A/N: Thanks for all you reviews, and just a question: Do you think I should change the rating of my other fic? I mean, I won't go much further than I did in the last chapter, but do you think it would be better if I changed the rating to R, or warn people in the summary that it's a strong PG-13? Please review and tell me. Anways: I don't own GG or Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional.
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My hopes are so high
that your kiss might kill me. So won't you kill me,
so I die happy. My heart is yours
to fill or burst
or break or bury
or wear as jewelry, which ever you prefer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I want to go to the beach." Rory sighed, flipping through her magazine.
Blake rolled his eyes, "It's December Rory. There's snow outside."
"Not at the beach."
"Why do you want to go to the beach? You hate the beach."
"I don't hate it. I just don't like it very much."
"And why is that?"
"Sharks."
"Ah." They were sitting on opposite sides of the couch, Rory's legs on top of her brother's. It was Thursday and school had been canceled because of snow. There was a knock on the door. "What kind of maniac goes out in this?" Blake asked, not looking up from his book.
Rory turned so she could see out the window. She turned back around to her magazine, "Your friends." the door opened to reveal Lane and Jess.
"They're your friends too." he said, ignoring the two who'd just walked into the kitchen.
"Jess, could you make coffee since you're already in there?" Rory called.
"Sure."
"Oh, I see. You don't trust me. Is that it?" they heard Lane ask.
"Honey, I don't trust you with pouring water. You can't cook for your life."
"I can cook better than you."
Rory smiled, "Didn't say you couldn't." Jess walked in a few minuets later, holding a large mug out to Rory. She smiled and took it from him, "Thanks."
"No problem."
Blake's jaw dropped as he looked between the two, "What, I don't get any?"
"I refuse to bring coffee to a guy sitting on the couch."
"AH! But you brought Rory coffee!"
"Blake, Blake, Blake, how many times to I have to tell you? The prettiest twin always gets whatever she wants."
"Obviously not, because I don't have any coffee."
"Well what does that tell you?"
"He cheats?"
"No, you can tell that I am the prettier twin, not you."
Blake sighed, "You're in denial, it's okay, I understand."
Rory nodded, "I'm sure you do." The phone rang and Rory leaned over to grab it, "Hello?"
"Hey Mary."
She smiled, "Hey, what's up?"
"I'm sitting here, bored. Because I'm all alone."
"I'm sorry."
"Yes, I think you should just come keep me company."
She laughed, "Should I?"
"Yes. I could keep you warm." he said suggestively.
"I'm sure you could."
"But poor you, I'll just have to walk across the street and keep Summer warm."
"Have fun with that."
"What? You're not even upset?" he asked, mocking offense.
"Well, one: I know you wouldn't, because you don't have a death wish. And two: Jess is right here, he could keep me warm just as easily."
"Mary! I am offended."
"I'm sorry."
"Well you should be."
She laughed again, "Your birthday is Friday, isn't it?"
"Yes. I'll be sixteen."
"How exiting."
"Hm. And I can think of a present I'd really like from you, Mary."
"I'm sure you can, but too bad for you, I already have one picked out, and I doubt it's what you're thinking of."
"Ooh, what'd you get me?"
"You have to wait until Friday."
"Why?"
"Because that's when your birthday is."
"But I want it now."
"Too bad. You'll just have to wait."
"That's cruel Mary." he pouted.
"No, you just think so."
"I'm bored, entertain me."
"Go have Summer entertain you."
"Hm, you know I just might. I'll talk to you later, Mary."
"I was kidding!" she yelled into the phone as he started to put it down.
Tristan smirked, "Is Mary jealous?"
"No."
"Oh, I think she is."
"You're so conceited."
"Why thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"Well I took it as one."
"Shut up."
"I win."
"Never."
"Mary, denial is not just a river in Egypt."
She laughed, "I'm bored. Come over."
"But it's cold outside."
"Suck it up."
"Oh that's nice." he said, laughing.
Rory smiled, "I know."
"But you should seriously should come over."
"But I thought Jess was there."
"So? I've known Jess my whole life, and quite frankly, I'm getting bored of him."
"Hey!" Jess said, turning from Lane and Blake. Rory stuck her tongue out.
"Oh, that's nice." Tristan said, laughing lightly.
Rory sat up and looked out the window, "The snow's melting!"
"I thought you loved snow."
"I do, but if Jess is going to drive me to Hartford then we don't want him to have to drive on ice, do we?"
"Are you serious?"
"Are you home alone?"
"Yeah...are you really coming to Hartford?"
"Yeah, I want to go see Paris."
"Okay Mary, that is just cold."
"What? you didn't think I'd be alone with you in your house, did you?"
"Well, I- no, no. But it's cruel to make me think you meant that."
"Ha. Sorry."
"I don't think you really are."
"I'm not."
CHILTON, FRIDAY
Rory walked into the school and up to Madeline's locker, "Hey."
Madeline smiled, "Hey Ror. You coming to Eden's party tonight?"
