still-with-hearts-beating

[still-with-hearts-beating]

One more time!

Thanks to everyone who's followed me over at @inmyblindspot. Hope to start writing & posting some new fics over there soon.

I’m on the move...

I thought that this mini-fic break was a good time to get my ridiculous Tumblr situation sorted out. As some of you know, this account was (rather stupidly) set up as a secondary account, which meant my likes & comments were under my other account and the whole thing was just silly.

So, in order to stop this unnecessary confusion, I’m moving over to my main account, which I’ve renamed to appropriately reflect what occupies 99% of my brain these days. Inviting all of you lovely people to follow me over at @inmyblindspot

I’ll get things started over there with a master post of all my fics so far. They’ll stay posted here and I’ll leave this account up as an archive of them. But going forward, I’ll be posting my new fics and other Blindspot musings and flailings at @inmyblindspot.

Hope to see you over there!

(P.S. I won’t be posting here anymore, but I’ll reblog this post a couple of times over the next few days so anyone who’d like to find me at the new blog can do so.)

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Reblogging for those who may have missed it.

I’m on the move...

I thought that this mini-fic break was a good time to get my ridiculous Tumblr situation sorted out. As some of you know, this account was (rather stupidly) set up as a secondary account, which meant my likes & comments were under my other account and the whole thing was just silly.

So, in order to stop this unnecessary confusion, I’m moving over to my main account, which I’ve renamed to appropriately reflect what occupies 99% of my brain these days. Inviting all of you lovely people to follow me over at @inmyblindspot

I’ll get things started over there with a master post of all my fics so far. They’ll stay posted here and I’ll leave this account up as an archive of them. But going forward, I’ll be posting my new fics and other Blindspot musings and flailings at @inmyblindspot.

Hope to see you over there!

(P.S. I won’t be posting here anymore, but I’ll reblog this post a couple of times over the next few days so anyone who’d like to find me at the new blog can do so.)

[still-with-hearts-beating]

I’m on the move...

I thought that this mini-fic break was a good time to get my ridiculous Tumblr situation sorted out. As some of you know, this account was (rather stupidly) set up as a secondary account, which meant my likes & comments were under my other account and the whole thing was just silly.

So, in order to stop this unnecessary confusion, I’m moving over to my main account, which I’ve renamed to appropriately reflect what occupies 99% of my brain these days. Inviting all of you lovely people to follow me over at @inmyblindspot

I’ll get things started over there with a master post of all my fics so far. They’ll stay posted here and I’ll leave this account up as an archive of them. But going forward, I’ll be posting my new fics and other Blindspot musings and flailings at @inmyblindspot.

Hope to see you over there!

(P.S. I won’t be posting here anymore, but I’ll reblog this post a couple of times over the next few days so anyone who’d like to find me at the new blog can do so.)

[still-with-hearts-beating]

OCTOBER IS UPON US!

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Blindspot Patterns: 

The magic of 22 (1.22 vs. 2.22)

Step 1: Separation.

Step 2: Half-dead in each other’s arms.

Step 3: Perfection.

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Eeeep!!!

So it looks like the team has set up some sort of off-the-books office in Jeller's apartment? And there is a picture of Hirst on the screen! Do they suspect her of something?!?!

PLEASE don't make her a bad guy, Gero. Please please please please please. It will break @kate-dammit-run's and my hearts.

#overnight #steinerstudios #blindspot #jellerappartment

[still-with-hearts-beating]

OMG how have I never seen this?!?!? So so stunning.

"Even as she does this, she feels as if she needs to express her love for him more, in some better way than physically. She isn’t sure how, but the words are there, burning in her chest. He saved her life, not just literally, and she wonders if he knows it."

This is perfection.

Respite (Jeller fic of pure fluff.)

Jane is in his bed.

He’s already fallen asleep, but in all fairness to him, it’s three in the morning and he only fell asleep a half hour ago. His room is dark now, lit only by the lights of the city through his window and it’s enough to see the way his chest rises and falls slowly, the way his lips part just a little. He snores but not loudly; it’s just an exhale with a soft sound attached to the end, really.

And he loves her.

