Author: archangel

E-mail: archangel50210@msn.com

Rating: PG-13 for now

Pairing: Trory

CONTENT - R/D Kissing; Sorry, but it's necessary

DISCLAIMER - Amy Sherman-Palladino and the WB own the characters and the show. All that's mine is this story.

AUTHORS NOTE - This is my first fanfic so I would appreciate any reviews. Constructive criticism is welcome. Please review.





Rory walked in her front door, dropping her bag on the floor. "Mom, where are you?"

Lorelai shouted from the kitchen. "In here, Ror. Did you know that there isn't an on/off switch on the stove?"

Rory froze. "Uh, Mom. How did you find this out?" Rory squeezed her eyes shut, dreading the answer. She walked to the kitchen door. One area where the stove had once been was now charred black.

Lorelai smiled nervously. "Um, surprise?"

Rory groaned. "Oh, believe me. I have had enough of those for a lifetime. In fact, if I have one more, I think I'll explode." Lorelai looked at her daughter questioningly. "Oh, I'm in History and everything's perfect. I'm thinking of my upcoming date with Dean, not paying any attention, being normal, when He walks in. And He's like, 'you thought you were rid of me,' and then I noticed, I really thought I was. But He's back. And that's not good. And I have to do a project with Him. And He's the same- except his hair is a little shorter. This is bad, Mom. Real bad."

Lorelai stared at Rory. "Why is it bad. What's this project. Who's he? Is he cute? Does he make you want to drop that over six-foot VERY handy boyfriend of yours like, I dunno, Emily as garbage?



"Because it's him. We don't get along. The Great Depression paper. Tristan. No, well lots of people think so but I don't like him. And definitely no. I love Dean. And that garbage reference- really mean. Would you like it if I called you garbage?" Rory closed her mouth, frowning at her mother.

Lorelai laughed. "That's funny. Me- like my mom. Ha. Miss It-is-expected- that-you-will-kiss-the-round-I-walk-on Emily Gilmore and ME! Lorelai Pregnant-at-sixteen Gilmore? Ha. We may be related by blood but nothing else. Except dad. And you. But wait- that's still blood." Changing the topic, Lorelai declared, "Hey, I was thinking I'd put a big coffee machine here. I mean, we drink coffee more than we cook, right? We don't need food. As long as we have coffee we're all set."

Rory stared at her mother. "Mom, as much as I love coffee, and you know I do, you are joking, right?"

Lorelai averted her eyes. "Uh, aren't you supposed to be getting ready for that date?"

Rory sighed in exasperation. "Gee, Mom. Nice topic- changing." Rory started to run up the stairs. Over her shoulder, she called, "This isn't the end of this, Mom."





"Rory, you look so beautiful," Dean started, "What did I do to deserve you?" He stood before her, in a suit jacket and dress pants, with his hair combed back and his eyes bright.

Rory smiled blissfully at him. "You did. I fell for you." Rory winced at the familiarity of those words. They were Tristan's.

Dean smiled back at her. "Well, are you ready to go?"

Rory nodded. "Of course. Tonight will be great."

Dean looked at her, love shining from his eyes. "How do you know?"

Rory looked into his eyes. "I'm with you," she said softly.

Dean leaned in and gave her a sweet, loving, gentle kiss. "Same here. When I'm with you, I feel so...alive."

Rory laughed, taking his hand and pulling him out the door. Dean frowned. "What's so funny?"

Rory grinned up at him. "You are. You're so sweet...and cheesy. And clichéd." Dean laughed as he opened the door of his car for her. Rory smiled. "And chivalrous."





"Vat vill ve pretty vomen be having vonight?" The question was from a European waiter, and it took Rory a minute to decipher it.

"Oh, um, let me see. What's this," Rory asked, pointing to an item on the menu.

"Vat is the intestines of a sheep."

Rory blanched. Looking at Dean, she said, "So, do you serve cheeseburgers and coffee?"

Dean laughed. "Sounds good to me."

The waiter frowned. "You Americans have no vaste for classic meals. Err." He walked away, grumbling about Americans.

Rory laughed. "Omigod, that was just like Michel. That was great. His face when I asked for-," Rory froze, searching Dean's face. "You don't mind, that I got a cheeseburger, do you?"

Dean doubled over laughing. "Oh no. Definitely not. I might actually have a little money left over to buy you something after."

"I love you, Dean."

"I love you too, Rory."

The couple leaned across the table, smiling, until their lips met.





"So, I had a great time. Thanks, Dean. I love you."

"I love you, Rory. So, I'll call you after school tomorrow."

Rory thought for a moment. "Actually, I might not be home. See, I have a project due next week and due to my unfortunate luck, I got stuck working with the delinquent back from the army. "

Dean groaned. "Bible Boy's back? Man, if that ass messes with you..."

Rory smiled, feeling protected and loved. "I'll be okay, Dean. I love you. So I'll call you when I get home."

Dean nodded. "Okay, Ror. Bye. Love you."

"Bye." Rory closed the door behind her.

.