Rory slammed her locker shut forcefully with a sigh. It was Friday, thank god she thought tiredly. Running a hand through her unruly brown hair. She Picked up her backpack with a groanand began to weave her way through the melee of blue sweaters to the bus stop. The sun baked her skin as she exited Chilton. Another reminder of how fast summer was approaching. Her pace was constant, she lowered her eyes from the glare of the sun. Rory's thoughts began to drift over the happenings of the last few weeks.

She and Dean had broken up for the final time. They just couldn't seem to make it work not for lack of effort, though it seemed. She had loved him and of that she was sure, just not in the way he would have liked. A few weeks ago when he kissed her goodbye she felt as though something was amiss. The thought plagued her mind for days until she realized that she no longer felt anything, no butterflies, no sparks, nothing when they kissed. And then she knew she had to break it off. They were staying together more for the fact that they were scared to go it alone and she didn't want him to be her crutch any longer. So last Friday, a week ago, she had told him that she was sorry that she just couldn't do it anymore.

He seemed hurt, but not surprised. Dean knew it was coming and they parted as friends. Rory missed him and still felt a dull ache when she saw him. But she knew that it was the right decision, even though it was hard. He was good to her sweet and kind, patient and understanding. Although their relationship was a difficult one it had been worth it. A slow smile crept across her weary face. He'd helped her through some hard times unwavering in his support for her. Rory was lost in thought, had she been watching and listening she would have noticed the figure before her.

And had she noticed the figure before her she would have quickly side-stepped him and avoided the collision. But as fate would have it, Rory did not look to see where she was going and walked right into the chest of one Tristan Dugrey. Rory let out a yelp of surprise Tristan instinctively placed his hands on her arms to stabilize her.

"Woah Mary you ok?" Tristan asked sincerely.

"Yeah fine. Sorry I bumped into you." Rory mumbled meeting his eyes as she felt herself blush fiercely. They were standing suspiciously close mere inches of dead space separated the pair. Rory could feel his breathe against her face warmly. Noticing that though she was now fully upright and did not need help staying straight Tristan still had not removed his hands from her arms. I should be jumping back and screaming. I mean this is Tristan were talking about. But try as she might she couldn't bring herself to ask him to remove them or even step back.

"You know...If you wanted to get closer to me all you had to do was ask." Tristan said smirking. Feeling how right she felt in his arms. He should pull away this he knew she didn't need this right now. Right after her and Dean had broken up. And she hates you remember, that small mocking voice sang in the back of his head.

This thought was never far from his mind whenever he saw the lovely Rory Gilmore. When she had said it it had taken him completely off guard. Dislike he knew, annoyance sure, anger why not? And who could blame her, he had made her life a living hell what else was she supposed to do? But hate, hate was different. It required more effort, it was potent emotion. Hate was the death sentience to any hopes of being more then friends. The words had cut like a knife. No, not a knife because a knife wound would be a great respite from the agony of being so near her and still not being able to touch, kiss, or even talk too her. And those three simple words would never be forgotten. He had spent the year avoiding her and trying to forget about her. But despite his sincerest efforts he couldn't forget the lovely Rory Gilmore.

No matter how many girls he dated, and there had been a lot, none of them measured up to her, not even close. None of them were quite as beautiful, or smart, or even as sarcastic. Rory had a blatant honesty a obvious sincerity, a beautiful endearing innocence that no amount of daddy's money could buy. A soft sigh escaped his lips and it was then that he realized that he was still holding onto her. Tristan regretfully and almost painfully removed his hands from her arms and stepped back willing stoicism.

"The only time I ever want to get that close to you againis with a sharp object." Rory countered. The words bubbled to her lips easily spoken without thought of the consequences. She had missed 'this' whatever this was. He had seemed to strenuously avoid her this past year and Rory had missed there witty banter and shared silent laughter. It had be a welcome reprieve from the cold isolation that had become commonplace here.

"Oh don't lie you know you want me." Tristan countered. Rory shook her head smiling softly.

"Okay lover boy I have to catch the bus so I'll see you later." Rory said as she started to turn around and head for the bus stop.

"Ummm... sorry to disappoint but the bus left a couple of minutes ago..." Tristan stated. "Didn't you see it drive by when we were talking?" He continued.

"Ugh crap now I have to call Lorelai" Rory said as she began to fish through her bag for her cell phone looking agitated.

Tristan smiled momentarily. "You know I do have a car I could give you a ride if you wanted."

Rory looked slightly shocked and uncertain about the idea. He silently reveled in his ability to still keep her of center. He grinned "C'mon it's just a car ride not an offer to give birth to my first child." She laughed lightly feeling slightly more comfortable. "But you know if you want to I think I'd be okay with that." Tristan added.

"I'll keep that in mind." Rory said "Now come on I want to get home in time to go to Luke's before Friday night dinner." She stated grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the parking lot.

A/N

This is my second Tristan and Rory fic I've dabbled in other Rory pairings but her and Tristan have something that she never had with Dean or Jess or especially not Logan. Ugh I can't even say how much I hate that guy. laughs anyway I need to know if this sucks please review they make me happy.