Author's Note: In the words of Lucy Liu, "Why do they always run?" I know,
I'm a horrible evil person who just doesn't ever seem to get put her
characters together! I'm sorry! Don't worry, keep reading and you'll see
why, okay?
Chapter 5-Enticing
"Rory Gilmore, I have been in love with you for the longest time. I can't go on anymore just being you're friend when I want to be more. Yesterday, I wanted a kiss to be the judge of whether or not you felt the same way but we never got that kiss. So I'm going to kiss you now and I pray that you feel the same way." he whispered before closing the gap between their mouths.
The kiss was simple, sweet, but conveyed all his emotions as he held her gently, afraid to be too forceful. She responded but pulled back suddenly, a pained expression in her eyes. He gulped and felt the fear rise in him. He had seen that look already twice before in his life. Both times ended in pain. His worst fear was slowly coming true. That look was the worst form of torture anyone could give. It was the look that he had crushed him in high school, the look that had nearly killed him a year ago, and now it was the look that made him want to kill himself.
"Oh God no." Lorelai begged as they crouched on the ground studying Rory's face.
"She's going to run." Jess breathed sadly.
~
"Rory wait..." he began but it was too late.
She turned around and ran as fast as her high-heeled shoes would allow, tears streaming down her face. Tristan swallowed and took a staggering breath as he fought the urge to crumble down on the ground.
"It's over." he whispered.
Weakly, he stumbled over to the benches and slumped down into one. Tentatively the Danes', Katie, John, and Drew crawled out from behind the bushes.
"We'll take care of Tristan," Luke said gently to Lorelai, "go after Rory."
Lorelai nodded and pulled Katie away from the guys towards where Rory fled to seconds before. Luke went back to where Tristan had collapsed.
"Dude, that was harsh." Drew whispered quietly.
"No kidding." John muttered sarcastically. He shook his head and mumbled something that faintly sounded like 'Captain Obvious' under his breath.
Jess ignored them and tried to look Tristan in the eye. "Tris?"
Tristan looked up at him, tears brimming his eyes, looking absolutely heart broken. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it and looked back down. Lorelai and Katie jogged up to them.
"We found her but then we lost her." Katie informed.
"What happened?" Luke asked.
"We saw her just as she was getting into a taxi." she answered.
"I am so stupid." Tristan mumbled sadly.
"No, you're not." Lorelai insisted, kneeling in front of him.
"Yes, I am." he argued. "I was so stupid to think that she would ever love me."
"But she does love you!" Katie argued.
"Did she say that?" Tristan asked angrily. "Did she ever say that?"
"No, but I can tell." Katie answered.
"Well, that makes a huge difference!" he said sarcastically.
"No, Tristan, she's right. I know my daughter, she loves you." Lorelai pushed.
"Then why did she run? Again."
Lorelai sat silent. She didn't have an answer.
"That's what I thought." he muttered. "I gotta get out of here."
He stood up and pushed passed them all and walked silently towards his car. Jess started after him but John held him back.
"He's got some thinking to do, let him go." he said.
"But..." Jess protested.
"No, he's right. Tristan needs some time to himself." Luke agreed.
They all stood silent, watching Tristan until he rounded a corner out of sight.
"So what do we do now?" Katie asked quietly.
"I don't know." Drew answered.
"I guess I haven't been much help in your plan, huh Jess?" Lorelai asked solemnly.
"We didn't have a plan, that was my fault." Jess said crest fallen.
"No, it was my..."
"It was no one's fault." Luke interrupted Lorelai.
"Listen, let's just find Rory and then get Tristan and have them talk this whole thing out." Drew suggested.
"Agreed. Come on, let's go." Luke ordered.
~~~~~~~~
Hartford, CT.
"Rory, dear, we weren't expecting you!"
"Hey Grandma." Rory said pleasantly but wearily. "I'm sorry to disturb your sleeping but I couldn't find my key, which is really weird because it's usually on my key ring but for some reason it must have fallen off, and I wouldn't have even come if I thought I didn't have it."
"Rory, it's quite alright." Emily interrupted. "Come in."
Rory smiled and walked into her grandparents house relieved that after a two hour drive to Hartford in the dead of night she would get a chance to sleep. She hugged her robe-clad grandmother, thankful for the comfort and peace she gave her.
"Emily, it's eleven o'clock at night, who is at the door?" Richard called from the stairs, tying his robe as he walked. "Rory?"
"Hi Grandpa." she smiled.
Richard smiled brightly and walked the rest of the way before pulling Rory into a hug. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" he asked suddenly concerned.
"No, no, it's not because something is wrong. Don't worry."
"Then what sparked this unexpected visit?" Emily asked.
"I just..." Rory hesitated. "I just need some time away from school and everything."
"So are Luke and Lorelai back too?" Emily questioned some more.
"You knew they were visiting?" Rory asked.
"Yes, they called to let us know they would be gone."
"Oh, yeah well, I kind of left without them." Rory admitted.
"But why...?" Emily began.
"Emily," Richard interrupted gently, "I'm sure Rory is tired. Why don't we let her get some sleep?"
"Right, of course."
Together the three of them walked up the stairs. Bidding good night to her grandparents, Rory steered herself towards her room and took in the familiar surroundings. Setting her bag, which she packed in a rush, on the bed she began to unpack. She had enough clothes for a couple days and if not she could always go home and get the ones that Lorelai insisted she keep at the house. Changing into pajamas, she hung the rest of the clothes up in the nearly empty closet and returned to her duffle. She was about to toss it in the closet as well but a hint of green caught her eye, forcing her to stop. In her rush she had brought along Prince. Biting her lip she gently lifted the frog out of the bag and brought him close. Nudging the duffle of the bed and sitting down in its place she hugged Prince tighter as she cried herself to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~
Cambridge, MA...
"Tristan's gone! He took his stuff with him!" Jess informed them, storming into the girls' dorm room, John, Drew, and Luke close behind.
Lorelai stood up from her spot on Rory's bed. "Rory's gone too."
"What?!" he asked in shock.
"We came in here and she was gone." Katie answered.
"Well, looks like she left in a hurry." Luke observed, noticing that the closet door was ajar and the drawers that were not fully shut.
"Now what?" John asked.
They all looked at each other trying to find an answer that would have a happy outcome but alas they didn't have one.
"Now, we go home." Luke solemnly.
"Yeah, I guess there's no point in staying." Lorelai agreed.
Jess nodded. "If it's alright with you, can I come with you two?"
"Why?" Luke asked. "Don't you want to get back to New Haven?"
"Well, actually, I'm not in the mood to drive three hours to get there. Plus, I couldn't if I wanted to, Tristan has the car."
"So you'd rather sit in the car for two and a half hours to Stars Hollow?"
"Well, I wouldn't be the one driving so.yeah." he answered.
"It's too late for you guys to drive back tonight." Katie informed them.
"No kidding." Drew chimed.
"Well, first thing in the morning then." Jess said.
Lorelai nodded in agreement. They all said their good-byes and went to bed, all pondering one simple question: what ever happened to happily ever after?
~~~~~~~~
Hartford, CT...
Tristan had every intention of going back to New Haven but alas, he wasn't in the mood to face the nearly empty campus and deserted dorms. While he had absolutely no desire to face his parents it seemed like the only choice he had so, with a heavy heart he drove up the long driveway to the house and quietly crept in, careful not to wake anyone. He fell asleep the second his head hit the pillows.
Now, at eight in the morning he was sure that his parents of knew his presence. Lumbering down the stairs to the smell of breakfast he didn't bother to hide his bloodshot eyes and saddened expression.
"Good morning son." his father said in a monotone voice, not looking up from his paper. "Did you get in last night?"
Tristan sighed and sat down at the opposite end of the table.
"Yeah dad, I just felt the need to come home. I hope I didn't wake you."
