This is my take on a chance encounter between Mary and the Bible Boy after Yale
I don't own Gilmore Girls or any of the characters.
Fast forward…Rewind
Rory was part of a pool of reporters observing the return of the remains of soldiers killed in the Middle East. She was nervous. It was her turn in the rotation to attend this somber event. During the presidential campaign, Rory had gained a growing reputation as a reporter and writer. Her articles on the web had garnered the attention of many powerful up and coming people. She was now assigned to more important stories, and her articles were being cited on NPR, in the New York Times organization, and on CNN. Her traveling companion and photographer, Dan, shifted from foot to foot. He was as nervous as Rory and the solemnity of the event added to the pressure.
"I can't believe how big this plane is!" she whispered in awe as they approached the giant military cargo plane. She fell silent again. Her voice, though only a whisper, sounded harsh to her ears.
Every man and woman, military or civilian, was silent. The only sound was the whine of the hydraulics as the cargo door opened. The color guard stood at attention at the bottom of the ramp, saluting as each flag draped casket was removed from the aircraft. Rory felt the sorrow permeating the hangar. Dan photographed from a distance, choosing his shots carefully and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Rory watched from off to the side. Feeling like the outsider here, she observed, not wishing to intrude upon the grief of the families come to claim their loved ones. It was so very sad.
When it was all over, Rory jotted down her impressions and thoughts. She preferred to write things down in notebooks. It was quiet, and people tended to forget she was there, since she wasn't pushing microphones in their way. Dan reviewed his pictures, and, satisfied with his work, turned to her and said
"I'm good. I think I'll go now. Are you sure you don't need a ride anywhere?"
Rory looked up from her notes and smiled. "No. Thanks Dan. I brought my car. I'm off myself in a couple of minutes. I'll let you read the article when I'm finished. We can get together to go over the pictures." Dan nodded and trotted off. "See ya, Rory" he called over his shoulder as he departed.
"See ya, Rory." He heard the civilian say. His head snapped up and he scanned the hangar, finally zeroing in on the young woman standing there, writing in a notebook. "Oh, my God" he whispered. He felt like he had been punched. It was hard to breathe. She looked the same, as beautiful as the night he left for military school. Same unbelievable blue eyes... same sleek brown hair... same intense concentration. He walked over and stood in front of her, just drinking it all in. Rory Gilmore was right here, in front of him! Scribbling away, Rory was oblivious. Finally, she felt his regard and looked up. Her eyes widened and she stared into a face from so long ago.
"Tristan?"
"Mary!" He grinned.
"Oh, my God, Tristan!" She dropped her notebook and threw her arms around his neck.
Tristan was caught unawares, and grunted at the force of her hug. He returned the embrace, then stepped back as she released him. He turned his head to look off to the side. He was actually blushing! Rory blushed and bent to pick up her notes.
"What are you doing here?" she asked when she finally composed herself.
"I work here." He said simply. Rory noticed his uniform, finally, and felt so dumb.
Tristan guided her towards the edge of the hangar. "I am finishing my tour here, then I am out for good." He continued as they walked towards the door.
Rory began to notice the changes in him, the faint lines around his mouth, the leanness of his body, and the scar on his forehead. The beautiful boy was gone. The man walking next to her had been through some tough times. He wore the changes well.
"Where you there for more than one tour?" she asked softly
"I was wounded on my second tour." He replied just as softly. Looking down at his boots
"Was it bad?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude"
"I'm glad to see you Rory" he replied and turned to face her as they approached the door. She looked at him again, and saw the scars on his face for the first time.
"Where are you staying? I mean, are you in the area?" she was rushing her words.
"I'm still on base. Next week, I'm out and I was thinking about going home to Hartford." Rory tore a page from her little notebook and scribbled her numbers and her address.
"Here. I'm living in Georgetown. Will you call me?" She looked at him earnestly. Tristan smiled. "I will. Thanks…Mary" he said, then chuckled. "It was nice to see you again."
Rory grinned and waved as she left. "Call me" she called over her shoulder as she walked towards her car. Tristan watched her until she drove away. He looked down at the piece of paper in his hand. Carefully folding it, he placed it in his breast pocket. Two airmen, having watched the entire encounter, just shook their heads.
"That Captain is still a chick magnet!" Said one, wiping his hands on the ever-present red rag. His companion nodded in agreement and wished he had half the success Tristan still had with the opposite sex. Tristan smiled as Rory's taillights disappeared, and then he turned to go back inside. He nodded at the two airmen as he passed, and walked briskly towards an office. He was still grinning madly.
Rory drove back towards Georgetown. What an evening! She thought. First, the solemn event, then, running into Tristan Dugrey of all people! All thoughts about her article faded into the background. She recalled their last encounter, when he came to say goodbye at their performance of the death scene of Romeo and Juliet, at Chilton. Paris had been nearly apoplectic she was so angry! Rory had wondered then about her simmering attraction for the bane of her existence. But, as she moved on with her life, thoughts of him faded and new attractions formed…Jesse…Dean, again… Logan. She was intrigued. Bible Boy was back and she was unpredictably interested.
