CHAPTER 5
3AM
"Mom would kill us if she found you in my bed." Rory says sleepily as Sark joins her in her bed.
"She's asleep. Besides I'll be gone before she gets up." Sark kisses her head. "Go back to sleep."
"Love you." Rory yawns
"Love you too darling."
9AM
"Rory"
"Go 'way sleeping."
"Your mother is up."
"What time is it?" Rory asks without opening her eyes.
"9."
"What the hell is Mom doing up at nine on the weekend?"
"Phone rang." Sark answers "Now come on I made breakfast... and I brought you coffee."
Rory opens her eyes smiling sleepily at Sark who is dressed, "How long have you been up?"
"Few hours. I had some work to do." He hands Rory the coffee.
Rory takes a sip of her coffee then speaks, "You didn't wake me when you got out of bed."
"I'm a sneaky person." Sark smirks
"What no kiss?" She grins as he kisses her lightly. "Better."
"Good. Now get up." He stands walking out of the bedroom to the kitchen.
Rory lies there coffee in hand, 'He's handy to have around.'
Lorelai enters the kitchen to find Sark at the stove, "Wow a sight that this kitchen has only seen with Sookie... someone cooking. Is Rory still in bed?"
"Already took her her coffee."
"Good man." Lorelai says approvingly. "We Gilmores need our coffee."
"So I realized."
Lorelai grabs a mug of coffee, "Rory are you getting out of bed?" She calls
"I'm trying but someone just had to wake me at an ungodly hour on the weekend."
"If you want breakfast get your ass out of bed Gilmore." Sark calls
Rory groans throwing off the blankets she pads out of the bedroom holding her coffee close. "You're mean." She pouts
"Rory don't insult the cook." Lorelai chastises as Sark sets two omelettes on the table. "We are so going to have to keep you." Lorelai says as she takes a bite of her omelette.
"So why are you up so early Mom?"
"Michel called. An unexpected party is coming in. He's on a rampage."
"Oooh you have to meet Michel." Rory says bouncing.
Lorelai grins at Sark, "Miss Patty is so going to love you."
"Miss Patty... the dance teacher? Correct?"
Rory nods "Been married what four times?"
Lorelai nods, "Twice to the same guy." Lorelai adds. "So what are you two going to do?"
Rory shrugs "Haven't decided."
"Go torment Taylor for a while." Lorelai suggests gleefully.
"Mom, that's your thing."
"He deserves all the tormenting I give him." Lorelai grumbles. "I say that man is the bossiest person ever... next to the Evil One."
"Mother, Grandma is not evil." Rory rolls her eyes
Sark watches the conversation with amusement as the two eat.
"Is too. The woman made me wear taffeta until I was nine." Lorelai says horrified.
"I like your Mum."
Lorelai stares at Sark, "You lie" She accuses
"Not often." Sark smirks "But really. She's quite amusing."
"Ahh what have you done to my other child you evil one?" Lorelai glares at Rory. "That's it I'm adopting Logan."
"Mom" Rory groans
"Oooh I know I'll look up Tristan and adopt him. I always liked him."
Rory's head hits the table with a sigh, "My mother is insane."
"I heard that."
"Good."
Sark chuckles
"What's so funny Mister?" Rory demands lifting her head to look at her husband.
"You two."
"We are amusing." Lorelai agrees then jumps up "I'm going to be late. Michel is going to kill me."
"Mom you are the boss." Rory reminds
"I know but you know how he gets." Lorelai sets the plate in the sink. "Thanks Julian. You are the best... and currently my favorite."
"Good to know."
"Bye Babe" Lorelai kisses Rory's head.
"Have a good day."
"Are you two coming by the Inn?" Lorelai asks
"Not sure." Rory replies
"OK. Well stay out of trouble. Don't torment Taylor too much."
"We won't."
HOUR LATER
Sprawled on top of Sark, Rory kisses his shoulder, "So are we going to get up?"
Sark groans, "Do we have too?"
"We have to go to town sooner or later. Otherwise Lane and pretty much everyone in town could come by asking questions." She sighs feeling him stroke her back.
