(I don't own Boy Meets World or Girl Meets World I just own my mind and some digital downloads and all the BMW seasons on DVD! I also started this I swear before I knew what Shawn actually did for a living.)

Friday night dinners. A Gilmore staple since Rory started Chilton. With her work schedule they didn't happen every Friday night they mostly aimed for once a month. Her mother aimed for a lunch with one or both of her parents more frequently.

Tonight was her monthly dinner and with a bit of luck Shawn was able to come. Rather than go home to New York they would head out to a hotel in Providence so Shawn could review it. Tonight was a Stars Hollow night. Luke decided to leave the diner in the hands of Lane and Caesar and save Shawn and head to dinner with them.

"You ready for this Shawn?" Asked Luke with humor.

"I'm nervous. I'm not trained to talk to older people besides those who've known me since the age of five."

"You did fine when you met them at the pub." Said Rory.

"Just talk to Dad about your website or books and ask Mom about her charity work." Said Lorelai as she rang the doorbell.

"Hello, can I help you?" Asked the maid of the week curtsying.

"We're here for dinner." Said Lorelai.

"Of course. The Gilmores are in the living room I think." Said the young woman nervously as she walked away.

"Poor girl, won't last the weekend." Said Rory.

"Did she just curtsy?" Asked Shawn.

"Yup." Said Luke.

"Hi Dad, Hi Mom." Said Lorelai carrying her coat and purse into the living room.

"Hello Lorelai! Rory! Well this is a surprise! Luke, Shawn how are you?"

"I'm good Richard." Answered Luke.

"I'm fine, Mr. Gilmore, and you?" Said Shawn talking to Richard like he would Mr. Feeny.

"Well I'm doing good."

"Hello Everyone. Girls why do you still have your coats and purses? Graciella, I told you hang everything when my guests arrive! Well let's hope she can manage dinner."

"So what is new in everyone's lives?" Asked Richard.

"Shawn and I are going to Providence this weekend." Said Rory.

"Who's work prompted this?" Asked Emily.

"Both of ours, I'm doing research for Doyle, and Shawn is reviewing an inn there."

"Providence is beautiful. I look forward to reading about it." Said Richard. "I forgot drinks. Everyone?"

"Martini with a twist, Dad."

"Same for me Grandpa."

"Scotch is fine for me." Said Luke.

"Soda if you have it." Said Shawn.

"Of course." Said Richard noticing the past couple times he'd met Shawn he never had alcohol.

"Lorelai how is the inn." Asked Emily.

"Great we're booked solid for the next two months."

"That's great." Said Richard extremely proud of his daughter.

"So Shawn have you been able to see your family much?" Asked Emily.

"Not in Philadelphia, I saw them at Christmas in New York. I'm going to try and go next month. But I saw my pops a couple weeks ago. I brought Rory to meet them."

"So you grew up in Philadelphia?" Asked Emily.

"I did. I graduated from John Adams High in '98, with my brother Cory who you met at the pub and his wife. I started college at Pennbrook that fall and finished college at NYU."

"Your family must be extremely proud of you."

"Grandma." Said Rory protectively.

"They are, I had a rough childhood. But Cory's family, our principal, and my foster dad Jon never gave up on me. Jon took me in when my birth parents left and kept me for a year until my father showed back up. My senior year my biological brother Jack came to Pennbrook for school and Chet left me with Jack and Eric and took off again. I didn't see him again until the week before he died my freshman year."

"Shawn no matter where you come from you've done well for yourself and that's what matters. When you didn't have family to help you, you created one for yourself. I saw that in those brief moments in the pub with Cory and Harley." Said Richard.

"I agree." Said Luke.

"I've had a lot of love and support along the way. There is no way I would be where I am without them."

"Would they be interested in coming for dinner one of these nights?"

"I think it would work better if we did it in New York. Since it's a half way point for everyone." Suggested Rory.

"Splendid. Shawn talk with your parents and we'll make a plan." Said Richard.

"And maybe we can do it at your place Rory that way it's comfortable for all of us." Said Lorelai thinking of Shawn's family as well as her and Luke.

"I'll cook." Offered Luke.

"I will call my parents tonight and find a good time for everyone." Said Shawn grateful for the ease everyone was suggesting.

"Wonderful."

Dinner rolled on with lively conversation ranging from books and movies to gossip from the society world. Soon it was time for Luke, Lorelai, Rory, and Shawn to head back to Stars Hollow. They arrived at the diner and Luke made them coffee and pie as per the tradition set from the first Friday Night Dinner.

"Shawn just so you know there is zero pressure about the dinner, my mother can't take a hint." Said Lorelai.

"Like I said I'll check with them. It'll be interesting for sure."

"Maybe we should do it on a smaller scale first. Like Shawn and I go to Philly so I can meet them first then you guys come with us another weekend. Then we subject them to the Gilmores." Said Rory wanting to make it easier on Shawn.

"I think that's a better idea." Said Luke refilling Rory and Lorelai's cups. "Just so you know you guys can stay upstairs tonight."

"We have a room at the inn but thank you." Said Rory.

"No problem." Said Luke understanding.

About an hour later everyone parted ways. Rory and Shawn walked into the Dragonfly and were greeted by Tobin the night manager.

"Rory!"

"Hi Tobin. How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Good, so your mom reserved a room is it for you guys?"

"It is. Sorry Tobin this is my boyfriend Shawn Hunter.

"We met when Shawn was writing the article. It's nice to see you again."

"You too."

"So Lorelai put aside room 3 for you guys, and Sookie left cookies in the fridge. Go and get them."

"Thanks Tobin." Said Rory signing the paper and grabbing the key.

"No problem Sweetie." Rory walked away towards the kitchen. "Hey."

"Yeah."

"She's like my niece I've known her since she was 5 when we all worked at the Independence. Hurt her I'll turn Sookie on you."

"Got it." Said Shawn as he headed into the kitchen.

"Tobin threaten you?"

"Yup."

The couple grabbed their cookies that were labeled:

To: Rory and Shawn

3 Sookie

No one else can touch!

They then headed upstairs and settled in for the night.

"So Providence tomorrow?"

"Yeah we should leave sometime after breakfast."

"If nothing happens this week do you want to go to Philly next weekend we can leave Thursday?" Asked Rory.

"Sounds like a plan to me I'll call the Matthews and make sure they'll be around. Do you want to stop by and see Jess?"

"If you want to go grab some books and feel like getting threatened by more of my family." She joked getting ready for bed.

"I will gladly fear for my life if it means you're in it." He said pulling her close to him.

The next morning after breakfast with Luke and Lorelai at the diner and the restocking of Rory and now Shawn's coffee supply the couple headed off to Providence. They checked into the inn and Shawn met with the manager privately while Rory looked around. Just as she was looking into the living room her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Rory! It's Doyle."

