CHAPTER 3
NEXT MORNING: SARK'S PLACE
Sark sighs seeing Nadia at the kitchen counter drinking coffee, "Why is it no one in this family knocks?"
"So where were you?"
"I think you know."
Nadia glares at him, "Who is she Julian?"
Sark pours himself a cup of coffee taking a drink, "My only outlet from this world." Sark replies
"She's a college student... how did you meet her?"
"Chilton"
"Chilton?"
"It is a prep school. Irina sent me there on a job... I was there as a student teacher. I met Rory there... she was different from everyone else." Sark looks at his coffee with a faint smile. "Rory and I became friends. After the job I kept in contact with her, emails... occasional phone calls... sent her Mom coffee."
"You sent her Mom coffee?" Nadia lifts her brow.
"Lorelai is coffee obsessed." Sark smiles at the mention of the older Gilmore, "As is Rory."
"So you two are friends?"
Sark nods, "Only friend I have outside this world."
"Does she know what you do?"
"I had no choice in telling her."
"What did she say?"
"Not much. Rory is very... understanding. She was a little mad I kept it from her."
"There's something you aren't telling me." Nadia remarks as she regards her brother.
Sark shrugs "Like I have told Sydney... I keep my private life private."
Nadia nods "Understandable."
"So I take it Vaughn and Sydney were leading the way for my retrieval"
"Of course." Nadia takes a sip of her coffee. "Jack convinced them to leave it... he was sure you'd return... and you did."
"Still going to have some questions to answer"
"Of course. You did break communications and take an unsupervised trip."
"Please I know Jack had someone watching me."
"True... he wanted to appease Dixon and the others."
"Well I did return."
"That you did." Nadia smiles over her coffee.
MIDMORNING: YALE
"So?" Paris demands as she stands in the doorway of Rory's room her hands on her hips as she glares at her friend.
"Huh?" Rory asks glancing up from her work.
"Why was Julian here?" She demands
"We kept in contact over the years." Rory shrugs "He was out this way and wanted to check in."
"He was in your bed."
Rory shrugs "We fell asleep."
"All he was wearing was boxers."
"What was he supposed to wear? His pants?" Rory asks sarcastically.
"Rory" Paris says loudly "A guy who was our student teacher shows up... and ends up sleeping in your bed?"
"Sleeping only." Rory lies
"Rory"
"I have a lot of work to do Paris." Rory turns back to her books.
"Fine but I will get it out of you." Paris stalks out of the room.
Rory shakes her head turning her attention to her work.
LATE AFTERNOON: CIA
"You took an unauthorized fieldtrip." Dixon says angrily as he paces before Sark.
"I needed a break. I came back didn't I?"
Jack glares at his son, "Not the point Sark."
"And who is Lorelai Gilmore?" Dixon demands
"Someone I knew from years back." Sark looks at Jack realizing his father hasn't told Dixon what he found.
"That doesn't answer the question." Dixon snaps
"Who she is has no bearing on my work." Sark says calmly. "She's just someone who doesn't expect me to be good or evil."
"You know you aren't allowed to spend time with just anyone." Dixon says angrily. "Do you even realize you could have damaged your deal?"
"Sark, tell him." Jack orders
"Tell me what?" Dixon demands as he looks between the two.
"Who Miss Gilmore is"
Sark sighs "I don't se" he stops when Jack glares at him.
Outside Nadia watches as her brother is being yelled at. She looks up as Sydney sits on the edge of her desk, "He's really in a lot of trouble this time."
"He deserves it." Sydney shrugs "He knows the rules. If we're lucky he'll end up in lock-up."
Nadia shakes her head, "You could give him a chance Sydney. He's trying to be good."
"His behavior is going to land all of us in trouble." Sydney says
"We were all raised similar yet you can't except that he's like us."
"He's nothing like me." Sydney says quickly.
"From what he's said about his childhood you two were raised almost exactly the same." Nadia points out
"Yet look how he turned out."
"He's trying Sydney... why can't you give him that?"
"I have had to deal with him longer than you have." Sydney shrugs "And finding out we're related doesn't make me trust him. Besides he spent a good portion of his life with Mom... doesn't exactly help in the trust factor."
In the office Dixon stares at Sark stunned by his admittance then looks at Jack, "You knew?"
"I was informed the information was recently added onto a computer. I had Marshall remove it. Hopefully he caught it in time."
Dixon looks at Sark, "And no one knows?"
"No one, not even her Mum; and she tells Lorelai everything." Sark shrugs "I knew how Irina and Allison would react. She knew how her family would react. So we decided to wait until she finishes school to tell her family."
"And that's in?"
"Two years. But from the looks of things it might be sooner."
"Does she know what you do?"
"Now she does. I had no choice in telling her. I figured one of these days either Irina or Sydney would figure out how we know each other and confront her. I thought it better if I tell her."
Dixon sighs, "This is not good Sark." He rubs his forehead.
"It's my personal life. She knows nothing about what I have done or will do. Work has always been a non-topic with us. She's not part of this or my deal." Sark stands, "If you'll excuse me I have work to do." He walks out of the office.
