Part 23: Phone Calls

Logan made his way down the hall adjusting his hat as he passed a couple dressed as Aladdin and Jasmine giving them a nod and a smirk as he rounded the corner to Rory's room.

He was about to knock when the door across from hers opened and Colin walked out in his Prince Charming costume, his brown hair combed back, brown dress pants with a yellow strip going up and the light blue jacket with the yellow tassel shoulder pads and a yellow belt around his waist, along with black dress shoes and a sword on his hip. Steph walked out as well and Logan had to smirk.

Costume parties, no matter what the time of year always caused the girls to dress up in the shortest and raunchiest rendition of the character they were portraying. Stephanie, who picked Cinderella, had opted out of the long gown and instead wore a small dress that didn't even reach her thighs. The arms puffed as well as the skirt, giving the small dress the appearance of a gown, on her feet were actual glass heels. Her hair was down and curled and placed on top was a tiara.

"Good luck getting her out." Steph said with a smile as she and Colin linked arms and headed down to the lobby.

"If it's hers is anything like yours I'm going to need it" Logan sighed, causing her to laugh as he fingered the card key. He just hoped she wasn't too pissed. He slid the card in and pushed the door open and called out her name as he walked in.

"Ace?" Well, her nickname anyway.

"I'm not coming out!" She yelled from the bathroom.

"Oh come on. It can't be that bad!"

"You're not the one in this dress, are you?!"

"No, I'm not." He reasoned. "But if it makes you feel any better I'm wearing tights." There was silence. Then she answered.

"Just a bit." She said. He could hear the pout.

"Are you coming out?"

''Promise no mocking?"

"Scout's honor."

"Were you even a boy scout?" she asked suspiciously.

"If I say yes, will you come out?"

"Maybe."

"Then yes, I was a boy scout." The door opened and Rory came out with a white fluffy robe tied tight around her waist. All he could see were her toes which were in green heels.

"Ace, come on!"

"No, I'm good... I love your costume by the way." She said. He looked down at his costume. He was dressed as Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. He had the green tights and golden pointy shoes, the dark green shirt that was cut in slits at the bottom that looked like upside down triangles. He also had a brown belt around his waist, where a small fake sword hung and his hair messed up and a green hat with the red feather in it on his head.

"You've seen mine now, how about I see yours?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Turn around."

"Ace!" He groaned.

"Turn around or I'm locking myself in the bathroom." Logan sighed not doubting she would. He heard the light rustling of the robe then.

"Okay, you can turn around now." He did so slowly and stared. She was in a green strapless mini dress that ended mid thigh. The dress's hem was spiked at the end like his in smaller upside down triangles, her long legs were bare except for the silver stilettos that tied around her ankle to her calf. Her hair was up in a bun with little curls poking out here and there and around her face. She had green eye shadow and eyeliner and red lipstick giving her lips a pouty look. She had green slivery wings on her back and a green wand in her right hand. She looked like Tinker Bell.

"Well?"

Logan blinked at the sound of her voice and closed his eyes to clear his thoughts. "You know those Droopy Dog cartoons?"

"Yeah?"

He could hear the confusion in her voice. "You know when the wolf sees the chick in red and his jaw drops and his tongue rolls out and his eyes bulge out and his heart starts thumping on the outside of his chest?"

"Yeah?" she said with a little laugh.

"I'm having that exact reaction right now."

"Really?"

He opened his eyes and nodded. "Really. Come on." He said grabbing her hand as she grabbed a green clutch purse. He closed the door behind her as they walked down the hall and into the elevator.

"So what exactly is this?" She asked as they walked across the lobby and out.

"This is the final LDB event, the LDB ball. Each time we have themes. This one just happened to be Disney characters which you figured out. It depended on the first event altogether." They stopped in front of an SUV and he opened the door.

She climbed in carefully and sat down at the end of the seat seeing that Colin and Steph were in the back as Cinderella and Prince Charming and Evie was in the front as Megara in her long tight light purple dress with a darker purples sash going from her shoulders down to her hips, her red hair loose and much longer than Rory remembered. Finn was in the driver's seat in his leather Hercules costume and gold plated breast plate, the helmet that went with it was sitting in Evie's lap. Logan slid in and Finn started to drive.

"Seeing as you've been with us for the past two days and have yet to check your messages we'll let you check your messages now and make one phone call." Colin said handing Rory her cell. Rory smiled.

"Thank you." She turned it on and saw that she had four new voicemails. She put in her password and put the phone up to her ear.

Hey Mar, it's Tristan. Just wanted to tell you that I might be in Hartford this weekend if you and lover boy want to get together. Give me a call. You know the number.

Rory smiled. She'd have to call him back and make sure. Then she heard the next message. Dean.

Hey Ror, calling on my break. Just wanted to say hey and that I'll see you on Thursday. I miss you, Ror.

Rory looked down at her fingers and felt a pang of guilt in her chest. Then she heard the next message.

