Rory spent the rest of the weekend avoiding both Logan and Finn. She was so angry… angry with Logan, angry with the media, and just angry at the world. Her life was not at all what she wanted. Finn sent several text messages and she didn't reply once. She also never left her apartment. The doormen, all too quick to develop a sweet spot for the blue-eyed brunette, were more than happy to bring her food to her door. She also told her parents she was coming down with the flu and asked them not to come for a visit. She really just wanted to be alone.

Logan came clean to Finn about his involvement in Rhetta's avoidance. He also shared with him her actual name and her back story. Finn was furious with Logan and actually left Logan's apartment and went to one of his hotels. He had three more weeks in New York and did not want to spend it with someone capable of being so selfish. Finn has stood by Logan through a lot of shenanigans, but he could not understand how he could possibly think the elevator incident was a good idea. If only Logan had seen her on the floor the morning of the fire, maybe he would understand how broken she was. Finn saw it and all he wanted to do was help her.

Finn's parting words to Logan were to fix it, no matter what it took. Finn came by at least once a day and knocked on Rory's door. She didn't answer. It was Wednesday, five days after the fact, and Finn decided he wasn't leaving until he talked to Rory. He knew she was home. He stood outside her door and declared his innocence. He also told her she had 5 minutes to open the door or he would be coming in… in a not so traditional way, he was quite aware of the alternative access into the apartment. He gave her ten minutes hoping he would not have to result in drastic measures, but she did not respond and he was worried about her.

"Ok Love, I warned you. I will see you in 5. Make sure you are dressed!" Finn made sure he was extra loud. And with that, he entered Logan's apartment and went up to the roof. Logan's apartment had the only "official" rooftop access; however, unbeknownst to even Logan, Rory's apartment did too. Finn moved the outdoor rug covering the opening of the door and pulled on the door. It had been awhile since he's used it and he really had to tug on it.

Rory could hear the noise coming from the back of the apartment and just as she was walking into the laundry room, down fell a floating ladder and there was Finn.

"What the hell, Finn! Ever hear of breaking and entering?"

"I told you I was coming in!" he yelled back.

"Unbelievable, all you rich asshats think you can do whatever you want. You say you had no part in Logan's plan yet you act just like him. I want nothing to do with you people, why don't you get that?"

"I understand you are upset, and I'm upset too. I really was excited to have a new friend and then just like that she quits talking to me. But, here's the thing. I think you can use a friend just as much as I can, so how about you cut the crap and tell me what is going on."

"Like Logan didn't tell you?"

"He told me what he knows, but clearly he's missing some key pieces, Rory. Right, your name is Rory, not Rhetta? And you are a Gilmore and a Hayden? That is some blue blood. So maybe before you start condemning the rich, you should make sure you aren't one of us."

"I'll never be one of you." Rory said quickly.

"Oh, my dear, but you are. Now, it's freezing outside, can I close this door or am I going out the way I came in?"

Rory looked at Finn for a long time. She wanted to kick him out, but truth be told, she was feeling lonely. And, after analyzing (and then over analyzing) Logan's comments, she had come to the realization that she did need to do something with the current media situation.

"Close the door." She quickly turned around and walked back towards the living room where she had been sprawled out on the couch with the entire coffee table covered in food.

Finn closed up the door and a few minutes joined her in the living room. He took in the scene around him and realized what she was doing. "Excuse me, I thought I made it clear you were not to watch Glee without me!"

Rory rolled her eyes. "I wasn't planning to ever talk to you again. But, silly me, I forgot to factor in the part where you knew where the secret entrance is and breaking and entering is an apparent specialty of yours."

"Now, now, I do specialize in a few things, but none of them are breaking and entering. I was looking in on a friend…. a very stubborn friend who apparently forgot how the door handle worked."

"Ok, can we not do this. I was really getting to the good part. Can we just watch?" Rory really didn't want to fight. She had been fighting some intense internal battles the last few days, she didn't want any more.

