AN: Wow, those last chapters I posted got me a full page of reviews. Woo hoo! [happy dance] Thank you thank you thank you.

Rory and Dean took a seat in the back, just as the debate was starting.

"…and Paris Geller," announced the moderator. "And representing Merlet Academy, Kevin Wright, Jason Wong and Tristan DuGray. Today's topic is, Technology: Are we relying too much on it? Chilton will take the pro, Merlet the con. Each speaker has 5 minutes."

Dean sat in awe at the high calibre of talent among people his own age. Each group captured the audience with two seconds of starting. At the end of Paris' speech Dean was convinced that television was evil and was wondering how much he could get for his computer. But he changed his mind the minute Tristan stood at the podium. He shot down all of Paris' arguments and faultlessly executed an array of well thought out and backed up points. Dean found himself nodding with each point Tristan made.

Beside him, Rory was quietly sitting, holding his hand and staring alternatively between Tristan and his female friend, who had managed to get a seat in the front row.

"And now for the scoring," said the moderator. "May I remind you that this being the last event, the marks awarded will determine this years winner. Has the panel reached a decision?"

"Yes, we have," said an old man with a white beard. He stood up and cleared his throat. "The marks are out of twenty and are awarded as follows. Chilton-16 points."

Rory saw Paris smirk at Tristan.

With the three-point difference Merlet would need a perfect score to beat Chilton, and Paris and Tristan both knew it.

"And," the man continued, "for the first time in over twenty years, full marks are awarded to Merlet Academy. That means that Merlet is not only the winner of the Debate Cup but also the camp trophy!"

Paris' "NO!" was blocked out by the cries of jubilation from all the Merlet students rushing on stage to bombard their debate team with praise.

"No! NO, no! This was OUR year!" Paris protested. Henry placed a comforting arm around her.

Dean turned to Rory.

"Hey, I gotta hit the road. Sorry about losing the camp trophy thing," Dean sympathised.

Rory brushed off his concerns.

"I didn't care. Not as much as some people." She looked back over at Paris, who was crying hysterically on Henry's shoulder as he sat rigid in his chair and awkwardly patted her head.

"I'll walk you to your car," Rory said, standing up. As Dean guided her through the doorframe, she turned back to see the red haired girl kissing Tristan on the cheek and hugging him.

"I'm sure she's just congratulating him," Dean reassured her. She gave him a tight-lipped smile and left the room with him.

"Congratulations, Tris!' Kate squealed, raising her arms up for a hug. He embraced his long-time friend and allowed her to kiss him on the cheek. "If this doesn't impress Rory, nothing will!"

"Where is she? Have you seen her?" Tristan started looking around the room, and caught a glimpse of her as she was leaving the room with Dean.

"What do you say, bud?" said Marcus, nodding his head towards the door. "One last stab?"

"I can't," Tristan muttered. "I promised Dean."

"This is not the time to be gentlemanly," said Marcus. He slapped Tristan across the face. "Sorry, but I had to do it."

"No you didn't," said Tristan massaging his cheek.

"Okay, but I wanted to."

"Tris, will you just run after the girl?" Kate pleaded.

Tristan looked at his friends who were looking back at him expectantly. Marcus was making eye movements towards the door, and Kate was smiling encouragingly at him.

He was torn.

"But Dean…" he protested.

"Who are you in love with?" Marcus shouted, shaking his shoulders. "Dean or Rory?"

Tristan was off. He tore through the crowded room like a hot knife through butter.