^{Story summary: With everything out in the open it should be smooth sailing for Rory and Tristan, but not everyone is wishing them well.}

^{INT: CHILTON-DAY}

^{Rory and Paris sit down at the lunch table and Rory pulls a book out of her backpack and begins to read.}

^{PARIS: Please tell me that you’re kidding.}

^{RORY: What?}

^{PARIS: You’re not really going to sit there calmly reading a book, asking me zero details about my date?}

^{RORY: I’m sorry. Did you want to talk about your date with Jess?}

^{PARIS: Unbelievable. For the past six years I’ve had nothing exciting to add to the twittering school girl crush conversations. Now that I do Louise and Madeline have vanished leaving me with you…the original Miss Uninterested herself.}

^{RORY: Again…sorry. Proceed.}

^{PARIS: And you promise you’ll listen?}

^{RORY: With nothing but wide eyed interest.}

^{Fully ready to start regaling Rory with her Valentines activities Paris is interrupted by the appearance of Louise and Madeline walking up to the table. Louis is showing off a trendy looking Gucci handbag.}

^{MADELINE: Hey guys.}

^{RORY: Hello.}

^{PARIS: Could you get to the point here, and maybe take a seat?}

^{MADELINE: That was it…just hello.}

^{LOUISE: Check this bag out Paris…isn’t it just the ultimate?}

^{PARIS: It’s a knock-off.}

^{LOUISE: A knock-off?  I hardly think so.}

^{RORY: It’s cute.}

^{LOUISE: Cute? Gucci is not cute…it’s trendy and hip and only for the elite.}

^{PARIS: It’s not even real leather.}

^{MADELINE: It was a Valentine’s gift from Jeremy.}

^{PARIS: I think you made my point.}

^{LOUISE: Really? What did you get for Valentine’s?}

^{PARIS: Valentines does not always have to be about gifts.}

^{LOUISE: I’ll bet Rory got a gift.}

^{Paris turns to look at Rory, expecting her to back her up on this one.}

^{RORY: I may have gotten a little something.}

^{PARIS: Thank you for shooting down my valid point.}

^{RORY: Sorry.}

^{PARIS: Fine, please show us what Tristan got you so these two dunderheads can ooh and awe over it and make me feel about the size of a pea.}

^{Rory pulls the long sleeve of her shirt up a little exposing her wrist which bears the gift.}

^{MADELINE: Is that a tiffany charm bracelet?}

^{RORY: It did come in a tiffany’s box.}

^{LOUISE: Of course it is. What’s the date on it for?}

^{RORY: It’s the night of our first date.}

^{MADELINE: Oh God. That is so romantic. Isn’t that romantic Paris?}

^{PARIS: I’m overcome with joy.} 

^{MADELINE: Tell us how he gave it to you.}

^{RORY: It was nothing really.}

^{PARIS: No…please. Go on. I’m awash in anticipation.}

^{FLASHBACK TO VALENTINE’S NIGHT}

^{Rory and Tristan are standing at her front door; he has her hand in his.}

^{RORY: Did you want to come in?}

^{TRISTAN: What about your mom?}

^{RORY: I don’t think she’s home yet. The jeep is still gone.}

^{TRISTAN: In that case…lead the way.}

^{Rory opens the door as Tristan nuzzles the back of her neck and wraps his arms around her from behind.}

^{As Rory turns to get the light switch, Tristan brings his lips down to meet hers.}

^{Slowly and deliberately he brings his hand up and caresses the side of her face as he deepens the already heady kiss, Rory reluctantly moves away a little.}

^{RORY: I’m pretty sure if you keep doing that…I might just melt into a puddle at your feet.}

^{TRISTAN: I’m flattered that you give my kissing such a high mark.}

^{RORY: What am I going to do with you?}

^{TRISTAN: Now there’s a subject I’d like to explore.}

^{Tristan brings Rory back into his arms.}

^{RORY: That’s not exactly what I meant.}

^{TRISTAN: Tragic. I had such high hopes.}

^{RORY: Everybody’s got to have a dream.}

^{TRISTAN: *You* are my dream.}

^{RORY: You must have taken lessons in sweet talking.}

^{TRISTAN: It’s innate.}

^{RORY: I really am in trouble then.}

^{TRISTAN: If you only knew.}

^{As Tristan gazes into Rory’s eyes, the pair once again share that connection, that undeniable feeling that they are living inside each other’s souls. Reluctantly Tristan breaks the spell.}

