Summary: Post-BNACAP. Rory and Logan are only friends, right? At least they think so. It's safer and simpler this way. But not for long once Rory listens to those pesky inner denials and Logan doesn't listen to those pesky rich guys he calls his best friends.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Gilmore Girls; they are property of the WB, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Hofflund-Polone and Dorothy Drank Here Productions.

A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews and suggestions! A lot of people seem to want jealousy, which is definitely on the menu…maybe not as much in this chapter, but it is important later when Rory and Logan are less dense.

This chapter I completely overkill the metaphor using Veronica Mars! And this metaphor is a pretty obvious hint for the coming plot. For Rory's matchmaking, I figured she wouldn't choose someone she knows or someone horrible, rather someone she approves of as she's trying to prove a point to Logan. Also, this story will mostly take place at Yale, with the exception of Christmas break.

Chapter 4: The Veronica Mars of Yale

Rory was seated on a bench near one of her favorite coffee carts, keeping a close eye on Marissa Dawson, her first choice for Logan's set up. She knew Marissa from a few of her classes and they were friendly, so it wasn't like she would be approaching a total stranger.

Marissa had many of the positive characteristics she was looking for in Logan's ideal girl. She was sweet and down-to-earth, she maintained good grades and participated in activism in her spare time. And she was pretty. Rory wasn't foolish enough to set Logan up with someone who wasn't at least beauty queen worthy.

Even though this whole matchmaking thing had started under questionable conditions - with both of them being slightly intoxicated at the time and her being a little too self-righteous (a side effect of the drinking) - she felt duty-bound to follow it through to the best of her abilities. Meaning she couldn't set Logan up with a girl too close to his usual type (the rich, vain airhead) or a girl who was socially inept. She was taking this very seriously.

Which explained why she was now stewing over how to convince Marissa to agree. She never considered the other side of it all. What if the girl didn't want to date Logan? Whatever…maybe she was simply overanalyzing things as usual. She was confident Logan could employ his immeasurable charms to win over whomever she chose. Plus, it wasn't like he was an undesirable catch or a complete sleaze. He was actually not too bad. He could be nice when he wanted to be and he wasn't horrible to look at. And he had promised her he'd give the girl she set him up with a fair chance.

"Don't tell me you're that sick of guys and you've taken to lesbianism." A voice uttered next to her.

Rory smiled at Stephanie who had snuck up on her. Their friendship had come a long way from when she only knew the blonde as 'Gorilla Girl.' "Hey Steph. It hasn't gotten that bad…yet." She returned to her Marissa stakeout.

"Then what, pray tell, are you doing? Checking out her wardrobe? Hmm…no to the jacket, yes to the sweater, no to the skirt – clashes with the jacket – and ooh, those boots! Definite yes. Did you arrive at the same conclusion?" Stephanie asked, as she studied the strawberry blonde across the way.

"Would you stop that? You're being way too obvious. And yes I agree, jacket and skirt, bad combo." Rory lowered her voice.

"I was just doing what you were doing. By the way, why were you staring at Marissa Dawson?" Stephanie asked, also lowering her voice.

Rory hesitated, not sure if Logan would like it if Stephanie knew of their plotting. "I don't know if I'm at liberty to say."

"Ooh intrigue! I love intrigue! Come on, tell me."

"I don't think I should."

"Why are you whispering? Why am I whispering too?" Stephanie wondered.

Rory looked to where Marissa had been talking with some friends, but she was nowhere in sight. She sighed and resumed speaking at a normal volume. "Never mind."

"So, are you going to tell me why you're all Veronica Mars goes to Yale? Did Marissa do something to you? Did she steal your boyfriend?" Stephanie eagerly questioned. She sensed a game was afoot and wanted in.

"I'm single."

"I knew that. So nothing that scandalous. Oh I know! Did she budge in front of you in the coffee line, so you're giving her the evil eye?"

