AN: So here it is the ending after like a month. I'm sorry it took so long. I've been incredibly sick and I didn't like what I originally wrote. I know it's not the best ending, but I guess you could say it matches the story. I hope you enjoy. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. It means a lot.

Rory smiled when she saw his tall frame leaning casually on her locker. It was their four-month anniversary. After four months she still felt butterflies in her stomach every time she saw him. She still shivered every time he whispered her name. And she still tingled every time he was near. She carefully held his gift in her hands as she made her way through the crowds of people.

"Hey you," Tristan kissed her cheek and opened her locker.

"I am capable you know," Rory smirked at Tristan's alarmed face, "Damn, being a couple certainly screws up your wit, huh?"

"Girls are fickle. I didn't wanna step on any toes, especially today," Tristan's trademark smirk curved over his lips.

"Oh really, why's that?" Rory mocked.

"I dunno, maybe it has something to do with that gift in your hand," Tristan pointed the box Rory was desperately trying to hide behind her back.

"This old thing," Rory shrugged her shoulders and began collecting her morning books.

"Can I give you my gift now?" Tristan whined after a few seconds of silence. Rory laughed as she handed her gift to him in exchange for hers. She turned the small box over in her hands. Jewelry, she thought. I couldn't anything else because nothing else could fit in such a small box. She slowly pulled the tape and slid off the paper.

"I can't believe you did this," Tristan gasped beside her. Rory smirked as she turned toward him, "First Edition Dickens?"

"Not just any First edition," Rory started.

"Is this from the night at your grandparents. The one with the grilled cheese?"

Rory shook her head with a smile and returned to her own gift. The velvet box felt smooth against the palm of her hand. She slowly opened the hinged top. She was more than surprised at what she found tucked inside. She slowly slid out a tiny slip of paper that read 'Part two in your favorite room at Chilton'. Rory turned an eyebrow up at Tristan as the morning bell rang signaling the start of first period. Rory groaned and followed Tristan to class after a slamming of her locker.

During her free period Rory made her way into the Library. As she looked curiously around the room she felt a light tap on her shoulder. The librarian handed her a box identical to the box from that morning. She thanked the librarian and proceeded to open the hinged lid revealing yet another note. She smirked at the scribbled numbers. She quickly spun on her heel and headed off down the abandoned hallway. She reached his locker moments later. She quickly spun in the numbers. A single white daisy lay on the top shelf with a note tied to the stem. 'Go back to point A'. She furrowed her brow and returned to her locker. Sneaking past the hall monitor on the way. Before she even reached her locker the luscious fragrance filled her senses. She squealed softly and ran the rest of the way to her destination. She swung open the door to confirm what she had suspected. A warm mug filled to the brim with Starbucks Gourmet Colombian Coffee. She pulled the heavenly elixir close to her and inhaled deeply. She suddenly devoured the hot liquid. She smiled contently and picked up the final note. She frown slightly at the note realizing she couldn't do anything further with the clue until after school was over. She slowly retreated back to the library.

When the final bell rang, Rory hurdled from her seat and ran out the door. She didn't bother to stop by her locker to exchange books. She headed straight for the bench in the middle of the courtyard, guarded from the sun by the bowing trees. It had become their spot after many times of meeting there and many goodbye kisses after she refused to let him drive her home. That's where she found him. She smiled at his stance, casually slouched against the sturdy supports of the worn wood. She cautiously approached him from behind and leaned over his shoulder.

"Who are you watching for?" She whispered in his ear. He quickly jumped up, startled.

"Don't do that," Tristan breathed heavy as he sank onto the bench. Rory smiled triumphantly.

"You're enjoying yourself too much," Tristan started vehemently. Rory rolled her eyes and waited a few moments for him to continue.

"Ok, I'm here, final clue. What's the big surprise?" Rory asked impatiently.

"It's not here," Tristan said sadly.

"Oh," Rory muttered defeated.

"Get your books and I'll take you to it," Tristan stood offering her his hand.

"You think I rushed right out here, don't you. That I couldn't wait so I didn't stop for my books," Rory said indignity.

