Title: Debutante

Author: Lady Eliza

Characters: All Characters

Rating: PG-13/T

Summary: Rory is in her sophomore year at Chilton and she is also coming out into society like a proper young lady. But there's a hitch, her boyfriend Dean and good friend Jess are not approved to be escorts. Her grandmother brings in a replacement, one Logan Huntzberger to the rescue. Her very own knight in shining armour.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters.

AN1: This story takes place in the second season with just a few minor adjustments. Basically, the coming out ball is going to be the main part of this fic. After the coming out party I'm going to skip from season 2 to season 5 'Written in the Stars' episode. That will probably be a different fic, which of course will continue from the end of this fic. Hope that wasn't too confusing (lol).

AN2: This fic is AU even though some parts might go along with the show the majority of the fic is a game of 'what if' by me, the author. I've been writing this story more so than 'Grown Up' but I'm still writing that fic so don't worry I'll get around to posting a new chappie soon. I hope you guys enjoy this fic, let me know what you think.

-GG-

Chapter 11: Retail Therapy: Mayflower Edition

Rory was simply overwhelmed being here. Where exactly was here? The mall, she was skipping class being dragged around by two women who resembled her grandmothers. She never knew that Emily Gilmore and Francine Hayden could ever get giddy. T-minus 24 hours before the Debutante ball. She didn't think all the things they were buying her were going to be needed. A small voice, which had an uncanny resemblance to Lane, reminded her that this was the first time either of grandmothers had been allowed to shop with her without Lorelai present. She had a feeling the women were making up for lost time, sixteen years worth.

"Umm… grandma, do you really thing think I need a new wardrobe just for the ball? I mean the people at the ball only see me in my white dress," said Rory.

Emily giggled in the most maddening way. "Rory darling, your wardrobe is a gift from both your grandmothers, as congratulations for being presented to society. We wouldn't want the old biddies to talk, now would we?"

"It's a little too much. Won't mom be upset that you pulled me out of school and brought me to the mall for shopping?"

"Don't worry about your mother dear, we'll handle her. Now, what is you opinion of pearls?" asked Francine.

Rory sighed and looked at the lovely display of sea pearls from Australia. She never got a chance to look at pearls because Lorelai had always found them to be boring and 'old ladyish'. Although at second glance they seemed to have a quiet elegance about them. She found a pair with a pinkish tint and fell in love, never thinking she could be one of those girls lured in by jewellery. You live and learn. It looked as though her grandmothers were watching her like twin birds of prey because Emily tracked down a sales associate to make the purchase before Rory could object to the lavish gift. She winced when she saw the price, what Lorelai didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

Shaking her head, she drifted away from Emily and Francine who were arguing about whether to buy her matching earrings or the lovely bracelet. She had a suspicion that both would mysteriously turn up in her collection before the trip ended. The diamond department looked lovely, and far away from her grandmothers, so she headed in that direction. Rory looked up from the display of huge rocks to see Honor Huntzberger looking rather lonely trying on engagement rings. Something in her tugged at the familiar look, this brought in mind Logan, in the other woman's face.

Rory didn't know much about the eldest Huntzberger child, except that she was attending Trinity College and majoring in English. Honor always seemed lonely even in a crowded room, although their spurts of happiness whenever her brother was around. The only time Rory had interacted with Honor had been at the Hayden dinner. Logan talked about his sister all the time, and the two of them seemed to have a close knit relationship. Honor reminded her of the girls she went to school with: a little scatter brained, but nice person overall with a good heart.

"Hello Honor," said Rory taking the initiative.

Honor looked up from her musing of a rather large and most likely expensive ring. "Rory, how are you? Wait…aren't you supposed to be in school?"

Rory blushed and replied, "I should technically be in Chemistry lab, but my grandmothers, both of them, kind of kidnapped me to go shopping. I think my mother's absence and limitless credit cards have given them the freedom to do as they wish. I've got a new wardrobe, shoes, purses, scarves, jewellery, and any other essentials a young well to-do lady from the upper echelons of society might need."

"Wow! My Gran would never do something like that. I think she bought me a Hermes scarf once, but otherwise she simply wired funds into my trust fund during holidays, birthdays, and graduations. Your grandmothers are hilarious," said Honor with a sad little sigh.

"I know I've got crazy grannies, but I do love them. Don't tell anyone, but I'm kind of grateful they decided to get me out of school. Its fun shopping with them, you wouldn't believe the kinds of arguments they get into. They don't agree on anything and I'm pretty sure that I'll have to return whatever I don't like or give it away," said Rory with a fond smile on her face.

