Authors note : Thank you guys for the reviews. I love to read what you think of where I am going with the story. Not sure how long it will be but I have at least a couple of chapter waiting in my brain.

I do not own Gilmore Girls nor EE Cummings Poem used in this chapter.

I really hope you enjoy this chapter. So read on and review ! (It does makes the creativity flow !)

… End of Chapter 11

Arriving at home, he could still feel Rory's presence. He decided to settle this with Logan so he took his phone and dialed his friend's number.

"Logan Huntzberger"

"What the hell did you tell her this morning, mate" Saying the last word with an intonation indicating how furious he was.

Chapter 12 : Rocky Roads is for wallowing

"Finn, I knew you'd be pissed. I tried to let you know on your cell, you listened to the message?"

"No, but it wouldn't have changed anything. You had no rights to tell her. Can't you just be happy for us?"

"Just like you had not rights to tell her about me." Logan answered.

"It was not the same and I hadn't told her anything. Our situations are completely different. You cheated on her repeatedly and expected her to marry you. During Labor Day, I was not with Rory. I was completely single and anyway, I don't remember a thing, it was a drunken mistake. You suggested to Rory that I am the same as I was in College. You are once again playing with her mind. I won't accept you meddling."

"Are you so sure you're different than when in College? We did not force you to drink Finn; we did not put you in bed with Madeline. Both of you flirted. It was consensual."

"Didn't you notice I don't usually get drunk anymore? Are you just holding on to what we were in College? You don't even see that I've changed. What is it exactly that you want? Is it to have once again your drunken friend that did more of a mess than you do or is it that you can't stand that Rory and I love each other?"

"Oh right. Like you're in love with her already. Come on Finn… you have not been with her for a month."

"What does that change to anything? It is not the length of time we've been together but the strength of what we feel. I knew I loved her before I even kissed her. Fuck, you deliberately hurt her today Logan. You hurt her and you hurt me. Are you so conceited that you want to destroy any possibility of her being happy with anyone else? Are you so unhappy with your life that you can't stand others being happy even your friends?"

"I did not mean to break you two up Finn. But come on, you and Ace? That couldn't last."

"Why wouldn't it last? You don't have a say in it. And because you couldn't keep her, does not mean I won't."

"Come on Finn. I know you… Ace won't be able to satisfy you. I was with her; I know. She is not…"

"Don't continue on that line, Mate. Anyway, you don't know me, you knew me, big difference. You have no idea of what we are together. I guess you are so focused on yourself that you don't know your friends anymore. I can't figure out why I was friends with you now. And by the way, you did not break us up. You've hurt us, that is true but we will work through it. And don't bother expecting us on Thanksgiving."

"Come on Finn. Friends can be honest with each other."

"That is not honesty Logan. That is you being an asshole to two people you did call friends. Now enjoy yourself in your new life. And don't bother calling again."

"Finn I am sorry." But Finn hung up the phone and blocked immediately Logan's number.

"Argh! Fuck! Good thing there is an ocean in between us" Finn said loudly.

His home line just started ringing. He looked at the number and saw that it was an oversea call. He did not answer it. Ten minutes after, it rang again. This time it was Lorelei calling.

"Hello Doll, I'm sorry but Rory already Left."

"I know Finn. Can you tell me what exactly happened to you two this morning? I talked to Rory but I want to hear from you as I did like you and I usually am a good judge of character… also my mother is not that found of you which is a plus."

Finn sighed…

"Lorelei, you won't like me anymore. Logan called this morning and he told Rory about a one night stand I had Labor Day week-end. Rory was hurt as I had not told her, honestly I had kind of forgotten about it."

"Finn! What a mess, you should have told her. But I thought you had changed your ways a while back… Did you lie to Rory? Why would Logan tell her that? Didn't he hurt her enough already? You really have great friends you know. "

"I know. I just talked to the jerk. It was a complete mistake… I got drunk, I have no idea what happened and found Madeline in my bed the next day. I honestly don't even like the girl."