She can’t say she’s surprised by his love; she isn’t, not now. Maybe she would have been months ago, but ever since the escape room, she’s known. What she’s surprised by is that he said it out loud. She remembers pretending to be married to him, remembers him declaring he’s too choosy for something serious, so she wonders quietly where this puts them. Those walls she’d managed to crumble; are they down forever at her feet? More than anything, she wants them to be. As she contemplates him sleeping, she reaches out to drag her thumb lightly across his forehead. He looks more peaceful asleep, like the weight of the world isn’t on his shoulders. Now, maybe it isn’t. With Shepherd out of play, the world saved, maybe he can look more like this all the time; loved and peaceful. She can at least help with one of those things.

He’s currently using her shoulder as a pillow, and Jane can feel her arm going numb, but she won’t dare displace him. The weight of him is warm and solid; it makes her feel safe somehow and she can feel his breath on her skin. His arm is across her bare stomach, two of their legs tangled, and she leans in, softly dragging her lips across his shoulder. Right then, she decides she’d rather walk around all day tomorrow with a sore arm than ever nudge him to move. The longer Jane watches him, the better he looks; well, he always looks good to her. More than good. Silently, she thinks she should tell him that sometime, and she smiles to herself, already imagining the look on his face in response, not saying anything in return before kissing the compliment from her lips. She’s always allowed herself glimpses of him in the office when he’s at his desk and she’s at the workstation she claimed as her own. But that’s all she allowed herself until now. Unassuming glances, committing him to memory because she never thought she’d get to this. 

Right now, she takes him in, all of him, the sheet low around his hips and giving her a view she’s taking in like a painting. His eyelashes are long and light, and it’s such a ridiculous, small thing to notice, but she counts them like other people count sheep. He has freckles; not many, but up close she can see them, hiding in the line between smooth skin and scruff. They’re all over his back and shoulders, and when he’s awake, she’s going to kiss each one. She’s wanted to kiss one that’s on his neck for so long, but it felt too soon back then, or the timing was fraught with tension and threats. Now, though, with nothing between them but love, she leans in and kisses that spot softly, lips feather light so she won’t wake him. That kiss, in that spot, means more to her than he knows, a wish fulfilled even while he sleeps. 

When he shifts, Jane freezes, hoping she didn’t wake him, not wanting to have actually disturbed him. She sighs in relief when she realizes he’s only changing positions, though he rolls onto his side, back to her, and she knows his thigh must be aching, needing to relieve some of the pressure on it from his previous position. Carefully, she aligns herself to this new angle, curving her body behind his so she doesn’t have to miss the warmth of him. Without trying to wake him, her hand curves around his hip, her knees find his shins, and she curls up, forehead against his back and tucked perfectly against him. Her lips find more freckles exposed to her now, nose softly grazing across his skin. Even as she does this, she feels as if she needs to express her love for him more, in some better way than physically. She isn’t sure how, but the words are there, burning in her chest. He saved her life, not just literally, and she wonders if he knows it.

When he moves again, Jane’s hand drifts from his hip to his stomach, holding him close against her, not wanting him to move. And then, she hears a low, quiet chuckle, his hand moving to cover hers.

“I’m not going anywhere, Jane.”

She smiles softly against his skin, and slowly, she presses kisses across his back. They’re soft, tender and warm, and she feels his sigh of pleasure which emboldens her, makes her shift until he’s on his back and she’s straddling him, looking down at his face. When he smiles up at her, Jane feels like she can do anything, so she continues to kiss him.

And he continues to sigh.

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Just going to reblog your whole post because I agree with all of this so much. Especially field!Kurt and his thigh holster...

I'm excited to have Hirst back. Here's one fan's What If... What if Hirst knows stuff about Weller's mom and it's a whooper (not the hamburger) of intel? Hirst tells Kurt which then is his big heavy secret. Maybe something to do with Taylor Shaw? Oy! This is me really wanting to know more about Weller's mom. Appreciate any feedback.

1. Now I’m hungry

2. I’m OVER THE MOON that Hirst is back and 

3. I cannot even tell you how much I want them to tell us something about Kurt’s mom and if it’s through Hirst then it is that much better!

