AN: This one almost didn't get done today. I got Season One on DVD today,
and most of today was spent watching that. Well, the free time I had today.
But I stayed up late and will probably be really tired at work tomorrow,
but that is the sacrifice I make for this story and those wonderful, loyal
reviewers I have. You guys rock.
By the time Rory and Tristan reached the Gilmore house Janlan, Richard and Emily were sitting in the living room having a drink. They were let in by the current maid who took their coats. They could hear their grandparents talking animatedly and Rory turned to Tristan before they neared the room.
"So, you ready for this?"
"Why should I be worried?"
"My grandfather grills all my boyfriends."
"All, what, two of them?"
"Actually, he wasn't here when Jess came, so one."
"Ooh, I'm scared. Besides, I've met him. He already likes me."
"That was BEFORE you were my boyfriend. This is a whole new ballgame."
"I think you should be more worried about those fictional wedding invitations," he commented, brushing past her. He managed to grab her hand in passing, and suddenly she was jerked along behind him as he entered the living room.
Emily looked up as the kids walked into the room. She rose and walked over to the bar.
"Oh, good, you're here. Just in time for drinks. Can I get you anything?"
"Oh, just soda for me, Grandma," Rory said, while sitting next to Richard.
"I'll have the same."
"So, Rory, tell me how Yale is treating you so far. Richard here was telling me you'd had your eye on Harvard at first."
"Yeah, I was accepted to Harvard, Princeton and Yale. I'm really glad I chose Yale, though; it's been the best year of my life. Challenging, of course, but the best."
"So, what are you studying?"
"Journalism and political science."
"Double major?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I must say, a smart girl like you is definitely a step up from the quality of girl Tristan has associated with in the past. I must say, I approve."
"Thank you, Gramps. We can stop talking about that, please."
"Tristan, we used to go to high school together. I have a really good memory," Rory commented, laughing.
"So, Tristan. Why hasn't my granddaughter been able to convince you to transfer to Yale?" Richard asked.
"Grandpa, I'm not trying to get him to do anything," Rory insisted.
"No, it's okay. Sir, I enjoy UNC. I believe it's the best place for me."
"Yale is a fine school, arguably in a higher class than UNC."
"We disagree."
"I suppose we do. What are you studying at UNC?"
"Forensic psychology."
"Very interesting line of work. Disturbing, I would believe."
"It's sort of like solving a puzzle backwards."
"Dinner's ready, Mrs. Gilmore," the maid interjected.
"Good, thank you Maria. So, everyone, let's move into the dining room, shall we?" Emily smiled and walked over to Rory, taking her arm as they walked towards the dinner table.
"Everything looks wonderful, Grandma."
"Thank you, Rory. How is your class with Asher?"
"Oh, it's good. I got an A on my last paper."
"He says you're one of his best students. He doesn't give A's to just anyone," Richard informed her.
"He's a very challenging professor."
"Yale does have the best in the country teaching there," Janlan interjected.
The meal went on, all with Janlan, Richard and Emily working the conversation around Yale. Tristan was trying to focus on chewing his food. Rory noticed his silence and tried to catch his eye without luck. She attempted to change the subject several times without luck. She wasn't sure how Tristan's ability to keep his cool was now. She knew this was the sorest subject for him, and he wasn't able to tell anyone the real reasons behind his decision. No one at this table wanted to take his reasons for anything but excuses.
"Thanks for dinner, everything was lovely," Rory offered after the maid had cleared the dishes.
"Tristan, are you staying with Rory at Yale this weekend or going home?"
"Actually, I'm staying at Yale."
"Maybe you should take advantage of that time and meet with the Dean of Admissions. He's a good friend of both Richard's and mine."
"Look, Gramps, no offense but I plan on spending the little time I do have with Rory. I rarely get to see her. It would be a waste of time to meet with the Dean."
"Tristan--," Janlan started again.
"Can we please just drop this?" Tristan cried.
"We need to get going," Rory interrupted.
"Look, I'm sorry, Gramps, Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore. I didn't mean to, it's just. I like where I am. I don't want to talk about Yale anymore. I'll see you next weekend."
Rory and Tristan left on that note, leaving the other three to look at one another with concerned looks.