"You know she knows her don't you? It does make it worst. "

"I know, but back then, I was just hurt Rory had wanted to get back with Logan. I couldn't believe it after everything. But I know I have no excuse. It was one mistake, a single one. I honestly had not been acting like this for almost a year."

"I don't know why but I believe you. Actually, I do know why. I see the way you look at Rory. I know you love her and won't hurt her. I have no idea how you came to love her so quickly but I trust you."

"It means a lot that you do. To be completely honest, I have cared for Rory for a lot longer than I should admit. I was glad she said no to Logan. I couldn't stand the way he treated her. But then, I was not in love with her yet. It all changed this summer."

"So what will you do now? "

"Hope Rory will forgive me. We parted OK I think. Shaky but OK. I have to trust that we will overcome this."

"You know she is wary after the story with Logan. So be patient. She might back out a bit now. I know my daughter and if you let a slight doubt creep in her mind, she will run. She is just scared of getting hurt again."

"I know. I just hope she got to know me well enough to know I was completely honest with her this morning."

"I know, and I believe she does… It will be ok. But Finn, don't hurt her, seriously if you ever have any doubt about your feeling, let her go. I really hope though you'll stick around. I can see you two together in the long run."

"I hope so too. Thanks Lorelei."

"Call her later today… she should be at her hotel around 5pm."

"I intend to."

After this conversation, Finn felt he needed to blow up some steam. He decided to go to the Gym and have a workout. He had not been all week anyway. He decided to talk to his older sister and was hoping to have some tips on how to get his relationship with Rory back to how it was before. Problem was that Eileen is in Australia… time difference 12 hours so it was currently night.

At 5h15 Finn decided to call Rory. He was nervous, hoping she would pick up the phone and not let him go to voicemail. Unfortunately she did not answer.

"Hi Love. I just wanted to see with you if you arrived safe and sound. Call me back. "

At a quarter to six, he was getting anxious. She should have called back. He needed to find something to occupy his mind. He was looking at the liquor cabinet but knew he shouldn't turn to liquor for stress relief. That was what caused all of this. It wouldn't be of any help. He decided to call Colin. He needed to let him know that he wouldn't be going to London next month anyway.

"Colin, mate. How are you?"

"Good Finn, pretty good. How about you? How was Rory's visit this week?"

"It felt really good to spend some time with her. The week went by without a hitch until this morning."

"I was wondering if you would mention."

"So you've talked to Logan?"

"He called. But no, I haven't talked to him. Steph did."

"So you know what happened? "

"Reader's digest version I guess. Steph did not allow me to talk to him. She hung up and forbade me to call him."

"Don't shun him on my account. I am not talking to the jerk but I am not asking you guys to get involved. "

"Then blame it on Feminine solidarity. Stephanie has been talking to Rory for almost an hour, right after Logan called. They just hung up before you called. She now feels responsible for the whole thing."

"Ho! It's not her fault I'm a drunken flirt. Put her on the line."

"Take care Finn… everything will be fine with you and Rory."

"How do you know?"

"Call it a hunch."

"OK, thanks mate. Bye the way, I'm not going to London on Thanksgiving."

"I thought so neither are we… I think. Here's Steph."

"Hey Finny! Why aren't you on the phone with Rory?"

"Because she did not call me back."

"Oh… I just hung up with her before you called. "

"I know Colin just told me. I'm afraid I've screwed it up Steph."

"OH… Finn. It's my entire fault, not yours. I shouldn't have invited Madeline and Louise. I knew how they were. I feel responsible. But you'll make it work Finn. Rory loves you. By the way, we're not talking to Logan either."

"Steph, Colin Logan and you were best friends since you were born. You can't stop talk to him. "

"He was your best friend too and you decided not to talk to him. Anyway, I feel bad not having kept contact with Rory before so now I am siding with you guys. We'll let him stew for a bit at least."