"Hey Doyle we just got to Providence I was going to head out in a bit to do that research for you."

"Don't worry about the research the story isn't going to happen."

"Why not?"

"I have a big scoop going on right now. One of the junior writers is taking it. I'm on my way to L.A.."

"Okay."

"Have fun with Shawn and check in with Paris."

"You got it. Good Luck in L.A.."

"Everything okay do we have to leave?"

"No that was Doyle I don't have to do the research for him."

"Cool."

The stay at the inn in Providence was uneventful and they did the tourist stuff around the city including the Rhode Island School of Design's Museum of Art and the Hope Street Farmer's Market. By the time they had left Providence Sunday afternoon Shawn had everything he needed for his article including pictures both for the piece and their own private collection. They arrived back at the inn exhausted from their travels that day and fell onto the bed they had every intention of just taking naps before heading off to dinner but the roads were paved with good intentions. Shawn leaned over for a kiss that quickly developed into more.

"Mm. This is the first time in a foreign bed." Said Rory jokingly.

"And hopefully not the last."

"Do you have a condom?"

"You mean out of the 20 pack I bought last week?" Asked Shawn joking with her.

"Come here." Said Rory with a smile. She pulled him closer and pulled off his shirt while he went to work on the button down she was wearing. The couple fell to the bed and continued a slow dance of love before they settled down for the night and ordered pizza.

The next morning the couple set off on their trip across two states.

"Do you want to drive all the way back to New York today or stop in Stars Hollow?"

"Let's just head home the more we put it off the further we're going to be when we leave for Philly." Said Rory jokingly.

"You got it." He said as his phone rang. "Can you grab that?" Since he was driving.

"Yup. Hello?"

"Rory? It's Maya."

"Hi Maya is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I um just wanted to ask Shawn a question but I can call later. Sorry to bother you guys."

"Maya you are not bothering us at all, we're actually just driving home to New York. What's up?"

"Well, um you see there's this thing at school it's a family thing for my art class and I was wondering but I know you guys are busy so just never mind." Rory felt for this girl, and saw a lot of herself in Maya regarding her relationship with Christopher and her nervousness in asking Luke to come to things when she was at Chilton and even at Yale.

"Maya, Sweetie when is it?"

"Wednesday at 5."

"And it's at the school?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay we will be there." Said Rory looking at Shawn who was nodding his head.

"Okay, and don't worry if a story comes up I understand people have to work."

"Maya, I promise you Shawn and I will be there. I don't break promises."

"Okay. Thank you."

"You are so welcome." She hung up the phone and put it back in the cup holder.

"You okay."

"She was so nervous and scared. I've been there, so many times with Chris that I never want to hear a kid go through that. When I graduated Chilton I was so nervous to ask Luke to come. My father never showed up. I felt so bad when Luke helped me move into my dorm at Yale and was worried he'd be mad my mom kept his truck over night, but he just handed over the keys even when he realized she couldn't drive stick."

"That's what makes Alan, Jon, and Luke our dads. They were there because they wanted to be not cause they had to be. I want to be that for my kids. I'm not going to be there cause I have to be but because I want to be with my whole heart. Maya's my niece just as Riley and Auggie are my niece and nephew."

The couple enjoyed the scenery along their drive when Rory got a text.

Topanga: Dinner?

Rory: Still driving we're in Stamford.

Topanga: great dinner in two hours. See ya.

"We're having dinner with Cory and Topanga."

"Okay." Said Shawn with a smile.

They arrived home and brought their bags to their house before heading over to Cory and Topanga's.

"Uncle Shawn!" Said Auggie answering the door and jumping on Shawn.

"Hi Kiddo."

"Rory!" Said Auggie practically leaping from Shawn's arms to Rory's and hugging her.

"Hi Sweetie."

"Dinner's ready, come sit down if you all can still breathe." Said Topanga.

"This looks great Topanga." Said Rory.

"Thank you. So how was the trip?" Asked Cory.

"Good, we went to this farmers' market and then went to the RISD Art Museum. We also stopped in Stars Hollow for dinner with my grandparents."

"Didn't you have to work?" Asked Maya of Rory.

"I did. But then my friend Doyle called me and said that the story was given to someone else and he had to fly to L.A.."

"Have you ever been there?" Asked Riley.

"A couple times. My biological dad lived in California when I was growing up and then I was there when I was on the campaign trail."

Dinner continued on with Shawn and Rory filling them all in on their trip and what they were up to for the week coming. Rory and Shawn then pulled Maya aside and made sure to reassure her that they would be there for her art show. Rory could tell she was nervous and made a mental note to speak with her privately before the art show.

"Maya." Said Rory.

"Yeah?"

"Come here."

"Are you doing anything after school tomorrow?"

"Probably just hanging out here why?"

"Stop by my place. I only have to go into work for a couple hours tomorrow while you're in class."

"Why?"

"We're cut from the same cloth Kid. Come over and we'll talk for real."

"Okay."

"What's going on?" Asked Riley.

"I'm going to talk with Rory after school."

"Okay. And then you'll come over here?"

"Yeah."

Shortly after Cory left to take Maya home Shawn and Rory headed home to their place and set about unpacking and watching a movie before turning in for the night.

"So what are you going to do with Maya?"

"I'm going to try and make her see that she can count on me, on us.

"Good." Said Shawn who was planning to take pictures around the city for an article on things to do in the city that many tourists don't know.

Around 3pm there was a knock on the door Rory took off her reading glasses and closed her laptop. When she opened the door she saw Maya looking nervous on the other side.

"Hey, come on in. How was school?"

"Good. We had to make our final selections for the art show and then talk to the teacher to figure out the best way to display them."

"I can't wait to see what you chose. Me I have no artistic skills what so ever."

"But you're a writer."

"But all I can draw is a stick figure." Said Rory with a laugh.

"How did you become a writer?"

"I love books. My mom would always read the newspaper to me when I was little. I decided very early on that's what I wanted to do."

"Where was your dad?"

"Uh, California or Boston. He wasn't around only popped in when it was convenient for him and would totally screw us up. I was a sophomore in high school the first time he ever came to see us in Stars Hollow. We went to Andrew's book store and Dad asked what the book of my dreams was and at that time it was the Compact Oxford English Dictionary, ridiculously expensive. So Andrew the guy that owns the store goes and grabs one for me I'm trying to talk Chris out of it telling him it's too much. He tells me that he wants me to have something to remember the visit by. We get to the counter and he hands over the plastic. It got declined. He left the next day. Next time he showed up was about six months later with the dictionary. He was in and out for most of my life. Especially when he got his girlfriend pregnant."

