𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 ~ billy loomis & stu macher

Old Times Sake

Later that day after Rory's date with Liam, she had gotten a call from Hallie that Sidney broke up with Derek. Hallie explained how the poor girl was upset, she also said she won't be there tonight and she needs Rory to stick by Sidney's side.

Of course, Rory agreed, which is why she's standing in front of Sidney's dorm with snacks and movies in her arms. Knocking on the door, she waited for her friend to answer. Saying a simple hello to Sidney's bodyguards that were standing by the door, keeping watch. They knew Rory is Sidney's friend, so they let her knock.

When Sidney opened the door, she was surprised to see Rory. "Rory? I thought you were on your date with Liam."

Rory could see Sidney trying to mask her pain, her heart broke for her friend to be such in distress. Putting on a smile, she spoke, "I was, but I heard what happened. Thought we could have a sleepover, like old times sake."

Seeing Rory stop her date with her boyfriend just to comfort her friend, warmed Sidney's heart. It was a reminder of how much Rory loves Sidney and her well being.

"You didn't have to stop your date because of me." Sidney felt guilty, not wanting Rory to stop her plans.

"Relax, Liam's at practice anyway." Rory let herself into Sidney's dorm, laying the snacks and movies on the bed. "So I was thinking we could watch Clueless, nothing like Paul Rudd to make any woman feel better."

Sidney smiled and accepted the fact that her stubborn friend wasn't going to go anywhere. Walking over to her bed, she sat down. "I'd like that."

"Good." Rory put in the movie and sat down next to Sidney. The two started to eat from the snacks Rory brought.

As the intro started, Rory spoke up, "You wanna talk about it?"

Sidney didn't have to ask what, she knew what Rory was talking about. After a few seconds of silence, she said, "I broke up with Derek."

"I know, babe." Rory softly laughed, but continued,
"I'm asking if you want to talk about why you did."

"It's too dangerous for him to be attached to me."

Rory knew that was part of the problem, but it wasn't enough. Call her selfish but Rory isn't willing to let Liam go even if it is dangerous. But she felt there's another reason Sidney let Derek go, something Sidney clearly wasn't admitting.

"I understand, but that's not the reason." Rory said.

Sidney's brows furrowed in confusion on what the brunette meant. At seeing Sidney's puzzled look, Rory turned to face her and explained, "We both know you never really loved Derek."

Eyes widening, Sidney quickly shook her head. "No, that's not true. I love him."

Rory placed her hand atop of Sidney's with a sympathetic smile. "I know you love Derek, but you're not in love with him."

Caught off guard, Sidney didn't know what to say. Her mind swirling with thoughts of if Rory was right. I love Derek, don't I?

"I know you won't admit it, but you were never ready for Derek. Sure he made you happy, but he was only a distraction from who you actually love." Rory pointed out.

They both knew a certain blonde still held Sidney's heart, even if she wasn't here. That love never died for Sidney and Rory knows that.

"I..." Sidney frowned, not having a response. Maybe Rory was right, maybe I still love Tatum.

Giving Sidney's hand a squeeze, Rory softly spoke, "Sid, I know you care for Derek, but let's not pretend this isn't about Tate."

Looking up at Rory with glossy eyes, Sidney whispered. "I try, Rory. I try to forget her, forget everything about her, but I can't....I look for her in everything."

Sighing softly, Rory nodded. Understanding Sidney more than she ever could. "I do too."

"You do?"

"At first when I met Chloe, I hated her. She reminded me too much of Tatum that every time I looked at her I got angry. But eventually I realized there's no point in hating someone that reminds you of someone you loved." Rory swallowed down the lump in her throat, trying to stay strong for Sidney. "Now, I love how much Chloe reminds me of Tate. It makes me feel like I have a small piece of her with me."

"I know you feel you need to erase Tatum completely to heal, but that only makes it worse. Missing her is normal. The pain helps us remember how much we loved her and how much she loved us."

A few tears fell down Sidney's cheeks, taking in every word Rory said. Because she knew that Rory was entirely right. Pushing the memory of Tatum only causes more pain. "I miss her so much, Rory. So much it hurts."

Frowning at seeing Sidney's tears, Rory pulled her in for a hug. Her voice soft and comforting. "I know, baby. Trust me, I know."

Rory understands Sidney's pain. Especially with the murders going on, it just brought her back to that night she found Tatum's dead body. Reminding her of the nightmares she'd get of seeing her bubbly friend limp and lifeless.

Gently rubbing Sidney's back, Rory continued, "But Tate wouldn't want us to be sad, she'd want us to keep living. To be happy and live our lives to the fullest. You know that."

"I know." Sidney shakily said as she wrapped her arms around Rory. "You're right. I'm not in love with Derek...I just thought he could fill that void, but I don't think anyone can. The only one being the person who's gone."

"You don't know that, Sid. One day someone might surprise you. You won't even realize that void is filled, because trust me, you'll find love again." Rory reassured.

Rory didn't think she'd ever find someone she'd love like she loved Billy and Stu, but she was wrong. Liam came into her life when she needed someone most. Falling in love with the boy that helped her when she was at her lowest.

So, she would be there for Sidney every step of the way. Making sure Sid never shuts down or sulks, Rory is going to do what Tatum would; push Sidney to find her happiness.

Sidney pulled from the hug with a weak smile, sniffling as she spoke, "Thank you for being here. For always being there for me."

Rory softly wiped Sidney's tears away. Her words teasing to get the girl to smile or laugh. "Of course. I take my job as your best friend very seriously."

A small laugh came from Sidney's mouth. Playing along with her tease. "Thought Chloe was your best friend."

"Oh, come on." Rory laughed, "You know you're my number one girl. Even Liam knows I'd choose you over him any day."

"Really?" Sidney softly laughed.

"Duh. Chicks before dicks, baby." Rory teased.

The two laughed together at Rory's words. Laughing like they had no worries besides relationship problems. As if they were just normal girls for the night.

Cuddled together under the blanket, watching romcoms, eating snacks, and laughing until their stomachs hurt.

It was just like when they were back in Woodsboro. Having sleepovers, just missing their favorite blonde. Not knowing that bubbly blonde was looking down at them, happy that her two best friends stuck by each other.