Chapter 22

"Do you think – "

"That looks like –"

"I'm worried that – "

They all began at the same time, then in a flash, Quatre spun on the steps toward the phone at the bottom of the stairs yelling something about calling the doctor, where as Heero and Trowa moved to Duo to try to get him to turn around.

"He's still asleep!" Heero said urgently to Trowa, who simply nodded. Not feeling reassured at all they convinced Duo to stand and attempted to get him to move back the way he came from.

Duo resisted, confiding to the two men, "No, I need to go upstairs – Heero comes at night time."

Trowa let an exasperated sigh. "We could probably just carry him. . ." Trowa suggested tentatively, he didn't sound very hopeful. Carrying Duo in his current state was a daunting prospect.

Heero simply shook his head and continued following him up the stairs. Duo was not walking very steadily, so Heero moved at his side. When Heero tried to help Duo, the man shook his head vehemently, smacking Heero with his braid. In the hallway, Duo stopped and looked around. His glance moved between the bedroom and the bathroom. Heero and Trowa waited, not so patiently. Heero was hoping if Duo fell asleep again, they could wake him up all the way. Disappointingly, Duo turned toward the bathroom.

As Duo was walking, Quatre reappeared. He held the phone in his hand and relayed his conversation with the doctor wanted, "The doctor wants you to time the contractions, if they remain constant, he wants you to bring Duo into the clinic."

Despite his frustration, Heero responded evenly, "And what am I supposed to do if Duo won't go down the stairs?" Duo had entered the bathroom and with the lights still off, began drawing himself a bath. Heero continued, "Carry him? In his condition, if he resists, he could hurt the babies and himself. I am not willing to risk it." Quatre nodded and spoke into the phone again. He seemed to reach some resolution with the doctor and hung up the phone. Heero wanted to ask what was said but was distracted by his husband.

Duo paused again, breathing deeply, wincing silently. Heero glanced at his watch and started timing. Meanwhile, Duo began to undress. "Duo! Don't get in the bath." Heero said, moving himself between Duo and the tub. It was difficult enough to get Duo out of the bath when he was awake, who could guess how much harder that would be to do when he was asleep. Duo grinned blankly and tried to move past Heero.

Fortunately, Duo was not faster than Heero, and he was not able to get into the bath. Unfortunately, Duo seemed determined to get in, and persisted in trying. Finally, he grabbed Heero's hands and spoke to him and past him. "It hurts Heero. I will feel better if I can get in the bath." Heero grabbed Duo by the shoulders and pulled him in close. Wrapping his hand around the base of Duo's neck, he pulled Duo in closely and trapped Duo's lips with his mouth. For a brief moment, Duo resisted and then sagged against Heero.

"Better?" Heero asked, his eyes watching Duo's face, searching for that flicker of cognition that would indicate Duo had woken up. Duo only moaned in response, but it sounded affirmative and he allowed Heero to guide him away from the bathroom and towards the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Duo winced and tightened the grip he had on Heero's arm. Heero thought that it was fortunate that Duo kept his nails short or he would certainly have broken skin. Heero glanced at his watch again. Duo was not resisting anymore, but allowing himself to be lead by Heero and Trowa.

Together they helped maneuver Duo towards the couch again. Heero kept a continual dialogue up with Duo, trying to wake him. Duo's eyes remained unfocused and if he responded, it was in vague unclear terms. Heero finally had a chance to ask Quatre what the doctor had said, but wasn't happy with the answer, which was to wait. Quatre seemed to agree, because he took the phone to the hall and redialed the doctor's number.

When Duo hunched over again, Trowa left to see what Quatre had learned. Less than eight minutes apart so far. When Duo relaxed, he lay his head against Heero's shoulder and closed his eyes again. He mumbled a few words incoherently in a dazed voice. Heero tried not to move. Quatre had said it was best to let them fall back into a natural sleep and Heero did not want to interrupt Duo. Duo's breathing evened out and sounded almost heavy. Heero took that as a good sign.

A strangled squeak accompanied a pressure on Heero's leg where Duo's hand had been resting. Duo's eyes opened and he looked around wildly for a brief moment before he caught Heero's eye. "Did I fall asleep on the couch?" He asked, smiling lazily.

Heero returned the smile. "Something like that. How are you feeling?"

Duo shifted his body slightly and frowned. "I had a dream. . ." His voice trailed off and his hand reached up and tenderly touched Heero's chest, lightly resting atop Heero's scar. Heero grabbed Duo's hand.

