*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the original
characters. All I own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Another chapter, another complication...... Is Tristan there to safe the day or ruin it ? Read to find out. Day 1 of his return...... :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Paris's eyes fell upon her watch for the millionth time, which was of solid gold, a gift from her parents. They gave her expensive gifts like this all the time, thinking that they could buy off their guilt that they didn't wanna recognize. Paris didn't even like the watch, but she had put it on this morning, because she would need a distraction once she was at the airport. Although keeping track of almost every second that passed was one of her nervous habits. She was both excited and distressed about seeing Tristan again. Things weren't like they were a few years ago. They weren't best friends anymore and they didn't finish each other's sentences anymore, but they would be there for one and other when needed, when expected.
She didn't feel incriminated anymore about not telling Rory about Tristan's arrival. She had been on the verge of giving in, but changed her mind when she saw Rory eating lunch with Zack. It had been quite the spectacle, since it was the first time that Zack's attention was directed at only one girl, his girlfriend. Which hadn't been a shock to her, although she wished Rory had taken more time to get to know Zack. Even Paris was doubting Zack's intentions. His emotions towards Rory seemed true and his actions sincere, but Paris still didn't trust him. And neither should Rory.
However, she was a little upset, because Tristan would be hurt by this news, more than she intended. Not taking Rory with her had end up being a good choice. She was looking out for the both of them, even though she hadn't prepared either of them for what had already happened. And to her surprise, her envy was only playing a minor role in all of this.
Paris sighed, as she moved her gaze to the glass doors, instead of her watch. By now they were frequently sliding open, clearing the way for more people to crowd this waiting area. For a slight moment, Paris worried about the fact that she might have missed him, but that quickly subsided. Tristan wouldn't be too eager about coming back. He would stretch her impatient seconds into hours, if he could.
As people around her found their family members or friends, the crowd, that had been swarming around the doors before, was slowly dying out, giving her the opportunity to move closer. The doors were closed now and they stayed that way, no matter how long Paris looked at them. A frown appeared on her face, as she lowered her eyes to her wrist again, missing the hissing sound of the doors as they slid open once more.
''Paris ?''
Paris looked up, her eyes easily finding the person she was looking for. Her frown stayed in place, giving her impatience intimidating edges. ''Not thrilled to see me, DuGrey ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he casually slung his duffelbag over his shoulder. ''I just wasn't expecting you. Why are you here ?''
''Cause I have a big heart and wanted to share my love with the rest of this pathetic world,'' Paris said laconically, crossing her arms at the same time.
Tristan smiled at her cold and heartless sense of humor. Sometimes he wondered if she was leaning towards depression, but he knew that she was only being a little pessimistic, because she liked unnerving people with her occasional cruel words and constant icy stare.
''One day you'll scare the devil with your burning wit and take over his throne as ruler of the underworld,'' Tristan commented.
''I never knew we were competing ?''
Tristan chuckled at her words. ''I'm glad to see that you didn't change.''
''Unfortunately you haven't either,'' Paris shot back.
Tristan raised his hands as a gesture of defeat. ''I meant it as a compliment. I was trying to be civil.''
''Stop trying. Now, I would ask if you need help with your bags, but since you only seem to have one..........''
''It's really heavy though,'' Tristan interrupted.
Paris shot him a look, before continuing. ''The limo's waiting outside.''
''To the bat-mobile,'' Tristan said, causing Paris to roll her eyes. The amount of comebacks lay heavy on her tongue, but she decided to bite it instead. Their would be time enough to argue on the way home.
*~*~*
Paris sat down on Tristan's bed, while he started to shove some of his clothes in is drawer. By the way he kept slamming the drawers, she knew that she was upset, and she understood what he was going through right now. When they had arrived at his house a few minutes ago, there had been no cars in the driveway, letting both Tristan and Paris know that his parents wouldn't be here to welcome him. Although Tristan told her that he had expected this, Paris felt sorry for him, because he had wanted them to be here. Even the house had been empty.
