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.
The time had finally come for Janlan to leave the hospital. Tristan had come early that Saturday, to talk with him until his parents came to pick Janlan up. Rory had stayed at Lorelai's house to sleep in. She had officially cut back her hours the week before again. She was feeling better now that she was sleeping more regular hours, and she definitely had less stress now.
Tristan came into the room Janlan had been moved to the week before, and sat in the chair to wait for him to wake up. He grabbed the daily paper and browsed through it.
"Are you just sitting there for your health?"
"Gramps, hey. I was wondering when you'd wake up."
"Why are you here?"
"Just came to keep an old man company."
"I am old, son. This clenches it."
"This just means you need to take better care of yourself. Slow down. Enjoy life."
"Smell a damn rose, I know, they keep feeding the same psycho-babble to me day after day in physical therapy."
"Gramps,"
"It's bad enough I have to go and live with your father like a child, but don't tell me to suddenly change my life now. I want to work, and I will still be a part of my business."
Tristan sighed and looked to his grandfather. He knew he wouldn't be arguing much with him, it did no good.
"So, tell me, how is Rory?"
"Well, she's happy to see you as feisty as ever."
"How's that child of yours? Got a name yet?"
"Didn't anyone tell you? We're naming it after you."
"Don't be a smart ass."
"Gramps, we don't even know the sex."
"That's right, you're being obstinate."
"We want to be surprised," Tristan corrected.
"Huh. Well, what do you make of me having to go to your parents house to live?"
"I think they'll take good care of you."
Janlan cocked his eyebrow at his grandson.
"Did something happen with you and your father while I was in this place?"
"We talked. We came to an understanding. A civil one."
"So, he's not out to feed me to the dogs?"
"They don't have dogs. The story is they're moving in together, not just to take care of you, but because they 'love' each other."
"Again?"
"Yep."
"I'm glad you turned out normally. I suppose I should thank Rory for that, though."
"Yeah, probably," Tristan smiled, leaning back into the uncomfortable hospital chair. They sat and talked until Thomas and Elizabeth arrived with a wheel chair. Janlan looked at the chair in disgust.
"I don't need a wheelchair. I had a heart attack, I didn't have my legs blown off in Korea."
"Dad, just get in the chair, it's hospital rules. If you want to leave, it has to be in this."
Tristan smiled as he watched his father coax his stodgy grandfather into the wheelchair. He remembered suddenly, times where they used to be like this all the time. The good times, when Tristan was very small. His father and grandfather, bantering, talking, getting along. It was nice to see again.
"Well, if you don't need me, I'm going to get back to Stars Hollow."
"Are we still on for dinner next week?"
"We'll be there, Mom," Tristan said as he kissed his mother's cheek.
"Give 'em hell, Gramps," he said, hugging his grandfather.
"Expect no less, son," he laughed.
"Bye, Dad," Tristan finally turned to his father, extending his hand. Thomas nodded and shook his son's hand, grateful for the acknowledgement. Small steps were fine with him.
When Tristan returned back to his mother-in-law's house, he found no one home, save for a sleeping Rory. He smiled as he walked over to the bed, removed his shoes and slid under the covers with her. She didn't open her eyes, but snuggled up against him.
"Mmm," he murmured, burying his face into her hair.
"Hey, how was the hospital?"
"Fine. He doesn't want to go with mom and dad, but knows he doesn't have a choice in the matter."
"Well, let's not think about that now," she said. He noticed the look in her eyes. He looked at her in surprise; they had just had sex this morning, early before he left.
"You're kidding me."
"What? You're denying me?"
"Never. I'm just amazed. Twice in four hours, that's well, there isn't a word for how amazing that is," he babbled.
"Shut up," she took his face in her hands and pulled him in to meet his lips in a hungry kiss.
An hour later, he lay on his back next to Rory, who was sitting up against the headboard. Both were sweaty and smiling.
"We just had sex, for an hour, in your brother's bed," he said, happy, but incredulous.
"Guess you need to change the sheets," she giggled.
"Me? You started this."
"If you're going to complain, I'm sure I can find someone else to help me out with my cravings."
"Right," he mocked.
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Honey, let's face it, I've spoiled you. No other man could ever itch your scratch now."
She giggled and threw a pillow at him. "My, my, someone's full of themselves, aren't they?"
He just leaned in and kissed her. That was effective in silencing her, and they began moving together yet again. This time their actions were much faster, both doing exactly what the other liked in order to get the job done. He finally stood up, moving away from her, as she pouted.
