People have asked why it's taking such a long time for Rory and Logan to get together. Believe me, I understand the frustration; but this story takes place in pre and beginning S5. Logan was - or believed he was - a non commitment guy, and Rory without having the Dean experience but a much worse experience with Jess does not want to risk her heart by being in a relationship with Logan. This is how they are at this stage in their lives. Anyway, this chapter is good for killing some of the frustration you guys have; it is one of my favorites. I promise this will be Betaed soon but I am sick and tired of seeing Lit fanfics so I felt the need to update. By the way chapters three and four have been Betaed
August, 28, 2004
Rory was stuffing files into folders and doing around ten other things at the same time. Today was her last day at the paper and she needed to finish everything she hadn't completed in the last two days. It was kind of bittersweet because she liked working at the paper; it was almost everything she had ever imagined. It had been a great experience that only encouraged her even more to become a journalist.
In general leaving New York in two days was going to be a very strenuous experience. It was hard to believe and she still hadn't really realized it. After spending a month and a half in a dusty abyss with the coldest unfeeling man on the planet, leaving sounded so unreal. Additionally, not speaking with her mom and had almost destroyed their – Rory and Lorelai's – relationship.
She was sad that her summer was about to end. For a moment she stopped what she was doing and stared out of the window as she remembered the reason. The one and only Logan Huntzberger.
Logan had befriended her with his banter and that annoying as well as incredible sexy smirk. Logan didn't judge her when she'd thought about dropping out of Yale; Logan had given her the push to leave Jess. Logan; who she developed a routine of going to lunch with; who she watched movies with and laughed with on more than one occasion. She remembered the first time he had made her laugh when she first met him in Central Park; and how their connection was so strong right from the beginning without even knowing each others names. Logan had kissed her in a way no one else ever had. And that reminded her of their special day tomorrow. She couldn't wait for it. Although a part of her doubted that it would happen, because since they had decided for having this day a few days back, she and Logan hadn't mentioned it. They had both gone back to their routine of being friends, although now there was something missing. But she couldn't quite place the feeling. Rory knew the thing she would miss the most about New York was the closeness that she and Logan had, but shook her head to remove that idea from her mind. Right now, Rory was living with Logan and spending most of her time with him. At Yale they would still be friends but they wouldn't live together anymore. Their friends, classes, and the paper she had at Stamford were going to get in the way of their intimacy with each other.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Casey's voice interrupted Rory's thoughts and Rory turned around to see a smiling Casey leaning at the doorframe.
"I was just thinking how much I'm going to miss this place," Rory explained and returned to her work.
"Oh Rory, don't. I mean, you'll have a much better job at the Stamford Gazette where there is no Allison lurking in the corner looking at you and Logan and a good story for Page Six. Although it was a real nice thing she did at the party. That was better than a movie and probably the best show I had in months." Casey chuckled. "God, the look on Shira's face when Logan told her off was priceless. I hope you didn't take what she said personally?"
"No Case, it's fine. Logan and I talked about it. Our friendship is more important to us than what our moms think. Anyway, I'm not just going to miss the paper. I mean New York in general, which is strange since I started out having a bad experience with the most reprehensible person. But this past August I've been on a spiritual journey, well maybe not exactly spiritual because Logan's apartment could fit my entire house in Stars Hollow. I just feel like I learned so much here and with Logan. I'm scared that our friendship is going to change back at Yale."
"What do you mean?" Casey frowned.
"It's stupid" Rory said and looked away.
"No, it can't be that stupid when you're using the phrase 'I'm scared'" Casey said and moved to sit down on Rory's chair.
Rory sighed, defeated. "It's just…it's just been 'Rory and Logan' for the last few weeks and at Yale we're going to go back to our own lives. It won't be the same anymore. I mean, I don't want to push Logan away from his life. I'm not my mom who likes to keep people to herself, but…I guess I'm just going to miss the friendship we have here."
"That isn't stupid, Ror, it really isn't" Casey insisted. "I understand where this is coming from, but you guys seem to have a special friendship and that is not going to go away. Plus you never know; it could develop into something more." She gave Rory a knowing smirk and Rory rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Casey, please, not you too. What is everyone's obsession about me and Logan?" Frankly, they were right. Especially after she and Logan had confessed their feelings to each other. However, after tomorrow – if tomorrow still existed – they couldn't be anything different.
