A/N- This chapter starts with a new scene at the beginning of s5 ep16. The second scene is the one in the episode where they meet in the courtyard at Yale before Logan hands in his paper, when they make out and talk about Hemingway.

-I realized that a) Emily is on her honeymoon in ep 15 so the party doesn't really make sense, b) Luke and Lorelai have broken up, and c) Emily and Lorelai aren't speaking so Lorelai getting out of the party also doesn't really make sense, so there are some changes from the show to my fanfic that I need to explain.

Emily and Richard don't go on their honeymoon from their vow renewal in ep 13 until after the party- they postponed it so they could go.

Also, Luke and Lorelai didn't break up, but Lorelai is still mad at Emily for trying to interfere. Rory doesn't know that Emily was involved.

-Hopefully everything will make sense now- I would change my version except I've already published chapter 2 and written all of chapter 3 so I don't really want to go back and change it. Thanks for reading this giant author's note!

-I don't own Gilmore Girls

Chapter 4- So…Good Talk

'Hey Ace.'

'Logan.' she answered cooly.

Rory had been avoiding him all week. It was difficult, considering it meant she had to hide from her friends, but at least she could spend some quality time with Paris. That had gotten old very quickly.

'So where've you been?'

'Around.' she replied vaguely.

'Seriously, I haven't seen you all week!' he laughed. 'What have you been so busy with that you couldn't see me?'

After Rory had decided that she couldn't deal with Paris any longer, she had thrown herself into her work. It was midterms week after all.

'I've been studying.'

'Really?' Logan mocked.

'Uh, yeah. It is midterms, Logan.'

'Other girls don't study as much as you do, that's all.'

'Those other girls don't want to do well.' she countered.

'Aren't there more important things in life?'

'You'd know.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' he asked, a little warily.

'Nothing, just that you are well acquainted with the other girls doing the more important things who aren't going to pass their tests.'

'Are you saying I only like idiots? Because you know that's not true.' Rory could hear the smirk in his voice.

'I don't know, you must find something in them more attractive.'

'Like what?'

'The whole blonde bimbo image. That seems to be a recurring theme. Oh, and girls who are dumb enough to keep throwing themselves at you. That is a definite sign of idiocy that you obviously enjoy.'

'Who specifically are we talking about here, Rory?'

'I don't know.'

'Charlie?'

'Maybe.'

'It seems like you're jealous.'

'I am not jealous!' Rory replied indignantly, 'That's ridiculous.'

'If it makes you feel any better, watching you kiss Finn made my blood boil.'

Rory ignored the cheesy line. 'Really?' she replied in a small voice.

'Yeah. And besides, I only took Charlie to that party cause I thought you wouldn't want to come. Then my boiling blood made me take her home with me.'

She had come very close to getting over her outrage, but mentioning the sleepover was a mistake.

'Oh.'

'Wait, wait. I didn't hook up with her, if that's what you're thinking. We made out a little, then went to sleep.'

'Oh.' Rory said again. Then, with a more casual tone, 'But we are in a non-exclusive relationship,' she reminded him. 'You can do what you want with who you want.'

'Then why have you been so distant all week?'

'I told you already. Studying.'

'That wasn't an excuse?' he said, disbelieving.

'Nope.' she smiled. But then she frowned. 'What's your excuse? It's not like you talked to me.'

'I've been planning a trip.'

'Where to?'

'Me and the guys are going skiing.'

'Which guys?'

'Just Colin and Finn right now, but this may end up being a whole group thing.'

'What, like Jake and Seth?'

'Yeah, but you should come too!'

'Logan, you know I'm going to see my mom.'

'Blow off the Hollow! I'll even invite Steph.'

'First of all, I'm not gonna blow off my mom. Second of all, do you think one other girl will entice me into coming on a trip with a whole bunch of guys.'

'Fine. But if you change your mind…'

'Bye Logan.' she said forcefully.

A little dejected, he replied 'Bye Ace.'

Logan kissed her one last time, before pulling away.

They were in a corner of the courtyard, where Logan had found her on his way to drop off his last paper before the ski trip.

'You'll call me from the cabin?'

Logan smiled.

'Absolutely.'

'Thanks for the coffee.'

'Anytime.' He began to walk away, then turned around. 'Better have that million bucks ready by the time I get back, and I don't accept coins.' he smirked.

