Potential Good Company
Dean wasn't interested in more than a one night stand with Rory, much to her devastation. Deciding not to let it destroy her, she goes back to Yale and lets loose a little by spending a night with a random guy, Colin. Things get complicated, though, when she meets his friend Logan and they fall into an awkward threesome.
PS: Takes place in season five.
PS2: Plenty of sexual situations.
PS3: Bad language (I think Paris would have a dirty mouth for one).
PS4: I came to the conclusion I don't care for Dean, so some bashing ahead.
PS5: This does eventually feature a threesome. Don't like it, don't agree with it, don't read it.
Notes:
"Words" – regular conversation
'Words' – quotes and such, thoughts too
Chapter 0036: Candlelit Initiation
"What is it with you guys and blindfolds?" – Rory complained and sighed resignedly as she refrained from touching the piece of dark cloth blocking her vision.
"I thought you were pretty into it, actually" – Colin dirtily whispered in her ear, making her blush and try to slap him, but he stepped away laughing.
"Children, please" – Steph said, and Rory could feel her eyes rolling – "I do like your dress, Rory, you look pretty good in black"
"What is it with you guys and long dresses anyway?" – the brunette commented.
"Maybe you can explore that in your next LDB column" – Logan proposed.
"I hardly think Doyle would go for it" – although, who knew. The editor had been pretty impressed by her continued column on the shadowy Life and Death Brigade, which became a popular bi–monthly thing that was often the buzz around campus, much to Rory's pride.
"Although I'm not sure how appropriate it would be for you to keep writing about the Brigade once you're officially one of us" – a guy said, and Rory didn't recognize his voice specifically.
"Lay off her, Robert" – Colin said with an edge to his voice – "Gilmore would never betray the Brigade"
"Hey, I didn't say that!" – Rory felt lost when she felt Colin step away from her for a quiet discussion with Robert.
"Your dashing knight is defending your honor" – Juliet said teasingly from Rory's side.
"Colin defending someone's honor, now that is a bizarre scene to witness" – Steph completed.
"But it's so sweet!"
"Of course it is! It's so cute" – the girls giggled in unison and Rory had to wonder if Colin really had never gone out of his way to defend someone. Then again, taking into account the circumstances, she doubted he'd have to bat for any of his friends when it came to the Brigade. She was the outsider, her family legacy not withstanding.
"Rory!" – her grandfather said suddenly, his tone light and happy like she hadn't heard it in a long time and man, she had no idea how much she'd missed it – "You look lovely, Rory" – he gently took her hands in his and kissed her cheek – "You will make a wonderful addition to the Brigade, I am positive"
"Thank you, grandpa" – man, that blindfold was a real pain – "Is it, ah, starting soon?" – he laughed softly.
"Yes, the blindfold can be stifling, I know, but rest assured, after you take it off in a few minutes, you will never have to wear it again" – she heard Finn fake a cough somewhere near them, and she tried to force her cheeks not to heat up, but they betrayed her completely – "Excuse me, young man, are you quite alright?"
"He might be coming down with something, actually" – Logan covered for Finn expertly, Rory thought – "He's from Australia, still not too used to our weather, you understand"
"Yes, of course" – though Rory was pretty sure her grandfather saw through Logan's bullshit pretty easily. Richard Gilmore wasn't a dumb chump like her new friends seemed to think.
They chatted a little longer, and Colin slid close to Rory a little before a man came forward. His voice seemed only vaguely familiar to the girl.
"Richard"
"Floyd" – where did Rory know that name from?
"Ah yes, the granddaughter you're always going on and on about at the office" – the office?
... Oh. Floyd Stiles. Jason's dad. She didn't know he was a Yalie, and of course he had to be a former Brigadier. God.
"The very same" – Richard said fondly, and Rory could imagine him puffing up his chest a little in his very best act as a smug pigeon, which never failed to make both Lorelai and Rory giggle a little at the playfulness of the simple act.
