Pairing:
R/T, of course, and L/L
Rating:
PG-13 at the most
Spoilers:
May reference anything and everything from Season 1
Disclaimer:
The characters referenced here are the property of Amy Sherman-Palladino,
Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions, and Warner Brother Television. No copyright infringement is intended. The characters are being used solely for
entertainment purposes, and no profit is being made from them.
Part 4: On the First Day of Chilton, My True Love
Gave to Me…a Cup of Luke's Steaming Coffee
The weekend passed quickly, and Rory was so busy that she barely noticed that she hadn't heard from Tristan. So, when she flew out of her house Monday morning, certain she was going to miss her bus, she was stunned to see him leaning against the door of his car, waiting for her.
"Tristan! What are you doing here?"
"I decided that you shouldn't have to take the bus on the first day back to school."
"You didn't have to do this."
"I know. I wanted to. Now come on, your carriage awaits."
"Thank you for doing this. I really do appreciate it."
He smiled. "Well, you should appreciate this even more—I stopped at Luke's and got us coffee."
She grinned. "I don't know how I'll ever go back to the bus after this."
"Rory, if you want, I'll pick you up every day."
"I can't ask you to do that, Tristan."
"You're not asking. I'm offering."
"Still, it's too much. I can't let you give up your time like that."
"I don't mind, really."
"That's sweet, but I just can't let you do it."
"Suit yourself. But the offer stands if you ever change your mind."
"Okay."
They arrived at Chilton to discover that nothing had really changed. The parking lot was still filled with shiny, expensive cars, and Rory's locker still stuck.
Unfortunately, one of the first people Rory and Tristan saw upon entering the building was Paris. Her eyes were shooting daggers at Rory, and she immediately came stalking over to them.
"Well, if it isn't the two lovebirds."
"Paris, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Tristan.
"You know, I think the last time you said that to me, Rory had told you to ask me out," she replied snidely.
Taking her by the arm, he carefully steered her away from Rory. "Look, I think there's a few things I need to clear up, Paris."
"Like what? I'm really not interested in hearing the torrid details of your relationship with Rory."
"It's not like that. We're not dating. We never have. I don't know that we ever will. She didn't even go to that concert with me. She turned me down. I only told you she was going because that's what I wanted to happen. If there's anyone you should be angry with, it's me."
"Well, you two certainly seem pretty cozy now."
"We're friends, Paris. Very good friends, but still just friends. Just like you and I are."
"It's not the same at all, Tristan. You want more from her, and I want more from you. Sooner or later, you'll probably get what you want, but I never will."
"I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. All I'm asking is that you give Rory a chance this year. She hasn't done anything wrong. She's a good person."
"Yeah, she's a real saint. It's easy to be nice when everything goes your way. Fine, I'll play nice, but don't expect me to be best friends with her."
"I would never dream of it."
"Good. I guess I'll talk to you later, then."
"Yeah, bye."
Returning to Rory's side, Tristan said, "Mission accomplished."
"Really?" Rory threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you so much."
Reveling in the feel of her body pressed so close to his, Tristan managed to choke out, "Well, it was my fault she was mad at you in the first place."
Rory released him and said, "Very true. Now, we'd better get to class. What do you have first?"
"Trig with O'Brien."
"Me too! What's the rest of your schedule like?"
Upon comparison, they discovered that they had all but one class together, which was right before lunch. When Rory headed to art and Tristan headed to gym, they agreed to meet back up in the cafeteria.
After spending an hour trying to draw a can of soup, Rory was starving. As she pulled open the door to the cafeteria, searching for Tristan, she was greeting with the sight of a large poster proclaiming, "Chilton Homecoming 2001. 'Here's to the Night.' Saturday, September 22nd. Buy your tickets today!" Standing beneath the poster, hair still damp from the gym-class shower, was Tristan, backpack slung over one shoulder, hands casually stuffed in his pockets. Unbidden, no doubt spurred by the juxtaposition of the two images, the idea of going to Homecoming with Tristan sprang into Rory's mind.
"Hi," he greeted her. "How was art?"
"I'm never eating Campbell's soup again. How was gym?"
"We played tennis. I won."