"Will this affect his work?" Dixon asks
"I have no idea. I think monitoring him when he's with her would be a good idea but I honestly believe that she's not part of this world." Jack answers
Dixon nods "This is just... a surprise."
LATE THAT NIGHT: SARK'S PLACE
Sark sighs seeing Irina sitting at the counter, "What now?"
"You disappeared after you promised to behave."
Sark shrugs "I returned didn't I?" He removes his suit jacket tossing it on the couch. "Why else are you here?"
"I think we need to have a discussion about what else I learned."
Sark stiffens, "It is none of your business." He says coldly.
"Julian"
"Don't" Sark warns, "don't call me that."
Irina ignores his anger, "If you care about her you will end it before others find out."
"If you keep your mouth shut no one will find out. If you cover for me no one will find out."
"It can't stay hidden forever." Irina says gently.
"I know"
"How could you do this?" Irina demands
"My whole life everyone expected me to be like him... and then be like you. She never cared about the money, power... or what I did."
"Does she know?"
"She does now." Sark answers. "I had no choice."
"Sark"
"If you actually have any parental care for me you'll leave it alone... and do what you can to make sure nothing happens to her."
"Sark"
"If anything happens to her because of the CIA or you... I am gone. I'll disappear and no one will ever find me." Sark warns. "I'm going to bed... lock up when you leave."
NEXT MORNING: CIA
"Who is Lorelai Gilmore to you?" Vaughn asks dropping pictures of Sark with the dark haired girl on Sark's desk.
Sark looks at Vaughn, "None of your business Agent Vaughn." He says coldly. "And I wonder how Dixon would take you breaking into a sealed, top secret file." He leans back in his chair glancing at Sydney briefly before speaking, "Stay out of my personal life."
"You don't have one." Vaughn snaps "And I wonder how your girlfriend would take finding out what you've done"
"Stay away from her." Sark warns. "She is not part of this world... and she never will be."
"What was she a job?" Vaughn sneers
Sydney watches as her brother's eyes narrow as he stands, "Vaughn" she warns knowing that despite Sark's normally calm exterior he has a bad temper when provoked.
"Don't presume to think you know me outside of work Agent Vaughn." Sark says coldly.
"All you are is a killer and she deserves to know what you are." Suddenly Vaughn finds himself face down on Sark's desk the younger man yanking his arm behind his back.
"Sark let him go." Sydney says angrily.
"Stay away from her Agent Vaughn. If you go within fifty miles of her... so help me I will go back on our truce and make your life painful." Sark steps back allowing Vaughn to stand. "She has nothing to do with this world... and I won't let anyone drag her into it."
"What don't want your girlfriend to know the truth about you?" Vaughn sneers
Sydney steps between the two seeing their about to fight, "Enough you two"
"Stay away from her Vaughn." Sark warns
"Vaughn, go" Sydney grabs her boyfriend's arm pulling him towards the door pushing him out before the two can get into another fight. She closes the door behind Vaughn looking at her brother, "What the hell is going on? Since when do you care about anyone other than yourself?"
"Just keep him away from her." Sark says coldly.
"He's looking out for her. After all you are a criminal and she's a normal college student."
"No one needs to look out for Rory Gilmore. She is independent of everyone. If anyone is to look out for her it's me."
"What the hell is going on?" Nadia demands as she enters the office to find her siblings at a stand off, "Vaughn slammed out of here."
"Rory is no ones business, understand?" Sark says coldly. "I will do what I have to do to keep my wife safe from anyone... including your boyfriend."
"WIFE!" Sydney and Nadia exclaim loudly.
"You're married?" Sydney demands
"Yes I'm married." Sark snaps
"And how is it there's no record of this?" Sydney demands
"We married in a small town in France that had yet to put records online."
"And Mom doesn't know?" Sydney asks
"Until recent events I doubt it."
"Recent events?" Nadia inquires
"Apparently their records are online now." Sark sits at his desk, "Jack informed me and had Marshall remove it... but someone might have figured it out." Sark shrugs
"And do her parents?" Nadia questions
"No one knows... and I'd prefer to keep it that way."
"Why don't her parents know?" Sydney asks. "Have you met her parents?"
"I've met Lorelai." Sark smiles faintly at the mention of his mother-in-law, "Lorelai is quite... amusing." He leans back in his chair, "She doesn't want her family to know until she's done with school."
"How long have you two been married?" Nadia asks
"Six months."
"So you cheated on your wife." Sydney says with disgust.
"I never cheated on my wife. I admit to sleeping with Reed once but that is as far as it went. I had no interest in that blood sucking, power hungry bitch." Sark snaps "You can believe me or not... your choice. Now if you'll excuse me; I have work to do." He turns his attention to the work before him.
Seeing Sark has shut them out from his brief moment of admittance Sydney and Nadia walk out of the office. "Wow... he's married." Nadia shakes her head.
"He's just going to ruin her life." Sydney mutters
"You don't know that... and I don't either. We don't know a lot about him." Nadia shrugs "He's spent his whole life keeping secrets."
