"Hey, Ace," Logan greeted Friday morning, falling into stride with the pretty brunette.

"Do you have coffee?"

"Uh, no."

"Then why are you talking to me?"

He grinned, "Easy there. I just wanted to let you know that your boyfriend's welcome at the party tonight."

"Hah, seriously, Logan? That's nice and all, but Jess at a party like that? With Colin and Finn? That's dangerous to the health of many people, including mine."

"Just thought I'd offer," he shrugged, then raised his eyebrows slightly, "Are you going to wear something breathtaking and drive all the men crazy?"

"You are such an ass!"

"I was just curious!"

She rolled her eyes, and he couldn't help but grin. When she was angry her eyes practically twinkled, and she looked even more beautiful than she normally did. He could tell she was actually starting to like him, even though the improvement was small and hardly noticeable. It took her slightly longer to get fed up and walk away now, and occasionally she would smile a true and real smile. And her smile was stunning.

Damn it. He had to stop thinking about her like that. She was a smart, beautiful, intelligent girl who he wanted as a friend, and only as a friend. He had never met anyone who talked to him the way she did, or shot comments back and forth at quite the same pace. He shook his head slightly, Rory Gilmore was one of a kind, and he was already used to having her around. There was a connection there, on his side anyway. But even if she didn't see it yet, he knew it was on her side too.

"I don't even know why I'm coming tonight," she reminded him.

"Because you actually like me, you just don't want to admit it."

"Logan, darling," she stated sarcastically, "I like you about as much as rats like aresenic. Are we done here?"

He nodded towards her classroom, "Nobody's stopping you."

She tossed a glare over her shoulder as she stepped inside, but Logan only smiled in return. Talking to Rory was the most interesting part of his day.

"Oh, Huntzberger," Stephanie's voice said from behind him, "You do know she's not going to fall at your feet just like every other girl, right?"

He shook his head with a smile, "That's why she's so intriguing."

"She's not your type."

"I know."

"She has boyfriends. That means you would have to have the dreaded 'g' word."

"I don't want to date her," he paused, collecting his thoughts, "I just want to get to know her."

"She talks to you. She's not intimitated by you, nor does she throw herself at you. She's different, that's for sure."

"And you know something?" Logan clenched his jaw slightly, "I like it."

"Good luck with all that," Stepshanie told him with a slight smirk, "I'll see you later."

"Bye, Steph."

He continued his walk down the hallway with Rory still heavy on his mind. Stephanie was the only girl he ever made a true friend. After their brief dating experience, they had settled into a stable friendship that held throughout their time together in Europe. Never before had he had a good female friend, but he knew that Rory was coming seriously close to being added to that list. And he knew that when she finally came around, their friendship could be deeper than anything he ever experienced with Stephanie. Rory Gilmore was special, and he knew she was going to be a great influence on his life. He just needed her to begin to trust him, and see that he was so different than the impression burned in her brain. She just needed to see that, and he would have to be the one to show her.

"Please, please, please tell me Diner Boy isn't coming tonight," Colin begged as him and Finn neared Logan.

"I don't think so. She thinks it would be a health hazard."

"She's right."

"I don't know why you asked her to bring him anyway, mate."

Logan shrugged, "I figured it would be nice to offer. What's so wrong with him anyway?"

"Let's see," Colin took a deep breath, "He's barely passing high school, he thinks he owns her, he's not very good support, he hates us simply because we're rich, and he's practically a criminal."

"Rory likes him though, so how bad could he really be?"

Finn squinted at him, "Bad."

"I guess I'll take your word for it."

"You won't have to," Colin assured him, "After you meet him for more than two seconds."

"Although, he is probably better than the last one," Finn argued.

Colin tilted his head slightly, "I think they were both equally shitty boyfriends."

"One thing about Rory, she does have bad taste in men."

"Or maybe, and this is just an idea here," Logan began, "You two are too picky and find something wrong with every person she dates just because you don't think anyone is good enough for her."

Colin shot him a deer in the headlights look, "No. I think they pretty much just suck."

"Whatever. I think we're supposed to be in a class somewhere."

Finn shrugged, "Probably. But when are we ever where we're supposed to be?"

"Point," Logan confirmed.

"So what's this party for tonight anyway?" Colin inquired as the three ducked into a back hallway and slid down against the lockers.

"Who knows? Something about some kind of club my mother is in slash my homecoming or some kind of bullshit like that."

"Sounds bloody fantastic," Finn grumbled.

Logan nodded, "That's what subparties are for, my friend."

"And girls," Colin added.

"And alcohol!"

"Honor's coming in, at least."

"Really?" Colin's eyebrows shot up, "How long has it been since she entered the Huntzberger household?"

"Since I left for Europe. I haven't seen her since the last time she visited months ago," he paused, "So does Rory go to many of these things?"

"Society parties, you mean?"

Logan glanced at Colin, "Mhmm."

"Just the ones her grandparents throw, or the ones me and Finn drag her too. She tries to avoid them as much as possible, however. I think she's only going to this one because we all are."

"And because I'm so damn irrestiable."