"My father has a second family too."

"No fun being the first pancake is it?" Said Rory.

"No it's not. Does your mother have any more children?"

"Nope. The main reason I wanted you to come over today was to tell you, you never have to be nervous or afraid to ask me and Shawn to go somewhere with you or for you. We will do anything for you. My mom was the coolest. My friend Lane's mom extra strict Lorelai was like a second mom to her, and my friend Paris. I'm not saying my mom was push over by any means if you ever meet my friends Madeline and Louise ask them about the Bangles concert. We want to be there for you guys."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now tell me more about the pieces you chose for this year's show."

Rory helped Maya with her homework and then started to walk her home, when Shawn called.

"Hey."

"Hey what are you doing?"

"I'm getting ready to walk Maya home."

"I'm almost home wait for me and we'll go together." Said Shawn.

"Okay. You want a cup of coffee for the walk?"

"Yeah."

"Alright see you in a couple."

Maya watched as Rory made a travel mug for Shawn as she packed her school bag up.

"Maya do you want a hot chocolate for the road?"

"Yes please."

"Alright." Rory quickly made a third mug up for Maya and the two girls went outside and waited for Shawn.

"Hello Ladies."

"Hey, here."

"Thank you." Said Shawn kissing her cheek well aware they had a witness.

After they had been walking a bit Shawn brought up the art show.

"So Wednesday."

"At 5." Said Maya.

"Okay." Said Shawn with a smile. To strangers they looked like a family out for an evening stroll. And that's what they were a family however hodge-podge it was.

That Wednesday Rory had a staff meeting in the afternoon before running home to meet up with Shawn so they could head to the school for the art show.

"Hey. Just let me change and then we can go." Said Rory running in the door past Shawn and some guests she didn't even see in her living room.

"I guess she didn't see my truck outside." Said Luke.

"Probably not." Said Shawn with a smile.

"Okay, I'm ready to go. Mom, Luke what are you guys doing here? When did you get here? Are Grandma and Grandpa okay?"

"Everybody's fine I had to pick up a couple things for the inn and we decided to make the day of it. We wanted to see if we could treat you guys to dinner?" Said Lorelai.

"I'd love to but we promised Maya that we would go to her art show at the school." Said Rory.

"Well let's go then." Said Lorelai. "What time does it start?"

"At 5. I got stuck in a meeting that's why I was running late."

"Well let's go." Said Luke glancing at his watch.

"What you guys want to go to a middle school art show?"

"Yeah. We just have to keep the mocking down to a minimum cause as it usually happens the kid's parents are usually right behind us." Said Lorelai.

"Romeo and Juliet." Said Rory with a smile.

"Let's go." Said Luke.

The now group of four found their way to the subway and road it to the school.

"So are there pictures up for purchase or is this just a showcase?"

"I think just a showcase. It's more Stars Hollow Elementary than Chilton where everything was a fundraiser." Said Rory.

They arrived at the school and followed the signs to the art room. The hallways alone were filled with students' works and some of them were beyond amazing.

"Kids drew these?" Said Luke surprised at the level of work.

"I know right." Said Shawn.

When they found the room they saw that it was full of people looking at all the art work.

"Shawn!"

"Hey Harley."

"Hey so you here for Maya?"

"Yeah. Sorry you remember Rory."

"Of course." Said Harley leaning in and kissing her cheek.

"And these are her parents Lorelai and Luke. Guys this is an old friend of mine Harley Kiner."

"It's nice to meet you Harley." Said Lorelai.

"You too. So is Katy here?" Asked Rory. "Maya's mom."

"I haven't seen her yet. But you guys are here so that counts." Said Harley.

The group of five found their way over to where they saw the kids standing.

"Hey Guys."

"Hey Mr. Hunter." Said Lucas.

"Lucas how are you?" Said Shawn.

"Good, Sir. Miss Gilmore."

"Hi Lucas." Said Rory with a smile.

"Where's Maya and Riley?" Asked Shawn.

"Uh, in the hall." Said Lucas.

"Yeah Maya's worried that no one will show up for her." Said Farkle.

"Well she's got people here." Said Lorelai.

"Uncle Shawn!"

"Hey Kiddo." He said giving Riley a hug.

"Where's your partner in crime?" Asked Rory.

"I'm here." Said Maya.

"You good?" Asked Shawn pulling her in for a hug.

"Yeah, just nervous."

"Good we want you to meet some people. Come here." Shawn led Maya and Riley over to where the other adults were standing and were now joined by Luke and Lorelai.

"Kids, these are my parents Luke and Lorelai. Mom, Luke this is Farkle, Lucas, Riley, and Maya."

"It's nice to meet you guys." Said Lorelai.

The art show went without a hitch, everyone had a good time. The only wrinkle was that Katy hadn't been seen. Maya was too busy discussing her art with the other patrons to really let it affect her, but Rory noticed the small glances to the door. She recognized it because she used to do it looking for Christopher.

After the show they all headed to Svorski's to have a bite to eat before all parting for the night in their own homes. The next weekend was when Rory and Shawn would be heading to Philadelphia to see the Matthews.

Rory had one story she had to write on Wednesday but had it finished and submitted leaving plenty of time to pack and for her and Shawn to plan their trip to Philadelphia. There were places Shawn wanted to show her from his childhood and also to do an article on some of the lesser known places in Philly. They left early Friday morning and headed out. They grabbed breakfast when they got there at a diner Shawn used to go to with Jon before class some mornings.

"So do you want to head over to Trencheon now?" Asked Shawn.

"Sure."

When they got into the car Rory told Shawn the address and he expertly made his way there having passed by the store many time just never really having a reason to stop in considering the sign said publishing house on the front. When they arrived there they started looking around.

"So should we ask if your cousin is here?"

"No, he'll find us."

"Hey can I help…RORY! What are you doing here?" Said Jess giving her a hug.

"We're visiting Shawn's family and thought we'd stop by. Shawn this is Jess Mariano; Jess this is Shawn Hunter."

"Nice to meet you." Said Jess politely.

"You too. Amazing shop you have here."

"Thank you. So you guys met in Stars Hollow?"

"Yup." Said Rory.

"He's been accosted, hit on, scarred for life?"

"All of the above, two by Mrs. Kim." Said Rory.

"That woman still scares me."

"She still scares Zach."

"So what actually brings you to Philadelphia?" Asked Jess making a plan to call Luke when Rory and Shawn left.

"I'm here to introduce Rory to my family."

"Cool, I'm sure she'll have it easier than you did."

"More than likely."

"Well take a look around, let me know if you need anything."

Jess headed to his office to dialed the diner's number not bothering to wait for them to leave.