"That is all it was, a dream. I am here. Safe. With you." The slightly haunted look left Duo's eyes and Duo smiled again, reassured. Distractedly, he took a hand and began rubbing his stomach, allowing Heero to keep hold of the other.

Tentatively, Heero caught Duo's other hand. "Is something the matter. . .?"

Wanly, Duo pulled his hand away gently and returned to massaging his stomach. "I don't know. It could be nothing, it could be those... what did the Doc call 'em? Mason Dixie contractions?"

Heero laughed at Duo's term and Duo joined in, "No, that isn't right. But whatever they are, I don't want to wake up the doctor for nothing." Trowa returned to the room. Heero saw him in the doorway, but didn't say anything to him.

Wrapping an arm around Duo's shoulders, they sat in silence until another contraction caused Duo to groan. Heero didn't even need to glance at his watch. It was a mere formality, he had a very good sense of time and it had been well over an hour since they had first found Duo downstairs. "Trowa, can you please call the doctor and tell him we are coming."

Duo jumped when Trowa agreed, not having noticed he was there. Even as Heero stood and helped Duo stand, the braided man resisted. "No, Heero, lets wait and make sure."

Not wanting to make Duo uncomfortable with all that had happened that night, Heero simply responded, "Duo, you were having contractions in your sleep and they have been constant for at least an hour. We have already spoken to the doctor and we are taking you in."

Duo nodded. "Okay. They feel different this time anyway... more real or something." Duo stood, swaying slightly. Looking a little uncertain, Duo muttered that he wanted to go to the restroom before they left. Heero allowed it. Quatre and Trowa waited with him. Briefly, they decided that Trowa would stay home with the girls and for now Quatre would go with Heero and Duo. Heero was reluctant to not have Trowa for support. He was, quite bluntly, terrified for Duo and though Quatre was probably the most empathetic of all of them, he had never been in Heero's position.

The thought was interrupted by a yelp of pain from the bathroom. With an urgency that surprised Heero, he pushed through the door and was at Duo's side immediately, his hands rubbing Duo's lower back as the pregnant man sucked air in through clenched teeth. When the contraction had eased, Duo stood, looking drained. He laughed hollowly. "Alright, let's go."

After Duo had been secured in the car, Heero moved to drive, but Duo grabbed his wrist. "No, please stay back here with me." With a look of understanding, Quatre took the keys and slid into the driver's seat. The guard at the garage offered to drive, but Duo didn't want any extra people involved who didn't have to be. Smiling, Quatre reassured the man that it would be fine and drove off into the night.

"Heero," Duo moaned, ripping off his seatbelt so he could curl up around his stomach. With soothing motions, Heero tried to make Duo feel more comfortable. He was worried at how intense the pain was quickly becoming. Duo was sweating and the contractions seemed to be speeding up. The agreement was to meet at Doctor Croat's clinic, as it was the fastest place for the two separate groups to meet. Another contraction, and in frustration at his own helplessness, Heero cried out to Quatre to go faster.

"I am going faster than I should be," the blond responded, but he pressed the gas pedal harder. Quatre remembered well the feeling that Duo was going through and did not want to make it any worse. There were parts of that day, when his own daughter was born that he didn't fully remember, but he did remember the fear in Trowa's eyes, for he could see it in Heero's now and he was feeling it all too keenly himself.

The ride was tortuous for Heero, as he watched Duo in pain. He was utterly powerless right now. He couldn't control the car or take away what Duo was feeling. Though the drive was only twenty minutes, it felt like hours. He kept his anxiety inside however. Duo needed support from Heero not fear. The braided man needed to know that Heero trusted him and his ability to overcome any obstacle.

Finally they pulled up to the building, the lights were already on. Duo had his fingers on the door handle before the car was parked and was sliding out the door, unassisted as Heero angrily twisted off his seatbelt and followed after his husband.

Quatre already had Duo's arm, Heero took up a station on Duo's right and they began escorting Duo into the building.

"How are you feeling Duo?" Heero asked quietly.

Exhaling sharply through his nose, Duo simply nodded for a moment. Then with a croaking voice, responded. "I think I am all right. I don't feel wrong, at least." Somewhat reassured, Heero helped balance Duo as Quatre opened the door to the clinic.

Inside the door, Duo sagged against Heero's side, moaning. After a moment, it passed and he headed for the back room. Before he made it, Dr. Croats stepped through the door.

"How is it going, Duo?" Dr. Croats said jovially. Heero stared at the doctor impassively. His insides were clenched tight with fear and anxiety, but letting Duo know how he was feeling wouldn't help at all. As expected, Duo told the doctor he was fine. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he helped get Duo into an exam room.

