A/u: set after Love, daises and troubadours. Things take a different turn for Rory that summer.
Trory, obviously!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
BEHIND BLUE EYES
Rory was back with Dean again and things were going great; school had ended and finally Tristan seemed to have given up on her. Her life couldn't be better. It was perfect, she thought.
In Stars Hollow, those days, a new figure had come out in the scene, she introduced herself as Christen and everone'd loved her instantly. Everybody always did. She had charm. How couldn't she with an angel-like figure like hers? Blond wavy hair, deep blue eyes, tall, thin and extremely beautiful. Yes, she was charming and explosive. She graduated from college and then started travelling around the world in search of inspiration –that's what she said- and destiny had brought her there, after her car broke down in the middle of no where and fate wanted that Gipsy was there to help her fix it. She offered to put her up for the night since it was late and she had no place to go. The following morning, taking coffee at a hardware sore, listening to Luke an Tailor arguing about some none-sense, having to deal with Kurk, watching over those people that seemed to know each other for a long time and who stopped het to ask where she came from and if she was going to stay, she realized she was definitely going to stay, she loved that place! She couldn't say how much she felt at home, suddenly welcomed by some strangers, more than she ever felt in the house she grew up. She fell in love with the little town at once.
Walking by the streets she noticed a group of –wannabe-cheerleaders coordinated by some big and red-haired woman named Patty. They were the cheerleaders of the local high school team preparing for National competition, their coach left the charge some time ago and she was helping them practicing. She ran ballet classrooms, she knew it all- that was what Patty told her winking her eye.
She had bumped into the right place, she herself had been a cheerleader, head of her team back in high school and if there was a reason for her to be there, was to help that team to…well become a team first of all. Seeing her experience and the fact that there was such short time and a lot to do,
she offered herself to coach them.
That's how she got her first job and everybody's appreciation –every one in town was proud of each of their teams, and wanted them to succeed.
She soon became close, very close to Lorelai Gilmore, they shared the same interests, passions, they both loved coffee and had the same out-going, sunny character; it was a pleasure to be with them, you couldn't help smiling and laughing at their jokes and sarcasm. Every one loved having them around. The all town was happy to acquire such a new dweller, and she was glad to have finally found a place to call home. After all that wandering, she said she even forgot her full name, she was a citizen of the world now and when asked about her full name she always joked about that saying she didn't need one .
DOES THAT SOUND SELFISH?
-Oh look! he's the one who's always staring at my boobs- Said Chris to Lorelai while walking to Luke's
-Who?
-Over there! Tall, black hair…what a perv..
-Oh
-Shit! He's coming over!
-Hi Dean...- Said Lorelai with an high-pitched voice, pretending to forget the previous conversation with Chris
-Hi Lorelai! How are you? Coach K, hi!- Said the boy approaching the two. Christen watched the scene appalled –she knew she had just made a fool of herself when Lorelai said:
-You know him, right? He's Dean, Rory's boyfriend
-Nice to meet you- Said Chris with an awkward smile
-Mom! Christen! Hi!- Said a pètite brown-haired girl reaching the trio.
-Chris has had the pleasure to meet your boyfriend - Said Lorelai looking at Chris almost amused.
-Yey, funny to discover he is your boy!
-Why funny? Haven't you already met at school?- Said Rory quizzically
-never mind- smiled back Chris looking at Lorelai with the corner of her eye –Coffee?- replied to distract everybody. And it worked.
-What about your boy?- Asked Rory to Christen
-Pardon?
-You are always talking about your boy, where is he? When can we meet him?
-oh! Well, he promised me he'll come for the competition on Wednesday. He's not into these little town celebrations.
-Cool!
Later at Luke's, Rory and Dean left, Christen and Lorelei are still sit.
-So you decided to move in permanently? Or you are leaving us after the contest?- Inquired Lorelai
-I'm still thinking about it…
-Well let us know…'cause I heard from Mrs Flowers that you were talking to her about buying her house instead of being on rent.
