| Author: brown_eyed_girl[Materialgrl82] Pairing: Tristan/Rory Disclaimer: I don�t own any of the characters from Gilmore Girls. They all belong to Amy Sherman-Palladino and The WB. I�m simply borrowing them to write this story. Author�s Note- This is complete fluff. Also, takes place in the future. Enjoy! The prequel,'Of Diamonds And Dust' is in the Dipper section. Standing in the living room of her grandparent�s house, Rory Gilmore felt 16 again. However at 25, she was no longer the na�ve, sheltered teenager she had once personified. In an effort to find an escape from her solitude, she scoped the room for familiar faces. Still a trophy of sorts to her grandparents, she was determined to escape the incessant introductions and questioning of this young, Harvard graduate. Formerly, there would have been her mother to converse with, but seeing her mother adjacent to the beverage table with Luke, she couldn�t interrupt the newly-weds. �Finally. It only took them twenty years.� She thought to herself. As her cool blue eyes scanned the richly decorated, dark wood room, she strained to find any familiar face. �This is ridiculous. I should just go.� She told herself, after coming up empty from her search. After informing Luke and Lorelai she would be leaving, she headed towards the coat room. On her way, she hugged her grandparents, telling them she would see them soon. After several pleasantries with various socialites, she finally arrived at her fancy present, a silver Mercedes Benz. Remembering her grandparent�s reasoning, she laughed sardonically. Climbing into the car, she rested her head on the steering wheel. Not feeling the need to go home, she started driving home. Stars Hollow, she hadn�t lived there in years, but it seemed as much home now as it had 7 years ago when she left. Pulling her car up against the curb, she climbed out of the driver�s side. Immediately discarding her heels into the trunk, she wandered around Stars Hollow�s town center for many minutes. Reminiscing on her childhood here. The moments with Lorelai, Luke, Lane, Jess, Dean and everyone in her extended �family�. Again thanking her mother�s amazing choice in ending up here, she missed the simplicity of her younger life. In less than a decade she had matured and moved on. Although with her hectic times finishing up her law degree, she hadn�t been in a serious relationship in more than two years. �That one thing I�ve never found.� She wished, longingly. Sighing, she returned to her car, continuing her reminiscing on her life so far. Heading in the direction of her apartment, her mind in it�s reminiscing had taken her on a detour to a place she thought she wouldn�t visit unless forced. �Damn social engagements.� However, after pulling into the Chilton parking lot, she no longer felt cynical, embracing all she had discovered from the colder halls of Chilton. Recollections on those she had come to recognize and even befriend during her three year stint. Paris, Madeline, Louise and even Tristan. Mentally berating herself for reliving that memory path, she found she couldn�t just leave it. After all these years, he was still one of the few people who could fluster her to the extent he had in previous occasions. Later pulling her sleek Benz into her apartment complex�s parking space, she climbed the stairs to her newest home. Tossing the keys on the table, she picked up the mail and kicked off her shoes. Opening the only substantial piece in her mail, she discovered it was an invitation. �Great, another party.� She thought, sarcastically. However, as she read down, she saw in fancy script �The Union of Jess Mariano and Paris Gellar�. �What is it with everyone getting married these days?� She thought, saddened by the thought she would not be one of the above. Being awoken from her reverie by the phone, she picked up the ringing object. Hearing Paris� voice on the other end, they launched into a conversation. �Congratulations! That�s great!� �Thanks! We owe it to you though, we met through you, remember?� Paris reminded her. �Of course. So when�s the wedding?� Rory questioned. �Its on the invitation.� Paris reprimanded. �Next Saturday night in Stars Hollow, actually.� �Let me guess, Jess finally convinced you into the gazebo idea.� Rory laughed at the thought of Jess and Paris� planning for said occasion. �Took him lots of work, I tell you.� Paris added, followed by her laughing with Rory. �And I�d like you to be my maid of honor.� Paris added, after their laughter subsided. �Seriously?� Rory replied, completely shocked. �Of course!� �Who�s the best man? Because I don�t want to be stuck with some jerky friend of Jess�.� Rory put in. �Actually, I don�t know. Jess won�t tell me a name. All he says is that it�s a friend of his from college.� �Great.� Rory sighed. �That could mean anything.� �I know, I�m sorry.� Paris added her sympathy. �Don�t worry, it�s your wedding. I�ll live.� Rory finished. �Look, I�ve got to go.� �Me too. Bye Rory. See you at 7 on Thursday night for rehearsal.� �Of course. Bye. Wait, what about my dress?� �We�ve already got one for you, don�t worry.� �Thanks Paris. Say hi to Mariano for me. Love you both.