Duo's breathing became more and more rapid as he lay on the bed. There was a slight panic in his eyes as he his eyes took in the room around him. Though less sterile than your typical hospital, it was definitely still a medical facility. Heero stood by Duo's side and wordlessly held Duo's hand to comfort him. Heero felt helpless. He wasn't a doctor, he couldn't take away Duo's pain. The best he could do was be there for him. Heero felt a strange rush of gratitude for the man and his sister who had saved his life. At least Duo wasn't alone.

Duo exhaled sharply. He had woken up from a nightmare to Heero - which was pleasant - to finding out he was very likely in labor, - which was terrifying. Duo knew there was something Heero wasn't telling him, but as he was already desperately trying to quell his fear, Duo decided he would find out later.

The contractions were coming faster and they were getting more intense with each one. Due was grasping Heero's hands in his, desperate to keep Heero near him. As another contraction hit, he unconsciously squeezed Heero's hand. With a sickening feeling, he realized that Heero's fingers had broken under his pressure.

Duo gasped as the contraction passed. He pulled Heero's hand up to his lips and kissed it with an apology. Heero, being Heero, didn't even flinch. Instead, he used his other hand to rub Duo's neck. Soon, Dr. Croats presented them with a hospital gown and announced that Duo needed to change. Slowly, with Heero's help, Duo discarded his real clothes and got into the robe. Heero laughed at Duo's look of disgust as he caught sight of himself in a mirror. "Really, doc? This is the best you have? Don't they have, I don't know, designer hospital gowns?

There was only one nurse assisting Dr. Croats. She approached Duo with a half smile, holding up a needle for an I.V. Duo's eyes widened. He looked at the doctor.

"Is that really necessary?" Duo looked at Heero, imploring him with his look to keep the needles from going into him. The nurse merely smiled as she pierced his skin. Dr. Croats started explaining what it was, but Duo just stared at the needle. He heard Heero responding to the doctor, so if anything important was being said, Heero would repeat it for him.

Duo leaned back, trying to control his breathing, closing his eyes. He hated needles, he hated hospital's, he hated this feeling of inevitability. The babies had to come out. They had to, but this waiting was terrible. Another contraction. Duo groaned, trying to curl around his stomach. The I.V. wasn't long enough though and he felt the unpleasant pulling sensation as the tape holding the needle in was pulled.

As the contraction passed, Duo realized he had been holding his breath. With effort, he took slow, steady breaths.

"You're doing great, Duo," Heero encouraged, his eyes not quite able to hide his worry.

Wanting to reassure him, hating to be the reason for the pain in his eyes, Duo forced a smile. "I'm fine." Biting his lip, he raised his eyebrows. "I mean, as well as I could be, all things considered." Duo watched the nurse add things to the I.V.

Duo lurched into a sitting position. Another contraction. He groaned through it. He thought he was frightened before. He was wrong, before was nothing like what he was feeling now. Last time, it had been a long slow process. This time, it was too fast and too strong. Duo wrapped his hand around Heero's arm and gasped as the contraction passed.

Dr. Croats' hands were suddenly on him. He was frowning. Duo watched him nervously. A doctor frowning was never a good sign. Trying to feign confidence, Duo forced a laugh, "Something the mat-" Duo cut himself off and stiffened before letting out a scream.

Heero froze as Duo grabbed the side of the bed and arched into the air, yelling in pain. Heero began whispering words of assurance to Duo as he collapsed back onto the bed panting. From the corner of his eyes, Heero saw Quatre rush into the room. Heero watched the doctor come to a decision. He looked to Heero. "We need to do this now. It's moving to fast. I have to put him under." Duo watched the conversation, and while he lay drained and exhausted on the bed, he still shook his head.

"No, please." Duo caught Heero's eyes. "I want to stay awake."

The doctor continued, "It would take to long to numb him now for the surgery. We needed to get going five minutes ago. We just don't have the time." Dr. Croats stared Heero in the eyes and Heero could tell the doctor believed what he was saying.

Duo must have seen Heero's decision. He reached up and tugged on Heero's shirt. "Please Heero, I don't need anesthesia, I can do it without." Duo swallowed and whispered, "I'm afraid if I go under, I won't wake up."

Before Heero could respond, Dr. Croats intervened. "Duo, we have to sedate you. If you are conscious and you move during the procedure, the twins could be seriously injured."

Heero leaned close to Duo, "I know you are scared. I know you don't like doctors, but this is the safest thing for you and the babies." Duo looked at Heero, and then put a hand on his stomach.

"Okay, do what you-" Another scream as the contraction hit him. Heero nodded to the doctor and held Duo's hands as he rode out the contraction. When the contraction ebbed, Duo already seemed listless. When the doctor told him to count backwards from one hundred he didn't even make it to ninety-eight.

Quatre stood anxiously in the doorway. The room was small, and he didn't want to intrude. However, he also didn't want to leave Heero alone. The intensity of the pain Duo was feeling was obvious, and he knew that Heero wanted to help. As the doctor removed the mask from Duo's face after the braided man was clearly unsconscious, Heero took a firm grip on Duo's near hand. His face was tight, but otherwise expressionless. The nurse from the room came up to Quatre and politely but firmly shut the door in his face.

Quatre dragged a chair near the door, making sure he wasn't blocking the way. He pulled out his cell phone and saw a missed message from Trowa. He dialed the number, and smiled when he heard Trowa's voice.

"I'm so sorry, Trowa." Quatre began.

A long pause, "What happened?"

Quatre shook his head, "I mean, I'm sorry for putting you through this." Another pause. Interpreting, Quatre continued, "Duo's in surgery now. I can't go in, so I'm just waiting."

Trowa cleared his throat, "Duo is strong. He'll be fine." A third pause, "And don't apologize. If you had the strength to get through it, the very least I could do was be scared to death."

Quatre laughed, "Fair enough." They sat in silence for awhile, comforted to at least have an open line connecting them to each other. Less than ten minutes in silence, Quatre heard a tiny wail.

"I can hear a baby, Trowa! I'll call you back!" Too excited to wait Quatre opened the door. Heero's hand was clenching Duo's. The nurse was cleaning one baby, and Dr. Croats was holding a second. Heero's eyes flashed between the children and his husband.

The nurse expertly wrapped one child and gently handed it to Heero. "Two boys! Congratulations!" Heero held the child in the crook of his arm, while the nurse took his second son and finished cleaning him. Seeing Quatre, she gestured him inside and handed the baby to him.

Quatre looked at Heero, as if for permission, but Heero's face was focused solely on the child in his arms. He looked shocked, but then his expression gentled as he took a finger and ran it along the baby's scrunched up brow. Heero looked at Quatre in astonishment. Quatre stepped forward and offered him his second son. Unwilling to trade, Heero shifted his hold so he could hold the two tiny infants in his arms. Quatre and Heero exchanged glances and they both smiled.

Duo shivered. He felt a little cold. And happy. And dizzy. He opened his eyes.

He could see Heero leaning over a small bed, crib, no, there was a better word for it. Bassoon? No, bassinet. Duo tried to speak, but found his mouth was incredibly dry. Heero must have heard something, because he turned toward him. Duo let out a dry cough, as that seemed the best way to indicate that he was thirsty. Heero smiled and placed a cup of ice chips into Duo's hand. Duo brought the cup to his lips and started sucking on them immediately.

A sloppy grin on his face, Duo reached a hand out and began playing with the hem of Heero's shirt.

Heero looked at Duo seriously, "How are you feeling?"

Duo took in a deep breath, "I'm feeling wonderful! How are you?" He froze and his expression turned serious. He hissed, "Heero!" Heero leaned in, concerned. "Are we in a hospital? You know how I feel about hospitals!"

"Uh, Duo?" Heero looked around him, wondering if the doctor was nearby.

"Oh!" Duo laughed, "Whose babies are those?" He was pointing in the general direction of their new children.

Heero grabbed Duo's hand. "Those are our children Duo."

"Whaat!?" Duo exclaimed. "That's exciting. Can I see them?" Duo rolled to the side suddenly, trying to get up. Before Heero could stop him, he stopped himself. "Nope, that hurt. No thank you."

Torn between laughter and concern, Heero pushed Duo back in bed and brought one of their sons over. "Here is your first son, Duo."

"A son!" Duo reached for the baby, but then pulled his arms back. Duo's eyes narrowed. "I want to hold him, but I don't feel very strong today. . ." Duo started laughing.

Heero couldn't help it, he joined in. The doctor had said Duo might be a little out of it. Seems like he may have underestimated the effect the drugs would have on Duo.

"Come close, Heero." Obligingly, Heero leaned in. Duo reached out with one hand and pulled Heero's face in for a kiss. Then with a heavy sigh, Duo yawned. "I'm tired." And with that, he closed his eyes, his head rolling almost immediately to the side.

With great relief, Heero put their son back in his cradle. As he looked at the two tiny infants and listened to the gently symphony of Duo's snores. He was certain life couldn't get much better than this.