Chp.8 Torture of the same old kind
Disclaimer: I don't own. Duh.
Introduction: I know I'm delusional….but Trory. Well, obviously not at first because that would be too easy, but I wanted to clarify. Basically set in the present, slightly altered to make things work. Oh, side note, and although this fic started before viewing of 'wedding bell blues', assume Rory and Logan got together in similar matter (they're just not having sex), and decided on some 'strings' eventually.
Rating: Pg-13 this chap.
Author's note: I hate reviews (I'm also a really bad liar). And just a note on reviews when they come, I don't mind even the bad ones. Constructive criticism is always a good thing. But I would just like to add, if you're upset by a certain plot point, make sure you actually read all parts in relation to it. (ie. I did NOT actually have Logan cheating on Rory). Sorry to blather.
Sorry about long update time (seems as if I'm always apologizing for that), but I was on vacation and sort of away from a computer. If this seems a little rushed, I also apologize as I wrote it fast so it wouldn't be more than a week since I updated.
Okay, onto part 8.
"Next turn on the right." Those were the first words out of Logan's mouth in about an hour as they drive down the ritzy street that his parents lived on.
Rory glanced over at him quickly, knowing he was still disgruntled he was in the passenger's seat of his girlfriend's vehicle. She had been willing in the end to risk Logan being upset, and just have Tristan ride with her. But in the end it was Tristan who had smoothed it all out, positively insisting that Logan ride with her and let Tristan drive his car. It had taken some major swearing upon the bible that nothing would happen to his car, but eventually Logan had agreed to it. Rory knew she shouldn't be surprised that Tristan wanted to avoid hours alone in a car with her after that afternoon, and that was why he was so insistent that Logan ride with her.
She was already in her dress for the party; they all were changed, and were risking the wrinkles. After the 'discussion' she and Logan had that afternoon, and the half hour when she couldn't find where she had put her mother's Christmas present, they were running a little bit late and knew there would be no time to slip off and change once they had arrived. Her suitcases and packages of stuff were piled in the backseat, right next to Tristan's one solitary duffle bag for the ride to her place later. She had caught Logan looking at it earlier, a frustrated look on his face that she couldn't explain.
Tristan was driving behind them. She already knew he probably wanted to pass her about a million times by now, but he kept following along. Logan had already grumbled once about how slow she was driving; she would admit she wasn't the most aggressive of drivers, but it beat the INDY 500 style that Logan seemed to go at most of the time. She knew she had overreacted earlier about not letting Tristan drive her car, but it had been a pet peeve of hers since, well, Jess had crashed her old vehicle. Nobody got behind the wheel of her car but her.
She pulled into the rather extensive driveway of Logan's parent's house. He was looking over at her like he expected her to be shocked; in truth, nothing about luxury or privilege could shock her anymore. Her grandparents lived in his world, and their house wasn't exactly decrepit. She had done the fancy tour of Europe with her grandmother. His house, while impressive, was nothing in comparison, and she had been expecting it. At the same time, when she pulled into an empty space to park, she though peevishly she was surprised there weren't valets to park the cars for them. From the many vehicles around them, it appeared as though most of the Huntzberger's guests had already arrived.
Tristan had pulled in right next to them, and had already gotten out of the car as Rory slid out, partially unzipping her jacket so she could try and smooth her dress a little. This was her first time meeting Logan's parents, and she didn't want to look like she had slept in her attire. Satisfied that she looked acceptable, she zipped the jacket back up.
"Nervous?" Tristan raised an eyebrow at her attempts to straighten herself. His first words directly to her since earlier that afternoon. She decided if he was going to play that everything was normal between them, so would she.
"No," she replied, shaking her head in denial. And the truth was, she was no more nervous to meet Logan's parents than she had been to meet Dean's. The scenario was the same whether it was in a comfortable home in Stars Hollow or the mansion that lay before them. Of course there were those lingering butterflies she felt whenever people would be looking her over, but it was nothing she hadn't dealt with before.
Logan walked around the car to join them. "Ready?" he asked shortly, putting his arm around her waist. She nodded, and took his hand as they turned to go. Tristan followed behind.
They were greeted at the door by a maid who took all their jackets. Unlike at her grandmothers where maids went through weekly, Logan knew the woman, calling her by name. Rory smiled and murmured her thanks as she handed over her coat. She smoothed her dress with her hand one more time, grateful that it didn't look too badly. Christmas music was playing, and as they entered the main room she noticed that it was from musicians in the corner rather than a CD.