Finn rolled her eyes, "Mate, to her the only thing you are is damn annoying."

--------

Rory was standing near Colin's locker with Finn when Logan walked over at the end of the day. She glanced up at as he neared, but that was her only reaction.

"What, Ace? That's the best you can do?"

"Sorry. I left the trumpets and horses at home. Damn."

"I'll forgive you this time, just don't forget them tonight."

"Wouldn't dream of it. Besides, if your head gets any bigger I think it's going to explode. And that way, I wouldn't have to deal with you anymore."

"I like to think my head can expand beyond the normal one without actually exploding."

"Of course you do."

He grinned. She rolled her eyes. Per usual. But this time, he couldn't help but notice a hint of a smile pulling at her lips. He was about to open his mouth and say something else, when Stephanie appeared next to the other four and practically pounced on Rory.

"What are you wearing tonight?" she demanded.

Logan smirked, "Yeah, Ace. What are you wearing tonight?"

Stephanie socked him in the arm, "Shut up, Huntzberger."

"I swear this girl is going to be my new best friend," Rory joked, smiling as Logan rubbed his arm.

"If you just hit him once and awhile, he'll shut up," Stephanie tossed back.

"You're abusive," Logan informed Stephanie, "And cruel."

"Poor baby."

Finn groaned and placed his hands on his temples, "You people talk too fast."

"Finn here can process words that quickly. His alcohol consumption over the years has gone to his brain," Colin explained, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"I think Finn was born drinking from a beer bottle, and for this I have to sympathy," Rory shot back.

"You hurt me, love."

"You'll get over it. I promise."

"If you keep talking to people the way you do, you're going to make a lot of enemies," Logan told her.

"Will you be one of them? Please?"

He smiled, "I can see past your harsh words, Ace."

"Logan, in your case there is nothing to see past. Believe me."

"Okay!" Stephanie interrupted, "As much fun as this is, I'm taking Rory so we can talk about what we are wearing tonight."

"Thank God," Rory said as Stephanie grabbed her wrist and pulled her away.

Logan watched her leave, unable to wipe the grin off his face as the two girls turned the corner. He took it back. She wasn't a spitfire, she was an entire fireworks show exploding at the same time. And he was loving every minute of it.

Suddenly, a hand wrapped around his arm and turned to face a pair of shining green eyes and curly, dark brown hair. He instantly turned on his charm.

"Can I help you?" he inquired, shooting her a smirk.

"I'm Hannah. I heard your parents are having a party tonight. And I was wondering if I could get you to take me."

He paused. And the hesitation didn't go unnoticed by his best friends, who interrupted the silence with a few coughs.

"Hannah, is it?" Logan finally said, shooting her a knee weakening smile.

She nodded, and smiled back.

"I'd love to take you to the party, but my parents already have a number as to how many are coming and I didn't tell them I was bringing a date."

Her face fell, but he quickly picked up the slack.

"I would, however, love to take you out some other time."

"I'd like that."

Logan nodded, "I'll be in touch."

As soon as the girl was out of ear shot, Colin was up in Logan's face.

"That's bullshit and you know it! Your parents never know how many people are showing up."

Logan shrugged, "I didn't want a date hanging around tonight."

"You, Logan Huntzberger, the playboy of all playboys, didn't want a date?" Finn said slowly.

"I don't think I stuttered. I'll see you guys tonight, okay?"

"Whatever, man," Colin agreed with a shake of his head.

Logan turned and headed down the hallway, confused at his own actions as much as his friends were. Why exactly didn't he want to take a beautiful girl to the party? Was it because he just wanted to be with his friends, or was it something more? And why were Rory's eye still haunting his thoughts? She had a boyfriend. He didn't do girlfriends. He couldn't date her, it just couldn't happen. He ran his hand down over his face. He just wanted to spend some time with his friends, that was all. And he wanted an opening to begin to make Rory one of them. That was why he didn't want Hannah with him: nothing more and nothing less.

--------

Logan was standing as far away from his parents' guests as possible when Colin and Finn walked in.

"I was starting to think you were leaving me for dead," Logan said dryly as the two neared him.

"We were considering walking back out when a lady around sixty tried taking me upstairs," Colin informed him.

"Where's the bar?"

Logan pointed Finn in the general direction of the alcohol and turned his attention back to Colin, "Sixty?"

"And I'm not joking around. Your parents have some strange friends."

"My parents are strange people."

Stephanie arrived a few moments later, looking slightly flustered as she adjusted the strap on her red dress.

"One of your parents' friends just asked me if I was a hooker," she told Logan, glaring as if it were his fault.

He surpressed a laugh, "And what would you like me to do about that?"

"It's not funny," she groaned slightly as her eyes darted around the house, "Everyone here is like ancient."

"Gee, thanks Stephanie," Colin drawled.

"You know what I mean!"

"Calm down," Logan told her, "You look great, by the way."

"Thanks. Where's Finn?"

"Bar."

A smile reached her face, "I've only known him a few days and I think I could've guessed that."

