Such Sweet Sorrow

Disclaimer: For legal purposes it must be stated that I do not own any of the characters from Gilmore Girls nor do I own characters originated by Jennieln, who has given me permission to use them. The lyrics are from Simple Plans "I'd do anything" and I have borrowed them for the progression of my story without monetary gain of any kind.

Author's Note: This is it! Last chapter, so I hope you've enjoyed this story so far and I apologize once again for dragging it out! There will be a short epilogue following unless I've managed to finish it as well and posted them both in which case I hope you like them. Hopefully CMM will return soon to thrill all of us Trories but in the meantime, Happy Reading!

Chapter Seven: I'd do Anything



Another day, is going by

I'm thinking about you all the time

But your out there, and I'm here waiting



"Rory!" Gretchen stared in surprise at finding the young girl standing on the doorstep. She quickly stepped aside to allow Rory to enter. As Rory stepped past her with a tiny smile, Gretchen noted the red puffy eyes that revealed she'd been crying and almost asked what had happened. She'd already guessed Rory and Tristan had argued from Tristan's earlier entrance into the house.

"Is Tristan expecting you?" Gretchen asked aloud, as she recalled Tristan's furious face when he'd told her 'I've let the little innocent go. Isn't that what you wanted? Completely untouched so the evil creature's been thwarted and you can breathe a sigh of relief, I won't bring anyone like her into my web again.' he'd snarled at her before slamming up the stairs.

"No, but I need to see him. Is he upstairs?" Rory answered quietly, shooting a glance toward the staircase.

"He's up there, but you might want to give him a call later instead. You look tired, why don't you go home an take a nap, you can call him tomorrow and I'll tell him you came by." Gretchen smiled, hoping Rory wouldn't confront Tristan while he was still angry. She felt guilty for ever hoping Rory would be able to share her warmth with Tristan, to soften the edges of the boy before he could become the man his parents wanted. For the past two weeks she'd seen the tentative happiness he had growing in his eyes. He was quick to laugh, and had grown increasing more like the sweet, thoughtful man she'd been given precious few glimpses of before. Then today when he'd slammed into the house she'd seen the black rage that rode him and she'd almost cried at the loss.

"No, it's important. If I don't talk to him now, he'll just avoid me at school." Rory declined, turning to head upstairs.

"Don't let him hurt you, Rory. He's an unhappy young man, he'll lash out to protect himself from getting hurt because he doesn't believe anyone can care for him without wanting something from him. It's the way his parents raised him." Gretchen explained almost apologetically.

"I know." Rory glanced back to offer her a reassuring smile before resuming her climb. "It'll be okay."

Gretchen watched Rory's assent as hope warred against the fear that if Rory couldn't save Tristan he just might destroy her.

************************************************************

And I wrote this letter, in my head

'Cuz so many things were left unsaid

Now your gone and I can't think straight

This could be the one last chance

To make you understand...

Rory walked slowly to Tristan's bedroom, dread weighing her down even as she drew closer. At his door she hesitated, she didn't really know what to say to him. She thought perhaps she had really hurt him and the idea that she could scraped rawly inside her. The hope she'd seen in his eyes as he tried to tell her, tried to explain how he felt, ate away at her conviction that Tristan didn't feel anything deeply. She wasn't sure what it was she felt for him except that she like spending time with him. 'Why wasn't it enough? What if they did go out and she started to care even more for him? Tristan wasn't like Dean; he made out with a different girl every week! She didn't know if she could stand to lose anyone else in the name of dating.'

She shook off the angry doubt that was rising in her and knocked lightly at the door before pushing it open.

"Tristan?" she called out as she peeked around the door. The room was silent and she spotted him laying on the bed. He was sprawled across the bed, the blankets had been shoved aside and lay bunched at his feet.

Slipping her bag from her shoulder she dropped it onto one of the chairs as she approached the bed. Tristan kicked out roughly, his face a mask of frustration as he fought against his nightmare. Rory lifted a hand, reaching out to him before she'd realized she'd intended to touch him. Her fingertips slid along his cheekbone until she lay her palm against his jaw. His restless movements stilled and she marveled at the bond that connected them.

'He must have been exhausted..' She frowned even as she felt her own exhaustion tug at her. Rory glanced down at the uniform she wore. With a gallic shrug she kicked off her shoes while she padded around the bed to climb onto the bed beside him.