^{TRISTAN: (cont.) I should probably go before your mom gets home. But first…I have a little something for you.}

^{Tristan reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a blue Tiffany’s box, handing it to Rory.}

^{RORY: Tristan…I…you didn’t have to do this.}

^{TRISTAN: I wanted to. Go ahead…open it.}

^{RORY: I can’t believe you did this.}

^{Rory undoes the bow that was so elegantly tied over the box and slowly lifts the lid, exposing the gift, a beautiful platinum charm bracelet with a heart charm inscribed with T&R and the date.}

^{RORY: This is amazing.}

^{Tristan takes the bracelet out of the box and begins to put it on Rory’s wrist.}

^{TRISTAN: It looks good on you.}

^{RORY: I love it! Thank you!}

^{Overcome with emotion Rory brings Tristan’s lips down to hers and gives him a thank you kiss that leaves him reeling just as Lorelai comes through the front door.}

^{LORELAI: (holding her hand over her eyes) Oh my God…I’m blinded by the passion! Somebody turn it off. Quick!}

^{Rory and Tristan reluctantly end the kiss.}

^{TRISTAN: I was just leaving.}

^{LORELAI: Right. That I believe.}

^{RORY: He really was.}

^{LORELAI: Who am I to judge?}

^{TRISTAN: I’ll see you later Rory.}

^{Tristan gives Rory a quick kiss on the cheek.}

^{LORELAI: See now, that kiss says…I’m outta here. Much more believable in the “I was just leaving scenario.”}

^{TRISTAN: Goodnight Ms. Gil…}

^{LORELAI: Uh uh uh.}

^{TRISTAN: Lorelai.}

^{Lorelai glances over at Rory who is watching Tristan walk out the door.}

^{RORY: What?}

^{LORELAI: Oh come on…you know you want to do that romantic thing where the besotted girl chases after the hunky guy for one last passion filled kiss…followed by a dopey eyed grin.}

^{RORY: Have you been watching the romance channel again?}

^{LORELAI: Do you really want to have this conversation now?}

^{RORY: You’re not always right you know?}

^{LORELAI: Sure, uh huh, whatever.}

^{Wanting so much to prove her mother wrong, Rory struggles with going after Tristan or standing her ground.}

^{LORELAI: Tick, tick, tick…}

^{A battle she loses.}

^{RORY: I’ll be right back.}

^{Rory runs out of the house just in time to catch Tristan before he gets into the limo.}

^{TRISTAN: You okay?}

^{RORY: Yes. I just wanted to say…I had a really great time tonight.}

^{TRISTAN: Yeah. Me too.}

^{Rory looks behind her to see her mother’s face plastered to the window.}

^{RORY: And…}

^{Lorelai does little kissy faces on the window.}

^{TRISTAN: Is your mom alright?}

^{RORY: Not by any stretch of the imagination. Ignore her.}

^{TRISTAN: Okay. You have my attention.}

^{Without another word Rory reaches up and brings Tristan’s lips down to hers…sending a shiver of pleasure through the both of them. Immediately Tristan responds and begins to return the kiss, the two sinking into the romantic moment.}

^{FLASH FORWARD: CHILTON-DAY}

^{MADELINE: Wow.}

^{LOUISE: Double wow.}

^{PARIS: Oh brother.}

^{Before Rory can respond Tristan walks up to the table.}

^{MADELINE: Oh…your ears must be burning.}

^{TRISTAN: Not so much. What’s going on?}

^{LOUISE: Rory was sharing a moment.}

^{Tristan pulls up a chair and sits next to Rory. Almost unconsciously he puts his hand in hers.}

