BlairPOV-
''Who's that,'' I point to the drawing Noah has created.
''That's you, mommy. Because you're really pretty,'' he continues to color.
''Thank you,'' I press a kiss to his soft, black, wavy hair, ''And this is you?''
''Yes. And this is daddy,'' he finishes, showing it to me proudly.
''Wow, this is great. Come on, we're going to put this on the refrigerator,'' I take his hand, guiding him to the kitchen.
A lot has changed these past few months: My first album goes on sale next month. Starchild has been busy helping me promote it, and even letting me open up for him a few times.
''There we go,'' I hand his picture on the refrigerator, ''Well, Noah. You only have a little while until bed. What should we do?''
''Stay up all night.''
''I don't think so, Noah. Somebody needs his sleep, because he got into trouble today.''
''Can I wait for daddy,'' he looks at me hopefully, and I give in.
''Fine. But if daddy is not home in an hour, you are going to bed anyway. Understood?''
''Yes, mommy.''
I may be biased, but he's adorable. And, just like Grace, he is so, so loving. Because I am unaware that they are imperfect, but they're perfectly wonderful.
They inspired a few songs on the album, and I believe those are the best ones, to be honest.
''Come on. We can watch television in daddy's and my until daddy gets home,'' I pick him up, holding him close.
And I know he's not a baby, but, all too soon, I won't be able to carry him anymore.
Might as well make these moments last while they're here.
''Blair. Baby, wake up.''
I wake up to Ryder shaking me gently, voice low.
''Hey. What time is it,'' I whisper, careful not to wake Noah.
''Eight. Sorry. I got caught up in the studio,'' he lays next to me.
''It's fine. You're busy,'' I run a hand down Noah's back, thankful when he stirs but doesn't wake up, ''We tried to stay up and wait for you.''
''I appreciate that,'' he chuckles, closing his eyes, ''Noah's growing up way too fast, by the way. I'm kind of ashamed I didn't want to be a dad.''
His voice cracks a bit, but we won't go into that.
''You were nineteen, Ryder. And I was eighteen. It was terrifying, the point is that we're here for him, and we love him. And I think we're doing a pretty good job at this.''
Even if we do make mistakes along the way.
''I guess you're right,'' he sighs, settling under the sheets, ''And, look i know you want a baby-''
''But I know we can't take of another child right now. Besides, my career is just taking off, and you're working on your film for that festival. When the time is right, we will expand our family.''
Though I wish it could happen sooner, I know it's better to wait.
''Exactly,'' he kisses me, placing a hand on Noah's back. ''Go to sleep, alright? I love you.''
''I love you, too.''
It's amazing to think he couldn't even say that back to me a few years ago. Now, our life is quickly heading in the direction we were only able to dream of last year this time. Ryder's behind me one hundred percent, and I support him.
On my wedding day, dad and Kurt both said the same thing: life like is a roller coaster.
So I guess we'd better just hold on for this bumpy ride, because there is no turning back.
RoryPOV-
Studying for finals in an apartment with two three-year-olds can be a real pain. The only alone time I have is when Sugar and I have gotten them to bed and cleaned up the rest of the apartment.
Right now, I'm just trying not to fail. I'm so close to finally being a teacher. I've done my student teaching, and I absolutely love it. I'm even taking summer classes so I can make sure I am on track and graduate next spring.
''You okay?,'' Sugar sits in front of me, ''I got the kids to go to sleep early, thank goodness.''
''Thanks,'' I breathe out, running my hand through my hair in frustration, staring at the book.
It's no use, though. The words don't make any sense. I've been on the same paragraph for thirty minutes now. And I'm so tired.
''Maybe you should take a break,'' Sugar suggests gently, trying to slide my book away from me.
''No. I have to pass.''
''And you will. But not if you're stressed and exhausted, Rory. You'll be too tired to concentrate during the test,'' she reminds me, ''Come on. Take a nap. Yu can study later, Rory.''
''You don't get it, Sugar,'' I hiss, trying not to regain my cool, ''My dad and Blaine are financing over half of my education. I have to get the best grades, otherwise I think it's a waste.''
I've gotten good grades for years. I do my work. show up to class, and study, because it'll make it all worth it when I walk across that stage next year.
''I'm not interested in fighting with you, Rory. Because right now, it'd be juvenileThey're not going to care about any of that if your health suffers, Rory,'' Sugar remains calm, ''Please: come to bed. You need to sleep.''
Easy for her to say. When she couldn't go to college anymore, she still had her talent to rely on. And once the kids start school in the fall, she will probably go to classes part-time.
''Look, I can't make you go to bed. But you have to stop obsessing. You do your work and that's all you can do. I'll see you when you come to bed. Good night. I love you.''
She leaves me at the table then, letting what she kist said sink in.
''I am sorry I snapped on you, Sugar. That was pretty stupid. I hate it when you are right,'' I slide into bed next to her, ''You know that?''
