Title: emotionless
Author: kait.
Chapter: 11.

Disclaimer: I own all the characters you don't recognize because they aren't on the show. Other than that i own the computer that i'm typing on, and the cd that's playing on it...but i don't own that band...or the song...or anything else for that matter.

Rating:
R.

Author's Notes: Be patient, little ones. =)

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Somehow - and he wasn't sure he wanted to know how - Atticus woke up in his own bed. His head, well, pounded was not a strong enough word.
He groaned and wiped sleep out of his eyes. He saw a glass of water sitting on his night table however upon reaching for it his lack of coordination caused him to fall out of bed.

He suddenly realized that his late night activities with Dominique had given him a sore back, but he wasn't complaining about having her on top. He wasn't complaining about having her in the first place.

He groaned again and rolled onto his back, he then became acutely aware that someone who had been knocking on the door had taken the noise as an entrance plea. Yet, the person standing over him was not one he expected it to be, so upon viewing them he was caused to question their presence.

he furrowed his brow, maybe he was still drunk.
Hey dude. he smiled, I figured you'd need some company after last night.
You probably figured right but I haven't exactly had enough awake time to figure out my emotional state of mind.
Tobey laughed, Fair call. Look, I'm going to let you get all fancied up, because I know how you love to impress these Stars Hollow chicks, and I'll meet you in the kitchen.
The kitchen? How do you suddenly know my kitchen? You've been to this apartment twice.
I know. You're mom has made me feel at home. he winked.
He deadpanned. Don't hit on my mom.
What? She's single. Tobey laughed and exited the room.
Atticus rolled his eyes, Maybe not for long. he said quietly. Wait, was he actually being foolish enough to believe that his life was going to turn into an ABC weekend special? That his dad showing up would suddenly fix all of life's problems and he would forthwith have a family?

Like that was happening, he wasn't an Olsen Twin.


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Fifteen minutes later Atticus walked into his kitchen to face his best friend and his mother.

She smiled a little, Hey Dodge. How's it going?

Tobey shoved in his comment with a smile, Head hurt?

Ha ha. Atticus pushed his friend on the shoulder,

Rory's nose twitched, Drinking, again?

Atticus bit his lip and Tobey repressed a smile,

She smiled. Thanks.

For what? Atticus looked puzzled

For not lying.

How'd you know?

Tobey couldn't repress the smile any longer.

What are you smiling about? Normally Atticus didn't care if he was in the dark, but this time it was really getting to him.

I slept on the couch last night dude.

Atticus looked confused.

How did you think you got home? his eyes looked curious

Suddenly it dawned on Atticus and he grabbed his friend and pulled him into the living room. When did I pass out?

You didn't. That's probably the only reason people still think you're cool. You were so bombed.

Okay, so the last thing I remember is getting in a fight with Dominique, what happened after that?

Tobey cringed, You don't remember?

No. Would I be asking if I did? his voice was a hoarse whisper, he was desperate.

Well, Tyler-

Atticus ran a hand through his hair, then pulled on it. What the fuck did I do to her this time?



Atticus' eyes widened,

What is improper. Use excuse me?'

No time for grammar now, punk. Tell me.

Oh come on Mr. Corporate Writer you love the grammar.

Shut up! Atticus and Tobey were both now laughing. Tell me

Tobey stopped laughing, How's your head feel?

Same as it always does when I've got a hangover. Why?

Nothing extra in there?

My jaw feels a little sore, but other than that? Nope, nothing.

She punched you.

he looked exasperated.



Shit. ...why?

Everyone knew, well, everyone knew once Teal pointed it out that you were with Dominique upstairs.

Yes, and?

And...Tyler watched you go upstairs and heard you ask where she was.

Yeah, but she already knew that's where I was going. Why did she wait until after I was gone to get mad?

She didn't. She waited until you came back.

Did I tell her what I did upstairs?

That one I don't know the answer to. You guys were fighting, after a while you got louder, people stopped to listen. You guys were both screaming but most people didn't know what you were talking about. Tobey gave him an apprehensive look. You were very out of it, and being much more verbose than usual. Then she tried to walk away and you put your hand on her shoulder. She turned around and punched you in the jaw. The end.







Rory came into the living room after a few minutes. You guys done talking yet?

was all Atticus managed to say.

So I guess we should get going? she looked at her son with a saddened expression.

This time Tobey spoke up, Yeah, let's get going.


The three grabbed their jackets off the rack by the door and exited, leaving behind an empty apartment. They proceeded down the stairs of the building and then out onto one of the active streets of Stars Hollow. Tobey looked around affectionately, he had always had a soft spot for the insanity of the small town.

Atticus however, had a look of torment on his face. He despised the town, and they despised him. And he wasn't complaining.

