1 I'm so sorry it took me this long to post another chapter out. This will be the last chapter of The Snow. I've decided to end it right here. Hope you like it! It's a lot longer than all the other chapters. Yay! Please send feedback or R&R after reading! Enjoy!

::Jennifer::

2

Recap: "Umm, can we go to the bathroom first? I kinda need to go." She blushed a little.

"Ok let's go,"

They quietly walked to the restroom. Tristan wanted to put her arms around her, but not after what had just happened. They just walked together about a feet away from the other.

End of part 16.

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4 The Snow

4.1 Chapter17

Rory came out of the bathroom to find Tristan sitting on a nearby bench waiting for her.

As he saw her approach him, he stood up to go meet her.

"Thanks for waiting" Rory said softly.

He just smiled.

They were just standing there until Tristan decided to break the silence and take a chance.

"Do you mind if I take you someplace?" He asked slowly, afraid she might say no.

"What do you mean?" Rory asked in return.

"I want to show you someplace that I think you might like," Offered Tristan, giving her a small smile.

"Sure. Where is it?"

"It's someplace in the park. Let's go," He said to her and took another chance by holding out his hand to her.

She surprisingly took it and he gave her a small smile. There were so many surprises she gave him these last two days he lost count of them all. You could say, that he thought she was fickle. Sometimes she would totally blow off his advances but other times she seemed willing to take chances and at least be civil with him.

They walked somewhat silently. On the way, she repeatedly asked where he was taking her but he insisted on stating it was a surprise. To make her stop, he promised to take her to a Starbuck's later. He knew coffee would do the work. She was quiet the rest of the way there.

He's taking her to his favorite place in the whole park. It was sort of his secret spot that nobody knew about. It was in the mountains. His grandfather use to always bring him here when he was little and sometimes he'd come by himself.

When they were almost there, Tristan made her cover her eyes. Then he carefully led her to the spot.

She opened her eyes and gasped at the mere sight of the view. There was a structure similar to Stonehenge with ivy leaves stranded around along with some Christmas decorations. In the background was the snowy mountain view. He watched from behind as she took in the surrounding, astonished. It was truly breathtaking. He knew she would love it. This place often reminded him of her, peaceful, unspoiled, and just amazing; that's why he brought her here. He's going to tell her exactly how he feels and felt this was the best place and time for it.

Rory walked a little further to the structure slowly. She stood in the middle of it and looked at the snow-covered mountains behind it.

"Tristan," Rory said just above a whisper. "This is beautiful." He walked closer to her until they were side to side. He looked down at her and replied, "Yeah, just like someone else I know," He said it softly and looked back up to stare at the view ahead. Rory gently looked up at him with a slight look of pandemonium. Had he said that about her? Why had he brought her here in the first place? Many questions were swimming in her head, all unanswered. She cocked her head up again to get another glimpse of him. Little did she know that all her questions would be answered with just a glimpse into his eyes. They continued to stare at the view until Tristan absentmindedly put his arm around her. The mere sensation sent shivers down her spine.

"Tristan?"

"Yeah?" he replied softly, lowering his eyes to meet hers.

"Why'd you bring me here?" She asked innocently.

There was a silence before he spoke. "Because I knew you would love it for what it is and so I wanted to share it with you." She lowered her head for a moment as she felt her cheeks flush at his comment.

Then meeting his gaze again, she whispered a thank you as he leaned in a little closer. Now their faces were inches away. They could feel each other's breaths with each exhale. The only thing Tristan could think of to do at the moment was to kiss her. She looked so beautiful at the moment with bits of snow in her hair and face. The white of the snow definitely brought out her sapphire eyes.

Their eyes were fixated on each other's lips. He slowly leaned in and captured her mouth in his. He had expected her to pull away but she hadn't. When she began to respond to the touch of his lips, he moved his hands and rested it on her waist and held her closer; she put her arms around her neck pulling him closer to intensify the kiss. The electricity coursing through them could have easily shortened out the whole city. She had never felt that way before, even with Dean.

The kiss lasted for what seemed like an eternity until they finally pulled back, breathless. She rested her head at his shoulders and he rested his head on the top of her head. Both were taking in the details of what had just happened and made sure it wasn't a dream.

They were resting in each other's arms peacefully, neither saying a word, just enjoying their presence together.

~20 minutes later~

Tristan let go of her to check his watch. "Rory, it's getting late, almost a quarter till 8. We should probably get going before it's dark out and begin to snow harder." Rory just nodded.

They walked back down the mountain, hand in hand with a smile playing on both their lips. Neither of them knew what would become of their "relationship". Would they go back to being civil friends or would they give their relationship a chance in the love department?

When they got back to the throng of people, Lane immediately spotted them. As she was coming near, Rory released her hand from Tristan's. He felt a little down after that but his face showed no sign of it.

"Hey Rory, where'd you guys go?" Lane asked, looking from Rory to Tristan.

"Nowhere," She replied back with a smile.