Paris looked at Tristan's disappointed expression, one that he wasn't even fighting to hide anymore. All he had wanted was to feel like he had been missed. When Tristan had been a few years younger and still believed in the miracle of Christmas, he had wrote Santa a small, but heartbreaking note. He had asked Santa Claus for new parents, ones that would raise him instead of letting their help do it for them.
''So, why did you really come to pick me up ?''
Tristan's voice stopped Paris from falling into her memories even deeper and she was glad for this distraction. Just like Tristan was. He didn't like long silences. It reminded him too much of the fact that he would be alone, once Paris decided to leave. And he didn't want to be reminded, it would make him too vulnerable, to open to watchful eyes like Paris's.
''Your parents were too busy to pick you up,'' Paris carefully started, knowing that she was on the thinnest ice she had ever stood on. ''And I thought you would appreciate a familiar face. Besides, it's not like my parents were keeping me busy.''
Tristan glanced at her, as those sad words left her mouth. Her expression remained indifferent, like she could care less about what she was saying, but Tristan knew better. No matter how cold and untouched Paris seemed on the outside, she was aching on the inside, mostly with anger. She was angry with her parents, because they had slowly forced her to become like she was today. While Tristan had used his popularity to forget, she had used studying as a distraction.
Paris finally caught him looking at her. ''What ?''
Tristan smirked. ''I haven't been close to a girl for a while now and right now you're looking really hot.''
''Tristan !'' Paris said, as she threw one of his shirts at him, only slightly offended by his remark. But she also knew better than to consider it a compliment.
Tristan easily caught the shirt and looked at her, his eyes lowering themselves to the few inches of bare skin that were visible just underneath the hem of her shirt. ''Wrong shirt.''
Paris rolled her eyes, although she couldn't deny the fact that she was a little flattered by his attention. This was what she had longed for a few years ago and still wanted, but she knew that he was just being playful, his way of showing her that he did appreciate her company, although he had to be sure not to cross any one of her border lines.
''I think it's time for me to leave.''
Paris got up with one swift movement and headed for the door, only to be stopped by Tristan. As he stood so close to her, Paris started to feel uncomfortable. She felt trapped with no place to go. Even her eyes weren't allowed to wander, since Tristan had locked his with hers.
''You know, your way of walking is very sensual,'' Tristan teased, his voice lullaby soft now.
''Tristan, come on,'' Paris said, as she placed her hands flat against Tristan's chest and tried to push him away. ''We're too old for this.''
Tristan however, didn't pay any attention to her words and clasped her hands with his, gently pulling Paris even closer to his chest. That's when Paris started to panic and got a little frustrated with his behavior. She felt offended by his actions, and worthless, when she remembered that Tristan used to do this with every girl at Chilton, and probably would again if he got the chance. Annoyance colored her eyes, knowing that she would regret what she was about to say later.
''I'm not Rory, so you're teasing isn't appreciated, Tristan.''
Tristan heard the sharpness in her voice and immediately let go of her hands. ''You're right, we are too old for this.''
Tristan took a step back and bowed his head, but that only made it easier for Paris to spot the distant look in his eyes. She knew that he was closing himself off again, he was slipping away.
''Tristan, I'm sorry. I didn't..........''
''Yes, you did.''
''But I could have worded it differently,'' Paris apologetically said.
Before a silence could capture them in its spell, Tristan asked a question that has been on his mind ever since he had heard her voice for her last time. ''How is she ?''
Paris instantly comprehended who he meant and answered, before she would take advantage of his question and tell him about Zack. ''I'm afraid I can't answer that for her.''
Tristan nodded, not saying another word.
''I have to go,'' Paris stated, although her words were hesitant. ''Welcome home.''
''Thanks,'' he said, as he took Paris's place on his bed.
''Talk to you later ?''
He nodded once more in her direction, which she took as a sign and left. Tristan folded his hands beneath his head and lay down on his bed, so he could stare up at his ceiling and think about his next move. Preferably in Rory's direction.
