(I don't own Boy Meets World or Girl Meets World I just own my mind and some digital downloads and all the BMW seasons on DVD! I also started this I swear before I knew what Shawn actually did for a living.)

Fifteen years—it had been almost fifteen years since they all moved to New York City, and five since he left to travel for work. He was a writer and photographer for an online magazine, but now it was time for Shawn Hunter to head home and make some reconnections with his family again. He had been there when both his niece and nephew were born and it was very hard for him leave them and their parents behind but they talked him into because they knew it was his dream.

It was 2am and he was on the subway heading to their place, hoping he could get in without disturbing anyone. He finally arrived at the building and made his way with his keys, using his phone as a flashlight he let himself in and then found the couch and fell asleep after taking his shoes off.

This is how Topanga found him around 8 that morning, Cory came out a couple minutes later. Luckily it was the weekend and the kids would be sleeping later.

"Top…"

"Shh, look who made it home."

"Well what do you know, when'd he get there?"

"I don't know, let him sleep. Because you know once the kids see him he's not going back to sleep." Said Topanga.

Cory was in the kitchen a couple hours later, when a quick knock on the door followed by it opening.

"Hey Mr. Matthews."

"Shh, hi Maya. Riley's not up yet."

"You know you have a strange man on your couch?" Said Maya not seeing Shawn's face.

"Yes I do. That's my brother. Go wake up Riley and Auggie for breakfast please?"

"Yes, Sir."

Maya walked into Riley's room first and plopped down on the bed.

"Wakey, wakey your Daddy is making eggs and bacy." It didn't work. "Strange man on your couch."

"WHAT?!"

"Yeah, your dad said it was his brother? I don't know."

"Uncle Josh?"

"I don't know."

"Uncle Eric?"

"Again, I don't know. Come on we need to wake Auggie."

The girls woke Auggie and then walked out into the living room and Riley instantly recognized the stranger on the couch.

"UNCLE SHAWN!" Said Riley practically jumping on Shawn.

"Hey Sweetheart." He said giving her a hug.

"Morning Shawn."

"Hey, Hi Auggie!"

"Hi Uncle Shawn!" Said Auggie coming over and sitting on his lap.

"What time did you get it in?" Asked Cory.

"Like 2:30. I was supposed to get in earlier but my train was delayed."

"What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Asked Topanga.

"Nothing really just have to post my article and the pictures and then I'm free for the rest of the day."

"You want to join me for a late lunch? I'm meeting Harley later."

"Yeah, sounds good."

"So where did you go this time?" Asked Riley.

"I went to a couple bed and breakfasts in Connecticut."

"Ooh really where?" Asked Topanga thinking maybe she could get Cory to go away for a weekend.

"Um, one in Woodbridge and one in this place called Stars Hollow it's about 30 minutes outside of Hartford. It's a little weird town."

"Meet any girls?" Asked Topanga.

"The owner's daughter, but I don't think it's going to go anywhere."

"Why not?" Asked Riley.

"I just don't. She travels for work."

"So? You do too. Maybe you could travel together, ever think of that you dummy?" Said Topanga with a smile. "What does she do?"

"She's a journalist, out of my league."

"How could she possibly be out of your league?" Asked Cory.

"She went to a private school and attended Yale?"

"Shawn, Honey I love you but you're an idiot. You like this girl ask her out where does she live?" Said Topanga rolling her eyes.

"I don't know around here somewhere."

"Do you like her?" Asked Maya.

"Huh?"

"Have you talked to her? Do you like her?" Asked Riley.

"I'll go with you to meet her." Suggested Auggie. Shawn smiled at him and rubbed his hair affectionately.

"I hung out with her for the day. Her mom co-owns the inn I was staying in and had her show me around the town for a little while, we talked about the town."

"Shawn just because she went to a private school and Yale doesn't mean anything, talk to her get to know her before you make that judgment." Said Topanga.

"Call her, I know you have her number. We're meeting Harley at 5 call her up meet her earlier."

"What's her name?" Asked Maya who had somehow gotten a hold of Shawn's phone.

"Rory." Said Shawn absently.

"Hello?"

"Hi is this Rory?"

"MAYA!" Said Shawn getting off the couch.

"It is."

"Hi my name is Maya and my best friend is Shawn's niece and we were just wondering if you would like to…"

"Maya! Give me the phone!" Said Shawn now giving chase much to the amusement of Cory and Topanga.

"…Meet him for coffee at Svorski's?" She said finally throwing the phone back to Shawn.

"Hi, Rory sorry about that."

"No, its fine I'd love to meet you for coffee say in an hour I'm not sure how far away you are?"

"Well I just woke up so an hour sounds good."

"Okay well bye." Said Shawn.

"Bye."

"You're welcome." Said Maya.

Shawn shook his head and headed towards the bathroom. Topanga came over and kissed Maya's forehead.

"Good job."

Thirty minutes later Shawn was on his way out. When he remembered Auggie's offer.

"Can I borrow your kid for a bit."

"Don't do what Eric made Morgan do, you already have the girl." Said Cory.

"I'm not going set a timer on him and feed him M&Ms. I just need an icebreaker."

"I don't know Shawn I thought Maya took care of that for you." Said Topanga.

"Take him."

"Thank you."

"Cory!" Said Topanga with a smile.

"Come on Augs."

The duo got outside, just as Rory stepped out of the front door to her building.

"Shawn."

"Hey, I didn't know you lived in the neighborhood or I would have offered to pick you up."

"You should have." Said Auggie.

"Hi I'm Rory, what's your name?"

"I'm Auggie."

"You never mentioned you have a son." Said Rory.

"He's my nephew actually."

"Well what do you say we get out of this cold and go get that coffee and maybe if Uncle Shawn says yes some hot chocolate?" Said Rory taking Auggie's hand a starting down the street.

"One, your parents will kill me if I bring you home on a sugar high."

"YAY!"

"So you have family."

"I do, we're a little unconventional but we're family." Said Shawn.

"I know what you mean, I grew up with only my mom and the town practically raised me."

"Well, I grew up with Auggie's parents and Cory's family adopted me almost immediately."

"What about your parents?"

"Uh, never met my biological mother, and my dad was there but wasn't really there. He and my stepmom who I thought was my real mother left when I was 14 my dad followed her the same day and left me with the people I consider to be my parents, after a few weeks I ended up moving in with our English teacher who I also consider to be my father. So while I got gipped in the bio department I cleaned up in the heart department."

"My dad was not around my parents had me at 16 and when he did come around it was always at the worst possible times. My step father Luke was more of a father to me growing up."

"So were you born in Stars Hollow?"

"No Hartford. My family is old money. My mom left there when I was a year old and moved to Stars Hollow we only saw my grandparents on holidays until my sophomore year of high school when I got into Chilton and my mother had a hard time swinging the tuition so she went to them, and that's how Friday night dinners were born."

"Wow. Chet my biological dad did something similar when I got into Pennbrook, I have an older half-brother and when Chet couldn't swing my tuition he went to Jack's stepfather who paid my way through Pennbrook and then NYU when I transferred."

"I had planned to go to Harvard all my life but after touring both there and Yale I decided Yale was a better fit, closer to my mom, and it helps my family is a legacy family. When we found out that some money that she received from my grandfather caused me to not get scholarships and financial aid I had to reinstate Friday night dinners with my grandparents so I could go. They were happy to pay but it was still hard to accept because we had been on our own until then."

"I know how you feel, I got into an argument with Jack over it cause I only found out after Chet died and we had to go clean out his trailer, where I lived off and on until I was 17."

