The end.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls.

Chapter 10: Spirits

Colin couldn't keep the smile off his face as he unpacked glassware into cupboards in this new apartment. There was soft music playing, the kind Steph always played when she was feeling upbeat. Logan and Finn were putting his old pool table in the second bedroom, apparently easier said than done given the swears coming from that side of the apartment.

For a moment Colin considered going to help them, but since they had been so adamant about keeping it when he wanted to sell it… Nah, they could do with some hard work anyway.

Rory came in the front door carrying the last two boxes, both small and labeled 'Important! Alcoholic Beverages!' She set them on the counter and raised an eyebrow at Colin.

"What?" he shrugged, smirking at the mousy brunette as he stole the boxes away to organize the drink cart. Rory rolled her eyes at me, making some witty pop-culture reference that I didn't understand before disappeared into the bedroom to help Steph unpack the monstrosity she called her wardrobe.

"Alright, mate, pool table done," Finn stretched his arms high, "Remind me again why you didn't just hire someone to move your stuff?"

Colin handed each of his friends a brandy, "Isn't that what I did?"

Logan chuckled, "Don't be an ass Colin."

"Oh, don't say that!" Finn laughed, "You'd remove half his personality!"

Finn's brandy found itself in Colin's hand again, a faux glare adorning both of their faces. It was an old joke.

"Be nice, Colin," Steph came up to the boys, kissing Colin on the cheek as she took the drink to give back to Finn. She was beaming, her smile as big as any of them had ever seen it.

A smirk on his face Finn elbowed Colin before whispering in his ear, "Yeah Colin, wouldn't want to upset the missus would you?"

Colin elbowed him back as Steph walked off towards the office with a stack of books, "Don't let her hear you call her that."

"Why's that?" Logan questioned, eyebrow raised as Colin shrugged.

Finn and Logan shared a look when Colin turned back to the kitchen cabinets.

Hours later, when the apartment was near completely unpacked, Colin sat in front of a bookshelf with a stack of law books scattered around. Steph came in with a bottle of scotch and two tumblers. She sat on the pool table.

"I'm kind of happy you didn't sell this thing actually?" Steph tapped his shoulder with her foot.

Standing up Colin smiled, walked into the spot in front of Stephanie to take her lips in a soft kiss. "I'm kind of happy about it too," Colin said against her lips.

Steph laughed, bringing up the scotch between them, "Want to relive some memories?"

A few drinks later they were laying on the table, Steph cuddled into Colin's side and the scotch bottle empty on the floor. She sat up, looking down at him quizzically.

"Why is there a ring box in your pocket?"

Colin squinted at her, "How did you know?"

"Please!" Steph rolled her eyes, "The same way I know it's not from any of the big stores, have we been antiquing?"

"Such a socialite," Colin mocked her, pulling her back down to lay with him.

Steph laughed, "That's not getting you out of this. What's in the box?"

"It may or may not be my grandmother's engagement ring," Colin said, the scotch surprisingly helpful in keeping his voice steady, "You'll find out when we're not drunk on a pool table."

"Alright," Steph kissed his cheek, "I may or may not say yes when you get around to asking."

"That's reassuring," Colin chuckled, bringing her closer for a kiss.

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