Rory sat at her desk and attempted to begin work on her politics essay. It was amazing how quickly the work had begun pilling up. It seemed like only yesterday that she had moved into her room, and now all the work seemed to be due in the one week. She was interrupted in her attempts to study, by very perturbed looking Paris.

"I hate him" she exclaimed, slamming the door behind her as she entered the room.

"Hate who" Rory asked swinging around in her chair.

"My Contracts Law TA, I specifically booked an appointment at 2:15, to go over my paper and what time did he arrive, 2:37. Which in turn made me late for my next class and now my whole day is ruined!" she explained pacing back and forth.

"Well maybe he was held up" Rory speculated calmly.

Paris ignored her and continued on "And guess who I ran into, Brad, that little weasel. Apparently he goes here too, are they letting just anybody in. First, Tristan who is practically a deviant, and now mouse boy. Where are the standards people".

"Paris you need to calm down, and Tristan's not a criminal he just made some mistakes, besides aren't you the one who told me that his family practically financed half of the buildings on campus" Rory replied calmly.

"Yes, so he brought his way in, that's even better" Paris commented, finally coming to a halt and sitting down on her bed.

"Come on he's not like that, he's actually kind of nice" Rory stated.

"I know, I'm the one who told you that, well at least he used to be, who knows how he's changed" Paris replied calming down.

"I think it's for the better"

"So what's going on between you two, anyway" Paris inquired.

"We're friends" Rory replied.

"Friends?" Paris asked sceptically.

"Yes friends, well almost friends, I don't know how much I can trust him yet"

"Well I wouldn't blame you" Paris said quietly.

"I know he hurt you" Rory stated sympathetically.

"He did, but that's in the past" Paris replied attempting a smile "But are you sure you two can be friends, you know he always liked you".

"Even if he did, that was years ago so much has changed, we're both different people now"

"Not that different" Paris mumbled.

"Hey, we can be friends, if you and I can become friends anything is possible right?"

"I guess, just… be careful alright, Tristan has and always will have issues" Paris stated seriously.

                      ***

Rory made her way up stairs to Tristan's suite, she had promised to return the CD he had lent her the other week, so he could study to it. He too had looming deadlines, and she was actually surprised at how worried he was about them. Apparently military school had changed his work ethic. She knocked on the door to the suite and Jake answered.

"Hey, are you looking for Tristan? Because he's locked up in his room being a geek" Jake informed her as he led her inside.

"Rory" Kate called from her position on the couch, where she was channel surfing. She seemed to spend more time in the boy's room then her own. It didn't hurt that the boys had even more of a fancy electrical set up then Rory.

"Hey" she replied waving and then making her way over to Tristan's room and knocking. He had the room to himself, as his roommate was yet to arrive, and Jake and Phil were rooming together.

"Come in if you're sexy" he called out.

Rory entered to find Tristan hunched over his laptop, papers spread across the room. Besides the mess it was pretty sparse. One wall was covered in a Hives poster and a map of the solar system. The other contained his bed which was covered in a chequered blue bedspread and at the window stood a telescope.

"Hi" He replied nonchalantly, briefly looking up from his work.

"I came to return your CD" Rory replied.

"Just chuck it on the bed. So what did you think?" he asked turning away from the computer.

"It was amazing, you were right, I bow down to your taste in music"

"Hey what do you know, I'm always right"

"And always modest too" Rory shot back.

"What was your favourite track?"

"Defiantly, everywhere you turn although track 7 is really growing on me"

"Yeah, you kind of have to listen to it a few times"

They sat there silently but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

"So how's your…" Rory begin before being interrupted by Jake and Kate bursting into the room

"Guess what Jake's just had the best idea, his family has a house at the beach and since no ones' using it this time of year, why don't we all go for the weekend" Kate explained excitedly.

"Yeah, come on guys, everyone's so stressed out we need to get away, and Tristan I know after Thursday you're totally essay free" Jake continued.

"We can leave Friday night and be back by Sunday afternoon" Kate informed them, sitting on the bed next to Rory.

"I don't think so" Rory replied "Isn't it a bit early in semester for a trip, and won't it be really cold?"

"That's half the fun, it will be totally deserted. We'll have the beach to ourselves" Jake informed her matching Kate's level of enthusiasm.

"It's really beautiful up that way. We can have a bonfire on the beach, toasting marshmallows…" Kate continued.

"Getting eaten by bugs, frostbite, sand in my clothes, yeah real fun" Rory replied back.

"Come on, Tristan convince her to come" Kate pleaded turning her attention across the room.

"Hey I haven't said I was coming yet" Tristan said light heartedly holding up his hands.

