WHAT IT IS: A sequel, to my other Trory, What Happens When. Now, I had no
intentions at all to do a sequel. However, you're getting one, because of
all the Jess/Dean/Rory angst currently on the show—it's stressing me out.
So, since I had decided that fluff was probably all I'd get out of a sequel
and fluff is what I need right now (it's either fluff or unbearable angst
coming out of me right now)—here's a sequel.
WHAT I OWN: Nada.
RATING: PG-13, just to be safe. It is fluff after all.
AN: okay, I just watched the season finale, and I'm speechless. Seriously, gaping at air, unable to form coherent thought there for a while. I saw on gg.net that Milo's show didn't get picked up, so I hope he comes back at least for a few episodes next season. A girl can hope, can't she? Since a certain blonde boy is busy with other projects and all. Sigh. shakes head, what IS she thinking with Dean? Okay, on with the story. I had to get that out.
The next morning, Jess woke up to the bed bouncing violently. He tried to pull the covers back over his head, but that tactic didn't work. They were immediately pulled back down. He opened his eyes, expecting to see Will, but Rory was the culprit.
"That's it," he said, reaching out and pulling her down, tickling her.
"Jess! Stop!"
"You started this," he reminded her, as her giggling got worse.
"Everyone's up! WE can't open presents 'til you get out there!" she choked out, in between laughs.
Jess was much stronger than Rory, and had her pinned with his elbows as he tickled her. It was only as she got out her last statement that he realized the situation he had gotten himself into. Here he was, in only his boxers, pinning Rory down to the bed. Both were smiling and laughing, and his heart sank a little as he backed off quickly.
"Hey, you okay?" she asked softly, at his retreat.
"Yeah, why?"
"You just seemed like, I don't know, I bit you or something."
"No, it's just, everyone's waiting, right?"
"Right. I'll see you out there."
Jess nodded and Rory walked back out of her old room. He put his head into his hands and willed his brain to shut off. 'One more day,' he reminded himself. Then he could go back to his life where she wasn't there as a constant reminder. Slowly, he stood up and pulled on a t-shirt and some pants. He stopped in the kitchen for some coffee; thank God this was the house of eternal fresh coffee, and made his way into the family room where everyone else had assembled. Will had his stocking and Jess' in his arms, and hurried over to Jess.
"All right, kids, let's see what Santa brought you," Lorelai said, her digital camera ready to capture all the excitement.
Jess pulled Will up into his lap, as Will began to dig into his stocking. Soon the entire living room was a flurry of shreds of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tags. Will ran around hugging each person for their gifts, and then returned his attention to all the toys and candy he'd received. Luke walked over and picked up the candy, and began to head into the kitchen.
"Dad! That's MY candy," Will exclaimed, following his father into the kitchen.
"Well, you can't eat it all at once, and it's time for breakfast," Luke instructed.
"Ah, let him rot those teeth out, he'll grow new ones," Lorelai said, coming up behind Will.
"I'm amazed you and Rory still have your own teeth."
"Nah, these are wooden!" she clinked her fingernail to her teeth, and then turned down to Will. "Okay, Will, you can have a little candy now, but why don't you let Daddy save the rest, so you can enjoy it for a while, over a longer period of time," Lorelai coaxed.
Will nodded as his mother dropped two pieces of candy into his hands and he ran back into the living room to his new toys. Lorelai smiled at Luke, who shook his head and wandered into the kitchen, where Jess was waiting to help him cook for the group.
Rory was gathering up the new clothes and books she'd received and put them neatly on the coffee table. She turned to Tristan, who was looking at her in anticipation.
"What? You got your present from me," she added, pointing to the new watch on his wrist.
"I know, and I love it. But you didn't get one from me."
Rory furrowed her brow and thought. He was right; she hadn't actually received a gift from him.
"Where is it?"
"Hang on a sec," he said, as he leaned under the tree and pulled a small box out from the back.
"It got shoved back there a while ago, I guess no one saw it," he explained.
Rory smiled and took the small box from him. He'd been so tight-lipped about this gift; usually he gives a few good hints to her. Not that she ever figures it out, he gives her very obscure and strange but true facts about whatever he's giving her. She always tells him it's his evil nature that makes him so good at that.
When she opened the box, she saw keys. She picked one up and looked up at her husband.