Curling onto her side, she tucked her hands beneath her pillow as she watched him sleep. After a moment he turned toward her, his hand stretching out across the space that divided them. Rory slid her right hand from beneath the pillow to reach for his hand, curving her fingers over his. She closed her eyes wearily, promising herself she would figure out what to do about Tristan later. Somehow they would find a way to remain friends without hurting him, then they would figure out how to end the dreams that were confusing their relationship.

Paris was wrong. She had to be.

*************************************************************



I'd do anything, Just to hold you in my arms

To try to make you laugh, Somehow I can't put you in the past

I'd do anything, just to fall asleep with you

Will you remember me?,'Cuz I know I won't forget you..

It was the night before his wedding. Below-stairs the manor was lit with celebrating family and relations dancing merrily to his and Rachael's future. Only, there wasn't one.

William sat alone in an upstairs study. The only light here came from the fire that warmed the room from the fireplace. It was the only light he could bear. He hadn't seen Isabella in months, not since the terrible day he'd rejected her. He'd left the manor that night, unable to risk seeing her everyday, knowing he could not touch her or speak with her. Knowing he would never again share her warmth, her laughter, her love.

His father had approved, he recalled with a bitter grimace, raising the glass of brandy to his lips. His father had believed that time and distance would make Isabella fade from his heart, instead she haunted him. William had drunk himself senseless, gambled recklessly with both his life and his fortune but all for naught. The only thing he hadn't done was touch another woman, Bella was all he wanted. He would have no other.

When his parent's had joined him in London they acted as if bitter words had never been exchanged between them. They seemed surprised to learn he still bore them ill will and indeed his mother had, had the unmitigated gall to ask him if something was amiss.

William stared into the fire as he recalled his words to her. "Amiss? Why ever should you ask such a thing? What could possibly be amiss, Madam? It is not as though I have had the woman I love taken from me, Is it? Indeed, I am betrothed to a most convenient chit am I not? What call have I for anger?" When she began protesting he'd turned a black look upon her. "Stop. You may play all the games you wish, my lady mother, with the Ton, little care have I for them. However, if you wish me to remain in this house you will not plead ignorance with me. Her name is Isabella. I love her. And I gave her up so that you and your husband would not harm her. That is the ONLY reason I am here. I will not indulge in theatrics to suggest I marry with joy nor pretend any longer that you care for me."

HI mother had wept, his father had raged upon is return, yet tears and recriminations held little sway for him. They had finally settled into a politely distant arrangement in which his parents could claim anything they liked while he was absent and he would ignore everything they said.

The Ton was suddenly beset by a very different Lord William Ashby. Instead of the spoiled arrogant boy who had left London mere months ago, a very imposing man had returned.

While the first William had charmed, this one brooded, where one spoke easily and with confident arrogance this one spoke rarely, carefully weight his words and delivering the most cutting remarks to the same set he had once led. The first William paid call on diamonds of the first water this one danced with spinsters and wallflowers. The Ton was shocked; rumors of head injuries, financial reversals, ill-fated romance abounded but all agreed this new William was an enigma. They loved it.

The more disdain he held for them the greater the desire to secure his approval. But he missed Isabella.

Now hours before he was to be wed he'd come to the abrupt conclusion that he had to try to win her back. He would go to her, explain his foolish words, beg her forgiveness and ask her to marry without haste. They could leave here, set sail for the colonies, begin anew. He would see that her family was taken care of but he could no longer face the days without her.

He set aside the glass as he rose. It was time to inform everyone that plans had changed.



Together, we broke all the rules

Dreaming of dropping out of school

And leave this place, and never come back

He told his parents first. Since they had engineered his marriage he left them to clear away the mess of broken promises. Rachael, he knew, would not be heartbroken over his defection, merely annoyed at his timing. She had informed him, upon meeting, that she had no intention of remaining at Pendworth's Manor after the wedding. Rather, Rachael intended to spend most if not all of her time in London or abroad. At the time, he had not cared but now he was relieved that she would not suffer more grievously than bruised pride.

It was her father and his own who would be the most enraged by William's cold stance. But William was already striding away as his father's threats rang in his ears.



So now, maybe after all these years

If you miss me, have no fear

I'll be here, I'll be waiting



He rode quickly to Isabella's family home at the outskirts of their property. He rapped on the door impatiently as the night settled around his like a cloak.

"Matthew I swear_" Alice answered furiously as she yanked open the door. "M-my Lord. I'm sorry, sir. I w-was expecting my youngest boy." she was immediately prostate at recognizing her error.

