AN) So here is the second chapter! I wanted to get it finished and uploaded quickly as I hate waiting myself, so here it is. I have the first eight chapters planned out so depending on how much time I have and my commitments to my other stories and life, I should be updating fairly quickly. I hope! I'm halfway through the next chapter of 'When It's Meant To Be' right now.

This chapter, in fact, the idea for this story was inspired by the episode 'The Great Stink' in season seven, so dont be surprised if there are similarities. I borrowed a few lines from the show also but everything else is mine.For those of you who havent seen season seven (have you been living under a rock?) or havent discovered the joys of Amazon seeing as the tv people in the UK couldnt be bothered to get the rights to Season 6 and 7, there are some spoilers. So be warned. Ok, enough from me, on with the story! Read and enjoy and then click the little button at the bottom of the page and tell me what you think, please! I love hearing what you think.Tell me what bits you like best or dont like at all. It only helps me grow and makes me have a big cheesy grin, if its nice comments. Im babbling now. Sorry! This note is almost as long as the story.

Thanks Megan, you are the best beta a girl could ask for.

Disclaimer: I dont own Gilmore Girls, but please dont sue me for borrowing some of the show lines. Its only a couple.

Seeing The Light

Chapter 2: The Wanderer Returns

Flashback

He had been watching her for a while now. He had never known anyone with the ability to concentrate as intensely as this girl could. She had been sitting at a table in the corner of the pub, sipping on what he assumed was coffee, and reading a book ever since they had entered. She had immediately caught his attention. Not because she was stunningly attractive, but because she looked so out of place; she belonged in a library with all her books. But here she was, and Logan couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place her. He wondered if maybe she had been one of his many conquests. She was attractive enough that he would sleep with her; however, very rarely did any of the girls he slept with voluntarily read. In fact, he was fairly certain that most of them wouldn't know a book if it hit them on the ass. This girl was different. Her chestnut hair was tied back out of her face. Her skin pale under the dark lights. Every so often she would look up around her and he would catch sight of her bright, blue eyes and he was hooked. He was quite simply captivated by her rather delicate and understated beauty. He couldn't help himself, he felt himself drawn towards her.

Leaving behind the hilarity and nonsensical conversations between his closest friends, Logan walked over to the bar. He quickly caught the attention of the bartender and ordered a coffee. As he waited for his requested beverage, he kept his eyes on the brunette in the corner. He smiled lightly to himself as the girl ignored the attentions of another guy who was trying to impress her with whatever charm he thought he had. He watched as the girl smiled politely back at the guy, and laughed at his non-funny jokes. Logan's demeanour quickly changed however when he noticed the guy wrap his arm around her shoulders. The girl looked very uncomfortable at his actions and squirmed in her seat. Logan saw that as his opportunity to introduce himself to the girl he had been admiring all night, as her white knight come to rescue her.

"Hey, sorry I took so long. Trying to get served in this place is like trying to get out of conscription: impossible." Rory was stunned as the blonde guy sat beside her. She had no idea who he was or what was going on and it seemed as though the other guy was right there with her. However, the blonde smiled warmly at her and suddenly she realised who he was. It was Logan, the guy whom she had found lying naked outside her dorm room a couple of nights ago. He was sitting beside her, fully clothed and acting as though he had known her for years. The other guy removed his arm from Rory's person, thankfully, and shifted awkwardly in his chair. "Who's this, honey?" Logan asked cheerily, taking her hand in his.

Rory looked at Logan confused beyond belief. Logan just smiled back at her. She found herself hypnotised by his warm, chocolate brown eyes. She felt her face get warmer as she blushed uncontrollably. Realising that he had said something to her, Rory readjusted her shirt and took a sip of her, now cold, coffee.

"Um…I…"

"I'm Logan. You are?" Logan offered his hand to the guy to shake. As he did so, he rested his other hand on Rory's leg. Not in a sleazy, trying to cop a feel way, but it made Rory freeze in her chair as her stomach flipped in every direction. His face was mere inches away from her, allowing her to breathe in the scent of his cologne. He smelled incredible.