"Steph, I am not asking you to pick a side. In a way, it is good that Rory knows now. I just wish I had been upfront about it before hand but I really don't remember a thing about that night. Now, I am so scared to screw this relationship up. I love her, I never felt like this before. I just feel I need her as much as I need air."

"Good thing then that she loves you back. Don't worry. Just be patient and honest with her. She is just a bit wary with your past now. Afraid of how you'll handle the distance."

"I kind of got that. Steph, I have someone on the other line… probably her. Talk to you later?"

"Yep. Love you Finn."

"Finn Morgan speaking."

"Hi Finn. It's me, Rory"

"Hey love. I was getting worried there. You arrived safe and sound?"

"Yes, I did. Thanks. Sorry to call you back late. Stephanie called. We've been talking for a while. Then I went for coffee before calling you back."

"It's OK Love. No need to justify. Your flight was good?"

"Yeah. I'm just not feeling that good now. That's all."

"I know love. Neither am I. Are we OK?"

"Yes."

"You're sure there is nothing you want for us to talk about?"

"No we're OK Finn. So what were you up to?"

"Nothing much. I talked to Colin, to let him know we won't be going to London in November."

"Finn if you want to go, go."

"I don't want to go and visit that jerk."

"Finn Logan is your friend. "

"Correction, Logan was my friend. Now he's the jerk that tried to break us up."

"But he didn't."

"So… he still meddled."

"You talked to him?"

"Yes, I did. Told him not to bug us anymore."

"Finn, I don't want you to screw up a friendship over this. "

"Rory, you don't understand… I love you. And it is not just about us… it is about him not accepting that I have changed."

"But have you really? Was Labor Day just a fluke or is it more."

"Rory, please, you know me better than that. I can't believe you are asking me this. I did act out in High school and College, and I did it because everyone was acting this way, and I did it better than all the rest. But it was never me, never who I was deep down. Talk to my mom, she'll tell you."

"I'm sorry. But I am so afraid I'll lose you with the distance. And I am so different than you, than all your friends."

"But that is what I love about you. Not the distance of course. But the fact that you are different than everyone I've known so far. The fact that you surprise me like with the Rocky Horror show we went to. We are more alike deep down than most of my friends by the way. You remind me so much of my sisters and my mom. You're sweet and calm and caring. I love you Rory."

"I love you too Finn. I wish I wasn't so scared, I can't help it, it's in me."

"Then I'll just need to reassure you. I am totally yours."

"Finn, I've got to go. I still need to talk to my mother and get ready for tomorrow… I haven't read my email since Sunday morning."

"Fine love. We'll talk tomorrow… kiss you."

"Me too. Bye Finn."

Finn wasn't reassured much by this conversation but he needed to trust that Rory had learned to know him over the last few months. He talked to his sister late at night. She scolded him on having relapsed to his old ways even if for only one night.

Later that night Rory talked to her mom once again. Somewhat reassured about Finn and her but still wary on the trusting issue. Rory was afraid of being hurt again. Her past experiences with guys were not positive… Dean, Jess, Logan… they all ended up disappointing her. How could she put her heart on the line when she risked being hurt again? Then again, how could she not. When she was with Finn she felt as she had never had before. He made her alive. With Logan she had been focused on being able to get her dream job, they were focused on business… now, with Finn she felt she could be her true self… she felt she could hope to a dream life… not only her dream job. Deep down, she knew he could offer her everything and more.

During the next week, Rory and Finn talked on the phone as usual but the conversation seemed to be more on casual topics, their respective work; their families. Rory was avoiding any personal topic or anything emotional. Finn was trying to get her to open up more about her worries, he wanted to reassure her. At the same time, he was hurt that she seemed not to trust him enough to confide what she felt. He knew if they wanted to get passed this, they needed to discuss it. On the next Friday morning, as he was finishing up some reports and analysis that the board of trustees had requested for his business venture, he decided to stop trying from a distance and go meet her in person. She was in Indianapolis; he packed up quickly and called his father.

"Dad"

"Finn, how are you. Just received your documents… we will probably be able to get back to you on the project early next week. We are meeting on Tuesday."

