A Kiss, a Blush, a Smirk, a Love
Part 2
By Leela
Author's note: Thank you to those of you who sent me reviews. Thanks to you guys I was motivated enough to write the next part.so here it is. Hope you enjoy it, and remember to review!!
Gilmore House
Rory stood at her dresser, searching in her reflection on the mirror the answers to her desperate questions. It had been a week since the kiss and their conversation.if that's what you call a bitter sparring match that ends in tears and 'I'm sorry's'. Rory and Tristan had relaxed into a kind of friendship, or rather, agreement. Both decided that the kiss had been a reaction to the extreme mix of emotions both were feeling towards their respective ex's. It had meant nothing and was best to be forgotten.
Despite this, Rory couldn't get it out of her mind. She was consumed by the memory of Tristan's lips on her own and the tender embrace they had shared in the courtyard. Rory longed to be in his arms again. * What! Back up a step Rory. What about Dean, your boyfriend. No. He broke up with you.* Rory felt a sudden wave of pain, followed by extreme anger. *How could Dean do that to her? Why couldn't he just understand she wasn't ready.that she was scared? Tristan understood her. What! How could she think that! Tristan, understand her! He understood her sure. He understood, exactly what to say to irritate her.he knew what to say to initiate their verbal sparring match.he knew what to say to make her blush.to cause those little butterflies to flutter in her stomach. Rory, stop it! Stop thinking about him!!* Rory was snapped out of her confusion as an over-caffeinated Lorelai bounded into the room.
" Ohhh sweetie. What's with the face? No concentration till after coffee.you know the rules.one shalt not live, breath or think till one hath drunk from the elixir of life from the great coffee making machine!"
"What? Sorry mum.I just have a lot of things on my mind."
"All the more reason for coffee!! Nothings better for clearing the mind."
"Or making it high", Rory replied, looking judgmental at Lorelai.
"Rory! Are you accusing me of being drugged up to my eyeballs in coffee.I've never heard of such an outrageous thing!"
"How many cups have you had?"
"I'm not sure exactly"
"Mom?"
"I haven't kept tally"
"Be vaguer"
"Just two, or three." Rory looked skeptically at her mother, "Ok fine...six, I've had six."
"Mom, I'm ashamed of you! You are a coffee-aholic. Pack your bags. I'm checking you into the CARC."
"CARC?"
"Coffee Anonymous Rehabilitation Center. I'm sorry but you need help."
"Right...so to Luke's?"
"Of course"
Luke's Diner
"Good morning Luke!" Lorelai chirped as she bounded up to the counter, "I'm a coffee-aholic and apparently I need help."
Luke looked questioningly at Rory.
"We decided that the first step was to admit to our obsession."
"What's the second step?"
"To satisfy our obsession."
"Coffee please!" they both chimed in unison.
"You two are shameless."
"Yes we know.now, pour the coffee dear provider whom loves us addicts so much."
Luke filled two mugs with the steaming, delicious liquid. Both girls took huge gulps and looked up admirably at Luke.
"You're an angel", said Rory.
"We love you", added Lorelai.
"You need help", replied Luke as he turned to serve more customers. Lorelai and Rory went to sit down at their usual table.
"So hun", Lorelai said as she turned to Rory, "Ready for your day at hell?" Rory let out an exasperated sigh, "I'll take that as a no?" Lorelai watched as Rory slid back into the confused daze she had been in earlier. "A penny for your thoughts". Lorelai nudged her daughter's shoulder to gain her attention.
"I'm just not looking forward to today, that's all", replied Rory glumly.
"And what makes Mondays seem less to look forward to than other days. Does hell unleash its wrath more on Mondays?"
"No. There are just certain people I don't want to have to deal with today."
"Ahh, I see, and by that you mean Satan's Spawn, Paris and the Ditsy Drones?"
"Yes.and no.I just, oh, I don't know". Lorelai looked questionably at her daughter. "I'm just a little confused at things, people and stuff".
"Well, maybe I can help. Spill the beans kiddo!"
"I can't. I have to figure it out for myself. I better go.don't want to be late."