'No promises.' she replied.

Rory headed in the other direction, but as soon as he was out of sight, she sighed and leant back against a crumbling wall.

She sighed. He made her so happy. It was like he couldn't keep his hands off of her, the way he lead her into that corner. One little conversation had made him want to make out with her. And he seemed so proud of his paper, which of course made her happy. He wouldn't even let her see it just in case something happened which meant he couldn't turn it in. But nothing made her happier than his knowledge of Hemingway, even if he was wrong about the manuscript.

Yet she found herself frowning.

Rory pushed open the front door, arms loaded with laundry bags, and she could barely get through the hall. The traffic from New Haven had been terrible, but at least she was home in Stars Hollow.

'Hello?' she called, her voice tired.

'Kitchen!' came the cheery reply.

'Give me a hand!' Rory demanded.

Lorelai only clapped in response.

'Okay, Bob Hope's laughing in heaven but I'm not.'

'Bob Hope got in to heaven?' Lorelai asked in mock surprise.

'Grab a bag.'

The two went outside to the washer drier and after arguing about Lorelai's load of two socks, Rory put a load in. Finally, they headed back inside to their coffee.

There was an unusual and slightly awkward silence.

'Rory…' Lorelai started.

'Yeah Mom?' she said, a little apprehensive.

'I need to tell you something.'

'Okay…'

'Remember that fight Luke and I got in at that vow renewal, about your dad?'

'Yeah…'

'Well, the only reason Chris said what he said was because my mother told him it was his last chance.'

'What!'

'Yeah, she wanted us to get back together.'

'Why would she do that?!'

'I don't now, maybe because Luke is a diner owner who isn't from Hartford and isn't the father of my daughter?'

'She still doesn't have a reason to break you up!' Rory exclaimed. Then, in a smaller voice, 'Why didn't you tell me?'

'I guess I just didn't want to mess with your relationship with Grandma, especially considering you have to go to Friday Night Dinner.'

'Is that why you didn't want to go to the party?'

'Yeah.' she replied guiltily.

Rory stopped for a moment, before raising her voice. 'So when were you going to tell me, huh? Were you just gonna let me go and think everything's all right when it isn't?!'

'No! That's why I'm telling you now. I realised it wasn't fair to keep you in the dark.'

'Mom! I already went to that stupid party and made small talk with her! She probably thinks I know but don't care!'

'I'm sorry.'

Rory frowned. 'I guess it's okay.'

'What time are you leaving?' Lorelai attempted small talk.

'I don't know. I'm going to Lane's.' Rory said quickly before leaving the house just as fast.

'Hello?'

'My room!' Lane called.

Rory was out of breath, but upon seeing her best friend, still managed to squeal 'Lane!'

'Rory!'

'How are you?'

'I hit the record store in Hartford yesterday, so good. What's going on with you?'

'Well, I have FND tonight.'

'Friday Night Dinner? That's bad.'

'I know.'

'Yeah, especially with that whole Emily-tried-to-mess-up-Luke-and-Lorelai-and-now-is-pretending-nothing-happened thing.'

'I know.'

'That's going to be awkward.'

'I know. How did you know about the whole Grandma-tried-to-ruin-Mom-and-Luke's-relationship thing?'

'I'm working at Luke's, remember?'

'I just can't believe Mom didn't tell me until now! And she lied about it! And at the party, I spoke to Grandma! I never want to speak to her again!'

'Then don't talk to her tonight. Say something simple yet ominous, like 'I know.' and narrow your eyes, then blank her for the rest of the night.'

'Urrgggh! I don't want to be mad at mom, you know? But she didn't tell me, and it hurts.' Rory said sadly.

'Then we'll change the subject. Any boy drama? You know I live vicariously through you.'

'There's this thing with Logan.'

'Ooh! Tell me about it.'

'I bumped into him in the courtyard. We talked a little, then he pulled me off into a corner and made out with me.'

'Pause. You guys made up?'

'Yeah, he called me last night.'

'Then I'm not understanding why this is a bad thing.'

'That's just it! It shouldn't be. He obviously wants me, which is great, and he just wrote a paper that he is really proud of, so he's actually working hard, which is also great.'

'But…'

'But nothing! We even talked about Hemingway! I haven't talked about Hemingway with a guy outside of class since Jess!'