*~*~*
Tristan parked his car at the side of the empty street, two or maybe even three houses away from the Gilmore residence. He got out of his car, making sure not to slam his door shut behind him. A smile came upon him, as he headed over to the house. He had made his decision just after finishing his dinner. He was aware of the fact that he only had a couple of days to go over and talk to her. He knew that he would regret not visiting her, once he was back at the military academy.
As he made his way over the driveway to the front porch, he became slightly nervous, causing his smile to completely vanish. Calling her had been hard, but he managed, because she hadn't psychically been there. But if he rang that doorbell, he would have the chance to look at her again. He wouldn't be able to hide within a crowd of his friends, where his mistakes seemed deliberate and coy. Of course, he had spend some time with her alone, but that was when they saw each other at school every day, each day filled with their playful banter. Now, he was alone and surrounded by unfamiliar territory, and she had every advantage.
He rang the doorbell immediately, so he wouldn't have the chance to doubt his decision. He took a step back and put his hands in his pockets, as he waited for someone to answer his call. Luckily it was Rory herself who opened the door, although he wasn't sure if that was a good thing when he saw her shocked expression.
''Tristan ?''
''Mary, you still pronounce my name perfectly.''
''What are you doing here ?'' Rory asked, not even realizing that he had just called her Mary, a name she both hated and loved at the same time, although is had been a while since she had heard it.
''I'm home for the weekend, so I decided to drop by and surprise you.''
''I'm definitely surprised,'' Rory said, before glancing over her shoulder. ''Mom, I'm going for a walk!'' Rory grabbed her jacket, before joining Tristan outside and closing the door behind her.
''And here I was, hoping that you would invite me in,'' Tristan playfully said.
''I need some fresh air,'' was Rory's short answer, which left him with two possible interpretations. ''So, how are you ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he followed her down the few steps. ''Okay, I just needed to get out of the house, my parents, you know ?''
He felt Rory's eyes on him, as she glanced at him. ''Then why did you come home this weekend ?''
''My mom asked.''
''You could have said no,'' Rory pointed out, as she led him onto the sidewalk, away from her home, which Tristan didn't miss.
''Afraid that your mom will see me ?'' he asked.
Rory shook her head. ''No, but I assumed you came to see me instead of my mom. Besides, she will probably put a pan on her head and pretend that you're the enemy.''
Tristan threw a crooked smile in her direction, as he faced her. ''That's her vision of the military huh ?''
''Yeah, guess so,'' Rory said, as she averted her eyes to the ground, unsure of what to say next.
A while back, when their daily interaction consisted only of banter and a few smiles, she knew precisely how to act around him. She knew how to counter every single one of his crude comments and surprise him with one of her own when he didn't expect it. But ever since she saw that other side of his personality, she had started to respect him a little more. The comments he made had seemed a little less harsh and his popularity had bugged her a little less. It had been his way of escaping his parents.
''So, how have you been ?''
''Fine,'' she automatically answered.
''I meant to call you about this, but.............''
''You chickened out ?'' Rory finished for him, bringing her eyes up to meet his.
''Mary, until the day you get a black belt in some martial art, I have nothing to chicken out off.''
Rory rolled her eyes. ''I'll just have my boyfr..............'' Rory stopped as soon as she realized what she had almost said, and although she hadn't finished her sentence, the look in Tristan's eyes told her that he had finished it for her.
''Your boyfriend ?''
''Don't sound so surprised, miracles like that do happen sometimes,'' Rory said, trying to keep the mood from hovering over her, threatening to swallow her whole.
''Who has the honor of carrying that title ?'' Tristan asked neutrally, as he lowered his eyes at the same time she did, catching her gaze with his.
Rory looked away and let out a defeated sigh, before she answered. ''Zack.''
Tristan nodded, as he averted his eyes from Rory's eyes to her hair. ''Look like Bradley finally got his way.'' He moved his eyes back to Rory's face, even though she was still avoiding his eyes. ''I should be going. It was nice to see you again.'' Tristan passed her, containing his anger, until he would be up in his room, and got in his car.
When the car passed her, she knew that he was upset.