Tobey watched every girl that walked by ogle his best friend, and Rory watched every girl that walked by ogle both boys. Back in the day when she'd been a teenager - oh god, she was getting old.

After the brisk walk they arrived at their destination. It wasn't quite the Crap Shack, but to Rory it was still home. She opened the door when she heard screaming and looked around the room avidly, looking for the cause of the noise.

Atticus and Tobey ventured into the room and both broke into a smile when they saw Hudson chasing after Kennedy, who had stolen his cd player.

God they're twins. Tobey said laughing.
Rory laughed, There was never a doubt in my mind. Hey guys!

The announcement caused both of Rory's siblings to look up at the three adults that had just entered the house. Hudson took this opportunity to steal back his CD player and roll his eyes at his sister who suddenly blushed at the site of Tobey.

What's in there anyways? Atticus inquired.
Kennedy pouted, He wont tell me.
Rory furrowed her brow. Did you ask?
Kennedy looked around,

The three simply laughed and came further into the house.

So what brings you by anyways? Hudson asked, adjusting his earphones around his neck.
Atticus said taking a seat on the couch, I was told that my presence was necessary and since Tobey was in town I thought that I would oblige him with a trip over here. You know how he's grown attached to you guys.
Kennedy giggled - a rare thing to hear come from her mouth, unless of course Tobey was in the vicinity.

What can I say? Tobey shrugged, It's the truth.

Rory nodded and looked around the room. Where's mom?
Kennedy looked puzzled She said that her and dad were going to the Quik-e-mart and would be back with Chutney squishee's in ten. I'll never understand her pop-culture references.

Tobey and Rory both laughed, obviously the only ones who understood what they were talking about.

Kennedy grabbed onto Tobey's arm and pulled him down the hall into her room, muttering about showing him some record she had just come across. Meanwhile Atticus attempted to carry on a conversation with Hudson, whose appearance made him look like he'd fit in just fine with Paris Gellar.

Rory looked around the spacious room and fortunately didn't have to wait long before Lorelai and Luke arrived back. With the two boys being occupied by the twins, she followed them into the kitchen.

Rory walked in and faced Luke and Lorelai. What's the update? She hadn't been sure earlier that Luke was aware that he was back, but from the expression he was carrying, she was positive he did.

He's still around. He asked for you to come see him again.

Rory sighed and leaned up against a counter. I really hate this you know.

That's not surprising. Lorelai said sympathetically.

Not just that he's back. I hate the entire fact that he ever left.

Luke and Lorelai exchanged glances and just nodded.

I should go see him.

Luke spoke up this time, You don't have to if you don't want to Rory. No one is forcing you to recreate ties to him. Atticus is 18 now, he can choose whether or not he wants to keep in contact, but you, you don't have to.

I loved him Luke. her eyes were pleading for...anything. How can I not at least see what he has to say?

They both looked at her empathetically. Then you know what you have to do kid. Lorelai smiled and reached over for a hug. Good luck.

Rory stood, wiped beneath her eyes and headed for the exit.

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Great. This was exactly what Dominique needed on a day like this. Here she was trying to relax on a Saturday afternoon and then Tyler had to show up. She really wasn't in the mood for a cat fight, she'd just gotten her hair done. She closed her eyes and braced herself for the confrontation, a sanguine smile settled upon not only her lips, but all of her features.

Tyler stated as a greeting.

Tyler, fancy seeing you here. I didn't think girls like you came to the salon often. she shrugged her shoulders and feigned unacquaintance.

She looked at her with mock confusion, And I didn't know that girls like you thought. she smiled.

Dominique rolled her eyes. Did you have an enjoyable time being an anchorite last night?

Well, you know as well as I do how banausic those parties are.

True. Although I heard you created quite a scene with Atticus.

He hates it when people call him that.

Not when it's me. She stared Tyler down, demanding dominance. Nowhere in her eyes did it show the fear she felt inside. The two stood staring for moments, So now you hit guys?

You checking up on me or something Dom?

It isn't exactly out of public knowledge. Nearly everyone that attends Chilton was there. she eyed Tyler, Even the less important people.

This is becoming stale.

So is your attitude. I see right through it Tyler. Everyone does. We know that you care-

Tyler cut her off. She was sick of waiting; listening; all the while knowing. I see through you too Dom. I see right down to your soul. I know that you're in love and you're too damn scared to admit it. I know everything. Grant it, she didn't know everything, but she was getting close.

Dominique retracted. You know shit.

I know Dodger. And I know what you two were doing last night. And I know that normally, you wouldn't spend close to an hour mentally prepping yourself before returning to a party after fucking some guy you cared nothing about. Tyler pushed passed Dominique into the studio behind her.

Leaving Dominique to walk off, stunned, trying to hide the tears that were frozen behind her eyes. No one would ever see her cry, she knew that much. She wasn't even sure if crying was an ability she had.

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to be continued...