"I don't understand why that boy has such a block against Yale. He obviously cares a great deal for that girl, and he used to talk about nothing else than going to Yale. He went to military school then decided he just wasn't coming back? I don't understand. He won't talk about why," Janlan ran his hand through his hair and sat back in his chair.
"If he really cares for her, he'll come around."
"I hope so, I really do."
Rory was driving back to New Haven, periodically looking over at Tristan. He hadn't said a word since they left. She didn't want to make him talk about it, and there wasn't really anything she could say. She felt horrible; she had no idea the entire evening was going to be focused on why he wouldn't transfer. She would love it if he did, but she was never going to ask him to. Not after what he told her.
"Well, that was fun," he finally spoke.
"I'm sorry that happened. I had no idea, honestly."
"How could you have? I know that didn't come from you."
"They don't understand, they just think they're considering what's best for you. Or what they think is best for you."
"I'm going to talk to him."
"Your dad?"
"Yeah. I'm going to talk to him and Gramps. Alone. This is just—I need to get people off my back. I'm not saying I'm going to transfer, I just need everyone off my back."
"I understand. Can I do anything to help?"
"Well, is Paris going to be around tonight?"
"Nope, she went to Marty's folks house again."
"Then, yes, I believe there are some things you could do to take my mind off of things," he leaned over and kissed her shoulder.
"Can you at least wait until we get to the dorms?"
"How much longer do we have?"
"Ten minutes."
"That's pushing it," he warned.
"Geez, you go from 0 to horny in like a half a second, don't you?"
"Only with you."
"Man, I can't believe I fall for the things that come out of your mouth."
He raised his eyebrows at her and she blushed.
"I didn't mean that!"
"Sure you didn't."
By the time they reached the dorm, Rory could barely get her door unlocked as Tristan had wrapped himself around her and was assaulting her neck with his lips. She tried to focus, but found everything was getting much fuzzier. Her mind clouded over and all she could think of was how much she wanted to feel his touch and to touch him.
No one was home, by sheer luck, and the clothing trail began at the front door. By the time they crashed onto her bed, he was only in his boxers, and she was keeping up the pace, down to her underwear and shirt, which he quickly removed from her. He gasped in surprise, as she wasn't wearing anything under her shirt. She smiled and pulled him against her, crushing her lips to his. He was pressed into her, pushing her into the bed, moving against her, trying to feel her all over. He couldn't seem to get enough of her, every time they were together, he just wanted more. He kissed her passionately and pulled back, resting his forehead against hers.
"You okay?" she asked, slightly out of breath.
"Yeah, I'm fine. We're—I mean, I'm not going to be able to stop here," he explained.
"Good. No one's asking you to. In fact, I'd be pretty upset if you did," she smiled and assured him. They had been intimate, many times before, but never had sex. It had just happened that way but she was ready for this now. More than ready. They had gotten closer and closer, but tonight it was just meant to happen.
"Okay. I love you, Rory Gilmore."
"I love you too," she whispered, pulling him back down to her, kissing his face softly all over. It was funny to her. She felt like she was reassuring him about this, when she had thought it might be the other way around.
She let him lead at first, but quickly found that her body knew more than she thought it did. She responded to him, found herself aching to meet him in every way. She was breathless, working frantically with him as they spent themselves exploring the other to find new heights of pleasure. Once she collapsed against the pillows, glistening and exhausted, he looked down at her. She was smiling slightly, not a smile he had ever seen on her face. He felt so much as if he were a part of her, as if her were seeing inside of her. It was the most surreal feeling, but he didn't want to shatter the moment. He knew he loved her before, but this feeling was past love. He wanted to be connected to her like this forever.
She opened her eyes to find him staring down at her. She reached out and touched his face, aimlessly wandering over his features with her fingertips.
"Hey, you're pretty good at that," she said.
"Rory," he started to say something, but stopped.
"Yes?"
"I want to tell you what that was like for me, but there aren't even words. Amazing sounds contrite."
"I know how you feel—I felt it too."
"Am I being selfish?"
"Selfish? If you're worried that I didn't, you know, enjoy myself the way you did, you're crazy. I enjoyed myself a few more times than you did even," she assured.