"Luke's."

"Zach, it's Jess."

"Hey Man, what's up?"

"So this guy Rory's seeing?"

"Passed the Mama Kim test with flying colors after assuring me and Gil."

"Good."

"Lorelai seems to like him, me and Luke talked with him."

"He really passed Mrs. Kim?" Asked Jess still shocked at that piece of news.

"Yeah, shocked me too. But she made sure to tell Shawn that Rory was a good writer and she needed to stay one."

"Okay."

"I think it's gonna last. You and I both know Logan wasn't right for her. I think he only came here twice and one of those times was without her."

"Well he seems good for her, she seems happy."

"She is, Jess. He makes her that way. From what he posts on his travel website he gets her to relax and enjoy herself and she helps him with the knowledge about inns and hotels she's gotten from Lorelai and her grandparents over the years."

"Alright I'll give him a chance."

"Good. I'll tell Luke you called and talk to you later."

"You got it."

"How was your talk with Luke?" Asked Rory shocking him.

"It was Zach and good."

"Thank you but really he's been threatened by the whole town, hit on by Miss Patty, and accosted by Mrs. Kim. I love him, I would like for him to stick around."

"You know I'm never going to think any one's right for you including me but if you love him and see a future. I won't scare him off."

"Thank you."

"So does he know you and I were together?"

"Yes."

"And that didn't freak him out?"

"We're not blood related." Said Rory with a smile.

The couple soon left with an alarming amount of books between them including Jess' new edition.

"I can't believe we bought this many books where are we going to put them?" Asked Rory with a smile.

"Guess we'll have to get a new bookshelf." Said Shawn.

"I'll call Luke and order one."

"You can't just order a bookshelf like you would a coffee Babe."

"Yes I can watch me." She said pulling out her phone.

"Luke's."

"Hi Luke."

"You bought too many books."

"Shawn bought some too."

"I'll bring it down next time we come to see you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Rory hung up the phone with a smile.

"Unbelievable." Said Shawn with a smile.

"What Luke built all of the bookshelves in my room at the crap shack, he built a boat, and when my mom was going to get married when I was in high school he built her a chuppah. Trust me he loves doing woodwork especially when it's functional."

After leaving Trencheon Shawn steered the car out to the suburbs pointing out landmarks including the schools, the building Chubbie's used to be in, they also passed by the Market Giant that Alan had managed.

"That's where the cherry bomb went off. They replaced the side walk a few years ago but you know that scorched piece of concrete I have?"

"Yeah?"

"Alan grabbed it for me when he saw they were ripping it out."

"Nice." He pulled into a driveway a short time later. "Let's go." He walked around and opened her car door.

"Thank you. Hey front door?" She said pointing in the opposite direction than he was walking.

"Back door or window?" He asked pointing up.

"I gave up on windows when Lane moved out of Mrs. Kim's."

"Door it is." Shawn and Rory walked up to the back door and Shawn knocked. Amy glanced up from the kitchen table and got a big smile on her face as she opened the door and engulfed her son in a tight hug.

"Welcome home!"

"Hi Mom."

"Come in! Who's this?"

"Mom this is my girlfriend Rory Gilmore. Rory this is my mother Amy."

"Hello Mrs. Matthews it's great to meet you."

"You too. When did you guys get into town?"

"This morning." Said Shawn.

"Have you ever been to Philly Rory?"

"A few times, my cousin owns a book publishing/store so whenever he has open houses I try to kidnap my stepsister or my grandfather and we go. I also came through when I was on the Obama campaign trail."

"And what do you do for a living?"

"I write for the New York Times."

"So you live in New York?"

"I do. I actually live in the next brownstone over from Cory and Topanga."

"And how did you guys meet?"

"In Connecticut. I reviewed her mother's inn Rory was my tour guide around the town."

"So how does you both traveling work?" Asked Amy curiously. She was protective of Shawn probably more than the other kids.

"We've been trying to go places together. Last weekend we went to Providence because I was supposed to do some research for a friend of mine."

"So I used the opportunity to review an inn. We hit the Rhode Island School of Design's Art Museum and this cool farmers' market."

"I read that one." Said Amy proud them both even though she had only just met Rory.

Just then the back door opened again and everyone turned to see who came in.

"Hey Shawn. How are you?" Asked Alan giving his son a hug.

"I'm good Dad. How are you? How's the store?"

"Great. Everything is good. You doing okay?"

"I'm great. This is my girlfriend Rory Gilmore. Rory this is my dad Alan."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Matthews."

"You too, Rory. So how'd you guys meet?"

"Her mom owns the Dragonfly Inn."

"The pictures were beautiful." Said Amy.

"How long as your mom owned it?" Asked Alan.

"She and her business partner actually bought it during my high school graduation and it opened at the end of my freshman year of college."

"Where did you attend?" Asked Amy.

"I went to Yale."

"She's being modest. She graduated valedictorian from Chilton Prep in Hartford, and graduated top 10 at Yale."

"But I didn't grow up in Hartford. I grew up in Stars Hollow where the inn is."

"And your father?"

"He owns a diner in Stars Hollow and my biological father is in Hartford. We don't really talk that much. My stepfather and the town with my mother raised me."

"We understand completely." Said Amy with a smile. She already thought Rory was perfect for Shawn.

"So what do you think of hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner tonight. You guys are staying overnight right?"

"Yes Sir. Do you mind if we go over to the Feenys' for a bit?"

"Tell them to come over for dinner." Said Amy.

"You got it." Said Shawn.

When Rory and Shawn left Amy looked at Alan with a smile.

"She's good for him."

"They have a lot of things in common, and it's good she travels as much as he does."

"I think they can go long term." Finished Amy.

"Don't start the wedding plans now." Said Alan.

"So how do we get to Mr. and Mrs. Feeny's?" Asked Rory not sure of the direction.

"We're here." Said Shawn passing thru the gate.

"Gotcha." She answered with a smile.

Shawn knocked on the back door, and they waited for someone to answer.

"Shawn!"

"Hey Mr. Feeny. How are you?"

"I'm good, well come in, come in."

"Hi Sweetheart. How are you?" Said Mrs. Feeny.

"I'm great."

"And who is this young lady?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Feeny this is my girlfriend Lorelai Gilmore." Rory was a little startled at him using her formal name.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Feeny."

"What should we actually call you Dear?" Asked Mrs. Feeny.

"Rory."

"Sorry." Said Shawn with a smile.

"It's okay. Whenever I hear the name Lorelai I look for my mom."

"Your mother's name is Lorelai as well?" Asked Mr. Feeny.

"Yes Sir, and my great-grandmother."

"Where are you from?"

"Stars Hollow, CT."

