snoflaik
Disclaimer: See part 1
* * * * * * * * * *
She sagged against the edge of the balcony and moved her head in a circle, stretching the kinks from her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment, shutting out the city below and beyond, shutting out the boy whom she had seen again as a man in the room just behind her. She had wandered onto the balcony in order to clear her head after becoming increasingly irritated with herself for becoming so infatuated with him. There was something different about him. He had finally grown up.
He walked through the doorway into the night, stopping as he saw her leaning against the balcony. She stood at ease, arms spread apart leaning on edge, supporting her weight. The city was bright and alive beyond her; the Eiffel Tower a brilliant outline in the distance. He took a sip from the champagne glass, again in his hand and studied the woman before him. He recognized her, of course. Tristin DuGrey did not forget someone who looked like that even when he really should. He chuckled quietly to himself, the inevitable meeting would finally occur.
"I believe this is the part where we fall into each others arms, profess our love, look into one another's eyes and have that first true kiss." He said loudly from the doorway. He watched her turn slowly, obviously already knowing who it was.
"Is it now?" asked Rory with a raise of her brow.
"Indeed, it is the classic ending to a story such as ours." Tristin continued as he started to walk towards her. "Two old friends finally meeting again after years of separation. Personal dreams and happiness have already been fulfilled, but something is still missing. The setting is perfect; a clear spring night, moonlight, a body of water, sweeping views of a city, formal attire. All we need is that special song to play and we'll be all set."
"Quite the romantic, I see. Who are you and what have you done with Tristin?" She asked incredulously.
He smiled slowly and a twinge of bitterness sharpened the lines of his mouth. "Expecting me to say something like screw the professions of love, let's just make out? Well Mary, I'm sorry to disappoint." He added taking a sip of champagne and looking out over the city. She was silent for a moment and he could feel her eyes on him, observing.
"So how have you been, Tristin?" she asked quietly.
"Ahh we begin with the pleasantries. Perfect!" he replied with a smile turning to face her. He saw her eyes darken and scowl begin to appear on her face.
"Don't mock me, DuGrey."
"I'm sorry. It appears that just being around you makes my good breeding and growth fly straight out the window. And somehow I still manage to act like a royal jackass."
"Once a jackass always a jackass is how I have seen it," she drawled innocently.
"Ouch. Perhaps, I wouldn't seem so donkey-esque had you ever accepted my overtures of friendship and understanding and actually gotten to know me; had you not always believed what others told you, had you seen for yourself."
"Overtures of friendship?" she said with a snort, "All you ever wanted to do was get into my pants and you know it." She added looking away from him.
"Alright I admit it." Her head swung to look at him, amazement filling her eyes.
"I wanted you," he continued, "Is there anything wrong with that? I was eighteen years old, for Christ sake. Any guy would have wanted you. Are raging hormones a crime?" He asked the heavens with a dramatic gesture, "But you had no part of it and I respected you for that," he added pointing at her, "So I changed tactics. If I couldn't have you, I could at least try to be your friend but you couldn't see past what you had heard and what you had already decided about me. We had some friendly moments I'll admit but I'm afraid we were never friends." He finished with a sad shake of his head.
"And thus the flaw in the great master plan is uncovered," mused Rory quietly beside him.
"Yeah, it never would of panned out anyway. I was just holding onto it for the earth-shattering kiss aspect." He replied with a mischievous grin.
"And he returns, all shall be right in the world again."
"I remember another time when similar words were uttered by your lips." He said quietly looking over at her again.
"As do I. As do I. We may not have been friends Tristin, but we were something." She replied meeting his gaze.
"We definitely were something." He replied softly.
He studied her profile as she stared out into the distance and smiled quietly to himself before reaching over to take her hand in his. She tensed and turned to him a question in her eyes.
"Goodbye, Lorelei Leigh Gilmore." He said before bending over and placing a gentle kiss on her hand. He stood straight and met her eyes, "Until we meet again."
"Yes, until then." He heard her whisper softly as he stepped back inside.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Finis