Round Four: We Only Part…

Wow! Can I just say that I'm really impressed with all the reviews for this story! My other stories are jealous! This was going to be one long chapter, but I split it into two parts since I'm taking a really demanding elective at school which seriously cuts into my writing time. So it's short but sweet – enjoy.

PS: I am contemplating on rewriting this story in Rory's POV (so you "see" her thoughts about playing along in this "love game". Her story would be called "Love Story" and I'm also considering putting a little background up on my profile since the next couple of chapters will really head into the twisted world of AU. What do you think?


The plane touched down smoothly and Logan felt Rory's grip relax instantly. She breathed a sigh of relief, but still kept her hand firmly wrapped around his as the plane taxied towards the gate.

A soft smile played at Logan's lips. Since the plane had started it's descend all conversation between the pair came to an abrupt halt. Rory wasn't the quick-witted, sharp-tongued, flirtatious challenge she had been during the flight.

He knew she had been nervous during take-off, she had let him know, but this was different. He saw genuine fear in her, as if she was dreading what was about to come.

Logan suspected that her travels were not for joyous reasons; however, she hadn't cared to elaborate on that and he hadn't wanted to push considering he was busy balancing a fine line of pursuing her; contemplating his possible role of The Boyfriend; and keeping her at a friendly distance.

When she reached for his hand after the plane dropped another few thousand feet, he didn't feel trapped by the clingy girl hand. Instead, he squeezed it comfortingly and spoke a few encouraging choice words. It seemed natural and she relaxed at his tone, and he liked it.

Logan rolled his eyes inwardly. He hated to admit it, but he did like it. There was a great sense of satisfaction to be the only person in that moment to ease Rory's fears. He had liked their first touch during take-off, too. It was one of immediate attraction and Logan had been trying to figure out if it was part of her game, even though she did not strike him as one to put on a damsel in distress show.

He definitely liked the bubbly, funny Rory he had gotten to know surprisingly well during the flight, but he found this Rory endearing. She allowed herself to be vulnerable for him. There was no show, no well-planned 'save-me' pick-up scene. It was real and he without thought he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand, for the sole purpose of soothing her fears. He sighed as he realized that they had almost reached the gate. She would go off and continue with her glamorous, albeit mysterious life and he would quickly go to his father's dearest friends' funeral and head back to secure London on the next flight back.

She caught his attention with a soft smile. He repaid the gesture.

"Thanks," she mumbled softly as she let go of Logan's hand.

"Quite a death grip you've got there, Birkin," he smirked as joking rubbed his hand.

He had expected a witty quip, but it didn't come. She busied herself by rummaging through her bag.

Logan knew this was a significant moment. The flight was over; they were practically at the gate. There future hung somewhere in the balance. Was this it? Was it a random encounter, one that was never meant to be anything more than seven hours?

He tried to steal a glance at her face, something to read her by but she was busy with that bag. There will be some things men will never manage to understand about women and this was one of them. He sighed, as he reached for his carry-on, quickly double checking he had his passport, wallet and phone. The fasten seatbelt signed pinged so as to let the passengers know they had finally arrived safely at the destination. The handful of business class travelers rose from their seats, but the captain's bored voice brought all the commotion to a complete stop.

"Ladies and gentleman," he crackled over the PA-system, "Once again this is your captain speaking. As you can tell, we have arrived safely at our destination and typically this would be the moment where you gather your belongings and rush off this tin can…. "

"Funny guy," Logan whispered sarcastically to Rory and a bright smile appeared on her face.

"….However, this is not a typical day as it appears we have some sort of VIPs on the plane, which need to de-board immediately. So, please, passenger 6A and 6B, please stand up, make your way to the front and collect your prize!"

The disdain which dripped from the captains' voice was obvious.

Instantly, Logan felt twenty pairs of eyes burn on his back. Apparently, his flight mates weren't too happy about this little turn of events.

"Logan," Rory whispered slightly embarrassed, "That's us! Why is it us?"

He couldn't help but smirk at her sudden shyness. What was it about this girl that caused her to go from a sexy, self-confident woman who could conquer the world, to a timid girl, with wide eyes, looking to him for direction? He didn't know, but he was attracted to both sides of her.

"Birkin, you can't tell me you've never been escorted off a commercial flight before?" he asked as he got up and casually opened the overhead bin. Granted, Logan had only received this type of treatment in an inebriated state. Nevertheless, he wasn't surprised his father had arranged some sort of deal now, seeing as it was absolutely crucial he made it to this funeral on time.

"Yes," she said hesitantly, while gathering her things, trying her best to avoid the resentful looks from the other travelers, "but I hadn't expected it…"

"Hey," he said, softening his tone, "Don't worry about it, B. It is what it is, and we have got to get off this plane, right?"

She nodded, but couldn't help brush away a strand of hair as she looked around the business class area self-consciously.

"You've got anything up here?" he asked warmly, pointing at the overhead bins.

"No," she shook her head.

"Then we are set," he said, picking up his carry-on in one hand.

He leaned towards her and spoke in a hushed whisper, "Walk out of here with your head held high, okay? They are all just jealous bastards!"

She let out a soft chuckle, and Logan felt a little better for easing her embarrassment.

"I'll take that," he announced gallantly to the glaring Suits in business class, making sure to use his Society tone to add to the infuriation the passengers were undoubtedly feeling. Rory handed him her coat, leaving her with just her beloved Birkin tote. Logan gestured for her to lead the way, and they made their way off the plane. Rory with light pink cheeks, matching her pink sweater and Logan with a confident smirk plastered on his face, but both with their head held high.

