It was the week before the wine auction, Rory was still undecided about attending. She was continuing her appointments with Dr. Anderson and he was strongly encouraging her to attend. He told her participating in something fun with friends would be really good for her. He had noted positive changes over the last two weeks, she was smiling more and talking more positively. All good things to help with her progress.

She also contacted Mr. Styles and he was thrilled that she wanted to post an update to her blog, even if it was basically to say good-bye, he really liked the idea of her readers having closure. He was still inundated with inquiries of her whereabouts on a daily basis. Her announcing her presence no longer made her the story and hopefully people would move on.

Finn was back staying with Logan and was happily assisting Honor in the party planning. Finn could take any stuffy society event and make it a good time. He was making sure it was going to be a fun event. He was also fairly confident he would convince Rory to go with him. So confident, that he and Logan went dress shopping for her. Finn chose a very sexy dress in dark sapphire. Logan told him she would never wear something so revealing and went the safe route with something more conservative in the standard black. He didn't know her that well, but she didn't seem like a risk taker and Finn's dress was a risk.

Logan selected a beautiful sapphire drop pendant necklace surrounded by diamonds. It would work with either dress and would bring out her eyes. He remembered her comment before about money meaning nothing, but he hoped she would accept the necklace. It really was the least he could do. He was quite accustomed to buying jewelry for women, so hopefully it suited her taste.

The building Logan owned was a high rise set up very similar to a hotel. There was a large lobby with a convention area on the main floor. The Great Room could accommodate 800 comfortably, depending on how it was arranged. There were just under 500 confirmed for the auction, the typical amount for a society event. Finn knew a crowd that large would overwhelm Rory. So, he had the evening arranged for the social/open bar to start right at 5, allowing a good hour of free drinks before the meal at 6. The auction would start promptly at 7, concluding likely around 8:30. Most of the elder society members would be leaving at that time. Finn figured that would be when he would bring Rory down.

It was the day before the auction and Finn was up early finalizing some key details. He stopped at Rory's favorite coffee shop and grabbed some drinks and was heading back to have breakfast with her. Since the fight had blown over and Finn was a frequent visitor, Rory had adopted their open door policy. It was easier that way.

Finn knocked and let himself in. "Good morning, Love. I have coffee!"

"Morning, Finn… I really need this today." Rory reached for her coffee and took a long drink. "Oh, so good! I didn't sleep well trying to decide if I'm going to go tomorrow." Rory was still in her pajamas and her hair was a mess.

"And…?"

"Well, I am going to try and make an appearance. I don't really have any of my formalwear here, but my grandparents are stopping by later, I have a few at their house my grandma can bring me one."

"Oh, yippee! This makes me very happy to hear. As for your dress, it's already been taken care of. I'll be right back." Finn was already out the door and heading into Logan's.

"Finn… where are you going?" Rory followed him to Logan's and stood in the entrance while he disappeared. He came back with two garment bags from Bergdorf's.

"Come on love, you need to try these on." Finn pulled her back to her apartment and into her bedroom.

Finn was busy pulling the dresses from the bag and hung them up on the door hooks.

"Oh my god, Finn. Where did these come from? They are amazing. Did you buy these? Oh my god…" Rory was rambling with excitement.

"Don't forget to breathe there, Love. Yes, Logan and I went shopping. Can you guess which one I picked?"

Rory stared at the dresses for a minute, carefully touching them. "Well, that is easy Finn. You bought the blue one."

"How did you know?"

"Because you tell me how good I look in blue every time I wear it, even when it's my old sweatpants and a grungy t-shirt." As she inspects the dress further, she has a leery expression on her face. "Um, Finn… I think part of the dress is missing."

"Oh no, it's all there." He smiled knowing exactly where this was going.

"I can't wear this Finn, this plunging neckline would go to my naval. And I'm not even sure where that slit goes! That is A LOT of skin."

"That is the point. And you can absolutely wear it, your body is perfect for it."

Rory walked toward the black one. Much more conservative but still form fitting, a sweetheart neckline with a lace overlay. A slit up the side but not nearly as far as the other.

"I like the black one. But, I can't accept these. I have dresses, they just aren't here. And, what in the world were you and Logan doing buying dresses, do I want to know?"

"Nonsense, you can and will accept these. As for buying dresses, it's a skill we acquired LONG ago. It was a lot easier to buy women dresses for events than give them our credit cards, we may have learned that lesson the hard way."

"You can't just set up an account somewhere?"

