A/N: Thank you so much for all of your reviews! I was a little worried about Rory's apology to Lindsey but and glad that you all seemed to enjoy that... it just never seemed right to me that Rory didn't try and make amends there. Also, there will more more Lorelai coming soon, I promise!
I apologize for the lack of updates for an European beginning and Where do we go from here... life happened but I promise an update to both stories soon!
It took Mitchum almost a week to convince Shira that she had no choice but to apologize to Rory for her attack. Shira was still insistent that she was looking out for her children, being a good mother, but Mitchum used the fact that neither Logan nor Honor were speaking to her as proof that they did not agree with her motives. The next hurdle to face was Logan, and since his son was avoiding his phone calls and didn't answer his apartment door, he was forced to take drastic measures and try to find him on campus which led him to the YDN, a place he had not stepped foot in since he found out that Rory was elected editor. He had been doing a lot of thinking about that internship and he knew he didn't really give her a chance. It was obvious from the beginning that Rory was a people pleaser, and this was her first experience in a 'real' newsroom, and she didn't even have the slightest idea what to do. While she may not jump into things, offer her opinions, he had to admit her articles were well thought out and well researched, she really did have a way with words that drew you in. It was as he walked to the paper that he saw them. Logan and Rory were in line for coffee and he stood beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist, she slightly leaned into him and they were deep in conversation with each other. From where he watched he could see the amusement in their eyes, the obvious love, and he knew it that moment what they had failed to see before; while Rory and Logan were opposites with her careful nature and his recklessness there were something that made them fit together. With a sigh, he walked over to the couple.
"Logan, Rory," he stated, trying to keep his voice neutral.
"Dad?" Logan questioned in shock.
"Mr. Huntzberger," Rory stated in a guarded tone at the same time.
"What are you doing here?" Logan finally managed to get out.
"I was looking for you. You haven't answered you phone, or your apartment door, so I had to resort to drastic measures," he stated trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
Logan slightly shrugged, "well I didn't feel like talking to you or mom after her continuous phone calls over the last few weeks."
"Do you want your usual?" Rory asked and at Logan's nod she moved forward in line and Logan and Mitchum moved to the side.
"I wanted to talk to you about… Rory and we would like to arrange a dinner at the Gilmore's," Mitchum stated.
Logan let out a snort of laughter, "the apology diner? Yeah, I can tell you how excited I am about that." Mitchum raised his eyebrow at the sarcastic tone. "What did you have to threaten mom with? Because the last time we spoke she swore she would neve apologize for looking out for her own son and trying to prevent him from making a horrible mistake and how that Fallon girl is so much more acceptable."
"When was this?" Mitchum questioned, internally fuming at his wife.
"A few days ago," Logan answered with a shrug. "It was nicer than the ones I got after the announcement when she accused Rory of orchestrating the plot to get her 'kicked-out' of society."
"Your mother is just…" Mitchum sighed. "She had always had an opinion on things."
Logan scoffed. "If she had her way, I would be dating a brainless idiot that didn't have a thought in her mind except for the latest fashion trends. That's not what I want, I never wanted that. But its not like I expect her, or you, to know anything about me. We haven't had a real conversation for… well I can't recall the last conversation that we had where I wasn't getting yelled at, told I wasn't living up to the Huntzberger name… yeah I can't remember the last conversation any of us have had where you actually cared to talk to me."
"Logan," Mitchum sighed as he studied his only son. He could see the anger and resentment in Logan's eyes for a quick second before it was masked.
"Look, Rory and I have to go," Logan stated cutting his father off. "We were headed to the paper," he expanded as Rory reluctantly walked over to the pair. "I'll call you later." Not waiting for a response, he watched as Rory immediately grabbed Logan's hand and his shoulder's slightly relaxed. She must have said something because he heard his son's chuckle as they walked off.
It took Logan three days to finally decided to talk to his father, but instead of calling he made an appointment with him at the office. Over those three days he had a lot to think about, a lot to worry about, but Rory would listen to him as he ranted about his childhood, how he always felt like he was never going to be the heir his family wanted. Even with the articles he had published so far this year, the grades he was receiving in classes, it didn't matter, he was always going to be the family disappointment. He was thankful for Rory as she talked him down from the edge, listening to his rants and then offering supportive words, trying to give his family the benefit of the doubt and that amazed him. Here she was, a woman that his family had tried to destroy, offering support and promising to stand by him no matter what he chose. So, with her support he found himself driving to Hartford for a meeting with his father.
