*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the characters. All I
own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Hey! :-) Okay, so I hope you guys like it. Apparently I don't have a lot to say........right now, so read the rest of the bla bla bla at the end of this chapter.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan ran a hand through his slightly shorter hair, courtesy of this institution, and looked at his reflection in the mirror. It had almost became abnormal, seeing himself in something other than white shirts and green pants. He felt as if he was dressing up for a few hours, with a charming mask to complete his costume. He knew that the small and subtle changes were barely visible to the eyes of people around him. He had the choice to hide it from them, although you really had to know him to notice the difference. The only thing that gave him away was the way he talked to people. He had a little more respect for the ones who truly deserved it.
He wondered if his behavior towards girls would change ? Would they notice the dents in his superior attitude ? For once he was a little bit worried about how his date would go. After all he didn't know anything about Melanie, he had just recently learned her name. Of course Lawrence commented on that fact, saying that it didn't matter what her name was, just as long as she had the looks to drool over and was willing to come along for the ride, not strings attached. And Tristan had laughed at his words, agreeing with him. Even though there was a struggle going on inside his head. A good old-fashioned battle between good and evil. In the end, the last one had convinced Tristan of its 'good intentions.' But now he was doubting the fairness of the fight.
He looked in the mirror once more, meeting his own eyes. A smile lit them up as he admired himself, dressed in a simple pair of kaki pants and a preppy blue sweater. He knew that girls always liked this look, thinking that he was one of those goody-two-shoes who had decided to stray. With a flirtatious wink every now and then and a few strategically timed compliments, Melanie would be willing to do anything for him by the night of the night.
*~*~*
''So, explain again why I'm changing from grey to black pants ?!'' Rory yelled from the bathroom, while she started to take the pants she had been wearing off.
''Cause we still have some more time to kill before you have to leave for your date at the bowling alley, which I still don't get............''
''You're just frustrated, cause you don't get to meet and judge him !'' Rory yelled back at her mom.
''I don't judge, I............scan.''
''Scan ?''
''Yeah, for flaws,'' Lorelai said.
''No one's perfect,'' Lane jumped in, defending practically everyone in the world. ''Except maybe Ashton Kutcher.''
''Ashton Kutcher ?'' Lorelai asked, as she raised an eyebrow.
''What ?! He has good hair, a great sense of humor, a pretty good body for someone that funny. You know that I read somewhere that guys who are hilarious unfortunately don't have the body to match it ? So, in my eyes Ashton Kutcher has killer abs.''
''Yeah, in a childish kinda way,'' Lorelai interrupted.
''Look who's talking. Besides abs are anything but childish.''
''I wasn't talking about his abs and I'm not childish, I'm.........immature.''
''Like there's a difference,'' Lane said, rolling her eyes.
''There is. Immature sounds a little more serious and childish sounds so..........''
''Immature,'' Lane finished, earning herself a foul look from Lorelai.
''Okay, I know it might seem a little hard, but try to backtrack to a few light years ago when you were going to explain to me why I'm changing from grey to black pants, when the grey ones were just fine,'' came Rory's voice from behind the closed door, forcing Lorelai and Lane to form a temporarily truce.
''They go better with your top,'' Lorelai pointed out.
''So, I spend the entire day shopping for the perfect outfit, just to go home and put on a pair of pants that I have had for years ?''
''The shirt's new !'' Lane chipped in.
''Besides black is a little more dressy. That way Zack will think that you really think of this as a date and not just as a boy and girl hang activity. Though I don't know why I'm encouraging this, since I have never even met him.''
Rory sighed, as she zipped up her boot and opened the door. ''Is this to your satisfaction ?'' she asked, as she stepped into her bedroom.
Lane nodded from her spot on Rory's bed. ''Definitely fabtastic.''
''You look absolutely beautiful. Besides I'm sure Zack will appreciate the fact that your shirt will match the bowling shoes,'' Lorelai informed.
Rory quickly lowered her eyes to the wine red top she was wearing, before rolling her eyes at her mom's comment. Her mom could always think of something to say to make a serious situation seem funny. Rory smiled and looked at her watch. As soon as she saw what time it was her nerves kicked in. But she ignored them and grabbed her jacket from her desk.
