A/N: another chapter for you guys. I hope you enjoy this story so far and since I write it as I go suggestions are always welcome :)

Disclaimer: I think I forgot this in the last chapter. Well anyway, I don't own Gilmore Girls or any of that so please don't sue.

Chapter Six

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"It's really dark in here Tristan," Rory said as she walked past him into the apartment.

"I haven't exactly gotten around to buying lamps. This place doesn't have any overhead lighting in the living room. Only in the closets."

"What is it with these people and their closets? Do they think they will take them to Narnia or something?"

Tristan chuckled.

"I seriously can't see in here," Rory said, looking around the apartment. The small window was open and it allowed the streetlight to enter into the room, but it only provided enough light for her to make out Tristan's vague image.

"Your eyes will adjust."

"What have you been doing, just sitting in the dark?"

"I had the TV on in my room."

"Anything good on?"

"I only get the local stations. No cable yet. The ten o'clock news should be starting soon…"

"Lead the way," she said. Tristan took her hand in his, surprising Rory, and gently guided her towards his bedroom. The simple gesture made her think of Logan, and she flushed with guilt as she yet again failed to mention his upcoming arrival.

Tristan let go of her hand as they both crawled onto his bed. They settled themselves against pillows propped against the wall; he had no headboard.

"Do you want anything to drink?" he asked as the news started.

"Water?"

"How about wine?"

"What are we celebrating."

"I think my interview went really well," he said, unable to suppress the smile that was tugging at his lips.

Rory broke out into a genuine smile. "Oh my gosh, I completely forgot to ask about it. I'm so happy for you, Tristan."

"Maybe I'll be able to buy lamps now," he said as he disappeared into the darkness to get the wine and glasses. Rory settled more comfortably against the pillows. She smiled to herself as she thought about how Tristan had bought himself a decent sized television and most likely some very expensive wine but had not considered the lights. It was characteristic of him.

He returned and handed Rory a glass that was full almost to the brim. In the bright light from the television he saw Rory's disapproving look and shrugged. "You know we're going to finish off the bottle. I might as well save myself the effort of refilling the glass every other sip."

Rory shook her head but sipped the smooth wine, enjoying the feeling it gave her.

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Rory woke up, feeling Tristan stir. He gently slid off the bed, causing Rory to move her head from his chest to the pillow. The cell phone started another round of shrill ringing, reminding her what had caused her to awake. Tristan answered it and walked out of the bedroom.

The windowless bedroom was dark, but the TV was still on and the light and noise irritated her enough to prevent her from going back to sleep. With a sigh she sat up, stretched, and got out of bed, feeling the headache from the wine as she stood.

She found Tristan pacing the kitchen floor, listening to the other end of his cell phone. Rory yawned and squeezed past him. She poured herself a glass of water as a replacement for the coffee which he did not have.

"Thank you," Tristan said before clicking his cell phone shut. He turned around, and Rory looked up to see him grinning.

"I got the job," he said, his voice full of pride.

"No…" Rory said, waking up and mirroring his wide smile.

"I got the job," he repeated, "I start Monday."

"Tristan that's awesome!" Rory said. She took a step forward and put her arms around him, standing on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. Tristan turned his head quickly, reflexively, and captured her lips in his. His heartbeat quickened as they remained in the embrace; she didn't kiss him back, but she didn't pull away either.

It took Rory what seemed like an eternity to regain her senses. When she did, she took a step back, breaking her kiss. She found balance against the kitchen counter, and she gripped it to steady herself.

"I…I'm sorry," Tristan stuttered as he noticed the fear replace the brightness in her eyes. "I was just excited and--"

"Logan's coming into town tonight," she said quickly.

Tristan's heart skipped a beat; he felt completely caught off guard. "What?"

Rory nodded and Tristan noted how her posture had slipped so that her shoulders were curling inwards; her discomfort was making her defensive.

"Logan is coming here, tonight?"

She nodded again and looked away.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked steadily, hoping that his voice did not betray the hurt he was feeling at her omission.

"It just happened," she said.

"When?"

"I have to go Tristan," she said, walking out of the kitchen.

"Rory, wait."

She kept walking and Tristan followed her to the door. "Don't walk away," he said softly. "I'm sorry."

Rory opened the door and left him, afraid of the pain she detected in his voice, afraid of the way he kissed her, and afraid of the way she let him.