"Can't see why not. Fire burns you know!"
"By mom".
"See ya later sweetie!"
Rory sat down in her usual seat on the bus to Hell. Everything rushed by her in a haze as she stared blankly out the window, to caught up in her thoughts to focus her eyes. A bitter war raged in her mind. She knew she held feelings for Dean, but in amongst them strange feelings for Tristan kept popping up to haunt her. What did it all mean? Was she falling for Tristan.Evil Tristan who made her life hell.or nice Tristan who had become her friend? *Friend? Is that what you think he is? He has made your life hell, how can that form the foundations of a friendship?* Then there was Dean, her trusted, caring boyfriend who broke up with her after he had pledged his love for her. Rory knew she had hurt Dean, badly, but no matter what she did, she still couldn't find the same feelings for him that he had for her.
As the bus pulled up at Chilton, Rory grabbed her bag and stumbled off the bus. She pushed her confused feelings as far as she could into the back of her mind as she made her way to her locker.
Rory's Locker
Rory stood at her locker, shooting daggers into the impossible door. She swore she could hear it laughing at her mockingly. She gasped in surprise as a fist slammed into it and the door popped open. Rory spun around to find Tristan, smirk spread across his face.
"Door giving you hassles again, Mary?" he remarked smugly.
"I think it's been possessed by Satan, oh wait, that positions already been filled".
"By whom?"
"You"
"Aww Mary, you wound me! I mean what would you do if I wasn't here to help you?"
"I'm sure some how I'd manage to find the will to go on.and the name's Rory!"
"Come on, Mary, you know you want me!"
Rory stood dumbfounded at Tristan. No matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't figure out the blue eyed enigma that was Tristan. Rory found herself speaking her thoughts out loud.
"What is wrong with you Tristan?"
It was Tristan's turn to be confused. "I don't think I quite understand?"
" What is wrong with you? It's a perfectly logical question. You're a smart guy, I'm sure somewhere in that inflated head of yours you can find an answer".
Tristan picked up on the slight bitterness that was present in Rory's statement. His confusion was starting to turn into irritation. "Why don't you tell me what's wrong with me Rory, since you seem to know everything".
Rory could feel the air around them fill with tension. It was too early in the morning to have this conversation. She knew that the friendly banter that they had started with was progressing into an argument laced with hurt and hate. "Just forget I even asked Tristan", she replied as she slammed her locker shut and brushed passed him. Tristan, however, was not yet ready to let the question slip by. He went after her, grabbing her elbow to spin her around to face him. "No, I will not just forget it. You obviously seem to know the answer and I want to hear it." He instantly wished he'd never asked after what he heard come out of Rory's mouth.
"Fine. You want to know what's wrong with you Tristan, I'll tell you. You're so caught up in your own air of Godliness and ego that you fail to see how much of a jerk you are. You strut around the halls followed by your equally testosterone enriched pals and soiree of bimbo girls that swoon around your feet, thinking you're some kind of King with your long list of conquests, it's sickening. But then, with a flick of a switch you can turn into this sweet, caring sensitive guy who makes me feel all warm inside when you hug me and wipe away my tears, and whose eyes seem to pierce my soul every time I look into them, and I'm confused Tristan, cause I don't know where that person goes, where you hide him. So there, that's what's wrong with you", and with that Rory turned and ran away from him yet again.
Tristan stood rooted to the spot. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Her words had stung him, and the pain and confusion it had caused would not subside. He knew what she said was true, and it was the harshness of this reality that he hated the most. However, what he didn't understand was the second half of her assault on his wrongs. Was it possible that Rory was experiencing even the slightest hint of feelings he had for her. Tristan banished this thought from his mind, * get real DuGrey, she'll never love you and you'll never have her*. Still, the hope of that thought would not go away, so he did the one thing he would be sure to regret afterwards, he ran after her.
Tristan found Rory in the library. She was trying her hardest to concentrate on the book she was reading, but the strain on her face was evident. He hesitated before making his way over to her, unsure of what he was going to say, but to stubborn to listen to his own warning.