''It's time for me to leave.''
''You forgot to add, I may never see you again,'' Lorelai remarked. ''And you just wanna be early for Zack.''
''I guess I'm just one of those people who like to arrive at the agreed meeting place when the other person's still there.''
''I know what you're up to. You wanna impress Zack with your on-time-being- skills.''
''We'll walk you to the door,'' Lane said, used to Lorelai's weird tactics, and got up from the bed.
''Yeah, I'll meet you at the door.''
''So...........nervous ?'' Lane asked, as she walked Rory over to the door.
Rory nodded. ''A little.''
''What kind of nervous are you ? Are you a-butterfly-is-tickling-the-inside- of-my-stomach-nervous or are you oh-my-God-I-think-I-have-to-throw-up-kind- of-nervous ?''
''A mix of those two, minus the throw-up,'' Rory answered. ''I mean, what if he doesn't like me ?''
''Then there's no hope for the rest of us normal girls,'' Lane responded with a serious expression.
Rory laughed and gently pushed Lane. Just then Lorelai walked over to them. ''Here,'' she said, as she handed Rory a digital camera.
''What's this for ?''
''Pictures. I want a visual of Zack, so I know he's good looking enough,'' Lorelai explained.
''No, I'm not going to stalk him. Besides I didn't go out with him for his looks. He's nice.''
''And ugly,'' Lane murmured.
''What ?'' Rory asked.
''Another proven fact. Guys who are nice lack those looks-to-die-for. Of course there are exceptions,'' Lane quickly added, when she saw the look Rory gave her.
''Please ?'' Lorelai pleaded, as she held out the camera once more. ''Just take a quick picture of him while he's bowling. That way he won't notice and we'll get to see some of his muscles at the same time.''
''No.''
''Fine. But at least try to draw him on a napkin or something.''
''Bye, I won't be home late,'' Rory quickly said.
''Then pretend you have a photographic memory and take a good look at his face !''
*~*~*
As Rory passed Chilton, which only seemed more intimidating underneath the restless moon, she started to have a few minor doubts , which was a side affect of her nervousness. Suddenly she wasn't sure if she trusted him yet, though he hadn't given her a reason not to. Unlike Tristan...... Rory sighed. Now she knew why she tried to keep him locked in the back of her mind. It hurt to think about him. But she was unable to avoid it, since thoughts were always fluttering at the edges of her mind.
When she was alone it began with small details; the sly coyness of his smirk, his warm yet distant eyes. And from there her mind would start to wander. To the different side of him, which she saw when he was around Paris or alone with her. Rory's eyes saddened. She really hoped he was having a good time, just like she was about to have, with Zack.
*~*~*
After bowling, Zack suggested that they eat something before they left, since it was still early and they hadn't really talked yet. So that was exactly where they found each other right now, sitting at one of the tables in the dining area of the bowling alley.
''So, are you having a good time so far ?'' Zack politely asked, as he glanced at her over his menu.
Rory nodded, quickly scanning the menu, already knowing what she would order.
''Good.''
''Good evening, can I take your order ?'' came a voice from the side of their table.
''I think we still need some time,'' Zack answered without looking up.
Rory however, looked up and smiled at the waiter. ''Actually, I would like to order. I'll have cheese fries, a burger and the biggest cup of black coffee you can spare.''
The waiter nodded, as he wrote her order down. ''What about you ? Are you ready to order or do I............''
''I'll have the same as her, only I'll have a coke instead of coffee,'' Zack interrupted, not taking his eyes off of Rory.
''I'll bring your orders as soon as they're ready,'' the waiter said, before leaving their table.
Rory met Zack's eyes and smiled at his amazed expression. ''I eat at a diner practically every day.''
''You mean there's actually a diner in that small town of yours ?''
Rory nodded and raised two fingers. ''We actually have two, except the second one is called Al's Pancake House, so you wouldn't expect him to be serving onion rings and cheese burgers.''
''What about stores ? Do you have those ?''
''Stars Hollow isn't that small, you know ?''
''I couldn't find it on the map,'' Zack mockingly countered.
Rory crossed her arms and glared at him. ''Well, I like Stars Hollow even thought it's smaller than most towns.''
''Maybe you can show me around one day ?'' he suggestively asked.
