Chapter 12

April 3rd, 2022

"You know, you really should've let me do that to avoid that whole stereotype thing…," Gigi said, smirking back at him.

"Oh, really…," Finn chuckled, sitting back upright though having inched a little closer. He was utterly amused by her - she definitely got moxie alright.

Neither had ever really been the kind of stop at just a kiss when one felt it could develop into something more, and it easily could've but the two were still a little cautious around each-other, despite having broken the iceberg into several pieces already. But in the end they were not just some random hookups they'd both met at a bar.

Gigi pushed herself upright too, feeling all tingly inside, and slipped her hand into his palm, not wanting to lose all contact. But this was innocent even for her.

"Hey… how about…," she began, speaking definitely a little sensually. "...I go downstairs to study, and tomorrow… when you're all rested I'll let you take me out on a date. This way you know… you'll actually have a fair shot at being on top of your game," Gigi teased, adjusting her tone a little. But after last night, she wasn't sure if having their first go at something a little more physical, was really fair, considering he'd been so out of it just six hours ago.

Finn's head fell back at his chuckle. Was she serious?

"I would normally disagree, I'm not that easily off my game," Finn smirked back, feeling ridiculously giddy.

"Is that right?" Gigi replied, doubtfully recalling last night's drama. Almost without realizing it, brushed her lower lip with her teeth.

"Uh-uh," Finn said, wrapping his hand around her face so his fingertips reached nearly the nape of his neck, and kissed her again. Their fingers intertwined as they kissed, their consciousness easily slipping into some alternate plane. It would've taken so little to tipp that fragile balance of taking their time.

"You're a little greedy, aren't you?" Gigi goaded him.

"Uh-uh," Finn agreed.

"But for real. I have work to do today…," she said as she slipped out of his hands and stood, reluctantly, slid a finger along the side of his face before giving him another quick kiss.

"Alright," Finn agreed with a sigh. He rose too, his mind already thinking of a good game plan for tomorrow. Thank god it was a weekend when he had all the time in the world.

Gigi almost expected him to just show her to the door, but as they reached the door, she was surprised to see him close the door behind him and follow her. He was walking her back to her apartment, and even if the gesture wasn't much - it was still more than any guy had bothered with her. She was very much the generation that may have on occasion called the other an Uber but not doing anything more personal than that.

They waited and then rode the elevator, still feeling the familiar tension, both unable to stop smiling of the changed circumstances, throwing brief glances at each other.

A neighbor passed them in Gigi's hallway, and they both nodded in greeting, both being just in their casual home outfits which would've been perhaps a little awkward had neither cared at that point.

"I'll pick you up, say… 12?" Finn suggested as they reached her apartment door, having decided in the last five minutes to make a day of it. A plan was already cooking in his brain.

Gigi was a little surprised by his plan, especially since this meant she would have to get a lot of homework done that day. But she was willing to do it, the thought of a whole day with him being pretty appealing. His body language was just like she'd pictured, almost having sensed like he'd been watching what he did the entire time they'd been around each-other until now.

"And what should I dress for?" Gigi asked, enjoying the tension Finn was again creating by leaning his forearm against the wall, almost pinning her between her door and him. Before when they'd been sitting down, she hadn't quite realized the good 15-20 cm height difference, as the last time they'd stood side-by-side like this, she'd always been on heels which was not the case now.

"Casual. Comfortable shoes," Finn said, making it pretty obvious walking was involved. His very kissable lips were just in front of her eyes, enabling her to observe how his mouth moved as he spoke, drawing her attention away from his eyes, and she was pretty sure he could see her struggle, her breathing having grown a little shallow.

"Okay," Gigi agreed, and reached up to grab his neck again, allowing him to pin her even more, his hand gently holding her waist from the side. This kiss was definitely even needier, no longer tentative, giving Gigi some second thoughts whether she should just drag the man inside for a follow up. But she really had work to do, and sighed internally, recalling some wise words how sometimes delaying these things would make it even better.

"Bye," Finn said, as she slipped through the door.