The house was full, but not crowded. Even so, Rory was amazed at how Logan managed to pick his parents out of all the people and lead her over to them. She watched Tristan hesitate, and then follow along. His parents were in conversation with an older couple whom she recognized as having met at her grandparents. She nodded politely to them as they approached.
"Mom, dad," Logan greeted them, kissing his mother on the cheek as the couple they had been talking too drifted off. "Nice to see you."
"Logan," his mother sounded genuinely delighted to see her son. As he pulled away from her, his father shook his hand. The famous Mitchum Huntsberger. Rory had to admit she was a little awed. But he seemed just like a normal person, kidding his son about his impeccable timing.
"Mom, dad, you remember Tristan DuGrey?" Logan motioned towards his friend who until this point had been standing back from the group of them, and now stepped forward. "He's starting at Yale next term as well."
"Hello Tristan," Logan's father spoke, nodding towards him. "It's nice to see you again. It's been a long time."
Tristan smiled at Logan's parents; he had been lucky with them. Mitchum was probably about ten times richer than anyone in the state, but he had never neglected Logan. In fact, they were probably too soft where their son was concerned. Despite being one of the most hard-headed businessmen, Mitchum couldn't deny his son anything. Logan had sunk his parent's yacht, and there hadn't even been major repercussions. As spoiled as Logan was, he could have turned out a lot worse.
"And this," Logan said, turning towards her and putting his arm around her, "Is Rory. My girlfriend." Words his parents hadn't heard him utter since his first crush in high school.
As she shook each of their hands, Tristan stepped away, knowing this was a private moment, and not wanting to intrude further. Rory was getting further indoctrinated into Logan's life, the way it should be. She was his serious, permanent girlfriend. Damn, but he needed a drink.
He had found an unoccupied seat in the living room, and was slowly nursing the scotch he had got from the bar. In truth he was more in the mood for a beer, but it wasn't something usually ordered at parties like this. He was a Dugrey, he had attended enough of them in his lifetime. He was tempted to down it in a single gulp, and keep going, but he knew drinking himself into oblivion wouldn't solve his problems, it would just dull the emotions for a little while.
He felt the couch give next to him, and looked over to see Logan sitting beside him. He just nodded, and took another sip of his drink. "Having fun?" Logan asked dryly, noticing the expression on Tristan's face.
Tristan gave a short laugh, "I didn't enjoy society parties in the old days Logan. The only reason I put up with them was there was usually some rich socialite willing to go have fun in an empty bedroom."
"There still are," Logan informed him, clapping him on the shoulder. "I can name three off hand I've seen that I'm sure would take little persuasion to take off for awhile."
Tristan just shook his head, and downed the rest of his drink. That wasn't his scene anymore, for so many reasons. Rory and her good opinion were just a secondary justification, he had made that decision for himself awhile ago. He had already been hit on by two girls this evening, and had firmly turned them down even knowing they were looking for that no-string fun he used to enjoy.
"Hey man, are you okay?" that was the question awkwardly asked by Logan. Jealousy and awkwardness between them aside, Tristan was still his friend, and he looked like shit right now.
"Just a bad day," Tristan explained with a half-smile. "Not a big deal." No need to mention the particulars. "Just needed a good stiff drink." he knew that was a sentiment Logan could appreciate.
Logan just nodded, accepting his words at face value. Tristan looked over to see him staring at someone in the crowd. When he followed his direction of gaze, he saw he was looking at Rory talking with two girls. "I got lucky with her," Logan made the offhand remark as he watched her laugh, and tuck her hair behind her ears.
Tristan would second that, but he just made a non-committal sound as Logan continued on, "I was a moron, wouldn't even let it really be dating, just some meaningless fun. Didn't realize she was someone you couldn't just fool around with. It took me seeing her with another guy to make me realize I couldn't stand the thought of her being with anyone besides me. Never thought it would happen, but it took jealousy to make me wise up."
It was at this point that Tristan began to wish desperately for another drink. He didn't know what had sparked Logan's confidential attitude, but he wasn't in the mood to hear about their great relationship. He knew Rory was amazing. And he knew one hell of a lot about jealousy. "She's great," was all he said, not wanting Logan to take it the wrong way, thinking Tristan wanted her for himself. He didn't know what had brought on this out of character gushing, but it couldn't have come at a worse time.
"My parents seem to love her," Logan continued. "Of course they're thrilled I'm bringing home someone to meet them, but I think they were scared of what kind of girl it would be."