"I don't understand, what is this?"
"Do you remember that day in September, the one we played hooky and took off driving?"
Rory nodded, still not following him.
"You were talking about how you loved working in the city, but when we had a family, you'd like to move out to the suburbs, and we drove by that house in White Plains that you loved so much?"
Rory nodded again, now understanding, but still not quite believing.
"Well, when we got back, I called the realtor, and starting talking prices with her, and I got the call a month ago that we got the house."
"We—you, we have a--," Rory stammered.
Lorelai stood in the archway, looking on the scene with a huge grin. She was secretly hoping for grandchildren, but didn't want to pressure them. She hoped this would be a step in that direction.
"We have a house," Tristan helped.
"We have a house!" Rory exclaimed, jumping up into his arms. She hugged him tightly, and pulled back to look in his eyes. "It's really ours?"
"Yep, I told her I wanted to surprise you, so we have to go in when we get back to sign the papers together. It's all ours, babe!"
"Mom! We have a house!" she shouted, running over to hug her mother.
"I see that! We have to decorate, oh, the fun we're going to have, and I'm an expert at it, after the Dragonfly. Especially since I get to use your money, not mine!"
"Hey, you used my money for the Dragonfly, I believe. And I've yet to see a penny of that returned," Luke interjected, coming in from the kitchen.
"You see it when the profits come in from the Dragonfly. If you'd wanted monthly installments, you shouldn't have married me," she reminded him.
"Damn. I knew there was something I'd forgotten when I asked you to marry me," he teased. "Breakfast is ready," he announced, and everyone made their way into the kitchen where Luke and Jess had tons of food ready.
"So, Jess, you're leaving us tomorrow, are you sure you can't stay?" Lorelai asked one more time as they all piled food onto their plates.
"I'd like to, but I really have to get back. I'll come again as soon as I know what my schedule's going to be like this next quarter," Jess promised.
"You guys are staying for the big New Year's blowout, right?" she turned to Rory and Tristan.
"Yeah, definitely," Rory agreed, taking more bacon.
"We do have to go to my mom's house today, though," Tristan said begrudgingly.
"Geez, calm down there, son, you're killing me with your anticipation!" Lorelai teased.
"Bill is proposing, probably as we speak," Rory explained, as Tristan shook his head.
"Bill, as in the guy at the Christmas party Bill?" Luke asked.
"Yep."
"Didn't they just start dating?" Lorelai asked.
"He loves her," Tristan shrugged.
"You don't love him?" Jess asked sardonically.
"He called to ask for her hand," Rory whispered, leaning over to Jess. Not like Tristan couldn't hear her, but it was as if it made him felt better for her not to say it at a normal volume.
Lorelai laughed as both Jess and Luke choked a little trying not to laugh. Tristan glared a little at all of them.
"I'm glad my pain is funny to you all," he retorted.
"Hon, they aren't laughing at you, they're just—come on, it's a little funny."
"I just hope she says no."
"Well, we'll find out soon enough. And at least to pretend to be happy for her if she said yes," Rory requested.
"Ugh. Why can't parents just stay the same?"
"Hey, that's not fair. We have to have fun sometimes, or there'd be no kids!" Lorelai remarked.
"Aw, geez. Not at the breakfast table," Jess pleaded, putting his hands over Will's ears.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked.
"There's no telling what dirty things she'll say next," Jess looked at Lorelai with an eyebrow raised.
"Man, no one has a sense of humor in this house!" Lorelai remarked, standing up to get more coffee.
The group laughed and talked while they finished their breakfast. Afterwards, Jess and Lorelai disappeared into the living room to pick up the mess as Rory and Tristan headed back to the inn to get ready for their trip to Hartford.
Once they got to Hartford, Rory looked over at her husband as they drove.
"It's not the end of the world. If she loves him, then it's a good thing, right?"
"Right, it's just strange. My mother is going to marry some stranger, some guy I've met once?"
"My dad married some woman I'd met once."
"True. And look how well that worked out for him," he reminded her.
"Look, just put on a smile, okay? We're here."
Tristan looked up at the looming house. He could barely remember the life he'd spent here. Since leaving in high school, he'd been in much smaller quarters, first of dorm rooms, then apartment life. The only houses he'd seen lately were much more normal sized, cozy in a way. Not like his old house at all. He took a deep breath and followed Rory up to the front door.