-Yes, I am considering this opportunity, but I haven't fully figured out yet whether is the case of wandering some more or staying for a while
-That would be a long while!
-That is the problem…but I would do that for some one
-That boy of yours?
-Yeah… but that's not enough, that is not the first time I try to be stable, let's say, and it always ends up with me letting him down 'cause I can't. So this time it has to be a change I make for myself... Does that sounds selfish?
-I've heard worse things- said Lorelai smiling warmily to Chris. Besides her cheery persona there was a lot more… beyond those blue eyes a deep sea, beyond all that wandering, some emptiness to fulfil.
Chris smiled her back. Without talking, she knew Lorelei had understood it all.
LET S GET THIS PARTY STARTED
Wednesday afternoon, Stars Hollow, by a stage in the park . Christen and a bunch of cheerleaders are gathered
-Come on girls! Let those girls face your talented as..
-Coach!
-Headmaster!
-What did I say about LANGUAGE?!
-but technically we are not at school!- She moaned
-Miss…
-Ok ok I got it
-Young ladies it is time to show your enemies ...But Headmaster how am I supposed to spur them and cheer them up with this tone?
-They're cheerleaders, let them cheer up themselves!
Meanwhile the two Gilmores were heading to the park to enjoy the competition between the girls of Stars Hollow High and the ones of JFK High.
-We are gonna have so much fun!- Said Lorelai, giggling
-Yeah, sure Chris knows how to have a great time!
-What about Dean?
-We'll meet there
-Are things ok with the two of you?
-Yes
-So everything is fine? He's kinda sticking around a lot these days
-Mum, he is MY BOYFRIEND! It is obvious that he sticks around…Why are you making me such questions?
-No reason… but… seeing that he's being a bit clingy I wanted to know if everything was ok
-It is!
-Fine!
-Fine! Everything is fine, he's a bit jealous, not clingy! We talk and we watch movies together like we used to! Everything is back to normal! it is all plain and normal! There's nothing wrong with that
-Just don't want you get used to routine
-I'm happy the way things are and Oh look! Christen! There she is!
Lorelai was a bit worried for her daughter, her boyfriend being clingy and never letting her alone… she knew he feared to lose her, but that didn't justify his attitude…then she hoped her daughter wouldn't end up being clung in a relationship where it is all round routine. Her daughter, though, seemed to be okay with how thongs were, so there was nothing she could do.
Rory, from her side, felt frustrated… her mum was acting weird, always questioning her relationship with Dean. They were happy, weren't they? They led their normal lives as usual, they did the same things they did before the break up… what was wrong with that? Everyone has its personal routine, why was she making such a big deal out of theirs? He loved her ad she told him she loved him too. Everything was perfect like that, wasn't it?
Maybe she was thinking about it too much.
In the meantime they had come near Chris and couldn't help hearing her yells
-HEY YOU!- yelled Chris to one of the girls –No eating and no drinking until you are done! It makes you heavier! And Craig here won't…
-But I was drinking some water!
-Same thing…remember you are a flyer! As soon as you are up there, it will all swan into your stomach and you are going to throw up! Do you want to throw up in front of everybody and spill your lunch all over Craig?
-Nope
-Then you won't drink! Or eat as well.
-Aren't you hard on them?- Asked Lorelai timidly as she and her daughter came closer
-Life's tough, no sufferance no victory!- Said Christen perentorically
-Riiight… - Replied a not-totally convinced Lorelai
-Is everything ok Rory? You look…
-Yep, don't worry – rapidly answered back Rory – What about you? What did you decide?
-Will you stay with us?- Sorry I was overhearing.. unintentionally it's obvious- Said Kurk, who made a step forward introducing himself into the conversation.
-Well, I'll let you know…by the end of the day!- Said Christen
-Don't you like here?- Said Kirk looking somewhat hurt.
-No, it's not that… it's just that the thought of having the same routine every single day is not appealing to me... I am not that type of person… I look for the rush, the emotions that only new experiences can bring to you…I want the passion…
-Routine can be passionate to!
