A.N: It's difficult to believe that this story is a year old. And I also can't believe that it's not finished yet. I really need to step up. Heh. Anyway, thank you all for your support for the story in the past year and your patience in waiting for updates. You've all been lovely. I promise that this will be finished before another year passes. ;-)


* * * * *
It Had To Be You
by inmyeyes
14: Something In The Air


"There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not." -La Rochefoucauld


Rory pushed the door open and breathed a sigh of relief as warmth enveloped her chilled body. It was seven in the evening but the diner was unusually empty. Then again, it was Christmas Eve.

For once, the interior of the diner reflected the time of year. Rory bit back a smile as she remembered all the times when Taylor had unsuccessfully tried to persuade Luke to decorate and join in the festivities. And, it seemed that at last he had succeeded.

In one corner, there stood a small Christmas tree. By all measures, it was modestly-sized but the mass of mismatched ornaments that weighed down its branches. Upon closer inspection, she could easily make out who had contributed. There was no doubt that the little gnome ornament had come from Babette and that the beautiful ballerina hanging precariously at the peak of the tree had been Miss Patty's contribution.

Looking around again, she saw tinsel lining the edge of the bar and sprigs of mistletoe hanging randomly from the ceiling. The pile of napkins lying on the bar top was red and the sparkly sign that read 'Merry Christmas' looked suspiciously like Lorelai's handiwork. When she caught sight of the back of the front door, her eyes widened. Was that really-

"You won't be surprised to hear that the naked cherub was your mother's idea."

The familiar gruff voice underlined with a trace of humour made her spin around. "Jess!" she squealed happily, flying towards him with open arms.

"Hey, careful now. We wouldn't want my fiancée to get the wrong idea." Despite his words, his hug was just as fierce.

Pulling away, Rory's eyes subjected him to the same thorough inspection she had given to the decorations. Little had changed about him since the last time she saw him. He was still the lean, wiry guy she had first met all those years ago. He was dressed in faded jeans and an equally faded t-shirt, looking more 18 than 28. Age had given him a maturity that was reflected in his deep brown eyes. When she looked more closely, she saw something that she hadn't ever seen in him before.

He was happy.

Grinning, she playfully hit his shoulder. "That's for not telling me that you and Lane were dating, let alone engaged. Some kind of friend you are."

He just shrugged. "You won't have believed me anyway. Hell, no one believes it still. We were at Doose's just now, and Taylor told Lane that I'm bad news and that she could get away while she could." He rolled his eyes.

"I think he's still hung up on that white chalk incident."

"He does have a memory of an elephant."

"Forget Taylor." A gleam entered her eyes as she asked, "How did your future mother-in-law respond?"

His lips tilted into a sardonic grin. "That's a story for Lane to tell."

Rory laughed. "I can't wait to hear it."

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home?"

"My mom wanted me to make sure that Luke was bringing the brownies," she answered, pointing to the covered pan of brownies on the countertop. "Are you joining us for dinner? Sookie's outdone herself this year."

Jess shook his head regretfully. "I need to ingrate myself with the in-laws."

She tried not to laugh at the image that came to her mind. "Good luck."

"Uncle Luke told me you and your mom are on good terms again. That's good."

Her smile stretched from ear-to-ear. "Yeah, it's great. Things couldn't be better."

Footsteps sounded and moments later, Luke entered, his head bare and his fingers tugging impatiently at the collar of his shirt.

"Run out of flannel shirts?" came Jess' innocent question.

Luke shot him a dirty look and focused instead on Rory, ignoring the amused expression on her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for the brownies," she said.

Luke mumbled inaudible but handed the brownies to her. Frowning, he asked, "Did you walk over?"

"Yup."

"You're got as little sense as your mother. I'll be waiting in the truck."

When the door closed behind him, Rory & Jess shared a look.

"I've never seen him wear anything but plaid," Jess remarked. "Hell, I've hardly seen him without a cap."

"My mom took an inordinate amount of time picking out what to wear," Rory commented.

"Interesting."

Her grin matched his. "Very interesting."

* * * * *

"Didn't Luke look nice today? I've never seen him look so spiffy."

It was nearly midnight and the Gilmore girls were lounging in their living room. The mellow sound of Nat King Cole filled the room and the only source of light came from the flicker of the string of lights around the massive Christmas tree.

Lorelai made a noncommittal sound and simply took another sip of her eggnog.

"I'd even go as far as say that he looked handsome."

Another grunt from Lorelai.

Rory stifled her laughter. Before she could go on teasing her mother, Lorelai spoke.

"What time are Tristan and Natalie coming over tomorrow?"