Elizabeth opened the door smiling, welcoming them in. She led them into a huge family room, complete with fully trimmed tree and presents. Tristan looked around as he sat down next to his mother.
"Mom, where's Bill?"
"He left."
"He was here, earlier, though, right?"
"Yes. I suppose you're wondering about what happened," she continued.
"Well, he called and talked to me, so, yeah."
"He told me he called you. He did propose, but honey, we've only been dating a few months, and he's a nice man an all that, but it just wasn't right for me. I've been married all of my adult life. Unhappily for most of it," she added, "and I'm enjoying being on my own."
"Wow. That's a relief," Tristan breathed.
"You don't like Bill?" Elizabeth queried.
"It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him."
"Me either, really. I told him I'd love to continue seeing him, see where all this goes, but marriage is just out of the question right now. He left, to let us have some family time."
Tristan hugged his mother, and they opened presents and later Janlan showed up for a late lunch. By the time they got back into the car, now loaded with gifts, both Rory and Tristan were exhausted.
"Do you want to head back to your mom's for a while?"
"Nah, let's just get to the Inn."
"Good. I mean, I would go if you wanted, but I'm beat."
Rory nodded, and sank back into her seat. She turned and looked into the backseat, and looked back at Tristan.
"How're we going to get all this stuff back to New York?"
"Maybe your mom can store it 'til we move," Tristan offered. Rory smiled, and squeezed his hand. She was still in awe of the fact they owned a home. They'd talked about it before, but had both been so busy with work lately that they hadn't had time to look seriously for one. They chatted for a while, about when they'd be able to schedule the move, and whom they could get to help. Eventually Rory nodded off to sleep and didn't rouse until Tristan gently shook her as he turned off the car. She gave her body a stretch and they headed back up to their room.
"So, good nap?"
"Yeah, why?"
Tristan sat on the bed and patted the area next to him. Rory smiled and shook her head.
"I thought you were tired."
"I've gotten my second wind. And what with your powernap, you should be good for another couple of hours," he added.
"A couple of hours! My, we are ambitious, aren't we?"
"You say that like it's never happened before!" Tristan reminded her, feigning hurt.
Rory blushed a little. She knew his abilities very well, and was very grateful. She'd heard horror stories from her mother, of some men's ideas of foreplay, romance, and the whole gambit. Now that she was grown, Lorelai had deemed it time for her to give gory details about past boyfriends.
"Yes, I know, stamina is your middle name," she giggled, as he traced a finger lightly down her arm. She stopped giggling as he leaned in and lightly brushed her lips with his own. He was going for slow and steady tonight, and she became light headed with the intensity of his barest touch.
That night, as Tristan slept, she woke to need to use the bathroom. She was careful to disentangle herself as not to wake him. After she used the restroom, she crept downstairs for a glass of water. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she turned on the kitchen light to find Jess sitting at the counter eating cookies.
"Ohmygod!"
"GOD!"
"Shh!"
"Sorry," he whispered. They both smiled, more at the situation, than each other, and Rory wandered over to the cabinet to get a glass.
"What are you doing up?"
"I was thirsty, you?"
"Couldn't sleep. The cookies were calling my name," he informed her.
"You're strange. You're aware of that, right?"
"You're one to talk. I think my brain got overrun by your and Lorelai's crazy talk. It's permanently embedded in there."
"We have that effect on people," Rory shrugged, a smile pulling at her lips.
He shook his head and bit the head off a snowman. Rory watched him methodically eat the cookie, first the head, the middle and lastly the bottom snowball.
"Weren't you thirsty? Or is my cookie eating that riveting?"
She blushed a little and walked over to the refrigerator to get the water filter out, pouring herself a glass.
"So, you're leaving tomorrow?"
"Bright and early."
"Why so soon?"
"Work."
"Just work?"
"Just work. Well, and some pre-reading."
"No girl?"
"Rory," he pleaded.
"What? You can talk to me about this," she promised.
"No, I can't."
"Why not?"
"There's nothing to tell."
She stared into his eyes, and he stared back. Neither backed down from the stare, and eventually she tried again.
"You said there was girl."
"It's nothing. I'm not going back to see her. I might see her when I get back, I might not."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You're going to anyways, aren't you?"
"Have you been serious with anyone, since we, I mean, since you left for California?"
