Disclaimer: Jamie and I own nothing. The characters belong to Amy Sherman Palladino and the WB. Take it up with them if you have to.
Authors: Susie and Jamie (Mrs. Witter)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Paris/Tristan/Rory
Author's Note: Just so you know, the sexy Ian Somerhalder plays Lex.
Chapter 1: Coming Home
"So, you're coming to the party, right?" Alexander Clayton asked his girlfriend as he lounged near the outdoor pool of his parents Hartford mansion. He heard her sigh and couldn't help but grin. He could picture her perfectly, sitting on her bed with her legs curled under her, her brows furrowed and her lower lip caught between her teeth as she tried to come up with an excuse. "You have to come! I'll die without you here."
She chuckled at his dramatics. "You made it through a million parties before you met me, Lex. What's one more?" Rory Gilmore asked playfully winding her finger around the phone cord as she fell back onto her bed. For a moment she felt seventeen again- at home, talking to her boyfriend, any moment Lorelai would come bursting through the door wanting her attention, it was all the same. Only she wasn't, she had grown up, and moved out but that didn't stop her from coming back.
"But those million parties were spent getting into trouble, then hiding…and when I was old enough, getting drunk," he quipped and then took a sip of the ice tea sitting on the glass table next to him. "Now, I have you."
"Well when you put it that way, how can a girl say no?" she responded teasing sarcasm lacing her voice.
He laughed and swung his feet over the edge of the chaise lounge. The water looked tempting and it was a hot day. "That came out wrong. I can make it up to you, though."
"Oh really?" Her eyebrow shot up inquisitorially, had he been in front of her, her next words wouldn't have been necessary. "How do you intend to do that?"
"Well, I'm inviting you over for a swim, of course." He walked over to the edge of the pool and sat down, dangling his feet in the water. "It's a hot day and the water is just right." Then, he grinned devilishly. "Besides, I want to see you in the new bikini Lorelai made you buy."
"Who said anything about a new bikini," Rory responded coyly a huge grin adorning her face- she loved goading him.
He pouted and made circles in the water with his leg. "You're no fun, Miss Gilmore."
"You certainly no the way to a girl's heart, Clayton. Insult them while you are trying to get them to prance around practically naked in your presence," her tone was admonishing yet still playful. "It's no wonder we are dating," she added almost as an afterthought.
"Tell me," he switched the phone from his left ear to his right, "are you always attracted to guys who insult you?"
She let out a sigh as she flopped backwards onto her bed, the vision of a blond annoyance from her past bouncing in her mind. She paused for a moment longer then necessary, letting her mind linger on a vision of the blond leaning against her locker, his eyes sparkling, smirk in place as he through bantered with her. Trying to keep her voice light as her head was still clouded with the past she responded, "Not always, just when their rich as well."
He laughed deeply. "Why you little hussy. So tell me, are you coming and making the best of the last vestiges of the summer? You'll make your adoring boyfriend very happy."
"Yeah, I'll be there. But while my adoring boyfriend waits for his hussy girlfriend he better be thinking of ways to make her very happy. After all, that is the least he can do for her," she smiled, as much as she goaded him she really didn't mind going to the party, but she had to admit, this was a lot more fun than simply conceding.
Oh how he loved to be teased by her and of course, return in kind with a comeback of his own. Sometimes, like now, she just made it too easy. "Oh, I can think of a lot of things I can do to keep her happy. And occupied."
A groan escaped her lips, "Get your mind out of the gutter or I will be wearing the one piece."
He grinned devilishly. "Even better. I like challenges."
"Goodbye, Lex. I'm hanging up now." And with that she placed the phone back in the cradle a goofy smile on her face as she went about finding her swimsuit and other necessities before she left.
* * *
"Here let me get that for you," Tristan said as he stepped in front of Paris and pulled her black Samsonite off of the conveyer belt, before she could reach for it. When her saw her scowl in annoyance, he grinned. "Same old Paris."
She continued to glare at him as they waited for his bag to appear but he would not relinquish hold of her bag. "Fine carry both bags, but don't come whining to me when you're in pain because you were carrying too much at once."
"That's why they have trolleys, here, Paris."
"If you let me carry my own bag we wouldn't need a trolley," Paris pointed out as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Can't you just let me be a gentleman?" he asked as he found a stray trolley and heaved their bags onto the cart. She didn't say anything and nodded, even though he knew she wanted to retort. Time for a subject change. "So, is someone picking you up?"
Deciding it was better to let Tristan be the alpha male than to start a heated argument on feminism in the airport she let him deal with the luggage. She shrugged at his question, "I was just going to take a cab."
"Nonsense," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand as they exited the airport, he scanned for the DuGrey's reliable chauffer. "You live two houses away from me. We'll just take the limo Mother sent over. Aren't your parents home?"
Paris snorted, "Mother's flying in from Rome later today and father is detained on business in Japan. Don't tell me the DuGrey's are all home?"
