Story summary: With the ultimate decisions made…lives move on.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the characters in my story. The characters belong to the WB show “Gilmore Girls”, its writers and creators.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-DAY

 

Rory and Lane walk into Luke’s and immediately sit down at a table.

 

RORY: Breakfast was a good idea. Thanks for inviting me.

 

LANE: Sure. So I guess last night was pretty great for you.

 

RORY: Aside from Dean clocking Tristan…yeah…I’d say last night was pretty perfect.

 

LANE: Paris and Jess looked like they were having a good time too.

 

RORY: Yeah…they did…didn’t they?  I think he may really like her.

 

LANE: It seems like everyone is pairing off.

 

RORY: Must be something in the air. I know my head is really in the clouds lately.

 

LANE: Right. So did you happen to notice if say…”I” was up there on that cloud also?

 

RORY: What do you mean?

 

LANE: Figures. We’re supposed to be best friends Rory.

 

RORY: We are Lane.

 

LANE: Really? Then how come you have yet to ask me how Henry and I got along last night?

 

RORY: I’m sorry. I guess I thought you would just tell me about you and Henry if you wanted me to know.

 

LANE: No you didn’t. The truth is Rory you didn’t even think to ask. You’re too wrapped up in your own little world to acknowledge that “ ME”…your best friend didn’t find last night quite as “perfect.”

 

RORY: Lane…I’m sorry. You’re right I should have asked you…”How did last night with you and Henry go?”

 

Before Lane can come out with an answer Dean walks into Luke's. As he is walking up to the counter he notices Rory, turns back around and walks out of the diner.

 

Rory starts to get up.

 

LANE: Where are you going?

 

RORY: I have to talk to him Lane. But please…don’t leave. I really want to hear about you and Henry. I’ll be right back. I promise.

 

Before Lane can respond Rory is out the door and headed after Dean. She runs down the street calling after him until he finally turns around.

 

As Dean turns around Rory stops just short of running into him.

 

DEAN: You’re kidding me right? You can’t possibly believe that you have anything to say that I want to hear.

 

RORY: Dean…I wanted to tell you…I’m sorry.

 

DEAN: Least of all that. Help me out here Rory…when are the lies going to stop?

 

RORY: It’s not a lie. I am sorry.

 

DEAN: Not buying it. To me being sorry would mean regretting what you’ve done…and lets face it…you don’t.

 

RORY: I regret hurting you.  

 

DEAN: The only thing you regret Rory is getting caught.

 

RORY: You don’t have to believe me Dean…but I was going to tell you.

 

DEAN: Not only do I not have to believe you Rory…I don’t. I will never believe one single thing you say to me ever again. Because I can’t trust you.

 

RORY: I should never have lied to you Dean.

 

DEAN: Rory…I’m not looking for an apology. What happened…happened. It sucks and I will have to find a way to get past it…but the one thing I will *not* do is help you to feel less guilty about it.

 

RORY: That’s not why I’m here.

 

DEAN: Yeah it is.

 

RORY: You’re wrong.

 

DEAN: Yeah…I don’t think so. You see…I’ve finally put all the pieces together Rory and the truth is…you’ve been seeing that jerk behind my back for a really long time.

 

RORY: Dean…

 

DEAN: Don’t bother to deny it. I may not be the brightest guy…but I know exactly when you changed…when *he* changed you. It was the day you ditched school.

 

Rory’s can’t help but be a little shocked that Dean could be so right on the money.

 

DEAN: (cont.) I’m right…aren’t I?

 

RORY: It doesn’t matter when it started Dean.

 

DEAN: Maybe not to you. But it does to me. Because it proves something to me…you’re nothing but a liar and a cheat. I trusted you for way to long.

 

RORY: You know I followed you because I thought maybe we could salvage something out of this mess…but I guess that’s not going to happen.

 

DEAN: Not in a million years. I’ve got nothing left to give you Rory. And even if I did…there’s no way in hell you deserve it.

 

RORY: If that’s the way you feel…

 

DEAN: It is. You are the last person I want to be in my life right now.

 

Tears start to trickle slowly down Rory’s face at Dean’s bluntness.

 

RORY: I guess I should go then.

 

As Dean watches Rory wiping her escaping tears his instincts tell him to reach out to her…but it’s his heart that keeps his hands immobile by his side as Rory turns and walks back towards the diner.  

 

INT: SOOKIE’S HOUSE-KITCHEN-DAY

 

Sookie has laden the table with every kind of breakfast imaginable and is putting a pitcher of Orange Juice on the table when Ethan walks into the kitchen.

