Chapter 2: Earth Shattering
"I'll be seeing you soon" she said to herself, remembering his last words to her. What the hell does that even mean? She groaned inwardly. It had been a week since she had seen him…and truthfully she hadn't really thought about him much. Given the chance to sit down and actually think…she probably would have. But the week had been entirely too hectic for her. Now though, she had the entire day to dwell on anything and everything she wanted, and she couldn't get her mind off of him. Get a grip Gilmore…you're not some lovesick puppy she thought to herself with a shake of her head. She needed to find something to do…and quick.
"Hey Lane" She said into her cell as soon as she picked up
"Oh hey Rory" Lane said loudly, cringing at the volume that was seeping into their conversation from her end.
"Is everything okay?" Rory asked confused
"Yeah yeah just fine. Its just Zach's practicing with the band and the kids are here…its insane right now" She said exhausted
"I'm sorry" Rory said sympathetically "Do you want me to come over and help?"
"Really?" Lane asked surprised "That would be great" She gushed
Rory laughed "I'll be right over"
"Did I mention one of the perks of having you home is this?" Lane asked as she looked at her twins who were sitting at the table coloring in their new books
Rory laughed "I do well with kids don't I…" She mused
"So what's up? You usually don't have an ounce of free time on your hands" Lane asked, taking a sip of her coffee as she slammed the door shut, effectively drowning out the noise of the band
Rory shrugged "I was super busy all week and then today was just sort of…empty"
"I wish I had an 'empty' day on my hands" Lane sighed
Rory rolled her eyes "So…anything going on with you?" she asked lamely
"Real reason you called me Rory" Lane stated
"I can't just take a day and visit my best friend for over 18 years?" Rory gasped
Lane shook her head "Not when you're busy with Logan Huntzberger…he wouldn't have anything to do with this…..mood would he?" she asked slyly
"What mood?" Rory defended
"Okay okay…" Lane took back seeing her defensiveness.
"But he did tell me he was going to see me again" Rory gave in with a grin
Lane broke out into a wide smile and squealed "No he didn't!"
Rory nodded "He did…but it's been a week."
Lane rolled her eyes "Come on Rory. The guys a celebrity…give him some time will you? Besides, he seemed really nice…I think he'll keep his word" She said
Rory nodded "I guess." She sighed
"You look tired…" Lane pointed out, seeing her slightly paler features and bags under her eyes
"Yeah well its been a busy week" Rory responded "And I never understood that phrase by the way. You look tired? Is that just a comment or is it an insult?" she ranted
"Oh come off it Rory." Lane waved off "You need to take a week off"
"I just did that Lane…remember? Our vacation in LA" she said frustrated
"Fine." Lane huffed "But take it easy Gilmore."
"I will" Rory agreed "So what do you suppose we do?" she asked
"Pudding?" Lane asked bringing out a bowl of something that looked like anything but pudding "The kids made it" she stated
"No thanks" Rory said politely
"Ugh I feel bad throwing it away" she sighed
"So you decided to give me food poisoning?" Rory shot back
"Point taken" Lane said looking at the pudding herself "How about we go out and grab some lunch"
"What about the kids?" Rory asked
"Zach has been in band practice all morning. He can take it from here" Lane stated annoyed
The next few days Rory was busy with her work. Thursday was approaching, it was already 3 in the morning and she was at her apartment in New York finally. She sighed as she flipped her light on and walked over to the couch, collapsing on it. She groaned as she heard her phone ring just as she was drifting off to sleep.
"What" she snapped after flipping her phone open
"You mind opening the door or are you going to take my head off?" the voice on the other end said
Rory's eyes widened. No way she thought to herself. She quickly got up and glanced in the mirror conveniently located but the kitchen and made sure she looked half way presentable. Slowly she opened the door, forgetting she was on the phone.
"What are you doing here?" She gasped
"Why are you talking into the phone when I'm standing in front of you?" he asked in a whisper, showing her his now closed phone.
Rory glared and snapped her phone shut "So not the point!"
"You gonna invite me in? Or are we waiting for me to get mauled in the street again?" he teased
Rory pretended to think about it for a moment and grinned finally, inviting him in. "Again, what the hell are you doing here!"