He barely made it to Mitchum's office when he was quickly escorted in. The door closed behind Logan and he studied the man that was standing behind a large desk. For the first time in his life Logan didn't feel intimidated, he felt that he was here to fight for his life, a life that would include Rory for as long as she would have him. Logan knew that he would have never had the strength for this meeting if it had not been for the woman he loved.
"Dad," he finally greeted and Mitchum walked towards him and extended his hand.
"Logan," he stated. "I was surprised to have my secretary tell me that you wanted a meeting."
Logan shrugged as he let go of his fathers' hand and walked over to the small seating area. "You said you wanted to talk. So, I am here, talk."
Mitchum raised an eyebrow questioningly as he settled into a chair across from his son. "I wanted to talk about Rory and your future," he started but paused when he saw the quick flash of anger in his son's eyes. "I know that we, that I, haven't been supportive of the relationship but I have seen some of my errors."
Logan let out a scoff at the words. "Some of your errors?" he questioned. "From the moment Honor told you all that I had a girlfriend, that it was Rory Gilmore, you have all been trying to concoct ways to destroy this."
"We have," Mitchum conceded. "But we were wrong, I was wrong. I was surprised, she is different from the other girls you… dated. So, I have to admit that the pairing came as a shock. From everything that Richard and Emily ever said about her, we had to assume that she wanted your connections, she was using you to get ahead."
"You have raised me to be suspicious of people my entire life," Logan retorted. "Rory hated me when we first met, that didn't even change when she found out I was a Huntzberger."
"So, you have said," Mitchum replied. "But we didn't know that. All we knew was that she wanted to be a journalist and then suddenly you were calling her your girlfriend. We had to assume…"
"You didn't have to assume anything," Logan scoffed. "You could have tried to get to know her, to see what I saw but instead you offered her that internship, convinced her to take it despite her reservations and then tried to destroy her. For what? To break us up, make her give up what she had worked for to become mom? You didn't even give her a chance, you never read anything she wrote, you told her she would make a great personal assistant but that was what you wanted from her, so she followed your lead."
"She could have jumped into meetings, gave her opinion, stood up to me!" Mitchum defended.
"Rory isn't like that!" Logan countered. "She needs to know what she is getting into. She is a planner, she needs to know what is expected, to figure things out and when she does, she gives it her all. You treated her like your personal assistant so that is what she did. You never asked her for her opinion."
"A real journalist doesn't need to be given permission to jump in!" Mitchum retorted.
"Maybe not," Logan conceded. "But a woman trying to make a good impression on her boyfriend's father, a boyfriend's family that had already told her she wasn't good enough, is going to try to not cause more issues, to do what she can to be accepted. She wasn't just a regular intern and you know it; she was trying to get acceptance from you not as Mitchum Huntzberger but as my father!" Mitchum paused, he never thought of it that way but could see his sons point but before he could say anything Logan sighed. "Why am I really here? What did you want to talk about?"
"I spoke with your mother," Mitchum stated. "She wants to apologize to Rory. You have to understand you mother… she thinks that a woman should have no ambitions other than to take care of her husband, attend to social obligations."
Logan laughed. "And how is that working out for her? For you? We all know that you cheat on her, hell even mom has to know. How could either of you think I could ever be happy like that? To live a life where I spend more time with my secretary than my family. I see what you and mom are… and I have told you all numerous times that I never want to become you. So, if I don't want to be you, how in the hell do you think I would want a wife like mom?"
"There are just certain expectations…" Mitchum said his voice sounding tired.
"Expectations that you all don't give a damn about anymore now that you know she is a Hayden," Logan retorted.
"The last name helps," Mitchum relented and at Logans incredulous look he sighed. "She is definitely more acceptable; she doesn't want your money and yes if she decides to work, few in society would dare question that."
Logan ran his hands through his hair, this conversation was exhausting. "So now you are going to back off?" he questioned.
"Yes," Mitchum replied and at his sons shocked look he laughed. "We will do nothing else to interfere. I will limit the trips I need you on to the ones of absolute necessity and London after you graduate… will be tabled for at least a year; you will work in Hartford or New York."
"Why?" Logan asked. "Why now… the Hayden's and the Gilmore's," he replied with a knowing look. "You talked with them and what? They threatened you? I wouldn't think you would have given in… It can't be the stake HIG has in HPG, you would have tried to fix this sooner… unless there is something else going on. The fallout from your behavior at the announcement wasn't just social was it?"
