Story summary: Friends only want what’s best for you…until it isn’t best for them.

 

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: BOY’S LOCKER ROOM-DAY

 

Inside the Chilton boy’s locker room Tristan and his buddies Jeremy, Brent and Gibson are finishing getting ready for gym class. The atmosphere in the room is one of curiosity and anticipation, as the group of boys wait for some answers about Rory and Tristan.

 

JEREMY: Ok…it’s obvious you guys are wimping out here…so fine…I’ll step up.

 

Jeremy gets off the long bench he is sitting on and moves across the aisle to sit down next to Tristan. Tristan who is tying his shoe lace looks up.

 

TRISTAN: What’s up?

 

JEREMY: That…is an excellent question. So why don’t you tell us the answer?

 

TRISTAN: Me?

 

JEREMY: Stop skatin here Tristan…we want the details of how you and little miss country mouse got hooked up. Spill!

 

TRISTAN: Star’s Hollow is hardly the country.

 

JEREMY: And *that* is hardly the issue. So give up the goods DuGrey before we have to beat them out of you.

 

Jeremy offers up his latest statement with a devious smile. But Tristan is none too amused.

 

TRISTAN: Let’s just say that Rory is *my* business and leave it at that.

 

Starting to get a little perturbed Tristan gets up from the bench to head out but Jeremy steps up too blocking his way.

 

JEREMY: Not so fast “King of Hearts.”…

 

TRISTAN: Out of my way Jeremy.

 

JEREMY: I will…as soon as you answer one question.

 

TRISTAN: (annoyed) What?

 

JEREMY: (wicked smile) When will you be letting this one go…I’d kind of like a crack at her next.

 

Without a moment’s hesitation Tristan pulls back and lands his fist into Jeremy’s nose. Jeremy reacts immediately and retaliates sending his fist crashing into a locker as Tristan manages to move out of the way.

 

As a heated Jeremy turns back towards Tristan a hand comes from behind to still his actions.

 

JEREMY: Dude…what are you doing?!

 

GIB: You don’t want to hit him Jeremy.

 

JEREMY: You wanna bet?

 

Tristan prepares for Jeremy to come at him again.

 

GIB: Give it up Jeremy…you were out of line and you know it.

 

JEREMY: Yea…fine. Take the golden boy’s side. You always do.

 

TRISTAN: Maybe that’s because you’re a nut case.

 

JEREMY: Me?! You’re the one who hauled off and hit me for no reason.

 

TRISTAN:  I think wanting to sleep with my girlfriend is a perfectly good reason.

 

JEREMY: What's the big deal?…I’ve bedded pretty frequently the bevy of woman you string along. It’s never bothered you before.

 

TRISTAN: Rory is different.  

 

JEREMY: Man…talk about a guy losing his balls. She must be giving it to you good or you wouldn’t be letting her run the show.  Come on Brent lets get out of here…the air stinks of a *whipped* boy.

 

Before Tristan can react to Jeremy’s latest insult he and Brent head out the locker room door laughing.

 

TRISTAN: What a complete tool!

 

GIB: He’s been that way since the first day you met him. Don’t expect him to change just because you have.

 

TRISTAN: I haven’t changed.

 

GIB: Whatever you say DuGrey.

 

TRISTAN: I haven’t.

 

GIB: You forget Tristan…I’ve known you since the first grade.

 

TRISTAN: And…

 

GIB: Let’s just say…long term has never really been your thing.

 

TRISTAN: Well I think Rory is going to be different.

 

GIB: I know…it’s a strange ride my friend…but I think you’re ready for it.

 

TRISTAN: I don’t understand.

 

GIB: I probably wouldn’t admit this to most people…definitely not to Jeremy…but my girlfriend Dani is the best thing to ever happen to me. And for all my rants and pretend indifference…what I’ve got going with her…I’d do pretty much anything to keep.

 

TRISTAN: So then…you think this thing with Rory is good?

