*Disclaimer: I don't own the series Gilmore Girls or the original
characters. All I own is my imagination and the plot.
*A/N: Although this chapter might seem like a filler, it does have a role. There's a lot of dialogue and I really hope you will enjoy this chapter. :- )
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan lay on his bed, his hands folded beneath his head, a position he would find himself to be in often, when his thoughts couldn't be contained from wandering anymore. This time however, his mind couldn't avert his focus from one specific picture. A picture he had drawn in his mind with the help of scattered words and pieces of memory. In his eyes the picture remained slightly blurred, because he couldn't find the strength or courage to face the two pairs of eyes; one unfeigned and the other green, with envy.
Zack had disliked Tristan ever since their eyes had met during the first day of school. They had a lot of things in common, which was the reason they had become rivals in the first place, competing at everything. Eventually Tristan had informally been crowned and the ruling scepter had been placed in his hands. Chilton had become his domain. Although he had spend most of his time with the popular crowd, he had had a certain amount of respect towards the rest of the students. And that was the difference between him and Zack. Zack was careless and forgetful when it came to other people's feelings and yet Rory had fallen for him, something that amazed him, since he thought Rory had a better eye for judging than this. Sadly, he was becoming more aware of the fact that he didn't know her at all.
Tristan removed his hands from underneath his head, as he sat up straight. He reached for the portable phone, which was lying on his night table, trapped between a few magazines, before resting his head against the headboard and making himself as comfortable as he could in preparation for his phone call. His fingers flew over the correct digits without thinking twice, before brining the receiver to his ear. He tapped the fingers, of his free hand, on his knee, as he was on the edge of his patience, while he waited for someone to pick up the phone.
Finally, after the fifth ring, someone took the time to answer the phone. ''What ?''
Tristan couldn't contain a small smile when he heard the curtness in her tone. This had been a talent she had developed over the years. ''Now I know why you don't have any friends.''
He heard Paris sigh on the other end of the phone. ''Can't come up with anything better, DuGrey ?''
''You've got it all wrong. You're the one who can't come up with a decent comeback,'' Tristan playfully shot back, not meaning his earlier comment.
''I figured, why should I waste my breath on you ?''
''Ladies and gentlemen, Paris Gellar, the only girl I know, who can insult and prove a point in the same sentence. And that, was a compliment, in case you haven't heard one before.''
''Please get to the point of this conversation, because I obviously have other, more important things to do,'' Paris said.
''Studying is not considered fun, Gellar''
''Tristan,'' she warned again, as she tapped into the last of her patience.
''Right..... I called, because I just recently found out that apparently, Rory and Zack are in a relationship.''
''How did you find out ?'' Paris asked, her tone even more serious than before.
''I went to visit Mrs. Gilmore herself last night and it slipped out during our conversation. Now, I am assuming that this is an actual relationship and not one of those make-believe ones ?'' Tristan asked, although he already knew the answer.
''Do you honestly think that she would make something like this up ?''
''It was rhetorical. How did they..............''
''End up going steady ?'' Paris finished for him.
''Yeah.''
''Well, I'm not sure. They went on only one date, I know off, and the next thing I knew they were boyfriend/girlfriend. My guess is that he charmed his way into the relationship.''
Tristan snorted. ''Zack Bradley's only charm is between his............''
''No need to get crude, Tristan. I get your point, and I agree. But I'm afraid that that might have something to do with him developing a sudden interest in Rory,'' Paris explained, trying to remain as vague as possible, hoping that he would figure out the answer on his own.
Tristan stayed silent for a short while, while an unsolved puzzle fell into place. ''Rory doesn't deserve that.''
''I know.''
''Have you tried talking to her and..........''
''No,'' Paris answered, before Tristan could finish his question. ''It didn't seem like my place........besides, I'm not completely sure if that's his intention, not anymore anyway.''
''What do you mean ?''