-Oh no Rory, no…routine has nothing to do with the rush and the butterflies in your stomach…How can I explain that to you? Well think of the ones you feel when you kiss your boyfriend, the heat you feel next to him, the urge to be next to him, the shivers when he whispers something to you…well, that's the rush…and I am afraid of losing it all!
Speaker: -the competition is about to start! Teams your preparation time is over, ladies and gentlemen please take a seat-
The loud voice of the speaker had interrupted their conversation and no one could reply.
Meanwhile, in Rory's head
Christen's words had shaken Rory, they caused her to change perspective. Was she so limited that couldn't see things from different points of view? Was her mom right earlier?
She was stubborn and she couldn't admit that but somewhat inside she had the feeling that maybe things could be different for her, that her relationship was way too ordinary to let her feel the emotions Christen was talking about. She didn't feel shivers or butterflies, no more…
But she loved Dean. She was attached to him. Wasn't that enough? She never felt that rush with Dean, but she really liked him, not everybody had all that passion, maybe it was a matter of personality… yeah she was the quiet ne who loved soft and gentle kisses rather than… or maybe she wanted that too…
They were just back together, maybe she was still a bit confused.
-I apologize Christen, but I lost your train of thoughts…you were talking about rushes? Oh I have a cat, Mrs Purr and she scratches me and last week it was horrible because my arm became red and itchy and full of…
-Kurk… never mind- said Christen whispering "Gross" to Lorelai
-Ok so…Let's get this party started! – Said Christen, signs of anxiety marked her face, she kept watching her watch and looking around the park, as to spot someone. Rory, instead, had become weirdly quiet.
-You seem pretty nervous about the game- Said Lorelai, to break the ice
-Oh it's not about that
-Someone's laaate!- cracked one of the cheerleaders, popped out of no where
-Sam, shut up! –Replied Chris
-Sorry coach… I was just saying that…ok! – Moving closer to Rory she hissed: -Someone's pretty stressed out here… There is this person she invited to come that She's waiting for but he hasn't shown up yet, and this is driving her crazy! He's hot... I saw him once picking her up from school
-Oh! Here he is!- Toned Christen with relief!
In that very moment a black BMW cabriolet darted through the street in front of them and a tall, blonde-haired young man with dark sunglasses stepped out of it, leaving with nonchalance his car in the middle of the street.
Christen's smile got bigger and bigger as he approached the group and unexpectedly she ran to hug him.
-You're late!
-I am never late, you are early!- Said the boy in a soft tone, smirking
-Oh shut up! I'd have killed you if you didn't come!
-There was traffic!
-Is that the way you park your car?-
He smiled in response
-You cocky jerk! We are totally made for each other!- replied back Chris
As the two of them approached Christen's friends, Rory's heart jump, recognizing the figure of the blonde young boy. Christen's boy was none-the-less than Tristan Dugrey, the one who teased her at school, who kissed her at Madeleine's party, who almost ruined her friendship with Paris, who tried to be friends with her but screwed it up and the one whom she said she hated him. Not that she really hated him, but to her he was just a selfish cocky and arrogant snob. Although that was what she said to herself, her body was telling a different story. It had jump. But Rory couldn't find any other explanation that the surprise of seeing him there at Stars Hollow…
-Here is Tristan!
-We heard a lot about you!- Said Lorelai
-So you can't help thinking of me?- said Tristan to Chris, smirking. Rory rolled her eyes.
-Yeah, my world rotates around you…and your big fat ego! – she replied laughing and added:-Tristan meet Kurk, Lorelai and Rory… who is unusually quiet today!
-Nice to meet you Kurk, Lorelai – Then he watched quickly over Rory and then turned around his head saying softly –Hi
-Hi- Responded flebily Rory
-Did you two know each other?- Said Chris looking at the pair who didn't seem at ease with each other.
-Same school- Said Tristan launching a quick glance to Rory and meeting her eyes before turning his attention to Christen and pretending Rory wasn't even there.