"Nothing that petty." Rory stood up, knowing Stephanie would follow. Stephanie was very persistent and curious, much to her dismay.

"Hmm, did she wear the same sweater as you, resulting in one of those mortifying fashion faux pas, causing you to change outfits?"

"Nothing that superficial."

"You're not going to tell me?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"I could help with whatever you're doing..." Stephanie proposed.

Rory stopped suddenly, considering the offer. Stephanie could help as she did have a reputation for being a great meddler…at times. And right now, she needed to be given some direction in how to set up Logan and Marissa. But she didn't want to betray Logan's trust, at least not without his permission. "I have a hypothetical situation…"

"Huh…" Stephanie paused. "So this is where you tell me about a real situation, but we both pretend we believe that it's theoretical?"

"Pretty much."

"Cool. I can live with that."

"Say you wanted to set two people up - a girl and a guy…"

"I figured that much."

"How would you go about introducing them?"

Stephanie tilted her head to the side, appearing to think hard. "Hmm, you could do it the really low-key way like getting them to meet at a coffee shop or something. But that can be awkward if the two people are complete strangers. I went on this absolutely ugly blind date at Starbucks where the guy was an appalling conversationalist; I mean he was telling me about bugs and how they molt! On a blind first date! So I suggest you don't do that. A better place would be at a party with lots of people, where it's not as uncomfortable."

"Huh, makes sense."

"I think so. So you're setting up Larissa?" She winked conspiratorially.

"Who?"

"I may be blonde, but I'm not stupid. I'm putting two and two together here. This should all be hypothetical, remember?"

"Oh right, Larissa." Rory played along. "I think I'm going to try your second suggestion."

"The party setup?"

"Yup."

"If you're looking for a good opportunity to do it, you should consider the party the guys are throwing this Saturday." Stephanie recommended. "So that's all you're going to give me, that you're plotting to set up Larissa and a mystery guy?"

"I'm afraid that's all I'm free to tell you. You'll probably find out for yourself later." The floor party Logan, Finn and Colin were holding that weekend was the perfect time.

"Fine, be all secretive."

"That's it? You're just going to give up so easily?"

"Do you want me to keep pestering you? I can if that's what you really want."

"Please don't."

"I thought so. Anyway, I'm used to the whole super-secret deal. Did you eat yet?"

"No…"

"Then let's grab lunch, I have to tell someone about the date I had last night. Cute guy with a great ass but a horribly bad kisser… Ever experienced something like that?" Stephanie asked as she linked her arm through Rory's and began regaling her with tales of her date gone awry.

That Saturday, Rory knocked on the guys' dorm room twenty minutes before the party festivities were slated to begin.

Rory's plan was coming together very nicely. After taking Stephanie's sage advice, she had managed to get Marissa to agree to come to the party. She hadn't exactly been forthcoming. Instead she had told Marissa that if she did attend the party, there was an interesting guy she should meet. It sounded innocuous enough and was not excessively pushy, so it appeared that Marissa still had some semblance of free will. Now Rory just had to run the arrangement by Logan one last time and ensure he would behave.

She hadn't talked to Logan extensively since the matchmaking brainstorming session at his dorm, but it seemed that thing that occurred (or almost occurred) was forgotten. She had been nervous about seeing him, thinking it would be awkward. However, when she ran into Logan at the paper, he behaved completely normal. So she felt that their "moment" was completely swept under the rug and would never be mentioned again. They were back to their usual teasing repartee and it was especially reassuring for her. As she had told her mom numerous times, she was on a boy break and didn't want romantic or sexual tension of any sort. She hadn't exactly mentioned the sexual part, deeming that some things were better left not discussed with her mom.

The door swung open to reveal Finn, primped and ready for a night of host duties. "Morning doll face."

She entered into the common room and faced him. "Did you say morning?"

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Upon reflection, I did say that. Why?"

"It's almost nine p.m." Rory stated incredulously.