"No, I'm not talking about orgasms. I'm fully aware of that."
"Then what are you talking about? I'm not following."
"About my not transferring. Am I being selfish?"
"No. You're just doing what you need to do."
"But what about you?"
"What about me?"
"If I transferred, what happens then?"
"Then I'd see a lot more of you."
"Would you move in with me?"
Rory sat up a little bit and furrowed her brow, looking him full in the eyes.
"Are you serious?"
"We want to be together. Would it be an option?"
"I, I mean, God, I don't know. I've never thought about that."
"Why not?"
"It's never been an issue."
"I'm sorry. Forget I brought it up. I was just wondering what it would be like."
"No, we should talk about this stuff. Future stuff."
"Do you want there to be a future?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Me too. Look, all this stuff, it's huge and there's no reason for us to hash this out tonight. Let's just get some sleep. We'll worry about all this stuff as it comes."
"Okay."
Tristan scooted up next to Rory, and wrapped his arms around her waist. She snuggled back into him, and he kissed her hair. Each lay awake, thinking about the enormity of the decisions they might be making soon.
The next morning, Rory woke up lying on Tristan's chest. She smiled, remembering the events of the previous night. She kissed his forehead as she slipped out of bed and put her robe on. He let out an incoherent moan and rolled over as she grabbed her phone and quietly walked into the other room.
"This better be important."
"Oh, and it is."
"Rory? It's really early. It's a Saturday. It's the last Saturday before the Inn opens."
"I had sex."
"You have my attention," Lorelai sat upright in bed at her daughter's last words.
"Well, I should hope so."
"Were you safe?"
"Totally."
"Good. So, I assume we're talking about Tristan."
"God! Yes, we're talking about Tristan."
"How was he? I bet he was amazing, with that body."
"Okay, you're creeping me out. But yes, it was perfect."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For telling me."
"You can go back to sleep now."
"Yeah, right. I am your mother and I know you're probably going to go back to where ever he is and do something dirty. Sex is addictive. I have to go find a worry stone."
"Funny. I love you, Mom."
"Love you, too. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
Rory hung up the phone and slipped back into bed next to Tristan, who immediately pulled her back into him and they drifted back off to sleep, enjoying the feeling of just being next to the other.
By the time Rory and Tristan reached the Gilmore house Janlan, Richard and Emily were sitting in the living room having a drink. They were let in by the current maid who took their coats. They could hear their grandparents talking animatedly and Rory turned to Tristan before they neared the room.
"So, you ready for this?"
"Why should I be worried?"
"My grandfather grills all my boyfriends."
"All, what, two of them?"
"Actually, he wasn't here when Jess came, so one."
"Ooh, I'm scared. Besides, I've met him. He already likes me."
"That was BEFORE you were my boyfriend. This is a whole new ballgame."
"I think you should be more worried about those fictional wedding invitations," he commented, brushing past her. He managed to grab her hand in passing, and suddenly she was jerked along behind him as he entered the living room.
Emily looked up as the kids walked into the room. She rose and walked over to the bar.
"Oh, good, you're here. Just in time for drinks. Can I get you anything?"
"Oh, just soda for me, Grandma," Rory said, while sitting next to Richard.
"I'll have the same."
"So, Rory, tell me how Yale is treating you so far. Richard here was telling me you'd had your eye on Harvard at first."
"Yeah, I was accepted to Harvard, Princeton and Yale. I'm really glad I chose Yale, though; it's been the best year of my life. Challenging, of course, but the best."
"So, what are you studying?"
"Journalism and political science."
"Double major?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I must say, a smart girl like you is definitely a step up from the quality of girl Tristan has associated with in the past. I must say, I approve."
"Thank you, Gramps. We can stop talking about that, please."
"Tristan, we used to go to high school together. I have a really good memory," Rory commented, laughing.
"So, Tristan. Why hasn't my granddaughter been able to convince you to transfer to Yale?" Richard asked.
"Grandpa, I'm not trying to get him to do anything," Rory insisted.
"No, it's okay. Sir, I enjoy UNC. I believe it's the best place for me."
"Yale is a fine school, arguably in a higher class than UNC."
"We disagree."