"I'm Brandon," the other guy replied, shaking Logan's hand. "I was just…"

"Hitting on my girlfriend?" Logan asked bluntly, his hand was still on her leg. Rory was struggling to concentrate on the conversation; however, at the mention of the word 'girlfriend' she snapped back to attention. She looked at Logan and then at Brandon, noticing the tension between them. Brandon looked very uncomfortable at his question.

"Hey, look she didn't say anything about a boyfriend, man." He said raising his hands up in defence. Logan smiled and then looked at Rory's puzzled expression. His next action surprised her immensely, and Brandon by the look on his face. Logan gently cupped the side of her face in his hand, and then leaned forward, placing a soft, delicate kiss on her lips. As he pulled back, Rory sat there eyes closed, mouth slightly open, and her lips tingling. Logan sat back in his chair, a smirk on his face. Rory opened her eyes to see Brandon push his chair back and stand up.

"It'll be our one year anniversary next week." Logan told him as he gazed longingly at Rory. His smirk was still in place, making Rory feel very uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to hassle you." Brandon said as he looked down at Rory, who still hadn't quite recovered her ability to speak yet.

"Don't worry about it, man. I mean, I can fully understand why you might fancy your chances. But she is definitely off the market. I assure you." Logan stated, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. Brandon looked at them and then turned around and walked away leaving Rory and Logan alone, or as alone as you could be in an over crowded pub.

Rory, regaining some of her composure, twisted around in Logan's grasp facing him head on. He still had that smirk on his face which was making it very difficult to focus.

"Sorry, I hope you don't mind. I just saw you over here. I figured…"

"…that you would come over, pretend to be my boyfriend and kiss me."

"Well, yeah. Look I know we've never met but…" Rory laughed as she realised that he had no idea who she was.

"Oh, we've met."

"What?" Logan narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"You were pretty wasted…and naked." She said simply, trying desperately to contain the blush which was threatening to overtake her.

"Wait, did we. I mean, did you and I…?"

"No." she almost shouted, her eyes widening at the insinuation. "You really don't remember?"

Logan shook his head, he had no idea what she was talking about. He looked at her, trying to see if he recognised her. Surely he wouldn't forget this girl.

"The other night, outside my dorm. I found you lying drunk and naked in the hallway." She explained to a vacant look on his face. "I gave you my bathrobe to cover your… modesty."

It suddenly clicked. "That was yours?" Rory nodded, Logan frowned. "I thought that was Finn's."

"What's a 'Finn'?" Rory enquired, as the bartender came over with another coffee, which she gladly accepted. Logan smiled and looked back in the direction from which he'd came.

"That's a 'Finn.'" He pointed towards a tall, dark-haired guy at a table on the other side of the pub, who was currently belly dancing on top of the table.

"That's a 'Finn'!" Rory repeated as she watched the scene before her. Logan watched her intently, noticing the frown form on her face. "Why would you think the bathrobe was his? I mean it's purple and pretty girly."

"Finn has a tendency to wear women's clothing."

"Really?"

"Yep, he says it's liberating. I have yet to try it out for myself."

"'Yet to try it'?" Rory questioned eyeing him suspiciously.

"It's officially under consideration." He admitted mockingly. Rory laughed trying to get the picture of Logan wearing women's clothing out of her mind. However as she did so, the image was replaced with the one of him butt-ass naked. She shook her head quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice as her face reddened with embarrassment.

"So, seeing as you have already seen me naked and we've shared our first kiss and all, will you at least tell me your name?"

"It's Rory."

"Rory. That's a good name."

"I like it." Silence descended as he looked her over, catching her eye. Rory, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny, decided to busy herself with her coffee. She drained the cup quickly and replaced it back on the table.

"You know, I should probably get going. I have an early class tomorrow, so…"

"You actually go to those?" Logan joked. Rory rolled her eyes and scooped up her books. She stood up and faced him. She felt slightly more comfortable as she looked down at him. Her head was less fuzzy at this altitude.