"It's been a while since we've been alone."
"How alone are we?" Rory asks
"I'm pretty sure Jack has a 'watch Sark only' order as well as 'don't interfere unless he does something stupid' order."
"Oh" Rory moves off him settling beside him "Julian"
"Hmm"
"What are we going to do once I tell my family?" She asks playing with the ring on the chain around his neck.
"I'm working on it." He strokes her arm.
"Do you miss your old life?"
"Being hunted? Being shot at? No but I do missing being able to go from one place to the next. I miss my freedom."
"Why did you choose to work for them?"
Sark shrugs "It was this or prison. Done lock up and didn't enjoy it... it was quite boring. Jack and Dixon offered me protection and to allow me to continue what I'm good at as long as I helped them. I did... now here I am."
"Oh"
"I did what I had to do." Sark shrugs
Just as she's about to speak Rory's phone rings. Reaching over Sark she grabs her phone off the nightstand, "Hello?"
"Rory?"
"Lane"
"Where are you?" Lane demands "Luke said you were in town with a new boyfriend. I thought you were dating Logan"
"I'm not dating Logan. He's just a friend who likes trying to get me into bed." She smacks Julian as she hears him growl. "I'm kidding"
"New boyfriend?"
"Remember Julian?"
"Um... student teacher? I never met him remember? I was on house arrest for Henry"
"Oh yeah. Anyway he showed up at school yesterday so I brought him home with me."
"Does Lorelai like him?"
"She wants to adopt him."
"Gave her coffee huh?"
"Many times." Rory laughs then squirms feeling Sark trail his fingers down her back reaching towards her ass. She pushes his hand away. "How about we meet up at Luke's at noon?"
"Sure."
Rory hangs up looking at Sark annoyed, "Play nice when I'm on the phone."
"I was." Sark grins pulling Rory close kissing her.
NOON: LUKE'S
"Do you always walk to town?" Sark asks
Rory shrugs, "Most of the time. Why are you a big wimp?"
Sark glares at her, "Are you calling me a wimp?"
Rory smirks, "If you complain about walking three miles yes."
"Funny."
"RORY"
"LANE"
"NO squealing!" Luke snaps. "Do I have to put up a sign for you two?"
"You just love putting up signs don't you Luke?" Rory laughs, "Lane, this is Julian. Julian, this is my bestest best friend in the whole world, Lane."
Sark smiles "Lane it is good to finally meet you."
"Same." Lane smiles
"I take it you want coffee." Luke says gruffly.
"Yes please." Rory grins
"I'm good." Sark answers
"Lane?"
"Coffee me. I had a short night. Dave and Sam argued all night."
"About?" Rory asks
"New playlist. I swear I was about to take a skillet to their heads."
"Lane" Rory laughs
"I swear living with those two is going to give me a headache." Lane rolls her eyes, "So Julian where do you live? What do you do?" Lane demands
"Lane," Rory sighs, "you sound like Grandma."
"Devil child" Lane says solemnly then bursts out laughing
"Stop channeling Mom." Rory groans
"I work negotiations and analysis. I live in California now. Anything else?"
"Favorite music?"
"That is Lane's favorite topic." Rory explains
"I don't get much chance to listen to music these days." Sark admits. "When I do listen I lean more towards rock."
"Like what?"
Sark shrugs "Whatever catches my attention at the time."
"What is your favorite band?"
"I don't have one."
Lane stares at him aghast, "You don't have a favorite band?"
"I don't get much free time."
"Lane used to hide music in her parents house." Rory explains
"Music is my life." Lane says. "I don't know what I would do without music."
"Why did you hide your music?" Sark asks curiously.
"My Mom thought anything other than school, the Bible, and marrying a Korean doctor was evil." Lane explains
"Lane used to be banished to the house for days on end... she couldn't leave the house for anything other than school and church."
"My life was hell." Lane's head hits the table.
"I think I can beat that." Sark says dryly.
Lane looks at him, "Try me"
"You are on. I was shipped off to boarding schools from four until fourteen."