"We lived in a shed behind the inn my mom managed until I was 8."

"I learned how to ride a bike in Toys R Us 'cause we didn't have money for one." Said Shawn.

"Daddy promised to take my training wheels off this spring." Said Auggie swinging Rory's hand and grabbing on to Shawn's.

"Sorry Auggie we didn't mean to cut you out of the conversation. What did you do in school yesterday?" Asked Rory.

"I played with Ava and we colored during math. Then this other girl Sarah came over and said hi and Ava got mad cause I said hi back."

"Is Ava your girlfriend?"

"She says she is."

The trio arrived at Svorski's and were immediately greeted by Mrs. Svorski.

"Auggie, Dear where are your parents or Riley and her friends?"

"At home, Uncle Shawn's right there."

"Oh my boy welcome home!"

"Thank you Mrs. Svorski how are things?"

"Oh good. How long you here for?"

"For as long as people will have me. So if you need anything fixed you let me know."

"Of course, and my dear Rory. What brings you out today?" Mrs. Svorski said hugging Rory.

"Coffee with Shawn and hot chocolate with Auggie. We met in Stars Hollow while Shawn was writing an article on Mom's inn."

"Small world. I be right back with your coffees and chocolate."

"Thank you." Said Auggie.

The waitress brought the drinks over and they were instantly consumed by the patrons.

"So what are you doing for work right now." Asked Shawn.

"I work for the Times. You?"

"I write for 'Hit the Road' that's where your mother's article is going to be."

"Right, I forgot to ask while we were walking through town and then I asked Mom and she couldn't remember."

"So have you been at the Times since you graduated?"

"No I wrote for an online political magazine during the Obama campaign I traveled the country in a bus with a bunch of other reporters a few of my stories got picked up by the Associated Press(AP) after that I took about a month off hung around the Hollow got to know my godchildren a little better and then moved here. When I first moved here I lived in a studio where my bathroom was only separated from the kitchen by one of those trifold screens. The first time my grandparents saw it they were appalled my mom and Luke were so happy cause it annoyed my grandparents. The next week I get home from work my apartment is packed up and there is note telling me the new address. My grandmother hired movers without my knowledge and...she got rid of all my furniture including my bed that I've had since Yale I kept it for sentimental value Luke hauled that in and took the old mattress out like 4 times."

"Wait you brought your own mattress to college?"

"Yeah, why you didn't?"

"No Cory and I slept on the mattresses there."

"Eww do you know how many people slept on those and did things?"

"I do now thanks." Said Shawn with a laugh.

"So do you have an apartment here or in Philadelphia?"

"Uncle Shawn falls asleep on our couch." Said Auggie as both Shawn and Rory laughed.

"I'm on the road mostly but when I'm here I crash with this little guy, when I'm in Colorado I crash with Jack, depending on what part of Connecticut I crash with my dad Jon. It's only in between attractions."

"You ever think of getting a place here since you're here so often?"

"It's not practical, when I'm gone for weeks at a time. Don't get me wrong I've had an apartment here before when we moved here I actually shared a place with his parents and Uncle Eric. It was fun but then I got this job and now I run the whole website. If I'm not traveling I don't have anything to write about."

"True. I love the traveling I did with the campaign and my backpacking trip around Europe with Mom, but I like to have a place."

"I get it trust me I do. I'd love to have that too I just want to get this out of my system before I put down roots."

"So you don't do it later."

"Yeah, I'll never do what my biological parents did to me. If I thought that was an option I wouldn't have kids. But right now I'm perfectly content being Uncle Shawn."

"Just like I'm Aunt Rory."

"How many you got that call you that?"

"Five that I know of. You?"

"Two for now. But I see a third on the horizon one of Riley's friends is close with the family like I was."

"How's the hot chocolate treating you Auggie?" Asked Rory.

"It's great."

Everyone finished up their drinks and bid goodbye to Mrs. Svorski before heading back to the apartments.

"So what are you doing tonight?"

"Going to dinner with Cory and an old friend of ours around 5."

"Well if you don't get back too late give me a call maybe we can watch a movie or something."

"Yeah I'd like that."

"He'll be back early it's Daddy and Uncle Harley he's going with. All they talk about 'the good old days'."

"Hey we talk about you too."

They concluded the visit and headed back towards the houses.

"So I know this is presumptuous but aside from tonight would you like to hang out more?" Asked Shawn to Rory who nodded.

"Of course I would!" Said Auggie.

"Well awesome now that that's settled I'll call you when I get back." Said Shawn with a laugh.

"Or you could have Maya and Riley do it."

"She stole my phone off the table." Said Shawn.

The hopeful couple parted ways and headed to their respective homes. Rory immediately jumped on the phone to her mother while Shawn followed Auggie into Cory and Topanga's.

"Hello?"

"Hi Luke it's me is Mom around?"

"Yeah hang on Rory. Lorelai!"

"Coming! Hey Kiddo, what's up?"

"Nothing I actually ran into that guy Shawn that was at the Inn."

"The writer, ooh tell Mommy."

"Well today I got this phone call from a young girl."

"He's got children?"

"It was his niece's best friend, but it got us to talk and we took his nephew out for coffee and hot chocolate."

"That's great so do you think it could go anywhere?"

"Well he has dinner plans tonight, but I told him if I wasn't too late maybe we could meet up and watch a movie. It actually works out well because he stays like three brownstones down."

"He stays?"

"Because of how much he travels for work he doesn't have his own apartment so he stays with his brother and his family."

"I guess that makes sense. So was he nice the second time around?"

"Yes, it was so cute he brought his nephew with him. Mom he's a good guy remember the bakery I brought you to?"

"Yeah."

"He fixes things around there for Mrs. Svorski when he's in town for free coffee."

"I like him already. How old is his nephew?"

"6. He also has a niece and her friend who he says is on the cusp of calling him Uncle Shawn too."

"What about his family? You know Grandma is going to ask."

"Let's just say not the best subject to talk to him about."

"Understood. But you might want to explain that to your grandparents if this gets that far."

Meanwhile Shawn and Auggie had gotten back to the apartment and were sitting on the couch when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi Topanga its Harley, Cory around?"

"Yeah hang on. Cory it's Harley."

"Hey what's up?"

"Hey you doing anything now?"

"Just waiting to leave to come meet you why what's up?"

"Theresa just called her and Frankie have theater tickets and their sitter just cancelled think we could move dinner up about an hour?"

"You wanna just do it another night, no offense Shawn got a better offer than us."

"Yeah? What kind of offer?"

"Of the female variety."

"Tomorrow night?"

"Deal."

"Tell TK and Frankie I said 'Hey'."

"You got it. Later."

Cory hung up the phone and tried to figure out what they would do for dinner now. Topanga came to the rescue.

"Shawn, call Rory and ask her if she wants to come over I made more than enough to feed us four and the kids." She said including Maya in the equation.

"No offense but this is new I don't think we're ready for a family meal already." Said Shawn placing his phone on the coffee table.

"Need I remind you that you kidnapped my 6 year old not even an hour ago."

"Hi Rory, it's Auggie my mom wants to know if you want to come over and have a date with me." Shawn got up and took his phone from Auggie.

"Hey Rory."

"You really have to stop leaving your phone out where the kids can get it." Said Rory with a laugh.

"So do you want to and then we'll go back to your place to watch that movie?"

"What happened to your dinner with the guys?"

"Harley had to cancel, his sister needed a sitter."

"Okay, what time?"

"Topanga, what time we eating?"

"In like an hour but she can come over any time."

"Come over any time. We're not eating for an hour."