"Smart girl, I hear" – Floyd said, and Rory realized he meant her – "That dreaded blindfold" – he said with distaste – "One would think there would be more elegant ways to do these things nowadays"
"Some traditions resist the test of time, I'm afraid. Now, young lady, I think it's about time you go in and become a Life and Death Brigade official member. How do you feel?"
"I don't know, does it involve jumping off another platform? Because I'm not sure I'm up for that while wearing a blindfold and five inch heels" – that brought easy laughter from everyone around her.
"Very sharp indeed" – Floyd commented, sounding amused.
"Now you see why this old man cannot possibly stop boasting about her" – Richard said with a huff.
"Yes, yes. If I had a daughter, or granddaughter such as her, I would do the very same" – and somehow, Rory was sure he was being flippant.
"Let me take you then" – Colin said in a terrifyingly polite tone – "I'm sure they have your umbrella at the ready, Gilmore" – he whispered as soon as they were far from her grandfather.
"Don't you dare, McCrae" – she returned just as playfully.
"I can make no promises" – they stopped and he knocked – "In Omnia Paratus" – he stated solemnly. She heard the door open, and Colin's warm hand pressed against her back – "Now or never Gilmore, you go through that door, and you're a Brigadier for life"
"I think I can handle it" – blindly, she reached for him and managed to press a kiss to the side of his mouth – "Wish me luck"
"You won't need it" – he pressed a quick kiss full of her lips before letting her go. She stepped through the door, she assumed, with trepidation.
"You may remove it now" – a woman said close–by. Rory swiftly did it, glad to be out of it, and she had to blink several times in order to focus.
"Wow" – she gasped as she took a good look around.
It had to be one of the most beautiful places she'd ever been in. All dark wood and about a million old, leather bound books, candles lighting the entire room in an ominous but enchanting way. There were several people around, some just a little older than her, some decades older.
This was the Life and Death Brigade. This was what she was getting into.
And unlike Tom Cruise, she wanted to keep her eyes wide open to everything (at least no one was wearing a dark robe, or a mask, that would've been way too creepy for comfort).
"State your full name for the record" – a man who looked about her grandfather's age said, looking straight at her and extending a hand for her to step forward. She did it with as much confidence as she could muster, and stared back at everyone she could make eye contact with.
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore"
"You have been nominated to become a member of the honorable Life and Death Brigade. Is that your desire, miss Gilmore?"
"Yes it is" – and, to her slight surprise, it really was.
"You have already proven that you are willing and able to follow through with our sacred words, I understand"
"I... Attended the last anniversary event of the Brigade, yes"
"And participated in the Brigade's main event"
"Twice" – a woman closer to Lorelai's age said softly.
"Yes, I jumped twice" – there was a soft buzz around the others, but the man's eyes remained on her.
"Do you think you have what it takes to be a member of the honorable Life and Death Brigade?"
"I do"
"State our words"
"In Omnia Paratus" – she said softly, and was startled when the entire room seemed to repeat the words in unison. The man smiled at her and extended an item.
It was a long, dark umbrella, much like the one she'd used on the anniversary stunt. And she thought Colin was just messing with her.
"Each new member is presented with a token of that year's anniversary event" – the man explained as Rory looked at the umbrella with confusion – "Normally, one only joins the Brigade before the anniversary, however you are a very special case, miss Gilmore. And you have more than proven yourself, I should think. Do you agree?"
"Yes I do"
"We are all in agreement as well" – he said, and his lips twitched into a smile – "I think you will make a very good Brigadiers, miss Gilmore. Now, since you skipped your formal entry into the Brigade at the anniversary, we have prepared a little something. One cannot have such a dull initiation into the LDB"
"... Oh" – no one said anything about an initiation. What would she have to do?
"Come" – the man ordered, and she scrambled to follow him out the library, as the others stayed a few steps behind her.
Much to her astonishment, there was a huge mattress on the foyer that she'd not had the chance to see before. It had the same beautiful dark wood as the library, with mirrors and stunning artwork everywhere. Her friends and grandfather looked at her with wide smiles, encouragingly.
