Story summary: A night out with Jess turns Tristan’s situation with Rory in a surprising direction.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in my story; they are the property of the WB writers and creators of “Gilmore Girls.”

 

INT: THE BARGE-NIGHT

 

Jess walks into the little dive bar with Tristan close behind, spying an empty table Jess heads towards it and sits down. Tristan reluctantly follows and sits down.

 

JESS: Try not to look so…uptight. You might piss off the locals.

 

TRISTAN: This is not exactly my comfort zone. Give a guy minute to adjust.

 

JESS: You have about six seconds…Gloria is on her way over here.

 

TRISTIAN: Gloria?

 

JESS: Waitress here. Act cool man.

 

Gloria is a dumpy looking waitress with bleach blond hair and crimson red lipstick that runs completely over the normal lip line.

 

GLORIA: Hey Jessie…long time no see. What’ll it be sweetie?

 

JESS: Hey Glo. Just bring us a pitcher of beer and we’ll stay out of your hair.

 

Gloria leans in closer to Jess and puts on her best come-hither look.

 

GLORIA: And what makes you think old Glo doesn’t want you in her hair?

 

BARTENDER (OC): Glo…get your skinny ass back here and pick up this god damn tray of drinks.

 

GLORIA: Duty calls boys. I’ll be back with your order in a couple of minutes.

 

Gloria walks off and Tristan tries to smother a laugh.

 

TRISTAN: Did you want me to leave you two alone?

 

JESS: Just wait man…your turns coming.

 

Gloria walks over with the pitcher of beer and two mugs and sets them down on the table.

 

GLORIA: So who’s your handsome sidekick Jessie? Cause I know I ain’t never seen him in here before.

 

JESS: Glo…this is Tristan.

 

GLORIA: Tristan? Sounds like money. (she turns and stares directly at Tristan) You’re not from here are you?

 

TRISTAN: Uh…no. Hartford actually.

 

GLORIA: Hartford? Well la de fucking da. So rich boy…let me see some I.D.

 

JESS: He’s with me Glo…is that really necessary?

 

Gloria reaches over and pulls on the sleeve of Tristan shirt.

 

GLORIA: I’m just kiddin…ya. You should have seen your face though rich boy…you turned white like Casper.

 

TRISTAN: I prefer Tristan.

 

GLORIA: And I like “rich boy”…you got a problem with that?

 

Jess gives Tristan a look that says…don’t make issues, so Tristan puts on his best smile and lets it go.

 

TRISTAN: Not at all…”luscious”…you don’t mind if I call you that do you?

 

Gloria turns red at Tristan’s unexpected compliment.

 

GLORIA: You can call me whatever and whenever you want rich boy.

 

Tristan hands Gloria a fifty dollar bill.

 

TRISTAN: Keep the change.

 

GLORIA: Are you shittin me?

 

Tristan nods for her to take it and Gloria leans over and plants a kiss on his cheek.

 

GLORIA: You boys enjoy.

 

INT: GILMORE HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Rory walks into the house just as Luke is getting ready to leave.

 

LUKE: Well…goodnight Lorelai.

 

Rory walks past Luke and plops down on the couch.

 

LORELAI: Thanks Luke. For everything…the semi-talk, fixing the window…giving Rory the job. You’ve been a real pal.

 

LUKE: Sure. Anytime…Night Rory.

 

Rory’s answer is muffled by her face in the couch.

 

RORY: Night.

 

As Luke exits Lorelai shuts the door and comes back into the living room.

 

LORELAI: Tough night?

 

Rory turns a little to the side so her mother can see her face.

 

RORY: People…suck. I messed up orders and that’s not good…not good at all. Kirk…Kirk mind you…he called me…”hopeless.”

 

LORELAI: Kirk? Your kidding…right?

 

RORY: Does this look like my kidding face?

 

LORELAI: I thought Jess was supposed to be there to help you.

