Chapter Eight

"The Australian Who Could Croak"

The clock showed 7:00 just as Rory was putting the finishing touches on her eyeliner. She had gotten a little darker then usual with her makeup tonight… Her eyelids were shaded with a darker blue color and with light touches of black eyeliner running on the bottom of her eye with black mascara to top it off. Her lips she painted a pretty light rose color and highlighted her cheekbones with just a touch of blush. Her hair was pinned back a little in front, except for one lone curl that fell into her face. The rest of it was gathered into a ponytail with small curls escaping from the sides. Small baby-blue earrings hung from her ears, and around her neck she wore a pretty light blue amulet that rested against her throat.

As she was strapping her shoes on, she heard a knock on her door, "Just a minute!" She called as she finally finished with her shoes. She walked to the door and opened it to greet Finn on the other side.

Finn looked at Rory and felt his mouth drop in the process. She was unbelievably gorgeous in her black dress. For a minute Finn was quite sure he had died and gone to Heaven...well maybe not Heaven, just a very beautiful pergatory...? Who knew, all he could think at that moment was that he wanted to kiss her.

Rory felt a heat creeping up her neck at his expression, she wasn't sure if she should feel uncomfortable or pleased at the look on his face.

"You look beautiful, love." Finn finally managed to croak out.

"Thank you, Finn." Rory replied, her blush intensifying, before he could see she went back inside to fetch her coat and purse. She came back seconds later wearing her long, light blue dress coat, holding her beaded black clutch in one hand and her keys in the other. She closed and locked the door behind her, realizing her sudden close proximity to the Australian before her.

Rory let out a breath as she looked up at him, his bright green eyes studying her intently. "So… Where is this grand 'party' we will be attending?" She finally asked, breaking the silence.

Finn seemed to snap out of his revere just then, shaking his head slightly as he looped his arm through hers and started to guide her towards his car.

"No where 'happy', that I can assure you, kitten."