| I'D KISS YOU GOODBYE... |
| DISCLAIMER: Gilmore Girls isn't mine. PAIRING: T/R RATING: PG-13 AUTHOR: RainCloud I'd Kiss You Goodbye 01: Meeting Again Tristan DuGrey was having dinner with his friend at one of the posh restaurants in Hartford. It was taking longer than he expected and he was getting tired of his friend's talking. What would usually start as small talk would turn into a one-sided lecture on Tristan's love life, or lack thereof. "Tristan, you're working too damn hard. There is nothing else you do other than work, go home, sleep, then work again! You need to find a good woman and settle down." Tristan gave his friend a cocky grin. "Hey, I do go out on dates! I get laid, too, once in a while!" Jason rolled his eyes. "Yeah. You get laid by the women who are after your money! The women that who keep hoping that they're the ones who're going to change your mind about marriage and capture the heart of the unattainable Tristan DuGrey!" Tristan let out a chuckle. "For crying out loud! Are you even listening to yourself? You sound like a bad daytime soap. Kate is really rubbing off on you." Jason raised an eyebrow. "What would you know about daytime soap?" "Nothing. Forget what I said" "So are you going to consider my advice to you?" Tristan sighed. "Look, Jason, I know that you're happy with Kate and I'm really ecstatic for you. You're going to get married in three months and you'll have your happily ever after. And because of this you think that everybody else should have that too. But it doesn't work that way. Not everybody can have what you have with Kate and believe me, I'm part of that population. You heard what Victoria yelled at me when she dumped me. "My God! Victoria doesn't even count! She's the typical bimbo that you shouldn't consider getting into a relationship with. I'm talking about a good and decent woman, Tristan." Tristan laughed humorlessly. "Yeah. Well, I think she's right. I will never find the right woman and marriage just doesn't suit me. Jason just stared at his best man to-be. "That was a bunch of crap! You know very well that you can have what I have, only you're too stubborn and too scared to even try. You change girlfriends as often as you change shirts! Dating women who don't want commitment, just like you." "What the hell are you talking about?" "Please! Let's not forget that we've been friends for seven years now so I know you inside out. And I know for a fact that your parents' unhappy marriage has rendered you cynical about this. You've been worried that you would screw up just like them. You are not your parents so for Christ's sake, stop thinking that you are!" Tristan's faced hardened. "You don't know what you're talking about." "Oh, don't I? Once upon a time, we were on the same boat so I know exactly what I'm talking about." "Yeah. And thank God Kate came into your life," Tristan replied sardonically. "Yes, thank God for that," Jason said softly. "Look, all I'm saying-" Tristan cut him off. "You know what? Let's drop this! Let's just not talk about it" Jason stared at his friend as if he wanted to argue. But luckily for Tristan, he dropped the subject. He gave out a heavy sigh. "Fine. Have it your way." "Yeah. So let's get out of here. Rory Gilmore was having the worst night of her life. She was so bored that her date's voice was getting distant and her mind started to wander off. Why, oh why did she allow herself to be set up on a blind date by her grandmother. Her grandmother of all people! Emily Gilmore loved to meddle with her daughter's life and even with her granddaughter's. This time Rory was the victim and she was persuaded by her grandmother to go out on a date with this "young and dashing man from a respectable family". This "dashing young man" was the son of the most prominent neurologists in Hartford. When he picked her up at her grandparents' house that evening she thought that this wasn't such a bad idea after all. He was well-mannered and quite the gentleman. It also didn't hurt that he was attractive. He took her to a nice and elegant restaurant. The food was actually great, but sadly her date wasn't. This was one of the worst dates she had ever had. He did nothing but talk about himself. He went on and on about how important his position in his family business was, the merits he received in college and his rich and prominent family. Once in a while he would ask Rory something about herself. Rory would say a few sentences but then he would be reminded of something