A Kiss, a Blush, a Smirk, a Love
Part 5
By Leela
A/N: Before I start I would like to thank the following people for reviewing, you make writing worthwhile! - BTVSGoddes: short but sweet, thanks! - Lela: it is weird our names are so similar! Thanks for your encouraging remark! - Heavy Glow: Thank you for your 'insane' comment, it made me laugh! - klm111a: I hope after this chapter you feel less sorry for our favourite couple! - Goldie: thanks for your constructive criticism, I sorta feel the same way in regards to dean, and I'm sorry that I made him out to be a bit of an ass, but somehow, that's where the story took me, what can you do?!! - ehjulstrom: I hope this chpt is less suspenseful for you!!! Thanks for reviewing. - SeductiveKate: I'm glad you are enjoying my fic and like that particular lorelai comment, I was a bit unsure of it myself!!! Oh and what does LMAO mean? - flossie: thanks for reviewing, your reward is another chpt!!! - Jess: thanks for reviewing, and I shall definitely continue the story! - Evie: the finish is not insight yet, but I will keep going until it rolls by my door. - Amy: I am glad you're enjoying my story and hope you keep reading future installments! - Lovelock79: mr medina threatens to make them speak at the assembly, but instead they got a trip to the principals office! I hope you keep reading. I have some other trory ideas for future fics, but am mainly concentrating on this one now.
Thanks to everyone again, I hope you all enjoy this next installment.
So, without further ado, I give you Part 5! ( (Meaning, I'm going to shut up now!)
On with the Trory!!!
Charleston's Office
Rory and Tristan sat in Principal Charleston's office in an embarrassed silence. Rory couldn't believe she was even there. Her perfect day had been ruined, by both Paris and Tristan.
Charleston finished looking through both students' files. "Mr. DuGrey, Miss Gilmore", he said acknowledging them," I have come to a decision concerning your punishment. You shall both be suspended for the rest of the week." Rory's mouth dropped open. *Suspended! The last time I was suspended was because a deer hit my car, now a rumor?* Rory was about to protest before Principal Charleston continued," As well as the suspension you are both to write a five thousand word essay on peer pressure on teens concerning sex and the consequences that can arise due to this."
Tristan suppressed the chuckle of laughter that was beginning to form in his throat. As embarrassing as the whole situation was, it was worth it just to hear Charleston say 'sex'. And if that wasn't enough, the look on Rory's face was priceless. It was a mixture of embarrassment, shock and disgust.
"Do you have any questions?" Charleston asked interrupting Tristan's thoughts. Rory and Tristan both shook their heads in silence. Both knew it was pointless to argue, the result ending in an increased suspension.
"Good. Your parents will be called in to pick you up."
"That won't be necessary Sir." Tristan replied.
"Excuse me?" Charleston asked in mild surprise.
"Well, I drove myself here, and I can easily drive Rory home so as not to trouble Ms Gilmore at work".
"I think that under the circumstances, that may not be a very good idea Mr. DuGrey."
"No, its fine Sir", Rory said, finding her voice, "My mom is very busy at the inn with a function, I don't want to bother her with my wrongful behavior.
Tristan almost laughed at Rory's words. She was being suspended for the rest of the week, yet she sounded even more sweet and innocent than she already was.
"Very well, But I shall draft a letter explaining what you both have done and your punishment, which must be given to your parents. Understood?"
"Yes Sir", Rory and Tristan both replied meekly.
"Good, you are excused, and don't let this happen again." Charleston said sternly. Rory and Tristan nodded as they quickly exited the stuffy office.
Once outside, Rory stormed down the hall towards her locker ahead of Tristan. She still couldn't believe this was happening. Lorelai would be laughing at her for weeks over this.
"Hey, Rory, wait up!" Tristan called, running to catch up to her. "What's the hurry? It's not like we have a class to get to." Tristan said smirking.
"No, I guess you're right.and I wonder whose fault that is?" Rory replied looking suggestively at Tristan.
"Hey, don't blame me, it's not my fault!" Tristan said.
"Not your fault!" Rory said, raising her voice a little, "If you hadn't have pulled me into that dressing room, I wouldn't be suspended, and I wouldn't have to write that stupid essay!"
"Rory, calm down and lower your voice before we get in trouble again." Tristan said as he looked around the halls.
"My voice? What the hell does my voice have anything to do with this?"
"If you had kept your mouth shut, we wouldn't have gotten caught in the first place." Tristan said calmly as he moved to stand directly in front of Rory, their bodies mere inches apart. He stared deep into Rory's sky blue eyes that flickered with anger.
Rory melted under Tristan's gaze. The atmosphere around them had changed as soon as Tristan had moved closer to her. The small space of air that separated them had become electrically charged, as if their bodies were magnets and they were being pulled together.
"If.if you hadn't have told me that rumor, I.I wouldn't have had reason to raise my voice." Rory stammered.
"I had to tell you." Tristan replied.
"You could have picked a better time, like after the assembly."