"I think it's sweet. Emily and Francine are lovely and you're lucky to have them. I didn't appreciate Gran when she was alive and I regret that now, she's passed on. So what do you think?" asked Honor changing the topic rather quickly and holding up her hand with the ring.

"Wow, it's beautiful. Are you thinking about getting engaged?" asked Rory naively.

Honor chuckled. "No Rory, I'm a little down after going on a blind date last night and decided to try on some rings today to make myself feel better. I know it seems desperate, but I want to be in a relationship and get married. Things aren't going so well. I guess it's just wishful thinking on my part."

"I'm sorry to hear about your love life, but don't worry you're a good natured person I'm sure you'll get your wish very soon. Was your blind date promising?"

"Nope, it was another dud. I don't know why I let my friends set me up because it seems as though I'm constantly going out with the worst sort of guy. I can't seem to find a decent sort anywhere. I want the guy to like me for me and not for being the only daughter of Mitchum Huntzberger. Gosh, I sound depressed."

Rory felt bad for her and did the only thing she could think of: gave the girl a Lorelai hug. There was a pregnant pause where the girls stood side by side admiring the workmanship of the ring, it was broken by Rory. "You know, you've got great taste in jewellery. What's your opinion on pearls?"

Honor chuckled at the young girls attempt to cheer her up. She never told anyone, but Logan, about her secret wish to settle down with a decent guy and start a family. Although, she shouldn't be too surprised; Rory was easy to talk to.

"Pearls are a personal preference of mine. My mother loathes them and only wears them to impress others. I think they're rather refined with an understated elegance. So have you picked out one yourself?" asked Honor.

"Yeah, my grandmothers are arguing over whether I should get the matching earrings or bracelet. I think I'll be getting both, not that I'm complaining," said Rory.

"Wow, those two ladies have such impeccable taste. So do you mind if I tag along on the rest of your shopping trip?" asked Honor nervously.

"Really? You don't mind hanging out with me… well…me, Emily and Francine? I mean, we aren't exactly the most normal of people," asked a rather curious Rory. She didn't think Honor wanted to hang out with two old ladies and a young high school kid. Honor seemed more mature and sophisticated and Rory felt a little intimidated by her before she'd seen her vulnerable side.

"Of course I don't mind. In fact I'd love to hang out with you and your family. They seem so close and loving compared to the Huntzbergers. We only care about appearances and we're not really close if you don't count Logan and me. I hope you don't mind me barging in on you time with your grandmothers," said Honor.

-GG-

Newspaper magnate's offices are simply marvellous and awe inspiring. Mitchum Huntzberger was the best of the best and his office looked as though no amount of money had been spared for him. Logan had always thought that the ostentatious decor and size of his father's office spoke of something that the older gentleman lacked in the physical realm. Mitchum was an ass who tried to make his son like one of his lackey's that fell over themselves to please him. The man was larger than life, or that's how he wanted to be portrayed to the public.

The numerous affairs of Mitchum were a not-so-secret reality for those who worked alongside him. Logan had found out when he had been seven-years-old that the ladies that his father worked with were not only there to help run the company, but to keep up with the boss' sexual appetite. It had come as a shock to realize that his father didn't know best and that the only reason Mitchum had wanted a son was to pass on the legacy of the Huntzberger name and company.

Logan's childhood had come to an end after seven years of being raised as the perfect prince. He had started to rebel after his discovery of Mitchum's unsavoury character and the way the man treated his mother. It would take Logan another three years to discover that his mother wasn't the saint and victim that he'd believed her to be. He hadn't allowed anyone to dupe him after his discovery of his parents' true character. Honor was the only one that he'd let close, and that was only because she was in the same boat as him.

So, there he was the Heir to the Huntzberger family fortunes waiting for the King to dress him down for another stunt he'd pulled. Logan had been in this position many times and this was going to be just like any other. What the Huntzberger family couldn't control, they pretended everything was well. He wondered which school old Mitchum was going to send him to, Chilton...Beacon Hill...Primrose Academy...Military school.

Logan knew that if he was psychoanalyzed they would find so many things wrong with him and it would have started with one traumatic event from his childhood. He could still feel the bile rising in his throat every time he thought about what happened. No, he would not think about that now when the old man had him here to shout at him. He couldn't wait to get the hell out of here though, this house was a mausoleum. College was going to be his one chance at being free before the confines of his 'actual life' took over. He looked forward to college because it was his one saving grace.