similar that had happened to him. The conversation, of course, would shift back to his favorite topic, himself. When they were having dessert and coffee, she patiently waited for him to finish his story then cut the conversation short. "Would you please excuse me for a moment?" she said as she stood up. "Yeah. Sure." Rory left their table and walked towards the ladies' room. When she was out of his sight she fumbled inside her handbag to look for her cellular phone. She needed a moment of sanity because her date was starting to drive her insane. However, she wasn't looking where she was going and bumped right into what she thought was a wall. But she realized that it wasn't a wall she bumped into for she knew walls did not have arms that could steady her and they definitely did not smell this good. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" they both said at the same time. "Are you all right?" the man asked, his hands still holding her steady. Rory raised her head to look at him. "Yes. Thank you. Are you ok?" "Yes I think so," he said. Rory looked closer at the guy. He seemed a bit familiar. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. She knew that she had seen him before but couldn't figure out where. The man was also looking at her closely. "Have we met before? You seem a bit familiar." Rory scrunched her forehead. "I think so. But I don't remember exactly where." He gave her a smile and it finally hit Rory. "Tristan?" "Yes, that's who I am. And you are?" "It's Rory." Tristan was shocked and surprised when she told him who she was. This was Rory Gilmore, the girl who hadn't given him the time of day back at Chilton. She was still beautiful, although her features were now are more mature. "Rory? Wow! This is such a surprise!" "Yeah. Quite shocking." "How have you been? I mean, it's been what, eight years since we've seen each other?" "Yes. The last time we saw each other was when we were sixteen and now we're twenty-four. So yes, that makes it eight years." "I still remember the last time we saw each other. It was the night of the Romeo and Juliet play. So how did it go?" "Well, Paris really wanted to murder you. She ended up playing Romeo," Rory replied. Tristan laughed. "I must have missed out on a lot. So tell me, did you two kiss in the last scene?" Rory narrowed her eyes at him. "No. I think I would have had a heart attack! Plus, did you think Paris was that desperate to get an A?" "With Paris, you just never know. She knew what she wanted and she wanted an A. What Paris wanted, Paris made sure she got." Rory smiled. "Sure. Paris was so uptight back then. But she has lightened up a lot since college. I guess there was less pressure from her parents." "Yes, I know about that. We saw each other at my family's Christmas party last year." "Oh." Rory was a bit surprised that Paris didn't tell her. There was a pause. "So, it looked like you really needed to call someone with the frantic search you were doing for your cell phone. Is everything all right?" "How did you know I was looking for my cell phone?" she asked. "Well, that is what you're holding, isn't it?" Rory looked at her hand and saw that she was indeed holding her cell phone. "I just needed to call somebody I could talk to, even for just a moment, to take me out of my misery. Or something like that," she explained. Tristan raised his eyebrows in confusion. Rory let out a sigh. "I'm out on a date and I needed a break from him. I don't think there's any other word in his vocabulary other than the word 'I'. He likes that word a lot. And frankly, I was getting bored." Tristan just laughed at this. Rory Gilmore really was something else. In the very short span of time that they talked to each other, he realized that Rory was still the good and caring person that she was eight years ago. She would be someone they would call a "good and decent woman". Too bad he wasn't looking for a relationship. In fact, it was the least of his problems. Another awkward pause passed between them and he realized that it was time to say goodbye to her. It was like d�j� vu. "I guess it's time for me to go." Then Tristan gave her teasing smile, hoping that she would remember. "So, I'd kiss you goodbye, but your date's waiting for you. It was nice seeing you again... Mary." AUTHOR�S NOTES and THANK YOUS: Thanks so much to those who reviewed the first chapter. I never expected to get so much. Sorry it took a while before I was able to post this sooner because I haven�t any idea