Story summary: With Tristan and Rory closer than ever Ander’s determination to separate them grows.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in my story they belong to the writers and creators of the WB show Gilmore Girls.

INT: CHILTON-DAY

Paris is standing by Rory’s locker waiting for her, as she sees Rory round the corner she pastes a smile on her face, trying to gauge her mood...taking note that she is alone...no Tristan in site...a fairly uncommon site as of late.

PARIS: (to herself) This can’t be good.

Deciding Tristan must have ignored her advice to keep silent. Paris sets out to do some damage control she walks purposefully up to Rory, who has her head down looking frantically for something in her back-pack. 

PARIS: So how are you?

Still engrossed in looking for a homework paper in her back-pack Rory blows Paris off with a distracted greeting.

RORY: I...uh...I’ve been better.

PARIS: Bad weekend?

Rory finally looks up and is surprised by the concerned look on her face.

RORY: No...no my weekend was fine. This morning I have issues...

PARIS: You found out this morning?! You didn’t even get the weekend to process?

RORY: Process what?

PARIS: I know it was probably...well...let’s be honest...shocking information...but...the fact that we’re still talking I’ll take as a good sign.

RORY: Sure. Um...sign of what exactly?

PARIS: That our friendship is going to be okay.

RORY: This is a really weird moment we’re having right now.

Standing in the same corridor a row of lockers down talking to Jeremy and Gib is Tristan.

JEREMY: So paged ya like fifty times man...you missed a rager.

TRISTAN: Yeah... Sorry I didn’t get back to you...I was with Rory.

JEREMY: You passed up a college party full of willing college chicks to be with your girlfriend? She must be a dynamo in bed.

TRISTAN: Back off Jeremy. Cause you’re still on my shit list.

GIB: Ignore him man...he’s just baiting you.

JEREMY: Can’t a guy just get an honest answer?

GIB: Maybe if you stopped asking stupid questions.

JEREMY: (mocking tone) Maybe if you stopped asking stupid questions. Who are you his lawyer?

Tristan is prepped to defend Gib when he glances down the hall and sees Paris talking to Rory...he smiles until his memory jogs and he remembers the last conversation he had with Paris.

FLASHBACK: PARIS’ HOUSE-NIGHT

TRISTAN: I want to tell Rory.

Paris knows what she heard…but can’t process it…surely he means something else…something less…damaging.

PARIS: Tell her what?

TRISTAN: About us…about what happened.

FLASHFORWARD: PRESENT

Suddenly it clicks with Tristan what is going on just down the hall from him. Paris is about to tell Rory everything...because she thinks he already has. Without another word to the group Tristan takes off at a fast pace down the hall...hoping beyond hope he isn’t too late.

PARIS: I guess...I’m just relieved you don’t hate me.

RORY: Hate you?

PARIS: I mean not that I wouldn’t understand if you did.

RORY: Are you okay?

PARIS: Are we okay?

RORY: I guess...we’re good.

PARIS: I can’t believe how well you’re taking this.

RORY: Taking what?

PARIS: The whole situation. I was certain after he talked to you that it would change things. But...well...I’m glad to see I was wrong.

RORY: After who talked to me?

Finally realizing that something isn’t quite right Paris glances up and sees Tristan down the hall making hand motions at her as he rushes towards them.

RORY: (cont.) Okay. I’m sensing that you’re really not getting that I have no idea what you’re talking about.

With no response from Paris, Rory tries again.

RORY: (cont.) Paris?

Thankfully Tristan reaches Rory right at that moment, puts his arm around her and kisses the side of her face.

TRISTAN: Hey babe.

Rory turns to see Tristan at her side and forgets for the moment that she and Paris were involved in a conversation.

Outwardly blushing a little she meets Tristan’s lips on the way to hers.

Memories of the past night filling her mind...which quickly turns a brief hello into a more passionate greeting as Tristan loses himself a little too.

Paris stands there growing tenser with every elapsed minute. Finally she can’t stand it and does the classic clearing of the throat maneuver.

Rory reluctantly ends the kiss and turns to Paris.

RORY: I’m sorry...you were saying.

PARIS: Yeah...never mind. I have to get to class anyway. So I’ll just see you later.

Rory turns to Tristan as Paris begins walking away.

RORY: I should probably go too I have to find a way to explain to Mr. Flynn why I don’t have my assignment. I’m pretty sure he’ll have no compassion for the truth.