 

ETHAN: What’s this?

 

SOOKIE: It’s breakfast…in pretty much every shape and size…and representing many different countries.

 

ETHAN: I’ll say.

 

SOOKIE: Go on sit…sit.

 

ETHAN: This is for me?

 

SOOKIE: It’s too much isn’t it?

 

Ethan pulls out a chair and takes a seat at the table.

 

ETHAN: No…no this is great. It’s just breakfast for me is usually toast and some OJ. I should probably explain…it’s just me and my dad…and well…he’s no gourmet chef.

 

SOOKIE: We can’t all be.

 

Ethan laughs at Sookie’s comment as he puts Belgian waffles and a load of bacon on his plate.

 

Sookie puts the coffee pot on the table and sits down with him.

 

SOOKIE: (cont.) Speaking of your dad Ethan. Does he know you’re here?

 

ETHAN: Not exactly.

 

Jackson comes walking into the kitchen stretching. He gaze falls on the fully loaded table.

 

JACKSON: Are we expecting the whole town or something?

 

SOOKIE: It’s Ethan’s welcome to Star’s Hollow breakfast.

 

JACKSON: For the next ten years?

 

SOOKIE: I guess I got a little carried away.

 

As Jackson and Sookie are talking Ethan reaches over and grabs the last Belgian waffle with his fork, he butters it, syrups it and pops a warm bite into this mouth.

 

JACKSON: Well as long as you made me your famous Belgian waffles no harm done.

 

Jackson kisses Sookie on the cheek and sits down at the table…his gaze searches the massive amounts of food.

 

JACKSON: (cont.) Sookie hon…where are the waffles?

 

Ethan looks over with a guilty look on his face as the last bite of the last waffle is inches from his mouth.

 

JACKSON: (cont.) Is that my Belgian waffle?

 

Ethan puts the last bite back down on his plate a guilty look crossing his face.

 

ETHAN: Sorry.

 

SOOKIE: It’s okay Jackson…I can make more…there’s plenty of batter.

 

JACKSON: You know I *love* the first ones…the first ones are always the best.

 

SOOKIE: Now Jackson honey…don’t be a baby.

 

Jackson gets up abruptly from the table.

 

JACKSON: I am *not* being a baby! Is it too much for a man to want his wife’s first waffles?!

 

Jackson storms out of the room and slams the bedroom door.

 

ETHAN: He’s pretty attached to his breakfast foods.

 

SOOKIE: Yeah…I’m just going to go talk to him. I’ll be right back.

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-DAY

 

Chris and Lorelai are upstairs in her bed. Chris is propped up on one arm watching Lorelai sleep. Almost as if she can sense this Lorelai wakes up.

 

She turns to see Chris staring at her and jumps a little.

 

LORELAI: Oh…Man! You have got to stop doing that.

 

CHRIS: Sorry…didn’t realize my morning face was that scary.

 

LORELAI: What are you doing up this early?

 

CHRIS: It’s 9:30 am.

 

Lorelai turns and looks at the clock.

 

LORELAI: So it is. Why’d you let me sleep so late then?

 

CHRIS: Because you looked so peaceful for one…and two…because this is my last day here…and I’m just not ready to face that yet.

 

Lorelai looks at Chris’s crestfallen face and pulls him into her arms giving him a big bear hug. Reluctantly she lets him go and looks directly into his eyes.

 

LORELAI: Just because we aren’t going to be a couple Chris doesn’t mean we aren’t still going to be friends. There is still the issue of your first child to keep us together.

 

CHRIS: I know that…but it’s never going to be the same for us Lor. I mean I know I should marry Sherry because it’s the right thing to do…but if that’s the case why does the thought of a life void of you hurt so much?

 

LORELAI: Yeah…I’m a heartbreaker.

 

CHRIS: I’m not kidding Lorelai. It’s like we’re sixteen all over again. I’ve just professed my love to you and you’ve just shattered my heart into a million pieces.

 

LORELAI: Hey…this is not my fault Chris. I am not the one who knocked Sherry up…that would be all you buddy.

 

CHRIS: I’m not saying that…I’m saying it took me forever to let you go the first time…I don’t know if I can do it again.

 

LORELAI: You don’t have the luxury of making that choice Christopher. You have your baby to think about. You yourself said that you don’t want to miss all the stuff you missed with Rory this time around.

 

CHRIS: I don’t. But maybe I have to if that’s what it takes to keep you in my life.

 

LORELAI: And have you resent me for missing out on this baby’s firsts too? No thank you. I think we just have to face facts here Chris…for what ever bizarre reason…you and I just aren’t meant to be anything more than friends and Rory’s parents.

