Rory headed back upstairs to her apartment. Her hip was still killing her but she didn't want Finn fussing over her. Finn made a quick lunch and gave Rory instructions to take some pain relievers and a nap. He was going to check that everything was ready for the party.
Finn went across the hall to catch up with Logan. Logan was in the study with the door closed. "Ugh, that guy works way too much." Finn said quietly. He decided to take a shower and get ready for the day. When he finished, Logan was in the kitchen making himself lunch.
"Hey man, I made food. Hungry?" Logan asked as he was getting a plate.
"No, I ate with Rory just a bit ago. Can't leave that girl to her own devices in a kitchen, we don't need another fire."
Logan chuckled…. "We can add ladders to that list as well. But she can make a great cup of coffee. She still limping?"
"Yeah, she's in pain. Didn't want to say anything to me, but she's not exactly a master of deceit. I told her to take a nap and I'd come and get her later. I was just going to head downstairs and check in."
"Oh… since you were MIA this morning, I took care of the inventory. Everything is on order."
"Mate… you really need to relax more. I had plenty of time to get that done." Finn grabbed a beer from the fridge and offered one to Logan.
"Why not." Logan said as he twisted off the top. "I was down there any way, figured I could easily do it. Rory wanted to help decorate, which is why we ended up down there in the first place."
Finn had been waiting for the right opportunity to ask about the hot tub without Logan getting defensive. He figured now was just a good a time as any.
"Speaking of Rory…."
"Finn." Logan's response was quick and firm… and clearly wanted it to be final.
"Come on Logan…. She was sitting completely un-phased in her undergarments next to you. And the second I show up, she couldn't reach for a towel fast enough."
Logan had hoped Finn didn't notice that. She did grab her towel a little frantically. However, he should have known better, Finn sees it all. So, rather than make it a big drawn out conversation, he decided to end it fast.
"Well, I have seen her naked. So…" Logan continued eating his sandwich.
Finn choked a little on his beer but quickly regained his composure, he knew exactly what Logan was trying to do.
"Cut the crap mate…. Do you have feelings for her?"
This time Logan was caught off guard. This was way too much of a conversation to have with Finn right now, especially sober. He didn't expect Finn to call him out like that. He knew of all the people in his life, Finn and Honor could always see right through him. He decided to just be honest, it was the quickest way to end the conversation.
"I don't know man. She's different. Intelligent, beautiful, funny." Logan smiled thinking about her and he paused. "She's also incredibly complicated… and a little messed up right now. I don't do complicated or messy."
This time Finn was the one to chuckle. "Logan, I've been your best mate for as long as I can remember. So, I'm just going to say what I think."
Logan interrupted… "I don't think friendship is a requirement for you speaking your mind."
"Excuse me…. Let me finish."
"Sorry, please continue Finn."
"I know you think you don't do complicated, but you live for complicated. Mindless sheilas serve one purpose for you… which is why you can walk away the next day and never think twice about it. But you need more, you need depth, and with depth comes complication."
"Well…. Dr. Freud… is it?"
Finn was quick to put his hand up stopping him from continuing. "Logan, don't mess with her. You're either all in or your out. Yeah, she is a bit of a mess. But, she's trying like hell to figure that out. But, I don't think she's one to handle whatever is about to happen with you two… she doesn't seem like the type for casual. And I don't think you know any other way. But, if I'm being totally honest, I think you two would be good together."
Logan got up and put his plate in the sink. He really wanted to tell Finn he's had this very same conversation with himself on repeat now. "I know Finn and I appreciate your honesty. I don't want a relationship, but…."
Finn was quick to cut him off, "No buts, Logan. That's it…. Be her friend. And leave your hands… and ALL other extremities to yourself!"
Logan rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I've got to finish up something for work, but I'll meet you downstairs in an hour or so."
Logan closed the door of his study as Finn finished up his beer and headed downstairs. Finn was very much looking forward to this party.