"Okay I'll be over in bit."

"It's labeled Matthews on the speaker box."

"Got it." A few minutes later the doorbell rang.

"Hello?" Said Riley.

"Hi it's Rory."

"Come in Apt. 26." Riley said back.

Rory made her way to the appropriate door and knocked quickly.

"I got it." Said Maya who was closest. "Hi I'm Maya we spoke on the phone."

"Hi Maya."

"Hey you look great." Said Shawn greeting her.

"Same outfit I had on at the bakery."

Dinner was a lively occasion as it usually was when everybody was home.

"So Rory what do you do for a living?" Asked Topanga.

"I write for the New York Times. I've been there since 2009."

"That's amazing." Said Topanga. "Do you travel a lot for work?"

"Some but it's not usually for long a few days at most. Just as long as it takes for me to get the story I need. The longest trip I ever did was when I was on the Obama campaign. I traveled on a bus for about 6 months."

"Six months on a bus? How did you shower?" Asked Maya.

"How many people were there?" Asked Riley.

"I traveled with about 30 other people and we would stop in hotels overnight but a lot of the time my butt was parked in Seats 20A-B." Dinner was served up family style a short time later and the girls mostly talked about school and how they helped Geralyn in the cafeteria kitchen again this time as part of their home economics class.

After dinner Rory and Shawn headed back to her place and decided to watch a movie. Soon after it started the couple found themselves cuddling on the couch, during a slightly romantic scene Shawn kissed the top of her head. Rory looked up at him and smiled from where her head was resting on his shoulder. This look caused Shawn to take the initiative to place a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling back to make sure it was okay and was further encouraged by Rory's hand on his cheek and guiding him back to her. The make out session started off slow before the feelings started to take over. Before either of them knew it they had moved into a horizontal position on Rory's couch with her actually on the couch.

"How far do you want to go?" Asked Shawn respectfully.

"However far you are comfortable with." She responded, resuming the kiss that's when she felt Shawn's hands on her not just on her back like they had been but they were now working the buttons on her shirt. She sat up briefly to remove the shirt and let it drop to the floor revealing a light pink lace bra. Shawn took a deep breath when he saw what she was wearing and noticed that the garment left very little to the imagination. Rory had to admit after Shawn called to ask her out she changed out of her plain white cotton bra and purposely put this one on. She told herself it was a just in case, but really she was hoping for this moment.

"Can I?" Asked Shawn quietly not wanting to break the atmosphere.

"Can you what?" Shawn looked down and took another deep breath when he again saw straight through the lace. "You can do whatever you want as long as we keep moving forward. By the way you are wearing way too many clothes." Rory rid Shawn of his shirt and pants as he removed her jeans as well and noticed that she had barely there matching underwear on. His hands were shaking as he joined her back on the couch. It was immediately after she landed back on the couch that she felt his hands on her breasts, she then returned the favor and moved her hands up his pecs. The friction she was feeling with the lace over her nipples had her sighing in pleasure. She wrapped her arms around Shawn's neck and pulled him in for a kiss that deepened as he lowered his body to her. They continued on like this for a couple more minutes before it got difficult to maneuver two grown adults on the couch. "Shawn." Said Rory breathlessly as he was carefully as to not leave a mark going to town on her neck.

"Yeah?" He mumbled.

"I have a king sized bed in my room that would be perfect for these activities."

"Let's go." Said Shawn getting off of her slowly but still keeping a hand on her. Rory got up and kissed him again.

"Hang on I need to lock the door." Said Rory before they headed back to her room. As she did that Shawn grabbed the condom he had stashed in his wallet. He then took her hand and followed her into what would be their room and bed for the night. They got into the room and Rory shut the door just as Shawn attached himself to her again and started kissing her up against the door. His hands roaming her body and once again causing the friction she was loving between his hands, the lace fabric of her bra, and her now very sensitive breasts. Shawn continued down her neck and soon got to the tops of her breasts and was now sucking her through the bra. "Shawn can you just take it off as much as I love the feeling I'm getting I want to fully feel you." The bra was then flung to the floor with a smile and the returning of his mouth and hands. He then pulled his lower body from her and lifted her carrying her to the bed. Carefully placing her in the middle of the bed he joined her and resumed his tactics of driving her into oblivion. It wasn't long before the remaining clothes were shed and blankets pushed down to the footboard.

"Okay before we go any further are you 100% sure about this?" Asked Shawn.

"Yes, now get the condom on and let's go."

"Yes, Ma'am." Shawn did as he was told and got the condom in place before he got close enough to Rory that she could actually feel him at her entrance and moved her legs accordingly to let him in causing them both to groan in pleasure as Shawn filled her completely, he gave her a couple seconds to get comfortable before they started up a pace that would soon bring them the intense pleasure they were seeking. It was a give and take situation meaning they each gave each other as much as the other person was giving. They also kept it playful Shawn could feel just how close Rory was and then he backed off frustrating Rory to where she started returning the favor. They soon realized if they kept their patterns up they wouldn't get to climax. Shawn felt her getting close again and picked up the speed knowing he was also reaching his end, Rory matched him and soon they were both seeing stars. With minimal sound Shawn and Rory finished together which is something that never happened for either of them with previous partners.

As the couple started to come down Rory hugged Shawn to her despite his weight, she had to admit to herself that this was also a first seeing as she usually had to give Logan and Dean nudges to get them off her, Shawn she just wanted to keep him close. She could see that based on the time they spent together that she wanted him around long term, that this wasn't going to be a fling.

"Wow." Said Shawn quietly looking at her and gently kissing her.

"I know." Said Rory as she felt Shawn slip from her. "Where are you going?"

"I need to get rid of the condom I'll be right back. I promise."

"Fine go be responsible." She responded with a smile.

Shawn went and washed up before returning and making sure to bring the blankets up with him when he got back in bed.

"You okay?" He whispered.

"Perfect, that was amazing. I'm glad the kids made those phone calls."

"Me too. Now I hate to be completely cliché but do you think this could progress?"

"Absolutely. I know you technically live with Cory and Topanga but I don't want you to leave."

"I'm not going anywhere tonight and for however long you'll have me. I think we just proved we belong together. I've never made that kind of connection with anyone—I mean—Crap."

"I get it Shawn. I haven't been with many people I can count the number on one hand and I have never made this type of connection with someone. So now it's my turn to be cliché are we together?"

"I'm in if you are." Said Shawn lightly kissing her.

"I'm all in you are never getting rid of me."

"Good, cause I don't want to. I know it's going to be hard with the amount of traveling we both do but if we keep in touch and use every opportunity we can to be with one another we can do it." Said Shawn.

"You know I work from home a lot of the time I just have to make appearances at the morning meetings. If I'm out on a story I skype it in."

"Really? So we might be able to coordinate our trips sometimes, that'll be fun." Said Shawn. "And I could use your expertise when I go to inns."

"My knowledge is at your disposal."

"So shall we have that past relationship talk, you know that way we have no surprises later?" Asked Shawn a little worried how she would react to the fact that he dated a lot in high school.

"If you want." She said pulling him a little closer to her just wanting to feel his skin next to her.

"I dated a lot in high school but only had a couple what I consider serious girlfriends."

"How many we talking here?"

"I had a two week rule. But I had like two that I actually remember significantly Dana and Angela. There's a quirk with Angela though."

"Yeah what's that?"

"She's one of Topanga's best friends. So there's probably going to be several instances where you guys will meet."

"Cool. I know for sure you'll meet at least one of my ex's Jess."

"Yeah? Why's that?"

"He's kind of my cousin?"