She shrugged, "I dunno, if Trisan wants to then I will. If he doesn't care then I probably won't. You?"
She nodded, "Definitely. Baker wants to ask Louise out officially tonight."
"Finally. How long have they been hooking up for? Two months?"
"Yeah, I think so," she laughed, "So what will you do other than the party?"
"Probably just hang out at either mine or Tristan's house."
"What about Tristan?" he asked, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her temple.
"Happy birthday." she said, smiling and turning around in his arms.
"You remembered." he mocked surprise, and his hands dropped to rest on her hips.
"Of course I remembered."
"Hey Tris, when are you having your party?" Madeline asked from behind Rory.
Tristan's gaze moved from Rory to the girl behind her, "Next Friday. My parents will be in Greece."
"Want me to spread the word?"
"Could you?"
"Sure." Madeline smiled devilishly, "LOUISE!" she called down the hall, beckoning as the blond walked entered the school. She left, waving to the couple before she disappeared.
Rory turned to Tristan, "Are we going to the party tonight?"
He shrugged, "Do you want to?"
"I don't care, whatever you want to do."
"I'd rather just the two of us hang out at my house."
She nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking."
"It's amazing."
"Oh yes."
Tristan leaned down slowly and kissed her, turning so she was pushed into the lockers. His hands stayed on her hips while she laid her hands loosely on his chest. He slowly deepened the kiss, his hands tightening on her hips. She pulled him closer to her, until a group of people walked up, slapping Tristan in the back and forcing him to break away from Rory before he caused her head to slam back against the locker. He groaned at having to break lip contact and rolled his eyes when he realized who it was that had walked up. Baker, Henry and Blake were standing around them.
"You guys have the worst timing of anyone I've ever met." she said hitting her head against the locker and keeping it there.
"On the contrary, little sister, I have perfect timing. Because, see, you were making out with your boyfriend, and I broke you up, giving me perfect timing." she rolled her head to face him.
"One: I'm only younger by six minuets, and two: I'll remember this next time you're making out with Maddy."
"Ha. You liar."
Rory smiled, shaking her head, "Trust me, I'm not."
"So, Tristan is sixteen. He can drive now." Baker said, smirking.
Tristan turned so he was facing them and Rory was leaning on his chest, "I could drive before."
"Ah, but now you can drive without an adult. You see the difference?"
"I've driven without an adult before." he said, smirking.
"But illegally."
"It's not illegal if you don't get caught."
"Shut up. Don't make me feel stupid."
"I'm not the one doing it, man." Henry, Rory, and Blake laughed, but Baker just shook his head.
"So, we'll see you two at the party tonight, right?" Henry asked.
Tristan shook his head, "No, we're not going."
"What are you going to do then?" Baker asked, looking between them. Rory had laid her head on Tristan's chest, showing that she wasn't answering any questions.
"Probably just stay at my house."
"I'm not sure if I approve." Blake said automatically.
Rory rolled her eyes, "You aren't serious, are you?"
"Deadly."
She laughed slightly, "Well that's too bad for you, isn't it?"
Blake laughed, "You forget that I control you, Rory."
"Right."
STARS HOLLOW, THAT NIGHT
Jess and Lane walked in, dressed for the party. Lane left the two boys in search of Rory. She found her in her third story room. She pushed the door open and saw Rory looking in the mirror, she was wearing a men's Abercrombie hoodie and jeans. "You're wearing that to the party?" Lane asked, looking her over.
Rory shook her head, "I'm not going to the party."
"What? Where are you going?"
"Tristan's."
Lane's eyebrow arched, staring at her best friend with a confused look, "You're what?"
Rory shook her head, "We're just hanging out. It's his birthday and he doesn't want to go to a party. We're not going to do anything like that."
"Just making sure."
"Yeah. Jess is going to drop me off at his house on the way to the party."
"Does Jess know?"
"No."
Lane shook her head and smiled, Rory turned and smiled as well, "What?"
"You." Lane linked arms with Rory and they walked downstairs.
JESS'S CAR
"So , Rory, I hear I'm taking you to Tristan's?" Jess said accusingly.
Rory nodded, "You hear right."
"And will there be supervision?"
She laughed, "No. I don't think so."
"Oh, I'm not sure about this." he said as he turned onto Tristan's street. "I mean, you know, no adult supervision, I just don't know."
"Hm, too bad you don't have a say."
"Hey. I am your master. I own you." he said playfully.
Rory laughed, "No, I don't think so." They pulled into Tristan's driveway and she opened the door, "I'll see you guys later."
"Bye Rory." Lane said, scooting over so she was in the middle seat.
"Let him know we'll kick his ass." Blake said.
Rory smirked, "I'll do that." she closed the door and walked up to his front porch. She rang the doorbell and heard it chime through the whole house.
"I got it." she heard muffled through the door. It opened to reveal Tristan. He smiled, kissing her gently, "Hey."
She smiled, "Hey."
He pulled her in and shut the door, leaning her into it slightly and he leaned in. She smiled and rested her hands on his hips loosely as their lips met. He put his hands on either side of her face, kissing her without aggression at all. He pulled away after a moment, "What do you want to do?"