Rory felt the presence of someone standing behind her. After her little outburst, she had run to the library to hide, it being the only real place she felt safe. She turned around to see Tristan, a blank expression spread across his face. She turned back to her book, wishing that he'd just leave her alone.
Tristan sat down opposite her and watched as Rory's shoulders slumped. He knew she didn't want to talk to him, look at him, but too bad, she had started this and he was determined to finish it.
"Rory."
"Go away Tristan, I don't want to talk to you."
"Well, that's a real shame, 'cause I want to talk to you"
Rory closed her book and got up. She needed to get away from him.she was drowning under his piercing blue gaze. She made her way into the aisles, determined to get away. Tristan however was right on her heals.
"Don't walk away from me Rory". Rory faltered at his plea before quickening her pace. Tristan reached out to grab her hand, pulling her back to within a few inches of him. Their closeness to each other sent shivers down Rory's spine.
"Tristan let me go"
" No, not until you tell me what has got you so confused"
Rory looked up into Tristan's eyes. Big mistake. She felt her knees go weak and she was sure she would have collapsed if Tristan had not been holding her up.
"I'm not confused about anything", she lied as she adverted her gaze to their feet.
"That's bullshit Rory and you know it". Rory was shocked at the hint of anger in his voice. Tristan noticed the shock then fear flutter across Rory's face. He calmed himself before going on. "Please Rory, tell me what's wrong. What have I done? Tell me so I can fix it".
Rory sighed, "It's not just you...I'm confused and I don't.I don't know what to do. I have all these weird feelings and I don't know what they all mean and.I hate it, I hate it 'cause I can't figure out how to make them go away. And you, you're not helping. Every time I see you I'm reminded of that kiss."
"Rory.."
"No, Tristan shut up. Why.why did you have to kiss me?."
"Hey you kissed me"
"I did not...you started it, you initiated it."
"You didn't exactly do anything to stop it"
"That's beside the point."
"How is it? What, is there a different set of rules for you and another set for me? That's not fair Rory and you know it. You're not the only one who's haunted by that kiss you know."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You really have no idea do you? Well I guess you're not as smart as I thought you were." Tristan started to walk away.
"Tristan..."
"Rory just drop it, ok. I know what you think of me.I don't need to hear it again".
Rory watched as Tristan walked away from her. She wanted to call out to him, she wanted to wipe the hurt look off his face that had appeared there after their argument, but her mouth was dry. She eventually found her feet and made her way to her next class.
Paris stood fuming in the next aisle of books. She had a feeling something had happened at Madeline's party between the two, and now she knew. She couldn't believe it, Tristan and Rory had kissed. Why would Rory have done that...she always said she disliked Tristan and that he was a jerk. And Tristan, what was his deal? He acted as if he had fallen for Rory. This thought made Paris even angrier. He was supposed to fall for her, not the country bumpkin! *I'll get them for this*. Thoughts of revenge surged through Paris's head as she sought out Madeline and Louise. Tristan and Rory would be sorry they ever went to that party by the time Paris was through.
Gilmore House
Rory collapsed onto her bed. The rest of her day had been spent avoiding Tristan, who had just so happened been avoiding her too. Thoughts of their argument kept popping up to remind her of the torturous day. Something Tristan had said kept nagging at her, *what had he meant.as if he was haunted by their kiss.she was just a game to him, another name to add to his list of conquests.wasn't she?*
Rory was snapped from her thoughts by the insistent ringing of the phone. She ran into the living room, tossing cushions, magazines and papers everywhere in an attempt to find the phone. They really needed to learn how to clean up.
"Hello", Rory answered upon finally finding it.
"Hey Rory. Meet me in fifteen minutes in the Gazebo in the park"
"Lane? What...why?"
"I have to run something by you."
"But."
"Just be there.I don't have time to explain.bye".
Rory put the phone down. She wondered what could be so urgent and important. She got changed out of her uniform and made her way to the town center to meet Lane.
Park
Rory made her way across the park. She could see someone sitting in the Gazebo, and assumed Lane was already there waiting for her. As she climbed the stairs Rory stood stunned at the person before her.