''Look, Rory and I might not have a secret club, but I do have respect for her, so I'm not going to risk the chance of ruining her relationship with information that might be false. If you want to play the hero and rescue her, than go to the source himself.''
''Looks like green's the color you're wearing today,'' Tristan remarked, while he let her words sink into place.
''I'm not jealous, anymore,'' Paris softly admitted.
''Paris, I'm.........''
''I don't need your pity, DuGrey. So, you don't swoon all over my every word, I got over it.''
''You're in denial, I mean, what girl doesn't want me swooning over her ?'' he asked, trying to tease his way out of his uncomfortable position.
''Now I know why China is so overpopulated, there isn't enough room in America, because of your ego. It's like that stupid pink Bunny, it keeps growing and growing and growing,'' Paris shot back.
''You might hurt someone with that one day.''
''Bye, Tristan.''
A chuckle found its way passed his lips as he hung up. His friendship with Paris was probably the less fragile relationship he had ever had. No matter how much he willed himself to remember one of their fights, he couldn't find one hiding on the shelves of his memory. Which was pretty unforeseen, since they argued all the time, although the harshness of each other's words never mattered, because they were never meant.
His relationship with Rory on the other hand, wasn't as stable. Although the harmless banter between them caused no damage, there had been a few tense and awkward moments between them. Most of the time, one of them slipped, by saying something that that crossed over each other's tolerance borders. After all, their hearts weren't made out off stone and every single comment, when looked at critically, could hold a double meaning. Right now however, both he and Rory were intruding on each other's side. And he knew that he would need to apologize, if he wanted to be on her good side again, but if an apology would dare to leave his mouth, he wanted to be sure that he was doing the rightful thing by apologizing. After all, he was stubborn and would do almost anything to prove himself right.
*~*~*
To both Tristan's fortune and misfortune, Zack lived only a few blocks from his house. Just like Tristan, Zack came from a set of wealthy parents, that liked to spoil their son with luxurious gifts. Tristan wasn't that familiar with Zack's parents. He had only met them once or twice at a social gathering he had been required to go to. Unlike his parents, they did seem to love their son. Their proudness came from their hearts, where it should come from. While Tristan's parents just bragged about his successes in the hope of getting envious glares from their friends. He hated admitting to be jealous of someone like Zack Bradley, but he was. Even the Bradley residence looked 'alive' and the garden looked lived in, as if Mr. Bradley played football in it with his son during the weekend.
Tristan got out of his car, which he had neatly parked on the side of the street, and made his way up to the front door, being careful not too step on the grass. Once he reached the door, he politely rung the doorbell. As he waited for someone to answer the door, he looked around the lawn, spotting more signs of an ordinary family as he did this. A garden hose lay on the grass and an old looking basketball lay forgotten in the middle of the lawn. They made Tristan turn around and ring the doorbell again, just to have a distraction to focus on.
Soon, voices could be heard from within the house, accompanied by running footsteps. As high laugher reached his ears, the door flew open to reveal a small girl. Her eyes stood puzzled as she looked up at him, pulling at one of her dark curls as she did this.
''Who are you ?'' she asked, seeming not the least bit shy.
''I'm Tristan,'' he said, taking a step back as another girl appeared behind the girl who answered the door. This one did appear shy and a couple of years younger. Her raven colored hair hung messily in front of her eyes, while she cautiously took in his presence.
''Tristan who ?'' the girl at the door asked.
''I know your brother, he goes to school with me,'' Tristan added, before the girl could ask another question.
The girl seemed satisfied with the answer and looked at her sister over her shoulder. ''Tess, you go get Zack, okay ?''
Tess nodded, before turning around and heading off into the house, leaving Tristan alone with the other girl.
''So, what's your name ?'' he asked.
''Why do you wanna know ?'' the girl asked skeptically.
Tristan shrugged. ''You know my name, it's only fair.''
The girl flashed him a smile, before answering. ''My name's Mia.''
''Nice to meet you, Mia.''