She shrugged, shaking her head slightly, "Dunno. Doesn't matter to me."
"Well, we could watch a movie, we could eat, or we could go some place, or...we could just talk."
"Let's go upstairs."
"Okay." he took her hand and led her to his room, sitting on the bed and she sat beside him, laying down.
THE PARTY
Madeline and Blake were standing with Baker and Louise in the living room, "So tell me again why Rory and Tristan aren't here." she said.
"It's his birthday and he didn't want to come to a big party. I guess he just wanted to spend it with Rory." Blake explained.
"Damn he's changed." Baker said, Louise and Madeline nodded in agreement.
"It's weird, I mean, he's having his party next week, but usually he just has his party on his birthday. I think the only reason he'd doing it is because if he didn't then someone else would throw one and say it was for him." Louise said.
Blake shrugged, "I haven't known him for that long, so I wouldn't know."
"Trust us, he's been really different since he met your sister."
Blake looked between them, "How so?"
"He's just..." Louise trailed off, "Different."
He nodded, "I got that. How's he different?"
"It's just, see, Tristan is, as you know, definitely a player. At least he was a player. And then he met Rory and he completely changed. In a good way. He's the same person he always was, just different. Happier everything. But he still has his parents to deal with. He doesn't like them that much. Well, you've met them, you know."
Blake laughed bitterly, "Yeah. I know. They hated my parents and they hate me and Rory."
"Of course they do. Your parents were better than them at everything, and now they think you two will do better than Tristan at everything. Same thing with your grandparents, didn't you know?" Blake shook his head. Louise continued, "Even your and Tristan's grandparents went to school together. His father's parents and your dad's parents were friends. But they were always competing. They were all eight in two of the elite groups. They all got along and are still friends, but Tristan's mother has never gotten over the fact that your mom got homecoming queen instead of her when you dad put Lorelai's name on there to any his girlfriend. She's still bitter."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah, I'm surprised you didn't know."
"But I don't compete with Tristan, we're not threats to each other."
Louise shrugged, "She doesn't know that. She never bothers to ask Tristan anything."
TRISTAN AND RORY
They were in the car, on the way to Stars Hollow. Rory laughed, "You know, it's illegal for you to be driving me."
Tristan shrugged, "Eh, you'll live."
She laughed, "Not if you get in a wreck because you are inexperienced."
"Are you saying you don't trust me?" he asked, mocking offense.
"Um, yeah. Just a little." He laughed, swerving the car slightly. Rory narrowed her eyes, "Do that again Dugrey, and you won't be capable of having children."
"Ouch. That's harsh Mary."
"Yes, well, you would have done it to yourself, because if I die, you're comin' down with me."
He laughed, "I'm sure."
"Oh, you better be, buddy, you better be."
"And why id that?"
"Because, if I die by your hands, I will come back to haunt you for your whole damn life."
He shook his head, "I'd never let anything happen to you, Mary." he said, glancing at her and locking eyes before looking back to the rode.
She kept looking at the profile of his face for a few minuets before whispering, "I know."
They drove for fifteen more minuets before turning onto the Stars Hollow exit, "So, tell me again where we're going."
"Luke's."
"To eat?"
"No. I don't want to go home yet, but we want to go to Stars Hollow."
"Do we?"
"Yes, my parents are home, so we won't go there, but the diner is perfect. Jess is at the party, ad he's spending the night with Blake, and Luke is on a cruise with Rachel, so the apartment is perfect."
"And Luke won't mind?"
"Tristan, Tristan, Tristan, Luke loves me like his own flesh and blood, I'm aloud to use the apartment whenever I want, he doesn't care, besides, we'll just be in Jess's room."
"Would he care if he knew you were going there to be alone with your boyfriend?"
"Yes."
Tristan laughed, "What about Cesar?"
"The diner closes at eleven."
"And what time is it?"
She looked at the time on the dash board, "Eleven thirty."
He nodded, pulling into the deserted parking lot. Tristan turned off the engine, "Now how do you propose we get in?"
Rory nodded to the second story, "Jess's window is always unlocked."
"So...we're going in through his window?"
"He won't care. After Luke and Rachel got married, they added a wall to give Jess his own room. We'll just stay in there."
He shook his head, "You really thought this through, didn't you?"
She smirked, "Only a little." He got out and came around to her side, opening the door for her. She smiled and took his offered hand, kissing his cheek lightly. The dark sky was full of clouds and there was a light rain, but it seemed as if the storm was just about to begin.
He followed her around back to see her climbing up the trellis to an open window. He smirked and followed her after she'd gone through. He saw her standing in a small room, with posters on the walls and books and magazines piled against the walls. There was a stereo and a large collection of CD's beside it. There was no bed frame, just a mattress with black sheets laid on the floor. Tristan looked around the room, it was definitely.....Jess, was the only word to describe it.