"Come this way, miss Gilmore" – the man stated, and motioned for her to climb the stairs. She did as told without question, sure that nothing bad would happen to her.
The man stopped just at the top of stairs, and walked over to the balcony and surveyed the entire room. Looking down, Rory noticed everyone was holding up champagne glasses.
... That looked so familiar. So very familiar. The man was looking expectantly at her, and smiling. Wait, what was happening?
"One small leap, miss Gilmore" – he said almost gently.
"But I–! I can't do this!" – she stepped forward and whispered furiously – "I haven't had anything to drink" – he blinked at her and chuckled.
"Oh, you are fun, miss Gilmore! But rest assure, you can have all the champagne in the world after this"
"If... If I don't do this, then I can't become a Brigadier?"
"Of course you can. But to be a true member of the Life and Death Brigade one must stare into the abyss and scream at the top of your lungs that you ARE ready for anything that life throws at you! Not just getting drunk and doing dumb stunts, but to face a difficulty and jump with your eyes wide open without a hint of fear" – he grabbed her arms fiercely as she continued to look uncertain – "To be a Brigadier is to be fearless"
"I'm not fearless" – she whispered, looking down and seeing her friends and grandfather looking up with frowns.
"Then don't be fearless, miss Gilmore. Be with fear, but be with guts as well! This is a mere ceremony, it's inconsequential to the rest of your life – or it can be the start of a new chapter. You are too young to fear so much!"
"I don't..." – she looked down again.
"Don't look at your friends down there. Don't. Remember when you grabbed that umbrella and just jumped, miss Gilmore. Remember that moment, the rush, the excitement, the moment when you forgot to breathe because you released control of your life for a brief moment!" – he shook her a little – "In Omnia Paratus"
"In Omnia Paratus" – she replied after a beat, and opened a shaky smile – "I may throw up after this" – he laughed and slapped her shoulder lightly.
"That's quite alright. I did the same thing after I was initiated, I assure you" – she approached the railing and looked down, at the mattress this time.
"How do I–?"
"I suggest you remove your shoes first"
"Oh" – she did it and instantly felt giddy.
"Now you just go over the railing, turn to me and let go. Everything will be fine as soon as you just let go"
"Just over the railing. Turn" – she breathed hard – "And let go, fall, fall, fall. No big deal" – she mumbled, and with a hard nod, she carefully went over the intricate railing. She quickly turned as to not to have to stare at the mattress, and met the man's eyes resolutely.
"You remind me of your grandmother, you know"
"I do?" – she didn't think so at all, at least physically.
"Yes, quite" – he stepped forward with an intriguing grin – "Francine was quite the daredevil in her days" – Rory's jaw dropped just before he put a hand on her shoulder – "Remember. In Omnia Paratus"
And he pushed her.
She shrieked as she went down, her eyes closing involuntarily, and she soon felt into the soft mattress. It was the best feeling in the world, and she felt more alive than ever before. It was unlike anything else she'd ever done, even the umbrella jump. This was– This was–
"Rory!" – her grandfather exclaimed, coming up to her with a smile that nearly split his face in two – "You were incredible! Absolutely incredible! A Gilmore through and through!" – she laughed and gladly let him take her in his large arms for a brief but tight hug – "I'm so proud of you, my girl" – he said warmly in her ear before letting her go. She felt a tightness in her heart at his words and the way his eyes watered, but he stepped away quickly and looked away.
"Gilmore!" – Colin exclaimed, coming up and sweeping her off her feet – "I can't believe Mr. Hayden just pushed you like that!"
"Mr. Hayden?" – her head shot straight to Richard, whose eyes were dry again, and he nodded solemnly.
"Straub's brother" – the man said almost too casually. She gave him a shaky smile and turned back to Colin, who look confused, but she had no time for that, because Finn came and nearly ran her over in his exuberance.
"Reporter Girl! That was the best initiation I've ever seen!" – the Aussie exclaimed, jumping in place and grinning brightly.
