Disclaimer: I do not own anything "Gilmore Girls."
Author's Note: A reviewer pointed out to me the different release dates on "Into the Night" and episode 1.09. I'm sorry for the confusion, but I guess I'll just have to claim creative liberty. If it happens again, I'm just using a good song or at least one that seems to fit. Let me know what you think!
If Only For One Night
Tristan watched as the lights of the school faded in his rearview mirror, leaving the passing streetlights to illuminate the figure beside him. He glanced over at her, trying to convince himself she was with him. He was only able to make out her classic profile, a pleasing sight to be sure, but he found himself wishing he could read what was running through her mind.
"We have to talk before you meet my mother." She announced suddenly as she turned to face him. Her face was cast more deep into the shadows and Rory seemed to take refuge in it. Tristan began to pray hard.
"All right, do you want me to stop somewhere?" Stay pleasant, Tristan thought.
Rory shook her head. "No, we have about thirty minutes before we get to my house. We should be able to flesh this out now." She shifted in her seat and remained facing him.
"What do you want to talk about?" Tristan asked, feeling his nerves start to tense up. He didn't want to lose her but he knew dreams wishes didn't come true unless Walt Disney was the director.
"What are we?" Rory asked. Tristan glanced at her as he rounded a curve. He wished he could see her face so he could read it.
"What do mean? As in, what is our relationship?" Tristan questioned carefully. He'd have to go carefully or he might end up hanging himself with the rope she'd give him.
"Yes. I didn't officially break up with Dean, you do realize that right?" Tristan stared at her in shock.
"You don't want to still go out with that beanstalk do you? Come on, Rory, he can't control himself around you!"
"And you can?" The question lanced through his heart but he understood the origins of it. He had acted like a jerk to her for so long she didn't know what else to expect.
"Yes! I have more respect for you and your body than I do for myself! I can't promise to never lose my temper, but I will control it and never let it hurt you." Tristan made a sound of disgust. "Do you really think I would do something like that, Mary?" He glanced over and his frustration grew when he still only saw her face in shadows. Her eyes gleamed when they passed a streetlamp.
"I don't think so. You've shown that you can be kind and understanding. There are times when your temper reminds me of a four-year old. But that's something we can work on." Rory glanced briefly out the window before asking almost off-handedly, "Am I just another conquest for you?"
Spying a turn-off ahead, Tristan quickly pulled in and turned off the car. He flipped on the interior lights and faced Rory. "I think we need to see each other when we're dealing with this crazy accusation of yours." He was furious and hurt.
"Despite everything I've said and done, you refuse to believe that someone like me could fall for you?" Rory looked stunned. "I admit, I thought if I got the new girl among my groupies, it would boost my rep. But I stopped thinking that after we kissed at Madeleine's party. I had started this chase hoping to run you down and make you fall for me, but I got caught I my own trap." He confessed. He grasped her hand tightly in his. "I became your friend even though every time you entered the room, I wanted to
have the right to proclaim 'mine'. Whenever we had a conversation that didn't involve me being a jerk or you being obtuse, I had such a feeling of ecstasy it was all I could do not to celebrate."
He pressed his lips fervently to the back of her hand and stared hard into her eyes. "I am pledged to you and I want you to realize just how serious I am about it. I want at least one night, with you."
"Now wait-" Rory began hotly but he continued anyway.
"I didn't mean that sexually. I meant one night where we act as a couple. I want to have that at least, and I think I deserve it for the control I've exercised all this time." His eyes were firm on hers, trying to will her into agreeing with him.
Rory's gaze held his but eventually fell before his. "Fine, tonight we'll be a couple. But only so I can see if you mean what you say." She hastened to explain when he looked triumphant. Tristan struggled to keep his expression under control before again kissing her hand, this time on her palm. His lips lingered there caressingly, sending a shiver of delight up Rory's arms. His eyes glinted wickedly but it was the only acknowledgment of her awareness. He replaced her hand in her lap and pulled back onto the road. The rest of the ride was completed in a comfortable silence.
Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of her house. "You were serious about the rooster." Tristan exclaimed for the tenth time.
"Yes, I was. But that's not the only slightly wacky thing you're going to have to deal with." Rory motioned towards the front door where Lorelai stood bouncing on the balls of her feet, barely restraining her excitement.
"She must have come up with some very embarrassing questions for you, or she already hired the hit man." Rory concluded as she began to lead him up the walkway. His hand kept her beside him. "She doesn't bite often," Rory teased as she stared up into his serious eyes.
"I'll be completely honest with her," Tristan promised, "no matter what she asks." He slid an arm around her shoulders but kept his gaze locked on hers. "Remember, if only for one night, we are a couple."
"If only for one night," Rory agreed. She smiled happily. "But we might still have a few more nights to come." She brushed a soft kiss across his smiling lips in reassurance. As one they headed to face an eager Lorelai.
Author's Note: A small cliffhanger, but I wanted their relationship to come together in three stage: 1st would be the acknowledgement of their desire for each other. 2nd would be them laying the foundation of the relationship. 3rd will come next! Please review!
