Author Note: Here we are in 2008! These are snippets out of Logan's life that are shaping him into the guy we see in the Revival. As always, Logan's inner thoughts are in italics.

All characters belong to Gilmore Girls.

February 2008

"It's really good to see you," Logan tells Hugo Grace, as the maître d' leads them to their table. "I'm so glad you called."

"Come on. I couldn't come to San Francisco and not get in touch with you," Hugo responds.

They take their seats as a waiter comes by with water and gets their drink order.

"So what are you in town for anyway?" Logan asks.

"Wine," Hugo laughs as the waiter brings a bottle to the table for him to taste. He swirls it around and sips it heartily. "This works," he tells the waiter. "I'm technically here to check in on some of my writers, but the wine is the real draw."

"Yeah, I have never been that into wine before, but since I've lived here, it seems like every meeting or dinner or… man, even every lunch I go to has a wine pairing." He also takes a large sip. "I haven't been able to master the circling, sniffing, small-sipping thing yet, but I'm working on it."

"I think the key is to look as pretentious as possible," Hugo says with a smile.

"Absolutely. Years of prep school should make that easy for me." They both laugh, and Logan continues "You know after you called, I checked out your website. I've been so busy I haven't been able to check it as often as I'd like, but compared to where you started, it seems like your content and ad space is really growing," Logan says.

"Yes, I'm happy with our growth," Hugo says. "We're still small, but I have just managed to poach a few writers from Slate. We're hoping they'll bring some of their audience with them."

"That's great."

"I wanna hear all about what your new company. Mitchum tells me you're doing really well," Hugo says.

Logan almost chokes on his wine. "Mitchum said that? How would he even know? I've only talked to him twice since I left HPG."

"Well, he's kept up with what you're doing," Hugo informs him. "He was bragging about you the last time I talked to him."

"You have got to be kidding me." Logan shakes his head in disbelief.

"Nope. You are the apple of his eye, young Padawan. So fill me in. Tell me what you're doing," Hugo says.

"Sure. So basically, we help small businesses maximize their websites and expand their online presence. We get their site up and running and do the monthly maintenance on it. A lot of doctors, dentists. People who need a good website, but don't know how to do it. Long term, we want to expand into bigger companies, but we're growing really well," Logan explains proudly. "We have fifteen staff now."

"And what's your role?" Hugo asks.

Logan smiles. "I'm getting better with the IT, but mostly I'm the business end. I handle contracts and negotiations, and I'm the wine-r and dine-r."

"Yeah, I can see that working for you. You seem happy. You're enjoying it?"

"I am," Logan says. "I like the work, but honestly, the best part is not having to report back to my dad, you know?"

"I get that. And how have you adjusted to California? Totally different life than New York…" Hugo trails off as their server returns to take their order.

Once done ordering, Logan replies. "Truthfully, I just work so much. I mean I know it's not snowing here like I'm sure it is on the East Coast, but other than that, I don't know much difference. I haven't been able to take up surfing yet or anything. I have two partners who are really into biking, and they keep trying to get me to do it with them."

"I'm sure if you're in California long enough, this outdoorsy stuff will take hold," Hugo says. "I'm happy you're doing so well."

"Well, I couldn't play Peter Pan forever."

Dinner continues happily as they catch up and debate current affairs. Logan is having a great time until the dessert menus are placed in front of them.

He sighs internally. This has been tough since he and Rory split.

No matter how much we had eaten, she never thought a meal was complete without dessert. I still can't look at whipped cream or chocolate sauce without remembering times I licked them off her body.

Shit. And now I'm thinking about dessert.

As if on cue, Hugo asks "Have you spoken to Rory lately?"

Logan looks at him sharply. "Um, no… Not for months. I guess you haven't heard, but um… we broke up before I moved out here."

"I had heard, actually. I just didn't know if… Did you know she's been writing for me?" Hugo asks.

"No, I didn't know that." Logan is unsure of what else to say.

"I've got her in the press pool for the Obama campaign," Hugo continues. "The California primary is in two weeks, and there's a rally in San Francisco tomorrow."

"O-kay." What am I supposed to do with that?

"I thought maybe you might want to go and see her. I saw her yesterday, and I get the feeling she wants to see you," Hugo says.

"No offense, Hugo… but she is the one who ended it, and my number hasn't changed. If she wanted to see me, she could," Logan says.

This fact haunts me every day.

"Oh. I was under the impression that you were the one….I'm sorry. Not my business. I shouldn't have said anything," Hugo responds.

"That's okay," Logan says, but the damage is done. The conversation is stilted and awkward from there until they agree to skip dessert. They say goodbye and promise to keep in touch.

Once alone back in his house, Logan pours himself a scotch and sits down to sip it slowly.

After that last disastrous phone call, Logan had sanctioned himself to five minutes of Rory-related thoughts a day. He had been so busy lately, the emotions were finally fading. Some days, he didn't think of her at all.