"Yes, it a freak coincidence," Tristan replied with a slightly bitter edge. A sleek limo, with the DuGrey emblem emblazoned on the side pulled up and William, the chauffeur stepped out, in his crisp uniform. "Hey Will, how's it going?"
"Not too bad, Mr. DuGrey. Let me get your luggage there, Ms. Gellar," William said brightly as he came around the limo. "It is still, Ms. Gellar, right?"
Paris smiled at the graying chauffer, "Unfortunately," she mumbled. Realizing he was still smiling at her she conceded, "Yes, that's me."
"I never forget a beautiful face, ma'am," he replied and he lugged the suitcases, easily into the trunk.
Tristan grinned and slung an arm around her. "She's a pretty one, ain't she?"
As color flooded her cheeks, Paris elbowed Tristan in the ribs, causing him to pull her closer towards his body. Her breath hitched as she came into contact with his muscular form, silently berating herself for turning into a silly schoolgirl. Turning her attention back to the two men she simply smiled before saying, "Flattery will get you nowhere with me," her crimson face betraying her words.
Tristan grinned knowingly as he opened the limo door. "Paris Gellar, what have I done without you all these years?"
She eased into the limo before retorting, "The greater New York metropolitan area and it's surrounding counties?"
He couldn't help but let out a whoop of laughter. The Paris Gellar he knew would never say that to him; some things did change, after all. "You wound me."
"I didn't realize you had grown so soft DuGrey, forgive me," she quipped.
He refrained from making a sexual comment; it was too early in their re-acquaintance for that. As William pulled out of the airport terminal and onto the main highway, Tristan reached for the small fridge and pulled out two cans of soda, lifting it to her. She took in from him as he leaned back again. "I was thinking, since you're going to the Clayton's annual bash and I'm going to Clayton's annual bash…we should go together."
She looked at him questioningly, noting the sincerity in his eyes she found herself agreeing, "I'd like that."
He grinned and leaned back against the expensive leather. "It's a date."
A date, the words echoed in her head, flashing back to the one previous date they had had and it's resulting outcome. Well at least time she knew he hadn't asked her to try and make another girl jealous. She knew there was no reason to believe this time would turn out anything like the first, besides they were just friends and going as such. "Yeah a date," she finally echoed, unsure of what else to say as she sipped her coke, it was not often Paris Gellar was at a loss for words.
Tristan knew by the tone in her voice that she was thinking about their date way back when. He grinned a little, thinking about the outcome. He had been careless with her feelings back then but it was a long time ago and she had forgiven him, he knew that much. But they were older now, and were just getting their friendship back on track. Tristan had often wondered, over the years, what she had been up to, how she was, if she was married or burying herself in her work. She had been his first, real, childhood friend and it was time he got to know her as an adult. "It'll be fun."
Paris couldn't help it, she laughed. The last time she had fun at a society party, hell she couldn't remember ever having fun at a society party, certainly not as a teenager and now as an adult was no different. She took a moment to regain her composure before she spoke, "When was the last time you had fun at one of these parties Tristan?"
"Well, never," he replied after a moment of deliberation. "But with you around, I'm sure to have loads of fun."
"I think you are remembering the wrong girl. I was the soda monitor, remember?" Despite her words she couldn't stop the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips, who knew, maybe tonight would be fun.
"Ah, but you're not a girl anymore," he replied, letting his gaze drop down to the exposed flesh of her neck but not lower because he wouldn't dare be improper. "And we're not in high school anymore, Gellar."
Despite his discretion she felt a blush start up her neck, since when did she allow people to make her blush? And this made twice in less than an hour. "Thank goodness for that."
He laughed as William pulled into their street and towards the Gellar mansion. "You know how they say that high school is supposed to be the best time in your life? Well, they have obviously never been to Chilton."
Paris nodded, looking out the window as they pulled into her driveway. "Thank you for the ride Tristan. I guess I'll see you later." Pausing a moment in thought she continued, "You know, I can't wait to see the look on my mother's face when I tell her that not only do I have a date for tonight but with a DuGrey as well, she'll die on the spot."
He smiled and leaned forward to brush his lips against her cheek. "Tell her I said hi. I'll pick you up at seven."
Paris nodded as she took her suitcase from William, "See you then."
***
She slowly walked up the steps to the mansion, wishing her mother were able to come. She knew that Lex would try to make sure she had a good time but his family was hosting the occasion and she understood that this meant most of his and consequently her time would be monopolized making small talk with all the guests. At least if Lorelai were there she would have an escape. She sighed resigned to what was to come. Besides, she thought, Lex hated it almost as much as she did went the extra mile to make it up to her when the night was through.
Putting on a smile she allowed the butler to open the door, escorting her to the main room where the party was already in full swing. She looked around her, noting all the black dresses and tailored tuxes, smoothing her own lavender dress, already feeling decidedly out of place. Taking a champagne flute offered to her by one of the wait staff, she slowly spun around finding herself face to face with her grinning boyfriend.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" he exclaimed, snaked his arm around her waist and opened his mouth over hers in a kiss that was surely scandalous in front of all the guests. It was an added bonus that his parents would be upset for making a debacle. When he pulled away, Rory was giggling albeit flushed. "Wanna forgo the festivities and neck in a closet?"
