Authors Note: So sorry about the long gap…I had to go out of town for two days for my work. Hope this latest installment will have been worth the wait.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story. The characters belong to the writers of the WB show and its affiliates.

 

Story Summary: Rory and Tristan continue their cat and mouse game.

 

 

INT: CLASSROOM-DAY

 

Rory walks into the classroom where the school paper staff meets every week to put the paper together. After setting her backpack down on a chair by the door she notices that Paris is the only one in the room. After a few awkward moments of silence Paris speaks up.

 

PARIS: Didn’t you get the memo?

 

RORY: What memo?

 

PARIS: This week’s edition of the paper has been cancelled due to the flu going around school. Madeline has it…Louise has it, and pretty much all the rest of the paper staff. So without a staff…no paper. It was all in the memo I placed in your locker.

 

RORY: You’ve seen me like a half a dozen times today, couldn’t you have…oh I don’t know…told me?

 

PARIS : And when would I have done that…in between you and Tristan making eyes at each other or better yet when you were trying to give me a black eye?

 

RORY: A well deserved black eye.

 

PARIS: Hardly. I was simply stating the facts…your defense mechanism is on hyper sensitive these days.

 

RORY: As usual I have no idea what you’re talking about so I think I’m just going to go.

 

PARIS: Fine. Go.

 

RORY: Fine I will.

 

Rory picks up her backpack and starts to head out the door.

 

PARIS: He’s going to break your heart…you have to know that.

 

Rory turns back around at Paris words.

 

RORY: Is that what this is all about…the comments…the glares…this is all because of Tristan?

 

PARIS: He doesn’t love you.

 

RORY: I never said he did.

 

PARIS: I see the way you look at him Rory. You think you can change him…but you can’t. He’s not a one woman guy…not now…not ever…well maybe someday…but even that I have my doubts about.

 

RORY: I never said I wanted to change him…in fact…I never said I wanted him. That’s you and your imagination running wild.

 

PARIS: Please…you expect me to believe that you in no way have feelings for Tristan?

 

RORY: Yes. I can unequivocally say…I have no feelings for Tristan. Tristan is the farthest thing from the type of guy that I want in my life. Now if you’ll excuse me…I have some where to be.

 

Rory starts out the door again and almost runs head first into Tristan…who unfortunately has been privy to the last few minutes of Rory and Paris’ conversation.

 

RORY: Tristan…

 

TRISTAN: Don’t bother with explanations Rory…I think I’ve heard enough about how you feel concerning me.  

 

Tristan turns around and starts walking towards the detention hall…Rory is torn as to what to do. She could have what she believes to be her wish right here and now…Tristan out of her life. But the unexplained rush of feelings she has as he continues to walk away prompt her to action.

 

Rory heads down the hall after Tristan.

 

RORY: Tristan wait!

 

As Tristan continues to walk, Rory sprints to catch up with him. As she touches his shoulder he pulls away from her. In that one moment he has gone from caring…to unaffected.

 

TRISTAN: Get a grip Rory. Paris was right. I don’t have any real feelings for you…it was all an act.

 

RORY: (slightly stunned by his reaction) You’re lying.

 

TRISTAN: It is my forte. But this time…it’s the truth. You were a conquest…nothing more. So head back to Farmer Dean and the safety of his barn.

 

RORY: And what would that solve? If I head back to Dean…as you so eloquently put it…where would that leave us? Friends…enemies…distant acquaintances?

 

TRISTAN: Don’t try and make this in to something it isn’t Rory. I’ll be the same today and tomorrow whether you are in my life or not.

 

RORY: What do you want from me Tristan? An apology? Fine…I’m sorry I said those things to Paris.

 

TRISTAN: You didn’t even know I was there Rory. You said what you meant…what you really felt. So I get it now…we don’t fit.

 

RORY: God…I cannot believe I am going to do this. But you deserve to know that truth. I was not being completely truthful with Paris.

 

TRISTAN: Go on.

 

RORY: This is really awkward.  

 

TRISTAN: Come on it can’t be that painful.

 

RORY: Oh yes it can.

 

TRISTAN: The truth shall set you free.

 

RORY: Not in this case.

 

Tristan steps closer to Rory and uses his hand to lightly caress the side of Rory’s neck and down to the hollow of her throat…it is a sweet, yet sensual gesture….one that has Rory’s senses on full alert.

 

TRISTAN: Just say it…say what’s on your mind.

 

RORY:  Tristan…

 

Tristan knows he should wait for Rory’s profession…of what he hopes is a desire to continue what they’ve started…but as he looks into her eyes and drinks in her full supple lips that are just begging to be kissed…he loses the desire to wait and takes her into his arms…he bends her head back just enough to be able to fully kiss her with equal parts pressure and passion…a dizzying combination that has Rory’s head swimming. The only thought going through her brain…this boy can kiss! As Rory and Tristan are reveling in the sweet and sensual natures they have awoken in each other Tristan’s warm mouth is abruptly yanked away from a very stunned Rory as an angry Headmaster Charleston grabs Tristan by the back of his Chilton jacket.