"Thanks, that's not why I called. Can I borrow the jet?"

"Are you planning a boy's week-end with Colin?"

"No, meeting with Rory."

"Oh… are you guys OK. I like that girl. She is sweet, different."

"I know mom talked to you about it. We could be better, but we'reOK. That is what she keeps saying anyway. But I feel her backing out. Distancing herself… I need to be able to tell her in person how I feel, make her see how much I love her."

"So yes, take it."

"Thanks"

Finn went back to his loft and packed up for a couple of days. He was feeling really nervous. He wanted to surprise Rory. Then again, he was afraid she would just back away… he needed to know his chances. He needed to talk to Lorelei.

"Hello Mr. Morgan. Lorelei's stuck doing the time warp, Magenta speaking, can I help you?"

"Lorelei… I need to talk to you. "

"Hmm you sound really serious. Is everything OK with Rory?"

"I think so. I haven't talked to her today."

"You haven't? That is not good. I told her to give you a call earlier."

"Why, is everything OK?"

"Well. She sounded really bummed for a couple of days. She does not tell me much. If you hadn't called I would be under the impression you broke up with her. But I did not want to ask. "

"I have no intention to do so whatsoever. I'm going to kill Logan if this breaks us up. Lorelei, I was on my way to see Rory this afternoon. Can you just make sure she is at her hotel around 5, I shouldn't be much later than that. I just need to run some errands and then I am on the way to the airport."

"OK, I'll call her this afternoon and make sure I keep her there. Finn, she does love you. She is just trying to protect herself from being hurt again."

"But hurting her is the last thing I could do. I love her more than I can say."

"I believe you. But she needs to learn to trust again."

"I know but I am not sure what more I could do to gain her trust. I, myself, never did anything to lose it."

"I know Finn. Don't lose faith in both of you."

"Thanks Lorelei."

He hung up and then headed out his loft hoping that he will be able to show her he is trustworthy.

Around 4h30 Lorelei is back home and calls Rory.

"Hey mom. I just came back."

"So how was your day sweets. Anything good?"

"There was not event to cover today. I just hung out."

"Are you going out tonight?"

"Some are going to a bar later but I rented some movies and bought ice cream. I am in for the night. I just want to be in my bubble."

"Hun. What type of ice cream?"

"Rocky Roads"

"Rory, rocky roads is your wallowing ice cream. What is going on with you? Did you guys break up?" Lorelei asked trying to sound concerned but not showing she knew the answer.

"Not yet… but I don't know. Our conversations are stalling lately. I don't know why but I can't help being afraid he will do like Logan and cheat. He used to have the flavor of the week and now, it me and I can't give him the excitement and I am on the road. We don't see each other much."

"Rory, I think that you are hiding out, trying to push him away because you're scared. But don't you see that doing that you hurt yourself and Finn. I've done it enough to know. And you are more than enough for a man. You are strong and independent, caring and fun. And honestly, I think Finn loves you for just being you."

"I know; I do trust Finn. But I am screwing up his friendship with Logan. And if he was not with me, he could find someone that could be with him all the time. Not travelling non-stop throughout America and that he does not get to be with for more than a few days every month."

"Come on Rory. He does not care about this. You know he is ok with you being on the road. "

"Thing is I am starting not to be ok with it myself. I am starting to want out. I feel I don't belong anywhere."

"Why didn't you tell him? Don't you think he'll worry if you're distancing yourself? Hun, he loves you, you should be honest with him. Let him know that it is not him you doubt but your current situation."

"Maybe… but what if I do leave the trail. Maybe we are not meant to be and if we end up in the same city he might get bored with me."

At that moment Rory heard someone knocking at the door.

"Hold on mom, it must be Catherine asking me once again if I want to go with them."

Rory opened the door but no-one was there. She looked over the hallway and when backing up into the room she saw an envelope on the floor. Her name was typed on the front. "Mom I just received a letter."

"What does it say?"