"Man, you have to come, we need to take your car, it's the only one big enough to hold the keg" Jake joked.

"So you only want me for my jeep, don't I feel loved" Tristan replied feigning hurt.

"So are your in" Jake asked expectantly.

"Sure, why not" Tristan returned.

"Rory" Kate asked as all three of them turned to stare at her.

"Ok, I give in" she replied, although something was telling her that she was going to regret that decision.

      ***

At five o'clock Friday night they met in the parking lot at the back of Durfee. They had decided the boys would take Tristan's car and the girls, who also included Kate's roommate Allison, would take Kate's car. The boys took the lead with Jake giving directions and Kate's car followed.

They spent the first hour of their trip listening to the mix CD Allison had made. Allison had short blond hair and grey eyes that changed color in the sun. She was from the west coast and amazed at how cold it was for November. Kate and her had immediately gotten on well, however there two suitemates Jessica and Emily were a different story. Both were constantly at each others throats and Kate had conceded that one reason for the trip had been to get away from the two of them.

Another reason I believed, was a desire on both Kate and Jake's part, although somewhat unconsciously, to have some alone time. Although neither would admit it, something was going on between the two of them, they had been practically inseparable all semester, but both insisted they were just friends. But even Rory could see there was more to it.

    ***

Both cars pulled up in front of the two story beach house, a few hours later. It was situated on a large block with the Atlantic Ocean as its front yard. Although Jake was probably one of the most down to earth guys you could ever meet, it was clear that his family had money. Yet the house wasn't extravagant, it had a nice homey feel to it.

They trooped into the kitchen putting the groceries down on the table and setting there bags on the floor. For some reason Phil had packed more then all the girls combined.

"Hey Phil, were only here for two days" Kate laughed, as if reading Rory's mind.

"I like clothes, what can I say" he shot back defensively but smiling at the same time. Phil had bright red hair, blue eyes and a big smile. He somehow managed to go out almost every night, but still maintain his GPA, a fact which astounded Jake. He was also perpetually unlucky in love, although he always seemed to get a girlfriend they only ever lasted a few weeks before he was unceremonious dumped. Rory was unclear as to why because he seemed like the nicest guy possible.

"How about we settle into our rooms and then go about making some dinner" Jake began taking charge.

"Kate, Chris why don't you take my sister's  room, upstairs to the left, Phil and I will take the one with bunk beds on the right, the bathrooms at the end of the hall and Rory, Tristan um…there's only one room left, it's the downstairs double so…" Jake continued before Tristan interrupted him.

"I'll take the couch" He stated quickly grabbing his bags and heading to the living room.

"Ok, cool then we're set" Jake replied talking to the room in general.

Rory took her bags and went across the hallway to her room while the others ventured upstairs. Her room was beautiful; it had rich blue walls, an ornate silver dressing table and a large double bed with white linens and an off-white duvet. It also had its own bathroom. She put away her things and changed into jeans and a white knitted turtleneck as it was freezing in the house, apparently the furnace took a while to heat up and the house was not made for the cold.

  ***

After dinner Jake, Phil and Tristan collected wood for a fire while the girls got hot chocolate and snacks ready in the kitchen.

"So are you glad you came?" Kate asked Rory, as she heated milk on the stove.

Rory was staring out of the window, at the waves crashing on the shore.

"I guess, it really is beautiful out here" she replied.

Allison joined her at the window, "Yeah the view is something" she agreed her eyes on the guys as they set up the fire.

"That's not what I meant" Rory replied defensively.

"I know, but that Tristan, I swear if I didn't have a boyfriend…" Allison said thoughtfully.

"But you do" Kate shot back pointedly from the stove.

"I can look can't I, so what about you Katie, you and a certain brown haired guy whose name rhymes with cake"

"Shut up" Kate replied.

" I see the looks you two give each other, every time you're in a crowded room with him, first you pretend to ignore him, then he pretends to ignore you, this is followed by some childish teasing and then you disappear for the night, each too wrapped up in each other to notice anybody else" Allison continued.

"Not true" Kate stated defensively.

"Rory back me up here" Allison protested.

"Well…" Rory started.

"See she agrees with me" Allison said smiling. Kate meanwhile remained silent pretending to concentrate really hard on pouring the milk into the cups.

The boys then walked in, all three shivering.

"It's freezing out there" Phil stated grabbing a mug. The others quickly followed suit.

"The fire is all set, is the food ready" Jake announced.

"Almost, why don't you guys grab some chairs and we'll meet you out there" Kate replied avoiding his gaze.