Mia was about to say something, but was cut off by a voice behind her. ''Who is it ?''
Tristan immediately recognized Zack's voice and only seconds later, he appeared behind Mia, with Tess clutching his hand. His eyes went to Mia first, before looking up at Tristan.
''DuGrey, what are you doing here ?''
''I thought his name was Tristan ?'' Mia asked, while she opened the door further.
''It's my last name.''
Mia nodded understandingly, before looking up at her brother. ''Can we go next door ?''
''Uhm......why ?'' Zack asked, quickly lowering his gaze from Tristan to Mia.
''Because we want to play with Xandra.''
''Is Mrs. Johnson going to be home ?''
Mia nodded. ''Please ?''
Zack smiled at his sister's pouting and nodded. ''Sure, but be home before five and don't leave the lawn.............''
''Don't talk to strangers, we know,'' Mia said, as she grabbed her sister's hand. ''We'll be fine, right Tess ?''
Tess nodded and followed her sister outside. With a quick bye they disappeared from their sights.
''I didn't know you had little sisters,'' Tristan commented.
Zack shrugged. ''It didn't come up in any conversation. So, what do you want ? And weren't you supposed to be at military camp or something like that ?''
''I was, but my mom wanted me to come home for the weekend.........''
''Very sentimental,'' Zack interrupted, his usual grin in place. ''Now, are you selling cookies for the scouts or do you actually have a reason for dropping by ?''
''I came to ask you something, so I'll just be straight forward and ask you, so we don't have to waltz around it with friendly chitchat.''
Zack nodded, gesturing him to go on.
''What are your intentions towards Rory ?''
''I don't believe that's any of your business,'' Zack responded cooly, not showing the fact that he was a little surprised by Tristan's question.
''It is.''
''Why ?'' Zack asked, as he narrowed his eyes slightly.
''Because it's Rory we're talking about here and I don't believe that she would fall for you.''
Zack's expression hardened at Tristan's confession. ''You're just jealous, because I got the girl and you will never get the chance to, because you'll be locked away in that military academy of yours.''
''I'm here now, aren't I ?''
''Great, now try being here seven days a week.''
''Just don't hurt her,'' Tristan warned.
Zack grinned. ''If she's cooperative she won't have to get hurt.''
Tristan clenched his fists, trying to control the urge of lunging towards Zack and turning this heated discussion into a fight.
''Just show some respect, okay Bradley ? Don't treat her like one of those sluts you pick up at a random street corner. She's better than that.''
''Like you should be talking. I believe, you are the one who has had his hand underneath every skirt in Chilton, except for Rory Gilmore's........''
''I am warning you, Zack. I'll personally put you through hell if you...........''
''You know, I'm getting sick of you. I suggest you leave,'' Zack interrupted, glaring at Tristan.
Tristan nodded and took a step back. ''Fine.''
He heard the door slam shut behind him, as he made his way over to his car. He couldn't believe that Zack could treat his sisters with so much love and respect and then treat the girls he dated like trash. Apparently he also had two sides. He wondered which one Rory fell for.
*~*~*
''I got it!'' Rory yelled to an empty house, as she made her way over to the bowl of fake fruit, which was decoratively placed on their coffee table. Rory fished their portable phone out off the bowl and sat down on the couch, while answering. ''Hello ?''
''Rory ?''
''Yep, but I'll respond to practically anything, except to Candy, Mimi and other names that remind me of sugar or Walt Disney characters.''
Zack chuckled at her unusual greeting, forgetting about his purpose for a few seconds. ''Do you always answer your phone like that ?''
Rory shrugged. ''It depends on my mood.''
''And what's your mood like right now ?''
''Zack, if you're looking for compliments you're not going to get one,'' Rory playfully pointed out.
''I was just asking about your mood. An innocent question.''
''I'm smiling, happy ?''
''Apparently you are,'' Zack said.
