A/N: I'm ba-aacck! Hello again. If you are a new Blair/Dan fan, this is the sequel to The Portrait and the Pen. You will want to read that first. Also, I did add an epilogue to the last story. Just in case anyone missed it. So...I'm sorry it took so long to get this up. I really wasn't happy with what I had written and didn't want to post it. I reworked it a little and am now pleased with it. The last story left off in September 2010...this is August 2011. Eleven months later. I hope they seem like the same couple from PATP. I don't want to lose that. Let me know how it is! This chapter just sets things up.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any of the characters.

The first six months back in New York had been wonderful. While in town for Nate and Serena's wedding, Blair and Dan were able to scope out a temporary apartment in Soho. Although it wasn't permanent, it was the perfect location for them to be for a while. They had moved back in December, right before Christmas. It wasn't until Blair attended all the holiday parties and dinners did she realize how much better Christmas was in New York.

(She also realized Christmas is oh so much better when you're married.)

To everyone's shock, Vanessa, newly engaged to James, announced she was three months pregnant on New Years. For some reason, it had never occurred to Blair (or Dan, or Serena, or Nate, or anyone) that she wanted kids. She doesn't really seem like the "kids" type, Blair thought to herself. She was, of course, absolutely thrilled for her friend, but she certainly didn't ignore the hint of jealously that flooded her system.

It was now late August, only weeks away from their first anniversary. It was a balmy, cool night, and Blair found herself counting down the minutes until Dan got home from a meeting with his editor. To pass the time, Blair walked into their spare bedroom and straightened up her desk. She had yet to find a space for Bloom Portraits, so she had been working from home for the time being. After fixing her desk, she walked over to the bookshelves and straightened the books. She smiled when she saw their honeymoon album. She took it out and sat down. Looking through the pictures, she found herself laughing at the memories.

::

After their wedding, they had taken a month-long honeymoon around Europe. Before leaving, Blair closed Bloom Portraits temporarily, and Dan finished his last freelance assignments in Paris. They packed up their apartments and sent everything home, except a few bags. With just a few suitcases and a map, they were off.

Growing up, Blair had traveled all over Europe the "five-star" way, filled with the best hotels, the best restaurants, and, most importantly, drivers. Since Dan had come into her life, simplicity had as well. Although she had achieved some of it on her own since first moving to Paris, he brought it even more. It had been Dan's idea to rent a car and drive through the countries, stopping only at local, quaint restaurants and staying at cozy bed-and breakfasts. They were able to see each place not as tourists, but almost as residents. They skipped tour guides and itineraries, and instead figured out things as they went. Their days were filled with winding roads, confusing maps, language barriers, and currency exchange problems. However they had never had more fun, or laughed as hard. Their only flight was over to Ireland for the last week of their trip, where they did the exact same thing: rented a car and drove.

On the last day of the trip, over coffee and pastries, Blair tried to convince Dan to let her drive. So far, he had driven every day of the trip. Blair had liked it in the beginning: she in the passengers seat taking pictures and reading maps, and he following her directions. She would also spend the hours looking at Dan, (her husband!), memorizing the planes of his face, the curve of his jaw, and the way his eyes smile as he's telling a story.

Not today, however. Today she was determined to drive.

"How much do you love me?" flirted Blair, placing her elbows on the table, and resting her chin in her left hand.

Well played, Dan thought, staring at his wife's position. Her left hand was clearly displaying her diamond wedding band, a knowing soft spot for him.

"What are you trying to get at?" Dan asked, reaching across the table to take her hands in his.

Cocking her head slightly to the left, she asked, "You look tired, did you get enough sleep last night?"

Dan pretended to think. "Hmm, well, I probably got as much as you. You know, after all that amazing sex we had last night." He raised his voice at the end, prompting the nearby diners to look at them.

Blair's eyes widened. "Yes, well, you could probably use a little break." She smiled sweetly. "Why don't I drive today?"

Dan laughed, now knowing what she wanted. "Babe, how many times have you even driven a car?"

She playfully scoffed. "Plenty thank you very much." It was obvious she was lying.

"Okay, well, how many times have you driven on the wrong side of the road and on the wrong side of the car?" he tested.

She opened her mouth to answer but then decided against it. She instead got up slowly and sauntered over to him, slinking onto his lap. She ignored people's stares. "Daniel, do you know what I'm capable of?" Her mouth was dangerously close to his.

