Disclaimer: Ok, just a quick little disclaimer. So we kind of 'borrowed' some lines from an episode of our favorite show Higher Ground (which is now canceled - let's not talk about it.) We loved the scene so much that we had to use it. It was just too good not to. So it belongs to the great writers of an incredible show that never got the recognition it truly deserved. Any of you who have seen the show and are avid fans like us will know what we're talking about when you read. For those of you who haven't - don't even worry about it because this is totally and Tristan and Rory moment. :) Again, we don't own any of the characters, etc., etc. Enjoy!

All was silent as my head lay comfortably on his warm muscular chest. The beating of his heart pulsated ever so softly under my ear, as my arm rested upon his other peck. One of his arms dangled on the side of the bed as he wrapped me closer to his body with the other. It felt good to be held in his gentle arms.

The faint sound of a whistle in the distance suddenly wakes him from his sweet dream. His eyes open unwillingly as he turns his head and looks at me sleeping blissfully within his arms. He smiles. The whistle sounds again. Gently, he caresses my fingers before slowly attempting to remove my content hand from his chest. I awaken despite his efforts and look up into his angelic face.

"Where are you going," I asked concerned as I raised my body to a sitting position.

"Sirens...they're close..." He whispered, as he reached to retrieve the jacket he had thrown on the chair beside the bed the night before.

I gaze sadly into his deep as the ocean blue eyes.

"You're hearing things...it's just the wind."

Looking away from me, he slowly puts on his jacket and starts to get up. "I gotta go," he managed to mumble.

Quickly, before even having the chance to stand, I grabbed his hand in desperation.

"Don't! Not yet..."

He turns back and looks directly into my eyes. "I'll be back soon. I promise," he replied reassuringly, his eyes filling with sorrow.

"Then why do I have this feeling I'm never going to see you again?"

Taking me tenderly into his arms, our eyes penetrate deeply into each other. I blushed. I looked down, annoyed with myself.

"Line!" I pleaded. I can't believe I forgot my line. I was just so caught in his eyes, I completely forgot everything else. What is this? This seems to be happening quite often lately. Why does he always do that to me? Every time I look into those eyes, I just forget everything and everyone. It's like I'm in this different world where I'm completely helpless and I don't know what to do. This is crazy! I think it's my lack of sleep. That has to be it.

Paris glared at me, obviously upset that I had forgotten my lines. "Our love... " she prompted, signaling me to begin again.

"Our love...It'll protect us. They can't see us, we're safe."

His expression softens as he looks down into my eyes again. "We are?"

"Do you know how much I think about you all the time?"

Delicately, he lifted my chin so that his eyes were piercing right into mine. He spoke gently, his voice sincere meaning every word. "Me too. Every minute of every day."

I was completely captivated, caught under his spell. This is crazy! It's Tristan DuGrey for God's sake. We're acting. He is a very good actor. For a moment there, I actually thought he meant it. I'm amazed at his talents.

"I love you..." he whispered pulling me back to reality.

"What?"

"I love you, Romeo. That's your line," he corrected.

"Oh, I'm sorry..." I replied embarrassed.

"Rory, did you even study any of your lines," Paris bellowed. "The point of this rehearsal is to know your lines so we can begin taping as soon as possible. That's not going to happen if you keep forgetting your lines!"

"I know, I'm sorry." I was exhausted. "Maybe I would if we didn't keep changing it around. First we're doing it traditionally, then you decide we should modernize it. I had my other lines memorized but you changed everything at the last minute so excuse me for missing a few lines," I quipped, turning my attention back to Tristan before she had a chance to reply.

"I love you, Romeo."

Whoa, that was weird. Saying 'I love you' while looking into Tristan's eyes. I mean I couldn't get myself to say I love you to Dean and here I am saying it to Tristan? Ok, Rory, you're acting. Tristan. This is Tristan. Remember, 'Hey Mary' Tristan. I think this would be a whole lot easier if he would stop looking at me like that.