"Great job, Ace" – Logan said, some fondness in his voice and expression. His smile was soft and almost proud. She smiled back at her boys.
"Thank you, kind sirs. But you could have told me about this" – she pointed out.
"Sorry, Reporter Girl, but it was a s–e–c–r–e–t" – Finn waved a finger in her face.
"Anything else I should be on the lookout for?"
"Just a night you will never forget" – Colin winked and grinned roguishly at her while putting an all too familiar arm around her as the crowd moved away.
"Where are we going?"
"This is a Brigade gathering, miss Gilmore" – the newly discovered Mr. Hayden said, winking playfully at her right – "We shall do what we do best"
They stopped in front of a large and imposing ballroom, and Rory stared at the sheer size and beauty of it. Now this was a gorgeous room. All the LDB members were already up and about, talking and eating and drinking and mingling, and she couldn't help but smile.
The Puffs had sounded honestly ridiculous back in high school, and she couldn't believe anyone thought it was a cool secret society. The Life and Death Brigade though? Now they knew how to throw a party, and how to properly induct someone into their secret little world.
"In Omnia!" – Finn yelled, grabbing a champagne flute from one of the many waiters' trays and walking further into the ballroom. Everyone who had a flute raised their in unison and screamed back.
"PARATUS!" – Rory started at the sudden loud noise, but laughed alongside everyone else and gladly accepted Richard's gallant offer.
"You are a little young for this" – he started, but he winked playfully – "However this is a very special occasion, so I suppose we can all look the other way" – he looked at Colin and Logan pointedly – "Boys" – he raised his flute and walked away.
"This place is amazing" – Rory commented, leaning against Colin – "Now that I'm an official Brigadier, do I get to know where we are?"
"A lot of LDB events take place here, though naturally there isn't enough space for grand stunts" – Logan explained – "It's actually Mr. Hayden's house"
"Oh" – Rory said softly – "Is that... I mean, I don't... Know him, what's his name?" – Colin gave her a quick look.
"Stanford Hayden" – the blond answered, looking at her over the rim of his glass – "He's Straub Hayden's younger brother. Do you know Mr. Hayden, senior?"
"I've met him" – the girl said vaguely – "And I've heard some about him, his, ah, charity, his, hum, international law work" – she tried to recall what Emily told her about the man, however she could only recall, 'He's an ass'.
But. His brother seemed nice, pushing her off the ledge notwithstanding.
She wondered if she would get a chance to talk to him, maybe... Maybe even get to know him. It would be nice to connect with a family member other than her Gilmore relatives, as much as she adored them. Besides, she wasn't even talking to her dad at the moment after the stunt he pulled when Sheri left and he ran right to Lorelai for help with Gigi, so it would be nice to see if the new Mr. Hayden was an ass or a flake.
For the time being, though, she was going to enjoy herself. Hell, she was a Brigadier! Time to learn how to party like one from the masters!
"So, what do you suggest a new Brigadier do for fun around here?" – she questioned both of her boys, who smirked slowly.
"Why Ace" – Logan said mischievously – "I do believe you will fit right in"
I hope the addition of I think my one and only OC is not too upsetting. He doesn't have much space anyway, so.
Now for the baaaaad news. I've been having a few issues at work, where I write my stories, so I have not been able to do it much for the last few weeks. As is, I think I've spent the last couple of weeks, or even more, writing chapter 50, and seriously, it's not even that long - though I guess it is difficult to write, it's kinda tense. Or it gets tense.
All this, however, doesn't mean I'm gonna stop posting altogether (like But I'm A Gilmore-!), it just means I'm going to start posting a single chapter a week starting next Monday, 'cause then I have a good amount of chapters to sustain my new schedule.
As for what's to come in the story, Colin & Rory are gonna have issues in their relationship, the Haydens are gonna be heavily featured in a few chapters (that's heavy shit, man), and eventually, I'm tackling the Wedding Bell Blues but I tell you, the drama is going to be different and hopefully heavier and longer reaching.