"Not at all, didn't even know you were here."
His father still had yet to look up.
"Tristan darling, we were so surprised to see your car in the garage this morning." Mrs. DuGrey said sweetly.
She sat down next to her husband just as the maid came in and brought in their meals.
"I had the cook fix your eggs just the way you like them Tristan." she informed him.
"Thanks mom."
They all sat silent as they began to eat. It was in this silence that Mrs. DuGrey got a real look at her son.
"Tristan! What is wrong? You're eyes are all red, are you sick dear?"
His father had yet to look up.
Tristan sighed. "It's nothing, I'm fine." he dismissed, focusing on his eggs.
His father had yet to look up.
"It doesn't look like nothing! Tristan what happened? Why are you really here?"
Tristan inwardly cursed his mother for being so insightful.
"I went down to see Rory." he admitted.
Finally, his father looked up.
"And?" Mr. DuGrey prompted.
"And I told her that...I love her."
His parents exchanged worried glances. Tristan caught this and furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What happened dear?" his mom asked hesitantly.
"She ran away. She doesn't feel the same way." Tristan answered.
The two elder DuGrey who had tensed earlier visibly relaxed.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." Mr. DuGrey said politely in a tone that suggested he was not sorry at all.
"What do you know?" Tristan asked.
"What do you mean dear?" his mother said innocently.
"You're hiding something. I can see it. It has something to do with Rory." he accused.
"Now see here, I don't like where you're going with this." Mr. DuGrey said firmly.
Tristan shook his head. He needed to think some things out.
"I'm going for a drive." he stated.
His parents looked at each other smugly as they heard the sound of tires screeching into reverse.
~
Tristan drove around downtown Hartford before stopping and walking into a Starbucks. He cursed the aroma that flooded his senses and reminded him of the one girl who he could no longer love. Sighing in defeat he went to the counter and ordered a white chocolate mocha then stepped aside to let the people behind him order.
"Tristan?"
He spun around.
"Henry?" he asked.
"Yeah, bud. How's it going? Haven't seen you since July." Henry asked.
"Pretty good. So you on vacation too?"
Henry grabbed the change from his order and stepped next to Tristan.
"Yeah, I just got back from dropping Lane off at her place."
"How are things going with you too?" Tristan asked as he and Henry both grabbed their drinks and walked to the counter with the creams and sugars.
"Great. Really great actually. Um...I was thinking of maybe asking her to marry me." Henry said secretively.
Tristan almost knocked his cup over in surprise. "What?!"
"Yeah. Yeah, I know, it seems so out there."
"No, it doesn't. Anyone could see that you love each other." Tristan said with a smile.
They moved over and sat down at a table.
"Thanks Tris. Of course I have to go over and ask her dad for permission first."
"Yikes, good luck with that."
Henry laughed. "I think I'll survive. So what about you? How are things with Rory?"
Tristan immediately frowned. "Not so good."
"Why? Has something happened?" Henry asked concerned.
Tristan pondered this for a moment and concentrated down on his cup. "I told her that I love her."
Henry blinked in shock. "And?"
"And...she ran. I told her I loved her, I kissed her, and then she ran away."
"Oh, jeez. That's...that's...wow...I don't even know what to say. What are you going to do about it?"
Tristan looked up at him. "Nothing." he said simply.
"Nothing?"
Tristan nodded. "She doesn't love me. She never will. I made a deal, if she after I told her how much I love her didn't feel the same way, I would stop pursuing her. It was my last chance and...now it's over."
"It's not over." Henry disagreed.
"Yes, it is." Tristan said firmly.
~~~~~~~~
Stars Hollow, CT...
"Okay, according to Miss Patty, Rory has been a no show." Lorelai said upon entering the diner.
The Danes trio had stopped that morning to drop their things off at the house then proceeded straight to the diner only to be greeted with hungry townspeople ready to break the door down for food. Lorelai had gone straight to Miss Patty's to find out if Rory had arrived but had only been disappointed with a 'no.'
"Yeah, figured that when the coffee maker at home wasn't warm." Jess muttered.
"So? Where do you think she is?" Luke asked.
"Well..." Lorelai began but was interrupted by Lane entering the diner.
"Hi! You guys are back!" she greeted.
"Hey Lane, long time no see! When did you get here?" Lorelai asked.
"A few hours ago, Henry dropped me off." she answered.
"Oh, Henry's back too?" Jess asked.
"Yeah, but he had to go home but I'm going to go meet him a little later."
They all looked at Lane expectantly.
"Oh, yeah so," Lane said suddenly, "can I have two coffee's to go please?"
"Why to go?" Jess asked.
"Why two?" Lorelai questioned suspiciously.
Lane looked nervous. "Well, I wanted them to go so I could drink the coffee while I drive."
"Yes, but why do you want TWO?" Lorelai pressed.
"Because, Luke's got the best coffee and I am really thirsty?" Lane said hesitantly.
"Is that a question or an answer?" Luke asked.
"Answer." Lane affirmed gaining her nerve.
The three looked at her suspiciously but Luke gave her the coffee all the same. She hurried out the door with a quick farewell.
"That girl is definitely not a two cups of coffee kind of girl." Jess reminded them.
"Agreed, she's not, but I know who is." Lorelai remarked with a twinkle in her eyes.
"What are you saying?" Luke asked.
"I'm saying, follow the girl with the coffee and at the receiving end you will most definitely find my mini me."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Jess exclaimed.
Without another word Jess and Lorelai said goodbye to Luke and stormed out of the diner, within minutes they were on Lane's trail.
~
"Thank you so much Lane, I couldn't go another day without Luke's coffee!" Rory exclaimed gratefully as she snatched one of the cups out of her friend's grasp.
"You're welcome. Jeez, you're family gave me the third degree when I ordered two cups." Lane sighed as she stepped into the Gilmore home and followed Rory up the stairs to her room.
"Why did you order two?"
"Because after hearing your pained voice over the phone at about six o'clock this morning I figured you'd need a double boost." She said, handing over the second cup.
~
"Ugh, that little sneak! She ran to Hartford! Half an hour away from us! Her family!" Lorelai complained.
"Emily and Richard are her family too." Jess pointed out.
"Yes, but..." Lorelai trailed off.
"You expected her to come crying to mommy?" Jess finished. He continued, "Aunt Lorelai, hate to break it to you but I have a feeling that the last thing she wanted last night was story time with you."
"Okay, fine, you have a point." Lorelai grumbled. "Listen, you take the car and hang out downtown or something. Maybe you can find Henry or something. I know my daughter and I know that if she wants to confide in Lane it means that it something that she wants to discuss with another woman. You'll just get in the way."
Jess snorted. "Way to make me feel loved."
Lorelai rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean!"
They both got out of the car, Lorelai heading to the door and Jess heading to the driver side of the jeep. "You got your cell?" she asked.
"I got it!"
"Is it on?"
"Pretty sure."
"How sure?"
"Positive."
"Percentage wise?"
Jess sighed. "One hundred percent."
"You didn't check." Lorelai accused.
"Will you go in and comfort your daughter now?"
"Sorry, just had to get that out before I went in there. I'm good now." Lorelai answered then stuck her key in the door and walked in.
Jess shook his head in amusement and drove down the driveway.
~
Lorelai headed straight up to Rory's room.
"Rory, please just tell me what happened?" she heard Lane beg.
"It was nothing." Rory dismissed.
"Like hell it was nothing!" Lorelai made herself known.
"Lorelai?!"
"Mom?!"
"She kissed Tristan! Again!" Lorelai pointed at Rory.
"Oh my gosh! Now you have to tell me what happened!" Lane began to jump up and down.
"Mom? What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Rory asked in panic.
"Sweetie, you're hideout is half an hour away from home, don't invest in a career in espionage. Besides, we followed Lane."
Rory let out a frustrated scream.
