Disclaimer: I don't own Gilmore girls. But if I did, I would definitely bring Tristan back!

***chapter 8: the aftermath***

Rory woke the next morning to find a note on Tristan's pillow addressed to her.

Mary,

Sorry I ran out on you last night like that. You know my father. He actually kidnapped me at seven this morning, and I didn't want to wake you. I should be home by lunchtime, so maybe we can go somewhere to eat. You never know, they might have coffee!

Tristan

Rory smiled at the thought of coffee. Stretching, she thought of last night, of the kiss. She wondered what would happen once Tristan got home. Would they act like nothing happened, or would he come home and kiss her again? Rory smiled wider.

A knock on the front door interrupted her happy thoughts.

"Coming," she yelled. She got out of bed, still dressed in her fuzzy blue pajamas. She took a second to look in the mirror, cringed, and continued down the stairs.

"Whoever it is, this better be good. You got me out of bed and I look like hell. Beware!" She opened the door. "PARIS?" she cried throwing her arms around her friend.

"These stupid cab drivers. You tell them the address and they drive you somewhere six miles away. They need to take some lessons from the New York City cab drivers. It took me more than an hour and a half to get here from the airport. Well, are you going to let go of me and let me in, I'm pooped!"

"What are you doing here? And how did you know where I was?"

"I talked to Tristan a few weeks ago."

"I know that, but how do you know where this house is?"

"I found that sitting having tea with your grandmother is very effective. She is such a gossiper she'll tell you anything you want to know."

"You went to my grandma?"

"I wanted to see the two lovebirds," Paris said. She had just finished dragging in her rather extensive luggage, and settled on the couch.

"You do know we're not actually getting married, don't you Paris?"

"I know. But how classic would that be if you two actually fell in love? What a story that would make. The high school king pretends to be engaged with the school bookworm that he used to torture. Then they actually fall in love. I wouldn't read it; I hate those kinds of stories. Too predictable, too much like that movie She's All That. God, I hate chick flicks."

"Then why did I catch you watching A Walk To Remember this March?"

"What? I never saw that movie in my life."

"Don't deny it Paris. I saw you sniffling and reaching for the tissues."

"Fine, but in my defense I was just wallowing. I was having a really bad day that day."

"Just admit it, you love Shane West."

"No I don't," Paris protested.

"Do to."

"I love Shane West about as much as you love Tristan," Paris said.

Rory blushed.

"Or should I take that back? Wait, Ror, are you in love with Tristan?"

She shook her head.

"You are. You love Tristan Dugrey. Mary and Tristan together at last. I can't believe it. When did it happen?"

"I don't think I love him," Rory said. "But there was a kiss."

"When?" she asked excitedly.

"Last night."

"Are you serious? Is he still a really good kisser?"

"Amazing," Rory said. "Wait, what do you mean still. Did you kiss him before?"

"No, but you did. Don't you remember, there was some party, a piano…"

"I can't believe I forgot about that," Rory said, remembering that night at Madeline's party seven years earlier. "But, yah. He's even better, if that's even possible."

"So what happened after the kiss? How did he react?"

"He didn't."

"That's not answering my question."

"His dad kind of interrupted us and pulled him away for business."

"What about this morning? Did he say anything this morning about it?"

"I haven't seen him yet," Rory answered cautiously.

"You mean you haven't had a chance to deal with this yet. Oh boy, we're in for some real problems."

"Paris stop it! You're making me nervous! Stop freaking me out please."

"Sorry. Just preparing you for the aftermath."

"Aftermath? You make it sound like a bomb dropped or something. It was just a kiss!"

"Was it? Wasn't it something more to you?"

"Please, you're really not helping any."

"Hey Mary. I'm home. Who are you talking to?" Tristan called, walking in the door. He stopped short when he saw Paris.

"Dugrey," she said coldly, having decided to be mad at him for leaving the kiss situation as he did.

"Geller," he replied with equal indifference. "What are you doing here, and why do you look so upset Mare?"

"We were just talking," Rory answered. "I'm just a little surprised to see her."

"I'm going to go get unpacked. Where's my room?"

"You're sitting in it," Tristan answered. "You're staying? Well if you are, you get the couch."

"There's no extra bedroom here?"

"Only the one Rory and I are sleeping in. If you insist on staying, there's a couch with your name all over it."

"Oh joy, personalized furniture. How fun." She stood up. "Well, I'm going to go get something to eat in the kitchen."

"Yes Paris, just make yourself at home," Tristan answered sarcastically.

"What is she doing here," he asked Rory once she was gone.

"I have no idea. She showed up on the doorstep about half an hour ago saying she was here to visit us, but she has to have some other reason."

"Well, she'll tell us when she's ready, I guess. Do you want something to eat? I'm starving."

"You know what, I'm okay actually. I'm going to go upstairs and get changed."

"Are you sure you're okay? Is anything bothering you?"

"I'm just great thanks," she answered. She ran upstairs and closed the door to her room. She took a deep breath, calming herself. So what if he didn't mention the kiss, she told herself. It doesn't mean anything. Or what if he forgot about it? It was so insignificant that he didn't even think about it the next day. Tears gathered in her eyes. There was a knock on the door.

"It's Paris."

"Come in," she answered in a shaky voice. "He didn't mention it."

Paris pulled her into a hug. "That doesn't mean anything," she insisted.

"It does when it's Tristan. He says what's on his mind. God, I feel so stupid for letting myself fall for him!"

"Rory, listen to me. There's nothing to feel stupid about yet. You guys still have all day."

"I know. He was a little shocked that you were here."

"See, it's my fault. Don't be mad at him."

"Okay. We'll go downstairs and give it another go," she replied, drying her tears.

"You know what we need? Girl's night out. We have to stop obsessing over Tristan."

"You mean me."

"Yes I mean you, but all this isn't helping me any. I feel like I want to go downstairs and kick him in the balls. But then again I've always wanted to. Anyway, let's go out tonight, just the two of us."

"I'd like that," Rory answered.