 

RORY: He was. I…I’m just not cut out to serve people. I stuck my hand in a wad of chewed gum!

 

LORELAI: Zoinks. That’s fairly disgusting.

 

RORY: Yet I would repeat that a thousand times not to have seen Old man Jacob’s teeth.

 

LORELAI: Beau Jacob has nice teeth.

 

RORY: Not when they are staring up at you from the inside of a glass of water.

 

LORELAI: No!

 

RORY: You did this to me. You’ve scarred me for life.

 

LORELAI: Nice try. You did this to your self.

 

RORY: Try and remember that when you’re shelling out for my therapy bill.

 

LORELAI: Being crazy in this family can only work to your advantage. I’m heading up. Did you need to try and heap anymore guilt on me before I go or are we done for the night?

 

RORY: I’m too tired. You’re saved.

 

LORELAI: Okay…well then…goodnight Flo.

 

RORY: From Mel’s diner…cute.

 

INT: THE BARGE-NIGHT

 

JESS: Nice move with the fifty. I’m pretty sure you have replaced me in Gloria’s heart.

 

TRISTAN: Don’t worry. She seems like the fickle type.

 

JESS: Aren’t all women?

 

TRISTAN: For the most part…I think Paris would be the exception to that rule.

 

JESS: Ah…there it is. The real reason you came here, to champion Paris. Go ahead…give it your best shot. You did buy the beer after all.

 

TRISTAN: I guess I’m curious about what happened to make you back off?

 

JESS: You wouldn’t understand.

 

TRISTAN: We’re you just *playing* her?  

 

JESS: No. Best answer I can give you here is that I’m not the *commitment* type.

 

TRISTAN: You ever tried it?

 

JESS: Look. I’m not searching for some deep connection. I’m perfectly happy the way I am.

 

TRISTAN: So then you’re giving up on Paris because it could become *deep?*

 

JESS:  I think that Paris is pretty cool. I just don’t see the point in starting something with her that would only end up hurting her in the end.

 

TRISTAN: So why go out with her in the first place then?

 

JESS: I was doing Rory a favor. I never expected to actually end up liking Paris.

 

TRISTAN: But…you do. So why give that up?

 

JESS: It’s all a little too intense for me. If things got too heavy…there’s no easy out. I like having an easy out.

 

TRISTAN: I know Paris takes *intense* to a whole new level, but she’s got a good heart.

 

JESS: How well do you know Paris?

 

TRISTAN: What do you mean?

 

JESS: I mean…the guys she’s dated…her sexual history…that sort of thing.

 

TRISTAN: You want me to give you a run down on Paris’ dating history?  

 

JESS: For starters.

 

TRISTAN: I…think you would have to ask her about that.

 

JESS: See…I tried. And she clammed up on me, which leads me to believe she’s either got some huge laundry list of guys that have sampled the goods or she’s a virgin. Neither of which is very appealing to me.

 

TRISTAN: I can pretty much guarantee you that Paris is not…easy.

 

JESS: Then that just leaves the other option…being a girl’s first is way too much responsibility. I’m not sure I want to be that *guy* for anyone.

 

TRISTAN: I think you’re really over thinking this.

 

JESS: What do you mean?

 

TRISTAN: I mean you’re reaching way into the future and playing the “what if” game. Just go out with Paris…talk to her and enjoy yourself. Then whatever happens…happens.

 

JESS: I don’t know.

 

TRISTAN: Of course there’s always the other option.

 

JESS: What’s that?

 

TRISTAN: You leave and always wonder what you’re missing out on.

 

JESS: Spoken like a truly whipped guy.

 

TRISTAN: Say whatever you want. But I’ve been on both sides of that fence…and where I am now is a lot more rewarding than the one night stands I used to do.

 

JESS: Somebody please get me a tissue…I think I’m gonna cry.

 

TRISTAN: Fine…whatever. I’ve said my piece…I think it’s time to go.