"Wait, we?" Lane observed.
"Me and Jess." Lorelai answered.
"Jess is here too?" Rory asked.
"No, he's off somewhere doing something. What about mom and dad? Where are they?" Lorelai wondered.
"Some...thing at work." Rory answered.
"Okay, hi, still waiting here! You kissed Tristan?" Lane exclaimed. "You totally have to spill!"
Rory sighed and leaned back on her bed. Lorelai and Lane made themselves comfortable as well.
"Tristan and I went out to dinner..." Rory began.
"It was a date." Lorelai interrupted.
"It was not a date!"
"Did he pick her up at seven?" Lane asked Lorelai.
"You bet he did. Took her to a fancy restaurant too."
"Oh, so it was a date then?"
Lorelai nodded as Rory let out an impatient sigh.
"Anyway, we went for a stroll through the park when we stopped and he basically said he loved me. That's when he kissed me."
"And then?" Lane coaxed.
Rory looked down as she fought back tears.
"Then, she ran away." Lorelai answered.
Lane looked over at Rory in sympathy. "Why?"
"That's what I want to know." Lorelai nodded. "It just seems like you two love each other so much. You know for a fact that Tristan loves you. Do you really not love him back?"
Rory looked up with watery eyes. "No, I do love him. Okay? I love Tristan! I Rory Gilmore love Tristan DuGrey!" she snapped.
"Then why didn't you tell him that?!" Lane exclaimed.
"It's...it's complicated."
"Rory, trust me, if we could figure out the plot to Mission Impossible after only watching it twice then whatever you have to say will be a piece of cake." Lorelai joked softly.
Rory sighed. "If I tell you, you won't like it."
"Well, we're not liking the explanation we have at the moment so I'm sure whatever you have to say is better." Lane told her.
Rory nodded and began her story. "Remember the Halloween party at Tristan's house? It was a little over a year ago? That night, that night I knew for sure that I was in love with Tristan..."
~
Rory looked around in amazement. The party was more beautiful than she could have imagined. One thing was for sure: the DuGrey's knew how to throw parties. She took in the surroundings that left her breathless. There were party crackers by the barrel full, and every now and then, their loud 'pop' resounded through the air, punch and other beverages, some alcoholic others not, lined the long and numerous tables, only divided by platter upon platter of food and delights. The large and spacious ballroom, with all its chandlers and its perfectly polished dance floor, combined with her choice of clothing, almost made her feel like royalty attending an extravagant state dinner, it would have convinced her had some holiday decorations, tasteful ones of course, not been present. Had the room been fully lit she knew that it would have sparkled in elegance but the slightly dimmed lights, only supported by the soft glow of lanterns, calmed the room, yet did not take away its effect.
She marveled at the costumes that the hordes of guests had donned that night. Some were more controversial than others she noted as she walked past a "nurse" whose outfit would no doubt motivate male her patients to recover more quickly, but others, like the ones worn by the older members of high society were tasteful and 'fun' in their opinion, though deemed boring by the younger attendees. Her own costume was horribly clichéd but considering her partner for the night she didn't mind. Navigating through the crowds she spotted her prince charming, or at least her best friend in rented robes of royalty.
When Tristan and Rory decided to attend the party together instead of stressing over finding partners for the evening, they thought it would be funny to arrive in complimenting outfits. As they browsed through the aisles of the costume place, with Lorelai and Luke joining in the search for ensembles of their own, she had made a comment about his gift of charming others. After their much-recited mantra had been said the idea to attend as a prince and princess of the medieval era was agreed upon.
He looked up and briefly met her eyes before turning back to his grandparents and their friends. Excusing himself politely he locked eyes with her again as he walked closer. She felt the familiar tingles coursing through her veins, alerting every skin cell with excitement-she only felt that sensation when he was around. Oh yes, there was no doubt about it...Rory Gilmore was head-over-heels in love with Tristan DuGrey. More importantly, special looks he reserved only for her, the way his attitude seemed to brighten whenever he was with her, and the way he spoke to her all told her one thing: he was just as much in love as she was.
"See something you like?" he teased.
Rory looked up and realized for the first time that she had been staring. He now stood right in front of him and she momentarily wondered how long he had been standing in front of her while she mulled over her love for him in her mind.
"Yeah, there's a guy behind you drinking Starbucks that I can't tear my eyes away from." she teased back, playing the game that they refused to live without.
"Mary, I'm hurt, making eyes for some other guy!" he pouted.
She smirked, one of his habits that she had picked up over time, and set his mind at ease. "Relax, I was eyeing the coffee. Although now that you mention it the guy isn't that bad looking either."
He laughed and took her tone as a sign that their game was not over.
'Then please, tell me, what can I do to win back your affections?"
She looked pensive for a few moments before answering.
"You can save me from an evening of talking to stiff upper class socialites."
He rolled his eyes. "Sorry, but they will corner you no matter what, however, I can promise to stick with you and share, if not take most of, the torture upon myself."
"Sounds like a deal."
Tristan laughed again, a sound that Rory loved to hear. They wandered together, through the halls and past guests, stopping every now and then to chat up with someone eager to hear any gossip that could be passed along and modified to raise some brows. They sighed breaths of relief when they found Luke and Lorelai, clinging to the Danes' for some conversation that did not involve chatter of who was dating whom and so on. When they were snatched away by Emily the two young adults sought comfort in Henry, Jess, and Lane but that was short lived as Jess found a girl who caught his eye and Henry and Lane went off in seek of a more private setting. So, Rory and Tristan were once again left to fend for themselves. Of course neither of the two minded. They treasured the moments they had together and this was no different. As a slow, meaningful tune struck its first chords Tristan turned to Rory.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked politely.
"Do you have to ask?" Rory responded, taking the hand he offered and allowing herself to be pulled towards the dance floor.
"No, I'm like the Fonz, I snap my fingers and girls come running."
Rory shook her head as they took their spot on the floor and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You think you're quite the charmer don't you?"
He laughed, knowing where this was going.
"It's a gift, although, there is one girl who has yet to fall for my charms."
Grinning ear-to-ear Rory replied. "And she never will."
Both knew that she didn't really mean what she said, both knew that the attraction they felt for each other, the love that they felt was to strong to ignore. Tonight was the night, tonight was the night that they would prove that last line wrong.
"Are you so sure about that?" Tristan asked seriously, licking his lips in anticipation.
Rory bit her lip shyly.
"I'm not sure about a lot of things." she admitted.
She starred into his eyes, only breaking contact to slowly close her eyes as they leaned in towards each other.
"May I cut in?"
Tristan sighed in annoyance and peeked open one eye and looked at Rory who wore the same disappointed expression as he. Cursing whoever decided to ruin the moment Rory spied over Tristan's shoulder to see who would interrupt such a moment.
"Hey dad." Tristan deadpanned.
"Tristan." he acknowledged.
Mrs. DuGrey came up to stand behind her husband.
"I don't know if Rory would like to dance with you." Tristan challenged.
He and his parents were not on good terms. His father ruining a precious moment with Rory was only the frosting on a cake of disagreements.
"It's okay, really." Rory assured him.
"No, Rory, it's not." Tristan objected.
"Tristan. Let your father dance with Rory, you can dance with me." His mother suggested, her tone leaving no room for discussion.
Reluctantly he released his hold on Rory and allowed his father to sweep her away. Keeping his eyes trained on her he distractedly took his mother in his arms and danced with her.
"So Rory, let's cut to the chase, there's no point in dancing around the topic. You like Tristan don't you?" he asked in more of a statement than a question.
Rory was taken aback. "Uh, wow." she shook her head at a loss for words. "That was just out of nowhere."
"Just answer the question." he ordered.
Rory had enough of his forceful attitude. "Well, why don't you tell me the answer since you seem to know the answer already."
