Work Text:
Their first kiss had been at the stroke of midnight on a New Year’s eve, and each year since, they’ve made a point to repeat it.
A kiss at midnight. A promise of “Always.”
Their second New Year’s found them moving in together.
And for their third, they exchanged rings.
But with everything that changed, the kiss and the promise remained constant.
For their fourth year, circumstances had cut it close.
He’d made it home with only minutes to spare, and desperate to hold one another after weeks apart, the kiss had become more than a kiss. A tangle of limbs and loving caresses and sweet nothings whispered between breaths.
And going into their fifth year, things continue to change.
He’s finally home for good, and they discuss moving to a bigger house because a mobile now dances a slow ballet above a crib in the corner of their bedroom.
Some things remain the same, though.
Her comm sounds the countdown from the nightstand, and she leans across the pillows to reach him.
He pushes himself onto his elbow to meet her, careful of the tiny human that sleeps between them. Their beautiful little girl. Only three months old, but a glimpse into a future they can’t wait to share.
She gently cups his cheek, and he slips his fingers into her hair, pulling her in.
Their lips meet as the clock strikes midnight, and for the fifth year, they repeat the promise of their first.
“I love you.”
“Always.”