Rory turned on one of the soft lamps and the stereo. Tristan sat on Jess's bed and Rory sat beside him, laying in his arms. "Now, isn't this better than sitting in a mansion with our parents in the house?"
He nodded, "Definitely." Tristan looked out the window, "It's raining hard."
Rory relaxed completely, "Good."
Later, Rory was looking through Jess's book collection, twirling her hair absent mindedly. She looked up to see Tristan smirking and shaking his head, "What?"
"So do you just come here and go through his stuff all the time?"
"Not all the time. Just sometimes." she said, smiling.
Tristan sat up and rested his head on his fist, "We should probably go. The rain's let up."
Rory looked out the window, sighing, "Yeah. And I'm tired, what time is it?"
"Um..." Tristan glanced at the clock, "One thirty."
Her head shot up, "Really?"
"Yup."
"Yeah, we should go." she stood up and held her hand out to him. They walked slowly down the wet streets, deciding they'd rather go by foot that drive. She laced her fingers with his, looking up at him and smiling. When they came to her house, she found that the gate was locked. Tristan's jaw dropped and he stared at her. She stood in shock for a moment before realizing the irony of the situation and bursting into laughter.
Tristan shook his head, "What's so funny?"
"Oh my God, I completely forgot that the gate automatically locks at one thirty."
"Isn't there a code you and push or something?"
She shook her head, "We each have a card to open it," she pointed to a thin slot in the brick, "There's also a long code printed on the card to unlock it," she pointed to a key pad, "But we changed the code last week and my card in my wallet, which is in the house. The only other way to open it from outside the house is a button on the other side."
Tristan laughed, "Are you serious?"
"Completely. And this fence is really hard to get over. Trust me."
He bit his lip, looking it over. He shook his head, "Hang on." he climbed over the tall fence with little difficulty, disappearing from view for a moment. Rory stood in silence, Blake had been trying for years to jump that fence, and Tristan had accomplished it in one try. The gate slid open to reveal Tristan. She smiled, hugging him tightly. She walked to the door, holding his hand tightly. She pushed the door open slowly, looking around the foyer, no one was visible. She turned back to Tristan, smiling. He smiled back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. His hands slid around her waist, holding her close.
Rory slowly broke away, opening her eyes, she smiled, "Hey."
"Hey."
She looked down, the smile dropping from her face, "Tristan?"
"Hm?"
"How do you feel?" she looked up to see a confused expression on his face, "I mean, how do you feel about us? Do you think that we're going to be together for along time?"
He smiled slightly, "That depends on how you feel, because it's all up to you. Why?"
"Because, I know how I feel, but I need to know how you feel. I mean, I don't want to get too involved and end up with a broken heart."
"You won't." he said automatically.
She smiled, tilting her head, "Ah, you say that now, but the question is: How will you feel in two months?"
All humor slowly left his face and he looked into her eyes, "It depends on whether love really fades or not."
Rory's smile fell and she stared at him, "What?"
He didn't answer, just stared at her, "You know what I said." he whispered, it wasn't harsh, just a fact.
"I-I-wh-what?"
"Cause see, I know how I feel. The question is: how do you feel?"
She shook her head, looking down, "What do you mean, you love me?"
His hands dropped from her waist and he turned around, running his hands through his hair, "Forget about it. Just- forget I said it."
She shook her head, grabbing his arm before he could walk away, "Do you mean it?"
He turned to face her, "What?"
"Do you really love me?"
He bit his bottom lip, "If you don't know the answer to that then there's no point in me answering." She searched his eyes, hoping for anything that could comfort her, any sign to point her in the right direction, but his eyes were like glass, his walls had gone up when she hadn't believed him. When she said nothing, he turned away, a look of rejection an his face. He turned, but before he could move, she jumped in front of him and crushed her lips to his, kissing him intently, she laid her hands on his waist.
He was caught off guard for a moment but recovered, holding her face gently. His finger became tangled in her hair and her hands trailed up his rock hard abs to rest on his chest. Tristan's hands moved down her back to rest on her hips, pulling her close. He was shocked, Rory never made the first move, it wasn't her style. She was more of a follower when it came to making out. But he wasn't complaining, aggressive Rory was good, and there was something different about the way she was kissing him tonight, usually it was a sign of affection, but this wasn't so much that. It was more like she was showing him how he made her feel, telling him that she meant it when she said how she felt. She was making it clear that no matter what, she'd always be his girl.
They pulled away, opening their eyes slowly, "How do you think I feel?" she asked breathlessly.
Tristan had the same winded quality, "I can guess, but I'd rather have you tell me." She smiled and closed her eyes, looking down at her feet. He put two fingers under her chin and lifted it up, "What do you feel?"
She sighed, "I'm not sure what it is, but if I had to put a name to it, then I'd say," Rory smiled at him, "This is most definitely what it feels like to be in love."