"Guess all those years at the country club really paid off."
"Glad to know it was good for something. So, did you see all the signs for the Homecoming dance?"
"How could I possibly miss them?"
"We should go."
"You mean, like, together?"
"Yeah, it'd be fun."
"I don't know, Tristan. I don't have the greatest track record at Chilton dances."
"I promise I won't punch anyone this time."
"Well…"
"Come on. You know we'd have a good time."
"We always do. I guess I just figured you'd rather go with DeeDee or someone like that."
"I haven't even seen DeeDee since that night at the movies. I'm asking you, Rory."
"So, would this be like a date?"
"It can be whatever you want it to be. If you'd like it to be a date, then it's a date. If not, then we'll go as friends."
"Alright."
"Really? You'll go with me?"
"That's what I said. I guess it's a date. Or not."
"Great! We can go to the pep rally on Thursday, football game on Friday night, and the dance on Saturday."
"I don't remember agreeing to football."
"It's part of the tradition. You have to come. Besides, the pep rally is when they announce the finalists for Homecoming King and Queen."
"Would I be correct in assuming you're running for King?"
"Of course. Hey, you should run for Queen."
"Yeah, right. Who'd vote for me?"
"I would."
"Somehow I don't think I can win the election with only two votes."
"I'm sure you'd get more than that."
"Doubtful. Now, can we please drop it?"
"Fine. It was just a suggestion. So, things seem to be going okay with Paris so far."
"Yeah, she hasn't tried to trip me or anything. I still think I'm going to end up reporting on cafeteria food, though."
"Maybe she'll surprise you."
"Maybe."
"I'm giving you a ride home tonight, right?"
"Actually, we have our first staff meeting for the paper after school, so I'll just take a later bus."
"I'll wait for you, then."
"Tristan, I don't know how long it's going to take."
He sighed. "Rory, repeat after me: 'Sure, Tristan, I'd love a ride home'."
"Tristan…"
"Just say it."
"You're impossible! Sure, Tristan, I'd love a ride home."
"Now, was that so hard?'
"No, but…"
"I don't want to hear it. I just want you to practice saying it every day until you get good at it."
"There's really no point in arguing with you, is there?"
He smiled gently. "See, you're learning already."
The bell rang then, and Tristan and Rory headed off to their next class. The remainder of the day passed quickly, and soon it was time for the dreaded meeting.
As Rory shoved the books she would need for her homework into her backpack, Tristan appeared next to her locker.
"Just wanted to wish you luck with Paris."
"Thanks. I have a feeling I'll need it."
"You know that whatever she makes you write, it's going to be great."
Rory managed a smile. "You're sweet."
"I know. That's why you adore me so."
"Modest, too."
He handed her a folded piece of paper. "Here, take this. It's to give you confidence."
"What is it?"
"Open it up and read it."
She did, and found a copy of the poem "Frustration," by Dorothy Parker.
If
I had a shiny gun,
I
could have a world of fun
Speeding
bullets through the brains
Of
the folk who give me pains;
Or
had I some poison gas,
I
could make the moments pass
Bumping
off a number of
People
whom I do not love.
But
I have no lethal weapon—
Thus
does Fate our pleasure step on!
So
they still are quick and well
Who should be, by rights, in hell.
"This is so great! Where did you find this? I don't remember them reading this one at the park."
"I checked out her collections from the library. I figured you could read this over whenever Paris says something…Paris-like."
"That's really thoughtful, Tristan. I'll be sure to keep it with me."
"I'm glad you like it. You'd better get going, though, so you won't be late. Come find me when it's over—I'll be in the library."
"Alright. See you later."
As she walked down the hall away from him, Tristan reminded himself not to push her too hard. Lorelei had said to be patient. If that's what it took to win her heart, then that's what he would do.
* * *
The newspaper room was filled with people, many of whom Rory didn't recognize. She slipped in quietly and took a seat near the back, not wanting to attract Paris' attention any sooner than necessary.