"I know." Sydney frowns, "Think he loves her?"
"I doubt he would have married her if he didn't" Nadia muses
"I just don't trust him." Sydney mutters
"Maybe you should... at least on this."
"Maybe but still... she's just a kid." Sydney sighs, "I'd hate for her to ruin her life over him."
"You love who you love." Nadia shrugs "And we shouldn't interfere."
"Maybe... I wonder how long Dad has known." Sydney says thoughtfully.
"He's probably a while." Nadia replies
"Yeah, probably."
LATE EVENING: VAUGHN'S PLACE
"She deserves to know what a weasel he is." Vaughn rants
Sydney sighs listening to her boyfriend rant about Sark, "He said he told her."
"Wonder how much"
Sydney shrugs, "He seems to care about her." She takes a sip of her beer, "Besides its not our decision what Sark does. And my advice; stay away from her Michael." She says firmly. "I think he was serious about his warning."
"I'm not scared of him."
Sydney's eyes narrow, "Is this all about Lauren?"
Vaughn scowls, "I didn't trust him before the Lauren issue."
"Maybe he wants to change." Sydney says weakly.
"He'll never change." Vaughn mutters
"Um Vaughn"
"He's a criminal... no matter what the CIA thinks he's going to betray everyone."
"Maybe he won't." Sydney says staring at her beer.
"I don't know how you can say that; you know Sark as well as I do Sydney."
"Maybe I'm willing to give him a chance." Sydney shrugs
Vaughn stares at his girlfriend, "Why?"
Sydney shrugs "Everyone needs the chance to prove themselves."
"I can't believe this... you're defending him!"
"I'm not defending him... I just think that considering everything he's given up... he deserves to prove himself."
"There's something else... something you aren't telling me."
Sydney sighs "Fine. You want the truth... you have to swear not to mention it to anyone."
"Fine"
"Last month Dad found something out"
FEW MINUTES LATER
Vaughn paces running his fingers through his hair, "You've known for a month and you haven't said anything!" Vaughn says angrily.
"You think I like the idea of being related to him? No but he is Nadia's twin. He deserves the chance to prove himself."
"He slept with my wife Sydney!"
"Don't blame it all on him... she was willing. Besides he said it happened only once."
"Why do you believe that? Because your long lost brother said so?" Vaughn sneers
Sydney stands glaring at him, "Maybe I believe him more than I believe Lauren because Sark... despite our history... he's never outright lied to me!"
"Oh yes shooting at his own sister is so much better!" Vaughn says sarcastically.
"He didn't know... no one knew... not even Mom."
"And Derevko hasn't lied to you before"
Sydney shakes her head, "I'm going home before we say things we can't take back." She walks out of the living room.
Vaughn drops on the couch as the front door slams shut.
HOUR LATER: SARK'S PLACE
Sark silently groans as he finds Sydney on his doorstep, "What now? Come to tell me I'm messing up Rory's life?"
"I believe you are but that's not why I'm here."
"Fine" Sark allows her to enter. "Why are you here?" He asks crossing his arms over his chest.
"I want the full truth"
"About?"
"Did you sleep with Reed after you married Gilmore?"
"No. I ran into Rory a few weeks after I first slept with Reed. When I realized I had feelings for Rory I decided to cut all sexual ties with Reed. I wasn't going to cheat on Rory... she's too good for that."
"What about Alison?" Sydney demands. "When you were together did you cheat on her?"
"Alison and I were friends"
"And Gilmore?"
"I met her when she was at Chilton... a prep school in Connecticut. We became friends. She is nothing like everyone else I have had to deal with over the years. She's stubborn, independent, smart... kind."
"Innocent of what you are." Sydney adds
Sark nods "That's part of the reason. But now she knows... and I'm going to do what I have to do to protect her from my past."
"Sark you do realize that being involved with her puts her in danger."
"I know which is why I kept my marriage a secret from everyone. And if you are about to suggest a divorce or annulment it won't protect her. Someone would still use her against me."
"Why marry her?"
"I love her." Sark says simply.
"Love isn't going to protect her."
"I know"
"What were you thinking in marrying her?"
"Things just happened." Sark shrugs "I don't regret it."
"Then why doesn't her family know?"
"Rory was born when her parents were sixteen. Lorelai barely finished high school and it took her almost 13 years to finish college. Rory knew her Mom and her Grandparents would overreact to Rory marrying at 19. I knew that as long as I stayed in this business it would be difficult to keep the marriage a secret if too many people knew."
"So what? You were going to get out?"
Sark shrugs "I hadn't really figured that part out." He admits. "I wanted to be with her."
"And you didn't think about the consequences of being with her."
"I did to a point. I just... with Rory you tend to forget things."
"And you rarely see her or talk to her."
"Less since I started working for the CIA. But it's the only option I have." He shrugs "Besides I can protect her better this way if anything comes up."
"Look, just don't taunt Vaughn anymore. The more you do the more likely he's to react."