� �We love you too. Bye� Paris replied, ending the conversation. Returning again to Stars Hollow for the second time this week, Rory parked her Benz and climbed out, hoping she wasn�t late for rehearsal. Checking her watch, she realized it was 7 and she was just on time. After entering the diner, she saw Jess, Paris, Lorelai, Luke, Lane and Dean all here for rehearsal. As everyone assembled to run through the ceremony, she noticed Jess� mystery best man didn�t appear to be around. Her curiosity finally catching up with her, she asked Jess where his best man was. All she got in reply was Hartford. Knowing Rory well enough, Jess knew he had just sparked many questions in her, but not having time to answer all, he just added that he would be there Saturday. Rehearsal came and went, as Rory enjoyed the company of those who had known her for years. This comfort came frequently, but was never unwelcome. Ending much to quickly for everyone there, they sadly parted ways even though they would all see one another on Saturday. Just before leaving, Paris handed Rory a dress bag, hugged her a quick goodbye and thanked her once again. Feeling the need to spend some time with her mom and Luke, Rory approached her family. After constant pleading, Rory finally gave in and crashed with Lorelai and Luke that night. She just couldn�t deny her mother�s incessant pleading, especially when Lorelai had finally gotten Luke to help her beg. A memory she would never forget. Being woken early by Lorelai, the two grabbed their stuff and headed to the inn where they were meeting all of Paris� bridesmaids to prepare for tonight. In the room was Paris, Louise, Madeline, Sookie, Lane and lastly Lorelai and Rory. �Nice to know you two can get somewhere on time.� Lane greeted, sarcasm dripping from her voice. �She�s my mother, blame her. Its hereditary.� Rory defended, pointing nonchalantly towards her mother. �And what the great Emily Gilmore would say to that.� Paris said, her voice teasing. �Ahh, yes.� Lorelai said, clearing her throat. �The black sheep of the family has breeded a lack of punctuality to the Gilmore clan.� Lorelai finished, imitating her mother. As the room filled with laughter, the women fell into a comfortable morning of chatter and fashion. Many hours later, all 7 women were dressed in their appropriate clothing. Paris in a creamy white, floor length dress, while all the bridesmaids showcased different styled dressed all in royal blue. Paris, no matter how stubborn, was currently being comforted by Lorelai, Sookie and Lane, all of which were married. Louise and Madeline, both in serious relationships were assisting. �Louise and Madeline, serious relationships. The irony.� Feeling slightly unnecessary at the current time, Rory began touching up her makeup while searching for her pieces of elusive jewelry. Her diamond pendant on a silver chain accompanied by the matching earrings as well as both of her bracelets and her various selection of rings. After a solid 10 minutes of searching, she was now bearing all pieces of her jewelry collection. As the wedding was beginning, the bridesmaids all paired off preparing to walk to makeshift aisle through Stars Hollow�s square to the gazebo. In front there was Louise and Mike, then Madeline and Sean, followed by Sookie and Jackson, Lorelai and Luke and Lane and Henry, The last one to get in line, Rory was standing alone in the line currently. Again her curiosity peaking at her lack of information she was brokn from such thoughts as she felt someone grasp her arm and lead her down the aisle. Realizing that their cue music was playing the background, Rory�s feet began moving at their own accord. Looking over, her curiosity begging to be quenched, she discovered a familiar face, immediately placing it to none other than Tristan DuGrey. �Jess, you are the devil.� She thought silently to herself, although slightly chuckling at the situations irony. �No kidding Paris wouldn�t tell me.� Not wanting to make a scene, she quickly composed herself and flashed a small smile in Tristan�s direction before turning her head forward again. Entering the reception later on, it was clear Paris had been much more in charge of the reception. Held in one of Hartford�s more prominent hotels, it screamed high society. As music slightly flowed from the speakers she watched as many of her friends and fellow bridesmaids danced, joining Jess and Paris on the floor. Seeing Jess and Paris� bright smiles, she knew neither had been happier. Knowing she had been a part of that made her happy as well. Moving slightly towards the table with coffee, she continued watching everyone. After several minutes, someone came up behind her, asking her quietly to dance. Immediately placing that voice to Tristan, she accepted knowing Jess and Paris would be on her if she didn�t. As they danced slowly, she thought again of just how ironic her life had become. Eventually, they began discussing what they would say in their obligated speech�s towards the couple. After discovering the similarities, they decided to join their speeches in an effort to save time and repetition. As the reception closed, Rory said goodbye to her friends and family, especially making sure to wish a great honeymoon to the Marianos. Meeting Tristan outside, she kissed his cheek and handed him a folded paper from her pocket. Bidding a small farewell, she headed home. Returning home for dinner, Paris Mariano was immediately greeted by her husband handing her an invitation. �You are cordially invited to the wedding of Tristan DuGrey and Lorelai Gilmore.� Paris read aloud. �The least we could do is return the favor, right Jess?� Paris smiled. �Of course.� Jess stated, smiling in return. |
| RETURNING THE FAVOUR |