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Hands down this is the best day
I can ever remember I'll always remember
The sound of the stereo
The dim of the soft lights The scent of your hair
That you twirled in your fingers And the time on the clock
When we realized it's so late And this walk that we shared together The streets were wet
And the gate was locked
So I jumped it, and I let you in And you stood at the door
With your hands on my waist And you kissed me like you meant it And I knew that you meant it
That you meant it
That you meant it
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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My hopes are so high
that your kiss might kill me. So won't you kill me,
so I die happy. My heart is yours
to fill or burst
or break or bury
or wear as jewelry, which ever you prefer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I want to go to the beach." Rory sighed, flipping through her magazine.
Blake rolled his eyes, "It's December Rory. There's snow outside."
"Not at the beach."
"Why do you want to go to the beach? You hate the beach."
"I don't hate it. I just don't like it very much."
"And why is that?"
"Sharks."
"Ah." They were sitting on opposite sides of the couch, Rory's legs on top of her brother's. It was Thursday and school had been canceled because of snow. There was a knock on the door. "What kind of maniac goes out in this?" Blake asked, not looking up from his book.
Rory turned so she could see out the window. She turned back around to her magazine, "Your friends." the door opened to reveal Lane and Jess.
"They're your friends too." he said, ignoring the two who'd just walked into the kitchen.
"Jess, could you make coffee since you're already in there?" Rory called.
"Sure."
"Oh, I see. You don't trust me. Is that it?" they heard Lane ask.
"Honey, I don't trust you with pouring water. You can't cook for your life."
"I can cook better than you."
Rory smiled, "Didn't say you couldn't." Jess walked in a few minuets later, holding a large mug out to Rory. She smiled and took it from him, "Thanks."
"No problem."
Blake's jaw dropped as he looked between the two, "What, I don't get any?"
"I refuse to bring coffee to a guy sitting on the couch."
"AH! But you brought Rory coffee!"
"Blake, Blake, Blake, how many times to I have to tell you? The prettiest twin always gets whatever she wants."
"Obviously not, because I don't have any coffee."
"Well what does that tell you?"
"He cheats?"
"No, you can tell that I am the prettier twin, not you."
Blake sighed, "You're in denial, it's okay, I understand."
Rory nodded, "I'm sure you do." The phone rang and Rory leaned over to grab it, "Hello?"
"Hey Mary."
She smiled, "Hey, what's up?"
"I'm sitting here, bored. Because I'm all alone."
"I'm sorry."
"Yes, I think you should just come keep me company."
She laughed, "Should I?"
"Yes. I could keep you warm." he said suggestively.
"I'm sure you could."
"But poor you, I'll just have to walk across the street and keep Summer warm."
"Have fun with that."
"What? You're not even upset?" he asked, mocking offense.
"Well, one: I know you wouldn't, because you don't have a death wish. And two: Jess is right here, he could keep me warm just as easily."
"Mary! I am offended."
"I'm sorry."
"Well you should be."
She laughed again, "Your birthday is Friday, isn't it?"
"Yes. I'll be sixteen."
"How exiting."
"Hm. And I can think of a present I'd really like from you, Mary."
"I'm sure you can, but too bad for you, I already have one picked out, and I doubt it's what you're thinking of."
"Ooh, what'd you get me?"
"You have to wait until Friday."
"Why?"
"Because that's when your birthday is."
"But I want it now."
"Too bad. You'll just have to wait."
"That's cruel Mary." he pouted.
"No, you just think so."
"I'm bored, entertain me."
"Go have Summer entertain you."
"Hm, you know I just might. I'll talk to you later, Mary."
"I was kidding!" she yelled into the phone as he started to put it down.
Tristan smirked, "Is Mary jealous?"
"No."
"Oh, I think she is."
"You're so conceited."
"Why thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"Well I took it as one."
"Shut up."
"I win."
"Never."
"Mary, denial is not just a river in Egypt."
She laughed, "I'm bored. Come over."
"But it's cold outside."
"Suck it up."
"Oh that's nice." he said, laughing.
Rory smiled, "I know."
"But you should seriously should come over."
"But I thought Jess was there."
"So? I've known Jess my whole life, and quite frankly, I'm getting bored of him."
"Hey!" Jess said, turning from Lane and Blake. Rory stuck her tongue out.
"Oh, that's nice." Tristan said, laughing lightly.
Rory sat up and looked out the window, "The snow's melting!"
"I thought you loved snow."
"I do, but if Jess is going to drive me to Hartford then we don't want him to have to drive on ice, do we?"
"Are you serious?"
"Are you home alone?"
"Yeah...are you really coming to Hartford?"
"Yeah, I want to go see Paris."
"Okay Mary, that is just cold."
"What? you didn't think I'd be alone with you in your house, did you?"
"Well, I- no, no. But it's cruel to make me think you meant that."
"Ha. Sorry."
"I don't think you really are."
"I'm not."
CHILTON, FRIDAY
Rory walked into the school and up to Madeline's locker, "Hey."
Madeline smiled, "Hey Ror. You coming to Eden's party tonight?"
She shrugged, "I dunno, if Trisan wants to then I will. If he doesn't care then I probably won't. You?"
She nodded, "Definitely. Baker wants to ask Louise out officially tonight."