"Huh-uh. We need to keep some distance, you're dangerous right now."
"But, Tristan..."
"Nope, come on, you can't sleep the day away. I'm hungry, and you must be starved. Let's go to Luke's."
Giving him one last pouty face, she consented, standing up to gather her clothes. They walked, enjoying the summer sun and seeing everyone outside. They finally got to Luke's seeing him standing, bored, behind the counter. They sat at the counter in front of him.
"Hey, guys. Lunch?"
"Yeah. Where is everyone?"
"This is the post lunch-lull."
"I guess it is sort of late," Rory said guiltily. Tristan felt her hand on his butt as she talked to Luke, and tried to remain calm looking as she gave it a squeeze.
"We'll have cheeseburgers and fries."
"Coming right up."
Tristan looked at his wife, who innocently took a sip of her water. "What?"
Shaking his head, he tried to engage her in conversation. "So, what would you like to do today?"
She raised an eyebrow at him, and he continued. "That we can do in public."
She smiled even broader, and he couldn't help but like this side of the hormones. Not that he and Rory didn't have a great sex life, but this was accelerated to say the least. He was trying to think up activities to keep her busy hands occupied when Jess came down from the apartment above the diner.
"Oh, hey, guys."
"Jess, what's up?"
"Nothing, just came up to see Luke and everyone."
"Is Erin here, too?"
"Nah, she went home for the weekend."
"Where is she from again?"
"Right outside of Boston."
"Want to join us?"
"Sure, I can do that."
Jess sat on the other side of Tristan, and Luke brought out their food. "You eating again?"
"I'll just have a soda."
Luke got a soda for Jess and leaned across the counter. "Can you watch this place for an hour or so?"
"Sure, why?"
"Just going to run some errands." He paused and looked like he was pondering further instruction. "Don't let Taylor in here."
"At all?"
"Nope. His lease is up tomorrow, and he's getting weirder about not wanting to give up the ice cream shop."
"Gotcha."
Luke left the diner, and headed out. Jess walked around the counter and stood in front of Rory and Tristan. "So, what are you two up today?"
"Well, I went to see Gramps get out of the hospital today, but we're free as of now."
"How is he?"
"Bitter, angry, would rather be working."
"So, much change?"
"Except the not working thing, no," Tristan smirked, taking a bite of his burger.
"So, why didn't you go with Erin?"
Jess shrugged. "Her mom and sisters were going out, it's more of a girl thing."
"Have you met her family?"
"Yeah, I have."
"What, you don't like them?"
"No, it's just her dad sort of creeps me out. And her sisters and mom are really girly."
"Poor Jess."
"Yeah. Her dad looks like he's been beaten down. He and Erin are pretty close, though."
"That's nice. What saved her from turning out like them?"
"She's sort of the black sheep, but they're all excited about the wedding."
"Ah."
"Which I heard you've agreed to be a part of," Jess added.
"Yeah, she insisted."
"I'm glad you guys are friends."
"Me too."
Rory continued eating her lunch and Jess went to answer the phone. She and Tristan started to talk about possible things to do with the rest of the day. They couldn't help but overhear Jess' conversation.
"Luke's. ... No, you can't. ... I have strict orders, Taylor. ... No, you can't do that. ... I know the laws of this town very well Taylor. ... Very funny. .... No. No, Seriously, get a hold yourself, it's just an ice cream store!" With that, Jess hung up the phone. He pointed at the phone and shook his head.
"Some people are really sad."
"What was that about?"
"Taylor has to close the ice cream store today. Luke leased the space to Jackson to open a fresh produce store. That was Taylor breaking down into tears on the phone."
"Aw, sad!"
"He's nuts, Rory."
"Everyone in this town is, Jess."
"By the way, did my wonderful fiancé tell you she wants to get married here?"
"What? Really?"
Jess gave her a look, indicating he wasn't so much thrilled with the idea, and nodded. Rory stifled a giggle, but Tristan's smirk was not fading anytime soon.
"What are you smirking at, I believe you also got married here."
"Yeah, cause this is where the bride is from. I thought that was how it goes."
"Where are you holding it at, the gazebo?"
"No, she wants to do it at the bridge."
"Oh."
Rory's face fell, and though she tried to hide her disappointment, it showed through. Jess noticed and wished he hadn't brought it up, not that she wouldn't know soon anyway. Tristan looked at Rory, knowing this was one of things he was worried about. She just couldn't be completely fine with this whole thing. He looked to Jess and nodded to the stairs. They men excused themselves and went up to the apartment.