Although, Logan would've loved to have chosen the college of his choice, but no even that was denied to him. The Huntzberger family legacy was at Yale; therefore to Yale he would go. It was a conspiracy by those that thought they knew what was better for him, all this without consulting him. He wished that his life had turned out differently, but he wasn't going to bitch about privilege because he enjoyed it, it was just the trappings of family that he hated.

His mind turned to more pleasurable pursuits such as what one Miss Rory Gilmore was doing at that moment. He would deny it through his teeth if anyone questioned him, but he'd missed not having her around. It wasn't that the incessant chatter was boring, she was an intelligent conversationalist. But Logan enjoyed her company most of all, in a society where girls tried to get him hooked with their physical attributes, Rory had physical attributes to spare, she was just so genuine. He liked that about her; some might call it naïveté but he thought she was genuine.

The door was abruptly opened during Logan's reverie and his father walked in, in an imposing manner. It was an act as far as Logan knew.

-GG-

"I think we did a pretty decent job," said Honor who looked around the Gilmore living room five hours after the trip to the mall.

Emily and Francine had Honor tell them about the latest trends in fashion. Rory believed she would never need for any type of clothing, accessory, or jewellery ever again since she'd been given practically two of everything. According to her grandmothers this shopping excursion was going to be an annual event.

"Thank you for the diversion of food before they measured me for my wedding dress," whispered Rory sitting on the couch next to Honor who was looking around curiously.

"I found it rejuvenating shopping with those two. I'm thinking about joining them on a monthly basis just as a pick-me-up because let me tell you, I could run the Boston Marathon with my second wind," said the blonde.

"I wish you all the joy in the world. Although, they'll probably drag me along; you were in your element, weren't you?" asked Rory.

"I love shopping. We should do this more often, you and me hanging out-heck invite the grandmothers. I always want to shop casually with my friends, but we always end up getting catty, which I can't abide by. When shopping I need to be Zen-like," said Honor rather seriously.

Rory burst out laughing. "Do you want anything to drink? We have coffee and coffee. You should stay for dinner since mom'll be getting home soon."

"I'll take that coffee and even stay for dinner since I only have my lonely apartment to look forward to," said Honor.

"I hope you like cheeseburgers and fries. And of course there's more coffee," giggled Rory.

"Well, I'll go to the gym tomorrow. Logan's told me great things about cheeseburgers from around here. Although he mentioned he got attitude with his coffee the first time," said Honor.

"Was it a guy with a backwards baseball cap?"

"No, Logan mentioned it was a young man. I think he was a few years younger than him; in and around your age. There was quoting of Pride and Prejudice and Logan was apparently Mr. Darcy."

Rory's lips pursed with a sour expression. "Oh I know who it was and I'm going to give him a piece of my mind next time I see him. He needs a lesson in how to treat paying customers; that boy is full of himself. Smarmy git!"

"Are the Gilmore's English?" asked a curious Honor.

"Yes and so are the Haydens. I end up bringing in a few English sayings when I get worked up. I can't believe that idiot boy actually quoted Pride and Prejudice in such a situation. The world of Jane Austen is sacred at the Gilmore abode."

"You seem to know him pretty well. Who is this mysterious character?" asked a curious Honor.

"Oh...his name is Jess and he's the diner owner's nephew- I think I mentioned Luke and his lovely coffee. He arrived a few weeks ago from New York with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. Luke is a really nice guy and I feel sorry for him. Jess is making it impossible for his uncle to help him."

"Ah! A troubled soul always attracts the young impressionable girls. Believe me Rory, I know all about how bad boys affect the good girls- it's a cliché for a reason. Do you like this Jess?"

Rory looked mildly offended. "I have a loving boyfriend by the name of Dean- if you can remember talking about the tall, dark and handsome guy-ring any bells? Jess is simply a fellow bibliophile. You can have common interest with guys- it's not against the relationship handbook to have guy friends."

"Yes you can have guy friends, but it would most likely be someone who your mother would welcome with open arms not call the cops the minute he steps foot in the house. Logan mentioned that he was rather nosy and rude."

"Yes, that sounds about right. Although, you've got to understand this is a small town, everybody is in your business. It just looks as though Jess is fitting in at long last; it only took him about three weeks to do it."