"I've heard of there. Just north of Hartford, correct?"

"Yes Sir, about 30 minutes, 20 with no traffic."

"Sounds like you've made that trip a lot." Said Mrs. Feeny.

"My grandparents live there and I went to high school there as well."

"Rory graduated valedictorian from Chilton Prep."

"Amazing school." Said Mrs. Feeny.

"It was tough but I made some great friends."

"And where did you go to college?" Asked Mr. Feeny.

"Yale."

"You did well there?"

"I did. My grandfather went there, and I actually ended up attending with one of my good friends. So I had a lot of support."

"What was your major?" Asked Mrs. Feeny.

"I have a Bachelor's in English."

"And she puts it to good use, she works for the NY Times." Said Shawn with a smile.

"So you travel a lot?" Asked Mr. Feeny.

"I do, but we've made it work so far. While I primarily for the Times I do freelance as well usually for my friend Doyle."

"Doyle McCaster?" Asked Mr. Feeny.

"Yes Sir."

"Fine young man."

"Yes he is. I worked for him at the Yale Daily News."

"So you know his wife?" Asked Mrs. Feeny.

"I've known Paris since sophomore year at Chilton and we roomed together at Yale."

"She's a lovely girl, a little intense."

"A lot intense, but she's got heart, and is only one of a few people who is allowed to talk to me the way she does sometimes."

"It's good to have friends like that." Said Mrs. Feeny.

"Her, my cousin Jess, and our friend Tristin were the only ones who I would listen to when I was going through some personal problems. Jess was the one who ultimately talked me into returning to Yale."

"Friends who are family are the best kind to have." Said Mr. Feeny. "How are the kids?"

"I think we've both learned that over the years." Said Shawn. "I just hate that Maya has to go through it now."

"Maya will be fine she has a lot of people who care about her, and I hate to say this but Shawn Katy is around a lot more than Chet was."

"I know she is. Maya just did an art show and she had a lot more people there than she expected."

"Oh who?"

"Rory's parents were in New York for the day and stopped by."

"Katy didn't go did she?" Asked Mrs. Feeny.

"Nope. We all distracted her. She had us, the other kids, Harley, Rory's parents."

"But you know she noticed?" Asked Mr. Feeny.

"You always notice the people not there." Said Rory.

"Rory?" Asked Mrs. Feeny.

"My biological father wasn't around. Maya and I joked we were just the first pancakes."

"But you had a mother and step-father, the whole town looking after you." Said Shawn knowing how she felt.

"But you know when those people that should be there aren't. No matter what distractions present themselves."

The two couples continued to talk for a bit before Rory and Shawn and Rory headed back over to the Matthews' house.

"Are George and Lila coming over?" Asked Amy when they came back in.

"Yeah they'll be here soon." Said Shawn.

Dinner with everyone including Josh went smoothly. As did the rest of the weekend with the family and extended family. On Sunday evening Shawn and Rory headed home with the promise that they would set up a dinner soon with Lorelai and Luke. Before they left Alan pulled Shawn aside.

"It shouldn't be hard we'll be out of coffee in a couple weeks." Said Shawn with a smile.

"So you go to the grocery store." Said Alan.

"Nope, Luke sends it with whoever is going to be in the city or when we go to Stars Hollow."

"For coffee?"

"I don't know what he does to it, but I've become a fan." Shawn said with a smile.

"Wow. So her family is good for you guys to be around?"

"Yeah I haven't met her biological father but she's not in a rush to introduce him to me."

"He's really not around?"

"Nope, he lives in Hartford. He and Luke do not get along. She talks to him maybe once a month he wasn't really involved with her growing up except holidays. First time he'd ever been to Stars Hollow Rory was 16."

"Wow."

"Yeah. I'm not in a rush to meet him."

"I don't blame you, but when you do just remember that your relationship with Chet is very different than her's with him. Chet admitted flat out that he wasn't the best father. I have a feeling that her's thinks he is."

"Yeah, to his other child." Alan looked at him. "I know."

Later in the evening Rory and Shawn returned home and relaxed for the rest of the evening before Rory's morning meeting the next day. She made her way with her travel mug and sat down prepared before anyone else.

"Okay so we have a new Senator in New York and he'll be in town later. Gilmore, I want an interview we already set it up with his people you need to meet with him at this place called Svorski's Bakery. He picked it."

"I know right where it is. I'm a regular."

"Great. I want if for Friday's edition."

"Yes, Sir. What's his name?"

"Matthew something."

"When's the meeting?"

"At two this afternoon."

"Understood Sir."

Rory left the newspaper building and headed home to grab her tape recorder and more comfortable shoes. Shawn had gone out to write a story about a new children's program in the library.

"Hey, what are you doing back?" She asked Shawn giving him a kiss.

"Interviews were easy. What about you?"

"I have an interview at 2 with a new Senator at the bakery."

"Awesome bring me back a Danish."

"Why don't you come down about 3 we should be almost done."

"You got yourself a date."

Rory got herself together and headed down to the bakery hoping to get there before her interview so she could have at least one cup of coffee.

"Rory, Dear how are you?" Asked Mrs. Svorski.

"I'm good I have a meeting with someone soon so I figured I would have a coffee first."

"Coming right up."

After Rory had been sitting there for a couple minutes a man came in and headed straight for the counter.

"Eric!"

"Hi Mrs. Svorski, how have you been?"

"All my babies are home. I see your family just about every day, and Shawn has moved back."

"Mom and Dad told me. So I'm supposed to be meeting a reporter named Lorelai."

"She's right over there."

"Thanks, Lorelai?"

"Hi you can call me Rory, and you are?"

"Eric Matthews."

"My editor is horrible with names he told me your name was Matthew."

"He was close."

"So you are a senator now?"

"Yeah, I was mayor up near the Canadian border for a while, but now I'm trying to make sure I do right on a bigger scale."

"Which brings us to your platform children's issues. How'd you get involved?"

"I saw people I care about not know where they were going to sleep or eat next. They just wanted a family to go home to. I'm the oldest of four biological children, and then over the years my brother's best friend became our 5th sibling, and since I thought I was such a good brother I decided to get a job playing Santa during Christmas and met some kids from a local group home. One little guy tugged on the heart strings so I signed up to be a big brother. I wanted to adopt him but I was nowhere near ready. So he got adopted by another family. He's now on my staff. He handles social media and helps advise on our platform."

"That's awesome."

Rory continued to ask Eric questions, and it became clear that they had people in common.

"I think I have everything I need for the article. So now that's over I need to tell you we have some people in common."

"We do?"

"Yup, I'm your brother Shawn's girlfriend."

"Seriously? Is he in town?"

"Yeah he's home. I'll call him."

