Title: Pulling Strings
Author: Kathea
Rating: PG13 or it will be at some point
Spoilers: "But not as cute as a Pushkin"
Summary: Since both Rory and Logan come from money they are used to seeing strings pulled. They never thought their friends would use it against them.
Disclaimer: I don't own this or anything related to Gilmore Girls or the WB. Like you didn't already know that.
AN: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews of "Coda: Wedding Bell Blues". Since everyone was interested in a continuation of said story I decided instead of continuing and starting another sure to be long story. I'll write a "Coda" after each episode that has Rory and Logan action in it. No action no story. I'll answer reviews either by email or on my homepage that you can access through my profile.
Reviews: Kyizi: Thanks for the correction. I can never seem to find the right way to spell it. I'd jump him in the library but that's just me. Luciouscheese: I'm glad you like and you get big points for your penname, very different. Kimmers: I'm glad you like it so much. Smile1: I'm glad you liked them. Chap 7 is quite possibly my favorite chapter. Nikki: Mercy but everybody is so interested in the party. QueenJennifer: I thought the swearing was cute too. It seems like something that would happen to them. Waful89: Sorry but you're gonna have to wait for the party. After all, good things come to those who wait. Logan13: I love them together too. In case you couldn't guess. Blueyed18: I'm glad you liked it so much. Lovelock79: There is always the chance for a little magic. Chinkybrowneyes: Meddling families can be so much fun. Margo: Thanks, new reader. Spoiledgurl: It's coming, I swear. Sofie Christianson: See and nobody ever thinks I'm funny. Coriel: I'm going, I'm going.
AN2: Author apologizes profusely for the lateness of this update. Author planned to write Wednesday evening but HUGE research project for graduate school jumped in the way and wouldn't go away until Saturday. Then was hurt and didn't feel like typing. Here is the much requested 8th chapter.
Chapter 8: I'm a Piece of Meat
"PARIS!" Rory bellowed through the fitting room door. "I am not, repeat, not coming out in this dress. I look like a turkey that has been tied up for roasting. What were you thinking!"
"Gilmore, stop whining. You've looked fine in all the other dresses you've tried on." From inside the dressing room were the sounds of grumbling and rustling fabrics.
"Whatever, Paris, the last dress I tried on would've made my mother blush and grandma would've had a coronary I had had shown up with it on."
"Insufferable, that's exactly what you are." Paris was cut off by the sound of her phone ringing loudly. "Look put on the blue silk one while I answer this. Actually come out of the dressing room this time."
Paris spun on her heel and got as far away from the dressing room door as possible. "Finn. What?" "Yes, she's here." "We're shopping for the Christmas Eve party." "Excuse me? Why? Fine, we'll be gone till dinner. She likes pizza." "Look under the message board on the front door." "I swear if you touch anything, I'll castrate you." With a severe click, Paris turned back to see the progress her friend was making. "Gilmore, will you hurry it up, we have other places to go."
A flushed-looking Rory hurried out of the dressing room, twisting her hands together nervously. "What do you think?" Rory asked trying not to feel like she was naked. The halter style dress was made in a deep blue silk that hung close to her body, her back was dangerously bare and the hem brushed the top of her feet.
"Well, I think if I was a guy, I'd do you."
"Paris!"
"What, it's an honest assessment. You should get it. Now, go change, we have other places to hit."
"Fine, but don't think I'm going to help you pick out a present for Doyle." Rory threatened from the safety of the dressing room.
With Rory out of sight and hearing, Paris quickly dialed a number and muttered two words into the phone "dark, blue" and hung up. Sometimes this being a good friend business was hard work.
After four interminable hours at the mall, Rory headed determinedly towards the car. Paris had dragged her through every single store, the girl being nothing if not thorough, looking for the perfect present. Rory should have known that this would be a long process, at one point it was even painful as Paris had fixated on a pair of "naughty" dice. Throwing up her hands in defeat Rory, plopped on the floor of the store and waited until Pairs made a decision. Thankfully, the dice were put back; Rory didn't need any more images of what Doyle and Paris might or might not be doing.
Rory rested her tired feet on the dashboard, as Paris drove them home. Her stomach was rumbling impatiently as it was long past when she would normally have eaten. Coffee provided energy but was not able to fill the bottomless maw that was her stomach.
"Paris, I'm hungry."
"I'm aware of that fact as you have informed me several times already."
"Paris, I'm really hungry."
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Rory stared wide-eyed at her friend. When her mouth could finally work again she blurted out, "Did you just make a pop culture reference? Oh, Paris, I'm so proud of you. This is just a red letter day. We should celebrate."
"Can it Gilmore. It just slipped out."
"You know I still don't understand why I had to buy a new dress. The one I wore to the Delta's ball would have been just fine. You didn't have to buy a new dress." Rory finished accusingly.
