1 Author: Lauren

Email: PaceysLilMcPhee@aol.com

Disclaimer: On first chapter page

Summary: When Tristan forgets a homework assignment one day, he calls Rory. Who knew that a phone call could result in civil conversation between the two? And later on.friendship? Maybe more? Read to see.

Authors Note: Sorry for the short chapters. Hopefully this one will be a little later. For all you Trorys I think you'll like this part because it brings the two closer. I'm still deciding whether to quickly get to the ending you're all expecting or draw it out a little with bickering and fighting and misunderstanding. So why don't you all help me out and leave me your opinions either in your review or by email. Thanks! :-)



Chapter 4



Tristan sped down the road keeping his eyes open for the exit Rory had said he would need to take to lead him to Stars Hollow. When he saw the exit and pulled off to take it he began to grow anxious. He had never been to Rory's house and had never really seen her outside of school besides during the occasional project. And they always met at Chilton to work on it.

He turned onto the roads he had been designated by Rory to take and not long after reached the sign she had mentioned, welcoming him to Stars Hollow. He hoped he'd be there for more than just picking up a Chemistry book. Before he had left for her house, he had checked his wallet to make sure he had some cash. He thought maybe they could grab a cup of coffee at that Luke guy's place she had mentioned as long as he didn't mess things up at her house when he got there by resorting back to his obnoxious Tristan facade.

He pulled into the driveway of Rory's house minutes later. He admired it because to her it wasn't just her house it was her home. He didn't have that. His house was just a place to crash and get the money he needed to leave. His parents were never home they always seemed to have something better to do. He envied Rory and anyone who was close to their parents. And he admired their parents. People like Rory would never have to worry about whether or not family would be there for them because they always would.

Tristan broke from his thoughts as he opened his car door and made his way to the front door. He stood in front of the door a second before firmly pressing the doorbell. His heart rate started to speed up as he heard footsteps approaching. With his heart still pounding in his ears, the door swung open to reveal the beautiful Rory Gilmore. She was dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a stretchy pink shirt that looked wonderful with her silky, flowing brown hair. To anyone else the outfit may have looked simple and nothing special but Tristan thought she looked as beautiful as ever. He had never seen her in anything other than her Chilton uniform and already the trip out to Stars Hollow was worth it.

"Hey," she said with that wonderful smile. Tristan swallowed before responding in the like.

"Hey." He seemed to have lost his voice but he regained it quickly. "So, I'm here for the Chemistry book."

"Oh, right, why don't you come on in?," she said moving out of the way so he could step inside. "I haven't started on it yet so you can work on it here if you like if you have time."

"Yeah, I've got plenty of time, sounds great."

Rory led him into the kitchen where her books and papers were spread across the table. "Sorry that it looks like a mess and that there isn't much room, it probably isn't what you're used to but it's something."

Tristan shook his head, "No, it's great. Seems like an improvement over my house any day."

"Well okay then. Here's a chair," Rory said pointing at one to her right. "And here's some room and my Chemistry book," she added as she removed a pile of papers and placed the book in front of the chair. Tristan sat down and looked up to see Rory looking back.

"Do you want anything? We don't have much -- water, milk, chocolate, coffee -- just the necessities," Rory asked with a grin.

"Well I would like some coffee but I thought maybe after we studied a little we could take a break and head over to that Luke's place? Ever since you mentioned it I've wanted to see the place that has better coffee than Starbucks," Tristan suggested. He almost crossed his fingers hoping that Rory wouldn't think the idea was completely weird for the two of them. However, he surprised her.

"Sure," she said nodding. "I don't think I could make it through the night without stopping by his place anyway. Just be warned - once you try it, nothing else will satisfy the urge for another cup. You will become a victim."

"I'm willing to take the risk," he responded.

"Okay then," she said taking a seat.

She began to study, starting with her literature book. She was completely absorbed. Tristan was having a hard time concentrating on the Chemistry book in front of him with her so close. He was looking at the pages, the words, and he knew they were there but Rory was so much more interesting. It was the same way in class. Rory rarely made a movement that didn't contribute to her studying besides the occasional brush of her hand to tuck a stray or falling hair behind her ear. For the hour that they studied Tristan had experienced an hour that flew by so quickly. He was as mesmerized with her as she was with her studying. At the end of the hour, she looked up and he turned a page and pretended to be completely involved in the notes he was taking.

"If you want, we can take that break now," she suggested. Tristan looked up and nodded. They both stood up and Rory led the way to the door. Tristan began to walk towards his car but Rory pulled him away.

"Believe me, it's so much better if we just walk. It's so much more interesting that way."

"If you say so," he said allowing her to lead him down the road. "I'll just take your word for it."

"Take it," she said. As the reached the heart of the town she began pointing different locations out.

"This," she said pointing her slender finger towards one of the buildings, "is the bookstore. I know it's weird, but I spend a lot of time in here."

"I'm not surprised," he commented without thinking.

"Why is that?" she asked in a curious tone.

"Oh, well, I've noticed you're often reading. You know, at lunch, while waiting for the bus," he answered. He hoped she wouldn't think he was stalking her or anything. Thankfully, it didn't seem to creep her out.

"Oh, well I have many strange passions."

They continued walking as Rory pointed out another establishment.

"That's Kim's Antiques. Lane, my best friend, lives there. Her mom owns the business."

"Antiques are very popular around here?"