She just smiled in response, and closed the door to his face slowly, there definitely being something more in those eyes of hers.

The loss of tension made Finn groan internally, not quite knowing what to do with himself. Was he really doing this? It felt unbelievable. Had he only known Gigi had leaned her back against the door on the other side, thinking how on Earth was she ever going to be able to focus now, he might have actually just knocked again and demanded more. He was pretty sure he would've gotten it too.

But he exhaled deeply, as he began to stroll back towards his apartment, hesitating several times whether or not he should return. But eventually, as the elevator doors closed behind him, he understood that a step back was good. It just took some convincing. But it really was, allowing both to cool a little and really think about this. But the excitement was still very real.

The next day was a prime example of how Gigi wasn't her sister when it came to getting ready, despite having had a couple of wardrobe crisis moments before finally deciding on what to wear, and was ready well before 12, pacing nervously between the kitchen and the bathroom, essentially between her phone that was still charging and the mirror to make sure her modest makeup was perfect. She wondered if that was somehow uncool, to be ready and waiting like this.

Hence as there finally was a knock on the door, she took a few deep breaths before actually appearing, feeling like she needed to tone herself down a little. Be casual, be cool - she told herself.

Finn met her with his best charming smile, even feeling like perhaps it might've come off like trying too much. But the fact that he felt and looked a lot better, the color having returned to his skin properly after a good night's sleep, made a world of difference already.

He was dressed in a light gray polo shirt that had a darker-colored collar, and slightly distressed emerald chinos that revealed his ankles. He'd brought a bomber jacket, one that Gigi had seen him wear before. It certainly didn't hurt that he was holding a beautiful bouquet of snapdragons in purple and white, accented with some eucalyptus.

"My thank you," Gigi said, feeling all giddy, accepting the bouquet from him, and gestured to him to come inside for a minute while she searched for a vase. Internally, she was fretting over the fact whether she should've kissed him in greeting, but she'd been too nervous to think straight and had over-thought it. She was not often nervous.

Had Finn not been in this apartment before he would've probably commented on the place, but since he'd already gotten the feeling Gigi was not terribly impressed by this impersonal space herself, he didn't find it really fitting. Instead he watched this gorgeous woman, dressed in a black patterned sun-dress that was definitely on the shorter side and a cardigan, wearing her tennis shoe. She definitely came off cute sexy rather than that sleek killer look he'd seen on her when she went out. But he liked these contrasts. His ex wife had had contrasts too, but that thought stung - and he pushed to the further corner of his mind.

"It seems vases were not a high priority for whoever set this place up for me," Gigi sighed, having gone through the cupboards, unsuccessfully. But she found a lemonade pitcher and stuck the bouquet in that instead.

"Mental note, bring a vase next time," Finn commented, smiling humbly at her when she shot a look towards him as a response. Too soon?

"So where are we going anyways?" Gigi asked, after tucking her phone into her purse. She led him out the door and closed it behind her.

"Now what fun would it be if I told you?" Finn replied, cockily.

Gigi wasn't quite impressed, never having really understood why guys did that. But she intended to humor him and not complain - this time. Suprises were one thing, but knowing the general location wouldn't have spoiled it for her since she hadn't been to most places in the city anyways and wouldn't know what to expect.

They took a Uber, a random one, not the one Finn mostly used, and had it take them to South Melbourne Market. After all it was soon lunch time, and it was best to start the day off with at least some nourishment.

Gigi hadn't been around Melbourn a whole lot yet, especially not to the South side, beyond the National gallery and the Docklands, hence the direction was a welcome one. Finn spoke about what they passed, being her tour guide for the day.

Finn had organized them a private guided tour of the market, which also came with generous food samples along the way, staying clear of the meats and cheeses for her sake. But there was plenty to try even without them - roasted nuts, sushi, dumplings, chocolate and cannoli, all of which had some delicious vegan options, just to name a few.