At the mention of his name, warmth flooded her body. She leaned her head back and smiled at the thought of seeing him. "Hmmm… I don't know. Probably around noon- just in time for the carnival to start."

"Oh, it's gonna be so much fun… although I'm still disappointed that there won't be a carousel."

"Why not?"

Lorelai made a face. "I don't think anyone wants to see a repeat of Kirk puking his guts out."

"Motion-sickness is not fun."

"Neither is the fear of heights," Lorelai shuddered. "I still have nightmares of Kirk's shrill screaming when he was stuck up in that ferris wheel during the Spring Carnival."

Heights reminded Rory of the Empire State Building; the amazing view, the cool air, the heated kisses and-

"Why do you have that stupid smile on your smile?"

Rory's eyes snapped open. "What stupid smile? I was not smiling."

"Oh yes, you were," Lorelai insisted, her eyes narrowing. "I know it when you smile and I know that stupid smile. That was the smile you got when you first ki-"

"There is no stupid smile. I've never smiled that stupid smile."

"Tell me what happened, or else I'll pry it out of Tristan," Lorelai threatened.

Rory sighed, but inwardly she was quite willing to share the information with her mother.

Oh yes, things between them couldn't be better.

* * * * *

"Merry Christmas."

She returned his smile and took a moment to take him in. His halo of blonde hair shimmered with snow flakes and his cheeks were ruddy from the cold. But the warmth in his eyes as he looked at her made her toes curl.

"Oh God, would you two please stop making googly eyes at each other?" came the pleading voice. Natalie pushed past Tristan until she was face to face with Rory. "Hey Rory," she smiled, surprising Rory with a hug. "Merry Christmas."

Rory looked at Tristan over Natalie's shoulder, smiling as he rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Good to see you looking better, Nat. Merry Christmas to you too." Pulling away, she opened the door wider, "Come on in."

Natalie took off her coat and made her way deeper into the house, leaving the two adults alone in the entryway.

"Hey," Rory smiled shyly. There was a long pause and then she finally leaned forward, brushing her lips over his. "It's good to see you."

He wound his arm around her waist, pulled her close and gave her a lingering kiss. "It's good to see you too."

The loud cough made them jump apart. Turning around, Rory saw Lorelai standing a few feet away, a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Hi Lorelai," Tristan smiled. "Merry Christmas."

"I think there's no need for all the mistletoe. I should just take them down," Lorelai joked.

Tristan wrapped an arm around Rory and winked. "I'll take any reason to steal a kiss."

"You'll get a kiss," Rory offered, "if you brought me a present. Unfortunately, I don't see any packages with you. Pity."

She started to walk away but he didn't let up his hold. "Don't worry, they're in the car."

He felt her smile against his lips and faintly, he heard Nat say despairingly, "They're at it again!"

Then he felt Rory's hand move into his hair, pulling him closer and nothing else mattered except the exquisite feel of her lips on his.

* * * * *

"So," Lorelai said, rubbing her hands gleefully, "what should we do first?"

"Is that a clown?" Natalie asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

Lorelai let out a triumphant laugh. "I knew he'd give in!" Then, taking Natalie's hand, she led them to the clown in the gaudy and glaringly bright clothes.

Tristan turned to Rory. "Why is there a clown? And why was Lorelai so happy to see a clown?"

Rory swung their linked hands and grinned up at him as they slowly made their way through the crowd. "That's no ordinary clown. That's our favourite clown."

"Should I be concerned that you actually have a favourite clown?"

She ignored him. "Mom's been trying to get Taylor to have him in the carnival for a while now, but he refused to give in."

When they finally caught up with Lorelai and Natalie, the duo had bright red noses stuck on their faces.

"Do you want one?" Lorelai offered one nose to Tristan.

He was about to turn her down when he saw that Rory already had hers on. And from the expression in her eyes, she was daring him to put it on.

He sighed in surrender but he was smiling as he joined in the madness.

* * * * *

"Oh God, my ears are ringing," Tristan moaned, burying his head against her neck as another round of fa-la-la-las rang through the air.

Rory laughed and ran a gloved hand down his back. "Aww, poor baby, I think that's the only song on their set list."

He pulled back, his lips set in a playful pout. "You said this would be fun."

"There was supposed to be a carousel!" Rory said defensively.

"So?"

"A carousel would have been fun."

Tristan laughed at her reasoning. "Let's go get some cotton candy."

As he pulled her through the crowd, Rory realized that the cotton candy stand was on the other side of the field. "You just wanna get away from the choir."

He turned back with a grin, "Damn right."