"Well she get a lot of business from Hartford too," Rory explained. "And this is Luke's," she said stopping at the corner and turning to look through the windows. Tristan looked up and then looked over at Rory.

"Luke's? The place where you get coffee?"

"Yeah, this is it."

"But isn't it a -"

"Hardware store?" Rory said finishing Tristan's sentence. "Actually that was his dad's business. When his dad died he turned it into a diner. He just never changed the sign. It's meant as some kind of memorial. Come on, you'll love it," she said walking to the door. He followed and took a seat next to Rory at the table she chose. He looked around to take everything in.

Luke approached the table and looked from Rory to Tristan. "I know who she is, who are you?" he asked in his usual gruff voice.

"He's a friend Luke," Rory said.

"Tristan Dugray sir," he answered. Tristan figured anyone that was important to Rory he'd better make sure to make a good impression with.

"Cut the sir crap," Luke told him.

"Um, okay," Tristan said glancing at Rory. "Rory's told me a lot about this place."

"Really," Luke said.

"Yeah. Apparently your coffee is pretty famous around here."

Luke shrugged obviously slightly pleased. "Yeah well, nowhere else to go around here."

"We thought we'd order some of that famous coffee Luke," Rory said speaking up.

"Sure, two coffee's, coming up," Luke said as he scribbled the order down. "You want anything else with that?"

"Hm, why don't you give us each a burger with that."

"You're going to turn into your mother if you keep eating like that," Luke told Rory. "Save yourself while you can."

"You're a little late Luke, after sixteen years she has me sucked in."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Luke said as he walked of to take another tables order.

"Nice guy," Tristan commented after Luke had left.

"Oh he is. Don't let all that fool you. Inside he's like a sensitive teddy bear. Right Luke?" Rory said with a smile when he returned with their coffee.

"I don't know what you're talking about and if it's anything like the conversations you and your mother have, I don't want to know," he said as he stomped away again.

"So you and your mom come here often?" Tristan asked.

"Yeah. It's sort of vital to our existence."

"I see," he said.

"Try the coffee," Rory told him.

Tristan picked up the cup and took a sip while Rory waited for his reaction.

"Wow, that is good," Tristan said almost amazed.

"See? And it's simple. None of that mocha latte cappmochacafelaitchino stuff."

"I think I'm going to have to bring some home. You're right, I can see as this stuff becoming addicting."

"I warned you," Rory reminded him.

"You did. I accept all responsibility," Tristan said taking another sip.

Luke dropped off the two burgers at their table and they dug into those. Two weeks ago, Tristan never would have imagined he would be sitting at a table in Stars Hollow eating a burger with Rory Gilmore. It was almost too much to digest.

After they finished their burgers, Rory stood up. "Well you met Luke, but there's still more for me to show you."

"Okay then," Tristan said picking up the check.

"Oh hold on I've got some money here," Rory said searching her pockets.

"Don't worry about it, consider it payment for use of your chemistry book."

"But -"

"Rory, I can get it," Tristan insisted. Rory nodded and Tristan counted out the correct amount. After he paid for everything, they grabbed their coffees and started down the sidewalk once again.

"Here's Miss Patty's studio," Rory said as they approached the building. The doors were open and Miss Patty was in view. As they walked by she waved to Rory.

"Hello Rory dear," she said.

"Hey Miss Patty," Rory called back.

Miss Patty did a double take when she noticed Tristan. She trotted down to see them and take a look at Tristan.

"And who is this nice young man?" Miss Patty asked.

"Tristan ma'am," Tristan responded.

Miss Patty nudged Rory and in what would definitely not be considered a whisper, said, "You sure know how to pick them honey." Rory blushed and Tristan took full notice. As she began to return to her normal color she said, "Well we really have to be going, homework and all."

"Aw, well bring him around again! See you soon Tristan, you handsome, handsome boy!" Miss Patty said calling after them with a wave as Rory dragged him away.

"Nice lady," Tristan said with a grin.

"Yeah I'm sure you think so. Although I'm worried you and that ego of yours getting back in my house," Rory said.

"Well apparently you agree with this Miss Patty's opinion of me, you blushed," Tristan pointed out with a smirk.

"I did not," Rory said.

"Whatever you say," Tristan said still smirking.

Rory let out an aggravated sigh.

When they arrived back on Rory's front porch Tristan glanced at his watch.

"Wow, I didn't realize how much time had actually gone by."

Rory looked over at his watch as well and was also surprised. "Wow, me either."

"I should probably go," Tristan said. He thought he should go not because his parents would worry or even notice if he wasn't home but he thought he should leave their time just the way it was. He wanted the memories perfect and didn't want to chance anything going wrong.

"Oh, okay, well come on in so you can get your notes and stuff."

"Oh right," Tristan said. Rory led him inside and he gathered the paper he had used. Rory stood watching and then when he looked up asked, "You know Tristan, I had fun."

"Me too," he said.

"I'm glad things changed. I mean, you're not like you used to be."

Tristan grinned inside. He was glad to hear that. He knew she meant that in a good way.

"Anyway," she continued, "It's nice to know I have a friend at Chilton."

Tristan nodded. He was glad she hadn't asked why he was acting differently. He wasn't sure if he was ready to explain.

"So I'll see you tomorrow," she said.

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow Rory," he said taking one last look at her and her bright blue eyes.

He walked to and out the door as she watched him drive off.

He was so glad he had forgotten his Chemistry book.