Rory couldn't help but roll her eyes at his weak attempt of a joke. She had never been intrigued by his verbal skills, but as they spend more and more time together, she started to realize that teasing wasn't one of his best qualities. But as soon as she thoughts this, she knew that she had been comparing him to Tristan, once again. Unlike Zack, Tristan's words left his mouth swiftly and would pry a reaction out of her every time.
''So, did you just wanted to ask about my mood or...........''
''No, I called, because I wanted to tell you something,'' Zack said, his tone becoming more serious with every word.
''Okay.''
''Uhm, do you know that Tristan's back ?''
''Yeah, he's spending the weekend in Hartford,'' Rory answered, too quickly in Zack's eyes.
''How do you know that ? I mean, did you two keep in touch or something ?''
''No, he did call me once, but he didn't mention that he was coming to Hartford.''
''Then how did you know about............?''
''Well, he came by and explained to me why he was standing in front of my door all of a sudden,'' Rory interrupted, trying too cause as less damage as possible to their new relationship. She hadn't missed the subtle sharpness that had slipped into his voice.
''So, you two talked ?''
''Yeah.''
''Did you two talk about me ?''
''Where is this coming from ?'' Rory asked, wondering if she wanted him to answer her question or not.
Zack sighed. ''Tristan dropped by my house a few minutes ago.''
''I thought you two didn't get along ?''
''We don't,'' Zack said, stating what was already obvious to the both of them.
''Then why would he go to see you ?''
''Because he came to grill me about you. He wanted to know what my intentions were and all that other protective crap.''
''And all that other protective crap ?'' Rory asked, a little offended by the harshness of his last sentence.
''Rory, you're a big girl and I know you can make your own decisions. I mean, if you didn't trust me you wouldn't have agreed to start a relationship with me, right ?''
''Yeah.''
''Good, then do me a favor and tell Tristan to mind his own business.''
''He was just looking out for me,'' Rory remarked.
Zack remained silence for a moment, before continuing their discussion. ''You didn't ask Tristan to do this, did you ?''
''Of course not. Why would you think that ?''
''Because you guys talked.''
''So ? We're sorta friends,'' Rory confessed.
''Really ? Cause frankly I thought you two couldn't stand each other.''
''We can, it's just........it's complicated.''
''Looks like you've been keeping secrets from me. I thought we promised to be honest to one and other ?''
''I'm sorry, Zack,'' Rory said, tired of arguing with him. ''It never came up in one of our conversations. I swear I didn't know about him staying here for the weekend until he actually told me and I didn't ask him to interrogate you either.''
''Fair enough.''
''Are we still in a fight ?''
Zack laughed at her abruptness. ''It was more of a heated argument than a fight and you're the one who tried out for the debate team.''
''And now I know why I didn't get in, I always cave.''
''But stubbornness gets you a long way though.''
''Thanks,'' Rory said, with just a hint of proudness.
''Welcome, but I have to go.''
''Okay, I'll talk to Tristan.''
''That would be appreciated. Talk to you later.''
''Yeah, bye,'' Rory said, and hung up, wondering she had told Zack that she would talk to Tristan. Most likely she had taken this opportunity as an excuse to go and talk to Tristan, without having to admit to herself that this was something that she really wanted.
Rory sighed, unsure if what Tristan had said to Zack had been so wrong. After all, he had only been looking out for her and she would lie to herself if she said that it didn't get to her at all. Now, she was caught between two fires. One's flames dangerous and tempting, as they came closer to burning her skin with every second , while the other was familiar, and spread a pleasant warmth throughout her body.
*R*E*V*I*E*W! Please ? :-) Still not Tristan/Rory interaction, but patience is a virtue and it will eventually pay. Luckily your patience will be rewarded in my next chapter, which will revolve around Tristan and Rory's relationship. Harsh words may be said, unsuspected things might happen.........I don't know yet. :-) Thanks for the reviews, once again!!! :-) And Mia and Tess were just two characters I created to show the other side of Zack and fill your head with doubts, I hoped it worked.