"I suppose we do. What are you studying at UNC?"
"Forensic psychology."
"Very interesting line of work. Disturbing, I would believe."
"It's sort of like solving a puzzle backwards."
"Dinner's ready, Mrs. Gilmore," the maid interjected.
"Good, thank you Maria. So, everyone, let's move into the dining room, shall we?" Emily smiled and walked over to Rory, taking her arm as they walked towards the dinner table.
"Everything looks wonderful, Grandma."
"Thank you, Rory. How is your class with Asher?"
"Oh, it's good. I got an A on my last paper."
"He says you're one of his best students. He doesn't give A's to just anyone," Richard informed her.
"He's a very challenging professor."
"Yale does have the best in the country teaching there," Janlan interjected.
The meal went on, all with Janlan, Richard and Emily working the conversation around Yale. Tristan was trying to focus on chewing his food. Rory noticed his silence and tried to catch his eye without luck. She attempted to change the subject several times without luck. She wasn't sure how Tristan's ability to keep his cool was now. She knew this was the sorest subject for him, and he wasn't able to tell anyone the real reasons behind his decision. No one at this table wanted to take his reasons for anything but excuses.
"Thanks for dinner, everything was lovely," Rory offered after the maid had cleared the dishes.
"Tristan, are you staying with Rory at Yale this weekend or going home?"
"Actually, I'm staying at Yale."
"Maybe you should take advantage of that time and meet with the Dean of Admissions. He's a good friend of both Richard's and mine."
"Look, Gramps, no offense but I plan on spending the little time I do have with Rory. I rarely get to see her. It would be a waste of time to meet with the Dean."
"Tristan--," Janlan started again.
"Can we please just drop this?" Tristan cried.
"We need to get going," Rory interrupted.
"Look, I'm sorry, Gramps, Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore. I didn't mean to, it's just. I like where I am. I don't want to talk about Yale anymore. I'll see you next weekend."
Rory and Tristan left on that note, leaving the other three to look at one another with concerned looks.
"I don't understand why that boy has such a block against Yale. He obviously cares a great deal for that girl, and he used to talk about nothing else than going to Yale. He went to military school then decided he just wasn't coming back? I don't understand. He won't talk about why," Janlan ran his hand through his hair and sat back in his chair.
"If he really cares for her, he'll come around."
"I hope so, I really do."
Rory was driving back to New Haven, periodically looking over at Tristan. He hadn't said a word since they left. She didn't want to make him talk about it, and there wasn't really anything she could say. She felt horrible; she had no idea the entire evening was going to be focused on why he wouldn't transfer. She would love it if he did, but she was never going to ask him to. Not after what he told her.
"Well, that was fun," he finally spoke.
"I'm sorry that happened. I had no idea, honestly."
"How could you have? I know that didn't come from you."
"They don't understand, they just think they're considering what's best for you. Or what they think is best for you."
"I'm going to talk to him."
"Your dad?"
"Yeah. I'm going to talk to him and Gramps. Alone. This is just—I need to get people off my back. I'm not saying I'm going to transfer, I just need everyone off my back."
"I understand. Can I do anything to help?"
"Well, is Paris going to be around tonight?"
"Nope, she went to Marty's folks house again."
"Then, yes, I believe there are some things you could do to take my mind off of things," he leaned over and kissed her shoulder.
"Can you at least wait until we get to the dorms?"
"How much longer do we have?"
"Ten minutes."
"That's pushing it," he warned.
"Geez, you go from 0 to horny in like a half a second, don't you?"
"Only with you."
"Man, I can't believe I fall for the things that come out of your mouth."
He raised his eyebrows at her and she blushed.
"I didn't mean that!"
"Sure you didn't."
By the time they reached the dorm, Rory could barely get her door unlocked as Tristan had wrapped himself around her and was assaulting her neck with his lips. She tried to focus, but found everything was getting much fuzzier. Her mind clouded over and all she could think of was how much she wanted to feel his touch and to touch him.