"If he stays away from my wife... I will leave him alone. But if I get even a hint that he's been near her" Sark warns
Sydney nods "I better go" She walks out the door.
Sark closes the door making his way to the living room dropping on the couch he stares at the ceiling. 'I love her and I'm not going to lose her.'
CHAPTER 4
COUPLE DAYS LATER: YALE
Rory opens the door to find a sandy haired man with green eyes standing on the other side, "Yes?"
"Lorelai Gilmore?"
"I'm one of them." Rory smiles "Sorry... bad joke. How can I help you?"
"My name is Michael Vaughn... I uh work with Julian Sark... or Lazarey"
"Is he OK?" Rory asks concerned.
"Can we talk? Inside?"
"Uh, sure." Rory lets the man enter. "What's this about?"
"You're friends with him correct?"
"I've known him since he was a student teacher at Chilton. We're friends." Rory hedges
"Look you may be friends but you don't know him."
"I know enough."
"He's a killer; an assassin. He's ruthless... cruel."
"I want you to leave." Rory says coldly.
"Ms. Gilmore"
"Go before I call campus security."
Vaughn hands her a file, "Here... read this. It will answer all your questions about him."
"Just get out." Rory says quickly.
"Just read the file and make your own decisions." Vaughn walks out of the suite.
Rory stares at the file in her hand. 'Do I want to know?' She shakes her head, 'He'll tell me what he wants.' She walks back to her room sitting on her bed she stares at the file.
SAME TIME: CIA
Marshall rushes into Jack's office, "We have a problem." He closes the door behind him then hands Jack a folder, "The unit you have watching the dorm room spotted this."
Jack opens the folder his eyes narrowing when he sees Michael Vaughn, "No mention of this to Sark. God knows what he'll do to Vaughn if he finds out."
Marshall nods "I figured that so I buried the pictures."
"Good."
"What are you going to do about Vaughn?" Marshall asks nervously. "I mean I doubt he's going to leave this alone."
"I will deal with him when he returns."
Marshall nods scurrying out of the room.
Jack looks towards the window to see Sark and Nadia walking together and talking, 'Hard to believe that he is a Bristow... but he is... so is she.'
LATE NEXT MORNING: PARK
"Wake you darling?" Sark asks as he hears Rory's sleepy voice.
"Uh huh" Rory yawns. "why are you calling me so early? You know we Gilmores aren't made for mornings or conversation before coffee."
"I just wanted to hear your voice."
"Still" Rory yawns
"How are you?"
"Good. I miss you."
"Same."
"Oh some guy came by."
Sark frowns, "Did he give a name?"
"Vaughn I think. He gave me a file."
"Rory"
"I didn't read it. Whatever you want me to know I know you'll tell me."
"You know everything but the details. I'm sorry if he upset you... I will have a conversation with him."
"How's LA?"
"Warm. How's New Haven?"
"Somewhat chilly. I had to wear my duck pajamas"
Sark smiles, 'God I love her innocence.' "Warmest ones huh?"
"Yep. I'm nice and cozy in them. Lorelai gave them to me last month." Rory yawns. "When will you visit?"
"I'm not sure. Soon I hope. How about the next time I visit we leave campus"
"We could go see Mom. You know she likes you."
"But that means I have to sleep on the couch." Sark grumbles
"Oh pout, pout. Come on my Mom adores you... almost as much as Tristan and Dean."
"Hey why almost?"
"Because you have yet to join the Gilmore movie night. She would adore you for that... and more if you can cook. The whole coffee bribery thing over the years has worked as well."
"I bet. Look I need to go. I have to get to work."
"I know." Rory yawns
"Go back to sleep."
"Love you." Rory says sleepily.
"Same. I'll check in soon." Sark hangs up. 'He went near my wife and upset her.' He scowls 'Crossed the line Vaughn.'
WHILE LATER: CIA
"Vaughn, get in here." Dixon yells
"What did you do this time?" Weiss asks jokingly getting a glare from his friend.
Vaughn enters the office to find Dixon and Jack, "What is it?"
"You gave a top secret document to a civilian." Dixon says angrily.
"She deserved to know the truth about him." Vaughn argues. "Am I the only one around here who still realizes he's a criminal?"
"We give him enough rope so he doesn't betray us." Dixon explains
"Just because he's a Bristow doesn't mean he can be trusted." Vaughn argues. "Let me remind both of you he was raised by Irina." He looks at the two "Which means he needs to be watched even more."
Sydney notices her brother striding into the offices looking seriously pissed off heading straight to Dixon's office entering without being invited. 'Not good.' She follows entering just in time to see her brother punch her boyfriend in the stomach.
"I warned you to stay the hell away from her."
"Sark enough" Jack warns
"He went near Rory" Sark glares at Vaughn yet steps back hearing the paternal warning in Jack's voice.
"She deserved the truth of what you are." Vaughn manages to get out as he straightens up.
"You gave a civilian a top secret file." Dixon says angrily.
