A/N: The Chester/Rory baby name scene inspired by esren's great moment in her epic The Point of Being Young.

21. Also ask for a duck!

"I'm thinking Chester the Third."

Rory stared blankly at the dark-haired boy in front of her. "Excuse me?"

"It's a good strong name for a boy." He continued, smiling proudly.

"Right." Rory trailed off, lost. "Umm…listen; I'm sorry, what's your name again?"

"Chester Jr." He said slowly, losing his smile.

Rory let out a nervous chuckle, taking a step back. "Hence, Chester the Third, right…listen, Chester, it was…lovely meeting you but I have to do…something…away from here. Bye."

She gave him an awkward wave as she turned on her heel. Face forward she gave small smiles to parents and their sons, never letting herself slow down enough to be pulled into a conversation about their boys' best attributes and accomplishments. Working her way to the patio, leaning against the marble and stone wall of the house, she let out a sigh of relief that she was alone for the moment. Pulling out her cell phone from a strategically hidden pocket of her dress, she waited while it rang every few seconds, darting her eyes around to see if she had been spotted.

"IIIIIIIIIIIIII told you sooooooo," Rang out a cheerful voice over her cell phone causing her to force herself to keep from screaming because it would only alert everyone inside where she was. "I haven't even said anything yet, Mom."

Lorelai's crackle rang through her phone and into the night. "It doesn't matter… I still told you so."

"Yeah, yeah," Rory grumbled, rubbing her temple as she felt a headache coming on. "Are you going to gloat or listen?"

"Rory, I'm shocked… shocked, I tell you," Lorelai started her tone full of fake hurt. "You know I can do both!"

Rory remained silent and for a moment just considered hanging up on her mom.

Sensing that she was seconds of pressing end to the call, Lorelai stopped chuckling. "Okay, okay, lay it on me."

"I sparkle like a disco ball from all the diamonds I have on me and I'm being sold off." Rory stated matter-of-factly. While she could honestly say that she wasn't all that surprised that her grandparents would pull something like this on her, another part of her was hurt that they would trick her like this. Even though she would have hated it, she would have agreed if just to please them, but, blindsiding her like this was unfair.

"What do you mean 'sold off'?" Her mother asked, the humor completely gone.

Rory moved from the wall and started to pace as she got worked up, anger seeping into her. "I mean we haven't discussed how many cows I'm worth, but I'm sure there's someone here who will put up a good bid, since all of the guests are grandma and grandpa's friends and their sons. I'm the only girl here."

"Are you kidding me?"

She scoffed. "Not even I could make this up. Every person in there my age has an XY chromosome and is looking for a wife, which in this case would be me!"

"Oh, Rory…."

"Ugh!" She exclaimed, not caring if anyone could hear her now. "How could they do this to me?"

"They…"

"Yeah, yeah," She interrupted "They're them and this is what they do. They used the fact that I was so happy they were doing something together since their separation."

"I'm sorry, kid." Her mother offered. "Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No." She sighed, the anger draining away, leaving her just tired. "I have my car and as much as I would love to just leave, it would make a scene and that would be worse… I go to school with a lot of these guys."

"I'm sorry they played you." Lorelai repeated softly.

"Yeah, me, too." Rory agreed. "I'm going to let you go, I'll see you later, Mom."

"Okay, kid."

"By the way," Rory started asking, a small smile working its way to her lips. "How many cows should I ask for?"

"I don't know. A lot!" Lorelai said, laughing. "Also ask for a duck!"

Rory let a chuckled, feeling calmer. "Okay, I'll ask the fathers for a duck, too, or no deal. Bye, Mom."

"Bye, Babe!"

Rory shook her head as she closed her phone.

"I think I can handle a duck."

Rory closed her eyes at the amused voice behind her, she could feel a blush start at her neck and work its way up. Turning around she found mischievous brown eyes twinkling at her. A face she recognized instantly.

"Hello."

"Hello, Ms. Gilmore." The man in front of her said, smiling arrogantly, reminding her so much of his son. "I'm Mitchum Huntzberger."

xxx

Logan walked through the pristine estate with Colin and Finn in tow. It amazed him that he had been here before on more than one occasion. Dinners, parties, so many times he could have met Rory and yet it took them going halfway around the world to meet. Fate had a sense of humor, he supposed.