"Rory, I know that you and Logan have built up these protective walls that keep you from being with each other. But you once told me if you were missing out a chance on love I should tell you. I saw you guys being so intimate at the party, and you stand up for each other. You and Logan have something special and it would be sad to miss out on. I'm not saying you should be with him right now, but at some time in the near future you should fight for him."
Rory again sighed. "Case, you've been a good friend but I'm not going to change Logan. I'm not going to risk my fragile heart for him." At least not after tomorrow – if tomorrow still exists, Rory thought again.
"Oh you really do have feelings for him. I can tell by your tone" Casey gave her a sympathetic smile."Casey, please I don't want to talk about it anymore."
"Fine" Casey sighed. "I'm sorry I pried, but I think Logan will want to change. Maybe not today or tomorrow but I know someday he will. "
"Casey!" Rory said and gave her friend a warning look. Casey smiled apologetically and then quickly changed the subject. But Rory couldn't help but wonder at how she wished Casey was right.
August, 28, 2004
Logan walked out of his last board meeting with his father with a smile on his face. The thought that this had been the last in a long time was a happy one. He shuddered thinking that one day his life would be like that filled with board meetings with a bunch of sycophants. Nevertheless, today was the end and his father had somehow been more tolerable. He had actually given Logan more of his versions of compliments. He had said that he was proud of Logan for the way he handled himself this summer. He even asked Logan to bring Rory to more events, and he promised he would get Shira to behave herself. Logan wondered why his father was acting so strange these days. It must be the weather. Or the coffee consumption. Or both.
He was about to go and meet Rory at the elevator when he bumped into Allison. Oh god, even he had told his father to give her a raise. She was still not someone he felt like talking to.
"Hey, Logan" Allison said and smiled at him.
"Hey" Logan greeted back and eyed her awkwardly.
"Thanks for the raise" Allison continued. "Kelly looked really green when I showed her my paycheck."
"Well, you're welcome" Logan said trying to dismiss her as quickly as possible. "Now could you excuse me, I must meet Rory."
"Awww, where are you taking her?" Allison asked looking like the kid in a candy store.
Oh god. Why did he have to say Rory? But then he looked at Allison and her expression of genuine enthusiasm. "I'm surprising her."
"Damn, Huntzberger, why can't all men be like you?" Allison sighed and Logan quickly walked past her. It was true. Tomorrow was going to be a day full of surprises that Rory would remember forever. And he really couldn't wait to see her face.
August, 28, 2004
Logan and Rory were sitting in the living room surrounded by boxes and Chinese take out. The atmosphere had their usual comfort but Rory was still full of anticipation about whether or not what they had planned would take place. She was only half listening to what Logan was saying. She was too scared to say anything. Maybe Logan had forgotten about it or mentioned the day just to appease her. No, Rory thought and shook her head to get rid of such thoughts.
"So, Ace" Logan suddenly interrupted her thoughts and turned his eyes away from the screen and towards Rory. "Colin and Finn are going to bring the SUV over Wednesday morning to put all the big stuff in."
"'Kay" Rory said without turning her view away from the screen. But she saw nothing. God, it was so unnerving. All Logan could talk about these days was moving. What about tomorrow? Where was he taking her? Would he take her anywhere at all? How far would they go? Those and other questions like these were running through her head the last week and there was nothing she could do about it.When Logan heard Rory's very short answer he finally got that something must bother her. "Hey Ace?" he asked and looked closely at her. Hesitantly Rory looked up and met these incredible chocolate brown eyes of his. "What's wrong?" Logan continued softly. He could see that something had to be wrong, but he still wanted to ask.
"Nothing" Rory said and stood up. "I guess I'm just tired. I'm just going to go to bed. See you tomorrow.""Okay…" Logan said slowly and eyed her questioningly. "Good night."
"Good night" Rory said and slowly walked towards her room. Logan had forgotten. He actually had forgotten about their special day.
Suddenly a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Slowly Rory turned around to face Logan's smiling face. "Did I mention how much I'm looking forward to tomorrow?" he asked quietly and pulled her close to kiss her forehead.
