Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters even though I might really want to...

Author's note: yay.. it's me.. I'm finally updating... because my exams are over! Yay!!! It's always a good sign when exams are over... I know we all want Tristan and Rory to be together.. but I think this should go on for just a little longer This chappy won't be as chirpy as usual... hence the title. Read and Review!

Chapter 9: Heartbreakers

He kissed her.

He couldn't help himself. She was standing there looking so perfect. And he couldn't help himself. He had surprised himself, but what had surprised him even more was that she was kissing back.

Not for long though.

Rory pulled back. What was she doing. She couldn't be doing this with Tristan of all people. Emotions welled up inside of her, and for the second time (first time at the piano) - she ran off crying after a kiss with Tristan.

"I'm sorry..." she said in between sobs.

"Rory... ," She didn't stop "Wait...."

She didn't hear him. She only heard the tears pouring down her face and then, after agonizing moments of silence. An engine driving off into the distance. She wrapped herself in a blanket and cried herself to sleep.

TRISTAN POV

How could he have been so stupid! She didn't love him. Why had he done it. Questions raced through his mind. But then, why had she kissed him back? Even if it was for those few bittersweet moments. Tristan shook his head and drove back home... a single tear flowing down his cheek and his heart tearing to pieces.

GILMORE HOUSEHOLD

Rory woke up looking a mess. She had dark circles under her eyes from constant crying and her hair was in knots. If her mum was here she probably wouldve called her an oompa loompa gone wrong.

Rory glanced at her watch - 2:30pm. Her mum would be back in a couple of hours. She needed to talk to someone. She had questions circling her mind.

She picked up the phone and dialled an unlikely number. One ring. Two Rings. Someone promptly answered.

"Paris Gellar. Who's speaking?"

"Rory..." she choked

"Rory... are you ok? You sound terrible..."

"I..I..." Rory couldn't find the words... she managed one word.

"Tr..Tristan..."

"I'll be right over"

Rory hung up. Feeling worse than ever.

Paris arrived in 20 minutes and rushed in the house only to findsome who was not the chirpy, coffee-filled Rory. She gingerly walked in and sat down next to the crying girl.

"Rory? You wanna talk? What happened?"

"He... kissed me...."

"Oh... so.. umm... what did you do?"

"I ran off and cried.." She sniffed

"Oh..."

"Then he drove off...."

"Oh..."

"And then I slept badly and now you're here..."

"Oh..."

"Paris... do you mind saying something else other than 'Oh'?"

Paris sighed. "Rory... you remember our first day back? You remember what I said to you?"

The shaken girl looked up at her.

Paris continued. "I told you... don't break his heart. And Rory... I hate to tell you this... but you've done just that. And you've torn it into a million pieces."

Rory stood there shocked. Not sure what to say...

"You don't get it... you never have," Paris chuckled at remember the girl's naiveness

"He's loved you since the day you walked into the school, the day you rejected his PJ Harvey tickets, and especially the day he said goodbye. When he came back I knew he would be coming back for you. And when I saw you two together on the first day I felt good for him. That boy, no matter how annoying or jerk-ish..."

"Or cocky.." Rory added

Paris laughed. "Or cocky... That boy has been through a lot. You may not know it, but he really has. And I hadn't seen him so happy in so long, when you both came back to Chilton as friends I couldn't help feeling like something was finally going right for him.. and you know what.. he's really deserved it."

Rory smiled weakly, remembering the good times they had had during the holidays.. and during the term.

"I just... I don't know what to do... I don't know if Iike him.. or if I love him."

"Rory... I'm not asking you to love him... I'm just asking you to not hurt him." Paris stood up and walked towards the door. "...don't break his heart"

"Thanks Paris"

DUGREY MANSION

Tristan was lying face up on his couch just staring at the ceiling. He had been there for hours just staring into space wondering if he and Rory would ever even just be friends again.

Knock Knock

Someone was knocking on the door of the house. He groaned... he didn't want to talk to anyone. He ignored it.

Knock Knock

Goddamnit, this person was persistant. He resisted the urge to go and punch them in the face. He relunctantly got up and opened the door.

"Paris?"

"Glad you remember my name Tristan..."

"What the hell are you doing here...?" Tristan asked incredulously

"It's nice to see you too... you look like crap by the way."

"Uhuh... really appreciate it... again... what are you doing here...?"

"Rory called me... and I went over just then... and now I'm here..."

"Oh..."

They were both silent for the moment till Paris decided to speak up.

"What the hell were you thinking you dumbass...!?! You don't just go kissing people by surprise... especially Rory... you scared her. And now she has no idea what to do."

"You think she has problems? Paris... I think I've just lost the girl I love. You've just confirmed it by telling me she's scared and you're telling me she has problems? I've got no goddamn idea what to do. You know... she kissed me back. And then she runs off crying. What the hell am I supposed to think?!"

"I get it ok? I know you have problems....and I know she has problems.. aren't you two just the problematic couple..." Paris mumbled the last bit...

"I'm just... confused"

"I know you are... but I think.... She is too. I suggest you go and talk to her..."

"Why should I? She's the one who ran away."

"Why? No reason... just... go talk to her ok? I've gotta go... Jamie's waiting."

Tristan chuckled. "Who would've thought... Paris Gellar. Hyperactive freak turned nice girl turned girlfriend turned wise lady and now back to the Jamie-lover."

"Ha ha... very funny..."

"I'm kidding... I appreciate it. Anyways, I'll walk you to the door... least I can do."

"Remember.. go talk to her" Paris said as she walked out the door.

"See you Gellar..."

"Bye Bible Boy..."

Tristan winced... only Rory called him that. He shut the door... maybe he should go talk to her.

Knock Knock

What did Gellar want now... opened the door.

"Gellar... what do you...."

Tristan stopped.

It wasn't Paris.

"Rory...."

A/N: the feeling of finishing a chapter feels so good.. ) what do you think? Should they make up.. or shall we put in some more drama? R/R