Tristan wondered spitefully if Logan was doing this on purpose to torture him. He knew he wasn't, but this was probably just the last conversation that he wanted to be having right now with Logan. Yes Logan, your girlfriend is too good for you, she's too good for most guys. Yes Logan, your girlfriend is wonderful and amazing. Yes, Logan every time she talks to me I want to take her in my arms but instead I have to watch her kiss you, see your hands slip below her waist…
It was at that point that Rory walked up. She had run into some old acquaintances from high school and had stopped to chat. It was always weird running into people you had known peripherally in high school; hard to know whether you knew them well enough to stop, or just nod and walk on by. She smiled at Tristan and Logan as she walked towards them, uncomfortable as they both seemed to be staring at her. There was no place to sit, but when she motioned to go get a chair, Logan pulled her down on his lap. "Easier." was all he said by way of explanation, as he kissed her.
She avoided Tristan's gaze when she broke away from Logan, uncomfortable with him sitting just a foot away. "Having a good time?" she asked, forcing a smile. He looked good in a tux. Comfortable. But of course he was used to the life of penguin suits.
"A blast," she had no problems hearing the sarcasm in his voice as he replied to her rather inane question. She was a little startled at the bitterness in his voice, but he broke his gaze away from hers and fiddled with his empty glass.
As they sat in a rather uncomfortable silence, Rory still sitting on Logan's lap, she felt her hand drift to the necklace around her throat. Her Christmas gift from Logan. They had exchanged presents earlier in the day, as she and Tristan would be leaving right after the party. She hadn't known what to buy him. What does one buy for a rich boy who has pretty much everything? There wasn't even something he was sentimental about for her to build on. In the end, her gift had been impersonal and plain. When he had given her the necklace, she had been ashamed. It was beautiful, and probably cost about as much as her car. It wasn't the cost of his gift that made her feel so bad, it was that she couldn't even make his meaningful.
"Sorry to interrupt," she heard Logan's father walk up in front of them, "But I need to borrow Logan for a little while. Some social pleasantries that have to be taken care of, relatives to greet; I'll return him soon."
Rory blushed at the fact she was sitting on his son's lap, and got up quickly to let him go with his father. "I won't be long," he promised, giving her a quick kiss before she sat down in his seat. Leaving her with Tristan.
She felt uncertainty as to what to say. They had talked earlier, with Logan there, but that was necessity. The string of 'yes's and 'no's didn't really count. Nothing had really changed. It was just after this afternoon, it was hard to slip back into the easy conversation they had enjoyed before. She felt an awkwardness that hadn't been there before. But before she could decide what to say, Tristan blurted out, "I'm sorry about this afternoon."
She was taken aback as that wasn't what she expected at all. "You have nothing to be sorry for," she replied quietly, honestly. "It's your business, your life. Don't apologize for telling me to butt out."
He sighed. He was sorry for shutting her out, knowing that as her friend he should be able to disclose those parts of him, but knowing at the same time he wouldn't be able to. "At the very least, I'm sorry about the way I did it."
"You have nothing to apologize for," she repeated, shaking her head.
Tristan placed a hand on her arm. "Don't tell me that me this was all nothing. You've been uncomfortable around me all day. Sitting here, you don't even know what to say to me anymore. I don't want that Rory, not between us." Even if maybe it was for the best.
She wanted to deny that any awkwardness existed, but knew he would see right through it. "I don't want it either," she replied honestly. "It was just me being a little oversensitive and stupid. It won't happen again." And, she hoped it didn't. It did make it easier now; now that he had brought it all out in the open. "Just don't apologize," she added again. "You didn't do anything wrong."
When the silence between then seemed to stretch on again after her statement, despite promises to the contrary, she interjected, "So, how about them Yankees?"
Tristan smiled, "What are you talking about?"
She raised her hands, "Awkward silence, sports are neutral topic, and only team I've ever heard of are the Yankees. You do the math. And, that's football, right?"
He just laughed, and she smiled, knowing they would be okay. She liked when he laughed. He didn't do it often enough. It disrupted the serious, contemplative look he wore most of the time now. That afternoon in the library had been a favourite time of hers, with him completely relaxed around her, something he hadn't been since then. She wanted to see him happy more often. The thought came unbidden to her that she wanted to be the one to make him happy.
But just as she was about to contemplate that idea, his laughter died suddenly, and it was as if she could see his body tense. He was staring at a point past her shoulder, and she turned around to look and see what had brought about the abrupt change.
It was his parents. Or rather, she assumed the woman was his mother, but there was no mistaking the identity of Tristan's father. She watched as they greeted the Huntsberger's, making their apologies for arriving late. As the maid took their coats, she turned back to Tristan only to find he was getting to his feet.