Rory sighed blissfully against his chest. He had thought about it after all.
"No I don't believe you did" she said smiling, happy that he had remembered. "So, what we are going to do tomorrow?""Can't tell you Ace" Logan said with this annoyingly sexy smirk of his.
"Logan…" Rory whined and playfully slapped his arm.
"Hey, its all part of the package surprise."
"Fine" Rory said in mock annoyance and added with a pout "I hate surprises."
"You love them" Logan said and caressed her cheek. "Be patient, Ace. Now, go to bed, tomorrow is going to be a long day." Logan bent down and gave Rory a small yet very sweet kiss on her lips. Rory felt like her entire body was going to melt away.
Rory was right about to go to bed when her phone rang. She checked the caller ID, sighed and then answered. "Mom, Logan told me that you were going to call on Thursday."
"I just talked to Luke and I'm so sorry I didn't want you to find out like that. If it makes you feel any better Luke and I are having our first official date this week, so you are the first to know.""Well I'm happy for you. But I wished you weren't so distant this summer and told me stuff like that.""Well I'm sorry about that its just I figured you wanted space and I gave it to you. But I didn't realize that in doing that you felt I had cut you off. I'm sorry about that, but why are you so nice to my parents I don't think they would have been happy if you told them from the beginning you had run off with Jess. "
Rory thought for a minute. "I know what to expect from them Mom. I expected you to be supportive even if you didn't like what I did. Plus Grandpa told me that he wouldn't like me running off with Jess, but he would have found it within me to support me. Something you wouldn't do."
"Well I'm sorry I let you down. And I'm sorry Jess didn't treat you well Luke mentioned something to that nature as well."
"Thanks mom, but it would have been nice if I could confide in you about that this summer. I wanted to but I was afraid you would say I told you so. I felt so alone before I met Logan."
"I understand and again I'm sorry."
"Its fine mom I accept your apology, and I never apologized for going off with Jess. I am sorry I realize it was a mistake. Even if I am grateful that it gave me an insight to my life."
"Well I accept your apology do you forgive me?""Not completely it will take awhile. But thank you for apologizing to Logan."
"Well I was wrong about him I mean there is something about him."There sure is Rory thought.
August, 29, 2004
Rory woke up and found a card with a pink rose. On it read Omnia Paratus. Rory searched her mind to remember the Latin she had learned at Chilton. Suddenly it clicked; it meant 'ready for anything'. Rory was ready. She needed to get dressed and look good, after all this was a day she would remember for the rest of her life.
Logan was in his room, pacing and looking in the mirror. The kitchen was all ready for what he had planned for Rory. He didn't know what to wear, whether it should be the blue shirt or the black one. Whether if his hair should be wild and free or gelled. He didn't know why he was nervous, he was Logan Huntzburger; man of a thousand dates. Still, Rory was not one of a thousand dates she was a girl that was special to him. He wanted to look good for her, and not like he was trying too hard. He hastily tried on the blue button shirt, and noticed it was almost the same color of her eyes, Logan felt like smacking himself for being so cheesy. He decided to lightly gel his hair but not to much. He hoped this day would be as perfect and unforgettable as he thought and heavily anticipated.
Rory walked into the kitchen with the infamous butterflies in her stomach. She was freshly showered; had curled her hair and she had lightly applied some make up. She wore silver earrings that she had found in a box during her trip to Stars Hollow. She was wearing a light white summer dress, which she found it to be casual and fashionable at the same time. She hoped for the tenth time that he would like it, it was the 13th outfit she had tried on. Her arms were really exhausted. However, there was no going back. What was wrong with her? She was acting like she was sixteen and going on her first date again. Rory was surprised when she saw the kitchen there was a white table cloth and candles surrounding it. There was a breakfast of Spanish omelets, sausage, bacon, and finally coffee in a silver pitcher.
Logan heart pounded when he saw Rory. The dress fit her figure perfectly and showed off her legs well. She seriously hypnotized him. Logan was surprised when she came up to him and put her arms around him. She began kissing him, and almost knocked him over. Logan maintained a steady grip on her and gently put his hand on her cheek. The kiss was the same sweet intoxicating taste that he had been longing for the past two days. Rory did not know what had come over her, he looked so cute standing there that she just couldn't resist.