^{TRISTAN: Sounds interesting.}

^{LOUISE: Oh it was.}

^{PARIS: I think I’m just going to go now…if anyone cares.}

^{Paris gets up from the table and starts to walk away.}

^{RORY: I’ll be right back. I uh…need to ask Paris something.}

^{TRISTAN: Okay.}

^{Rory gets up and goes after Paris, catching her in the hallway}

^{RORY: (cont) Paris wait.}

^{PARIS: You didn’t have to follow me. I’m fine.}

^{RORY: I know you are.}

^{PARIS: Then why are you here?}

^{RORY: You still owe me a Valentine’s story.}

^{PARIS: Really? You want to hear about my date?}

^{RORY: Yeah. I do.}

^{PARIS: You know. I actually believe you. But I really do have to go. So…thank you.}

^{RORY: Rain check then?}

^{PARIS: Definitely.}

^{As Paris turns and walks away Rory heads back to the lunch room to find Tristan standing by the door.}

^{RORY: Are you following me?}

^{TRISTAN: Sadly no. I was escaping the Mensa meeting at your lunch table.}

^{RORY: Too much knowledge?}

^{TRISTAN: Of lip gloss and the proper way to do a chignon. What the hell is a chignon anyway?}

^{RORY: (laughing) I’m so sorry.}

^{Tristan brings Rory into his arms as he leans up against the wall.}

^{TRISTAN: You’re forgiven. This time.}

^{Overhead the bell rings signaling that it’s time to go to their next class.}

^{RORY: I hate that bell.}

^{TRISTAN: We could ignore it and just stay here…like this.}

^{RORY: Tempting. But I’m all about the knowledge.}

^{TRISTAN: Which after my run in with the Madeline and Louise club, I see as a good thing.}

^{Tristan kisses Rory as he runs his hand up her arm.}

^{TRISTAN: Go…before I change my mind.}

^{Reluctantly Rory walks away as Tristan watches her go.}

^{INDEPENDENCE INN-DAY}

^{Lorelai and Michel are standing at the front counter having a typical debate as the phone rings.}

^{LORELAI: You are going to get that right?}

^{MICHEL: No.}

^{LORELAI: (copying his accent) No?}

^{MICHEL: Okay now stop that.}

^{LORELAI: Seriously…phone still ringing.}

^{MICHEL: Yes. Someone should get it.}

^{Lorelai begins sorting through a stack of papers on the desk.}

^{LORELAI: Now where is that termination paperwork?} 

^{MICHEL: Fine. But you should know. You hurt my feelings.}

^{LORELAI: Yes. It’s a gift.}

^{Michel finally answers the phone, pasting on a phony smile.} 

^{MICHEL: Independence Inn. How may I help you? (Handing the phone to Lorelai) It’s for you.}

^{LORELAI: (whispering to him) Is it my mother?}

^{MICHEL: Yes.}

^{LORELAI: (still whispering) I don’t want to talk to her.}

^{MICHEL: Really?}

^{LORELAI: Yes.}

^{MICHEL: I don’t care.}

^{Michel sticks the phone out for her to take, and Lorelai finally takes it with the look of a petulant child.}

^{LORELAI: (mouthing to Michel) I hate you.}

^{MICHEL: That makes me very happy.}

^{Michel walks away with a smug look on his face.}

^{INT: LORELAI/ EMILY}

^{LORELAI: Hi mom.}

^{EMILY: Honestly Lorelai…must you always take so long to get to the phone?}

^{LORELAI: I’m at work mom. I have to prioritize.}

^{EMILY: Really? What were you doing just now that was so important that I had to wait over 5 minutes for you to concede to speak with me?}

^{LORELAI: So. What can I do for you mom?}

^{EMILY: My club is having a charity fundraiser.}

^{LORELAI: And?}

^{EMILY: Well the last one we had there was such a success.}

^{LORELAI: And?}

^{EMILY: Is it necessary to be so rude? If you weren’t my daughter you’d have already lost my business.}