 

JESS: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

 

TRISTAN: You know you’re kind of an ass.

 

JESS: Lighten up dude. I’ll consider your little heartfelt plea…okay?

 

Jess and Tristan are getting up from the table when two cops come through the door. Gloria intercepts them and turns them around.

 

GLORIA: Head out the back door…real casual. Looks like Mo and Petey might be in an I.D. checking mood…if you get my drift.

 

Tristan and Jess head quickly to the back door as the two cops start walking around the place. At the back door the bartender opens the exit and hurries the boys out.

 

EXT: BARGE-NIGHT

 

TRISTAN: That was close.

 

JESS: Yeah.

 

Suddenly a bright light from a flashlight shines in the boys faces. A female officer stands there with a walkie talkie.

 

VERTIE: Evening boys. I’m going to need to see some I.D.

 

Both Jess and Tristan reluctantly pull out their wallets and hand their I.D.’s to the cop.

 

Vertie takes the I.D.’s and glances at them.

 

VERTIE: Hartford huh? Little far from home…ain’t you…Tristan?

 

TRISTAN: Yes maam. I…we…were just headed home. We had to drop something off to our friend inside.

 

VERTIE: You two been drinking?

 

TRISTAN: No maam…were not old enough to drink…just doing a friend a favor. That’s all.

 

VERTIE: Right. I’ll tell you what…why don’t you two follow me to my car and we’ll chat some more about this? (into the walkie talkie) Mo…you there?

 

MO (OC): Yeah…Vert. Nothing in here. Out.

 

VERTIE: We’ll I got me some minnows out here…out.

 

MO (OC): Meet you outside. Out.

 

VERTIE: So boys…how do you feel about going for a ride?

 

Vertie opens the back door of the cruiser and Jess and Tristan get reluctantly inside.

 

INT: GILMORE GIRLS-NIGHT

 

In Lorelai’s bedroom the phone rings and rings…finally it penetrates her sleep and she groggily reaches for it.

 

LORELAI/ LUKE: INTERCUT

 

LORELAI: (clearing her throat) Hello?

 

LUKE: Hey…it’s Luke.

 

Lorelai glances over at her alarm on the nightstand and sees that it reads 2:00 am.

 

LORELAI: Yeah…when I said if you need to talk…call me anytime. I actually meant during the day from say 3:00pm to 9:00 pm.

 

LUKE: Jess is in jail.

 

LORELAI: Wow…Luke…I’m sorry. Still not sure why you had to wake me up for this revelation though.

 

Lorelai is now fully sitting up in bed.

 

LUKE: I almost didn’t…but I thought you might want to help him.

 

LORELAI: Him who?

 

LUKE: Tristan.

 

LORELAI: I’m confused.

 

LUKE: He’s here too.

 

LORELAL: Jess and Tristan got arrested in Star Hollow on the same night?? What are the odds?

 

LUKE: They were together.

 

LORELAI: Okay…that’s really weird. But what does this have to do with me?

 

LUKE: I came here to bail Jess out…$2,500 dollars.

 

LORELAI: Ouch.

 

LUKE: Turns out Tristan’s parents are out of town for two weeks…extended business trip/vacation.

 

LORELAI: Wait. You want me to bail him out?

 

LUKE: I can bail him out…but I can’t keep him. I don’t have the room.

 

LORELAI: So take him home.

 

LUKE: Can’t. If they release him to me…I have to agree to supervise him until his parent’s return.

 

LORELAI: So you want me to keep him here? Are you crazy!?

 

LUKE: Okay. I just thought you should know.

 

Lorelai visibly works with her guilt…trying to decide what to do.

 

LORELAI: Oh…crap. Fine…wait there…I’ll get Rory and we’ll be right down.

 

Lorelai hangs up her phone and pulls herself out of bed, she sticks her feet into her fuzzy Sylvester the cat slippers and heads downstairs to Rory’s room.

