For the love of Kin

[SouthernBelle]

Note: ... I definitely don't own GG or I would not be here- I'd be on a yacht in Paris get rubbed down with sunscreen by a hot cabana boy.


Summertime in the Gilmore household was peaceful, calm, the sweet aroma of coffee filling the air. With Lorelai dating Luke, there was never a lack of delicious food. Boredom however was a problem. Rory had fallen into a stupor.
TV was out of the question, reality television was not something she was about to get pulled into. Movies seemed redundant- boy meets girl, they fall in love, crazy obstacle like insane ex wive or unknown love child threatens to destroy their relationship, guy winds up dripping wet on her front door begging for forgiveness and envelops her in a passionate kiss. Even books had lost their luster. Wuthering Heights always thrilled her, but even Heathcliff and his broody violent ways and Joseph cockney repeatedly speaking the evils of sin couldn't bring her out of the faded, silent movie mode her life had become.
The highlights of Rory's days was Logan. He called every day checking up on her, asking her how her day was, inquiring as to whether she wanted to grab a bite to eat.
They'd faded into a kind of contentedness. He was now her best friend and she'd never want to lose that. She still had feelings for him and him, her, but Rory wasn't about to get hurt just because he'd gotten bored with her or met someone new and exciting. So they went out- as friends, occasionally kissed- as friends, and dated other people (at least Logan did.)
He'd called today and invited her to a welcome back party for a cousin of his who'd graduated with honors from West Point. Remembering the last time Rory had been with his family made her moan inwardly. She'd felt so small and pathetic.
He'd convinced her, though. Logan had said that it'd mean so much to him and he wanted her to meet a better half of his family. The pleading look in his eyes and the way he'd cupped her face in his hand as he'd asked rendered her powerless in refusing him.
"Rory, say you'll come?" he'd said rather breathlessly, like a knight from some ten cent romance.
She couldn't deny him and at least it gave her something to do other than sit at home or work at the inn, her summer job. The party was in an hour and she had to leave shortly to make it on time. Her dress hung on the door. A simple baby pink, sleeveless cocktail number that brought out a warmness in her pale skin. Not exactly thrilled at the matching strappy heels, she comforted herself that at least she would look the part of the wealthy, fashionable guests that would also be attending the party.
She quickly got dressed and combed through her straight chin length hair that framed her face. While she was no fan of makeup, she chose to brush on some mascara so she wouldn't look like she'd just thrown on a dress and rushed out the door. She smiled awkwardly at her reflection in the mirror. Nervous and afraid of what the night might hold she made her way to the car.

[gilmorefanatic]

wow that requires a standing ovation... please finish it soon

[SouthernBelle]

HEY KIDS! ready for the next installment?

The music emanated from the immense mansion Rory pulled up to. Valets awaited to take her keys and park her car, free of charge. After exiting the jeep that appeared to be the only vehicle present under a $50,000 price tag, she uneasily made her way to the door. Her mind played the through all the possible scenarios, his mother will attack her again- charging her unworthy to be at such a party with their high and mighty family and friends. She expected unfriendly remarks regarding her status, still wondering exactly how that worked.
The door stood ajar and Rory could see what appeared to be a large, boisterous crowd cluttered around one person- the person for whom the party was for, no doubt. Walking through the open door, she heard her name being called immediately, but couldn't locate the origin of the voice until she saw Colin making his way toward her.
"Come, darling, Logan's been waiting for you. Don't be shy." Colin said through hiccups, placing his hand on the small of her back to lead her, she couldn't help but notice the undeniable twinkle in his eye.
Rory, against her better judgment, went with him despite his drunken state. He led her through the immaculate house muttering hellos and waving.
"Ace, good to see you," Logan smiled and stood as they approached him on the porch. "Didn't think you were coming."
Rory managed to smile uneasily for she'd seen the girl sitting on his lap moments before he'd seen her and stood. Now said girl just shot daggers at Rory with her eyes.
"Drink?" He asked, politely.
"No, thanks I'm driving."
"Oh Rory, this is Nina. Nina's a good friend of the family had a fling with my cousin the one of whom this party is being thrown for a while back."
Colin, who'd disappeared as soon as he escorted her to Logan's side, returned with a girl on his arm who he introduced as Tatum, a pretty girl of about 18 or 19.
"It's wonderful good looks run in the Huntzberger family otherwise this suarez might be a bit dull, come love." He was gone as quick as he came. Rory couldn't help but smile.
"How was the drive?" Logan asked.
"Good," was all Rory replied.
"Want to meet the Colonel?" Logan waited for Rory's questioning glance then continued, "that's what I call my cousin."
"No time like the present." Why was it Rory couldn't be her usual sarcastic self around Logan? Her mind seemed to draw a total blank whenever he was around. He was supposedly her best friend.
Taking her hand, he led her back through the house, leaving Nina in their wake. They headed toward the group that Rory had seen when she'd first approached the house through the door. Only now she realized the group was comprised of mostly females and- was that
"Paris?" The blonde turned around at the sound of your name.
"Oh, it's you." Paris muttered, not bothering to hide her annoyance.
"I didn't expect you." Rory pretended not to notice the flash of anger in Paris' eyes. What was with her?
"Wish I could say the same," Paris huffed and made her way back into the crowd.
"Hold on" Logan pushed through the crowd.
Rory took this opportunity to look around at the beautiful hallway she was in, the gorgeous chandelier hanging above her casting shadows. This life was not hers, she enjoyed the simple, Logan had been raised with the extraordinary. Still, she'd thought that they'd been so good together.
Her mind drifted back to what had led to their break up.

