Previously:
Logan smiled, thinking about the lyrics of the song they were currently listening to. He wondered if she was blushing as she sat next to him. He liked that he made her blush. He couldn't remember the last time he had made a girl blush. He drove slowly through the horse shoe shaped driveway and then pealed out onto the road. Rory held her breath. God, what am I getting myself into?
Chapter 9- Weekend Life and Death Destination
It took a few minutes for Tristan to recover from his shock of Rory asking him about the Life and Death Brigade. He had to wait until he left her room to really take time to digest the full expanse of what that meant. It took all the restraint he had to keep from asking Rory how she knew about it. He desperately wanted to know if she would be at the event that evening. He couldn't help but think that she would be, since she'd asked him about it so abruptly. He had also seen a clothing box sitting on her bed; it looked like a typical LDB gift box- the fact that it was a plain white box with a simple silver bow gave it away.
Tristan stood in front of the mirror. He put the finishing touches on his tousled hair and adjusted his tie. He had never been fond of boats, but he couldn't miss the first big event of the year. He carefully studied his reflection, pausing for a moment to mull over the events of the afternoon. I was so surprised to hear Rory talk about the Life and Death Brigade. And I wonder who is initiating Rory into the LDB tonight. I didn't think she knew anyone in the group, except for me. I wonder how she's connected. I didn't think the Gilmore's were. I know Richard went to Yale, but he wasn't ever connected to the brigade. Maybe… yes! That must be it. He sat down on the bed and put his shoes on. After tying his shoes he sat up and let out a sigh, anticipating the events of the night to come. I can't wait to see her in the LDB environment. She can stand to have some more fun in her life. He smiled slyly, thinking how naïve she still seemed. It didn't matter that she was "more experienced" now, as she had so delicately put it the evening before. She was still his 'Mary'. I just hope that whoever is introducing her to our club won't interfere with my plan.
Logan sped the car through the parking lot of the marina. He pulled into an empty parking spot and slammed on the breaks.
"Here we are-" he announced. Their conversation in the car had been amusing and unexpected. He loved that she was quick with a retort and that she loved to banter. She was different than any other girl he knew and he was still somewhat uncomfortable about that. He was attracted to her, there was not doubt about it, but he knew that nothing would ever come of his attraction. Nothing could ever come of it; she wouldn't be into his style of dating and he definitely wasn't one for commitment. He pushed back the thoughts for the time being. Live for the moment, he thought. I don't need to worry about the future, just about this weekend. And this weekend, a sly smile crossed his face. This weekend is going to be incredible.
"Logan," she turned to him, getting is attention; her brow was furrowed. "Logan, where are we?"
"See that yacht over there?" He asked, pointing to the end of the dock.
"Yeah?" She said, following his line of vision.
"That's the great Life and Death destination for the weekend." He smiled, pulling his bag out of the back seat. "Come on," he said, attempting to hurry her. "We're going to be late."
She grabbed her own bag from the car and closed the passenger side door. She ran to catch up with him as they walked quickly through the parking lot toward the docks. She inhaled sharply as she caught a glimpse of a familiar car- one that she particularly remembered driving the night before.
"Tristan?" she muttered under her breath.
"What was that?" Logan questioned, turning to look at her. He kept up his brisk pace and to make sure she was staying with him, he took her hand. He felt a jolt of electricity go through him and it sent a shiver went through his entire being. He both loved and hated that feeling.
She was too pre-occupied to notice him tense when he grabbed her hand. She felt the jolt as well, when he took her hand, but she was glad that she had something else to engage her mind at that moment.
"Tristan…" she repeated. "My friend Tristan," she clarified. "That's his car." She seemed confused and intrigued at the same time.
"Dugrey? Yeah, he's been a member since his first week at Yale last year."
"Last year?" Rory questioned.
"Last year, yes. I was gone all year and didn't get to meet him; but from the little time I've been around him since getting back, I'd say he's a decent guy."
Rory couldn't help but giggle. The players always defend their own kind, she inwardly decided. She turned her attention back to their conversation and replied, "I can't believe we were both here all year last year and I didn't see him once. That's so weird."
"It is a big school Ace. It's not that uncommon; especially if you lived in different halls."