"Wait, what?" He asked with a laugh.

"He wasn't my cousin when we dated in high school, he's Luke's nephew."

"Gotcha. Besides that's cool cause I was living with Jon when Dana and I dated and then Jon started dating her mother so I ran the potential of almost dating someone that could be my sister."

"Do you still talk to her?" Asked Rory also laughing at their shared experiences.

"Not since she and two of my other two week dates tied me up in a boat house in order to get back at me for not keeping Valentine's Day plans with them. They were determined to show Angela that I would never change."

"But you did."

"But I did."

"I dated Dean Sophomore year, but broke up cause I couldn't say 'I love you' after 3 months, kissed this guy Tristan, who also had a two week rule. Got back with Dean but he didn't like that I started hanging out with Jess and we broke up. It took a while and then I started dating Jess and that ended just before graduation. Then Dean got married and when Mom and Sookie opened the Inn Dean and I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life and slept together."

"Hey, I haven't done things I'm proud of. I'm going to tell you something only my family knows and I'm not talking about the kids. Or Jack."

"What did you do?" Asked Rory jokingly.

"I put a cherry bomb in the mail box in front of the grocery store Cory's dad managed."

"Wow. So obviously you're here and not in jail so the cops never found out."

"They found out they just never knew it was me. So what was one the other big mistakes you made?"

"Logan was my boyfriend in college and his family business is being a media conglomerate and I earned an internship with his father and after a couple weeks Mitchum called me into the board room and told me that I wouldn't hack it in the newspaper world. We had Logan's sister's rehearsal dinner that night and I kind of flipped out and Logan convinced me that we should go for a ride and we ended up stealing a yacht. We got arrested and I had to do 500 hours of community service. Mom and I had a falling out so I moved in with my grandparents' pool house for a while and decided to not return to Yale. Logan and I broke up and I ended up running into Jess and he talked some sense into me and I arranged to return to Yale."

"I got arrested a couple times as a kid, Jon saved my ass every time."

"What happened?" She asked adjusting her pillow as they were still lying in bed.

"First time was the night Chet and Virna left, he left me at this really sleazy motel like I'm talking the kind that rents the room by the hour and you have to pay to turn the TV on. I left to find something to eat and I knew Jon lived nearby and popped in asking when we were going to read Hemingway Jon knew I was lying through my teeth. I was not a good student. Then I stayed with Cory for a few weeks, but it was hard I wasn't used to having rules and bedtimes. So I snuck out one night and got picked up by the cops I told them I was staying with Jon cause to me Jon was cool you know. Mr. Matthews would have yelled at me. Jon did after I informed him of that fact. Anyway I show up at the door and I told the cop that I was staying with Jon cause my parents were saving a baby who fell down a blowhole." Rory sat up clutching the sheet to her with a 'Were you dropped on your head' look. "I know not one of my shining moments. But I lived with him for about a year after that."

"Why'd you leave?"

"I stole Jon's bike got caught for speeding and found my dad in the jail. Are you close with your father? I mean I know Luke is there more but your biological father."

"Not really, we talk but it's strained. I know it sounds childish but sometimes I wonder why he wasn't around for me but is there 100% for G.G.. I mean he didn't come to my high school graduation. He came for the boring debutant ball and he showed up for college graduation but really only because he paid the tuition. Luke was there always. You know he didn't meet my dad until I was 16? When I was 10 I got the chicken pox and would only eat mashed potatoes. Luke made them for me every day until I was better. My 16th birthday I went into the diner with Lane before school there were balloons and coffee waiting for me and then he brought us out coffee cake that he made for me. My dad never even called. He moved me into Yale. The best thing and what really cemented to me how much closer I am to Luke than my dad is when I was leaving for the campaign Luke got the town together to throw me a goodbye party and when Babette told him it was going to rain he stayed up all night sewing together a bunch of tarps so we could still have the party."

"That's what Jon and Alan did for me they believed in me no matter what I did they were there. I'm glad we have that. I'm glad that if this goes where I think we both want it to I'm glad that whatever or whoever we bring in will have family around."

"I agree." She said kissing him. The kiss turned deeper before Shawn remembered something.

"Rory, Babe we can't go much further."

"Why?"

"Because I don't have another condom. This wasn't a planned part of the trip in so I didn't bring anything other than what was in my wallet." The couple then snuggled in and Shawn pulled up the blankets over them. The now couple fell into a peaceful sleep. At around 10am they woke up to Rory's phone ringing. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Emily.

"Crap. Where's my robe?"

"Why do you need your robe?"

"Because it's my grandmother I can't talk to her naked!" She found her robe and put it on as she slid her phone to answer. "Hello?"

"Rory it's you grandmother."

"Hi Grandma. How are you?" Shawn couldn't have moved further away on the bed if he tried. Rory smiled at him.

"I'm good Dear. Listen your grandfather and I will be in the city tonight one of his former co-workers needed some consulting work and we're here so we were thinking we'd invite you out. You are home aren't you?"

"Yes, Grandma I'd love to come out with you and Grandpa tonight when and where?"

"Wonderful! Well pick you up around 6. Dress nice we made reservations at Le Belle Douche." Rory had to stifle her laughter at the fact that her grandmother said 'douche'. Shawn tapped her leg and pointed to the door. "Hold on Grandma I just have to do something." She pressed the HOLD button. "What's up?"

"I'm going to run to the store and run home real quick and get a change of clothes."

"Okay hurry back."

"I will. Bye." He said kissing her and then walking out the door.

"Bye. Sorry Grandma I needed to grind some coffee beans."

"That's fine, so we'll see you at 6 tonight."

Shawn quickly went to the store and stocked up on the essentials he would need for the next couple days, and then headed back in the direction of the apartments. Walking into Cory and Topanga's place he saw the girls sitting on the couch watching 'The Red Planet Diaries'.

"Hi Girls. Where are your parents?" He asked in general not to one or the other.

"In Auggie's room." Said Maya.

"Cool." Shawn walked up the stairs and found Cory and Topanga sitting on the bed with Auggie between them. "Hey everything okay here?"

"Yeah, just relaxing. Are you just getting home?" Asked Cory.

"Yes, and now I'm going back I just had to run a quick errand."

"We're still on for dinner with Harley?" Asked Cory

"Yeah, it works out well cause Rory's got dinner with her grandparents I think. I'm going head back over and let her know what's going on."

"Bye, call if you're not coming back tonight." Said Topanga.

"Yes Mom."

Shawn walked back into the living room and kissed both girls on the tops of their heads and headed back over to Rory's. When he got there he saw that she still only had her robe on.

"Hey, how was the conversation with your grandmother?"

"Good my grandfather had some business in the city so we're going to have a Friday night dinner tonight. Would you like to come?"

"I would love to but I have the plans with Cory and Harley to make up from last night."

"That's right I kind of forgot."

"That's fine I didn't really mention it and honestly in all the activity we had I forgot too until Cory mentioned it when I went to get a change of clothes."

"Will you stay with me tonight?"

"Maybe." Said Shawn with a smile.

"You wanna maybe pick up where we left off before Grandma called?"

"I think I can persuaded. I was right about here right?" He asked kissing her and moving his hand up to caress her. Shawn then went to the bedroom making sure to place the bag within reach to the bed.

"I see you made a trip to the store." She said when he came back to the kitchen.

"And to Cory and Topanga's to grab clothes. What time do you have to go?"

"Around 6. We're going to Le Belle Douche."

"My French is rusty." Said Shawn with a smile hugging her to him.

"The Lovely Shower. But the best part was Grandma saying 'douche'."

