The Only Exception

Count On Me...

Finn didn't know why, but as soon as the jet landed he decided to reschedule some of his work commitments for the following week. The next thing he did was ask his driver to take him to Stars Hollow.

He stopped at some place called Weston's and got Rory a decaf, knowing she would probably scoff at his choice, but he had done a little research and knew that if she was drinking coffee at all this was the lesser of two evils. He shifted nervously as he knocked at the door, waiting for an answer. He didn't even know what he was going to say, heck he didn't even know why he was compelled to suddenly go to her, but nevertheless he was there.

When she answered the door, he could not help but smirk; she had probably had those pajamas since high school. She also looked pretty adorable with her bedhead and bangs trying to fall into her eyes. He could not refrain himself from making a comment about her being cute. Because to him she was cute, but she is also incredibly hot, he thought as he watched her walk to her room to change.

Only when she bolted out of the room dressed, did he stand up and follow; poor thing he thought. Morning sickness was no joke, and as she looked up into his eyes and he assured her he would be there for her. Even looking like she did, pale and nauseated, tired and lost; he knew he didn't want to be anywhere else than where he was right now; beside her for whatever may come her way.

"Let's get you freshened up, darling. I'm taking you out today. You need to escape these four walls" he said with a smile.

"Okay, but no more coffee. Not even decaf, little one doesn't like coffee at all" She said as she rose to her feet and grabbed her toothbrush.

"I'll meet you in the car, love" Finn replied and left the room.

Rory settled Paul Anka and left the house. She entered the car and sat next to Finn, smiling and blushing at the same time; she was reminded of the thoughts she'd had on her mom's wedding day about him. The butterflies were in her stomach again instead of the knots she felt earlier, this wasn't nausea this time, it was attraction for the man sat beside her.

Finn took a sideways glance at her, it took all his willpower to not put his arm around her there and then and embrace her. Something he would do normally in a friendly way, now felt incredibly awkward because he knew once he did that all he would want to do is kiss her. He was acutely aware that she had a lot going on right now, and so he figured she wouldn't reciprocate his feelings. She is pregnant with my best mate's child for goodness sake.

He shook it off and directed the driver to New Haven.

"New Haven? Any particular reason, Finny?" Rory enquired.

"Yes, love, I was thinking we could take a little trip down memory lane today. Sound good?" he smiled.

"Sounds promising" she smiled.

When they arrived at their destination, Rory smiled. Walking around Yale campus with her friend. "You know, if I could go back and do it all over again, I still wouldn't change a thing!" Rory beamed. "Good and bad, those memories made me who I am today" she continued. "Sure, things haven't gone according to plan, but I believe everything happens for a reason."

"That they do, love" Finn replied. "Do you remember how we first met?" he questioned Rory.

"I do, but the big question is, do you, Finny?" she chuckled in reply.

"Of course I do, Colin was checking you out, and he purposely walked into your mate" he laughed as he continued walking alongside her.

"So, all those times you asked me if you knew me. You knew me?" Rory grinned.

"Not gonna lie, love, I may have taken a liking to you from the get go" he said somewhat blushingly.

"You, the redheads-only lothario, liking little 'ol me?" she teased blushingly.

"Well, that day we went searching for a girl in Branford. I was actually looking for you. You know Rory is a pretty 'short' name. However, once Colin and I witnessed you and Logan, we both knew he wanted you. When it comes to our Logan we always bowed out, he always did know how to get the girl!" He honestly admitted.

"Eh, well maybe I would change somethings" Rory accidentally admitted. Shit, she thought to herself. How did that just fall out of her mouth?

"Really, love?" Finn smirked. He knew she had not meant to say that, but it was nice to have some sort validation from her, considering how he had been feeling recently.

"Really" she confirmed, locking eyes with him and tip toeing to gently brush her lips against his. She then took his hand and continued to walk and reminisce with one another.

Sure, it was only a peck, and yes they were only holding hands, but they had both instantly realized these admissions cemented how they felt about one another. The question neither of them wanted to ask, though, is what would this mean for them?

After a lovely afternoon, Finn arranged for the car to drop him at his Hartford apartment, then take Rory home. Before he left the car he turned and hugged Rory and stroked her face, then letting his hand continue through her hair.

"I really enjoyed today, Rory. I'll call you soon" he said with a smile, pausing for a moment, looking into the blue of her eyes.

"Yes, today was wonderful, Finny. Just what I needed" she inched closer and slowly kissed him. This time for longer than she had earlier, she brought her hands to his neck as his hands gently brushed through her hair. Neither one wanting this moment to stop, the electricity coursing through them both was instant. Magnetising them to one another, Rory gave the kiss all the passion that was consuming her and Finn returned it with the same ferocity. After a pretty intense moment, they parted, pressing their foreheads against one anothers.

"Dinner tomorrow?" he nervously asked.

"It's a date" she replied with a satisfied sigh, as Finn got out of the car.