"We're late." He hissed to his friends.

"I know." Finn pouted. "We missed Rory's grand entrance, I bet it was smashing."

Colin laughed at the annoyed look Logan gave Finn. "Relax, I'm sure she's not betrothed yet."

Logan simply turned his look to Colin, wondering again why he had agreed they would come. "I don't even know why you guys are here. Stephanie would have your balls, Finn, and, Colin, you're after Rory's roommate."

"She would not!"

"I am not!"

Logan smirked at the uneasy look they both gave him. "She would, too, and you so do."

"Whatever." Colin mumbled, looking away at glass doors ahead of him.

"We came with you for moral support and this is what we get!" Finn sulked.

"Yeah, that's what you're here for and not to see me go crazy as all these assholes hit on the girl I want." Logan griped, taking a glass of champagne from a passing server.

"Well, that too, mate." Finn said, taking a glass for himself. "But you don't have to be so bloody sensitive."

"You guys don't have to be jerks and yet you are." Logan pointed out, rolling his eyes as Finn simply gave him a wide grin. "Or maybe you do. What about you, Colin?"

"Hmm."

"What? The silent treatment now?" Logan asked. "There's nothing wrong with liking Paris if you do, okay?"

"Colin?"

Logan looked at his friend who seemed to be ignoring him for something behind him. "What are you looking at?"

"Rory." Colin said, an eat-shitting grin on his face as he finally acknowledged Logan. "Outside in the patio talking to your dad."

"What?" Logan's eyes grew wide as he turned quickly to look where Colin was pointing. There through big glass doors he could see Rory decked out in jewels and a pretty dress laughing with his father. "Fuck!"

xxx

"I read your article, Ms. Gilmore."

"Please call me Rory, Mr. Huntzberger."

"Mitchum then." He answered as he offered her a seat and sat down himself next to her. "As I said, I read your article on the Life and Death Brigade."

Rory smiled at the amusement in Mitchum's eyes. "Really?"

Mitchum nodded. "I like to keep up with the old alma mater's paper; it's close to my heart. It was a fascinating read."

"The brigadiers are a fascinating group." She answered.

"Hmm," He hummed. "So, you enjoyed your outing with them?"

Rory smiled widely which he returned at her words. "It was a once in a lifetime experience."

"I was surprised at the subject matter, the Life and Death Brigade is supposed to be a secret society."

Mitchum commented thoughtfully. "How is it that you came to know about them?"

"I doubt Rory would reveal sources, Dad."

Rory and Mitchum looked over to the door where Logan stood, his hands in his pocket as he gave her a small smile.

Rory got up, taking a step forward. "Hey."

Logan nodded as he walked over to her. Leaning down, he brushed his lips across her cheek. "Hey back."

Rory looked at him for a moment, taking in his stance. While his manner and words came off as casual, she could feel the waves of tension coming off him. She placed her hand on his arm, giving it a soft squeeze. "I didn't know you were going to be here."

Logan smiled, amused. "I tried to tell you the other day…but we got interrupted and we've been missing each other since then."

"Oh." Rory's eyes went wide in recognition. "So...you knew what this is about?"

"The 'best suitor' part of tonight's festivities? Yes."

"Well, you could have told me!" Rory answered, forgetting about the man who was still sitting down listening.

Logan let out a chuckle full of disbelief. "I tried, Ace, you've been avoiding me since that night."

Rory could feel a blush working its way to her face again. "No, I haven't!"

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"I've been busy." She argued, hating the smirk he gave her in answer, not believing her for a second.

"I take it that you two know each other." Mitchum stated as he stood up.

Rory closed her eyes for a moment, wondering what their conversation must have sounded like to Logan's father. "Yes, we both work at the paper, so…"

"I doubt that, Rory, since my son seems to have an aversion to it."

"Hi Dad." Logan said sarcastically, knowing just by the tone in his father's voice that he was about to start his 'how Logan disappointed the family name' spiel. He wasn't surprised when his father ignored him completely.