 

HM CHARLESTON:  What’s going on here Mr. DuGrey?! Aren’t you and Ms. Gilmore supposed to be in detention right about now?

 

TRISTAN: I…uh…yes we are.

 

HM CHARLESTON: Then I suggest you get there…before I decide to take the two of you to my office and let both your parents know why you missed detention.

 

TRISTAN: Yes sir.

 

HM CHARLESTON: Mr. DuGrey…why don’t you go on ahead and let the detention monitor know that I’ve detained Ms. Gilmore…I’d like to have a word with her.

 

RORY: With me?

 

HM CHARLESTON: Yes…Run along Mr. DuGrey.

 

Tristan reluctantly leaves Rory with the Headmaster and heads to detention.

 

RORY: Am I in trouble?

 

HM CHARLESTON: Not yet…but Ms Gilmore…you are headed down that path.

 

RORY: Because of this?

 

HM CHARLESTON: It’s more than that Ms. Gilmore. I read your file after you left the other day and I understand that you want to go to Harvard.

 

RORY: Yes I do.

 

HM CHARLESTON: It’s a lofty and commendable goal Ms. Gilmore. And after viewing your academic excellence one I’m convinced you aspire to quite heavily. Am I correct to assume you’ve chosen no other options because Harvard is it for you?

 

RORY: Yes. I’ve wanted to attend Harvard since I can remember.

 

HM CHARLESTON: Then this is my advice. Stay away from Mr. DuGrey.

 

RORY: What?

 

HM CHARLESTON: He is the one thing I can see that will keep you from achieving your dream. He’s already caused a permanent mark on your record that Harvard will be privy too…and Harvard doesn’t look for the troublemakers. They want the studious women who have prestigious careers in mind.

 

RORY: I appreciate your advice Headmaster Charleston…but I’m not going to let Tristan affect my academic pursuits.

 

HM: CHARLESTON: Just be forewarned Ms. Gilmore that misery loves company and Mr. DuGrey is a very unhappy man. He lacks direction and has no focus for his future. You are judged by the company you choose to keep. I don’t think I need to say anymore and I believe you also have a detention to get to. Maybe the first of many if you choose to continue on this path.

 

Rory doesn’t know exactly what to say.

 

HM CHARLESTON: You’ve been excused Ms. Gilmore.

 

RORY:  Okay…Thank you.

 

Rory turns and heads back down the hall towards the detention room.

 

INT: INDEPENDENCE INN: KITCHEN- LATE DAY

 

Lorelai is sitting on a metal stool talking to Sookie. Sookie is busily stirring pots and pans, adding spices as she taste tests.

 

LORELAI: And then….get this…Emily invites him to dinner!

 

SOOKIE: No!

 

LORELAI: Yes! It was absolutely the most mortifying thing she could have done to poor Rory.

 

SOOKIE: Well you told her no…right?

 

LORELAI: Right…of course. But it was quickly followed by that veto thing she does so well. Oh yes and the constant reminder how much she owns my ass on Fridays. The Friday thing…not the best deal I’ve ever made.

 

SOOKIE: It got Rory in Chilton hon.

 

LORELAI: Duly noted Sookie…but it also got her my life…so now instead of being just the overbearing parents they are also the overbearing grandparents.

 

SOOKIE: So what are you going to do?

 

LORELAI: I am going to watch that boy like a hawk. He steps one inch over the line…I squash him like a bug!

 

Michel has entered the kitchen as Lorelai is talking to Sookie.

 

MICHEL: You have the cell phone no?

 

LORELAI: Of course.

 

MICHEL: Then could you please turn it on…it would make my job so much the easier.

 

Lorelai walks over to her purse and takes her cell phone out as Michel is talking to her.

 

LORELAI: I never turn it off (looking at phone) Low battery…huh. So then I’m to assume this whole cell quiz is because I have a message.

 

MICHEL: I am not your personal phone boy.

 

LORELAI: Interesting. And the message is?

 

MICHEL: Your little one called.

 

LORELAI: Rory?

 

MICHEL: Do you have more than the one?  

 

LORELAI: Nuts…you drive me nuts Michel.

 

MICHEL: Then my job here is done.

 

As Michel exits the kitchen Lorelai yells after him.

 

LORELAI: Not part of the job description.

 

Michel turns back around at the door.

 

MICHEL: She’s a freebie. It makes me smile.

 

LORELAI: Nothing makes you smile.

 

MICHEL: Inside…it makes me smile on the inside.

 

Michel exits the room and Lorelai goes to the phone on the kitchen wall.