"Now that is something we can agree on." Finn grabbed some licorice and settled in on the opposite end of the couch.

After watching the next three episodes, they needed a break. Finn decided to mix some drinks. He brought one back in the living room for Rory.

"So, a reporter, huh. I suspected as much."

"Yes, a former reporter. That isn't the life for me anymore."

"Interesting. I highly doubt former is a permanent prefix."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, I do know a thing or two about reporters. How does that saying go? Oh yes, once a reporter, always a reporter."

"If you say so." She took a drink and walked up to the kitchen. She came back with pop tarts.

Finn was hoping to engage her in conversation, hopefully opening up to him. But, she shut it down quick. He decided to let it go for now.

"How are you still hungry?"

"Well, I am a Gilmore, as you reminded me earlier. We Gilmore's like to eat."

"I see that." Finn was interrupted by his phone buzzing. He looked at the caller ID, "Excuse me love, I need to take this. I'll just be a minute."

Rory gestured for him to use the study. A couple minutes later, he came back out.

"I'm really sorry, Love, but I must get going. I have a situation at work that I must tend to."

Rory laughed. "Work, huh? You need to explain to me what exactly you do."

"That I will, but how about tomorrow?"

"Sure, sounds good. How about I come and get you for breakfast, I could really go for some bacon." Rory smiled remembering his offer to cook.

"Breakfast sounds good, but I'm not at Logan's anymore. I'll come by around 10. Does that work for you?"

Rory looked confused. She pretty much knew the answer, but asked the question anyway. "Why aren't you staying with Logan, Finn?"

Finn hesitated, not sure how much to tell her. He didn't have time for the 20 questions that would follow. "Well, you see, he hurt my friend. I don't like it when people hurt my friends." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "See you at 10. I'll use the main door this time." He followed up with his signature wink and off he went.

Rory did not like knowing that she had come between Finn and Logan's friendship. However, she had even more respect for Finn for standing up for her. For a guy she's only known a week, it felt more like a lifetime. She enjoyed everything about Finn, his personality, his witty humor, his ability to approach difficult conversations. Did she dare say he was like the brother she always wished she had? Yes, she thought brother. Finn was very attractive, and she would be kidding if her mind didn't go THERE at least once, but she knew better. She couldn't date him; it would ruin their friendship. And his friendship was something she was starting to realize she really needed. She also knew she needed to do something she didn't want to do.

It was after 7 and Rory heard Logan come home. She waited about 20 minutes and then went across the hall and knocked.

Logan looked through the peep hole thinking it was Finn. He was nothing short of shocked to see it was Rory standing there. He wasn't sure what he was walking into.

He opened the door. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, she does know how to knock." He was wearing his infamous smirk.

"Really Logan, are you always this sarcastic? Trust me, I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here."

"Is that so…. why are you here, Rory?"

"Well, I did some thinking about what you said and as much as it pains me to say, you were right. I do need to issue a statement."

"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?" His smugness was too much for her.

"Ugh, this was a mistake!" Rory quickly turned to head back to her apartment.

Logan followed after her. "Rory wait. I'm sorry."

It was Rory's turn to mock. "What was that, can you repeat that?"

Logan chuckled… "Yes, I can and I will. I'm sorry for the sarcasm and I am really sorry about the elevator."

"So you admit you did it on purpose?" Rory was surprised she was staying so calm about it.

"I did. And, I'm sorry I lied to you. I know it doesn't mean much now, but I don't lie to people. When you asked me I wanted to tell you the truth, but I didn't want you to have another panic attack. I really am sorry I caused that. You have no idea how sorry. I hope you can forgive me."

"Forgive huh? Well, I'm not sure I'm there yet. But I do accept your apology. I really hope you are being sincere and not just a really good actor."

"I assure you, it is sincere. I really want to make this up to you. Anything you want, just name it."

"Logan, I'll let you in on a little secret about me, money means nothing to me. I value things like integrity and heart. Neither of those things you have. You are who you are, you don't have to make anything up to me. Now, I also came to talk about Finn. I really hate that I have somehow come between your friendship."