"Hello?"

"Hey, so that interview I had?"

"Yeah, you okay?"

"It was with your brother Eric. Come down here."

"I'm on my way."

"He's coming."

"So where are you from" Asked Eric.

"Stars Hollow, Connecticut. It's about 30 minutes outside Hartford."

"Eric!"

"Shawn!"

"How are you?" Aske Shawn hugging Eric.

"I'm good."

"I see you met my girlfriend."

"I did. She didn't tell me until after the interview."

"Well I wasn't sure at first and then I wanted to keep the integrity of the interview."

"She's good at what she does." Said Shawn.

Shawn, Rory, and Eric sat at the bakery for quite a while and soon heard voices of their younger generation.

"Uncle Eric!"

"Hi Riley!" Said Eric standing up to greet his niece. Then turned to Maya. "Mabel."

"Hi Uncle Eric." She answered with a hug and a smile.

"I like when you call me 'uncle'."

"I like when you call me every name but my own."

"Where are your parents?"

"School and work. Auggie's at Ava's." Said Riley.

Rory's phone rang a couple minutes after the kids including Lucas and Farkle.

"It's Mom, I have to take this. Hi Mom."

"Hello Fruit. What's up you guys aren't home."

"Nothing I was just interviewing Cory and Shawn's brother Eric."

"Nice well Luke and I are showing April around the city a bit looking at schools and we thought we'd ask you and Shawn to join us. Plus, we have your bookshelf."

"We're at Svorski's with the kids."

"Meet you in 20."

"What's up?" Asked Shawn when she hung up.

"Mom, Luke, and April are here looking at schools and they want to take us to dinner."

"Cool."

"Who's April?" Asked Eric.

"My much younger step-sister." Said Rory. "She turned 13 my Senior year at Yale."

"Gotcha."

"There's my group."

"Lorelai!" Said Riley and Maya together giving her a hug before moving on to greet Luke with as much enthusiasm. Rory hugged April and quickly introduced her to everyone.

"Hi Honey. So dinner for us all. Where are your parents?" Lorelai asked Riley and Maya.

"Work." Said Maya.

"Where's Auggie?" Asked Luke noticing the little guy wasn't around.

"With his friend Ava." Said Riley.

"Okay so we'll hang here for a bit and then see who else shows up, but you will have to call them and tell them you're with us. Before we leave." Said Luke.

"Yes, Sir." Said Lucas.

"I don't know you." Said Lorelai.

"Yes you do." Said Shawn.

"Not you, Writer Boy. Him." Said Lorelai with a smile.

"Lorelai and Luke Danes this is mine and Cory's brother Senator Eric Matthews."

"It's nice to meet you." Said Eric standing up. He still had to pinch himself when he heard Senator said in front of his name.

"You too. I'm sure you have some embarrassing stories about your brother here."

"Oh lots, and what I don't have I can give you numbers of at least four other people outside of Cory, Harley, and I."

"Eric no." Said Shawn.

"I think they should be informed that you walked a day in a pair of women's shoes. Quite well actually."

"It was for an article for the school newspaper." Said Shawn rubbing his temples.

"Was it just the shoes? Or like a whole outfit?" Asked Rory enjoying seeing Shawn squirm.

"Oh it was the 9 yards even named her." Said Eric.

"Let's not forget you did that in college with Jack."

"That was Jack's fault." Said Eric with a smile.

"You two made some of the ugliest women."

"Tell me there are pictures of this." Said Lorelai enjoying this as much as her daughter.

"Mom's got the newspaper, and no for ours."

"I got some." Said Topanga who just walked in.

"TO-PANGA." Said Shawn and Eric together. Then Eric went over and hugged her.

"Veronica, Chantal."

"Hey everybody." Said Cory coming in.

"Cora!"

"Wha-. You told them." Said Cory pointing at Shawn and then at the kids.

"Eric did." Said Shawn quickly.

"Wow. I wish I went to school with you guys." Said Rory.

"Oh really, Miss I had to kiss Paris during Romeo and Juliet."

"Tristan's fault."

"But did you have to do it on Spring Break freshman year at Yale?" Asked Lorelai.

"I got drunk with Paris, Madeline, and Louise. Paris kissed me I didn't reciprocate."

"College was weird for you guys." Said April.

"Yes, let's not repeat what they did." Said Luke.

"Yes make sure you call ahead about mattress removal or you will give Luke flashbacks." Said Rory.

"Gotcha." Said April with a smile, she had heard of the infamous move in.

"So who wants to go to dinner?" Asked Lorelai the adults raised their hands while the kids hung back a bit. "Hey Kiddos you were included in that question."

"Lucas, Maya, Farkle call your parents. Auggie is eating over at Ava's." Said Topanga.

"I was supposed to eat with you anyways." Said Maya.

"Still call her and tell her you are leaving the house." Said Cory.

"My mom's cool with it." Said Lucas.

"Dad said yes and thank you they are both working late." Said Farkle.

"Hi Mary it's Maya is my mom available?"

"Hi Honey." Said Katy Hart.

"Hi, so Rory's parents and sister are in town and want to take us to dinner so I was just calling to ask if I could since I was supposed to eat with the Matthews' anyways."

"Go for it Kiddo, actually can I talk to Riley's mom?"

"Sure. Topanga my mom wants to talk to you."

"Okay. Hi Katy."

"Hey, thank you for including Maya in all this."

"No need to thank me at all. So we'll drop her at home after dinner."

"Actually that's why I wanted to talk to you I was wondering if you could keep her tonight I have an opportunity for a double and it's until 7 tomorrow."

"Take it, she'll be fine."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

"Well bye."

"Bye. You're ours tonight, Sweetie."

"She's working late?"

"That's what she said."

"Okay." Said Maya quietly.

Everyone said goodbye to Mrs. Svorski and headed out to the restaurant that they usually went to when Luke and Lorelai came into town.

"Dinner's on me tonight." Said Eric.

"Eric we can't let you do that. We appreciate it but no." Said Lorelai.

"Can't say no to a Senator. I think it's a law or something." Said Eric with a smile. "Let's head out people."

Dinner was a lively affair and the waiter didn't know what to make of this large group or which child belonged to who all he could tell was that they genuinely loved each other.

"So when are you guys going to be able to come out to the Hollow?" Asked Lorelai.

"Hopefully Winter Carnival." Said Rory glancing at Shawn who nodded.

"You'll be surprised to know that your grandparents have expressed interest in going this year."

"No way." Said Shawn.

"Yes."

"We have to go then." Said Rory.

"You staying with us?"

"At the Inn?" Asked Rory with a smile.

"Done." Said Lorelai.

"You know you can stay over the diner." Suggested Luke.