''I forgive you. It's not stupid. Uncalled for, yes. That is what stress does to you, though. And one more thing, Rory: I'm always right,'' she jokes, ''I just do not want to see you wear yourself out. You were there for me when I threatened my own health with all of the stress I was under. It's only fair that I do the same.''
''I guess,'' I sigh, pressing closer against her, ''Can we sleep now? I'm going to get up early and study.''
Right now, though, I just need to relax.
I'm pretty amazed, though. We've finally got a pretty good balancing act to our marriage. We split the responsibility of it all, taking turns with everything. Because, in the end, we have to be equals if this is going to work. That's what my dad says, and I guess he and Blaine would know. Nothing could shake them apart.
Sure, they fight. What couple doesn't? Not as often as Ryder and Blair do, not as heated as Sugar's and mine are, I'm sure, but they argue. Yet, despite all of the naysayers, they still make it work. They build the support system that they are for each other, only using the negativity to reinforce that.
Ans if Sugar and I apply that same thinking to our marriage, then we can definitely last as long as my grandparents have. As long as Blaine and dad will last.
''Fine with me. Good night, Rory. I love you.''
''I love you, too.''
And, with that, I drift off for the evening.
KPOV-
It's the first week of May when Blaine and I finally have everything for the baby.
''Well, that's the last of it,'' I watch Blaine flop back onto the bed, ''That's the last for it for now.''
We had to move the room around to make room for the baby. We'd gotten rid of our dresser in favor of a smaller one, but with plenty of space. Our bed is now pushed against the wall, with the crib on the other side, the changing table next to it, and there are flat storage containers of baby clothes under the bed.
''We pick up the stroller tomorrow. Other than that, we have everything we need.''
And we will be bringing Eli Christopher Finn Anderson-Hummel home very, very soon. Regina will go into labor any day now.
''Can we talk about something, Kurt,'' Blaine asks, sitting up and facing me.
''Of course,'' I keeping my eyes on my phone, confirming my meetings for tomorrow.
''No, Kurt. Look at me.''
I let out a breathy sigh, slightly irritated that I have to delay planning my day tomorrow, ''What's up, Blaine?''
''I feel like we haven't had any alone time. And we definitely will not have any alone time after we bring Eli home. I think we should take one last night just for ourselves. A little get away,'' he suggests with a smirk, ''It's… babe, I feel like we're drifting apart. And I'd hate for us to ignore this and let it get worse.''
''Alright,'' I nod in agreement ,''So long have you felt like we've been becoming distant, Blaine? And why are you bringing it up now? Why didn't we have this conversation earlier?''
Before everything got hectic?
''Right, Kurt. Tell me, when was I supposed to talk to you? Because in case you haven't noticed, we both work. All day. And I'm gone before you get up, and sleep before you get back because you're trying to get as many hours in at the studio as you can. And I'm preparing my glee kids for nationals. Let's not forget the kids that we have. Four. And another on the way.''
''Do not blame this on the kids, Blaine,'' I snap, ''Because they have nothing to do with this.''
''Are you even serious right now, Kurt? Who's blaming them? love those kids. I love them with all of my heart. But don't act like being a parent can't be damn stressful sometimes.''
''So how long have you been sitting on this frustration, Blaine?''
''For a couple of months. Remember how you and I went out the night after Valentine's day? Well, it seems like, after that, we haven't been communicating as much. I understand that we are both busy, but we do need to make time for eachother. Because, otherwise, this marriage will never survive.''
''It definitely won't if we put that kind of negativity out there,'' I shake my head, standing up, turning around to face him, ''So don't say things like that.''
''Dammit, Kurt, do you have any idea how…. how frustrating you are sometimes?''
Blaine runs his hand over his gelled curls, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
''No, I don't, Blaine. Enlighten me.''
''That. That right there, Kurt. You're stubborn and you're defensive. I am not trying to start a fight with you, but you're taking it there anyways. This is the kind of shit that makes people fall apart. It's like…,'' he shakes his head then, standing up and walking towards the closed door.
''Don't walk away from me, Blaine. This relationship is about telling each other the truth, yeah? It's like what?''
''It's almost like you don't want to be married to my anymore. There, are you satisfied? It has felt this way for months. And I don't want to end up like the magazines predict us: divorced. At all. But I don't know what to do when I see these tabloids and gossip sites with articles about how you're probably sleeping with your intern-''
''Blaine, do you honestly think I'm cheating on you? That I'm screwing my intern-''
''I know you would never do that to me, Kurt!,'' his voice is heated and tense, much like the atmosphere of the room is now, ''Because we both know I'd never do that to you. I just know that… I don't like the way I feel about myself right now. And I know I act confident, I know we're not in this just because we're physically attracted to each other, and I know we have had this conversation before. But it's not easy for me to feel confident when my handsome, talented, amazing husband is around models and I just….''
Blaine looks at me, hazel eyes wide with fear.