He peered at the clock on the wall. "So it is…"

He stared at her unblinkingly and appeared to be waiting for her to make her point, but she knew better than to argue with Finn's odd and circular logic by now. She had tried numerous times to no avail. He had his own rules of functioning and it seemed to work for him. "Never mind, is Logan here?"

"He surely is. He's in his room, I believe you're very familiar with the place." Finn grinned lewdly.

"What are you insinuating Finn?" Rory asked with a glower that would have injured a more perceptive man.

"If I answer honestly, what is the likelihood that you'll inflict bodily harm upon me?"

"It is very likely."

"Then in hopes that you'll jump me, I'm quite honestly insinuating that you two are shagging behind closed doors. You spend so much time in seclusion together, whispering clandestinely that I'm feeling a tad envious that I don't have your undivided attention."

"You never had my undivided attention."

"My god, the lady is unfeeling. And here I thought we had such a special connection."

"Finn." Came Logan's cautioning voice. "Don't you have to check on the alcohol stock?"

"Of course, that's my number one priority." Finn replied as he glanced between his friend and the lovely Miss Gilmore. "Alright, I can take a hint. I completely understand that you two need a quickie before the party."

"Finn!" Rory and Logan scolded simultaneously.

"It's not like that!" Rory protested.

"Geez Ace, you don't have to sound so repulsed." Logan remarked, feigning insult.

"Can it, you're not helping." Rory directed toward the smirking blond. She then turned towards Finn to quash any misconceptions he had. "I am simply helping Logan out with something. We're not having sex, we're not even kissing, we are completely platonic!" She all but stormed into Logan's room and called for him to follow her in.

"Damn, she is irresistible when she's all fired up." Finn dryly commented with a crude grin. "Are you certain you two aren't…"

"You heard the girl, we are 'completely platonic.'" Logan parroted with finger quotes.

"That's quite a shame, mate." Finn threw back over his shoulder as he headed to check out the bar.

Logan glanced at Finn and headed into his room, scratching the back of his head as he processed his friend's offhand statement. What the hell did he mean by that?

He entered his room and Rory was seated at his desk, flipping through Steinbeck. He leaned against the doorframe, taking in the pretty picture she presented. As much as he was aware checking her out wasn't a platonic action, it was practically an ingrained response on his part. He certainly couldn't ignore the appearance of a gorgeous girl, and Rory fit the bill even more so this night. Her hair was down in curls and she wore a flowing knee-length black skirt paired with a silk, off-the-shoulder turquoise top. He cleared his throat and stepped further into the room. "So what's the plan, oh wise one?"

She set down the novel and grinned winningly. "The plan is for you to be your normal, charming self while I introduce you to your date for the evening, Marissa Dawson. And when I say your "normal, charming self," I mean the good, polite society boy I see from time to time. No funny stuff, Logan."

He furrowed his brows and held up his hands resignedly. "Best behavior, Ace, I promise. So Marissa Dawson, I don't know who she is…"

"Good! That means you haven't dated her before. You should know it was a struggle of monumental proportions trying to find a girl that hasn't dated you or Colin or Finn at least once. Or even finding a girl that hasn't been indirectly linked to the three of you. There's a lot of pissed off roommates of girls you three have dumped out there." She plucked a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to him. "Read over that."

He skimmed through it, noting in amazement that she had managed to compile a list of Marissa's vitals, likes and dislikes. "Should I even ask how you got all this information?"

She frowned at him. "No, this is what happens when you actually listen to someone, you learn things about them." She seemed to remember something and dug through her purse again, coming up with her phone. "Ooh! I also got a picture of her."

He chuckled, taking the phone from her. On the screen, was a side profile photo of a cute blonde. He glanced at it long enough to be able to recognize Marissa in person, and handed the phone back to Rory. "I am so scared by you right now, Ace. Do you have her social security number by any chance?"

"Hey I'll have you know, I'm doing this for your benefit." She huffily replied and crossed her arms.

"Huh, and here I thought you were doing it for your amusement."