"Oh, we do. But, it's become a game to us. We usually bet on the winning dress. Which is why you have two, Logan was fairly certain you wouldn't wear the blue one, so he selected the black one."

"Is that so? Well, I hate to say this, Finn, but Logan is right. I can't wear the blue one."

"It doesn't matter to me, Love. I'm just so excited you are going, you can wear a dish towel for all I care." Finn really was beaming with excitement.

"Nice, Finn. I do think I have a potato sack around here from a Stars Hollow festival."

"I really do want to check out these festivals, your town sounds flawlessly eclectic to me."

"You would fit in perfectly, Finn."

"Oh, I almost forgot... I'll be right back."

Finn ran back to Logan's and came back with a small gift bag.

"Here, this is from Logan. And, before you tell me you can't accept it, please know this is Logan's way of apologizing. And, he is aware of your stance on wealth, but Logan is and always will be a very generous person. He wants you to have them."

Rory opened the bag and found two boxes. The first was a sapphire drop pendant necklace with matching diamond earrings. The second was a diamond hair pin.

"Wow…. These are incredible. Finn, I ca…."

"Stop… you can. Wear them tomorrow and give them away after if that makes you feel better."

"Wow… I just never would have guessed Logan to do something like this. The auction in the first place, the dress, the jewelry. It's a lot to take in."

"I told you the day we met, never judge a book by the cover."

"I want to stop over tonight and thank him in person. Will you be around?"

"I have a few last minute things to finalize. But, I will be in and out the rest of the day. Speaking of, I better get going. I have an appointment to get to shortly. I'll text you when I'm on my way back. Try on the dress, make sure it fits." Finn was heading back towards the door.

"Will do… talk to you later."

Rory was anxious all day to talk to Logan. She still couldn't believe everything he did and was doing. She heard the elevator ding and opened her door. Logan was just getting off.

"Hey Huntzberger…"

"Waiting on me… I'm flattered." The Huntzberger smirk made its appearance.

"Your prerogative."

"You are very chipper today. What is the occasion?"

"Well, Finn brought me gifts today. Pretty sparkly gifts."

"Is that right, I take it you agreed to go to the auction?"

"I told him I would make an appearance; I hope he doesn't get his hopes too high. I'm not exactly doing crowds these days."

"I think he is just happy you are going."

"Hey, you want to come in for a drink? I know what I said about not wanting new friends, but I may have been a little hard on you. Whadda ya know, I guess I'm not perfect."

"Is that right… well, let me drop my stuff off quick and I'll be over. A drink sounds nice."

Rory left her door wide open and started making drinks in the kitchen. Logan came back and since the door was open, he knocked and walked in.

"Hey… I'll just be a minute. Finn has been teaching me the art of mixology. Any preference?"

"Scotch, neat if you have it. Otherwise, anything of Finn's is usually pretty good. But, I do have some things to finalize downstairs so I need to stay semi-coherent. So, probably skip the Truth Serum, if he's taught you that one."

Logan started walking around. "Wow, Honor really did a nice job here. I never did see it when she finished, I had to catch a flight."

Rory walked toward him and handed him a drink. "Ah yes, the infamous flight to San Francisco to stalk the Rory Gilmore."

Logan wanted to respond but knew better. He walked down toward the window wall and was staring out at the skyline. The lights of downtown New York City were pretty amazing.

"You really have the better view. I would have chosen this apartment had there been roof top access."

Rory about choked on her drink with the mention of the roof top access.

"Are you ok?" Logan looked at her with concern.

"Yes, I'm good. Swallowed wrong." She lied. But, she wasn't getting in the middle of that secret. That was on Finn. "I've been in your apartment, Logan, it's way bigger and you have another bedroom and bathroom."

"That's true. But, this view is really amazing."

"I agree. This entire apartment is amazing. Much swankier than anything I've lived in before. It took a while to be comfortable here. But, I really do love it." Rory walked to the window and stood next to him. "Logan, I really wanted to say thank you in person for the amazing jewelry and dress. And, I did try to decline them and Finn wouldn't hear of it. I'm guessing you will only reiterate that. So, I accept them, even though it's way… WAY too much. And the auction in general, wow…you have no idea how much it means to me. So, thank you."

Logan just smiled at her. Her eyes sparkled when she rambled. "You guess right, I won't take them back. They are a gift, truly the least I can do after a few really poor choices on my part. As for the auction, I knew it would be important to you. And, it's high time we have a fundraiser that actually went to something with meaning instead of some art gallery. Not that art isn't important, but I think we can do better. And naturally, HPG is a huge advocate of reading, so it's quite fitting."

