spoilers: any and all episodes that have aired since the show has begun.

pairing: j/r at the moment ; another may develop, depending on my mood

disclaimer: I don't own it, you don't own it, and the person who does probably isn't reading this.

author's note: I haven't touched this story in ages, and to my *faithful* readers, I'm sorry. To all of the trory fans, I know this pairing isn't what you want, but let's face it, all she has now is Jess, because we all know that Dean is an uptight, overbearing loser. On with the story...



"LEAVE ME ALONE DAMNIT! I don't care what you think! Not now, not ever. Just shut up and leave me alone!" Becca screamed down the hall right before she slammed the door to her room. She and Dean were, as usual, fighting. They had never been the best of friends, but ever since the incident with Tristan outside Doose's their relationship had been even more strained. Taking a deep breath she picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number. "Jess? It's me."



Rory was sitting outside on the porch reading her latest book when someone mysteriously showed up behind her and covered her eyes. "Guess who?"

"Elvis?" she replied reaching her hands behind her trying to feel who it was.

"Silly Mary. Never learns." Tristan said moving his hands.

"Oh yes. Mary never learns, but neither does Bible Boy, seeing as he still calls Mary, Mary, instead of her true name."

"You know you love it."

"Yes and Edgar Allen Poe has a new book of poetry filled only of sappy love notes."

"Actually..."

"Don't start." Rory said, glaring at the blonde in front of her. Shifting in the chair to make herself more comfortable, she asked, "What brings you to our part of the state?"

"I was wondering if you had seen Becca. She's not answering her phone, and I don't want to start any more trouble with bag boy."

"You really are a changed man, aren't you? Not wanting to start trouble, I must say, I'm proud."

"Well, military school did something other than tone up this already god- like body."

"Don't flatter yourself, DuGrey," Rory said, rolling her eyes. "But, no. I haven't seen her all day. If you want, we'll go down to the diner and check with Jess. I was just about to head down there."



"I don't see why you just can't put up the decorations!" Taylor scolded. He and Luke were in another one of their arguments. This time about Thanksgiving turkey cutouts.

Tristan and Rory headed upstairs, avoiding confrontation on their part. "Jess? You in there?"

"It's open!" Came a shout from within the apartment.

Rory opened the door. "Have you seen Becca today?"

"Nope," replied Jess who was sprawled out on the floor watching the television.

"Do you know where she might be?" Tristan asked.

"What, is she missing?"

"No, I just can't reach her."

"Check on the bridge."

"Thanks, see you later." Tristan said, exiting.

Rory took a seat next to her boyfriend. "So, what are you doing today? Vegging out? Or were you planning on leaving the house eventually?"

"Why leave? I knew you were going to come find me," he said leaning over to kiss her. It was going to be a very nice afternoon.



Becca was lying on the bridge with her eyes closed, letting her troubles float away. All of a sudden, she felt a shadow blocking the sun that was shining on her face. Opening an eye, she saw a familiar face. "What do you want? You're blocking my sunshine."

"Who? Me?"

"No, your Aunt Melinda who lives in a condo in Panama City."

"Oh, that's who I thought you meant." He remained in his position, and she hers.

"Fine." Becca said, sitting up. "You've interrupted my *self cleansing* session. Is there something you need?"

Tristan sat down in front of her. "Feisty today, aren't we?"

"Sure, why not."

"What's wrong?"

"Global warming is getting really bad."

"And so is pollution, but I mean with you."

"I'm just ready to go home." She said as she flopped back down on the bridge.

Tristan didn't say anything, just sat there. Looking at her. Sending telepathic messages. Finally, she received one.

"Come on," she said, getting up. "Let's go grab a cup of coffee."

* { a/n: I really hate when people put extremely short entries up that really are pointless like the above, so I apologize deeply. I'm having a severe case of writer's block and any feedback anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. } *