Lane snorts, "Korean Bible camp every summer until I was 18."
Sark leans back in his chair, "A diplomat for a father."
"Alright a Mom who never let me eat chocolate or candy. Rory used to sneak it in." Lane challenges
"Military school from fourteen until sixteen."
"Not allowed to date anyone who wasn't Korean until I was 18."
Sark smirks, "Kicked out of my father's house at sixteen."
Lane grins, "Kicked out of my Mom's house after she found out I was in a band."
"You two are going to tie." Rory laughs. "So stop."
Luke walks over to the table with a bag, "Lane I need a favor"
"What?"
"Make a delivery"
"Luke, it's my day off."
Luke hands her a bag of food "Make the delivery."
Lane's eyes widen at the name on the receipt. "Oh. I didn't know"
"Hey that name is forbidden around here." Luke says firmly
Rory looks at the mug in her hands knowing who he's talking about, "Luke its fine. I figured he would be around."
"He's still banished."
"Luke, stop banishing people." Rory sighs
"Be right back." Lane hurries out of the room.
"Are you OK?" Sark asks Rory
Rory nods "I'm good." She smiles at him then looks towards the door as Jackson enters with JJ. "JJ. My all time favorite little guy." She stands walking over she takes the boy from Jackson.
"Hey Rory I didn't know you were in town."
Rory smiles at Jackson, "Here most weekends."
"Oh yeah. I'm just spacing these days."
"Wowy" JJ grins hugging her.
"Oh thank you." Rory smiles at the little boy. "You are getting cuter every day." Rory looks at Julian, "Julian this is Sookie's husband Jackson... and my best guy JJ." Rory listens as Jackson and Julian make their greetings. "You are getting big."
"Must be all the vegetables this guy eats." Jackson rubs his son's stomach getting a laugh.
Sark watches Rory interact with the little boy, 'She obviously loves kids.'
Rory notices Sark's thoughtful expression then turns her attention back to Jackson who is talking. 'I wonder what is going through his head.' She wonders.
OVER AN HOUR LATER
"Lane is quite amusing." Sark remarks
"That's Lane for you." Rory grins
"She is very talkative."
Rory grins, "Which is why we are friends."
"Rory"
Rory turns to see Taylor Doose sweeping the sidewalk, "Hi Taylor."
"It is good to see you. How is school?"
"It's school." Rory shrugs "Taylor Doose this is my friend Julian."
"Hello" Taylor smiles, "Do you and Rory go to school together?"
"We knew each other when I was at Chilton." Rory answers
"Ah" Taylor nods "Rory will you be at the Town Meeting tonight?"
"Of course Taylor... what's the fun in this town?"
"Just keep your mother under control tonight"
"Taylor... I have never been able to keep Lorelai under control." Rory points out
"Good point. Just keep her from throwing popcorn this time."
"I'll try." Rory and Julian continue down the street.
"So that is Taylor"
"Yep."
"And Lorelai threw popcorn during a town meeting?"
Rory nods "It's a common occurrence. Sometimes I think my Mom has ADD." She shakes her head just as her phone rings. She removes her phone flipping it open. "Gilmore the sane."
"Hey Ace"
"Hey Logan. What's up?"
"So your Mother's insane."
"You've meet her."
"Good point."
"Why are you calling Huntzberger? Another kegger you need me for to keep the bimbos off you?"
"Alas that is not the reason for this call."
"Then what is?"
"I need a place to crash. And I thought 'Why not ask Ace my favorite reporter?'"
"What happened?"
"I need sleep. I haven't slept in three days... well not consecutive hours."
"Why?"
"Two new roommates. I swear I haven't heard that much noise since"
"Since you're last three one nighters." Rory teases
"Good point. So can I?"
"Fine you can crash in my room. I'll tell Paris. But if you take some girl to my room I swear I will hurt you Huntzberger." She warns
"Relax I needs some Zs not get laid. I owe you Gilmore."