Taking a step forward slowly, he stares into my eyes once more. Oh my God. It's happening again. This is exactly what happened at Madeline's party. It's happening all over again. He moved in closer. He placed one hand softly onto the small of my back while his other trailed up my shoulder, through my hair to the back of my neck. His thumb gently rubbed the center of the back my neck and his eyes... God, I just got the chills. The hair on my arms is standing on end and I think I'm starting to sweat. Yup, I am. Great. I can't look away. No, what am I going to do? I can feel his warm breath skim across my lips. Our lips are about to touch...

"CUT!"

Oh my God!

"Okay, that's enough for today. We'll save that kiss for the real performance you two."

Louise starts to fan herself with the pages of the book. "Is it me or is it getting hot in here?"

Madeline giggles. "Look likes someone is jealous..." she adds, gesturing to Paris.

Paris shot the two of them with a cold stare. "Whatever."

He releases me gently, looking away. What the hell just happened?!

"Okay, so that's a wrap. We'll all meet here tomorrow at the same time," Paris yelled as everyone started to pack their things.

My cell phone rings suddenly. Everyone turns their attention to me.

"Hello?"

"Rory, hey Mom here." She sounds winded.

"Sweetie, I can't pick you up tonight. It's pouring real bad and there's just too many people at the Inn today. I have to stay here. Could you get a ride home from a friend or something?"

"I guess I could call Grandma." I replied

"Yes, do that. I'm sorry honey but I really have to go. Call me if you need anything."

"Ok, bye."

"Bye."

I turn around and run right into Tristan. Why does that always happen? Does he plan this or something?

"Tristan, oh...sorry. I didn't see you."

"It's okay. Sorry to interfere but I over heard you might need a ride home?"

"No, it's okay, I'm going to call my Grandmother."

"Suit yourself, but if you need a ride you better tell me soon before I go."

"Okay...thanks for the offer." I dialed my Grandparent's number.

No one's home. Great.

"Of all days to not be home..." I mumbled. I paused for a moment. Tristan had his jacket on and was opening the auditorium door.

"Tristan, wait." He turned. "Is your offer still good? I really need a ride home."

Dark clouds consumed the sky. Lightening crackled and the rain flooded the street. She glances over at me as I park my Porsche in front of her house. We sit in silence. That same silence had also accompanied us the whole drive there, except for a few words here and there.

"Umm...thanks for the ride," she manages to say as she begins to open the passenger side door.

"Sure, no problem."

Quickly getting herself out of my car, she slams the door and makes a run for the porch. Despite her efforts she reaches the door drenched from head to toe. Scavenging through her backpack, she finds her keys and opens the door. She hurries inside and closes the door without even looking back.

Placing my head firmly against the smooth, leather headrest of my seat, I close my eyes. The sweet smell of apples lingers in the air reminding me of her. I inhale. She's always on mind. Always in my head. She is always with me. The minutes I don't see her seem like hours and the hours seem like days. Then it happens - I see her and she takes my breath away.

I open my eyes and glance over at her house one final time before leaving. Startled, I jump in my seat when I see a woman in her early 30's staring directly at me on the opposite side of the glass.

"Lorelai, and you are?" She questions.

"Tristan...Tristan DuGrey, ma'am."

"Oh, so you're the guy my daughter refers to as 'The Evil One,'" she responds in amusement.

I immediately look down. "Really?" I muttered.

"What? Can't hear you. Roll window down first then mumble," she instructs, making a circular motion with her hand, signaling me to lower the window.

"Why are you sitting here parked outside my house in the pouring rain?"

"Oh, I just dropped Rory off from our Romeo and Juliet rehearsal. I was just about to leave."

"Oh, alrighty then. Would you like to come in and warm up? It's pretty cold and gross out here."

"No. Thank you for the offer, but I shouldn't." I look at her for a moment. Rory looks just like her.