"I can't stay," he told her shortly, when she grabbed his arm, stopping him from simply walking away. And because she knew, understood everything his father was to him now, he added, "I can't be in the same room with him. I don't want that scene, that embarrassment." And, that hurt, but he would never admit to that part.
"Don't let him dictate your life Tristan," she imparted quietly, grabbing hold of his hand. "You have just as much a right to be here as he does."
He shook his head, "It's not that. You've seen us, you know we won't be able to interact without a fight. And at the very least there will be all the gossip as to why we aren't speaking. I don't want to be the centre of attention anymore Rory. Let him have this world, it's not mine anymore."
She wished the world would realize what kind of person his father was, but it wasn't like Mr.Dugrey often got into shouting matches at parties or board meetings. Everyone always put their best face forward in public. It often masked the real person that lay beneath. "Allright," she said calmly, getting to her feet beside him. "We'll go."
He looked surprised. "Rory, you shouldn't just go, this party is important for you and Logan, I know that."
She gave him a disbelieving stare, "And what were you planning on doing, hiding outside until either your father left or I was ready to go? Be reasonable Tristan."
He shook his head, "Rory, think about it, that's not a good idea. I don't want this broadcast about, and Logan doesn't really know what's going on with my dad, and his parents certainly have no clue. They're not going to understand why you just had to take off. Have fun, drink eggnog, charm Logan's parents, and I'll go hide in an empty room until the party's done. Don't worry about me."
The look on her face was resolute, "Absolutely not. Tristan, I'm not going to ask you to be miserable just so I can stay at a party. I'm your ride, and more importantly, your friend. It doesn't work that way. Logan, he knows there are problems, you're at his place aren't you? As to what he tells his parents, I'll leave that up to him. He can weave a tale with the best of them, and he doesn't even have to let on it's about you and your parents at all. He's your friend, he won't mind."
Tristan had his doubts about that, not after Logan's semi-poetic rant earlier. Even if he didn't admit it out loud, he thought this night was important. Bringing Rory home, the first girl to really meet the parents, it was momentous for him. He wouldn't appreciate it being interrupted by anything related to Tristan, especially when he didn't know the extent of the problem. But he knew he couldn't stay, couldn't face his father, couldn't be the subject of gossip and innuendo all over again. He imagined the fatherly "concern" about Tristan being an embarrassment would be worse now that Tristan was here among his father's friends.
It was at that point that Logan came back to join them, and slipped his arm around Rory's waist. "Hey," he said softly, nuzzling her neck.
She turned in his arms, "Logan, Tristan and I are going to have to go."
Tristan couldn't miss the accusing glare Logan shot his way as he asked, "Why?"
She glanced at Tristan, not sure how much to say, so he cleared his throat and interjected. "My, uh, parents just got here. I can't be in the same room as my dad Logan." The words sounded lame even to his ears, but what else was he supposed to say? Get into the whole sordid history right then?
He knew Logan wanted to object, wanted to demand she stay there, suggest Tristan suck it up or go hide out for a while. But he could see Rory looking at Logan with her strangely guileless eyes, not expecting him to do anything but agree. After all, he was Tristan's friend. Life was never that simple, and certainly wasn't here, but she didn't know that. And, being not only a female, but also a sensitive one, she saw no reason Tristan should have to stay when he would be so uncomfortable. Tristan knew, even as he watched Logan grapple with wanting to place demands, he wasn't going to do anything but agree. And while he felt guilty, he wasn't about to stick around.
"I'll tell my parents you had an important call from your mother etc etc." Logan finally said to Rory. He looked over at Tristan, "I'm assuming this isn't something I can explain to my parents regarding your family situation?"
Tristan nodded, wondering if he was being overly sensitive about wanting to keep this all private. After all, most people knew he wasn't living at home anymore, but nobody knew the depth of the animosity between him and his father. He couldn't even talk about it with Logan, he wasn't comfortable with it being the newest gossip and scandal for the society crowd. So, he took the easy way out, and let the explanation of their leaving be an emergency in Rory's family.
"Thanks," he still had to watch Rory smile and kiss Logan gratefully. He turned his head, giving some semblance of privacy as she continued. "I'll call you soon. And, if I don't talk to you before, have a good Christmas."
"It will only be good if you're here," Logan murmured, kissing her again before letting her pull away. "I'll talk to you soon." And with her and Tristan being together, it wasn't a promise he was going to break.
She smiled, releasing his hands at the last possible moment and trailed after Tristan who started walking towards the door when he saw his father begin to circulate the room. Logan had to watch them walk off together, knowing there was nothing he could do to stop them without sounding like a heartless bastard, even though his instincts screamed that to keep her, he shouldn't let her go.