"You know, I'm starting to get the feeling I'm unwanted" Logan stated with an amused smirk
"Its 3 in the morning, and do you always have an evasive answer to everything?" She snapped
"I saw your light on. I figured it wouldn't hurt…" he defended
"How do you even know where I live!" she asked incredulously, motioning for him to sit down with her on the couch.
"I have my ways." He stated
Rory sighed giving up "You want something to drink?" She asked put out
"No thanks" he said "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. It's been a busy week…hence me here at 3 in the morning" he stated
"It's okay" Rory said, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear "So that's why you came? To visit?"
Logan shrugged "I was bored. In New York for a photo shoot and I figured since you live here…" he trailed off
"You had a photo shoot at 2 in the morning?" She asked with a raised eyebrow
"I did" he confirmed "You don't believe me?" he teased
"I believe you…" Rory said "Just surprised that's all"
"So I did come by for a reason. How would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?" he asked charmingly
Rory grinned and nodded shyly "Yeah" She said quietly making him raise his eyebrows and grin
"That's all I get? 'yeah'" he mocked teasingly "I come to your apartment after a hard days work at 3 in the morning and all I get is a 'yeah"
Rory blushed and glared "Shut it"
"There's that infamous blush again" he went on "Okay well I need to be up at 6 tomorrow so I'll be picking you up at 7." He stated, standing up.
"Sounds good" She said "Bye" she said, hugging him
Just as he was about to walk through the door "and Logan?" She said
"Hmm?" he asked, turning around questioningly
"Thanks for coming" She grinned
Logan chuckled and nodded, going on his way.
Rory groaned to herself the next day. He didn't give her any specifics on their date. Was it overly formal? Or casual? What to wear when you're going out with a celebrity…they should really write a book on that. Gah she had to stop calling him a celebrity or she would never get through the night. Truthfully she didn't read much into labels, since she had been given one her entire life. But it was still unnerving that she was having dinner with the one person that at least ¾ of the female population dreamed of going out with. She was just putting her finishing touches on her outfit when she heard her doorbell ring. She huffed and looked at the time…no way he was stupid enough to come on time she said to herself as she looked at the clock. He was.
"What are you doing here" She snapped, ushering him in and bustling around looking for her shoes.
Logan watched her run around her apartment and smiled "You looking for these?" he asked, holding up a pair of black pumps
"Yes!" She gasped snatching them from his hand
"You ready to go?" he asked once she put them on
"Why are you on time anyways? You would think being the almighty Huntzberger and all that you'd know to be fashionably late" Rory teased
Logan shrugged "You're hot when you're angry" he stated carelessly
"I'm not angry!" Rory said blushing furiously
"Do you always blush" he smirked
"So Huntzberger where are we going?" Rory asked evasively as she turned him around and pushed him out the door, shutting the lights off and slamming the door behind her
"Please don't call me Huntzberger, it makes me feel like my dad" he said
"Sorry Logan" she said with a small smile as he led her to his car
"So how was your day?" he asked once they were on their way
Rory shrugged "Work, home, food, date" she listed off
Logan glanced at her for a few seconds amused "Is everything you do listed off in that fashion? Or can you form sentences"
"You're mean." Rory pouted
"Its part of my charm" he chuckled
"Charm" Rory scoffed
"Hey careful Gilmore" Logan warned playfully "I could send the mob after you"
Rory looked slightly scared "Please tell me you mean the actual mob…because if you mean your fans…" She trailed off with a smile
"What's wrong with my fans…which by the way you are one of" he pointed out defensively
"Nothing" Rory laughed "Jeez Hunt- Logan" She clarified "Lighten up"
"Well forgive me for being defensive about the people who I cherish most in my life" He said harshly but when Rory looked at his face, she saw he was biting back a smile
"Not funny Logan" Rory groaned "I really thought you were offended"
Logan laughed "I'm not easily offended" he said assuringly "I tend to write things off...and if I was, I would be a hypocrite"
"So you're easy going" Rory stated in other words
"Basically" Logan agreed
"Good. I hate tight asses" Rory said with a grin
"That could be interpreted in an insanely dirty way. But I'll leave that joke for another time" Logan said with a small laugh
Rory's face scrunched up in disgust "Oh god…Logan…" she groaned
"Wow…groaning my name already. I so deserve that sex icon"
"You're insane" Rory stated with a glare "And where are we going!"