When they finally came up for air, Logan smirked. "Now that is fine way to wake up in the morning."
"Really because I usually prefer coffee."
"So you're saying coffee is a better kisser than me?" Logan jokingly asked.
"Yes and you clearly flatter yourself too much." Rory joked back.
"Is that any way to treat the man who made you breakfast?"
"Logan I can't believe you did all this for me." Rory replied sincerely
"Believe it and believe me there's more where this came from"
Logan put his arm around her and leaded her to the table. He pulled the chair out for her and Rory sat. Rory smiled she had never dated a guy who had such good manners. Her face fell when she remembered that all of this was going to be gone tomorrow; but she decided that she wasn't going to dwell on it. She was going to live for today, as a the song goes.
She started to eat the omelet, it was really delicious. "Logan this is fabulous I didn't know you could cook."
"Why, because of the stereotype that rich boys can't cook along with having a pony and eating gold?"
Rory laughed. "Hey I grew up without much money and I still can't even boil an egg. So it does fascinate me when someone cooks. Oh by the way did you have a pony somewhere?"
"No Dad thought I was too irresponsible to have one. My sister had one it was called Rosewood, but it hated me."
"Why?"
"Because it dropped me?"
Rory laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"You fell of the horse and you won't admit it.""Ace come on, the horse had venom in his eyes"
"Keep telling yourself that," Rory said between giggles
"Careful there Ace, any more making fun of me and I am taking the coffee away."
"You wouldn't!"
"I would," Logan said victoriously
"Fine, ruin my fun."
Logan laughed and reached out and touched her hand. "I have feeling that today is going to be a good day," Logan said softly and seriously
Rory smiled softly along with him." So what else is on the agenda besides a fine breakfast?"
"Not telling," Logan smirked.
"Logan, come on I need to know! I need to know if I should dress fancier. Or if it's something that requires jeans instead of a dress."
Logan leaned forward and kissed her leaving her speechless. "You look beautiful Ace, no need to change."
Rory could only wish this day would never end. She didn't know how she would pass every other day without being able to experience these intense kisses.
12 am
Rory and Logan were walking in Central Park going under the trees because the weather was unbearably hot. Logan had his arm on her shoulder and she leaned against him. They had finally reached the bridge that was in various movies about New York; it looked even more beautiful and romantic in person than in any movie. With the gorgeous blue water underneath, it gave an incredible view of the park. They were walking across the bridge, and stopped to take in the scenery.
"I can't believe I was in the city this whole summer, and never saw this bridge," Rory commented.
"It's actually the first time I've been here as well, and it means a lot sharing it with you." Logan was somewhat embarrassed, these words were a little too intense to say to someone who he was only going to be with for a day. "I'm sorry was that too cheesy."
Rory smiled. "A little but it in a good way." She put her arms around him, and Logan put both hands on her cheek. He put his lips on her and the world ceased to exist. They seemed to be in their own world just focusing on sucking on each other's lips. Logan then pulled away and started to kiss her neck ever so gently. Rory started to moan with pleasure. She reciprocated and began kissing his neck, not stopping until some skate boarder passed by and said, "Get a room"
Rory and Logan pulled away and looked at each other. Whoever had interrupted their kiss had gone away. "And I thought New Yorkers being rude was just a stereotype," Logan said.
"Well clearly you've never met my ex."
"Rory that ex of yours puts every city to shame not just New York." Rory laughed.
"Anyway, lets go to the next part of my big surprise"
"There's more?" Rory asked amazed. Most guys would just do dinner and a movie, but Logan was the gift who kept on giving. And that was something she loved about him.
They had walked to the center of Central Park and there they saw a carriage with two horses. Logan had stopped, and Rory had to ask.
"Logan is this for..?" Rory was speechless
"Look Ace I know it might seem cheesy to some people, but there is something romantic about Central Park carriages, besides you get to see all of Central Park including the cartoon dog."
"Cartoon dog?" Rory asked curiously
"The statue of the dog that was in that Disney cartoon that cured the kids of diphtheria."
"Oh you mean Balto." Rory laughed. "The dog really did exist Disney just made a movie and took liberties with some of the facts. I can't believe you being a Yalie didn't know that Logan."