Well, that's out the window tonight.

He replays his conversation with Hugo.

"I was under the impression that you were the one…" Did Rory tell him that I left her? Because she said no.

Fuck me. Is this a repeat of the great 'we were on a break' debacle of 2005? Could I still be that big of a dumbass?

He grabs his laptop and googles her. He can't believe he has made it this long without doing it.

Several political articles come up, and he begins to read in earnest. He can hear her voice in her writing; it's so distinctly her. He allows himself to immerse in it, and the pain comes back as if it had never left.

The articles are timely and well thought-out. She's a success.

This is what she chose over me. This is her wide-open future.

She might not have done this if she had said yes.

Fuck.

She may have been right.

He has already drank from the cup, so he decides to fall down the rabbit hole. He makes a phone call.

"Hugo?"

"Logan. Hey. Did you forget something?"

"No. I just… I can't stop thinking about what you said… about Rory," Logan says.

"I'm sorry again. I really shouldn't have interfered," Hugo says.

"No, it's okay. I just… Does she think that I… That I wanted to be apart? I mean, I know I was technically the first to walk, but she said no… I asked her to marry me, and she said no." There is a moment of silence, and Logan is mortified at his admission. "I'm sorry," he continues. "I know this is not professional."

"Come on, Logan. I've known you a long time, and we're not just colleagues. We're friends too. I really shouldn't have put myself in the middle of this. It's just that… Rory is not the same girl you introduced me to. She's still a gifted writer, but there's no joy in her work anymore. I don't think she's happy. I only told you about the rally because it may help you both. At least you can talk it out. See where you stand."

I want that. I want her. Dammit.

He sighs. "Where is it?"

The next day, Logan drives into town for the rally with a stomach full of butterflies. He has spent all night fantasizing different scenarios, and he has decided he has to take this chance. He has to see if there is any possibility of reconciliation.

Maybe by tonight, we'll be back together, and I can quit pretending to be happy.

The auditorium is packed. People and signs are everywhere, the chants of "Yes, we can" ringing through the air. The energy is infectious, and Logan allows himself a few minutes to be swept away.

I wonder if this has swayed Ace at all. If he can convince Hilary Clinton's biggest fan, he might just be able to take this thing.

Focus. How am I going to find her in here?

Maybe this is a stupid idea. Maybe I should go.

But I'm here now, and I have to know. If there is any possibility that she might still want me.

As Senator Obama takes the stage, the crowd settles its movements, and he can finally get a view of the crowd. He spots what he believes to be the press pool on the opposite side of the stage from him.

There are cameras, and they're wearing suits. That has to be them…

Rory is somewhere in those people.

His heart rate soars.

He tries to move as inconspicuously as possible, but he is getting a lot of looks. He finally stops moving and listens, though he really doesn't hear a thing. Soon it is over, and the crowd starts cheering wildly. Logan makes his move.

I have to do this now. I might not have another chance. Hugo wouldn't have told me to do this if he didn't think it would end well for me.

He is about one hundred yards from the press pool when he spots her. He slows to a shuffle, enjoying the sight of her after so long.

She is wearing a navy suit with her hair pulled back behind her ears. Even from this distance, he can see her pale skin and the bags under her eyes.

Hugo's right. She doesn't look happy. That shouldn't bring me so much joy, but it does.

He continues moving toward her. As he gets closer, Rory looks up and catches his eye. The bright blue stops him in his tracks. From here, he can see that she is wearing the earrings he gave her last Christmas.

That has to mean something, right?... Oh my God, I'm going to get her back.

A smile starts spreading over his face involuntarily. His feet begin working again, and he has to concentrate on not running. Then he sees her start to shake her head, giving him reason to slow down again.

What? Is this not a good time? I know she's working, but it's been months…

She looks down, rubs her eyes, then looks back at him again. He is suddenly rooted to his spot.

With a sigh, she turns on her heel and follows the group of reporters as they move in a pack away from the stage.

What… Where is she… I don't understand…

He can only watch her walk away. He has a fleeting thought to chase after her, but he quickly dismisses it.

I have some fucking pride, and I can only let her make a fool of me so many times.

She said no. She had reasons. Quit being so goddamn weak, and move on.

He stands there for a long time while the crowds move around him.

Finally, with a heavy heart, he treks back to his car. He calls Julie's friend, Kelly. They've been out a few times, and though he knows it's not really going anywhere, he needs a distraction. She invites him over, and he heads there with a solitary to goal- to fuck someone else until Rory Gilmore's eyes stop torturing him.

April 2008

He waits in front of the baggage claim with Josh and Honor as the carousel starts moving. Honor has her arms wrapped around his waist, like she can't get close enough.

"Honor," he laughs. "You're squeezing all the air out of me."

"I can't help it. I've missed you so much. It's been too long since we've seen you," Honor says.