"No, I couldn't."
"Why?" Rory enquired, recognizing a flash of vulnerability in Tristan's face.
"Because." Tristan's shoulders slumped as he looked to his feet, "Because if I didn't tell you first, you would have heard it from someone else, and you'd think that I had started the rumor, and then you'd hate me all over again." Tristan said quietly.
"Tristan, I wouldn't have thought that you spread the rumor, and I wouldn't hate you." Rory said warmly. Tristan looked skeptically at her. "Tristan, I've seen a change in you. Beneath that cloud of ego, there lies a genuine, sincere and sensitive guy. I only wish I'd met him earlier.like my first day in this hell hole!" Rory said chuckling.
Tristan looked deep into Rory's eyes. He wanted to tell her.wanted to tell her right then and there that he was in love with her. But he couldn't. She wasn't ready and he'd end up scaring her.then she'd ignore him.
"I just can't believe that Paris did this. I mean, I know she can be spiteful but I didn't think she could ever do something as horrible as spreading a detrimental rumor like this."
"Well, Paris has issues." Replied Tristan.
Rory looked at Tristan questionly. "What do you mean 'issues'?"
"Well, she's been scared of you taking away her future position as valedictorian since you started here, and she's had a crush on me since.well since I've known her, and."
"She knows!" Rory said suddenly.
"She knows? Knows what?"
"She knows about the kiss. Now this all makes sense."
"Can you fill in the blanks please, cause I think I'm missing something?" Tristan asked confused.
"Ok, somehow she finds out that we kissed. Being Paris, her blood boils given the fact that she hates me and has a major thing for you, and thoughts of us together would send her off the deep end. So, what does she do to get back at us? Spreads a rumor that we slept together."
"Of course", Tristan said catching on, "It would further my supposed reputation, and ruin your creditability. She'd figure you'd think it was me, hate me, and then it would ruin whatever relationship she thought we had."
"Dr. Watson, I think we've cracked the case!"
"Yes Sherlock, I think we have!"
"I just can't believe she'd stoop so low! What a conniving witch! I want to.to.tear her head off!"
"Rory." Tristan said chuckling at her antics.
"This is a major dilemma!"
"Well I don't think it's a good idea to kill her!"
Rory let out an exasperated sigh, 'I guess you're right. I think Harvard would be rather opposed to the idea of accepting a murderer."
"Of course I'm right!' Tristan said, his infamous smirk finding its way to his mouth.
"And the ego cloud inflates again." Rory replied smiling.
Tristan laughed. "Come on Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, Tramp of Chilton, I'll take you home."
Rory hit Tristan playfully on the shoulder as she followed him outside to his car.
Gilmore house
"That's my place there!" said Rory pointing to her house.
Tristan pulled into the Gilmore driveway. "I thought you were kidding when you said we had to turn at the big rooster!"
"Oh, we never kid about Monty" Rory replied sweetly.
Rory and Tristan climbed out of the car and walked up to Rory's front door.
"So, Mary," Tristan started teasingly, "What are you going to tell your mother, about the suspension I mean?"
"That I was kidnapped by Satan and he locked me in the dressing room, and when I screamed to be let out, the evil operatives of hell had me suspended because the whole school is a cover up for a secret cult hell bent on destroying the lives of the youth of America. It's a big conspiracy." Rory answered seriously.
Tristan erupted into laughter.
"What? What's so funny?" Rory said. Tristan didn't stop. "Stop laughing at me!' Rory said, hitting him on the shoulder.
Tristan feigned pain, "Owww! I can't help it! You have such an over-active imagination!" Tristan managed to get out between fits of laughter.
"Well, it keeps me sane." Rory said smiling.
Tristan managed to calm down and control his laughing. "So, what do you plan on doing for the rest of the day?" Tristan asked.
"Well, I'll probably go to Luke's and then work on this stupid essay."
Tristan's stomach turned. "Who's Luke?" He asked, hoping it wasn't some new boyfriend.
"He owns a diner. It's practically our second home. We eat there everyday, and he has the best coffee!" Rory said, her eye's lighting up at the mere thought of the delicious elixir.
"Cool. Well, I guess I should go. I'm sorry I got you suspended Rory."
"That's ok. Maybe the break will do me some good. Plus now my mom will finally have the rebellious daughter she's always wanted!"
Tristan chuckled. "Ok, well, I'll see you later then."
"Yeah.see you later." Rory replied quietly.
Tristan hesitated before turning to walk back to his car. He didn't want to leave. He didn't want to go back to the coldness of the DuGrey mansion. But, it was up to Rory to cause him to stay.
"Tristan!" Rory called out to him. She didn't know why, but she didn't want him to leave just yet. She recognized something new in him, and she was eager to discover more about the elusive Tristan, the second Tristan that he kept hidden from view.
"Yeah?"
"Do you maybe want to join me for lunch? Luke has great food, the best in Stars Hollow, and then maybe we could work on the essay together?" Rory asked nervously.