TRISTAN: The truth?

RORY: That my boyfriend has completely clouded my mind and simple tasks like remembering to bring my homework to class have been crowded out.

Tristan moves closer to Rory and pulls her closer trailing his fingers tenderly down her side to rest at the curve of her waist.

TRISTAN: Interesting. So then the odds of me convincing you that you want to ditch class and leave with me are good?

RORY: Not that the offer isn’t tempting...

TRISTAN: My powers of persuasion can be very magnetic...look into my eyes...

As Rory begins to comply Tristan is momentarily distracted by someone over her shoulder. Paris! And she is standing at end of the lockers holding up a piece of paper that says simply in big bold letters “OUTSIDE “. Noticing Tristan’s distraction Rory begins to turn around and Tristan quickly grabs her planting another one on her while signaling with his other hand for Paris to leave. .

RORY: Very persuasive...but I can’t leave. I’ll tell you what though...I’ll let you walk me to class.

TRISTAN: Actually...I still need to get some stuff from my locker. But I’ll see you in English.

Rory is a little floored by Tristan’s complete turn around from hot to cold.

RORY: Okay what just happened here?

TRISTAN: Nothing...I uh just remembered I have a huge test in my next class. I really have to go.

RORY: Sure. Okay.

With one last kiss Rory turns and walks away. As soon as Tristan sees her round the corner he turns and starts walking quickly towards the exit of the school. Once outside he quickly spots Paris standing over by a tree and heads over to her.

EXT: CHILTON –DAY

Paris cuts right to the chase.

PARIS: So I’m guessing by the tonsil hockey maneuver Rory is still blissfully in the dark?

TRISTAN: No thanks to you.

PARIS: Oh no...don’t blame me for what almost happened in there. Why didn’t you call me and let me know you’d given the truth a reprieve?

TRISTAN: I got busy. What could you possibly have been thinking going up to her like that?

PARIS: I was thinking that you’re heartfelt plea to tell her the truth was a given and that my plea to keep your mouth shut fell on deaf ears. I was doing damage control.

TRISTAN: Did you not see me waving at you to zip it?!

PARIS: Your highly spasmodic maneuvering was a little after the fact. Regardless...I think you need to explain to me what’s going on.

TRISTAN: Change of plans. We aren’t telling her...we’re taking it to our graves.

PARIS: Well aren’t you full of surprises. Now...why exactly aren’t we telling her?

TRISTAN: It doesn’t matter.

PARIS: It does to me. One night you’re at my house begging me to let you tell her and now you’re back on the “let it lie” theory. What happened in the interim? And I want the truth.

TRISTAN: If I tell you...you can tell no one else. Do you understand?

PARIS: Great another secret. Not like the one I already have isn’t weighing me down. (off Tristan’s look) Fine...I promise.

TRISTAN: Okay...things...progressed between me and Rory this weekend.

PARIS: Progressed?

Paris looks at Tristan a look of disgust crossing her face as the realization of what he’s implying penetrates.

PARIS: (cont) Oh my God...you slept with her?

Students hurrying by on their way to class, turn at Paris’ voiced comment.

TRISTAN:  Could you maybe lower you voice?

PARIS: Answer the question.

TRISTAN: Okay...yes.

PARIS: You are unbelievable! You were supposed to tell her the truth. Not take her to bed. .

TRISTAN: Not that I expect you to believe me but...I did not instigate anything. It was Rory’s idea.

PARIS: Oh right...and I’m sure she had to twist your arm to get you to go along with it. You’re pathetic.

TRISTAN: You know what...judge me all you want. But the fact remains...things are not as uncomplicated as they use to be...and Rory cannot know. Understand?

Overhead the bell rings signaling they have five minutes to get to class.

PARIS: I have to go.

TRISTAN: Not before you promise me you won’t say anything to Rory.

PARIS: I can’t believe I used to think you were a good guy...when the reality is...you’re not even close.

TRISTAN: What’s that suppose to mean?

PARIS: Forget it.

TRISTAN: Explain it.

PARIS: Fine. I’ll bottom line it for you...Rory believes in you.

TRISTAN: I know she does.

PARIS: And you let her down. Big surprise.

TRISTAN: How did I let her down?

PARIS: Do you really need me to spell it out for you?

TRISTAN: Yeah. I guess you do.