"She hasn't read it." Sark informs Dixon
"She should... what are you scared she'd dump you?" Vaughn demands "Realize what a lowlife you are"
Jack grabs Sark's arm before the younger man can punch the other man, "Enough"
"He went near my wife Jack. That is not something I tolerate."
"Your wife!" Vaughn exclaims
"That is not to leave this room Agent Vaughn." Dixon warns. "Ms Gilmore is a civilian."
"If you even breath a word that I am married, to anyone, and something happens to Rory I will go back to what I was and hurt you beyond anything." He pulls his arm out of Jack's grasp and looks at Dixon, "I need a few days"
"What for?" Dixon questions
"After his little escapade I need to talk to my wife." Sark glares at Vaughn
"Where will you be?"
"Probably go see her Mum in Stars Hollow."
"Just don't leave Connecticut." Dixon warns. "Be back on Monday."
Sark glares at Vaughn "Stay away from her." He slams out of the office.
"I asked you to leave it alone." Sydney glares at her boyfriend before walking out of the office.
"Sark's private business isn't yours Vaughn." Dixon warns
"No offense Jack but having either of you three as his handler is not wise considering."
"Which is why Jack handed over handler duties to me." Dixon replies "Sark is now under my purview. As of now if you have problems with Sark take it up with me."
"How can you let Sark hurt that girl? After all he's done" Vaughn argues. "how can you trust him?"
"That is none of your concern." Dixon replies. "He will be watched and any big slip up and he will be back behind bars."
Vaughn shakes his head, "He's not to be trusted." He walks out of the office.
"And what will be done about his stealing of files?" Jack inquires
"For now his security level will be lowered. That's enough punishment for the time being."
Jack nods, "No need to add more problems between Vaughn and Sark."
"Jack are you sure Sark is trustworthy?"
"No but I believe he loves his wife." Jack replies. "I believe he will do what is necessary to be with her."
"Do you really believe her family doesn't know of the marriage?"
Jack nods "I looked into the family... there doesn't seem to be any hint that anyone knows."
"How long do you think he'll be able to keep it from her family?" Dixon questions
"I have no idea."
Sark sighs seeing his sisters, "I'm not in the mood." He says stiffly.
"Sark" Sydney begins
"Just keep your boyfriend away from my wife or so help me I will hurt him." Sark warns "And if he even thinks of breathing a word of our marriage to Rory's family..."
"I'll talk to him."
"How long will you be gone?" Nadia asks
"I should be back late Sunday night."
Nadia nods watching as he hurries out of the office. "Well at least Vaughn is still standing."
"Barely" Sydney sighs, "He was furious... Dad came close to separating them."
"What are you going to do about Michael?"
Sydney shrugs "I'm not sure."
LATE AFTERNOON: YALE
Rory opens the door and grins, "Julian" she pulls him into the dorm suite kissing him. "What are you doing here?"
"I took a few days off." Sark answers brushing her hair back. "I figured we could spend some time together."
"I'd love too... but"
"But what?"
"How do you feel about going to my Grandparents for dinner?"
"Are you sure?"
Rory nods grinning, "I'm sure."
Sark brushes her hair back, "Going to bring up some interesting questions."
Rory shrugs pulling him back into her bedroom, "They'll ask a lot of questions."
"I'll answer them as honestly as I can." Sark drops on the bed watching as Rory picks up her phone.
"Grandma... yes I'm still coming to dinner. I'm bringing a friend." Rory rolls her eyes, "No it's not Dean. We're still not on speaking terms. No, not Logan. Its someone you've never met. His name is Julian. No. I knew him at Chilton. No he wasn't a student... he was a student teacher. You'll like him. He's in town and stopped by. We'll be there at six sharp. Love you too." Rory hangs up with a sigh. "I swear every time I talk to her its like an interrogation."
Sark laughs. "You should try my family. That's like an interrogation like no other." Sark leans back watching as Rory looks through her closet. "What about your Mum? Don't you think it wise to warn her I'm coming home with you?"
"I'll call her."
"Do I have to sleep on the couch?" Sark grumbles
"Sorry honey but that wouldn't go over well with Mom." Rory goes over to her dresser opening the drawer she removes the file, "Here" she hands it to Sark. "I didn't read it."
"Why not?"
"Because I know you'll tell me what you think I need to know." Rory settles beside him.
"You know enough... details... I have done a lot over the years and I think the details would give you nightmares."
"You killed people?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"What my job required"
"And now?"
"They keep me on a leash."
Rory brushes her hair behind her ears, "Do you like what you do?"
"Not any longer. When I ran into you in Paris... I started losing interest. I realized that I didn't want to be what I was."
"But you still do it"
"I have no choice. I had hoped that I could talk Irina into helping me get out when you were ready to tell your family."
"And now?"
"I'll figure something out."
Rory nods
"So what do I need to look out for with your Grandparents?"
"They'll ask you about what you do... what your family does... the basics."
"Alright, I guess I should stick to the Lazarey's my father line."
"Or you could tell them you were adopted and recently found your biological family."
"Good point."
"Oh Stars Hollow... Mom told me that Taylor called an emergency town meeting."
