AN: Again, thank you all so much for the reviews. I'm glad that this story is good enough to help fill the hole left when the show ended. Writing this out fills that void for me as well. I'm going to try to wrap up their trip in this chapter. I love writing characters on vacation, because I feel like we are all a little different when we are in "vacation mode", and this is like the Sue/Sean honeymoon phase of the relationship even though they've technically been together for a few months at this point. We're definitely going to have to deal with Nancy soon and the subject of Darrin is going to be coming up shortly! Also, I am wrapping up the school year and preparing for summer school which starts in a few weeks so my writing time is limited. I have been trying to get a new chapter up at least every other day. I don't know how much writing I will get done this weekend, so please bear with me, I have A LOT of story left to tell!

Chapter 12

The morning sun grazed Sue's face as she stirred. She had passed out waiting for Sean to come back to bed when they got in, the lack of sleep from the previous few days coupled with alcohol taking its toll on her. As she became more alert and aware of her surroundings, she could feel Sean's outstretched arm under her pillow. At some point in their sleep, Sue had rolled on her side and Sean had pulled her in close to him. The curve of his body matched her own from her shoulders down to her legs as he other arm wrapped securely around her waist. Sue knew she usually moved around a lot in her sleep, but clearly when she and Sean shared a bed she stayed in the same spot. She had never imagined being wrapped up in someone else would be a comfortable way to sleep, but she found herself extremely comfortable at the moment. Sean's slow, even breathe on the back of her neck told her he was still in a deep sleep. Slowly, carefully so as not to disturb him, she turned so she was on her back. Sean's body automatically responded to the movement, and he shifted slightly but his breathing remained the same. Sue took the opportunity to study the relaxed face of the man she had once only dreamed of sharing this experience with. Even in his relaxed state, his face remained chiseled and strong. He was hands down the best-looking guy Sue had ever dated and she really did wonder how she lucked out in that department. She knew she wasn't ugly, but she never really considered herself to be in the same league as some of Sean's exes. He did though, as evidenced by how often he told her how gorgeous and beautiful she was. His reaction to her outfit the previous night had been even more than Sue imagined, and it made her feel incredibly empowered. She never had an issue with self-confidence, and Sean only seemed to bring out even more of the trait.

Sue stayed watching Sean, her eyes searching every inch of his face. Sue knew Sean would probably have more opportunities to do programs that would take him away from her, and if it happened again, she wanted his face seared into her memory. Eventually, nature called, and Sue carefully extracted herself from the warm cocoon they had formed in the bed and headed for the bathroom. The apartment was quiet and still. She could hear a slight snore coming from Brad and Thomas' room so she knew they had come home but didn't know what time. New York bars closed pretty much just before sunrise, and Brad and Thomas had been going strong when Sue and Sean left. It was a little after 8, and Sue knew they had a pretty busy day ahead. As much as she wanted to sleep in, she knew they would all need to start getting up. She decided she would take the opportunity to handle breakfast and quietly she went back to her and Sean's room to get dressed. She grabbed a piece of paper and jotted off a note in case Sean woke up, grabbed a spare key from the counter and quietly let herself out of the apartment. They passed both a Starbucks and the breakfast place each time they left the apartment so Sue knew where to go. A little while later she found herself precariously balancing a caddy with coffees and a rather large bag with breakfast foods as she let herself back into the apartment. As she closed the door and went to put her stuff down, she heard voices. Sean was sitting in a chair in the living room chatting with a looking a bit worse for wear Brad and Thomas.

"Hey, Suzy-Q! Here, let me help you." Sean called out as he got up to meet her and take the items from her hand. He planted a sweet kiss on her forehead and put the items on the table. "Good morning, I take it you saw my note?" Sue asked. "Yeah, I don't know how long you were gone, but I rolled over and my hand hit paper instead of you. I would have gotten up and helped, you know." Sean told her as they unpacked the bag. "It's okay. You looked so relaxed and peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. I didn't know what sort of breakfast items Brad and Thomas had and I didn't want to wake everyone by trying to find and cook, so I figured I would run out and get breakfast. Besides, those two looks like they need these," she said, holding up their coffees and handing them over as Brad and Thomas joined them at the table. "Mmmmm," said Thomas as he gratefully took a sip. "I figured you could all do with the extra shot of espresso this morning," she laughed as both men nodded in agreement. Once everyone had filled plates and settled into breakfast, Sue decided to ask how the rest of her friends' night went.

"So, you two look like you had fun. What time did you end up getting back here?" She asked between bites of toast. Sean chuckled as Brad and Thomas groaned. "I think we overdid it on the fun just a bit," Brad told them. "We only stayed another hour, but the bartender called a shot special for a half hour of that hour and we definitely did more than we needed to," Sue and Sean laughed. "How about you guys?" Thomas asked. "I take it you got home okay?" Sean nodded, "Yeah, we were good. Suzy-Q here was a bit tipsier than I think she realized, but we made it back just fine." "Excuse me," Sue looked at him, "I may have had a little too much to drink, but I clearly remember you telling me you were also feeling the same." "This is true, but I wasn't the one who needed to be carried," Sean chided his girlfriend as Brad and Thomas laughed, then winced, forgetting that laughter did not help their hangover. Sue gave Brad a pointed look before continuing, "Umm I didn't ask to be carried though," Sue told him, "My feet hurt from my shoes and when I took them off you voluntarily picked me up," she looked at Sean, who just couldn't help himself and started laughing. "I didn't hear any complaints," he couldn't resist telling her. "Have you seen you?" she asked. "Why would I ever complain about that?" she smiled as everyone laughed. She had a very valid point. They ate the rest of their breakfast in comfortable silence, letting Brad and Thomas nurse their hangovers. When they were finished, and the pain killers Brad and Thomas had taken when they woke started kicking in, Thomas finally broke the silence.