"And subject Shawn to Miss Patty and Babette before he's had coffee." Said April.

"You have a point." Said Luke with a smile.

"What's the deal with that?" Asked Eric with a smile.

"Miss Patty is the dance teacher in Stars Hollow and is determined to find husband number 5 or 6, Babette's our neighbor. Both ladies are amazing but flirts and gossips."

"Miss Patty pinched me last time I was in town." Said Shawn with a smile.

"On the cheek?" Asked Farkle.

"No." Said Shawn.

After dinner and Eric settled the check the group all headed back towards Cory and Topanga's house.

"Boys call your folks and tell them we're home. They can come get you anytime they want." Said Cory.

"Yes Sir." Said Lucas quickly finding his mother's number in his call list and saw Farkle doing the same.

"Are you guys staying in the city tonight?" Asked Rory.

"Nope we're driving back." Said Luke.

"Okay." Said Rory slightly disappointed but understanding.

They all walked the Stars Hollow trio back to Luke's truck and hugs were given out and goodbyes said as Luke drove off towards the highway.

After Luke, Lorelai, and April set off for Stars Hollow everyone gathered at Cory and Topanga's with the kids going to hang in Riley's room.

"So I had an idea and you can totally tell me no if you want." Said Topanga more to Rory than anyone else.

"Okay."

"This Winter Carnival is a big thing right?"

"Kind of. It's put on by the high school and it takes over the center of town they have games and this fake fortune teller."

"Would you mind if we brought the kids."

"No! Not at all. I feel bad I didn't even think to offer."

"Don't I just want them to see more than just the city. I mean we go to Philadelphia often enough but still."

"No I agree. Bring as many of them as you want I'll talk to Mom about rooms. Auggie will have plenty of kids to play with." Said Rory thinking the young boy would get along well with Lane and Zach's kids as well as Sookie and Jackson's.

"And we'll steel the blond one for Riley." Said Shawn.

"It's not so much stealing if she wants to go with you and Katy agrees."

"Which she will. Don't get me wrong I like her I do. But sometimes I just want to shake her. I now understand how Mom and Dad felt with Chet and Virna."

"Trust me you aren't the only one who feels it. My dad left me, went had a new baby I was 17, and then her mother left her and went to Paris. His friendship with my mom is shaky at best and he and Luke don't get along at all. But he's there for G.G. and that hurts more somedays like why wasn't I good enough. Hence first pancake."

"Well I was the second pancake and I didn't fare much better. But I just want you to know you are good enough its him that isn't, and I will tell you that every day if you need me to." Said Shawn chiming in.

A few nights later Shawn and Rory walked into the Nighthawk Diner more intent on seeing Katy Hart than really eating, but they would eat just the same.

"Hi I'm Katy and I'll be… hi Shawn."

"Katy how are you?"

"I'm good."

"This is my girlfriend Rory."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Maya talks highly of you."

"She's a great kid."

"Thank you. So what can I get you?"

"Actually before we order you got a moment?" Asked Shawn.

"Yeah, what's up?" Said Katy sitting down.

"We wanted to know if we could take Maya somewhere this weekend. Cory and Topanga, and the other kids are coming."

"Where are you guys going?"

"My hometown in Connecticut, they're having this big winter carnival the only one I've ever missed is when I was on the road for Obama's campaign. Everything is already taken care of we're staying at my mom's inn all she would need is spending money." Said Rory.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, look we're bringing Auggie, my friends all have little kids his age. Riley really wouldn't have anyone close to her age other than my sister April who's 18."

"Yes. She can go just let me know when you want to pick her up."

"We're leaving Friday when they get out of school." Said Shawn.

"So I'll make sure she's all packed."

"Thank you Katy." Said Shawn.

"No problem." Said Katy. "Now what can I get ya."

"Cheeseburger and fries." Said Rory.

"Same." Said Shawn.

"Coming right up."

Shawn and Rory finished their meals and then headed home for a quiet evening in. Their bags were packed and sitting by the door by the time Friday afternoon rolled around they were just waiting on the girls and Auggie to get home from school.

"Do you guys want to hang out tonight?" Asked Farkle.

"We can't we're going to Stars Hollow with Mom, Dad, Uncle Shawn, and Rory." Said Riley.

"Cool what for?" Asked Lucas.

"A winter carnival thing."

"Cool well see you Monday." Said Farkle.

"Bye Guys." Said Riley. The girls arrived home and were handed their bags to load into the cars.

"Let's head out guys." Said Shawn.

Riley and Maya opted to ride with Shawn and Rory while due to his car seat Auggie rode with Topanga and Cory. The drive to Stars Hollow was quick and the kids entertained themselves by singing to the radio with Rory and playing on their phones.

"Wait did we just pass a giant rooster?" Said Maya.

"Yes we did."

"Can we get a picture later with it?" Asked Riley with a smile.

Rory looked at Shawn with a smile knowing they had a picture of the statue at home also.

"I'll turn around." Said Shawn.

Cory turned around also wondering what his brother was doing and smiled when he saw them pull over.

"Really Guys?"

"Your kids." Said Shawn as the girls and Auggie ran over to the statue and posed waiting for someone to take the picture. Shawn grabbed his still camera and took a couple shots while Topanga took a couple on her phone to send to Katy. The group then piled back into the cars and made it further into town weaving his way towards the Dragonfly.

"We're here."

"Wow it looks just like a regular house." Said Maya.

"Yeah, but it's always been an inn even before my mom and Sookie got ahold of it. Let's go in."

The group walked into the inn and were immediately greeted by Michel.

"RORY!" Came the accented man's voice happy in tone not his usual grumpy annoyed tone.

"Hi Michel. How are you?"

"I am good." He said shocking her with a hug.

"Do you know where Mom is?"

"In the kitchen with Sookie."

"Thank you."

The group walked away from the desk following Rory towards the kitchen.

"What is he on?" Asked Shawn with a smile.

"I don't know, but I'm sure Mom has some theories." Said Rory.

Everyone went into the kitchen and were warmly greeted by Lorelai and Sookie.

"So we have to ask, what's up with Michel?" Asked Shawn.

"What do you mean?" Asked Lorelai.

"He was pleasant. Like happy to see us?"

"We've had some difficult guests the past couple days. That have tested all of our patience." Said Lorelai.

"So it's more relief they're gone than us actually coming this weekend." Said Rory with a smile.

"Pretty much." Said Sookie coming over to hug everyone.

"Okay so let's get you all checked in. Which room are we putting the cot in for Mr. Auggie?" Asked Lorelai.

"In our room." Said Riley.

"Are you sure?" Asked Cory.

"Yes Sir." Said Maya.

