Author- Archangel

Date- April 2nd, 2002

Rating- PG-13, at least for now

Summary- It's the future, and when Rory and Tristan are forced to go on a trip, their children stay together.

Distribution- If you ask, go ahead

Disclaimer- not mine. Amy Sherman-Palladino and the WB's. Joshua, Julie, Chris, Caleb, Jacob, Jessica, Lori, Andy and Andrew are mine, but the last names aren't, if that makes any sense. Movies and plays are used. Rhett and Scarlet and some of their lines are from Gone With the Wind. There are also references to Romeo and Juliet. Also, in the first chapter or two, this may remind some readers of Be My Someone, but it isn't modeled after it or anything. Actually, the idea for this was started the day we found out Jess was going to be a love interest for Rory, before the show even started. Anyway, you should read Be My Someone, by V Lynne. It's really good.

Rory Gilmore-Mariano stood in her kitchen, making lunch for her children. She was thirty-seven, and her last ten or so years had been rough. Her daughter had died when he was just two, in a horrible car accident. Her husband had died two years before, while she was pregnant with their 3rd surviving child, and her seventh. And about a year ago, her oldest daughter, Amanda, had been diagnosed with leukemia. But Rory was always optimistic, for if she was any other way, she doubted she'd be able to make it through the day.

She smiled as she heard the familiar footsteps bounding down the stairs. Jacob. Jacob was seven, her and Jess's only son. She smiled as he rounded the corner and walked into the kitchen. His hair was a dark brown just like his fathers and his eyes were an emerald green. She and Jess used to joke about that, how he must not be the father. Jess's eyes had been brown, although they did have a green tint to them. Jacob grinned. "Hey, mom."

Rory smiled at him. "Hey, Jacob. Are you ready for lunch?"

A look of disgust came over Jacob's face. "call me Jake. Everyone else does."

"Lunch?" Rory ignored his suggestion.

Jacob nodded. "Yeah. Um, I had a question on my homework."

Rory nodded. "Okay, I'll help you in a minute. Let me just finish getting lunch ready."

Jacob shook his head. "Um, no, I worded that wrong. Lori already helped me." He looked up at his mother expectantly.

Rory laughed. "Oh, I get it. Lori said she'd only help you if you'd put in a good word. What does she want?"

"Uh, I don't know. It has something to do with Melissa."

"Oh, great. Just great. She's hanging out with Melissa Grant?"

"I think so."

"Okay, I'll talk to her in a few minutes. Go tell her that and that lunch is ready. When you come back down, your lunch will be waiting for you."

"Okay, mom." Jacob ran back towards the stairs.

Lorelai Gilmore-Mariano, called Lori, rolled her eyes, listening to her little brother run up the stairs. How a seven year old could make that much noise was beyond her. As her door creaked open and Jacob popped his head in, Lori turned her head slowly towards the door. "Did it work?"

Jacob shook his head. "Nah. I told you. Mom's too smart."

Lori groaned. "Damn. Now she'll never let me go."

Jacob smiled. "Now tell me the truth. Go where?"

Lori sighed. "To a dance."

"A dance?" Jacob raised his eyebrows dubiously.

"Yes. A dance."

"The truth or I'll tell mom Jason was over the over day."

"Fine. A party."

Jacob grinned. "Huh. I am good. I am smart and wonderful and I knew you were lying. I-"

"Suck."

"Hey, don't say that. Or I could get you in trouble." Jacob bit his lip innocently. "Not that I would, of course."

Lori sighed. "Okay, Jake, go away."

Jacob sighed. "Lunch is ready." He turned to walk out the door.

Lori groaned. She had hurt Jake's feelings, she knew it. "Jake," she said, and he stopped. "I'm sorry."

Jacob nodded. "I know you are. And you're forgiven. Um, I'll see you downstairs."

"See you."