'Ah.'

'What?' Rory questioned, smiling.

'Well, the whole thing sounds very Jess-esque. I mean, how long has it been since you've been kissed in a very public place?'

'A week. Remember Finn at the party?'

'That doesn't count. Jess was the one you were making out with all over town, and with Logan you were making out in a visible spot on campus. Plus, Hemingway was a Jess thing and now Logan is talking about it.

'I guess it is a little familiar…but I don't think that's it.'

'Why not?'

'For starters, I haven't seen Jess in a while. I haven't even thought about him in a while.'

'But Logan didn't call.'

'What?'

'Hold your horses. Jess didn't call you, remember? He always said he'd call, so you waited but then he didn't. I guess Logan didn't explicitly say he'd call, but as you are in a relationship, even if it is non-exclusive, and after him bringing a different date it is kind of expected. But he didn't call, just like Jess.'

'Logan and Jess are not the same person.'

'I know that, but maybe that's why it seems a little weird.'

'Maybe…' Rory paused. 'If Logan couldn't keep his hands off me then, why did he stay away for a whole week?'

'He was probably waiting for you to make the first move. After all, you did kiss Finn in front of him. Therefore, shouldn't you be the one to reach out?'

'I don't know. I thought he would since he was the one who brought a different date.'

'You both made each other jealous so both expected the other one to make the first move.'

'That sums it up.'

'Besides, he obviously missed you.' Lane said, raising an eyebrow and smirking.

'I guess.'

'He is aware of what he's missing, right?' Lane asked, trying to be subtle.

'Oh yeah. He knows.'

'Are you gonna tell Lorelai?'

'That I'm sleeping with him?'

'I guess she isn't going to understand if you say 'Logan's aware', so yeah, are you gonna tell her that you're sleeping with him?'

'It's about time, I mean, I did promise her that I'd tell her about my boyfriends. I guess our weird relationship counts.'

'Wait- what time do you have to leave?' Lane interrupted.

'Six twenty, why?'

'I hate to break it to you, but it's six twenty-five.'

'Crap! Oh well, I should still be on time if I leave now.'

She leant in for a hug, but Lane ushered her down the stairs. 'Go! Go! If you're late I'll never see you again so get a move on!'

And with that, Rory ran out of the house, jumped in her car, and sped away.

Rory was laying in her familiar bed, staring up at the ceiling. The clock read 11:48. It had been an hour since she had turned off the lights, yet she was still awake. She just couldn't stop thinking.

Dinner had lasted forever. She arrived at seven, talked to her grandpa during drinks, and managed to avoid Emily until they sat down to eat. The few words they did exchange during dinner were short and every conversation Emily attempted to begin was promptly shut down. For the first 45 minutes, Emily obviously had no idea what was going on, until Richard mentioned Lorelai.

'So Rory, how is your mother?' Richard asked, smiling.

Rory was surprised that he hadn't asked earlier in the evening. Was he aware of the feud between the other Gilmore women?

'She's good. Right now she is on a date with Luke.' Rory replied with a pointed look at Emily.

Her grandmother's eyes narrowed before widening in understanding, but as she was about to say something, Richard spoke again.

'Good, good.'

'How's her inn?' Emily ventured to say.

'Fine.' came Rory's answer.

'That's it? Fine?'

Rory gave an extraordinarily fake smile. 'Great!'

At the menacing tone of Rory's voice, Emily was quiet.

The rest of the evening continued in the same way; long exchanges with her grandpa about books and travel, with a few monosyllables thrown Emily's way when required.

When she had arrived home, her mother was sitting on the couch watching tv, but instead of sitting down with her, Rory went straight to her bedroom. She knew it was a little unfair, but she just didn't feel like dealing with her mother just then.

So she went to bed, but she couldn't sleep.

She wondered if her mom was still awake. Yeah, she wished that she'd been told about the Emily thing earlier, but if she was still mad at her mom then sticking up for her during dinner was pointless. Besides, she only didn't tell her because she didn't want to cause problems between Rory and Emily. And how long was she really going to hold a grudge?

Suddenly she felt a pang of loneliness, and before she knew it, she was heading up the stairs to her mom's room.

She stopped at the door, before pushing it open a crack.

'Mom?' she whispered.

Lorelai sat straight up in bed.

'I was just going to come down to you! I can't sleep.'