*~*~*
Moments later Rory found herself knocking on a familiar door. When no one answered, she silently opened the door and stepped into the apartment, hoping to find the person she looked for every time she needed to talk. Rory took a couple of more steps into the apartment, before spotting Jess sitting in one of the armchairs, in his part of the room. His back was facing her and she assumed that he hadn't heard her yet. Either that or he was mad at her, which she couldn't blame.
''Jess,'' she softly said, letting him know that she was here, before taking a few steps towards him.
His shoulder tensed up, but he refused to turn around to look at her. She heard the rustling of paper, as he turned a page. Seconds later the scratching of pencil could be heard. To Rory it was a sound that had grown soothing over the little time she had known Jess. She passed the chair he was sitting on and sat down on his bed, facing him, although he still didn't look up.
''I know we're in a fight, but I really need to talk to you,'' she said, pausing long enough to bit her lip and to give him the chance to respond, which he didn't take.
Finally Rory sighed. ''I'm sorry, you know I don't like arguing with you. Not about guys, especially not about guys.''
This time Jess did glance at her, his pencil in mid-air.
''You don't like Zack, that's your opinion, but you don't have to spend any time with him, I do. Anyway, I actually came here to get something off my chest.''
Jess smirked, which Rory ignored. ''Tristan just came by to see me, apparently he's back for the weekend. And I don't know what to do.''
Rory's eyes found Jess's, hoping to find the concentration that he always wore when he was thinking of something to say, but she didn't.
''Things are complicated,'' Rory said, before lying down on Jess's bed.
*R*E*V*I*E*W! Please ? :-) Don't worry, Jess is just a friend and Tristan still has two more days to go before he has to return to military camp. Thanks for the reviews, which were very insightful. No one seemed to like or trust Zack.... Opinions on Tristan and Paris's relationship and on Tristan leaving Rory are appreciated. Tell me what's on your mind. Thanks! :-)
*And to all of you dudes who read Literati's too (there have to be some of you who read both Lit's and Trory's, right ?) chapter 1 of Cornered is up!*
*A/N: Another chapter, another complication...... Is Tristan there to safe the day or ruin it ? Read to find out. Day 1 of his return...... :-)
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Paris's eyes fell upon her watch for the millionth time, which was of solid gold, a gift from her parents. They gave her expensive gifts like this all the time, thinking that they could buy off their guilt that they didn't wanna recognize. Paris didn't even like the watch, but she had put it on this morning, because she would need a distraction once she was at the airport. Although keeping track of almost every second that passed was one of her nervous habits. She was both excited and distressed about seeing Tristan again. Things weren't like they were a few years ago. They weren't best friends anymore and they didn't finish each other's sentences anymore, but they would be there for one and other when needed, when expected.
She didn't feel incriminated anymore about not telling Rory about Tristan's arrival. She had been on the verge of giving in, but changed her mind when she saw Rory eating lunch with Zack. It had been quite the spectacle, since it was the first time that Zack's attention was directed at only one girl, his girlfriend. Which hadn't been a shock to her, although she wished Rory had taken more time to get to know Zack. Even Paris was doubting Zack's intentions. His emotions towards Rory seemed true and his actions sincere, but Paris still didn't trust him. And neither should Rory.
However, she was a little upset, because Tristan would be hurt by this news, more than she intended. Not taking Rory with her had end up being a good choice. She was looking out for the both of them, even though she hadn't prepared either of them for what had already happened. And to her surprise, her envy was only playing a minor role in all of this.
Paris sighed, as she moved her gaze to the glass doors, instead of her watch. By now they were frequently sliding open, clearing the way for more people to crowd this waiting area. For a slight moment, Paris worried about the fact that she might have missed him, but that quickly subsided. Tristan wouldn't be too eager about coming back. He would stretch her impatient seconds into hours, if he could.
As people around her found their family members or friends, the crowd, that had been swarming around the doors before, was slowly dying out, giving her the opportunity to move closer. The doors were closed now and they stayed that way, no matter how long Paris looked at them. A frown appeared on her face, as she lowered her eyes to her wrist again, missing the hissing sound of the doors as they slid open once more.