Rory looked around the kitchen table at her children, happy to see most of them together. Lori sat next to Jacob, and Rory laughed as she noticed that if Jacob was a girl, he would grow up to look just like Lori. Lori's hair was also dark, and she had Rory's eyes. She had inherited a little of both her parents' bone structures, and she was taller than Rory, about six feet, and she was only seventeen. On Lori's other side sat Andrew. He stood out among her children, for his hair was blonde. Amanda's hair was blonde as well, but she couldn't leave her room long enough to eat anymore. Andrew was also tall, about two inches taller than Lori, and he was sinewy, like his father. Jessica was a year and a half, and she sat on Lori's lap.

"Andy, how's college," Lori asked. Andy had come home from Harvard three days ago, but Lori had only returned from camp the previous day.

Andy sighed. "Okay. Boring but okay."

Lori rolled her eyes. "Geez, thanks for the details. So what's it like now? Is it different than how it was when mom went there?"

Rory swatted her daughter playfully. "Hey, I'm not that old."

"I know." Lori turned back to Andy. "What are the classes like? How big are they? Are the professors good?"

Andy grinned. "Interesting. One of my professors turned out to have worked with dad. Um, I guess dad owned his company. Yeah, they are big. The professors are really good."

Rory watched the conversation between Lori and Andy with interest. Lori's eyes lit up every time she mentioned Harvard and Andy was much the same. Rory cleared her throat. "Uh, Andy, why don't you tell Lori about your new girlfriend."

Andy nodded. "Yeah, sure. Um, her name's Cara. She's a sophomore, like me. And, um, yeah. She's from France."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Does she speak French?"

Andy rolled his eyes. "No, she's only lived in France for eighteen years. But she doesn't know her national language."

Lori slapped him playfully the way her mother had slapped her moments before. "Okay. That was a stupid question. Is your French really that good?"

He waggled his eyebrows. "Some things French are."

"Didn't need to know that."

Rory sighed. "Guys, hate to break up this little conversation but it's not exactly age appropriate for your brother, or your sister for that matter."

Andy looked at Rory, full of sorrow. "Mom, sorry. I wasn't thinking."

Rory nodded. "It's okay, Andy."

Lori looked at her mother expectantly. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"You didn't even yell at us. Something's up. Something bad that you don't want us to be mad beforehand. Tell us." Lori frowned, and Rory knew she had been caught.

"Um, I heard about an experimental treatment. It might help Amanda. But it's in Los Angeles."

Lori grinned. "That's great. Mom, you know we aren't mad that you're helping Amanda."

Rory winced. "Her father's coming with me and you're staying at his house."

Lori shook her head vehemently. "No. No, no, no. I'm not staying there. You can't make me."

Rory sighed. "Lori, the only reason you don't want to stay there is because Josh is there. You really have to be more mature. Right now, your sister's health is the most important thing."

Andy nodded. "Yeah, okay, we'll go. Won't we, Lori?" He nudged Lori gently.

Lori frowned. Rory knew this was going to take more convincing. "You'll see Katie." Katie was Lori's half-sister. She was five years old and she lived with her father.

Lori smiled uncertainly. "Yeah, I guess so. If it's for Amanda."

Rory smiled, taking her daughter in her arms. "That's what I like to hear, Lori."

Lori smiled slightly, trying to be happy about this. 'It's for Amanda,' she reminded herself.

Later that day, Lori sighed as she folded a shirt and dropped it in her suitcase. She turned to Andy, who lay on her bed, reading a book. "It's not that I'm not happy, I am. I mean, this could be what Amanda needs. And that's what's important. But, I don't know. I'm just…upset. Do you know what I mean? It's like, Mom probably knew about this weeks ago but she just tells us the day before we have to go. It's not fair. Especially since I hate going there. You know?" Lori continued to rant.

Andy nodded empathetically. "Yeah, I know. But it needs to be done. I mean, what's more important? Amanda or Josh?" Andy smirked. "Oh, wait. Bad question. With you, I don't know."