"Taylor?"
"Mayor... the guy Mom likes to drive nuts. Town meetings are so much fun. Mom even brings popcorn to them." Rory grins. "You can see my crazy neighbors."
"Sounds... amusing."
"It'll be fun. You can meet Luke... ooh you can help Mom make fun of people." Rory bounces on the bed laughing. "And Mom will love you"
"Your Mum adores me already."
"Bribery works every time." Rory grins
"But you love me anyway right Mrs. Lazarey?"
"I adore you Mr. Lazarey." Rory kisses him laughing when he pushes her back onto the bed.
WHILE LATER
Rory plays with the ring on the chain around his neck as they lie in bed, "I wish I could wear my ring."
"Where is it?"
Rory sighs, "At home, hidden in a nook in the top of my closet."
"Soon" Sark kisses her head.
"Wear yours?"
"Only time it's not with me is when I'm out on missions... only time it's off the chain is when I'm completely alone... which isn't often enough."
"Oh"
"Wearing it would bring questions... can't have people asking questions."
Rory nods then after a moment of silence she speaks, "Do you think we'll be able to keep it secret for much longer?"
"I don't know. Hopefully, Jack will be able to keep the moron from spilling. But then again he bloody hates me."
"Why?"
"He thinks I had an affair with his wife."
Rory pulls away looking at him, "Did you?"
"I slept with her once. Since I realized I love you there has been no one but you."
"Better not" Rory warns
Sark brushes her hair back, "I never cheated on you and I never will. I saw how it affected my Mother and I won't do what he did."
"Guess you think the fact I slept with Dean was pretty despicable."
"Sometimes people need to do things to get a person out of their system despite what's going on around them. I admit to being the other man a few times." Sark admits reluctantly as he pulls her close.
"Who were they?"
"Just women I used to get information... and a few times just for the sex." He kisses her forehead, "But that's over... I promise"
"You cheat on me and I'll divorce your sorry ass. There will be no excuses or just plain kicking you out." She warns
Sark nods
Rory smiles "So what will we do this weekend?"
"So I guess tomorrow I will have to make you and your Mum breakfast."
"You cook?"
"Not often. I live alone and spent years on the move. Before I became... known... I used to cook."
"Well if you cook for us it'll give you points with Mom."
"Then I'll cook."
"Good." Rory kisses him quickly before sitting up. "We should get cleaned up. We need to leave in an hour or we won't be on time. Grandma hates when people are tardy."
HOUR AND A HALF LATER: GILMORE HOUSE
"Hi Grandma" Rory grins when she sees her Grandmother enter the foyer behind the maid.
"Rory it is good to see you." Emily Gilmore smiles then seeing the man enter she frowns
Seeing that her Grandmother's attention on Sark she speaks, "Grandma this is Julian Lazarey. Julian this is my Grandma Emily Gilmore."
"Mrs. Gilmore it is good to finally meet you. Rory has spoken about you many times."
"I wish I could say the same but she's never mentioned you."
"Grandma" Rory says quickly.
"I'm not meaning to be rude but its true." Emily states then turns her attention to Sark, "Julian how did you meet my Granddaughter?"
"I was a student teacher at Chilton for a few months." Sark replies. "We kept in touch after I left."
Emily nods "Come on back. Your Grandfather has already hit the drinks." Emily starts walking to the library.
When her Grandmother's attention is diverted Rory kisses Sark quickly before grabbing his hand and pulling him to the library.
"Richard, your Granddaughter brought home a friend."
Richard Gilmore looks up from his newspaper smiling at his Granddaughter, "Rory"
"Hi Grandpa" Rory releases Sark's hand walking over to her Grandpa she kisses his cheek. "Grandpa this is my friend Julian Lazarey"
"They met at Chilton." Emily informs her husband
"Oh hello Mr. Lazarey it is good to meet a friend of Rory's." Richard stands shaking Sark's hand. "So you attended Chilton with Rory?"
"I was actually a student teacher." Sark admits
"Oh really? Are you a teacher now?" Emily inquires
"No. I do... negotiations."
"Aren't you young for that?" Emily demands
"I'm good at getting my way." Sark smiles
"And what does your family do?" Emily questions
"Business mostly."
"What kind?" Richard asks
"Acquisitions... negotiations."
"Where were you raised?"
"I was born in Galway and raised in England, and Russia. I spent most of my life in boarding schools and such."
Emily nods
"Where did you go to college?" Richard questions
"Oxford."
"Oxford... quite a prestigious school." Emily says approvingly.
"Ma'am dinner is ready." A maid announces
"Good." Emily nods
"Rory where is your mother tonight?" Richard questions
"Date with Luke. It's the first time he's been able to get off of work in two weeks."
"He owns the diner." Emily rebuffs. "He should be able to take time off whenever he wants."
"Lane had to take some time off this week so Luke had to work her shifts." Rory answers
"How is Lane?" Richard asks. "I always liked that girl."
"She's good, still living with her band mates."
