Disclaimer: All the characters belong to the WB yada yada yada

Author's Note: ok.. yet again… been aaaaaaages since I updated. But enjOy! REMEMBER TO REVIEW!

Chapter 11: But you love me!

Months passed and neither Tristan or Rory mentioned 'the incident'. Pretending it never happened was easy enough for them to handle. But of course, things like that just didnn't get erased from your mind. It was always there, itching in the back of their minds full of what ifs and whys. Tristan especially wondered a lot about that day, he was never sure if he made the right decision to let Rory just slip through his fingers.

TRISTAN'S ROOM

A familiar tone buzzed on Tristan's phone.

"Hey Mare…"

"How'd you know it was me?"

"I just knew.. you know.. I just know you can't keep away from me and my sexy self." Tristan could hear Rory snickering,

"Ok.. fine.. Caller ID"

"And I see that cocky demanour of yours is still there."

"Always... you know you love it"

"Sure sure Tris"

"So… to what do I owe your lovely presence?"

"Well… as you know…my birthday is this Saturday. I'm spending that day with my Mom, so I'm here to invite you to my birthday party which I'm not supposed to know about on Sunday. It'll be the biggest surprise-not really a surprise party Stars Hollow has ever seen. So… come?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Charmer"

"Don't you know it"

"Who doesn't"

"Ouch Mary, that hurt."

"Uhuh, I'm sure it did. Anyways, Mum's complaining about the coffee machine again, I gotta go stop her before she throws him out"

Tristan chuckled "Alright then, tell Lorelai I say hi. Take care gorgeous"

"You too. See ya tomorrow"

CHILTON – THE DAY AFTER

Rory walked to lunch looking around for Tristan. He was nowhere to seen, probably got himself into some trouble knowing him. Sighing to herself she seated herself at the nearest empty table and she took out a book and began to read.

"You're always reading aren't you."

Rory looked up. It was Paris.

"Hey Paris"

Paris sat herself down opposite Rory.

"Looks like you could use some company, where's Tristan today?"

"Dunno… haven't seen him since first period. Maybe he got himself into trouble again?"

"I guess... but his car's gone though…"

"Oh…." Rory's smile faltered slightly. Subject change time.

"Hey Paris? You busy this Sunday?"

"Nope… I'm weeks ahead of all my work."

"Always the over-achiever. Anyways, I'm having a birthday party this Sunday at Stars Hollow. My place. You wanna come?"

"Sure. Why not. When's Tristan getting there? Maybe I'll just go with him since my car's being serviced."

"Umm… I don't know. I guess he'll show up in the morning…. How did you know he was coming?"

Paris shook her head. The girl just didn't get it.

"Just thought he would. You guys are friends right? You invite friends to your birthday."

"Right… yea, we are friends," Rory smiled weakly. "Well I'll see you on Sunday then…"

"Yea, I'll be there. See you in English Mary" Paris emphasised the last word with a grin and walked off.

ENGLISH – CHILTON CLASSROOM

Rory sat down at her usual seat and started to pull out her books when she spotted a familiar face walk through the door.

"Hey.. where were you at lunch?"

Tristan smiled. "My little secret Mary"

"Hmph. Fine. The least you could do is tell me where you went, I was left to fend for myself at lunch you know!"

"I'm sure you managed, pulled out some music and started reading I bet."

Rory was silent.

"See. Told you. I know you too well."

"You're insufferable"

"But you love me"

"You're so full of yourself"

"But you love me…"

"You're arrogant…."

"But…"

"…selfish"

"you…"

"…the most egotistical person I know"

"love…"

"… totally conceited."

"me…." Tristan finished.

Rory smiled.

"You'll never know will you Trissy"

"What the hell! Trissy!"

"Payback for not telling me where you went"

"You're mean"

"But you love me."

Both of them smiled unaware that the whole class had seen their little conversation. Tristan was about to answer her when Mr Medina walked in ready to begin the class.

"More than you can imagine Rory…" Tristan whispered to himself.

SATURDAY – GILMORE HOUSE

Quack Quack

Rory groaned. She would never let her mother buy her alarm clock ever again. The quacking refused to cease so she rubbed her eyes and got up.

And just like that she realised what day it was and rushed to Lorelai's room.

"Mom! Mom! Guess what day it is!"

"Don't-wake-up-mommy-day?"

"nah uh…"

"Oh I don't know… the day my favouritest daughter turns 17?"

"Bingo!"

"Well hurry up and pretty yourself up. We're going to get some coffee into our system then paint the town red! Or green…. Blue.. Pink?.. I never really got that saying….."

"I love birthdays!"

"Get out Rory! C'mon! times-a-wasting!"

Rory rushed out just as fast she had rushed in. She took a shower and pulled on some jeans and a cute tee. She looked at herself in the mirror making sure she looked alright before she heard Lorelai's voice travelling through the door.

"Rooooooory! Get your cute butt outta here!"

"Tada..!"

Lorelai smiled at her daughter. 17 and they were still the best of friends. She didn't know what she would do without her.

"Oh, Bible boy called while you were in the shower, he said he's going to kidnap you tomorrow morning until your party since I get you all of today."

"Okay then. Ooh. Vibration in phone. Tickles. Ah! First text message of the day!"

Rory pulled out her phone and looked at the message.

Happy 17th Mare! U were in the showa wen I called. Hav an awesome day and I'll pick you up tomoro. Be ready ;) xoxo Tristan.

Rory smiled to herself unknowingly being watched by Lorelai, who knew, that despite how much Rory denied it she was slowly falling in love.

A/N: ok.. not one of my best chapters.. kinda out of it.. more of a filler chapter. Not going to go on about what Lorelai and Rory do, I want Trory action! ;) and don't tell me off if you don't think Rory is 17. I actaully had no idea what age she should be, I thought turning 16 would make her too young, 18 too old so I just made it her 17th ) REVIEW! and next chapter... Tristan and Rory's day