He looked at her. He didn't want to talk about this. He never wanted to talk about this; this could only go one way for him—badly. But knowing her as he did, he knew she wouldn't just let this drop.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Just haven't met that perfect person, I guess."
"Jess,"
"What?"
"Are you trying?"
"What do you mean, am I enlisting the help of a professional?"
"No, I mean, you tend to close yourself off when it gets serious. It hinders things," she gently added.
"Rory, look, no one has gotten to the point where I can push them away. It's just, not been on my mind, okay?"
"Why not?"
"I've been busy. I work all the time. When I don't work, I'm in school."
"I heard. That's great, but you still need a social life."
"You didn't study hard at Yale?"
"I did, but I made room for Tristan. I had a life outside studying and working."
"Can we please stop talking about this?"
"Fine. I just want you to be happy, you know that, right?"
"Thanks. I want you to be happy, too. You are, happy, right?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Before I forget, I have something for you," he stood up, motioning for her to stay there. He left the kitchen and came back a few minutes later, with a box.
"I was going to give it to you today, but I forgot it here," he said, handing it to her.
"Jess, you didn't have to," she told him.
"I know. Open it."
She tore off the paper to see a CD. She looked at it and glanced up at him.
"Daydream Nation?"
"I saw it in Hartford. Trust me, it's a must own."
"How do you know I don't have it?"
"It wasn't in your collection before. It came out in '93, so I took a shot."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I'm glad you came for Christmas."
"Me too."
"I mean, it's nice to talk to you again."
"Yeah. It's been a long time."
"I'm sorry if I made you feel like you couldn't talk to me."
"Why would you think that?"
"Well, we've been 'related' for what, three years now, and I don't see you all that time. Did you get the wedding invitation I sent you?"
"Yeah, I got it. I really couldn't get out of work that day."
"I wish you'd come."
"I'm sorry. I just, couldn't," he said, not wanting to elaborate. She looked like she wanted more information from him, but didn't pry. She let it drop, and nodded her head.
"How 'bout I help you move into that big fancy house, to make it up to you?" he offered.
She gave him a broad smile. "I'd like that. I'll call you when we get back to the city."
He nodded and watched her leave the kitchen. He cleaned up his mess and headed up to his room, grabbing his bag and leaving his key with the night manager. He got into his car and took off for I-95 towards New York.
WHAT I OWN: Nada.
RATING: PG-13, just to be safe. It is fluff after all.
AN: okay, I just watched the season finale, and I'm speechless. Seriously, gaping at air, unable to form coherent thought there for a while. I saw on gg.net that Milo's show didn't get picked up, so I hope he comes back at least for a few episodes next season. A girl can hope, can't she? Since a certain blonde boy is busy with other projects and all. Sigh. shakes head, what IS she thinking with Dean? Okay, on with the story. I had to get that out.
The next morning, Jess woke up to the bed bouncing violently. He tried to pull the covers back over his head, but that tactic didn't work. They were immediately pulled back down. He opened his eyes, expecting to see Will, but Rory was the culprit.
"That's it," he said, reaching out and pulling her down, tickling her.
"Jess! Stop!"
"You started this," he reminded her, as her giggling got worse.
"Everyone's up! WE can't open presents 'til you get out there!" she choked out, in between laughs.
Jess was much stronger than Rory, and had her pinned with his elbows as he tickled her. It was only as she got out her last statement that he realized the situation he had gotten himself into. Here he was, in only his boxers, pinning Rory down to the bed. Both were smiling and laughing, and his heart sank a little as he backed off quickly.
"Hey, you okay?" she asked softly, at his retreat.
"Yeah, why?"
"You just seemed like, I don't know, I bit you or something."
"No, it's just, everyone's waiting, right?"
"Right. I'll see you out there."
Jess nodded and Rory walked back out of her old room. He put his head into his hands and willed his brain to shut off. 'One more day,' he reminded himself. Then he could go back to his life where she wasn't there as a constant reminder. Slowly, he stood up and pulled on a t-shirt and some pants. He stopped in the kitchen for some coffee; thank God this was the house of eternal fresh coffee, and made his way into the family room where everyone else had assembled. Will had his stocking and Jess' in his arms, and hurried over to Jess.
"All right, kids, let's see what Santa brought you," Lorelai said, her digital camera ready to capture all the excitement.