"Rory?"
"Dean?"
By Leela
Author's note: Thank you to those of you who sent me reviews. Thanks to you guys I was motivated enough to write the next part.so here it is. Hope you enjoy it, and remember to review!!
Gilmore House
Rory stood at her dresser, searching in her reflection on the mirror the answers to her desperate questions. It had been a week since the kiss and their conversation.if that's what you call a bitter sparring match that ends in tears and 'I'm sorry's'. Rory and Tristan had relaxed into a kind of friendship, or rather, agreement. Both decided that the kiss had been a reaction to the extreme mix of emotions both were feeling towards their respective ex's. It had meant nothing and was best to be forgotten.
Despite this, Rory couldn't get it out of her mind. She was consumed by the memory of Tristan's lips on her own and the tender embrace they had shared in the courtyard. Rory longed to be in his arms again. * What! Back up a step Rory. What about Dean, your boyfriend. No. He broke up with you.* Rory felt a sudden wave of pain, followed by extreme anger. *How could Dean do that to her? Why couldn't he just understand she wasn't ready.that she was scared? Tristan understood her. What! How could she think that! Tristan, understand her! He understood her sure. He understood, exactly what to say to irritate her.he knew what to say to initiate their verbal sparring match.he knew what to say to make her blush.to cause those little butterflies to flutter in her stomach. Rory, stop it! Stop thinking about him!!* Rory was snapped out of her confusion as an over-caffeinated Lorelai bounded into the room.
" Ohhh sweetie. What's with the face? No concentration till after coffee.you know the rules.one shalt not live, breath or think till one hath drunk from the elixir of life from the great coffee making machine!"
"What? Sorry mum.I just have a lot of things on my mind."
"All the more reason for coffee!! Nothings better for clearing the mind."
"Or making it high", Rory replied, looking judgmental at Lorelai.
"Rory! Are you accusing me of being drugged up to my eyeballs in coffee.I've never heard of such an outrageous thing!"
"How many cups have you had?"
"I'm not sure exactly"
"Mom?"
"I haven't kept tally"
"Be vaguer"
"Just two, or three." Rory looked skeptically at her mother, "Ok fine...six, I've had six."
"Mom, I'm ashamed of you! You are a coffee-aholic. Pack your bags. I'm checking you into the CARC."
"CARC?"
"Coffee Anonymous Rehabilitation Center. I'm sorry but you need help."
"Right...so to Luke's?"
"Of course"
Luke's Diner
"Good morning Luke!" Lorelai chirped as she bounded up to the counter, "I'm a coffee-aholic and apparently I need help."
Luke looked questioningly at Rory.
"We decided that the first step was to admit to our obsession."
"What's the second step?"
"To satisfy our obsession."
"Coffee please!" they both chimed in unison.
"You two are shameless."
"Yes we know.now, pour the coffee dear provider whom loves us addicts so much."
Luke filled two mugs with the steaming, delicious liquid. Both girls took huge gulps and looked up admirably at Luke.
"You're an angel", said Rory.
"We love you", added Lorelai.
"You need help", replied Luke as he turned to serve more customers. Lorelai and Rory went to sit down at their usual table.
"So hun", Lorelai said as she turned to Rory, "Ready for your day at hell?" Rory let out an exasperated sigh, "I'll take that as a no?" Lorelai watched as Rory slid back into the confused daze she had been in earlier. "A penny for your thoughts". Lorelai nudged her daughter's shoulder to gain her attention.
"I'm just not looking forward to today, that's all", replied Rory glumly.
"And what makes Mondays seem less to look forward to than other days. Does hell unleash its wrath more on Mondays?"
"No. There are just certain people I don't want to have to deal with today."
"Ahh, I see, and by that you mean Satan's Spawn, Paris and the Ditsy Drones?"
"Yes.and no.I just, oh, I don't know". Lorelai looked questionably at her daughter. "I'm just a little confused at things, people and stuff".
"Well, maybe I can help. Spill the beans kiddo!"
"I can't. I have to figure it out for myself. I better go.don't want to be late."
"Can't see why not. Fire burns you know!"