'Yeah, me neither.'

'I just kept thinking about how I went to bed without talking to you and how unfair it was to you and how you had all the right motives for not telling me Mommy I'm sorry!'

'I just kept thinking about how I should have told you sooner. I just didn't want you to have to fight with them too. I'm sorry!'

'It's okay, Mom.'

'It's okay, Rory.'

Lorelai pulled Rory into a tight embrace, and held her until she fell asleep, and after Rory was snoring soundly, she tucked her in next to her.

Luke looked up from the counter as Lorelai and Rory walked in. They smiled over at him before taking their usual seats.

'So just to be clear, you guys are good, right?' Rory asked.

'Oh yeah, all good.' Lorelai answered with a smirk.

'Dirty!'

'Remember who taught you that, Missy.'

'Whatever. I want coffee!'

'Lukey, bring me coffee!' Lorelai called in a baby voice.

'Not if you call me 'Lukey'.' he responded gruffly before heading into the kitchen.

Lorelai turned back around, but Rory didn't say anything.

'Something wrong?' she asked. 'Is this about Grandma?' she paused but there was no answer. 'Do I have to ask 18 more of these?'

'You know how with Dean things didn't go exactly the way I planned?

'You mean with you and him getting together?'

'No.' she sighed. 'I mean yes, that too, but I promised that I would come to you and talk to you when I was ready to…' she gestured the rest.

Lorelai raised an eyebrow, but Rory continued. 'But I didn't because it all happened so fast and I didn't get a chance, and then everything got so messed up and after it was weird, the situation was weird, and I didn't feel comfortable coming to talk to you about anything concerning that at all.'

Lorelai interrupted. You can always talk to me, even when it's weird.' she said firmly.

'I know. That's what I want to do. I want to go back to talking about everything, just like before Dean.'

'I see that.'

'So I thought I would come talk to you about Logan!' Rory finished cheerfully.

Lorelai's eyes widened, but she tried to cover up her surprise. 'Ohh,' she replied slowly, 'Okay.'

'I wanna tell you now so you'll hear it from me right when it's starting.' she smiled.

'Right when it's starting? Oh, got it, so the two of you are starting something, huh?' she tried to keep a happy expression plastered on her face.

'Yes. We have definitely started something.'

'Started! Oh, you've already started something! Wow. Okay, fast.'

Rory's smile faltered a little. 'I know, but he's great.'

'Don't you think you should slow down a little? I mean, you kissed him for the first time just a few weeks ago!'

'First of all, you don't necessarily know that that was the first time.'

'It wasn't?' she interrupted.

'No, it was, but that's not the point.'

'What is the point?'

'You don't know what he's like. If I say he's great, you need to accept that.'

'But I've met him! He might seem great, but trust me, I know his type. They're perfect until they knock you up!'

'Why would you even compare Logan to Dad? The only thing they have in common is their hair color!'

'I know their type, Rory. Let me guess, he parties hard, and is wild but has enough money to get him out of trouble when he needs it so he doesn't give a crap about consequences or other people at all.'

'You've met him once!'

'Sex is a big deal, Rory. I thought you learnt that with Dean, but I guess not.'

'Maybe it's not such a big deal! Did you ever think of that? Maybe it's just something that's meant to be enjoyed with people you like, not some huge declaration.'

Lorelai didn't say anything.

'What!' Rory said, raising her voice. It occurred to her that the whole diner had probably been listening to their conversation, but she didn't really care. 'What more do you have to say, Mom?'

'I just don't trust him, kid.'

'Do you trust me?'

'Yes, of course!'

'Then trust me when I say that he is a good person.'

'Just because you think he is a good person doesn't mean you should trust him.'

'Listen to yourself! You obviously don't think I can make my own judgements!'

'No, Rory…'

'You don't trust me to make my own judgements! God, you don't trust me at all!'

'Well look at your life! First Jess, who I said was trouble from the beginning. What did he do? Run away to California and break your heart. And then Dean. Sleeping with Dean was a huge lapse in judgement. So your track record with guys isn't exactly perfect! Excuse me for trying to help you out!'

'I don't need your advice.'

'Fine then.'

'Fine.'

'Fine.' Lorelai said, a little louder.

'FINE!'

Rory stormed out of the diner.

Rory was sitting alone at the bar. The pub was pretty empty, after all it was mid-afternoon. It was a surprise that it was open.