Jess pulled Will up into his lap, as Will began to dig into his stocking. Soon the entire living room was a flurry of shreds of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tags. Will ran around hugging each person for their gifts, and then returned his attention to all the toys and candy he'd received. Luke walked over and picked up the candy, and began to head into the kitchen.
"Dad! That's MY candy," Will exclaimed, following his father into the kitchen.
"Well, you can't eat it all at once, and it's time for breakfast," Luke instructed.
"Ah, let him rot those teeth out, he'll grow new ones," Lorelai said, coming up behind Will.
"I'm amazed you and Rory still have your own teeth."
"Nah, these are wooden!" she clinked her fingernail to her teeth, and then turned down to Will. "Okay, Will, you can have a little candy now, but why don't you let Daddy save the rest, so you can enjoy it for a while, over a longer period of time," Lorelai coaxed.
Will nodded as his mother dropped two pieces of candy into his hands and he ran back into the living room to his new toys. Lorelai smiled at Luke, who shook his head and wandered into the kitchen, where Jess was waiting to help him cook for the group.
Rory was gathering up the new clothes and books she'd received and put them neatly on the coffee table. She turned to Tristan, who was looking at her in anticipation.
"What? You got your present from me," she added, pointing to the new watch on his wrist.
"I know, and I love it. But you didn't get one from me."
Rory furrowed her brow and thought. He was right; she hadn't actually received a gift from him.
"Where is it?"
"Hang on a sec," he said, as he leaned under the tree and pulled a small box out from the back.
"It got shoved back there a while ago, I guess no one saw it," he explained.
Rory smiled and took the small box from him. He'd been so tight-lipped about this gift; usually he gives a few good hints to her. Not that she ever figures it out, he gives her very obscure and strange but true facts about whatever he's giving her. She always tells him it's his evil nature that makes him so good at that.
When she opened the box, she saw keys. She picked one up and looked up at her husband.
"I don't understand, what is this?"
"Do you remember that day in September, the one we played hooky and took off driving?"
Rory nodded, still not following him.
"You were talking about how you loved working in the city, but when we had a family, you'd like to move out to the suburbs, and we drove by that house in White Plains that you loved so much?"
Rory nodded again, now understanding, but still not quite believing.
"Well, when we got back, I called the realtor, and starting talking prices with her, and I got the call a month ago that we got the house."
"We—you, we have a--," Rory stammered.
Lorelai stood in the archway, looking on the scene with a huge grin. She was secretly hoping for grandchildren, but didn't want to pressure them. She hoped this would be a step in that direction.
"We have a house," Tristan helped.
"We have a house!" Rory exclaimed, jumping up into his arms. She hugged him tightly, and pulled back to look in his eyes. "It's really ours?"
"Yep, I told her I wanted to surprise you, so we have to go in when we get back to sign the papers together. It's all ours, babe!"
"Mom! We have a house!" she shouted, running over to hug her mother.
"I see that! We have to decorate, oh, the fun we're going to have, and I'm an expert at it, after the Dragonfly. Especially since I get to use your money, not mine!"
"Hey, you used my money for the Dragonfly, I believe. And I've yet to see a penny of that returned," Luke interjected, coming in from the kitchen.
"You see it when the profits come in from the Dragonfly. If you'd wanted monthly installments, you shouldn't have married me," she reminded him.
"Damn. I knew there was something I'd forgotten when I asked you to marry me," he teased. "Breakfast is ready," he announced, and everyone made their way into the kitchen where Luke and Jess had tons of food ready.
"So, Jess, you're leaving us tomorrow, are you sure you can't stay?" Lorelai asked one more time as they all piled food onto their plates.
"I'd like to, but I really have to get back. I'll come again as soon as I know what my schedule's going to be like this next quarter," Jess promised.
"You guys are staying for the big New Year's blowout, right?" she turned to Rory and Tristan.
"Yeah, definitely," Rory agreed, taking more bacon.
"We do have to go to my mom's house today, though," Tristan said begrudgingly.
"Geez, calm down there, son, you're killing me with your anticipation!" Lorelai teased.
"Bill is proposing, probably as we speak," Rory explained, as Tristan shook his head.
"Bill, as in the guy at the Christmas party Bill?" Luke asked.
"Yep."