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Agreed on all of this. I really hope Hirst becomes a bit of a mentor/support for Jane. She showed the beginnings of that in the finale where she asked Jane to think about what she wants. I hope we'll see more of that support for Jane (and Kurt!) in season three.

And I think she and Kurt could have a really interesting dynamic. Kurt has always shown he responds well to and respects strong, smart women (❤️). I like the potential for his interactions with Hirst.

(Though...I've started to suspect that maybe Reade's the Assistant Director now and Kurt comes back as a Special Agent. There was the spoiler about Reade getting a promotion and also there have been zero pictures of Kurt in a suit. If that's the case, I have mixed feeling about it because there is no question in my mind that Kurt is the leader of this team...)

I'm excited to have Hirst back. Here's one fan's What If... What if Hirst knows stuff about Weller's mom and it's a whooper (not the hamburger) of intel? Hirst tells Kurt which then is his big heavy secret. Maybe something to do with Taylor Shaw? Oy! This is me really wanting to know more about Weller's mom. Appreciate any feedback.

1. Now I’m hungry

2. I’m OVER THE MOON that Hirst is back and 

3. I cannot even tell you how much I want them to tell us something about Kurt’s mom and if it’s through Hirst then it is that much better!

[still-with-hearts-beating]

Blindspot 2.21 | Jane and Kurt cell scene

[still-with-hearts-beating]

#bsABCchallenge: A-Z

Here’s a recap of my ABC challenge fics! This was quite the whirlwind challenge – 26 fics in 27 days! (I took off the day we got the Season 3 first look because, you know, all the flailing.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you once again to all of you for your wonderful support! This fandom is such a great place and I am so glad to be a part of it and be able to contribute these little fics. And a special thank you to @kate-dammit-run for the wonderful @blindspothiatusproject to keep us all sane during this crazy long (but almost done!) hiatus.

I’ll take a little fic break now to recharge my creative juices but there will definitely be more Jeller fics coming. These two own my soul.

allies/alliances: after the storm badass: beginning cia: the captain dress: delicate elevator: electric fights & felix: feels just like it should gord enver/rich dotcom: give a little bit hirst: here ian kruger aka roman: in a world, in the world jane: just a little while longer kurt: know you better loss: lost and found mayfair: matter of time nightmares: new heights oliver: on our way patterson: punishment questions: quickly, quietly, completely rebellion: remember when sarah weller: somewhere out there terrorism: this time underground: undiscovered vests: valor weapons: we found love x-ray: xoxo years: you make it real zapata: zero to one hundred

[still-with-hearts-beating]

“The worst pain in the world goes beyond the physical. Even further beyond any other emotional pain one can feel. It is the betrayal of a friend.” (Heather Brewer)

(Blindspot Season 2, Episode 1 - In Night So Ransomed Rogue)

[still-with-hearts-beating]

zero to one hundred (kurt + tasha fanfic + #bsABCchallenge)

project: @blindspothiatusproject ABC challenge

z: zapata (version two)

 A/N: @kate-dammit-run has the loveliest headcannon that Kurt bought Jane a ring sometime during season two. I borrowed it for this fic – set mid-to-late season two.

 We’ve reached the end of the alphabet so this is the last of my ABC fics! A huge, huge thank you to everyone for reading, liking, commenting, and reblogging. Your feedback, support and encouragement makes writing these stories an absolute joy and I am sending Jeller hugs and kisses to all of you!

 zero to one hundred

Kurt closes the door behind Reade and Patterson, turning back towards Tasha, who’s sitting at the counter. He’d been surprised when she declined Reade’s offer for a ride, instead choosing to hang back with him after drinks with the team at his place.

 He walks back towards the counter, picking up his glass as he sits down on the stool beside hers and takes the last sip of his scotch.

 “Did you want to talk to me about something going on at work?” he asks as he sets his glass down on the counter and looks up at her.

 She looks at him for a moment and then glances at the bottle of scotch between them, giving him a sly smile as she reaches for it and refills each of their glasses.

 “I want to talk to you about something but it’s not about work,” she says as she caps the bottle and sets it down.

 “OK...” he says hesitantly, eyeing his glass before looking back up at her. She shakes her head as she chuckles and reaches into her jacket pocket, pulling out a small box and setting it down on the counter.