''Me watching you bowl doesn't mean that I automatically get to know you.''
''What do you wanna know ?''
''Well....................do you have any hobbies besides bowling ?'' Rory asked.
Zack chuckled, before he answered. ''I like to read as well as write poetry.''
''Yeah, right.''
Zack grinned. ''Seriously, name a poet and I swear that I have read some of their work.''
''Really ?''
''Why do you sound so surprised ?''
Rory shrugged. ''You just don't seem like the type of guy who reads and writes poetry. Now, if you would have said playing football then that wouldn't have shocked me.''
''Well, just because I'm popular doesn't mean that I automatically turn in to one of those stereo types. There are a lot of things my friends don't know about me,'' Zack told Rory, as he forced her to lock eyes with him.
Rory blushed and lowered her eyes. Luckily Zack noticed her discomfort and kept talking, trying to pull her back into their comfortable circle.
*~*~*
After dinner, Zack offered to walk Rory to her car. Telling Rory that he just wanted to see her car, when she told him that it wasn't necessary.
''So, this is my car. Or a jeep actually. And it isn't even my car, jeep, it's my mom's jeep.''
Zack nodded, although his eyes weren't on the car. They were resting on the side of Rory's face. Before Rory even noticed his gaze, she felt a pair of lips on her cheek. They rested there for a few seconds, before pulling back.
''Thanks for going out with me, I had a great time.''
Rory looked at Zack and smiled at his sweet words. ''I had a great time too.''
Zack grinned and took a step back. ''I'll see you Monday then.''
Rory nodded. ''Yeah, bye.''
''Bye, Lorelai,'' Zack mouthed, before turning around and heading for his car.
Rory leaned against her car and watched him walk away. Normally she wouldn't let someone kiss her on the first date, but since she hadn't seen it coming there wasn't anything she could do about it now. And she wasn't even sure if she would have stopped him if she could. She got into her car and drove away with a smile on her face and without a doubt in her mind.
*~*~*
Tristan sighed as he laid down on his bed, still dressed in his clothes. The date went better than he had expected. Melanie actually proved to be the smarter one of the two ladies. Her beauty had just been a bonus, or so Tristan would have liked it to be. To be honest the first thing he had noticed about her was her appearance. He knew it was shallow, but he had always judged girls on their looks. Of course there were exceptions, like Paris for instance. But she was the closest thing he had to a best friend and he had never thought of her as anything but a friend to Paris' misfortune. Tristan also knew that Paris had had a crush on him ever since she was little, and though he did feel guilty about it, he had never once returned those feelings.
It was indeed a little ironic, since he had those same feelings Paris had for him, for Rory. And Rory hadn't returned his feelings either. Not that that surprised him, since he did make Chilton harder for her. What did surprise him was the fact that she never once told him that she hated him. She just swallowed his sometimes playfully harsh words and ended up being there for him when he had needed it the most.
That's why he felt guilty about going out on a date with Melanie tonight. A date that started at a classy restaurant and had ended in her room, where he had pulled away just in time and left with a guilty conscious. Back at Chilton he didn't have this problem, cause everyone around him, including the girls, knew that it was just a part of a game. But here he had no witnesses and he himself had to choose if he wanted to play the game or not. Cause even though this wasn't high school, he was still competing with the other guys around here.
Tristan sighed again and found himself looking at his borrowed copy of Romeo and Juliet, like he had done so many times before. Only this time he didn't just look at it and think about the fact that he should call Rory one of these days. This time he got up and headed for the door, hoping that Rory would still be awake.
*~*~*
In the offices of one of the sergeants, he quickly dialed her number and impatiently waited for someone to pick up, at the same time hoping that no one would.
''Hello ?''
When he heard her soft, but sure voice, he couldn't stop a smile from finding its way upon his face.
''Rory............''
''Yes, who am I talking to ? Do I know you, you sound familiar.''
Tristan swallowed, knowing that it would be cruel to her if he hung up now. That's why he didn't. Instead he somehow managed to tell her just who she was speaking to.
''It's me, Tristan.''
He waited for her to say something back, but she didn't. Instead there fell a silence between them, one that reminded Tristan of how alone he was. That was the reason why he desperately needed to break this dreadful silence between them.