Along with giggles, Gigi fed him a cannoli, the close proximity to his mouth, creating an inescapable draw, so she sealed the moment with a kiss. It felt like undoing the missed moment earlier. But also for the first time, Finn really allowed himself to embrace the moment, not holding back, and wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, pulling her up close, allowing the kiss to carry a moment longer once he'd swallowed his food. Her stomach went completely hollow at the sensation of his grasp. He smelled also pretty great.

She looked a little flushed at the end of that - definitely cute. And Finn used his thumb to brush off some powdered sugar that she had in the corner of her mouth.

They took the car Finn had left waiting, again, and had it take them onwards to South Melbourne beach where they strolled to the boardwalk and after taking off their shoes continued along the sandy shoreline to St Kilda Beach.

There was something utterly sensual about stripping off one's shoes in Finn's eyes, despite never really having knowingly had a fetish for feet. But hers - he adored. He also noticed she'd changed the color of her toenails since yesterday, now pulling off an interesting matte burgundy shade.

There weren't a lot of people on the beach, the barely 20-degree C weather not quite being the definition of beach weather for most, but Gigi tested out the water by walking just on the waterline, getting her feet wet, her dress flying in the wind.

While at the market earlier they hadn't really spoken much about things beyond what they saw, smelled or tasted, this metronomic gushing of the waves provided them with a more tranquil moment to talk.

"I just want you to know that I'm not the possessive type usually. It's not something you have to worry about. I just didn't differentiate what I was feeling, and I apologize, again," Finn felt he needed to say.

"You're forgiven, enough of that," Gigi replied, generously, just wanting to forget about what had happened. She understood that alcohol made people do stupid things - she was no exception. "But that's good, I suppose," she added. "I, on the other hand, tend to be the jealous type. I mean not the kind that'll cause drama or go slap the other girl in public or anything like that, but I just like things to be straightforward. I just want you to know that you can be honest with me. Secrets and lies to protect me are kind of counter-intuitive in my case," Gigi explained, not quite yet daring to ask if he was seeing other people as well.

"So I guess it's wise I tell you now that I'll be flying to Sydney next week for a few days and might be a bit wrapped in my work stuff," Finn explained.

"Things like that, yeah," she reflected, despite that not quite being what she wanted to know.

"And I don't know what kind of reputation Rory has left me with when she's spoken about me… But I'm really not that guy I might have been in college anymore. I'm not seeing anyone else, and I don't intend to," Finn confessed, answering her questions.

It was hard for him to say it, but with her age and what she'd just said - he felt he needed to make the distinction clear, believing Rory might have quite possibly spoken of him as some womanizer.

"Well I'm curious to know now what kind of guy you were as Rory really hasn't said all that much other than that you threw the best parties," Gigi replied, teasingly. Naturally, she'd assumed things based that - he was just the type that would be very popular with the ladies, she wasn't oblivious to that.

"Definitely not a topic for our first date," Finn replied, shaking his head laughingly.

"So what's the warning label you come with these days, or is that it?" Gigi asked.

Finn laughed. "Easily excited and because of some past disappointments a little cautious, perhaps?" Finn admitted honestly. This already felt like a big step, and while he was definitely eager to explore also the physical aspects of this attraction - he was a man after all - he was definitely cautious when it came to his feelings.

"I guess mine would say… spoiled, flawed and…," she began, pondering a little whether to add damaged at this point. "...not as innocent as I look," she added, knowing there were probably more things. But she didn't want to go into the heavy stuff just yet.

"I'm beginning to see that...," Finn replied, with a broad smirk.

"The spoiled and flawed part?" Gigi teased jokingly, but kept a straight face.

"Nah," he replied. "Honestly, I'm probably just as much of an over indulger. And while attention wise I always had to fight for it with my siblings, I do believe I was rather successful at it, so I too am used to getting what I want," he said with a hint of huskiness.

Gigi nearly wanted to ask what it was what he wanted with a dash of sensuality, but decided to hold off for now, knowing if they went there now they'd end up back at home, hastily throwing off layers of clothing, before they knew it. But she wanted to delay it a bit longer, enjoying this deeper look at him immensely.