Rory, I know you're not talking to me and I know its useless calling when you're not even going to pick up the phone or call back. Just know that I'm sorry. I swear I am. I swear on Luke's coffee that I truly regret making that deal and I hate myself for it. I miss you, babe. I miss our talks and our weird conversations about nothing at all. And I really, really miss our movie nights. I miss that trust we had... just.... know that I love you, Ror.

Rory sniffed and crossed her arm around herself and looked out the window so that they wouldn't see the tear come down. She wiped it away and heard the last message.

Rory! Where the hell are you?! Doyle is having an aneurysm because you disappeared. And not only you, but Huntzberger as well! That's right, you and your fiancé are killing my boyfriend! Rory laughed. Call me back the second you get this! We are having a loooooong talk about you just disappearing on me! I don't give a damn about notes! You either tell me where you're going or not!

Rory rolled her eyes and got out of her voicemail. Well, she knew who her one phone call was going to. She dialed the number and put the phone back to her ear.

"Geller."

"Paris?"

"Rory?! Where the hell are you!?"

"If I told you I'd have to kill you."

"Ha, ha, very funny."

"No, I'm dead serious, Paris. I can't tell you where I am."

"Oh my god, you've been kidnapped! I've told you not to accept coffee from strangers." Rory rolled her eyes. "If you aren't in Connecticut, say I'd like apples, if you are, say no, thanks."

"Paris."

"That wasn't an option." Rory gritted her teeth.

"I'd like apples."

"Okay.... now a simple yes or no will answer this question. Do I call the police?"

"NO! Look, I'm safe, I'm good. I'm with friends. I'm fine, okay? I just needed to get away from New Haven for a while."

"That's what New York was for."

"Didn't work."

"Bull."

"Paris, I'm fine, I swear. Just wanted to check in before I was raped, murdered and thrown in a ditch, probably not in that order."

"Not funny."

Rory heard Finn snort in laughter while Logan raised an eyebrow. "Sorry. Look, I'm fine. I'll be back... tomorrow... god, I hate time zones."

"Well, I'll be at Doyle's."

"Have fun. Don't worry about me. If I die I'll call you first."

"Smart ass."

"You love me, Paris, now go take care of your dying boyfriend."

"Have fun wherever you are, Gilmore. And your boyfriend called."

"Thanks and bye." Rory hung up and was about to make another call when Colin took the phone away and turned it off.

"I said one call."

"Let me make one more." Rory said. Colin sighed and handed the phone back.

"You're lucky we still have a way to go before we get to the party." Rory rolled her eyes and dialed.

"Hello?" A tired voice answered. Rory smiled.

"Up late playing video games again, Brian?"

"Yeah, Zack, Kirk and I had a competition going down at the arcade."

"Kirk's working at the arcade again?"

"Yeah, his stunt as a paper boy and professional parachutist didn't work out."

"Was he parachuting while delivering papers?"

"Yeah." He said casually. Rory laughed.

"God, I miss you guys" Rory muttered. "Is Lane there?"

"Yeah, just a sec." He heard him shout for Lane, then Lane shout something back. "She's coming."

"Okay." A few seconds later Lane answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lane."

"Rory, hey!"

"Hey! How's my casual dater?"

"Shut up. It was one date."

"How was it?"

"Really nice. We went to this restaurant down in Hartford where there was a live band and everything. Then we went to the concert, then we went to get desert and it was so much fun!"

"Sounds like."

"He drove me home, walked me to my door and kissed me!"

"Ohhhh! My little Lane is dating a college man!"

"Definitely not mama Kim approved." Lane laughed. "ZACK! Put down the spoon! Let it go! That's it, I'm getting my drumsticks and shoving them where... yeah, that's what I thought."

"You're very aggressive today."

"I'm starving. I've been working at Luke's all day. Then we have band practice in a few hours. I'm sleep deprived."

"That's what you get for headbanging all night."

"Shut up." Lane muttered "Where are you? I called your dorm, but Paris said you disappeared. And I called your cell, but you know how I feel about voicemail."

"Yes, I've heard your voicemail rant before and many times after. I'm in L.A." They all turned to look at her when she said this.

"Ohhh, home of the stars."

"That's Hollywood... but yes, around that area."

"What are you doing in L.A.? Don't you have classes... or like wedding plans?"

Rory laughed. "Yeah, but Logan's friend Stephanie convinced me to go shopping with her and her friend Evie. Who am I to turn down an offer to shop?"

"Right. You're a Gilmore."

"Damn right."

"Please, tell me you at least window shopped at Rodeo Drive." Rory made a phht sound.

"Please, I'm marrying a millionaire, I didn't window shop, I shopped." Lane laughed. And Logan rolled his eyes at the teasing.

"I'm glad you're accepting it."

"I really don't have a choice, Lane, but I found a really, really pretty dress."

"Dress... oh my god! Really?"

