Logan trailed behind Rory as she rushed through the house, her pace frantic. "Is he okay?"

Rory tossed clothes haphazardly into her suitcase, barely registering what she was packing. "He had another heart attack. He's in the ICU."

Logan grasped Rory's hand, halting her frenzied packing. "Let me come with you."

Rory's hand trembled beneath his. "Logan, I couldn't ask you to do that. Work, the kids...Oh my gosh I left them alone at the table, and—"

Logan offered a reassuring pat. "The kids are fine; I gave them cookies and control of the TV. As for work, I can adjust my schedule and work remotely."

"What about school?"

"They'll start their Christmas break a little early." He shrugged. "It's mostly movies and parties right now anyways."

"I really am fine." Rory said, dismissing him.

Logan shook his head. "No you're not. And you don't have to be. Please, let me be there for you?"

. . .

"Are we staying at Grandma and Grumps'?" Ivy asked excitedly as they pulled into the driveway.

Logan nodded, cautioning, "And remember, best behavior, okay?"

"I always am!" Ivy chimed, leaping out of the car before Logan had even shifted into park. "Grandma! Grumps!" she shouted, darting toward the house.

"My mom doesn't know . . . about . . our situation." Rory said softly, as Jude left the car.

"Really? I thought you told her everything?" Logan replied.

Rory shook her head. "I just don't know how to tell her yet. Just keep it mum like we are with the kids, ok?"

Logan nodded. "Not a word."

Lorelai stood on the porch, a warm but weary smile on her face. She eloped the kids in a big hug. "Hi my babies!"

Logan and Rory walked to the porch, exchanging greetings. Logan hugged Lorelai tightly. "Sorry to hear about your dad."

Rory's concern was painted across her face as she hugged her mom. "How is he?"

"He's stable," Lorelai reassured. "The heart attack was severe, but he made it through surgery. Mom's with him now. She's staying the night with him, and we can visit tomorrow morning."

Luke intervened, "You'll take our room. Your mom can stay in your old room with the kids, and I'll take the couch."

Rory protested, "Luke, no, we don't want to—"

Ivy cut in, "Mommy and Daddy don't sleep in the same bed at home anyway!" as she skipped into the house.

Lorelai raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Rory and Logan.

Logan hastily shot out a lie, "Late nights and early mornings; I hate disturbing Rory, so I've been using the guest room."

Lorelai nodded skeptically. "Well, you two are taking our room. The Inn's booked solid, especially with Christmas around the corner."

Rory glanced sheepishly at Logan, her big blue eyes like a deer in headlights. "Well I guess it's settled, we're taking your room."

. . .

Rory and Logan stood in the bedroom, awkwardly avoiding eye contact as they changed into pajamas. The silence between them was thick with tension, the weight of their problems hanging thickly in the air. This was the first time they had been alone in months.

Rory fumbled with her shirt, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to pull it over her head. Logan looked away, his jaw clenched in a familiar sign of frustration.

"Can I..." he started, then cleared his throat. "Can I use the bathroom first?"

Rory nodded curtly "Yeah. Go ahead."

As Logan closed the bathroom door behind him, Rory let out a deep breath and rubbed her temples. This was going to be a long night.

When Logan emerged, his hair was mussed and his eyes looked tired. "Your turn," he said gruffly, nodding towards the bathroom.

Rory took her time, the sound of running water and her own ragged breathing the only sounds in the uncomfortable silence.

Rory stepped out of the bathroom, to find Logan staring at the single bed. " you take the bed, I'll sleep on the floor."

Rory raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You don't have to do that."

Logan shrugged, his eyes darting around the room. "I don't mind. Besides, you need the rest more than I do. "

Rory hesitated, unsure if she should protest or accept his offer. But something about Logan's Selfless gesture struck a chord. Something deep inside her stirred, old feelings? maybe it was just plain exhaustion. Whatever it was, she nodded curtly. "Okay. Thanks."

Logan nodded, his face a mask of neutrality. "No problem." He grabbed a blanket from the closet and spread it out on the floor, his movements economical and precise.

As Rory climbed into bed, she couldn't help but steal glances at Logan, who was already settling in on the floor. The distance between them felt like a chasm, but somehow, this small act of kindness made it feel a little more bearable.

"Goodnight," Logan muttered, his voice barely audible.

Rory nodded, her throat tight. "Goodnight."

. . .

Logan's eyes fluttered open to the haunting sound of muffled sobs. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his mind foggy. "Rory?" he whispered, his voice laced with concern.

The crying grew louder, and Logan's gaze instinctively went to the bed. Rory was curled up, her body shaking with each sob. He could see the moonlight casting a silver glow on her tear-stained face.

