A/N: Hi everyone. I know I have taken way too long on this, almost a month. I'm sorry. This week I have a five day weekend so I've been able to get this out. And, for those who have asked, this chapter has much more R/T. Thank you to all those that reviewed and even if you haven't thank you for reading.

:-)

¤Kari¤





Chapter 20

**********

"Are you kidding me!", Emily's voice roared through the phone.

"Whoa there mom, I know Tristan isn't the best guest and it's short notice, but there's no reason to make your beloved daughter go deaf."

"Not him, HIM. Never mind Lorelai. What is wrong with your granddaughter?", the old woman asked in a disbelieving shake of the head.

"Maybe it's genetics."

"Very well Lorelai, I will see you all there. All of you. Goodbye.", Emily tuted to herself as she hung up the telephone. One long night was ahead of them and she had to get started on the dinner platter.

"Bye Mom.", Lorelai hung the phone up now feeling reassured that she was right in her opinion. Although the affirmation had come from her mother, at least it had come.



"You're handling explanations from now on.", Alex smirked.

"You'd like that wouldn't you?", Lana challenged as she drove into her drive way.

"Can't say I'd object." As much of a change as it all was to them, it seemed completely natural.

"To bad bucko, not going to happen. We have dinner invitations to deliver.", Lana replied cheekily proceeding to drag Alex over towards his house.

"You really weren't kidding.", he thought aloud, his mood darkening.

"I never kid. It would be rude to leave your own flesh and blood alone on Thanksgiving.", Lana proclaimed adamantly.

"He's a mutant Lana.", he deadpanned.

"Honestly Alex, he's not that bad. A bit presumptuous maybe, but other than that he's perfectly fine.", Lana paused as something dawned over her. "You're jealous, aren't you Alex?" He was jealous that she would chose Travis over him. How cute, and fun too.

"Do I have something to be jealous of?"

"Well...", Lana teased. She laughed as he paled slightly. "Alex, I was kidding. Calm down. I'm just being nice."

"Do that again and...", he started.

"And what?", she challenged.

"I'll have to resort to drastic measures.", he said lacking a better answer.

"We wouldn't want that to happen would we? Come on we have some good will to spread.", Lana smiled continuing on her way to the Griffin residence.

"Ugh.", Alex groaned, following behind reluctantly.

Travis' invitation was delivered with many triumphant looks thrown at Alex, who had an arm wrapped protectively around Lana, as if Travis would come and sweep her off her feet. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin were thrilled by Lana's generosity as well as her families. They ranted on about how much his parents would appreciate the invitation, seeing as Travis was new and had just arrived. Franklin was equally happy to get the day off, but couldn't help sympathizing with his young friend.

"I think I'll spare you from talking with my father. I know how much he scares you.", Lana told Alex, with mock empathy, as she was leaving.

"I'm not afraid of Mr. Du... your father."

"How many times has he insisted you call him Tristan and you still call him either Mr. DuGrey or Lana's father?", she teased.

"Goodnight Lorelai."

"Yes, yes. Goodnight Alexander."



The next day or so passed without much event. Of course Travis brought up Lana and Thanksgiving up at every moment he could. This lead to many half eaten meals and much time spent in Stars Hollow. Neither Lorelai or Lana told Rory of the visitors and both were preparing for one heck of a night. Although Tristan's daily lunches persisted he had said nothing to Rory of it, per his daughters deepest request. Rory would be completely blind sided by this one.

Thanksgiving day had finally arrived, although not that many were looking forward to it. Emily gracefully excepted her first guest with much anticipation. It had been forever since Tristan had graced the old woman with his presence and that was something she wanted to change. As far as she was concerned he was a welcomed member of the family.

Richard Gilmore emerged slowly from his study. Age had slowed him down quite a bit, along with several boughts of illness.

"Emily dear, who is it?"

"It's Tristan, Richard. Remember I told you the other day.", she replied slowly, as if speaking to a child.

"Of course I remember Emily, I'm not that feeble minded. I just didn't see him come through the door. Hello Tristan my boy, good to see you again."

"Thank you Mr. Gilmore, it's a pleasure."

"Call me Richard please."

"Richard it is than.", he replied to the old man, his trademark smirk in place. He missed them. Emily, glad as she was to have him back, found the formalities utterly boring her. She happily ran to answer the door when it rang moments later.