"Finally. How long have they been hooking up for? Two months?"
"Yeah, I think so," she laughed, "So what will you do other than the party?"
"Probably just hang out at either mine or Tristan's house."
"What about Tristan?" he asked, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her temple.
"Happy birthday." she said, smiling and turning around in his arms.
"You remembered." he mocked surprise, and his hands dropped to rest on her hips.
"Of course I remembered."
"Hey Tris, when are you having your party?" Madeline asked from behind Rory.
Tristan's gaze moved from Rory to the girl behind her, "Next Friday. My parents will be in Greece."
"Want me to spread the word?"
"Could you?"
"Sure." Madeline smiled devilishly, "LOUISE!" she called down the hall, beckoning as the blond walked entered the school. She left, waving to the couple before she disappeared.
Rory turned to Tristan, "Are we going to the party tonight?"
He shrugged, "Do you want to?"
"I don't care, whatever you want to do."
"I'd rather just the two of us hang out at my house."
She nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking."
"It's amazing."
"Oh yes."
Tristan leaned down slowly and kissed her, turning so she was pushed into the lockers. His hands stayed on her hips while she laid her hands loosely on his chest. He slowly deepened the kiss, his hands tightening on her hips. She pulled him closer to her, until a group of people walked up, slapping Tristan in the back and forcing him to break away from Rory before he caused her head to slam back against the locker. He groaned at having to break lip contact and rolled his eyes when he realized who it was that had walked up. Baker, Henry and Blake were standing around them.
"You guys have the worst timing of anyone I've ever met." she said hitting her head against the locker and keeping it there.
"On the contrary, little sister, I have perfect timing. Because, see, you were making out with your boyfriend, and I broke you up, giving me perfect timing." she rolled her head to face him.
"One: I'm only younger by six minuets, and two: I'll remember this next time you're making out with Maddy."
"Ha. You liar."
Rory smiled, shaking her head, "Trust me, I'm not."
"So, Tristan is sixteen. He can drive now." Baker said, smirking.
Tristan turned so he was facing them and Rory was leaning on his chest, "I could drive before."
"Ah, but now you can drive without an adult. You see the difference?"
"I've driven without an adult before." he said, smirking.
"But illegally."
"It's not illegal if you don't get caught."
"Shut up. Don't make me feel stupid."
"I'm not the one doing it, man." Henry, Rory, and Blake laughed, but Baker just shook his head.
"So, we'll see you two at the party tonight, right?" Henry asked.
Tristan shook his head, "No, we're not going."
"What are you going to do then?" Baker asked, looking between them. Rory had laid her head on Tristan's chest, showing that she wasn't answering any questions.
"Probably just stay at my house."
"I'm not sure if I approve." Blake said automatically.
Rory rolled her eyes, "You aren't serious, are you?"
"Deadly."
She laughed slightly, "Well that's too bad for you, isn't it?"
Blake laughed, "You forget that I control you, Rory."
"Right."
STARS HOLLOW, THAT NIGHT
Jess and Lane walked in, dressed for the party. Lane left the two boys in search of Rory. She found her in her third story room. She pushed the door open and saw Rory looking in the mirror, she was wearing a men's Abercrombie hoodie and jeans. "You're wearing that to the party?" Lane asked, looking her over.
Rory shook her head, "I'm not going to the party."
"What? Where are you going?"
"Tristan's."
Lane's eyebrow arched, staring at her best friend with a confused look, "You're what?"
Rory shook her head, "We're just hanging out. It's his birthday and he doesn't want to go to a party. We're not going to do anything like that."
"Just making sure."
"Yeah. Jess is going to drop me off at his house on the way to the party."
"Does Jess know?"
"No."
Lane shook her head and smiled, Rory turned and smiled as well, "What?"
"You." Lane linked arms with Rory and they walked downstairs.
JESS'S CAR
"So , Rory, I hear I'm taking you to Tristan's?" Jess said accusingly.
Rory nodded, "You hear right."
"And will there be supervision?"
She laughed, "No. I don't think so."
"Oh, I'm not sure about this." he said as he turned onto Tristan's street. "I mean, you know, no adult supervision, I just don't know."
"Hm, too bad you don't have a say."
"Hey. I am your master. I own you." he said playfully.
Rory laughed, "No, I don't think so." They pulled into Tristan's driveway and she opened the door, "I'll see you guys later."
"Bye Rory." Lane said, scooting over so she was in the middle seat.
"Let him know we'll kick his ass." Blake said.
Rory smirked, "I'll do that." she closed the door and walked up to his front porch. She rang the doorbell and heard it chime through the whole house.
"I got it." she heard muffled through the door. It opened to reveal Tristan. He smiled, kissing her gently, "Hey."
She smiled, "Hey."
He pulled her in and shut the door, leaning her into it slightly and he leaned in. She smiled and rested her hands on his hips loosely as their lips met. He put his hands on either side of her face, kissing her without aggression at all. He pulled away after a moment, "What do you want to do?"
She shrugged, shaking her head slightly, "Dunno. Doesn't matter to me."