No one was home, by sheer luck, and the clothing trail began at the front door. By the time they crashed onto her bed, he was only in his boxers, and she was keeping up the pace, down to her underwear and shirt, which he quickly removed from her. He gasped in surprise, as she wasn't wearing anything under her shirt. She smiled and pulled him against her, crushing her lips to his. He was pressed into her, pushing her into the bed, moving against her, trying to feel her all over. He couldn't seem to get enough of her, every time they were together, he just wanted more. He kissed her passionately and pulled back, resting his forehead against hers.
"You okay?" she asked, slightly out of breath.
"Yeah, I'm fine. We're—I mean, I'm not going to be able to stop here," he explained.
"Good. No one's asking you to. In fact, I'd be pretty upset if you did," she smiled and assured him. They had been intimate, many times before, but never had sex. It had just happened that way but she was ready for this now. More than ready. They had gotten closer and closer, but tonight it was just meant to happen.
"Okay. I love you, Rory Gilmore."
"I love you too," she whispered, pulling him back down to her, kissing his face softly all over. It was funny to her. She felt like she was reassuring him about this, when she had thought it might be the other way around.
She let him lead at first, but quickly found that her body knew more than she thought it did. She responded to him, found herself aching to meet him in every way. She was breathless, working frantically with him as they spent themselves exploring the other to find new heights of pleasure. Once she collapsed against the pillows, glistening and exhausted, he looked down at her. She was smiling slightly, not a smile he had ever seen on her face. He felt so much as if he were a part of her, as if her were seeing inside of her. It was the most surreal feeling, but he didn't want to shatter the moment. He knew he loved her before, but this feeling was past love. He wanted to be connected to her like this forever.
She opened her eyes to find him staring down at her. She reached out and touched his face, aimlessly wandering over his features with her fingertips.
"Hey, you're pretty good at that," she said.
"Rory," he started to say something, but stopped.
"Yes?"
"I want to tell you what that was like for me, but there aren't even words. Amazing sounds contrite."
"I know how you feel—I felt it too."
"Am I being selfish?"
"Selfish? If you're worried that I didn't, you know, enjoy myself the way you did, you're crazy. I enjoyed myself a few more times than you did even," she assured.
"No, I'm not talking about orgasms. I'm fully aware of that."
"Then what are you talking about? I'm not following."
"About my not transferring. Am I being selfish?"
"No. You're just doing what you need to do."
"But what about you?"
"What about me?"
"If I transferred, what happens then?"
"Then I'd see a lot more of you."
"Would you move in with me?"
Rory sat up a little bit and furrowed her brow, looking him full in the eyes.
"Are you serious?"
"We want to be together. Would it be an option?"
"I, I mean, God, I don't know. I've never thought about that."
"Why not?"
"It's never been an issue."
"I'm sorry. Forget I brought it up. I was just wondering what it would be like."
"No, we should talk about this stuff. Future stuff."
"Do you want there to be a future?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Me too. Look, all this stuff, it's huge and there's no reason for us to hash this out tonight. Let's just get some sleep. We'll worry about all this stuff as it comes."
"Okay."
Tristan scooted up next to Rory, and wrapped his arms around her waist. She snuggled back into him, and he kissed her hair. Each lay awake, thinking about the enormity of the decisions they might be making soon.
The next morning, Rory woke up lying on Tristan's chest. She smiled, remembering the events of the previous night. She kissed his forehead as she slipped out of bed and put her robe on. He let out an incoherent moan and rolled over as she grabbed her phone and quietly walked into the other room.
"This better be important."
"Oh, and it is."
"Rory? It's really early. It's a Saturday. It's the last Saturday before the Inn opens."
"I had sex."
"You have my attention," Lorelai sat upright in bed at her daughter's last words.
"Well, I should hope so."
"Were you safe?"
"Totally."
"Good. So, I assume we're talking about Tristan."
"God! Yes, we're talking about Tristan."
"How was he? I bet he was amazing, with that body."
"Okay, you're creeping me out. But yes, it was perfect."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For telling me."
"You can go back to sleep now."
"Yeah, right. I am your mother and I know you're probably going to go back to where ever he is and do something dirty. Sex is addictive. I have to go find a worry stone."
"Funny. I love you, Mom."
"Love you, too. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
Rory hung up the phone and slipped back into bed next to Tristan, who immediately pulled her back into him and they drifted back off to sleep, enjoying the feeling of just being next to the other.