Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Author's Note: I know, I know! It's been a while since I updated, but it was quicker than last time. Right now, I'm suffering a little bit of writer's block, but I'm hoping to over come it as soon as possible. Thanks for all the great reviews on the last chapter; I love writing this story, and your feedback only makes it that much better. Remember; If you review, I'll love you!
* * * * *
As Tristan watched Rory's retreating back, her tense and angry muscles evident under her navy blazer, he found himself experiencing inevitable feelings of guilt and shame. Groaning in frustration, he conceived that while most of his other inarticulate and meaningless girlfriends would have laughed at those comments, Rory wasn't like them; she had self-respect and didn't appreciate being treated like dirt. Obviously, you moron, Tristan thought to himself, putting his head in his hands. You've really messed up now.
Slowly, pushing himself up from the table with the strength of his arms, he shook his head soberly, and plainly stated, "I have to go after her."
Austin rolled his eyes. "Man, she's just another girl. You would have gotten rid of her sooner or later, we know you."
There was a chorus of groans and protests ringing from the group, but Tristan waved them off. "You guys are the most immature people," Tristan began in a biting tone, but then stopped himself. "Never mind, I've got to go catch Rory and explain."
Without a second glance to the table of his 'friends', he pushed the cafeteria doors open, only to feel resistance, and a muffled 'ow'.
As he looked apologetically at Rory, he could immediately tell that she would not be easy to convince. Her eyes were narrowed, her arms crossed, and her stance held an air of demand. "I have nothing to say to you," Rory stated coolly, but Tristan seized her arm gently before she had a chance to walk away.
"Please, just listen to me."
Rory rolled her eyes. "I've heard it all before anyway, so I really don't see the point. 'I'm sorry, I've changed, I'm not a player'. Spare me."
Tristan sighed, running his hands through his already unruly hair. "Please?" His eyes held her hard gaze, pleading silently with the sapphire pools, and he saw a quick flash of consideration in her eyes.
Rory's glare tore away from his, and focused on her blue and cream colored saddle shoe, which was drawing slow circles on the stone tiled floors. With a slow breath, she shrugged her shoulders weakly and her resistant exterior began to deteriorate. "Fine. I'll listen," she agreed, her voice barely audible but still holding a chilled manner.
Gently, he took her hand in his and she reluctantly let him lead her to a more secluded part of the hallway and into an abandoned study room. Closing the door behind him, he turned to face the only girl who had ever had a firm hold on his heart strings. She looked innocently attractive, even with the wary expression of defeat etched on her features, and her once tidy French braid now lopsided and disheveled.
Tristan shook his head, as though he was entranced by some unknown magical force, and reached out to tuck a stray piece of chestnut hair behind her ear. "You are so beautiful."
"Don't," Rory replied, shielding away from his touch, and the silence of the room weighed down on them like a thick fog on an early spring morning. Rory unconsciously tapped her foot, and shrugged her shoulders at him. "Is that it? You think I'm going to let you and your friends walk all over me and then fall into your arms because you tell me I'm beautiful?" She shook her head. "I can't believe I trusted you."
An expression of hurt flickered across his face, but he didn't back down. "You are beautiful," he prompted, and took a step closer. Rory's expression faltered as he came into a closer proximity to her. She stepped back with his every step forward until she was against the wall. "Tristan, you said you wanted to talk, so talk." Her voice was becoming thin and exasperated.
"I'm not used to this." He stated simply, avoiding her gaze.
"Used to what?"
"This - a relationship - you and I, exclusively dating, with real feelings involved. I don't know how to act, or what I'm supposed to do." Tristan's face began to turn crimson as he looked everywhere but at Rory, who remained silent. "You make me experience these emotions. . . these feelings that I have never had with anyone before, and I'm not quite sure how to deal with them, because honestly, they scare me." He laughed at himself then, as though finally realizing how inexperienced he was at expressing his feelings towards one, solitary girl. It was more difficult that he could have imagined. "I don't want to hurt you, Rory, and I'm so terrified that I will unintentionally cause you pain, and I would never be able to forgive myself for that."
Rory's ever present wide eyes were full of curiosity, but still she remained silent, sensing that he wasn't quite finished. A small smile formed on her lips, and he took that as a sign to continue. "I'm sorry for the way those guys acted towards you. It was demeaning, and I'm ashamed to admit that I used to act like them. You have changed me Rory, whether you realize it or not. I want to be a better person because of you, as clichéd as that sounds. I used to think I was so experienced, you know; the high and mighty playboy. I guess being with you and experiencing who you are makes me realize that I'm still so unknowledgeable, but I want to learn and grow and experience all of these new feelings with you."
Rory let out a long breath. "Wow, that speech could have been a book."
Tristan smirked. "Well don't expect me to bare my soul to you often. I do have some of my reputation to keep. I don't want everyone to think I've gone all soft."
Rory shook her head, amazed. "I had no idea you felt so strongly about me."
"Well, you're quite the girl." Tristan smiled and rested his forehead against hers. Rory gently tugged on his neck and brought his lips down to meet hers in a kiss that wasn't utterly passionate, but rather full of promise. Pulling away from her, Tristan let out a sigh of relief. "I was worried for a minute."
Rory smiled. "Well, you're lucky you're such a charmer, Mr. DuGray."
"What can I say?" He asked, taking her hand in his and leading her out of the room.
"So, what are you doing this weekend?" Rory asked, nudging him in the side.
Tristan smirked. "Something with you?"
"That's what I like to hear," Rory beamed. "You should come over and we can have a movie night."
"That sounds good to me," Tristan replied. "What should we watch?"
"How about you pick a movie, and I pick a movie, and we'll pick the last one together."
"How do you feel about slasher films?"
"They make for excellent mocking material."
Tristan laughed and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. "Good enough."
* * * * *