"So, like we said, today should be fun. We need to get ready and get back up to midtown for the Tv and Movie set tour. When that's over we will take you over to the NBC Studio took at Rockefeller Center. I thought we could eat lunch there if you want. The U.S. Open is going on right now and they do this really cool set up in the plaza. You'll see. Then we can shop or whatever in midtown. Puffs the Play starts at 7:30, but it's only an hour and a half so we will be done pretty early and can do whatever for the rest of the night." Sean and Sue nodded at the plans and they stood up to clean up from breakfast. "You two go get ready," Brad waved them off, "we got this." The guys thanked Sue one more time before Sue and Sean headed back to their room. Sue was already dressed for the day, but Sean had only thrown a t-shirt and sweats on when he woke up. Sue sat on the bed as Sean went through his things, pulling out clothes and his toiletries. Sue picked up her discarded clothes from the night before and Sean's Notre Dame t-shirt from the bed. "I woke up in this," she held it out to him. Sean smiled, "Yeah, when I came back in here from locking up last night, you were already passed out. I wanted to make sure you had some water and took some pain pills so your headache wouldn't be bad this morning. I take it you don't remember me waking you up?" Sue shook her head. She had a vague memory of Sean getting her clothes off, but she had fallen back to sleep so fast she thought maybe she dreamt it. "I'm guessing you were the one that got me out of those and into this?" she asked, pointing. Sean nodded. "Yeah, after I got you to take the pills and drink some water you were trying to lay back down but that outfit didn't look like it would be comfortable to sleep in. I didn't know where your pajamas were and I didn't want to go through and mess up your bag, so I just grabbed my shirt. You didn't put up much of a fight and I have to say, that shirt looks much better on you than it does on me," he winked as he leaned in to give her a proper good morning kiss. Sue returned it in kind, cupping his chin with her hand, holding him to her for a few minutes longer.

"I'm glad you like it on me," Sue told him after they finally broke apart, "because it's really soft and comfortable and I have no plans to let you have it back," she told him. The shirt smelled like Sean. It was obviously well worn and Sue figured his smell was permanently woven into the fabric. She knew they wouldn't be able to spend every night together when school started, and the shirt would feel like he was there. In just the last couple of days, Sue had become very comfortable sharing a bed with Sean. She was a bit shocked at that, thinking it would be an adjustment. She had never been the girl who needed her boyfriend's things. She had never claimed any of her exes clothing as her own and remembered laughing when Lexie claimed one of Axl's shirts for herself after he left it there one night. Now she got it. Sean leaned in for one more kiss before heading to the bathroom, "I have no intention of taking it back, Suzy-Q."

A little while later, everyone was dressed and heading back to the subway. After stopping for more coffee at Brad and Thomas' insistence, they were off to catch the tour bus. The tour was fun, the driver took them all over New York, while the guide pointed out various buildings used in different tv shows and movies. They played trivia games and got to see some places Sue never would have thought to go to. The bus stopped a few times and let them get off for a few minutes to explore. One of those places was at the building used in the opening shot of every Friends episode. Brad and Sue were huge fans of the show and were excited to take photos at the corner of Bleeker and Church. They visited the fire station from the Ghostbusters movie and were shocked and amused to see the ghostbuster symbol painted on the sidewalk. They even stopped for a slice of Ben's pizza just like in Men and Black II. As they ended the tour, the bus dropped them back off outside the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue. Sue was mesmerized by all of the shops. "Welcome to Fifth Avenue, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world," Thomas told her. They decided to go to the NBC Studios and then have lunch before hitting some stores, although they did promise to come back up this way so they could see FAO Schwartz.

NBC was a lot of fun. Mason was working their tour and greeted them warmly. Brad and Thomas knew the tour by heart, of course, but gamely played along as they walked through the corridors of NBC, visiting the soundstages for Saturday Night Live, and other studios. Sue was shocked at how small the SNL studio was compared to how it looked on tv. "The magic of the camera," Brad told her. After the tour and hitting the gift shop, the group headed out into the plaza at Rockefeller Center. Brad and Thomas had not been lying when they said NBC did a cool setup for the Open. There was a huge projection screen set up on the far side of the plaza and a large grassy area on a gradual incline, but with large flat areas where people could sit and eat and watch the game. There was also a tennis court and other tennis related events. They grabbed sandwiches from a nearby shop and sat down to watch some of the matches as they ate. "Since we're here, why don't we go to Top of the Rock?" Brad suggested. Everyone finished up and followed Brad and Thomas to into Rockefeller Center. They showed their passes and were given tickets and instructions to get in line for the elevator. The elevator ride was the longest, yet fastest one Sue had ever taken and when they reached the top of the "Rock" she gasped. They could see all the way to the coast from their spot, and Sue and Sean walked over to a small area away from other viewers. They looked in every direction and snapped photo after photo. "This is beyond amazing," Sue told him, as Sean wrapped his arms around Sue and held her close. "It is. I know I've told you over and over, but I really am so happy right now, Suzy-Q. This weekend has been everything and more. I don't want to go back to reality tomorrow," he told her, looking into her eyes. Sue kissed him and smiled, "I know. It's been more than anything I could ever have hoped and I don't want to go back to reality tomorrow, either, but that's the thing about vacations, eventually they end," she said frowning.