"You can pay up in coffee for the next week." Rory answers "There's a set of sheets in the top of my closet. And keep in mind I know exactly where things are and if anything is moved even an inch..." she trails off
"Gotcha. I promise not to go through your girlie stuff. You know Gilmore I keep trying to get you into bed yet now I'll be sleeping in your bed." Logan sighs. "There is something really wrong with that."
"You can keep trying Logan but you aren't getting me into bed."
"You crush me Gilmore."
"Like a bug." Rory replies. "I want you gone from my room by the time I get back tomorrow night."
"Right. Gotcha. Later, don't do anything stupid."
"Don't touch my stuff." Rory ends the call then presses the speed dial for Paris.
"Talk fast."
"Paris, Logan's going to crash in my room tonight."
"What? Why?"
"Colin and Finn."
"New bimbos?"
"Of course."
"I'll keep an eye on him."
"Thanks. I'll be back tomorrow night."
"Right." Paris hangs up.
"She never says goodbye." Rory muses
"Logan's trying to get you into bed?" Sark says coldly.
"He knows he won't. He just likes getting the reaction." Rory shrugs returning her phone to her pocket, "So what now?"
"What would you like to do?" Sark asks
"Let's go to the Inn. You can meet Michel and" Rory stops mid-sentence when she sees the blond woman standing before them. "Lindsey" she says calmly.
"What are you doing here?" Lindsey demands
"Uh weekend." Rory points out. "I'm here most of them."
"Everyone in this town took your side in the whole affair." Lindsey says angrily. "Pretty much ran us out of town."
Rory winces nervously tucking her hair behind her ears. "I didn't ask for them to take sides. I would have preferred no one knew but you and your Mom just had to make the mistake we made public. You have him... I'm over him."
"Just stay away from my husband." Lindsey says coldly.
"I had no plan to go near him."
"Hope for your sake you aren't married." Lindsey says looking at the blond man at Rory's side. "She'll destroy your life." She stomps away.
"Wow she's"
"Still upset. But she's right... the town did take my side."
"Why do you say that?"
Rory shrugs "They did when we broke up each time. They did with the car accident with Jess."
"And that bothers you?"
"Only thing I don't like about living in a small town is the fact everyone knows everything and if they don't they'll find out. It didn't exactly help that Dean left Lindsey for a while... even after I told him there was no chance we'd get back together."
"He left her? You didn't mention that."
"He only did because Lindsey told him that we weren't allowed to even speak to each other. Dean didn't like being told who he could or couldn't talk too. He especially got upset when she told him that one night when I called him for a ride."
"Why did you call him and not Lorelai?"
"Mom wasn't in town. Grandma and Grandpa were gone. Lane doesn't drive. In hindsight I should have called Luke but I knew Dean would have kept quiet about why I asked for a ride."
"Why did you?"
"Blind date gone bad... with a few drinks. Had no one else to call and I was broke so" Rory shrugs
Sark nods, "Dean to the rescue."
"When Lindsey found out he kept quiet why he gave me the ride but she wouldn't give up on hassling him so he left. He moved back with his parents for a few weeks."
"And you two tried being friends again"
Rory nods "But like I said too much is in the way. I felt guilty about getting in the way so I broke off the friendship."
"Regret it?"
Rory shrugs "There were good times with him but it was for the best."
"And you have me."
"Yep" Rory grins "And I would trade you for any of my exes... except Jess"
"WHAT?"
"I'm kidding." Rory giggles.
"Better be." Sark warns kissing her temple.
SAME TIME: LA
Eric Weiss stares at his girlfriend, "You've known for a month that he's your brother?"
Nadia nods
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"None of you trust him. I didn't know how you'd react to the fact."
"Does Michael know?"
Nadia nods "Sydney told him earlier this week."
"Let me guess he freaked out."
"Of course. Look I'm not asking you to trust him or like him but can you give him a chance to prove himself?"
Weiss sighs, "I'll try but he did try to kill me." He points out.
"He's trying to chance Eric... he has reasons to now."
"How did Sydney take the fact?"
"Not well." Nadia admits. "She was furious."
"How is it no one knew?"
"Irina was told he was dead so she never saw a reason to mention him to Jack."
"How did he take that?"
