Rory and April had been looking forward to their sister-day for weeks. It was a chance for them to unwind, reconnect, and spend time together away from the pressures of work, family, and life. They had chosen a leisurely breakfast at a quiet spot near Central Park, a morning at the MET, and an afternoon of theater—Legally Blonde on Broadway—to top off the day. It was exactly the kind of day they both needed.
As they sat in a corner booth, sipping coffee and picking at pancakes, the conversation flowed easily between them. April talked about her new job in New York City, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, while Rory listened, adding in her own stories about juggling work and life with Leia. The sisters' bond was strong, but it was rare for them to have a full day like this, free from distractions.
But just as April was finishing a story, Rory's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her face immediately clouded with concern.
"Uh-oh, it's the nanny," Rory said, answering the call.
After a brief conversation, Rory hung up and sighed. "Leia's come down with chickenpox. I have to head back home."
April frowned. "Oh no, poor Leia. Are you sure you need to go? I mean, she'll be okay, right?"
Rory smiled apologetically. "Yeah, she'll be fine, but I really should be there. I hate to bail on you like this."
Just as April began to insist that she'd be fine, a familiar voice chimed in from behind them.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Gilmore sisters, out for a day on the town."
April and Rory turned to see Finn standing there, his grin as wide and mischievous as ever. He was dressed impeccably, as if he had stepped out of a Gatsby novel. He sauntered over to their table, sliding into the booth next to April without waiting for an invitation.
"Fancy running into you two here," Finn said, his Australian accent carrying the words with its usual playfulness. "What's the plan for today?"
Rory gave him a smile, though her mind was still on Leia. "We had a whole day planned, but I'm about to head back. Leia's sick, so I need to be home."
Finn raised an eyebrow. "Sick, you say? Nothing too serious, I hope?"
"Just chickenpox," Rory replied. "But you know how it is. She's miserable, and I want to be with her."
"Of course, of course," Finn nodded, his expression softening. "But that leaves dear April here all alone, does it not?"
April rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. "I'll survive."
"Nonsense," Finn said, turning to her with a playful grin. "A lady like you deserves far better than to be abandoned in the middle of a day like this. Allow me the honor of stepping in for your sister. I promise to be an adequate stand-in."
Rory laughed, shaking her head. "Are you serious?"
"As serious as I've ever been," Finn replied, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. "The MET, dinner, and Legally Blonde on Broadway—what more could I ask for?"
April hesitated, glancing at Rory. "I don't want to put you out, Finn. You probably have better things to do."
Finn's expression turned mockingly solemn. "There is no better way I could spend my day than accompanying you, love. Besides, it's been a while since we've had the chance to spend any real time together. What do you say?"
Rory, sensing that this might actually be a good thing for both of them, stood up and began gathering her things. "April, I think you should go. Finn will keep you entertained, and I'll call you later to check in."
April was about to protest, but the warmth in Finn's gaze, combined with the curiosity she'd harbored for him over the years, won out. She exhaled and nodded. "Alright. You're on, Finn."
"Excellent choice, love," Finn said, standing up and offering her his arm with an exaggerated flourish. "Shall we?"
As they left the restaurant and made their way toward the MET, the city buzzed around them, but for April, it felt as though the world had quieted. There was something about Finn's presence that drew her in—a magnetic energy that made it hard to look away.
They arrived at the MET, and for the first hour or so, they wandered through the exhibits, making idle conversation about the art. But beneath the surface, there was a tension—a slow burn that neither of them could ignore.
April found herself stealing glances at Finn, watching him as he studied the paintings with a surprising seriousness. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and it intrigued her. He wasn't just the carefree playboy she had always known him to be; there was depth there, layers she hadn't yet discovered.
At one point, they stood before a large painting of a woman standing on the edge of a cliff, the wind blowing her hair back as she gazed out at the sea. The painting was haunting and beautiful, and April felt something stir inside her as she looked at it.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" Finn's voice was soft, almost reverent.
April nodded, her gaze still fixed on the painting. "There's something about it… it feels like she's waiting for something. Or someone."
Finn turned to look at her, his eyes thoughtful. "Maybe she's waiting for someone to realize that she's not as far away as they think."
April felt a chill run down her spine at his words. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, it felt as though the air between them had shifted. The noise of the museum faded away, and all that was left was the two of them, standing there in the soft glow of the gallery lights.