"Well I imagine that would be the equivalent of Mr. Feeny saying it."

Rory finished her coffee from the pot she had heated up left over from the day before. As soon as the cup was in the sink she and Shawn started making out furiously and made their way to the bedroom. Rory quickly removed the robe she had put on when Emily called and smiled when she heard a growl from the back of Shawn's throat.

"You have too many clothes on again."

"Do something about it." Some may think they were jumping into the physical side of their relationship too fast. They saw it as making up for lost time. Shawn gently placed her on the bed and removed his clothes, grabbed a condom from the box of several he bought and joined her. He decided he would take this encounter slow. Peppering his new love with kisses he slowly entered her. Rory realized this round was going to be different. The motions were slower, the kisses were slower and deeper. The build to climax was gradual and soon it exploded behind their eyes.

"Wow. Okay I'm willing to admit we're meant for each other." Said Rory.

"And I'd have to say I agree." Shawn set an alarm on his phone. "How long do you actually need to get ready for dinner?"

"Set it for 4:30." She responded snuggling into his chest. The couple fell asleep for a while enjoying each other.

At 4:30 Shawn's alarm went off and interrupted the peaceful environment and signaled to them it was time to get ready for their respective dinners.

"Do you want to shower together?" Asked Rory as they continued to lay in bed together.

"If we do you won't have time to get ready." Said Shawn.

"True. Okay I'll go first?"

"Have at it."

As soon as Rory was finished showering Shawn got in. Just as he started shampooing his hair, his phone started ringing.

"Shawn your phone's ringing."

"Who is it?"

"Uh, it says 'Home'."

"Can you answer?"

"Yeah. Hello?"

"Hey Rory? It's Cory. Shawn around?"

"He's in the shower." Said Rory suddenly nervous.

"Alright, tell him we're going to Wicked Willy's on Bleeker and we're meeting at 7."

"Got it. Wicked Willy's at 7."

"Great talk to you later." Rory hung up and started working on the very light makeup and her hair.

Shawn chose that moment to come out of the bathroom and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"What'd Cory want?"

"To say that you are to meet them at 7 at Wicked Willy's on Bleeker."

"Okay when you leave I'll just head over to Cory and Topanga's."

"So their number is 'Home'?"

"Yeah, and if you look more into my phone you'll see numbers that say 'Mom and Dad' that's Cory's parents. 'Pops' is Jon and 'Grandpa' is Mr. Feeny. I did that just in case of an emergency so the hospital or cops whoever can find someone for me."

"What am I?"

"Who do you want to be in my phone?"

"Well obviously I'm not well hidden cause both Maya and Auggie found me easily. Who has your power of attorney cause I know I had to make that all out when I was on the campaign trail."

"They all do. That way whoever they get a hold of can make the decision. I mean ultimately I guess it's up to Jack cause he's biological family but."

"They raised you, I get it. Mom and Luke are mine. I mean Mom already had it obviously, but I made sure that if Mom couldn't Luke could. Chris doesn't know me well enough and I'd never put that kind of stress on my grandparents. Especially with Grandpa's heart."

They finished getting ready and Shawn headed over to Cory and Topanga's while Rory waited at her apartment for Emily and Richard. At 6 on the dot Rory's doorbell rang and Rory did a quick cursory look around the room making sure it was neat and none of her's and Shawn's stuff was laying out.

"Hi Grandma and Grandpa come on in." She said opening the door.

"Hello Rory." Said Richard hugging his granddaughter as he entered her apartment.

"Hello Dear." Said Emily giving her granddaughter a hug as well. "Is someone staying with you?"

"No why?"

"I smell cologne, men's cologne. Don't you smell that Richard? Are you back with Logan?"

"No, Grandma I had a friend over earlier."

"Well tell them not to bathe in it next time." When Emily turned around Rory rolled her eyes much to the amusement of Richard who could tell Rory wasn't telling the whole truth about her 'friend'. When Rory turned to get her coat Emily pulled a large size bag of Luke's coffee beans out of her purse and placed it on the kitchen counter where Rory was sure to find it in the morning. When Luke and Lorelai found out that Emily and Richard were coming to visit they asked them to bring it down for her since Luke usually sent her one at least once a month if not more.

The Gilmore family rode in the cab preferring to leave their car at Rory's to Le Belle Douche where they were promptly seated and introduced to their waiter Gaston. Rory couldn't resist smiling at the name. They ordered their drinks and began to pepper Rory with questions about her articles.

"So have you lined up your next set of stories?"

"Almost, I have a meeting with the editor Monday morning. I'm hoping he keeps me local for right now."

"And why is that?"

"Um, I started seeing someone and he travels for work as well but is on a short break to spend time with his family."

"The man with the cologne?" Asked Emily.

"His name is Shawn, he writes and runs the travel site 'Hit the Road'." Said Rory purposely leaving his last name unsaid.

"Wonderful site, great pictures." Said Richard.

"Grandpa you go on 'Hit the Road'?"

"I like to be kept abreast of your mother's competition."

"Well keep a look out because Shawn did an article on the Dragonfly, that's how we met Mom had me show him around town and we got to talking and this week we decided to start a relationship."

"Where's he from?" Asked Emily.

"Philadelphia originally, he moved here just before his sophomore year, graduated NYU with a degree in English. And now he travels around and writes about different Inns and attractions."

"Where did he go before NYU?" Asked Richard not being nosey just curious.

"Pennbrooke. You guys do know that you can ask him if we ever arrange a dinner."

"Well you should have invited him tonight." Emily said still perusing the menu.

"I would have but he's having dinner with his brother and their friend. He hasn't been in town for a while so they're catching up."

"What's his family like?"

"Not a great subject but he has a biological half-brother, and his best friend's family practically raised him, he has a foster dad, and he's really close with his principal who was with them through college."

"Where are his biological parents?" Asked Richard.

"Uh, his mother left right after he was born, his step mother left when he was 14, and his dad died when he was 19. So please don't ask him it's not a good subject for him."

"It's understandable." Said Richard.

Gaston came and took their orders before he retreated to the kitchen to place them. While the conversation at the table ventured to the happenings of Hartford Society. Twenty minutes later Gaston returned with their meals if you could call them that Rory has ordered a steak and received four small squares on a square plate that made it look like a dice and on the side of that was her side vegetable of four baby carrots. If it wasn't rude she'd pull out her phone to text Shawn to order her a plate of food.

They quietly enjoyed their food and then ordered their desert which came in forms of shot glass sized squares.

They finished up and Richard helped Emily and Rory with their coats before paying the bill with a generous tip to which Emily was slightly appalled.

"Richard!"

"Well maybe if we give them more money they'll be able to afford bigger portions." Both Rory and Emily smiled at him as they walked out the door and into the night.

While Rory was eating her portion of teeny-tiny dishes Shawn, Cory, and Harley were seated in the restaurant near the windows.

"So tell me about this girl, that was such a better offer than us last night." Asked Harley.

"Hey, you ditched us first." Said Shawn with a smile.

"I did, but I think you had a lot more fun than I did."

"Probably." Said Shawn.

The waitress came over and took their food and drink orders before leaving the three men to their conversation.

"So what's your lady friend doing tonight while you're out with us?" Asked Harley.

"Having dinner with her grandparents. They live in Connecticut so she doesn't see them as often as she'd like."

"So she's close with her family?" Asked Cory.

"Yeah, her mom and she are best friends and she and her grandparents are really close."

"What about the father contingent?"

"Uh, her biological father is around but not active, he lives in Boston. But she is closer with her stepfather."

"She's really nice." Said Cory with a smile.