"Hold on"

Inside the envelop was a lavender parchment with silver writings where Rory read

"Rory,

I borrowed someone else's words as it summed up how I feel for you.

i carry your heart with me by E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

I love you Rory,

Finn."

Rory finished reading the poem and tears were silently running on her cheeks.

"Rory, you're still there?"

"Mom, can I call you back." She says with tears in her eyes

"What is it hun. You OK?"

"I just need to call Finn."

"OK, call me back tomorrow then." Lorelei answered as she knew Finn was either there or coming soon.

As Rory hung up, she heard a knock again at the door. She was about to dial Finn's number she went to the door and opening it she saw Finn standing there wearing a black suite with purple shirt and a purple and silver tie. She looked up into his eyes and realized the love and concern they were showing. She just jumped into his arms and whispered to his ears "I love you Finn. Thank you!". He hugged her back and was finally able to breathe as he knew then that they would be ok, that she was not holding back on him. He kissed her passionately and when they broke apart he asked "Can I come in?"

Rory laughed and she pulled him in but answered "I don't know, was I expecting such an elegant visitor tonight?"

"I thought I'd surprise you with a nice dinner. What have you got there?" He asked pointing to the letter and smiling.

"Well, I guess it is my first love letter from my boyfriend."

"Won't he be jealous if you go on a date with me?"

"He might but I'll just tell him that someone equally romantic just showed up at my door and I couldn't help myself as he was also an handsome exotic Aussie."

"Hey love" Finn said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her once again. "I've missed you, missed kissing you, missed touching you, missed holding you, and missed talking to you and most of all missed being with you." He said softly kissing her in between statements.

"I've missed all of that too with you. I'm sorry if I made you worry. I never doubted you Finn. I trust you. Wait… did my mom know about you coming?"

"Maybe. I might have called her to make sure you were in your room when I arrived."

"So you should thank her later."

"Oh yes, I intend to… if you hadn't been there, my plan would have been completely screwed."

"Not only for that, she has just helped me realize something."

"And what is it?"

"Can we discuss it later? How long are you here for?"

"I only need to be back in New York on Monday. But now, how about you get ready for a night on the town with yours truly."

"Where are you taking me? By the look of you, I need to wear something fancy."

"Fancy, not necessarily… but sexy might be good… for me." Finn said wiggling his eyebrows.

Rory laughed on the way to the bathroom where she took a quick shower and started to dress and put on makeup. She now was feeling like everything would settle itself. She had had one look at Finn and she knew he loved her and she loved him. No matter the distance or the work, or the conflict Logan, as long as they were together, it would be ok.

Finn had reserved a table at Rick's Café Boatyard. He sat in a chair in Rory's room and saw the ice cream container on the table…

"Rory, love, your ice cream is melting." He called her.

"Don't worry about it throw it away, I don't need it anymore."

Finn did not much understand but complied anyway. Then he saw her coming out of the bathroom. She was wearing a black cocktail dress that left her shoulders bare and skirt of the dress just above her knee. She was looking perfect to him.

"How is it that every time I see you, you get more beautiful? You look stunning Love. "

"Well, with you looking all handsome I had to compete… "

Rory walked towards Finn and she tenderly kissed him. "I'm sorry Finn if I scared you. I didn't mean to, I've been just doing a lot of thinking."

"Love, we said we'd talk later… so are you all set."

"Yes"

"You sure? I would think you would need shoes before. "

Rory put on her heels and they were on the way. "Are you staying with me or are you staying in another hotel?"

"If you don't mind this week-end I'll let you treat me to a romantic rendez-vous at the Holiday Inn."

"Of course, although there is an event tomorrow to cover."

"I know… I have an invite to assist."

"I will never get used to you society guys and the pull you have."

They left in the limo Finn had reserved for the night. They had a great meal and talked getting comfortable again with one another. As the evening advanced both felt eager to get back at the hotel to enjoy each other a bit more intimately. While waiting for desert, Rory went to the restroom and when she came back she found, in between her plate and her coffee cup, a small box wrapped in purple paper. She sat and looked at Finn who was smiling at her.