"Yeah; I'm just surprised, I guess." They had made their way to the boat and were about to board. They stopped and he kept hold of her hand as he turned to face her.
"You ready?" he asked, with a sparkle in his eye. She could tell he was excited to introduce her to this mysterious and intoxicating world.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, allowing him to lead her up the ramp and onto the beautiful, expansive yacht.
He gave her a quick overview of what was on each deck of the boat before leading her down a long corridor. He was glancing at the doors on either side, searching for a particular one.
"Here's your room," he said, gesturing to room 16. Rory nodded in compliance. "I'm right across the hall, if you need anything." He said, leaning up against the door of room 17, his room. He handed her a key.
"Now what?" she asked sounding a little unsure of herself.
"You can clean up if you'd like," he suggested. She looked at him, bewildered. He smiled and decided to explain. "I know that's a term women tend to throw around a lot. Festivities start in half an hour. Meet me right here and we can head up together."
Rory let herself into her room. She dropped her bag by the door and plopped herself down on the bed. She laid back, allowing her feet to dangle over the edge. Alright, just watch him tonight; watch him flirt with all the other girls there, and then you'll realize that he only wants you for another notch in his bedpost. Then you can stop this crush before it gets any worse.
She breathed in deeply. "That shouldn't be too hard…" she said, letting out the breath.
She sat up and walked into the small bathroom and touched up her make-up. After five minutes, she was sitting back on her bed, wondering what she was supposed to do until she had to meet up with Logan. Rory grabbed her cell phone and opened it, scrolling through the names. She highlighted a certain one and pressed the 'Send' button on her phone.
Logan couldn't get his thoughts off of Rory. He had absolutely loved seeing the surprised look on her face when he was at her grandparent's house earlier that evening. She gave him such a strange feeling; even thinking about her made his stomach flip flop. What the hell am I going to do? I can't make a move on her. She would want a boyfriend, and I can't do that. I can't be a boyfriend guy. I do flings and casual relationships, I don't do serious relationships. And Rory Gilmore not only wants but deserves a serious, steady relationship. But god, those eyes- they burn into me. They burn into me and they're burned into my memory. And that flowery, fruity scent of her hair? There is no way I will ever forget that.
Maybe things can be different. Maybe I can do the relationship thing. I mean, with a girl like that, anyone would admit that it's worth a try. Logan sat down on the bed. But I wouldn't want to hurt her. She doesn't deserve to be hurt because I can't be in a relationship. She's just so… different. Different than anyone I've known; different than any girl I've been attracted to. She's beautiful, but she's smart and witty and she definitely loves to banter. She reads and writes for the paper. God, why can't this be easier?
Logan laid back on the bed. He closed his eyes and tried to push his feelings from his mind, but quickly found that it would not be possible.
"Hello?"
"You lied to me, Bible Boy."
"Mary?"
"I don't know if I should be flattered in thinking that you recognized my voice, or suspicious, wondering how many other girls you lie to on a regular basis."
"Well, the nickname would have given it away, if nothing else."
"That doesn't change the fact that you lied to me this afternoon, Dugrey."
"It was for your own good, Mare. I didn't know why you were asking, and I wasn't allowed to say anything."
She laughed. For my own good? Only you would say that Tristan. She didn't answer him, so he attempted to keep the conversation going.
"So, you here yet?"
"If by here you mean on the extremely extravagant boat, where I'm assuming that tonight I will understand the true meaning of 'Life and Death' then yes; I'm here."
"Glad to hear it. Where are you staying?"
"Why, figure you'd come help me understand the true meaning of Life?" she asked, knowing he'd enjoy a good insinuation.
"Wow, my dear Mary must be in a good mood to make a comment like that."
She laughed. "Insinuating and innuendos are your specialty. I just thought I'd give you a run for your money."
"I must admit, I like this side of you…" he smiled. "So, you going to tell me what room you're in or not?"
"16," she admitted. "And I guess it's a good thing the door has a nice strong lock." She heard him laugh on the other end. She knew why he was laughing; she hadn't intended it to be that way. But her comment made it seem like it could be to keep him out, or to keep him in.
Their conversation continued in the same fashion for several minutes, until Rory glanced down at her watch and noticed the time.