(FLASHBACK)

The floor squeaked as Rory ran through the dorms on her way to Logan's room. She couldn't wait for Logan to read the new piece she'd written as the feature on next weeks paper regarding the underground gambling ring located in the teacher's lounge after hours. The head of this group being a student aide who made it all possible by unlocking the window.
She through open the door with gusto only to find Logan pinned on a couch by a female locked in a fiery kiss. The two quickly jumped up and Logan began to protest, but Rory was already gone, tears of pain blurring her vision.
When she reached her room, she threw herself on her bed crying uncontrollably and ignoring the ringing of her phone.
He'd later say he'd think they were better just as friends, but that he'd work hard to regain her trust. She'd forgiven him, but not forgotten and each time he'd kissed her since she'd pushed away. Not willing her heart be hurt again.

(END FLASHBACK)

A hand clamped on her shoulder and Rory turned to see Logan.
"Ace, I'd like you to meet my cousin..." Logan smiled and ushered to the uniformed body exiting through the parting crowd.
Logan needn't have identified him as Rory knew those haunting blue eyes and before he could finish his "Hello, Mary," Rory did the only thing she knew how to do when Tristan was around, she ran.

[gilmorefanatic]

somehow i saw that coming... haha... very good and the flashback was very cool

[gilmorefanatic]

there has got to be more! come on more!

[SouthernBelle]

red
(lol i'm such a trory! i'm so glad you like it, thank you for reviewing, you're too sweet!)

Rory's breath grew short, she really needed to begin some kind of exercise regime. Attempting to run farther, her body just wouldn't comply. Why didn't she hop in her car? Why was she incapable of logical human thought in Tristan's presence? It would figure the two boys who'd caused her the most agony would be related. How could she have not seen it- the blue eyes, the messy blonde hair, the cocky manner, the affect they had on her heart. Well, one was enough to handle at a time.
She'd never gotten to fully recognize her feelings for Tristan. Dean had been her first boyfriend and, at 16, she wasn't about to admit she had feelings for someone else. That would mean she was mentally cheating, wouldn't it? Besides... she loved Dean, it was impossible.
Not exactly. After Tristan left, Rory felt the loss, her heart was in pain and she didn’t understand why. This guy had tortured her repeatedly, called her names, it didn’t make any sense. Still, she wished she’d gotten to properly say good-bye. Then Jess came and took her life by storm. Dean and his boy-next-door manner weren't cutting it. She wanted Bad Boy and she wanted it now. She thought Jess with his poetic soul and deepness was the one for her. She’d thought wrong.
Logan was the happy medium, not bad boy and certainly not good. Older and wiser, she’d tried not to give in to the hope that maybe he was the one, but alas she’d fallen again. She didn’t know why she was repeatedly falling for the wrong guy, that would just cause her pain in the end. Not again, Tristan with his charismatic charm and good looks was just like all the others. He’d just never gotten the chance to prove it and she wasn’t about to give it to him. But she had bigger problems right now...like how to get out of here.
“Need a lift?” a masculine voice sounded with an air of a smirk. Oh, no, why me, Rory questioned up at the sky.
"Oh, yes, I need a lift in my own car. Pick up that trick at military school?" Rory nodded to her hotwired vehicle.
"That, that's just me reliving my high school days."
"Should have known. So you valet now."
"Well, actually I thought I was playing more the dashing young soldier coming to save the damsel in distress, but whatever floats your boat. I'd be happy to be your [valet/i].
"Ugh." Was all Rory could think to say in return. She was in college now for goodness sake, she should be able to have an intelligible conversation.
Tristan got out of the jeep and headed toward her causing Rory to involuntarily take a few steps back.
"Whoa, just giving you the keys. It's really been quite a thrill assisting you in this getaway I must say, but as a valet shouldn't I get a tip, fair Juliet?"
"O yes," Rory played along seductively stepping closer to him with each passing second,"and I know just the thing." Tristan eyes skitted right and left, not knowing where to look. Rory had him right where she wanted him. She stopped beside him leaned over and whispered in his ear, "I don't need a knight in shining armor, especially one that'll probably be gone in a day or two." She sighed, made her way to the car, and drove off...never looking back, tears of memories long ago blurring her vision.

[SouthernBelle]

Long time no write! It's Christmas break and this story could use an addition...