"Wasn't happy that Irina didn't mention she had twins."
"Wow"
"Not angry I didn't tell you?"
"No. Surprised but not angry." Weiss squeezes her hand. "What now?"
Nadia shrugs "I think Julian and I are handling this better than anyone else."
"Especially Sydney."
"Especially." Nadia nods
COUPLE HOURS LATER: GILMORE HOUSE
Rory glances up from her book as Sark drops beside her on the couch. "Aren't you supposed to be working?"
"I'm taking a break." Sark shrugs
Rory lifts her legs onto his lap her eyes going back to her book. She glances up to see him watching her, "What?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you staring at me?"
Sark shrugs, "Because I don't get to see you in person very often." Sark smiles faintly as he tucks her hair behind her ear, "I just want to watch you, is that so bad?"
"No." Rory turns back to her book well aware he is watching her. "Going to keep watching me?"
"Yes."
"OK." Rory turns the page concentrating on her book.
Sark reaches out twirling a strand of her hair around his finger, "So enjoying your book?"
"Yes. Are you trying to distract me?"
"No."
Rory looks at him amused
"OK I am."
Rory sets the book aside and kisses his cheek before snuggling against him. "Bored?"
"No." Sark kisses the top of her head, "How's your book?"
Rory shrugs "Long" Just then her phone rings. Reluctantly Rory pulls away from Sark picking up her phone she flips it open, "Hello?" She frowns "Uh yeah just a moment." She looks at Sark, "It's for you." She says puzzled.
Sark takes the phone, "Yes? Irina how did... never mind. I can't. Jack has me watched like a hawk. I feel like I'm three years old and being watched by that damn Nanny again." He sighs. "It's not going to happen... not now. Good. Thanks." Sark hangs up setting the phone on the table.
"How did your Mom get my number?"
"She probably hacked into the cell phone database."
"What does she want?"
"To meet you."
"Oh"
"Don't worry I put it off."
"Why?"
"I'm not going to risk being caught with her right now."
Rory nods "What's she like?"
"Stubborn, hardheaded… Powerful."
"Is she why you started doing this work?"
"Not really. I was born and raised into it. The boarding school was a training ground for future spies. I think though who they are made them interested in me."
"And why separate you and Nadia?"
"I'm still trying to figure that out. Perhaps they thought they could control Irina and Jack one day. I guess no one expected the truth to be kept this long. Perhaps they assumed Irina would figure it out once I was working for her. Or Jack would have when I was working for SD-6 or in lock up." Sark shrugs "I have no idea why no one figured it out beforehand."
"Are you OK with that?"
"I can handle it." He shrugs just as the doorbell rings.
Rory sighs kissing him lightly then stands walking to the front door she opens it surprised to see who is on the other side. "Dean"
"Lindsey told me you were in town."
"Does she know you're here?"
"No. Can we talk?"
"We have nothing to discuss." Rory says calmly.
"Rory"
Rory sighs "Fine. Come on in." She steps aside allowing Dean to enter. "Make it fast. I really don't want your wife telling the whole town you came here."
"I wanted to talk to you before someone in town told you." Dean shoves his hands in his pockets looking at his feet, "Lindsey's pregnant."
Rory steels herself to feel the pain then mentally smiles when she feels nothing, "Good luck."
Dean looks at her surprised, "Rory"
"Really, congratulations, but you didn't have to tell me. I mean we're over… have been for a while."
"Still I wanted you to hear it from me rather than someone else." Dean shrugs
"I'm not about to break into tears Dean. We're done. I've moved on."
"Rory" Sark steps into the foyer his eyes narrowing when he sees her ex.
"Uh Dean this is Julian. Julian, Dean"
Dean nods
"Look Dean thanks for telling me but we've both moved on."
"So we're good?"
Rory nods "We're good."
"I guess I'll see you around" Dean opens the door walking out of the house.
As the door closes Rory stares at the floor the words sinking in 'Dean's having a baby. Why am I fine with that? Why don't I feel like my life is falling apart again?' She looks up feeling Sark's hands on her shoulders and smiles, 'He's why.'
"Rory?"