"Am not. Anyway, you're the one that agreed to it, I thought you would be more eager."

"I'm eager on the inside, you just can't tell." Logan sarcastically replied. "But at least you know if Yale doesn't pan out, you could do the Veronica Mars thing."

She held back a giggle and patted his knee, recalling Stephanie's similar reference. "Does little Logan watch Veronica Mars? How cute."

"It's a good show and Veronica's hot." Rory rolled her eyes at this. "Steph got me hooked. Finn even watches it to play the Veronica Mars drinking game."

"Fine, I concede you have good TV watching taste… I hate to sound like one of those obsessed teenyboppers, but Duncan and Logan are sooo sexy. I'd love to be a position like Veronica, torn between two great guys. I mean there's Duncan and he's sweet, steadfast and mysterious and he has the best intentions for her. And then there's Logan. While he seems like a spoiled, obnoxious jerk, he's intriguing and has so much potential and has this amazing chemistry with her…"

Logan simply raised an eyebrow at her fan girl rambling and grinned lopsidedly. "So I take it you also watch the show religiously…"

"Possibly." Rory smiled, blushing just a bit.

"I'm personally rooting for Logan." He anticipated her question. "And no, it's not just because we share the same name, have overbearing fathers and are dashingly handsome and affluent…"

"Not to mention modest." She detected the pointed comment about his father, but again chose not to follow up on it. She of all people knew how it felt to be interrogated about familial matters.

He laughed at her mocking jab. "We have our moments. I think he should get the girl in the end. I mean he and Veronica started out friends and had that whole love-hate thing, which is kind of hot, you know? They have chemistry and passion in spades. I think she'd get bored with Duncan, he's too safe and he doesn't challenge her as much. With Logan, she has to question herself and do things she never quite expected."

"I am surprised by your insight. You know, sometimes I wish I were more like Veronica. I wish I was that daring and spontaneous in doing and saying things…without worrying about the consequences."

He was thinking of telling her she just needed a guy like Logan Echolls to loosen her up, but thought better of it. The implication behind that comment was better left untouched. "You're more like Veronica than you think, and you take enough risks, Ace."

"Not according to you."

"From time to time, you could take a few more chances, but you're not as… dull as I initially thought."

"I'm supposed to take that as a compliment?"

"Absolutely."

"Fine, I will."

"Good, that's how I meant it. So next Tuesday, you should come over here at nine and watch it with us. Then we can see who Veronica ends up with and at the same time, witness Finn get terrifically smashed."

"I'm sure we'll see that happen in half an hour or so."

"It's always entertaining though. By the way, you look very nice tonight."

"Thanks. So do you." Rory smiled back and surveyed his ensemble – a black, long-sleeved knit shirt with black pants - that offset his blond pretty boy-ness. His overall look was definitely enhanced by his familiar smartass grin, which crinkled the corners of his eyes, making the brown pools sparkle all the more mischievously. "Though you might want to rethink the whole burglar look, shows off your dandruff." He wrenched self-consciously at the collar of his black shirt and Rory laughed at his vanity. "I was just kidding, you're fine."

"And you're mean."

Finn stuck his head in the room. "You two, the party's out here, not in Logan's bedroom unless you happen to believe the gossip around campus."

"Shut up Finn." Logan rebuked, chucking a balled up sock at him.

The party was in full swing an hour later and it wasn't themed, much to Finn's disappointment. He had fought for a mid-semester luau, hoping to see girls in bikinis. Logan and Colin had resisted, as the all-out costumed parties were typically reserved for Brigade functions. But they had promised Finn they would consider the luau theme for future parties.