''Am I disturbing you, cause if I...............''
''No,'' Rory interrupted, quickly regaining the control of her voice. ''I just got home, so there's nothing to disturb.''
''Just got home from some wild party, Mary ?'' Tristan asked, getting more daring as the seconds faded.
''No, no party.''
''Do I have to keep guessing then ? Cause I have to warn you that my other guesses might not be appropriate for your ears.''
Rory sighed, before responding. ''I was out on a date.''
''A date...........and which heart did you steal this time, if you don't mind me asking,'' Tristan said, hoping that the disappointment in his voice hadn't been clearly evident.
Rory bit her lips, not sure if she should answer him or not, knowing that Zack and Tristan were each other's biggest enemies. Finally she decided that since it had only been one date, he didn't have to know about it.
''My personal life is none of your business, Tristan,'' Rory said, letting his name slowly run off her tongue, as if she was getting used to its sound again.
''So, how's military school ?''
''It's fine, if you're gay,'' Tristan dryly said.
Rory laughed, to Tristan's amusement. ''I'm sure it's not that bad.''
''Like I said, it's fine. Though I prefer Chilton over military training any day.''
Rory nodded and remained silent for a few seconds, before asking the question that had been on her mind for months now.
''Why didn't you call earlier ?''
''They're pretty strict,'' Tristan lied.
''Yeah, listen it's getting late and I'm really tired so.......,'' Rory said, not trusting or believing his answer.
''Right, I'll call you again as soon as I can.''
''Yeah, I have to go.''
''Night, Mary, I'll see you in your dreams.''
''Or nightmares,'' Rory playfully said, before she hung up, leaving Tristan with a small smirk on his face and Rory with mixed confusion.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) Like I said before, this story will contain a lot of dialogue and up till now there wasn't any Trory interaction, cause I had to explain everything and set the scene etc. Although Tristan won't talk to Rory again for a few more chapters, but when he does........... :-) I'll swear I'll try not to disappoint anyone. Thanks for still reading, even though it could have been much better and I'm talking about the entire story now. So, thanks, it really keeps me away from the delete button. :-)
*A/N: Hey! :-) Okay, so I hope you guys like it. Apparently I don't have a lot to say........right now, so read the rest of the bla bla bla at the end of this chapter.
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan ran a hand through his slightly shorter hair, courtesy of this institution, and looked at his reflection in the mirror. It had almost became abnormal, seeing himself in something other than white shirts and green pants. He felt as if he was dressing up for a few hours, with a charming mask to complete his costume. He knew that the small and subtle changes were barely visible to the eyes of people around him. He had the choice to hide it from them, although you really had to know him to notice the difference. The only thing that gave him away was the way he talked to people. He had a little more respect for the ones who truly deserved it.
He wondered if his behavior towards girls would change ? Would they notice the dents in his superior attitude ? For once he was a little bit worried about how his date would go. After all he didn't know anything about Melanie, he had just recently learned her name. Of course Lawrence commented on that fact, saying that it didn't matter what her name was, just as long as she had the looks to drool over and was willing to come along for the ride, not strings attached. And Tristan had laughed at his words, agreeing with him. Even though there was a struggle going on inside his head. A good old-fashioned battle between good and evil. In the end, the last one had convinced Tristan of its 'good intentions.' But now he was doubting the fairness of the fight.
He looked in the mirror once more, meeting his own eyes. A smile lit them up as he admired himself, dressed in a simple pair of kaki pants and a preppy blue sweater. He knew that girls always liked this look, thinking that he was one of those goody-two-shoes who had decided to stray. With a flirtatious wink every now and then and a few strategically timed compliments, Melanie would be willing to do anything for him by the night of the night.
*~*~*
''So, explain again why I'm changing from grey to black pants ?!'' Rory yelled from the bathroom, while she started to take the pants she had been wearing off.
''Cause we still have some more time to kill before you have to leave for your date at the bowling alley, which I still don't get............''
''You're just frustrated, cause you don't get to meet and judge him !'' Rory yelled back at her mom.
''I don't judge, I............scan.''
''Scan ?''
''Yeah, for flaws,'' Lorelai said.
''No one's perfect,'' Lane jumped in, defending practically everyone in the world. ''Except maybe Ashton Kutcher.''