"OK, just as long as you're sure. Well, it's cold out here, I better run. Nice to meet you. Thank you for driving Rory home. I don't think she'll resent me too much."

She turns and quickly disappears into the house without giving me a chance to reply. I turn the keys in the ignition and the car quickly starts. The heat blasts onto my face. I pull away from her house and make my way down the small road leading to the center of town. I reach a stoplight and look over to where she had been sitting. Her copy of 'Romeo and Juliet' lay on the floor of the car almost hidden under the seat. It must've fallen out of her backpack when she rushed out of my car. I should take this back to her. She'll need it to refer to when she practices her lines tonight. I turn around and drive back in the direction of her house. I arrive shortly after and again, for the second time that night pull up in front of Rory Gilmore's house and turn off my car. I take a quick moment and find the courage to go up to her door and ring the bell. Lighting flashes in the distance. Placing the book under my jacket, I open the car door and run up the stairs onto her porch. I too, quickly become drenched from head to toe. Great. Here goes nothing. I ring the doorbell.

Lorelai opens the door.

"So, you decided to take me up on my offer, huh? Sorry, you're too late. The offer has expired. You'll have to come back next week, it's our special two-for-one deal. But you'll have to hurry, it's first come first serve only. I'm very strict and I don't bend the rules for just anyone."

I stare at her for a moment, at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry to bother you Ms. Gilmore, but Rory left this in my car." I carefully take the book out from under the protection of my jacket and hand it to her. "Could you give this to her for me please? She'll need it to work on the scene." My voice quivered, obviously caused by the chill running though me thanks to the rain.

"First of all, it's Lorelai. Secondly, if you want to give Rory her book, come in and do it yourself." She moved aside gesturing me in.

I stood looking at her dumbfounded.

"Well? Are you coming or do I have to drag your butt inside? I won't bite. I promise. Okay, maybe a little nibble but nothing you can't handle." She eyed me up and down.

I walk inside reluctantly.

"Rory, you have a visitor. Tristan 'The Evil One' is here, bearing gifts no less." She yelled from the doorway as I stood blowing warm air into my hands.

"What? Tristan?" Rory inquired disbelievingly as she walked into the hall.

She turns and finds me standing in front of her. "Oh...hey, what are you doing here?" She's completely stunned.

"You left your copy of 'Romeo and Juliet' in my car."

"Oh, thanks."

"Don't worry about it." I handed her the book and turned heading for the door.

"Tristan, wait. You're soaked. Why don't you come in for a few minutes until you warm up?"

"That's right, you should stay for a while," Lorelai chimed in. "I don't want to get a call from your parents later saying I was responsible for their son catching pneumonia and dying."

"Right. Besides, we need to talk." Rory added, pulling me into the warmth of her living room.

"Here let me take your jacket."

I remove the drenched jacket and hand it to her. She walks to the hall and hangs it up onto the coat rack. I look at her with anticipation as she walks back to where I'm standing. Walking into the kitchen Lorelai utters, "I'll leave you two kids alone to 'talk' then."

"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" I forced myself to ask.

"You know what."

"I do?" I peered down at her. Her hair was still damp from the rain and her blue eyes seemed to illuminate the whole room. Okay, again with the lack of breathing. Take a breath, Tristan. In and out. Good.

"The kiss at Madeline's party."

"Oh, it was nothing. Right?" I questioned, looking down away from those eyes. A few drops of rain fell from my hair onto her soft carpet. I gently run my fingers through my hair, wiping away the excess water.

"Right, I was upset over Dean and you were upset over Summer."

"Right, okay. Well, now that we cleared everything up..." Trying miserably to shield my disappointment, I held my gaze on the carpet. Silence.

"Well, I think I should go..."

"But don't get me wrong, it was a good kiss," she insisted.

"Yeah it was a great kiss," I shot back. "The kind of kiss that makes girls run away crying.