"Well, we could watch a movie, we could eat, or we could go some place, or...we could just talk."
"Let's go upstairs."
"Okay." he took her hand and led her to his room, sitting on the bed and she sat beside him, laying down.
THE PARTY
Madeline and Blake were standing with Baker and Louise in the living room, "So tell me again why Rory and Tristan aren't here." she said.
"It's his birthday and he didn't want to come to a big party. I guess he just wanted to spend it with Rory." Blake explained.
"Damn he's changed." Baker said, Louise and Madeline nodded in agreement.
"It's weird, I mean, he's having his party next week, but usually he just has his party on his birthday. I think the only reason he'd doing it is because if he didn't then someone else would throw one and say it was for him." Louise said.
Blake shrugged, "I haven't known him for that long, so I wouldn't know."
"Trust us, he's been really different since he met your sister."
Blake looked between them, "How so?"
"He's just..." Louise trailed off, "Different."
He nodded, "I got that. How's he different?"
"It's just, see, Tristan is, as you know, definitely a player. At least he was a player. And then he met Rory and he completely changed. In a good way. He's the same person he always was, just different. Happier everything. But he still has his parents to deal with. He doesn't like them that much. Well, you've met them, you know."
Blake laughed bitterly, "Yeah. I know. They hated my parents and they hate me and Rory."
"Of course they do. Your parents were better than them at everything, and now they think you two will do better than Tristan at everything. Same thing with your grandparents, didn't you know?" Blake shook his head. Louise continued, "Even your and Tristan's grandparents went to school together. His father's parents and your dad's parents were friends. But they were always competing. They were all eight in two of the elite groups. They all got along and are still friends, but Tristan's mother has never gotten over the fact that your mom got homecoming queen instead of her when you dad put Lorelai's name on there to any his girlfriend. She's still bitter."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah, I'm surprised you didn't know."
"But I don't compete with Tristan, we're not threats to each other."
Louise shrugged, "She doesn't know that. She never bothers to ask Tristan anything."
TRISTAN AND RORY
They were in the car, on the way to Stars Hollow. Rory laughed, "You know, it's illegal for you to be driving me."
Tristan shrugged, "Eh, you'll live."
She laughed, "Not if you get in a wreck because you are inexperienced."
"Are you saying you don't trust me?" he asked, mocking offense.
"Um, yeah. Just a little." He laughed, swerving the car slightly. Rory narrowed her eyes, "Do that again Dugrey, and you won't be capable of having children."
"Ouch. That's harsh Mary."
"Yes, well, you would have done it to yourself, because if I die, you're comin' down with me."
He laughed, "I'm sure."
"Oh, you better be, buddy, you better be."
"And why id that?"
"Because, if I die by your hands, I will come back to haunt you for your whole damn life."
He shook his head, "I'd never let anything happen to you, Mary." he said, glancing at her and locking eyes before looking back to the rode.
She kept looking at the profile of his face for a few minuets before whispering, "I know."
They drove for fifteen more minuets before turning onto the Stars Hollow exit, "So, tell me again where we're going."
"Luke's."
"To eat?"
"No. I don't want to go home yet, but we want to go to Stars Hollow."
"Do we?"
"Yes, my parents are home, so we won't go there, but the diner is perfect. Jess is at the party, ad he's spending the night with Blake, and Luke is on a cruise with Rachel, so the apartment is perfect."
"And Luke won't mind?"
"Tristan, Tristan, Tristan, Luke loves me like his own flesh and blood, I'm aloud to use the apartment whenever I want, he doesn't care, besides, we'll just be in Jess's room."
"Would he care if he knew you were going there to be alone with your boyfriend?"
"Yes."
Tristan laughed, "What about Cesar?"
"The diner closes at eleven."
"And what time is it?"
She looked at the time on the dash board, "Eleven thirty."
He nodded, pulling into the deserted parking lot. Tristan turned off the engine, "Now how do you propose we get in?"
Rory nodded to the second story, "Jess's window is always unlocked."
"So...we're going in through his window?"
"He won't care. After Luke and Rachel got married, they added a wall to give Jess his own room. We'll just stay in there."
He shook his head, "You really thought this through, didn't you?"
She smirked, "Only a little." He got out and came around to her side, opening the door for her. She smiled and took his offered hand, kissing his cheek lightly. The dark sky was full of clouds and there was a light rain, but it seemed as if the storm was just about to begin.
He followed her around back to see her climbing up the trellis to an open window. He smirked and followed her after she'd gone through. He saw her standing in a small room, with posters on the walls and books and magazines piled against the walls. There was a stereo and a large collection of CD's beside it. There was no bed frame, just a mattress with black sheets laid on the floor. Tristan looked around the room, it was definitely.....Jess, was the only word to describe it.
Rory turned on one of the soft lamps and the stereo. Tristan sat on Jess's bed and Rory sat beside him, laying in his arms. "Now, isn't this better than sitting in a mansion with our parents in the house?"
He nodded, "Definitely." Tristan looked out the window, "It's raining hard."