"I didn't buy a dress because I have several that I haven't worn yet. You can't wear that dress because your mother said so and don't you have some unpleasant memories associated with it?" Paris asked pointedly.
"Yeah, okay, I get it. You're gonna feed me soon, right?"
"Yes, look, there's the dorm. Dinner is only moments away."
"Are you cooking then?"
"You really must be hungry if you think I'm going to cook."
"Good point, take out?"
"Yeah, that'll be fine." Paris said noncommittally.
Rory fumbled with her keys as she had her one hand holding her dress bag. Paris declined to help as her hands were holding a very familiar light and dark pink striped bag and bag from the local bookstore. Muttering about unhelpful roommates, Rory kicked the door open with her foot and was assaulted by the smell of hot pizza and strong coffee.
Paris saved the incredibly expensive new dress from having a face to face with the floor as Rory had apparently lost all control of her extremities. Paris prodded her friend forward into a chair. You would think the girl had never seen an extravagant gesture. Paris strode to the coffee table where a single piece of paper was waiting on top of the three pizza boxes. Since Rory still looked shell shocked, Paris read the note out loud to her. "We thought you ladies might be a bit hungry after a hard day of shopping. We know that finding the right outfit is a bit like the quest for the Holy Grail. So, we will provide you with sustenance. Bon appetite! Warmest regards, Finn, Colin, and Logan." Paris looked up to see that Rory's eyes had narrowed at the mention of Logan's name but continued on. "Finn also says that this wasn't his idea but he did write the note." Rory got a determined look on her face and held up a finger for Paris to wait and carted her dress into her room. Quickly dialing her mom, Rory started talking before Loralai could begin her usual ramblings.
"Mom, hypothetically, if a boy, who you were mad at, and his friends, who you were not mad at, had pizza and coffee waiting for you after a long day of shopping, what would you do?"
"Hmmm, interesting moral dilemma. I'd enjoy the pizza and then count on whatever he did to ask your forgiveness to be even better."
"Good answer, bye mom."
Loralai spoke to an empty phone line then. "Logan sure knows the way to a Gilmore's heart, through her stomach. Good on him."
Two and a half pizzas later, Paris and Rory lay sprawled on the floor of their common room when a knock came on the door. Not bothering to move, they yelled for whoever it was to come in.
"What happened to you two?" Marty asked surprised to see Paris so relaxed.
"Dinner was provided courtesy of the limo boys. Care to partake?" Rory asked from the floor.
"Sure," Marty replied. "I'm not one to turn down free food." Rory laughed and turned over to take a sip of coffee. "Are you ready for your psych exam tomorrow?" he asked between bites.
"Oh, crap. I completely forgot. I need to go study, I have a whole chapter to read and notes and…" Rory propelled herself off the floor and rushed towards her room.
"Good to see you too Ror." Marty called laughing. He turned a serious face to Paris who had moved to a chair. "How's she holding up?"
"Better than earlier but still a bit tender. Why?" Paris asked knowing the result Marty's previous attempt at a relationship with Rory.
"I had a word, well, words with Huntzberger." At Paris' arch look Marty quickly continued. "What, I only threatened to kill him if he hurt her again. He really does have a thing for her. Are you sure she really likes him?" It was a hope, a vain one, but still feelings could change.
"I hate to break it to you Marty but I think Rory is all in on this one. For the strangest reasons, she still seems to like him. I'm not sure how deep her feelings go but they must have been pretty far for her to get that messed up."
"Yeah, that's what I figured." Marty said sadly.
"Marty, look, I know what it's like to have loved and lost. I can say, from personal experience, that you can love again. Now, that was my wise advice for the week. Do you want the rest of the pizza?"
The next morning Rory sprang from her bed at exactly 7:33 a.m. and ran with all speed to her psychology final. At 9:47 a.m. Rory was standing outside the coffee stand of her dorm, sliding money across the bar for a large cup and hurrying back to her dorm. She was all done with her exams. Tomorrow was the big Christmas Adam party, the last hurrah before everyone went home for Christmas Eve celebrations on Friday. As she was about to fall back into bed to continue her much needed sleep, she noticed something taped to her window. Cranking the window open, she yanked the card off and quickly shut the window to keep the snow out. She tensed as she recognized the familiar scrawl of her name. The envelope was heavy and she thumbed it open apprehensively. Inside was a piece of heavy stock paper with a simple, hand written note.
Hope your exams went well.
Merry Christmas, Ace.
AN: I know another cliffhanger but this one gives me a springboard for the next two chapters. I hope everyone liked the shopping scene, it was fun to write. Anyone who can place my one movie reference gets a cookie. Anyone who knows the exact scene is my new best friend. More to come of course. Look for a "Coda" story on Wednesday. Oh, Christmas Adam, is the day before Christmas Eve, in case anyone didn't know.