"Oh so you've met the mystery woman?" Asked Harley.

"His kids helped with the introductions. Her mother introduced us and Maya took it upon herself to set us up on a date." Said Shawn with smile.

"Which Auggie chaperoned." Added Cory.

"Wait, Maya set you up?" Nothing surprised Harley when it came to the kids he now thought of his nieces and nephews including Farkle and Lucas.

"She high jacked my phone off the table and called Rory."

"I'm liking Maya more and more." Said Harley.

"Yeah then Auggie called her later and invited her for dinner after you cancelled." Said Cory proudly.

"So what does she do for a living?"

"She writes for the Times."

Their conversation was halted when the waitress brought their food over and refilled their drinks.

"So if she's a writer and I assume she travels a lot how is this going to work out with your schedule?" Asked Cory.

"We talked about that. And we're going to try and talk all the time and if I can I'll check out places near where she is. And if it's possible she'll travel with me when I have to go places."

"You understand why we're asking, we just don't want you to be hurt Hunter." Said Harley.

"I appreciate it Guys. Relationships are work and we're both willing."

"Good. She get along with Topanga?" Asked Harley who was protective of both of them even though he didn't have to be but more so Shawn because they had the same kind of background.

"Yup."

As they continued their meal Shawn glanced out of the window and he made eye contact with Rory.

"Grandma, Grandpa do you mind if we pop in here for a second?"

"Okay." Said Emily uncertainly.

Rory walked in and was able to bypass the hostess by stating she was going to her friends' table.

"Hey what are you doing in this area?" Asked Shawn standing up to greet her.

"The restaurant if you can call it that is around the corner." Said Rory kissing his cheek.

"Cool. Uh you know Cory and this is our good friend Harley Kiner."

"It's nice to meet you Harley." Said Rory as Harley stood up and shook her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too."

"These are my grandparents Emily and Richard Gilmore, Grandma, Grandpa this is Cory Matthews, Harley Kiner and my boyfriend Shawn Hunter."

"It's wonderful to meet you Boys." Said Richard.

"You too Sir. Ma'am." Said Shawn shaking his hand.

"It's nice to meet you too, both Rory and Richard have praised your authorship skills."

"I just write what I see. But thank you. The story I wrote about your daughter's inn is posted."

"Well I will have to read it when I get home, and what do you gentlemen do for a living?"

"I'm a history teacher over at John Quincy Adams." Said Cory.

"I'm in Custodial Services at the same school." Said Harley.

"He's being modest he's also a teacher, he's helped serveral of our students with problems and has taught them responsibility. Including my daughter." Said Cory.

"Well I think it's great what you gentlemen do." Said Richard.

"Why don't you guys have seat and join us." Said Shawn.

"Oh we couldn't intrude. We actually have to be getting on the road." Said Emily.

"Okay well I'll walk you back to your car. Shawn can you do me a favor and order me an order of steak tips? And drop them off on your way to Cory's." Said Rory going for her wallet.

"Yeah, but put your wallet away." Said Shawn.

"Rory, Dear stay here with your friends we can find our way back to the car. I assume you gentlemen will insure my granddaughter will get home safely." Said Richard.

"Absolutley Sir, with my life." Said Shawn.

"Seriously I can go home you guys are having a Guys Night."

"Yeah, Guys Night ended the moment you walked in." Said Harley with a smile. "Sit and eat with us."

"Are you Guys sure?" Asked Rory looking at her grandparents.

"Of course, you have a good night. It was nice meeting you. I hope we can all do it again soon." Said Emily.

"Absolutely." Said Shawn.

"Well call me when you get back to the hotel or home whichever."

"We will. Would you be able to come to a Friday Night Dinner next week?" Asked Emily.

"I'm not sure. It depends on where my articles take me. I'll let you know." Said Rory.

"And Shawn you are invited too, if you are able."

"I will certainly try."

"Good well we will see you later then, Good night."

"Night." Said everyone sitting at the table.

"Okay give me a menu." Said Rory.

"Didn't you just eat dinner?" Asked Shawn with humor.

"My steak came in four 1 inch cubes on a plate with 4 carrots. And my dessert was a shot glass with this much cheesecake." She explained holding her fingers close together.

The waitress seeing another person sitting at the table and made her way over.

"Hi can I get you something to drink?"

"Coffee, black."

"Of course. And to eat?"

"How big are your steak tips?"

"It's a one pound order."

"I'll take it."

"And how would you like that cooked?"

"Medium rare."

"All set I'll get that right out to you." Said the waitress.

"Thank you."

Luckily the guys had only ordered a couple minutes before her and they were able to receive all of their meals together. The small gathering enjoyed their meals and lucky for Shawn the teasing Harley and Cory did was for stuff Shawn had told Rory during their past talks. She then told them a couple small stories about her childhood and about some of the people that lived in Stars Hollow.

"Mrs. Kim has somewhat mellowed since Lane had the boys but she still scares half the town." Said Rory after telling them about how Lane used to hide her music and clothes from her mother.

"And if you guys ever visit watch out for Ms. Patty and Mrs. Dell."

"Why is that?" Asked Harley.

"Ms. Patty's always on the lookout for her next husband and has a habit of hitting on new men. And Babette is harmless but she's a gossip along with Ms. Patty." Explained Rory.

"The woman pinched me." Said Shawn.

"You made the mistake of turning your back to her. Need I remind you she hit on my father when he first came to town."

Their dinner soon came to an end and the men paid the bill, Shawn refusing to take any money from Rory. They then headed back in the direction of Cory and Rory's apartments. They were almost there when Rory's cell phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hello Rory I just wanted to let you know that we made it home and I look forward to having dinner with you again soon."

"Me too Grandma. Maybe next time we can find somewhere with larger portions."

"Absolutely and if Shawn is in town maybe he can join us."

"I will find out a date good for both of us and let you know."

"Wonderful, I will talk to you soon. Are you home yet?"

"Almost."

"Okay so I'll let you go and I'll talk to you soon." Said Emily.

"Bye Grandma."

"Guys we'll see you later on." Said Cory stopping in front of Rory's building.

"Okay, it was nice to meet you Harley."

"You too Rory. If you ever need anything you call me. Shawn's got my number."

"I'll be sure to get it from him."

"You coming home tonight?" Asked Cory to Shawn.

"I don't know but I do have my keys."

"Alright night Guys."

"Night." Everyone then parted ways and headed into their respective houses.

"So what did you think of tonight?" Asked Rory. "I mean I know I kind of ambushed you at dinner with my grandparents and showing up like that."

"It was fine. You needed to eat. I'd rather you come hang with me and my friends then sitting home all night. I just want to make sure you know that you won't have to worry about it if I can help it at what condition I come home in. I don't drink. I haven't had a drink since the Christmas after Chet died."

"Okay. I should warn you then if we go to an event in Stars Hollow and Ms. Patty makes her punch stay away. Good things do not happen when that punch gets made. I was going through a rough patch with Logan and ended up on my mom's bathroom floor puking my guts out in tears. Paris ended up losing her shoes and wandering around Stars Hollow barefoot panhandling so she could call Doyle. And after one too many shots at Lane and Zach's wedding my mom went off about her and Luke's relationship during the toasts."

"Don't drink any kind of punch got it."

The couple changed clothes and decided to watch a movie and actually made it through the entire movie before retiring to the bedroom for the night.

The next morning Shawn got a call from his boss at the website who needed him to review a B&B in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After he hung up he looked at Rory who was busy typing away on the computer.

"Hey so that was Mike. He wants me to review this B&B up in New Hampshire."