''Ashton Kutcher ?'' Lorelai asked, as she raised an eyebrow.
''What ?! He has good hair, a great sense of humor, a pretty good body for someone that funny. You know that I read somewhere that guys who are hilarious unfortunately don't have the body to match it ? So, in my eyes Ashton Kutcher has killer abs.''
''Yeah, in a childish kinda way,'' Lorelai interrupted.
''Look who's talking. Besides abs are anything but childish.''
''I wasn't talking about his abs and I'm not childish, I'm.........immature.''
''Like there's a difference,'' Lane said, rolling her eyes.
''There is. Immature sounds a little more serious and childish sounds so..........''
''Immature,'' Lane finished, earning herself a foul look from Lorelai.
''Okay, I know it might seem a little hard, but try to backtrack to a few light years ago when you were going to explain to me why I'm changing from grey to black pants, when the grey ones were just fine,'' came Rory's voice from behind the closed door, forcing Lorelai and Lane to form a temporarily truce.
''They go better with your top,'' Lorelai pointed out.
''So, I spend the entire day shopping for the perfect outfit, just to go home and put on a pair of pants that I have had for years ?''
''The shirt's new !'' Lane chipped in.
''Besides black is a little more dressy. That way Zack will think that you really think of this as a date and not just as a boy and girl hang activity. Though I don't know why I'm encouraging this, since I have never even met him.''
Rory sighed, as she zipped up her boot and opened the door. ''Is this to your satisfaction ?'' she asked, as she stepped into her bedroom.
Lane nodded from her spot on Rory's bed. ''Definitely fabtastic.''
''You look absolutely beautiful. Besides I'm sure Zack will appreciate the fact that your shirt will match the bowling shoes,'' Lorelai informed.
Rory quickly lowered her eyes to the wine red top she was wearing, before rolling her eyes at her mom's comment. Her mom could always think of something to say to make a serious situation seem funny. Rory smiled and looked at her watch. As soon as she saw what time it was her nerves kicked in. But she ignored them and grabbed her jacket from her desk.
''It's time for me to leave.''
''You forgot to add, I may never see you again,'' Lorelai remarked. ''And you just wanna be early for Zack.''
''I guess I'm just one of those people who like to arrive at the agreed meeting place when the other person's still there.''
''I know what you're up to. You wanna impress Zack with your on-time-being- skills.''
''We'll walk you to the door,'' Lane said, used to Lorelai's weird tactics, and got up from the bed.
''Yeah, I'll meet you at the door.''
''So...........nervous ?'' Lane asked, as she walked Rory over to the door.
Rory nodded. ''A little.''
''What kind of nervous are you ? Are you a-butterfly-is-tickling-the-inside- of-my-stomach-nervous or are you oh-my-God-I-think-I-have-to-throw-up-kind- of-nervous ?''
''A mix of those two, minus the throw-up,'' Rory answered. ''I mean, what if he doesn't like me ?''
''Then there's no hope for the rest of us normal girls,'' Lane responded with a serious expression.
Rory laughed and gently pushed Lane. Just then Lorelai walked over to them. ''Here,'' she said, as she handed Rory a digital camera.
''What's this for ?''
''Pictures. I want a visual of Zack, so I know he's good looking enough,'' Lorelai explained.
''No, I'm not going to stalk him. Besides I didn't go out with him for his looks. He's nice.''
''And ugly,'' Lane murmured.
''What ?'' Rory asked.
''Another proven fact. Guys who are nice lack those looks-to-die-for. Of course there are exceptions,'' Lane quickly added, when she saw the look Rory gave her.
''Please ?'' Lorelai pleaded, as she held out the camera once more. ''Just take a quick picture of him while he's bowling. That way he won't notice and we'll get to see some of his muscles at the same time.''
''No.''
''Fine. But at least try to draw him on a napkin or something.''
''Bye, I won't be home late,'' Rory quickly said.
''Then pretend you have a photographic memory and take a good look at his face !''
*~*~*
As Rory passed Chilton, which only seemed more intimidating underneath the restless moon, she started to have a few minor doubts , which was a side affect of her nervousness. Suddenly she wasn't sure if she trusted him yet, though he hadn't given her a reason not to. Unlike Tristan...... Rory sighed. Now she knew why she tried to keep him locked in the back of her mind. It hurt to think about him. But she was unable to avoid it, since thoughts were always fluttering at the edges of her mind.