''Paris ?''
Paris looked up, her eyes easily finding the person she was looking for. Her frown stayed in place, giving her impatience intimidating edges. ''Not thrilled to see me, DuGrey ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he casually slung his duffelbag over his shoulder. ''I just wasn't expecting you. Why are you here ?''
''Cause I have a big heart and wanted to share my love with the rest of this pathetic world,'' Paris said laconically, crossing her arms at the same time.
Tristan smiled at her cold and heartless sense of humor. Sometimes he wondered if she was leaning towards depression, but he knew that she was only being a little pessimistic, because she liked unnerving people with her occasional cruel words and constant icy stare.
''One day you'll scare the devil with your burning wit and take over his throne as ruler of the underworld,'' Tristan commented.
''I never knew we were competing ?''
Tristan chuckled at her words. ''I'm glad to see that you didn't change.''
''Unfortunately you haven't either,'' Paris shot back.
Tristan raised his hands as a gesture of defeat. ''I meant it as a compliment. I was trying to be civil.''
''Stop trying. Now, I would ask if you need help with your bags, but since you only seem to have one..........''
''It's really heavy though,'' Tristan interrupted.
Paris shot him a look, before continuing. ''The limo's waiting outside.''
''To the bat-mobile,'' Tristan said, causing Paris to roll her eyes. The amount of comebacks lay heavy on her tongue, but she decided to bite it instead. Their would be time enough to argue on the way home.
*~*~*
Paris sat down on Tristan's bed, while he started to shove some of his clothes in is drawer. By the way he kept slamming the drawers, she knew that she was upset, and she understood what he was going through right now. When they had arrived at his house a few minutes ago, there had been no cars in the driveway, letting both Tristan and Paris know that his parents wouldn't be here to welcome him. Although Tristan told her that he had expected this, Paris felt sorry for him, because he had wanted them to be here. Even the house had been empty.
Paris looked at Tristan's disappointed expression, one that he wasn't even fighting to hide anymore. All he had wanted was to feel like he had been missed. When Tristan had been a few years younger and still believed in the miracle of Christmas, he had wrote Santa a small, but heartbreaking note. He had asked Santa Claus for new parents, ones that would raise him instead of letting their help do it for them.
''So, why did you really come to pick me up ?''
Tristan's voice stopped Paris from falling into her memories even deeper and she was glad for this distraction. Just like Tristan was. He didn't like long silences. It reminded him too much of the fact that he would be alone, once Paris decided to leave. And he didn't want to be reminded, it would make him too vulnerable, to open to watchful eyes like Paris's.
''Your parents were too busy to pick you up,'' Paris carefully started, knowing that she was on the thinnest ice she had ever stood on. ''And I thought you would appreciate a familiar face. Besides, it's not like my parents were keeping me busy.''
Tristan glanced at her, as those sad words left her mouth. Her expression remained indifferent, like she could care less about what she was saying, but Tristan knew better. No matter how cold and untouched Paris seemed on the outside, she was aching on the inside, mostly with anger. She was angry with her parents, because they had slowly forced her to become like she was today. While Tristan had used his popularity to forget, she had used studying as a distraction.
Paris finally caught him looking at her. ''What ?''
Tristan smirked. ''I haven't been close to a girl for a while now and right now you're looking really hot.''
''Tristan !'' Paris said, as she threw one of his shirts at him, only slightly offended by his remark. But she also knew better than to consider it a compliment.
Tristan easily caught the shirt and looked at her, his eyes lowering themselves to the few inches of bare skin that were visible just underneath the hem of her shirt. ''Wrong shirt.''
Paris rolled her eyes, although she couldn't deny the fact that she was a little flattered by his attention. This was what she had longed for a few years ago and still wanted, but she knew that he was just being playful, his way of showing her that he did appreciate her company, although he had to be sure not to cross any one of her border lines.
''I think it's time for me to leave.''