"Didn't they just start dating?" Lorelai asked.
"He loves her," Tristan shrugged.
"You don't love him?" Jess asked sardonically.
"He called to ask for her hand," Rory whispered, leaning over to Jess. Not like Tristan couldn't hear her, but it was as if it made him felt better for her not to say it at a normal volume.
Lorelai laughed as both Jess and Luke choked a little trying not to laugh. Tristan glared a little at all of them.
"I'm glad my pain is funny to you all," he retorted.
"Hon, they aren't laughing at you, they're just—come on, it's a little funny."
"I just hope she says no."
"Well, we'll find out soon enough. And at least to pretend to be happy for her if she said yes," Rory requested.
"Ugh. Why can't parents just stay the same?"
"Hey, that's not fair. We have to have fun sometimes, or there'd be no kids!" Lorelai remarked.
"Aw, geez. Not at the breakfast table," Jess pleaded, putting his hands over Will's ears.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked.
"There's no telling what dirty things she'll say next," Jess looked at Lorelai with an eyebrow raised.
"Man, no one has a sense of humor in this house!" Lorelai remarked, standing up to get more coffee.
The group laughed and talked while they finished their breakfast. Afterwards, Jess and Lorelai disappeared into the living room to pick up the mess as Rory and Tristan headed back to the inn to get ready for their trip to Hartford.
Once they got to Hartford, Rory looked over at her husband as they drove.
"It's not the end of the world. If she loves him, then it's a good thing, right?"
"Right, it's just strange. My mother is going to marry some stranger, some guy I've met once?"
"My dad married some woman I'd met once."
"True. And look how well that worked out for him," he reminded her.
"Look, just put on a smile, okay? We're here."
Tristan looked up at the looming house. He could barely remember the life he'd spent here. Since leaving in high school, he'd been in much smaller quarters, first of dorm rooms, then apartment life. The only houses he'd seen lately were much more normal sized, cozy in a way. Not like his old house at all. He took a deep breath and followed Rory up to the front door.
Elizabeth opened the door smiling, welcoming them in. She led them into a huge family room, complete with fully trimmed tree and presents. Tristan looked around as he sat down next to his mother.
"Mom, where's Bill?"
"He left."
"He was here, earlier, though, right?"
"Yes. I suppose you're wondering about what happened," she continued.
"Well, he called and talked to me, so, yeah."
"He told me he called you. He did propose, but honey, we've only been dating a few months, and he's a nice man an all that, but it just wasn't right for me. I've been married all of my adult life. Unhappily for most of it," she added, "and I'm enjoying being on my own."
"Wow. That's a relief," Tristan breathed.
"You don't like Bill?" Elizabeth queried.
"It's not that I don't like him, I just don't know him."
"Me either, really. I told him I'd love to continue seeing him, see where all this goes, but marriage is just out of the question right now. He left, to let us have some family time."
Tristan hugged his mother, and they opened presents and later Janlan showed up for a late lunch. By the time they got back into the car, now loaded with gifts, both Rory and Tristan were exhausted.
"Do you want to head back to your mom's for a while?"
"Nah, let's just get to the Inn."
"Good. I mean, I would go if you wanted, but I'm beat."
Rory nodded, and sank back into her seat. She turned and looked into the backseat, and looked back at Tristan.
"How're we going to get all this stuff back to New York?"
"Maybe your mom can store it 'til we move," Tristan offered. Rory smiled, and squeezed his hand. She was still in awe of the fact they owned a home. They'd talked about it before, but had both been so busy with work lately that they hadn't had time to look seriously for one. They chatted for a while, about when they'd be able to schedule the move, and whom they could get to help. Eventually Rory nodded off to sleep and didn't rouse until Tristan gently shook her as he turned off the car. She gave her body a stretch and they headed back up to their room.
"So, good nap?"
"Yeah, why?"
Tristan sat on the bed and patted the area next to him. Rory smiled and shook her head.
"I thought you were tired."
"I've gotten my second wind. And what with your powernap, you should be good for another couple of hours," he added.
"A couple of hours! My, we are ambitious, aren't we?"
"You say that like it's never happened before!" Tristan reminded her, feigning hurt.
Rory blushed a little. She knew his abilities very well, and was very grateful. She'd heard horror stories from her mother, of some men's ideas of foreplay, romance, and the whole gambit. Now that she was grown, Lorelai had deemed it time for her to give gory details about past boyfriends.