"Well, it was nice…re-meeting you again," she said with a nervous hint in her tone. Logan stood up, causing her to concede the small advantage she felt over him.

"The pleasure was all mine, Rory," he informed her charmingly. "And I promise I will get you a new bathrobe to replace the one I borrowed."

"In time for our anniversary, I hope." she said remembering his earlier words. Logan's smile faded slightly.

"What?" Rory laughed, happy to see him uncomfortable for a change.

"Bye, Logan." At that, she was gone. Logan watched as she walked away. He was a little dumfounded by their encounter. He had thoroughly enjoyed her company and found her even more appealing, having talked to her. She was smart, witty, and funny as well as beautiful. She was the complete package. It was just a shame that was definitely not what he was looking for.

RLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRL

"No Bill, I have complete faith that you will be able to do this. You're going to be in charge soon, so you have to get used to it."

It was Saturday evening. The day before her twenty-second birthday, and for Rory, she had spent most of her time having to deal with Bill. She was trying to help train him as her replacement Editor of the Yale Daily News once she abdicated her thrown. Her time in charge was coming to an end, and she had agreed to help Bill take over. However, she was seriously regretting that offer as he had phoned her pretty much every ten minutes with a question or a hypothetical dilemma. So much for having a nice, peaceful, and relaxing pre-birthday on her own.

She had gone to the library to catch up on some studying, but the evil glares she was receiving every time her phone vibrated caused her to cut short her evening. As she got off the elevator at her floor in her building, she was in the middle of a particularly painful bout of ego boosting when something familiar caught her eye. Or, should she say, someone familiar caught her eye.

"Oh my God!" her mouth dropped open at the sight of the blonde-haired, brown-eyed boy leaning against her door. She blinked a couple of times not sure whether it was really him, but it was. It was Logan. She couldn't believe it. He was here. Logan was in Connecticut.

Walking quickly towards him she hung up on Bill without a word and stopped in front of her old friend. Logan straightened up and smiled brightly back at her causing her to break into a big cheesy grin. She couldn't believe how happy she was to see him again. It seemed like forever ago was the last time they shared the same zip code let alone hallway.

"Hey Ace! Happy to see me?" He asked. His smile faded slightly at his question, as if he wasn't quite sure what her reaction to him being there would be. Rory giggled stupidly and threw her arms around her old friend. She felt his body relax as he embraced her fully, breathing in her scent. They stood like that for what seemed like forever, but was actually just a few seconds in reality. Somehow being in Logan's presence caused time to slow down.

Rory pulled back, remembering where they were and looked him in the eye. Logan noticed as her face changed from that incredible smile she had, to a not so pleasant frown.

"So…not happy to see me?" He shifted in his position rather nervously, waiting for her to begin yelling at him, but it didn't come. Instead, the smile returned and she threw herself back into his warm embrace. Logan only too willingly reciprocated. Having her in his arms felt incredible.

She pulled back again, Logan's hands still on her waist. She hit him playfully on his chest.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him, unbelieving at his presence. Logan smiled at her childish behaviour. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? How long are you here for? Did something happen?"

Logan laughed as she took a breath having peppered him with question after question. He had missed her so much, he couldn't believe how much. He also couldn't believe how happy he felt being back with her again. He felt a surge of happiness, contentment, and relief. He was home and with his Ace. There was nowhere else he'd rather be.

"Don't forget to breathe, Ace." He laughed. Rory frowned, crossing her arms over her chest like a two year old.

"Logan" she whined, pouting childishly. He had definitely missed this girl. His eyes took in the sight before him as though he was seeing her for the first time. He had never remembered her being this beautiful. Logan had always thought she was hot, in a friendly way of course. However, as she stood before him he noticed perhaps for the first time, how truly breathtaking she was. Her hair was silky and smooth, her face was pale, her features refined. But it was the eyes more than anything, which truly drew him in. Those cerulean orbs shone bright as she gazed back at him. His gaze, unconsciously, travelled south as he concentrated on her lips. He was suddenly overcome with the rather overwhelming urge to kiss that pout of hers right off her face… Whoa! Where did that come from?