 

INT: GRANDPARENT’S HOUSE- LATE DAY

 

Rory is sitting in her room at the Grandparents house surrounded by books when the phone rings. She hurriedly picks it up.

 

RORY: Mom!

 

RORY/TRISTAN: INTERCUT

 

TRISTAN: Not even close…guess again.

 

RORY: Tristan…hi. How did you get this number?

 

TRISTAN: Judge DuGrey.

 

RORY: You’re grandfather. Clever.

 

TRISTAN: He was more than happy to give it to me. Seems he and your grandfather have decided to do some matchmaking.

 

RORY: You’ve got to be kidding me.

 

TRISTAN: Nope… Get this…I overheard my dad and grandfather having a conversation…Rory Gilmore is the hope for my otherwise bleak looking future.

 

RORY: They don’t even know me.

 

TRISTAN: Doesn’t matter…you’re a Gilmore. Haven’t you learned yet Rory…it’s all about the name. You don’t honestly think it’s my charm and good looks that got me into the inner domicile of your grandparent’s home do you? It’s because I’m a DuGrey.

 

RORY: That’s ridiculous.

 

TRISTAN: Ridiculous or not…it’s the truth. And the one time I’m more than happy to be a DuGrey. Up till now my name has just been this curse to me because of all the expectations it brings with it…finally it brings a perk.

 

RORY: You calling me a perk?

 

TRISTAN: Absolutely…a delicious little perk.

 

Rory is smiling to herself on the other end of the phone.

 

RORY: I should probably go…I’m waiting for a phone call.

 

TRISTAN: Oh…from Dean?

 

RORY: No…I mean…he might call too…but I’m waiting for my mom to call.

 

TRISTAN: So…I guess we’re back to square one then. Today…in the hall when you wanted to tell me something…you’re not going to tell me now are you?

 

RORY: You’ve certainly given me a lot to think about…but for right now…Dean is still in the picture.

 

TRISTAN: Did something happen after I left you in the hall? Did Headmaster Charleston say something to you about me?

 

Rory considers lying to him, but decides it’s better to get all her cards on the table.

 

RORY: Yes. He told me that you are going to ruin my chances of getting in to Harvard.

 

TRISTAN: He said that?

 

RORY: Yes he said you are known by the company you keep. And that your company was…bad news. I’m sorry Tristan.

 

TRISTAN: Nothing to be sorry about Rory. I don’t really care what he thinks…I do care what you think. Do you believe him?

 

RORY: (hesitates) I don’t know. I mean you do have a pen chance for finding trouble.

 

TRISTAN: But now I’ve found you…suddenly trouble doesn’t look so appealing.

 

RORY: That has got to be the sweetest thing you’ve ever said.

 

TRISTAN: I want to see you Rory.

 

RORY: You will…tomorrow in school.

 

TRISTAN: I mean tonight.

 

RORY: I can’t. I have a lot of studying to do.

 

TRISTAN: I’ll study with you.

 

RORY: Sure…yeah…studying that’s what you had in mind.

 

TRISTAN: I’ll be a gentleman. I promise.

 

RORY: There would be rules…and boundaries. Would you abide by them?

 

TRISTAN: I promise to leave the hormones at home. I can be there in ten minutes?

 

RORY: Okay. I’ll let my grandmother know.

 

TRISTAN: See you soon.

 

RORY:  Okay.

 

Rory hangs up the phone and starts to go back to her books when the phone rings again. Thinking its Tristan she picks it up.

 

RORY: Come on stud it’s only ten minutes you can wait to tell me whatever it is you called back for.

 

RORY/DEAN: INTERCUT

 

DEAN: Rory…its Dean.

 

RORY: Dean?! Um…hi.

 

DEAN: What’s going on? Who did you think you were talking to?

 

RORY: I uh…I thought it was my mother.

 

DEAN: You call your mother stud?

 

RORY: (cringing at the awkwardness) Yes…it’s just one of those funny name things we do. You know like the “There’s your boyfriend game.”

 

DEAN: I will never understand your mom…she is sort of unique.

 

RORY: Yes she is. One of a kind. So what did you call for?

 

DEAN: I missed you.

 

RORY: I miss you too.

 

DEAN: So I was thinking…I know this is a school night and your grandparents won’t let you come out…but I just got this wacky idea to surprise you and come there so we could maybe spend some time together.

 

RORY: Come here? Tonight?! (panicking) The thing is someone is coming over to study.

 

DEAN: So cancel. I haven’t seen you in a really long time

 

RORY: I don’t think I can. I’m pretty sure they are already on their way here.

 

Doorbell rings.

 

DEAN: Maybe you should get that

 

RORY: My grandmother will. Look Dean…I want to see you…really…

 

Rory’s door opens and her grandmother is standing there…with Dean…who is on a cell phone.