Finn smiled, but it wasn't his usual cheeky grin. It was softer, more vulnerable. "I think I've been waiting, too," he said quietly.
April's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure how to respond, so she simply nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle over her like a blanket.
The tension between them only grew as the day went on. By the time they reached the restaurant for dinner, April felt as though she was walking a fine line between friendship and something more. Every glance, every touch, seemed to carry more weight than it had before.
They sat across from each other at a small, candlelit table, the city lights twinkling outside the window. Finn was uncharacteristically quiet, his usual playfulness tempered by something deeper, something April couldn't quite put her finger on.
"I've had a great time today," Finn said, breaking the silence.
"Me too," April replied, smiling softly. "I didn't expect this, honestly."
"Neither did I," Finn admitted, his gaze locking onto hers. "But maybe that's the point. Sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them."
April looked down at her plate, her heart racing. There was so much she wanted to say, so much she had felt for him over the years but had never allowed herself to admit. She had always told herself that Finn was just a flirt, someone who didn't take anything seriously. But today had shown her a different side of him—one that made her wonder if there was more between them than she had ever realized.
As they finished their meal and made their way to the theater, the tension between them was almost palpable. They took their seats for the show, but April found it hard to concentrate on anything other than the man sitting beside her.
Throughout Legally Blonde, they exchanged glances, their arms occasionally brushing against each other. Every small touch sent a jolt through April, and she found herself wondering what would happen if she just let go of the doubts and misunderstandings that had kept them apart for so long.
By the time the show ended and they stepped back out into the cool night air, April felt as though she was on the edge of something. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was undeniable. She had been waiting for years, caught up in assumptions about who Finn was, about who she was. But today, everything felt different.
They walked in silence for a few moments, the city lights casting long shadows on the sidewalk. Finn finally spoke, his voice quiet and filled with an emotion April hadn't heard from him before.
"I think I've been waiting for this day," he said, glancing over at her. "For you, really."
April stopped walking, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat. There was so much she wanted to say, but in that moment, words seemed unnecessary.
They stood there, the city bustling around them, but for April, it felt as though time had slowed. She took a deep breath, stepping closer to Finn.
April stood there, taking a deep breath, the cool night air filling her lungs. She was closer to Finn now, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him despite the cold.
For a moment, they just stood, eyes locked, neither one speaking. Finn's usual smirk was gone, replaced by something deeper, something raw. April's mind raced—this day had taken her in directions she hadn't expected, and now here they were, on the edge of something new, something that scared her as much as it intrigued her.
But it wasn't time. Not yet.
April blinked, breaking the moment, and looked down at her hands, which were fiddling nervously with her coat zipper. She smiled, but it was a smile tinged with the weight of everything she felt but couldn't yet say.
"I… I should get going," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of finality.
Finn's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, before he too took a breath, stepping back. His eyes, however, didn't lose their intensity. "Of course," he replied, his voice quiet but steady. "You've got an early start tomorrow with your research at the lab, right?"
April nodded, grateful for the graceful out he'd given her. "Yeah. I need to be sharp tomorrow," she said, though part of her wished she didn't have to leave this moment behind.
Finn took her hand, and for a heartbeat, April thought he might pull her closer. But instead, he squeezed her hand lightly and let it go, his touch lingering even after he'd stepped back. "Goodnight, love," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that made her heart ache.
April smiled again, this time a little more genuinely. "Goodnight, Finn. Thanks for today. It was… it was really nice."
Finn gave her a small nod, his eyes holding hers for just a second longer. Then, without another word, he turned and began to walk away, disappearing into the bustling night.
April watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. She stood there for a long moment, the city swirling around her, before finally turning on her heel and heading home
The next morning, Leia's condition had deteriorated. Her fever climbed higher, and the red spots covering her small body looked angrier, more swollen. Leia was restless, tossing and turning, unable to find comfort. Rory sat beside her daughter's bed, her eyes red from lack of sleep, stroking Leia's hair, trying to soothe her with a cold compress.
"She's not getting better, Logan," Rory whispered, her voice tight with fear. "I don't know how much longer she can keep this up."