 

GIB: Between you and me…Rory is a great thing. Don’t blow it.

 

TRISTAN: Thanks man.

 

GIB: Don’t mention it.

 

With the sound of the last bell ringing in the locker room Jeremy sticks his head back into the locker room.

 

JEREMY: You two *whipping boys* coming or what?

 

Tristan and Gib exchanges looks of a shared understanding and head towards gym class.

 

EXT: CHILTON-DAY

 

Rory is sitting out in front of the school with her head in a book when Tristan comes up behind her and slowly wraps his arms around her.

 

TRISTAN: Sorry I’m late.

 

Rory slowly closes the book and turns her body so she is facing him.

 

RORY: Do I know you?

 

TRISTAN: Ha ha…very funny. I’m only like three minutes late.

 

RORY: Five and a half actually…but who’s counting.

 

TRISTAN: Apparently you are. So…let’s see…what could I possibly do to make it up to you?

 

RORY: You must be punished…there is no other way.

 

TRISTAN: What did you have in mind? Cause if it’s anything like…oh…I don’t know…pressing up against me and forcing me to engage in acts of an immoral nature…I so do not want that to be my punishment…anything but that…I beg you.

 

RORY: You should only be so lucky.

 

TRISTAN: Yes…I should.

 

Before Rory can react Tristan sweeps her into a semi-reclining position…seductively wrapping his body closer to hers…and resting her face on the palm of his hand… an act which weakens her resolve… and fires the anticipation that grows as his lips meet hers in a kiss of sweet, passionate possession…which is cut far too short by the real world surrounding them.

 

JEREMY: You guys ever coming up for air?

 

Reluctantly Tristan looks up to see his buddy Jeremy standing there.

 

TRISTAN: Little busy here guy.

 

JEREMY: Yea…so I see. Don’t mind me. I’ll just go wait in the car.

 

TRISTAN: The car?

 

JEREMY: Yea…I need a ride home. Had a little fender bender the other day…remember?

 

TRISTAN: Right…but I can’t take you home. I have to take Rory to her house.

 

JEREMY: So? I’ll go with you…what’s the big deal?

 

RORY: If I hurry…I can take the bus Tristan.

 

TRISTAN: I’m not having you take the bus Rory. Jeremy can find another way home.

 

RORY: It’s fine. (kisses him on the lips) I’ll see you tonight.

 

TRISTAN: Rory…

 

RORY: I have to go.

 

Rory picks up her book bag and starts running towards the idling school bus.

 

Tristan turns back towards Jeremy more than a little annoyed. The two start walking towards his car.

 

TRISTAN: What the hell was that Jeremy?

 

JEREMY: I’m sorry…did I kill your action?

 

TRISTAN: You’re really starting to get on my nerves Braithwaite.

 

JEREMY: You’ll thank me for this later. You give a girl the upper hand and you can kiss your balls goodbye.

 

TRISTAN: You’re an ass. Just get in the car.

 

Both Tristan and Jeremy get in the car and Tristan starts the engine.

 

JEREMY: Nice tongue action by the way…must really impress the girls.

 

TRISTAN: You seriously need to shut up now.

 

JEREMY: I’m just saying…

 

TRISTAN: Not another word or you get left by the side of the road…got it?

 

Tristan guns the car as he is leaving the parking lot. Rory watches from the bus before opening her book bag to rummage for the book she was reading. Realizing she left it sitting on the wall she gathers her things and exits the bus to get it. As she reaches the wall and picks up the book her heart sinks as she hears the familiar sound of the bus exiting the school grounds.

 

RORY: Oh…NO!

 

Taking off after the bus things begin dropping out of her book-bag as she frantically tries in vain to catch the disappearing shape.

 

Unsure what to do Rory turns and sees the mess she has left behind her. Slowly she begins the trek to pick up her fallen items…reaching for the last pencil and note pad at the same time as a familiar pair of hands.