Once the room assignments were given and everyone had settled in to their rooms it was time to go get dinner at the diner. The group walked the short distance from the Inn to the Diner and looked all around town as Rory pointed out things to them and showed them the center where they were setting up for the carnival.

"Rory!" They heard from the sidewalk.

"Who's that?" Asked Topanga.

"Jess' mom Liz, my aunt. Hi Liz."

"What are you doing home, no one said you were coming."

"I wasn't sure if we'd be able to until the beginning of the week. Liz this is my boyfriend Shawn Hunter, his brother Cory and sister in law Topanga Matthews and his nieces and nephew Riley, Maya, and Auggie."

"It's good to meet you guys. TJ and Doula are around here somewhere, you staying at Lorelai's?"

"No at the Inn."

"Great, I tried to talk Jess into coming but you know him."

"Liz I barely got Jess to come when he lived here, let alone make him drive all the way from Philadelphia for it."

"You're right. He's like his uncle that one."

"Yes he is, and that's a good thing." Said Rory.

"Well I'll see you later, you guys in town all weekend?"

"Yeah."

"Good, see ya."

"Bye Liz."

They finally made it to the Diner without any problems, and were warmly greeted by Luke.

"Hey Guys, you finally made it in."

"Yeah we got stopped by Liz who said she tried to get Jess to come into town."

"Yeah that's happening." Said Luke sarcastically. He said giving his oldest daughter a hug. "Grab those two tables and decide what you want on the house."

"Luke we can't let you do that." Said Cory.

"Yes you can, now sit. Look at menus then Lane will take your order." Lane came out a couple seconds later and put a plate on the counter in front of Tom.

"RORY! SHAWN! When did you guys get in?"

"A couple hours ago. How are you?" Said Rory standing up to give her oldest friend a hug.

"Great, everyone's great. We'll be at the carnival. The boys are going to walk around with Sookie and Jackson while the band plays."

"You guys are playing?" Said Shawn.

"Yup."

"Awesome." Said Rory. "Lane this is Shawn's family Cory, Topanga, Riley, Maya, and Auggie. Guys this is my best friend Lane Van Gerbig."

"It's so nice to meet you guys." Said Lane.

"You too, so how long have you guys known each other?" Asked Topanga.

"Since kindergarten." Said Rory.

"So have you guys all decided what you want to eat?" Asked Lane.

Lane took their orders and handed them over to Caesar before returning to her other tables and intermittently catching up with Rory, Shawn, and the Matthews +1. Just as they finished their meals it was the end of Lane's shift and she saw Mrs. Kim and the boys walking across the street.

"Incoming." Lane said jokingly knowing the boys would attack Rory as soon as they saw her.

"Hi Mom!" Said Steve and Kwan walking in and giving their mother a hug.

"Hi Guys, Hi Mama.

"Hello Lane." Said Mrs. Kim with a smile seeing Rory and Shawn sitting at the table.

"You didn't notice someone sitting at the table."

"Auntie Rory!"

"Oh my God you guys are getting so big. Do you guys remember Shawn?"

"Uncle Shawn!" They said running over to him for a hug as well.

"Hi Guys. Mrs. Kim how are you?" He said standing up and kissing the older woman on the cheek.

"I am well. I read your posts, the pictures are beautiful."

"Thank you Mrs. Kim. If you would like to see the pictures that didn't make the website I have them on the computer. Let me know."

"I might take you up on that." Said Mrs. Kim. She didn't stay at the Diner long having to get back to her house and set up for a sale the next day. The weekend of any festival was busy for the antique shop especially when the tourists were in town.

Rory and Shawn walked around the festival with Cory and Topanga, when she saw that the crazy psychic lady from Woodbridge.

"You are going to be famous. You are a writer." She told Rory.

"Thank you. See I told you she was real."

"Rory, Babe. All she had to do was pick up the Times today." Said Shawn.

"I don't care what you say." Rory replied.

"I'm with Rory." Said Topanga with a smile.

"Oh my god, Cory this is what we feared long ago."

"Our significant others being friends." Said Cory.

"We scared them." Whispered Rory.

"What's wrong with Dad and Uncle Shawn?" Asked Riley walking up.

"We're friends." Said Topanga.

"Oh they're scared." Said Maya.

"Are you guys having fun?" Asked Rory.

"Yes!" Said Auggie.

"HELLO STARS HOLLOW!" Said Zach into the microphone. Cheers erupted throughout the crowd. "Welcome to this year's Winter Carnival. We are HEP ALIEN. Let's get started."

The band played a good mixture of original songs and covers. Everyone was dancing including the slow songs in which Lorelai even got Luke on the dance floor.

"So things are going well." Said Shawn.

"They are."

"You think it's time to mix the families."

"I'll call Grandma and see when their free. While you call your parents and Mr. and Mrs. Feeny and check with them."

"Where are we mixing them?" Asked Shawn.

"New York. It's central for everyone."

"Our place might be too small." Said Shawn.

"Us, Cory, Topanga, Mom and Luke. That's six, Grandma and Grandpa."

"Eight. Amy and Alan, ten. Mr. and Mrs. Feeny, twelve." Said Shawn.

"Jon." Said Rory.

"Thirteen. We can do it."

"Who's gonna cook?"

"I am, Sugar Plum, I'll send it with Lorelai and Luke." Said Sookie.

"Thank you." Said Rory.

"No problem, just let me know when."

The rest of the night was spent listening to the band and catching up with old friends. They figured it was time to leave the festival when Miss Patty brought out the Founders' Day punch.

"Oh, can we get something to drink?" Asked Maya.

"Yeah, at the diner." Said Rory.

"Why it's right there." Said Riley.

"That's not punch, that's jet fuel that makes Yale grads cry on the bathroom floor. And panhandle barefoot around town." Said Lorelai.

"We hadn't graduated yet."

"You panhandled?" Asked Riley with a smile.

"Paris did." Said Rory. "I cried."

"When was this?" Asked Zach.

"The diorama. I harassed Sophie." Explained Lane.

Luke reopened the diner so the carnival clean-up crew could get coffee before starting. Maya and Riley walked in carrying stuffed animals that Cory and Shawn won them while Topanga carried Auggie's since he was asleep on Cory's shoulder.

After Luke closed up everyone went their separate ways ready to see what the rest of the weekend might hold in store for them.

The second night of the carnival was much like the first only this time Emily and Richard joined them for the afternoon and had fun with the kids. Richard took a shine to the girls who reminded him so much of his own girls. While Auggie actually stuck close to Emily. They all agreed pending the availability of Shawn's side to meet at the apartment for dinner.

Everything was going right for them, it scared them. Both Shawn and Rory were waiting for the other shoe to drop but in their heart of hearts knew they could work through it together.