 

CHRIS: You don’t believe that.

 

LORELAI: I have to believe that…otherwise this whole screwed up situation would drive me crazy. Now get dressed and we can go have one final farewell breakfast at Luke’s.

 

CHRIS: That’s it…breakfast at Luke’s and then we say our goodbyes?

 

LORELAI: What did you have in mind?

 

CHRIS: Come take a shower with me.

 

LORELAI: Chris…

 

CHRIS: We can do body related show tunes.

 

LORELAI: You know this is a bad idea…right?

 

CHRIS: Worst idea I’ve ever had. So yes or no?

 

LORELAI: Body related show tunes?

 

CHRIS: Yeah…we’ll start with “Gilligan’s Island” and work our way down the line.

 

LORELAI: And where exactly is “Gilligan’s Island” located?

 

Chris takes Lorelai’s hand as he pulls her off the bed.

 

CHRIS: Follow me and I’ll show you.

 

Lorelai and Chris are both giggling as they head into the bathroom and turn on the shower. As the bathroom door closes Chris takes Lorelai into his arms and begins kissing her passionately.

 

INT: LUKE’S DINER-DAY

 

Rory walks back into the diner to very steamed Lane who is paying the bill and getting ready to leave.

 

RORY: You’re leaving?

 

LANE: Is there something worth staying for?

 

RORY: Please Lane…sit and we can talk. No interruptions…I promise.

 

LANE: So if Tristan comes bare-chested through that door…you’ll still give me your undivided attention?

 

RORY: Absolutely.

 

Reluctantly Lane takes a seat.

 

LANE: All right. I’ll stay.

 

RORY: Good. Now tell me all about you and Henry and don’t leave anything out.

 

LANE: Well…the night started out really good…and probably would have ended fine…if I hadn’t kissed him.

 

RORY: You kissed him?

 

LANE: Yes! I couldn’t take it anymore. You and Tristan we’re all wrapped up in each other and even Paris and Jess were enjoying themselves…The pressure was too much. So I lean over and kissed him…well more like lunged…but that’s not important.

 

RORY: So how was it?

 

LANE: Dry…uneventful…actually fairly unpleasant.

 

RORY: So I guess Henry wasn’t all he seemed to be.

 

LANE: To his benefit…I did sort of surprise him with the kiss.

 

RORY: So then maybe you give him another chance.

 

LANE: I want sparks Rory…like you and Tristan and Jess and Paris. I don’t’ want to try and work out the *kinks* with some guy. I want a guy who already knows how to kiss. Am I really asking too much?

 

RORY: No…of course not.

 

LANE: Why can’t some dark, mysterious stranger stroll into town, take one look at me and my knees go weak?  

 

RORY: It will happen Lane. I mean look this thing with Tristan took me by surprise. The same thing will happen to you when you least expect it.

 

As Rory finishes her sentence Ethan comes walking into Luke’s and heads towards the counter.

 

JESS: What can I get you?

 

ETHAN: Coffee please.

 

Lane is instantly mesmerized by his dark good looks, and beautiful smile.

 

LANE: (extremely excited) Oh my God…Rory…that’s him…that’s my spark guy.

 

RORY: Maybe you should calm down a little Lane.

 

LANE: No! That’s him…I feel it! This is perfect just in time for Valentine ’s Day tomorrow.

 

Almost as if he knows he’s being talked about Ethan turns to look at the girls. Both girls are immediately startled by his deep blue eyes. Lane looks away a little embarrassed as Rory shyly smiles.  

 

LANE: (cont.) He’s gorgeous!

 

RORY: Totally agree.

 

LANE: Is he still looking over here?

 

RORY: Actually…he’s walking over here.

 

LANE: What?!

 

Ethan walks casually up to Rory and Lane holding his coffee.

 

ETHAN: Rory…right?

 

RORY: I’m sorry…have I met you before?

 

ETHAN: Not exactly.

 

RORY: Then how do you know my name?

 

ETHAN: I have my sources.

 

RORY: ( a little irritated) Really. Then perhaps your sources should have told you stalking is illegal.

 

ETHAN: I’m hardly stalking you. Your name came up in conversation that’s all. Why don’t we start over? I’m Ethan Carter.

 

Ethan looks directly at Lane.

 

LANE: Oh…I’m Lane…Lane…

 

RORY: Kim.

 

LANE: Right Kim…Lane Kim.

 

ETHAN: Nice to meet you Lane Kim.

 

Lane blushes as Ethan speaks to her.