"I can't believe her mother allows it." Emily states. "It is not proper for a young lady to live with a bunch of young men."
"I know Grandma but Lane wanted to be part of the band and the only way she could was to move out. But the guys look out for her." Rory says as they sit at the table.
COUPLE HOURS LATER: CAR
"So did you actually attend Oxford?" Rory asks curiously.
Sark nods "Under an alias but yes."
"Wow. You never mentioned that."
Sark shrugs "It's not like I can use my degree without questions."
"What is your degree?"
"I have a double degree in business and languages." Sark removes his cell phone turning it on. He sighs when his phone rings and presses talk, "What?"
"Why the hell haven't you been answering your phone?" Jack demands
"Sorry Dad" Sark says sarcastically. "I was at dinner with Rory's Grandparents. What do you want?"
"You know you're supposed to check in."
"I'm still around. I haven't fled the bloody country."
"Where will you be?" Jack demands
"Heading to Stars Hollow. Sending someone to watch me?"
"Of course." Jack hangs up
Sark closes his phone swearing under his breath as he shoves his phone in his pocket.
"In Stars Hollow newcomers are noticed... especially by Miss Patty and Taylor."
"The CIA is good at keeping low profile."
"Trust me nothing gets passed Stars Hollow's busybodies. I mean you can't get away with anything in Stars Hollow."
Sark squeezes her hand bringing it to his lips, "We'll see them around but they'll stay away."
Rory smiles at him then looks out the window keeping his hand in her grasp. 'God I love touching him. I hate being apart from him... but there's no choice.' She rests her head against the headrest looking at Sark, "So Grandma was taken with you"
"You think?"
"Yep. She behaved."
"She kind of reminds me of Irina... without the whole 'I'll shoot you if you make me mad' issue."
Rory laughs, "Trust me Grandma's bad side is not something you want to deal with." Just then her phone rings and she releases Sark's hand and reaches down to her purse at her feet removing her phone. "Hello?"
"Rory, my loving baby girl."
"Hi Mom"
"So what was with the message saying you were bringing someone home for the weekend?"
"Julian."
"Oooh I love Julian. He there?"
"Yes. We just finished dinner with Grandma and Grandpa."
"You had him meet them before seeing me?" Lorelai whines "Bad Rory."
"Sorry Mom but I knew you had plans with Luke and we didn't have time to go to Stars Hollow and then go see Grandma and Grandpa. Besides he'll be in Stars Hollow all weekend so you'll be able to interrogate him all you want."
"Good. I didn't know you two were in touch all these years"
Rory grins, "We ran into each other in Europe."
"WHAT!" Lorelai exclaims "Details"
"Mom" Rory groans
"Fine but I'm going to get details out of him. I'll see you in a while babe."
"Sure. Love you"
"Love you too. Tell Julian hi."
"I will." Rory hangs up groaning
"What?"
"Mom is going to want details about us meeting up in France."
"What do you want me to say? We met had dinner... a few weeks later we ended up married?"
Rory glares at him
"I was kidding Rory." Sark laughs. "I'll leave out the married part."
Rory rolls her eyes
"You never told her we met up?"
"No. I didn't exactly want to get into a fight with her. I mean she was already angry over the whole sleeping with the married ex. I didn't exactly want to get into the conversation of another guy in my life so soon after the whole Dean issue. It didn't exactly help the situation when I was confronted by Lindsey and her Mom."
Sark nods "Understandable." He is silent for a moment then speaks, "Is he still in Stars Hollow?"
"They moved a few towns over but their families are still in town so they still visit. I don't see him or Lindsey when I'm in town."
"It must be hard when you do see him."
"Actually after we tried to work on being friends we realized that we couldn't even be friends. There's too much history for that."
"Yet you tried anyway."
Rory shrugs, "For a while."
"What happened?"
"I realized even a friendship with him wasn't worth ruining their marriage."
"So you haven't spoken to him since?"
"In passing the few times I've seen him. Never more than 'Hi how are you'"
Sark nods
"Sleeping with Dean was a mistake. I denied it at first but I realized it was."
"And that's when you went to Europe with Paris."
Rory nods "Grandma offered to pay so I went. You know the rest."
"That I do." Sark smirks
Rory smacks him on the chest, "Julian"
HOUR LATER: STARS HOLLOW
Rory squeezes Julian's hand as they walk through the deserted town. "I always liked Stars Hollow late at night."
"It is quiet." Sark muses
"You should see it at Christmas... with the lights and decorations." Rory says dreamily.
"I still owe you your Christmas present." Sark muses
"You sent me one."
Sark kisses her temple, "But not your main one."
"And what is my main one?" Rory asks curiously. She starts jumping up and down, "Did you buy me a pony? Didya? Didya?" She asks happily.
Sark lifts his brow a faint smile appearing, "Don't you think you're a little old for a pony Princess?"
Rory pouts. "You're no fun."
"Yet you adore me anyway." Sark pulls her close kissing the top of her head.
"What is it?" Rory asks hopefully
Sark tilts his head, "Mmm, how about a trip to Italy next summer?"