His silence would not allow her to leave it at that.
"Fine, yes, I like Tristan. A lot. He's my best friend."
"Would you go as far as saying you...love him." he spat out the word love as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.
"I don't think that's any of your business." Rory said insulted.
"Well, it is my business. I want you to stop seeing him."
Rory's eyes widened. "What?!"
"I want you to stop seeing him. He has a bright future ahead of him but he spends all of his time fawning over you like a mindless fool. If he is to keep his focus then he needs to get rid of all distractions." he didn't bother to hide the distaste in his voice.
"Are you calling me a distraction?" she asked angrily.
"Actually, that's being nice." he curled is lip cruelly.
"You know what amazes me? How different you are from your son."
She began to walk away but he pulled back on her arm. "You're wrong. You'd be surprised how alike we are."
"You know, if you had said that to me when I first met Tristan I would have agreed but now that I know him...he is a good man, a better one than you will ever be."
She stormed off, not giving him a chance to stop her. Tristan, whose eyes had never left her, made the motion to follow.
"Wait, let me see what's wrong Tristan. I'm sure she just got something in her eye." Mrs. DuGrey suggested forcefully.
She walked off, stopping to whisper to her husband first.
"Well?"
"I don't think she'll comply." he whispered.
"I told you to let me handle this." she whispered vehemently, she nodded towards their son.
"Don't let him follow."
The elder DuGrey nodded and made his way towards his son as his wife stalked off after Rory. Searching the halls and asking various party guests if they had seen her she finally located the younger Gilmore in the library. Surprise, surprise.
"Rory." she cooed softly.
"Mrs. DuGrey." Rory didn't turn around.
"You're beautiful, I don't think that costume does you justice." she continued on, coming up behind Rory pulling back the hair from Rory's face, letting it fan out on gracefully over her shoulders. "It's no wonder that Tristan likes you so much."
Rory didn't say anything, she just nodded mutely.
"Do you like him?" she asked kindly.
Rory turned around to face her. "I love him."
Rory didn't know why she admitted that to his mother. Maybe it was the way that she acted so gentle and trustworthy that made Rory want to confide in her.
"He doesn't feel the same way about you." Mrs. DuGrey said, her voice still staying gently.
This caused Rory to look up at her face. "Excuse me?"
"Dear, I admit that he may have an infatuation with you, but you don't think he 'loves' you do you? It's nothing more than a crush, if that."
Rory couldn't believe how this woman could maintain such a kind and understanding tone when her words were harsh and biting. Her voice wavered as tears brimmed Rory's eyes.
"How can you say that?"
Tucking a strand of hair behind the young girl's ear she answered. "Tristan doesn't know how to love, simple as that. DuGrey's don't love."
"So why don't you want me to see him then?"
"Because, Tristan thinks that he loves you and would give up anything to be with you, even if it meant compromising his future. His father and I want him to take over the family firm after he finishes school."
'What would it matter if we were together then? I wouldn't stand in the way of him running the firm." Rory was confused. Where was she going with this?
"The firm is very prestigious. Many important and influential people will surround Tristan on a regular basis. There will be parties, banquets, and other formal engagements that he and his wife will be obligated to attend. My husband and I just don't see you as the kind of girl who would survive all of that."
Suddenly it became clear to Rory exactly why his parents were so dead set against her being with Tristan.
"You don't think I'm good enough for your son do you Mrs. DuGrey?" she asked.
The elder woman smiled haughtily. "You are a smart girl after all. Stay away from Tristan and let him live his life. He'll finish Yale, find a woman of proper raising who can stand by his side, and will live the rest of his life in financial and social stability."
"And if I don't?" Rory challenged.
"Then we'll disown him." Mr. DuGrey threatened from the doorway, having arrived moments earlier.
He sauntered in and stood by his wife's side, together cornering Rory in.
"Tristan is nothing without his money. He hasn't gone a day in his life not having something that he wanted or needed nor does he have to. If you pursue him then we will disown him and take away his inheritance. It will be a crushing blow to him. Do you really want him to go through that pain?" he asked.
"We won't hesitate to leave him on the street Rory." Mrs. DuGrey cut in. "He'll be shunned. His life will be hell. Do you really think that when that happens you'll be enough for him? Do you think that he won't resent you for causing him such grief? If you think that he won't, then you don't know our son."
"What do you expect me to do? I can't just walk away and expect him to forget about me! He's my best friend!"
Husband and wife shared a look.
"Continue to be friends then, if you're willing to put yourself through such torture, knowing that you can never be any more than just friends." Mrs. DuGrey said indifferently. "Besides, given enough time, he'll lose interest in you, he always does."
Rory sighed sadly and closed her eyes, wiping away the tears that fell as result.
"If you don't, we will be sure to ruin your life as well as his." Mr. DuGrey added.
"You would do that to your own son?" Rory asked in disbelief.
"Like I said before, DuGrey's don't love." Mrs. DuGrey replied. "We will make sure you regret being with him, you can trust that. So, you do not pursue a romantic relationship with him, make sure that he doesn't find out about this, and we don't jeopardize your careers. Do we have a deal?"
Sniffling, Rory took a few deep breaths to compose herself.
"We're clear that this is not because I agree with anything you say, right? I'm doing this because I love your son and I don't want to cause him pain. If I agree, you won't disown him?"
"We won't."
"Then...we have a deal." Rory complied dejectedly.
Smiling in evil satisfaction the DuGrey's turned to leave.
"Dear, do give yourself a few minutes to clean yourself up." Mrs. DuGrey suggested forcefully before disappearing into the hallway with her husband.
Rory pushed back the urge to cry and entered the ballroom. Immediately Tristan was at her side.
"Hey, are you okay? I saw you ditch my dad a few minutes ago." Tristan was concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just, I had to go to the bathroom." Rory lied.
"Are you sure? You don't look so well. Here let's sit down."
He led her to a table and he sat next to her, his concerned eyes never once leaving her. It was true, Rory was feeling sick. The gravity of the situation had finally hit her, leaving her feeling sick to her stomach in grief and disgust at the behavior of Tristan's parents. She couldn't understand how they could be so awful and selfish.
"Are you okay?" Tristan repeated.
She looked up at his shining eyes and forced a smile on her face for him. "I guess I had a little too much candy earlier. I'm a true, hardcore, trick- or-treater at heart you know."
Tristan chuckled. "Well, I'm sure I can make you better." he said suggestively.
Rory looked down and closed her eyes.
"You think you're quite the charmer don't you?" she said quietly.
"Wow, twice in one night." Tristan commented before continuing the speech. "It's a gift, although there is one girl who has yet to fall for my charms."
Rory looked up at him and barely contained the urge to cry. Forcing herself to be strong she gulped.
"And she...she never will." she finished solemnly.
Tristan was taken aback. Her tone was usually light and playful but now, it was serious and grave, pained and sad even. He knew that something was wrong but she was too stubborn to admit it and he was helpless to save her.
~
"...and that was that. I didn't feel like doing anything the rest of the evening." Rory finished back in the present.
"So that's why you wanted to go home early." Lorelai realized.
"Yes, and I've been in love with him ever since, but I can't-I can't do that to him. I don't want to ruin his future and I know that if I let anything happen between us that's what I would be doing."
"Rory, Tristan's parents are stuck-up jerks! Don't let them influence you like that!" Lane urged.
Without a word Lorelai stood up and began to leave.
"Mom? Where are you going?"
Lorelai looked back. "I'm going down to the visit the DuGrey's and then I'm going to kick their asses until they feel every bit of pain they caused and continue to cause you and Tristan by keeping you apart." she said angrily, her tone conveying that she meant every word.
"Mom! Don't!" Rory begged. "It won't help any."
"It'll help me!" Lorelai argued.
Rory sighed and pulled Prince into her arms.
"Face it mom, we weren't meant to be together."