*A/N: Although this chapter might seem like a filler, it does have a role. There's a lot of dialogue and I really hope you will enjoy this chapter. :- )
*~*~*:-)*~*~*Bye, smile :-)
Tristan lay on his bed, his hands folded beneath his head, a position he would find himself to be in often, when his thoughts couldn't be contained from wandering anymore. This time however, his mind couldn't avert his focus from one specific picture. A picture he had drawn in his mind with the help of scattered words and pieces of memory. In his eyes the picture remained slightly blurred, because he couldn't find the strength or courage to face the two pairs of eyes; one unfeigned and the other green, with envy.
Zack had disliked Tristan ever since their eyes had met during the first day of school. They had a lot of things in common, which was the reason they had become rivals in the first place, competing at everything. Eventually Tristan had informally been crowned and the ruling scepter had been placed in his hands. Chilton had become his domain. Although he had spend most of his time with the popular crowd, he had had a certain amount of respect towards the rest of the students. And that was the difference between him and Zack. Zack was careless and forgetful when it came to other people's feelings and yet Rory had fallen for him, something that amazed him, since he thought Rory had a better eye for judging than this. Sadly, he was becoming more aware of the fact that he didn't know her at all.
Tristan removed his hands from underneath his head, as he sat up straight. He reached for the portable phone, which was lying on his night table, trapped between a few magazines, before resting his head against the headboard and making himself as comfortable as he could in preparation for his phone call. His fingers flew over the correct digits without thinking twice, before brining the receiver to his ear. He tapped the fingers, of his free hand, on his knee, as he was on the edge of his patience, while he waited for someone to pick up the phone.
Finally, after the fifth ring, someone took the time to answer the phone. ''What ?''
Tristan couldn't contain a small smile when he heard the curtness in her tone. This had been a talent she had developed over the years. ''Now I know why you don't have any friends.''
He heard Paris sigh on the other end of the phone. ''Can't come up with anything better, DuGrey ?''
''You've got it all wrong. You're the one who can't come up with a decent comeback,'' Tristan playfully shot back, not meaning his earlier comment.
''I figured, why should I waste my breath on you ?''
''Ladies and gentlemen, Paris Gellar, the only girl I know, who can insult and prove a point in the same sentence. And that, was a compliment, in case you haven't heard one before.''
''Please get to the point of this conversation, because I obviously have other, more important things to do,'' Paris said.
''Studying is not considered fun, Gellar''
''Tristan,'' she warned again, as she tapped into the last of her patience.
''Right..... I called, because I just recently found out that apparently, Rory and Zack are in a relationship.''
''How did you find out ?'' Paris asked, her tone even more serious than before.
''I went to visit Mrs. Gilmore herself last night and it slipped out during our conversation. Now, I am assuming that this is an actual relationship and not one of those make-believe ones ?'' Tristan asked, although he already knew the answer.
''Do you honestly think that she would make something like this up ?''
''It was rhetorical. How did they..............''
''End up going steady ?'' Paris finished for him.
''Yeah.''
''Well, I'm not sure. They went on only one date, I know off, and the next thing I knew they were boyfriend/girlfriend. My guess is that he charmed his way into the relationship.''
Tristan snorted. ''Zack Bradley's only charm is between his............''
''No need to get crude, Tristan. I get your point, and I agree. But I'm afraid that that might have something to do with him developing a sudden interest in Rory,'' Paris explained, trying to remain as vague as possible, hoping that he would figure out the answer on his own.
Tristan stayed silent for a short while, while an unsolved puzzle fell into place. ''Rory doesn't deserve that.''
''I know.''
''Have you tried talking to her and..........''
''No,'' Paris answered, before Tristan could finish his question. ''It didn't seem like my place........besides, I'm not completely sure if that's his intention, not anymore anyway.''
''What do you mean ?''