When she was alone it began with small details; the sly coyness of his smirk, his warm yet distant eyes. And from there her mind would start to wander. To the different side of him, which she saw when he was around Paris or alone with her. Rory's eyes saddened. She really hoped he was having a good time, just like she was about to have, with Zack.
*~*~*
After bowling, Zack suggested that they eat something before they left, since it was still early and they hadn't really talked yet. So that was exactly where they found each other right now, sitting at one of the tables in the dining area of the bowling alley.
''So, are you having a good time so far ?'' Zack politely asked, as he glanced at her over his menu.
Rory nodded, quickly scanning the menu, already knowing what she would order.
''Good.''
''Good evening, can I take your order ?'' came a voice from the side of their table.
''I think we still need some time,'' Zack answered without looking up.
Rory however, looked up and smiled at the waiter. ''Actually, I would like to order. I'll have cheese fries, a burger and the biggest cup of black coffee you can spare.''
The waiter nodded, as he wrote her order down. ''What about you ? Are you ready to order or do I............''
''I'll have the same as her, only I'll have a coke instead of coffee,'' Zack interrupted, not taking his eyes off of Rory.
''I'll bring your orders as soon as they're ready,'' the waiter said, before leaving their table.
Rory met Zack's eyes and smiled at his amazed expression. ''I eat at a diner practically every day.''
''You mean there's actually a diner in that small town of yours ?''
Rory nodded and raised two fingers. ''We actually have two, except the second one is called Al's Pancake House, so you wouldn't expect him to be serving onion rings and cheese burgers.''
''What about stores ? Do you have those ?''
''Stars Hollow isn't that small, you know ?''
''I couldn't find it on the map,'' Zack mockingly countered.
Rory crossed her arms and glared at him. ''Well, I like Stars Hollow even thought it's smaller than most towns.''
''Maybe you can show me around one day ?'' he suggestively asked.
''Me watching you bowl doesn't mean that I automatically get to know you.''
''What do you wanna know ?''
''Well....................do you have any hobbies besides bowling ?'' Rory asked.
Zack chuckled, before he answered. ''I like to read as well as write poetry.''
''Yeah, right.''
Zack grinned. ''Seriously, name a poet and I swear that I have read some of their work.''
''Really ?''
''Why do you sound so surprised ?''
Rory shrugged. ''You just don't seem like the type of guy who reads and writes poetry. Now, if you would have said playing football then that wouldn't have shocked me.''
''Well, just because I'm popular doesn't mean that I automatically turn in to one of those stereo types. There are a lot of things my friends don't know about me,'' Zack told Rory, as he forced her to lock eyes with him.
Rory blushed and lowered her eyes. Luckily Zack noticed her discomfort and kept talking, trying to pull her back into their comfortable circle.
*~*~*
After dinner, Zack offered to walk Rory to her car. Telling Rory that he just wanted to see her car, when she told him that it wasn't necessary.
''So, this is my car. Or a jeep actually. And it isn't even my car, jeep, it's my mom's jeep.''
Zack nodded, although his eyes weren't on the car. They were resting on the side of Rory's face. Before Rory even noticed his gaze, she felt a pair of lips on her cheek. They rested there for a few seconds, before pulling back.
''Thanks for going out with me, I had a great time.''
Rory looked at Zack and smiled at his sweet words. ''I had a great time too.''
Zack grinned and took a step back. ''I'll see you Monday then.''
Rory nodded. ''Yeah, bye.''
''Bye, Lorelai,'' Zack mouthed, before turning around and heading for his car.
Rory leaned against her car and watched him walk away. Normally she wouldn't let someone kiss her on the first date, but since she hadn't seen it coming there wasn't anything she could do about it now. And she wasn't even sure if she would have stopped him if she could. She got into her car and drove away with a smile on her face and without a doubt in her mind.