She had thrown her bags in her dorm before heading out, disgusted with the sounds coming from Paris' bedroom.

'Urgh, why does Paris' boyfriend have to Doyle? Why does Doyle have to be the editor?' She grimaced before slamming the door loudly to alert them to her presence.

She called Steph to see if she was around, although she knew it was a long shot. Almost everyone was on vacation or visiting home. So eventually, she headed to the pub alone.

Fred handed her another coffee. At that moment, she craved nothing more than a beer but unfortunately she didn't turn twenty until next year. At least she had coffee.

The door slammed against the wall as someone burst through it. Both Fred and Rory looked up to see Steph striding towards them.

'I got your message! What's up? Come on, let's go. There's no point drowning your sorrows in something with absolutely no alcohol.' Steph pulled Rory off of her stool and out the door so fast that Rory barely had time to wave goodbye to Fred.

'So, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the Hollow?'

'Yeah, but Mom and I had a fight so I came back here.'

'Elaborate.'

'Well, long story short I told her that I'm sleeping with Logan, and she freaked.'

'Why is that a thing you tell your mom!'

'I don't know, we are just weirdly close. Anyway, she started telling me how she doesn't trust Logan and it all boiled down to her not trusting me at all.'

'Oh. So why are you here?'

'Well I wasn't going to stay in Stars Hollow where the gossip is spreading! We were screaming in the diner, Steph. The diner full of people eavesdropping, although considering the volume of our voices that couldn't have been very difficult.'

'I get it. But lazing around isn't going to make you feel any better. Let's do something! I'm so bored.'

'Yeah, what are you still doing here?'

'Vacation was cancelled- Dad had to work.'

'That's a pain.'

'Yeah.' they walked in silence for a moment. 'I have an idea! Why don't we go on vacation ourselves! We can even bring Paris, and have a full out girls weekend!'

'I think you are forgetting something called total lack of any funds to pay for it.'

'I'll pay!'

'Sorry Steph, I'm not letting you do that.'

'Fine.' she said dejectedly. Then, she exclaimed, 'How about we join the boys!'

'What?'

'Let's go skiing! We can surprise them!'

She thought for a moment. There was nothing for her to do here, and this way she would get to spend the vacation with not only her best friend, but also Logan.

'Is it only the guys?' Rory asked.

'No! I think Rosemary and Juliet are there, cause Logan wanted them to come with me, but I said I was busy cause I was supposed to be in Mauritius.'

'Can we invite Paris?'

'Sure thing!'

'Okay.' Rory said hesitantly. Then, more firmly, 'Let's go!'

They agreed to meet at Steph's dorm at four, and Rory headed back to her own room. Thankfully, Doyle was gone.

'He had to leave- his parents were expecting him.' Paris explained.

'You know the ski trip that the guys are on?'

'Yeah, what about it?'

'Steph and I are gonna crash it. You wanna come?'

Paris narrowed her eyes, but then exclaimed 'Why not! I'll come!'

Rory smiled and went to her room. As she was packing, it occurred to her that having never been skiing before, she had literally none of the gear, but she figured that there would probably be some to borrow at the chalet. And really, would it be so tragic if she didn't actually have to ski?

She put in her bathing suit just in case there was a hot tub or a pool or something, and packed every single one of her wooly sweaters. Finally, she decided she was finished and made herself some lunch.

Paris walked into the common room decked out in full skit kit- salopettes, an extremely bright jacket, and a bright blue helmet, with her suitcase in one hand and a pair of giant boots in the other. Her skis were strapped across her back. It took Rory everything she had not to burst out laughing.

'Paris, you do know we aren't walking there, right?'

'Oh yeah, I totally thought we were walking the 250 miles' she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

'Do you want some lunch?'

Paris didn't reply but shuffled over to the counter and made herself a sandwich, refusing any help from Rory.

She sighed, before telling Paris that she would meet her at Steph's, and dragged her suitcase out of the dorm.

He was at the country club with his grandfather, golfing. He sighed. 'Golf is my least favourite sport,' he thought. Although he hated it, golfing was one of the few times he got to see his grandfather without his own father present.

'Keep up! You're lagging behind!' Janlan called.

'Sorry Gramps,' he replied, before jogging over to the golf cart. It was just starting to move when he jumped on the back.