Lori narrowed her eyes. "Andy, shut up. I have absolutely no feelings for Josh. We used to be friends, but that friendship disappeared. Now we just wallow in mutual loathing."

Andy nodded, as if he bought it. "Uh-huh. Okay. But back to the question at hand. Aren't you willing to deal with Josh if it will help Amanda?"

"Yeah, of course."

Andy sighed. "How has she been, Lori? All Mom has said are these big medical words and that she'll be fine. How is she really?"

Lori groaned, sinking down on her bed next to Andy. "Bad, Andy, real bad. She doesn't even know who I am anymore. A few weeks ago, she didn't wake up. She slept through the day, for like, thirty-six hours. I was scared."

Andy's eyes had grown watery and Lori almost regretted telling him. She knew Andy was especially close to her big sister, since he was her twin. Andy gulped, then said, "Lori, I think Mom's going to L.A. because it's Amanda's last chance."

Lori sighed. "That's what I thought too but I didn't want to say it."

"I hope it works."

"Me too."

It had been decided that Amanda would stay at her father's house with her brothers and sisters, because she was too weak to travel. The next morning, after Rory picked up her son, Caleb, from a sleepover, she brought him, Jacob, Lori, Andy, Amanda, and Jessica to Hartford.

As she rung the bell, she stood nervously on the front step. Maria, the head maid answered, which was to be expected. "Ah, you must be Rory. And Lori, you've grown so much since the last time I saw you. You're beautiful." She gave each of them a quick hug before escorting them inside.

Rory grinned as Katie came running down the stairs from her room. "Mommy!," she said, throwing her arms around Rory. Rory hugged her little daughter, glad to see her again.

Julie and Christopher stood with their father, watching their little half-sister. Julie was sixteen and Christopher was fourteen. Caleb grinned at Christopher, for the two had become close friends years ago. There was only a year between the two, Caleb being thirteen.

Julie, Christopher, Katie, Amanda and Andy all looked more like their father than their mothers. Blond and blue eyed, the five stood out everywhere. Yes, they were definitely his. As her eyes met his, she smiled. "Hey, Tristan."

"Rory, it's nice to see you again."

"You too."

Tristan gave each of the children a hug and a kiss on the cheek before saying, "I wish I could stay long enough to make sure you are all settled and comfortable, but Rory and I have to catch a train in less than half an hour." He frowned, making it clear he didn't want to leave. Turning to Rory slowly, he took her hand. "Come on, Rory. We have to go."

Joshua DuGrey watched this display between his father and Rory Gilmore- Mariano with growing disgust. He believed Rory was a gold digger, taking advantage of his father's… lust for his high school crush. Her children should prove that. Seven children by three different fathers- the woman clearly got around. He frowned. She was the mother of his three half siblings, and his father was always telling him to pay her more respect. He wouldn't though. She was a disgrace.

As he looked at the little gathering of his 'family,' he snorted in disgust. In the center of it all was Lorelai Gilmore-Mariano, his ex-best friend. She had changed. No longer was her frame too gawky and her eyes to big. No, she was beautiful. Her hair was a long dark brown, at least three shades darker than her mother's. Her figure was slim and graceful, her lips full. Even from the balcony on which he stood, he didn't need to look at her to know her eyes were still the same stunning blue.

His half brother, Andy, happened to look up and spotted him. A grin spreading across his features, Andy said, "Josh! Come down here. Come see Amanda. She wants to see you."

Joshua gulped. He was nervous about seeing Amanda again. He had seen her last week and she had looked so sickly that he worried she would break in front of his eyes. "I'll be right down, Andy."

As he walked down the stairs, his eyes caught Lorelai's. "If it isn't Lorelai Gilmore-Mariano! How have I ever survived without you." His voice was dry and sarcastic.

Lori turned to him. "You screw every girl in sight." Her voice was bitingly caustic, to the point of being downright mean.