"Wow, you are the most impatient person I've ever met" Logan laughed
"Patience never was my strong suit" Rory responded
"We'll work on that. Just relax. I want to get away from the city tonight" he said
Rory raised her eyebrows "You're not planning on taking me to Moscow on your private jet or anything are you?"
"Why? Would you like to go to Moscow on my private jet? Just say the word" he said, emphasizing his point with a snap of his fingers
"No!" Rory said quickly
"Suit yourself" Logan shrugged as he parked
"Where are we?" Rory asked, looking out her window trying to decipher their whereabouts.
"Just outside the city. Still considered New York but quieter" he said as he ran around to her side and opened the door for her.
"You brought me to a taco shop…" Rory asked incredulously
Logan grinned and nodded "Sure did. It's better than any French cuisine in the city. Give it a shot…I'm so sick of gourmet food it's disgusting"
Rory grinned, shaking her head. She liked that he was unpredictable "You could have at least told me not to dress so formally" she said, following him in
"You look beautiful" he said with a sincere smile when they got inside
"Really?" She played along
"Now you're just fishing for compliments" he laughed
Rory nodded "Hearing you say that makes me ego expand by a mile"
Logan laughed and nudged her to look at the board to order. "Have you ever been here?" he asked
Rory shook her head "I usually just get tacos from Hectors" she said
"Ahh…Hectors is good. But not as good as Juanita's" he challenged
"We'll see about that" she shot back
Once they ordered their food, they found a nice booth to sit in. Rory tried avoiding the strange glances she got from people for being dressed to formally. "Next time please tell me what I'm supposed to wear" She groaned finally
"Next time? A little early for that don't you think…" Logan teased
"What…well…what I meant was…shut up" She said finally
Logan chuckled "So Rory, you never told me what you did in the real world"
"You never asked" Rory countered
"I thought I just did"
"I'm a reporter" Rory said simply, realizing afterwards how that sounded. "Oh god Logan…it's not what it seems. Honest…I swear I would never" she stuttered before he interrupted her
"Its fine." Logan said, even though he couldn't help but be slightly cautious around her now. Bad experience with reporters
Rory sighed when she saw the look in his eye "Look. I understand Logan, I really do. I can see you're not as comfortable around me anymore…so if you want, you can just drop me back off" she said disappointedly
"Rory…" Logan protested "I don't see you that way…I promise"
Rory relaxed a little "Okay" She said with a sigh
"So what kind of reporter?" he asked curiously
"I write for the New York Times" she answered with a small smile
"Ahh the one that posted that lovely story about me sleeping with my latest step mom…" he pointed out with a smile
Rory was about to say something when Logan stopped her "I was joking"
"You're mean." She pouted just as their number was called
"I'll get it" Logan said when she moved to get up
"I see there's still chivalry left in the world" she teased
Logan just grinned, shaking his head as he retrieved their food.
"Ah this looks amazing" Rory squealed, taking in the appearance of her tacos and burrito
"You sure you can eat all of that?" Logan asked, looking down at his tacos and quesadilla
"No!" Rory exclaimed with a laugh "But I didn't know which one I would want until I saw them" she added sheepishly
Logan laughed lightly "You're insane"
"Oh my god. These tacos are amazing!" Rory said happily
Logan grinned and waited for her to say it…
"Okay okay. I stand corrected!" She said sarcastically
"There we go" He said happily
"So what kind of articles do you normally write?" he asked
"Pretty much everything…whatever captures me I suppose" she said with a smile
"So I bet you've heard of my father" he said with a smirk
"Oh!" She gasped "How could I not put two and two together!"
"I don't know. How did you get hired by the times again?" he asked playfully
"I actually saw Mitchum a few days ago" She said offhandedly
"Mitchum?" he asked amused "you call him Mitchum at the office?'
Rory blushed "Well sometimes…he prefers Mitchum…" she defended
"Does everyone call him Mitchum or just you?"