"I'm truly, truly grateful for this time with you. I know we have next week yet, but I'm sure we will both end up being busy. I don't even know how many hours I'm scheduled for next week, but it can't be good, not with everyone moving in next weekend." "I know, this next week is going to go fast, but we will make the most of it before classes start. And, I don't know about you, but I think we should try to sneak away for a weekend soon, maybe in October?" Sean asked. His friends in Ghana told him that the second year of medical school was even harder than the first, because they would rotate through various specialties in addition to their classes. He knew between that, Sue's classes and her own internship in the spring, they wouldn't have a ton of time.

"I would really love that," Sue told him. "I don't care where we go or what we do, as long we get to spend some time together away from everyone," they both laughed thinking back to all of the missed opportunities and interruptions over the last year. It was comical when they thought back to all of the times they could have done something about their feelings. They both went back to staring out over the horizon, lost in their own thoughts and each other. Sue sighed, Sean giving her a quizzical look. "I'm fine, really. I just, looking out at this view, being able to sort of see the world from here, it makes me think about how much time we spent dancing around each other, and how much of our lives are still out there waiting for us to find, I don't know being up this high and seeing so far makes you think about life and putting things into perspective," she shrugged. "Sean, when I realized I had feelings for you, like real feelings for you that were far more developed than the ones I had all those years ago, I never, in my wildest dreams thought this is where we would end up. I mean, I hoped, and Lexie and Brad both told me over and over again that they weren't one-sided. They both pointed out that you came around basically any time you had a free evening or even a few hours. I guess I couldn't see what they did. But then everything happened and it's been one of the longest, but oddly best summers I've had. Even though we didn't spend it together, I knew we were together, and it made a big difference. I was really nervous about senior year. The thought of finishing school and finding an internship and getting a real job is really overwhelming, but being up here, with you and thinking back on where we were and where we are now, I don't know, I have a new perspective on it, I guess. I'm okay with however things worked out, because well, look how this worked out."

Sean nodded, taking in what she said. "I get it, Suzy-Q. I remember flying somewhere over the Atlantic the night I left, and in the distance, I could see lights so I knew we had to be getting close to Africa and all of the feelings I had sort of took a different turn. I was still nervous, and missing you, but I was also ridiculously happy, like happier than I think I've ever been. I knew what I was coming to do, and even better, I knew what I was coming home to. When I was at the airport the first time, I was excited, nervous, but also worried. I didn't know where the summer would take you, and I already dreamed up a million scenarios where Aiden came back or you met someone else. The second that guy pulled out the snow globe and read the tag, I knew I wasn't going to waste that opportunity, and I landed in Africa later with a much different perspective than I had originally."

Sue kissed him, neither noticing Brad and Thomas a few feet away snapping photos. "They really don't see what everyone else sees, do they?" Thomas asked Brad. "Not even a little bit. I told you this last year with them has been exhausting. Always dancing around, each other even though their feelings were so painfully obvious to everyone around them. Lexie and I were even talking about planning an intervention at some point if things didn't happen for them. She was going to somehow get them both to one of her parents houses and basically lock them in until they admitted their feelings. We were both beyond happy when Frankie sent the video. But they still don't see what they have, I mean they are in love, yes, but they are IT. Like married, kids, the whole shebang type IT, and I don't think they really see that the way we do."

"Bets on when the wedding will happen?" Thomas asked. "Lexie thinks once Sean is finished with med school and in his residency, but I disagree. He won't want to wait that long, and I say it will be in his last year of the program. Sue will be out of college for about two years and that way if his residency takes him out of the area, he won't have to worry about what will happen with them."

Sue and Sean wrapped up then and went over to join the other two, who quickly tabled the conversation. After a quick walk around to the other side of the building, they made their way back down to the street. They spent a few hours shopping and browsing stores along Fifth Avenue. It was a gorgeous late summer day and they didn't need to be back in Midtown for a while, so they took their time and strolled happily through the city. They were downtown in a store with different kinds of jewelry when Sean pulled Brad aside. "Hey, listen, after the play I want to take Sue out to a really nice dinner, where can we go?" Sean asked.

Brad smiled as he thought, "Well, what kind of nice are you talking? New York has different levels of nice," he explained. "I'm talking we should wear dress clothes to the play and the type of nice where she's probably going to kill me when she sees the menu," Sean told Brad. "Hmm, well places that nice usually require a lot of advance reservation, but, I think I might be able to help." He told him, taking out his phone and shooting off a text. A few minutes later his phone beeped and he smiled. "Kelly's roommate works at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. It's really gorgeous and romantic at night. Luckily, her roommate was able to get you guys in tonight at 9:45. It's perfect because you are not going to be too far from there." "Thanks, man, I appreciate it. And not just this, but everything, this whole weekend has been amazing with her and you guys. I don't want it to end," Sean told him. Brad nodded in understanding, "I get it. Next week is my last week here," he looked over at Thomas, who was looking at different Alex and Ani bracelets with Sue, "I don't want it to end, either," he sighed.