Everything was set downstairs. The caterers had table after table of "green" food available. There were chips and dips of many and steak kabobs with green pepper and onion. The slider buns were green with meat and cheese in the middle with a green shamrock toothpick holding it all together. There was an entire table with a giant rainbow made of different colored fruits and big fluffy clouds of fruit dip at each end. The dessert table was filled with green cookies, cake pops, macaroons, and a variety of different bars. It was not your typical society party food this time around…. there was something very different about it. That difference would be the "Lorelai Influence" as Rory called it. Finn disagreed, he just called it the "Gilmore" influence as Rory enjoyed all the quirky details just as much as her mother.
There was a make-your-own waffle station, per Rory's request, with pitchers full of green batter ready to be poured into the hot irons that lined the table. There was a spread of different toppings and syrups available. Finn had originally said no to the idea, but decided to surprise Rory. He also thought the syrups could make for an interesting evening later if the occasion presented itself.
In the center of the room was a giant fountain with green beer raining down from it. Looking around the room in appreciation, Finn and Logan grabbed a couple of kabobs and headed upstairs to change.
Finn came out in a typical over-the-top Finn costume, green and white checkered pants, a white top with green suspenders, a giant leprechaun hat… accessorized with several strands of green beads with light-up shamrocks and shamrock shaped sunglasses that blinked. He was very proud of his ensemble and waited in the living room for Logan.
He groaned when Logan appeared in his khakis and green colored polo. "Come on mate…. Did you even try?"
"Shut it, Finn. I don't do costumes. You know that." He looked at Finn and the twenty strands of beads around his neck. "You know, it's not Mardi Gras, right?"
Finn reached over and put a necklace on Logan. "Better. Hey, never hurts to try. I'm pretty sure there is enough liquor downstairs to make a few girls forget what holiday it is." Finn winked and headed toward the door. "Hurry up, let's go get our lovely neighbor."
As they headed across the hall, neither were prepared for what they saw. There was Rory in a green and navy plaid mini with a green polo with the buttons open. She had her hair parted down the middle with braids on each side with green ribbon braided in. She had matching plaid socks pulled up to her knees with black leprechaun loafers. She had glittery green eye shadow with false lashes and green shamrocks painted on each cheek.
Logan was paralyzed in his stance and his mouth. Finn was the first to speak… "Oh, Love! You look perfect. Logan here doesn't have a clue about proper attire, but you… YOU get it." He reached around her waist and lifted her up while giving her a quick spin.
"Agh…." She shrieked caught off guard. "Put me down, Finn." Finn obliged and she gave him a quick once over. "Finn… I love your costume. It's perfect." Finn beamed proudly and watched her face as she took in Logan's appearance. "Come on Logan, you cannot wear that." Finn nudged Logan in the side… "told ya!"
"Stop it, both of you. This is just fine." Logan managed after finally finding words. "You look great, Rory." He gave her another once over. He couldn't believe it, her legs looked incredible in the skirt and her cleavage very much displayed with her buttons opened.
"Nope… not going to work." She grabbed Logan by the hand and dragged him off to her bathroom. Normally Logan would have made a crude comment about the bedroom, but he was so caught off guard he didn't say anything. Finn followed them close behind.
When they got to her bathroom, both Logan and Finn looked around with their eyes wide. "What the hell happened in here, Rory. It looks like a bomb went off." Logan laughed. There were a dozen different tops and skirts on the floor, and what looked like the entire Macy's make-up counter was dumped on every available surface. "Oh, be quiet. Sit." She yanked Logan to the vanity and had him sit on the stool. "Now, let me see." Logan was about to interject, but she stepped right in front of him and put her hands in his hair. Logan could see directly down her shirt and he was enjoying it. "Now, I can do this two ways Logan, I can use this green spray here and give you a light dusting, or skip the spray and you can wear this Leprechaun hat." As she reached over and grabbed the ugliest green hat he'd ever seen. He didn't say anything and she finally stepped back and looked at him. "Logan?"
Logan didn't hear a word she said, she kept running her hands through his hair and he was trying his hardest to keep his hard-on from getting any more prominent.
"Logan?"
Finally, Finn grabbed the bottle of spray from Rory's counter and drenched his head.
"What the hell, Finn!" Logan shouted as he jumped off the stool.
"Well, the lady asked you a question and you didn't answer. Looks good. Still missing something."