Mitchum had to mask his surprise at his son's insightfulness. "We have had a few investments fall through," he conceded. "But Rory's family just reminded us that your happiness…" he trailed off when he saw his son's expression of disbelief. "They informed us that they were not interfering in the relationship, had even gone so far to ensure it was known that you and Honor were being accepted into Rory's family and we owed Rory the same courtesy. That courtesy should include me not attempting to separate you two. So, I hope now that we have had this conversation, maybe you will talk to Rory and we could all have dinner at the Gilmore's and try to… clear the air?"
With a sigh Logan leaned back in the chair and studied his father. "I will talk to Rory and I am sure she will reach out to Emily to arrange something… but I will warn you, that you all better be on your best behavior and Rory will know if you all, especially mom, is not sincere in the apology."
"I'll talk to you mother again," Mitchum sighed, his wife would not ruin this.
"Okay," Logan replied as he stood up. "I'll talk to you later." With that Logan walked out of the door and Mitchum just studied his retreating back and had to wonder about Rory's influence over his son. She made him want to be better, there was no denying that Logan's performance at the paper and in school had greatly improved since she came into his life. Somehow this woman made his son better, made him want to be better and her influence was something that the rest of the family would have to get used to and accept.
The apology dinner happened a few days later, on a Friday night. Logan knew that Rory was anxious for the evening, he had seen her on edge since she got back from her last class, he wanted to reassure her, tell her everything was going to be all right, but he couldn't make that promise. They were both on edge, watching time slowly pass by until they needed to get ready. When Rory got up to go into the kitchen, he followed her and wrapped his arms around her from behind and gently nipped on her ear before whispering, "I think there is a different wat to get rid of this nervous energy."
"Is there?" she questioned impishly as she gently pushed back against him. "I can't think of anything."
"Well, I can," he growled. "How about I show you?" he asked as he spun her around and quickly attacked her lips, his tongue slipping into her mouth immediately. It took her a second before she passionately returned the kiss and wrapped her hands into his hair. "Ace," he murmured against her lips as he pulled her closer to his growing erection. With a moan she moved her leg up his and pressed closer to him causing him to groan. He quickly placed his hands under her ass and lifted her up and she gasped as she wrapped her legs around him and he placed her on the kitchen counter. Immediately he pulled off her shirt and attacked her breasts causing her to moan and arch back, allowing him better access, pressing her heat into him and he harshly bit down on her nipple causing her to let out a scream. He quickly undid her pants and she slightly lifted her hips so he could slide them off and then quickly removed his clothes. His hand found her wetness and he growled deep in his throat before lowering his head and attacking her pussy, he ate her out like a starved man, not being able to get enough of her taste, her moans. This was an assault on her and it was driving her insane, she pushed forward and he growled as he sucked her clit harshly into his mouth and circled it with her tongue before biting slightly down on it, causing her to call out his name, he knew she was close but he wanted to feel her come around him so he quickly moved back up, wrapped her legs around him and he carried her to bedroom and laid her down on the bed again, before he moved back between her legs again and tortured her again with his lips and tongue until she was close to the edge. He flipped he over till she was on all fours and then placed his tip against her entrance and when she pushed back, he slapped her ass causing her to moan, "You like that," he stated, his voice husky.
"You know I do," she panted and pushed back into him again and he chuckled as he leaned over her slightly to grasp her breasts. The new angle pushed him slightly further into her, but it wasn't enough, so she pushed her hips back, causing him to enter her fully and she let out a growl of satisfaction.
"You're going to pay for that," he growled, and the sound sent shivers down her back. "I wasn't done teasing you yet."
"Are you going to punish me?" she asked, her voice taking on a quivery quality that was driving him wild. He slowly slid in and out of her a few times as he thought about her words.
"Do you want me to," he questioned, still thrusting into her deep but at a slow teasing pace.
"Logan, I need you," she panted. With her words he pushed into her, harder and faster but when he felt her start to tighten around him, he slowed his pace again, his thrusts weren't as deep and when she moaned in desperation, begging for him to let her come he thrust in deeper but kept the pace slow.
"Patience," he murmured against her ear. "I'll let you soon enough." He kept the pace slow for another minute then moved one hand to her clit, gently rubbing it the way he knew she loved. Hearing pants get heavier he picked up the pace and this time when he felt her tighten, he pinched her clit, and she screamed his name, and he came with her. They fell onto the bed in an exhausted heap, both struggling to catch their breaths.
