A/N: Reading you guys' reviews and comments totally makes my week! Thank you so much for reading what I write and giving me feedback. I'd love to hear any ideas you all have for this story or any suggestions for future stories as well. You guys rock!
Rory and Finn had purposely made no plans for Saturday. They were both looking forward to sleeping in and spending a quiet day together before she had to return to the campaign trail on Sunday. Unfortunately, their plans didn't stand a chance against the craziness that was lurking in wait on that fall Saturday.
Rory's ringing phone woke the pair shortly after 8:00 in the morning. She felt around the nightstand with her eyes still closed and looked at the caller ID. It was an unknown number, and she promptly ignored it. Not even five minutes later her phone rang again, this time her mom.
"Mom, it's early," Rory groaned.
"I know, sweets. I'm so sorry to wake you, but it's important. The press is all over the Hollow. Pictures of you and Finn are in every newspaper in the area along with the story about your newly-minted status. You guys are going to want to keep a low profile, okay?"
"Wow, I can't believe it's that newsworthy. Okay, we'll hole up in the room for the day. I'm going to try to get some more sleep, but I'll talk to you later, Mom. I love you," Rory replied.
"Love you, too, kiddo. I'll see you before you leave."
Rory hung up and rolled back over into Finn's waiting arms.
"Everything okay, kitten?" Finn asked.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Apparently the press is camped out all over town because of the announcements made last night," Rory complained.
"I'm so sorry, Ror. We'll enjoy a quiet day in, okay?"
"That sounds wonderful," Rory murmured as she closed her eyes with every intention of drifting off to sleep again. Once again, it wasn't in the cards. Her phone rang again minutes later.
"It's my boss," Rory mused as she looked at the caller ID.
"Good morning, Hugo," Rory answered.
"Good morning, Rory. It appears that you've made quite the splash in the press this morning," Hugo chuckled.
"Yes, my mom just called to let me know that the press are staked out all over town. You'd think there was nothing more important going on in the world," Rory deadpanned.
"Not all journalists can have as high of ambitions as you do," Hugo chuckled again. "Listen, I really hate to do this for many reasons, but I don't really have a choice. You're one hell of a reporter, Gilmore, certainly one of the most promising young talents I've ever had the privilege of having work for me, but with the publicity coming from last night's announcements we will have an incredibly difficult time keeping you safe and away from media scrutiny on the trail, not to mention maintaining security at events with you there as well. Senator Obama's protective detail feels it's best if you don't return to the campaign trail."
"Wow, I don't even know what to say to that. I mean, I understand why. I guess it's just a shock. I had no idea that this was going to be so huge, Hugo."
"I know you didn't, kid. We're happy to pay out the remainder of your contract, and I'm more than happy to give you a glowing recommendation," Hugo offered.
"Really, that's not necessary on either count. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that money isn't an issue, and I actually accepted a job offer earlier this week, so there's no need for a recommendation either. I do appreciate the offers, though."
"Of course, Rory. Don't ever hesitate to call me if you'd like to freelance; you're always welcome back here. I wish you all the best," Hugo replied.
"Thank you, Hugo. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking a chance on a rookie reporter straight out of college. I wouldn't trade this last year and a half for anything."
"It's been my pleasure. Take care of yourself," Hugo finished before he disconnected the call.
"Wow," Rory whispered, laying there in a daze.
"Is everything okay, Ror?" Finn asked, his voice laced with concern.
"Yeah, everything is fine. You know how neither of us were looking forward to me having to go back out on the trail tomorrow?" Rory asked.
"Mmmhmm."
"Well, that was my boss. It appears that security, both mine and Senator Obama's, is a major concern with the media attention that I'm receiving and I've been released from my contract with an offer to pay out the remaining contract and for a recommendation, both of which I told him weren't necessary."
"So you're finished traveling?" Finn asked, guardedly excited.
"I'm finished traveling," Rory answered.
"And you're okay with this?"
"Yeah, I'm actually really good with this," Rory answered with a broad smile. "I'm excited that I get to start this new chapter now."
"Well then, love, let's celebrate," Finn replied as he pulled her closer and began kissing her. Their kisses quickly turned passionate, and they were lost in each other as they celebrated the end of their time apart and the beginning of their opportunity to build their lives in the same city.
Two hours later, the couple was showered and ready for the day and on their way downstairs to meet Lorelai in the Dragonfly's private dining room for lunch. After they greeted each other and sat down to eat Lorelai began the conversation.
"So, crazy day, huh, sweets?"
"You have no idea, Mom. My phone hasn't stopped ringing, mostly unknown numbers, and I heard from Hugo this morning. Apparently due to my new status, I can't be kept secure on the campaign trail. I've been released from my contract effective immediately."
"Whoa, kiddo. How are you feeling about all of this?" Lorelai asked.
"I'm actually relieved to be finished with the campaign trail. It was such a great experience, but I'm ready to put down some roots."
"So what's next for you?"
"I guess I need to find a place of my own, you know? It's time to find my home."
"And where might home be, Ror?" Lorelai asked eagerly.
"Somewhere in New York City," Rory replied. "I guess Finn will help me find a home?" she asked as she turned her attention to her boyfriend who was sitting next to her.
"Of course, love. I would be more than happy to help you find your home," Finn replied as he pulled her close to him and kissed her temple. "You can stay with me while you're looking for a place; I would love to have you there."
"You two are too sweet," Lorelai gushed. "You take care of my baby in the City, Finn."
"Absolutely, Lorelai," Finn answered without even thinking twice.