~
AN: So, how much do you hate me now? This chapter was really long! Anyways, review if you want a happy ending!
Chapter 5-Enticing
"Rory Gilmore, I have been in love with you for the longest time. I can't go on anymore just being you're friend when I want to be more. Yesterday, I wanted a kiss to be the judge of whether or not you felt the same way but we never got that kiss. So I'm going to kiss you now and I pray that you feel the same way." he whispered before closing the gap between their mouths.
The kiss was simple, sweet, but conveyed all his emotions as he held her gently, afraid to be too forceful. She responded but pulled back suddenly, a pained expression in her eyes. He gulped and felt the fear rise in him. He had seen that look already twice before in his life. Both times ended in pain. His worst fear was slowly coming true. That look was the worst form of torture anyone could give. It was the look that he had crushed him in high school, the look that had nearly killed him a year ago, and now it was the look that made him want to kill himself.
"Oh God no." Lorelai begged as they crouched on the ground studying Rory's face.
"She's going to run." Jess breathed sadly.
~
"Rory wait..." he began but it was too late.
She turned around and ran as fast as her high-heeled shoes would allow, tears streaming down her face. Tristan swallowed and took a staggering breath as he fought the urge to crumble down on the ground.
"It's over." he whispered.
Weakly, he stumbled over to the benches and slumped down into one. Tentatively the Danes', Katie, John, and Drew crawled out from behind the bushes.
"We'll take care of Tristan," Luke said gently to Lorelai, "go after Rory."
Lorelai nodded and pulled Katie away from the guys towards where Rory fled to seconds before. Luke went back to where Tristan had collapsed.
"Dude, that was harsh." Drew whispered quietly.
"No kidding." John muttered sarcastically. He shook his head and mumbled something that faintly sounded like 'Captain Obvious' under his breath.
Jess ignored them and tried to look Tristan in the eye. "Tris?"
Tristan looked up at him, tears brimming his eyes, looking absolutely heart broken. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it and looked back down. Lorelai and Katie jogged up to them.
"We found her but then we lost her." Katie informed.
"What happened?" Luke asked.
"We saw her just as she was getting into a taxi." she answered.
"I am so stupid." Tristan mumbled sadly.
"No, you're not." Lorelai insisted, kneeling in front of him.
"Yes, I am." he argued. "I was so stupid to think that she would ever love me."
"But she does love you!" Katie argued.
"Did she say that?" Tristan asked angrily. "Did she ever say that?"
"No, but I can tell." Katie answered.
"Well, that makes a huge difference!" he said sarcastically.
"No, Tristan, she's right. I know my daughter, she loves you." Lorelai pushed.
"Then why did she run? Again."
Lorelai sat silent. She didn't have an answer.
"That's what I thought." he muttered. "I gotta get out of here."
He stood up and pushed passed them all and walked silently towards his car. Jess started after him but John held him back.
"He's got some thinking to do, let him go." he said.
"But..." Jess protested.
"No, he's right. Tristan needs some time to himself." Luke agreed.
They all stood silent, watching Tristan until he rounded a corner out of sight.
"So what do we do now?" Katie asked quietly.
"I don't know." Drew answered.
"I guess I haven't been much help in your plan, huh Jess?" Lorelai asked solemnly.
"We didn't have a plan, that was my fault." Jess said crest fallen.
"No, it was my..."
"It was no one's fault." Luke interrupted Lorelai.
"Listen, let's just find Rory and then get Tristan and have them talk this whole thing out." Drew suggested.
"Agreed. Come on, let's go." Luke ordered.
~~~~~~~~
Hartford, CT.
"Rory, dear, we weren't expecting you!"
"Hey Grandma." Rory said pleasantly but wearily. "I'm sorry to disturb your sleeping but I couldn't find my key, which is really weird because it's usually on my key ring but for some reason it must have fallen off, and I wouldn't have even come if I thought I didn't have it."
"Rory, it's quite alright." Emily interrupted. "Come in."
Rory smiled and walked into her grandparents house relieved that after a two hour drive to Hartford in the dead of night she would get a chance to sleep. She hugged her robe-clad grandmother, thankful for the comfort and peace she gave her.
"Emily, it's eleven o'clock at night, who is at the door?" Richard called from the stairs, tying his robe as he walked. "Rory?"
"Hi Grandpa." she smiled.
Richard smiled brightly and walked the rest of the way before pulling Rory into a hug. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" he asked suddenly concerned.
"No, no, it's not because something is wrong. Don't worry."
"Then what sparked this unexpected visit?" Emily asked.
"I just..." Rory hesitated. "I just need some time away from school and everything."
"So are Luke and Lorelai back too?" Emily questioned some more.
"You knew they were visiting?" Rory asked.
"Yes, they called to let us know they would be gone."
"Oh, yeah well, I kind of left without them." Rory admitted.
"But why...?" Emily began.
"Emily," Richard interrupted gently, "I'm sure Rory is tired. Why don't we let her get some sleep?"
"Right, of course."
Together the three of them walked up the stairs. Bidding good night to her grandparents, Rory steered herself towards her room and took in the familiar surroundings. Setting her bag, which she packed in a rush, on the bed she began to unpack. She had enough clothes for a couple days and if not she could always go home and get the ones that Lorelai insisted she keep at the house. Changing into pajamas, she hung the rest of the clothes up in the nearly empty closet and returned to her duffle. She was about to toss it in the closet as well but a hint of green caught her eye, forcing her to stop. In her rush she had brought along Prince. Biting her lip she gently lifted the frog out of the bag and brought him close. Nudging the duffle of the bed and sitting down in its place she hugged Prince tighter as she cried herself to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~
Cambridge, MA...
"Tristan's gone! He took his stuff with him!" Jess informed them, storming into the girls' dorm room, John, Drew, and Luke close behind.
Lorelai stood up from her spot on Rory's bed. "Rory's gone too."
"What?!" he asked in shock.
"We came in here and she was gone." Katie answered.
"Well, looks like she left in a hurry." Luke observed, noticing that the closet door was ajar and the drawers that were not fully shut.
"Now what?" John asked.
They all looked at each other trying to find an answer that would have a happy outcome but alas they didn't have one.
"Now, we go home." Luke solemnly.
"Yeah, I guess there's no point in staying." Lorelai agreed.
Jess nodded. "If it's alright with you, can I come with you two?"
"Why?" Luke asked. "Don't you want to get back to New Haven?"
"Well, actually, I'm not in the mood to drive three hours to get there. Plus, I couldn't if I wanted to, Tristan has the car."
"So you'd rather sit in the car for two and a half hours to Stars Hollow?"
"Well, I wouldn't be the one driving so.yeah." he answered.
"It's too late for you guys to drive back tonight." Katie informed them.
"No kidding." Drew chimed.
"Well, first thing in the morning then." Jess said.
Lorelai nodded in agreement. They all said their good-byes and went to bed, all pondering one simple question: what ever happened to happily ever after?
~~~~~~~~
Hartford, CT...
Tristan had every intention of going back to New Haven but alas, he wasn't in the mood to face the nearly empty campus and deserted dorms. While he had absolutely no desire to face his parents it seemed like the only choice he had so, with a heavy heart he drove up the long driveway to the house and quietly crept in, careful not to wake anyone. He fell asleep the second his head hit the pillows.
Now, at eight in the morning he was sure that his parents of knew his presence. Lumbering down the stairs to the smell of breakfast he didn't bother to hide his bloodshot eyes and saddened expression.
"Good morning son." his father said in a monotone voice, not looking up from his paper. "Did you get in last night?"
Tristan sighed and sat down at the opposite end of the table.
"Yeah dad, I just felt the need to come home. I hope I didn't wake you."
"Not at all, didn't even know you were here."
His father still had yet to look up.