"Yes, I know, stamina is your middle name," she giggled, as he traced a finger lightly down her arm. She stopped giggling as he leaned in and lightly brushed her lips with his own. He was going for slow and steady tonight, and she became light headed with the intensity of his barest touch.
That night, as Tristan slept, she woke to need to use the bathroom. She was careful to disentangle herself as not to wake him. After she used the restroom, she crept downstairs for a glass of water. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she turned on the kitchen light to find Jess sitting at the counter eating cookies.
"Ohmygod!"
"GOD!"
"Shh!"
"Sorry," he whispered. They both smiled, more at the situation, than each other, and Rory wandered over to the cabinet to get a glass.
"What are you doing up?"
"I was thirsty, you?"
"Couldn't sleep. The cookies were calling my name," he informed her.
"You're strange. You're aware of that, right?"
"You're one to talk. I think my brain got overrun by your and Lorelai's crazy talk. It's permanently embedded in there."
"We have that effect on people," Rory shrugged, a smile pulling at her lips.
He shook his head and bit the head off a snowman. Rory watched him methodically eat the cookie, first the head, the middle and lastly the bottom snowball.
"Weren't you thirsty? Or is my cookie eating that riveting?"
She blushed a little and walked over to the refrigerator to get the water filter out, pouring herself a glass.
"So, you're leaving tomorrow?"
"Bright and early."
"Why so soon?"
"Work."
"Just work?"
"Just work. Well, and some pre-reading."
"No girl?"
"Rory," he pleaded.
"What? You can talk to me about this," she promised.
"No, I can't."
"Why not?"
"There's nothing to tell."
She stared into his eyes, and he stared back. Neither backed down from the stare, and eventually she tried again.
"You said there was girl."
"It's nothing. I'm not going back to see her. I might see her when I get back, I might not."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You're going to anyways, aren't you?"
"Have you been serious with anyone, since we, I mean, since you left for California?"
He looked at her. He didn't want to talk about this. He never wanted to talk about this; this could only go one way for him—badly. But knowing her as he did, he knew she wouldn't just let this drop.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Just haven't met that perfect person, I guess."
"Jess,"
"What?"
"Are you trying?"
"What do you mean, am I enlisting the help of a professional?"
"No, I mean, you tend to close yourself off when it gets serious. It hinders things," she gently added.
"Rory, look, no one has gotten to the point where I can push them away. It's just, not been on my mind, okay?"
"Why not?"
"I've been busy. I work all the time. When I don't work, I'm in school."
"I heard. That's great, but you still need a social life."
"You didn't study hard at Yale?"
"I did, but I made room for Tristan. I had a life outside studying and working."
"Can we please stop talking about this?"
"Fine. I just want you to be happy, you know that, right?"
"Thanks. I want you to be happy, too. You are, happy, right?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Before I forget, I have something for you," he stood up, motioning for her to stay there. He left the kitchen and came back a few minutes later, with a box.
"I was going to give it to you today, but I forgot it here," he said, handing it to her.
"Jess, you didn't have to," she told him.
"I know. Open it."
She tore off the paper to see a CD. She looked at it and glanced up at him.
"Daydream Nation?"
"I saw it in Hartford. Trust me, it's a must own."
"How do you know I don't have it?"
"It wasn't in your collection before. It came out in '93, so I took a shot."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I'm glad you came for Christmas."
"Me too."
"I mean, it's nice to talk to you again."
"Yeah. It's been a long time."
"I'm sorry if I made you feel like you couldn't talk to me."
"Why would you think that?"
"Well, we've been 'related' for what, three years now, and I don't see you all that time. Did you get the wedding invitation I sent you?"
"Yeah, I got it. I really couldn't get out of work that day."
"I wish you'd come."
"I'm sorry. I just, couldn't," he said, not wanting to elaborate. She looked like she wanted more information from him, but didn't pry. She let it drop, and nodded her head.
"How 'bout I help you move into that big fancy house, to make it up to you?" he offered.
She gave him a broad smile. "I'd like that. I'll call you when we get back to the city."
He nodded and watched her leave the kitchen. He cleaned up his mess and headed up to his room, grabbing his bag and leaving his key with the night manager. He got into his car and took off for I-95 towards New York.