Tristan smiled. "Sure, I'd love to."
Stars Hollow
Rory and Tristan walked down the main street of Stars Hollow laughing.
"That's Miss Patty" Rory said pointing to a women across the street who was practically drooling at the sight of them. "Beware of her, she has a mojo that could put Austin Powers to shame. Men are meat to her!"
"Right, warning noted!"
"There's Luke's" Rory squealed in excitement as she ran towards the diner.
"Rory, the sign says it's a hardware store" Tristan called out as he ran to catch up. He was amazed at the sense of love Rory had for this small, quirky town and its people.
Rory and Tristan entered the diner and sat down at a table in the window, both out of breath. A tall man wearing plaid and a baseball cap came over.
"Hey Luke!" Rory greeted the man warmly.
"Rory? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school? Does Lorelai know you're here? Who are you?" Luke said turning to Tristan who was chuckling at the man's onslaught of questions.
"Tristan DuGrey Sir" Tristan said as he stood and offered his hand. Luke looked him up and down in a judgmental manner before accepting his hand. He then looked questionly back to Rory, who was watching the exchange with a broad smile. She took a deep breath before attacking Luke's questions.
"We're here because we're hungry. I'm not at school cause I'm suspended for the rest of the week. Mom doesn't know I'm here or that I'm suspended. And Tristan is a friend from school." Rory finished out of breath.
A stunned look painted Luke's face. "Well then.ok. What will you have?"
"I'll have the regular thanks!" Rory chimed.
"And you?" Luke asked looking disapprovingly at Tristan.
"I'll have what ever the 'regular' is" Tristan replied coolly.
"You're a brave man, I'll give you credit for that" Luke said as he finished writing down the order and walked back to the kitchen.
"What did he mean by that?" Tristan asked.
"Mean by what?"
"The 'brave man' comment. What exactly is the regular/"
Rory just smiled innocently and took a mouthful of the coffee Luke had just put in front of her.
"I'm beginning to think the 'regular's' bad.'
"Not bad.just, big".
"Oh, well, that shouldn't be a problem. I have a pretty big appetite."
"Good, you'll need it to keep up with this one" Luke said as he placed a plate of pancakes in front of both of them.
"Is this it!?" Tristan said, "This is nothing!"
"This is just the beginning pal" Luke said walking away.
An hour later
Rory sat opposite Tristan watching him struggle through the last course of the 'regular'. He'd made it through the pancakes without a problem, survived the cheeseburger and mound of fries, and had even kept up with Rory's five coffees. But now, he was struggling through the blueberry pie and ice-cream.
Tristan raised a spoonful of pie to his mouth, stopping mid air. He took a deep breath and glanced at Rory. She had finished everything a good fifteen minutes ago and now sat smirking at him.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing." Rory replied innocently.
"Why are you giving me that look?" Tristan asked as he put down his spoon.
"What look?"
"That winning look.the one you give when you've defeated me.'
"Really? What have I defeated you in?" Rory said, the smirk returning to her face.
"Nothing".
"Are you sure?"
"Yes". Tristan said defiantly.
"You know, you don't have to finish it if you can't. I won't hold it against you".
Tristan snorted, "I can finish it".
"Alright, if you say so." Rory replied as she watched Tristan dig into his a pie with a new determination.
Five minutes later Tristan's bowl was empty. He took a deep breath, stretched his arms and back and let out a burp.
"Excuse me" he said with a satisfied smile.
"Pig!" Rory replied.
"Well, congratulations" Luke said coming over to the table, "I thought she had you beat!"
"Well, what can I say.It would take a lot more than that excuse for a meal for Rory to beat me!" Tristan said smirking at her.
"Huh!" Rory said in disapproval.
'Well, I think you'd have to be the only other person apart from Super Freak and Super Freak Jnr here to ever finish that. I have deep respect for you now." Luke said as he walked back to the counter.
"See that? He respects me!"
"Yeah, I'm amazed!'
"What's so amazing about that? Everybody likes me!' Tristan said, the cocky smirk spreading across his face.
"I said I had respect for you. I didn't say I liked you". Luke called out from behind the counter.
Rory threw a knowing smile at Tristan as his smirk disintegrated. "It's ok Tristan. I still like you". Rory said gently, patting his hand comfortly. "No need to get all sarcastic". Tristan replied.
"Who say's I was being sarcastic?" Rory said surprising herself as much as Tristan at her comment. She got up to pay the bill.
"I'll pay." Tristan said standing up with her.
'No, that's ok'.
"I insist." Tristan said firmly.
Rory smiled reluctantly, 'Ok, thanks".
"No thanks are necessary." Tristan said as he handed his credit card to Luke.
After Tristan had finished paying, the pair walked back out onto the main street of Stars Hollow.
"So." Rory started nervously, "Do you wanna go back to my place to work on the essay?"
"Yeah, sure.it'll give me more opportunities to tease you!" Tristan said smirking.