Her words cut deep but he wasn't going to show her that. "Finn can be incredibly stubborn. And, he is super protective of his friends. Usually, I'm the one he's protecting so this is new for me. I know I need to make it up to him."

"He's coming back tomorrow, I will talk to him. I don't want to be the cause of any ill feelings with you two. I just wanted to let you know. Have a good night, Logan."

Rory turned back toward her apartment again. Logan didn't know what to say, but he didn't want the conversation to end like that. "Rory, do you want to come in for a drink? You know, Finn isn't the only one capable of being a good friend."

It was Rory's turn to laugh. "Thanks Logan, I'm not really looking for new friends right now. Have a nice night." She walked into her apartment and shut the door.

Logan just stared at her door perplexed. How many times was this woman going to shut (or slam) a door in his face?

Logan went back to his apartment and into the study. He had been researching and reading all the pieces Rory had written over the years. She was an incredibly talented writer. And it was obvious through her writing she had both integrity and heart. While Logan would never admit it, her words from earlier had stung. He hated how people perceived him. Glancing through a few of the articles he had printed out, he came across once that had particularly moved him. And just like that, he knew what he needed to do. He was going to need some help. Finn was his go-to man in situations like this, but with him out of the picture, he needed a plan B. He dialed the only other person he knew that could help.

She answered on the second ring. "Hi, little brother. What do you need?"

"Can't I just call to talk to my wonderful sister?"

"You can, but you don't. So Spill."

"Well, you know me well. I need some help with an event, and I know nobody plans an event like you."

"Ah… flattery, works every time. And where is the notorious Finn?"

Logan hesitated a moment longer than he should have. "Finn is not able to help right now."

"Interesting, what did you do Logan?" The thing about Honor Huntzberger, she doesn't mince words. She says it how it is. She also loves Logan very much. They may not have a great family, but they always have each other.

"I didn't do anything, Honor."

"Ok, stick with that. I'll just call Finn and ask him."

"Wait!"

"I knew it…" Logan just rolled his eyes, he could hear the smugness in her voice. It really was a Huntzberger trait.

Logan proceeded to tell Honor the situation, leaving out the elevator incident.

"So, let me get this straight, Finn has become besties with your new neighbor and you somehow got in the middle of that … upsetting Finn enough where he actually went to a hotel? What are you leaving out, Logan? Ugh, did you try to sleep with her?"

"Let's just say I screwed up, the particulars don't really matter at the moment. But, this event will show both of them that I am really sorry and I'm not really an asshole… as I was so eloquently called recently."

"Hmm… I like this girl already. I can't wait to meet her. You really think she will come?"

"I think once she realizes what it's for, she won't be able to not make an appearance. It's something that means a lot to her."

"Okay, very well. I will get the full story eventually. I will help you, but two weeks is not that much time. However, you give Hartford society a chance to boast their wealth, I think it's more than doable. I'll get started and call you later. Will you take care of the press release?"

"Yes, I will get it in tomorrow's paper. I'll send it to them all, even the ones outside of HPG. That should bring in some big donors."

The next day Finn arrived at 10 as promised. He brought coffee from the new coffee house across the street. He also grabbed Rory's paper that was in front of her door. One of the perks of living in a Huntzberger owned building, a free HPG paper every day.

Rory opened the door this time when Finn knocked.

"Good Morning, Love. I come bearing gifts."

"Oh, the nectar of the Gods. You are a good man, Finn. Did you get everything situated at the hotel?"

"I did. All is right again. So, you still hungry for bacon? I can give you a cooking lesson?"

"Yes, bacon sounds amazing. I had some delivered this morning. And some eggs. Although, don't hold out hope on that lesson, I'm quite certain I'm a lost cause."

Finn laid the paper on the counter and started on the food prep. Rory watched and was quite impressed, Finn really did know his way around the kitchen.

