First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who's reviewed so far…wow, I had no idea how much reviews can make your day!!! I've changed my profile so that now I can accept anonymous reviews. Thanks for the tip, Dawnmeister. Also – I don't intend to characterize Dean as a jerk…I'm gonna try to write him the way he is in the show, which I personally think is an annoying putz.
Recap: Tristan comes back to Chilton for senior year; Rory is asked to help get him caught up in one of their classes. Everything that's happened on the show has happened. This chapter picks up right where the last one let off – Tristan and Rory are on their way to Stars Hollow.
Disclaimer: I still don't own any of the characters, I still have no rights to or affiliation with Camden Military Academy, and I'm still not sure on the originality of the plot.
SECOND CHANCES
WE HAVE MENUS. I THINK.
The ride to Stars Hollow was uneventful. Neither Tristan nor Rory said much, but the silence was comfortable.
Tristan stole a peek at her out of the corner of his eye. She was staring out the window, her chin propped up on one hand. Jess? Who's that? And what's up with breaking up with bagboy? Hmm. If she and this Jess character haven't been together very long, I just might have a chance with my Mary. Mary? No, not Mary – Rory. Her name is Rory.
Rory glanced over at Tristan, then turned back to the window. So far, so good…he hasn't called me Mary, hasn't attempted to harass me at all. I must say, I'm impressed with the change.
Tristan parked in front of Luke's, and the two walked into the diner. Jess was standing behind the counter, once again trying to fix the toaster.
Rory's face lit up when she saw Jess. "Hey, I'll be right back, okay, Tristan?"
Tristan nodded. "Yeah, sure – I'll just grab us a table, and start trying to figure out exactly what I'm gonna need help with."
"Cool." Rory walked to the counter, leaned over it, and kissed Jess. "Hey."
Jess smiled at Rory…rather, his eyes smiled at her, and his lips curved imperceptibly. "Hey yourself. Who's the guy?"
"His name's Tristan. He just started up at Chilton. Actually, he just came back to Chilton. I'm helping him get caught up. Could you get us some coffee? I'm not sure how long it's going to take."
"Yeah, sure. You want anything else?"
Rory pretended to think for a minute, before the trademark I'm-plotting-something-evil, -insane, -and-hilarious grin spread across her face. "Well…"
Jess cut her off before she could go into one of her spiels. "Never mind. You just get coffee."
Rory pouted "but…"
Jess grinned at her, an actual smile this time "Get over there and study. I'll bring the coffee out as soon as it's ready."
"k"
Rory walked back over to Tristan, and sat down at the table. "Coffee'll be here in a minute. What do you want to go over first?"
Tristan shrugged. "I take it that's Jess?"
"Yep."
"So what happened to ba…Dean?"
She blushed, and looked a little guilty. "It's kind of a long story…short version, Jess."
"One word – wow, you weren't kidding about the short version. But, if he took you away from Dean, isn't he worried someone's going to do the same to him?"
A mixture of emotions played across Rory's expressive face – worry, confusion, anxiety, apprehension. Before she could respond to Tristan's question, Jess arrived, with two cups of coffee.
"Here ya go" Jess set the cups on the table, then looked at Tristan. "Did you want anything else?"
Rory opened her mouth to speak "I wa-"
Jess cut her off one more time "Sorry, I was talking to him. I know what you want." He gave her an impish wink.
Tristan smirked. "He sure has you figured out, Ma… Rory! I'm Tristan, by the way. And what's good here?"
"Jess. And, we have menus. I think."
Rory spoke up again "We'll just have two burgers and fries."
"Ok." Jess turned, and walked away.
"I have to admit, Rory, he's a definite improvement. Much closer to your height."
Rory looked at Tristan suspiciously. She wasn't quite sure how to take his comment. With an inward shrug, she opened up her binder. "Anyway, where do you want to start?"
A Couple of Hours (and several pots of coffee) Later
Tristan leaned back in his chair, stretching. "I think that's about all I can take today."
Rory nodded her agreement. "My eyes are starting to turn blurry. Hey, you wanna go to my house and watch a movie?"
Tristan looked at his watch. "Thanks for the invitation, but I think I should be heading home. I still have other homework to do."
Rory hid the quick pang of disappointment she felt. "Okay, well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow in class, then."
Tristan stood, and gathered his books. "Thanks for all your help. See ya."
On an impulse, Rory leaned over, and gave him a quick hug. "Welcome back, Tristan…I mean that."
Tristan grinned at her, and headed towards the door.
"Hey, Tristan, wait. You forgot your…" A loud crash interrupted Rory, and she looked up. Tristan had evidently turned around when she called him, and walked straight into Dean. Both boys were sprawled on the floor. Books and papers were scattered everywhere.