"I don't know" she mumbled
"Ahh. Brown noser" he said in a child like fashion pointing his plastic fork at her
"Hey!" Rory yelled
"Its true" he taunted smiling
"Okay. You done eating?" Rory asked excitedly, digging through her purse
"Yes" Logan said cautiously, watching her dig through her bag
"Picture!" She said happily when she found her camera
"Are you serious?" Logan asked in disbelief
"Hey. I haven't asked up till now. Any other girl in her right mind would have. So picture" she demanded
"Well what are you waiting for? Get over here" Logan said, scooting over in his booth, patting the seat beside him.
Rory grinned and slid over next to him.
"Wow" Logan said in disbelief "I feel like I'm in a church. How much distance is it? A foot?" he asked before throwing an arm around her shoulders and bringing her closer to him.
"Really? You don't mind doing this do you?" Rory asked
"What is this? One minute you're demanding a picture, the next you're taking it back?" he teased "Come on…snap it already"
Rory held up the camera in front of them and took a quick picture, quickly bringing it back down to make sure it looked alright.
"Pretty good photography skills Gilmore" Logan said not moving
"Well I do have a minor in photography" she said smiling
"Really?" Logan asked surprised
"Really" She confirmed
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked, squeezing her shoulder slightly where his hand lay
Rory smiled while nodding "Sure" she said, sliding out of the booth "Where to next Romeo?" she asked
"Sex?" he asked with a straight face
Rory's jaw dropped "Excuse me?" she asked cautiously
"You've never been to Sex before?" he asked incredulously
"Wait…there's a place called Sex?" She exclaimed
"You thought I was asking you to have sex? I know what the tabloids say, but hey…even I'm not that shallow" he joked
"Well…it sounded strange" she defended "And what is Sex!" groaning when she heard her own words come out of her mouth
"It's a club…well more of a lounge" he said as they got into his car
"I don't dance…" Rory said immediately
Logan smirked "everyone dances" he stated
"Not me…well not the way…I don't dance" she said finally
"I'll teach you" he tried
Rory blushed "Okay" she agreed shyly
"Relax. We're not going to a club…it's a lounge. You know, just relax and have a good time" he comforted
"This was quite a night…first you take me to a taco shop and now a high profile lounge? At least I got dressed up for something" she teased
"First of all, it's not a high profile lounge. Second of all, the food was amazing." He said
After about 20 minutes they arrived at a sophisticated looking bar. Looking through the windows you couldn't see anything, but the sign, although it said SEX on it…was strangely…elegant. Once inside, music blared in Rory's ears as they walked past the dance floor and upstairs. Upstairs were a bunch of colorful couches and chairs set up for relaxing.
"Pick a seat" Logan said with a smile
Rory saw one in the corner that was big enough for the both of them and led him to it. Looking around, she saw no one else around them. Everyone was on the other side of the room. "Drink?" Logan asked once Rory was comfortable
"Surprise me" She said with a smile
"Dangerous telling me that" he said with a smirk, making his way over to the bar.
"Here you go" he said when he got back, handing her a drink in a martini glass
"What is it?" she asked
"Screaming orgasm" he stated
"Arrogant bastard" Rory muttered, taking a sip
Logan laughed at her comment and leaned back on the couch, throwing an arm carelessly around the back of it. "So what do you think?" he asked, smiling as she leaned back, relaxing as well
"I like it" she said sincerely "It's very…sophisticated. What did you get?" she asked, pointing to his glass
"Scotch, single malt" he said
"Enough said" Rory said with a look of disgust on her features.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked once she had finished her drink
Rory shook her head vehemently, looking over the balcony at all the people dancing "No thanks"
Logan chuckled and stood up, taking the glass from her and setting it on the table in front of them before reaching out and tugging her forearm until she stood up. "Come on" he coaxed, pulling her towards the stairs again
"Hold on!" Rory screeched, stopping him by the bar "Tequila, straight" she ordered
Logan raised his eyebrows and smirked, watching her throw back 3 shots before nodding at him, letting him lead her to the floor.
"I'm serious Logan…what if I ruin your rep. I can't dance, you might think I'm exaggerating but my own mother makes fun of my coordination skills." She rambled the entire way there
"Wow I don't think I've ever had a girl try so hard not to dance with me" he chuckled
"I'm not kidding! What if someone sees!" she protested
"Relax" Logan said softly "Just calm down. Who cares if someone sees?"