 “You want to tell me what this is?” she asks, raising her eyebrows at him.

 He stares at the box and frowns, unsure what it is until it hits him. He recognizes it and knows exactly what it is. His eyes widen as he reaches for it, quickly opening it up and then slamming it shut again.

 “What the hell, Tasha, where did you...what the hell are you doing going through my things?” he asks, standing up from his stool. She holds her hands up defensively, slightly shrugging her shoulders before she reaches for his glass and hands it to him.

 “I didn’t mean to, I swear. I was looking for a bottle opener for Reade’s beer and it was in the drawer of your bar cart,” she says, nodding over the cart in the corner of his living room. “I didn’t think when I opened it up, there would be an engagement ring in there,” she adds, whispering the last part as if someone will overhear them.

 He sighs and shakes his head, tucking the box into his pocket as he takes a sip of his scotch.

 “I know you’re probably pretty pissed,” she says and he lets out a loud, sarcastic laugh as he rolls his eyes.  “But I’m glad I found it because I really think you should talk to someone before you do this. I know you guys are having a baby but...Allie’s with Connor now, and they seem really happy. And you and Allie were never really a great match for each other in the long run, you guys were always way better as friends and that’ll probably be better for the...”

 She trails off as she sees him staring at her, confused.

 “Tasha...” He sighs, shaking his head as he rubs his hand over his face. “It’s not for Allie. Don’t worry, I agree. We’re better as friends,” he says, sitting back down beside her.

 Tasha frowns and tilts her head to the side.

 “Then...I don’t...who’s it for?”

 He shakes his head, taking the last sip of his scotch before setting his glass down on the counter.

 “None of your business,” he says, standing again and reaching for her arm, gently pulling her up off her stool. “Now come on, time for you to go home...”

 He starts walking her towards the door but she turns right around him and walks back into his living room, sitting down on the couch.

 “Nope, sorry,” she says, folding her arms over her chest. “You have a secret engagement ring, in your bar, I might add, which makes me think you’ve spent many a night staring at that ring while drowning your sorrows in scotch,” she says, nodding over to the nearly-empty bottle on his counter and he frowns, sticking his hands in his pockets as he looks down at his shoes.

 “And honestly,” she continues, “that just doesn’t sound very good, especially when you say the ring isn’t for the most logical person it could be for...the mother of your child,” she throws her hands up in exasperation and he rolls his eyes as he sits back down at the counter, facing her from across the room. “So...I’m going to need a little more information here.”

 She folds her arms across her chest again and looks at him expectantly as he sighs and shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.

 “Tasha...I really...it’s not a big deal, OK? It’s just a ring, it’s not...it doesn’t matter who it’s for, OK?”

 She leans back on the couch and lifts her feet up, setting them on the coffee table in front of her and crossing her right ankle over her left, raising her eyebrows at him.

 “Not OK,” she says, shaking her head. He stares at her for a few moments before sighing in defeat and standing up, pacing back and forth a few times. He finally stops and looks at her, taking a deep breath, closing his eyes as he speaks.

 “It’s for Jane.”

 Tasha is silent as she processes his words, taking them in and playing them over in her head.

 “For...Jane?” she finally squeaks out. “When did...I don’t understand...When did you two...wait, what?!”

 Kurt sighs again and collects the bottle and their two glasses from the counter, carrying them as he sits down beside her on the couch. He pours the end of the bottle into their two glasses, handing one to her as they each take a sip.

 “Explain,” she says, setting her drink down on the table, turning towards him as she crosses her legs under her. He takes another sip as he leans back against the couch, looking up at the ceiling.

 “We’re not...there’s nothing going on with us,” he says and she laughs, shaking her head as she brings her hand up to her mouth, looking at him apologetically as he scowls at her.

 “Sorry...I just...that’s a whole lot of nothing in that box,” she says, nodding towards his pocket. He shakes his head and fishes out the box, setting it on the coffee table in front of them.

 They both stare at it for a moment before Tasha hesitantly reaches over and picks it up, opening it and pulling out the ring.

 She’s turning it over in her fingers and he shakes his head at himself, taking another sip of his drink.