"Considering you got here like 2 seconds after the bell rang I'd say yes," Tristan smirked. Rory scrolled at him.

"How do you know, I, maybe I don't need any of my books," Rory retorted crossing her arms over her chest and sticking her nose in the air. She turned her head away from Tristan so he wouldn't catch the smile on her lips.

"Fine, Let's go then," Tristan turned to leave.

"I said maybe," Rory shouted before entering the double doors. Tristan followed her with a knowing smile.

"And stop smirking like that," Rory called over her shoulder. This only resulted in Tristan's grin growing larger.

"So, What did you get me?" Rory asked from the passenger seat growing impatient. She slowly twirled the daisy between her thumb a pointer-finger.

"You'll see," Tristan hissed.

"Mean," Rory stuck her tongue out at him and giggled.

"If it makes you feel better were almost there," Tristan offered only to tease her.

"That's so helpful. If you didn't have to be so damn creative just to prove how romantic you can be. I would have my bad of gourmet coffee beans in my hand already. Not to say I'm ungrateful. But why can't you be a normal boyfriend. The kind that forgets anniversaries and who considers passing out gum to be cooking," Rory explained. Tristan reached into his pocket.

"Want some gum?" He chuckled.

"How do you do that?" Rory sighed. Tristan looked over at her confused.

"Always have the answer," Rory replied to the questioning stare.

"I just happened to have gum. Ask me a question about Calculus and I'm positive I'll getting wrong," Tristan offered.

"With my luck, he question I ask will be the only answer in Calculus you probably know," Rory frowned.

"I promise even if I know the answer, I won't give it," Tristan made a cross over his heart. Rory slowly grinned and than laughed lightly at his attempt.

"See that's what I mean. What did I ever do to get stuck with such a great guy," Rory gushed dramatically. Tristan in turn buffed his nails against his shirt and gave a self-righteous grin.

"And with such little effort," Tristan smirked.

"I take it back, I take it back," Rory teased backing up into the car door.

"Alright, we're here," Tristan announced cutting the engine. Rory bounced in her seat as she looked around. She smiled broadly at the scene before her. Tristan opened the door for her and offered her an arm.

"I see chivalry isn't dead," Rory laughed taking his arm. Rory stopped at the edge of the parking lot and kicked off her shoes then ripped off her socks. She ran off into the sand before Tristan could get a shoe off.

There they were the two of them barefoot with sand between their toes, planted side by side on matching swings. Rory kicked a foot of sand at Tristan and smirked.

"Thank you, for the best anniversary present," Rory kissed his lips lightly.

"Here's your real gift," Tristan said pulling the envelope from the inner pocket of his blazer. Rory graciously accepted the crisp white envelope and ripped it open to reveal a folded square of stationary. Rory tentatively unfolded the delicate paper and read it.

To My Mary,

When I thought of all the things I could get for our anniversary only one thing came to mind. I Love You Rory. I understand that you may not be able to return those feelings or say them if you do. In fact no matter how lame or corny or cliche it may sound, I'd wait forever if I had to until you could. But I wanted you to know that I love you and everything about you (including your coffee obsession.)

Love Always,

Tristan.

Rory smiled as she carefully refolded the paper and placed it neatly into its envelope. Tristan sat by patiently waiting for her response. Anything was better than nothing regardless of weather it were good or bad.

"Of all the things you were capable of giving me," Rory began, "All the diamonds earrings, pearl necklaces, could not have compared to this. You gave me your love that means so much more than anything money could buy. Thank you."

Tristan smiled at Rory and pulled her up from the swing for a kiss. Rory stopped short of his lips. Tristan's eyes questioned hers.

"I love you too," she breathed before she fervently captured his full lips with hers. Tristan smiled against her lips.

They slowly began to dance. Barefoot in the sand they danced, in the middle of the playground to no music except the rhythm of each other and the moment. Rory sighed contently as she rested her head on Tristan's shoulder and for that moment she felt infinite.

~

Was that ending too abrupt? Should I have ended a few more chapters in between? Drop me a line and let me know. Thanks. Lulu