"You sure? I'm apologizing in advance if I step on your feet" she warned
"Not that kind of dancing" Logan chuckled, pulling her out onto the floor with him
Rory stood there like an idiot while Logan began dancing slowly to the rhythm of the music. He smiled at her, shaking his head and pulled her close to him. "Look around Rory. No one cares" he whispered into her ear over the music, still holding her to him, forcing her to move her body along with his.
Rory nodded and looked around at how other people were dancing. She tentatively placed her arms around his neck and relaxed a little, letting him guide her movements. "There you go" she heard him say. Rory grinned up at him, she was having fun…she didn't care what she looked like anymore.
"Who says you can't dance?" he asked with a smirk
"I don know, I'm sure if I was seeing myself right now I would beg to differ. But who cares" She said happily
They danced for another hour before Rory looked up at Logan to ask him for a drink, but as she looked up, she found him staring right back at her. His eyes full of intensity and lust. She leaned up and softly brought her lips to his, testing the waters to see if it was what he wanted. Gently she sucked on his lower lip, feeling his lips turn up into a smile as she did. He pulled back with a soft smile on his lips and leaned down next to her ear. "I would love to continue this here, but trust me…you don't want your name in tabloids" he whispered, his lips lightly grazing her ear as he spoke, sending shivers up her spine.
Rory blushed crimson but let out a huff of laughter. "Another drink?" She asked him with a pout
Logan grinned; he could already see the alcohol's effect on her. She wasn't drunk in any way, but she was starting to loosen up. He shook his head "I want you to remember this night" he teased
"Oh come on. Take a few more shots with me. Even I'm not that much of a lightweight" she coaxed, pulling him back upstairs towards the bar. "Okay, just a few more" he gave in with a sincere smile. He liked that she wasn't dragging him out of the club to get him into bed with her…
"Tequila, lime and salt!" She asked the bartender maybe too enthusiastically before grabbing Logan's hand and practically dragging him back to the couch they were on.
Once they were seated the bartender brought over the desired drinks, setting them on the small table in front of them before leaving.
"Okay me first" Rory said
"Whooooa Rory what are you doing?" Logan asked amused when she went to lick his neck
"Unless you have some way of licking your own neck so I can put salt on it…I'm licking your neck" she stated
"Ahh, you want to do body shots" he smirked shaking his head
"Wow…you finally get it!" She said as if talking to a child
"You're much more fun when you're drunk" he teased, taking a deep breath when he felt her tongue slide up his neck
"I'll remember that comment when I'm sober" she muttered "Open" she stated
Logan sighed "And demanding" he mumbled, grunting when she stuck a lime between his lips
"Bottoms up" Rory said and took her shot before licking his neck clean of the salt and stealing the lime from his mouth.
"My turn?" Logan asked grinning
"Mhmm" Rory said holding out her arm
"What's this?" he asked confused
"You can lick my arm" She stated biting back a grin
Logan raised his eyebrows as an amused smile appeared across his lips "Your arm. You want me to lick your arm? I don't think so Gilmore" he said, leaning down and gently running his tongue up her neck making her moan quietly and clutch his forearm.
Logan grinned and stuck a small wedge of lime into her mouth before taking his shot and licking the salt off her neck. He gently took the lime from her, making sure their lips didn't touch eliciting a small groan from Rory. "Mean"
"How many shots did you order Rory!" Logan asked
"Just 4…2 for you, 2 for me" She defended
"You sure you didn't say 14?" He asked amused looking down at the round tray full of shot glasses
"Oops…" She said with a laugh "We're not taking all of them…don't look at me like I did that on purpose" she said when he eyed her curiously
"Just one more" She said
"Alright" Logan said, not feeling the effects at all, but seeing she was.