"Wow, Finn. You continue to surprise me. I never would have pegged you for a cook."

"Ah, yes. One of the boarding schools we were at forced it on us. Both Logan and Collin can actually cook as well, Logan is quite good."

"I suppose that is one benefit of living an ocean away from your family." Rory was getting the plates and silverware ready.

"One benefit?… we LOVED boarding school, all of them. And there were a few. Lots of great memories, lots of great women."

"I see, always about the women aren't you Finn."

"Is there any other way?"

"I suppose not." Rory just laughed and shook her head.

"Ok, this is ready. Hand me a plate, darling."

Rory and Finn sat at the counter enjoying their breakfast. Finn was skimming the front page of the HPG paper when he flipped over the fold. He just took a drink of coffee and started choking.

"Are you ok, Finn?"

It took Finn a minute to get his bearings back, but once he did he gestured toward the article.

YOUNG HUNTZBERGER ANNOUNCES WINE AUCTION – ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE NATIONAL LITERACY CAMPAIGN FOR ETHIOPIAN CHILDREN

Rory was confused for a moment but started reading. Logan was hosting a wine auction in two weeks in the Great Room of their building. Donors would be published identifying the item they brought and how much money it raised. There would be a $5,000 seat charge per person to be in attendance.

"What in the world is this about, Finn? Who in their right mind would pay $10,000 per couple to come buy overpriced wine?"

"Actually, it's quite clever. The Hartford elite LOVE the opportunity to flaunt their wealth, and publishing their names as donors and/or attendees at a Huntzberger benefit further solidifies their place among the rich. It's a really great way to raise a lot of money fast. Now, the Ethiopia part has me confused, that is not something you would normally see as a benefactor."

"I think I understand the Ethiopia connection. I went to talk to Logan last night."

Finn's eyes got huge. "You did? Oh, please tell me you didn't share my entrance plan with him. I haven't exactly told Logan about it yet."

"What? How would Logan not know about the rooftop access, it's his building." Rory was confused.

"Well, you see, he doesn't know. Logan kicked Collin and I out of his apartment one night when he was otherwise engaged with a guest. We were having a party and it got out of hand. Logan made us move it across the hall to this place." He said gesturing to Rory's apartment. "We all had way too much to drink and we were trying to reenact the scene from the Hangover when they were on the roof, except we forgot we didn't have roof access. So, we had this great idea to create rooftop access."

"We?"

"Okay, perhaps it was my idea, but Collin made sure we found the best location and I created the explosion."

"Explosion, what the hell did you do Finn?"

Finn laughed. "Exactly what I wanted to do, I created access to the roof. Except Logan came barreling over after hearing the noise. He kicked everyone out, he didn't let me explain anything. He just told me he didn't want to know and that I had one day to fix everything. When I found a contractor to fix the hole, I asked if they could make it into a rooftop door with stairs. Having everything already open, he quickly assessed and said it would be structurally sound to make the modification. I paid him triple his fee if he could do it in a day and he happily agreed. When I talked to Logan later that night, he only asked if the damage was taken care of. Of course, I said it was and he never asked for the details. So, you see, that is how he doesn't know. I do plan to tell him eventually." Finn continued eating his breakfast as if the revelation was really no big deal.

Rory just listened in disbelief. "Well Finn, your secret is safe. I didn't share that part with him. But, I did tell him he was right about me issuing a statement."

"Oh love, you never tell a Huntzberger he is right. It goes right to the head."

"I noticed. I also told him I didn't like that you two were in a fight because of me. I don't want to get in the middle of your friendship."

"Now, that is none of your concern, darling. Logan and I will figure it out, we always do. But, giving him some time to think about how shitty he acted is a good thing. I told him he needed to make it right and he will. I still don't understand the charity event."