 “I don’t know what came over me,” he says quietly and she glances up at him, quiet as she waits for him to continue. “I went to buy a watch for Sarah for her birthday...but I saw this and I just...I bought it.”

 He can’t help but laugh at himself, hearing how ridiculous he sounds as he says it. But Tasha is quiet, biting her lip as she looks down at the ring. He glances over at her and follows her gaze, staring at it for a few moments before he gently reaches out and takes it from her, holding it up in front of him.

 “I just saw it and all of a sudden, I saw everything,” he says quietly. “I saw asking her, her saying yes, putting it on her finger. I saw marrying her, having kids with her, growing old with her. I saw a whole life, our whole lives, when I looked at this and I couldn’t imagine it being on someone else’s finger,” he says, shrugging slightly as he glances over at her and he’s surprised she isn’t bursting at the seams with laughter.

 She’s quiet before she reaches out and takes the ring from him, carefully placing it back inside the box and closing it.

 “So,” she says, reaching for his hand and placing the box in his palm. “What’s your plan?”

 He looks down at the box and then up at her, frowning and shaking his head.

 “My plan?”

 She laughs, gently shoving his shoulder as she finishes the last of her drink.

 “Yes...your plan. Are you going to let that ring collect dust in your drawer over there and stare at it night after night, picturing the life you could have with her? Or are you going to do something about it?”

 He sighs, setting his glass and the box down on the table before leaning back against the couch and running his hands down his face.

 “It’s not that simple, Tasha,” he mutters but she shakes her head, pulling his hands away from his face.

 “It also doesn’t have to be so complicated,” she says softly and he glances at her out of the corner of his eye, allowing his lips to curve up in a small smile. “There’s no perfect time and it’s not magically going to happen. And she’s not going to be waiting for you forever. You have to make it happen,” she says, pausing as she looks over at the ring box and then back at him. “If you want it.”

 He stares at the box, blinking a few times before he nods slowly, keeping his eyes on it.

 “I want it,” he says quietly and Tasha claps her hands together, standing up as she pulls at his arm and he stands, too.

 “Good,” she says, reaching out and brushing off his shirt, trying to smooth out some of the wrinkles. She reaches down and picks up the box, handing it to him once more before grabbing his shoulders and turning him around.  He shakes his head, laughing as she tries to push him towards the door.

 “Not tonight,” he says, turning around to face her and she frowns, pouting as she folds her arms across her chest.

 “What did I just tell you?” she asks, exasperated but he laughs again and gently takes her arm, leading her towards the door.

 “And I’m going to listen,” he assures her, lifting her bag off the hook by the door, opening it up as he leads her through it. “But not tonight, it’s too late and I’ve had too much to drink,” he says and she sighs, shrugging her shoulders as they walk towards the elevator.

 “But you’re going to listen?” she asks as they ride down together and he chuckles, nodding as they reach the ground floor and he walks her out.

 “Yes...I don’t think I’m going to propose to her tomorrow,” he says and she frowns as they step out onto the sidewalk and he hands her bag to her. “But I’m not going to sit back and wait anymore, I promise.”

 She throws her bag over her shoulder and offers him a wry smile, nodding as he walks towards the curb and hails her a cab. He signals to the driver to wait for a moment before turning back towards her.

 “You’re a good friend, Tash,” he says and she smiles, reaching up to give him a hug. “A pain in my butt,” he mutters and she laughs as they pull apart. “But a good friend.”

 “Just looking out for you. Both of you,” she says and he smiles, opening the cab door and she gets in, looking back at him through the open window as he closes the door behind her. She waves goodbye as the cab starts to pull away before she sticks her head out the window to yell back at him before it gets too far down the block.

 “I better be the maid of honor after all this!”

[still-with-hearts-beating]

They are in love.

Martin Gero on Jeller in episode 301 (to TVLine).

[still-with-hearts-beating]

you make it real (jane/kurt fanfic + #bsABCchallenge)

project: @blindspothiatusproject ABC challenge

y: years (version one)

 you make it real

 She’s surprised to see him waiting for her as she arrives home from her yoga class. He’s sitting on the bench, just outside the door to their apartment, leaning forward as he rests his forearms on his knees.