"It's yours Love, Open it."

"Finn, you have to stop buying me stuff."

"Rory, please open it before saying anything."

Rory opened the box and she found in a keychain and a key. On the keychain there was a small heart pendant on which the following inscription was "Please carry my heart with you. Finn". And one key.

"Finn?"

"This is a key to my Loft in New York. I want you to know that you are always welcome at my place and I invite you to use it as often as you want." He said smiling.

"This is just… thank you. But this is way too fast Finn."

"No, I don't agree. Yes, it would be quick to move in together but although I wish we would, you are on the road so still only a fantasy of mine. But giving you my key means that you can come in any time, drop by even for a surprise visit."

"What?"

"I thought it would be a way to show you that you can trust me. That you should feel safe coming into my place anytime you wanted. And by the way, you would also be welcomed anytime at my parents."

"Thank you Finn. Not sure that I want to use it without you waiting for me."

"I wish you would… I dream about you coming in during the night and waking me up, hopefully naked." Finn said smiling and taking Rory's hand.

"Finn I'm trying to be serious."

"I know love. So you want for us to go over the event of the last week?"

"Yeah… I am sorry for distancing myself. I just had a lot to think about."

"Rory, Love, you're scaring me." Finn said suddenly letting go of her hand.

"No, Finn, I love you, don't worry. It's not that kind of talk." Rory said looking straight into Finn's eyes before she continues.

"Let's see where to begin. When you told me you had slept with Madeline on Labor Day week-end, I was jealous, yes. I was most of all hurt. But not because you slept with her. It was more because you did not tell me earlier that you had a night of drunkenness. You've changed Finn. And if you spent a night getting drunk it's because something bothered you, and you did not share what it was with me. Then, I got scared that you would go back to your old ways."

"Rory, I am passed that, you know. You're right; I was upset about our fight from the day before. I was upset because I had started having feelings for you and knowing that you had seriously considered getting back to Logan made me sad. I couldn't tell you how I felt then. You had just had your heart broken. I am sorry. I know it was a mistake. And I'm not about to repeat."

"I'm ok though. Please, let me continue. After that morning, when I was alone at the airport, I just started to get scared that you would do it again. Get drunk and you know… but I was more scared that you would get bored of me."

"What?"

"That you would get bored of me. The distance, the fact that we don't see each other for weeks at a time. And then I also got scared that I would be boring you. What if you one day want more than I can give you."

"Rory, Love. I will never get bored of you. Don't you see that you are more than I could have ever wanted? I never met anyone else with whom I wanted to spend every little minutes of my time. With whom I wanted to share all that I do and have because otherwise, it is not worth doing or having. I love you. I could never be bored by you since you surprise me every time we speak or meet."

"Thank you for saying so. Because now, I am starting to want out of the campaign trail. I realized talking to my mom that yes this job is giving me a lot but I am loosing myself. I don't like always being on the road. I want to settle somewhere. I have lost my sense of belonging. You know, I feel like I have lost my anchor. It used to be my mom and now, I'm not sure. I… I feel like I want it to be you. And that scares me. It scares me but at the same time, it excites me. I am sorry that it scares me."

"Don't be Love. But how do you feel now?"

"In Omnia Paratus?"

"What?"

"Well, I can't hide behind my fears Finn. If I want to live life and get my dream life, I need to stop hiding and jump into life and there is no one I would rather do it with than you. I know it is too fast for you to be my anchor but slowly I could see myself getting there. You make me alive Finn. With you, I want to experience everything to the fullest."

"Rory, come here." And Finn leaned in to give Rory a kiss filled with all the emotion and passion he wanted to share with her. They paid the bill and then they quickly went to the hotel. They both gave into the passion without any restraints that night. Making love and sharing an intimacy that neither had ever felt.

Author's note : I had thought of making this chapter longer but it felt natural to end it there. Reviews will be appreciated!

And once again, thanks to all that, review put an alert or put this story in their favorites...