"Where in New Hampshire?" Asked Rory.

"Uh, Portsmouth."

"Would it happen to be the Cheshire Cat?"

"Yeah you know it."

"It's creepy. It's not Alice in Wonderland themed it's all cats. It has foil wall paper in the rooms."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Mom and I went when I was looking at Harvard for Undergrad and she thought her friend Donald owned it but he sold it to this couple who were in love with cats and kept trying to fix me up with their son or one of the other rooms' sons I can't remember but call Mike and tell him no." Said Rory jokingly as she would never try to tell Shawn what to review.

"Yeah that sounds a little creepy. I'm not going. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Nothing unless all hell breaks loose why?"

"I was thinking of going Westport and seeing Jon, wanna come?"

"If you want me too."

"Yeah we can leave when we get up in the morning."

"Okay."

Shawn and Rory were up and out the door around 10am that morning and on the way Shawn called Jon."

"Hello?"

"Hey it's me."

"Hey Kid what's going on?"

"Uh, Rory and I wanted to do a road trip and we're going to do a stop through Westport if that's cool with you?"

"You know you never have to ask, I usually just find you on the couch or when you actually make it to your room and come out looking for coffee."

"Yeah well it's not just me this time."

"Good. So Eli and Melanie are coming over to hang out so she'll get to meet all of us."

"Alright we'll be around in about an hour or so." Said Shawn.

"You got it. See ya Shawn."

"Bye." Said Shawn hanging up. "Oh man."

"What?"

"Well you won't just be meeting Jon you'll be meeting his friends too. But it's cool you'll all get along great Eli's a journalist he works in primarily broadcast. And Melanie owns a bookstore."

"Sounds fun."

It didn't take Shawn long to find the house that Jon had moved into after he left Philadelphia for physical rehab after his motorcycle accident. He had always intended to move back to Philly after but he had settled into a job and a routine there. He did come back for their graduation from John Adams where they ran into Minkus but Jon was happy and Shawn understood that.

"Here we are."

Rory and Shawn got out of the car and walked up to the front door and Shawn opened it.

"Shawn you can't just walk in."

"I do it all the time. Most of the time he's not even awake. Jon!"

"Hey Kid." Said Jon coming and greeting them. "And you must be Rory, it's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too Mr. Turner."

"You can call me Jon. We're very informal around here. Come on in. How was the drive?"

"No traffic."

"That's good. How's Cory, Topanga, and the kids?"

"Good, Riley and Maya are giving me and Cory a run for our money. And it doesn't help they got Minkus' son and their friend Lucas running with them."

"Her mom a little more involved?"

"A little but you know it's a hard habit to break."

"Yeah, well she's got Riley and you all so just keep paying it forward."

"Always do."

"So Rory what do you do for a living?"

"I write for the New York Times. I usually do political stuff but every once in a while they throw me over to society."

"Rory's a debutant Jon." Said Shawn jokingly.

"No way?"

"Sad but true. Went to one ball did the fan thingy and got told that it was too bad that my dad wasn't my stepdad cause then I could steal him from my mother."

"Lovely group isn't it. What city?" Said Jon with humor.

"Hartford."

"You should talk to Melanie about her's you guys can share notes."

"So your parents they're still there?"

"Uh, my dad is kind of. But my mom got out when she was 17."

"I left after college graduation."

"You guys make it sound like a creepier cult then the Centre." Said Shawn jokingly.

"No Society is nowhere close to that. They control you with money the Centre controls your mind."

"It finally got shut down. Mr. Feeny told me. Mr. Mack is in jail for fraud and kidnapping charges." Said Shawn.

"George and Lila were here visiting when he got the news champagne was consumed heavily that night."

"Yeah we celebrated at Cory and Topanga's that night too."

"You guys are talking about the cult in Philadelphia that got shut down about 2 years ago right?"

"Yeah. You know about it."

"Yeah my friend Doyle was the one who blew the lid off of it."

"Paris' husband?"

"Yup."

"That's what you were involved in?"

"Yeah Junior year of high school."

"Wow."

"I was only in for like a week."

"So what does your family do?" Asked Jon to Rory.

"My grandfather is in Insurance he's formally retired but still does policies for family and friends. My father doesn't really do much of anything he lives off his inheritance and raises my little sister. And my mom and her friend own the Dragonfly Inn in Stars Hollow."

"That's great. I think I've been through Stars Hollow before."

"More than likely." Said Rory.

"Hey Jon! You know you have an extra car in your driveway right?" Said Eli Williams coming in.

"Well how else would we get here?" Said Shawn.

"Hunter! How are you?"

"I'm good, Eli this is my girlfriend Rory Gilmore, Rory my uncle kind of Eli Williams."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Williams."

"You too, but you can call me Eli."

"You're Richard and Emily's granddaughter." Said Jon now making a connection.

"Yes Sir." Said Rory with a smile.

"No matter what Society city you lived in we all applauded Lorelai for leaving. It just took some of us a little longer."

"You know my mother?"

"I met her a couple times when we were kids at one function or another."

"Who we talking about?" Asked Melanie as she walked into the living room. "Shawn!"

"Hey Melanie."

"How are you Hon?"

"I'm good this is my girlfriend Rory, Rory this is Melanie."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You too. So catch me up."

"This is Lorelai's daughter."

"No way Hartford Lorelai?"

"Yup."

"That is too cool. What is she up to now?"

"She and her friend own an Inn in Stars Hollow."

"Weren't you just near there?" Asked Melanie looking at Shawn.

"No I was there, that's how Rory and I met Lorelai introduced us and had Rory show me the town."

"Well was either me or Taylor."

"You, please."

Rory enjoyed the time she spent with Shawn and his family because that's exactly what they were Jon was Shawn's dad through and through. They left Jon's with promises to stop by more often and Shawn and Jon had a quiet conversation as she was saying goodbye to Eli and Melanie.

"So we're pretty close to Stars Hollow wanna pop by see your mom and stepdad?"

"Yeah, if you're okay with that?"

"Just keep Ms. Patty and Babette away from my butt and we'll be fine."

The ride to Stars Hollow was quicker than they thought it would be. Soon they were passing by the giant chicken. As they drove into the center they parked in front of the diner knowing that if Lorelai wasn't here Luke would know where she was. The bell above the door rang as the couple walked in and were immediately spotted by Zach.

"Hey what are you doing here?" Asked Zach cheerfully as he hugged Rory.

"I was a couple towns over and decided to stop by. Zach this is my boyfriend Shawn, Shawn this is Lane's husband Zach."

"It's nice to meet you." Said Shawn.

"You too, Lane know you guys are coming?"

"Nope she home?"

"Yeah she was shopping with her mom earlier the boys grew out of a bunch of stuff, but they should be home by now."

"Great. I'll stop by. Where's my mom and Luke?"

"Uh Luke is upstairs doing some ordering and I haven't seen your mom since this morning."

"Great, come on." Said Rory taking Shawn's hand and bringing him upstairs to what used to be Luke's apartment. Rory knocked on the door and heard Luke's gruff reply.

"Hey you busy?" Said Rory opening the door.

"Never for you come on in. What brings you to town?"

"We went to visit some of Shawn's family nearby and decided to pass through, I think you met Shawn last time he was in town."

"Of course, nice to see you again."

"You too Mr. Danes."

"Call me Luke. Mr. Danes was my dad." Shawn nodded. "So your Mom is at work, Michel was having an issue with a couple guests and they requested your mom."

"Of course they did." Said Rory with a smile.

"So you guys want coffee, food?"

"Coffee please." Said Rory.