Rory couldn't help but laugh. "I agree, Finn. Sit, I'm going to paint you a shamrock on your cheek."
"Hell no, Rory." Logan protested again.
"Sit!"
Logan wanted to put up a fight, but what he really wanted was her touching him. He didn't care if that meant looking like an idiot at the party. He sat back down on the stool as Rory came closer drawing an outline on his cheek with what he could only assume was eyeliner.
"I'm going to go make us some drinks, we have about 15 minutes, Love. Work some magic with our boy here." Finn headed out to the kitchen to make up some drinks.
"Sit still Logan, it will only take a few minutes." Logan was quickly in a trance; her chest was practically being pushed in his face. She smelled amazing, once again like vanilla and strawberries. He wanted to taste her skin to see if there was any resemblance.
He shifted again as he desperately tried to hide his erection. But there was no use, he was rock hard and he didn't care if she knew it.
He reached down and slowly started sliding his hands up her legs. She jumped back.
"Logan…"
"Rory…" he mocked her.
"What are you doing, sit still, I need to finish this."
"I want to check on your bruise from earlier… and, well, I would very much like to finish what we started in the hot tub." His hands continued to climb up her thighs until he reached under her skirt and grabbed her ass. He took a minute to appreciate the tiny lace panties she had on. Then he pulled her on his lap letting her feel how hard he was. Rory inhaled sharply. He reached over and whispered huskily in her ear.. "So, what do I get for allowing you to decorate me."
With barely a barrier between them, Rory could feel all of him. Her face quickly flushed. She could still feel Logan's breath on her neck and it gave her goosebumps. Logan started to softly kiss on her neck, just behind her ear. Rory still not able to object, instead offered a soft moan as his touch felt amazing. Her mind was becoming clouded, but she could hear Finn talking to them from hall.
He was coming with their drinks. She quickly jumped off Logan's lap, much to his disliking. He went to say something but then he heard Finn talking. He started shifting uncomfortably as he looked down. Rory got the message and grabbed one of the towels off the counter and laid it in his lap. She started filling in the shamrock like nothing happened.
Finn walked in and sat Rory's drink down on the counter and handed Logan his. "At your service." He joked. Logan took a giant gulp and cringed…. "Holy shit, Finn. A little strong?"
"You should know by now, the first drink of the night needs to be strong, the rest are meant for sipping unless you want to be passed out in your room by 10."
"Yeah, yeah…"
"Stop talking you two, I'm almost done here." Rory swatted at Finn.
"Yes, mother." Finn kidded.
Rory stepped back to look at her masterpiece. "So much better." She said grinning. Logan looked in the mirror and only shook his head. He now had green hair, a light up shamrock necklace, and a glittery shamrock on his cheek. He looked ridiculous.
"Let's go." He said as he slowly got up gesturing for Rory to walk in front of him. As they walked through the apartment out to the elevator, his conversation with Finn earlier came rushing back. What in the hell was he doing? He couldn't help it with her, he was drawn to her. And, no matter what happened now, it would never end well. He couldn't do that to her.
Logan was completely silent in the elevator down. Rory, while still engaged in conversation with Finn, took notice of that. When they all got off the elevator, she stayed back as Finn took off into the room.
"Why so quiet"
"Huh, oh, it's nothing."
"About earlier…. Logan,…"
He cut her off. "I know, I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."
Logan distracted himself by watching the guests come in the main building entrance. Had he been looking at Rory, he would have noticed her face fall completely. She recovered quickly and plastered a fake smile.
"Well, let's get this party started then." She turned and headed inside the Great Room.
She was shocked at how amazing everything looked. The fountain hadn't been set up when she was there earlier, it was stunning. It was illuminated with green lighting and the beer sparkled as it flowed. Finn grabbed her arm when he noticed her come in.
"Come… I have a surprise, Love."
"Eeeeek… the waffle station!" Rory clapped her hands and jumped up and down. "I love it, Finn. I can't thank you enough!"
"Well, you could jump up and down a few more times. That would be a start." He winked at her and she quickly slapped his arm. "Stop that, Finn."