 

Rory looks immediately up…unable to hide her surprise.

 

RORY: Dean…what are you doing here?

 

DEAN: At the moment helping you collect your stuff.

 

RORY: Right…thanks. (takes the note pad from Dean) I’ve got it all now.

 

DEAN: Looks like you’ve got a little transportation problem.

 

RORY: You saw that?

 

DEAN: Every amusing moment.

 

RORY: Happy to make your day. So I guess if we are through having a laugh at Rory’s expense…I can go make a call.

 

DEAN: I can take you home Rory.

 

RORY: I don’t think that’s such a good idea.

 

DEAN: Right…cause then Triscuit might find out and you’d be in big trouble.

 

RORY: Actually…I’m more worried that your bitterness might be contagious.

 

DEAN: You cheated on me Rory. I have every right to be bitter. Live with it.

 

RORY: I do…every time I see you. This is why I think riding alone with you might not be a healthy endeavor.

 

DEAN: Problem solved. You won’t be alone.

 

RORY: I won’t?

 

Trying to digest Dean’s response Rory finds the solution a bitter pill to swallow as Vicky comes walking over to them.

 

VICKY: What's she doing here?!

 

DEAN: We’re going to give her a ride home. She missed her bus.

 

Vicky gives Dean a kiss on the lips much to Rory’s surprise.

 

VICKY: I suppose if we have to.

 

Dean wraps his arm around Vicky and turns to Rory.

 

DEAN: You are accepting…right?

 

RORY: Do I have a choice?

 

Dean opens the door of his truck for Vicky and she slides in next to him far closer than is necessary…disgusted Rory parks herself as close to the door as possible to allow Vicky room to move away from Dean if she chooses to…Rory can only hope.  

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-DAY

 

Lorelai is rummaging in her closet to find the perfect outfit for her night out when she remembers she lent her purple skirt to Rory. As she moves hurriedly down the stairs to Rory’s room she is stilled by the ringing of the phone. Sidetracked she runs over and picks it up.

 

LORELAI: Hello?

 

LORELAI/CHRIS: INTERCUT

 

CHRIS: Hey Lor…Happy Valentines Day.

 

LORELAI: Chris…I…I wasn’t really expecting to hear from you today.

 

CHRIS: I know…but…I was hoping you were missing me as much as I’m missing you.

 

LORELAI: More.

 

CHRIS: So you haven’t forgotten about me yet?

 

LORELAI: Kind of hard with the massive bouquet of flowers you sent me. Doesn’t exactly lend itself to making you a faded memory.

 

CHRIS: Good. Because that’s the last thing I want to be to you.

 

As Lorelai fights to hold back the tears threatening to escape the phone conversation is filled with an awkward silence. A silence which strengthens her resolve.

 

LORELAI: I’m glad you called Chris…but…

 

CHRIS: Oooh…a but…that can’t be good.

 

LORELAI: Yea…not a big fan of the but…but…in this case I think it is appropriate to the situation.

 

CHRIS: What situation? Ours?

 

LORELAI: Yes…Chris…I think you should limit your calls here…to just Rory.

 

CHRIS: You don’t want that Lor.

 

LORELAI: Actually…it’s irrelevant what I want…it’s what I *need*. I have a very, long, hard road ahead of me Chris…I need your help to come out okay.

 

CHRIS: I’ll do anything but that. I need to talk to you Lor…if I lose that…then there’s nothing left to hang on to.

 

LORELAI: That’s my point Chris…*we* can’t keep hanging on for something that isn’t going to happen. You have Sherri and the baby now. You don’t get any more than that…it’s not the way it works.

 

CHRIS: You can’t tell me who or how much to love someone. *You* don’t get that choice.

 

LORELAI: Fair enough…but I can tell you that my life is no longer yours to worry about.

 

CHRIS: Don’t you think that’s a bit extreme. I mean I am Rory’s father. It’s not like you can avoid me forever.