True to form, Paris started the meeting precisely on time. "Good afternoon. My name is Paris Gellar, and I'm the editor of The Franklin this year. For those of you who are new to the staff, welcome to the team. You should know that I expect nothing less than excellence from myself and from those around me. If anyone here is not willing to devote the time and effort to producing a quality paper, please leave now." She paused for a few seconds, and when no one moved, continued speaking. "Most of you received your assignments at the end of last year. In light of some recent developments, however, I have made a few changes. Rory Gilmore…"
Rory's head snapped up, and her heart started to pound.
"…you will be our new Music Editor. Please see me at the end of the meeting so we can go over your duties. Louise, you will be a staff reporter."
"What? But I…"
Paris silenced her with a glare. "The rest of the positions have remained the same. Now, all staff reporters, please choose a story to report on from the list on the bulletin board. In the future, please fell free to submit your own story ideas. If you would like a photographer, please sign up for one on the appropriate sheet. All editors, please see me with all proposed stories or columns. You will also be expected to cover staff assignments when necessary. Are there any questions?"
No one dared raise their hands.
"Good. Please have your first stories to me by the end of the week. The newspaper is published every other Friday, with selected special editions over the course of the year. We will have staff meetings every Monday after school. Additionally, editors will meet every Tuesday after school. This room remains open every day from seven a.m. to five p.m. Please make use of it. I will be here every day from three to four p.m. if you have any questions or concerns. Meeting adjourned."
With her words, the reporters and photographers went scurrying to the front of the room, everyone hoping to avoid the worst assignments. Rory slowly walked up to Paris, hardly daring to believe her good fortune.
"You wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes. Rory, Tristan explained the situation at the end of least year to me, and I may have misjudged you. Also, you're far more qualified for this position than Louise, so whatever my personal feelings toward you may be, I want to do what's best for the paper."
"Thanks, Paris. We've found ways to work well together in the past, and I'm hoping we can do it again."
"As long as your articles are well-written and on time, I'm sure we'll be just fine. Now, you will be expected to cover all school and choral concerts, as well as all musical theater productions. Beyond that, you may choose to do album or concert reviews, as well as op-ed pieces about the current state of music, or whatever. It's at your discretion which artists you review, but please strive for some diversity."
"Okay. I'll let you know about my first article at the editors' meeting tomorrow."
"Good. I'll see you then."
"Alright. Good night, Paris."
"Good-bye."
After exiting the room, it was all Rory could do not to skip down the hall. This first day of school was certainly shaping up better than last year's!
When she reached the Chilton library, Rory spotted Tristan's blond head peeking above the top of a chair. Creeping up behind him, she placed her hands over his eyes and asked, "Guess who the next music editor of The Franklin is?"
"Um…Louise?"
She removed her hands and walked around to face him. "No, it's me! Can you believe it? I didn't have to reread the poem even once. I guess it really did bring me luck."
"Glad to hear it."
"Thank you again for explaining things to Paris. It made all the difference."
"It was the least I could do…Mary."
She swatted him. "So not funny. Do you still want to give me a ride home?"
"That's why I'm here."
"Great. If you want, we can work on homework and you can stay for dinner."
"Really? I wouldn't want to impose."
"It's no trouble."
"Are you sure you mom won't mind?"
"Tristan, staying for dinner means eating with us at Luke's."
"Oh, okay then."
"What, afraid of my mother's cooking?"
"Well…yeah."
She laughed. "Me, too. Now let's get going. Mr. O'Brien gave us a ton of trig homework."
"As you wish."
"How very Princess Bride of you."
"Indeed." He grinned, wondering if she remembered the true meaning behind those words.
* * *
When Lorelei got home from work, she found Rory and Tristan at the kitchen table, surrounded by a frightening pile of books and papers.
"Did the Library of Congress explode in here or something?"
"Hi mom."
"Hi sweetie. Hi Tristan. Did you decide to take us up on the offer to move in and cook?"
"No, although Rory did invite me to stay for dinner."
Lorelei glanced at Rory in a slight panic. "By staying for dinner, he does mean staying here until we leave for Luke's and then accompanying us there, right?"
"Yes, mom."
"Oh, good. For a second there I thought you expected me to cook."
"Perish the though," teased Rory.
"So how was Chilton?"