"Really. I'll show it to you when I get back... I've actually got to go. I'll be back... tonight... I have no idea. I really hate time zones." Lane laughed.

"Okay. Thanks for checking up."

"No problem, but see, there was sort of another reason I called."

"Not just to hear my beautiful voice?"

"You're getting Rock Star Syndrome, Lane."

"Right. Go on."

"I called to see if maybe you could make me a reservation down at the Dragonfly for lunch."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm going to try and talk to her. Plus I have a feeling that if I don't at least sit in an uncomfortable silence with her Paris will kick my ass."

"I have no doubt about that. Do you want it under your name?"

"Um... sure. And get a table for four. Knowing our town at least three people will come to break the staring contest. That's always welcome."

"Got it... when?"

"Tomorrow... Friday... at two thirty. My last class is at one."

"But I thought you were going to..."

"I am. Just make it please."

"Okay. I'll make it before my next shift ends."

"You're a lifesaver, Lane. I really appreciate this. When I get back I want a detailed account of your date."

"I have pictures."

"Looking forward to it. Bye Lane."

"Bye Ror." She hung up and handed the phone to Colin. "I'm done now."

"Why'd you tell her we were in L.A.?" Colin asked. She could hear the paranoia in his voice. Rory just rolled her eyes.

"I said Steph, Evie and I were in L.A. shopping. I said nothing about you three being with us. Plus I could never lie to Lane. We did go shopping and we are in L.A. I left out minor details. If she asks whether I went to Disneyland I will say yes leaving out the fact that we were there illegally."

Logan smirked. She turned her head to look out, but he grabbed her chin quickly turning her back to face the front.

"HEY!"

"Sorry, Ace, but the reason we gave you the phone calls was to distract you from street signs. We were hoping for longer phone conversations."

"I hate talking on the phone when people are listening in. And it's not like I'm ever coming back to L.A." Rory complained as Steph tied the blindfold.

"Just ten more minutes, Ace." Logan said.

"Fine, then I get to ask question about the LDB for my article."

"Ask away."

"How did you all become part of the LDB?" She asked.

"Shouldn't she be writing this down?" Evie asked.

"I'll remember... or Colin can get my tape recorder."

"Colin, get it out." Steph said. Colin sighed and started going through her bag.

"Okay, what button do I push?"

"Red." Both Logan and Rory answered.

"Okay. Start asking."

"Okay. How did you all become part of the Life and Death Brigade?" She repeated.

"How did you find out about it?" Logan asked.

"I thought I was the one asking the questions?!"

"Just answer."

"My grandfather was telling me about it. Rumors he said. But he slipped up and said 'we'."

"Well, that 'we' included all of our grandfathers except for Evie's." Logan said causing Stephanie to clear her throat signifying he forgot something. "Right, all our grandfathers and Steph's grandmother." he corrected

"That picture of your grandfather being arrested?" Rory started.

"Was an event gone bad. Your grandfather was the one that bailed them out."

"Okay, so family heritage is one way to become a member?"

"Exactly. And with that you don't have to go through initiation. You've already secured a spot. But there's a catch."

"What?"

"They have to find the LDB, not the other way around."

"Is that for everyone?"

"Just if your family traces back, love." Finn answered.

"Okay. So if your bloodline goes back to the LDB then you have to find them."

"Just like you did with a few hints from your grandfather." Steph answered.

"Then what about Evie?"

"Me? I was found."

"Clear that up." Rory said.

"It means," Logan started, "that if a person has the qualities of a member, then we initiate them. Evie had the qualities. Open mind and ready for anything."

"The only difference between a blood member and a found one is that foundies have to go through initiation." Evie added.

"Which is?"

"What's your greatest fear?" Logan asked, Rory wrinkled her brow in confusion.

"What's that got to do with anything?"

"Everything." Logan answered cryptically. The car rolled to a stop and she heard the car doors open. Logan grabbed her hand and she carefully got out of the car, her hand behind her holding down the dress.

"You're answering the question of what you mean by that later."

"I'm waiting for it, Ace." He said carefully untying the blindfold. She opened her eyes and let them adjust to the darkness and found herself in front of a large mansion, all the lights on and people in different Disney costumes getting out of SUVs and walking into the house.

"Come on," Logan said dragging her. Rory smiled and followed. She had a feeling that she was going to have lots of fun that night.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

A.N.: Sorry for the wait guys. The costume party and break-up will be the next chapter I swear! I have the links to their costumes on my blog. So look for them. Just go to my profile and click homepage. Thier worth the trip!

As for the time zones, let me sort of set it straight so that you guys aren't confused. Seeing as I don't know the REAL time zones between Connecticut and L.A., let's just say they're about a day apart. So while it's Thursday night in L.A. it's Thursday morning in Connecticut. Just go with it. I can't go back and change things now. So sorry for any of those who are confused.

Hope you liked it!

Kassandra