Rory attempted to frown but ended up smiling. Tristan smiled, and threw his arm around Rory's shoulders. They both laughed as they passed Miss Patty, her tongue hanging out excitedly.
Back at the Gilmore house
Rory and Tristan sat in silence at the kitchen table. They both put their pens down.
"Finished?" they asked in unison. They laughed.
"Yep." Rory said, "All five thousand words!"
"Me too."
They were interrupted as a hysterical Lorelai crashed through the front door.
"Rory! You would not believe the day I had. Michele was such a pain! I swear sometimes I wish I could just mount his head on the wall with a sign saying 'Extinct: Rare French Pain in the Arse Concierge'!" She said as she walked into the kitchen. "Oh" She said in surprise. "We meet again" Lorelai said looking at Tristan. "Rory sweety, what is Satan doing here?"
"We were suspended from school for the rest of the week." Rory said handing Lorelai a mug of coffee.
"What's this" Lorelai asked.
"What's what?" Rory said confused.
"This?" Lorelai replied pointing at the mug in her hands.
"It's coffee.you do remember what coffee is right? You know, elixir of life and so on?"
"No"
"No!" Rory exclaimed, "Quick Tristan call the police, this woman's an imposter!"
"This", Lorelai said pointing again at the mug of steaming coffee in her hands, "Is a distraction."
"What do you mean a distraction?" Rory asked innocently.
"You gave me this thinking it would distract me from asking why you are suspended, and guess what.it worked" Lorelai said as she took a huge gulp of the delicious liquid she could no longer resist.
Rory laughed, "Honestly mom, that wasn't my intention at all"
"Huh, I know you too well daughter of mine. So really, why are you suspended/" Lorelai asked as she sat down at the table.
Rory told her the whole dressing room fiasco, including Paris and the rumor.
"So", Lorelai said turning to Tristan, "You're not such a bad guy after all?"
"I never knew I was?" Tristan replied smugly.
"Yeah, well, let me be the judge of that! So how are you going to get Paris back?" Rory and Tristan both looked at Lorelai surprised.
"Mom, are you suggesting we stoop to Paris's level, cause that's pretty low?"
"Are you trying to tell me you don't want too? Come on Rory, what's high school without a bit of revenge action?"
"You know, I kind of like the idea" Tristan said.
"Actually, I think I'm beginning to warm to it also." Rory replied.
"Great, we can plan it over pizza!' Lorelai said getting up and walking into the lounge room in search of the phone.
"You know what Rory Gilmore?"
"What Tristan DuGrey?"
"I like your mother".
"So do I" Rory replied smiling.
Two hours later
Rory, Tristan and Lorelai had spent the past two hours gorging themselves on pizza, and coming up with ways to get Paris back. After many ridiculous ideas on Lorelai's behalf, they had come to a winning plan.
"So, operation Paris is underway starting next week?" Lorelai asked. Tristan and Rory both nodded their heads mischievously. Both were looking forward to getting Paris back. Their plan was simple, but it would hit Paris like a sledge hammer, and she might just learn a lesson along the way.
"Well, it's getting pretty late", Tristan said looking at his watch, "I should probably go. Thanks for your.insight into tactical revenge Lorelai, it was a real.eye-opener!" he said laughing.
"Anytime" Lorelai said smiling.
"I'll walk you out." Rory said as she got up.
Tristan and Rory walked outside to Tristan's car.
"You know, your mum sure is crazy!"
"I know, the things she gets up to, it's a wonder she hasn't been arrested yet!"
"I had a really great day with you Rory" Tristan said seriously as he turned to stand infront of her. He looked deep into Rory's eyes, the light in them warming his entire being.
Rory swallowed nervously as Tristan stared deep into her eyes. She saw something flicker through them.desire. and at that moment Rory startled herself by wanting him to kiss her.
As if reading her thoughts, Tristan moved closer to Rory. He placed one hand on her waist, his other lifting her chin. His gaze flickered to Rory's lips, then back to her eyes, seeking in them her approval.
Rory almost stopped breathing. It was as if time had stood still and all that was still alive was her and Tristan. She circled her arms around his neck, her delicate fingers playing with the hair at the base of his neck.
Slowly, Tristan brought his lips to hers. Rory responded immediately. He licked her bottom lip, seeking entrance. Slowly, she opened her mouth a little wider, allowing Tristan to explore the recess of her mouth. After a few minutes the pair broke away to catch their breath. Tristan rested his forehead against Rory's. The kiss had been the best of his life. It was sweet, gentle, yet still passionate. He kissed the tip of Rory's button nose.
"Good night Rory Gilmore" he said softly as he reluctantly pulled away from her and climbed into his car.
Rory smiled, "Good night Tristan". She said as she watched Tristan's car drive away in the distance.
