Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, settings, music, or movies mentioned.

AN: Yay! The next chapter is already done. I'm sorry if the first few chapters aren't as interesting. I'm much better at writing them as a couple than I am at writing them as friends, Once, they get together the story will pick up I promise. And remember to review, I love hearing your opinions and feedback, it keeps me writing. Enjoy!

Logan sat in the pub surrounded by all his friends, laughing and drinking. They had been there for roughly an hour now and taking another sip of his scotch, he sighed and sat back. Normally he would three sheets to the wind by now with a blonde in his lap and his tongue down her throat. But tonight, he was only on his first scotch and very much unattached.

He was still glancing at the door every now and then, waiting for a certain brunette to walk through it. Of course, he knew she wasn't coming but, he couldn't help it. He wanted so bad to see her walk into the pub and slide into the booth next to him. He wanted her shoulder to rest his arm on, he wanted to swap the alcoholic drink Finn gave her for sprite, he wanted to ignore Juliet's jealous stares not her lust filled ones. Rory had become his first line of defense between the two girls vying for his attention and now that she had opted out of their weekend of debauchery for a weekend of cramming for her Chemistry test, he was left to fend for himself.

After about the 11 time Juliet offered to refill his drink, he had deduced that her goal was to get him drunk tonight. He did have a tendency to be less selective when he was inebriated so he had to give her credit for originality but, he had no intention of going past two glasses of scotch tonight. If he did get drunk, his guard would be let down and if he let his guard down there was a chance of doing exactly what she was hoping for; sleeping with someone and screwing up his chances with Rory. But Juliet underestimated him, he was all in on this and he wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of his little two-month experiment.

Elle had taken a different approach. It seemed that while Juliet was targeting him, Elle had chosen Rory. She had been dropping hints about Logan going on dates, his drinking, his lack of interest in school and the paper. Basically, anything that would influence Rory to turn him down when he made a move, which he sincerely hoped wasn't working very well. Only seeing Rory on the weekend, and apparently not every weekend was putting a damper on his plans. So much so, he was considering going to visit her during the week, since phone calls just weren't cutting it.

Maybe I could go to her this weekend, or is that too desperate? Maybe she's just hanging out with me because Elle is here.? Or maybe I'm was insane and overthinking this too much. Probably the last one. He didn't know how she would react if he showed up, probably just surprised. He could always go under the pretense that he was just tagging along with Elle. Yeah, that would work except Elle wasn't too keen on going home for a visit, one of the main reasons Rory had been coming to Yale.

From what he knew, from Rory and Elle, Rory was the more innocent one and sub sequentially had a great relationship with their parents. Elle on the other hand, spent more time with her friends and preferred it that way. He was more like Elle in that respect, he had a crappy relationship with his parents and his friends were more akin to his family than his own relatives. Well except for Honor, she was the only one he was close to, his shining light in the darkness of the Huntzberger mansion. He wouldn't be half the person he was today without her, he'd be a Mitchum clone and seeing as he despised his father, that wasn't exactly an appealing alternative.

As much as he loved his sister it wasn't the same as talking to Rory, for obvious reasons, namely that he was attracted to Rory but, also because he didn't have to tell her these things, he wanted to. Rory didn't need to know about his latest fight with Mitchum but, he wanted to tell her. He was actively seeking out Rory's help and companionship, unlike his sister who was just always there.

This is ridiculous, he thought, getting out of the booth and heading towards the door. He was calling her and that was that. If a phone call was all he could get then damn it he would get it.

She didn't miss him. That was insane. She hadn't reread the same line 13 times because she was thinking about him too much to comprehend anything else. Nope, not at all. Great now I'm pathetic and in denial. She should have gone to Yale, at least for Friday and Saturday, studying could wait , right? Besides she couldn't concentrate on anything anyway, not with Logan's stupid smirk and perfect biceps on her mind. Why the hell is he so hot and fucking perfect?! Why doesn't the man have any physical flaws?! Doesn't he know I have a test to pass?!

She sighed and flopped back on the bed, staring up the ceiling. She couldn't even close her eyes without picturing his lips and he eyes, how they shined when he laughed, or how he ran his hand through his perfect blonde hair. She had used the word perfect more times in the last three weeks than she had in her entire life. It had basically lost all meaning at this point. She needed a new word.

All she could think about was Logan sitting at the pub right about now; Juliet, Elle, and about ten blondes trying to get their hands on him. And of course, he would let them, why wouldn't he? Usually when she was there, his arm would be on her shoulder and they would be conspiring to swap the drink Finn gave her for sprite, hiding their smiles when he asked why there were bubbles in her martini. And they would talk for hours while the rest of the group slept off their hangovers the next morning, Logan always keeping her coffee intake in check, making sure there was some left for everyone else.

She had never been the type to obsess over a guy, to daydream in the middles of class, to be incapable of studying because of the thought of Logan's rock-hard chest and abs pressed up against her and his arms around her. It was stupid but, she loved it. She wasn't the type to do that because no one had ever made her feel like that, never. Not Dean, not Jess, not Tristan, no one.