"Rory, dogs aren't my major and come on lets go." That girl could find a mocking opportunity out of everything.
Rory smiled and put a light kiss on his lips and told him it is perfect. They both sat in the carriage with their hands intertwined. They loved the ride, it felt amazing and indescribable, it didn't have the cheesiness associated with carriage rides. They had passed by all the Central Park sights that she had known and loved. They stopped by the statue of Balto, where Rory had pointed to the dates of the dog's birth and death to show Logan that the dog had existed. However, none of that compared to the touch of Logan's hand that had held her hand the entire time. Or how it had soon wrapped around her shoulder. It ceased to amaze her how all these simple moments could make her so happy.
When the carriage had finally stopped Rory noticed it was the pool. The place where they had first met and the place where he had comforted her when she told him about Jess. Logan paid the carriage driver Tom and Tom had given Logan a basket.
When they walked to the rock where they had first met Logan said. "I've thought about us going out to dinner, and while New York has many fine restaurants I felt that eating in one of them would kind of make today seem impersonal, so I brought the cuisine here." Logan laid a white table cloth beneath the rock and lit some candles and Rory watched in amazement. "I brought duck and some cheesecake, and some nice white wine to go with it."
"You brought a picnic! Logan how you have the energy to do all this?" Rory asked in shock. "I mean you didn't have to do all of this."
Logan pulled her close. "It doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?"
"No not when I have the pleasure of being with you." Rory put a hand on her mouth she was not supposed to say things like that, their relationship was only a day.
Logan gave her a light kiss on the lips pushing away the feelings of awkwardness and things unsaid.
August 29, 2004 10 pm
Logan and Rory had walked back into their apartment they had stayed at the pool until the sun set, everything had been astounding. They were now at their apartment and Rory was nervous, she was wondering if she should go all the way with Logan. A part of her was like this was the perfect way to end the perfect day being with the guy who she had passionate feelings for. On the other hand, she was extremely nervous. The last time she had been all the way with someone it had been hell.
"So Ace we could stay here and watch a movie if you want. I mean the night's still young."
"No Logan, I have something else in mind,'' Rory said coquettishly.
"What's that?" Logan seemed to be oblivious.
Rory went up to him and kissed him, god this boy was so addicting every time she kissed him she only wanted more and more. She pulled away and said somewhat seductively. "Let's just do this and see what happens?" Rory felt like she was sounding like the alternate universe Rory in her dream she kind of liked it. She kissed him again and Logan eagerly responded. He led her to his bedroom and they both fell on the bed, their lips never parting. Logan put his hand underneath her dress and lifted it over her shoulder and started kissing very inch of her body; it was beautiful and perfect. Rory started to unbutton his shirt, and when it was off Rory gasped. His chest was so perfect; well toned and muscular. She could see why her alternate universe self was so eager to see him shirtless. She started to touch his belt when Logan suddenly felt reality kick in. "Rory, stop.""Logan what's wrong?"
"I just don't think we should do this tonight." Logan couldn't believe these words were coming out of his mouth, but he thought it would be better in the long run. A cleaner break.
"Why not? Rory asked in anger. "You saw me without my clothes off and now I'm not pretty enough for you.""Rory, God no!"
"Then what's stopping you?" Rory said getting a bit agitated things were so good, why did he want to stop?
"I think given the way we feel about each other doing this would be too emotional for us to go back to being friends. "
"But the pact of today was no regrets, and every thing that happened today I won't regret and I know I wouldn't regret this."
"I know Rory but you had a bad first time, and you deserve your second time to be with someone who will give you more than a day." It killed Logan to say that and he felt like punching that hypothetical someone and knew it had to be done.
Rory nodded, she didn't blame him. She probably would have probably stopped later on herself. "Well I better go to bed Logan. I'll see you tomorrow."
"No, stay. I don't want to let you go yet. Just lie here next to me, please." Logan whispered and lightly kissed her shoulder.
Rory nodded, and rested her body next to his. They both just layed there in each other's arms, skin on skin. Rory sighed in content when Logan took her hand and intertwined it with his. They both hated the ticking of the clock because it slowly meant the end of today. They snuggled even closer as if to reassure themselves that things would work out after tomorrow.