A/N: Ok, well, that's it for another chapter. I hope you enjoyed this installment, and if you did, I would love to hear from you, so you know what that means, REVIEW, please!!! Your feedback is the greatest source of motivation for a writer's soul. So until next time, happy trory reading!!! Love Leela (
Part 5
By Leela
A/N: Before I start I would like to thank the following people for reviewing, you make writing worthwhile! - BTVSGoddes: short but sweet, thanks! - Lela: it is weird our names are so similar! Thanks for your encouraging remark! - Heavy Glow: Thank you for your 'insane' comment, it made me laugh! - klm111a: I hope after this chapter you feel less sorry for our favourite couple! - Goldie: thanks for your constructive criticism, I sorta feel the same way in regards to dean, and I'm sorry that I made him out to be a bit of an ass, but somehow, that's where the story took me, what can you do?!! - ehjulstrom: I hope this chpt is less suspenseful for you!!! Thanks for reviewing. - SeductiveKate: I'm glad you are enjoying my fic and like that particular lorelai comment, I was a bit unsure of it myself!!! Oh and what does LMAO mean? - flossie: thanks for reviewing, your reward is another chpt!!! - Jess: thanks for reviewing, and I shall definitely continue the story! - Evie: the finish is not insight yet, but I will keep going until it rolls by my door. - Amy: I am glad you're enjoying my story and hope you keep reading future installments! - Lovelock79: mr medina threatens to make them speak at the assembly, but instead they got a trip to the principals office! I hope you keep reading. I have some other trory ideas for future fics, but am mainly concentrating on this one now.
Thanks to everyone again, I hope you all enjoy this next installment.
So, without further ado, I give you Part 5! ( (Meaning, I'm going to shut up now!)
On with the Trory!!!
Charleston's Office
Rory and Tristan sat in Principal Charleston's office in an embarrassed silence. Rory couldn't believe she was even there. Her perfect day had been ruined, by both Paris and Tristan.
Charleston finished looking through both students' files. "Mr. DuGrey, Miss Gilmore", he said acknowledging them," I have come to a decision concerning your punishment. You shall both be suspended for the rest of the week." Rory's mouth dropped open. *Suspended! The last time I was suspended was because a deer hit my car, now a rumor?* Rory was about to protest before Principal Charleston continued," As well as the suspension you are both to write a five thousand word essay on peer pressure on teens concerning sex and the consequences that can arise due to this."
Tristan suppressed the chuckle of laughter that was beginning to form in his throat. As embarrassing as the whole situation was, it was worth it just to hear Charleston say 'sex'. And if that wasn't enough, the look on Rory's face was priceless. It was a mixture of embarrassment, shock and disgust.
"Do you have any questions?" Charleston asked interrupting Tristan's thoughts. Rory and Tristan both shook their heads in silence. Both knew it was pointless to argue, the result ending in an increased suspension.
"Good. Your parents will be called in to pick you up."
"That won't be necessary Sir." Tristan replied.
"Excuse me?" Charleston asked in mild surprise.
"Well, I drove myself here, and I can easily drive Rory home so as not to trouble Ms Gilmore at work".
"I think that under the circumstances, that may not be a very good idea Mr. DuGrey."
"No, its fine Sir", Rory said, finding her voice, "My mom is very busy at the inn with a function, I don't want to bother her with my wrongful behavior.
Tristan almost laughed at Rory's words. She was being suspended for the rest of the week, yet she sounded even more sweet and innocent than she already was.
"Very well, But I shall draft a letter explaining what you both have done and your punishment, which must be given to your parents. Understood?"
"Yes Sir", Rory and Tristan both replied meekly.
"Good, you are excused, and don't let this happen again." Charleston said sternly. Rory and Tristan nodded as they quickly exited the stuffy office.
Once outside, Rory stormed down the hall towards her locker ahead of Tristan. She still couldn't believe this was happening. Lorelai would be laughing at her for weeks over this.
"Hey, Rory, wait up!" Tristan called, running to catch up to her. "What's the hurry? It's not like we have a class to get to." Tristan said smirking.
"No, I guess you're right.and I wonder whose fault that is?" Rory replied looking suggestively at Tristan.
"Hey, don't blame me, it's not my fault!" Tristan said.
"Not your fault!" Rory said, raising her voice a little, "If you hadn't have pulled me into that dressing room, I wouldn't be suspended, and I wouldn't have to write that stupid essay!"
"Rory, calm down and lower your voice before we get in trouble again." Tristan said as he looked around the halls.
"My voice? What the hell does my voice have anything to do with this?"
"If you had kept your mouth shut, we wouldn't have gotten caught in the first place." Tristan said calmly as he moved to stand directly in front of Rory, their bodies mere inches apart. He stared deep into Rory's sky blue eyes that flickered with anger.
Rory melted under Tristan's gaze. The atmosphere around them had changed as soon as Tristan had moved closer to her. The small space of air that separated them had become electrically charged, as if their bodies were magnets and they were being pulled together.
"If.if you hadn't have told me that rumor, I.I wouldn't have had reason to raise my voice." Rory stammered.
"I had to tell you." Tristan replied.
"You could have picked a better time, like after the assembly."
"No, I couldn't."