 “This is a nice surprise,” she says as she approaches him and he looks up with a smile. “What’re you doing down here?”

He stands up as she reaches him and reaches out, gently lifting her yoga mat off her shoulder and taking her bag from her, setting them both down on the bench. She looks at him curiously, raising her eyebrows as he turns back to face her. But before she can ask him again, he reaches out and cups her cheek, leaning down to capture her lips with his.

 She leans into him instinctively, wrapping her arms around his waist as she pulls him closer. She smiles against his lips as he brushes his against hers, tilting her head back as he gently pulls away.

 She opens her eyes and sees him grinning down at her and she returns his smile, keeping her arms around his waist.

 “What was that for?” she asks and he smiles, leaning down to press his lips to hers in a quick kiss.

 “Do you know what today is?” he asks quietly and she furrows her brow, biting her lip as she tries to remember.

 “Tuesday?” she eventually guesses and he laughs, shaking his head as he pulls her closer.

 “No. Well, yes. But not just Tuesday. It was a year ago that you kissed me. Right here in this spot,” he says quietly and her eyes widen as she realized he’s right.

 It feels both like yesterday and a million years ago that she had snuck out of her safe house, escaping the watchful eye of her security detail, and waited for him here, just as he had waited for her tonight.

 She remembers how she felt, in his arms, his lips on hers. How happy she had been, how full of hope. And how quickly that feeling had vanished.

 “Wow, I...” she shakes her head slightly, looking down at his chest before she feels his fingertips under her chin, gently tilting her head up to look at him.

 “I know that a lot has changed since that night,” he says quietly, leaning down to rest his forehead against hers. “But one thing hasn’t changed and I just thought that should be our memory of this night. Not anything else.”

 She nods, swallowing back her tears as he leans down and brushes his lips against hers.

 “You have good ideas,” she murmurs against his lips and he chuckles, wrapping his arms around her as he kisses her again.

 “You’re good inspiration.”

 ***

 The next year, it’s pouring rain as the cab pulls up in front of the building. She can’t believe it when she sees him sitting on the bench, no umbrella, no rain jacket.

 “Kurt! You’re going to freeze!” she says, opening her umbrella and rushing over to cover him with it. He laughs and shakes his head, taking the umbrella from her and tossing it over his shoulder.

 “You’re a lunatic!” she exclaims, laughing as he reaches out and pushes her wet hair off her face.

 “Well, I hope I can be your lunatic,” he says, raising his voice over the rain pounding against the sidewalk. He leans down to kiss her and she laughs against his lips, hooking her arms around his neck as he lifts her up off the ground.

 “Come on,” she says, grabbing his hand as he sets her down and she starts towards the door. “Let’s get inside before this rain washes us away.”

 But he gives her hand a tug, pulling her back towards him and she raises her eyebrows at him in confusion.

 “Just one more thing,” he says with a smile, before he bends down on one knee in front of her.

 She gasps, bringing her free hand up to her mouth as he feels her other hand start to tremble in his.

 “Will you marry me?” he asks and she nods over and over as she throws her arms around his neck and sits down on his knee, kissing him as the rain soaks both of them.

 “Yes,” she mumbles against his lips and he pulls away, grinning from ear to ear as he slightly turns his head.

 “What was that?” he yells and she laughs.

 “YES!” she shouts, throwing her head back before looking up at him and leaning in to kiss him again. “I’ll marry you.”

 “Even though I’m a lunatic?” he asks, glancing around at the downpour they’re in the middle of. She stands up, reaching for his hand as she pulls him with her and throws her arms around his neck again, shrieking as he lifts her up and she wraps her arms and legs around him.

 “Especially because you’re a lunatic,” she says, laughing as he carries her towards the door. She leans down, kissing him as he fumbles with the handle before swinging it open. They step inside he lets the door swing shut behind him as she looks down at him, her hair dripping onto his face and shoulders. She kisses him once more before pulling back with a grin as he walks them towards the elevator.

 “You’re my lunatic.”

 ***

 She’s nine months pregnant the following year when he leads her outside, holding the door open for her as she steps out onto the sidewalk.

 She rests her hands on her belly as she turns towards him, smiling as he takes a step forward and places his hands over hers.