"I wondered if I might have a word with your niece. I realize the hour, however, it is a matter of grave importance else I would wait until the morrow." he told her, smiling charmingly.

"M-Morrow, sir? My..niece?" Alice repeated faintly.

"Yes. Isabella." William's smile slipped. "You are her aunt? This is her home, is it not?"

"Yes. No! I mean..It was her home, milord. She does not live her any longer." Alice informed his, darting a fearful glance around her.

"What?" he whispered, certain he had misheard. Praying he had.

"She's gone, milord. These past six months."

"Where? You must know where she's gone, you are her family." William raked a hand through his hair, his heart gripped in a painful vice.

"She didn't tell me." Alice said fretfully. She braced herself against the door, expecting his anger but fear ruled him now.

"I must find her. Do you know anyone who might know where she has gone? Think! Surely someone knows what has happened to one girl?!" William demanded.

"No. No one. Begging your pardon, sir but you should leave her be. You are to be married on the morrow. Isabella's long gone." Alice insisted.

He flinched but cold eyes bored into her. "I WILL find her. There will be no wedding unless and until Isabella agrees to be my bride." he informed her rudely before turning on his heel. He heard her cry out and glanced back in time to see her faint. He hesitated, torn between the desire to search for Bella and the training to assist any lady in distress. Just as he was about to go back into the house a shadow stepped forward.

"Did you mean it? Bout asking Izzy to marry you?" a young voice demanded.

William frowned at the boy who stared at him, he looked about twelve years, but stood tall before William. "Who are you?"

"Matthew. That's my Ma," he said, jerking his head toward where Alice lay. "Izzy was crying a'fore she left. Did you make her cry?" Matthew demanded.

William put a hand to the ache in his chest. "Perhaps. But I would make it up to her if I can." he answered, his voice thick with suppressed pain.

The boy scrutinized him carefully. "What about the other lady you said you was gonna marry?"

"She didn't want to marry me." William told him, somewhat truthfully.

"Why not?"

"I don't-because I want to marry Isabella. Do you have any idea who her friends are? I need to find her." he asked desperately.

"She's got lots of friends." Matthew answered and William felt his shoulders sag. "But she's working for the Danforths in Devonshire."

For a moment his brain couldn't make sense of the boy's words until suddenly it burst through his mind like a starburst.

"She's in Devonshire? With Danforths? How do you know this?" William checked the impulse to race off and stared at the boy suspiciously.

"She wrote Ma in case we needed something. I saw the address." Matthew shrugged.

"Thank you." William nodded solemnly and he mounted his horse. "She'll never cry again if I can help it." he said by way of farewell before galloping across the countryside.

This could be the one last chance

To make you understand

And I just can't let you leave me once again..

It took him three days to reach the Danforth's country home in Devonshire and he knew he must look half-crazed to the young maid who opened the door. He'd set a furious pace and allowed little time to make himself into a fashion plate for the sake of propriety when he was so close to having her back. His Isabella. Forever this time.

He cleared his throat just as a shout came from down the hall. He and the maid both glance toward it before she turned back to him anxiously. "My Lord is not at home presently, perhaps you could return later?"

"I am not looking for Lord Danforth. I'm looking for a girl, a maid. Her name is Isabella." he asked trying to suppress the desire to push his way inside and call to her.

The young maid's face blanched. "But that-? She is- would you wait in the salon, milord? While I fetch Lady Danforth. I'll just be a moment." the maid curtsied as she showed him to the salon door before scurrying off. He supposed it would be better if he informed the lady of the house that he was stealing one of her maids. It vexed his mother after all.

Five minutes later, an elegantly dressed woman glided into the room and curtsied. "My Lord, a maid informed me you sought you Isabella? May I inquire as to your purpose?" Her Ladyship looked less than pleased to having him gracing her salon and he smiled, hoping to win her over.

"I've come to collect her. There was a misunderstanding I'm afraid. I'm very sorry to inconvenience you but I must proceed immediately. Isabella is to be my wife." he answered proudly, praying he spoke the truth. The happiness the lie afforded him sank as Lady Danforth's face paled.

"Your wife? I understood she had been a maid the past five years, that she had no family to speak of." she insisted shrilly. William winced but held his ground.

"She has worked as a maid, however, once we are wed I will be her family and I can assure you my family has the largess to ensure Isabella will not work another day. Lady Danforth, please. I'm sure this is very confusing for you but it is vital that I see Isabella. Once we have had a chance to speak we can straighten all this out, perhaps we could have some tea and I shall attempt to explain, but first I need Isabella."