^{LORELAI: Sorry. I was just waiting for the catch.}

^{EMILY: There is no catch.}

^{LORELAI: Really?}

^{EMILY: None whatsoever.}

^{LORELAI: No available colleague of dads is going to show up unexpectedly?}

^{EMILY: No.}

^{LORELAI: No unexpected charity will be left lying around in my name?}

^{EMILY: No. Of course not.}

^{LORELAI: In Rory’s?}

^{EMILY: Really Lorelai you can be so ridiculous sometimes.}

^{LORELAI: Okay…fine. You can have the fundraiser here. What’s the date?}

^{EMILY: I’ll have Susie call you with the date and time.}

^{LORELAI: Susie?}

^{EMILY: Susie Fenton. She’s heading this fundraiser.}

^{LORELAI: Fine. Have her call me.}

^{EMILY: I will let her know. Oh and just one other thing…}

^{LORELAI: Ah…here it comes the catch.}

^{EMILY: I just wanted to let you know that you left your white cardigan here last Friday.}

^{LORELAI: Oh. Okay. Thanks. I’ll pick it up on Friday when Rory and I come for dinner.}

^{EMILY: That will be fine. Goodbye Lorelai.}

^{LORELAI: Bye. Mom.}

^{INT: HISTORY CLASS-DAY}

^{Shortly before class is to begin Cassidy walks in and takes a seat next to Tristan. Tristan glances up and notices that she has been crying.}

^{TRISTAN: Hey Cass…are you okay?}

^{CASSIDY: As if you care.}

^{TRISTAN: I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.}

^{CASSIDY: You expect me to believe that?}

^{TRISTAN: Look…I know we’re not exactly friends…but you look like you could use one…so pretend.}

^{CASSIDY: I’m just having a particularly bad week.}

^{TRISTAN: It’s only Tuesday.}

^{CASSIDY: Exactly.}

^{TRISTAN: Right. Sorry.}

^{Figuring their little discussion is over Tristan starts to direct his attention elsewhere.}

^{CASSIDY: Is it me? Is it something I do?}

^{TRISTAN: I’m sorry?}

^{CASSIDY: I mean what is it about me that makes a guy think he can just use me and then toss me aside?}

^{TRISTAN: Oh.}

^{CASSIDY: Well?}

^{TRISTAN: Are we talking about me?}

^{CASSIDY: No. Although I guess we could lump you into that category too.}

^{TRISTAN: Yeah…let’s not.}

^{CASSIDY: Jeremy broke up with me.}

^{TRISTAN: You’re going out with Jeremy?}

^{CASSIDY: By your shocked tone I gather Jeremy never mentioned it.}

^{TRISTAN: No. Sorry.}

^{CASSIDY: I told myself things were going to be different this time. What did I do wrong?}

^{TRISTAN: I don’t know.}

^{CASSIDY: You know…he said that he loved me and I believed him.}

^{TRISTAN: I don’t know what to say. As long as I’ve known Jeremy he’s only been in love with one person.}

^{CASSIDY: Let me guess. Himself?}

^{TRISTAN: Right.}

^{CASSIDY: I’ve always been one to believe in the goodness of people. Until I came here to Chilton.}

^{TRISTAN: I feel partly responsible for that.}

^{CASSIDY: You should. People warned me about you. Told me that you broke a different girl’s heart on a monthly basis.}

^{TRISTAN: I guess that use to be true.}

^{CASSIDY: I thought I was going to be the one to change that. Not a day went by that someone wasn’t telling me how different you were lately. That you must have finally fallen in love.}

^{TRISTAN: You must hate me.}

^{CASSIDY: No…just Rory.}

^{TRISTAN: Rory is a good person.}

^{CASSIDY: I know. Believe me…everyone here thinks so. Including your pal Jeremy.}

^{TRISTAN: Jeremy?}

^{CASSIDY: Not that I owe you any favors…but you should probably keep an eye on him.}

^{TRISTAN: What did he say?}

^{Before Cassidy can answer the teacher walks in closing the door signaling the start of class.}

^{TRISTAN: (cont.) Cass?}

^{MS. DENT: Mr. DuGrey…there is no talking without first raising your hand. Now…did you have a question or can I continue?}

^{TRISTAN: No Ms. Dent. No question.}

^{INT: LUKE’S DINER-DAY}

^{Lorelai walks up to the counter and takes a seat.}

^{LUKE: I’ll have your order for you in a minute.}

^{LORELAI: No hurry. Wait…yes hurry. No…no hurry…Wait…is it hurry or not? I’m all a twitter.}