PARIS: What you’re missing here Einstein is that you were Rory’s first. And that should be special. Not some step you take to tighten your hold on her.

TRISTAN: You’ve twisted this way beyond your usual paranoia. There was no evil plot in sleeping with Rory. We’re a couple. It was mutual decision.

PARIS: What’s mutual now will look like it was manipulative if she finds out you’ve been lying to her. But in true Tristan fashion you fixed that little problem. You can’t tell her the truth now...because now...she’s invested.

TRISTAN: You didn’t want me to tell her the truth. Remember?

PARIS: You didn’t tell me you were planning on sleeping with her.

TRISTAN: Since when do you need to be in the loop on my sex life?

PARIS: Rory deserved to know the truth before you put her in that position. It was her first time...is any of this getting through to you?

TRISTAN:  Okay...could you insult me anymore? I did not take being Rory’s first for granted...So what’s this really about?

PARIS: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

TRISTAN: Yes you do. This virginity crusade you’re leading...I get it now...it’s about the circumstances behind your first time.

Suddenly Paris’ boldness starts to fade replaced by a look of determination.

PARIS: You’re delusional. And I’m going.

Tristan reaches out and grabs on to Paris’ arm to keep her from walking away. Wanting to make sure she hears what he has to say.

TRISTAN: I can’t change what happened.

Overhead the second bell rings signaling they are late to class.

PARIS: I have to go.

TRISTAN: Is a tardy really going to kill you? 

PARIS: No. This conversation however might.

TRISTAN: I thought we moved beyond this. That we were becoming friends with the understanding that what is past is past.

PARIS: Look. I’m not here for therapy. I’ll deal with my issues. You say you’re sincere with Rory. I’ll buy it...for now.

TRISTAN: I am. Are we okay?

PARIS: We share a huge secret. So I get why you’re concerned. But I don’t need your fake sympathy Tristan. I’m fine.

TRISTAN: You’re impossible. What is going to take to convince you that I’m not an ass, and that I genuinely care if you’re annoyed with me?

PARIS: I don’t need you to care. And we don’t need to be friends. We just need to remember that we’re in this together. Unfortunate as that may be.

TRISTAN: And that’s how you want things between us?

PARIS: Yes.

TRISTAN: You really are going to end up alone.

PARIS: At least I’ll be able to live with myself. You on the other hand...

Not liking where this is headed Tristan snaps...a little of the old Tristan resurfacing.

TRISTAN: Okay...stop. I’m not going to do this with you. You’ve made your point. We’re not friends. I get it. And now...I’ve got to get to class. So as long as you keep quiet...you and I have nothing else to talk about.

PARIS: Fine by me.

With that final word Paris turns and walks away...a little uncertain how things turned so ugly so quickly. She hadn’t meant to alienate him like that...but something about him and Rory being intimate had really tripped her trigger and regrets had come rushing to the surface bringing with them guilt and pain that had made her inexplicably lash out at him.

INT: INDEPENDENCE DINING ROOM-DAY

Lorelai is arranging displays on the tables when Sookie comes in with a huge smile on her face.

SOOKIE: Okay...so spill.

LORELAI: Spill what? Because we’ve got a variety of choices I could go with in the food and beverage category.

SOOKIE: No...spill about Ben. Michel says he saw you coming out of his room.

LORELAI: Michel has way too much time on his hands.

SOOKIE: Yes he does...but still...I need to know...are you and Ben back together?

LORELAI: No. He was just being a shoulder to cry on.

SOOKIE: Oh.

LORELAI: Sorry. I would love to have said yes...but the whole Chris issue really confused things. 

SOOKIE: I thought you told Chris no on the whole being in your life thing.

LORELAI: I did.

SOOKIE: She said less than convincingly.

LORELAI: I’m convinced.

SOOKIE: Yeah? Really? Cause I’m not.

LORELAI: I am not letting Chris back in my life Sookie.

SOOKIE: Sure honey.

LORELAI: I’m not!

SOOKIE: Right. Well it’s time for me to go do that cooking thing I do.

Lorelai yells after Sookie who has already turned to walk away.

LORELAI: I’m not letting Chris back in!

INT: INN KITCHEN-DAY

Michel is standing by the sink and Jackson is unloading fruit crates onto the counter.

MICHEL: At last. In or out?

Sookie takes a twenty-dollar bill out of her apron pocket and hands it to Michel.