* * * * *

Rubbing his cold hands together, Tristan sat back and enjoyed the bustle and noise emanating from the crowd not too far away from where they were sitting. It was nearly four in the afternoon, but the fun and laughter had not abated at all. If anything, it looked as if the festivities were poised to last through the evening and late into the night. He brought his hands to his mouth, blowing onto them and cursing the fact that he had forgotten to bring his gloves.

Moments later, he felt a pair of gloved hands over his, providing not only the warmth he needed but sending tingles through his body. Tilting his head to look at Rory, he gave her a slow smile and leaned forward to place a light kiss on her nose.

"Rory, thanks for inviting us." He looked out into the crowd, smiling as he spotted Natalie laughing raucously with Lorelai. "Nat's really enjoying herself. I'm enjoying myself. I can't imagine what it would have been like had we spent Christmas at home."

She absently stroked his fingers as she spoke. "There's something magical about this Christmas."

"Are you sure it's not just the snow?" he teased, having heard all about the Gilmore theory about snow and magical things happening.

A smile lit up her face. "It is the snow. But it's also my mom. I finally feel that everything is right again." Her eyes softened and she bit her lip, as though unsure. "And then, there's you."

He couldn't hide his surprise. "Me?"

"Yeah, you." Her grip on his hands tightened imperceptibly. "This… thing between us…" She took a deep breath before admitting, "It means a lot to me."

"It means a lot to me too," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

The tension in her shoulders ebbed away at his words. "I know that when we first started going out, it was… a matter of convenience." Tristan smiled at her phrasing and gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "But now- I was just thinking that maybe-"

"Rory!"

Tristan inwardly cursed at the interruption as Rory got up to greet the woman who had called out to her. He had an idea of what Rory had been trying to say and he wanted very much to hear it but the untimely intrusion had broken the atmosphere surrounding them.

Breaking away from his thoughts, he looked up and saw that Rory was standing a few feet away, gesturing to him.

"Tristan, I want you to meet Lane and her fiancé, Jess."

* * * * *

"That's a nice gift he gave you," Lorelai remarked.

Rory tore her eyes from the charcoal drawing of her likeness and smiled. "It's a wonderful gift. I never knew that he's such a talented artist."

Lorelai curled up in the armchair and rubbed her tired feet. "I was looking at it earlier when you were outside saying goodbye."

Rory threw a cushion when she saw the kissy faces her mother was making. The attack was adroitly deflected with upraised arms.

"And," Lorelai went on, "I noticed something interesting. Take a good look at the bottom right hand corner."

Rory examined the area and noticed what Lorelai was referring to. "He drew this before we started dating, before we even met at Madeline's," she exclaimed.

Lorelai winked. "Interesting information, isn't it?"

Rory didn't quite want to think about the meaning behind it.

* * * * *

"Why are we waiting out here?" Rory asked, pulling her coat closer to her.

"I have three words for you: surprise Christmas gift."

Rory's voice took on a whiny edge. "Can't we wait inside?"

Lorelai slanted a knowing look at her. "You just want to see your Tristan."

"Well, I don't want to be an icicle when I do see him."

"Don't worry," Lorelai grinned. "I'm sure he'll think of ways to warm you up."

"Mom!"

The sound of an approaching car and its blinding headlights averted their attention.

"A little late, but then again, this is Chris," Lorelai said as the car door swung open.

Rory's eyes widened. "Dad? Dad's here?"

Lorelai couldn't help smiling as she watched Rory run into her father's arms.

* * * * *

"You're playing photographer tonight?"

Rory clicked the shutter before turning to the woman beside her. "Yup." She stroked her new camera in appreciation. "Grandpa gave it to me so I figured that I should put it to good use."

Madeline grinned. "I still think you should have become a photographer. I remember those prints you took at Tahoe. They were beautiful."

Rory shrugged away the compliment. "Writing's still my first love. Where's your little one?"

"Emmy fell asleep and Brad put her in an empty room upstairs." Madeline's forehead creased in concern. "I should go check on her."

"I'll go with you."

Upstairs, the sound of revelry downstairs was muted and faraway. They padded silently down the long hallway, comfortable in the way that two friends who have known each other a long time are.

It turned out that Brad had left Emmy in Rory's old bedroom. A stream of dim light filtered out the open door and when Madeline peeked in, she put a finger up to her lips and smiled as she pointed to something inside the room.

Rory scrunched her nose in confusion and moved closer so that she could see. The sight that greeted her made her heart clench.