Logan leaned against the doorframe, his hands gripping the edges of the door in frustration. "I've called the doctor again," he said. "They said the same thing: manage her fever, keep her hydrated. But what if there's something more going on?"
Rory glanced at him, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm scared, Logan. What if something happens? What if—"
Before she could finish, Leia let out a soft whimper, and Rory's attention snapped back to her daughter. "I can't just sit here and watch her suffer like this," she added, her voice cracking.
Logan walked over, resting a hand on Rory's shoulder, but she could feel his tension through his touch. They were both worn out, beyond exhausted, and with every passing hour, the sense of helplessness deepened.
"I think I'll call Finn," Logan said suddenly, pulling his phone from his pocket. Rory raised an eyebrow, her exhaustion too overwhelming to argue. "He should know what's going on. Maybe… maybe he can help."
Logan stepped into the hallway, his voice low as he explained Leia's worsening condition to Finn. "I don't know what to do, man. Rory's beside herself, and Leia's getting worse. We've called the doctors, but it's not enough. We're not enough."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Finn's voice, calm but firm, came through. "I've got it handled, Logan. Just sit tight."
Logan blinked, a wave of relief washing over him even though he wasn't sure exactly what Finn meant. "What do you have in mind?"
"Just trust me," Finn replied. "Give me a couple of hours."
Logan didn't ask further questions, but as he ended the call, a sense of weight lifted slightly from his shoulders. Finn had a way of handling things that others couldn't—Logan trusted that if anyone could fix this, it would be him.
A couple of hours later, Rory and Logan were both running on fumes. The stress, the lack of sleep, and the endless worry had drained them. Leia's fever wasn't breaking, and her breathing had become shallow, labored. Every moment felt like an eternity.
The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, cutting through the quiet panic. Logan answered the door to find Finn standing there, his expression unusually serious but warm. Without waiting for an invitation, Finn stepped inside, surveying the scene.
"All right," Finn said briskly, but there was a kindness in his tone. "I've made arrangements. Leia's going to be admitted to the children's hospital downtown. They've already prepared a room for her."
Rory looked up from the couch, her exhaustion evident on her face. "Finn, you didn't have to—"
"I did," Finn interrupted gently. "I spoke to the doctors myself. They'll take care of her, Rory."
Logan, still trying to wrap his mind around how quickly Finn had managed everything, stood speechless. "How did you—"
"I have my ways," Finn said with a slight grin. "More importantly, you're both exhausted. I've booked a hotel suite for you at the family-care-center next to the hospital. You'll be nearby, but you need to rest. The doctors have everything under control."
Rory's eyes welled with tears again, but this time it wasn't just from worry—it was from the overwhelming relief of knowing Leia was finally going to get the care she needed. "Finn, I don't know what we would've done without you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Finn smiled, the playful edge he was known for replaced by something softer, more genuine. "You don't have to thank me, love. Just focus on Leia. I'll take care of the rest."
Later that night, as Leia rested comfortably in her hospital bed, Rory sat by her side, watching the slow rise and fall of her daughter's chest. The beeping of the monitors was a constant reassurance that Leia was in good hands now. Logan sat nearby, his head in his hands, the tension in his body slowly unwinding.
Rory glanced over at him. "Finn saved us, didn't he?"
Logan looked up, nodding tiredly. "Yeah. I don't know how he did it all so fast, but… yeah."
As Rory sat there, a sense of calm finally beginning to settle over her, she looked up and saw April standing quietly in the doorway. April entered the room, her face a mixture of concern and relief when she saw that Leia was being taken care of.
"How's she doing?" April whispered.
"She's stable," Rory replied, smiling weakly. "Thanks to Finn."
April frowned, her gaze shifting from Rory to Leia. "Finn? What do you mean?"
Rory let out a soft, exhausted laugh. "Finn's the one who arranged all of this—the hospital, the doctors, the hotel. He handled everything. Logan and I were completely overwhelmed, and he just… swooped in."
April's expression softened, her eyes flickering with surprise and something else—something quieter, deeper. "He did all that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rory nodded, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah. I don't think any of us knew just how much he'd go out of his way for the people he cares about."
April didn't respond, but Rory could see the shift in her expression, the way her gaze lingered on the doorway where Finn had stood just moments before. There was a subtle shift in the air—April had always seen Finn as a carefree playboy, someone who never took things too seriously. But now, she was beginning to see him differently. Though she didn't say anything, Rory could tell that April's view of Finn had changed in ways that even April herself wasn't quite ready to acknowledge.