how to go on about this fic. So all suggestions are welcome. You could even e-mail it to me. Thanks so much again! Ch. 02: Meddling Tristan had been driving around the Hartford area, not particularly going anywhere. His thoughts, though, keep running back to the blue eyed, coffee colored woman he met again last night after eight long years. He didn�t know how much he missed her until the moment he saw her. He had to admit, Rory Gilmore was still beautiful, witty and possibly more off limits to him more than ever. Women like Rory should be taken seriously and deserved someone better. It really surprised him that Rory still remembered. When she his parting words, her eyes widened in surprise and she smiled at him. She took a step forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek, whispering �bye, Tristan�. He was stunned beyond belief that even when she was already walking away he was still standing in his place, gawking at the empty space in front of him. Tristan shook his head at the memory. Right then, he made a decision and made a right turn in the next corner. When he reached the grand gates of the mansion, he just lowered the car window and the security let him pass. �Hello, James. Where is grandfather?� Tristan asked the butler. �He�s in the garden,� James answered. �Alright. I�ll just go to him then.� Tristan was about to go when he suddenly stopped. �Oh, and James? Coffee please.� James merely smiled. �Of course.� Tristan showed himself the way towards the back of the mansion to the garden. When he reached the doorway he saw his grandfather alone enjoying the cool breeze and the spectacular view of the garden while sipping his tea. �Good afternoon, grandfather� Tristan started as he walked across the lawn. Janlan turned his head to look at the voice. His mouth turned into a wide smile and his face showed happiness when he saw his grandson. �Ah! Tristan! What a pleasant surprise!� Tristan continued the rest of the journey towards his grandfather�s side. �Yes, sir. My flight back to New York is still later this evening. I was in the area and I thought I�d visit you, after all, I promised you that I would come and visit you every time I�m in Hartford� he said as he sat down on one of the chairs. �Ah yes. I was beginning to think that you�ve already forgotten your promise as you haven�t visited me in a long time.� Tristan bowed his head in shame. �Yes, I know. I�m sorry, grandfather. I�ve been busy with work.� �I understand,� Janlan replied. He took a sip of his tea then added, �So how are you, Tristan?� �You mean how is my life in general or you want to know if I have been seeing anyone not to your satisfaction?� Tristan asked his grandfather. Janlan smiled. His grandson knew him quite well. �Whichever you want to answer.� Tristan ran his hand through his blonde hair and watched as James placed a cup of coffee in front of him. �I�m fine. Work is ok but hectic. As to if I�m dating anyone? The answer is no.� Janlan raised in eyebrows. �Really? I�m surprised that you aren�t dating anyone. Much more than not dating anyone who, let�s just say, needs to use their God given wits more.� Tristan laughed. �You can say it, grandpa. I won�t be offended.� Janlan just sighed. �I don�t want to say this Tristan but I think I have to. I�m really worried about you. When are you going to stop fooling around and find the right woman?� �You�re starting to sound like Jason, gramps.� �Well, I think Mr. Thornton is right.� Tristan let out a frustrated sigh and a silence lingered between them. Then, �I found a good and decent woman, gramps. But I don�t know if she�s the right one for me.� �Why do you say that?� �Because I think she�s too good for me.� �What does that mean? What do you mean she�s too good for you?� Janlan snapped angrily. He was angry because he couldn�t take what his grandson was doing to himself. �Gramps, do you remember the year I was sent to military school? Do you remember the girl I used to tell you about?� �Yes, Richard Gilmore�s granddaughter. I remember� �Well, I saw her last night. And even though I�ve only talked to her for a few minutes, I knew that she�s still the same sweet girl that I used to like. She�s someone Jason would call �good and decent� woman� Tristan shook his head. �But just as I said earlier, she�s too good for me� Janlan just stared at his grandson. �So, what happens now? You�re just going to let her go?� �That�s the plan.