"So, are you going to tell me why you're here or what?" The sound of her voice snapped him out of his daze. He frowned, as he silently contemplated the thoughts which had crossed his mind before. "Logan!"

"Sorry, I, um…" He tried to regain his bearings and put all lustful thoughts of Rory, his best friend, out of his mind. "…long flight. Must be jetlagged."

Rory narrowed her eyes, staring at him sceptically. "Well?"

Logan dropped his hands from her waist, thinking it would probably be easier for him to form a coherent thought if he wasn't touching her. After a few seconds, the elation and excitement at seeing her again abated slightly, enough to let him speak at least. He brushed his hand through his hair and sighed. "Happy Birthday, Ace!"

Rory smiled. "I am your birthday present. Do with me what you wish?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he instantly regretted them. "Okay. That so didn't come out the way the it was meant to."

Rory's smile widened as she noticed how uncomfortable he was. Then it hit her, Logan had come all this way just to see her. He came all the way from London for her birthday because he knew she would be on her own, and he didn't want her to be alone. Truly touched by this, she did the only thing she could think of, she hugged him. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his neck. She couldn't get rid of the smile which had permanently etched itself onto her face. She had her best friend back for her birthday. It was the best birthday present she could've hoped for.

Logan, slightly caught off guard by her reaction, tightened his arms around her. He loved the feeling of having her in his arms. In fact, he was fairly certain that he could stay like this forever and die a happy man. At that thought, he pulled away and grabbed her hand.

"Come with me." He said cryptically, pulling her down the hallway and into the stairwell.

"Where are we going? Logan!" Rory reluctantly followed him as he dragged her up the flight of stairs, which lead to the roof, at a quick pace. "Logan, slow down. Gilmores do not run."

"Slow down you die, Ace!" Logan insisted with a smile on his face. Rory remembered the first time Logan had said those words to her. It was two years ago, when they had broke into the dinning hall for ice cream after a night at the theatre. She remembered it like it was yesterday, another adventure she had shared with Logan over the years.

Finally, they reached the roof and as he pulled her through the door, he stopped abruptly causing Rory to bump into him from behind. "Logan, what's going…" She couldn't finish her sentence. She was too stunned as she took in the sight before her. The roof was decorated with white fairy lights shining brightly. There was a table with two place settings and a candle burning in between. She noticed another table sitting off to the side where numerous dishes and a bottle of wine were situated. Logan watched as she slowly registered everything around her. He had been a little nervous about it all, but as he saw the smile grow on her face, he knew all his effort was worth it.

"What is all this?" Rory asked, quite bewildered. Her gaze finally fell on Logan who was now standing beside the table with all the food, holding the bottle of wine.

"It's your birthday surprise." Rory's smile widened as she moved towards him shaking her head. She still couldn't quite comprehend what was going on.

"You did all this?" her voice full of disbelief.

"You like?" Rory looked around her, still in shock.

"I love, but you didn't have to do all this. I mean, you're here, that's more than enough." Logan smiled, pleased at her words.

"It's your birthday, Ace. I couldn't let you celebrate on your own with all those dusty books now could I?"

"My birthday isn't until tomorrow, Logan." She reminded him, her smile still in place.

"Yes, I was aware of that, but somehow I don't think Jess would appreciate me tagging along." Rory's smile faded slightly at the mention of her boyfriends name. "I wanted to see you. It has been a while and what better excuse than to come celebrate your birthday."

"But-"

"I missed you, Ace." His voice softened as he revealed this truth to her. He had missed her, more than he ever felt possible. Rory was touched by his sentiments, a half smile played on her mouth.

"I missed you too, Logan." There was a long silence between them as their words drifted off into the night air. Leaving nothing but two old friends and a few months worth of catching up to do.