"What?"
"What do you mean, what?"
"Tristan, this has nothing to do with you."
"No, but Rory concerns me, and this is obviously upsetting to her."
"Look, I will take care of this."
"Will you? 'Cause you let it get this far."
"This isn't a big deal, Tristan."
"You're sure about that?"
"I'm sure. I'll talk to her, I'll prove to you it's no big deal."
Tristan lowered his voice and leaned over Jess. "Look, I'm going to say this once. I know that you and Rory were close once upon a time. And I'm fine with the fact that you two have unresolved issues from back then. I'm not jealous, it's stuff everyone has, fine. But I won't have you using that stuff to make her miserable, whether you mean to, or not. Got me?"
"Fine," Jess grunted moving past Tristan and heading out of the apartment. He went back down to the diner and turned the sign to 'closed'. Rory looked at him in confusion, even more so when Tristan came down and told her he'd be back, and then walked out of the door. Jess locked the door behind him and held his hand out to Rory. She furrowed her brow and took his hand, following as he pulled her up the stairs to the apartment.
She sat on the couch and looked at Jess, who was pacing back and forth. He ran a finger through his hair, one of his nervous habits she saw he still had, and she bit her lip.
"Jess," she said softly.
"Rory, I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"If you don't want us to have the ceremony there, then I'll convince her to move it."
"Jess, it's your wedding," she sighed.
"But it's our bridge." He looked at her, piercing through her.
"It doesn't belong to us," she said, though not convincingly.
"Rory, you're telling me that it wouldn't bother you at all?"
"Would it bother you?"
"I .... Don't know."
"Does it?"
Jess looked directly at her, as his pacing ceased. "Yeah. I guess it does."
"Then don't change it for me, change it for you. Get married somewhere that can just hold memories of just you two."
"You're right."
"Jess, why didn't you come to my wedding?"
"Rory," he warned.
"Mom brought it up, I wanted to just believe that you really were too busy, but, why, Jess?"
He looked at her. Maybe this could be it. He could tell her the last of the truths she had the right to know, and they could put it all in the past.
"Fine, I couldn't bring myself to come, okay? I couldn't watch you get married, because I wanted you to have the perfect wedding, and I couldn't trust myself. I just couldn't."
She swallowed harder than she thought she would, and stared at him. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched Jess pouring out his fears to her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize, you ... I ... thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I would have rather you had been there, but if it was easier for you, then I understand."
Jess nodded. "I didn't want Erin to think that I didn't want you around, so I agreed with her to ask you, but I never thought you would have said yes. I can put a stop to this if it makes you uncomfortable."
"Jess, a lot happened between us. What we had, it was intense and I really did love you. And a part of me will always love you, because I don't think that just goes away. I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't gone through all the things I had, and that very much includes you."
Jess nodded, and smiled at her.
"And maybe I'm selfish, but some things I would like to keep in my memory as ours. The bridge definitely qualifies as one of those things. I don't have to tell you of all people that."
"It is good to hear. I feel the same way. She doesn't know, Rory, but I'll tell her. We'll do it somewhere else."
"Talk to Mom, she's good at that sort of thing."
"I will. I'm sorry, for bringing all this up."
"It's good. We probably should have ... before now anyway."
"Yeah."
"Yeah. I should go find Tristan."
"I should reopen the diner. Luke'll kill me."
Rory tried to get up, but Jess had to help her out in the end. She smiled at him, and walked to the door. She knew every time they had to talk about this stuff, it was good for everyone. It truly wasn't that either was hung up on the other, but they were enabling a true friendship to deepen between them. And perhaps that was all they were ever meant to be. Right now, all she could think of was Tristan. She left the diner and walked around town. She saw him go into the bookstore and she made her way after him. She found him roaming the new releases.
"Hey."
He looked up and looked at her. "Hey."
"About that," she started.
"I told him to talk to you. I thought it might be good."
"Thanks."
"Ready to get going?"
"I saw where they're doing poetry readings later at the gazebo."
"Let's take a walk, then go."
"Sounds perfect," she said, taking his hand and looking in the stacks along side him. They wound up in the back of the store, in a back corner. She came up behind him and ran her hands down his back. He turned and she caught his mouth with hers before he could protest.
AN: Not much to say about this chapter, but I am looking for a beta for a story I'm doing for a Trory exchange/challenge. If anyone is up for it, let me know. Thanks!
WHAT I OWN: Nada.