"Crap! I'm supposed to meet Logan like now."
"Logan?" Tristan questioned. "You know Huntzburger?" She could sense a bit of jealousy in his voice. She smiled softly, flattered by the fact that his crush had somehow lasted through the years.
"Yes, I know Huntzburger." She stood up from the bed and collected her purse and room key. "So, I guess I'll see you at the party in a few minutes?"
"Yeah, you will."
"Bye, Bible Boy."
"See ya, Mare"
Rory closed her phone and opened the door, stepping out into the hallway. She pulled the door closed and bumped into someone as she backed up.
"You're making quite a habit out of this Mary."
Rory turned around and smiled. "Sorry about that."
"No need to be," Tristan said, flashing her a quick smile. "I was in kind of a rush, and didn't really see you."
"Oh," she replied. "Well, I guess I'll let you get going. I'll see you up there."
"K" he said, giving her arm a quick squeeze. She smiled and he hurried off.
A few seconds later Logan appeared from his room. God, just when I thought he couldn't look any more handsome, she thought. And here I thought getting over this crush would somehow be easy?
"Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm and allowing her to link her arm through his.
Rory sat alone at a table. She had only been sitting by herself for a few moments, but she was wishing she had stashed a book in her purse. It was still sitting in her bag in her room, but she knew she probably shouldn't leave. She didn't know what was going to happen at the gathering, and didn't know if there was anything she needed to stay around for.
She glanced over at the bar, where Logan was talking with a blonde girl in a tight, short red dress. Rory sighed. I knew it. It was only a matter of time before he got tired of a worthwhile pursuit and reverted to his old ways. She looked down at the tablecloth, attempting to find something interesting about it. She couldn't help but think that at this rate, it would be an incredibly long weekend. So much for actually having a crush on him. I can't be that type of girl; and he should know that. So if he does know that, maybe he isn't as interested as I thought. She was somewhat relieved that he was hitting on another girl. It made it easier for her to decide to get over him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone walk up and rest their hand on her shoulder.
"Hey Ace," Logan said, sitting a glass of champagne down for her. "May I have this dance?" he asked, staring into the beautiful, crystal clear, blue spheres that were her eyes. He got lost in those eyes every time he peered into them.
She looked up to meet his eyes. His hand was still on her shoulder and she could feel the heat from his touch penetrating through the thin fabric. She breathed in deeply catching the scent of his cologne. Dammit, she thought, knowing she couldn't help but give in.
"I would love to," she smiled. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, where the loud, upbeat tune slowly faded to a mellower, beautiful ballad.
Tristan couldn't rid the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He hadn't had a lot to drink, but it was enough to loosen his inhibitions. He knew Logan and he knew they were more alike than he would want to admit. He didn't want a guy like Logan to get a hold of Rory; especially now that he had reformed.
Things are going too well; she is finally letting me close to her- finally letting down her walls. I can't lose her again, and especially not to Logan Huntzburger. He's going to use her and then hurt her, just like all of the men in her past. I held her this afternoon as she cried. I can't let her go through that again.
Tristan scanned the room to find her. Even if the gathering was important for her to attend, he was sure he could steal her away for a quick chat. That was when he saw them. Logan was of course chatting her up, making her laugh with one of his lines. Tristan knew them all; he knew exactly which line for which type of woman. He just didn't think Rory would be so quick to fall for his charm. He watched as Logan took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He spun her around before pulling her in tightly, resting his hand along the small of her back. Tristan finished off his drink and took a deep breath. I can't let him interfere with my plan; I can't lose her again.
Tristan walked briskly toward the center of the dance floor. He made sure to be polite as he tapped Logan on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
A/N: Alright, so, things to consider. What exactly is Tristan's plan... and will Logan give into his feelings for Rory, dispite the fact that he doesn't want a serious relationship, or to hurt Rory. Also, I decided to give you guys some of what you were looking for. Rory and Logan are both having a tough time accepting their feelings for each other and I gave you a deeper look into Logan's thoughts. AND, I got a review saying that there hasn't been any conflict yet, so I'm setting the stage for some conflict. But between who? You'll find out soon enough- in the next chapter. Be sure to leave lots of reviews!