Rory momentarily lost herself in his stare as the events of the night, so far, sunk in. Logan had gone to an awful lot of effort on his part to make this evening special. She couldn't help feeling a little strange though. Like she found herself feeling guilty for being here with him, and also sad at the same time that it wasn't her actual boyfriend who had surprised her. She supposed she shouldn't be too surprised by Logan's incredibly sweet idea, he had a tendency to do things on a grand scale. Big gestures were kind of a given when you were a Huntzberger, and you had your own private jet. During their time at Yale, he had surprised her on numerous occasions with trips to Spain or Italy. He even bought her a Berkin Bag for her birthday, which must have cost him a small fortune. Although, he had forgotten her birthday that year and the bag was his attempt at getting back on her good side, no expense spared.

She felt a tug on her hand as Logan walked her over to the table. He pulled out her chair and gestured for her to sit. Rory duly obliged, a smile on her face all the while.

"So, what's on the menu?"

RLRLRLRLRLRLRLRL

"It's official, I am absolutely stuffed. I don't think I could eat another thing." Rory declared slumping back in her chair, her hand on her stomach. Logan laughed. He had missed that appetite of hers.

"There's still Flan to come." At that, Rory perked up. Logan knew she couldn't resist a piece of flan, no matter how full she proclaimed to be. "I guess I'll just throw it in the trash," he teased.

"Hey, no way. There's always room for Flan." She insisted, Logan laughed again. In all the years he had known her, he never could get used to her eating habits or figure out where she put it all. She had a perfect figure with curves in all the right places. Not that he noticed her curves or anything.

"Come on." Logan pushed his chair out and grabbed her hand leading her over to where he had laid out a blanket and pillows for them to lay on. As Rory noticed this, she paused. pulling her hand out of his grasp, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable.

"Logan, I don't think…"

"Ace, don't worry. I'm not planning on seducing you or anything. I just thought it'd be nice to just hang out, talk, look at the stars. No funny business, I promise." He assured her. He genuinely just wanted to be in her presence. Rory thought for a moment as he lay back making himself more comfortable. Rory watched him move his hands behind his head, she quickly sat down beside him, deciding that she wouldn't be breaking any rules. Logan closed his eyes as he enjoyed the peaceful silence. As he felt her sit beside him, he reopened his eyes and smiled noticing how nervous she was. He couldn't help but smile as he found the idea incredibly cute.

"Lay down, Rory." The mention of her name surprised her slightly. She wasn't used to hearing him speak her actual name. He usually always referred to her as 'Ace'. He was the only one who did. But somehow, the use of her name calmed her nerves and she finally lay down beside him. They lay in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the companionable silence. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. That was the thing with the two of them. As much as they enjoyed talking, and talking they could do, it was during the silences where an understanding had grown between them. It was comforting to know that they could just relax in each others company and just be. It was even more comforting for both of them to know that even after five months of not seeing each other, barely speaking, or even through the strained relations they had experienced towards the end of his senior year, it was still there. They still had that bond, that unbreakable bond which had served them so well since the first time they met.

"You know, you can't do this in London. The streetlights are so bright that you can almost never see the stars." Logan told her with a sadness in his tone. Rory smiled softly to herself.

"Yeah, but it's London."

"Eeh!" Rory pulled herself up slightly, leaning on her arm to look at him.

"Are you tired of London?" she enquired, her smile fading slightly. She knew he was far away from home and living in London not by choice, but it was still London. She had loved every minute of her time in London during her trips with her mother, and then grandmother. She supposed it was different though, when you were being forced to live there against your will.

Logan sighed as he looked down at her. Her blue eyes shining back at him, looking at him intently. "I'm…" he stopped himself from saying what he was about to say. He was about to tell her that he was tired of not being around her. He had no idea where that was coming from. Maybe it was true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder, or maybe he was just confusing his delight at seeing her again with the fact that he hadn't gotten laid in a while. His father had been working him hard in London, and he hadn't really had a chance to go out and hook up with anyone. Not that he was living as a monk. He noticed her eyes still on him and he realised he hadn't finished what he was going to say. "I just miss home."