"Have you and Thomas talked about what will happen when you go back home?" Sean asked. He had never seen Brad so happy, or comfortable in his own skin. Sean had guessed Brad was gay long before Sue confirmed it after Brad came out. He was happy to see the Brad so happy. They had grown closer over the last year, even though Brad, like Sean, had known the Heck's since they were little kids. Sue and Brad often hung out together in their free time, which meant if Darrin and Sean were at the Heck's they would either cross paths or end up all together, much to Axl's dismay.

"We have, and at first we both said this would be a summer fling. In the last few weeks though, we've both admitted that our feelings for each other are MUCH deeper than that and we are going to make a go of things long distance this year. My pageship has gone really well, and NBC has already invited me back next summer. If that goes well, I might try to get a job here." Brad told Sean. "I haven't said anything to Sue. I learned that before you called me, and she was already lonely and sad and I didn't want to put more on her. She tried so hard this summer to her usual, cheerful self, but I don't know, there was always something missing in her voice when I talked to her, and her smile didn't quite reach her eyes when we video chatted," Brad told the man next to him, who sighed. "I know. I wish I could have taken that away from her. Sometimes I think our timing on this was way off, considering I pretty much kissed her good-bye and then left her with her family on the highway so I could get back to the airport. That was the hardest thing I've had to do, by the way. I thought leaving for Ghana not knowing what would happen with us was hard but leaving knowing what I was leaving was much more difficult." "Yeah, that's going to be me next week," Brad sighed. He didn't even want to think about it, "but look at it this way, now you're here and you know where you are at. And, if another program comes up, or your residency takes you guys apart, well, you will know how to navigate it," Brad told him. Sean nodded, he didn't want to think about being apart from Sue again, even though the possibility was real. Pushing the thoughts out of his head, he walked towards the counter Sue and Thomas had just vacated to explore another part of the store.

A little while later they were back on the street, a small bag stuffed into Sean's pocket. They made their way back down to the apartment, Brad and Thomas declaring they needed a nap before the evening. "Why don't we grab a blanket and head over to the park?" Sean asked Sue, who happily agreed. They ran up for a blanket and several minutes, and a coffee stop later, they found a secluded area of the park partially shaded with trees. Sean spread out the blanket and sat down, grabbing Sue's hand and bringing her down with him. He rested back on his arms, legs spread out in front of him as Sue decided to lay her head in his lap, her own legs out perpendicular to his. For a while they sat in silence, soaking up the sun and quiet of the park; an interesting feeling with the bustling city moving around just outside the fence a few yards away. They sipped their coffees and every so often Sean would lean down to kiss Sue.

Sue was in the perfect state of happy. This was the Sue she had wanted to be all summer, and try as she might, she just couldn't feel this happy until now. She was perfectly content to stay there forever with Sean. Finally, Sean broke the silence, "Suzy-Q?" "Yes, Sean?" she asked, sitting up. He sounded oddly nervous, which made Sue nervous. "Tonight, after the play, would you go to dinner with me?" Sean asked. The anxiety building within her dissipated as she realized her boyfriend was nervous about asking her on a date. That was possibly the sweetest thing she ever experienced. She sat up and gave Sean a kiss, "of course I would! Did you think I was going to say no?" she teased. "Well, no, not really, but listen, I have reservations for us and it's a nice place so we are going to need to dress up a little bit," he told her. He didn't add that while they were shopping he also went online on his phone and booked them a horse drawn carriage around Central Park for after dinner. Sean was very lucky that he was able to get their last reservation. They stayed in the park for a bit longer, talking about nothing in particular, but really just soaking up their time alone together before they saw the time and realized they needed to get back and get ready for the evening.

Ninety minutes later found the group once again on the subway heading uptown. Brad excitedly texting and sending Lexie pictures of the absolutely priceless look on Sean's face when Sue appeared in the living room wearing the dress she picked out a week earlier. Sean's mouth had gone instantly dry and he literally opened and closed it a few times, along with some profuse blinking before his brain rendered him able to speak. Sue had sent Brad a picture of the dress when she bought it, so Brad was prepared and had his phone at the ready to capture the reaction. He knew Lexie was going to squeal with joy when she saw it. Considering Axl was heading back to Colorado later that evening, he figured it would cheer her up.

Later that evening as they exited the theater still laughing from the play, Brad pulled Sean aside to point out which way they needed to head. Sue and Sean said their good-byes as Brad and Thomas went to meet up with some friends. He and Sue strolled hand in hand as they made the journey uptown toward Tavern on the Green. Sean had not told Sue where they were going, and she had been trying to guess as they passed each nice-looking restaurant. As they walked, they recapped their favorite moments of the play and agreed it was even better live than it was in the theater. Sue's stomach was still aching from laughing so hard when Sean finally steered her to the right a few blocks after they passed the entrance to Central Park. "What the… ohmygod Sean we're eating here?" Sue gasped as the Tavern came into view. Sue had read about the restaurant, and even spotted it in many a New York based tv show and movie, but she never imagined Sean to pick it as a place for them to dine.

