Chapter Title: Not Just Me by Rascal Flatts (One of my favorite bands by the way.)

Disclaimer: I just realized I hadn't done one of these! I don't own Gilmore Girls, even

though I wish I did own Tristan at times. I'd smack some sense into him.

AN: Okay, all of you have been great. That's why I update everyday. But there are some

that I need to single out because they rock. LoVe 23, sweetie you're the best. Photobooth

Romance, thank you for your constructive criticism, I'm working on it. Mongoose, I'm

still reading your stuff, I love the Lucas/Rory story, keep it up. Nemo, the one with the

cute pen name, you're sweet.

Tell me that you live for love

That forever is never enough

That you've waited all your life to see

That you want so badly to believe

Tell me that it's not just me

Rory saw Tristan through the Diner window. From what she could see that he had a

black eye. Maybe it wasn't as bad as she thought.

Tristan looked up from the counter when he heard the bell ring. His eyes met Rory's and he had to force himself not to smile. He wasn't sure if she was going to come or not. At least she wasn't with Dean; that had to mean something. She sat down next to him to get a better look at his eye.

Tristan sighed when she touched his face running her fingers over the bruise. He gently grabbed hold of her wrist keeping her hand where it was. He wanted to kiss her palm…anything to let her know that he wanted her to stay with him. But he was a chicken. So he let her go, but she didn't move her hand. Rory looked into his eyes like she was searching for an answer.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to freak out."

"You didn't try to defend yourself?"

"He's still alive isn't he?"

"I don't get it."

"I had more to lose than he did."

"They wouldn't have expelled you for sticking up for yourself."

"You still don't get it."

"Get what?"

"Come with me." Tristan took her hand and pulled her upstairs.

Rory shut the apartment door after Tristan sat down at the table. He took off his shirt letting Rory look at the damage that had been done. His chest and stomach were purple and blue.

Rory gasped before reaching out to touch him. He winced when as she touched a sensitive spot. She pulled her hand away without looking at him. Tristan cupped his face in her hands tilting it so she was looking in his eyes. He smiled at her before pulling him to her. She wrapped her arms around him hugging him as tight as she could without hurting him.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"This happened because of me. Why didn't you defend yourself?"

"Because I knew you would be upset." He said running his hands through her hair.

"I'm not upset now?" She said pulling away just enough for him to see the tears that were forming in her eyes.

"I wanted to hit him. But I thought that you would hate me."

"For defending yourself?"

"I didn't think you would see it that way." He said pulling her to him again. He rubbed slow circles on her back trying to calm her down.
"Have you been to the hospital?"

"Nothing's broken."

"You're lucky."

"So where is Dean?"

Rory pulled back again and looked at him in surprise. He rolled his eyes before she laughed at him.

"He's wishing he hadn't messed with you."

"What did you do?"

"I broke up with him."

"Okay, now it's my turn to apologize."

"Don't, it would have happened eventually."

"You're not upset."

"He changed."

"Did he hit you?"

"He wanted to; but he walked away before he could do it."

"I knew he wasn't as stupid as I thought." Tristan rested his head on hers as she laid her head on his shoulder.

Jess walked into the room and rolled his eyes. And yet, Tristan and Rory didn't move.

"You didn't wait long did you? He's been talking about showing off his stomach around you for months."

"Shut up Mariano."

"It's true. I wish I could have taped it. It would have made good black mail."

Tristan's face was red as he let go of Rory. He looked down at his hands avoiding her eyes.

"Aw, he's blushing." Jess said messing up his hair.

"Jess leave him alone." Rory said putting a hand on Tristan's shoulder.

"I see you're not wasting any time either."

"Shut up Jess." Rory said before rolling her eyes.

"Hey, I know when I'm not wanted. But I need to warn you. Luke'll be up here in five minutes if you aren't down there."

"We'll be down in a minute." She said letting go of Tristan.

Tristan buttoned his shirt while Rory looked out the window. He walked over to her and leaned against the window.

"What's wrong?"

"You like me don't you?"

"Are we in the second grade?"

"I'm serious Tristan."

"I have feelings for you. You know that."

"I can't be with you."

"Not now, but you'll change your mind."

"You say that like you know it will happen."

"Maybe I do." He said stepping behind her and putting his arms around her.

She sank into him thinking about what he had said. How could he know what was going to happen? Maybe he knew something she didn't. Maybe he was psychic. But whatever it was, Rory had her reservations. She chided herself for so cynical. Her mom was always telling her to stop thinking so much and just go after what she wanted. Maybe she should start listening.