Dean was nice enough, a good first boyfriend but, his jealous tendencies got the better of him quite often and she wasn't in love with him. She loved him but, she wasn't in love with him. Then there was Jess, she had met him in Stars Hollow, the town where her favorite of her mom's inns was. He read a lot like her and he was good looking. They were good friends but it never should have gone passed that. They weren't as compatible as they should have been and he was always too detached, always had a wall up, a wall no one could break down. He ended up leaving without so much as a goodbye at the end of her Junior year and after how easy it was to get over him, it seemed she wasn't all that invested anyway. And of course, Tristan was just a nuisance. He was cute, she would admit that, but he was no Logan.

"What are you doing? -L" A message popped up on her phone, picking it up she found it to be from Logan and quickly typed an answer.

"Snorting cocaine off a park bench with 80 of my closest friends. -R"

"You're hilarious. -L"

"It's part of my charm -R" The phone starting ringing in her hand and she accepted the call, bringing it up to her ear.

"What charm?" he laughed.

"The charm that had you carrying me around last weekend," she fired back.

"Touché," he said. "So, how's the ankle?"

"It's fine, you're just a drama queen. I even wore heels yesterday," she said.

"Impressive," he said. "Heels really?"

"Blue ones," she said.

"Good choice. Blue brings out your eyes and your legs look hot with heels," he said, lowering his voice. He couldn't even see her and he knew she was blushing. He knew she was biting her lip trying to hide a grin and thinking of something to say back. He knew he wanted to be there in front of her to see this happening too. He also really wanted to see her in these heels.

"Should I be concerned that you know blue brings out my eyes?" she teased.

"Well I also said you look hot so I think you can save your concerns for Finn, he's the one who cross dresses."

"He what?!" she laughed.

"Oh yeah, just wait. You've noticed the nails rights?"

"That I've noticed, but at least it's black nail polish and not neon purple," she said.

"This coming from the girl who's know him a total of three weeks, you have no idea the things I've seen," he said.

"Aw poor Logie," she teased, knowing how much he hated that name.

"Ace," he warned. "What did we talk about?"

"I'm sorry, it's too funny," she said giggling. His smile significantly brightened at her laugh, one of the best sounds in the world as far as he was concerned.

"It is not funny, it's horrible and I don't know why anyone thinks calling me that will make me interested," he said.

"Logan half the girls that hit on you have an IQ less than my shoe size, and your questioning their methods?"

"Speaking of which Juliet had been trying to get me drunk all night," he said, leaning against the wall outside the pub.

"You're not drunk?" she asked. "Wait you're not drunk, you don't even sound drunk."

"No, I'm not, I only had one scotch, why?"

"Elle texted me said 'Good thing you aren't here, it's only been an hour and the guys are drunk, especially Logan'."

"What? Why?"

"Beats me, maybe she's just drunk," Rory said.

"Yeah maybe…" he trailed off, knowing full well that was not the case.

"It's really quiet, where are you?"

"Outside the pub," he told her.

"Why?"

"I don't know, Juliet was bugging me and it was loud in there," he said.

"This coming from the party king?" she teased.

"Even the best have off nights every once in a while," he said.

"I know what you mean," she said, staring at the textbook and notebook she had neglected for thinking about Logan. Before Logan answered Lorelai came into the room to ask if she wanted to set up a movie night. Never one to turn down mountains of junk food she quickly told her yes. "Ok I should go help mom, I'll talk to you later."

"Alright Ace, bye," he said before he heard the dial tone. He closed his phone and headed back inside on a mission. He made his way over to the table and stopped when he made it to Elle. "What did you tell Rory?" he bit out.

"What?" she asked.

"Rory. What did you tell her about me?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said innocently.

"Elle!"

"Fine," she said. "I told her you were all drunk, why?"

"And you said, 'especially Logan'!

"Yes, so what?"

"So, what?! I'm not drunk Elle, don't tell her things like that," he said angrily. By now their whole table was looking at them.

"Why do you care?"

"You know why I care, knock it off," he said.

"Say it Logan, tell me why you care so much," she said.

"I like her! I like Rory and you telling her things like this isn't exactly putting me in her good graces," he said.

"You can't like her, you can't date her, she's my sister," Elle yelled.

"Watch me!" he shouted before storming out of the pub and heading back to his dorm.

He knew Elle like him, that was no secret. But trying to destroy his chances with Rory was uncalled for. She was jealous and she wasn't handling it properly. At least Rory didn't seem too affected by what Elle had told her, especially after they talked on the phone. But who knows what else Elle lied about? What else does Rory think about him? Who knew genuinely liking a girl would be so much drama?

Rory walked through the front door and dropped her backpack unceremoniously in the foyer. She walked through the house and into the kitchen where she immediately started a pot of coffee. She looked through the fridge as she waited for it the brew, taking out yogurt and a bottle of water. She sat at the kitchen table and found a note lying there.

Hey kid! We're so sorry but dad and I have to out of town for a few days on business. You'll be ok on your won but call if you need anything. Love mom.