 

RORY: (cont.) Dean…hi.

 

DEAN: Surprise.

 

RORY: That would be a huge understatement.

 

Rory hangs up her phone.

 

Dean comes over and hugs Rory under Emily’s disapproving eye. Rory hugs Dean back and makes a split second decision.

 

RORY: (To Dean) We should go somewhere. Are you hungry?

 

EMILY: Rory…it’s a school night. You know how your grandfather and I feel about dates on a school night.

 

RORY: I won’t be long grandma. Please?

 

EMILY: Alright…but you have to be home by nine o’clock. (to Dean) Do you hear that young man?

 

DEAN: Nine O’clock…on the dot.

 

EMILY: Fine then…you may go.

 

Rory hugs her grandma and grabs Dean’s hand and rushes out the door.

 

RORY: Thanks grandma.

 

EXT: GRANDPARENTS HOUSE-NIGHT

 

Dean and Rory are at the door saying goodnight. Dean gives Rory a kiss which he tries to deepen but Rory pulls away.

 

DEAN: What’s wrong?

 

RORY: I just don’t want my grandmother to open the door and find you mauling me.

 

DEAN: I would hardly call what I am doing mauling you.

 

RORY: Yes…but my Grandma would think you were taking advantage of me.

 

DEAN: You have a very weird family. I hope the crazy skips a generation.

 

Dean kisses Rory goodbye and heads to his truck. Rory stands by the front door watching him leave. As she starts to go in Tristan steps out from the shadows of the house clapping.

 

TRISTAN: Bravo! A great performance once again by Ms. Rory Gilmore.

 

RORY: Tristan…what are you doing here?

 

TRISTAN: I was invited…or so I thought. But if that was the case why when I got here were you off some where doing god knows what with schmuck boy?

 

RORY: We just went out to get something to eat. Nothing else.

 

TRISTAN: Yeah…whatever. It’s really not the point. You invited me over…

 

RORY: You invited yourself.

 

TRISTAN: Fine…but you didn’t tell me no…so what happened here?

 

RORY: He surprised me. I wasn’t expecting him.

 

TRISTAN: Why didn’t you call me? Instead of letting me come over here and make a fool of myself.

 

RORY: I’m sorry…but I don’t even know how to get a hold of you. And the opportunity didn’t exactly present itself.

 

TRISTAN: You’re playing me for a chump Rory.

 

RORY: I didn’t expect Dean to show up…it was out of my control.

 

TRISTAN: Tonight may have been…but you’ve had numerous opportunities to let Dean know what’s going on…and you haven’t. And this late in the game I can only assume that you’re not going to.

 

RORY: It’s not that easy.

 

TRISTAN: Sure it is…just tell him you have feelings for someone else and therefore can no longer continue the exclusive boyfriend/girlfriend gig.

 

RORY: Just because you have that speech down pat doesn’t mean I do. I can’t be that cruel to Dean. I care about him and I don’t want to hurt him.

 

TRISTAN: At the risk of losing me?

 

RORY: What are you saying? Are you giving me an ultimatum?

 

TRISTAN: Call it what you want. You can’t have both of us.

 

RORY: Please don’t do this Tristan…I just need some time.

 

TRISTAN: What you need…is to make up your mind. I can’t promise you that a relationship between us will work out…but how great would it be if it did.

 

RORY: Dean is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had.

 

TRISTAN: A boyfriend whose time has come. I’m sure he’s a great guy…but I can be a great guy too.

 

RORY: I know. But you’re not the same as Dean…with Dean things are…

 

TRISTAN: Safe.

 

RORY: Maybe.

 

TRISTAN: I can’t help you there Rory…I have never had such intense feelings for anyone else. And I’m only human. So maybe I scare you a little…maybe I have more experience than you…but isn’t that what it’s all about…taking a risk…trying new things.

 

RORY: That’s just it Tristan…you don’t make me scared…you make me comfortable…too comfortable. You make me consider things with you that I’ve never even thought of considering with Dean.

 

TRISTAN: Really?

 

RORY: Yes…but don’t let that put your ego into overdrive. It’s part of why…I don’t want to let this progress any further. Because you are trouble.

 

TRISTAN: So then safe wins? You go back to Dean and just forget about us?

 

RORY: I’m sorry.

 

Tristan takes Rory into his arms and gives her a soul-stirring kiss…she lets her body mold into his as the kiss deepens and his hands begin to wander through her hair and he touches the sensitive spot at the back of her neck it causes her skin to begin to tingle. Although Rory is helpless in Tristan’s embrace she struggles weakly to try and break free…to work her way back to reality…out of this place of confusion that Tristan’s presence brings her to every time.

 

Tristan reluctantly lets her go and steps back.

 

TRISTAN: Just try and forget me.

 

Tristan begins walking down the driveway as a very confused and emotion filled Rory watches him go.