*~*~*
Tristan sighed as he laid down on his bed, still dressed in his clothes. The date went better than he had expected. Melanie actually proved to be the smarter one of the two ladies. Her beauty had just been a bonus, or so Tristan would have liked it to be. To be honest the first thing he had noticed about her was her appearance. He knew it was shallow, but he had always judged girls on their looks. Of course there were exceptions, like Paris for instance. But she was the closest thing he had to a best friend and he had never thought of her as anything but a friend to Paris' misfortune. Tristan also knew that Paris had had a crush on him ever since she was little, and though he did feel guilty about it, he had never once returned those feelings.
It was indeed a little ironic, since he had those same feelings Paris had for him, for Rory. And Rory hadn't returned his feelings either. Not that that surprised him, since he did make Chilton harder for her. What did surprise him was the fact that she never once told him that she hated him. She just swallowed his sometimes playfully harsh words and ended up being there for him when he had needed it the most.
That's why he felt guilty about going out on a date with Melanie tonight. A date that started at a classy restaurant and had ended in her room, where he had pulled away just in time and left with a guilty conscious. Back at Chilton he didn't have this problem, cause everyone around him, including the girls, knew that it was just a part of a game. But here he had no witnesses and he himself had to choose if he wanted to play the game or not. Cause even though this wasn't high school, he was still competing with the other guys around here.
Tristan sighed again and found himself looking at his borrowed copy of Romeo and Juliet, like he had done so many times before. Only this time he didn't just look at it and think about the fact that he should call Rory one of these days. This time he got up and headed for the door, hoping that Rory would still be awake.
*~*~*
In the offices of one of the sergeants, he quickly dialed her number and impatiently waited for someone to pick up, at the same time hoping that no one would.
''Hello ?''
When he heard her soft, but sure voice, he couldn't stop a smile from finding its way upon his face.
''Rory............''
''Yes, who am I talking to ? Do I know you, you sound familiar.''
Tristan swallowed, knowing that it would be cruel to her if he hung up now. That's why he didn't. Instead he somehow managed to tell her just who she was speaking to.
''It's me, Tristan.''
He waited for her to say something back, but she didn't. Instead there fell a silence between them, one that reminded Tristan of how alone he was. That was the reason why he desperately needed to break this dreadful silence between them.
''Am I disturbing you, cause if I...............''
''No,'' Rory interrupted, quickly regaining the control of her voice. ''I just got home, so there's nothing to disturb.''
''Just got home from some wild party, Mary ?'' Tristan asked, getting more daring as the seconds faded.
''No, no party.''
''Do I have to keep guessing then ? Cause I have to warn you that my other guesses might not be appropriate for your ears.''
Rory sighed, before responding. ''I was out on a date.''
''A date...........and which heart did you steal this time, if you don't mind me asking,'' Tristan said, hoping that the disappointment in his voice hadn't been clearly evident.
Rory bit her lips, not sure if she should answer him or not, knowing that Zack and Tristan were each other's biggest enemies. Finally she decided that since it had only been one date, he didn't have to know about it.
''My personal life is none of your business, Tristan,'' Rory said, letting his name slowly run off her tongue, as if she was getting used to its sound again.
''So, how's military school ?''
''It's fine, if you're gay,'' Tristan dryly said.
Rory laughed, to Tristan's amusement. ''I'm sure it's not that bad.''
''Like I said, it's fine. Though I prefer Chilton over military training any day.''
Rory nodded and remained silent for a few seconds, before asking the question that had been on her mind for months now.
''Why didn't you call earlier ?''
''They're pretty strict,'' Tristan lied.
''Yeah, listen it's getting late and I'm really tired so.......,'' Rory said, not trusting or believing his answer.
''Right, I'll call you again as soon as I can.''
''Yeah, I have to go.''
''Night, Mary, I'll see you in your dreams.''
''Or nightmares,'' Rory playfully said, before she hung up, leaving Tristan with a small smirk on his face and Rory with mixed confusion.
*R*E*V*I*E*W*! Please ? :-) Like I said before, this story will contain a lot of dialogue and up till now there wasn't any Trory interaction, cause I had to explain everything and set the scene etc. Although Tristan won't talk to Rory again for a few more chapters, but when he does........... :-) I'll swear I'll try not to disappoint anyone. Thanks for still reading, even though it could have been much better and I'm talking about the entire story now. So, thanks, it really keeps me away from the delete button. :-)