Logan deflects. "I know. My work is crazy here."

"These two," Josh says pointing, then reaching for a suitcase. Logan grabs the other one, and they head for the parking lot to his car.

"Okay. You guys need food? You want to go home? What?" Logan asks them.

"I want to see your house," Honor says, climbing in the back seat. "I won't believe you have a yard until I see it."

"It's true. I actually mow the lawn myself," he says.

"How did you learn to do that?" Honor asks.

"Youtube."

"I can't believe this is your car," Josh laughs from the passenger side once they are on the expressway.

"Me either. But a used Altima is what fits into my budget these days," Logan says.

"Logan," Honor starts. "You know if you need money-"

"I'm good. I promise. It's just… my life now," Logan says.

Fifteen minutes later, Logan pulls up in front of his home. "I know it's different from city life," he begins.

"No, it's adorable," Honor squeals getting out of the car. She follows him up the steps to the front door. "I'm really proud of you." But upon entering the house, her brow furrows. "You have no furniture."

Josh laughs again. "He has a couch and a huge TV. What else does he need?"

"Yeah, you can tell a man lives here alone," Honor says.

Logan nods with a tight smile.

"I'm sorry," she stammers. "I didn't mean-"

"It's fine. I mean, it's true. A man does live here alone," Logan responds.

"Well… are you seeing anyone?" she asks.

That didn't take long.

"Babe," Josh says. "Leave him alone."

"Wouldn't be my sister if she weren't prying into my personal life. And… yes, I am… here and there, but nobody you'll be meeting this week," Logan says, giving Honor his sternest look.

"Okay, fine. I was just asking."

He wakes up early the next morning to find Honor at the kitchen table with a mug of coffee.

"You're up early," he says.

"East Coast time. What's your excuse?" she asks.

"This is what I do now. I'm a boring adult," Logan tells her.

She gives him a tight smile. "Can we talk? Before Josh wakes up?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"First, thanks for letting us come. I wanted to be with you on your birthday, and-"

"You wanted to hit Napa!" Logan laughs.

She doesn't laugh with him. "Why did you cut me out?" she asks bluntly, her tone markedly different than a moment before.

"What?"

"I know why you cut Mom and Dad out, and I understand why you had to move, but I don't know what I did to cause you to freeze me out too. It's always been you and me, and you just left without a word," she says.

"Come on, Honor. I have not-"

"When is the last time you called me? Or made any time for me? You didn't come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and I had to badger you into letting me come this weekend."

Logan is quiet for a moment, pondering her words.

"I'm sorry. You're right. I just… After everything with Dad and then everything with Rory, I just had to leave. I couldn't have the same life I had before. I had to completely start over just to survive," he admits.

"So you let go of Colin and Finn too?" she asks, although he can tell from her tone that she knows the answer.

Obviously I didn't. Why was Honor different?

He reflects for a few moments.

"I knew you'd make me talk about Rory. I'm still not ready to talk about it. I knew you'd want to analyze everything and figure out exactly what went wrong, when the truth is pretty simple. She didn't love me enough to marry me. And that's hard to admit," he says.

"Oh, Logan. I don't care about her or why you're not together. I only care about you and your happiness. I'm fine to never talk about her again, unless you tell me otherwise. Okay?" She looks to him for acknowledgement. "Just don't shut me out anymore."

He smiles at her. "Okay."

"Will you think about coming home for Christmas?" Honor asks.

"I don't know," he says. "I've been pretty happy without Mitchum and Shira in my life."

"Yes, I'm sure. But your new niece or nephew is going to be so excited to meet their Uncle Logan," she says, smiling.

"Wha-at?"

"I'm due in November," she tells him with a big smile.

"Congratulations," Logan says, hugging her tightly. "This is not going to be a good vineyard tour for you, huh?"

"You know I didn't actually come for the wine, Little Brother."

December 2008

Logan passes through the gate in his rental car and peers up at the house.

It looks exactly the same.

He parks and grabs his bags. He walks through the front door for the first time in almost two years, leaving his suitcase in the vast foyer and heading toward the lights and sounds of Christmas music.

His family are all seated in the keeping room, drinking in front of the Christmas tree, and intently watching the baby sleep in a swing. Mitchum is the first to look up and spot him in the entryway.

"Logan."

They all look back at him, but before he can say anything, his mother has rushed around to him. She gives him a genuine hug and whispers in his ear "We're so glad you've come."

What is this? No fake air kisses? No snide remarks about not calling first?

"I wanted to meet the newest member of the family, and I… I missed you guys," he says, throwing her a bone.

It's Christmas, and I should… It's almost… no… it can't be true…

Damn, have I actually missed them?

A/N: I can't update here again until I finish London, Baby. Something happens in 2009 that won't make sense if I don't make it happen in 2006 first! But only two chapters left there so bear with me.