RATING: PG-13, just to be safe. It is fluff after all.
The time had finally come for Janlan to leave the hospital. Tristan had come early that Saturday, to talk with him until his parents came to pick Janlan up. Rory had stayed at Lorelai's house to sleep in. She had officially cut back her hours the week before again. She was feeling better now that she was sleeping more regular hours, and she definitely had less stress now.
Tristan came into the room Janlan had been moved to the week before, and sat in the chair to wait for him to wake up. He grabbed the daily paper and browsed through it.
"Are you just sitting there for your health?"
"Gramps, hey. I was wondering when you'd wake up."
"Why are you here?"
"Just came to keep an old man company."
"I am old, son. This clenches it."
"This just means you need to take better care of yourself. Slow down. Enjoy life."
"Smell a damn rose, I know, they keep feeding the same psycho-babble to me day after day in physical therapy."
"Gramps,"
"It's bad enough I have to go and live with your father like a child, but don't tell me to suddenly change my life now. I want to work, and I will still be a part of my business."
Tristan sighed and looked to his grandfather. He knew he wouldn't be arguing much with him, it did no good.
"So, tell me, how is Rory?"
"Well, she's happy to see you as feisty as ever."
"How's that child of yours? Got a name yet?"
"Didn't anyone tell you? We're naming it after you."
"Don't be a smart ass."
"Gramps, we don't even know the sex."
"That's right, you're being obstinate."
"We want to be surprised," Tristan corrected.
"Huh. Well, what do you make of me having to go to your parents house to live?"
"I think they'll take good care of you."
Janlan cocked his eyebrow at his grandson.
"Did something happen with you and your father while I was in this place?"
"We talked. We came to an understanding. A civil one."
"So, he's not out to feed me to the dogs?"
"They don't have dogs. The story is they're moving in together, not just to take care of you, but because they 'love' each other."
"Again?"
"Yep."
"I'm glad you turned out normally. I suppose I should thank Rory for that, though."
"Yeah, probably," Tristan smiled, leaning back into the uncomfortable hospital chair. They sat and talked until Thomas and Elizabeth arrived with a wheel chair. Janlan looked at the chair in disgust.
"I don't need a wheelchair. I had a heart attack, I didn't have my legs blown off in Korea."
"Dad, just get in the chair, it's hospital rules. If you want to leave, it has to be in this."
Tristan smiled as he watched his father coax his stodgy grandfather into the wheelchair. He remembered suddenly, times where they used to be like this all the time. The good times, when Tristan was very small. His father and grandfather, bantering, talking, getting along. It was nice to see again.
"Well, if you don't need me, I'm going to get back to Stars Hollow."
"Are we still on for dinner next week?"
"We'll be there, Mom," Tristan said as he kissed his mother's cheek.
"Give 'em hell, Gramps," he said, hugging his grandfather.
"Expect no less, son," he laughed.
"Bye, Dad," Tristan finally turned to his father, extending his hand. Thomas nodded and shook his son's hand, grateful for the acknowledgement. Small steps were fine with him.
When Tristan returned back to his mother-in-law's house, he found no one home, save for a sleeping Rory. He smiled as he walked over to the bed, removed his shoes and slid under the covers with her. She didn't open her eyes, but snuggled up against him.
"Mmm," he murmured, burying his face into her hair.
"Hey, how was the hospital?"
"Fine. He doesn't want to go with mom and dad, but knows he doesn't have a choice in the matter."
"Well, let's not think about that now," she said. He noticed the look in her eyes. He looked at her in surprise; they had just had sex this morning, early before he left.
"You're kidding me."
"What? You're denying me?"
"Never. I'm just amazed. Twice in four hours, that's well, there isn't a word for how amazing that is," he babbled.
"Shut up," she took his face in her hands and pulled him in to meet his lips in a hungry kiss.
An hour later, he lay on his back next to Rory, who was sitting up against the headboard. Both were sweaty and smiling.
"We just had sex, for an hour, in your brother's bed," he said, happy, but incredulous.
"Guess you need to change the sheets," she giggled.
"Me? You started this."
"If you're going to complain, I'm sure I can find someone else to help me out with my cravings."
"Right," he mocked.
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Honey, let's face it, I've spoiled you. No other man could ever itch your scratch now."
She giggled and threw a pillow at him. "My, my, someone's full of themselves, aren't they?"
He just leaned in and kissed her. That was effective in silencing her, and they began moving together yet again. This time their actions were much faster, both doing exactly what the other liked in order to get the job done. He finally stood up, moving away from her, as she pouted.