Speechless, she let Sean gently lead her to the building and up to the hostess. Their reservation was confirmed, which floored Sue that he even had one and a moment later they were being escorted through the cozy, intimately lit restaurant to tables out on a back patio overlooking the lake. Twinkling lights lined the patio and small lamps on each table set the scene in a soft glow. For the time of night, the place was still pretty busy, and Sue supposed this was a norm. She noticed the other diners were all in their own little private conversations and worlds, many of them couples. They were led to a table right next to the fence, the water just on the other side. Sean held out a chair for Sue, then sat down next to her. A minute later they were greeted by their server, and after taking their drink order and explaining the specials, they were left to themselves.

"Sean," Sue finally spoke, "this is, this is amazing! I can't believe we are here. It's gorgeous, but you know you didn't have to do this, right?" Sue told him. "Yes, I did," Sean told her, putting down his menu. "Sue, you waited for me all summer. We admitted our feelings and then I pretty much just left you, and you spent all summer by yourself pretty much. I know you're going to tell me it's okay and there's nothing we could do, but we could have, well okay, I could have manned up more than once and just told you how I felt long before chasing you down on the highway. If I had done that, we would have actually had time together before I left. Then I lied to you and hurt you in order to pull off this surprise. You were right in telling me that I hurt you, because I did, and I didn't realize how much it would hurt you when I worked it out in my mind. So, I wanted to do something nice for our last night here, because Suzy-Q, YOU deserve to be happy, and to have nice things done for you." He told her, a look of pure love and sincerity in his eyes.

Sue felt her own eyes welling up at his words, she shook off the unshed tears as she gently placed her hand on top of his. Sean turned his hand around so he could hold hers as she spoke, "I'm not going to lie and tell you this summer was easy, but I really did try to be happy and positive and not mope for all of it. I will admit it was much harder than I thought, but I don't regret any of it because I didn't have to spend the summer wondering what was going to happen with us or working out how I was going to tell you I loved you when you came home. As hard as it was, I KNEW all summer how you felt about me, and believe me, knowing is so much better than not knowing. Thank you for tonight, for this weekend, for everything," Sue said as she leaned in for a kiss. They turned their attention to the menu, Sean telling Sue to order whatever she wanted and not say a word about how much it cost. Sue agreed and they chose a few things to split, both wanting to try more than one dish. Once the server cleared their menus and served the drinks, Sean reached into his pocket.

"I have something for you," he told her, sliding the box across the table. Sue looked at him with curiosity, before slowly opening the box. She gasped when she saw what was inside. Three bracelets lay inside. Sue picked them up and examined them one by one before sliding them on her wrist. "The first one is the skyline of the city, to commemorate our weekend here," he told her. "The second one is 'Always' from Harry Potter, to remember the play and our first night together," Sean said, a bit of a smirk on his face. "The last one, well they didn't have a snow globe but they did have a snowflake, and you ARE my very special snowflake, Suzy-Q," he told her, laughing as she threw her arms around him. Dinner came and it was amazing. They ate and talked, swapping stories of their different moments at work this summer. Sue was laughing as Sean recounted treating a man who thought he had a reaction to a mud bath, but who had really covered himself in elephant feces and didn't realize it. Sean paid the bill before Sue could see it, and before she knew it he was guiding her out of the restaurant and back towards the park entrance, only he stopped just short of leaving the park, instead turning and walking down a lit path. Sue followed him silently for a few minutes and she was just about to ask him where they were going, when she heard the unmistakable sounds of horse feet. They walked a few more steps before Sean stopped and turned to her, "I have one more surprise," he told her and as if on cue, the horse she heard stopped in front of her, pulling a gorgeous white carriage behind. The driver hopped down, introduced himself and confirmed Sean's reservation. A minute later Sue found herself loaded into the carriage and being whisked off on a ride through the park. It was beyond anything Sue could have imagined. She knew the park could be a dangerous place at night, but the path they were taking was adequately lit. She could see the lake in the distance, and the tall buildings surrounding the park, all lit up in the night sky. Sean's arm was around her shoulder, and she leaned in to kiss him. "I love you so much, Sean" she told him. "I love you, too" he whispered back, nuzzling her neck. They spent the rest of the ride stealing kisses and getting lost in their surroundings and each other. A half hour later, they were dropped off at the entrance to the park, across from where the bus tour dropped them off earlier that day.