"I wish he was dedicated like yourself, Rory. I hope you don't let him distract you too much from your writing. I can tell you have a bright future ahead."

Logan smiled tightly. "Unlike me he means."

Mitchum gave him a cold look. "You said it yourself, son, not me."

Logan returned the look. "I do love your pep talks, Pop."

Rory looked at both father and son and the body language between them. She could feel how Logan had practically turned to stone, the hostility radiating off him. It made her sad to see and she was reminded of their summer together. While they hadn't touched much on their lives as part of their deal, she knew enough to know that Logan didn't share with his parents the kind of relationship she shared with Lorelai or even with her dad. It also angered her that his father thought it was okay to treat him like this.

"While I appreciated the compliment, Mr. Huntzberger, I will have to disagree with the rest of your comment. Your son is talented and smart and from what I see has nothing but a bright future ahead of him."

Mitchum Huntzberger focused his eyes on the small girl before him. He noticed that her hand had gone from holding his son's arms to intertwining with his son's hand, holding it tightly. Her shoulders were squared off and her big blue eyes were narrowed as she glared at him. He watched as she took a step forward and placed herself slightly in-between them acting like a human shield. "You don't know my son well enough."

He watched as she raised her chin, her jaw clenched. "No offense, Sir, but from what I can see the one who doesn't know your son here is you."

He raised an eyebrow at her and his lip twitched. "You believe so?"

"I know so."

Mitchum cleared his throat, looking at his son who stared at the girl in amazement, a smile playing on his son's lips. "Well, then, I stand corrected, I hope Logan doesn't disappoint the faith you have in him."

Rory looked at Logan before going back to his father. "He hasn't yet."

"Good." Mitchum took a step back. "I'm going to find my wife, last I saw her she was fawning over your grandmother's drapes. Do find her and say hello before you leave, Logan."

Rory and Logan watched as he walked away back into the house.

"Did I just tell off your dad, one of the most important newsmen out there?" Rory asked, looking at Logan with dread.

Logan laughed loudly. "Yeah…I'm pretty sure it's been a long time since anyone has done that to the old man."

Rory sat down again in her seat, covering her face as she mumbled in her hands. "Oh god!"

Logan sat down in the seat previously occupied by his dad, scooting close to her. "No one other than my sister has stood for me when it comes to him, Ace….thanks."

Rory lowered her hand and turned her head, finding his face very close to hers. "I didn't like him talking down to you."

Logan shrugged, trying to play it off. "He's been doing that for so long he doesn't know any other way."

Rory turned her body, getting closer to Logan as she cupped his face in her hands. "He's wrong, Logan, you know that, right? You are amazing."

"I'm glad you think so." He said softly against her palm.

"I know so." She repeated.

Logan grinned as he pressed his forehead against hers. "My own hot defender, I can get into that." Rory chuckled at his teasing, closing her eyes as he pressed a kiss at the corner of her mouth.

"Thank you, Rory."

"You're welcome." She answered. "But you're still not off the hook for not warning me what this party was really about.

"I thought maybe you knew." Logan hedged, not believing the words himself.

"Yeah, right!" Rory exclaimed, standing up quickly. "Like I would ever agree to being all but sold off, especially when you..."

Logan stood up to a smug smile on his face as she cut herself off and turned pink as she looked at him.

"Me what, Ace?"

"Nothing." She said quickly as she took a step back.

"No." He teased, pulling her in close before she could retreat. "You said you… finish the sentence."

"Logan…"

"Or," He said as he held her by the waist, his other hand cradling the back of her head. "I can finish it, you wouldn't agree to this because I am in your life and you want me as much as I want you."

Rory smiled at the husky but teasing tone his voice took. "That wasn't what I was going to say."

Logan shrugged. "Maybe not exactly but the meaning is the same. We both want the same thing, Rory."

He leaned in, his lips a breath away from hers. "Isn't it time to stop fighting it?"

Rory looked up into his eyes. The teasing was gone, in its place open honesty and she felt compelled to answer with the same.

"Yes."

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