"By mom".
"See ya later sweetie!"
Rory sat down in her usual seat on the bus to Hell. Everything rushed by her in a haze as she stared blankly out the window, to caught up in her thoughts to focus her eyes. A bitter war raged in her mind. She knew she held feelings for Dean, but in amongst them strange feelings for Tristan kept popping up to haunt her. What did it all mean? Was she falling for Tristan.Evil Tristan who made her life hell.or nice Tristan who had become her friend? *Friend? Is that what you think he is? He has made your life hell, how can that form the foundations of a friendship?* Then there was Dean, her trusted, caring boyfriend who broke up with her after he had pledged his love for her. Rory knew she had hurt Dean, badly, but no matter what she did, she still couldn't find the same feelings for him that he had for her.
As the bus pulled up at Chilton, Rory grabbed her bag and stumbled off the bus. She pushed her confused feelings as far as she could into the back of her mind as she made her way to her locker.
Rory's Locker
Rory stood at her locker, shooting daggers into the impossible door. She swore she could hear it laughing at her mockingly. She gasped in surprise as a fist slammed into it and the door popped open. Rory spun around to find Tristan, smirk spread across his face.
"Door giving you hassles again, Mary?" he remarked smugly.
"I think it's been possessed by Satan, oh wait, that positions already been filled".
"By whom?"
"You"
"Aww Mary, you wound me! I mean what would you do if I wasn't here to help you?"
"I'm sure some how I'd manage to find the will to go on.and the name's Rory!"
"Come on, Mary, you know you want me!"
Rory stood dumbfounded at Tristan. No matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't figure out the blue eyed enigma that was Tristan. Rory found herself speaking her thoughts out loud.
"What is wrong with you Tristan?"
It was Tristan's turn to be confused. "I don't think I quite understand?"
" What is wrong with you? It's a perfectly logical question. You're a smart guy, I'm sure somewhere in that inflated head of yours you can find an answer".
Tristan picked up on the slight bitterness that was present in Rory's statement. His confusion was starting to turn into irritation. "Why don't you tell me what's wrong with me Rory, since you seem to know everything".
Rory could feel the air around them fill with tension. It was too early in the morning to have this conversation. She knew that the friendly banter that they had started with was progressing into an argument laced with hurt and hate. "Just forget I even asked Tristan", she replied as she slammed her locker shut and brushed passed him. Tristan, however, was not yet ready to let the question slip by. He went after her, grabbing her elbow to spin her around to face him. "No, I will not just forget it. You obviously seem to know the answer and I want to hear it." He instantly wished he'd never asked after what he heard come out of Rory's mouth.
"Fine. You want to know what's wrong with you Tristan, I'll tell you. You're so caught up in your own air of Godliness and ego that you fail to see how much of a jerk you are. You strut around the halls followed by your equally testosterone enriched pals and soiree of bimbo girls that swoon around your feet, thinking you're some kind of King with your long list of conquests, it's sickening. But then, with a flick of a switch you can turn into this sweet, caring sensitive guy who makes me feel all warm inside when you hug me and wipe away my tears, and whose eyes seem to pierce my soul every time I look into them, and I'm confused Tristan, cause I don't know where that person goes, where you hide him. So there, that's what's wrong with you", and with that Rory turned and ran away from him yet again.
Tristan stood rooted to the spot. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Her words had stung him, and the pain and confusion it had caused would not subside. He knew what she said was true, and it was the harshness of this reality that he hated the most. However, what he didn't understand was the second half of her assault on his wrongs. Was it possible that Rory was experiencing even the slightest hint of feelings he had for her. Tristan banished this thought from his mind, * get real DuGrey, she'll never love you and you'll never have her*. Still, the hope of that thought would not go away, so he did the one thing he would be sure to regret afterwards, he ran after her.
Tristan found Rory in the library. She was trying her hardest to concentrate on the book she was reading, but the strain on her face was evident. He hesitated before making his way over to her, unsure of what he was going to say, but to stubborn to listen to his own warning.