 

INT: RORY’S ROOM-NIGHT

 

Lorelai walks over to Rory’s bed and shakes her. Rory just grumbles and turns over.

 

LORELAI: Rory…wake up hon.

 

Sluggishly Rory turns and opens her eyes just a slit.

 

RORY: Mom?

 

LORELAI: I need you to get up honey.

 

RORY: What time is it?

 

LORELAI: It’s 2:00 am.

 

RORY: Is the house on fire?

 

LORELAI: No…but…

 

RORY: Did somebody die?

 

LORELAI: No…but.

 

RORY: Then you woke me for a non-emergency?

 

LORELAI: I guess…if you consider your boyfriend being in jail a non-emergency.

 

Suddenly Rory is fully awake.

 

RORY: What?!

 

LORELAI: That’s right pumpkin…seems your little boyfriend is hanging with the miscreants and lowlifes in the county jail. In fact he could be someone else’s boyfriend by now.

 

RORY: Mom!

 

LORELAI: What? I’m just saying a good looking guy like him…some Bruno looking dude would probably snap him right up.

 

Rory gets out of bed and sticks her feet into her fuzzy bunny slippers and grabs her robe.

 

RORY: Not funny.

 

LORELAI: Come on…it’s a little funny.

 

RORY: We have to go get him. His parents aren’t even in town.

 

LORELAI: I know.

 

RORY: You do?

 

LORELAI: Luke called…told me the whole sob story. I am on my way to get him right now…thought you might want to tag along.

 

RORY: Luke? Why did Luke call?

 

LORELAI: Seems Jess and Tristan got arrested together.

 

RORY: That’s…weird.

 

LORELAI: My sentiments exactly.

 

INT: COUNTY JAIL-EARLY MORNING

 

Jess and Tristan are sitting in the bail office. Luke is sitting at a separate desk filling out some paperwork.

 

JESS: I will be paying for this night for many, many nights to come.

 

TRISTAN: Your uncle seems pretty pissed.

 

JESS: Oh this is nothing…too many people around for him to really lose it.

 

TRISTAN: Other than the $2,500 dollars…I doubt my dad will even care.

 

JESS: You’re lucky.

 

TRISTAN: I guess.

 

Luke walks back over to the boys and sits down with them.

 

TRISTAN: I just wanted to say…”Thanks” Mr. Danes.

 

LUKE: It’s Luke.

 

TRISTAN: Right. Luke.

 

Luke turns to the two boys.

 

LUKE: What the hell were you thinking Jess? Drinking at your age?

 

JESS: Like you didn’t drink at sixteen.

 

LUKE: Actually…I didn’t.  And this is not about me.

 

JESS: Lighten up Uncle Luke…it was a couple of beers.

 

LUKE: At $1,250 a pop…those are some expensive beers. I hope they were at least imported.

 

Lorelai and Rory walk into the police station. Rory immediately spots Tristan and starts walking towards him. Tristan gets up a little shamefaced and meets her half-way. The two embrace in a heartfelt hug that is watched by Luke, Lorelai and Jess.

 

LORELAI: Why do I suddenly feel so all alone?

 

LUKE: Yeah.

 

JESS: Ditto.

 

Across the room Rory and Tristan finally part and look into each other’s eyes. Tristan is clearly a little more than embarrassed. Running his fingers gingerly down the side of Rory’s neck in a gesture that speaks of the bond of love they have been slowly forming.

 

TRISTAN: It’s good to see you.

 

RORY: Are you okay?

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…so how many points do you think this loses me with your mom?

 

RORY: She’ll be fine. Don’t worry.

 

Tristan knows her can’t give Rory the kiss he wants to but he can’t fully contain himself from wanting to touch her…be near her as he brings her back into his embrace and plants a lasting kiss on the side of her face.

 

Back on the other side of the room Lorelai sighs as she heads to fill out his paperwork.