"Why?" Rory enquired, recognizing a flash of vulnerability in Tristan's face.
"Because." Tristan's shoulders slumped as he looked to his feet, "Because if I didn't tell you first, you would have heard it from someone else, and you'd think that I had started the rumor, and then you'd hate me all over again." Tristan said quietly.
"Tristan, I wouldn't have thought that you spread the rumor, and I wouldn't hate you." Rory said warmly. Tristan looked skeptically at her. "Tristan, I've seen a change in you. Beneath that cloud of ego, there lies a genuine, sincere and sensitive guy. I only wish I'd met him earlier.like my first day in this hell hole!" Rory said chuckling.
Tristan looked deep into Rory's eyes. He wanted to tell her.wanted to tell her right then and there that he was in love with her. But he couldn't. She wasn't ready and he'd end up scaring her.then she'd ignore him.
"I just can't believe that Paris did this. I mean, I know she can be spiteful but I didn't think she could ever do something as horrible as spreading a detrimental rumor like this."
"Well, Paris has issues." Replied Tristan.
Rory looked at Tristan questionly. "What do you mean 'issues'?"
"Well, she's been scared of you taking away her future position as valedictorian since you started here, and she's had a crush on me since.well since I've known her, and."
"She knows!" Rory said suddenly.
"She knows? Knows what?"
"She knows about the kiss. Now this all makes sense."
"Can you fill in the blanks please, cause I think I'm missing something?" Tristan asked confused.
"Ok, somehow she finds out that we kissed. Being Paris, her blood boils given the fact that she hates me and has a major thing for you, and thoughts of us together would send her off the deep end. So, what does she do to get back at us? Spreads a rumor that we slept together."
"Of course", Tristan said catching on, "It would further my supposed reputation, and ruin your creditability. She'd figure you'd think it was me, hate me, and then it would ruin whatever relationship she thought we had."
"Dr. Watson, I think we've cracked the case!"
"Yes Sherlock, I think we have!"
"I just can't believe she'd stoop so low! What a conniving witch! I want to.to.tear her head off!"
"Rory." Tristan said chuckling at her antics.
"This is a major dilemma!"
"Well I don't think it's a good idea to kill her!"
Rory let out an exasperated sigh, 'I guess you're right. I think Harvard would be rather opposed to the idea of accepting a murderer."
"Of course I'm right!' Tristan said, his infamous smirk finding its way to his mouth.
"And the ego cloud inflates again." Rory replied smiling.
Tristan laughed. "Come on Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, Tramp of Chilton, I'll take you home."
Rory hit Tristan playfully on the shoulder as she followed him outside to his car.
Gilmore house
"That's my place there!" said Rory pointing to her house.
Tristan pulled into the Gilmore driveway. "I thought you were kidding when you said we had to turn at the big rooster!"
"Oh, we never kid about Monty" Rory replied sweetly.
Rory and Tristan climbed out of the car and walked up to Rory's front door.
"So, Mary," Tristan started teasingly, "What are you going to tell your mother, about the suspension I mean?"
"That I was kidnapped by Satan and he locked me in the dressing room, and when I screamed to be let out, the evil operatives of hell had me suspended because the whole school is a cover up for a secret cult hell bent on destroying the lives of the youth of America. It's a big conspiracy." Rory answered seriously.
Tristan erupted into laughter.
"What? What's so funny?" Rory said. Tristan didn't stop. "Stop laughing at me!' Rory said, hitting him on the shoulder.
Tristan feigned pain, "Owww! I can't help it! You have such an over-active imagination!" Tristan managed to get out between fits of laughter.
"Well, it keeps me sane." Rory said smiling.
Tristan managed to calm down and control his laughing. "So, what do you plan on doing for the rest of the day?" Tristan asked.
"Well, I'll probably go to Luke's and then work on this stupid essay."
Tristan's stomach turned. "Who's Luke?" He asked, hoping it wasn't some new boyfriend.
"He owns a diner. It's practically our second home. We eat there everyday, and he has the best coffee!" Rory said, her eye's lighting up at the mere thought of the delicious elixir.
"Cool. Well, I guess I should go. I'm sorry I got you suspended Rory."
"That's ok. Maybe the break will do me some good. Plus now my mom will finally have the rebellious daughter she's always wanted!"
Tristan chuckled. "Ok, well, I'll see you later then."
"Yeah.see you later." Rory replied quietly.
Tristan hesitated before turning to walk back to his car. He didn't want to leave. He didn't want to go back to the coldness of the DuGrey mansion. But, it was up to Rory to cause him to stay.
"Tristan!" Rory called out to him. She didn't know why, but she didn't want him to leave just yet. She recognized something new in him, and she was eager to discover more about the elusive Tristan, the second Tristan that he kept hidden from view.
"Yeah?"
"Do you maybe want to join me for lunch? Luke has great food, the best in Stars Hollow, and then maybe we could work on the essay together?" Rory asked nervously.