Flashing him a devastating smile she answered, "I would love to, but I think they would throw a fit," she continued nodding in the direction of Lex's parents as they made their way towards the pair.
"Shit," he cursed lightly and then turned to face his parents, grinning widely. "Mom, Dad. Hello."
"Hello son," Alexander Clayton the second said, fixing a tight smile on his face that only grew wider when he gazed at Rory. "Lorelai, you're looking beautiful."
A demure blush colored her cheeks at the compliment, "Thank you." Turning towards Mrs. Clayton she added, "You are looking lovely, that dress is stunning."
"Oh now dear," Isabella said loftily with a wave of her hand. "You're just being kind. I think I've past the age where I would look stunning. Isn't that right, Lex?"
"Of course not, Mother," he stated with a charming smile. "You know you're still the most gorgeous woman in this room."
Rory watched slightly amused as the Clayton's continued with their obligatory small talk, even with family, it was the only appropriate conversation at a social function. She smiled politely as they said their goodbyes off to make rounds with the rest of their guests, not wanting to linger in any one spot too long.
Once they were out of earshot Rory turned back to Lex, a genuine smile on her lips this time, as she played with the lapel of his jacket, "How long 'til we can ditch?"
Lex smiled widely. "Just say the word, baby. I doubt they'll miss us."
"Probably not, and as much as I would love to leave right now, we should probably stay and mingle." Gesturing at the crowded room with a wave of her hand, "your adoring public awaits, his Royal highness," she teased.
Lex rolled his eyes and blushed slightly as a group of women standing in a corner giggled. He waved and turned back to his date. "You're mean. Anyone ever tell you that?"
"All the time. Now go," she said pushing him towards a group of older men, "I'll go find us something to eat."
"Yes ma'am," he replied, bent his head to give her a hot, open-mouthed kiss. When he was done, he grinned at her, thoroughly satisfied. "Hold that thought."
Rory simply gave him a devastating smile before she turned on her heel, heading over to a table adorned with various exotic fruits and cheeses. She located the elaborate display of small china plates, careful as she picked one from the top to use. She never did understand the need for such displays and the cheese, she loved cheese as much as the next girl, but for once she would love to see some real food at one of these events.
Placing cubes of various cheeses on her plate, enough to curb her hunger but no so much it was indecent, she idly looked around at her surroundings, the lavish Clayton estate filling with more people by the second. For a moment she contemplated escaping to the garden, but quickly nixed the thought, knowing it would probably be hours before Lex got to her if she stayed outside. Instead, once she had finished arranging the cheeses she turned intending to locate Lex and resume her role at his side for the evening, only she ended up knocking into a petite figure, somehow managing not to drop the plate in the process.
Paris had spotted Rory as soon as she stepped into the main room of the Clayton mansion and was amused to see her old friend at the refreshment table. How odd was it that Fate would have two people who spent a lot of their time going from friends to enemies and back again to bump into each other so many times over the course of their lives. She had developed a fondness for Rory Gilmore that she had first tried so vehemently deny.
It was hard to hate someone who had such a large impact on her life, her thought process and if she wanted to get mushy, in her heart.
She quickly crossed the room, hoping that Tristan would be able to spot her when he returned with their drinks, and went to tap her friend on the shoulder. Rory turned with a plate of cheese that surprisingly, didn't fall as they crashed into each other.
"I see your reflexes are improving, Gilmore," Paris greeted dryly as she took a step back.
"Paris!" Rory practically squealed in delight ready to give the blonde a hug but quickly checked the urge as she remembered where she was. "I didn't realize you were going to be here."
Paris rolled her eyes, hints of a grin playing at her lips. "And miss the party of the summer? Like, I would. But, I am surprised that you're here, Gilmore. I don't see your grandparents here so I'm sure they didn't coax you into this shindig."
"They're in Europe," Rory supplied. Smiling almost wistfully at a memory she continued, "My boyfriend is the one who did the coaxing."
"Boyfriend," Paris stated wryly even though she was grinning. "I should have known. Tell me, Rory, have you ever been single?"
She pretended to think for a moment before she replied, "Do the years zero to sixteen count?"
"Funny. So who's the glutton for punishment this time?"
"Alexander Clayton," Rory answered, watching in amusement, as Paris's jaw seemed to drop ever so slightly at her omission. "Why does this surprise you?"
Paris closed her mouth and shook her head. "Just because I never figured you'd date someone from well…the Country Club. Although, Lex is a wonderful if not slightly neurotic guy so I don't see why not."
"Thanks for the approval, Par," Rory responded dryly. Then perking slightly she queried, "What about you? You here with a date or are you braving the party solo?"
She didn't know why but it felt good to know that her answer would be one Rory was not expecting. Everyone, especially her mother, expected her to be single and alone and for once, Paris felt like she had the upper hand. "Actually, I do have a date. I'm not sure if you remember him, but he went to Chilton with us; Tristan DuGrey."