"Lorelai, Rory, Lana, come in. Oh Luke I didn't see you there. Come along we mustn't keep them waiting."

"Oh Alex arrived early Grandma?", Rory asked innocently.

"Heavens no. Him and his cousin haven't gotten here as of yet.", Emily smiled. Lana and Lorelai smirked while Luke and Rory were left in the dust.

"Well then who...Oh my God.", Rory stuttered in shock as Tristan and Richard came out of the study.

"Well you've certainly never called me that before.", Tristan retorted.

"Hi Tris.", she replied weakly. This was unexpected.

"Lovely as ever Mary.", he greeted kissing her hand. At this she spun towards the two conspirators.

"Will you excuse me I must use the little girls room. Mom, Lana come help me I don't recall where it is.", she glared at them.

"Three heads are better than one.", Lana said nervously.

"Someone's in trouble.", Tristan teased his daughter as Rory lead them out of the room.

"What is going on here?!", Rory exclaimed once they reached her old room.

"What do you mean?", Lana asked biting her lip anxiously. Lorelai on the other hand look thoroughly amused.

"Don't start that. I am fully capable of handling your father myself, thank you. I'll warn you once, if you even try that again you will be grounded for life. And you!", she pointed her finger at Lorelai accusingly.

"You hate him, why do you put me through this?", Rory continued.

"My life needs some excitement. It's on the dull side right now.", the elder retorted.

"Come on mom, Alex is probably here and Grams isn't going to be happy about this little pit stop.", Lana urged.

"Let it be known I am not happy with either of you."

"It's know. Now go make nice with the relatives.", Lorelai commanded, walking out of the room.

"Have a nice chat?", Luke whispered to his wife when she returned.

"Oh very. Rory is supposedly seething, but I think she's coming around.", Lorelai replied simply.

"You're not very happy with this are you?"

"I'm coming around, only more slowly than she is.", Lorelai smiled slightly and joined Rory in her apologies to Emily, and the other guests. Emily was displeased that the minute they left Alex and Travis had arrived.

"Sorry you had to miss the look of terror on my mother's face.", Lana said amused.

"Believe me, I was filled in.", he smiled looking towards Luke.

"Yeah well things are looking up for my little plan. You are going to help me right?", Lana pleaded with a puppy like face.

"I'm going to regret this, but..."

"All right everyone dinner is ready.", Emily

They all took there seats, although seemingly a simple task, all had their own mind sets as to who they were opposed to sit within one hundred feet from. Another problem was the odd number of people and chairs. Jess laughed when Luke asked if he would come along. So Emily and Richard sat at each head, and Rory, Lorelai, and Luke were on one side. Tristan sat next to Alex on the side opposite Rory. Alex was about to blow a gasket because Travis had weaseled his way into the seat next to Lana, who found it all extremely funny. Travis' only complaint was the absence of a normal plate setting. Emily readily jumped up to explain.

"A dinner platter seem more suiting to you my dear.", Emily said in false sincerity and stared pointedly at the boy in question, trying to convey the hidden meaning in her words.

"Please don't do anything special on my account. A plate will suit me just fine.", he smiled slyly as Emily ordered Anja, her new maid, to fix it at once.

Dinner was filled with the usual mindless conversation and side comments from Lorelai. Tristan was as charming as ever and captivated much of his audience. Rory realized, however, the one thing she had always resented about him was his charm. Both a blessing and a curse to her, she hated that he could always inevitably charm his way into her heart. Each time she fell harder and she had strong reservations about that happening again. This time Lana was involved and she couldn't let her get caught up in it all. You think a girl would learn. * Easier said than done. *, she thought as she looked over at him.

"Rory?", Lorelai whispered in concern.

"Huh? Oh hi mom.", Rory replied pushing her food around her plate distractedly.

"Something's wrong.", she stated.

"No I was just thinking."

"You have eaten barely anything.", Lorelai observed.

"I have a lot on my mind.", Rory said turning towards Tristan and back again.

"I see."

"So Rory how is working going?", Richard asked proudly.

"Good actually. Paris is a challenge but I'm used to it by now.", she answered with a smile.

"The Gellar girl, yes she's an ambitious one isn't she."

"Putting it mildly.", Lorelai snorted.

"Look at my mother.", Lana told Alex softly.

"Bit distracted huh?", Alex whispered in replied.

"Plus she looks across the table every ten seconds.", she added with silent laughter.