 

LORELAI: I’m not going to avoid you…I’m just limiting the contact between us…for my sanity.

 

CHRIS: If that’s what you want Lor…I’ll…I’ll try and respect your wishes. But I’m not happy about it…in fact it pretty much sucks.

 

LORELAI: Welcome to my world.

 

CHRIS: Look…I’m sorry about the bitter tone…about screwing up so bad…well about pretty much everything. But right now…most of all…I’m sorry I can’t be there with you. I know how much you hate this particular day…and I hate the thought of you spending it alone once again. See…I’m not that big of a schmuck….I really wanted to make this
Valentine’s one you would remember.

 

At the mention of being alone on this day…Lorelai can’t help but feel just a little bit guilty…but thankfully she is saved by the bell.

 

LORELAI: I have to go Chris…there is someone at the door.

 

CHRIS: Okay…but just know this Lorelai…if I could be there…I would.

 

LORELAI: I know…and if things were different…I would want you here.

 

Doorbell rings again.

 

LORELAI: (cont.) I have to go.

 

With no more words spoken between them…the silence saying it all…Lorelai hangs up and heads towards the door. Opening it she is surprised to see a tear streaked Sookie.

 

LORELAI: Oh…Sook…honey…what’s wrong?

 

SOOKIE: Can I come in?

 

LORELAI: Sure…absolutely. Come in…please.

 

Sookie walks sullenly into the house and as Lorelai begins to close the front door she is more than a little surprised to see Dean’s truck coming up the driveway…but even more stunned to see her daughter exit it.

 

As Rory gathers herself together and starts towards her front door Dean opens his door and gets out to follow her.

 

DEAN: (to Vicky) I’ll be right back.

 

VICKY: You’re going to chase her?

 

DEAN: I just…I need to straighten a few things out. Two seconds…then I’m all yours.

 

Rory can’t walk fast enough to her house…feeling the need for a shower after having to witness Vicky and her wandering hands and lips on the ride home. And more than a little confused by her feelings of hurt.

 

DEAN: (cont.) Rory…wait.

 

Rory stops for a split second…contemplating what to do…reluctantly she turns around…quickly wiping the stinging tears from her eyes.

 

RORY: Make it quick.

 

DEAN: I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

 

RORY: How magnanimous of you…after subjecting me to that x-rated version of a ride home.

 

DEAN: Okay…I’m not really sure what magnanimous means…but I really didn’t set out to hurt your feelings.

 

RORY: You know for what it’s worth Dean…I would never intentionally flaunt Tristan in your face…like you did today with Vicky. I may have betrayed our relationship…but please tell me…are you going to keep making me pay for that forever?

 

DEAN: No. But maybe you should ask yourself this…should you really be jealous of Vicky if your relationship with Tristan is so perfect?

 

RORY: This has nothing to do with Tristan. This is about you treating me like I never mattered. I am not jealous of Vicky…but I will always care about you.

 

DEAN: Well…you should probably get used to Vicky…because she’s here to stay.

 

RORY: You don’t have to do this Dean. I get it…I hurt you and now you want to hurt me. So let’s just put up the white flags and call it even. You escape from Vicky’s clutches unscathed and given time you’ll find someone else.

 

DEAN: Vicky and I are a lot closer than you think. So maybe it’s already too late for me.

 

RORY: You’ve known her two…three days tops. How close could you possibly have…Oh…Okay…you and she…well…that’s none of my business. I should really go now…so thanks for the ride and…yea…I guess that’s it.

 

DEAN: Rory…

 

RORY: No…Dean…please…you don’t need to explain anything else…I just need to go now…goodbye.

 

Rory hurries into her house leaving Dean standing on the front lawn. He didn’t really intend for her to find out about his initiation into sex via Vicky…but the hopeful part of him wonders if maybe she wasn’t just a tiny bit jealous thinking of him sharing that moment with another woman.