Tristan smiled. "Sure, I'd love to."
Stars Hollow
Rory and Tristan walked down the main street of Stars Hollow laughing.
"That's Miss Patty" Rory said pointing to a women across the street who was practically drooling at the sight of them. "Beware of her, she has a mojo that could put Austin Powers to shame. Men are meat to her!"
"Right, warning noted!"
"There's Luke's" Rory squealed in excitement as she ran towards the diner.
"Rory, the sign says it's a hardware store" Tristan called out as he ran to catch up. He was amazed at the sense of love Rory had for this small, quirky town and its people.
Rory and Tristan entered the diner and sat down at a table in the window, both out of breath. A tall man wearing plaid and a baseball cap came over.
"Hey Luke!" Rory greeted the man warmly.
"Rory? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school? Does Lorelai know you're here? Who are you?" Luke said turning to Tristan who was chuckling at the man's onslaught of questions.
"Tristan DuGrey Sir" Tristan said as he stood and offered his hand. Luke looked him up and down in a judgmental manner before accepting his hand. He then looked questionly back to Rory, who was watching the exchange with a broad smile. She took a deep breath before attacking Luke's questions.
"We're here because we're hungry. I'm not at school cause I'm suspended for the rest of the week. Mom doesn't know I'm here or that I'm suspended. And Tristan is a friend from school." Rory finished out of breath.
A stunned look painted Luke's face. "Well then.ok. What will you have?"
"I'll have the regular thanks!" Rory chimed.
"And you?" Luke asked looking disapprovingly at Tristan.
"I'll have what ever the 'regular' is" Tristan replied coolly.
"You're a brave man, I'll give you credit for that" Luke said as he finished writing down the order and walked back to the kitchen.
"What did he mean by that?" Tristan asked.
"Mean by what?"
"The 'brave man' comment. What exactly is the regular/"
Rory just smiled innocently and took a mouthful of the coffee Luke had just put in front of her.
"I'm beginning to think the 'regular's' bad.'
"Not bad.just, big".
"Oh, well, that shouldn't be a problem. I have a pretty big appetite."
"Good, you'll need it to keep up with this one" Luke said as he placed a plate of pancakes in front of both of them.
"Is this it!?" Tristan said, "This is nothing!"
"This is just the beginning pal" Luke said walking away.
An hour later
Rory sat opposite Tristan watching him struggle through the last course of the 'regular'. He'd made it through the pancakes without a problem, survived the cheeseburger and mound of fries, and had even kept up with Rory's five coffees. But now, he was struggling through the blueberry pie and ice-cream.
Tristan raised a spoonful of pie to his mouth, stopping mid air. He took a deep breath and glanced at Rory. She had finished everything a good fifteen minutes ago and now sat smirking at him.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing." Rory replied innocently.
"Why are you giving me that look?" Tristan asked as he put down his spoon.
"What look?"
"That winning look.the one you give when you've defeated me.'
"Really? What have I defeated you in?" Rory said, the smirk returning to her face.
"Nothing".
"Are you sure?"
"Yes". Tristan said defiantly.
"You know, you don't have to finish it if you can't. I won't hold it against you".
Tristan snorted, "I can finish it".
"Alright, if you say so." Rory replied as she watched Tristan dig into his a pie with a new determination.
Five minutes later Tristan's bowl was empty. He took a deep breath, stretched his arms and back and let out a burp.
"Excuse me" he said with a satisfied smile.
"Pig!" Rory replied.
"Well, congratulations" Luke said coming over to the table, "I thought she had you beat!"
"Well, what can I say.It would take a lot more than that excuse for a meal for Rory to beat me!" Tristan said smirking at her.
"Huh!" Rory said in disapproval.
'Well, I think you'd have to be the only other person apart from Super Freak and Super Freak Jnr here to ever finish that. I have deep respect for you now." Luke said as he walked back to the counter.
"See that? He respects me!"
"Yeah, I'm amazed!'
"What's so amazing about that? Everybody likes me!' Tristan said, the cocky smirk spreading across his face.
"I said I had respect for you. I didn't say I liked you". Luke called out from behind the counter.
Rory threw a knowing smile at Tristan as his smirk disintegrated. "It's ok Tristan. I still like you". Rory said gently, patting his hand comfortly. "No need to get all sarcastic". Tristan replied.
"Who say's I was being sarcastic?" Rory said surprising herself as much as Tristan at her comment. She got up to pay the bill.
"I'll pay." Tristan said standing up with her.
'No, that's ok'.
"I insist." Tristan said firmly.
Rory smiled reluctantly, 'Ok, thanks".
"No thanks are necessary." Tristan said as he handed his credit card to Luke.
After Tristan had finished paying, the pair walked back out onto the main street of Stars Hollow.
"So." Rory started nervously, "Do you wanna go back to my place to work on the essay?"
"Yeah, sure.it'll give me more opportunities to tease you!" Tristan said smirking.