Logan was situated close to the bar, simply taking it all in. Rory was supposed to introduce this Marissa girl to him when she arrived, but right now, Rory was with Finn laughing and playing DJ. They looked like they were having fun and he was impressed by the way she just seemed to fit. Actually Logan was impressed in general. His friends had almost effortlessly accepted Rory; a feat others would describe as imminently difficult. His group wasn't known for their accepting nature. Part of the reason was Rory's lineage, she was a Gilmore and her grandparents were well-respected pillars in Connecticut high society. Other than that, he assumed most of her appeal was due to her artful ability to charm his friends and survive their vicious scrutiny.

"Stare any harder and you'll burn a hole right through her."

Logan swiveled around to see Stephanie, dressed to kill in a tight pink number. "I haven't the faintest idea who you're talking about." He noted her dubious expression and continued, smartly changing the subject. "Look at you, who are you on the prowl for tonight?"

"Haven't decided yet, but you never know who you'll run into. A girl must be prepared at all times." Stephanie airily responded, not fooled by Logan's verbal diversion. "Back to you, Huntzberger. From the looks of it, you already have a target in sight…"

"If you mean Rory, you are sadly mistaken."

"Did I say Rory? Though she does look pretty hot tonight, don't you think?" Stephanie innocently batted her eyelashes as she sipped her margarita while Logan chafed uncomfortably at her playful insinuations. She grinned widely, looking like the cat that ate the canary. "Relax, Logan, you look like you're going to have a hernia. So, why are you hiding in the corner? I didn't think it was in your nature to play the wallflower."

"I'm waiting…"

"For what? The fun to come to you? The Logan I know makes things happen. What are you waiting for?"

He smiled wryly as she was right. He was usually in the thick of things, partying till he dropped. But tonight, he was locked in a holding pattern waiting for this Marissa to show up. "I can't say."

"Enough with all this mysterious shit. You and Rory are driving me nuts with your covert operations."

"Rory? Covert operations?"

"Yes, Rory. She's also hiding something, which makes me think the two of you are in cahoots together."

"In cahoots?"

She punched him brutally on the arm. "Stop echoing what I say! It wasn't funny when we were seven, it's not funny now!"

Logan grabbed his upper arm, checking for a bruise. "Fuck, Stephanie! That actually hurt!"

"Stop being such a wuss!"

"Stop being such a bitch!"

"Now, now, children, what's going on here?" Finn's slurred question interrupted their juvenile bickering. He sauntered in, slinging his right arm over Stephanie's shoulders and his left over Logan's.

"Logan's being an ass." Stephanie pouted.

"Steph's being annoying." Logan chimed in.

"Must I always be the mature one?" Finn grumbled, rolling his eyes upwards as if seeking divine assistance. "What's the problem?"

"None of your business." Stephanie and Logan simultaneously snapped.

"Touchy touchy. Remind me never to play UN peacekeeper again." Finn sulked. "And to think, I liked being the sensible one."

"No way, you've got it all wrong. If anyone's the sensible one, it's Colin." Logan corrected. "I'm the charismatic one, Stephanie's the beauty."

"Then what am I?" Finn interjected. "The staggeringly hot one?"

"No…the slutty one." Stephanie evilly grinned.

"Now wait a minute!" Finn objected, sloshing his drink around haphazardly. Stephanie stepped out of harm's way, not wanting Finn to ruin her BCBG dress. She had a closet full of casualties due to Finn's drunken and clumsy antics. "I can't be the slutty one! We're all slutty!"

"Can't really disagree with that." Logan shrugged and looked to Stephanie, who was also at a loss for a counterargument.

"Although don't call me slutty, I prefer to be described as having a short attention span." Stephanie rectified thoughtfully.

"Yes, that certainly does explain why you fool around with so many guys." Finn teased.

"Ha ha, Finn." Stephanie sardonically responded, placing a hand on her hip defensively. "Like you're particularly selective."

"I do have standards. My women must be…" He paused to ponder his type.

"Conscious?" Logan chipped in.

"Well it certainly does help. They can't appreciate my hunky exoticism otherwise… Speaking of my women, Rory wanted to speak with you, Logan."

Logan made a face. "How does your "women" remind you of Rory?"