NO REST FOR THE EVIL
Her guts were driving her crazy that day. She felt that bump again when he looked at her. Their looks had been locked for a bunch seconds. Rory couldn't see Tristan eyes but she could tell he was upset. The way he looked at her made her heart clung. Was he mad at her?
She remembered well the very last time they spoke. He was acting childish and she told him she hated him. That same day she had made up with Dean, telling him she loved him. Was him upset about her words? No way, he was too arrogant and cold to even care about what she said.
Christen and Tristan said goodbye and went to cheer up the girls before they went on the stage.
-Ain't you taking off your sunglasses?- Said Chris in a serious tone, when she was sure no one was listening
-No- Replied his harsh voice
-I understand.- She had no answer so continued: - Move in with me- still no answer – We can make it, we'll get through it. This situation can't go on forever.
-And then what?
-I'll work and make the living, we'll be fine!
-Then you'll leave
-I won't
-Why should this time be different from all the others?
-It will. Trust me, Tris. I just want you to be happy
-I gave up on that a long time ago
Chris sighed: -Just think about it
He nodded but gave no response.
Meanwhile Dean came over and after greeting Rory with an innocent kiss, he spotted Tristan and promptly asked what was he doing there and if that had something to do with her.
Sometimes he was annoying, thought Rory in her head while Dean was questioning her over Tristan. Did she really think that of her boyfriend? Tristan always managed to mess up with her head. Because it was his fault if she was that confused over Dean. He was playing his usual mind games with her. End of the story.
Every once in a while Rory gave quick looks at the blonde couple. She found herself more interested in their relationship than to the competition taking place in front of her. Seeing them constantly joking and teasing each other was driving her crazy. Wasn't Christen at all annoyed by his smirks and his arrogant, sexual remarks? Seeing them so close made her nervous. Tristan's presence annoyed her and he was now bothering her in her own Town. No rest for the evil!
He didn't seem so evil though, she had to admit that. He wasn't paying attention to her. Maybe he wasn't play mind games with her after all. Why then was she bothered by the fact of him being there, having fun with Chris? They were always smiling and laughing. She wasn't used to seeing that aspect of Tristan's personality.
Was she jealous? Of HIM? No, that couldn't be possible, at all. No way.
Bt, then why was she feeling that way? Why did her heart bump, why did she feel overwhelmed by heat when he looked at her? Was she feeling ashamed? Why?
-Rory, is everything ok? You look weird today- Said Dean to her, interrupting her train of thoughts.
-Yeah, don't worry – Replied Rory smiling to. She looked at him in the eyes, he stared at her too and…
-If you say so- Replied Dean and turned his attention back to the performance.
…and Nothing! Nothing happened! Not that she expected who knows what, but nothing! No jumps, no bump, no heat, no signal was coming from her guts. What sort of game were they playing with her?
She realized in horror that she may be jealous of Christen and Tristan' relationship. Suddenly hers seemed so boring while theirs should have been exciting and passionate.
Were they one of those couple who staid together just because they were used to it? Used to hanging out with the same person and doing the same things? Was passion the only thing that had been missing in their relationship?
-Kiss me- She said suddenly to Dean
-What?
-Kiss me, right now
-Rory?! What's up with you today?!
-I want to feel the rush
-What rush! Come on! It's Because of that Tristan right?
-Dean! He has nothing to do with you and me!
-Whatever- Replied Dean looking upset. He stood up and said:- I'm gonna get something to drink- and left.
What was up with her? Her request was weird, okay but not pointless. And why was Tristan always finding a way into her relationship? What was she trying to prove by wanting to kiss Dean passionately right then? They loved each other. Point. But did she knew what being in love really means? She had no answer to that. Instead to look for Dean, she went with her mind back to Madeleine's party, to the piano bench, to Tristan who kissed her and to her who ran away. She was feeling under pressure, he could relieve it; she was feeling blue and he made her feel good again. One simple kiss. Well, it was full of emotions, she did feel butterflies in her stomach. And then she thought about Dean and that she was kissing some one else. She felt Dean's rejection when she didn't tell him that she loved him back. Too many feeling were involved that night.
