CHAPTER 9

"Here's my humble abode," Rory said whispering. She didn't know if Paris was up, and if she was, she didn't want her knowing that she and Tristin were around. It was strange that Branford was quiet this weekend. Rory shrugged and ushered Tristin into her room.

"Your place is nice," he commented, eyeing the numerous knickknacks that decorated the room. She was obviously not a picture person. The only pictures that were up was picture of her and her mother and one with an Asian girl that looked like it was taken when they were twelve.

"Oh, that's me and my best friend, Lane," she volunteered the information.

"I've seen her before," he said, pressing his finger to his lips.

"She dated Henry from our class for a few months," Rory mentioned.

"Hmm, I didn't hang around Henry so it couldn't be that," he said.

"You saw her at Madeline's party," Rory added.

"Where the infamous kiss took place," Tristin chuckled. Rory blushed.

"Why do you have to call it that?" she inquired.

"Because it was. I got to kiss you and on your own volition," he said. "Circumstances bearing, I probably would have probably propositioned you with something more intimate but I am not fond of seeing you cry, even if I know my kisses are that great."

"Get over yourself," Rory teased, smacking him on the chest.

"I do distinctly remember you saying that you like my kisses," Tristin said, catching the wrist of the arm that swatted him. He pulled her close and gave her no avenue for escape.

"Yes, I distinctly remember saying that I did enjoy them," Rory admitted, turning red as she opened up to the man in front of her. "How was I as a kisser?"

Tristin had to stop and think for a moment. He remembered her kiss being so sweet and innocent. He remembered wanting more. It was all he thought about when he was ushered in to the role of Romeo and it was the only thing that kept him going day in and day out of military school.

"You were okay," he said teasing. "Probably and eight on technique. A nine on the wanting more category. But you know, you can refresh my memory," he leered playfully.

"After dogging my kisses, you're asking for one?" Rory played off that she was offended and tried to get away from him. He ended up grabbing her by waist and started tickling her.

"Tris, let me go!" she said in fits of giggles.

"Until you say 'Uncle'," he continued teasing.

"Never!" Rory yelled out as she laughed.

Moments later, a loud pounding of the door was heard. A not so peppy Paris popped her head in.

"Rory, you-," she stopped talking immediately at the sight of Tristin.

"Paris?" Tristin asked.

She did not move. Paris was speechless.

"It's me, Tristin," he clarified as he walked towards her to give her a hug.

"I know it's you. Tristin," she said the moment she found her voice. "What are you doing here?"

"Coming in for a visit," he answered.

She took the hug graciously but still eyed him and Rory with a menacing look. "Why now? Why Rory? You could've visited me too, you know."

"Ah, the paranoia sinks in," Tristin smirked. "How have you been?" he asked as he took a seat on the edge of Rory's twin sized bed.

"Better," Paris responded, folding her arms in front of her. "You're avoiding my question."

"He came to visit Graham," Rory explained.

"Graham? What does he have to do with Tristin?" Paris asked Rory.

"He's my cousin," Tristin replied for Rory.

Paris was tongue-tied. "So last Wednesday..."

"Was the first time I saw Graham since summer," Rory finished for her.

"But I thought your grandmother set you up with Graham?" Paris asked.

"Yeah, and?" Rory asked. "And I found out last summer that Tristin and Graham were cousins after a weekend gathering," Rory explained further.

"I am so confused," Paris said throwing her hands up in the air.

"All you have to know is that Graham and Tristin are cousins," Rory simplified for her.

"And now he's in town to visit," Paris verified.

"Yes," Rory said.

"And Graham's okay with all this?" Paris asked in an accusing tone.

"Again, yes," Rory responded.

"And everyone thought I was crazy for dating an older man," Paris sighed as she exited the room and closed the door behind her.

"Bye, Paris," Tristin said as the door slammed shut. "Me thinks she doesn't want me here."

"Me thinks she's crazy, "Rory mocked back.

"So where were we?" Tristin asked as he pinned Rory on top of the mattress.

"Discussing Paris," she teased.

"That subject's a bore," he huffed. "So why didn't you tell me she was your roommate again?"

"Oh Tris, I forgot to tell you, Paris is my roommate again," she mimicked.

He started tickling her again until she cried out 'Uncle'.

The night was a night Rory wanted to remember forever. For a moment, she forgot about everything. They were so lost in the moment talking about things they never thought they'd confide to each other: frustrations, fears and moments of weakness. Neither of them spoke about Graham or Dean or any other person. So many times throughout the evening, she wanted to tell him about the baby she was carrying. She decided to postpone it until he had to leave for Princeton. The next time Rory looked at the clock, it was way past three in the morning. Rory frowned.

Tristin looked at the clock right after he saw Rory's disappointing look. "I guess I have to go."

"Do you have to?' she asked meekly.

"Graham will be waiting," he explained.

"You think he'd be home? He didn't leave you his room keys, did he?' Rory asked.

He frowned. "No."

"Why don't you stay for the night? We don't have to fool around," Rory offered.

"Are you sure?" Tristin asked without hesitation. "And you know, by all means, let's fool around."

"I am sure you can stay the nigh and I'll pretend I didn't hear your proposition," she affirmed. "However, I cannot offer you a change of clothes."

"Do you mind me sleeping in my boxers?"

Rory blushed. She wished she could sleep with him naked. "No."

"Then it's settled," he said as he started unbuckling the belt on his jeans.

Rory turned around to give him privacy. She took out a set of pajamas and made herself comfortable.

Rory turned around and saw Tristin waiting at the edge of the bed for her to get in. She jumped in and moved towards the wall. Tristin turned off the desk lamp before cuddling Rory.

"Goodnight, Rory," he whispered.

"Goodnight," she whispered back as she guided his arm between her breasts for cuddles.

In spoon fashion, both of them went to sleep.