A.N --- Thank you so much for all the awesome reviews! They make writing this story so much better, and once again I apologize for the lack of updates, but I've been crazy busy with this thing I call my life. It's completely hectic right now, but I finally had a night off and I felt the urge to write, so here you guys go! Enjoy! And remember, if you review, I'll love you!

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Three months later, Rory and Tristan sat side-by-side on the cold wood of the gazebo bench, taking in their surroundings. It was March 17th, and the town of Stars Hollow had gathered together in a lively festival for Saint Patrick's Day. Tristan had laughed at the idea when Rory first mentioned it, but he was more than eager to attend after Rory filled him in on the Saint Patrick's Day fiasco of '97 when Kirk had managed to get his head stuck in a large foam four leaf clover.

The sun was beginning to set, but the party was just beginning; the town square was bathed in green lights that were strung from tree to tree, and endless tables of food and drinks were set up along the edges of the grass. Irish music blared from the speakers set up along the stage that was off to the side of the gazebo, and Rory laughed as she saw her mother trying but failing to get Luke to dance. Lorelai had bought a can of tinted hairspray and the greenish hue along with the green sparkly dress was enough to attract anyone's attention. Kirk had taken the opportunity to dress up as a leprechaun, and was mingling with the other party-goers, every once in a while clicking his heals.

Rory looked over at Tristan and smiled sheepishly. "So, what do you think?"

"I think this town is crazy," he replied, slipping his arm around her shoulder. "But I think it's great. You're town will find any reason to celebrate a holiday, and if they want to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, than party on."

Rory laughed. "This is nothing. Last year we celebrated National Coast Guard day and had a beach party away from the beach."

Tristan raised his eyebrows, but chuckled. "Remind me again how you haven't gone insane yet?"

"Oh I am, but you just haven't seen that side of me yet." She grinned at him coyly, nudging him in the side.

Tristan leaned closer to her, letting his lips graze across her neck. Rory shivered, but leaned her neck back slightly, enjoying the sensations that were created by the mere touch of him. "Can you believe we've been together for five months?" Tristan's soft but gruff voice shook her out of her reverie.

Rory smiled gently. "I know. This must be a record for you," she joked, but kissed him lightly to let him know she was teasing.

Tristan scoffed. "You're words hurt, Mary."

Rory shrugged. "Hey, if you can't take the heat, get out of the fire."

"Touché," he replied, but stopped speaking as he pressed gently against her, pinning her against the back of the bench. His lips were driving her crazy as they made their way from the base of her neck and up to her earlobe where he nibbled it lightly. Rory felt her senses fly out the window as he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate embrace that left both red in the face and gasping for breath.

As she pulled away, Rory saw the fervor in his eyes and took a sharp intake of breath. Was she ready to deal with that look?

As if reading her thoughts, Tristan smiled tentatively.  "I'm not going to make you do anything you aren't ready for, you know that right?"

Rory nodded and ran her hand gently across his cheek. "I know, and I am so lucky to have someone like you. . .you're so thoughtful." She smiled at him timidly. ". . .but I think I am ready."

Tristan's face registered in a look of shock. "Rory, I want you to think about this."

"I have!" Rory whispered, apparent frustration in her voice. "I feel like lately it's all I ever think about. All you have to do is touch me and all rational thoughts just disappear. When I'm around you, all I do is feel. My heart rate triples every time you even look at me, and I can't ignore this reaction that you ignite in me. It's the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced, and it's all you. I just. . . I need to be with you."

Tristan shook his head. "I was not expecting that."

Rory laughed lightly and shrugged. "Come on. Let's go somewhere."

Tristan swallowed. "Okay." His voice came out raspy, and he stood, holding his hand out for her. They made their way over to Lorelai, who had finally convinced Luke to make his way to the center of the lawn, and was swinging his arms around in attempt to get him to dance. When she saw the two, her face lit up. "Look Rory! Luke is dancing. I didn't even think he knew what that word meant."

Rory laughed. "That's great, mom." She patted Luke sympathetically on the arm and shook her head. "I'm sorry Luke; you won't be able to get away from her for at least another hour."

Luke rolled his eyes, but his face was full of amusement. "I think I'll live."

Rory smiled. "Mom, Tristan and I are just going to go back to the house and hang around for a while."

Lorelai frowned. "And miss all the festivities? I bet Kirk will do something humiliating soon," she suggested, but Rory waved her off. "Nah, we'll be fine."

Lorelai shrugged. "Fine, suit yourself. I probably won't be home until later so don't wait up," she replied with a wink, and the two headed off for the Gilmore residence with Lorelai calling, "And don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

As the two made their way down the street hand in hand, the conversation was lagged, but not uncomfortable. Both were thinking about the possible events that the night held for them, and Rory felt herself getting nervous, but excited. As they entered the house, they made their way into the living room and sat on the couch. Silence filled the room, and finally Tristan broke the stillness. "Let's put some music on."

Rory nodded, and wiped her hands down the length of her black knee-length skirt to rid them of the clammy feeling they had. "Sure, music. Good idea."

After searching through the rack of CD's, Rory finally grabbed Coldplay and put it in the CD player. "Not exactly romantic, but still a great band." Tristan laughed and shrugged. "Good enough for me."

As the sound of The Scientist came on, Tristan offered his hand to her once again. "Dance with me," he suggested, and Rory laughed. "Are you serious?"

Tristan nodded and pulled her close to him. "Any excuse to have your body pressed against mine." Rory felt the heat rush to her cheeks, but she smiled.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets, and ask me your questions
Oh lets go back to the start
Running in circles, coming up tails
Heads on a silence apart

Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said that it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start
I was just guessing at numbers and figures.

"What a charmer you are," Rory replied, her voice teasing.

"Well, I try. . . Thank you for tonight. I feel like I'm a part of this town when I'm here with you," Tristan said, his hand grazing her neck as he spoke. When he came to the tie of her green halter top, he paused, ever so tempted to pull the string and release her from the clingy fabric.

"Pull it," she challenged, and Tristan took in a sharp breath, obviously surprised by her offer.

"Uhm. . . what?" Tristan questioned, taken aback.

Rory laughed lightly. "Tristan, you've been playing with it ever since we started to dance, so why don't you just pull it," she whispered into his ear, her breath on his skin causing him to shiver. He had never experienced such intense feelings of emotion before.

Pulling your puzzles apart
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart
Tell me you love me, come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are

"Come on, Tristan." She implored. "Don't you want to?"

Of course he wanted to. Why wouldn't he want to? He had waited for this moment for so long. Rory was ready, and there she was, in the sexy outfit that hugged her in all the right places. All he had to do was pull the tie and let her free from her imprisoning outfit. So why couldn't he do it? Why couldn't he just. . . pull it?

"Tristan?" Her puzzled blue eyes stared into his.

"Rory, I don't. . ." He paused.

"Want me." She spoke quickly. "You don't want me. Tristan, that's okay." She smiled fallaciously, faltering in an attempt to mask her pain and confusion. "Excuse me." Rory lightly pushed her way past him and walked from the living room into her bedroom, gently closing the door and leaning back against it, warm tears threatening to escape her eyes. Don't cry, she willed, berating herself for being such a fool. What had just happened in there?

Tristan stood in the middle of the room, thoroughly stunned. How could Rory even begin to think that he didn't want her anymore? How was it possible that she was blind to how much he desired her, felt for her. . .liked her? He had to explain. He had to make her see that she was completely wrong in her thoughts about him.

Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start. . .