"Seems like the country club grape-vine. I went a few weeks ago and there was a rumour that I had finally returned after a stint in rehab. Don't get me wrong, I like to overindulge a lot, but I'm not an alcoholic who needs to get help. I'd say that about a third of those at the club need a few months in rehab."

"Oh I know country club gossip. When I went with my grandpa last year there were a lot of issues. And I met Gloria the most odious woman alive."

"Oh I've met her. She is a complete idiot."

-GG-

"So, would you like to tell the rest of the class what's on your mind?" asked Rory.

Logan, who had been moping around since his arrival to the Gilmore residence, looked up from his daydream. The two youngsters were sitting in the family entertainment room in the elder Gilmore's home watching previous videotaped debutante ball ceremonies. It was a tedious experience but they were told by Emily to watch all of them, or else. Rory doubted her grandmother would do anything physical, but lecturing them for several hours was not something she looked forward to.

"I just saw my dad today," came Logan's reply.

"Okay, what's wrong with seeing your father today? Don't you see him every day?"

"Sometimes, I got into some trouble at school and I had the obligatory sit down with the CEO of Huntzberger Publishing."

"Who just happens to be your father, yes I know."

"Mitchum was in a mood, let's just say that and move on to Debutante business."

Rory looked at his stoic face and couldn't help but feel bad about his relationship with his father. She didn't say anything, simply grabbed his hand and held on tight before turning back to the TV and watching a former Deb walk down a staircase, rather elegantly too.

Logan looked at her slight hand in his big one and saw the contrast. However, they fit and he couldn't help but feel relieved that she would try to comfort him without asking for anything in return. That's what he liked about Rory; she was so open and honest, but never had any ulterior motives. He wished she could've grown up with him; he would've liked to have had someone like her to run to when things got tough.

"Can I ask you a question?" asked Logan. At Rory's nod of consent he continued. "Why are you doing this? I mean, your mother left this entire world behind, to give you a different kind of life, and yet you're coming back to it. Why?"

Rory was silent, as if she was really thinking about her answer. "I grew up learning that everything in the world my mother grew up in was wrong, and not something that was worth my time. However, ever since I got to know my grandparents and met some of their friends I really like it. I know that in every place there are good things and bad things, and yet my mother always made her parents out to be the epitome of evil. Lorelai is an individual and yet she's not the person to recommend this life. I like going to the country club with my grandfather and hearing about his work, I like sitting in at my grandmother's DAR meetings and listening to their absurd gossip, and I think I will enjoy coming out in society, even though at the root of it all it was a ritual for matching eligible young women and men from the right families together. I want to do something that she hasn't experienced."

"Is this another way of seperating yourself in comparison to Lorelai? Are you afraid that you'll live in her shadow?"

"No, I respect Lorelai for all she's done for me and on my behalf, but she isn't the best person to recommend Emily and Richard's world or their character. She has blinders on when it comes to them and this world. I wish it were different, but it's not. This experience is something that I want to do to make my family happy and to make me happy."

"Why is pleasing your family so important to you? I mean, the people I know would do everything in their power to not do everything their family wants them to."

"My family is important to me. I love my grandparents and my parents and I would do everything in my power to please them. This debutante ball means a lot to my grandmother Emily and to my great-grandmother Lorelai, I'm doing it for them because it is tradition in my family to come out in society and I'm doing it for me to have the experience."

"You don't seem real. You don't even sound like a sixteen year old kid. I go out of my way to get in trouble at every school I attend so I can get further and further away from my family. There are only two people in my family I like: my sister and, to an extent, my grandfather. I'm your escort for this event because my credit cards are on the line. It's odd talking someone who wants to do the honourable thing."

Rory smiled and squeezed his hand. "You'll grow to like your family eventually or do something that will please them. You've got potential Logan Huntzberger, but you're just too lazy work on it."

"You know, you're the first person to tell me I've got potential. My father simply yells at me about my lack of disciple and juvenile behaviour. It didn't occur to him that I'm seventeen and still finding myself. Sometimes...I wish he would see me."

Rory couldn't say anything to such a pronouncement. He seemed like such a little boy when talking about his father. Mitchum Huntzberger was a great newspaper man, but lousy father. She really wished she could say something that would make him magically better, but her unyielding support would have to do.

"You'll be great Logan! I just know it."

As the two went back to watching the videos, they didn't seem to notice that Rory still held Logan's hand. It would be years later that Logan would realize how much of his true self he had revealed to Rory. It would be the foundation of a true friendship and something more.

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. Hope the chapter was worth the wait. Let me know what you think.