Rory smiled warmly at that and to his surprise, she snuggled into his side. Her head was resting on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her, revelling in the feel of her so close. He kissed the top of her head, breathing in the strong fruity scent of her hair.

Rory lay there, listening to his chest rise and fall beneath her. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms.

"Hey, do you remember the first time we met?" He whispered softly, running his fingers through her soft, dark hair. Rory smiled into his chest, remembering their first encounter.

"How could I forget? I was scarred for life, seeing you butt-ass naked in my hallway."

"You loved it!" He said teasingly. Rory hit him gently on the chest as she tried to stifle her giggles.

"Please. I've seen better."

"Oh really?"

"Uh huh!"

"I find that hard to believe." Logan replied allowing his arrogance to take over. Rory rolled her eyes.

"You never did grow out of that cocky phase, did you?"

"Hey, this isn't cockiness. This is just honesty. I can't help it if I am a perfect specimen of manhood." Rory burst out laughing as she looked up at him smirking back at her.

After a few minutes, Rory finally calmed down and returned her head to its preferred resting place: his chest.

"Do you remember the Life and Death Brigade event you took me to?" Logan smiled.

"No, I remember the Life and Death Brigade event you made me take you to."

"I hardly forced you into it."

"Huh! Ace, you practically blackmailed me into it," he reminded her slightly incredulous. Rory rolled her eyes for what felt like the fifteenth time that evening.

"You're such a drama queen."

"Is that right? I'm not the one who screamed the entire way down when we jumped off that scaffolding."

"It was seven stories high. I could have died!"

"But yet you lived to tell the tale."

"Barely," she harrumphed. Logan laughed at the memories of her clinging onto him for dear life as they took the plunge. He still to this day could not believe that he had managed to convince her to jump, or that she had actually done it. He had to admit, that day was perhaps the most exhilarating day of his life and having Rory with him made it all the more special.

"You know, I still have this recurring dream about that day. I'm standing there holding your hand, ready to jump and I do it. I jump. But when I hit the ground, I am completely naked…"

"There's a lot of nakedness in our relationship," Logan quipped. Rory frowned, annoyed by his interruption. Rory went silent and Logan wasn't sure whether she was mad at him or not. So he decided to test the waters.

"Hey, do you remember that time you stuck your tongue down my throat?"

"What?" Rory's head immediately darted up, her eyes blazing. Logan laughed, knowing full well that that would get her attention. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You don't remember? That hurts." He placed his hand over his chest in a mocking gesture. Rory shook her head.

"How can I remember something that never happened?" Rory asked, her annoyance becoming more than apparent.

"Oh it happened, alright. I remember it very clearly."

"Well, please share with the rest of us." Logan laughed again at the rather clipped tone in her voice.

"Ok. It was at your grandparents wedding…vow renewal…thing." He shrugged as he began to fill her in. Rory sat up, allowing him to lean back on his arms. "We were dancing and then you decided that you wanted to have our very own sub-party. So we got a bottle of champagne and we found an abandoned dressing room. Then after a while, you kissed me. Full on, with tongue. I even think there was some groping involved. On your part. I was much to much of a gentleman to take advantage."

"Yeah Right!" Rory stated. There was no way that she would kiss him like that.

"I'm serious. You said that you just wanted to know what all the fuss was about."

Rory could feel her temperature soar as she got more and more agitated. "You are totally making that up."

"I swear. You were a little tipsy though, so you probably wouldn't remember," he informed her, trying not to laugh hysterically as the vein on her forehead grew bigger with frustration and anger.

"I guess it would be hard to remember something that never happened." She retorted, her face was now bright red. Logan thought she was going to have a heart attack.

"Oh it definitely happened, Ace."

"Well, it couldn't have been very good. I have absolutely no recollection of it."