"How's your sister going to take this?" Gigi asked, after some silence.

"Um… I have to say she called it, actually. She told me there was this elecriticty between us," Finn explained, gesturing between the two. "And she just said she wanted me to be happy, but beyond that I don't really know. But I don't think it's her business at this stage," Finn added, doubting a little whether Sylvie had seen the potential for something more serious between them or not.

Gigi smiled, loving the fact that this tension that she'd been feeling, was something he was willing to confess, having nearly thought she'd been imagining things all along. And on that note she took his hand and snuggled close, but Finn just put his arm around her instead, as they continued to walk down the beach, and watched a couple of people flying kites.

In about an hour, they made it to the West Beach Pavilion and decided to stop for a light snack and drinks. The place was pleasantly casual, allowing them to not even put their shoes back on just yet.

Finn had decided to spare his body and stick to non-alcoholic beverages for a while, opting for an apple kombucha, and Gigi felt weird to drink all by herself like this, wanting to be supportive. So she tried an apple juice, cucumber and mint based mocktail. They got some grilled flatbread with hummus and guacamole to share, taking turns feeding each-other at times as they sit up close in a couple of beach chairs.

"So is this like a standard place you bring your dates to?" Gigi inquired, teasingly.

Finn cleared his throat, having been just on the verge of swallowing his last bite.

"I don't know what you're picturing, but I'm not really a very frequent dater these days," Finn explained, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. "And definitely not a usual place. I just figured we'd do something different, more casual compared to last Friday," he suggested, not needing to add that they'd already done the active date technically as well by going cycling.

"Really? I find that hard to believe. When was your last date then?" Gigi inquired.

"Ah..," Finn shook his head.

"That recently?" Gigi read him well enough.

"My sister made me," Finn raised his hands as if giving up. He didn't want to start this off with a lie. "It was sort of a 'recently divorced old friend is moving to town, you should make her feel welcome' type of thing," he explained.

"So the only real difference to me is that I'm not divorced?" Gigi raised a question.

"That's not what I meant..," Finn replied but could tell from Gigi's face she was just fooling around. "But if it is any consolation then I didn't get the slightest urge to give her a list to explore around town or treat her to the finest experiences the city has to offer," he added, with a slight wink.

"There's a lot I haven't seen from that list yet…," Gigi said, hopefully.

Finn wanted to say that he'll be sure to tick those places off the list one by one with her, but he didn't want to be pushy, having already hinted a next time when he'd mentioned the vase earlier.

He was cautious both because he didn't want to make too many promises, not knowing if he could make himself vulnerable like, and also for his own sake, not wanting to get his hopes up.

"Why do I feel like you know a lot more about my dating habits and relationships than I do about yours?" Finn pondered, wanting to touch upon this gentle subject a little.

"I think you forget that you do," Gigi replied.

Finn raised his eyebrows slightly, unsure what she meant.

"Well I don't really date much," Gigi said with a shrug. "I go out and sometimes when it clicks I guess I find people to hang out with," she said, putting it innocently. But Finn knew what she meant.

In that sense she really was a different generation, where physical relationships perhaps came with less of a stigma, and he certainly wasn't going to judge her for them. He of all people knew exactly what it was like - both the good and the bad.

"On occasion these acquaintances have turned into something longer or exclusive, but I honestly have never had the experience of being walked up somewhere… like at a bar or at school, and been formally asked out on a date and then dated…," she explained. She was the generation that had grown up with a smartphone stuck to her hand which had altered the social skills of a lot of teenagers.

"And how long would you say your longest relationship was?" he inquired, suddenly feeling like the topics had turned very serious. Maybe asking this was a mistake?

"Almost two years, but I guess it wasn't very mature… It was my last year of high school, first of college. I barely knew who I was. I'm pretty sure that influenced my choice of colleges a little too. I'm not too proud to admit that to be honest," Gigi confessed, looking down for a moment.

"Nothing immature about sticking by someone you were in love with," Finn commented.

