twin pups: a girl and a boy. He couldn't believe it. "You did it. You fucking did it!"

"WE did it." Kagome corrected. Her glistening eyes, full of pain and exhaustion, also showed her adoration. "I couldn't have done this without you." Her hand cradled his cheek. "I love you so much."

The two shared a passionate kiss, tears running down their faces, overjoyed and relieved that it was over, and all was well with their offspring.

After a quick cleaning when the afterbirths were expelled, Kagome moved onto her husband's lap, easing herself back so to not irritate her abdomen and nether region, which were still very sore. InuYasha's fire-rat was still draped around her naked body.

"Rin?" InuYasha called. Said woman nodded and handed the now swaddled infant girl to her mother.

"I'm so happy for you two."

"Thanks Rin. For everything." Raising her daughter to her breast, she coached the pup to latch on and begin suckling. She winced, feeling a barely noticeable prick. "Ah, she has fangs." And she looked down at the tiny hand, instinctively kneading her breast, "and she'll probably have claws within a few days."

"No doubt." The proud father gazed down lovingly at his girls, enjoying seeing an infant once again feeding from his wife. "I miss seeing this." At his wife's curious glance, he elaborated. "Our child, suckling at your breast." Sighing, he touched his newborn daughter's hand, marveling at the miracle he and Kagome made. "And now we have two…."

His wife hummed, agreeing as she too watched their daughter feed, eyes still closed.

The trio of women, all exhausted themselves wore smiles of joy, glad the births went smoothly and without problems. Normally twin births held many risks, either a breech or a complication resulting in injury or even death. But, Kaede believed, with InuYasha's strong youkai blood, aided in an untroubled pregnancy and into a smooth delivery. Like Rin's birth, there were no complications or trouble.

With their son cleaned and wrapped in his own fire rat, Sango walked over and without a word, InuYasha took his son. "Thank you, Sango."

"Are you ready to suckle two babies?" The former demon slayer asked. "It's easy once you get used to it." At Kagome's nod, she waved to Rin, for help.

While explaining to the couple that suckling two newborns was a challenge, Rin and Sango helped the couple maneuver the two pups, showing and giving advice to comfortably feed. And within a while, after some trial and error, with her hanyou husband helping from behind, Kagome was cradling both her babies, now both suckling. Since their daughter was slightly smaller, she was further up on her chest while their son, who was a bit bigger rested more on her stomach.

This position allowed the parents to see the differences and similarities between them. Their girl resembled her father in his hanyou state, despite being a quarter demon. And while their boy had Kagome's coloring, she noted that he took after InuYasha in his human state, perhaps more so than his teenage sister.

And to their surprise, the twins opened their eyes; nearly simultaneously.

Both looked up at their parents, each with a set of deeply rich eyes of burning gold. Their father's eyes.

"Oh my... InuYasha look." She whispered excitedly.

"I see." He answered incredulously. Looking into both pup's eyes was like looking into a mirror. It was like seeing his hanyou and human states at once.

"I always wondered what you would like if you kept your eye color when turned human." Kagome gently rocked the nursing duo. "And now we see it in our son. It's like looking at your two forms."

"You reading my mind, woman?" They both laughed softly. "I was just thinking that."

The couple was so focused on their newborns, the barely noticed the trio of women cleaning up and preparing to leave. It was indeed a long grueling night, the sky outside just barely beginning to lighten with the coming dawn. The half-moon was close to disappearing behind the horizon.

"Shall we send for Moroha?" Sango asked.

The proud father looked up. "Yeah, send her up. I'm sure she's worried."

"We'll leave ye four alone in private. Your eldest is waiting in my hut, anxious for news." With Rin's help, the old woman slowly started to walk out.

"Don't say anything, save we're all well. We want to tell her ourselves." Kagome said to the departing trio.

With a final check, and looking at the bonding happening between the four, the women shared a contented smile and walked out into the early morning air.

So... How was it?! I hope I satisfied and answered all your hopes and questions! I'm amazingly impressed with how this turned out!

A/N: The position Kagome had the twins is called a Double Cradle Hold- rResource: (The Best Positions for Breastfeeding Twins - Twiniversity) and I figured this would be a great bonding for InuYasha and Kagome with their newborns.

Names will be revealed in Part 2- as well Moroha coming face to face with her new brother and sister, which will be up soon!

Until the next time...

Ja Ne!