"She is-oh Lord. She has been ill. Days ago she wandered about in the storm. When she returned to the house she was frozen to the bone. She has a fever and a cough has settled in her lungs. I was packing..."

She trailed off as William jumped to his feet to tower over her. "Where is she?"

"D-down the hall."

William ran from the room, throwing open doors and calling Isabella's name. He recalled the shout when he arrived and cursed himself for not demanding to know it's reason. Just as he reached the end of the hall a door opened and the young maid stood there unhappily.

William felt all the blood leave his brain as he stepped toward the room. "Is she..?" he whispered, unable to finish the terrible thought aloud.

"She's crazed, milord."

He stepped into the room and almost sank to his knees as grief gripped him. The room stank of death.

"Bella?" he choked out, stumbling to the bedside. She was so pale he barely recognized her as the girl he loved. The girl who had always been so full of life she glowed with it.

"Fetch a doctor!" he turned, shouting at the maid. She ran off and he turned back to Isabella.

"Bella, can you hear me?" he called softly, lifting her hand to kiss her cold fingers.

"William?" she moaned.

"Yes, darling. I am here." he sank to the bed beside her and gripped her hand tightly, fusing his strength into her.

"Why did you leave?" she whispered, running her tongue over cracked lips.

"I am so very sorry. I should not have let you go. We can be married as soon as you are well again. I swear, Bella. I-I love you."

She sighed and her face swam before him. It was only when he blinked that he realized tears were falling down his cheeks.

The doctor arrived presently and pronounced Isabella with Ague, he held little hope.

William pleaded, threatened, offered bribes, blackmail, anything to save her. He saw nothing beyond her bedside, nothing of the servants that gathered at the door to whisper, to stare in shock at the sight of a member of the gentry crying over one of their class. Instead he held her hand throughout the night, praying for her life, begging and bargaining with God in much the same way he'd harassed the doctor. Isabella remained silent and still.

The sun rose, bathing the room in it's golden hues, hours later. William shifted restlessly as someone shone a light into his eyes. He blinked slowly, opening is eyes to see Isabella glowing as she watched him with a tender smile.

"Bella! You are well." be sat up, quickly,

relief and joy pouring through him so quickly it left him feeling weak.

"William." Isabella sighed. "I am sorry."

"It's all right, my love. I'm here. All will be well, I promise you." he said, gently taking her hand to kiss the soft skin.

"I could not bear to live without you. I love you so very much. I will always love you." Isabella reached out to touch his face and he cupped a hand over hers.

"As I will love you all of my days." He vowed reverently. He had never meant anything more.

"Promise me..?"

"What?"

"You'll be happy?"

"So long as you are by my side." he assured her, brushing her hair.

"I cannot stay. I will always be with you. My heart. You must go on, for me?" tears slipped from her eyes and left smudges along her pale cheeks.

"Stop it. You are not going to die." William insisted fear gripping him once again. "I need you. If you leave me I will destroy myself. I will drink to excess, gamble away my estate, and challenge men to duels each Friday." he threatened.

She smiled faintly at him. "No you won't. You are a good man. My dearest friend. I wish-but that time is gone." she sighed and it turned into a violent cough until she gasped for air.

"Bella!" he jumped up, lifting her quickly with an arm around her shoulders to support her slight weight.

"William, stop." she choked out. He rubbed her back for a moment until the gasping ceased before lowering back to the pillows.

"I cannot lose you. You are the only one who has ever loved me. Who believed in me." he admitted thickly as his throat choked with tears. "The only good man I have ever been I have been with you. Please, Isabella." he felt more tears falling but he ignored them to lay his head against her hand.

"You are wrong. He was always there. You simply could not see him." Isabella stroked his hair, murmuring, "I am so tired.."

"Rest. I'll be here when you waken. We'll decide where to marry." He told her, lifting his face to see her.

"I love you." she repeated softly with a gentle, tired smile.

"I love you." he answered forcibly. To him it was a vow. He would never lose her again.

She closed her eyes and he stood to press a kiss to her hair before heading to the door.

A maid slept just outside, slumped down on a wooden chair. She had been assigned to assist him and he touched her shoulder lightly to shake her away. She stifled a shriek as she jerked awake, finding him towering over her.

"Milord?" she darted a quick look toward the bed questioningly.

"She woke for a few moments. Is the doctor still about?"

"Yes, milord. He is sleeping in one of the guest chambers, shall I rouse him?"

