The Beginning of a Beginning?

By babydrag0nfly

Disclaimer: I don't own Gilmore Girls, and I certainly don't own Tristan, but a girl can dream can't she?

Rated PG-13 (just to be safe)

Summary: Rory and Tristan are just graduating from college. They haven't seen one another in about six years, and fate seems to be playing an evil game of matchmaking. TRORY and a tiny bit of LL in between. Futurefic.

Chapter 1

::As We Go On, We Remember::

"Congratulations, Class of 2007, for making it this far, and good luck in the future ahead!" The valedictorian of Yale's class of 2007 concluded her speech, and graduation caps were tossed carelessly into the air. Rory Gilmore stepped off the podium and gave everyone around her a hug, thanking everyone for his or her support throughout the years. She had a big, flashing smile, and her eyes twinkled. She hadn't done badly for herself at all, graduating as valedictorian, summa cum laude. This was definitely one of the greatest moments of Rory's life.

After awhile, the noises from the ex Yale students, now alumni, subsided as people began leaving the premises to party elsewhere. Rory met up with Lorelai, Luke, Emily, Richard, Paris, and Logan.

"My midget is all grown up and out of college," Lorelai pretended to sob and clung to Rory's arm. She gave Rory a monster hug and practically suffocated Rory.

"Hun, I think you should let go of your first born. She's turning a funny shade of blue," Luke gruffly suggested to his new wife.

"Oh yes. Of course," Lorelai pulled away, wiping away fake tears from her cheeks.

"Thanks, Mom," Rory laughed. "Anyway, you don't have to worry about me growing up and leaving you to grow old in an old people's home or anything. I'll always come back; if for nothing else, Luke's coffee."

"Congratulations, Rory. We are both very proud of you! You have come quite a long ways," Richard and Emily beamed at their perfect granddaughter.

"Hey, Paris," Rory greeted her old roommate. "Congratulations! We made it out!"

"Likewise. I'm glad we got to know each other better and became great friends through college," Paris sincerely said. They hugged, and Rory moved on to Logan who was waiting patiently for her.

"Hey Ace! Where's my hug and kiss?" Logan smirked.

"It's R-o-r-y, and here's your hug. The kiss comes later," Rory played back.

"You mean when we're alone, in the privacy of someone's room? My, you have dirty things planned, don't you?"

"You've got me all figured out, Logan," Rory surrendered to her boyfriend of nearly three years.

"Hey, kiddo. Luke and I are going to head back to Stars Hollow to get ready for your super duper graduation party. We need to set up and stuff, you know. So you kids have fun for the remainder of the day, but don't be late because the party starts at six o'clock sharp," Lorelai gave Rory a peck on the cheek and ran after Luke singing "Get This Party Started." Rory could still see Luke groan and roll his eyes despite the distance between them.

Rory's grandparents came to say goodbye to her though she'd see them later at the graduation party in Stars Hollow.

"Rory, we're going to hold a more formal graduation party for you at our house tomorrow. Many Yale alumni will be there. Of course you're going?" Emily planned.

"Yes, of course," Rory answered. Her grandmother had said it like a question, but Rory really had no choice. How could she refuse?

Once her grandparents had left, Rory, Paris, and Logan were left. Paris insisted on going someplace instead of idly standing in the middle of nowhere particular. Thus, the three trekked over to Logan's car, still not sure where they were actually going. Logan led the way while the two girls followed. Paris turned to Rory and began a reminiscent summary of her and Rory's past, dating all the way back to their Chilton days. Rory just listened, remembering and nodding at certain parts when Paris asked questions like, "Remember Madeline and Louise?" or "Remember how Tristan used to have a HUGE crush on you?"

"Wait. What?! What are you talking about, Paris?" Rory stopped walking and grabbed her friend by the arm, swinging her around to face her.

----------------------------------------------------

"Some of us thought we'd never make it here, but take a look around…we are here. The green pastures are right under our very feet." Everyone consciously looked at the ground at that moment, seeing the thick green grass all around him or her. When the class returned its gaze to the speaker, Tristan DuGrey completed his valedictorian speech, "It's that time we've all been waiting for: Congratulations class of 2007! You now have permission to throw your caps into the air!" Tristan just flashed his signature smirk and stepped off the stage to hug his friends and meet up with his family.

"Congratulations, son," Michael DuGrey patted his son on the shoulder. "I have never been more proud of you than I am now. I mean, in military school you made a great turnaround and graduated with honors. I was pretty proud. But now, valedictorian of Stanford's class of 2007! I couldn't have asked for more."

Tristan accepted his father's praise, "Thanks, Dad." He was glad that his father approved. Tristan spent so many years being hated by his father. It was about time his father warmed up to him. Tristan was proud of himself as well. He'd gone from a cocky idiot of a teenager to a sophisticated, successful college graduate. He felt ready to take on the world. Maybe he would, at least before grad school started.

"Mom, Dad, I'm going to go find some friends, drive around, and maybe find somewhere to celebrate, okay? I'll meet you back at the hotel before dinner," Tristan told his parents.

"That's fine, dear," Trish DuGrey approved. "Your father and I will just go take a walk and maybe stop for tea later. It's such a beautiful day out! I love this California weather!"

After saying their goodbyes, Tristan ran to catch up with some of his friends who were piling into a black BMW convertible while is parents strolled in the opposite direction, headed for Palm drive, the well known Stanford street lined with beautiful palm trees all the way down.

So do you like my story? REVIEW PLEASE! I'm really excited about this story hehe

By the way, the title of this chapter is from the song, "Graduation" by Vitamin C and "Get This Party Started" is a song by Pink. I just don't want to get dinged for any copyright infringement or anything. Better safe than sorry ;)

I'm trying to write an original story, but if this story somewhat resembles another, I'm sorry. I'm trying my hardest to make it different.

Babydrag0nfly