"Pretty good. Tristan managed to make peace between me and Paris, Mr. Medina avoided eye contact when passing me in the halls, Tristan and I are going to Homecoming together, and Paris made me music editor of the paper."
"Back up. Did you say Homecoming?"
"Yeah, it's September 22nd. Do you think you can make me a dress?"
"Sure, no problem. And you two are going together?"
"Yes."
"Like as a date?"
"Rory hasn't decided that yet. I told her I'd go with her either way."
"Um, okay. That's nice. I think."
"I think it'll be fun, mom."
"I do too. I'm glad you decided to go with him. It's always more fun to go with a friend. Now what's this about the paper?"
"Paris changed her mind, I guess. I don't have to write reviews of the mystery meat in the cafeteria after all."
"Congratulations, honey. It sounds like you had a really good day. Are you guys hungry? I'm hungry."
"No, you're not. You just want coffee. And Luke."
"I could eat," piped up Tristan.
"Thank you, Tristan. It's good to see some teenagers have manners."
"I have manners," grumbled Rory.
When they arrived at Luke's, Rory and Tristan grabbed a table while Lorelei went up to the counter to "kiss the cook." Ms. Patty came over, ogled Tristan, and then sat down next to him.
"Who's your handsome friend, Rory?"
"This is Tristan. We go to school together. Tristan, this is Ms. Patty. She runs the dance studio in town."
"Nice to meet you," Tristan said, reaching over to shake her hand. When she held it out for a kiss instead, he quickly obliged, having years of practice at his parents' pretentious parties.
"My, what strong hands. Is he your boyfriend?"
Before Rory could reply, Lorelei appeared, blurting out, "No, but he's taking her to the Homecoming Dance."
"Mom…"
"How delightful!" cried Ms. Patty. "Now, if you'll just excuse me…" As she walked away, she discreetly pulled out her cell phone.
"You just had to tell her, didn't you?"
Lorelei stuck out her tongue at her daughter.
"I don't understand. Why shouldn't she know? Is it really so horrible that we're going together?"
Realizing she had unintentionally hurt his feelings, Rory reached across the table and grasped his hand. "Oh, no, Tristan, it's not you at all. You just don't understand Stars Hollow. As we speak, Ms. Patty is on her cell phone, starting the gossip chain. Within the next hour, everyone in town will have found a reason to stop by the diner, just to get a look at you. It'll turn into this big ordeal, and we won't be able to eat dinner in peace. The same kind of thing happened when my dad came to town. I promise, it has nothing to do with you. I can't think of anyone I'd rather go to the dance with than you."
"Not even him?" Tristan asked quietly, nodding towards the door.
Rory looked up to see Dean staring straight at them. Lorelei noticed that Tristan had not released her daughter's hand from his grip, and Rory had yet to pull away. If anything, she squeezed it tighter upon seeing Dean, as if drawing strength from Tristan.
Angrily, Dean spun on his heel and walked out of the diner. Abruptly, Tristan let go of Rory and said, "If you want to go after him, go."
Rory paused, knowing, somehow, that the decision she made at this moment could affect the entire course of her future. At last, she spoke. "I don't want to go. I'm happy where I am."
Tristan beamed at her, his sapphire eyes drinking in the sight of her. The intensity of his gaze made Lorelei wonder how her daughter wasn't turning into a puddle of Rory-goo on the diner floor. On Tristan's part, at least, this, indeed, was love. Lorelei sighed, and wondered how her daughter could be so oblivious. Then again, she'd been a little blind herself when it came to Luke. Speaking of Luke…
"Hey Tristan. What can I get you tonight?"
Rory blinked. She couldn't remember Luke ever greeting Dean.
"I'll let the ladies order first."
"Don't bother. They always get the same thing, so I wasn't even going to ask."
"Oh. Then I guess I'll have a BLT, fries, and a cup of coffee."
"So they've corrupted you already?"
"No, it's just really good coffee."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, kid."
"Then I guess they've corrupted me."
"That's what I thought."
Lorelei leaned over and asked Rory, "Does it frighten you at all that Tristan and Luke are bonding?"
Rory nodded. "Very bizarre. Maybe the diner door is a portal to the Twilight Zone, too. Luke doesn't bond with anyone, except us."
* * *