"You can't leave to country without permission."
"I'll see if Nadia or Sydney wants to go with us. That should appease the beaucrates of this country." Sark grumbles. "What do you say? We could spend our anniversary in Italy"
"Like the sound of that." Rory grins at him. "But we'll have to see."
"Oh, alright."
Rory looks down the street and grins, "Luke's is still open. Which means Mom and Luke might be there." She grabs Sark's hand pulling him down the street. They enter the diner to hear Lorelai and Luke arguing.
"I'm not giving you anymore coffee Lorelai."
"Please Luke? I promise to be good."
"And you'll be up all night driving us nuts." Rory laughs
Lorelai grins, "Rory"
"Hi Mom." Rory hugs her Mom.
Lorelai smiles at the blond man, "Julian it's been a while. So are you a teacher now?"
"No... I went into business."
"Wow. My Dad so must love you now."
"Yep they talked history, literature and business at dinner." Rory smiles at Sark.
"At least you survived dinner with the Gilmores without feeling like you want to poke your eyes out with dull instruments." Luke says sarcastically.
"I'm used to conversations like that." Sark shrugs
"Luke, Julian. Julian, Luke" Lorelai introduces
Luke nods "How did you and Rory meet?" He demands
"I was a student teacher at Chilton for a few months."
"So what's the story with you two meeting up in Europe?" Lorelai demands "And why didn't you tell me?" She asks her daughter.
"We weren't exactly on the best of terms when I left and came back." Rory points out
"Still"
Luke sets mugs of coffee before Rory and Sark
"What about me?" Lorelai demands
"You're cut off for the night." Luke walks away
"Mean" Lorelai sticks her tongue out at Luke's back
"I saw that."
Lorelai scowls then looks at Rory her lower lip sticking out.
"Not mine." Rory pulls her coffee close guarding it.
"Here" Sark hands Lorelai his coffee
"Oh you totally rock. You are now above Luke on my people I like list." Lorelai grins taking a sip of the coffee.
"Good to know." Sark chuckles at his mother-in-law's obvious pleasure in coffee.
"Ooh good news Mom... Julian said he'd make us breakfast tomorrow."
Lorelai's eyes widen, "Can I adopt you?" She pleads. "My other offspring doesn't cook."
"Because you don't either." Luke says joining them he notices the cup of coffee in Lorelai's grasp.
"Chah I was raised with maids and cooks... then Sookie and you came into my life. I never had reason to learn to cook." Lorelai shrugs taking a sip of the coffee.
"I'm up early anyway." Sark shrugs "Least I can do is cook. Besides I don't get a chance to do it often."
"You lucked out I went to the grocery store today. Otherwise all there was in the house was Pop Tarts, frozen waffles, and coffee."
"A nice balanced breakfast eh Gilmore?" Luke says sarcastically.
"You know you really are sarcastic late at night." Lorelai says dryly. "So can I adopt you?"
Sark smiles faintly, "I really doubt my Mother would take that well."
"Good point." Lorelia nods "OK then do you think she'd agree to shared custody?"
"Mother" Rory groans
"I'm kidding... one kid is enough for me."
"Oh goody." Rory says happily. "I like being an only child."
"So Julian you have any siblings?" Luke questions
Sark nods "I just found out I have an older sister and a twin sister."
"Wow" Lorelai says surprised "How'd that go over?"
Sark shrugs "Not exactly the greatest news for them but we're trying to work things out." He hedges
HOUR LATER: GILMORE HOUSE
Once the front door closes Sark drops his bag and pulls Rory close he kisses her.
"Julian" Rory laughs, "Mom won't be long" She manages to get out between kisses.
Sark groans "Rory"
"Julian"
Sark steps back running his fingers through his hair muttering under his breath.
"Later" Rory kisses him lightly then steps away. "If you behave"
"I'm very well behaved." Sark smirks
"Nice try. I doubt your sisters would say that."
"Good point." Sark says after a moment of thought.
A few minutes later Lorelai enters the house, "Daughter of mine?"
"Kitchen" Rory returns
"How about a movie?" Lorelai suggests as she joins Sark and Rory in the kitchen. "Should we go black and white? Comedy? Horror comedy? Drama comedy? Bad comedy? Or the ever fun really bad monster movie?"
"Black and white comedy?" Rory asks hopefully as she looks at Sark, "What do you say?"
"You two pick." Sark shrugs
AFTER MIDNIGHT
"So you survived a movie with the Gilmores." Rory smiles as she and Sark find themselves alone in the living room.
"It was fun. Your mother likes talking back though"
"Frustrating?"
Sark shakes his head, "Amusing. I don't get time to see movies." He reaches out stroking her cheek.
Rory turns her head, "Even with Mom insulting the characters and writers?"
Sark shrugs "It was fun."
Rory brushes her lips across his briefly only to have him pull her close deepening the kiss, "Julian my mother"
"Is going to bed" Sark finishes as he brushes his lips down her neck.
"For all we know she could come downstairs." Rory pulls back.
Sark sighs "Alright."
TBC…