"Tristan darling, we were so surprised to see your car in the garage this morning." Mrs. DuGrey said sweetly.
She sat down next to her husband just as the maid came in and brought in their meals.
"I had the cook fix your eggs just the way you like them Tristan." she informed him.
"Thanks mom."
They all sat silent as they began to eat. It was in this silence that Mrs. DuGrey got a real look at her son.
"Tristan! What is wrong? You're eyes are all red, are you sick dear?"
His father had yet to look up.
Tristan sighed. "It's nothing, I'm fine." he dismissed, focusing on his eggs.
His father had yet to look up.
"It doesn't look like nothing! Tristan what happened? Why are you really here?"
Tristan inwardly cursed his mother for being so insightful.
"I went down to see Rory." he admitted.
Finally, his father looked up.
"And?" Mr. DuGrey prompted.
"And I told her that...I love her."
His parents exchanged worried glances. Tristan caught this and furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What happened dear?" his mom asked hesitantly.
"She ran away. She doesn't feel the same way." Tristan answered.
The two elder DuGrey who had tensed earlier visibly relaxed.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." Mr. DuGrey said politely in a tone that suggested he was not sorry at all.
"What do you know?" Tristan asked.
"What do you mean dear?" his mother said innocently.
"You're hiding something. I can see it. It has something to do with Rory." he accused.
"Now see here, I don't like where you're going with this." Mr. DuGrey said firmly.
Tristan shook his head. He needed to think some things out.
"I'm going for a drive." he stated.
His parents looked at each other smugly as they heard the sound of tires screeching into reverse.
~
Tristan drove around downtown Hartford before stopping and walking into a Starbucks. He cursed the aroma that flooded his senses and reminded him of the one girl who he could no longer love. Sighing in defeat he went to the counter and ordered a white chocolate mocha then stepped aside to let the people behind him order.
"Tristan?"
He spun around.
"Henry?" he asked.
"Yeah, bud. How's it going? Haven't seen you since July." Henry asked.
"Pretty good. So you on vacation too?"
Henry grabbed the change from his order and stepped next to Tristan.
"Yeah, I just got back from dropping Lane off at her place."
"How are things going with you too?" Tristan asked as he and Henry both grabbed their drinks and walked to the counter with the creams and sugars.
"Great. Really great actually. Um...I was thinking of maybe asking her to marry me." Henry said secretively.
Tristan almost knocked his cup over in surprise. "What?!"
"Yeah. Yeah, I know, it seems so out there."
"No, it doesn't. Anyone could see that you love each other." Tristan said with a smile.
They moved over and sat down at a table.
"Thanks Tris. Of course I have to go over and ask her dad for permission first."
"Yikes, good luck with that."
Henry laughed. "I think I'll survive. So what about you? How are things with Rory?"
Tristan immediately frowned. "Not so good."
"Why? Has something happened?" Henry asked concerned.
Tristan pondered this for a moment and concentrated down on his cup. "I told her that I love her."
Henry blinked in shock. "And?"
"And...she ran. I told her I loved her, I kissed her, and then she ran away."
"Oh, jeez. That's...that's...wow...I don't even know what to say. What are you going to do about it?"
Tristan looked up at him. "Nothing." he said simply.
"Nothing?"
Tristan nodded. "She doesn't love me. She never will. I made a deal, if she after I told her how much I love her didn't feel the same way, I would stop pursuing her. It was my last chance and...now it's over."
"It's not over." Henry disagreed.
"Yes, it is." Tristan said firmly.
~~~~~~~~
Stars Hollow, CT...
"Okay, according to Miss Patty, Rory has been a no show." Lorelai said upon entering the diner.
The Danes trio had stopped that morning to drop their things off at the house then proceeded straight to the diner only to be greeted with hungry townspeople ready to break the door down for food. Lorelai had gone straight to Miss Patty's to find out if Rory had arrived but had only been disappointed with a 'no.'
"Yeah, figured that when the coffee maker at home wasn't warm." Jess muttered.
"So? Where do you think she is?" Luke asked.
"Well..." Lorelai began but was interrupted by Lane entering the diner.
"Hi! You guys are back!" she greeted.
"Hey Lane, long time no see! When did you get here?" Lorelai asked.
"A few hours ago, Henry dropped me off." she answered.
"Oh, Henry's back too?" Jess asked.
"Yeah, but he had to go home but I'm going to go meet him a little later."
They all looked at Lane expectantly.
"Oh, yeah so," Lane said suddenly, "can I have two coffee's to go please?"
"Why to go?" Jess asked.
"Why two?" Lorelai questioned suspiciously.
Lane looked nervous. "Well, I wanted them to go so I could drink the coffee while I drive."
"Yes, but why do you want TWO?" Lorelai pressed.
"Because, Luke's got the best coffee and I am really thirsty?" Lane said hesitantly.
"Is that a question or an answer?" Luke asked.
"Answer." Lane affirmed gaining her nerve.
The three looked at her suspiciously but Luke gave her the coffee all the same. She hurried out the door with a quick farewell.
"That girl is definitely not a two cups of coffee kind of girl." Jess reminded them.
"Agreed, she's not, but I know who is." Lorelai remarked with a twinkle in her eyes.
"What are you saying?" Luke asked.
"I'm saying, follow the girl with the coffee and at the receiving end you will most definitely find my mini me."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Jess exclaimed.
Without another word Jess and Lorelai said goodbye to Luke and stormed out of the diner, within minutes they were on Lane's trail.
~
"Thank you so much Lane, I couldn't go another day without Luke's coffee!" Rory exclaimed gratefully as she snatched one of the cups out of her friend's grasp.
"You're welcome. Jeez, you're family gave me the third degree when I ordered two cups." Lane sighed as she stepped into the Gilmore home and followed Rory up the stairs to her room.
"Why did you order two?"
"Because after hearing your pained voice over the phone at about six o'clock this morning I figured you'd need a double boost." She said, handing over the second cup.
~
"Ugh, that little sneak! She ran to Hartford! Half an hour away from us! Her family!" Lorelai complained.
"Emily and Richard are her family too." Jess pointed out.
"Yes, but..." Lorelai trailed off.
"You expected her to come crying to mommy?" Jess finished. He continued, "Aunt Lorelai, hate to break it to you but I have a feeling that the last thing she wanted last night was story time with you."
"Okay, fine, you have a point." Lorelai grumbled. "Listen, you take the car and hang out downtown or something. Maybe you can find Henry or something. I know my daughter and I know that if she wants to confide in Lane it means that it something that she wants to discuss with another woman. You'll just get in the way."
Jess snorted. "Way to make me feel loved."
Lorelai rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean!"
They both got out of the car, Lorelai heading to the door and Jess heading to the driver side of the jeep. "You got your cell?" she asked.
"I got it!"
"Is it on?"
"Pretty sure."
"How sure?"
"Positive."
"Percentage wise?"
Jess sighed. "One hundred percent."
"You didn't check." Lorelai accused.
"Will you go in and comfort your daughter now?"
"Sorry, just had to get that out before I went in there. I'm good now." Lorelai answered then stuck her key in the door and walked in.
Jess shook his head in amusement and drove down the driveway.
~
Lorelai headed straight up to Rory's room.
"Rory, please just tell me what happened?" she heard Lane beg.
"It was nothing." Rory dismissed.
"Like hell it was nothing!" Lorelai made herself known.
"Lorelai?!"
"Mom?!"
"She kissed Tristan! Again!" Lorelai pointed at Rory.
"Oh my gosh! Now you have to tell me what happened!" Lane began to jump up and down.
"Mom? What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Rory asked in panic.
"Sweetie, you're hideout is half an hour away from home, don't invest in a career in espionage. Besides, we followed Lane."
Rory let out a frustrated scream.
"Wait, we?" Lane observed.
"Me and Jess." Lorelai answered.