"Huh-uh. We need to keep some distance, you're dangerous right now."
"But, Tristan..."
"Nope, come on, you can't sleep the day away. I'm hungry, and you must be starved. Let's go to Luke's."
Giving him one last pouty face, she consented, standing up to gather her clothes. They walked, enjoying the summer sun and seeing everyone outside. They finally got to Luke's seeing him standing, bored, behind the counter. They sat at the counter in front of him.
"Hey, guys. Lunch?"
"Yeah. Where is everyone?"
"This is the post lunch-lull."
"I guess it is sort of late," Rory said guiltily. Tristan felt her hand on his butt as she talked to Luke, and tried to remain calm looking as she gave it a squeeze.
"We'll have cheeseburgers and fries."
"Coming right up."
Tristan looked at his wife, who innocently took a sip of her water. "What?"
Shaking his head, he tried to engage her in conversation. "So, what would you like to do today?"
She raised an eyebrow at him, and he continued. "That we can do in public."
She smiled even broader, and he couldn't help but like this side of the hormones. Not that he and Rory didn't have a great sex life, but this was accelerated to say the least. He was trying to think up activities to keep her busy hands occupied when Jess came down from the apartment above the diner.
"Oh, hey, guys."
"Jess, what's up?"
"Nothing, just came up to see Luke and everyone."
"Is Erin here, too?"
"Nah, she went home for the weekend."
"Where is she from again?"
"Right outside of Boston."
"Want to join us?"
"Sure, I can do that."
Jess sat on the other side of Tristan, and Luke brought out their food. "You eating again?"
"I'll just have a soda."
Luke got a soda for Jess and leaned across the counter. "Can you watch this place for an hour or so?"
"Sure, why?"
"Just going to run some errands." He paused and looked like he was pondering further instruction. "Don't let Taylor in here."
"At all?"
"Nope. His lease is up tomorrow, and he's getting weirder about not wanting to give up the ice cream shop."
"Gotcha."
Luke left the diner, and headed out. Jess walked around the counter and stood in front of Rory and Tristan. "So, what are you two up today?"
"Well, I went to see Gramps get out of the hospital today, but we're free as of now."
"How is he?"
"Bitter, angry, would rather be working."
"So, much change?"
"Except the not working thing, no," Tristan smirked, taking a bite of his burger.
"So, why didn't you go with Erin?"
Jess shrugged. "Her mom and sisters were going out, it's more of a girl thing."
"Have you met her family?"
"Yeah, I have."
"What, you don't like them?"
"No, it's just her dad sort of creeps me out. And her sisters and mom are really girly."
"Poor Jess."
"Yeah. Her dad looks like he's been beaten down. He and Erin are pretty close, though."
"That's nice. What saved her from turning out like them?"
"She's sort of the black sheep, but they're all excited about the wedding."
"Ah."
"Which I heard you've agreed to be a part of," Jess added.
"Yeah, she insisted."
"I'm glad you guys are friends."
"Me too."
Rory continued eating her lunch and Jess went to answer the phone. She and Tristan started to talk about possible things to do with the rest of the day. They couldn't help but overhear Jess' conversation.
"Luke's. ... No, you can't. ... I have strict orders, Taylor. ... No, you can't do that. ... I know the laws of this town very well Taylor. ... Very funny. .... No. No, Seriously, get a hold yourself, it's just an ice cream store!" With that, Jess hung up the phone. He pointed at the phone and shook his head.
"Some people are really sad."
"What was that about?"
"Taylor has to close the ice cream store today. Luke leased the space to Jackson to open a fresh produce store. That was Taylor breaking down into tears on the phone."
"Aw, sad!"
"He's nuts, Rory."
"Everyone in this town is, Jess."
"By the way, did my wonderful fiancé tell you she wants to get married here?"
"What? Really?"
Jess gave her a look, indicating he wasn't so much thrilled with the idea, and nodded. Rory stifled a giggle, but Tristan's smirk was not fading anytime soon.
"What are you smirking at, I believe you also got married here."
"Yeah, cause this is where the bride is from. I thought that was how it goes."
"Where are you holding it at, the gazebo?"
"No, she wants to do it at the bridge."
"Oh."
Rory's face fell, and though she tried to hide her disappointment, it showed through. Jess noticed and wished he hadn't brought it up, not that she wouldn't know soon anyway. Tristan looked at Rory, knowing this was one of things he was worried about. She just couldn't be completely fine with this whole thing. He looked to Jess and nodded to the stairs. They men excused themselves and went up to the apartment.
