(The next week)
*At Flawless*
"Hey stranger."-Finn
(stops working on his project because he hadn't heard that voice in almost three months)
"Hello, Finn. How are you doing?"-Steve
"I'm alright. I was actually wondering if I could talk to you?"-Finn
"About what may I inquire?"-Steve
"Rory seems to be rubbing off on you a little bit."-Finn
(they share a brief laugh which helps ease the tension in the room for a few moments so he grabs a seat in front of his used to be closest friend)
"A little bit I guess. But, anyway more to the point. What's going on? You haven't been to the shop in a while, kind of figured that you had written it off to Rory when the two of you separated."-Steve
(bits his tongue because he didn't come back to start a fight) " I figured that the space would be best for all involved in the situation."-Finn
(at the moment Logan decides to walk in ranting about something)
"Steve, are you here? This is freaking ridiculous, a couple called wanting to book us for their wedding which is next Saturday, the same day that we are booked for a mini outdoor shoot with Rory, then the next day we are booked all day for engagement photos for two couples. What are we going to do?"-Logan
(he walks farther into the shop when he doesn't hear a response right away from his partner, but stops mid walk when he sees Finn and Steve sitting at the table in one of the project rooms)
"What the hell is going on here?"-Logan
"I was in the middle of trying to figure that out actually."-Steve
"Look, before both of you get upset and try to kick me out of the studio which I still own mind you. Please let me say what I came here to first."-Finn
"Fine, what is going on, Finn?"-Logan
"I first off wish to extend my sincerest apology to both of you. I know that I put you through hell over the past few years due to my drinking problem. The nights you had to bail me out of jail, stop me from doing something stupid to Rory or one of you. The multiple events I missed out on for the studio. I would name everything if I could, but we would be here for quite sometime."-Finn
"Amen to that."-Steve
(they all three share a laugh once more) "And what was the second thing you wished to say then?"-Steve
"I was wondering if you would find it helpful if I joined the team again in taking over some of the events so the two of you aren't stretched so thin all the time."-Finn
"Why don't you take this one, Steve? I am going to start working on a few edits and trying to figure out how we are going to juggle this weekend."-Logan
"Sounds good. Grab me if you need anything at all, alright?"-Steve
"Sounds like a plan."-Logan
(he heads off to the other project/office area to leave the two guys to themselves)
"It actually isn't just the two of us taking care of the events anymore."-Steve
"Really, who else is doing it then, because I don't see any new names on the paperwork, nor an added desk neither an office."-Finn
(hesitates for a few moments then questions why because his girlfriend's work really was something to be proud of) "It's Rory."-Steve
(is speechless) "Excuse me?"-Finn
"Rory, is the other photographer. She bought a Canon a few months ago, started practicing, and honestly it is rather a natural talent for her. She notices things, that other's don't or can't in an angle, light, etc that neither Logan nor I have been able to master in all this time."-Steve
"Fair enough point there, she has always had a knack for doing things that way."-Finn
"However, having four photographers instead of three would considerably lighten the load at the moment. As you can tell we are usually rather booked these days which is good but between three to almost eight shots in a rather short span of time, moving into the new house, finding a time to talk to Lorelai etc, it would be nice to not be stretched so thin at the moment to be honest with you, Finn."-Steve
"You bought a house? When? Why?"-Finn
(sighs because this is the very conversation that he had been wanting to avoid) "Rory, and I bought a house together about a week and a half ago, because the other apartment was two small for us and we wanted a fresh start."-Steve
(smiles because contrary to what a majority of their group thinks he really is happy for the two of them now. After going to therapy for the past few months along with his A.A. meetings he finally understood and had grown to accept Steve and Rory as a couple. Even though there was a significant age difference between the two of them, he could provide a life for her that he wouldn't be able to for a few more years at least)
"That's wonderful news."-Finn
(looks shocked) "Really? You think so? Are you just pulling my leg, Finn?"-Steve
"No, I am not pulling your leg, Steve. Look, I know this may come as a shock but you are far better suited for Rory than I was. You were there every single time she needed you even after the two of you broke up so long ago. You went to the hospital with her after she got assaulted. I also don't want to make a list for this either for it would be far too time consuming. I am just saying the two of you are good for each other and I wish you the best."-Finn
"Thank you, that means a lot."-Steve
"On a side note though, you really should just ask your question before it eats you alive."-Finn
(they laugh) "Damn, I forgot how well you could read my facial expressions."-Steve
"Exactly, so what is it?'-Finn
"Before we get side tracked with that conversation, I did send a brief email to Logan, as well as Rory asking them if they are okay with reinstating you back in this business and they are more than okay with the idea. We have decided to charge a little bit more since we all of taken more classes, and are devoting more time to this. I hope that is alright with you?"-Steve
"Of course it is. I am looking rather forward to be getting into photography again. I have been doing some classes as well, and getting a few practice shoots in."-Finn
"That's fantastic to hear."-Steve
"Now back to the point, what's on your mind?"-Finn
"I know that I probably shouldn't be talking to you about this but have to know. Did Rory ever talk to you about wanting kids?"-Steve
"She mentioned it briefly once before she realized how bad my drinking was and didn't want to bring a child into that."-Finn
"Did she ever say if it was a deal breaker for her, if she didn't have them?"-Steve
"She said that she would be disappointed, but not heart broken. Why do you ask though?"-Finn
"Well, when we were looking at houses she let it slip that she could see our kids there."-Steve
(looks shocked) "Really? That shocks me, in all honesty. Under the circumstances, it would seem a bit odd for her to want that in your relationship at this point. But to each their own."-Finn
"Fair enough, however."-Steve
"However, nothing. I don't mind occasionally bouncing ideas off of you, don't mind giving advice about Rory but at the end of the day your relationship is between the two of you no one else. Talk to her about it. And, I mean actually talk, the sooner the better alright?"-Finn
"Sounds like a plan. Thanks for listening. It really did help."-Steve
"Anytime, man. Well, I'm going to head out, grab some dinner then get everything set up and packed for tomorrow to bring into the studio."-Finn
"Alright talk to you later on, Finn. Don't forget to say good bye to Logan. Fill him in on the details of the contract."-Steve
"I plan on it don't worry."-Finn
(the three men finish up their work for that afternoon and head to their respective homes)
*At Steve & Rory's House*
(puts his camera bag down on the counter, puts some hot water on for tea, then goes to look for his girlfriend who is the bathroom setting up a bubble bath. He quietly walks up behind her and puts his hands on her hips and gently kisses her neck. She jumps a little at the contact then turns around in his arms and hugs him)
"Hey baby I didn't hear you come home."-Rory
"I know, I'm just sneaky that way."-Steve
(they laugh, but Rory can sense that something is off with him) "You feeling okay, Steve? You look deep in thought about something."-Rory
"Finn stopped by Flawless today."-Steve
(looks at him with a mixture of confusion and shock on her face)