"Perhaps we shall let him sleep a little longer. Could you fetch me something to break my fast? I am famished." he admitted with a rueful smile.

"Certainly sir." she bobbed a curtsy at him before turning away.

"Thank you." he told her retreating form. She glanced back to stare at him with surprised eyes. "You're welcome, milord." she told him after a moment and he guessed it was rare if not the first time she had ever been thanked by a member of his class.

She ran off to the kitchens as he turned back to the room.

Isabella lay sleeping within the sunlight that bathed the room and he wondered if he should close the drapes to let her rest. He didn't like the idea of Isabella laying in darkness. 'She looked so much like an angel with light surrounding her.' He smiled at his whimsical thoughts a he crossed the room to her side.

As soon as the doctor wakened they would rouse Isabella for the doctor's examination and for her to eat a bit. Tea or broth or something nourishing to regain her strength. Surely within the week, a fortnight at the most Isabella would be well enough for travel. He would apply for a special license at once. They could marry at once-or perhaps Isabella would like to be wed at Pendworth's chapel with her family present.

"We'll invite Matthew, Bella. You'll like that won't you?" he asked quietly, sitting again at her bedside. He reached over to brush his fingertips over her cheek. He smiled when she didn't stir. She must be exhausted But in an instant his smile faded as a shiver touched his spine.

"Bella?" he called as urgency gripped him. He rose, shaking her. "Bella!"

When she didn't respond he put his head to her chest and heard nothing. "Bella!" he shouted, fear stripping him of his control. A clatter of dishes breaking lifted his gaze to the young maid you stood frozen in the doorway. The tray which had carried his breakfast lay at her feet as she stood starring in horror.

"Fetch the doctor, AT ONCE!" he roared at her. She turned to run and William pressed open Isabella's mouth, giving her his own breath. Willing her to breathe, to live. "Bella. Open your eyes." he pleaded shakily. He breathed air into her mouth again and again, gulping breath to pull into his own lungs to whisper promises, prayers.

"Move aside." another voice ordered.

He glanced up to see the doctor standing over him and quickly moved away.

"She was awake. Talking. Moments ago." William rambled.

The doctor leaned down to listen to her heart.

"Save her. Please. I will do anything. Pay anything. You must save her!"

The doctor straightened slowly. He regarded William solemnly before slowly shaking his head. "There's nothing to be done, Milord. She is gone."

"No." William choked out. "No! She cannot be dead. You are not trying to save her!" he shouted stepping closer to the bed once more.



"Bella." he sank to his knees, the tears that were choking him spilled over and ran unchecked down his face.

"Please don't leave me. Please..." he begged.

This could be the one last chance

To make you understand

And I just can't let you leave me once again



The room cleared, leaving William to his grief. It was hours before he snapped out of the madness and stumbled from the room.

Lady Danforth and the doctor were seated in the salon. The doctor immediately stood to offer him a drink.

"Brandy." William answered gutterly. "Can you..?" he swallowed to ease his dry throat. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Lady Danforth cleared her throat delicately. "She was..suffering from some malady. The maids tell me she walked alone, in the rain, four nights ago. She was soaked when she returned and caught the fever the next evening. We had no idea..that is to say, she never mentioned you."

"I said..something foolish. She left. I let her go. Tis my fault." William accepted the glass with a nod of thanks, and took a swallow.

"What will you do now?" the doctor asked politely.

"I-I hadn't thought." William shook his head to clear the fog that plagued him. "I shall take her home. Bella.." he took another quick sip of the burning liquid. "I need her near me. I promised her..told her I would take her home..so we could marry."

Silence reigned.

I close my eyes, And all I see is you

I close my eyes, I try to sleep

And I can't forget you....

Days later Isabella was buried in the Ashby family graveyard. Isabella's family came but William stood at the grave side in silence, unable to offer the words of sympathy he knew he owed them. The weather was bitterly cold and rainy, driving the mourners indoors finally, except William.

He felt neither the cold nor the damp as he stared down at the earth where Isabella was buried. His heart buried alongside her.

His parent's arrived later that day, aghast at his behavior. "William you cannot be serious? That-maid cannot remain in the family plot!" his mother cried horrified.

"I will not have it. Centuries of Ashby's are laid to rest there." his father insisted.

"And I will be laid to rest there. Beside her. She would have been my wife if she had lived, If I'd been wise enough to recognize my error sooner." William answered flatly. His eyes lacking all warmth or spark of life as he stared at them. "I won't marry. Ever. She was the only woman I shall ever love. I won't disgrace her by bestowing the title of wife on someone merely for the sake of an heir." he glanced toward his father. "You took her from me. If you try to move her, I'll destroy this family, every way I can."