 “Just a little bit different than that first night, huh?” she says, looking up at him with a grin. He laughs and nods as he leans down, kissing her softly and slowly. He grins against her lips as he feels their baby move beneath their hands.

 “A little different and a whole lot better,” he says and she nods, looking down at her belly and then up at him.

 He presses a quick kiss to her lips before leaning down, brushing his lips against her belly. She smiles, resting her hand on the back of his neck. He stands up after a moment, reaching for her hand to lead them back inside but she gently pulls him towards the bench.

 They sit together quietly, watching the cars and people go by, smiling as a little girl rides by on her tricycle, her parents following behind. Kurt squeezes Jane’s hand and they share a hopeful, knowing smile, allowing themselves to daydream about the day that will be them and their little girl.

 Kurt’s about to suggest they head upstairs for some lunch when he notices Jane shifting uncomfortably in her seat, rubbing at the side of her belly.

 “What? What is it?” he asks, looking down at her belly and then up at her. She shakes her head, reaching out to pat his knee before she flinches and brings her hand back to her stomach. “Jane?”

 She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before opening them and smiling calmly at her husband.

 “I think you should go upstairs and get my bag,” she says, her smile growing as she sees the realization on his face. “I think our daughter has a new memory to add to this day.”

 ***

 It’s the middle of the night the following year. Ruby is cutting a new tooth and doesn’t seem to want to sleep at all. None of their usual tricks to calm her down seem to be working.

 Jane tries nursing her, Kurt tries singing to her. They lie in their bed with her between them, try sitting her in her playpen. Kurt lies on the couch with her, holding her against his chest – usually her favorite place to sleep. But she just cries and cries and cries.

 “Let’s take her for a walk,” Kurt says, walking over towards the window where Jane is holding Ruby against her chest, pacing back and forth as their little girl fusses tearfully. Kurt reaches out and gently brushes his fingers against Ruby’s cheek before leaning over and pressing his lips to the top of her head.

 He kisses Jane softly as he stands up, sensing how upset she’s getting at not being able to soothe their baby.

 “She’s OK,” he reassures her and she offers him a small smile, nodding as she takes a deep breath. “Come on, some air will be good for all of us.”

 They change Ruby into some warmer clothes and wrap her up against Jane’s chest before setting out into the cool night air. She seems to calm as they walk a few blocks, eventually dozing off against Jane’s chest. Jane sighs in relief and leans into Kurt’s side as he wraps his arm around her shoulders.

 “Finally,” she whispers and Kurt chuckles, leaning over to kiss the top of Jane’s head.

 “Should we head back?” he murmurs and she nods, allowing him to lead her around the block back towards their apartment.

 “Though I’m a little afraid she’ll wake up if we stop,” she says quietly, gently resting her hands against her baby’s back, feeling the rise and fall with each breath she takes. Kurt smiles and pulls them both closer as they reach their door, turning to stand in front of Jane before they head in.

 “Our little Ruby wanted to stay up for her birthday,” Kurt says with a grin, looking down at their sleeping daughter, now drooling against Jane’s chest. Jane chuckles and nods, tilting her head up towards her husband.

 “Somehow we always end up in this spot, don’t we?” Jane says smiling as Kurt reaches out and cups her face in his hands. He leans down and kisses her softly, pulling her as close as he can without squishing Ruby between them.

 “I’ve had a lot of reasons to be happy in this spot,” he murmurs against her lips and she nods, glancing down at Ruby before looking back up at Kurt as he smiles down at both of them. “You’ve given me all of my reasons to be happy.”

 He leans down to kiss her again and they both jump slightly as they feel Ruby stir between them. She fusses as she starts to wake up and Jane looks up at Kurt with wide eyes as she gently rocks her back and forth.

 Kurt extends his hand to her, tilting his head towards the end of their street.

 “Once more around the block?” he asks and she nods, placing her hand in his as they start walking again.

 “Only if you promise to kiss me again when we get back here,” she says and he threads his fingers through hers, bringing her hand up to his lips to press a kiss to the back of it.

 “I promise. This year and every year.”

[still-with-hearts-beating]

[still-with-hearts-beating]

How did you meet your partner and what was your first impression?