"Jess is here too?" Rory asked.
"No, he's off somewhere doing something. What about mom and dad? Where are they?" Lorelai wondered.
"Some...thing at work." Rory answered.
"Okay, hi, still waiting here! You kissed Tristan?" Lane exclaimed. "You totally have to spill!"
Rory sighed and leaned back on her bed. Lorelai and Lane made themselves comfortable as well.
"Tristan and I went out to dinner..." Rory began.
"It was a date." Lorelai interrupted.
"It was not a date!"
"Did he pick her up at seven?" Lane asked Lorelai.
"You bet he did. Took her to a fancy restaurant too."
"Oh, so it was a date then?"
Lorelai nodded as Rory let out an impatient sigh.
"Anyway, we went for a stroll through the park when we stopped and he basically said he loved me. That's when he kissed me."
"And then?" Lane coaxed.
Rory looked down as she fought back tears.
"Then, she ran away." Lorelai answered.
Lane looked over at Rory in sympathy. "Why?"
"That's what I want to know." Lorelai nodded. "It just seems like you two love each other so much. You know for a fact that Tristan loves you. Do you really not love him back?"
Rory looked up with watery eyes. "No, I do love him. Okay? I love Tristan! I Rory Gilmore love Tristan DuGrey!" she snapped.
"Then why didn't you tell him that?!" Lane exclaimed.
"It's...it's complicated."
"Rory, trust me, if we could figure out the plot to Mission Impossible after only watching it twice then whatever you have to say will be a piece of cake." Lorelai joked softly.
Rory sighed. "If I tell you, you won't like it."
"Well, we're not liking the explanation we have at the moment so I'm sure whatever you have to say is better." Lane told her.
Rory nodded and began her story. "Remember the Halloween party at Tristan's house? It was a little over a year ago? That night, that night I knew for sure that I was in love with Tristan..."
~
Rory looked around in amazement. The party was more beautiful than she could have imagined. One thing was for sure: the DuGrey's knew how to throw parties. She took in the surroundings that left her breathless. There were party crackers by the barrel full, and every now and then, their loud 'pop' resounded through the air, punch and other beverages, some alcoholic others not, lined the long and numerous tables, only divided by platter upon platter of food and delights. The large and spacious ballroom, with all its chandlers and its perfectly polished dance floor, combined with her choice of clothing, almost made her feel like royalty attending an extravagant state dinner, it would have convinced her had some holiday decorations, tasteful ones of course, not been present. Had the room been fully lit she knew that it would have sparkled in elegance but the slightly dimmed lights, only supported by the soft glow of lanterns, calmed the room, yet did not take away its effect.
She marveled at the costumes that the hordes of guests had donned that night. Some were more controversial than others she noted as she walked past a "nurse" whose outfit would no doubt motivate male her patients to recover more quickly, but others, like the ones worn by the older members of high society were tasteful and 'fun' in their opinion, though deemed boring by the younger attendees. Her own costume was horribly clichéd but considering her partner for the night she didn't mind. Navigating through the crowds she spotted her prince charming, or at least her best friend in rented robes of royalty.
When Tristan and Rory decided to attend the party together instead of stressing over finding partners for the evening, they thought it would be funny to arrive in complimenting outfits. As they browsed through the aisles of the costume place, with Lorelai and Luke joining in the search for ensembles of their own, she had made a comment about his gift of charming others. After their much-recited mantra had been said the idea to attend as a prince and princess of the medieval era was agreed upon.
He looked up and briefly met her eyes before turning back to his grandparents and their friends. Excusing himself politely he locked eyes with her again as he walked closer. She felt the familiar tingles coursing through her veins, alerting every skin cell with excitement-she only felt that sensation when he was around. Oh yes, there was no doubt about it...Rory Gilmore was head-over-heels in love with Tristan DuGrey. More importantly, special looks he reserved only for her, the way his attitude seemed to brighten whenever he was with her, and the way he spoke to her all told her one thing: he was just as much in love as she was.
"See something you like?" he teased.
Rory looked up and realized for the first time that she had been staring. He now stood right in front of him and she momentarily wondered how long he had been standing in front of her while she mulled over her love for him in her mind.
"Yeah, there's a guy behind you drinking Starbucks that I can't tear my eyes away from." she teased back, playing the game that they refused to live without.
"Mary, I'm hurt, making eyes for some other guy!" he pouted.
She smirked, one of his habits that she had picked up over time, and set his mind at ease. "Relax, I was eyeing the coffee. Although now that you mention it the guy isn't that bad looking either."
He laughed and took her tone as a sign that their game was not over.
'Then please, tell me, what can I do to win back your affections?"
She looked pensive for a few moments before answering.
"You can save me from an evening of talking to stiff upper class socialites."
He rolled his eyes. "Sorry, but they will corner you no matter what, however, I can promise to stick with you and share, if not take most of, the torture upon myself."
"Sounds like a deal."
Tristan laughed again, a sound that Rory loved to hear. They wandered together, through the halls and past guests, stopping every now and then to chat up with someone eager to hear any gossip that could be passed along and modified to raise some brows. They sighed breaths of relief when they found Luke and Lorelai, clinging to the Danes' for some conversation that did not involve chatter of who was dating whom and so on. When they were snatched away by Emily the two young adults sought comfort in Henry, Jess, and Lane but that was short lived as Jess found a girl who caught his eye and Henry and Lane went off in seek of a more private setting. So, Rory and Tristan were once again left to fend for themselves. Of course neither of the two minded. They treasured the moments they had together and this was no different. As a slow, meaningful tune struck its first chords Tristan turned to Rory.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked politely.
"Do you have to ask?" Rory responded, taking the hand he offered and allowing herself to be pulled towards the dance floor.
"No, I'm like the Fonz, I snap my fingers and girls come running."
Rory shook her head as they took their spot on the floor and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You think you're quite the charmer don't you?"
He laughed, knowing where this was going.
"It's a gift, although, there is one girl who has yet to fall for my charms."
Grinning ear-to-ear Rory replied. "And she never will."
Both knew that she didn't really mean what she said, both knew that the attraction they felt for each other, the love that they felt was to strong to ignore. Tonight was the night, tonight was the night that they would prove that last line wrong.
"Are you so sure about that?" Tristan asked seriously, licking his lips in anticipation.
Rory bit her lip shyly.
"I'm not sure about a lot of things." she admitted.
She starred into his eyes, only breaking contact to slowly close her eyes as they leaned in towards each other.
"May I cut in?"
Tristan sighed in annoyance and peeked open one eye and looked at Rory who wore the same disappointed expression as he. Cursing whoever decided to ruin the moment Rory spied over Tristan's shoulder to see who would interrupt such a moment.
"Hey dad." Tristan deadpanned.
"Tristan." he acknowledged.
Mrs. DuGrey came up to stand behind her husband.
"I don't know if Rory would like to dance with you." Tristan challenged.
He and his parents were not on good terms. His father ruining a precious moment with Rory was only the frosting on a cake of disagreements.
"It's okay, really." Rory assured him.
"No, Rory, it's not." Tristan objected.
"Tristan. Let your father dance with Rory, you can dance with me." His mother suggested, her tone leaving no room for discussion.
Reluctantly he released his hold on Rory and allowed his father to sweep her away. Keeping his eyes trained on her he distractedly took his mother in his arms and danced with her.
"So Rory, let's cut to the chase, there's no point in dancing around the topic. You like Tristan don't you?" he asked in more of a statement than a question.
Rory was taken aback. "Uh, wow." she shook her head at a loss for words. "That was just out of nowhere."
"Just answer the question." he ordered.
Rory had enough of his forceful attitude. "Well, why don't you tell me the answer since you seem to know the answer already."
His silence would not allow her to leave it at that.
"Fine, yes, I like Tristan. A lot. He's my best friend."
