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Rachel emitted a bright and perky smile for the camera as Finn and Kurt put their arms around the tiny Jewish starlet. Finn immediately bounced over to one of the Mr Berrys in hopes to see how the photograph turned out, while Kurt continued to smile.
"Kurt." Rachel reprimanded. "I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from being in my solo snapshots. This is for my scrapbook. Daddy's editing is continuous."
The fashion student hardly had time to argue as Hiram Berry put in, "Of course it is, Blossom. I'll scrapbook your every move until I'm at my grave. I hope you'll be camera ready when the little bun pops out of the oven! I know we all are! But you have a few months, don't you worry about that now. Enjoy today!"
The pictures took hours in Finn's mind but Rachel finally announced that she was satisfied with the various poses and angles of their little collection. Hiram, Leroy and Kurt each took their respective turns hugging the diva for good luck before making their way to their seats in the NYADA grand theater. Finn grasped Rachel's small hands in his and gave her an infamous smirk. "Ready for this?" He asked, bobbing his head down slightly to catch the brown eyes.
"Readier than i'll ever be." Was her reply as a giant grin played on her face. Rachel exhaled a nervous breath that was cut off by a sweet kiss to her lips.
"Go get'em. I'll be watchin' ya." Finn bent down for one last kiss and carefully made his way over to the others. The past week had been less than easy, his injuries causing pain and demanding Rachel's care. Of course he hand't demanded Rachel's care. Rachel had demanded Rachel's care. It made him feel guilty that his pregnant wife was spending more time looking over him than vice versa. But today he was feeling good enough to get up and out of the house in time for her big day. Things were only looking up from here.
The list of names seemed to drag on forever as each class graduate made their way to the stage to recieve their diploma. He watched as Rachel's row stood up at the ready, the short woman smoothing her soft locks over her shoulders. The adorableness of her gown and the bump developing under it made Finn want to shake Kurt with pride. A hearty "Woohooo! Yeah!" was given-alongside proud applause from her dads -despite Kurt's warning that no cheering was allowed. Finn swore he heard Kurt whistle but decided to let it go.
"May I introduce to you..." The loud speader radiated. "This year's graduating class!"
"Yeah babe!" Finn cheered again, pumping a fist in the air as a sea of hats dove into the air. The group made their way down through the crowds of people, scanning the surroundings for their little star.
"Excuse me. Excuse me!" Rachel was saying loudly as she pushed through to get to her audience. "Hold this please." She demanded, handing Leroy her diploma. The loud shriek of laughter was accompanied by open arms as Rachel beamed at Finn. The tall man gently wrapped his arms around her and pecked the top of her head. "Congrats, Rach! That was amazing! I mean it was actually kinda boring but the part with you in it was cool!"
She was already out of his arms, squealing to Kurt and her dads and Finn couldn't help but love her a little bit more. It was moments like this when he was sure she was a star.
The soft hum of an old Barbra tune played softly from the bedazzled IPhone that was plugged into it's dock. Finn was resting on the couch, mindlessly watching a football game when he felt two hands slip around his shoulders. "Does watching that ever make you miss it?"
He looked up to see his wife, dark curls falling over the shoulders of her soft white robe. "Sometimes." Finn admitted with a shrug. "Not to bad. I got other stuff. Better than football. Besides I was thinkin' if I don't do active duty anymore I can do some other stuff. There are tons of jobs and I'm gonna get one."
Rachel's lips formed into a proud smile and she nodded, taking a seat next to the man. "I admire your determination. Reminds me of someone else I know, hmmm..." She scrunched her nose in playful contemplation.
"Who could that be?" Finn crooned, catching her lips in an innocent kiss. His fingers wandered to the fabric of her robe, tugging it slightly to expose a patch of tanned skin. He stroked it gently with his thumb, licking his lips automatically. It had been so long...Six months on leave and a week of strict recooperation.
The white fabric fell loosely off one shoulder and Rachel shifted lightly. "Not if you don't feel up for this. Finn..." She protested softly.
"We can be careful. He let his fingers fall to her stomach and rubbed it gently. "Do you feel up for it?"
Two brown eyes flickered down in embarrassed shame. "Well I can't say my hormones have been very considerate to me in that department. I often feel very erotic and regrettably unsatisfied by my own personal candle-lit bubble baths."
Finn's tongue grazed his own lips once again as he met Rachel's gaze. No words were exchanged before they surrendered to a hungry kiss, keeping careful of the bruises on his leg. Once all clothes were removed Finn examined the woman below him like that first night on the floor of his living room. Her eyes were still bright and her skin felt the same, minus the extra weight between them. He smiled a little and started kisses down her neck. "You're so beautiful, Rachel..."
The starlet watched him in wonder, carefully exploring his chest and arms with her fingertips. Being away and active for so long had done things to him. Good things. "Finn..." She muttered softly, closing her eyes as he moved his lips down her chest. "Not there!"
"Huh?" Finn's head automatically darted up in caution. "Did I hurt you? Did I hurt the baby? This is okay, right? They said in the books you showed me..."
Rachel chuckled and gave a quick nod. "They're just a little...sensitive right now. Perhaps if we avoid your arm and leg and my breasts, things will progress more smoothly."
"Arm is feeling a lot better." Finn assured her. "Leg'll be okay. Just don't kick me or anything. Keep'em..." He pulled her legs around his waist with a silly grin. "Right there."
It felt strange to be so gentle when he had spent half a year being anything but. Finn found himself working to make sure it wasn't to much for her with the baby and his already-overpowering-strength intensified. As they finished she sounded musical, which always made him laugh inside. There was nothing quiet about Rachel Berry and he hoped to god she hadn't awoken the entire apartment complex. Finn pulled her to his side, wiping some sweat off his brow. "How was that?" He asked quietly, removing her own sweat-beaded bangs off of her forehead.
"Exceptional." She whispered with a smile.