"You know," Rory said lightly as the pair made their way to customs, "You shouldn't really play Mr. Society after a seven hour flight, just to irritate the other passengers for your own personal benefit…"

It was obvious that she was feeling better after the torturous landing and de-boarding debacle.

"Yours too," he laughed in response. He contemplating making a slightly suggestive remark, but considering that she was just now beginning to return to the bright and bubbly Rory he knew, he decided to take the safer route. "And besides, why not?" he added in mock- surprise.

"It's unbecoming…"

"You lie," he interjected teasingly.

"I wasn't finished yet," she warned playfully, before continuing seriously, "You might cause a mutiny!"

"True," he replied in all-mock-seriousness. "Why didn't you warn me about these dangers before, Birkin?" He shot her a piercing look.

"Well, Logan," she shrugged, "I thought a well-travelled man of the world such as yourself would surely know the dangers of international travel!"

He stifled a laugh as they entered the customs area. If there was a time to be serious, this was most certainly the time. The pair cleared customs quickly and made their way to baggage claim.

The mood had changed considerably as realization set in that this was it. Rory became quiet again and Logan presumed she was caught up in her own thoughts. He still wasn't one hundred percent sure she liked him. It was an odd thing for the heir to admit; however, this time it was different. Maybe the goal in this Game hadn't been to end up in a compromising position in the airplane bathroom, but maybe something simpler like her phone number. Or last name. Neither of which he had.

"Any of these yours?" Rory asked, jerking her head at the baggage belt.

Logan looked intently at the carousel for a moment or two as suitcases of various shapes and sizes passed. "Nope," he sighed and shrugged, "What's the point of VIP-treatment if we still have to wait here?'

'I don't know,' Rory shrugged, looking up at him.

'What's your bag look like?' he asked, trying to make small talk in an attempt to avoid the awkwardness of the goodbye that lay ahead of them.

"You'll know it when you see it," Rory replied with a cute smile, "It's a Hello Kitty one."

Logan shot her a disbelieving grin, "For real? Isn't Hello Kitty for kids?"

"Silly rabbit," she laughed with shake of her head and let out a loud squeal as she saw her bag move past them on the belt."That's it!"

Always the gentleman, Logan stepped forwarded and got her bright pink, Hello Kitty encrusted case. "One Hello Kitty bag," he said with a soft smile he said upon returning.

"Thanks," Rory said appreciatively, and held out her hand to take the suitcase from him.

"I've got it," he said, keeping his eyes firmly locked on the baggage belt, a smirk lacing his face.

"But I can take it…" she offered, with a soft smile.

He waved her suggestion away, "But I've got it…"

"But I want it," Rory replied, a tiny bit of irritation audible in her tone.

"How 'bout I say you can't have it?" Logan suggested, shooting her a teasing smile.

"Come on, Logan…" she sighed, placing her hand on her hip. "Just…"

"How 'bout I say you can have it back if you give me your number?" he asked, keeping his focus firmly on the baggage belt. This was the first time he had asked a girl for her number. The girls found him and with a simple look he would receive the all too important numbers. She was about to shoot back another quick remark, but it was apparent that Logan had caught her off-guard. She rolled her eyes, and he realized that she didn't like having the upper hand.

"I thought you'd never ask," she mumbled, just loud enough for Logan to hear as she took the cell his was holding out for her to take. She expertly programmed in her number and Logan took the phone back.

"I'm calling you to make sure you didn't put in some bogus number, B, so be warned!" he laughed, though he realized it would be a pretty awkward situation if, in fact, did not hear the promised ringing from her bag.

"What?" she put her hand on her hip in mock-offence. "You think I'd lie to you?"

He shot her a look questioning look and the loud ringing emerging from Rory's Birkin revealed that she was indeed telling the truth.

"You know," she said, reaching for her phone to save this new contact, "in some states this whole withholding-of-the-bag-for-your-phone-number would be considered some sort of blackmail," she pointed out with a laugh.

Logan nodded in agreement as he smirked at her, "A man's got to do what a man's got to do."

Rory laughed approvingly, "Whatever it takes I suppose…"

"Damn straight," Logan answered with a nod, as he noticed that Rory's face fell. "What's wrong?"

"That's my driver," Rory said, pointing to the sliding glass doors. A chubby middle-aged man was waiting patiently. "Claude," Rory clarified. It was clear to Logan that Rory needed to go.

"Go on, Birkin," he swallowed, "Get out of here; you've been at this airport for way to long!" He did not want to see her go, but now that he had secured her number there was no point in dragging out this goodbye. It wasn't as if they could grab a coffee, or meet up for dinner. In all honesty, Logan didn't know if there was any point in having her number if he wouldn't be able to see her again.

"I can wait for you," she distractedly ran a hand through her hair; "I mean you and your bags."

Logan shot her a soft smile. "I've got time," she continued, stealing a glance at the large clock on the wall.

"You can't," he warned playfully, "Besides; I tricked you into giving me your number. So, I'll give you a call…" he said, leaving his promise lingering in the air.

Rory bit her bottom lip in contemplation and clenched her Birkin bag tightly as she grabbed her suitcase with her free hand and slung her coat over her arm.

"Okay," she whispered and leaned in closely, on her tippy toes as if she was going to kiss him, but she didn't. "See you around, Logan," she said, leaving him with a coy smile and her hot breath tickling on his neck.