^{Luke picks up a carrot stick from an order waiting to be picked up.}

^{LUKE: Have a carrot stick. It will shorten the wait.}

^{LORELAI: (best bugs bunny impression) Hee…What’s up Doc?}

^{Suddenly a voice breaks in from a table behind her.}

^{BEN: I do a mean Elmer Fudd…care to join me?}

^{Startled Lorelai turns around and tries to nonchalantly hide her carrot stick.}

^{LORELAI: Ben. This is a surprise.}

^{BEN: A good one I hope.}

^{LORELAI: Are you following me?}

^{BEN: I was here first.}

^{LORELAI: Well then I must be following you.}

^{BEN: One can only hope.}

^{Lorelai sits down at the table next to Ben.}

^{LORELAI: Yes…one can.}

^{BEN: So…can I buy you lunch?}

^{Luke walks up to the table with a brown paper bag.}

^{LUKE: She already has lunch.}

^{LORELAI: Which…I can eat here.}

^{LUKE: It’s to go.}

^{LORELAI: Which…can be changed to staying here.}

^{LUKE: That costs extra.}

^{LORELAI: Since when?}

^{LUKE: Since I need the tables.}

^{Both Lorelai and Ben look around the half empty diner.}

^{LORELAI: Oh…kay. Seeing imaginary diners again are we?} 

^{LUKE: Fine…stay go…who really cares.}

^{Luke walks away in a bit of a huff.}

^{BEN: Maybe we should go.}

^{LORELAI: He’s just being Luke. Ignore him. He’s just playing gruff.}

^{BEN: He’s good at it. So what’s in the bag?}

^{Lorelai opens the bag and looks in.}

^{LORELAI: Cheesy burger and cheesy fries. What did you order?}

^{Luke brings over a steaming plate of Onion Rings.}

^{BEN: I didn’t order these.}

^{LUKE: Yes you did.}

^{BEN: Actually…I didn’t.}

^{LUKE: Actually…you did.}

^{LORELAI: Okay. That’s enough testosterone boys. Luke…take the onion rings back and give the man whatever he ordered.}

^{LUKE: Fine.}

^{Luke picks up the onion rings and walks off.}

^{BEN: What was that about?}

^{LORELAI: He was trying to give you onion breath.}

^{BEN: Pardon?}

^{LORELAI: I hate onions…with a passion.}

^{BEN: I think I’m getting the picture. What is he an old boyfriend of yours?}

^{LORELAI: Luke?}

^{BEN: Yes.}

^{LORELAI: No…just a friend…albeit an annoying one at times.}

^{BEN: So…how was Sookie this morning?}

^{LORELAI: Hugely hung over…doesn’t remember a thing.}

^{BEN: And you?}

^{LORELAI: Me?}

^{BEN: How are you today?}

^{LORELAI: You mean about last night?}

^{BEN: Yes.}

^{LORELAI: I’m okay.}

^{BEN: Are you ready for me to make it up to you?}

^{LORELAI: That could be arranged.}

^{BEN: How about dinner tonight?}

^{LORELAI: Dinner would be…a very good way to make it up to me.}

^{BEN: Then it’s a date. I’ll pick you up at your place at 7:00pm.}

^{LORELAI: I’ll be ready.}

^{BEN: Just one thing.}

^{LORELAI: What’s that?}

^{BEN: I’m going to need your address.}

^{LORELAI: Right.}

^{Lorelai fishes a pen out of her purse and then searches it to no avail for a piece of paper. Finally she takes Ben’s hand in hers and writes down her address on it.}

^{BEN: Is that a right at the pinkie or a left.}

^{LORELAI: Left…a right would send you straight off the finger.}

^{BEN: How silly of me.}

^{Lorelai finishes her map and gives him back his hand. Picking up her bag lunch she gets up from the table.}