Sean pulled out his phone, "Brad texted me, he wanted to make sure we found everything okay and wants to know if we want to meet he and Thomas for a drink. They are here in midtown waiting on some other friends to get out of work," Sean told her. Sue thought for a moment, "I kind of want to meet them, but if they are here that means the apartment is empty… she trailed off, a sweet, but sexy smile on her face. Sean did not need any more convincing. He quickly shot off a text declining the offer and he and Sue made it back to the subway and downtown as fast as they could. Brad didn't say when they would be back, and he wanted to make the most of having an empty apartment. No sooner had they made their way into the apartment before Sean had Sue up against the door and was kissing her senseless. He had wanted to do that since she first walked into the living room wearing the dress hours earlier. He lifted her and wrapped her legs around his waist, letting the door support her upper body. He leaned back slightly, which caused her to lean forward so he could get his hands behind her head and take down her updo. He loved running his fingers through her hair and it had been driving him crazy that she had it up all night. He pushed her back against the door as she brought her hands down to his pants, trying to work off his belt. When he couldn't take it anymore, his hands grasped her butt and he turned her, carrying her through the apartment as she kissed and nibbled the sensitive spot on his neck. He got them in their room and closed the door behind him. He had wanted her alone all night, and they finally had the chance. Sean meant to keep the romance going, but after passing out the night before and being out and about all day, the urges building up inside had gotten the best of him, and her as well he figured, judging by the way she was trying to get him out of his clothes. She had just gotten his shirt off when he reached down to the hem of her dress. Sue paused, putting her arms up and allowing him to pull the dress completely off her before they were on each other again. After a few more minutes of hands everywhere as they both rid each other of the rest of their clothes, they finally came together and it was as passionate and amazing at it had been their first night a few nights earlier. The way Sean kissed his way up and down Sue's neck, and the way his fingers seemed to caress her body sent tingles up and down Sue's spine. She would never get tired of this, she decided. Sleeping with Sean had definitely been one of her best decisions. Sue had never promised to wait until marriage, but always knew she wanted to wait until it was right. She was beyond glad she decided Sean was the one who was right. He had definitely been worth waiting for.

When the finished, they both lay panting, trying to catch their breath. Sean sat up, turning onto his side so he could look down at Sue on her back. He reached down and pulled the covers up, fighting off the chill created from the air conditioning and their overheated bodies. "Wow, that was amazing," he told her, leaning down to give her a long kiss. Sue nodded in agreement, "it definitely was. I feel like I was holding that in since yesterday," she admitted. "Me too," he told her. "What are we going to do when we get home?" She asked, settling in as he laid back down, her head resting in the crook of his arm. His freehand softly ran up and down the side of her body, making Sue almost mew in pleasure. "What do you mean," he asked. "Well, I mean we've only been sharing a bed since a few days ago, but I'm already used to sleeping next to you… and I definitely want to keep sleeping WITH you," Sue blushed a bit before continuing, "but how is it all going to work with roommates and different places?"

Sean shifted slightly so he could sit up and look at Sue. He smiled down at her and leaned in to kiss her forehead and cheek before answering. "I don't know how this is all going to work he told her," as he watched her ever optimistic smile turn into a slight frown, "what I do know is that we will make it work and we will figure it out together. I know we're not always going to be able to stay together, we're going to be busy and some nights we are going to want our space, but the nights we do spend together? I don't care where we spend those nights. I really don't. Sue, all last year this is what I wanted. Well, I mean not this, I mean this," he pointed between them, "but not…" Sue giggled, "I understand what you're saying," she assured him. "Anyway," Sean continued, "I spent last year wishing every time we hung out that something would happen, that maybe I would work up the nerve to just tell you how I felt, hope you felt the same. Sue, we've been figuring out how to spend time together before we were together. I don't have an iron clad plan for this, but that's what makes it fun. I do know I love you, and I hate being apart from you, and the rest, well it will all fall into place." Sean leaned down and gave Sue a kiss, but before he could pull away she wrapped her arm around his head to keep him there a bit longer.

When they finally broke apart Sue giggled at the look on Sean's face. "Sorry, I just really like being able to do that whenever I want," Sue told him. Sean just shook his head as he leaned back down to meet her in another embrace. After another moment Sue tugged Sean so he rolled on top of her. When they finally broke for air, Sue yawned as Sean chuckled. "As much as I would love to continue this, I'm just as exhausted, he told her, settling back down and pulling her close. They fell asleep wrapped up together, neither one ever wanting to let go.

The next morning, they woke to a knock on the bedroom door. Brad peeked his head in and smiled at the sight. Sean was on his back, chest bare and Brad could see the hem of sweats peeking from the covers. Sue had rolled onto her side, half her body resting on Sean. Brad noticed she was wearing a Notre Dame shirt that looked too big for her. Only a few days in and she's already claimed his shirt as her own, he laughed to himself. They had no clue how cute they really were. Both looked content and happy, like they were born to sleep in each other's arms. Brad pulled his phone from his pocket and quietly captured a few photos of the moment. He would use them later.

"Good morning!" he called again, and this time his friends stirred. Sue sat up, yawning. She looked at Sean, who she realized was just waking up himself, and she was confused for a moment until she heard "Good morning" again. She turned and saw Brad in the doorway.

"Hey Brad, good morning," Sue half spoke half yawned. "Did we oversleep? What time is it?"