He smiled as his thoughts returned to a distant memory of him and Paris at the very same country club. Paris had jumped on the back of a golf cart, expecting him to join her, but he had mistimed his jump so ended up running behind it, while Paris shouted at their driver in spanish.

'Gramps, I've just got to make a call.' he said, before hopping off and walking over to the edge of the course.

He dialled in Paris' number, and waited while it rang. After the first ring she picked up.

'Prompt as usual, I see.'

'I don't like to keep people waiting.' she retorted. 'Why are you calling?'

'Remember that time when you jumped on that golf cart?'

'And you didn't? Of course I do.' she replied, somewhat impatiently.

'I'm here golfing with my grandfather, and I just thought of it.'

'So that's the whole purpose of your call?'

'Pretty much.'

'Wow, I never thought I'd see you turn sentimental.'

'You don't know that I was looking at it fondly. Maybe I'm still pissed that you jumped before 3.'

'You're not.'

Just then, he heard Rory's voice in the background. 'Who's that? she called.

'Shit. She's there?'

'Yeah, hold on.' Paris said, before saying away from the phone, 'Doyle. I'm telling him that we're going out of town.'

'Oh, okay.' came Rory's reply.

'Who's Doyle?' he teased.

'My boyfriend. Remind me again why I can't tell her you're back?'

'I don't know, I guess I just want to tell her myself?'

'She's not gonna fall at your feet, you know.'

'Obviously. She never did, and if anything I bet she's grown more stubborn with time.'

Paris was silent for a moment. Then it hit her. 'You want to surprise her! You want to be all romantic so she'll give you another chance!'

'Paris, don't be ridiculous!'

'It's true, not ridiculous.'

'No, Paris, it's not.'

'Why are you denying it? If you're trying to spare my feelings, don't. That ship sailed a long time ago.'

'I'm not looking for a girlfriend. For God's sake, I just got out of the military.'

'So you're just going to revert back to your old ways?'

'Pretty much.'

'Stay away from Rory.'

'What?'

'You heard me. She's in some messed up sleeping around relationship right now, and when she finally dumps his ass I don't want her going into another one of the same kind with you.'

'Okay, okay. But you don't need to worry. Like I said, I'm not looking for a girlfriend.'

'Fine. Bye.' Paris said before hanging up the phone.

He looked down at it, confused. 'Did she just hang up on me?'

He sighed, before heading back over to his grandfather. His earlier good mood had disappeared, and he was left puzzled. He really wasn't going after Rory. He didn't want a relationship. He knew that, but Paris was right. If there was nothing there, besides that kiss of course, why didn't he want her to know he was back?

'Take the exit!' Paris exclaimed.

'I'm going, I'm going.' Steph said slowly, in an attempt to humour her, although it failed.

'Well go faster. Look! You're about to miss it!'

They were four hours in and trying to negotiate getting from I-91 to I-89. Overall the trip had been pleasant- Paris had been in a surprisingly good mood and even let them turn on the radio! They had taken Steph's SUV that fit all there stuff comfortably. Paris was sat shotgun and Steph drove, while Rory was stretched out across the back bench.

Her stomach rumbled.

'Have we got any snacks?'

'Nah, but we'll be there in an hour.' came Steph's reply.

'Not if you get us lost!' interjected Paris.

Rory closed her eyes and focused on the music in the background. They were on some oldies station, and as the soft guitars strummed she tried to figure out what song was playing. She puzzled for a while before letting her head rest against the door, and drifting off to sleep.

She awoke with a jolt. It was dark out, but the headlights of the SUV illuminated the side of a house in front of them. Dazed, she found her purse and got out of the car. After a few steps, the outside lights flicked on and revealed the mansion. It sprawled out in front of her, a swiss style Chalet, partly embedded into the side of the mountain. It occurred to her that they must be high up, and sure enough, snow covered everything flat in sight. 'I love snow.' she murmured.

'So do I!' came Steph's perky voice from behind her.

Rory went back to the car and grabbed her suitcase, before following Steph and Paris around to the enormous front door.

'Surprise!' Steph exclaimed as she burst through, but it opened up onto an empty entrance hall. The three went inside and leaving their suitcases in the hall, went in search of the others. They found a wooden staircase and tiptoed down it, until they caught sight of them. The basement was all modern with a lowered section, lined with a couch that the group were spread out on. Their eyes were all focussed on the card game that was unfolding on the coffee table.

