A/N: Here's the next update. I hope you guys are still enjoying this story and thanks again for reading : )
"Rach! Emma is hogging all the red blocks!" Joey whined like a little boy.
"Well, I guess she learned her sharing from you. Maybe from now on you will share some of those grapes."
Ross let out a slight chuckle and Rachel looked over at him and shared in the laughter. Joey pouted, crossing his arms over his chest like a child as he sat on the floor building with the toddler. Emma loved her new building blocks she got as a present for Christmas from her doting parents and Joey may have liked them a little too much as well.
"Ems, why don't you give one of your red blocks to Uncle Joey."
Emma turned around to look at her father who was smiling at her. She then grabbed one of her blocks she was not using and handed it to her uncle looking at him with her big blue eyes.
"Thanks Emma!"
Joey took the block from her tiny hands and smiled happily as he continued to work on his masterpiece.
"What a good girl you are sharing with Uncle Joey," Rachel praised her daughter.
Emma smiled a big smile knowing she did a job well done.
"I think Joey likes those blocks more than Emma," Ross whispered over to Rachel.
"I know, right. I think we should buy him some for his birthday," she joked.
They laughed with each other once again as they sat cozily on Monica and Chandler's couch side by side. The whole gang just celebrated Christmas a few days ago and now tomorrow was New Years Eve. Monica was throwing her annual New Years Eve party tomorrow night and now everyone was relaxing in the living room. Rachel tugged on the blanket she was sharing with Ross securing it around her body.
"Rach, are you cold? Here have more of the blanket," he told her, moving some of the blanket off himself and onto her.
"No Ross. I'm fine," she assured him giving his part of the blanket back to him.
Even though she wouldn't admit it to him, she was still a bit cold so she simply scooted closer to him on the couch for some extra warmth. That was better than a blanket anyway. Phoebe saw what Rachel just did and smiled to herself not speaking a word. She watched as the two of them kept talking to one another almost ignoring their other friends in the room. It seemed like they were in their own little world. They were brought out of their pleasant conversation when they heard their baby cough. They both looked at her and saw her rubbing her eye with a balled up fist looking like she was about to fall asleep.
"Oh sweetheart, come sit with mommy."
Emma slowly got up and took the few steps it took to get to her mother on the couch. Rachel scooped her up in her arms and placed her on her lap, giving her a soft kiss on her hair. She cradled her baby in her arms as Emma laid against Rachel with her head resting on her mommy's chest. Emma closed her eyes and nibbled on her thumb as Rachel put the blanket over her as well and stroked her hair and forehead. She suddenly looked at Ross.
"Ross, I think Emma has a fever," she said with worry in her voice.
"What?!" he asked sitting up, placing his hand on Emma's back immediately rubbing it up and down.
Everyone worried about what Rachel just said, stood up and surrounded them by the couch. It was never a good thing when baby of Emma's age had a fever.
"Oh baby, are you feeling okay?" she asked kissing her head repeatedly, rocking her back and forth.
Emma didn't say or do anything, just continued to lay on Rachel.
"She actually looks a bit flushed, we should probably take her home," he said, brushing her bangs away from her face.
"Yeah that's a good idea," she agreed. She then looked up at Monica. "Mon, sweetie, can you go get me Emma's coat please."
"Of course."
"You're going to be okay baby," Rachel whispered in the Emma's ear.
Monica returned with her coat and Rachel carefully put it on Emma. Ross and Rachel stood up with Emma still in Rachel's arms.
"You know Rach, you can stay at my place tonight in your room if you want so you don't have to take her outside."
When Joey said this she looked at Ross and saw sadness spread across his face.
"Thanks Joe but I'm going to go with Ross. This is the first time Emma has a fever and I think it's better if we're with Ross."
"Are you sure Rach? I mean it's okay if you stay there for the night, you know for Emma," Ross told her trying to hide his disappointment if she changed her mind.
"No it's fine. Come on, lets go."
They walked to the door saying good bye to their friends.
"Okay, you guys call us if you need anything."
"We will Mon and we'll see you tomorrow at the party. I'm sure Emma will be fine in the morning, right Ems" she cooed kissing her again on the hair.
"Bye you guys."
When Ross and Rachel got home they immediately put Emma in bed.
"What's her temperature?" Ross asked.
Rachel took the thermometer in her hands, "It's 99.8. I knew she had a fever."
Rachel laid down next to her, resting on her side as she ran a hand across Emma's forehead and into her hair. Ross took a seat next to Emma and just looked at his baby.
"She's going to be fine Rach. I'm sure she has a slight fever since she's teething."
"Yeah, I know but I always get worried when there is something wrong with her even if it's the littlest thing."
"I know, that's what makes you an amazing mother."