He just laughed and watched as she walked along the tables of food. She stuck her finger in the giant cloud of fruit dip…. "Mmmm… I don't know about the fruit, but I could eat this all night." She said as she finished licking her finger.
"You keep licking your fingers like that love, you will have any man you want tonight."
She licked her finger once again in challenge… "Then it's a good thing I'm not looking for one." She smiled and turned as she heard someone calling Finn's name.
Collin and Stephanie were calling them over. Finn did quick introductions as Steph and Rory hadn't met before. Steph was dressed in a very similar out fit as Rory, and the same plaid skirt.
"Oh my god," She shrieked, "I love your skirt!" They both laughed and quickly hit it off. Steph looked over as Logan started walking toward the group.
"What the hell Logan, I never thought I'd see the day you actually dressed up for one of Finn's parties."
Logan rolled his eyes. "It wasn't my idea, believe me."
She turned her attention back to Rory, "It was you, wasn't it neighbor girl? You are a good influence on him."
Rory smiled…. "Well, he needed a little help. It's a dress-up party, you don't wear khakis and a polo."
"Oh, trust me I know. But, you managed to do one better than me. Have you seen Collin?" Rory looked over at Collin, finally realizing what he was wearing… khakis and a green polo.
"Wow." Rory muttered dryly.
"I know." Steph said as she sighed.
"He had on the exact same thing." Rory said pointing to Logan.
"Stop it you two" Logan chastised. "I have a feeling you two are going to be trouble tonight."
Robert walked up behind them… "Oh look, twinsies. Does that mean you two will make-out later?" Robert raised his eyebrows at them seductively.
"Hmm… maybe if you're lucky." Steph grinned. Rory's smile faded, she wasn't very comfortable with that comment and Logan noticed.
"Knock-it off, Robert. Show the ladies some respect." Logan commented as he slapped the back of his head.
"Respect… Ole Stephie here is asking for it. She's always my favorite truth-or-dare player."
Logan had to laugh at that one, Steph was always a little on the wild side. She could make anything fun. "Ladies, can I get you a drink?" Logan asked.
"Sure… two sex-on-the-beach with extra cherries, please." Steph said not even looking at Logan but continuing her flirtation with Robert. She noticed Robert's eyes go hazy. "Hey Robert, I know what you're thinking about now don't I?" She returned the raised eyebrow seductive look he gave her earlier. "And, guess what?" She whispered as she got closer to him. Robert shifted as her hair brushed against her cheek… "What?" He choked out. Steph leaned in even closer, "not a snowballs chance in Hell." And with that she grabbed Rory and pulled her over to admire the fruit rainbow.
"Tease." Was all Robert managed to say.
"Taken." Logan countered.
"Taken, huh... that's interesting. I've never heard Collin mention a girlfriend before."
"Knock it off, Robert. If you want to stay for the party, you better not pull any shit."
While Steph and Collin may not be an "official" couple, everyone knows Steph belongs to Collin and Collin to Steph. They've been playing this game for years now. They fight, end up with other people, but always find their way back to each other. And to the outside world, that may be confusing as hell as to why they wouldn't commit… but for the rest of them, they got it.
In the world they lived in, committed relationships do not last. Couples of the same social standing are forced together to produce an heir and then someone always cheats… or takes off. Loads of drama and lots of fighting… but no love. There is never any love.
"Well, Logan, Steph may be 'taken' as you call it, but Rory's fair game now isn't she." Robert glanced over to Rory. "Ooom ooom oom… those legs wrapped around me. I'm guessing I could teach her a few things." Robert didn't even look back at Logan, just headed toward the girls.
Logan stood there, not realizing he was balling his hands into fists. Collin did notice.
"Robert up to the same shit again?"
"Isn't he always. Steph put him in his place earlier."
"I was watching."
"Collin… you two. Aren't you tired of the games?" Logan asked sincerely.
"Hell no…. Steph gets off on this shit. She can flirt with every man here tonight because we both know at the end of the night, it will be my cock she's milking. And, these "games" as you call them, are her primer."
Logan once again just shook his head. "I'm going to get the girls their drinks." He headed off toward the bar. This was going to be an interesting night.