Stephanie counted down on her fingers, and then she and Rory jumped off the last step shouting 'Surprise!'

All at once, all of their heads turned around, and Colin spilled his drink.

'Shit!' Colin said, pissed.

'What are you guys doing here?!' Juliet exclaimed happily.

'Thank God! We were totally outnumbered.' Rosemary added.

'Good! Now there are more of you to go around.' Finn proclaimed with an evil smile.

'Jesus, Finn.' Steph said, rolling her eyes.

Rory surveyed the group. Juliet and Rosemary were the only girls. Her eyes fell on Colin, Finn, and Jake, but not Logan.

'Where's Logan?' Paris said.

Rory wondered if Paris had some secret mind reading power she didn't know about, but just then Logan came down the stairs behind them. His eyes widened, but she wasn't sure if it was a good widening.

'Logan?'

'Rory! Uh, what are you doing here?' he asked.

'You invited her, remember!' Steph butted in.

'So I did.' He smiled. Then, leaning towards Rory, whispered 'What made you decide to come?'

'Oh, nothing.'

He smirked, then pulled her towards the couch.

Paris sat down next to her while Logan went to the kitchenette and got them some beers. After searching around on the floor for the bottle opener, he handed them over and sat down on Rory's other side.

She was already intensely watching the game- it was Gin Rummy, something she knew how to play. Yet she was on edge. She kept expecting Logan to throw his arm around her, but instead he sat stiffly next to her. She frowned and finished her beer.

'That's not fair!' came a cry from Finn.

'I hate to break it to you, but there's nothing you can do.' Jake replied.

'Yeah,' Colin added. 'You lost fair and square.'

'I need another drink.' Finn said sadly.

'I'll go.' Rory got up and grabbed a six pack from the mini-fridge. 'Who wants one?'

Finn, Steph, Jake, Rosemary, and Logan all put up their hands like little schoolchildren, and Rory tossed one to each of them, saving one for herself. She sat back down and this time took the initiative, snuggling into Logan's side. He tensed, before relaxing against her. She smiled.

Sometime during the course of the evening, someone had found an old comedy. There were random bursts of laughter from everyone, but those quickly escalated into full blown hysteria due to the beers that just kept coming.

'Mates, I declare that tomorrow we must go on a hunt for something else to drink. I vote vodka! All in favor say Aye!' Finn shouted.

'Aye!' came a chorus of slightly drunk voices.

Logan smiled and pulled Rory's arm so that she was draped across his lap, before leaning over and kissing her passionately. Rory was losing herself in the kiss when someone wolf whistled, brining her out of chance and awaking her usual voice of reason.

'What was that about?' she murmured.

'I just missed you.' Logan grinned, before giggling and kissing her again.

Paris leaned over and whispered in Rory's ear 'Be careful. He's so drunk he'll probably forget a condom, so make sure you have one.'

'It's nice to know somebody's looking out for me.' Rory whispered back with a hint of sarcasm.

'You know, I can hear you.' Logan attempted to whisper, but failed miserably.

'You can?' she replied slyly.

'Oh yeah. I've got some upstairs.' he smirked.

Rory said nothing but kissed him again. By now the group had refocussed on the screen, so when Logan pulled her off the couch nobody noticed.

'Let's go up.'

'Okay' Rory replied confidently.

Maybe it was because she wanted to prove her mother wrong, but something in her had been awakened so she followed Logan up the wooden stairs. They passed through the landing before heading up another set, this time made of stone. The second they reached the top of the stairs their lips locked and stayed locked while Logan fumbled around, trying to find the door to his bedroom. Finally his hand rested on the doorknob, and the pair fell through the door. Rory stubbed her toe on something, causing her to open her eyes. It was then that she noticed a blonde, only dressed in a lacy red matching bra and underwear set, spread out on the bed. Her jaw dropped as she gazed incredulously at the girl, before turning to Logan, her eyes sparkling with tears.

'What is Charlie doing here?'

A/N- I know it sucks that we are four chapters in with no trory action, but I promise he will be in the next chapter for real. He was supposed to be in this one but it got too long (5,900 words!). Also, not sure how I feel about the sort of cliff hanger, but it just seemed like a good place to stop.