"I'm fine."
"Really?"
"9 months ago I would have totally broken down hearing that."
"And now?"
Rory's arms go around his neck, "I have you now." She smiles "I've moved on." She reaches under his collar pulling the chain out and looks at the ring. "He's in the past... you are the one I'm with now."
Sark kisses her lightly "I just want you to be happy."
"And I am. I'd be happier if I could see you more often but" Rory shrugs "right now we can't have that."
"We will... one day."
"I know." Rory smiles
6PM
"Dean came by." Rory informs her Mom casually as she and Lorelai move around the kitchen while Sark works in the living room.
"What did he want?" Lorelai questions after a moment of silence.
"He uh... he wanted to tell me before anyone else did that" Rory takes a deep breath, "Lindsey's pregnant."
Lorelai stares at her daughter, "Wow." She sits at the kitchen table, "How'd you take it?"
"I'm good." Rory assures "I'm over him Mom. What happened shouldn't have happened."
"Wow" Lorelai shakes her head, "I can't believe this... she's pregnant?"
Rory nods "I'm not going to break down Mom." She brushes her hair behind her ears.
"I guess it's nice of him to tell you in person." Lorelai muses
"Yeah."
"Are you really OK with this?" Lorelai asks
Rory nods "I'm OK Mom."
"Oh" Lorelai stands moving around the table she hugs her daughter.
"Mom" Rory groans "I'm good, really Mom."
Lorelai looks towards the living room, "Well you do have a good new potential boyfriend."
"MOTHER"
"What?" Lorelai grins. "So dish... what's going on between you two?"
"Is it really your business?"
"Uh yeah" Lorelai scoffs
Rory smiles, "He's nothing like Jess or Dean."
"More like Tristan and Logan."
"Looks wise and money-wise but that's it. Julian's... himself."
"Too bad he lives so far away. You two make a cute couple." Lorelai grins
Rory laughs 'That I know.' "So you like him?"
"Does he treat you right?"
Rory nods
"Then that's good." Lorelai kisses Rory's forehead. "I want you happy Babe."
"I am." Rory assures smiling at her Mom. "I'm going well in my life."
7PM: TOWN HALL
"This is going to be fun." Lorelai says happily.
"What's the conversation this time?" Rory asks her Mom as they sit beside Luke.
"Taylor wants to do a monthly dress code." Lorelai looks at Luke, "Probably means he wants you to stop wearing flannel and that damn hat."
"Don't mess with the hat and flannel." Luke warns
Rory looks at Sark, "Taylor comes up with these stupid laws and suggestions"
"I still say the stop light was stupid." Luke grumbles
"I think it was stupid to have it timed to the oldest town member." Lorelai admits. "I mean do you have any idea how long I had to wait at that light last night? I swear I could feel myself aging by the second."
"Luke, are you and Taylor going to get into another fight?" Rory asks
"He starts them with those stupid suggestions." Luke mutters
"So how bad do these get?" Sark questions curiously.
"If we had food items big enough this place would look like a school cafeteria after a food fight." Lorelai answers
"A few times Luke and Taylor almost got into a screaming fight." Rory says solemnly
"He started it." Luke states
"Just like my world... though Sydney would have thrown a book at me... or a sharp object." Sark muses thoughtfully remembering the times his sister shot and stabbed him.
"Rory" Lorelai hisses
"What Mom?"
"Did you bring popcorn?"
Rory sighs, "Does it look like I did?"
"Damn."
"I brought this" Rory reaches into Sark's pocket removing a small package.
Lorelai grins, "Peanuts"
"I thought you could use something different."
"You have been bumped as favorite child." Lorelai informs Sark.
"Damn" Sark says dramatically "I had my heart set on being the favorite."
Rory smacks him on the stomach, "You won't usurp me forever."
"I can try." Sark smirks
"You can try but in the end I'm always the favorite child." Rory sticks out her tongue.
Sark leans in "Watch it Princess... I could put that tongue to good use." He whispers
Rory blushes just as Taylor calls the meeting to order.
"Lorelai I see the peanuts... if you think of throwing them you'll be banished."