 

RORY: Well…I should be going. Lane…I’m sure you won’t mind keeping Ethan company.

 

ETHAN: I never did get your last name.

 

RORY: Maybe you should check with your sources. Lane…call me later?

 

LANE: I will.

 

Rory gets up and walks out of the diner headed for home.

 

INT: SOOKIE’S HOUSE-DAY

 

Sookie and Jackson are in the bedroom arguing.

 

SOOKIE: He’s a sixteen year old boy Jackson!

 

JACKSON: He’s not *my* sixteen* year old boy! Did you even find out yet who his father is so we can straighten this mess out and get our lives back?

 

SOOKIE: I was getting to that when you threw your waffle hissy fit.

 

JACKSON: I did not throw a hissy fit! I simply stated my preference for the first waffles!

 

SOOKIE: You’re right honey…I’m sorry. That’s not a hissy fit at all. Now come out to the kitchen and I’ll make a fresh batter and give you the first waffles from the batch. I’ll even sprinkle extra cinnamon in the new batch.

 

JACKSON: Extra Cinnamon? Okay…but just promise me one thing Sookie?

 

SOOKIE: What sweetie?

 

JACKSON: He’s not staying. This is all just temporary.

 

SOOKIE: Of course.

 

EXT: GILMORE HOUSE-DAY

 

Rory is walking up her front walk when she sees someone sitting on the front porch. He looks up as she approaches and she realizes it’s Tristan.

 

Rory runs the rest of the way to him and he gets up off the step to welcome her into his arms.

 

RORY: I can’t believe you’re here.

 

TRISTAN: I wanted to see you.

 

A look of concern crosses Rory’s face.

 

RORY: Is everything okay?

 

TRISTAN: Everything is pretty near perfect. We just have some things to discuss.

 

RORY: We do?

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…can you go for a ride?

 

For the first time Rory notices the Porsche parked next to her mom’s jeep.

 

RORY: You have a Porsche?

 

TRISTAN: It’s my dad’s actually. He lets me drive it sometimes though. So how about that ride?

 

RORY: Absolutely. I just need to run inside and tell my mom. Did you want to come in?

 

TRISTAN: Sure.

 

Tristan and Rory walk into the house. Not finding her mother downstairs Rory decides to look upstairs. They approach Lorelai’s bedroom and Rory lightly knocks before opening the bedroom door. Rory ventures into the bedroom with Tristan directly behind her. Both Rory and Tristan can hear Lorelai and Chris’ voices coming from the bathroom. Rory realizes her mother is not alone.

 

RORY: We should probably go.

 

LORELAI: (OC) More “ I love Lucy”…please…please.

 

CHRIS: (OC) All right but Mr. Ed is going to need some assistance here.

 

Lorelai starts humming.

 

LORELAI: (OC) Make that the *amazing* Mr. Ed.

 

Embarrassed by her parents bathroom antics Rory turns and looks at Tristan.

 

RORY: I think I’m just going to leave a note.

 

TRISTAN: A note would work.

 

Tristan and Rory hurriedly exit the bedroom as both burst into fits of laughter. Tristan puts his arms around Rory and brings her back up against his body as they continue to laugh uncontrollably. As the laughing begins to subside Tristan releases Rory and instinctively their hands connect and the two begin walking down the stairs. Rory gets a pen and paper and writes a quick note which she leaves on the kitchen table.

 

Tristan and Rory exit the house and walk over to his car where he opens the car door for her. Rory gets in after closing her door Tristan walks around to the other side and gets in. As he starts the car he turns to Rory.

 

TRISTAN: I will never be able to watch “I Love Lucy” again with out dirty thinking involved.

 

RORY: How do you think I feel? They’ve ruined Mr. Ed for me.

 

With this comment both Tristan and Rory erupt into a fits of laughter again. Rory literally falls over into his arms hysterical with laughter. Tristan takes her willingly into his arms completely wrapped up in how good just being in her company makes him feel. Overcome with these emotions he tilts her face towards him and the seriousness of the moment doesn’t escape her causing her laughter to begin subsiding.

Without hesitation Tristan leans even closer resting his lips on her soft, pliant ones. As the kiss deepens Rory feels it…exactly what Lane was talking about…the sparks. She can hardly believe how every inch of her is completely alive and aware of his being. His hand on her cheek, his muscular chest up against hers…his aroma and taste…exciting her senses towards overload. And as his hand slowly travels up her jean clad thigh she can feel the heat of it through the material. Deep in the recesses of her mind Rory wonders how she is ever going to be enough for someone as undeniably male as Tristan.