A noise interrupts us. Simultaneously, our heads turn in the direction of the sound. Lorelai smiles through the kitchen door ashamed. She had been hiding behind it listening to our conversation, and had dropped the spoon she was eating her ice cream with onto the floor. Seconds later the doorbell rings. Lorelai runs to get the door.

"Don't mind me, carry on, carry on."

A cheerful lady around the same age walks into the hall peering into the living room at me.

"He's cute! Wha..." she begins as Lorelai swiftly covers her mouth silencing her and drags her into the kitchen.

"Who's that?"

"Oh, that's just Sookie. My mom's best friend."

"Oh." We look at each other for a moment predicting the others next move.

"Well, I should really be going. I'll see you tomorrow."

I walk into the hall and she follows.

"Wait, I'm not done."

I turn. "Look Rory, I really don't want to talk about this anymore, okay? I kissed you, you cried. It couldn't have been that great. I had to have done something seriously wrong to make you cry."

She just looked at me. With the twinkling of her eye she had me hypnotized. I couldn't take it. I grabbed my jacket and ran out of the house, into the pouring rain. She ran after me and grabbed my shoulder, pulling me to look at her. I stop. I turn. The rain is beating down onto us. My tee-shirt becomes glued to my body and I begin to shiver still holding my jacket. We stare at each other for a moment through the rain. She didn't say a word. I'm on the verge of insanity. Why won't she say anything? Why is she just looking at me like that? Why? Why does she have to be so beautiful? Why does she have this effect on me? Why do I allow her to have this effect on me? I just stood there in the rain, wondering. Wondering what I was doing there to begin with. Wondering how I had arrived at this moment. I wish something would happen. I wish I could just disappear. She's holding my wrist. Even amidst all this coldness I can feel the satisfying heat of her touch. The slight movement of her soft, wet lips breaks the silence.

"Tristan, I'm sorry."

Hurt by her response, I rip my wrist out of her grip and get into my car. She stands there in the rain watching me drive away. I never thought she would say the things she did and I'd walk away from her like that. It's just we keep tripping all over ourselves and pulling each other down. Over, and over again. I know she has to feel something. She can't look into my eyes like that and feel nothing. I can't possibly be the only one who feels this way. I can sense it. Who does she think she's fooling?

The water flowed steadily out of the faucet. Cupping my hands together, I place them under the stream and the ice cold water showers my hands, running gently through my fingers. After a couple of quick splashes of water, I reach over for a towel and pat my face dry. I turn the faucet off and my gaze is caught in the pool of water that has formed in my sink as it slowly swirls down the drain. A flashback hits me suddenly, reminding me of the previous night. There I was standing in front of my house in the pouring rain, watching Tristan drive away upset at what I had said. A knock on the door wakes me from the memory.

"Rory, sweetie are you okay?"

"I'm fine Mom, why wouldn't I be okay?"

"Uh, gee, I dunno...a boy shows up on our door step soaking wet from head to toe at ten in the evening just to give you a book you left in his car? Then he drives off leaving you standing in the pouring rain. And, might I add, you were also standing out there for a good half hour before you came back inside. I think that just about gives me a good enough reason to be concerned...don't you think? But wait, there's nothing wrong and you're fine. So why should I be worried?"

"Right, Mom, I'm fine...really," I replied as I walk past her avoiding any possible eye contact.

"Sweetie, you know that if you ever wanted to tell me anything - anything - you can come to me right?"

"I know Mom, it's nothing really. Now if some evil alien from Mars were to attack and impregnate me with it's demon seed, I'll be sure to run to you first thing. I promise."

"Rory, we've talked about this already. College first, then a career. Then you can settle down and sire evil Mars alien offspring. But not before you become the first women President. "

"Damn, I forgot."

"C'mon Rory, talk to me," she pleaded, following me into my room. "Does this have something to do with this kiss you and Tristan had?"