This time when Rory went to get the lime from him, she missed accidentally and bit his nose, making him crack up laughing. "Alright that's enough for you" he said between laughs
"But you didn't take yours" she pouted
"I don't need to take a shot Rory…I'll do anything you want me to" he teased
Rory blushed even in her current state "Come on, lets get out of here" he said, helping her up
"Do you know what movie you were gorgeous in? Not hott…but gorgeous" She said dreamily as he drove them back
Logan chuckled "What movie?" he asked, taking her bait
Rory remained silent "I can't remember the name. But you played Tristan…gorgeous"
"Thank you" Logan said amused "You want to go home?" he asked
Rory shook her head "No!" She exclaimed "Let's just…drive around or head to a park or something" She suggested
Logan nodded "sounds good" he said
"I'm glad you had a good time" Logan said as the strolled through central park together
"Me too. Thank you" she said happily
"Of course. I'm guessing that means you'd like to do that again?" he asked
"Yeah, I'd love to" She said smiling up at him
"Good. Do you know what time it is?" he asked, stopping them at a nearby bench and sitting down on it
Rory shook her head "No…what time is it"
"Its 4 am" he said
"Oh my god!" She shrieked, looking around slightly terrified.
"Why do you look like you just saw a ghost?" Logan asked confused
"Its 4am…we're in central park. Haven't you heard stories! We could get raped! Mugged!" She ranted
"We could get raped?" he asked incredulously
"Right…" She said sheepishly
"Thanks for the vote of confidence by the way" he said dryly
"Well….don't you have body guards for that" she teased
"I'm hurt. You don't think I can protect a lady!" he exclaimed dramatically before standing up. "Come on, take a swing"
"What! No!" She said like it was a crazy idea
"Get up" Logan ordered "Get up!"
Rory stood up with a groan and moved in front of him "Now take your best swing!"
"Are you serious?" She groaned "Logan what if I accidentally hit you?"
"You won't" Logan laughed "And if you do, I doubt it'll hurt"
"Okay…" Rory said unsurely bringing her arm back and tried to punch him when he caught her arm and in a blink of an eye, turned her around, pulling her back against his chest with an arm over her neck.
"Wow" Rory gasped "You gonna let go of me now?" she asked nervously
Logan grinned as she shrieked adorably when he brought his arm down and poked her in the ribs making her jerk in his arms.
"You're ticklish" he grinned wickedly
"Logan…" Rory warned trying to wiggle out of his grasp. Her loud laughter filled the park as Logan began tickling her mercilessly. "Ahh Logan stop!" She screeched, not even being able to walk or stand up at this point. He was carrying her. Finally he stopped and set her down grinning when she crouched down and caught her breath. "I am so getting you back for that" she glared
He smiled "I'm sure you will" he taunted
"Come on, lets get you home" he said, offering her an arm
Rory took his arm and walked back to the car with him. "Thank you Logan. Tonight was amazing" she said smiling as they stood at her door
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Next date, casual" he said grinning, resting his hands on her hips
"Oh…so there is a next date?" Rory asked coyly
"Of course." He said simply "We need to work on your dancing"
Rory glared and smacked him lightly "Shut up" she said just as Logan sealed her lips with his. This time more fervently. It was still gentle, but no longer timid, as if he'd known just what she liked. Rory groaned when she felt him tilt her head back and deepen the kiss, gently running his tongue across her lips, coaxing them to part for him. She tried pulling back to gasp for air but Logan held her firmly to him, forcing her to breath him…all she felt was him. It was inarguably one of the most intense moments of her life. She felt lightheaded, giddy, and nervous all at once.
When he finally did pull away, the first words that came out of Rory's mouth made him start laughing hysterically.
"What if I had asthma…you would have killed me" She stated with a smile, panting for breath
"It would have been one hell of a way to go" he countered cheekily
"Goodnight Logan" Rory said softly after she had gotten her door open
"Inside" Logan said, pushing her in and following
"What are you doing?" Rory asked incredulously
"Making sure you get to bed okay…" he said slowly eyeing her curiously
"Alright alright. Make yourself comfortable while I find wherever the hell my pajamas are" she muttered to herself
"Alright. I'm back" She said returning in a pair of yoga pants and a t shirt.
"Your shirt is backwards" Logan said amused
Rory looked down and saw her label sticking out the front "Oh well…I'm only sleeping in it" she waved off
"Alright. I'll see you later" Logan said walking towards the door "Here's my email. I want copies of those pictures Gilmore"
"Wow. I wonder how much money I'll get for this…" Rory mused looking at the small piece of paper he handed her
Logan laughed shaking his head "Goodnight Rory" he said as he left
A/N: Here's a nice long chapter for you all. Er…I have mixed feelings about it so leave reviews! I was so excited with the amount I received last time…