"Wow," she finally managed to breath out. He looked at her, a satisfied smirk on his face and she moved her hand to lightly slap him. "One of these days I am going to tease and torture you like you seem to enjoy doing to me."
"I love it," he replied, his voice still husky. "I love knowing that I make you that desperate."
"Well one of these days I am going to have you begging for me," she replied.
"Ace," he laughed. "Are you telling me that you don't like me teasing you."
"That's not what I am saying at all," she replied. "I'm just saying that one day I want to be in control." As she adjusted to look at him better her eyes caught the time. "Shit," she muttered. "We need to get ready."
He rolled over and look at the clock as well and groaned. "Well at least we released some of the tension."
She let out a small giggle before she slowly got off the bed and moved into the bathroom to start getting ready.
Before they knew it, they were pulling into the Gilmore driveway. The moment they left the safety of the apartment it seemed like the tension increased again. They both knew this meal was not going to be pleasant. While Logan had hoped that Mitchum was sincere in his regrets he knew his grandfather and more importantly his mother wouldn't be easily swayed. Shira had her opinions, no one knew where they came from since she had not grown up in this world, but she had managed to somewhat succeed until this moment. He knew that his mother was not willing to give up her position as matriarch of the family, especially not to Rory Gilmore-Hayden… even if that possibility wasn't for a few years yet. He knew that he loved her, he couldn't imagine his life without her in it, but he wasn't ready for that step yet and he didn't think Rory was ready for that either.
"Ready for this?" she asked, and he noted the nervousness in her tone, so he turned to look at her.
"Ace, I love you," he stated as he squeezed her hand.
"I love you," she replied and leaned slightly over and kissed him.
"I am ready for anything as long as it is with you," he murmured.
"In omnia paratus," she giggled, and he stepped out of the car before walking around to get her door and help her out.
"Its going to be… interesting," he stated as they walked to the door and he pressed the bell. They were immediately escorted in; coats were taken, and they walked hand in hand into the parlor.
"Rory, Logan," Emily immediately greeted as they walked towards the group. Quicky greetings were exchanged with Emily, Francine, Richard, Chris and Edward. They had all barely sat down when the bell rang and moments later Elias, Mitchum and Shira walked into the room.
"Hello everyone," Mitchum boomed as he immediately went to greet Logan and Rory first and then the rest of the room. Elias followed suit and Shira stood back, a displeased look on her face that she quickly tried to mask when she saw Mitchum's glare.
The three Huntzberger's sat and Mitchum again tried to take control of the conversation. "Rory, I would like to apologize to you for the internship," he started and looked over at Logan. "Logan made me realize that I never gave you a fair shot, you were not only trying to impress me as a prospective journalist but as my son's girlfriend and in trying to do both I never gave you a chance to succeed in either. I have read your work and I must say I am impressed and from what I hear about your leadership as editor, you have earned the respect of your staff which is hard."
Rory looked at him in shock for a moment before she turned to look slightly at Logan and also saw the shock on his face. "Thank you, Mr. Huntzberger," she stated, unsure if she should believe him.
Mitchum read the confusion on her face and let out a chuckle. "I know its hard to believe, but I am impressed with you. I am sorry that it has taken this… situation for me to realize my errors."
"You are a talented journalist," Elias conceded as he studied the young woman. "I was focused on your desire to work in the journalism world and I took that as you trying to use my grandson. I realize that I was… shortsighted." Both Elias and Mitchum glared at Shira and she uncomfortably shifted in her seat when she noticed all eyes were on her. She was saved the embarrassment of not saying anything when the maid came into announce dinner. Conversation flowed around the table and while Elias and Edward focused on business topics, Mitchum tried to talk to Rory. He had been doing a lot of thinking about this relationship and he knew that he needed to accept it, there was something about Rory that drew people to her and that would be an asset to business. But she also brought a calmness to his son that he never thought possible. Logan wanted to protect her, shield her, be better for her, and Mitchum knew that if the family did something to destroy this relationship then there would be repercussions, they could possibly lose the future of HPG… Logan. Elias had agreed with this assessment and that what was needed to get the old man to agree to an apology. Shira remained quiet throughout the meal, but she couldn't stop her glares directed at Rory; Emily and Francie noticed this and proceeded to ignore her, making it clear that the impasse was not over until Shira apologized. Desert was served and Mitchum glared at his wife, she needed to say something, but she remained silent and an uneasiness fell upon the table.