Rory attempted to frown but ended up smiling. Tristan smiled, and threw his arm around Rory's shoulders. They both laughed as they passed Miss Patty, her tongue hanging out excitedly.
Back at the Gilmore house
Rory and Tristan sat in silence at the kitchen table. They both put their pens down.
"Finished?" they asked in unison. They laughed.
"Yep." Rory said, "All five thousand words!"
"Me too."
They were interrupted as a hysterical Lorelai crashed through the front door.
"Rory! You would not believe the day I had. Michele was such a pain! I swear sometimes I wish I could just mount his head on the wall with a sign saying 'Extinct: Rare French Pain in the Arse Concierge'!" She said as she walked into the kitchen. "Oh" She said in surprise. "We meet again" Lorelai said looking at Tristan. "Rory sweety, what is Satan doing here?"
"We were suspended from school for the rest of the week." Rory said handing Lorelai a mug of coffee.
"What's this" Lorelai asked.
"What's what?" Rory said confused.
"This?" Lorelai replied pointing at the mug in her hands.
"It's coffee.you do remember what coffee is right? You know, elixir of life and so on?"
"No"
"No!" Rory exclaimed, "Quick Tristan call the police, this woman's an imposter!"
"This", Lorelai said pointing again at the mug of steaming coffee in her hands, "Is a distraction."
"What do you mean a distraction?" Rory asked innocently.
"You gave me this thinking it would distract me from asking why you are suspended, and guess what.it worked" Lorelai said as she took a huge gulp of the delicious liquid she could no longer resist.
Rory laughed, "Honestly mom, that wasn't my intention at all"
"Huh, I know you too well daughter of mine. So really, why are you suspended/" Lorelai asked as she sat down at the table.
Rory told her the whole dressing room fiasco, including Paris and the rumor.
"So", Lorelai said turning to Tristan, "You're not such a bad guy after all?"
"I never knew I was?" Tristan replied smugly.
"Yeah, well, let me be the judge of that! So how are you going to get Paris back?" Rory and Tristan both looked at Lorelai surprised.
"Mom, are you suggesting we stoop to Paris's level, cause that's pretty low?"
"Are you trying to tell me you don't want too? Come on Rory, what's high school without a bit of revenge action?"
"You know, I kind of like the idea" Tristan said.
"Actually, I think I'm beginning to warm to it also." Rory replied.
"Great, we can plan it over pizza!' Lorelai said getting up and walking into the lounge room in search of the phone.
"You know what Rory Gilmore?"
"What Tristan DuGrey?"
"I like your mother".
"So do I" Rory replied smiling.
Two hours later
Rory, Tristan and Lorelai had spent the past two hours gorging themselves on pizza, and coming up with ways to get Paris back. After many ridiculous ideas on Lorelai's behalf, they had come to a winning plan.
"So, operation Paris is underway starting next week?" Lorelai asked. Tristan and Rory both nodded their heads mischievously. Both were looking forward to getting Paris back. Their plan was simple, but it would hit Paris like a sledge hammer, and she might just learn a lesson along the way.
"Well, it's getting pretty late", Tristan said looking at his watch, "I should probably go. Thanks for your.insight into tactical revenge Lorelai, it was a real.eye-opener!" he said laughing.
"Anytime" Lorelai said smiling.
"I'll walk you out." Rory said as she got up.
Tristan and Rory walked outside to Tristan's car.
"You know, your mum sure is crazy!"
"I know, the things she gets up to, it's a wonder she hasn't been arrested yet!"
"I had a really great day with you Rory" Tristan said seriously as he turned to stand infront of her. He looked deep into Rory's eyes, the light in them warming his entire being.
Rory swallowed nervously as Tristan stared deep into her eyes. She saw something flicker through them.desire. and at that moment Rory startled herself by wanting him to kiss her.
As if reading her thoughts, Tristan moved closer to Rory. He placed one hand on her waist, his other lifting her chin. His gaze flickered to Rory's lips, then back to her eyes, seeking in them her approval.
Rory almost stopped breathing. It was as if time had stood still and all that was still alive was her and Tristan. She circled her arms around his neck, her delicate fingers playing with the hair at the base of his neck.
Slowly, Tristan brought his lips to hers. Rory responded immediately. He licked her bottom lip, seeking entrance. Slowly, she opened her mouth a little wider, allowing Tristan to explore the recess of her mouth. After a few minutes the pair broke away to catch their breath. Tristan rested his forehead against Rory's. The kiss had been the best of his life. It was sweet, gentle, yet still passionate. He kissed the tip of Rory's button nose.
"Good night Rory Gilmore" he said softly as he reluctantly pulled away from her and climbed into his car.
Rory smiled, "Good night Tristan". She said as she watched Tristan's car drive away in the distance.
A/N: Ok, well, that's it for another chapter. I hope you enjoyed this installment, and if you did, I would love to hear from you, so you know what that means, REVIEW, please!!! Your feedback is the greatest source of motivation for a writer's soul. So until next time, happy trory reading!!! Love Leela (