"Perhaps you blocked it out because you just couldn't bare to remember such an earth shattering kiss, knowing that no other would ever compare." Rory narrowed her eyes at his teasing tone.

"Maybe I blocked it out because it just wasn't very memorable."

"So, you admit it then, it happened?"

"What? No. I just…you…ugh!" Logan smirked as she became flustered, driving her to the point where she was ready to smack the smirk right off his face. He really could be the most irritating person on the planet sometimes. "I hate you!"

"You love me!" She began to get up but Logan quickly pulled her back down; however, as he did so, she lost her balance and ended up falling on top of him. There faces were inches apart. Their eyes gazing intently back at each other. There was silence all around them, except for the rather loud pounding in their chests. Logan's eyes moved to her lips and he felt that overwhelming urge to kiss her pull at him again. Rory stared back at him for a moment; however, she quickly recovered and made an effort to get up. Sitting beside him, she readjusted her clothes and folded her arms defensively over her chest. Logan followed her up and sighed to himself, running his hand through his hair. For the first time in their relationship, there was an awkward silence between them. He looked at her, noticing her shiver due to the cold. Remembering what he still had planned, he pulled himself up and grabbed her hand.

"Follow me."

RLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRLRL

Rory followed Logan hesitantly back down to her apartment in silence. He stopped at the door, waiting for her to unlock it. Quickly, she pulled out her keys and opened the door. She entered her apartment and held the door open for him to follow. Rory closed the door behind them and headed for the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. She was suddenly very thirsty.

"Coffee?" she asked, trying to break the obvious tension between them. As she looked back at him, she noticed the coffee table in the living room was covered with plates and bowls full of food. "What's all this?"

Logan smiled as she came back into the main room. As she did so, she noticed that the TV was set up and there was a couple of DVD's.

"We're just waiting for the pizza, and then we will have all the ingredients for a traditional Gilmore Movie Night," he was cut off by a knock at the door. Logan made his way over, pulling out his wallet.

Rory sat down on the couch, scanning the table to see all of her favorite junk food, including red vines. She couldn't help the smile that crept over her face as she saw which movies Logan had gotten for them to watch. 'Willy Wonka', 'The Godfather Part 1 and 3'. She giggled quietly to herself. Logan came back into the apartment holding two pizza boxes and sat down beside her. Rory smiled back at him.

"What?" He frowned, looking at her cagily. She held up the Godfather DVD's and smiled again.

"So, I guess they didn't have part 2 at the store?"

"Why don't you just go get changed into your pyjamas and we can get started." He told her, trying to hold back the smile on his face. Rory laughed and then headed towards her bedroom to get changed. Logan watched as she walked away, unconsciously smiling to himself. He grabbed a slice of pizza and lay back on the couch, closing his eyes and sighing in the process. He felt happy for the first time in months. He was home with his Ace and he was happy. He wished he could stay here forever.

"Ok Huntzberger, let's get this show on the road." Rory insisted, as she plopped herself down beside him, grabbing a slice of pizza. Logan watched her from the corner of his eye as she settled down with some red vines in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. He got up to put the DVD in the player and settled back beside her. Rory started singing as the movie started, causing the smile on Logan's face to widen. He could stay here forever.

RLRLRLRLRLRL

"Rory."

"Rory, wake up!" she heard a soft voice whisper her name from beside her. As she began to adjust to consciousness, she felt a warmth surrounding her.

"Sleep. Tired," she mumbled incoherently, only to be met with laughter.

"Come on, Ace. It's almost four o'clock. Your mom will be calling soon." At that, Rory slowly opened her eyes to see Logan's hazel eyes staring back at her. She could feel his warm breath on her face.

"Logan? What are you doing here?" she asked sleepily. Logan laughed quietly beside her. They were both lying on the couch, facing each other. There wasn't much space between them as the couch was rather narrow. Their legs were slightly intertwined and his arm was lightly wrapped around her waist while her hands were placed on his chest.

"You fell asleep, Ace." Rory moved slightly, well, as much as she could without falling off the couch.

