Continued thanks to everyone who's reviewed. Like I said in my original author's note, reviews are not mandatory, I'm going to finish the story regardless, but they are most definitely appreciated!!!
Further note. All of the chapters (including this one) so far take place on the same day. I think this will be the last chapter to take place on Tristan's first day back at Chilton, but there may be one more. For clarification purposes (in my own head), Tristan started at Chilton on a Monday.
Anyway…here it is, what you've all been waiting for, the encounter between Tristan and Dean. Drum roll, please. Hehehe
Disclaimer: I still don't own any of the characters, and am still not completely convinced about the plot. (Though, one reviewer has assured me that it is unique.)
SECOND CHANCES
THAT WENT BETTER THAN IT COULD HAVE.
Tristan shook his head, rose to his knees, and began gathering the books and papers. "Hey, man, sorry about that. I should've been watching where I was going."
Dean also got up, and attempted to help Tristan straighten the mess on the floor. "It's cool, I wasn't looking, either." At that point, he glanced up, and finally recognized just whom he had run into. "What are YOU doing here?"
Tristan couldn't help himself; he smirked, and responded, "Aw, did you miss me that much? I'm touched, really I am."
"Right. Well, if you don't get the hell out of here, I'll make sure you're 'touched,' idiot."
"Is that so? I would've thought you'd have gotten over hating me so much, considering you aren't even with Rory anymore."
Dean glared at Tristan. Then, as though deciding he (Tristan) wasn't worth it, he stood, and walked over to the counter. "Taylor asked me to drop this stuff off for Luke. Something to do with the new soda shop, I think," he said icily to Jess, shoving an envelope towards the other boy.
"Whatever." Jess replied, without even looking up from the toaster he was once again attempting to repair.
Dean turned, and stared at Rory, who had gone to help Tristan finish shoving his things into his backpack. Tristan glanced up, just in time to see the look of hurt and longing on Dean's face. Dean sighed angrily, and stormed out of the diner.
Jess, Rory and Tristan all stared after him.
"Well, that went better than it could have, I suppose." Rory said with a relieved smile.
Tristan shook his head. "I'm guessing the break up was not friendly. Let me see if I've got this right…you left Bagboy for Jess, and Bagboy still isn't over it?"
Jess spoke up before Rory had a chance to respond. "Actually, he dumped her in the middle of a town dance marathon. We got together a few days later."
"Huh. You don't say." Tristan stood up, having finally gathered all of his belongings into his backpack. "Well, as much fun as this evening has been, I do believe it's time for me to bid you all adieu. Once again, thanks for all your help, Rory. It was nice meeting you, Jess." He walked out, without waiting for a reply.
"Alone at last." Jess smiled at Rory, a real smile; the one he saved only for her, and only when no one else was around.
"Whatever shall we do to entertain ourselves?" Rory asked mischievously.
Jess sighed regretfully. "I don't know about you, but I'm stuck closing this place up. Luke left earlier, and said he wouldn't be back til late."
"Awww." Rory pouted. "I guess I'll just have to go home, and watch Willy Wonka. Come over when you're done?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Bye."
"Bye."
After kissing Jess goodbye, Rory too left the diner.
As soon as she disappeared from view, Dean came back inside.
"Jess. I need to talk to you."
"Really. And what could you possibly have to say to me?" Jess asked sardonically.
"It's about that guy…Tristan. You should watch out for him."
"And why is that?"
"Cause he has a thing for Rory. If you're not careful, you're gonna lose her the same way I did."
"I'm not worried."
"Maybe you should be."
"Thanks for the warning, but I think I've got it covered. Now, unless you have anything else of earth-shattering importance to say, we're closed."
"Whatever dude. Just remember, I tried to warn you."
"Much as I appreciate that, I have to wonder about your motivation."
Dean sighed. "Look, man – I know I've been an ass. I just…I'm just trying to do the right thing. Watch out for Tristan." He turned, and left without another word.
Jess shrugged, and continued closing the diner.
A/N
HA! Whaddya think of that? Bit of a shocker, isn't it? Dean attempting to look out for Jess's interests? Honestly, that's how I think it would go…Dean would try to do the right thing. That's one of the reasons he's soooooooooooo annoying!
And, since I got the Tristan/Dean and Dean/Jess encounters both into the same chapter, this is the end of Tristan's first day at Chilton.