Finn reappeared in the doorway moments later, leaning casually against the frame, his usual smirk in place. He exchanged a brief glance with April before turning to Rory. "Everything all right here?"
Rory smiled at him gratefully. "Thanks to you, yes."
April remained quiet for a moment, but as she watched Finn standing there, something inside her shifted. There was more to him than she'd ever allowed herself to see—more than the carefree, mischievous persona she'd grown accustomed to. The weight of his actions today, the way he'd taken charge when it mattered most, lingered in her thoughts.
"Thank you, Finn," April said softly, her voice carrying a sincerity she rarely used with him.
Finn turned his gaze to her, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "No thanks needed, love. I'm just glad Leia's getting the care she needs."
April gave him a small smile in return, and for a moment, the air between them was thick with unspoken words. But neither of them moved to cross the invisible line that held them in place.
Rory watched the exchange quietly, noting the way both Finn and April seemed more aware of each other than usual. She chose not to comment, though, knowing that whatever was happening between them was theirs to figure out in time.
Just then, Leia stirred slightly in her sleep, and Rory's attention shifted back to her daughter. Logan, too, glanced over, his exhaustion clear but the relief now settling in.
Finn cleared his throat and straightened up. "Well, I think I'll give you all some space. I'll check back in later." He paused briefly, his eyes flicking to April one last time before he added, "Take care, yeah?"
April nodded, watching as Finn left the room. There was something in her chest, a flutter she couldn't quite explain. But whatever it was, she wasn't ready to act on it. Not yet. Maybe not for a long time.
As the door closed softly behind Finn, the room fell into a calm silence. Rory looked at April, catching the far-off expression on her face, but said nothing.
April blinked, as if pulling herself back to the present. "I'll be around if you need anything," she said, her voice steady but distant.
Rory nodded, grateful for her sister's presence. "Thanks, April."
The quiet settled in again as April left the room. And though she and Finn had barely scratched the surface of what could be, there was an undeniable connection lingering in the air between , when Leia had fully recovered and life began to return to normal, April found herself thinking back to that moment at the hospital—how Finn had stepped up when they needed him, and how that small shift in their relationship had planted a seed she wasn't sure what to do with.
As April's birthday approached, she couldn't shake the feeling that things with Finn weren't over—that whatever had begun that night might just be the start of something unexpected. But for now, she kept those thoughts tucked away, unsure of what the future might bring.
2 month later, April 2021: April's Birthday
April's birthday was supposed to be a quiet, intimate dinner with Rory and Logan—something simple and relaxed after everything that had happened over the past months. They had chosen a cozy restaurant downtown, tucked away from the usual city rush. It was the perfect spot to enjoy each other's company and unwind.
Logan, as always, had insisted on taking care of everything, booking the restaurant and ensuring that the evening would go off without a hitch. What April didn't know, however, was that Logan had shared the plans with Finn. And in true Finn fashion, he had decided to add a twist. With just a few calls, Finn had gathered their friends, arranging for them to "coincidentally" show up at the restaurant and turn April's quiet dinner into something much bigger.
As the evening began, April was enjoying the relaxed vibe, chatting with Rory about work and catching up on their latest family updates. Logan was unusually quiet, though, occasionally checking his phone and glancing toward the entrance with a hint of a smile. April didn't think much of it—Logan always had something going on behind the scenes.
"So, do you feel any older?" Rory asked, a playful grin on her face.
April laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not really. Just grateful to have a calm night with you two."
Logan raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Calm, huh? Well, about that…"
Before April could ask what he meant, the door to the restaurant swung open, and in walked Finn, Colin, Steph, Robert, and Juliet, all dressed to the nines, their presence commanding the room's attention.
"Well, well, well, look who we have here!" Finn called out, flashing that signature grin as he sauntered over to their table. "Couldn't let you have all the fun without us, now could we?"
April blinked in surprise, her mouth slightly open as she glanced between Logan and Rory, who were both trying to hide their smiles. "What… what is this?"
Rory chuckled, nudging April's arm. "You didn't think we'd keep it just the three of us, did you? Finn decided we needed to make it a real party."