"Hmm."

"I have to go. I have an early flight." He told her; however, he made no effort to move from his position beside her.

"How early?" she yawned, while stretching out her arms causing her chest to press against his a little before snuggling back into him.

"Six a.m." Rory looked up at him through tired eyes.

"That's early."

"I'm supposed to be in London. No one knows that I'm here," he explained as he smiled back at her.

"Not even Mitchum?"

"Nope."

"Logan!" she whined. As much as she loved him being here, she didn't want him to get into trouble because of her. Especially not with Mitchum.

"It's fine, Rory."

"No, it's not fine Logan. He's going to be mad." Logan grinned, touched by her concern.

"Mitchum's always mad. I'm used to it," he assured her.

"But-" He silenced her by placing his finger over her mouth.

"Rory. It's your birthday. There's nowhere else I'd rather be." Rory remained quiet, letting his words sink in. Her lips tingled at his touch and her heart melted at his words. Without her knowing, a smile grew on her face.

"My birthday's not until tomorrow," she whispered softly. Logan laughed echoing off the walls.

"It is tomorrow, Ace." Rory sighed as he shifted his position, climbing over her. He stretched out his arms, yawning as he did so. Rory watched him from the couch as he found his shoes in the darkness and put them on. "I should get going."

Rory groaned as she stood up and walked towards him. Logan put his coat on and then pulled out a small box from his inside pocket.

"Here," he offered her the box with a huge smile on his face. Taking it, she eyed him sceptically.

"What is it?"

"Your birthday present." Rory's eyes widened in surprise as she looked back at him.

"I thought you were my present."

"I just wanted to get you something to remember me by." He informed her. Rory frowned and then quickly opened the small box to find a gold necklace with a small pendant with the name 'Ace' on it.

"Happy Birthday, Ace!" Logan leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Rory looked up at him, tears in her eyes.

"Logan. This is…beautiful. Thank you." Logan smiled as he wiped away the tears on her cheek with his thumb. He took the necklace from her and stood behind her, fastening the clasp. Rory looked down at the pendant, running her fingers over the nickname he had given her.

"I should go." He really didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to. Rory sighed deeply, and then threw her arms around him. She pulled him close against her, never wanting to let him go.

"Keep in touch this time, okay." She scolded him for his previous lack of contact. Logan smiled as he breathed in her scent, desperate to memorise everything about her.

"I promise." She let him go and watched as he headed towards the door. He turned towards her and gave her a slight wave of the hand. He smiled. "See you, Ace."

"Bye," she whispered as her voice croaked a little. A tear streamed down over her cheek as she said goodbye to her best friend. Not knowing when she would see him again.

RLRLRLRLRLRL

Flashback

Rory was in a hurry. It was Friday and she was running late for Friday Night Dinner with her grandparents. She had gone to the library to do some last minute studying, but as usual, she had gotten caught up in what she was reading and lost track of time. So now at this moment in time, she was running. Physically running, well running/walking very quickly. She was a Gilmore after all.

She hastily made her way back to her dorm room, dodging past the other students, trying not to drop any of her books. Finally, she made it back. Checking her watch, she noticed how late she was. Her mother was going to kill her. She turned the corner and noticed something sitting at her door. She stopped, leaned over and picked it up. It was addressed to her. Whatever it was, it was wrapped in brightly colored paper with ribbon and a bow decorating it.

She quickly unlocked the door to her dorm room and went inside happy to see that the coast was clear. Making her way into her bedroom, she closed the door behind her and sat her heavy books down on the dresser. Rory then turned her attention to the parcel she had found at the door. She began unwrapping it cautiously, in the unlikely event that it was some kind of explosive device or something. It wasn't though. She smiled brightly as she held up the expensive looking, silk, purple bathrobe. Her smile widened as she read the card attached to the wrapping paper. It read:

Happy Anniversary, Rory. I can't wait to try it on. Or better yet, see you try it on. Love, your adoring boyfriend, Logan. Xxx