"Mrs. Huntzberger," Rory finally sighed as she looked over at the other woman and all eyes turned to her. "It is obvious that you don't like me, don't want to apologize. If you had any remorse for your actions, then you wouldn't have been sending icy glares my way throughout the meal. While I may seem like the type that wants your approval and acceptance, I want to make one thing clear, I don't need it. Even without your approval your son and I are dating and there is nothing you can do to change that."
"I'm his mother," Shira scoffed and glared at her. "Of course, I can change it!"
"You haven't changed it yet," Logan replied in an even tone. "You have made your disapproval clear from the beginning and it has not swayed my choices. If anything, your disapproval has just made me even more sure that I have made the right decision."
"I'm your mother!" Shira exclaimed. "All I want is what is best for you and that is a woman that will stand by your side and support you. She will never be able to do that!"
A bitter laugh escaped Logan's lips and he grasped Rory's hand. "Rory," he stressed, "has supported me more than anyone in the family… well except Honor. She is my partner; she accepts me with no demands and no expectations. She wants me to succeed for myself, not to continue to try and live up to some unrealistic picture that you have created for me."
"Mrs. Huntzberger your continued disapproval and refusal to accept this relationship is hurting no one other than yourself," Rory stated as she stayed focus on the woman in front of her.
Mitchum and Elias looked at the couple in shock. They were united and it was obvious from the way the stood up for each other, for themselves. Mitchum glanced at his wife and saw her features contort in anger. "Shira, I think we should probably leave before you make an even larger scene," he warned.
"Who do you think you are!" Shira fumed. "I have been in this world for longer than you have been alive, I have survived and soon everyone will know what a fake you are, and then I will be welcomed back. You are a no one!"
Before anyone could say anything, Rory spoke, her eyes showing barely restrained anger. "I am Lorelai Leigh Gilmore-Hayden, a pure blue-blood in Hartford society, welcomed in London society. My family goes back for generations, I have been welcomed into this world and I will not let someone," she slightly sneered looking at the other woman, "try and threaten me."
"What are you going to do?" Shira sneered.
"Absolutely nothing," Rory replied. "I won't need to do anything at all. You have already started to destroy yourself without my assistance. Though I do wonder what will happen to you when it becomes known that Mitchum and Elias have made amends with both the Hayden's and Gilmore's, but you have not." She turned to look at the Gilmore's, "Grandma, Grandpa, I hope you don't mind but I think its time for us to leave."
"Of course, dear," Emily replied as she quickly stood up. Rory and Logan quickly said their good-byes to everyone except for Shira.
The door had barely closed with Mitchum turned and faced his wife, fury burning in his eyes. "You couldn't drop the bitch act for one night and try and make amends!"
"That girl has done nothing to you!" Elias fumed. "If Mitchum and I could admit that we made a mistake there was no reason for you not to be able to swallow your pride and apologize!"
"Rory has a forgiving nature," Emily stated her voice cold. "Francine and I were willing to put aside our dislike of you for her sake, but you have gone to far. There is no coming back from tonight."
Shira studied both women's faces and for the first time she felt fear that she may have lost everything and when she looked at her husband and father-in-law she felt dread.
Logan and Rory had barely made it out of the door before he had her pressed against it, his mouth on hers, one hands tangled in her hair, the other gabbing her butt, pushing her into his erection. The kiss was demanding, passionate and he wanted to take her right there, right now and from the way she was kissing him back it seemed she felt the same. "We need to get out of here," he muttered against her lips before devouring her again.
"And go where?" she asked.
"I know a place," he stated as he pulled her to his car and she quickly got in and he followed. Quickly he pulled out of the Gilmore drive and drove towards his parents' house. There was a small lake that was hidden and that is where he took her. As soon as they pulled into the secluded area, he had his seat pushed back and she was in his lap. She pushed off his pants and boxers and he ripped off her lace underwear. Without waiting he positioned her over him and trust into her causing them both to moan. He set a punishing pace that she was all to happy with as she ground against him. Soon they had both reached their climax and she fell against him, both struggling to catch their breath.
"What brought that on?" she questioned as soon as she was able to speak.
"That was fucking hot," he told her. "Watching you in control like that. I was so turned on."
"Hmm I'll have to remember that," she giggled and the feel of her tightening around him made him twitch.
"We need to get back to the apartment," he muttered, his voice still husky with desire.
"Do we?" she asked with a mischievous smile.
"Definitely," he stated. "I'm not done with you tonight."