^{LORELAI: I will see you tonight.}

^{BEN: Yes you will. Providing you’ve given me good directions.}

^{LORELAI: Trust me…my hand directions will not steer you wrong.}

^{EXT: CHILTON-DAY}

^{Tristan is walking across the outside courtyard towards his friends.}

^{TRISTAN: (to Jeremy) We need to talk.}

^{JEREMY: What about?}

^{TRISTAN: In private.}

^{JEREMY: Oooh…in private. Give it up DuGrey…just tell me what’s on your mind.}

^{TRISTAN: Are you dating Cassidy?}

^{JEREMY: Not that it’s any of your business but no…not anymore.}

^{TRISTAN: But you were?}

^{JEREMY: Yeah…for like a half second until she gave it up. So what?}

^{TRISTAN: I’m beginning to see a pattern here. And I don’t like it.}

^{JEREMY: I’m not following.}

^{TRISTAN: Well try. Because I’m only going to say this once. Whatever thrill it is you get from sleeping with my girlfriends…it stops here.}

^{JEREMY: Get over yourself man. I’m sleeping with whoever wants to sleep with me. End of story. If it just so happens to be your discards. I’m not going to kick them out of bed.}

^{TRISTAN: You’ve shadowed me since the seventh grade Jeremy. It’s not amusing anymore. You know…Cassidy really liked you.}

^{JEREMY: What’s the matter DuGrey? Rory not enough for you? Now you want Cassidy back too?}

^{TRISTAN: Stop trying to twist this around. This is about you and your pathetic need to have what’s mine.}

^{JEREMY: You think I want Rory?} 

^{TRISTAN: I don’t honestly know. But I’m telling you now. It’s not going to happen. I catch you around Rory and you and I are done as friends. Do you follow that?}

^{JEREMY: I don’t know what Cassidy has been telling you…but Rory and I are barely acquaintances.}

^{TRISTAN: Keep it that way.}

^{JEREMY: Boy this one really has you tied up in a knot. Good luck with that whole jealousy thing. You’re gonna need it.}

^{Jeremy walks away leaving Tristan to contemplate his words…and just a little scared by his strong emotional tie to Rory.} 

^{INT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT}

^{Lorelai is busy running around the house trying to get herself together for her date. Rory is sitting on the couch with an open book reading when the doorbell rings.}

^{RORY: I’ll get it. It’s probably Tristan.}

^{Rory walks to the door, but instead of Tristan she finds Ben and Ethan.}

^{RORY: Hi. Come on in.}

^{Ben and Ethan enter the house and Rory walks them into the living room.}

^{RORY: Mom…Ben is here…and look who he has with him…Ethan.}

^{LORELAI: Oh…right. I might have forgotten to mention a little something.}

^{RORY: Really??!}

^{LORELAI: I invited Ethan to come over and *hang* with you and Tristan tonight. I hope that’s okay.}

^{RORY: You what?}

^{ETHAN: No sweat. I’m cool with leaving.}

^{BEN: We had an agreement Ethan.}

^{ETHAN: That was before I found out about my *chaperoning* duties.}

^{RORY: You think I need a chaperone?}

^{ETHAN: Somebody does.}

^{RORY: I was asking my mom.}

^{ETHAN: No worries. I’m leaving anyways.}

^{BEN: You’re staying.}

^{ETHAN: Leaving.}

^{RORY: Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute mom?}

^{LORELAI: I really should finish getting ready.}

^{RORY: Now!}

^{LORELAI: Okay…maybe for a minute.}

^{Lorelai reluctantly follows Rory into the kitchen.}

^{INT: KITCHEN-NIGHT}

^{RORY: Why did you have Ben bring Ethan here?}

^{LORELAI: For company?}

^{RORY: Try again.}

^{LORELAI: Fine. I just don’t like the idea of you and Sexy boy all alone here in the house. Happy now?}

^{RORY: No. Not really. Tristan is on his way over here right now. What am I supposed to say to him?}

^{LORELAI: Tell him the truth.}

^{RORY: That you’re insane?}

^{LORELAI: No…that I’m not yet comfortable leaving my teenage daughter for him to do with as he pleases.}

^{RORY: Mom. You have to trust me.}

^{LORELAI: I will…but trust is a two way street. Trust me that I know what I’m doing by *not* leaving you two alone for the night.}

^{DOORBELL RINGS}

^{RORY: I can’t believe you did this to me.}

^{LORELAI: Some day you’ll understand.}

^{RORY: Not likely.}

^{Rory leaves the kitchen in a huff and heads to the front door to greet Tristan.}