The guys set up outside and Rory went to her room to grab a jacket and scarf thinking about what Allison had said about Jake and Kate. She wondered what exactly was holding them back when everyone could see that they were perfect for each other.

When Rory got outside Phil and Allison were deeply involved in a discussion about the merits of Becker, Allison could not believe anyone could like that show while Phil insisted that it was a classic. Rory had to laugh, maybe that explained Phil's luck with the ladies, his taste sucked.

Kate was paying way more attention then was necessary to her the CD player as she tried to find the right button in the dark, while Jake was obviously miffed at her indifference to him and had moved to the opposite side to her, under the pretence of stoking the fire.

The only free chair was next to Tristan, who was leaning back staring at the sky. Rory joined him.

"It's weird, huh" he stated.

"I know, how could anyone like Becker" Rory replied laughing.

"No, although I agree,  I was just thinking how many more stars there are out here, I mean they're always there, it's just in the city we can't see them" he said thoughtfully.

Rory tuned to look at him, the firelight was the only source of light and his face was half in shadow. He was dressed in loose jeans and a suede jacket with a fur trim. She could see how his jaw clenched as he concentrated on distinguishing the constellations. He looked so peaceful by the ocean, totally different to the way he looked when she used to see him everyday at Chilton in his tie and blazer.

"Ok guys" Jake interrupted her thoughts, as Kate finally found the right switch and Jimmy eat world came blaring out. "Time for a game" he stated dramatically standing up, a beer in hand the hot chocolate abandoned.

"Pin the tail on the donkey" Phil joked.

"Musical chairs" Allison joined in.

"People, people, grow up, I'm talking about Truth or Dare" He continued.

"Oh yes that's real mature, what are we twelve" Kate responded settling back in her chair.

"Hey its fun, remember last time, Tristan" Jake exclaimed looking at Tristan and smirking.

"I'm not drinking tonight" Tristan shot back somewhat embarrassed.

Rory realised that this was somehow connected to their initial encounter in the hallway.

"Come on guys, I swear it'll be fun, who's in" he continued.

Phil and Allison immediately raised there hands, followed somewhat grudgingly by Kate. Rory looked at Tristan and he apprehensively waved a hand "Sure whatever, but I'm going first" he stipulated.

"Rory" Jake asked pointedly "I promise nothing embarrassing, at least to you".

Rory reluctantly agreed against her better judgement.

"Alright, everyone's in, before we start anyone for a drink" he asked going over to the keg. Kate, Phil and Allison agreed while Tristan and I stuck to our mugs.

Once everyone was settled, Tristan started "Ok payback time, Jake, truth or dare"

"Dare" Jake replied back immediately.

"I dare you to go strip down to your boxers and jump in the ocean"

"Deal, too easy" Jake agreed taking of his jacket.

"Don't, It's freezing out there and you've been drinking" Kate informed him worriedly

"I didn't think you cared" Jake shot back somewhat viciously.

"I'll watch out for him" Tristan spoke up.

"And I'll get some towels" Allison ventured running into the house.

"Fine, whatever" Kate said softly, defeated.

Rory sat there wrapping her arms around herself as the wind picked up. The others ventured out to the edge of the ocean to make sure Jake completed his dare adequately but Kate stayed behind with her.

"He'll be ok" I assured her.

"I know it's just I …"

"You what", Jake interrupted her as he came back soaking and shivering wrapped in the towels Allison had procured.

"Um, It's my turn" she replied.

Kate then proceeded to make Phil reveal his most embarrassing moment which somehow involved a camping trip and a snake.

When it got around to Allison she had a mischievous grin on her face;

"Ok Kate, truth or dare" she asked.

"Truth" Kate shot back.

Allison thought for a minute "Who do you at the moment have a crush on?" she said lightly.

In the firelight Rory could see Kate turning red, but the guys remained oblivious.

"I mean dare" she replied.

"Ahh" you can't do that Jake informed her now fully clothed.

"Yes I can" she replied indignantly.

"Uh, no you can't you said Truth so you have to answer" he challenged her, before relenting, "Allison it's your call".

"She can change" she replied "ok then I dare you to kiss um… Jake"

"No" Kate replied straight back.

Jake clutched his heart "How you hurt me" he joked, "Am I that repulsive" he continued.

"Fine, come here then" she said quietly. Allison's grin widened while Phil cheered them on, Tristan was staring at Jake intently with a strange look on his face.

Jake made his way around the fire to where Kate was sitting, Kate stood up slowly unwrapping her scarf. They stood there silently for a minute staring at each other.

She slowly placed her hand around his waist pulling him a little bit closer. At that moment a wave of thunder rolled over and everyone jumped slightly except for Kate and Jake who were to busy staring each other down.