But that kiss meant nothing. She was crushed over Dean and he was crushed over Summer. That was it.
A roar came from the audience as the speaker announced the winner. Stars Hollow had won together with its cheerleaders and both the headmaster and Taylor had climbed the stage to thank their coach, who made it all possible for them.
Christen was invited to get on the stage, she thanked everybody for their compliments and added:
-Since you are all here I'll take this as an opportunity to make an announcement! Yesterday principal Rogers offered me to coach the team permanently. And yesterday too, Mrs Flower accepted to sell me the house she rents here in town. I told them I had to think about that but now I have no doubt that I'll be coaching those girls and living here for some time!- Announced happily Chris.
Later on during the celebrations
-Sure we'll throw a HOMECOMING PARTY! And you are invited! Certainly!- was repeating Christen enthusiastically again and again
- Me and Tristan, the cocky blondie with sunglasses – said pointing towards him
-And we'll have homemade cookies! Tris! I want more smiling! Show your self happier about it!-
Tristan gave her a big smile
-He's thrilled about it! Hey you! I know you can do better come on! – His smile grew bigger as he started clapping his hands: -Come on Izzy! Don't you see I am busy showing off my…
-I am sorry for him. He's not always like that. He's a jerk with a warm loving heart in the inside– she said winking. Every one was laughing. Stars Hollow loved her. And she loved that town.
He was tired, he couldn't take it anymore. He just wanted to leave and hang out with Duncan. Why had she chosen that town among all the others? Why Stars Hollow? And could it be possible that was the same town where she lived her crappy life with Bean boy?
He hadn't forget her words. They were heart-breaking. He reacted badly, pretending he didn't care at all, but he did care, hell if he did! And now hanging out with his friends distracted him. He did get in a lot of troubles, though. His arguments with his father had become frequent; Troublemaker, that's how he was always referred as. Troublemaker, lazy, arrogant, selfish... that is how he was described. Why no one ever went through the façade with him?
Everybody looks and judges, no one stops and worries to know how things are beyond appearances.
The fact that his Izzy came back into his life had brightened his dark days, but she could do nothing with the way he was feeling lately. He hadn't talked to her about Rory, not yet.
Rory, Rory Gilmore. At first she diverted him and he had fun tormenting her. But as time went by he realized there was so much more in her. She was interesting because she was like no one else. The more she avoided his advances the more he was falling for her. At first he thought it was just a game with her but then they kissed and he felt great. He remembered very well that night, that was the very night he understood he had a serious crush for Rory. He liked her, a lot. He never felt that way, to no one. She seemed so innocent and pure… He usually avoided being too involved into a relationship, all the girls he knew liked his appearance and his status and he had always thought no one could ever love him the way he was inside. He had built barriers his all life and was afraid to let them down. What would happen then? He wouldn't want to know. He didn't like feeling vulnerable.
In front of Rory, though, he always felt like his heart was exposed. It had never happened to him before, no other girl made his heart beat so fast, for no one else he felt butterflies in his stomach.
Anyway, Rory ended up to be just like every one else. She was always telling how snob and superficial they were at Chilton, but she was alike. She never tried getting to know him, she made her own idea in her mind of the person he was and nothing could ever make her change her mind. No one was like her, true, but she hadn't even tried to go deeper with their friendship. To her he was just the cocky and arrogant and selfish Tristan DuGrey. No matter how hard he could have tried to show her his true persona, she wouldn't see through the barricades.
He was mad at her. He exposed himself, his feelings, his heart to her and all he gathered was hate. She hated him. She said that loud and clear.
That was basically what was going on in his mind, and then people were asking what was up with him and his behaviour, why has he become such a troublemaker! His life was such a mess. And it was Rory's fault, she had messed up with his mind and then left, leaving behind just three words: I hate you .
It hadn't escaped his attention that she kept on looking towards him. What was her problem? Wasn't she done with him? Wasn't she happy with that boy of hers?
Maybe he was just jealous. Or simply tired. Yeah, he was just tired, it had been a long day.