She smiled at him and then kissed Emma on the forehead.
"But I have to say, I'm a little surprised you haven't called her doctor yet," he said laughing at her.
"Haha very funny but I did, he just didn't answer."
"Rachel!"
"I'm kidding, I didn't call him. But I'm going to if her fever isn't down in the morning."
"okay, deal."
They both looked back down at their sleeping daughter.
"It's amazing how much she looks like you even when she's sleeping."
"You think so?" she asked with a big smile. She always loved when Ross said Emma was gorgeous and looked like her.
"She's all you Rachel. It looks like I didn't even take part in making her," Ross joked.
"Well I know for a fact you were there." They started laughing. "and you see how she is moving her mouth?"
Ross simply nodded.
"That means she's dreaming. You do the same thing when you're sleeping."
"I do?"
"All the time just like she's doing now. So to me, she looks like you," she said looking up at him. "and she has mastered the puppy eyes look. She definitely got that from you."
"Yeah, I remember someone else trying to master that look," he said referring to Rachel, "Too bad it never worked."
"Yes it did and you know it. Whenever I gave you that look you were mine," she said almost flirting with him.
"Okay, fine you're right but you were never able to do it as well as me." he told her raising an eyebrow.
"That may be true but this one does."
"Yeah are we in trouble when she gets older!"
"I know."
Silence filled the room once again, both just happy watching the breathing in and out of their angel but Ross suddenly broke the silence.
"Hey, thank you for coming back here tonight and not staying at Joeys," he whispered.
"No need to thank me. If there is something wrong with Emma I think her mother and father should be the one taking care of her. Besides it's nice to know you are only a room away," she grinned.
"Well it really means a lot to me to be here with her."
"Well, I'm glad you're here."
Rachel snuggled close to her daughter, laying her head on a pillow.
"I'll let you get some sleep. You come get me if you need me."
"I will."
"Goodnight princess. I love you," he whispered to Emma as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He then looked at Rachel who's face was right next to Emma's. His face was so close to hers and she smiled.
"Night Rach."
"Good night Ross."
Ross thought about kissing her forehead as well, something he had always done in the past but decided against it. A surge of disappointment spread through Rachel when she saw him walk towards the door. He looked back at her one more time.
"Night," and then he walked out the door.
Ross and Rachel were very relieved to wake up and find Emma's fever down significantly. She was much more upbeat but was still a bit fussy from her baby teeth making there way through her gums. They were all getting ready for the nights party as Rachel checked herself one more time in the mirror. She decided on a nice pair of black dress pants with a black fitted turtleneck. She blew out her bangs, sweeping them to the side across her forehead, as long locks fell over her shoulders in loose curls.
Emma was keeping herself entertained with a children's book flipping through the pages and only looking at the pictures. Rachel dressed her in a pretty white dress with a ribbon that tied around her waist.
"Emma, let me do your hair," she addressed her daughter.
Emma put the book on the bed and crawled over on the other side of the bed so she can get to her mother. She stood up and Rachel began running her fingers though Emma's hair about to put it up in pig tails. Emma started to play with the end of Rachel's hair tangling it in her fingers.
"Emma hair like mommy's."
"You want me to do your hair like mine sweetie?"
Emma just nodded her head up and down smiling. Rachel kissed her forehead before grabbing the baby brush and brushed her bangs to the side just like hers. Emma already had natural baby curls so Rachel curled her fingers around them making them more noticeable. Her hair was getting so long Rachel thought, it was already slightly past her shoulders. Once Rachel was done she lifted her in her arms and carried her over to the mirror.
"What do you think?"
Emma looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled
"we pitty mommy."
"You are beautiful Emma. Oh my baby," she whispered kissing her on the cheek.
They soon heard a knock on the door and saw Ross peeking his head in.
"Are you girls all set?"
"Just about, you can come in."
Ross came in with crutches in hand and walked over to the bed. Rachel lowered Emma back on to the bed so she can go see Ross.
"Oh my god Emma, you look so pretty in your dress and your hair. You look just like mommy."
"I know, daddy," she giggled.
Rachel just watched as Ross gushed over their daughter and soon took notice of his appearance. He cleaned up well. He had on black slacks with an ocean blue sweater that fit his body perfectly. She admired the way you could see his muscles through his shirt accidentally letting a 'wow' escape her lips.
"What was that?"
"Nothing,…you ummm….clean up good," she said, hoping he couldn't see her blush from the slight embarrassment she was suffering over the fact he heard that accidental slip.
"Oh well thanks. So do you," he said smiling.
Her cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red when she saw him eyeing her up and down. He still had that affect on her.
"Daddy, pawty now?"
"Yes sweetie, we are going to the party now. You ready Rach?"
"Yep, lead the way Geller!"