"No need to get possessive, mate. I consider "my women" to be every person I know that has two X chromosomes." Finn rationalized.

"That's idiotic." Logan chastised lightly, ignoring Finn's first dig. "Where is she?"

"I hope Rory was the brilliant person who put on this song by The Streets, it's my current favorite." Finn used his height to peer over the rowdy crowd. "Oh yes, she is still by the stereo getting all hot over my CD collection and being hit on by Robert. If you want to worm your way into her heart, Huntzberger, I suggest you improve your musical tastes."

There was way too many things wrong with what Finn had just said, so Logan settled on heading over to see Rory himself. He pushed through the partygoers to see that Finn was indeed correct in his observation; Robert was with Rory who Logan was relieved to see did not look enraptured with her current company.

He smoothly cut in between the two of them. "Hey Ace, heard you were looking for me."

"Finn is a reliable messenger service." Rory said with a grateful grin.

"Robert." Logan nodded as way of acknowledgement. "Do you mind leaving us alone? Rory has something private she wants to discuss with me."

Robert smiled tightly, but complied, as he wasn't willing to challenge the authority of the unspoken leader of the Brigade. "No problem, Huntz. I'll see you later, Rory."

"Hmm, seems people always do what you say." She began, rolling her eyes at his self-satisfied grin.

"Only if they know what's good for them." He chuckled throatily and smiled at her in a way that could almost be described as tender. "I assume Robert was pleasant company?"

"Interesting to say the least." Rory stated with tactful phrasing. She had met Robert a handful of times, but never talked to him one on one until tonight. He was not unlike the many boys that had graced the halls of Chilton or even her classes at Yale. Robert was incomprehensibly bitter with a ruthless streak that would serve him well in the business world, however his sense of compassion was severely lacking. "He has an admirable life plan."

"Polly the parrot?" Logan had heard Robert's ridiculous life goal about a thousand times by now. It was still as unintelligent and spiteful as the first time he heard it.

"Yup. So, Marissa's here." Rory finally revealed what she had wanted to see him about. "I think now's a good time for your introduction."

"Wait a minute, Ace…" Logan objected, turning her around to face him.

"What is it? Are you getting cold feet?" She chuckled and squeezed his cheek patronizingly. "I can assure you she's a very nice person, she meets my standards." He sighed and she took that as acceptance, so she grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the blonde from her camera phone picture. "Hey Marissa, are you enjoying the party?"

Marissa was pretty in a very wholesome, serious way with shoulder-length blonde hair and brown eyes. She smiled shyly at them. "It's a cool scene."

Rory pushed Logan forward and started the introductions. "This is the friend I wanted you to meet… Marissa, this is Logan. Logan, Marissa." She drew back a little to observe her handiwork.

"Nice to finally meet you, Rory told me about you." Logan began, perfunctorily shaking Marissa's hand. He shot Rory a bemused grin and she gave him a thumbs up before disappearing into the throng, leaving him alone.

When he forced his attention back to Marissa, she was looking at him peculiarly. "Is your last name Huntzberger?"

This wasn't how he expected the conversation to unfold, but he went with it and turned on the charm. "Yes it is."

"Logan Huntzberger, interesting…" She had a predatory glint in her eye that made Logan somewhat uneasy, which was not easily done. He looked around, hoping Rory was still near because he felt he might need her help soon, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Rory felt overly intrusive watching Logan and Marissa interact, so she allowed Finn to persuade her back into mixing drinks and music with Stephanie and Colin. She had seen Logan flirt with girls at least a hundred times before, but it was different this time. She hadn't wanted to stick around and watch him work his infamous wiles on a girl she set him up with. It was too strange.

"The Futureheads." Finn's voice snapped her back to attention and the game they were playing. It was Finn's idea of fun party game, naming bands alphabetically. Whoever couldn't, had to drink one of his alcoholic concoctions. And if a person flaked on three turns, they were out. Finn had wanted the person to strip off an article of clothing if they missed their turn. Colin had immediately vetoed that suggestion, which likely had something to do with Stephanie's participation.

