(she takes a deep breath before turning around)
"How did you know? And wait how long have you known?"-Rory
"About eight months now. And the way you were acting for about two solid weeks."-Finn
"Finn."-Rory
"Rory, I was hurt when I first figured it out. Now, it's my turn to confront you about it and process my emotions about the situation."-Finn
"It was a one night stand, nothing more nothing less. It happened while you and I were apart actually separated not talking nor living together. One of the rare moments when I was fed up with your drinking and no longer wanted to put up with it. Does that excuse my behavior of course not but I didn't nor would I EVER cheat on you."-Rory
"I didn't accuse you of cheating, honey. I just. Take me back to that evening. Just, (almost starts crying but keeps his emotions in check for the moment) tell me what really happened. What you were really thinking."-Finn
*Flashback*
It had been about a month after the accident. Rory, and Finn had been apart for about three weeks now. They tried to get along after he had been released from the hospital but the fighting, built up resentment, and unresolved previous problems between the two made it pretty much impossible to achieve for the time being
So one night, fed up with crying over a man who didn't deserve her and desiring the company of the best friend she could ask for, Rory decided to sent a quick straight to the point text to Steve. It simply stated, "Wanna meet up? Drinks maybe?" To which he responded back almost instantly, "Ok, drinks where what time". After a few more exchanges they finally decided on their fall back restaurant of Moretti's that was pretty much equal distance apart from one another. The two of them got there him a little after 8:30 her closer to 9 due to the fact that she had to finish her shift than head home to change. It took Rory a little while to decide on what to wear but she settled with comfortable clothes with a hint of sexiness to them just in case. After gathering a few things from her car including her purse she got out, as did he and the two of them shared a compliment as well as a hug for a few moments before they went inside the establishment.
"So are you going to order a drink right off the back or just start with water?"-Steve
(hesitates for a moment) "I'm good with a water for now. Thank you though."-Rory
(after ordering, then taking a sip of his beer) "So, Rory fill me in here."-Steve
"Am I that obvious?"-Rory
"Like I've said in the past, it is simply because I've known you for such an extended period of time so I am used to your nervous habits. For instance even as we speak you are cracking your knuckles."-Steve
(she stopped mid-crack but couldn't hold back her laughter) "You are good. Anyway, well Finn and I aren't together anymore."-Rory
(shifts a little in his seat) "How many times have you said that but haven't actually meant it?"-Steve
"A few times, but"-Rory
"I have a feeling it isn't any different this time around either."-Steve
"Steve, stop for a second okay? I moved out of his apartment. I've bought my own place actually it is pretty close to your location. I haven't talked, texted, or emailed him for the past three going on four weeks."-Rory
(he just gives her a hug) "O, Rory I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?"-Steve
(looks at the bartender for a few moments then makes a decision) "Can I have a shot of patron, please?"-Rory
"Well, I guess that was my answer. Anything else major going on that I need to know right away?"-Steve
"Not that I can think of at the moment."-Rory
About twenty minutes after her first shot, Steve ordered the two of them another round. After she drank the second one she instantly felt the affects hit her, and she finally plucked up the courage to ask him what I had desired for the past few weeks.
"So, and not to make it sound like I'm offering. But what are your thoughts feelings and opinions on one night stands?"-Rory
(he just looked at me for a second than said) "Let's go."-Steve
(Rory just looked at him because she didn't think that he still had the desire to do anything with her. They had been apart for almost four years now and never ONCE before had any desire to blur their line of friendship. So she asked the first thing that came to her mind) "Seriously? You know I'm not joking right now right?"-Rory
"Of course I do. Let's go."-Steve
(she didn't hesitate the second time he said it and gently got off of her bar stool, put her many layers back on with his help with her winter coat ever the gentleman that he was. After settling their tab and making sure that she was feeling well enough to walk they headed back to his car. The car ride back to his place took about ten minutes. After he unlocked his door to his apartment, they walked inside, after talking for a few minutes Rory finally noticed his DVD collection by the TV, so she walked over and started commenting on the types that he had. While she was doing that, Steve had walked up behind her, put his hands on her waist and gently kissed her neck which made Rory weak at the knees. After he had done that Rory took out the movie Super 8 because she had always wanted to see it and was floored that he possessed that movie, while she was commenting on the movie, he went to get some water for himself and walked over to his counter. When he was done getting his drink he again walked up behind her and started kissing her neck. Rory half halfheartedly talked about Super 8 and suggested that maybe they could watch it tonight to which he responded with gently yet passionately kissing her on the lips, Rory turned around in his arms and said quietly, "Unless you had something else in mind."
*End of Flashback*
"Alright I get it. I really do. So the two of you were slightly tipsy and you slept together it's that simple then."-Finn
"If you are referring to feelings wise yes, but I wouldn't' change the fact that I slept with him, Finn to be honest with you."-Rory
(he looks at her for moment before asking the next question) "Do you love him?"-Finn
(sighs) "I love him like a friend, a best friend that's it. He has ALWAYS been there to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. And that's what that night was. Just because he nor I would change what happened, it doesn't mean that either one of us think it was the smartest decision that we have made together. But I am not nor I have not been IN love with him for some time now. Please believe me."-Rory
(slowly walks over to where I was still standing at the counter the tea kettle just beginning to quietly whistle but both ignored it, he bent down and kissed her with as much love he could muster into one kiss) "Rory, of course I believe you, you and I were going through a rather rough patch at the time. I do agree with your statement that it wasn't the smartest thing the two of you could have done but at the same time I more than understand how and why it happened."-Finn
(she just hugged him and went back to making their drinks) " I love you more than you could ever understand Finn no matter how many times we have broken up, the many rough patches, fights, etc we go through please know that."-Rory
"I do baby, trust me I do."-Finn
(the two of them grabbed their mugs of apple cider and went to their living room to enjoy a night of peace after that much needed discussion. Little did either of them know that they were planning on having a day off tomorrow from all drama and just enjoying another in the comfort of not only their apartment but their favorite park as well.)