She slid the note to the side and opened the yogurt, eating it rather quickly. A few days to herself would be good, she could order Indian since her parents hated it and she would have full control over the Tv. It would be nice if Elle was here, they always had a lot of fun when their parents were out of town. Staying up all night and having the run of the house. She was glad her parents allowed her stay here alone instead of going to the grandparents. But she was safe here, the house was gated and Hartford was a safe neighborhood.

Once her coffee finished she poured herself a mug settled in on the couch with a book for a quiet night. Well it would have been quiet if someone hadn't buzzed the gate for entry. She looked out the window and saw a black Porsche in front of the house. That was Logan's car. Why is Logan here? Is Elle with him? Did he come alone? She allowed him through and he parked in the driveway. She saw him get out of the car and come up to the door which she whipped it open before he could even knock.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with a huge grin on her face.

"I was in the neighborhood?" he tried.

"Guess again," she said, letting him in the house and closing the door.

"You didn't come to Yale this weekend and I wanted to hang out," he admitted.

"Well you my friend have excellent timing," she said.

"And why is that?" he asked, going into the living room with her. He saw her coffee and book on the table in front of the couch and smiled before sitting down.

"My parents are out of town and I was all alone," she sighed.

"Aw poor Ace," he teased her.

"Well now I won't be alone," she said.

"So, I did have good timing," he said.

"You did, but I hope you like Indian food," she said.

"Why?"

"That's what I'm ordering, my parents hate the smell so I never get to have it," she said.

"Ah, so now that their gone you can have anything you want."

"Exactly."

"Well I do like Indian and I don't mind the smell," he said.

"Good, I'll go get the takeout menu and the phone," she said, getting up and walking into the kitchen. Logan took the opportunity to take a look around the house. It was big, a little smaller than his parent's house but big none the less. And unlike most Hartford homes it had a cozy, warm feel to it, which explained a lot about Rory. She wasn't jaded and cold like most society girls, even Steph could be detached sometimes. No, Rory wore her heart on her sleeve and he could always tell how she felt. Not to mention, she was kind, sweet, and adorably innocent. Those qualities weren't often found in the society set.

He inspected the pictures on the mantle and on the coffee table. They were all family photos or pictures of Rory and Elle when they were little. Some had Emily and Richard, some had Straub and Francine. There were a few people he didn't recognize, maybe some of their parent's friends. But there was one that he absolutely loved. It was one of Rory, she looked to be about 3 or 4. She was sitting in the snow, a big puffy coat keeping her warm, a red bow in her hair, and she had the cutest smile as she looked up at the snowflakes falling down around her. He loved that she still acted like that little girl at times, finding joy in the simplest things.

"Hey, what's that?" she asked, coming back into the room.

"You," he said, holding up the picture for her to see.

"Oh yeah, that was right after we moved in here. Our first Christmas in the house," she said.

"You were adorable," he said.

"Yeah, I was a pretty cute kid huh?" she agreed.

"Now look who's cocky," he laughed.

"Shut up," she said. "Ok I ordered, so it should be here soon."

"Sounds good, I hope you really don't mind me just showing up. I just… wanted to see you I guess so…," he said.

"It's more than ok Logan. Trust me I don't mind," she said. "I'm glad you came… I wanted to see you too."

"Well good, so about a movie," he suggested, going to sit on the couch again.

"Absolutely," she said, sitting next to him. "What are you thinking?"

"I don't know, you're the movie night expert," he said, smirking.

"I am, we have rules too," she said.

"You have rules?" he asked. Amused and tapping his hip with the back of his hand. "Well enlighten me, I'd hate to break one."

"Rule number one," she started. "No talking during the movie unless you are mocking or making fun of said movie."

"Ok, I can do that," he said.

"Rule number two, you cannot get up for anything, not even the bathroom, until the designated half way point break."

"I can't pee when I want to?" he asked incredulously.

"Nope," she said. "Rule number three, don't hog the blanket."

"The blanket?"

"Yeah, you can't watch a movie without a blanket," she said as though this was obvious. "And last but not least, rule number 4, we have to eat at least half the food."

"Half?!" he asked, knowing how much she would expect him to eat.

"Half," she said, nodding her head. "You'll be fine."

"Or you know, I'll explode," he said, sending her into a fit of laughter. "This is not funny Ace."

"You're so melodramatic," she laughed.

"I am not, I'll explode if I eat that much," he said, starting to laugh with her.

"Fine, I can amend it just this once, at least eat a quarter of it," she said.

"I'll try," he said.

"Alright pick out three movies, I'll go get the stuff while we wait for dinner," she said, standing up. "The movies are in that cabinet there." She pointed toward it, where it stood next to the Tv before going into the kitchen for the snacks. This is going to be an interesting night, he thought.

Five hours, three movies, and several bowls of candy later, Rory was fast asleep under the blanket with Logan's arm around her. Sometimes after she had fallen asleep her arm made its way to his waist and her head to his chest. Logan couldn't have been happier with the situation. She was adorable and absolutely gorgeous when she slept. Her eyelashes fluttered as her chest rose up and down, and she held onto his shirt, almost afraid he would slip away if she didn't. He pulled the blanket up further over them and rested his cheek on her head and closed his eyes, her sweet scent and the sound of her breathing lulling him to sleep. One month and two weeks...