"You know what you two should do?" Lorelai asked eagerly, almost bouncing in her seat. "You should go somewhere for a week or two and let the newness of your status die down. It would make your lives way less stressful."
"Oh, I don't know, Mom. I mean, I have a new job, and I need to find someplace to live long-term. And Finn can't just take off for a couple of weeks with no notice," Rory began.
"Nonsense, love," Finn interrupted. "I have the perfect idea. We can pack and leave tonight if you'd like."
"What about your work, Finn?" Rory asked.
"Do you trust me, Ror?"
"More than anything," Rory answered immediately.
"Then let's go pack, and you leave the rest to me."
"Alright, let's pack and you can whisk me away," Rory replied excitedly. Finn left the dining room shortly before Rory in order to make a few calls in order to put things into motion for their impromptu trip. His dad thought it was a perfect idea to go away for a couple of weeks in order to maintain some sanity, and the arrangements were easily made.
Rory and Finn packed their bags, snuck out the service door of the inn, and went back to the Crap Shack so they could re-pack Rory's bags with what she would need for the trip. Lorelai was going to meet them at the house to say goodbye before they left. Since Rory didn't know their destination, she let Finn pack her clothes for her with minimal input from her while she packed her toiletries and a couple of books as well as her Kindle. When the town car pulled up to the house she hugged her mom goodbye with promises to call often and then walked out to the car hand-in-hand with Finn, excited for whatever adventure that he had planned.
Rory and Finn enjoyed the relative peace of the drive to New York. At least the press couldn't physically hound them in the car, although that didn't stop her phone from ringing nonstop with unknown numbers. She finally got so frustrated that she turned her ringer off and stuffed it in her bag.
"It's right about now that I'm regretting handing out business cards with my cell phone number on them," Rory groaned.
"You had no way to know, love. I can make a call and have a new phone waiting for you at the apartment when we get there. You could text everyone and give them the new phone number," Finn offered.
"That's actually possible, to have a new phone delivered?" Rory asked in awe.
"You're so cute, kitten. Yes, it's completely possible," Finn chuckled.
"That would be amazing, Finn. Thank you," Rory replied as she dug in her purse and handed Finn her new American Express black card that she'd gotten the previous night.
"That's not necessary, love," Finn replied, and before Rory could interrupt him he was already on the phone. Knowing when to admit defeat and just let him pay for the new phone, Rory sat back and closed her eyes for a few minutes, or at least that's what she intended. She awoke to Finn's gentle rousing when they were just a few blocks from the City.
"Ror, we're almost to my apartment," Finn told her as she opened her bleary eyes. She quickly sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Finn. I had no idea I would fall asleep."
"There's no need to apologize, love. It's been a crazy week, and you needed the sleep. Here, you'll want these," Finn instructed as he handed her the pair of dark sunglasses from her purse. She put them on right as they pulled up in front of his apartment, and as predicted, there were a handful of photographers waiting outside wanting to get pictures of the new socialite. They quickly walked through the secure front door of his apartment building, Rory tucked protectively under Finn's arm in order to minimize her exposure to the press, with Finn's driver behind them with Finn's suitcase and the two suitcases Rory had packed of things she needed in New York.
"Mr. Morgan, welcome home," the building concierge greeted him. "And Miss Gilmore, it's lovely to have you again. Here is the iPhone phone Mr. Morgan asked us to purchase for you. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there are any problems. Mr. Morgan, here are the additional items you requested," the concierge finished as he handed Finn a manilla envelope.
"Thank you, Sean. I appreciate your help," Finn replied as he and Rory took the offered items and proceeded to the elevator. They quickly entered the elevator and rode up to Finn's penthouse apartment, and Rory couldn't help but sigh in contentment as they walked in the door. She gasped inaudibly as she realized why she felt so content. Inexplicably, she felt like she was coming home. The only possible possible explanation was that she was with Finn, and that felt like home now. Finn noticed her lost in her thoughts and squeezed her hand.
"What's going through that pretty head?" Finn asked.
"It's just...we walked in the door and all of the sudden I felt really content, and the next thought I had was that I felt like I was home," Rory whispered, completely unsure of whether or not she should be making this kind of confession to her still-new boyfriend.
"I didn't know you were so fond of my apartment," Finn teased lightly, but Rory could tell by looking in his eyes that he was actually quite pleased with her confession.
"Well, it does have a stunning view," Rory deadpanned. "Not to mention that my amazing boyfriend is there. I think that might be more important than the view," she added quietly. They locked eyes for a moment, both realizing the enormity of this moment, and neither sure what to say to it. Finding that words failed them, or at least any words that either one was willing to say at this point, they embraced and shared a passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart, Finn spoke first.
"As much as I love kissing you, we really do need to finish getting ready to go to the airport. We'll continue this on the plane," Finn said with a wink. He quickly unpacked and repacked his suitcase with what he would need for their trip while Rory synced her contacts to her new phone and sent text messages to everyone who needed her new number. When they both finished Finn joined her in the living room and picked up the manilla envelope that the concierge had handed him.
"These are for you, kitten," Finn told her as he opened the envelope and began extracting items from it. "Here's a key to the apartment, a parking pass for the underground garage, and an access card for the front door and the elevator. This is everything you'll need to stay here with me."
"Wow, I don't know what to say. Thank you, Finn," Rory replied as she took the items, put the key on her key ring, and put the access card in her purse.
"Now, love, off we go to the airport. Let's go," Finn instructed. Finn grabbed his luggage and the pair re-entered the waiting town car for the drive to the airport and their waiting flight to the unknown.