"Gang of Four." Rory added and looked to Stephanie.

"The Hives."

"Interpol." Colin proudly stated. He wasn't as into the music scene like Rory and Finn and hoped to hold his own.

"My native boys, Jet." Finn continued.

"Keane."

"Lindsay Lohan!" Stephanie said for her turn.

"I said bands, darling! Good bands! Lindsay Lohan is a person fronting with a band to back her up and she certainly isn't good music." Finn protested her turn. "And she was a fine redhead until she went all blonde and bony… Anyhow, that can't count. Strike one."

"Fine." Stephanie grumbled and grabbed the proffered cup from Finn. She gulped it down and nodded. "This isn't half bad."

"Thank you." Finn graciously replied. "On to Colin…if you miss this one, buddy, it's your second offense. What letter are we at?"

"M." Rory helpfully supplied.

"Maroon 5."

"I thought I said good bands." Finn objected.

"If we follow your definitions of good bands, we'll have to accept stupid ones like Devo and Right Said Fred." Colin retorted moodily.

"Those are great bands! 'I'm Too Sexy' is fantastic, it's my theme song, you know." Finn pronounced with a wink.

"Hey, who are you trying to seduce here? Rosemary's way over there with Juliet." Stephanie remarked.

"Right, I should conserve my foreplay talk when I'm in the company of women not spoken for." Finn stated. He was wise enough not to flirt with Stephanie in front of Colin, even if it was harmless.

"I'm not spoken for." Rory amended in confusion.

"Ah, that's correct in theory." Finn answered vaguely. He grinned slowly at her and leaned forth into her personal space. "Why? Do you want me to seduce you? Have you been playing coy all this time, you little minx?"

"No, please don't." Rory laughed. "It's your turn, Finn, we're at N."

"Excellent…the New Pornographers. Back to you Rory."

"Of Montreal."

"Phantom Planet."

"Phantom Planet, Stephanie?" Finn interposed. "How do you know of them?"

"Duh, they're the band that plays The OC intro song and the lead singer's hot."

"Finn, are you really going to interrupt everyone each time?" Rory inquired.

"Only the questionable responses. Besides, I'm only doing it to Colin and Stephanie, perhaps you're feeling a little left out…I can do it for you too."

"No, I'm good. So we're at Q, Colin."

"Uh…"

"If you can't get this one, I'm slapping you upside the head." Finn warned.

"Just let me think, Finn! Q's a difficult letter."

A few seconds passed with no answer, it was too long for an already agitated Finn. "Oh my god, Colin! I always play one of their songs during my naked victory lap!"

"Damn it Finn! I don't want to remember that!"

"Naked victory lap?" Rory asked Stephanie, giggling at the bickering boys.

"After a certain point of inebriation, Finn strips naked, blasts 'We Are the Champions' and runs around the room singing along. It's hilarious, but only because we're all too drunk off our asses by then to find it completely disgusting." Stephanie filled her in before looking to Colin. "Your time's up, sweetie. Strike two!"

"My god he's like Kirk." Rory mumbled to herself. The likeness was too disturbing for words.

"Queen, you moron!" Finn yelled and slapped the back of Colin's head.

"This game is systematically unfair." Colin grumbled as he took one of Finn's drinks and downed it while rubbing his head. "Only pop culture freaks like Rory and Finn can win."

"Mate, this game is unfair to me too, if I don't miss a turn, I don't get a drink. That is a travesty." Finn whined, pouting his bottom lip sadly. "Whose turn is it?"

"Yours, dumbass." Colin bit back.

"Are we at R?"

"Yes." Stephanie confirmed.

"Rory."

"Okay, whoever stole my turn, that is not a band!" Finn chided loudly and turned to the new guy that had dared to interrupt him.