"But Taylor this is my only amusement for the week." Lorelai argues
"Don't test me Missy."
Rory snickers
"We don't want another replay of the Popcorn incident."
"It was Luke's fault." Lorelai says quickly.
"No it wasn't. You started throwing the popcorn at me." Luke argues
"Lorelai don't make me pass a rule about food in here." Taylor warns
"I'm being good." Lorelai protests, "I'm just eating peanuts." She tosses one in her mouth.
"Fine. Now for this weeks discussion I was thinking that perhaps we should have a town sprucing party."
HOUR LATER
"That is an hour of my life I can't get back." Lorelai groans as they walk out of the town hall.
"So Julian what did you think of our hell?" Luke asks
Sark shrugs "I've sat through more... tedious meetings."
"There is someone in this world more boring than Taylor talking?" Lorelai says stunned.
"My former boss."
"How boring was he?" Lorelai asks
"I once stabbed myself in the leg with a pen to stay awake."
"Ouch" Lorelai winces. "Ooh Luke I want coffee."
"Lorelai" Luke groans
"Please?"
Luke throws his hands up, "Fine"
"Rory?"
"I'm good. We'll head back to the house."
Lorelai nods "I'll be there in a while."
"OK"
Sark watches Rory from the corner of his eye as they walk in silence. "Rory"
"I'm fine"
"Are you? I noticed Dean looking over at you a few times... he didn't look happy."
Rory shrugs "His choice"
"Rory..."
"I'm fine." Rory assures
AFTER MIDNIGHT
"I was thinking" Sark says thoughtfully as he and Rory lie in her bed curled up.
"About?"
"Perhaps I should get an apartment in New Haven for when I'm in town."
Rory turns her head grinning, "Are you sure?"
"I doubt your school would want a known criminal on the grounds." Sark runs his fingers through Rory's hair, "We'd be able to be alone."
"Or as alone as you can get." Rory sighs shifting to face him.
"Plus you would have a place to hide out when you need to study or be alone when I'm not around."
"Or when Paris and Logan are on the verge of driving me nuts."
"That as well." Sark chuckles
Rory smiles "Sounds good to me. I get you to myself."
"Definitely."
Rory kisses him then pulls back, "I don't want you to go back."
"I don't either but I have no choice. Either I go or they drag me back in handcuffs." Sark sighs
Rory winces
"Rory I'm what I am, I've done what I've done. I can't change it."
"I know" Rory plays with the ring on the chain. "Still"
"I wish I could be the good guy you deserve"
"Despite what you do and did you do have a good side."
"You must be the only one who sees it." Sark sighs
"Maybe I am but maybe I'm the only one you let see it."
"Maybe."
"You do have a good side Julian... don't let everyone else tell you that you don't."
"You are amazing." Sark says awed, "You deserve the best"
"Well I got the best." Rory grins kissing him.
"Still... I can't help but think you deserve someone... normal." Sark shrugs
"Hey... I love you."
Sark closes his eyes "I love you as well but I can't help but wonder if my life is going to destroy yours."
"Hey" Rory shifts straddling his lap when Sark looks at her she continues, "if it wasn't for you I'd probably be moping over Dean and believing I'm still in love with him. I'd be miserable."
"So you aren't miserable?"
"No... I do admit I hate the fact you are so far away. Sometimes" she sighs heavily.
"What?" He prompts by gently brushing her hair back.
"I wonder if one day you'll run into some ex and decide that you want to be with her."
"Never happen." Sark says firmly. "They don't have what you have."
"And what's that?"
"I'm not sure but it's what I made me realize I love you and wanted to be with you."
Rory smiles, "Even though my mother is insane? And I'm probably opposite of every woman you've ever known?"
"That's the best part about being with you. I'm not expected to be Sark. I can just be Julian... who I haven't been since I was a teenager."
Rory smiles "So you wouldn't want them back?"
"I want you." He says seriously. "I married you and that's not going to change." He sits up "And I am not someone who lets what they want get away... and I want you." He pulls her head down kissing her gently.
TBC…