''Look, Rory and I might not have a secret club, but I do have respect for her, so I'm not going to risk the chance of ruining her relationship with information that might be false. If you want to play the hero and rescue her, than go to the source himself.''
''Looks like green's the color you're wearing today,'' Tristan remarked, while he let her words sink into place.
''I'm not jealous, anymore,'' Paris softly admitted.
''Paris, I'm.........''
''I don't need your pity, DuGrey. So, you don't swoon all over my every word, I got over it.''
''You're in denial, I mean, what girl doesn't want me swooning over her ?'' he asked, trying to tease his way out of his uncomfortable position.
''Now I know why China is so overpopulated, there isn't enough room in America, because of your ego. It's like that stupid pink Bunny, it keeps growing and growing and growing,'' Paris shot back.
''You might hurt someone with that one day.''
''Bye, Tristan.''
A chuckle found its way passed his lips as he hung up. His friendship with Paris was probably the less fragile relationship he had ever had. No matter how much he willed himself to remember one of their fights, he couldn't find one hiding on the shelves of his memory. Which was pretty unforeseen, since they argued all the time, although the harshness of each other's words never mattered, because they were never meant.
His relationship with Rory on the other hand, wasn't as stable. Although the harmless banter between them caused no damage, there had been a few tense and awkward moments between them. Most of the time, one of them slipped, by saying something that that crossed over each other's tolerance borders. After all, their hearts weren't made out off stone and every single comment, when looked at critically, could hold a double meaning. Right now however, both he and Rory were intruding on each other's side. And he knew that he would need to apologize, if he wanted to be on her good side again, but if an apology would dare to leave his mouth, he wanted to be sure that he was doing the rightful thing by apologizing. After all, he was stubborn and would do almost anything to prove himself right.
*~*~*
To both Tristan's fortune and misfortune, Zack lived only a few blocks from his house. Just like Tristan, Zack came from a set of wealthy parents, that liked to spoil their son with luxurious gifts. Tristan wasn't that familiar with Zack's parents. He had only met them once or twice at a social gathering he had been required to go to. Unlike his parents, they did seem to love their son. Their proudness came from their hearts, where it should come from. While Tristan's parents just bragged about his successes in the hope of getting envious glares from their friends. He hated admitting to be jealous of someone like Zack Bradley, but he was. Even the Bradley residence looked 'alive' and the garden looked lived in, as if Mr. Bradley played football in it with his son during the weekend.
Tristan got out of his car, which he had neatly parked on the side of the street, and made his way up to the front door, being careful not too step on the grass. Once he reached the door, he politely rung the doorbell. As he waited for someone to answer the door, he looked around the lawn, spotting more signs of an ordinary family as he did this. A garden hose lay on the grass and an old looking basketball lay forgotten in the middle of the lawn. They made Tristan turn around and ring the doorbell again, just to have a distraction to focus on.
Soon, voices could be heard from within the house, accompanied by running footsteps. As high laugher reached his ears, the door flew open to reveal a small girl. Her eyes stood puzzled as she looked up at him, pulling at one of her dark curls as she did this.
''Who are you ?'' she asked, seeming not the least bit shy.
''I'm Tristan,'' he said, taking a step back as another girl appeared behind the girl who answered the door. This one did appear shy and a couple of years younger. Her raven colored hair hung messily in front of her eyes, while she cautiously took in his presence.
''Tristan who ?'' the girl at the door asked.
''I know your brother, he goes to school with me,'' Tristan added, before the girl could ask another question.
The girl seemed satisfied with the answer and looked at her sister over her shoulder. ''Tess, you go get Zack, okay ?''
Tess nodded, before turning around and heading off into the house, leaving Tristan alone with the other girl.
''So, what's your name ?'' he asked.
''Why do you wanna know ?'' the girl asked skeptically.
Tristan shrugged. ''You know my name, it's only fair.''
The girl flashed him a smile, before answering. ''My name's Mia.''
''Nice to meet you, Mia.''