"Uggggggggghh," Rory moaned, rolling out of bed- the sunlight hurting her eyes. And it was so cold she tiptoed/ ran to her dresser and grabbed a pair of sweat pant to put over her pj shorts. Laughter could be heard from the kitchen and Rory knew Luke was over. Coffee had better have come with him.
She fumbled out her room into the kitchen only to be shocked by the presence of-
"But soft! What light through yonder window break? It is the east and Juliet is the sun."
For the second time that morning Rory moaned.
"Why- you did not let that in. It's 11 o' clock in the morning. I'm going back to bed and when i get up you'd better be gone."
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, is that any way to treat a man whose giving his life for our country?" Lorelai grinned.
"You're going to war?" Rory looked skeptical.
Tristan sighed, at a loss, " Well, not exactly. I'm not enlisted I just well."
"See?" Rory headed back to her room.
"Rory- wait." The way Tristan said her name forced her to turn around. He half said, half sighed it and she heard a touch of hope that she didn't expect. But what for? "I wanted to spend some time together. It's been what 5 years? You were 16 the last time I saw you. Now look at you. We never even got to say goodbye."
"Um, ok I'm gonna go now. Not that either of you will notice. Holler if the house is burning down." Lorelai exited and headed upstairs.
"What'd you have in mind?" Rory questioned, ignoring the rest of his speech.
Tristan stood and for the first time Rory let herself take him all in. His 6'1" frame, the broad shoulders, the messy yet slightly styled hair, his bright blues eyes- and the way they looked at her. Rory knew she was blushing.
"I thought you'd like to go out for lunch or- "seeing Rory's dubious look-" Coffee?"
"Sure use my weakness... Alright give me 10 minutes to change and wake up enough to be polite." Rory headed back to her room where she immediately began freaking out silently.
What am I gonna wear? Why is he here? Why is he so darn cute? What am I gonna wear?!?!
She pulled on her favorite jeans, thumping along the floor making noise she knew Tristan could hear. She put on a baby blue tank and a pair of Keds and looked in the mirror. Not half bad for someone who was about to go to lunch with the person she never thought she'd see again and not got to recognize her feelings for. The butterflies in her stomach were overwhelming and she sat on her bed for a minute to let them settle. She could do this, he's just a guy. Besides, she was in love with Logan. It worried her that this was the exact logic she'd used the first time involving Tristan- only with Dean.
Easing off the bed she opened the door and steeled herself for the worst.

[SouthernBelle]

Walking along the clean cement sidewalks, Rory couldn't help but look at the ground. It was afterall easier to see the sturdiness of the floor, then that of the muscled male beside her.
If she'd of known that the simple walk to Luke's would make her as painfully aware of the veins in his arms, she'd never of agreed to coffee. It was bad enough she felt like she was cheating on Logan and if she reviewed their relationship- they weren't even dating!
The bell chimes of Luke's brought Rory back to reality. Meeting eyes with Luke, she immediately blushed. He obviously did not appreciate the boy who'd once called her such virginal names, military graduate or not. Tristan smiled easily at him, however and gave a small wave before pulling out Rory's seat.
"My lady," he smirked, causing Rory's blush to deepen as she sat.
They each simply sipped coffees under Luke's watchful stare, recalling Chilton memories and discussing their college experience.
Rory was fascinated by Tristan's West Point life, but her mind begged her to ask the question she'd been silently asking herself- Is he single?
As if he read her mind, Tristan brought up the subject, but not in the same direction her brain was going.
"So, you and Logan." He said matter of factly.
She almost spewed her coffee.
"I'm sorry- what?" Rory stammered.
Tristan paused for a moment and let his gaze linger down Rory's face until he focused on her lips, then he spoke.
"Well, from the looks of things last night and Logan saying you guys have been dating for quite some time-"
"Casually," Rory interrupted, "and more for convenience than anything else. I'll admit there was a time when I thought there was something more..."
"But" Tristan interjected.
"But it didn't work out," Rory finished sadly, looking into her coffee cup so as not to show the tears in her eyes.
"He cheated on you didn't he?" Rory jerked to see Tristan's wry grin and wondered why he took some kind of twisted enjoyment in saying that.
"I said we weren't anything serious."
"Yes, now you aren't. But you were." Rory wanted to slap that smug grin off his face.
"Fine, yes, you're right. Happy now?" As Rory said this, Tristan's smile dissipated.
"Don't say that. Mar- Rory, I'd never want to see you hurt. Logan's an idiot, you must know that. Any man must be to let you go..." He trailed.
Thousands of emotions were going through Rory, but she knew she was silly. Tristan was just being nice and she was naive to think it was anything more.
Rory stood, "I should go."
"Let me walk you," Tristan was already opening his wallet.
"No!" Rory exclaimed a bit too loud, "I- I'd like to be alone, I think I'll go get a book."
"Fine," Tristan muttered, looking as if it was anything but.
Rory nodded and said a soft goodbye and began to make her way out the door.
"Rory." Tristan suprised her, stopping her mid doorway, "About last night... I just thought you should know- I'm not going anywhere."