"Would you go as far as saying you...love him." he spat out the word love as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.
"I don't think that's any of your business." Rory said insulted.
"Well, it is my business. I want you to stop seeing him."
Rory's eyes widened. "What?!"
"I want you to stop seeing him. He has a bright future ahead of him but he spends all of his time fawning over you like a mindless fool. If he is to keep his focus then he needs to get rid of all distractions." he didn't bother to hide the distaste in his voice.
"Are you calling me a distraction?" she asked angrily.
"Actually, that's being nice." he curled is lip cruelly.
"You know what amazes me? How different you are from your son."
She began to walk away but he pulled back on her arm. "You're wrong. You'd be surprised how alike we are."
"You know, if you had said that to me when I first met Tristan I would have agreed but now that I know him...he is a good man, a better one than you will ever be."
She stormed off, not giving him a chance to stop her. Tristan, whose eyes had never left her, made the motion to follow.
"Wait, let me see what's wrong Tristan. I'm sure she just got something in her eye." Mrs. DuGrey suggested forcefully.
She walked off, stopping to whisper to her husband first.
"Well?"
"I don't think she'll comply." he whispered.
"I told you to let me handle this." she whispered vehemently, she nodded towards their son.
"Don't let him follow."
The elder DuGrey nodded and made his way towards his son as his wife stalked off after Rory. Searching the halls and asking various party guests if they had seen her she finally located the younger Gilmore in the library. Surprise, surprise.
"Rory." she cooed softly.
"Mrs. DuGrey." Rory didn't turn around.
"You're beautiful, I don't think that costume does you justice." she continued on, coming up behind Rory pulling back the hair from Rory's face, letting it fan out on gracefully over her shoulders. "It's no wonder that Tristan likes you so much."
Rory didn't say anything, she just nodded mutely.
"Do you like him?" she asked kindly.
Rory turned around to face her. "I love him."
Rory didn't know why she admitted that to his mother. Maybe it was the way that she acted so gentle and trustworthy that made Rory want to confide in her.
"He doesn't feel the same way about you." Mrs. DuGrey said, her voice still staying gently.
This caused Rory to look up at her face. "Excuse me?"
"Dear, I admit that he may have an infatuation with you, but you don't think he 'loves' you do you? It's nothing more than a crush, if that."
Rory couldn't believe how this woman could maintain such a kind and understanding tone when her words were harsh and biting. Her voice wavered as tears brimmed Rory's eyes.
"How can you say that?"
Tucking a strand of hair behind the young girl's ear she answered. "Tristan doesn't know how to love, simple as that. DuGrey's don't love."
"So why don't you want me to see him then?"
"Because, Tristan thinks that he loves you and would give up anything to be with you, even if it meant compromising his future. His father and I want him to take over the family firm after he finishes school."
'What would it matter if we were together then? I wouldn't stand in the way of him running the firm." Rory was confused. Where was she going with this?
"The firm is very prestigious. Many important and influential people will surround Tristan on a regular basis. There will be parties, banquets, and other formal engagements that he and his wife will be obligated to attend. My husband and I just don't see you as the kind of girl who would survive all of that."
Suddenly it became clear to Rory exactly why his parents were so dead set against her being with Tristan.
"You don't think I'm good enough for your son do you Mrs. DuGrey?" she asked.
The elder woman smiled haughtily. "You are a smart girl after all. Stay away from Tristan and let him live his life. He'll finish Yale, find a woman of proper raising who can stand by his side, and will live the rest of his life in financial and social stability."
"And if I don't?" Rory challenged.
"Then we'll disown him." Mr. DuGrey threatened from the doorway, having arrived moments earlier.
He sauntered in and stood by his wife's side, together cornering Rory in.
"Tristan is nothing without his money. He hasn't gone a day in his life not having something that he wanted or needed nor does he have to. If you pursue him then we will disown him and take away his inheritance. It will be a crushing blow to him. Do you really want him to go through that pain?" he asked.
"We won't hesitate to leave him on the street Rory." Mrs. DuGrey cut in. "He'll be shunned. His life will be hell. Do you really think that when that happens you'll be enough for him? Do you think that he won't resent you for causing him such grief? If you think that he won't, then you don't know our son."
"What do you expect me to do? I can't just walk away and expect him to forget about me! He's my best friend!"
Husband and wife shared a look.
"Continue to be friends then, if you're willing to put yourself through such torture, knowing that you can never be any more than just friends." Mrs. DuGrey said indifferently. "Besides, given enough time, he'll lose interest in you, he always does."
Rory sighed sadly and closed her eyes, wiping away the tears that fell as result.
"If you don't, we will be sure to ruin your life as well as his." Mr. DuGrey added.
"You would do that to your own son?" Rory asked in disbelief.
"Like I said before, DuGrey's don't love." Mrs. DuGrey replied. "We will make sure you regret being with him, you can trust that. So, you do not pursue a romantic relationship with him, make sure that he doesn't find out about this, and we don't jeopardize your careers. Do we have a deal?"
Sniffling, Rory took a few deep breaths to compose herself.
"We're clear that this is not because I agree with anything you say, right? I'm doing this because I love your son and I don't want to cause him pain. If I agree, you won't disown him?"
"We won't."
"Then...we have a deal." Rory complied dejectedly.
Smiling in evil satisfaction the DuGrey's turned to leave.
"Dear, do give yourself a few minutes to clean yourself up." Mrs. DuGrey suggested forcefully before disappearing into the hallway with her husband.
Rory pushed back the urge to cry and entered the ballroom. Immediately Tristan was at her side.
"Hey, are you okay? I saw you ditch my dad a few minutes ago." Tristan was concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just, I had to go to the bathroom." Rory lied.
"Are you sure? You don't look so well. Here let's sit down."
He led her to a table and he sat next to her, his concerned eyes never once leaving her. It was true, Rory was feeling sick. The gravity of the situation had finally hit her, leaving her feeling sick to her stomach in grief and disgust at the behavior of Tristan's parents. She couldn't understand how they could be so awful and selfish.
"Are you okay?" Tristan repeated.
She looked up at his shining eyes and forced a smile on her face for him. "I guess I had a little too much candy earlier. I'm a true, hardcore, trick- or-treater at heart you know."
Tristan chuckled. "Well, I'm sure I can make you better." he said suggestively.
Rory looked down and closed her eyes.
"You think you're quite the charmer don't you?" she said quietly.
"Wow, twice in one night." Tristan commented before continuing the speech. "It's a gift, although there is one girl who has yet to fall for my charms."
Rory looked up at him and barely contained the urge to cry. Forcing herself to be strong she gulped.
"And she...she never will." she finished solemnly.
Tristan was taken aback. Her tone was usually light and playful but now, it was serious and grave, pained and sad even. He knew that something was wrong but she was too stubborn to admit it and he was helpless to save her.
~
"...and that was that. I didn't feel like doing anything the rest of the evening." Rory finished back in the present.
"So that's why you wanted to go home early." Lorelai realized.
"Yes, and I've been in love with him ever since, but I can't-I can't do that to him. I don't want to ruin his future and I know that if I let anything happen between us that's what I would be doing."
"Rory, Tristan's parents are stuck-up jerks! Don't let them influence you like that!" Lane urged.
Without a word Lorelai stood up and began to leave.
"Mom? Where are you going?"
Lorelai looked back. "I'm going down to the visit the DuGrey's and then I'm going to kick their asses until they feel every bit of pain they caused and continue to cause you and Tristan by keeping you apart." she said angrily, her tone conveying that she meant every word.
"Mom! Don't!" Rory begged. "It won't help any."
"It'll help me!" Lorelai argued.
Rory sighed and pulled Prince into her arms.
"Face it mom, we weren't meant to be together."
~
AN: So, how much do you hate me now? This chapter was really long! Anyways, review if you want a happy ending!
