Well, I'm finally back with a new chapter. yay. Feedback is always appriciated. (hint, hint) =)

Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to ASP and the WB. Although I wish I could own Tristan... stares off into space =P

-Tristan-

This is just... surreal. Here I am, at Rory Gilmore's house. Rory Gilmore. Unbelievable. I'm sitting here, on the couch, eating pizza and watching a Disney movie. Here she comes. Look natural. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Jesus, DuGrey. You're losing it here.

"Good. I thought I'd have to wrestle you for the pizza." I certainly wouldn't mind that.

"Any time." She looks a little shaken up. "So who was on the phone?"

"Oh, nobody." Doesn't sound like 'nobody'.

"Bagboy?"

"No." Oh, no. Tell me she's not tearing up. What did I do? I hate seeing girls like this. Especially her. This is not how she should be. It's not in her nature. She should be hyper, witty, and upbeat. Or even angry. Not defeated and sad.

"Look, the movie's back on."

"Rory."

"What? I don't... (Her voice breaks) I can't talk about it." Tears are falling freely now. Damn it. I am no good at this comforting stuff and it kills me to see her crying.

-Rory-

There's no stopping them now. I can't control the tears anymore. How did I manage to screw things up so badly in one split second? Not just tonight, but with Dean and Jess too. That's all it takes. One second and I'm lost. It should have been simple. Me and Dean. But then there was Jess, and with one kiss, my life is turned upside down. I don't know who I want, if anyone.

"Ice cream?" I manage to choke out between sniffles. Tristan looks glad to have something to do. I get a little chuckle out of that, at least. Tristan DuGrey off his guard.

He comes back, a pint of ice cream in his hand, slightly frosted over. "Eat at your own risk." I smile a little and take the top off. Mint chocolate chip. Good.

"I'm (sniff) sorry about this..." God, I must look like a total mess. Hell, I am a mess. New tears begin to form in my eyes again.

"Don't worry about it. Is everything okay? That's a stupid question. Er... can I do anything to uh... help?"

"Become a (hic) hit man?" Maybe that would make my choice easier.

He chuckles. What a nice sound. I start to laugh too, picturing him in all black and a ski mask, jumping around Stars Hollow, Kirk trailing behind him. Soon we're both laughing uncontrollably. The statement wasn't that funny, but every time we looked over and saw the other laughing, a new fit of giggles would take hold. I finally give one last soft giggle and control myself, wiping my eyes.

"It's been too long since I've laughed like that." He's kind of cute sitting there with a real smile on his face. I don't know if I've ever seen him really smile before.

"I really needed that." Obviously, you idiot. He just shakes his head and laughs a little.

"I noticed. Want to talk about it?"

"Nah. No quicker way to ruin an evening. Well, I mean, any more than it already has been by a certain someone's presence." His smile falters a little. "Kidding. It actually hasn't been bad."

"You sound surprised."

"Can you blame me? I think military school did do you some good."

"I know, check out these muscles." I've been trying so hard not to... Rory! Don't add to your troubles. I just roll my eyes in response. "But seriously, it has done me some good." I smile.

"Ice cream?"

"Sure."

Eventually our eyes wander back to the screen. Well, mostly, anyway. I can feel him glancing at me. I can't catch him at it though. That's all I'm doing. Trying to catch him looking at me. Yeah.

This kid had better be damn ugly. And on the couch. I fumble with my keys and then realize the door is unlocked. "Good one, Lorelai."

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. Calm down. Minor heart attack. Breathe in, out. Oh... my... god. Well, he is on the couch. And clothed. That's good. "Rory, honey." That came out a little harsher than intended.

"Mmmm... whaaa?"

"Rory!" She wakes up a little more at this and realizes her position. Ha-ha, that's a funny shade of red. Get on track here! "Honey, please get up and save mommy from a heart attack."

"Oh my god, mom. I don't know what happened. Nothing happened. I... we... must have fallen asleep." Well duh. The 'evil one' is finally stirring. I have to find a seat. Now.

I've actually started the next chapter, so hopefully it won't be too long until that's out.

Thanks to Jenn for reading over this and telling me it didn't suck. =)