� Janlan thought it was a crappy plan. If Tristan wasn�t going to do about it, maybe he can. He was going to meddle. Rory was in her old bedroom getting ready to leave for the airport. She was still tired and sleepy because of the tossing and turning she did the whole night. Her mind kept on drifting to Tristan. It wasn�t that she was suddenly in love with him or even liked him. She just found him a bit intriguing. She thought it would be nice to try to be friends with him. Now that wasn�t so bad an idea, was it? A knock interrupted her musing. �Hey, kiddo!� Lorelai greeted. �Hey, mom. What�s up?� �Nothing. Can�t I talk to my darling daughter first before she leaves me again?� she sniffled dramatically, wiping imaginary tears from her eyes. Rory decided to play along and approached her mom. She gave her a pat on the back. �There, there dear. It�s going to be alright. There�s this communication device they call telephone. We could use that you know.� Lorelai�s sniffling stopped. �Ooh, really? So, so, so when can like talk about new hairstyles and makeup and boys and clothes�� �Yes, mom. We definitely can! So are you ready to go?� �Yes, ma�am.� She chirped with a mock salute. �So, you�ll just meet Paris at the airport?� �Yup. So let�s go, shall we?� Lorelai grabbed the keys to her jeep and took Rory to the airport. While driving down the highway, the duo launched a conversation about Rory�s date the previous night. �So, was last night really that bad?� Lorelai asked her daughter. �Well, not really. Maybe a little.� Lorelai snorted. �Stop being nice, missy. He�s not here to see you anyway. So?� Rory sigh. �I really don�t know. My date was ok, I guess. He�s nice but he�s just too boring. But�� �But what?� �But the night wasn�t so bad. I �I bumped into Tristan last night.� �Sweety, mommy is a bit forgetful so you have to remind me who he is.� �Bibleboy, called me Mary at Chilton, Spawn of Satan? Ring any bells?� �Oh yeah. The one who got sent to military school. So, does he look hot? He was sent to military school so he must have exercised a lot. All those push ups he had to do must have given him a great body.� Lorelai asked, wiggling her eyebrows at Rory. �Mom! That was eight years ago!� �So what? He might have tried to keep his body in shape after all these years!� Rory gave her mom a weird look. Lorelai shifted the topic back to their previous topic. �So, the night wasn�t so bad, huh? Tell me. What made Tristan the reason why it turned out to be A-ok?� �I�m just glad to see an old acquaintance! Aren�t you going to be happy if you see an old friend of yours?� �Huh! Friends huh?� Lorelai said. But she didn�t believe her daughter. She knew that it wasn�t something was up. Although nothing big, yet; but still there was something. �Yes. Anyway, we�re here already.� The Gilmores alighted the jeep and went to the main entrance hall of the airport, where Paris was waiting. Lorelai hugged Rory. �I�m really going to miss you! You only stayed for a couple of days!� she pouted. Rory just laughed. �Yes, I know. But I have to go back to work. I�ll call you ok? We�ll use that communication device we talked about.� �Really? Oh, goody!� Lorelai chirped. Rory gave her mom one last hug. �Bye, mom.� �Bye sweety! I�ll see you!� Lorelai then turned to Paris. �Well, I�ll see you, too, ok?� Paris smiled at Lorelai and gave the older woman a hug. �Yes, I�ll see you soon!� Thirty minutes later, they were already in their seats and the plane had taken off. Rory had been meaning to ask Paris something, something to do with Tristan. She didn�t know if she should ask her because it might be sensitive topic for Paris. But she had the feeling that Paris wouldn�t mind. She was after all happily dating Jess Mariano. �Hey Paris?� Rory started. �Yeah? What?� Rory took a deep breath. She hoped Paris wouldn�t take this the wrong way. �I bumped into Tristan last night� she tried to say casually. Paris turned to face her. �Tristan? Tristan DuGrey?� �Yup, the same Tristan.� �Really? So how is he?� �Ok, I guess. I wouldn�t really know. I was only able to talk to him for a few minutes� Rory explained. �He told me that you saw each other at his family�s Christmas party last year� she continued. �Yeah, we did." Paris said. �Well, that a bit of a surprise. He never told me he�d be in Hartford.� Rory�s eyed widened in surprise. �You guys talk to each other?� Paris was beginning to wonder what�s up with Rory. She never paid enough attention to him before. She wanted to ask her that but knowing her friend she would just deny anything she would ask. �No. We just exchange e-mails frequently. We haven�t had the time to talk on the phone.