Story Title: The Problem with the Chase

Author: Silver Blood

A/N: Yes, I realize it has been way too long since I updated. I apologize. Please don't hate me. I don't know if I like this chapter, so let me know what you think please.

Chapter: Not About Winning

It seemed as if she'd forgotten to close the blinds. Light was pouring in, filtered through her lids but still blinding. She groaned and rolled over, only to find herself flat up against Finn's very firm chest.

She opened her eyes, watching his lids flutter sleepily.

She laughed when he winced at the light, letting out a muffled curse and pulling her comforter over his head, effectively covering her as well.

When he finally opened his eyes to meet hers, Finn was struck speechless. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He was sure that at some point in the night he'd lost his mind, and this vision before him was just a mirage.

But his fingers grazed her jaw and he was struck again, breathless. She smiled lazily.

"G'morning, Finn. Sleep well?"

He pulled her close and kissed the tip of her nose, not replying. He didn't think he could find the words.

Slowly, she removed the comforter from above them and smiled at his obvious discomfort. His frown faded when she rose to shut the blinds, only covering her front half with a sheet.

As she turned around, she dropped the sheet and walked back to him. Though her nudity was bold, her eyes were almost shy. He wanted her again.

Glancing at her alarm clock, Finn groaned.

"I missed a class."

Rory laid down next to him and stretched, looking completely content.

"Mmm. Me too."

He laughed. This was not the Rory he was used to. He rolled on top of her, skin against skin, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She yawned in response.

"Sooo..."

He raised his eyebrows. She ran a lazy finger down his chest.

"Tell me about the bet."

His eyes darkened and suddenly Finn wanted to punch something. He tried to pull back but she wouldn't let him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Who told you?"

Rory shrugged.

"I over heard you and Logan the other day."

Seeing the nervous and frustrated look on Finn's face, she sought to reassure him.

"Don't worry, I heard pretty much the whole conversation. Including you taking it back. I'm not mad, just curious. Why didn't you tell me?"

He buried her face at her neck, placing kisses lightly, almost reverently, on her skin.

"At first, I didn't tell you because I wanted to win."

His kisses started to travel lower, he nibbled at her collarbone.

"And then, I didn't tell you because it stopped being about winning. I just wanted you."

Rory thought this was possibly the most honest thing Finn had ever said to her.

She felt he should be rewarded.

She pulled his lips down to hers, kissing him searchingly. His whole system jolted upon contact.

When she finally pulled back, he continued.

"It was between Colin and I; whether I could get you to date me or not."

At the cloud that started to pass over Rory's eyes, Finn rolled beside her and took both of her hands.

"It wasn't about sex, kitten. With anyone else it might have been, but not with you. I like you. I like you a whole bloody lot. I'm sorry about the way things have been going. I can be an idiot sometimes. A lot of times, actually, but I just want a chance. Give me a chance? Please, Love?"

Rory had been looking down at their hands, but now her eyes met his, confident in her decision. If she had any doubts of his intentions, she hid them well.

"Of course I will. You're too damn good in bed to let you go just yet."

She bit his chin gently.

Finn knew she was teasing. With anyone else he might have doubted it.

Rory yawned noisily again, looking towards her clock. She let out a groan, almost identical to Finn's earlier as he'd spied the time.

"I have to get up and take a shower."

The Aussie rolled back on top of her, wanting to distract her, but Rory just laughed and pushed him to the side. She put her hand on his cheek and let her eyes become serious.

"No one has ever made me feel these things, Finn. Thank you."

He was surprised at how much those simple words touched him, but he leaned down and captured her mouth in a sweet kiss.

"No, love. Thank you; really."

She grinned and got up, tying her robe around her waist. She turned and glared at Finn teasingly.

"Why are you still sitting there? Don't you feel dirty? I know I do."

Watching her turn around in her tiny terry-cloth robe, he grinned and followed her through the bathroom door.

He couldn't remember feeling this content since he'd moved to America.

Burying his face in her soaked hair and letting himself spiral under, Finn's brain started to screech at him, angry as hell.

Oh fuck. You let yourself fall in love.

He refused to listen.

A/N: Let me know what you think.