Everyone was having a great time at the party and it was now 5 minutes to midnight. Rachel decided now was a good time to check on Emma who has been sleeping soundly in Rachel's old bedroom. She didn't really care about watching Dick Clark count down to the new year especially when she didn't have anyone to share that New Year kiss with. She would much rather watch her daughter sleeping then the ball dropping in New York City. She quietly walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed next to a sleeping Emma.
"Hey, where's Rachel?"
"Oh I think she went to check on Emma," Chandler told him.
He maneuvered his way through all the people and finally got to the door of Rachel's old bedroom. When Rachel heard the door open she looked up from Emma to see who was entering the room.
"Need some company?"
Rachel smiled at him and nodded her head.
"Come sit," she said patting the seat next the her.
"So what are you doing in here?" Ross asked as he took a seat on the bed.
"I don't know," she said shrugging her shoulders. "I guess I would rather bring in the new year with her," she said eyeing Emma, "then everyone out there."
"Yeah, but did you forget I was part of the everyone out there," he teased.
"But you're in here now," she whispered looking right in his eyes, "with us."
"Do you mind if I stay in here?"
"Not at all."
They both gazed down at Emma as they heard all their friends counting down. There was less than a minute to go. Their hearts were beating faster as the numbers got lower and lower. There they were, alone in a bedroom, neither knowing what was going to happen when the clock struck midnight, now in a matter of 5 seconds.
They soon heard the cheers of Happy New Year echo around the apartment.
"Happy New Year Rachel" he softly whispered to her.
"You too."
The noise coming from the next room soon disappeared from both their ears and she was surprised she couldn't hear her heart beating in her chest. Her eyes were soon fixated on his mouth and Ross took notice. The setting was prefect and he couldn't resist it any longer. They were finally surrendering to the sexual tension between them, giving into temptation. He slowly leaned in as Rachel closed her eyes waiting for his lips to brush against hers and finally it happened.
Her lips were so soft as he took them in between his just as he always remembered them. It was amazing how perfectly their lips fit together, their mouths moving in perfect sync. The kiss was new yet familiar as they were reacquainted with the others lips, engaging in a few gentle pecks. His lips finally left hers as they both breathed in the same air. She felt his hot breath against her mouth, his lips still hovering above hers.
She didn't want this moment to end just yet so she placed her hands on his cheeks, pulling him to her once again. As if by instinct his hands immediately went to her waist as she cupped his cheeks in her hands directing the kiss. They yearned for the others lips, craved the other's sweet taste.
They needed one another.
Rachel was soon licking Ross' lips, begging for an entrance which he gave her. It didn't take long for their tongues to explore the inside of the other's mouth, tasting every corner. Her hands were soon in his hair as she sucked on his bottom lip and he nibbled on her top. The kiss grew deeper and deeper both knowing they weren't able to stop. It just felt too good.
It felt right.
Kissing Ross always felt right. She hasn't experienced this sensation since the last time she kissed him the night Emma was born. Nobody kissed like Ross did, making her head spin and leaving her breathless.
He was drunk on her. Drunk on her taste and the quiet moans she tried to suppress as he brought his hands in her hair. She was like a drug and he was the addict and he couldn't stop. He couldn't stop kissing her, he didn't want to stop kissing her.
They both slowed down the pace of the kiss just enjoying the other's lips once again. From all the noise going on outside, Emma began stirring in her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes and found her parents on the bed next to her.
"Daddy? What you doin' to mommy?" she whispered still half asleep.
At the sound of Emma's voice they immediately broke apart. They were both breathing extremely heavy after sharing such an intense kiss. Rachel searched in Ross' eyes for an answer. Ross looked down at his sleepy daughter and brushed some hair away from her eyes.
"I was just giving mommy her New Year's kiss and you're about to get yours."
He kissed her forehead softly and then her cheek. Emma was satisfied with that answer.
"Happy New Year's princess."
Rachel then bent down to give Emma a kiss as well.
"Happy New Years baby. It's time to go back to sleep," she whispered, running her fingers through Emma's hair.
"Mommy," she cried tugging on Rachel's arm.
Rachel knew that meant she wanted her to lay next to her. She crawled over Emma's body and cuddled next to her as she faced Ross. Emma buried her face in Rachel's chest as she stroked the baby's back.
"Shhhh…." she cooed as she looked at Ross.
Emma's eyes slowly closed and she was back to sleep within minutes. Rachel kept her arm around Emma and Ross soon grabbed her hand in his. He squeezed it affectionately as he stroked the top of her hand with his thumb. She just smiled at him and no words were spoken between them.
Neither of them knew it but both were wondering the same thing.
Was the kiss they just shared them giving into a moment because it was the New Year or was this kiss something more?