� �Oh� was Rory�s reply. She shifted her gaze in front of her then leaned back on her chair. Then she faced Paris again. �Just wondering�why didn�t you tell me that?� Paris raised her eyebrow. �Well, I didn�t think it was important that I tell you.� Paris couldn�t contain her curiosity anymore. �Rory, what happened? What�s up with you?� �Me?� Rory squeaked. �Nothing. Really.� Paris didn�t say anything and turned back to the book she was reading. But she wasn�t really reading. The wheels in her mind were actually turning and concocting a plan. She knew something is up with Rory. It might not be something really serious because Rory wasn�t the type who would fall for a guy immediately. She would never admit things such as these. Brace yourself, Rory. I�m going to do a little meddling 03: Unexpected Tristan rummaged through his case file and took out some papers, ready to finish some work while on the plane going to New York. �Thanks for coming with me, Tris� Jason said. Tristan didn't look up from his work. �It�s no problem. Besides I needed a break even if it�s just for a few days.� "And now you're back to full mode again. It has only been ten minutes since we took off and you're already pouring over your work. Don't you ever stop?" When Tristan didn't answer Jason continued. "Have I told you that you're working too hard?" "Yes, many times, in fact. You're getting worse than my mother. Stop nagging, Jace." Jason shook his head and ignored him. "What I couldn�t understand was how you were able to keep a relationship with Victoria with the meager attention you gave her.� Tristan snorted. �It wasn�t even a relationship.� "Then what was it?" Tristan paused from his work and looked up. "I don't know. She seemed to be satisfied with what I gave her. She had her own life and I had mine. If she wanted to go to bed, I'd give her that and versa. That is until she couldn't stand it anymore. Even I couldn't take it anymore. Maybe it's a good thing that we ended out relationship." Jason didn�t say anything for a few minutes then switched to another topic. �So have you found a new place to stay?� Tristan let out a sigh. �No, not yet. I haven't had the time to do it." Jason shook his head. "You had about two months to look for a new place and you haven't found one yet? Christ, Tristan!" "Yeah. I'll just look for another apartment tomorrow and hopefully I'll be able to find one." Jason just nodded. For the rest of the flight, Tristan continued to finish his work while Jason took a nap. Paris nudged her friend awake. "Hey, Rory, we're about to land." Rory opened her eyes and let out a yawn. "All right." As if on cue, the seat belt signal was turned on and Rory buckled her seatbelt. The plane landed fifteen minutes later and Rory and Paris waited while the gates were opened. They exited the plane and made their way towards the terminal to meet Jess. "What time did you tell Jess to pick us up?" Rory asked Paris. "I told him the ETA is 8:30." "Are you sure it's all right with you guys to drop me off? I could just take the taxi." Paris rolled her eyes good naturedly to her friend. "Of course it's all right." They stopped when they reached the terminal and looked for Jess. "I guess he's a bit late." Both girls were quiet when they heard two men behind them talking while walking. "Look, Tristan, if you can't find a place by tomorrow you can just stay at the guest room." the first man said. The other guy chuckled. "Thanks for the offer, Thornton, but no thanks. I don't want to impose. I'm sure you would want to spend some quality time with Kate" a familiar voice answered. "If you were imposing, I wouldn't have asked you." "You're just being too polite." Paris' and Rory's curiosity was piqued. They both recognized the other man's voice and since the first guy called him Tristan, they wanted to know if he was the Tristan they knew. When the pair walked past them, they saw a dark haired man who was a good two inches shorter than the blonde who was walking with a familiar swagger. Before Paris could stop herself she called out "Tristan?" The blonde man stopped and turned around. It showed that he was surprised to see her when his blue eyes widened. "Paris?" he grinned at her and turned to look at Rory, who was just standing there quietly Paris gave him a wry smile. "Yes, DuGrey, it's me." Tristan laughed and approached the blonde and the brunette. "Hello, Paris how have