"It is." Rory smiled and walked to the couch and sat down. Logan sat across from her.

"You know, I read your blog yesterday. I'm really sad to hear you are changing career paths. You are such a talented writer, and the kind of ability you have is natural. It can't be taught, no matter what school you go to. That series on Ethiopia is one of the best things I've ever read."

Logan was watching Rory shifting on the couch. He could tell she was uncomfortable with the conversation. "Hey, I know it's not a great subject with you right now. But, I wanted you to know you are one of the best. So, I'll change the topic. I need to go downstairs and meet Finn, you want to come?"

"Oh… I don't think so. Thank you though."

"Come on, nobody is down there right now and I'm sure Finn could use a drink. Although, you will need to find a bigger cup." Logan raised his glass to her.

Rory let out a small chuckle and took a deep breath. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to stop down for a few minutes."

Logan helped Rory make fresh drinks and they headed toward the elevator.

When they reached the elevator, Rory stopped and looked at Logan very seriously. "I don't know if this is safe, Logan. This elevator is known to malfunction when you are around."

"ha ha… a comedian are you? I think you should stick with reporting."

They rode comfortably down to the Great Room. Logan was thankful for Rory's elevator joke, it lightened the atmosphere significantly. The elevator will forever remind him of his stupid idea.

They found Finn who was surprised to see Rory so comfortable with Logan. He was glad to see his two friends starting to become friends. He was also very happy they came with booze. Rory walked around and checked things out while Logan and Finn were finalizing the layout. Just as they were finishing their drinks, Finn came from behind the bar with new ones.

They sat down at one of the tables and the guys started reminiscing about their time at Yale. Rory couldn't help but laugh, she wasn't quite sure how they graduated considering they were never at school. They were having fun and not realizing that two hours had gone by. It was Logan that realized the time first.

"Wow, I can't believe it's almost 11. I'm sure Honor is freaking out since I haven't called her to finalize everything. I better get back upstairs."

Rory couldn't believe how late it was, she was actually having fun for a change. "I can't believe we have been down here over two hours. Let's all go back up." Rory was the first to get up and the guys got up behind her. They rode up in the elevator and exchanged their good-nights at Rory's door. She was actually looking forward to tomorrow. It has been a really long time since she's worn something other than sweatpants.

It was a chilly Saturday in February. Rory woke up early thinking about the wine auction. She was cuddled on the couch in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall. It was a light snow but the flakes were majestic like something you would see in a snow globe. She was excited about the evening… and a little scared. She hoped she could get through the night without any episodes. The panic attacks were less frequent the last few weeks; however, they were still happening and they were not fun.

Since Rory was up early, she decided to have some pastries and coffee delivered. She ordered extra to take over to Logan and Finn. When everything arrived, it was still before 7. She knew Finn wouldn't be up, but wasn't sure about Logan. She knocked softy not wanting to wake anyone up if they were still sleeping. When nobody answered, she opened the door and walked in and put the pastries on the counter. Just as she was leaving, Logan came around the corner in just a towel. Rory jumped.

"Oh my God, Logan, you scared me half to death." Her eyes couldn't help but wonder up and down.

Logan smiled as he realized she was totally checking him out. "Well, I could say the same to you. I was just getting out of the shower when I heard the door shut. I didn't think it was possible for Finn to be awake this early."

"No, not Finn. I ordered pastries and I picked up extra for you guys. I was just going to leave them on the counter. I did knock, nobody answered. I figured you were sleeping. I guess I'm not as stealthy as I thought."

Logan couldn't help but laugh. "No Rory, you may want to re-watch Mission Impossible. Thank you for the pastries. But no coffee?" He was joking.

Logan's lack of clothing was really starting to get to Rory. She couldn't stop looking, even when she was trying not to. "I did get coffee too, but I figured it would be cold before you got up. Let me grab it, I'll be right back."

Logan didn't even get a chance to tell her he was joking. Rory bolted out the door. He couldn't help but laugh at her obvious discomfort. He quickly stepped in his room and put on a t-shirt and sweats. He came out in the kitchen just as Rory was walking in.

"Here you go, it's still nice and hot." Rory really wanted to add… kind of like you, but she held back. She wasn't sure where these thoughts and feelings were coming from. It has obviously been awhile since she's been with anyone, her mind was going places it hasn't been in a very long time.

"Thanks, it was really nice of you. You always up this early?"