Joshua smirked. "Lorelai Gilmore-Mariano, are you jealous?"

Lori rolled her eyes. "Oh, yeah. I'm so jealous. After, what, a year and a half of not speaking to you, I realized I couldn't live without you. Joshua, give up all your philandering ways and spend eternity with me. Oh, Rhett!"

Joshua rolled his eyes. "Oh, but Scarlet, frankly I don't give a damn about you."

Lori placed her hand over her heart mockingly. "Oh, Rhett, you wound me so!"

Tristan, who was halfway out the door, turned around and glared at Joshua. "Joshua Michael DuGrey, Lori is a guest in our home. Treat her so. Stop this diatribe right now or I'll take away your new car."

Joshua fell silent. After Tristan and Rory were gone, Lori smirked. "A new car, daddy's boy? What kind?"

Joshua grinned. "A BMW. Want to try out the backseat?"

Lori jumped back as if she had been struck. "No, I'd say not. I feel it would be a bit of a…disappointment."

Joshua rolled his eyes. "You're not exactly the queen yourself."

"Oh, kinky. Do you leave the crown on for kicks?"

"Why are you so interested in the details of my sex life, which, although fascinating, no longer has anything to do with you?"

Lori narrowed her eyes. "Oh, and if I cared, I'd be hurt."

Joshua grinned. "You are."

"Oh, yeah, I'm hurt. A plague on both your houses."

Joshua rose his hand. "Oh, but wait, I have more than two houses."

Lori sighed. "No, Joshua, your father has more than two houses. You just benefit from them."

"And you don't?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, c'mon, Lorelai. We all know your mother's just trying to sink her hands into the DuGrey money. Why else would she have his kids?"

Lori glared at him. "What? You think I want to be here? Are you crazy? This is the last place I want to be. But I gave in because it's what Amanda may need. Because I actually care about her."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "She's my sister too. And I do care about her. I just wish you didn't come with the package."

"Ah, at least it's a bigger and better package. Yours is just so small."

Joshua glared at her. "I'm going to see when lunch's going to be ready. Oh, and if you get lonely, call the strippers. I'm sure they'd be willing to service you…for a large fee of course. Because, well, damn, Lorelai, you just aren't that enjoyable." He turned on his heal and walked away.

Julie sat at the dining room table with the rest of her 'family,' looking back and forth between Joshua and Lorelai. They had entered a tense silence moments before, and it was beginning to be uncomfortable for everyone else. She cleared her throat. "So, um, Lori, how was that camp?"

"Which one?"

"Both."

"Well, the first one, Camp Faith, was really good. I feel like I actually made a difference, you know? And one of the little girls, her name was Michaela West, she was six, had bone cancer but she was just so positive. I mean, even during a spinal tap, which is excruciating, she smiled and acted all positive. I swear to God, some of these kids are so amazing."

Julie nodded. "That must have been fun. And sad, too. Were they all terminal?"

Lori nodded. "Well, at least most were. About 85%, at least."

Joshua rolled his eyes. "Ah, Saint Lorelai at work."

Ignoring her brother, Julie pressed on. "So, what about the other camp? What was it called? Camp Splendor?"

Lori rolled her eyes. "Yes."

"So, how was it?"

Lori groaned. "A requirement. They actually had classes. Get this- one of the required classes was called 'AP nail care- an in depth study of polishes.'

Julie laughed. "Uh, wow, a little shallow. Remind me again why you did that camp?"

"It's a requirement. You know, for modeling. And I have to model. Because it helps pay Amanda's bills." With a quick glance at Joshua, she added, "I do it because my mom doesn't like taking your father's money."

"I saw you had an ad in last month's Seventeen." Julie leaned forward, anticipating a story.

Lori shrugged. "Yeah. It was no big deal. I showed up, got dressed, and they snapped a picture."

"So, were there any cute guys at this camp?"

Lori nodded. "Yeah. Actually, my hair stylist was pretty cute."