Finn slid into the seat across from April, still grinning. "Logan told me about the plans, love. I thought it'd be fun to have a few more familiar faces join in the celebration."
April tried to hide her smile, but she couldn't help it. There was something about Finn's charm that was always disarming. "You always know how to make an entrance," she said, shaking her head with amusement.
"Only for special occasions," Finn replied with a wink.
What had started as a quiet birthday dinner for three quickly turned into a lively gathering. The restaurant buzzed with the energy of old friends reconnecting, stories being shared, and laughter filling the room. Colin and Steph were their usual playful selves, teasing each other about their latest adventures. Robert and Juliet kept to themselves more, but even they couldn't resist the warmth of the evening.
Finn, of course, was at the center of it all. He told jokes, made everyone laugh, and effortlessly lightened the mood. Yet, despite the group's lively chatter, his attention drifted back to April again and again.
April noticed it too. The way Finn's eyes lingered on her a little longer than usual, the way his comments to her had a softer edge to them. There was an undercurrent between them that she couldn't quite define. Over the years, she had brushed off Finn's charm as just that—charm. But lately, something had shifted. He wasn't just a flirt anymore; there was something deeper beneath his carefree exterior, something that made her heart race in a way she hadn't anticipated.
As the evening wore on, April excused herself to step outside for a breath of fresh air. The conversations inside had been fun, but there was an intensity building between her and Finn that she hadn't been prepared for. She needed a moment to clear her head.
She stood by the entrance of the restaurant, breathing in the cool spring air, when the door opened behind her. Without even turning, she knew it was Finn.
"You alright, love?" His voice was softer than usual, free from the teasing tone he often used. It was genuine, concerned, and it sent a shiver down her spine.
April nodded, glancing up at him with a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a breather. It's been a lot… a lot of emotions tonight."
Finn stepped beside her, his hands tucked casually into his pockets as he looked out over the quiet street. They stood in silence for a few moments, the sounds of the city muffled by the walls of the restaurant behind them. The tension between them was palpable, but neither of them seemed ready to break it.
"It's a good night," Finn said quietly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "You look happy."
April turned slightly to face him, studying him for a moment. There was something different about Finn tonight—something less guarded, more vulnerable. It wasn't the usual flirtatious banter they shared. It was deeper, and it made her heart flutter in a way she hadn't expected.
"I am happy," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly. "It's just… I don't know. Everything feels different."
Finn looked at her then, his gaze steady, searching. "Different how?"
April hesitated, the weight of his question pressing down on her. She didn't know how to answer—didn't know how to put into words the shift she had felt between them. For years, she had convinced herself that Finn was just a charming playboy, someone who never took anything too seriously. But tonight, after everything he had done for her family, after the way he had quietly, selflessly stepped in when they needed him most, she wasn't so sure anymore.
"Just… different," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Finn didn't push her for more. Instead, he stood beside her in the cool night air, the unspoken tension between them hanging heavy but comfortable. It was the kind of silence that said more than words ever could—the kind that left both of them wondering what might happen if they allowed themselves to step beyond the boundaries they had drawn for each other.
He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against her arm, and though it was a simple touch, it sent a surge of electricity through April's body. She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat, but before either of them could say anything, the door to the restaurant opened again.
"There you two are!" Rory called, her voice full of amusement. "We're about to cut the cake!"
Finn dropped his hand, the moment passing as quickly as it had come, and flashed a grin at Rory. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said lightly.
April followed him back inside, her heart racing. She had no idea what had just happened between them—what that moment had meant—but she knew one thing for certain: whatever it was, it wasn't over.
As the evening came to a close and the last of the birthday cake was eaten, the group lingered at the table, unwilling to leave the warmth of the night behind. April found herself glancing at Finn more than once, and each time, she caught him watching her with that same unreadable expression.
It was as if they were both standing on the edge of something, neither of them ready to take the leap, but neither of them willing to step back either. Whatever was between them, it hovered just below the surface, unspoken but undeniable.
When it was time to say their goodbyes, Finn lingered just a little longer than the others. As he stepped outside with April, his hand brushed against hers—an almost accidental touch, but one that sent a warmth through her that lingered even after he had disappeared into the night.
And though neither of them spoke about it, the tension between them remained—a secret, unacknowledged, but impossible to ignore.