Mia was about to say something, but was cut off by a voice behind her. ''Who is it ?''
Tristan immediately recognized Zack's voice and only seconds later, he appeared behind Mia, with Tess clutching his hand. His eyes went to Mia first, before looking up at Tristan.
''DuGrey, what are you doing here ?''
''I thought his name was Tristan ?'' Mia asked, while she opened the door further.
''It's my last name.''
Mia nodded understandingly, before looking up at her brother. ''Can we go next door ?''
''Uhm......why ?'' Zack asked, quickly lowering his gaze from Tristan to Mia.
''Because we want to play with Xandra.''
''Is Mrs. Johnson going to be home ?''
Mia nodded. ''Please ?''
Zack smiled at his sister's pouting and nodded. ''Sure, but be home before five and don't leave the lawn.............''
''Don't talk to strangers, we know,'' Mia said, as she grabbed her sister's hand. ''We'll be fine, right Tess ?''
Tess nodded and followed her sister outside. With a quick bye they disappeared from their sights.
''I didn't know you had little sisters,'' Tristan commented.
Zack shrugged. ''It didn't come up in any conversation. So, what do you want ? And weren't you supposed to be at military camp or something like that ?''
''I was, but my mom wanted me to come home for the weekend.........''
''Very sentimental,'' Zack interrupted, his usual grin in place. ''Now, are you selling cookies for the scouts or do you actually have a reason for dropping by ?''
''I came to ask you something, so I'll just be straight forward and ask you, so we don't have to waltz around it with friendly chitchat.''
Zack nodded, gesturing him to go on.
''What are your intentions towards Rory ?''
''I don't believe that's any of your business,'' Zack responded cooly, not showing the fact that he was a little surprised by Tristan's question.
''It is.''
''Why ?'' Zack asked, as he narrowed his eyes slightly.
''Because it's Rory we're talking about here and I don't believe that she would fall for you.''
Zack's expression hardened at Tristan's confession. ''You're just jealous, because I got the girl and you will never get the chance to, because you'll be locked away in that military academy of yours.''
''I'm here now, aren't I ?''
''Great, now try being here seven days a week.''
''Just don't hurt her,'' Tristan warned.
Zack grinned. ''If she's cooperative she won't have to get hurt.''
Tristan clenched his fists, trying to control the urge of lunging towards Zack and turning this heated discussion into a fight.
''Just show some respect, okay Bradley ? Don't treat her like one of those sluts you pick up at a random street corner. She's better than that.''
''Like you should be talking. I believe, you are the one who has had his hand underneath every skirt in Chilton, except for Rory Gilmore's........''
''I am warning you, Zack. I'll personally put you through hell if you...........''
''You know, I'm getting sick of you. I suggest you leave,'' Zack interrupted, glaring at Tristan.
Tristan nodded and took a step back. ''Fine.''
He heard the door slam shut behind him, as he made his way over to his car. He couldn't believe that Zack could treat his sisters with so much love and respect and then treat the girls he dated like trash. Apparently he also had two sides. He wondered which one Rory fell for.
*~*~*
''I got it!'' Rory yelled to an empty house, as she made her way over to the bowl of fake fruit, which was decoratively placed on their coffee table. Rory fished their portable phone out off the bowl and sat down on the couch, while answering. ''Hello ?''
''Rory ?''
''Yep, but I'll respond to practically anything, except to Candy, Mimi and other names that remind me of sugar or Walt Disney characters.''
Zack chuckled at her unusual greeting, forgetting about his purpose for a few seconds. ''Do you always answer your phone like that ?''
Rory shrugged. ''It depends on my mood.''
''And what's your mood like right now ?''
''Zack, if you're looking for compliments you're not going to get one,'' Rory playfully pointed out.
''I was just asking about your mood. An innocent question.''
''I'm smiling, happy ?''
''Apparently you are,'' Zack said.