''Who wouldn't want the young, confident guy over the one who is so insecure that he can't even vocalize how bad he feels because that makes it even more real?''
That's what's going on.
How could I have been so blind? I feel so stupid.
''You know you could have just talked to me, Blaine. Do you not like the way you look?''
''It's not really that, Kurt. I know I may not be the most handsome guy\y ever.'' he shrugs, ''Sometimes I just don't think I'm doing enough. I love my job. Those kids mean the world to me. Like I need to be doing a better job as a teacher and a glee club director and a dad and a son and a husband, and… sometimes it feels like it is all too much. And I wish I could just talk to you about it, but I don't know how to discuss this without you without making it seem like I'm not grown enough to handle these thing on my own.''
Without a word, I nod toward the bed, waiting for Blaine to sit before joining him.
''I love you. You mean a lot to me. This marriage means so much to me. You know that, right?''
''Yeah, I know,'' he groans, leaning back, ''It means a lot to me, too. I love you. It's just… this is really hard.''
''Hey, I get it,'' I shrug, ''We're always hearing how we're 'supposed' to look or act. Just be yourself, Blaine. In case you haven't noticed, those glee kids are going to nationals again. Not once in that glee club's history have they been this many times in a row. You are a fantastic son. Hell, Carole and dad think of you as their own. You're a great brother, though. That's why Cooper, Danielle, and Ryan are always visiting. Your friends care a great deal about you. I'm not just talking about David, Wes, and the other Warblers. Mercedes, Tina, all of my friends? They've accepted you. And our kids, Blaine… our kids love you. They adore 're the reason that Rory is majoring in education. Grace and Jacob are always imitating you. Jade asks you for help with her homework, and you helped her memorize her lines for the spring musical. You helped Liam with his applications, and he got into NYU.''
He looks over at me when I lay next to him, wrapping an arm around his waist, ''You're wonderful, Blaine. I know we both get insecure, but there's really no need to be, yeah? There is no one else I'd rather be committed to, raise a family with, or wake up next to every single morning. You have to know that no one else is it for me like you are, babe.''
Not even my admittedly handsome intern is enough to make me intentionally screw this up.
With Andrew, it was always like walking on eggshells, afraid to break them for fear that it would all be over. Because he treated me as if I was lower than dirt, and I let him. Because being without him seemed worse than being treated like I was nothing.
And, up until I met Blaine, I never realized you could be lonely even if you were dating someone.
''You've gotta talk to me, Blaine. I tell you when I'm down, and you know you are free to do the same with me.''
''I know. It's just...''
You don't want to seem weak. Because, for so long, you were my support.
''It doesn't make you weak, honey. It makes you human.''
And that's what we are: human. Just trying to make it through this crazy life one day at a time.
''Thank you,'' he sighs, ''I needed to hear that. I love you so, so much Kurt.''
''I love you, too. And, listen, I know every relationship has its ups and downs, and moments like we just had. But the reason we work so well together is because we can get through these issues maturely, alright? We're two grown ups who love each other very much. That's what we do.''
Otherwise we'll watch this marriage crumple.
''Right. Thank you,'' he rolls over so he's on top of me, straddling me, ''You're so smart, you know that?''
''I know. And we can definitely take a break from everything and spend a night or two with each other before the baby comes.''
We definitely won't have any alone time for months after bringing our son home, so why not make the most of it now.
''Well, Mr. Anderson-Hummel, I'm glad you agree with that idea,'' soft, pink lips are on mine again as hot hands, calloused from years of playing instruments, slide up my shirt,''We only have thirty minutes until the kids are back from the movies, but maybe we can let things get at least get a little heated, yeah?''
''Damn it, Blaine, you're like a teenager,'' I laugh, kissing him again.
But, of course, my phone goes off.
''We'd better get that. It may be one of the kids.''
''Right,'' I reach for it, absentmindedly answering it, ''Hello? Regina, hello! What's that? Oh… okay. We'll be there in a moment. Thanks for calling us.''
''What's going on?''
''That was Regina,'' I beam at my husband, who raises his eyebrows in excitement, ''She's going into labor. She's in a cab on the way to the hospital, and wants us to be there. This is it. Are you ready?''
''Yeah. Just let me call the kids and let them know. You get our coats?''
Soon, we're on our way to the hospital, willing the elevator in our apartment building to go faster.
''You okay?''
He slips his hand into mine, nodding,''I'm great. Kinda relieved we worked things out in time, you know?''
''I know,'' I press a kiss to the soft skin of his cheek, ''I love you, Blaine Warbler.''
''I love you, too, Kurt,'' he grins as the doors open, ''Come on. Let's go meet our son.''
Here we go, on the next step of our journey through life. Because we'll be coming home with our seventh child. This tiny, defenseless child who will be so dependent on us. Somehow, though, there is a calmness over us.
Because even if we're scared shitless, I think we can handle this.
Disclaimer- glee belongs to Fox and Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk