Blessings of the Forest (giantessfanx and Zephyr42)

[giantessfanx]

The two nagas left shortly after having breakfast with Sagelia’s parents, promising to visit again after the birth. The journey home was much the same as the one out, uneventful save a pause to satisfy another of Sagelia’s fish cravings.

As Sagelia predicted it wasn’t long before her belly started rounding out, making room for the child growing inside her. As her pregnancy progressed she made a point to stay closer to home, and to her husband, in case she suddenly went into labor. Her hunts were getting less frequent and ranged, and more focus was made on keeping their food storage filled. But she wanted to make sure the baby would be as safe as possible once born.

[Zephyr42]

Bart tried to convince his wife to let him do more hunting, take a load off of her coils. He wouldn't prevent her from going out, though, he did try to go out more often to keep the food storage well stocked with all kinds of things. He also made certain that he was in shouting range in case the contractions hit.

As Sage's tummy swole, Bart couldn't help being fascinated by it. Not just because those were his children inside it either, though that did help. The thought of such a fragile thing as a baby growing safe inside his love just caught his attention.

One early morning later in the pregnancy, Bart woke before Sagelia did. He spent the time as he normally did, gently and closely holding his bedmate close, his hands drifting down to her belly to say hi to their child(ren). After a moment, something occurred to him. His fingers started poking in and around the bulge, trying to feel things out.

[giantessfanx]

Bart’s explorations hadn’t gone on for long before being met with a reaction, from within. The best way he could describe it would be like a kick, since nagas didn’t have legs after all, but it was definitely movement.

[Zephyr42]

Bart couldn't help it. He gasped. That was his offspring in there, already moving. He pressed his hand in a little harder at the point where Junior kicked out, though just a little. His breath caught as he hoped he could feel more.

[giantessfanx]

It seemed the little nagaling had done all the moving it wanted to, for nothing more occurred.

A bit later Sagelia awoke. “Morning love.” She said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, noticing where Bart was. “Anything exciting happening down there?”

[Zephyr42]

After a few moments, Bart came to the conclusion that his son/daughter was done for the moment. With a smile, he kissed his wife's tummy.

Then he looked up at the sound of her voice. "She was moving," he said. "Just a little while ago, our baby was moving."

[giantessfanx]

“Oh. They’re going to be a lively one when they’re born.” Sagelia said with a chuckle. She reached down to caress her belly, which flowed into a stroking Bart’s hair.

[Zephyr42]

Bart's hand rested next to his wife, then he leaned into her hand. "Eh, maybe," he said. "She didn't move a whole lot." Then he chuckled. "I bet she's just going to sit here until she's five." He patted Sagelia's belly just below the navel.

[giantessfanx]

“It possible.” Sagelia said, “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

[Zephyr42]

"Mm-hmm. That we will." Bart leaned in and planted a kiss on his wife's belly.

[giantessfanx]

Many more months passed for the two nagas. Sagelia’s belly swelled ever more as her pregnancy progressed. It irritated the soon-to-be mother to no end to stay so close to home and not do as much as before, but it was for the safety of her child so she bared it. Of course having a loving mate nearby made it much easier. Bart seemed to have gained a knack for knowing when she needed company or solitude, a backrub or a blasted fish.

They’d finished carving out the archway to the second bedchamber and making it safe for a little baby naga about a week ago. Which was good since Sagelia expected to go into labor any day now.

[Zephyr42]

Bart, though, was having a blast. He spent what time didn't go towards foraging in the nursery or tending to his wife decorating. By the end of the previous week, there were elaborate pictures of all kinds of fish on the walls of the nursery, and even a rudimentary baby mobile hanging from the ceiling. Two, actually, just in case.

One day, late in the week, Bart was cuddled up next to his wife, holding her close to him. "How's it going?" he asked, one hand on her middle. "Any sign of movement?"

[giantessfanx]

“Just the occasional squirm, nothing major.” Sagelia replied. Sometimes it felt as though she’d been like this forever, mostly during the cravings and morning sickness. But Bart made it all easier to handle, something she made sure to show her appreciation for every couple days or so.

[Zephyr42]

"Hmm." Bart rubbed his wife's belly. "She'll come out," he assured her. "Just give it time. This belly will be flat again, I promise." He gave her then a kiss on the cheek.

[giantessfanx]

“Hey!” Sagelia giggled, “You know how sensitive it is down there.” She’d never been that ticklish before, but this pregnancy had made her belly a prime target for it.

[Zephyr42]

"Oh, yes I do," Bart said, the corners of his mouth almost touching his ears as he ran his fingertips up and down Sagelia's tummy. "Just call it induction of labor."

[giantessfanx]

“Ah ha ha! Stop it!” Sagelia laughed, ineffectually trying to swat at his hands. Whether Bart actually intended to induce labor or not, it seemed to do the trick. A minute or two in and a burst of fluid splashed from Sagelia’s crotch. Her water just broke. It was time!

[Zephyr42]

It took a moment; Bart needed to stare for a moment as his wife's water broke in front of him. But he recovered himself, crossing himself in the human fashion before he held his wife's hands. "What do you need?" he asked.

[giantessfanx]

Just, just hold me for now Bart.” Sagelia said, steeling herself for the ordeal ahead. From the stories her mom told her this was likely to be long and painful.

Indeed as the first contraction hit she screamed, tightly squeezing Bart’s hand in reaction.

[Zephyr42]

Bart winced as Sagelia vice-gripped his hand. "Urgh, OK," he grunted. Once the contraction stopped, he rubbed his wife's shoulder's, then slithered around to her front. "OK, let me just check your dilation." Once she was aware, he gently inserted his hand into her nethers, spreading it out to see how open it was.