SOOKIE: Put me down for twenty on two weeks.

MICHEL: Consider it done.

JACKSON: What’s going on?

MICHEL: I am taking wagers.

JACKSON: On what?

SOOKIE: How long it takes Lorelai to break and take Chris back.

JACKSON: You’re wagering on your best friends will power?

MICHEL: Actually... it would be her lack of willpower.

JACKSON: Good point. I’ll put ten on three weeks.

MICHEL: A decision you will not regret.

INT: LUNCHROOM-DAY

Rory is sitting at a lunch table waiting for Tristan when Anders approaches her.

ANDERS: What’s this? All alone, no boyfriend in sight?

RORY: He’s on his way.

Anders helps him self to the empty chair beside her.

RORY: There are twenty lunch tables with easily forty actually interested girls. You might what to re-think that decision.

ANDERS: What? It’s a free country. Tristan doesn’t like me sitting here, he can move.

RORY: You do know I would go with him. And then you would be left sitting here all alone.

ANDERS: Guess that’s a chance I’ll have to take.

RORY: The odds are not really in your favor.

Jeremy and Brent walk over and sit down at the table with Rory and Anders.

Jeremy immediately sticks his hand out to Anders.

JEREMY: Anders man...you rock for getting us into that killer party this weekend.

ANDERS: Don’t mention it.

JEREMY: I mean it was wall to wall college Betty’s just begging for a piece of the J-man.

ANDERS: Happy to hear it.

Rory rolls her eyes at Jeremy’s crassness.

JEREMY: What’s the matter we making you uncomfortable Gilmore?

RORY: Nauseated actually.

JEREMY: Well we can’t all have a little spitfire like you warming our sheets nightly.

RORY: Excuse me?

JEREMY: Don’t worry. We’re all friends here. Your secrets are safe with us. Or your sex secrets as the case may be.

RORY: Excuse me?

JEREMY: Stop playing stupid. Our buddy Tristan. filled us in on the Rory and Tristan sex saga. Hot! You have one very satisfied guy there.

BRENT: Yeah Congrats Gilmore! DuGrey is serial dater and you’ve successfully managed to keep his interest peaked with your sexual prowess.

Completely annoyed now by Jeremy and Brent’s invasion of her privacy, Rory gets up from the table.

RORY: I have to go.

Putting her book into her back-pack she zips it up and turns away without another word, heading for the door.

Anders gets up and heads out after Rory catching up with her in the halls.

ANDERS: Hey...wait up.

Fuming Rory stops.

RORY: I’m sorry did you not get to add your two cents in back there?! Is that why you followed me?!

ANDERS: I followed you to tell you that Jeremy and Brent are jack asses and to ignore them.

RORY: Yeah. That’s not exactly a newsflash.

ANDERS: You can’t let them get to you. You know Tristan. Do you really think he’d discuss his relationship with those two?

RORY: Why are you doing this?

ANDERS: What do you mean?

RORY: Why are you defending Tristan?

ANDERS: It’s not about defending Tristan. It’s about putting a smile back on your face.

RORY: Is that seriously your story?

ANDERS: Really? Not buying it?

Stepping up behind Anders, Tristan answers for Rory

TRISTAN: Not for a second.

Slowly Anders turns around and faces his adversary.

ANDERS: Tristan...I’d say it’s good to see you...but...well it’s not.

TRISTAN: I imagine not. I’m sure I’ve somehow derailed your plan of attack.

ANDERS: Actually I think Rory was enjoying my company.

TRISTAN: You never were very bright.

ANDERS: Well as exhilarating as this is...I think that’s my cue to go. Rory...it’s been a pleasure.

Anders joins Jeremy and Brent as they walk out of the lunch room and head down the hall. Tristan takes Rory in his arms and the two share a tender kiss. Immediately upon see this Anders turns on Jeremy.

ANDERS: I told you to push her buttons a little...to be subtle.

JEREMY: I did.

ANDERS: I wanted finesse and you gave me a bull-dozer.

JEREMY: I’m a cut to the chase kind of guy. You wanted her irritated with Tristan.

ANDERS: Does she look irritated?

All three guys turn to watch Rory and Tristan just as they both laugh at something being said between them...and then kiss again.

JEREMY: What?

ANDERS: You’re useless. I’ll take care of this myself.

With that ominous statement Anders heads down the hall in the opposite direction.