The room was sufficiently lit by a bedside table and pillows were placed along the perimeter of the bed to prevent Emmy from falling down. But the little girl was nowhere in the mass of sheets and pillows. Instead, she was enfolded in Tristan's arms and her little giggles were interspersed with Tristan's somewhat off-key singing.

The temptation was too strong; Rory lifted up her camera and finding the perfect shot, she hit the shutter. The resulting flash halted Tristan in his fifth rendition of Puff the Magic Dragon.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly.

Madeline brushed past her and went to take her child from Tristan. Smiling up at him, she asked, "How long has she been awake?"

Tristan smoothed down his faintly wrinkled shirt and shrugged. "I was coming out of the bathroom when I heard her crying. So I came in." His lips curled into a smile. "She stopped crying when I picked her up. She likes me."

"Even little girls aren't immune to your charm," Madeline laughed.

Rory groaned loudly. "Oh please don't get him started!"

Tristan chuckled as Emmy grabbed his finger when he held it out in front of her and proceeded to bite it. "My charms are considerable, Mary. Even you eventually gave in."

"Yeah," Rory rolled her eyes. "After ten years."

"You're a tough nut to crack." Tristan winked.

Rory waved her hand dismissively. "I merely pitied you."

"You guys should have gotten together years ago," Madeline's said casually, wiping off the drool on Emmy's chin with a towel. She looked up and nearly laughed when she saw the frozen expressions on their faces. Deciding to defuse her loaded
statement, she said, "C'mon, let's go downstairs. We should get back to the party."

Still silent, Tristan & Rory followed her lead.

* * * * *

"You've been smiling all night."

Rory grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, no," Tristan hurriedly said. "It's just that I'd hate to see that smile vanish when I tell you that vultures are coming our way."

She gave him a baffled look. "Vultures?"

"My parents," he clarified.

Rory gasped and tried not to smile at the overly innocent look in his eyes. "Tristan, be nice."

He didn't respond but she did notice how he pasted on a too bright smile once his parents were upon them. She lightly nudged him and she inwardly smiled when she felt him relax beside her.

"Hello Rory dear," Lauren DuGrey cooed, "It's good to see you again." Her eyes flitted from Tristan to Rory, making the unspoken meaning of her words clear; she was exceedingly pleased to see Rory with Tristan. The satisfied look that his father gave echoed the sentiment. Tristan merely inclined his head in acknowledgment, not trusting himself to say anything civil.

The arm that she wrapped around his waist was not so much a show of affection for his parents but rather, her way of wanting to calm Tristan down before he said anything disparaging to his parents. She returned Lauren's smile and asked, "How was your Christmas?" She felt him stiffen beside her and cursed herself for bringing up that topic, knowing how angry Tristan still was about his parents' sudden trip of Hawaii.

"Stephen and I went to Hawaii to escape the cold. We had a lovely time." The golden tan that they both had was testament to that.

"We were surprised to come home to an empty house though," Stephen said, giving Tristan a pointed look. Tristan didn't even blink, but he appreciated the light squeeze that Rory gave. "We didn't know that Tristan and Natalie were spending Christmas with you."

"I'm sorry, that's my fault. I extended the invitation late. My mother and I were glad to have the company."

Tristan silently applauded Rory's diplomatic skills.

"It's only fair that we reciprocate. You must dine with us before you return to New York. Maybe tomorrow evening?" Lauren suggested.

"How about the day after? I promised to spend time with my parents tomorrow," Rory answered, ignoring the pinch that Tristan warningly administered on her arm.

"Wonderful, we'll see you then." Lauren smiled. "Now, I really should find your grandmother and congratulate her on this superb party. The pate is divine."

They suffered through another few minutes of Lauren's inane chatter before Stephen shepherded her away.

"Why in heaven's name did you accept the invitation?" Tristan whispered harshly once his meddlesome parents were gone. "Haven't you already suffered through the excruciating pain of a DuGrey dinner? Or are you trying to attain sainthood?" Growling, he ran a hand through his hair, his face schooled into an expression of frustration.

"Tristan-"

"Here I am, trying to will them out of my life and there you are, trying to mend the broken bridges."

"Tristan-"

He gritted his teeth, telling himself to keep his voice down. "Damnit, Rory. Let it be." He spoke in a low, hard voice. "Leave the mess that is my family alone. It is what it is. It can't be fixed."

Rory swallowed the lump that was lodged in her throat as she watched him walk away from her.

* * * * *

He wasn't really sure how long he had been standing out in the garden. His impeccable Armani suit was little shield from the cold but he barely felt the bite of the chill. Frustration was running hotly through his blood but it was slowly being cooled by regret over his callous words to Rory. It was truly no fault of hers- how could he blame her for her good intentions?- and he unfairly taken out his resentment on her.