Rory couldn't help but roll her eyes at his weak attempt of a joke. She had never been intrigued by his verbal skills, but as they spend more and more time together, she started to realize that teasing wasn't one of his best qualities. But as soon as she thoughts this, she knew that she had been comparing him to Tristan, once again. Unlike Zack, Tristan's words left his mouth swiftly and would pry a reaction out of her every time.
''So, did you just wanted to ask about my mood or...........''
''No, I called, because I wanted to tell you something,'' Zack said, his tone becoming more serious with every word.
''Okay.''
''Uhm, do you know that Tristan's back ?''
''Yeah, he's spending the weekend in Hartford,'' Rory answered, too quickly in Zack's eyes.
''How do you know that ? I mean, did you two keep in touch or something ?''
''No, he did call me once, but he didn't mention that he was coming to Hartford.''
''Then how did you know about............?''
''Well, he came by and explained to me why he was standing in front of my door all of a sudden,'' Rory interrupted, trying too cause as less damage as possible to their new relationship. She hadn't missed the subtle sharpness that had slipped into his voice.
''So, you two talked ?''
''Yeah.''
''Did you two talk about me ?''
''Where is this coming from ?'' Rory asked, wondering if she wanted him to answer her question or not.
Zack sighed. ''Tristan dropped by my house a few minutes ago.''
''I thought you two didn't get along ?''
''We don't,'' Zack said, stating what was already obvious to the both of them.
''Then why would he go to see you ?''
''Because he came to grill me about you. He wanted to know what my intentions were and all that other protective crap.''
''And all that other protective crap ?'' Rory asked, a little offended by the harshness of his last sentence.
''Rory, you're a big girl and I know you can make your own decisions. I mean, if you didn't trust me you wouldn't have agreed to start a relationship with me, right ?''
''Yeah.''
''Good, then do me a favor and tell Tristan to mind his own business.''
''He was just looking out for me,'' Rory remarked.
Zack remained silence for a moment, before continuing their discussion. ''You didn't ask Tristan to do this, did you ?''
''Of course not. Why would you think that ?''
''Because you guys talked.''
''So ? We're sorta friends,'' Rory confessed.
''Really ? Cause frankly I thought you two couldn't stand each other.''
''We can, it's just........it's complicated.''
''Looks like you've been keeping secrets from me. I thought we promised to be honest to one and other ?''
''I'm sorry, Zack,'' Rory said, tired of arguing with him. ''It never came up in one of our conversations. I swear I didn't know about him staying here for the weekend until he actually told me and I didn't ask him to interrogate you either.''
''Fair enough.''
''Are we still in a fight ?''
Zack laughed at her abruptness. ''It was more of a heated argument than a fight and you're the one who tried out for the debate team.''
''And now I know why I didn't get in, I always cave.''
''But stubbornness gets you a long way though.''
''Thanks,'' Rory said, with just a hint of proudness.
''Welcome, but I have to go.''
''Okay, I'll talk to Tristan.''
''That would be appreciated. Talk to you later.''
''Yeah, bye,'' Rory said, and hung up, wondering she had told Zack that she would talk to Tristan. Most likely she had taken this opportunity as an excuse to go and talk to Tristan, without having to admit to herself that this was something that she really wanted.
Rory sighed, unsure if what Tristan had said to Zack had been so wrong. After all, he had only been looking out for her and she would lie to herself if she said that it didn't get to her at all. Now, she was caught between two fires. One's flames dangerous and tempting, as they came closer to burning her skin with every second , while the other was familiar, and spread a pleasant warmth throughout her body.
*R*E*V*I*E*W! Please ? :-) Still not Tristan/Rory interaction, but patience is a virtue and it will eventually pay. Luckily your patience will be rewarded in my next chapter, which will revolve around Tristan and Rory's relationship. Harsh words may be said, unsuspected things might happen.........I don't know yet. :-) Thanks for the reviews, once again!!! :-) And Mia and Tess were just two characters I created to show the other side of Zack and fill your head with doubts, I hoped it worked.