"You still have enough stock?" Asked Luke.

"Yes, Grandma left a big bag with me last night."

"And there's still some left?" Asked Luke jokingly.

"Didn't even open it yet."

"Your control astounds me." Said Luke giving his stepdaughter a hug.

The trio headed back downstairs and found Lorelai sitting at the counter while Zach poured what had to be her umpteenth cup of coffee.

"Hey Sweets! Did I know you were coming?"

"Nope, we went to visit Shawn's dad and decided to pop in."

"Hi Shawn." Said Lorelai giving him a hug.

"Shawn can I talk to you for minute?" Asked Luke.

"Uh, yeah sure." Said Shawn with a smile knowing what was coming he, Cory, and Eric did it enough with Morgan's boyfriends when she slipped up and told them. Shawn followed Luke into the store room.

"Okay so I'm going to level with you. You hurt Rory, I hurt you. You got me? Rory's my daughter she has been for as long as I've known her not just since I've been with Lorelai."

"I understand 100%."

"Okay, he gave you the father speech. Now I'm going to give you the brother speech. Rory and Lane are as close as sisters, she's the godmother to my kids. You hurt her I send my mother-in-law after you."

The three guys came out of the store room like nothing got said.

"We'll be back in a bit." Said Rory taking Shawn's hand and pulling him out of the diner. "You okay?"

"Yeah why?"

"What did they say to you in the store room?"

"Luke just needed us to move a couple things. That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

"We'll be back we're going to go see Lane and then we'll be back." Said Rory sticking her head in the door.

"Okay have fun!"

Rory and Shawn made their way over to Lane and Zach's. They still lived in the same place the only difference is they now owned it and had an addition put on for the boys' room. Lane always made sure to tell them that they never had to hide anything from her they were free to decorate their room and listen to whatever music they wanted. She started telling them this before they could really understand what she was saying. Which amused Rory and Lorelai to no end. When they got there they noticed Gil's delivery van parked out front but weren't alarmed since Rory knew Zach got off work soon so they were going to probably try and have a band practice. They arrived and Rory knocked on the door.

"Well, if it isn't our #1 fan and groupie!" Said Gil opening the door.

"I was not a groupie I was a band aide. How are you Gil?"

"Good, shop is good, family's good. What about you?"

"I'm great, Gil this is my boyfriend Shawn. Shawn this is Gil he's the other guitarist in Hep Alien."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You too." Said Gil sizing him up a bit.

"Down Gil, I'm sure Luke and Richard already scared the man." Said Lane coming over and hugging Rory. "Did I know you were coming?"

"Nope, we were visiting Shawn's dad and decided to pass through. It's quiet where are the boys?"

"With Mama she went to pick them up from their kiddie bible study class. They should be back soon they are learning to play guitar hence Gil."

"Zach's not teaching him?" Asked Rory with a smile.

"We want them to be well-rounded musicians." Said Gil.

"Lane!" Said Mrs. Kim walking in the door with Lane's twin sons in tow.

"Auntie Rory!" Said both boys.

"Hi Guys, wow you are getting so big."

"Go put your things in your room, please. Aunt Rory will be here when you get back."

"Hi Mrs. Kim." Said Rory.

"Hello Rory. You have boy with you."

"I do, this is my boyfriend Shawn Hunter. Shawn this is Lane's mother Mrs. Kim."

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Kim." Mrs. Kim got the scary glint in her eye which Rory, Lane, and Gil found amusing when it was turned on people other than them.

"You work?"

"I do."

"What do you do at this job?"

"I'm a writer for a travel website and I'm a photographer as well."

"You are good at what you do?"

"He's great at it Mrs. Kim." Said Rory.

"You make money?"

"I do."

"Good. Rory is a good girl. She deserves to have someone who cares about her."

"I care for her very much."

"She's a good writer, needs to stay a good writer."

"I will do everything in my power to make sure she does."

"Good. Lane I will see you and Zach for dinner tomorrow."

"Yes Mama, thank you for going shopping today."

"It was my pleasure. Goodbye." Mrs. Kim left and the four adults looked at each other.

"Has Mrs. Kim mellowed?" Asked Rory.

"I think so." Said Gil.

"That was mellow?" Asked Shawn.

"Our first tour she would only let the band go if we played at churches and stayed with host families. Made Zach give her a demo. And we weren't dating then."

"I don't think she's interrogated anyone I've dated." Said Rory.

"Mama's proud of you, she reads every article. Even asked Lorelai and Emily if they had archives of your Chilton stuff. So what's been up with you guys how did this all start?"

"I went home to see my family I stay with my brother when I'm in New York and while I was talking to them my niece's friend stole my phone and called Rory cause I was telling Cory about meeting her. Asked her out for me."

"What we didn't know is Cory and Topanga live a couple brownstones down from me." Said Rory.

"That's awesome."

"We've been together ever since." Said Shawn.

"Well I'm going to go start the lessons. Shawn I know Luke probably covered it and I know Mrs. Kim did but…"

"Got it." Said Shawn loving that Rory had so many people willing to kill for her.

"He's just getting threatened all over town today." Said Rory with a smile to Shawn.

"Who else besides my mom and Gil. Who honestly is harmless I've known the man since I graduated high school and I've never really seen him raise his voice."

"Unless he's screaming into a microphone." Added Rory. "Luke and I think Zach did too."

"Have you told Lorelai yet?"

"Yeah she hasn't threatened him yet but give her time." Said Rory.

"Well after Mama scared him I think he's good for now."

"Yeah."

After visiting with Lane, Gil, and Zach Rory and Shawn decided to head back to the diner and see if Lorelai wanted to get something for dinner.

"Hey how was your visit with Lane?" Lorelai asked when they came through the door.

"Good, Mrs. Kim threatened Shawn." Said Rory.

"Good, you know whatever Zach and Luke said goes double for me right?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Dinner here or at home?" Asked Rory.

"Uh, Chinese?"

"Sounds so good right now." Said Shawn.

The trio said goodbye to Luke and headed out to Shawn's car. Rory then instructed him on how to get to the Crap Shack.

"Rory the usual?"

"Yeah."

"Here Shawn pick out what you want. Rory double check the list."

"Everything I want is already on the list." Said Shawn.

"Mom, order double on the food."

"I was gonna."

"How are we going to eat all this?"

"Uh, by putting it in our mouths and chewing."

"Okay then."

"We'll probably end up taking at least half of it home. It's Mom's way of making sure I eat."

The food arrived within 20 minutes of Lorelai ordering it which is the fastest Shawn had ever seen something delivered. The trio made their plates and settled into the living room and Lorelai found something on the TV for them to watch.

"So you guys really have to leave to go back tonight."

"Yeah, I have a story I need to work on and Shawn needs to plan out his next review. I think I managed to talk him out of going to the Cheshire Cat."

"Yeah Shawn don't go there." Said Lorelai with a smile. "So where are you thinking?"

"Uh, I think the Berkshires there's a couple places up there to explore."

They ate enough food to feed a small army and Rory and Shawn decided it was time for them to head back to New York and their lives. Their lives fit together like a puzzle everything merged with little effort and what they didn't agree on was solved with in a few minutes. They made it Friday Night Dinner occasionally but due to their schedules it wasn't as much as they would have liked. A few months in it became appearent to both Shawn and Rory that they were in fact living together given that Shawn spent every night over at Rory's and only slept on Cory and Topanga's couch when she was off on a story.

They loved each other and each other's families and nothing else mattered except that they had both found their home in New York City with occasional visits to Stars Hollow and Philadelphia. They were Home.