Rory relaxed completely, "Good."
Later, Rory was looking through Jess's book collection, twirling her hair absent mindedly. She looked up to see Tristan smirking and shaking his head, "What?"
"So do you just come here and go through his stuff all the time?"
"Not all the time. Just sometimes." she said, smiling.
Tristan sat up and rested his head on his fist, "We should probably go. The rain's let up."
Rory looked out the window, sighing, "Yeah. And I'm tired, what time is it?"
"Um..." Tristan glanced at the clock, "One thirty."
Her head shot up, "Really?"
"Yup."
"Yeah, we should go." she stood up and held her hand out to him. They walked slowly down the wet streets, deciding they'd rather go by foot that drive. She laced her fingers with his, looking up at him and smiling. When they came to her house, she found that the gate was locked. Tristan's jaw dropped and he stared at her. She stood in shock for a moment before realizing the irony of the situation and bursting into laughter.
Tristan shook his head, "What's so funny?"
"Oh my God, I completely forgot that the gate automatically locks at one thirty."
"Isn't there a code you and push or something?"
She shook her head, "We each have a card to open it," she pointed to a thin slot in the brick, "There's also a long code printed on the card to unlock it," she pointed to a key pad, "But we changed the code last week and my card in my wallet, which is in the house. The only other way to open it from outside the house is a button on the other side."
Tristan laughed, "Are you serious?"
"Completely. And this fence is really hard to get over. Trust me."
He bit his lip, looking it over. He shook his head, "Hang on." he climbed over the tall fence with little difficulty, disappearing from view for a moment. Rory stood in silence, Blake had been trying for years to jump that fence, and Tristan had accomplished it in one try. The gate slid open to reveal Tristan. She smiled, hugging him tightly. She walked to the door, holding his hand tightly. She pushed the door open slowly, looking around the foyer, no one was visible. She turned back to Tristan, smiling. He smiled back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. His hands slid around her waist, holding her close.
Rory slowly broke away, opening her eyes, she smiled, "Hey."
"Hey."
She looked down, the smile dropping from her face, "Tristan?"
"Hm?"
"How do you feel?" she looked up to see a confused expression on his face, "I mean, how do you feel about us? Do you think that we're going to be together for along time?"
He smiled slightly, "That depends on how you feel, because it's all up to you. Why?"
"Because, I know how I feel, but I need to know how you feel. I mean, I don't want to get too involved and end up with a broken heart."
"You won't." he said automatically.
She smiled, tilting her head, "Ah, you say that now, but the question is: How will you feel in two months?"
All humor slowly left his face and he looked into her eyes, "It depends on whether love really fades or not."
Rory's smile fell and she stared at him, "What?"
He didn't answer, just stared at her, "You know what I said." he whispered, it wasn't harsh, just a fact.
"I-I-wh-what?"
"Cause see, I know how I feel. The question is: how do you feel?"
She shook her head, looking down, "What do you mean, you love me?"
His hands dropped from her waist and he turned around, running his hands through his hair, "Forget about it. Just- forget I said it."
She shook her head, grabbing his arm before he could walk away, "Do you mean it?"
He turned to face her, "What?"
"Do you really love me?"
He bit his bottom lip, "If you don't know the answer to that then there's no point in me answering." She searched his eyes, hoping for anything that could comfort her, any sign to point her in the right direction, but his eyes were like glass, his walls had gone up when she hadn't believed him. When she said nothing, he turned away, a look of rejection an his face. He turned, but before he could move, she jumped in front of him and crushed her lips to his, kissing him intently, she laid her hands on his waist.
He was caught off guard for a moment but recovered, holding her face gently. His finger became tangled in her hair and her hands trailed up his rock hard abs to rest on his chest. Tristan's hands moved down her back to rest on her hips, pulling her close. He was shocked, Rory never made the first move, it wasn't her style. She was more of a follower when it came to making out. But he wasn't complaining, aggressive Rory was good, and there was something different about the way she was kissing him tonight, usually it was a sign of affection, but this wasn't so much that. It was more like she was showing him how he made her feel, telling him that she meant it when she said how she felt. She was making it clear that no matter what, she'd always be his girl.
They pulled away, opening their eyes slowly, "How do you think I feel?" she asked breathlessly.
Tristan had the same winded quality, "I can guess, but I'd rather have you tell me." She smiled and closed her eyes, looking down at her feet. He put two fingers under her chin and lifted it up, "What do you feel?"
She sighed, "I'm not sure what it is, but if I had to put a name to it, then I'd say," Rory smiled at him, "This is most definitely what it feels like to be in love."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hands down this is the best day
I can ever remember I'll always remember
The sound of the stereo
The dim of the soft lights The scent of your hair
That you twirled in your fingers And the time on the clock
When we realized it's so late And this walk that we shared together The streets were wet
And the gate was locked
So I jumped it, and I let you in And you stood at the door
With your hands on my waist And you kissed me like you meant it And I knew that you meant it
That you meant it
That you meant it
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~