Logan's eyes caught sight of a girl walking towards him, and it took him a moment to recognize Rory. She looked gorgeous, even more beautiful than she normally did. She was wearing an elegant, grey chiffon cocktail dress that seemed to hug every inch of her slender body. Her hair was curled and pulled back away from her face, and enough make-up was brushed upon her face just to accent her already pretty features. He swallowed hard, and waited until she was a few steps away before he opened his mouth to comment.

"Wow, Ace. You really do know how to take a guy's breath away."

She stared at him for a second, as if waiting for the punch line, before she caved in and smiled, "Thanks."

"So, you haven't commented on it yet so I'm assuming nobody accused you of being a hooker or tried to grope you on the way in?"

"Um, no. Not that I know of," she looked him strangely.

"Ask Stephanie to elaborate. Or Colin, for that matter."

"I don't want to know," she paused, "So, Logan, no date tonight?"

He neutral face had curved into a smirk, and he sent one back in return, "I could ask you the same question."

"There's a difference. You're here solo because you wanted to be. That seems strange for you."

"So are you."

"Excuse me?"

"I invited Jess," he reminded her, "You chose not to ask him to come."

"How do you know I didn't ask him?"

"I know," he assured her, noticing for about the tenth time how her eyes popped next to the grey dress.

"Oh, so your psychic now?"

"You haven't seen the television commercials?"

"You know what, I--"

"Logan! You are the only reason I stepped foot in this hell hole tonight, and it took me a half hour to find you!"

Logan eyes shot to the left at the sound of the new voice, and a grin instantly took over him. The blonde girl hurried over and wrapped her arms around Logan, hugging him tight as he practically lifted her off the ground.

"Maybe you just weren't looking hard enough," he said as they parted.

"Please. You're hiding."

"Maybe a little."

Her set of brown eyes swept over the group assembled by the Logan, "Colin I know. Steph I met once. Finn I'm assuming is at the bar. But this one is new."

Logan turned towards Rory, and by the way her eyes were sparkling, he could tell she was about to make a comment about Logan's blonde, beautiful date. He jumped in before she could make a fool of herself.

"Honor, this is Rory Gilmore. Rory, this is my sister, Honor."

Rory blinked hard and stared at Honor for a second, before accepting the hand the blonde had extended before her, "Nice to meet you."

"Same."

Logan grabbed eye contact with Rory, and sent a quick wink her way. His only response was a the same set of daggers he'd been staring at since he got to Chilton. Even so, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her as she took a step backwards and headed towards Colin. Craning his neck around, he watched her for a few moments. She had an energy about her that was hard to describe, it had to be experienced.

"How come you didn't look at me like that when I came?" Stephanie teased.

Logan whipped his head back around, "Maybe it's because you came in telling me about how you were mistaken for a hooker."

"That sounds like a good story," Honor laughed, "But first, I'm curious. Is that your date?"

"Rory?" It was Logan's turn to laugh, "More like a constant debate inside a person."

"What?"

Stephanie glanced over at Rory, "They've been at each others throats for awhile now. It's kind of like a really bad reality tv show."

"It's all in good fun."

"Maybe on your end."

Honor shook her head, "This sounds like another good story. But I have to go and meet Josh real quick. I'll be back later."

She reached up and hugged Logan again, "We'll catch up this weekend, okay?"

"That sounds good," Honor agreed, "Lunch tomorrow?"

"Perfect."

And with that, the flightly blonde disappeared. Logan turned back around to where Colin, Rory, and now Finn were standing. Music was playing the backround now, and Colin extended his hand to Stephanie with a slight bow. Stephanie rolled her eyes playfully, before accepting his hand and strutting out onto to the dance floor. Logan glanced at an already intoxicated Finn slightly, before turning his full attention to Rory.

"Dance with me, Ace."

It wasn't a question.

"I don't think so, Huntzberger."

"Come on," he urged, "What's one dance going to hurt?"

"For one, I have a boyfriend."

He rolled his eyes, "I'm not taking you upstairs, Rory. It's just a dance."

"I don't want to dance with you."

"Sure you do."

"Oh, that's right, I forgot. You're psychic."

"And here I thought I didn't leave a lasting impression on you," he smirked and held out his hand, "Come on, Ace. Dance with me."

"One dance and then you'll leave me alone?"

"I promise."

"Fine," she grumbled, slipping her hand in his and letting him lead her onto to the floor.

A new slow song was just beginning to play as they found a place. Rory reluctantly placed her arms around his neck, and Logan tucked his against her back. He pulled her towards him, noticing how perfect she seemed to fit in his arms. Forcing the thought back, he swayed with her to the music, unable to tear his eyes away from her steady gaze. But what he saw in her gaze was something he wasn't expecting: enjoyment, pleasure, even...happiness. All of this was hidden, of course, he knew Rory well enough already to know she would never let it show unshielded. But he knew he was starting to get through, that she was starting to come around.

"Don't even think about touching my butt or something sneaky like that, because my boyfriend will kick your ass."

Logan smirked, "Ace, no offense, but your boyfriend wouldn't even leave a bruise on me."

"You're delusional."

"I can't be psychic and delusional."

The song ended. Another one began. And yet, she didn't even notice. Maybe she enjoyed their banter as much as he did.