"It's about 8:30," Brad told her as Sean sat up next to Sue. "Thomas and I thought it might be nice to go for breakfast on your last day here. Are you interested?" "Very," Sean told him, his stomach growling. The three of them laughed. "Great, if you can be ready soon we can go," he told them as he left the room, closing the door behind him. Sue and Sean sat quietly for a few moments, each trying to wake up a little more. Finally, Sean stretched his arms over his head, leaned over to kiss Sue good morning, and climbed out of bed. Sue followed suit and grabbed her things to head to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later found the couple dressed and meeting Brad and Thomas in the living room. They made their way out of the building and a few blocks to a small diner Brad and Thomas told them was known for amazing breakfasts. When coffee and meals had been ordered, the foursome discussed the previous night and day ahead. "So, what time did you guys get in?" Sue asked as she fixed her coffee. She hadn't heard them come in, and a small part of her brain wondered if they had come home when she and Sean were in the middle of other things. Brad gave her a coy smile as he sipped his own coffee. "We weren't that far behind you, maybe an hour or so? We figured you two were already asleep and went to bed ourselves," Brad finished with a slight smirk. Sue thought back to when that would be and realization crossed her features. Thankfully, the server arrived with their food and she was able to hide her blush in the frenzy of passing plates and making sure everyone had what they needed.

They busied themselves with eating, and as they were finishing Thomas brought up their plans for the day. "Okay, so you guys need to be at the airport by 8:30 tonight, but it's a bit of a subway ride from here so we should leave the apartment by quarter after 7 in order to be safe. That gives us a lot of time today though. We still didn't do the wax museum or any museums for that matter and there's the Central Park Zoo. We can either head out now and hit those things and you guys can come back and pack up, or we can go back and you can pack first and then we can go."

Sue and Sean looked at each other and shrugged. "We pretty much put our things in our bags this morning, so we don't have a whole lot to pack later," Sean told them. "Why don't we head out now and not waste this beautiful day?" Sue added. They agreed and after paying the bill they were off to Madame Tussauds. The wax museum was a lot of fun and they spent a good amount of time taking silly photos with many of the exhibits. Then they decided to hit MoMa, and the Zoo before making their way uptown to the Museum of Natural History. They took the train back to midtown and spent the afternoon hanging out there, exploring stores and places they had not had the chance to see when they shopped the day before. They ate a really fun lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp, and walked down to the New York Public Library. Sue thought it was odd that visitors were able to tour the library since it was a working one where hundreds of New Yorkers were doing research and checking out books. As late afternoon approached, Brad suggested they take a nice walk on the Highline since it was closer to their apartment. They walked the Highline for awhile and Brad and Thomas took them to a great little Irish pub near the apartment for dinner. Finally, it was time for Sue and Sean to get their things packed and ready to head to the airport. Their flight was at 10 and they would get to Indy around midnight. Sue had already booked a hotel room in Indy so they would stay there until morning when Nancy had volunteered to pick them up.

As they packed their things, Sean wondered out to the living room and Brad came into the bedroom to talk to Sue. "I think I saw a bit of a blush coming from you at breakfast," Brad told her. "Oh?" Sue asked, continuing to pack her things. "Yeah, it was when we were discussing what time we got in last night…" Brad trailed off. "You heard us?" Sue asked, her tone hushed but a bit panicked. She knew Brad and Thomas wouldn't care, but still. This did not bode well for when they were back home. "Relax, Sue. You really weren't that loud. I was going to the bathroom and I could hear some soft, uh, moaning and sighing coming from the room. Honestly, that's it. Once we were in our room we didn't hear a thing." Sue was mortified. What if Lexie heard them? Or Sean's roommates? How would they ever make this work?

"You worried about going back to school and this happening?" Brad guessed. Sue just nodded. "Listen, you will figure out how to keep it down, and there is always music. Put some on and turn it up just enough so it doesn't disturb Lexie or Sean's roommates, but loud enough to block whatever sounds you make." Brad wagged his eyebrows at Sue, causing her to laugh. "I will remember that next time," she promised and the two chatted as she finished getting her stuff ready.

Once Sue and Sean were ready, the group headed to the subway to take the train out to JFK. The ride was longer and JFK was the last stop. They finally reached their destination and Brad and Thomas walked Sue and Sean to the security gates. Brad wrapped his arms around his best friend, "I am so glad you guys were able to come this weekend. I will see you in a week! Try not to have too much fun without me," he winked as Sue just laughed. She and Brad switched and she said good-bye to Thomas as Sean and Brad said their own good-byes. "It was so great to meet you. Thank you for making my best friend happy, I hope this isn't the last we see of each other," Sue told him as she gave him a hug. "Are you kidding? I have no intentions of going anywhere, I will see you guys at Thanksgiving, I promise!" Thomas told her. "Take good care of my guy when I send him home next week," he told her sincerely. "I will," Sue promised. She and Sean waved one last good-bye before heading through security and to their boarding gate. Their flight was fairly empty and uneventful and they arrived in Indy around midnight as expected. By the time they reached their hotel and checked in, they were exhausted. They had just enough energy to change and fall into bed, the lack of sleep from the long weekend coupled with the flight had taken its toll.

The next morning, they woke around the same time. Sean had set an alarm on his phone the night before and they were just about to check out the size of the shower when Sean received a text from Nancy. "My mom said she would be here to get us in a half hour," he told Sue, looking slightly crestfallen. They both knew it meant their plans for some fun would have to wait. They were quick to get ready and grab a light continental breakfast before Nancy arrived. They were just finishing check-out when they saw her pull up out front. Sean looked out at his mother's waiting car, then over at Sue. He knew that Nancy was probably going to say something during the ride. He knew she wasn't going to let their conversation go. Sighing, he picked up their bags and took Sue's hand. "Let's do this, Suzy-Q," he told her. Sue rubbed his arm, "Listen, whatever your mom has to say, we face it together," she told him lovingly. Sean nodded.