He rose heading for the door, his parent's shouts a distant static.

He paused as he reached the doorway. "I'm staying here with her. I'd consider it a boon if you would leave me to my grief with all possible haste."

"Your only ten and eight years William. Time will heal your wound." his mother cried, making him laugh bitterly.

"Nothing will heal me."

And I do anything for you.

*************************************************************

I'd do anything just to hold you in my arms

To try to make you laugh, but somehow, I can't put you in the past

I'd do anything just to fall asleep with you

Will you remember me? Because I know I won't forget you...



Tristan opened his eyes slowly. He registered the sound of crying a moment before he closed his arms tighter around Rory.

"Rory, stop." he said lifting his free hand to stroke her hair. "Don't cry, you'll make yourself sick. Please?" he cajoled.

"Tristan." Rory sobbed, "I'm sorry. I'm so S-sorry I hurt you," pressing closer against his chest.

"It's all right." he told her gently his own heart aching.

Rory burst into a fresh set of tears, crying harder. "T-they Didn't M-make it. God! How could this happen?"

"Sshh. He loved her, at least she knew that. And she got to tell him she did love him before she died." Tristan rubbed her back soothingly and slowly her tears quieted.

"She loved him so much. It hurts. My heart hurts. I feel like I lost him."

"I know." he said, pressing a kiss to her hair. "They loved each other. It just wasn't enough."

Rory lay quietly in his arms for a moment. "Everything came between them; society, rules, classes, their families even their pride." she whispered achingly.

"They let it come between them. They let it all dictate that they didn't belong together. They were wrong, Rory." Tristan pointed out.

"He loved her enough to risk everything to go to her." Rory looked up at him. "Just like he loved her enough to protect her."

"Rory I_"

"Sshh." she pressed a finger to his lips to quiet him. "I know what you we're trying to say earlier. I'm sorry I pushed you away. I was scared. I should have trusted you."

"I shouldn't have pushed. Your not ready. I just wanted you to give me a chance."

"I know." Rory leaned up to press her lips to his. She kissed him slowly before leaning back to see Tristan's surprised expression.

"What was that for?" he asked, afraid to hope.

"I figure out what William and Isabella wanted. Some times love isn't what you think it should be. It doesn't follow any rules. You have to be smart enough to see what's in front of you and strong enough to risk everything to hold onto it. Damn the whole world if they don't understand. I trust you. If you want my heart, here it is. Don't break it, okay?" Rory smiled tremendously at him.

Tristan swallowed to ease the lump in his throat. "I love you, Rory. You don't have to say it back. Wait 'til you feel it. I'd do anything just to make you smile. And I'm sorry for all the times I was a jerk I just..wanted you to see me, so badly. I need you. You make me better then I am."

"Then don't let go." Rory instructed, reaching up to kiss him again. This time Tristan poured his heart into his kiss, his tongue driving inside to tangle with hers. Rory touched his face, soothing the terrible ache inside him and he shuddered, pulling back to breathe.

"When I came I didn't know what to tell you. I do now." Rory stared into his eyes, willing him to believe her. "I love you. I've never said it before to anyone and I don't want to say it to anyone else ever."

He nodded, too choked up to speak, peace was slowly flowing through him, healing the scars he'd carried for so long.

"And if you ever look at another girl, I swear I'll kill her and turn you over to my mother and Luke for a few days." She threatened suddenly.

He laughed. "Deal. It'll never happen. Well..I might look." he admitted earning him an elbow to his ribs.

"Hey!"

"Just look. I won't touch, I swear. Besides, how could anyone compare?" he told her earnestly.

"They better not." she muttered, laying back down to snuggle against his chest. His arms wrapped around her automatically and she sighed.

"Does this mean I'm finally gonna get a date with the unattainable Rory Gilmore?" he grinned.

"But you love me?" he said with obvious delight.

"And you need to think about the dating thing?"

"Yep." she smiled slowly.

"But you won't stop loving me?"

"Nope."

"Promise?" he asked quietly.

"Promise."

It was a vow.

I'd do anything, to fall asleep with you

To fall asleep with you, with you

I'd do anything, to fall asleep with you

I'd do anything, there's nothing I won't do

I'd do anything, to fall asleep with you

Cuz I know I won't forget you...



THE END