you been. And Rory, fancy seeing you again so soon." "What can I say? It's a small world after all!" Rory replied. "Yes, indeed." Tristan then motioned for Jason to come near them and made the introductions. When Jason heard the name Rory Gilmore he quickly gave Tristan an inquiring look but the blond man refuse to acknowledge it. "Do you ladies need a ride or something?" Jason asked politely. "No, we're just waiting for Jess." Paris answered. "Jess? Is she your girlfriend, Geller? Tristan asked with a raised eyebrow. Paris rolled her eyes. "Jess is a man, you idiot!" "Well, how should I know that you're still into men. Things change you know," Tristan said with a laugh. While this was happening, Rory was just listening to the conversation quietly. She was still surprised to see Tristan here in New York and that he actually lived and worked here now. "So, Rory. How did things go with Mr. Right?" Tristan teased with a grin. "Well, I think he should be Mr. I instead of Mr. Right. If he were Mr. Right then the whole female population is going to have to live without you men." Tristan smirked. "I don't think you'd be able to live without me, Mary" "Tsk tsk...you still haven't changed Tristan DuGrey. Still egotistic as ever." "But you still like it. Admit it, Mary." "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. You'll never know." Rory slapped herself mentally after she said those words. What made her say them, she didn't know. Tristan was surprised that it took him a few seconds to answer back. "Don't worry. I intend to find out" he said with a sexy grin. Paris just stared at her friends while trying to process what the heck was happening. They were flirting. They were definitely flirting. Even after all these years, the spark between the two hasn't died down. What was surprising was that Rory actually flirted back which is so unlike her. When Rory blushed and didn't say anything Paris decided to steer the conversation to another direction. "So how are you, DuGrey? Is everything all right?" Tristan ran a hand through his blond locks. "Yeah, everything is just fine." "Really? I don't mean to pry or anything but I just overheard your a bit of your conversation earlier about you looking for a place to stay." Trust Paris Geller to cut right through the chase. Tristan didn't know what to think of that and how to answer but he did, anyway. "Yes, right now I'm looking for an apartment. "Hey, I see Jess!" Rory interrupted. All of them turned to look at the dark haired man approach them. When Jess reached them, he gave Paris a lingering kiss and a hug. "Sorry, I'm late." He then gave Rory a quick hug. "It's ok." Paris answered. "Well, I'd like you to meet Tristan DuGrey. He was our classmate back at Chilton." Jess held out his hand and Tristan shook it. "So, I'll definitely be seeing you around, Tristan. And it was nice meeting you, Jason." Paris said and the man just gave her a nod. Tristan turned his attention to Rory and gave her the Tristan smirk. "So, I'd kiss you goodbye but you're friends are waiting for you. I'll see you around, Mary." "I'll be waiting for that day, Tris" Rory said then walked away with Paris and Jess. ~ * ~ * ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~ The following day, Tristan went to work and was going over a contract when his cellular phone started ringing. "Tristan DuGrey" he barked on the phone. "My, my, aren't we cranky today?" a feminine voice said. Tristan was startled. "Paris?" "I'm touched that you recognized my voice" He chuckled. "What can I do for you, Ms. Geller?" "Can't I say hello to an old friend?" "Yes you can but that just isn't like you." "Fine. Whatever you say. Here I was thinking of helping you look for an apartment since I know a place where you can stay. But, hey, if you don't want my help, that's perfectly fine. If you need and want my help, just give me a call" "Wait!" Tristan called out before Paris could put the phone down. "Yes?" "Could you help me, please? I don't think I have the time to find one but if you already know a place I'd really appreciate it." "Ok, since you asked nicely. I'll give you the number and the name of the landlord then you can just call him up. Here it is..." When they put the phone down Paris went over to Jess at the couch and gave leaned over him. "Phase one in underway." "So, you really are sure about what you're doing?" "Yes. I just know that they should be together." Jess kissed the top of her head. "I hope you're right." "I know I am" |