For a second, the noise from the house filtered out when the doors open and the noise receded again once the door was closed. He heard the click of heels on the floor and then a warm hand landed on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Tristan."

He turned and caught her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips for a soft kiss. "I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"It's just that my life is falling into place again," Rory explained, her eyes bright as she thought of her dad being at the party. "And I wanted it to be the same for you too."

"I know, but you're trying to fit a piece in a puzzle that's already complete."

Her eyes searched his. "Why won't you even try?"

"I've tried all my life, Rory," he sighed. "And now, I've accepted it."

"You shouldn't have to."

His heart softened at the compassion he heard in her voice. "It doesn't matter."

Rory tried to smile. She moved forward and enclosed him in her arms, offering whatever comfort she could. As she held him closely and felt the thud of his heartbeat against her, she tried not to analyse the feelings that swamped her heart.

* * * * *

"I've been meaning to tell you something." She tightened her arms around his neck and led him guide her through the dance. "Thank you so much for the drawing. I love it."

He smiled and although they were in a room full of people, he made her feel like they were the only ones who mattered.

"You never told me that you could draw."

"It's one of my little known talents," was his modest answer.

Her lips quirked and she leaned up to whisper salaciously, "So, what other… talents do you have?"

Tristan chuckled. "I'll make sure you'll have a chance to find out."

"Okay, children," came Lorelai's voice from behind Rory. "Break it up. It's time for our getaway."

Rory was still grinning and she let out a squeal when he suddenly dipped her.

Lorelai's gaze travelled back and forth between them before she forcibly separated them by nudging her way between their bodies. "This is me breaking the bubble you both live in."

Rory shook her head. "You were saying something about a getaway?"

"As usual, your beloved grandmother has made it her mission in life to make my life as difficult and miserable as possible." She crossed her arms. "So, we're leaving. Our escape vehicle is waiting outside."

"What happened?" Rory asked.

"Let's just say that your father's presence put some ideas in Emily's head. No, wait." Bitterness coloured Lorelai's tone. "She's always had those damn ideas but they've suddenly come to life again."

Tristan winced, knowing firsthand how pushy parents could be when they wanted to be. "C'mon, I'll walk you guys out."

After making their stealthy escape, Lorelai left the two of them alone for a few minutes. "Don't take too long kids," she winked. "We need to go before Emily realizes we've left."

Rory grinned, used to her mother's antics. Smiling apologetically at Tristan, she said, "It sucks that our night is cut short."

"It's okay." He beamed a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Angling for an invitation, Mr. DuGrey?" she teased.

"Why?" His arm came around her waist. "Am I not welcome?"

She leaned up and kissed him- a light brush of lips that made him want more. "Come by tomorrow and you'll find out."

* * * * *

Humming a Christmas song under her breath, Rory huddled deeper into the mass of blankets and gazed happily at the snow-white landscape. It was nearly one in the morning but she still felt wide awake. After returning from Harford, there had been another gift-opening celebration as they exchanged gifts with Chris. After throwing the remnants of wrapping paper at each other and dodging flying cushions and tinsel, the three of them had sat down and just talked. It had been nice. Really nice.

She was the only one still awake and she welcomed the chance to just sit down and absorb what had happened the past two days. As she replayed her memories of her grandparents' party, she realized that she couldn't wait to develop the photographs she had taken, eager to see how the photo of Tristan and cute little Emily would turn out. Smiling to herself, she resolved to develop the film in her darkroom as soon as she got back to New York.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't see the tall figure walking towards the house. She jolted with surprise when a smooth voice said, "Rory Gilmore. It's been a long time."

Her jaw dropped as her eyes took in the figure standing on the steps of the porch. There was no mistaking the tall and lanky form or the bright grin or the smiling brown eyes. He looked tanner and leaner and his hair was no longer in that floppy do that he sported during his teenage years. But she surely recognized him. How could she forget her first boyfriend, her first love?

"Dean?"

* * * * *

A.N: [insert evil cackling] Surprised? Heh. Let me just say that I've been looking forward to this moment of the story. Okay, three things: 1) I'm sorry if my characterization of Jess is off-base but… eh. I admit that I have no grasp of him, which is why I've gone 13 chapters without writing him in. Blah. I apologize. 2) The transitions may seem choppy and I apologize for that too. Alas, it was a necessity or else this story wouldn't be moving forward at all or it'd be way too long for my liking. 3) The word count has gone screwy. Just FYI.

Okay, you can now hit that little button below and tell me how much I suck. ;-)