Paris got up with one swift movement and headed for the door, only to be stopped by Tristan. As he stood so close to her, Paris started to feel uncomfortable. She felt trapped with no place to go. Even her eyes weren't allowed to wander, since Tristan had locked his with hers.
''You know, your way of walking is very sensual,'' Tristan teased, his voice lullaby soft now.
''Tristan, come on,'' Paris said, as she placed her hands flat against Tristan's chest and tried to push him away. ''We're too old for this.''
Tristan however, didn't pay any attention to her words and clasped her hands with his, gently pulling Paris even closer to his chest. That's when Paris started to panic and got a little frustrated with his behavior. She felt offended by his actions, and worthless, when she remembered that Tristan used to do this with every girl at Chilton, and probably would again if he got the chance. Annoyance colored her eyes, knowing that she would regret what she was about to say later.
''I'm not Rory, so you're teasing isn't appreciated, Tristan.''
Tristan heard the sharpness in her voice and immediately let go of her hands. ''You're right, we are too old for this.''
Tristan took a step back and bowed his head, but that only made it easier for Paris to spot the distant look in his eyes. She knew that he was closing himself off again, he was slipping away.
''Tristan, I'm sorry. I didn't..........''
''Yes, you did.''
''But I could have worded it differently,'' Paris apologetically said.
Before a silence could capture them in its spell, Tristan asked a question that has been on his mind ever since he had heard her voice for her last time. ''How is she ?''
Paris instantly comprehended who he meant and answered, before she would take advantage of his question and tell him about Zack. ''I'm afraid I can't answer that for her.''
Tristan nodded, not saying another word.
''I have to go,'' Paris stated, although her words were hesitant. ''Welcome home.''
''Thanks,'' he said, as he took Paris's place on his bed.
''Talk to you later ?''
He nodded once more in her direction, which she took as a sign and left. Tristan folded his hands beneath his head and lay down on his bed, so he could stare up at his ceiling and think about his next move. Preferably in Rory's direction.
*~*~*
Tristan parked his car at the side of the empty street, two or maybe even three houses away from the Gilmore residence. He got out of his car, making sure not to slam his door shut behind him. A smile came upon him, as he headed over to the house. He had made his decision just after finishing his dinner. He was aware of the fact that he only had a couple of days to go over and talk to her. He knew that he would regret not visiting her, once he was back at the military academy.
As he made his way over the driveway to the front porch, he became slightly nervous, causing his smile to completely vanish. Calling her had been hard, but he managed, because she hadn't psychically been there. But if he rang that doorbell, he would have the chance to look at her again. He wouldn't be able to hide within a crowd of his friends, where his mistakes seemed deliberate and coy. Of course, he had spend some time with her alone, but that was when they saw each other at school every day, each day filled with their playful banter. Now, he was alone and surrounded by unfamiliar territory, and she had every advantage.
He rang the doorbell immediately, so he wouldn't have the chance to doubt his decision. He took a step back and put his hands in his pockets, as he waited for someone to answer his call. Luckily it was Rory herself who opened the door, although he wasn't sure if that was a good thing when he saw her shocked expression.
''Tristan ?''
''Mary, you still pronounce my name perfectly.''
''What are you doing here ?'' Rory asked, not even realizing that he had just called her Mary, a name she both hated and loved at the same time, although is had been a while since she had heard it.
''I'm home for the weekend, so I decided to drop by and surprise you.''
''I'm definitely surprised,'' Rory said, before glancing over her shoulder. ''Mom, I'm going for a walk!'' Rory grabbed her jacket, before joining Tristan outside and closing the door behind her.
''And here I was, hoping that you would invite me in,'' Tristan playfully said.
''I need some fresh air,'' was Rory's short answer, which left him with two possible interpretations. ''So, how are you ?''
Tristan shrugged, as he followed her down the few steps. ''Okay, I just needed to get out of the house, my parents, you know ?''
He felt Rory's eyes on him, as she glanced at him. ''Then why did you come home this weekend ?''
''My mom asked.''
''You could have said no,'' Rory pointed out, as she led him onto the sidewalk, away from her home, which Tristan didn't miss.