"What kiss? How'd you know about our kiss?"

"Ah-ha! So it's true. I can't believe you didn't say anything to me."

"Mom!"

"Okay, you got me. So I sort of overheard most of your conversation. I'm sorry! I just couldn't resist!"

"Mom, it's just something I'm not comfortable talking about right now."

"What do you mean you're not comfortable talking to me about it? You've always been able to talk to me. This should be no different. What's so completely horrible that you can't share with me?"

"Nothing's completely horrible. I just can't talk about it. Not right now."

"Why Rory? Why?" She whined.

"I just can't. I need to think about things and figure stuff out. As soon as I'm ready you'll be the first to know," I said.

Obviously hurt by my comment and the fact that I wouldn't talk to her, she turned and began to walk out of my room. Reaching the door, she pauses. Turning around, she looks down at me sitting on my bed.

"Fine, I'm not going to push you. If you don't want to tell me what's wrong, that's just fine. I'm just going to have to find another daughter who doesn't mind telling her Mom every single detail of her life."

Her sarcasm was dry but I knew she was just trying to hide her pain. I didn't know what to do, so I just sat there and watched her walk out. I finally decided that I better get ready for school and stop thinking about all this nonsense. Walking to my closet, an object caught my attention from the corner of my eye. There on my dresser lay my copy of "Romeo and Juliet", the one that Tristan had brought to my house late last night. As my hand slid over the cover and around the binding, I couldn't but help think about him. The look he gave me in the auditorium and how I felt when it all happened. His closeness to me right before we were supposed to kiss. His hand on the back of my neck. Ugh, stop! Why was he so upset last night? Our kiss meant nothing. Right? Right. He was upset over Summer! He couldn't have possibly thought that kiss meant anything more than what it was...completely innocent. It doesn't mean anything. Right?

Thoroughly frustrated with the whole mess, I gently place the book down on my dresser and walk over to my closet. I reached for the usual blue, black, and white plaid skirt that I was forced to where each and every day down the halls of Chilton. Holding the skirt I realized that I had school in an hour and I would also have to see him. I really don't want to see him. I'm just so terribly confused. I don't know what to do. I need to talk to someone quick, but not Mom. Not now. I rush over to the phone.

"Lane?"

"Hey Rory."

"Are you busy this afternoon? I really need to talk to you."

"What's wrong are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I just really need to talk to you. Is that okay?"

"Of course, but I'll have to tell my Mom some lame excuse to get out of the house. I'll tell her I'm going to library. She'll love that. Anything about education always seems to make that frown on her face surprisingly turn upside down into a somewhat passable smile. So we'll meet at the library, then we'll go somewhere else instead to talk. Okay? Rory?"

"Yes, that's fine I'll see you then at 3:30."

I hang up the phone and start getting ready for school. No! I forgot. I have rehearsal. I can't meet Lane today. Paris will freak out like some mad dog and attack me if I don't show up. I gotta call Lane quick.

"Hello, Lane? I can't believe I almost forgot. I have rehearsal today for 'Romeo and Juliet' and if I don't show up Paris will have my head. And you know that won't be pretty."

"You're doing 'Romeo and Juliet'? Who's Romeo and who's Juliet?"

"Nevermind about that. I'll tell you the details later, I promise. Could we meet this weekend? I really need to talk you."

"Why couldn't we just meet tomorrow?"

"We can't meet tomorrow because unfortunately I am forced against my will to play the naive beauty that is Juliet. And since I have such a huge part...if I miss even one rehearsal Paris will definitely beam her superman-like-eyes and fry me from the inside out."

"Oh, so you're Juliet?"

"Yes, I'm Juliet. Go ahead and laugh. So can we meet on Saturday?"

"Yeah, of course. Wait, aren't you spending the weekend with your grandparents though?"

"You're right, I almost forgot. Okay, why don't we do this. Umm..why don't we meet at..."

"Oh, have you seen the previews for the new movie 'The Forsaken'?"