Rory chuckled and smiled welcomingly at Ethan, who had accidentally tripped up their game. "Down Finn. Guys, this is Ethan. Ethan, this is Finn, Colin and Stephanie, the hosts of this fine gathering."

"Hi." Ethan said in way of a general greeting, though he recognized Rory's friends from around campus. "Don't let me throw off your game, I believe you were at R."

"Razorlight." Finn threw out, observantly eyeing the new addition to their group.

Stephanie pulled Rory aside while Finn took to questioning Ethan and inconspicuously whispered to Rory. "You know Ethan Kincaid? He is so yummy, where have you been hiding him?"

"He's my Poetry class study partner." Rory replied, matching Stephanie's level of discretion.

"I have to get me one of those if that's how they're making them." Stephanie smirked and studied - more like undressed - Ethan from head to toe.

Rory could only roll her eyes and laugh at Stephanie's approving glances. "He's nice."

Stephanie scrunched up her nose at Rory's tepid description. "That's the best you can come up with? The guy is six delicious feet of pure hotness…I'd do him and so would every other girl at Yale. You're telling me you just study poetry with him?"

"We're friends." Rory nonchalantly shrugged.

"So that's all you are…just friends?" Stephanie asked expectantly.

"Just friends." Rory confirmed and missed Stephanie's decidedly pleased look at her answer.

"Seems to be your M.O." Stephanie teased before rejoining the group, leaving Rory to mull over her comment.

"Are you here with Drew McKay?" Colin directed to Ethan.

"Yeah, he's my roommate."

"Tell him he owes me two hundred bucks." Colin stated gravely. "Maybe you should also tell him to brush up on his poker skills."

Rory knew how unfriendly Colin could be with new blood and had the forethought to spare Ethan from Colin's likely interrogation. "You know what guys? I think I'm going to bow out and let Finn go crazy."

"But without you, there's no worthy competition!" Finn complained, offending both Stephanie and Colin, although he was right. "But if you must leave, your penalty is to drink two of my finest." He grandly presented her a few red cups of his secret brew.

"Although you just made that rule up, Finn…I'll go along with it." Rory gave in; she gulped one down for show and grabbed the other. She took Ethan's arm and led him away. "I'll see you all later."

"Bye love." Finn waved.

Once Rory deemed they were far enough away and in a spot not jammed with drunken co-eds, she turned to Ethan with an apologetic look. "Sorry about that."

Ethan shook his head. "Don't worry about it. They weren't bad; they were kind of amusing in their own way. So those are your other friends, huh? I was beginning to feel honored, thinking I was your only friend aside from Paris."

"Sorry to burst your bubble." That was one of the things Rory liked about him, he was easygoing and had a wry sense of humor her mom would appreciate. She finished off her second drink from the game and met Ethan's hazel-green eyes. "Are you having fun?"

"The party's not bad. I was actually heading out, when I saw you."

Rory glanced around, and caught sight of Logan's familiar blond head. He looked to be in intense conversation with Marissa. She felt a slight pang, but couldn't pinpoint what she was feeling exactly. "If you still want to leave, I'll go with you."

"Sure. Do you want to grab a coffee, maybe an uncaffeinated drink for me?" Ethan suggested as he began to escort her towards the door.

She forced her gaze away from the duo she set up and smiled readily at Ethan, who grinned back warmly. "A coffee sounds really good right now."

Next Chapter:

We find out what happened with Logan and Marissa as Logan pays Rory an early morning visit…

Stephanie, Finn and Colin put their heads together and plot…

More matchmaking…

A/N: I thought this chapter went a little long and was going to cut the Rory/Steph scene at the beginning, but I like the girls having a friendship.

Sorry if I offended anyone's musical tastes, but I thought Finn would be highly critical of pop music. I really like Maroon 5's music, Lindsay Lohan's… not so much.

It would be much appreciated if I could get some feedback on these aspects:

which characters do you want to interact?

how do you want Logan to find out about Ethan? How do you want Logan to react?