Before Dan could say something, (or do something), they heard their waiter clear his throat. They quickly paid the bill and left the restaurant hand in hand, slightly red.

Walking to the car, Blair continued her quest. "Dan, what will happen when I'm a soccer mom and I have load up the kids in the minivan? Will you let me drive then?"

Dan stopped, surprised at what she had just said. He tried to cover it. "Please. You would never own a minivan."

Blair rolled her eyes and chuckled as they both got into the car (Blair as a passenger again). As Dan drove, Blair playfully ignored him, as did he. They both stared straight ahead, occasionally stealing glances at each other, their lips fighting a smirk.

Dan was still thinking about what Blair said. He had always thought about kids, and about having them with Blair, but this was the first time she had mentioned something out loud. He looked over at her, not caring at all if she saw his wide smile. She didn't notice it, as she was studying their map intently. He reached over and put his hand over hers. Surprised by his touch, Blair looked at him and smiled. Wordlessly, they ended their little disagreement or whatever that was.

Still cheerful about Blair's comment, Dan turned onto a side road. Blair looked at the map, confused. "I think we're supposed to stay on that road."

Dan didn't answer her, and instead turned off the car. Blair watched him as he walked around the front and opened her door. "What are you-" She stopped talking when he dangled the keys in front of her. She squealed, "Really? Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She jumped out of the car and kissed him. She took the keys and ran to the driver's side, quickly putting on her seatbelt and starting the car.

For the next three hours, Blair drove all over the area. It seemed they were in the middle of nowhere (basically...Ireland), so to Dan's relief, there were hardly any other cars. After stopping for a late lunch and snacks for the road, Dan continued the drive to their hotel.

Later that night, as they were getting into bed, Dan laughed. "Why are all the beds here so tiny?"

"Hmm I don't care," Blair said, snuggling in close to his body. "It just means I get to sleep closer you."

Dan kissed the top of her head and pulled her in closer to him. "Blair?"

"Hmm?"

"You said something today...that kind of got me thinking," he said, still trying to figure out his thoughts.

"What?" she wondered, having no idea what he was referring to.

He paused slightly before speaking. "When do you want to have kids?"

A beat passed before she looked up at him. "Umm...I haven't really thought about it."

"Oh ok," he answered simply.

"Why?" she asked, pulling away slightly, propping herself up on her elbows.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I just was wondering if you had a time frame in mind. Like, if you wanted to wait until we've traveled more, or until we're financially ready." As he spoke, he softly ran his hand up her arm.

She bit her lip, thinking. "Well, for starters, we're already financially ready. More than ready, Mr. Economical." She nudged him slightly in the chest, causing him to chuckle. "And two, we've already traveled a lot. And having a kid doesn't mean we can never travel again. I mean, if we really need to get away, we have plenty of family and friends who'll help out. A child doesn't mean our life is over."

He stared at her. She was talking like she had already thought about it. "Sooo..." he prompted.

"Sooo...I guess it doesn't really matter when we have kids," she said contently. She laid her head down on his chest.

He looked down at her, still unclear with her answer. She sensed it.

She pulled herself onto his chest, bodies pressed together. "Dan, I don't care if it's now or five years from now. All I know is I want to have a kid with you. Okay?" Blair smiled.

He smiled back. "Okay." She leaned down and pressed her lips to his. "So...what happens, happens?" he said.

She nodded and echoed his words. "What happens, happens."

::

The front door shutting snapped Blair out of her daze. "Blair?" she heard Dan call.

She put the album beside her and stood up. "I'm in the office." She smiled when she saw him appear in the doorway. "Hi babe."

"Hey." He walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. When he pulled back, he put his lips close to her ear. "I have a surprise for you."

She let out a short gasp. "Ooh! What is it?"

He laughed. "I have to set it up. I'll let you know when I'm done. Just stay in here for, like, 5 minutes."

"Okay," she said, before giving him a short kiss. When he left, she looked at the open album on the desk. She smiled sadly at the memory of their last night and put the album away.

A few minutes later, Dan called for her. "Come upstairs." Blair smiled to herself and walked into her room to get a sweater. As she walked up the stairs to the roof, a cool breeze hit her. She tightened the sweater around her body.

She finally reached the top, where Dan met her. He stood behind her and put his hands over her eyes as he guided her to the surprise. "It's chilly up here," she said.

"I know. That's why I got you...this."