"You have something up your sleeve don't you.", he asked suspiciously. Lana only smirked in reply.

"Who wants some desert?", Emily questioned loudly, not waiting for a reply before and tray of pumpkin pies, apple pies, and an assortment of other things were wheeled out of the kitchen. Before Lorelai could open her mouth a cup of coffee was set in front of her.

"Umm. This is good apple pie Grams.", Lana praised.

"Yes very good Mrs. Gilmore.", Alex agreed.

"Why thank you. I'll pass your compliments on to Ana."

"You mean Anja.", Lorelai interjected.

"Yes Anja.", Emily rolled her eyes.

Dinner was finished and they all were to sit and chat. Travis jumped at entering Lana's conversation when Tristan started talking with Alex.

"Would you mind explaining yourself?", he started off plainly.

"Wh...what?", Alex stuttered. This had been coming for a while, but it caught him off guard.

"What are your intentions with my daughter.", Tristan reworded with the formality of the fifties.

"Well, sir, your daughter has a much better way of explaining.", he replied catching onto his game.

"I'll bet, but I'm asking you.", he smirked. This was fun.

"You've known me from before I could walk, do you honestly think I would hurt her?", Alex spoke sincerely.

"We never mean to.", Tristan said heavily. Now not talking of Alex. He looked towards Rory, who was engaged in conversation with her grandmother.

"Grandma, I think I'll go for a walk. I need some fresh air."

"Are you feeling all right?", she asked with concern.

"Just a little headache. All I need is some air.", Rory covered.

"Go ahead dear."

"I'll be back."

"Alex, uh do you mind if I... Will you excuse me? I have a few things to fix."

"Of course.", he smiled and went over to Lana and whispered into her ear.

"The game is a foot." Lana looked over at him, eyes filled with mischief.

"By all means let's go watch." Travis cleared his throat to make his presence known.

"Oh I'm sorry. Will you excuse us dear cousin?", Alex said with no further explanation. Travis muttered something in defeat and plopped onto the couch.



Rory stood in the garden starring at the night sky. Thinking of so many things. This past week had brought her more confusion than she had in the past year. He always did that to her, they both knew it, but she tried all her might to fight it.

"Beautiful out here isn't it?", came a voice from behind. She closed her eyes and drew in a shaky breath, trying to ready her defenses, before she answered.

"Yeah, it's amazing.", Rory replied softly. He saw this as encouragement enough and walked to her side. The scenery was perfect, but she couldn't allow herself to indulge in such fantasies as this one, it was too cliché.

"Your grandmother keeps this place up wonderfully.", he said off handedly, trying to establish conversation first.

"Always has.", she smiled and wandered about a bit. Expertly avoiding his gaze. This didn't pass under his radar.

"Come here Ror.", he said taking a seat on the bench and patting the space next to him. Her head screamed for her to get a grip unless she was dying to cry her heart out, but she complied with him and sat.

"There, I'm here now. Happy?", she joked trying to conceal her anxiety about the entire situation.

"Something's bothering you Rory, and please don't tell me it's nothing.", Tristan asked pleadingly. Rory turned to look him in the eye almost losing herself for a minute. She shook herself out of her trance and suddenly became interested in her shoes.

"There going to wonder what happened to us. Wouldn't want them to get the wrong idea.", she said making a move to leave, but he managed to catch her wrist and pulled her back down.

"I don't care what idea they get. I need to know why you're constantly avoiding me."

"That's not true."

"I don't bite Ror, well only if you want me too."

"Tristan.", she said firmly.

"Sorry old habits die hard."

"Exactly.", she commented. "I don't want to fall into this pattern of ours yet again Tris."

"There's a pattern?"

"A very elaborate one. You, in some way or another, charm your way into my life and I fall so hard that I only end up hurt in the end. And it's happening again.", she said sadly, still sitting next to him on the bench. There she gave in. She could have kicked herself for blurting it all out and practically told him she was... 'Don't say it.' a voice in head told her. She practically told him she was in love, again.

"Rory, you know I never would do that knowingly.", he said softly. She let her head drop on his shoulder as she thought it over, but she remained silent. She had done quite enough talking for one night.

"We've started fresh, remember? I was an idiot in the past, that I'll admit, but none of it was ever on purpose.", he said sincerely. Kissing the top of her head he got up to go.

"Tristan.", she called.

"Yeah?", he smiled.

"I'll see you for lunch tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it."