"No, I woke up kind of cold and went out to turn the fireplace on. I got caught up watching the snow fall. And, I really wanted some good coffee. I know there is a fancy machine over there, but I seriously tried to use it and I couldn't figure it out. It must be broken."

Logan was amused listening to her talk. Finn had told him all about her love of coffee. "I don't think it's broken. I can show you sometime. It's really not that hard."

"That would be good. I have yet to encounter a coffee maker I can't master, but apparently I have met my match. I better let you get going, I'm sure you are pretty busy today."

Logan wanted to invite her in and have coffee together. But Honor was coming by shortly. "Yes, today is going to be crazy for a bit. My sister is coming by shortly to meet with the event caterers and she expects me to join her. Thank you again for the coffee, I'm going to need it."

"You are welcome. It's the least I can do for everything you are doing today. I'll see you later."

Rory went back to her apartment and sat on the couch with her coffee. She couldn't believe how flustered she was earlier. She couldn't help but think back. Logan's abs were perfectly defined and her eyes were drawn to the water drops glistening off them in the light. Her mind was busy replaying the morning, enough where it actually tired her out. She fell back to sleep for a few hours.

She woke up just before lunch and put her hair up in curlers. She busied herself all afternoon with phone calls to her mom, Lane, and Paris. She filled them in on the upcoming auction and they were all so pleased to hear the happiness in her voice, especially Lorelai. It had been a really long time since Rory had initiated a phone call. It was a milestone.

It was just after 5 and Rory decided to start getting ready. She didn't want to go to the social or the dinner, but she did want to watch the auction. Finn was thrilled that she was excited and willing to put herself in such a crowd. He knew it was a big deal. She pinned her hair half up and left some of it down in the back. She did a smoky eye and natural colored lipstick. It had been a really long time since she'd seen herself dressed up. She had a new found confidence and made a bold decision to wear the blue dress.

She couldn't wear a bra, that part was obvious. But, there was no way she could not do something. A wardrobe malfunction was a guarantee. She didn't have any pasties but new she could use tape. Of course, she didn't have any of that either. She decided to go over to Logan's and see if she could find some.

Knowing they were both already downstairs, she let herself in. Just as she walked in a blonde was coming out of Logan's bedroom. She was stunning in her burgundy gown, wearing enough diamonds to light a midnight sky.

"Oh, hi. I'm sorry I didn't think anyone was here. I'm just looking for some tape."

"Oh my god, that dress is amazing. Where did you get it?" The blonde came over and started touching her dress. "And this necklace is stunning."

"Um, I'm not sure. A friend picked it out for me." Rory was not comfortable. This must be Logan's date and she didn't want to imply anything by saying Logan and Finn bought her dress and jewelry. "You wouldn't happen to know where some tape might be?"

"What kind of tape?"

"I need something for this dress, it was a last minute choice and I just moved in across the hall and I don't have all my stuff here."

"Oh my God!" The blonde shrieked. "You must be Rory! I'm so excited to finally meet you, I've heard so much about you."

"You have?"

"Yes, I'm Honor, Logan's sister."

"Oh, his sister." The relief in Rory's voice was apparent and Honor picked up on it.

"So, who bought the dress, Logan or Finn?"

"Finn."

"And the necklace?"

"Logan."

"I should have figured as much, they both have excellent taste. Now, let me see this dress again, I'm sure I can help you. This really is amazing. I'm guessing you assumed I was Logan's lady of the evening."

"Or the hour… it could really go either way." Rory wasn't quite sure where that came from, but she could tell Honor was quite aware of her brother's tendencies.

"I like you. Finn said I would." Honor started digging in her purse, she had pasties and tape. Rory gave her a bemused look.

"When you tend as many of these functions as I do, you always have to be prepared. Now, I have to get going, I just came up here to get something for Logan. I hope we can visit more downstairs?"

"Yes, that sounds good. Thank you Honor, you really saved me. I'll see you downstairs."

Rory went back to her apartment and finished getting ready. She found the perfect shoes and grabbed a handbag. It was 6:45 on the dot when Finn knocked and let himself in.

Rory was just coming down the hall. Finn caught a glimpse, his jaw dropped while he stared in disbelief.

"Finn, if you don't hurry up and say something you are going to give me a complex."

"I don't have the words." He paused another twenty seconds. "That dress is stunning, even better than I imagined. Let me see, turn around for me." Finn's eyes were wide. There was no back, the neckline did go to her belly button, and that slit could almost touch her hip bone. "Every man in that room tonight is going to be thinking about having his way with you, present company included."