Gigi wasn't quite sure she would've called it love, thinking back. It had been comfort, safety, someone she knew and trusted. But she wasn't sure it was the all-consuming kind of love Rory spoke about sometimes when she spoke about Logan, often quoting Veronica Mars when she did - 'Epic - spanning years and continents, lives ruined, bloodshed. Epic'. Gigi didn't know what that felt like.

"Anyway… not what I hoped to be reminiscing about today," Gigi replied, squinting her eyes at him, not loving the topic. She was mostly just embarrassed that she'd remained in that relationship for that long, considering how mild her feelings had been.

"Yeah, sorry… I don't know how I ended up there. Hell, I should know…," Finn apologized, being pretty sure that if they went down this road his marriage was bound to be the next topic on the table.

"It's fine. These are important questions. But I just want to know you," Gigi said flirtily.

"Oh well… Finn Halton Morgan, age 39, born February 14th 1983 in The Royal Women's Hospital right here in Melbourne to Lynette and Ian Morgan. Second youngest of four children. Grew up…," he began as if on autopilot, continuing on for a good few minutes before adding, "but I guess you knew that already," with a smirk.

"Halton, eh?" she teased.

Finn shrugged, being pretty indifferent to the middle name he barely used.

"I'd have a long list of questions to ask, but I don't want you to think I'm trying to psych you or something," Gigi admitted. She was no therapist, but the theories and fundamental questions that explained a person's traits that she'd studied for years were not unfamiliar to her. She also knew that many men hated being analyzed like that.

Finn chuckled.

"I've seen plenty of therapists in my life, so I really don't mind," Finn confessed.

For a moment there was quiet, Gigi knowing better not to pry, but as he'd put it like that - that there had been plenty of them - what was kind of a concern, making her wonder for the reason.

"I was a difficult teenager, I guess. Partied a bit too much on occasion, I guess? For a while it was either that or get kicked out of school. But because my grades were fine, and I was getting early acceptance to Yale, naturally I did it. I just didn't really click with any of the therapists they stuck me with so I shopped around a lot and then I moved so… Apparently it's not that easy to find someone who'll just be reflective without casting judgment if I happened to show up with black eyeliner and painted nails and not claim it was just a search for attention," Finn explained, for a moment recalling how he'd told a stupid lie about having slept with the Yale recruiter, as if being smart had been uncool.

"You don't have to explain. I've been to one too, but mostly the same woman the entire time," Gigi replied, not planning on shedding light into its content, not yet anyways. "But that Finn would've been interesting to see though, outside of therapy that is," she turned things around to something less serious. "Was that a goth thing or…?" she pondered, not really knowing a lot about the 1990s. She was definitely curious to see some photos.

"I don't really know. I just did my own thing. Maybe music influenced a little…Bowie, Tyler, Jagger, Iggy… but I really listened to anything I could get my hands on, besides teen pop, of course," Finn explained.

"Of course," Gigi replied, mocking him a little. But it was definitely an interesting piece of insight.

They continued onwards to talk about music, that definitely being a joint love, and who had been their biggest influences and role models In Finn's case it had been his sister and his friends, in Gigi's case also Lane and Lorelai had been notable influences. But it was definitely something that brought out their age difference. But at this point it was rather a quirky difference than something that bothered them, and they spent several hours sitting right there, their toes in the sand, occasionally touching.

They ended up just ordering some pizza at that same casual restaurant. They did not follow through with rest of Finn's plan for the day after Gigi had in passing confessed how amusement parks weren't really her thing and freaked her out. Finn hadn't been too certain of that idea either - blame it on last minute planning - and had started doubting whether that option, while no-doubt cute, was only just emphasizing the age difference. So Finn never actually told her what the plan had entailed, only that they'd pick up where they left off some other time which would give him ample time to come up with another solid plan.

AN: Now... I have a fair idea where this is going next, but your opinions matter. Do you want them to experience some more slow burn or act on instinct? Maybe something else? Would love your input.