"Well, last year I did a 3-part series on the literacy rates in Ethiopia, especially in children. My heart broke when I wrote that piece, I typically don't like to be so emotional in my writing, but I couldn't not. My boss loved it and printed it without edits. It generated a lot of buzz right away with donors, but nothing to really put a dent in what they need to turn things around. It's definitely the one piece I am the proudest of. Spending time in a country like Ethiopia really changed my outlook on life. I may be blue blood like you say, but I wasn't raised in society. I believe money should be used to help others and not ourselves."

"So you think Logan is doing this event because of the article you wrote?"

"Well, I did question his integrity and told him he didn't have any heart. He didn't seem to take too kindly to that."

"Ahh… there it is, Love. I get it now. This is his apology to both you and me. Logan has always been a fan of the big gestures. Hmm….I'm impressed. I'll give him that."

"This is just ridiculous Finn, I told him I accepted his apology last night, this is just over the top."

"Well, Logan is a fan of over the top. You questioned his integrity, he doesn't like that. Logan is well aware of the reputation he has, and while he will never admit it, he doesn't like it. It's not who he is and those of us that know him, know that. He's really trying to change what others think of him, he's not the Logan he was in college, not that he ever really was."

"So, the event is actually about him changing his reputation?"

"Yes, I'm sure that is part of it. If it was only about his reputation, he could have chosen a hundred different charities. But he chose Ethiopia, because you my dear, are the reason. He is trying to show you he has both integrity and heart. And, by making this gesture of apology to you, he's making it right with me. He's always been the smartest of the bunch."

They were interrupted by Rory's cell phone ringing. It was her grandparents, she excused herself to take the call. She came back a few minutes later to find Finn cleaning the kitchen.

"Well, news travels fast. My grandparents called to tell me they read the notice in the paper and they have wine they will be bringing by for the auction. They will also be attending. My grandmother Francine as well. I still can't believe people have no problem spending that kind of money for one night."

"That's how it works. The more expensive, the more intrigue to show up. Nobody is going to want to miss it. Speaking of, what are you going to wear?"

"Huh? I'm not going Finn."

"What, you have to. I really want you to come as my date."

"Date?"

"Yes, my date. And, not the way you are thinking. I know we can never date like that. Not that it hasn't crossed my mind, because it has. But, I'm still Finn, and I promise you I will screw it up and I won't risk our friendship over that."

"You know, I think I had this exact conversation with myself yesterday. I wouldn't want to jeopardize our friendship either."

"Oh, so you were thinking about Finn yesterday, were you Love? Care to share the parameters of these thoughts?" Finn raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"Oh Finn, cut it out. You are a very attractive man and you know it. So, obviously the thought has crossed my mind."

"Is that right? Well, Love, you are gorgeous… and very much out of my league. So, just know you can't get mad when you find me checking you out, because I will, I can't help it."

"Duly noted. But, I still can't be your date." Rory paused for a minute as Finn looked at her confused. "I suppose this is where I tell you my whole story now?"

Rory filled Finn in on the last few months of her life and how she hasn't left her dad's place or her apartment since she's been home. Things made so much more sense to Finn, and he was glad she finally felt comfortable sharing her secrets with him.

"Well Love, the way I see it. You won't be leaving your apartment. It's no different than going downstairs to get your food. You will be in the same building. And, hear me out here… if at any moment you feel the need to leave, I promise I will leave with you. Please, just think about it."

"Ok, I will think about it."

Finn and Rory spent the rest of the day finishing season 3 of Glee. Later that evening when Logan came home, Finn went over to his apartment and they talked about the charity event. Finn told him he was quite impressed with the grand gesture, but also disappointed he didn't get a phone call to help put the plan in action. Logan told him he would make it up to him by buying the drinks for the night at the pub. And with that, all was forgiven and Logan and Finn headed out for the night.

A/N: Sorry for the delay. Lots of family obligations at the moment. I seriously LOVED all your reviews and comments on the last chapter. Reading the comments is the best part of writing, for me anyway. Thanks for sticking with me! Up next, the charity event and some much anticipated ROGAN fun. Update will be coming soon, hopefully tomorrow. ;)