"Then why couldn't I find you guys anywhere?" Lane asked, and they both shrugged. "It's getting late and we need to go."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Most of the car ride home was silent except for the radio. It snowed harder and they were stuck in traffic. Lane was asleep in the back while Tristan was driving. Rory had her head against the windowpane, looking outside at the falling snow. Just then a song came on. It was Michelle Branch's "Sweet Misery".

4.1.1 I was lost

And you were found

You seemed to stand on solid ground

I was weak

And you were strong

And me and my guitar

we strummed along

Rory looked over at Tristan to see him staring back at her. She blushed a little and went back to listening to the song.

4.1.2 Sweet misery you cause me

That's what you called me

Sweet misery you cause me

It kind of reminds her of their banters, so bittersweet.

4.1.3 I was blind

But oh, how you could see

You saw the beauty in everything,

everything and me

I would cry

And you would smile

You'd stay with me a little while

Sweet misery you cause me

That's what you called me

Sweet misery you cause me

She somewhat enjoyed it. He was the only friend she had at Chilton. The banters even made her days a little more carefree sometimes, especially with the workloads she gets. It was something at Chilton that she didn't have to worry about thinking so hard for an answer, except for the comeback lines.

4.1.4 And in my heart I see, oh

What you're doing to me

And in my heart I see, oh

Just how you wanted it to be

Sweet misery

Oh, whoa

Sweet misery you cause me

That's what you called me

Sweet misery you cause me

And in my heart I see, oh

What you're doing to me

And in my heart I see, oh

Just how you wanted it to be

Sweet misery

I was weak

And you were strong

And me and my guitar

we strummed along

Just as the song ended, Tristan pulled into the driveway of the Gilmore house. Rory woke up Lane and they all got out of the car and stepped onto the porch. "Excuse us, Tristan," Lane pulled Rory aside. "Can I sleepover tonight? Since my parents aren't home tonight anyways, so I can also grill you for the details about what happened with you and Tristan earlier." Lane giggled. She went inside leaving Rory and Tristan alone on the porch.

"So,"

"So," Tristan repeated.

"I had a great time today. Thanks for showing me the beautiful place."

"My pleasure," Rory blushed.

"Rory-"

"Tristan-"

They both started speaking at the same time.

"You first," Tristan said.

"What happened between us back there at the park?" Rory asked softly, staring into his eyes.

"I'm not sure, Rory. But I gotta tell you something. Just hear me out," He paused and then proceeded on. "Rory, ever since I met you, I was amazed by you. I'm sorry for all the trouble I gave you at Chilton. I know you didn't need that in addition to Paris. I just didn't know how to act around you. When it comes to you, my mind just blanks out and I don't know what to say, so I make stupid comments. You were so different than all the other girls at Chilton." He pauses and then continued on. "I admit that you were a challenge, or conquest as you would put it, at first. But after that kiss we shared at Madeline's party, it changed everything. It changed my whole outlook on love. All those girls I went out with were just to make you jealous. All I ever wanted from you was a chance, just one. I know I may never be worthy of your love, but I had to try." After his speech, Rory was totally speechless. She hadn't known he felt that way about her, but she was willing to give him a chance now; after she had gotten to know the real Tristan inside who was so capable of love.

"Good night," Tristan said and began to walk down the steps, her instincts told her to call after him.

"Tristan!" She called out to him.

"Yeah?" He said, turning around.

"Tristan, I accept your apology. I didn't know you felt that way about me. And now that I do, I'm willing to give you a chance, that is if you still want it." She smiled with hope.

"Of course I do!" He smiled and walked quickly to her and kissed her. She happily embraced him and kissed him back.

~Upstairs~

Lorelai and Lane were peeking through the window at Rory and Tristan outside. The lights weren't on so they hadn't noticed they were up there.

"Aww. they look so cute, don't they? I knew she liked him," Lorelai said.

"Yeah and now I won the poll on when they'd get together!" exclaimed Lane.

"That's no fair thought," Lorelai pouted.

"Too bad, maybe next poll." Suggested Lane.

~Outside~

"I better go. I had a really great time tonight. Thank you."

"No prob. It was worth it." Tristan replied with a smile that made Rory weak in the knees.

He walked her to the door and gave her a kiss followed by a kiss on the forehead.

"Good night, Rory. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Tristan."

She opened the door and walked inside. When she got in safely, Tristan got in his car and drove away.

Rory leaned against the door for a moment until she heard Lorelai and Lane coming down the stairs.

"Come on, Rory. We're dying for the details about what happened!" exclaimed Lane.

"Yeah. Now spill." Lorelai chimed in.

"I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, ok? I promise. Right now I just want to get to bed. I'm tired. So please?"

"Ok fine. I'll let it slide this time. But this is big, so first thing in the morning tomorrow." Lorelai said pointing at her.

"Ok," Rory said and headed to her room with Lane behind her.

They both changed and went to bed. Lane slept on the futon and Rory slept on her bed.

Rory looked outside her window to see the snow falling. "It is magical." Rory said softly to herself. "Did you say something?" Lane asked. "Oh, no. Just thinking out loud to myself."

"Ok. Good night, Rory."

"Good night, Lane" Rory replied.



4.2 THE END!!!!!!!!!

4.2.1 Like it? Send feedback!

::Jennifer::