''Afraid that your mom will see me ?'' he asked.
Rory shook her head. ''No, but I assumed you came to see me instead of my mom. Besides, she will probably put a pan on her head and pretend that you're the enemy.''
Tristan threw a crooked smile in her direction, as he faced her. ''That's her vision of the military huh ?''
''Yeah, guess so,'' Rory said, as she averted her eyes to the ground, unsure of what to say next.
A while back, when their daily interaction consisted only of banter and a few smiles, she knew precisely how to act around him. She knew how to counter every single one of his crude comments and surprise him with one of her own when he didn't expect it. But ever since she saw that other side of his personality, she had started to respect him a little more. The comments he made had seemed a little less harsh and his popularity had bugged her a little less. It had been his way of escaping his parents.
''So, how have you been ?''
''Fine,'' she automatically answered.
''I meant to call you about this, but.............''
''You chickened out ?'' Rory finished for him, bringing her eyes up to meet his.
''Mary, until the day you get a black belt in some martial art, I have nothing to chicken out off.''
Rory rolled her eyes. ''I'll just have my boyfr..............'' Rory stopped as soon as she realized what she had almost said, and although she hadn't finished her sentence, the look in Tristan's eyes told her that he had finished it for her.
''Your boyfriend ?''
''Don't sound so surprised, miracles like that do happen sometimes,'' Rory said, trying to keep the mood from hovering over her, threatening to swallow her whole.
''Who has the honor of carrying that title ?'' Tristan asked neutrally, as he lowered his eyes at the same time she did, catching her gaze with his.
Rory looked away and let out a defeated sigh, before she answered. ''Zack.''
Tristan nodded, as he averted his eyes from Rory's eyes to her hair. ''Look like Bradley finally got his way.'' He moved his eyes back to Rory's face, even though she was still avoiding his eyes. ''I should be going. It was nice to see you again.'' Tristan passed her, containing his anger, until he would be up in his room, and got in his car.
When the car passed her, she knew that he was upset.
*~*~*
Moments later Rory found herself knocking on a familiar door. When no one answered, she silently opened the door and stepped into the apartment, hoping to find the person she looked for every time she needed to talk. Rory took a couple of more steps into the apartment, before spotting Jess sitting in one of the armchairs, in his part of the room. His back was facing her and she assumed that he hadn't heard her yet. Either that or he was mad at her, which she couldn't blame.
''Jess,'' she softly said, letting him know that she was here, before taking a few steps towards him.
His shoulder tensed up, but he refused to turn around to look at her. She heard the rustling of paper, as he turned a page. Seconds later the scratching of pencil could be heard. To Rory it was a sound that had grown soothing over the little time she had known Jess. She passed the chair he was sitting on and sat down on his bed, facing him, although he still didn't look up.
''I know we're in a fight, but I really need to talk to you,'' she said, pausing long enough to bit her lip and to give him the chance to respond, which he didn't take.
Finally Rory sighed. ''I'm sorry, you know I don't like arguing with you. Not about guys, especially not about guys.''
This time Jess did glance at her, his pencil in mid-air.
''You don't like Zack, that's your opinion, but you don't have to spend any time with him, I do. Anyway, I actually came here to get something off my chest.''
Jess smirked, which Rory ignored. ''Tristan just came by to see me, apparently he's back for the weekend. And I don't know what to do.''
Rory's eyes found Jess's, hoping to find the concentration that he always wore when he was thinking of something to say, but she didn't.
''Things are complicated,'' Rory said, before lying down on Jess's bed.
*R*E*V*I*E*W! Please ? :-) Don't worry, Jess is just a friend and Tristan still has two more days to go before he has to return to military camp. Thanks for the reviews, which were very insightful. No one seemed to like or trust Zack.... Opinions on Tristan and Paris's relationship and on Tristan leaving Rory are appreciated. Tell me what's on your mind. Thanks! :-)
*And to all of you dudes who read Literati's too (there have to be some of you who read both Lit's and Trory's, right ?) chapter 1 of Cornered is up!*