"Finn, this is an amazing dress. It makes me feel beautiful, so thank you. Now, let's go get another drink. I may have started an hour ago. I really needed to take the edge off."

"That's my girl."

Heads turned when Rory and Finn walked into the Room. Logan was just walking up to the podium when he seen her. She was beautiful and never in a million years did he think she would wear that dress. Although, he would lose this bet a hundred times over if it meant he got to see her in that. He took a minute to regain his composure and announced the start of the auction.

Rory made her way to her grandparents to say hi. Emily made a comment about her dress needing a wrap, but Francine was quick to interject and told her it was perfect for her.

"Rory darling, you only get a body like that for so many years. You need to flaunt it while you got it." She reached up and toasted her glass. "Flaunt away. There are several handsome and single young men here tonight, you never know who you might meet."

Rory was feeling a little uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. "Thanks grandma. I better get back to my date. And before you ask, he's just a friend."

She made her way back over to Finn. Logan, Collin, Robert, and Honor had joined him. Finn made introductions. Logan finally found his voice.

"Rory, you look stunning tonight. That dress is incredible."

"Yes, thanks to your sister, she saved me earlier."

Logan looked at Honor waiting for an explanation. "It's a girl thing. She just needed a little help."

"I see. Well, I do hope you save me a dance later. I have to make another round. Have some fun, I'll stop by later."

The group was having a great time. And as predicted, once the auction was over, the majority left including Rory's grandparents. It was definitely a younger crowd and they were having fun. Logan had a few drinks in him and was annoyed watching Robert hit on Rory. They had already danced twice and now he kept putting his hand on her leg when he leaned over to talk to her. Logan didn't know why, but he didn't like it.

He decided to make a special song request and walked over to Rory. "Hey, did you remember to save me a dance?"

"There isn't anything playing, Logan."

"There isn't? Wait for it…."

And right on cue, Girls Just Want to Have Fun came on, but not the Cindy Lauper version, the GLEE version.

"Oh my God, Logan. I LOVE this song. How did you know?"

"Finn may have mentioned it. Now, shall we." He extended his hand and she reached up and took it. As they walked to the dance floor he put his hand on the small of her back. Electricity went through him as he touched her bare skin.

Rory could feel it too. She remembered the morning with him only in his towel and clammed up a little. Logan could tell she was trying to keep a respectable distance. He pulled her closer.

"I don't bite… unless you ask me to." He whispered in her ear.

Again, Rory could feel her body awakening to his touch and to his voice. "You really look amazing tonight. Seriously, that dress..." Logan looked her up and down appreciatively.

"Thank you, you look pretty good yourself Huntzberger." Rory allowed herself to take in his scent, it was intoxicating.

"So Rory, tell me about yourself. I don't really know much about you besides what Finn has told me."

"Well, there isn't a lot to know. I love books and coffee… that is pretty much my world. And, I may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with Jared Leto." Rory wasn't sure why she said that. Probably because he was making her nervous.

"Jared Leto huh… the musician or the actor"

"Doesn't matter, I'll take him either way." She said very matter of fact.

Logan was surprised at her boldness. "Is that so…. isn't he a little... old?" Rory just smiled.

"When you are that beautiful, age is really irrelevant. Although, I'm not exactly digging the full beard look, the guy really needs to find a razor." Logan just shook his head.

Rory and Logan were continuing their banter on the dance floor. Another song came on and they continued dancing unaware of their audience. Finn and Honor were intently watching the couple on the dance floor. Honor gave Finn a knowing look.

"I know, darling. I've thought it from the day I met her. They are perfect for each other; they just don't know it yet."

"I do believe you are right, Finny."

Logan was enjoying the closeness with Rory. She smelled amazing and there was a hint of cherry in the air.

"Are you wearing cherry lip gloss?"

Rory laughed. "It's actually cherry Dr. Pepper chapstick. It's my favorite. You have to try it."

"You want me to try your lip gloss?"

"It's chapstick... guys can wear chapstick. I have some in my purse at the table."

"Oh." Logan leaned over and whispered huskily in her ear. "I had another thought on how to try it?"

Rory got goosebumps. "Is that so… and what exactly would that entail, Mr. Huntzberger?" Rory looked directly into his eyes, her blue eyes sparkling innocently.

Logan started to lean in when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

"May I cut in?"

Rory's eyes turned as large as saucers…. "Liam!?"

A/N – Finally, some actual Rogan interaction! What do you think?! I love and appreciate all your feedback, so much so I am giving you back to back chapters as a thank you! Tell me what you think! ~T