"What?"
"What do you mean, what?"
"Tristan, this has nothing to do with you."
"No, but Rory concerns me, and this is obviously upsetting to her."
"Look, I will take care of this."
"Will you? 'Cause you let it get this far."
"This isn't a big deal, Tristan."
"You're sure about that?"
"I'm sure. I'll talk to her, I'll prove to you it's no big deal."
Tristan lowered his voice and leaned over Jess. "Look, I'm going to say this once. I know that you and Rory were close once upon a time. And I'm fine with the fact that you two have unresolved issues from back then. I'm not jealous, it's stuff everyone has, fine. But I won't have you using that stuff to make her miserable, whether you mean to, or not. Got me?"
"Fine," Jess grunted moving past Tristan and heading out of the apartment. He went back down to the diner and turned the sign to 'closed'. Rory looked at him in confusion, even more so when Tristan came down and told her he'd be back, and then walked out of the door. Jess locked the door behind him and held his hand out to Rory. She furrowed her brow and took his hand, following as he pulled her up the stairs to the apartment.
She sat on the couch and looked at Jess, who was pacing back and forth. He ran a finger through his hair, one of his nervous habits she saw he still had, and she bit her lip.
"Jess," she said softly.
"Rory, I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"If you don't want us to have the ceremony there, then I'll convince her to move it."
"Jess, it's your wedding," she sighed.
"But it's our bridge." He looked at her, piercing through her.
"It doesn't belong to us," she said, though not convincingly.
"Rory, you're telling me that it wouldn't bother you at all?"
"Would it bother you?"
"I .... Don't know."
"Does it?"
Jess looked directly at her, as his pacing ceased. "Yeah. I guess it does."
"Then don't change it for me, change it for you. Get married somewhere that can just hold memories of just you two."
"You're right."
"Jess, why didn't you come to my wedding?"
"Rory," he warned.
"Mom brought it up, I wanted to just believe that you really were too busy, but, why, Jess?"
He looked at her. Maybe this could be it. He could tell her the last of the truths she had the right to know, and they could put it all in the past.
"Fine, I couldn't bring myself to come, okay? I couldn't watch you get married, because I wanted you to have the perfect wedding, and I couldn't trust myself. I just couldn't."
She swallowed harder than she thought she would, and stared at him. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched Jess pouring out his fears to her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize, you ... I ... thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I would have rather you had been there, but if it was easier for you, then I understand."
Jess nodded. "I didn't want Erin to think that I didn't want you around, so I agreed with her to ask you, but I never thought you would have said yes. I can put a stop to this if it makes you uncomfortable."
"Jess, a lot happened between us. What we had, it was intense and I really did love you. And a part of me will always love you, because I don't think that just goes away. I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't gone through all the things I had, and that very much includes you."
Jess nodded, and smiled at her.
"And maybe I'm selfish, but some things I would like to keep in my memory as ours. The bridge definitely qualifies as one of those things. I don't have to tell you of all people that."
"It is good to hear. I feel the same way. She doesn't know, Rory, but I'll tell her. We'll do it somewhere else."
"Talk to Mom, she's good at that sort of thing."
"I will. I'm sorry, for bringing all this up."
"It's good. We probably should have ... before now anyway."
"Yeah."
"Yeah. I should go find Tristan."
"I should reopen the diner. Luke'll kill me."
Rory tried to get up, but Jess had to help her out in the end. She smiled at him, and walked to the door. She knew every time they had to talk about this stuff, it was good for everyone. It truly wasn't that either was hung up on the other, but they were enabling a true friendship to deepen between them. And perhaps that was all they were ever meant to be. Right now, all she could think of was Tristan. She left the diner and walked around town. She saw him go into the bookstore and she made her way after him. She found him roaming the new releases.
"Hey."
He looked up and looked at her. "Hey."
"About that," she started.
"I told him to talk to you. I thought it might be good."
"Thanks."
"Ready to get going?"
"I saw where they're doing poetry readings later at the gazebo."
"Let's take a walk, then go."
"Sounds perfect," she said, taking his hand and looking in the stacks along side him. They wound up in the back of the store, in a back corner. She came up behind him and ran her hands down his back. He turned and she caught his mouth with hers before he could protest.
AN: Not much to say about this chapter, but I am looking for a beta for a story I'm doing for a Trory exchange/challenge. If anyone is up for it, let me know. Thanks!