She felt his hands leave her face and she opened her eyes. In front of her was a fire. "Oh my gosh!"

"I got us a bonfire pit!" he said, walking over to it.

Blair walked closer to the flames and immediately felt blanketed with warmth. She looked over to Dan, who was setting up two chairs. "Guess what else I have?" he asked.

She waited excitedly for his answer.

He held up a bag of food. "Chinese."

"Oh my god. Yum." She reached for the bag, rolling her eyes at her laughing husband.

It had taken her at least six months to warm up to even the idea of Chinese takeout. The first time Dan tried to order it, Blair threatened to sleep in the guest room. The second time, he ordered it without asking her first. Although slightly annoyed, Dan caught her eyeing his chicken fried rice. The third time, as he was eating on the balcony, he looked inside and caught her taking a small bite of his lo-mein, unaware of his watching. The fourth time, as they were eating dinner (she cooked for herself), he picked up a piece of shrimp with his chopsticks and brought them up to her mouth. Daintily she ate the shrimp, trying her best not to show how goddamn good this is. And finally, the fifth time. She didn't say a word when he walked in with the takeout bag. Silently, she accepted the plate he handed her, her eyes widening at what was on it. He had covered it with spring rolls, lo-mein, fried rice, and two other favorites of his. She quietly tried each dish, ignoring his smirk the entire time. He broke the silence saying, "You can say it's good, you know."

She sighed dramatically. "I can't believe I'm about to say this...but this is really good."

Now, a few months later, Blair was finally okay with ordering Chinese. She had a strict every-other-week policy, but whenever he brought it home, she nearly caved. It was that good.

They both sat down in the chairs, not even bothering with plates. As they told each other about their days, she signaled a swap, prompting Dan to hand her his carton of fried rice, as she handed him hers. As they finished, a cool breeze came through again, causing Blair to shiver. Dan noticed.

He stood up. "I'm going to go throw this away," he held up the bag of empty cartons, "And bring up some blankets. Be right back."

"Okay," Blair said, inching her chair closer to the fire. After he disappeared, she looked around. Their view of the city around them was spectacular. When they were apartment searching, the only "must-have" on their list was a rooftop deck. When the realtor asked if it was negotiable, Dan simply said no. Rooftops are "our" thing thought Blair, smiling at Dan's reappearance. She watched him as he carried two blankets over to her.

"And this...is dessert." He dropped the blankets in his hands, revealing all the ingredients for s'mores.

Blair groaned. "Are you trying to kill me? Chinese and s'mores? I will be working out until my death." Dan glared at her, as he always did when she mentioned her figure. She winked back.

He chuckled. "Come over here," he said. Blair walked over to him, quickly getting comfortable on his lap. She wrapped a blanket over their legs and took the skinny iron rod he handed to her, complete with a marshmallow on the end. She sighed and relaxed into his chest as she watched their marshmallows brown by the fire. Holding the rod, Dan touched his marshmallow to Blair's, making them stick together.

"Look, they're married," he said, causing Blair to laugh at his childish nature.

When they were brown all the way around, Blair made her s'more, while Dan ate just the marshmallow. Dan watched Blair take a bite of her creation, sighing at the delicious taste. She had marshmallow and chocolate on her lips. Dan leaned down and kissed it off. When he pulled away, her eyes were closed. After a moment, she opened them. "This...is the best." He didn't ask her to clarify, knowing she meant so many things. She fed him a bite of her s'more, which he gratefully took. He agreed; it was good. All of it.

After sharing another s'more, they both sat in comfortable silence, relishing in the company, the fire, and the view. As they sat, Dan took Blair's left hand in his. He immediately felt for her wedding ring and turned it around her finger. Blair smiled to herself. Ever since they got married, whenever he would take her hand, Dan would play with her ring. It was an unconscious habit of his, and she loved it.

It was nights like this that Blair believed for a moment that she and Dan could be happy together for the rest of their lives. Just the two of them. But, like always, the moment passed and a sense of longing filled her. When she felt tears prickling her eyes, she shut them, willing them away. She had cried way too many tears over it in the past few months. She felt Dan kiss her head. Yes, she tried to convince herself. This is all I need.

A/N: So...what do you think? Do they seem like the same couple from my last story? Do you like where I'm going with it? I'll try to have the next chapter up soon. I'm still figuring out how I want to plan their whole story out. Anything you'd like to see? More will be revealed soon... Please review!