"No, why? Lane, back to the subject at hand. Where to meet? Hmm.."

"Did you see Brenden Fehr and Kerr Smith? They looked soooo good."

"Lane!" I pleaded.

"Alright, back on track. I know! Why don't we meet at the movies? We can go see 'The Forsaken' and then we can talk afterwards. I'll have to figure out something clever to tell my Mom but there shouldn't be a problem."

"Good, we'll do that. So let's meet at...say 7 o'clock at the Hartford Megaplex, okay?

"Okay."

"I'm going to be late for school. I'll talk to you then okay? Bye."

"Two for 'The Forsaken' please."

I handed him the money and he slid the tickets under the glass. Being a gentleman I lent her my arm.

"Ready?"

"Yup, let's go."

We walked over snack bar and searched for the perfect food.

"Popcorn?"

"Mmm, no I always get that. How about candy? Skittles."

"Skittles it is."

I paid for the food and we made our way to the theater. That's when I see her. Out of nowhere I see her. Of all the places for her to be! This is Hartford, why would she be here? She lives in Stars Hollow. Just when I thought I could have one night to myself without thinking about Rory Gilmore.

She's with another girl who seems to be around our age and talks just as much as Rory does. They're right infront of us. She has no idea I'm right behind her. Her friend says something and she bursts out laughing. I smile. God, she's so beautiful. She seems so careless and free, not worring about anything else. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and parts of it lay softly on her shoulder. She usually wears her hair down. I like it up. Why am I even thinking about her? I bet she doesn't even care about what happened the other night at her house. I saw her everyday at school this week after what happened and nothing. Not a single word came out of her angelic mouth. I can't even think of anything bad when I'm mad at her! Ugh, what's wrong with me?

"It's threater 8, right Tristan?"

She freezes. Her smile fades and she quickly becomes tense.

"What's wrong," her friend asks.

She turns. Our eyes meet.

"Tristan."

"Hey."

"What are you doing here? I mean, obviously I can see what you're doing here. I mean I just didn't expect to see you here is all. Um...this is Lane," she stamers, turning and signaling to her friend. She's completely caught off guard and is having a hard time controling the nervousness in her voice. But I can tell. "Lane this is Tristan."

"Tristan, right. Nice to meet you. I'm Lane also known as Rory's bestfriend."

"Hi," I reply, quickly glancing back at Rory. She sees me and looks away.

"Hi, I'm Brittany."

"Oh, yeah, Brittany this is Rory...and Lane, right?" Oh this is just too weird. Man, she is so going to have the wrong idea about this. I just know. Why me? Why? When I asked Brittnay out, it was never to make Rory jealous. I just needed to try to get her my mind off of her. I needed to try and move on. I never would have thought in a million years I'd bump into her at a movie theater in Hartford, especially since she lives in Stars Hollow. And of course, I have to be on a date with another girl when I do.

"So are you two seeing this movie too?" Brittany asks all giddy.

"Umm...yeah. Lane is determined to see it because of Brenden Fehr and Kerr Smith. It's a package deal that comes along with having a best friend - you get dragged to lame scarey movies aimed at the teen audience, full of sterotypical cliches, overacting, and of course the ever popular gratuitous sex scene. But what can you do right?"

"Oh I just loved them! Brendan Fehr is so hot! Roswell is one of my favorite shows. Michael and Maria - I love them! They're so adorable. I love how they have that whole love/hate thing relationship." Brittany squealed.

"I know! Me too," Lane said.

I glance over at Rory. I suddenly become very uncomfortable. I notice she is too. Quickly becoming annoyed with the situation, I gently started to pull Brittany into the theatre.

"Well, we better find our seats before the movie starts," I replied, grabbing Brittany's hand, leading her down the aisle. Rory eyes lock onto our hands and I immediately drop Brittany's hand from my grasp.

"C'mon Brittany, we should go."