Logan's heart ached as he quickly scrambled to his feet. He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should intrude on her private pain. But something about her despairing cries tugged at his heartstrings. He took a tentative step closer, his voice soft and gentle. "Rory, hey... it's okay." With a gentle touch, Logan lifted the comforter and slid in beside Rory, enveloping her in a warm embrace. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, drawing her close to his chest. To his surprise, she didn't pull away, instead melting into his hold, her body relaxing into his. He stroked her back with soothing circular motions, his lips brushing a tender kiss on her forehead. "It's going to be okay, Ace," he whispered, his voice a soft promise of comfort and solace.

As he held her, Logan couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. He had missed holding her like this, missed the way she fit perfectly in his arms, missed the way her body seemed to mold to his. Even though she was crying, her presence in his arms felt like home. He breathed in the scent of her hair, his heart swelling with emotion. "I've missed this," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I've missed holding you, Ace."

Rory's sobs slowly subsided, her body relaxing further into his embrace. Logan continued to hold her, his arms a safe haven for her pain. As they lay there, the silence between them was filled with the unspoken understanding that some wounds ran too deep, but in this moment, they could find solace in each other's arms.

. . .

As Rory stirred awake, she became aware of the gentle hold on her. She turned her head to find Logan cradling her in his arms, his chest warm against her cheek. His face was peaceful, with a hint of morning stubble, and his hair was delightfully disheveled. She had seen him sleep before, but it had been ages since she had really looked at him. Her gaze wandered down to his chest, where she discovered he was shirtless, wearing only his boxer briefs. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, she found herself savoring the warmth of her bare legs pressed against his skin. Logan's arms encircled her, holding her close, and she felt the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. The cozy intimacy of the moment enveloped her, and she nestled deeper into his embrace, allowing herself to indulge in the simple pleasure of being held by him.

Logan's gentle voice broke the silence, "What's going on inside that head of yours, Ace?"

Startled, Rory scrambled to the other side of the bed, her sudden movement leaving Logan's arms feeling eerily empty. The scent of her lingered on his pillow, teasing him.

"I didn't mean to startle you," Logan said, his tone soft.

Rory's stuttered response betrayed her flustered state, "I... uh... I didn't know you were awake."

Logan rolled over, his eyes locking onto hers, "You didn't have to move."

Rory sighed. "Logan. . ."

"Knock knock!" Lorelai called from the hallway. She opened the door slightly, peeking inside the bedroom. "Luke's making pancakes. After breakfast we can head out to the hospital."

Rory sat up, her expression a mix of relief and unease. "Sounds good." She murmured.

As Lorelai closed the door, Rory turned to Logan, her voice firm but laced with a hint of vulnerability, "Logan, last night. . ."

He waved a hand in the air. "You don't have to apologize."

"I'm not apologizing. Logan thank you for comforting me last night, but please, don't read into this as anything more than what it is."

Logan groaned. "Ace. . ."

Rory's heart sunk at the nickname. He had stopped calling her that forever ago, as their cute love filled banner turned into frigid arguments. The fact that he had called her it twice this morning solidified her fears. Logan was still holding out hope. "Logan, it was a lapse of judgment. I was weak, and I let you comfort me. Our marriage is still over."

Rory's words cut deep. Logan's eyes clouded, his gaze dropping to the bed. "I know, Rory. I'm not delusional. I just..." He paused, his voice cracking slightly. "I miss us. I miss being there for you, being the one you turn to."

Rory's expression softened, her voice gentle. "Logan, we can't keep reliving the past. We have to move forward."

Logan nodded, his eyes still downcast. "I know. It's just hard when it feels like a part of us both is still holding on."

The air was heavy with unspoken emotions, the weight of their failed marriage and the lingering love they both still felt. Rory's heart ached, seeing the pain in Logan's eyes, but she knew she had to be strong.

"Logan, we need to focus on getting through the holidays and moving on with our lives." Her voice was firm but laced with compassion.

Logan nodded slowly, his eyes finally meeting hers. Her face was blank, but he could see the hint of sadness in her eyes. "You're right, Ace. . . Rory."

"Good," Rory said, her voice firm, but her heart shattering into a million pieces. She turned away, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I'll get ready first, if you don't mind?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her awkwardness shining.

Logan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Of course, take your time."

As Rory closed the bathroom door behind her, Logan let out a soft groan, his eyes closing in anguish. He rolled onto his back, his mind replaying the previous night's events like a bittersweet refrain. The memories of their tender moments, now tinged with the harsh reality of their impending divorce, left him feeling raw and vulnerable.