Joshua laughed. "Hair stylists are gay, seriously."

Lori smirked. "Then why'd he kiss me?"

Julie let out an excited scream. "Omigod! How was he? Was he a good kisser? What was his technique? Was it your best kiss ever?"

Lori grinned. "Yeah. It was great, definitely my best. It was so…hot, do you know what I-"

Joshua stood up quickly, the sound of his chair scraping the floor interrupting the conversation. "I'll be up in my room. I'll leave you guys alone to discuss Lori's 'oh-so-hot' kiss." Joshua retreated form the room quickly, not wanting to hear anymore. He was nauseous already.

"Do you think they're all still alive," Rory asked for about the billionth time since stepping on the train.

Tristan sighed, checking his watch. "Um, let me think. Julie and Christopher are okay. Andy and Amanda and Katie are okay. Caleb, Jacob, and Jessica are okay."

"You didn't mention Lori or Josh."


Tristan nodded. "It's been two hours. That's enough time for a murder to take place. My bet- Lori got to Josh before he could get to her."

"Maybe."

"Yeah."

"Do you think-"

Tristan cut her off, knowing what was coming. "Amanda's going to be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Rory, calm down. Everyone's okay. I hope. We need to stay focused. The point is to help Amanda."

"I hope she's okay."

"She is. And plus, Andy won't let her out of his sight. He's protective of her."

Rory nodded, trying to change the subject. "So, how's Katie been?"

Tristan grinned. "Great. She brought home a painting the other day."

"Of what?"

"Us."

"Really? That's so sweet."

"I know, but…"

Rory frowned when Tristan paused. "But what? What is it Tristan?"

Tristan sighed. "It may not be that big of a deal. But the painting was a little off. Um, yeah. There was kind of…a ring on your finger." Tristan paused. "Is there something you're not telling me? Are you engaged, Rory?"

"No. Katie just has an overactive imagination. She just wants us married. You know that."

"But you wouldn't marry me." It was a statement, not a question.

Rory nodded, confirming it. "Right."

"Well, ouch. You know I-"

"Tristan, it wouldn't work. We are two different people. The only things we have in common are Andy, Amanda, and Katie."

"I'd say that's a lot." Tristan groaned in frustration, knowing Rory's next words before she even said them.

"Plus, we aren't the same people we were when we had Katie, let alone Amanda or Andy. And Lori and Josh don't even get along."

"And you're going to let that stand in our way? Rory, we may not be the same people but we are still perfect for one another."

Rory shook her head sadly. "I don't think so, Tristan. I mean, every time we get together, someone gets hurt. Last time it was Jess."

Tristan was getting desperate. "But your feelings for me were strong enough to cheat on him anyways. That's got to say something."

"Tristan, Jess is- was my husband."

Tristan nodded. "I know, Rory. But he died. He's not going to come back and whisk you off your feet. He can't. He'd want you to be happy. And you would be. With me."

Rory shook her head. "Yeah. He'd want me to be happy but not with you. C'mon, Tristan, you know that. You were always 'the other guy,' Jess's competition. He was competitive. And he'll think you won."

Tristan raised his eyebrows. "Rory, I hate to say this, but he is out of the picture. He's not even alive. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"He'll know."

"What?"

Rory sighed. "He watches over me and the kids. I know he does. He loves us too much to just stop because he's dead."

Tristan frowned. "Okay, Rory. But I could make you happy. Don't you want to be happy again?"

Rory nodded. "Yeah."

"Then-"

"Not with you. I can't be happy anyways. My daughter is sick. Tristan- you know as well as I do what we haven't told the kids. If this doesn't work, Amanda will die." As she said this, tears slowly ran down her cheeks.

Tristan took her in his arms, wiping away her tears. "It will be okay, Rory. It will work." Of course, Tristan wasn't as sure as he sounded. In fact, he had no idea what would happen. But he could hope, and so could she.