Rory felt the presence of someone standing behind her. After her little outburst, she had run to the library to hide, it being the only real place she felt safe. She turned around to see Tristan, a blank expression spread across his face. She turned back to her book, wishing that he'd just leave her alone.
Tristan sat down opposite her and watched as Rory's shoulders slumped. He knew she didn't want to talk to him, look at him, but too bad, she had started this and he was determined to finish it.
"Rory."
"Go away Tristan, I don't want to talk to you."
"Well, that's a real shame, 'cause I want to talk to you"
Rory closed her book and got up. She needed to get away from him.she was drowning under his piercing blue gaze. She made her way into the aisles, determined to get away. Tristan however was right on her heals.
"Don't walk away from me Rory". Rory faltered at his plea before quickening her pace. Tristan reached out to grab her hand, pulling her back to within a few inches of him. Their closeness to each other sent shivers down Rory's spine.
"Tristan let me go"
" No, not until you tell me what has got you so confused"
Rory looked up into Tristan's eyes. Big mistake. She felt her knees go weak and she was sure she would have collapsed if Tristan had not been holding her up.
"I'm not confused about anything", she lied as she adverted her gaze to their feet.
"That's bullshit Rory and you know it". Rory was shocked at the hint of anger in his voice. Tristan noticed the shock then fear flutter across Rory's face. He calmed himself before going on. "Please Rory, tell me what's wrong. What have I done? Tell me so I can fix it".
Rory sighed, "It's not just you...I'm confused and I don't.I don't know what to do. I have all these weird feelings and I don't know what they all mean and.I hate it, I hate it 'cause I can't figure out how to make them go away. And you, you're not helping. Every time I see you I'm reminded of that kiss."
"Rory.."
"No, Tristan shut up. Why.why did you have to kiss me?."
"Hey you kissed me"
"I did not...you started it, you initiated it."
"You didn't exactly do anything to stop it"
"That's beside the point."
"How is it? What, is there a different set of rules for you and another set for me? That's not fair Rory and you know it. You're not the only one who's haunted by that kiss you know."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You really have no idea do you? Well I guess you're not as smart as I thought you were." Tristan started to walk away.
"Tristan..."
"Rory just drop it, ok. I know what you think of me.I don't need to hear it again".
Rory watched as Tristan walked away from her. She wanted to call out to him, she wanted to wipe the hurt look off his face that had appeared there after their argument, but her mouth was dry. She eventually found her feet and made her way to her next class.
Paris stood fuming in the next aisle of books. She had a feeling something had happened at Madeline's party between the two, and now she knew. She couldn't believe it, Tristan and Rory had kissed. Why would Rory have done that...she always said she disliked Tristan and that he was a jerk. And Tristan, what was his deal? He acted as if he had fallen for Rory. This thought made Paris even angrier. He was supposed to fall for her, not the country bumpkin! *I'll get them for this*. Thoughts of revenge surged through Paris's head as she sought out Madeline and Louise. Tristan and Rory would be sorry they ever went to that party by the time Paris was through.
Gilmore House
Rory collapsed onto her bed. The rest of her day had been spent avoiding Tristan, who had just so happened been avoiding her too. Thoughts of their argument kept popping up to remind her of the torturous day. Something Tristan had said kept nagging at her, *what had he meant.as if he was haunted by their kiss.she was just a game to him, another name to add to his list of conquests.wasn't she?*
Rory was snapped from her thoughts by the insistent ringing of the phone. She ran into the living room, tossing cushions, magazines and papers everywhere in an attempt to find the phone. They really needed to learn how to clean up.
"Hello", Rory answered upon finally finding it.
"Hey Rory. Meet me in fifteen minutes in the Gazebo in the park"
"Lane? What...why?"
"I have to run something by you."
"But."
"Just be there.I don't have time to explain.bye".
Rory put the phone down. She wondered what could be so urgent and important. She got changed out of her uniform and made her way to the town center to meet Lane.
Park
Rory made her way across the park. She could see someone sitting in the Gazebo, and assumed Lane was already there waiting for her. As she climbed the stairs Rory stood stunned at the person before her.
"Rory?"
"Dean?"