They had barely crossed through the doors when Nancy was on them. For a few moments it was a hectic mess of hugs and kisses as Nancy grabbed first Sean, then Sue in a crushing hug. She was so happy to see them both. Once the bags were in the trunk and Sue and Sean were in the car, they were off to Orson. The first part of the ride was pleasant, as Sue and Sean recounted their weekend and Nancy recapped Axl and Lexie's news from the other night. She also told them that Orson was planning a block party for the following weekend to celebrate Orson High School's 100th year. Sue and Sean agreed it sounded like fun and they would come home for it.

About a half hour from Orson, during a comfortable lull in conversation, Sue heard Nancy take a deep breath, "So, Sean, have you given any thought to our conversation the other day?" she asked her son. She had debated bringing it up in the car with Sue, but she had quickly realized upon picking them up that Sean was probably going to insist on having this discussion with Sue there, and at least they couldn't escape it in the car. "I did," Sean told her, staring ahead at the road. "And I haven't changed my mind about what I said. If anything, I have a much better focus now than I did last year and I am more than prepared for the challenges of my second year of med school. We both are," he told his mom. He wanted her to know that this was something he and Sue were in on together, and that he had included her in the conversation. "Listen, sweetie. I didn't mean to upset you the other day, it's just that, you are both going to be so busy this year and it's an important one for both of you. I'm not saying you should break-up. I've never seen either of you as happy as you are now. It almost radiates off you. But, I just think you need to look at things from a practical standpoint. If you both take some time to focus on your studies and not your relationship, you will have more time later on to be together, that's all."

Sean sighed, "Don't you get it Mom? This isn't some high school fling. It's not a summer fling, it's not something casual that we can just turn off and put on the backburner. I love her, okay? I LOVE HER. That woman in your backseat? She's THE ONE, MOM. I'm going to marry her someday. I know it. I feel it deep in my heart. I just look at her and no matter how stressed or upset I am, I don't know she just makes it better. JUST BY LOOKING AT HER. You and dad talk all the time about how you just knew each other was the one, and how you felt finding your soulmate. Well, now it's my turn. I get the timing of it all might not be the greatest, because we will be busy, but I don't care. This is going to work. I've waited too long and spent too much time not acting on my feelings and I'm done. So, please. Either support this, or don't expect to see much of me this year."

Sue sat in the back in stunned silence. She had never heard Sean speak to his mom with such emotion as he did in that moment. The only other time she heard that much passion from him was when they were on the side of the highway. She knew Sean was the one, too. Knew it from the same place within her as he did. But she was shocked he shared that with his mom so early in their relationship. Especially with her sitting right there. It didn't scare her; the thought of forever with Sean Donahue, if anything it made her want to work harder this year for them. "Mrs. Donahue? Nancy?" Sue finally spoke up. "I just want you to know that I would never ever do anything to impede Sean's success. I want nothing more than for him to successful in whatever it is he wants to do and I fully intend to help him and support him this year. I know it's not going to be easy. Anything worth doing never is, right? But I'm tired of running from us. We are tired of that. It's why Sean didn't wait until he came home from Ghana to track me down about the snow globe, and it's why I said I would be here when he got home. And even though he and I haven't actually talked about the future," she eyed Sean, who had turned in the passenger seat to look at her, 'I feel the same way he does. He is it for me, Nancy. He's the one. I think, no, I'm pretty sure I know it's always been him. The feelings we have? They've been there long before we realized them. And no matter how hard things get, I'm always going to fight for us. So, I second Sean's sentiment. Either you are going to be there along the way to support us, or you're not going to see much of us in Orson this year." Sue was proud of herself. She didn't want to hurt Nancy's feelings, but she wasn't going to let anyone come between her and Sean. Not anymore.

Nancy drove silently for a few minutes, letting their words sink in. She knew they were right. "You have to know I'm not coming from a place of ill intent," she finally spoke, "but of love and concern for both of you. However, you are both adults, and free to make your own choices and take your own chances. I do trust that you will both work hard to be successful and that you really will focus this year. I'm sorry I made you think I don't want you two to be together or be happy, because I do. I just want to make sure you get everything you want out of life. Clearly, that includes being together in college. I won't mention it again, but I do expect both of you to work hard and do well this year." She eyed Sean next to her and Sue in the rearview. Both of them smiled back at her and reaffirmed they would be just fine.

They arrived back in Orson and no sooner had Sue exited the car did Frankie fling herself on her daughter. She had been an emotional mess since Axl left the day before. When Sue finally coaxed her mother into letting her breathe, she went about greeting Mike. Brick, and Lexie who had come to greet her friends. She and Lexie hugged for a long moment before Sue grabbed Lexie's hand to examine the ring and properly jump around and squeal. They were soon joined by Sean, who also congratulated Lexie and praised his best friends' taste in rings. Nancy had Ron prepare a picnic lunch and the entire crew moved through to the Donahue's backyard and Sue and Sean recounted their adventures for the rest of their family.