Rory looked up at the sky and realised in the last ten minutes giant clouds had rolled over the previously clear sky.

"It looks like it's going to storm" Phil stated and at that moment the rain began pelting down. Tristan, Rory, Phil and Allison all grabbed whatever was closest and ran for the house.

Once they got to the balcony and had put all of their stuff down Phil exclaimed;

"Hey, where's Jake and Kate"

All four of them turned to scan the beach. Rory made out the shadowy figure of the pair of them, still standing where they had left them except now they weren't apart. Kate had her arms around Jakes waist, while his arms were wrapped around her neck. Both of their heads had hair plastered to them and their clothes were soaked yet they were oblivious.

"Go Jake" Phil yelled.

"They're going to get pneumonia" Allison stated.

"Or electrocuted" Rory ventured as she noticed flashes of lighting over the horizon.

"Leave them alone" Tristan stated softly.

They all silently agreed and headed inside. Phil and Allison decided to call it a night and went upstairs to their respective bedrooms.

"I think I'll turn in too" Rory stated.

Tristan nodded back in agreement making his way into the living room, "Night" he ventured.

Rory replied night in return, as she made her way to her room and got ready for bed. She changed into her blue flannel pyjamas with the pink sheep on them and climbed under the covers. Relieved that at least in her room the heating had come on.

Rory tossed and turned. She heard Kate and Jake come in about a half hour later and make their way upstairs. She then tried listening to her Discman, but the music just made her mind more active. At about 1:30 she got out of bed and made her way into the kitchen to get a class of water.

From there, she heard rustling sounds, and went into the living room to see what the noise was.

As she walked in she was struck by how cold it was, obviously the heating hadn't came on in here, she thought.

Tristan was tossing back and forth, unable to get comfortable on a couch that was about a foot to short for him. His feet hung of the edge and he looked like a mummy wrapped up in blankets.

"Rory?" he asked softly.

"Yeah it's me, I couldn't sleep" she replied whispering.

"Me...e too" he replied shivering.

"It's freezing in here" Rory stated. "Are you ok" she continued as she went around the couch to get a better look.

"I'm f..fine" he replied still shivering.

"No you're not", she shot back feeling his forehead, "You fell like ice".

"It's um ok" he mumbled feebly.

"Don't be such a baby, you can't sleep out here"

"No really I'm fine"

Rory just looked at him, wondering why he was being so difficult.

"Come" she ordered. Tristan just nodded and unwrapped himself from his cocoon of blankets. To reveal the sweatpants and long sleeve top he was wearing as pyjamas. Rory led him to her room.

Once they were inside Tristan stared at the bed apprehensively.

"Look, I know this is weird but I can't let you freeze to death, I don't want this to turn into Weekend at Bernie's" Rory informed him matter of factly.

"Just stick to your half of the bed and I'll stick to mine" she continued "We're both adults, ok".

"Are you sure?" he asked still somewhat confused.

"Yes, get in" Rory replied as she climbed under the covers, Tristan followed her lead and did the same.

The both lay there on there backs staring at the ceiling.

"Ok, this is weird" Rory ventured, her brave facade fading.

"I couldn't agree more" Tristan replied.

"But we're just going to have to get over it, there's no other solution, ok"

"Ok"

Tristan rolled over attempting to get comfortable and Rory did the same. At that moment a bolt of lightening lit up the sky.

"I still can't sleep" Rory informed him.

"Me, neither"

"There's something about storms isn't there" Rory began "When I was little my Mom used to tell me that thunder was because the angels were bowling".

"Then what was lighting" Tristan asked rolling over to face her.

"When they got a strike"

Tristan laughed in reply "Who would have thought that you and I would ever have ended up like this, in bed together discussing the weather"

"Anything's possible" Rory replied softly, pausing before continuing, "I wanted to thank you for that night, you know with the crying".

"No problem, I was just glad I could help" he replied.

"It started because, that weekend when I went home it was Dean's wedding"

"Oh"

"Yeah, I knew it was happening, but actually seeing it was…"

"No need to explain" he stopped her "I get it first love and all that, believe me I saw you two together"

"When did you see us together?" Rory asked.

"That dance at Chilton, in the courtyard, you're here to eternity moment"

"Oh that" Rory replied sheepishly, her mind recalling the day.

"Yeah, you said you hated me, kind of sticks in one's mind" Tristan smirked.

"I never hated you"

Tristan was silent for a moment "Well I wouldn't have blamed you, I was an ass" he said smiling.

"You were" Rory agreed smiling back.

"You know I'm really glad for Jake, and Kate, I swear that guy puts on such a front but you wouldn't believe how much he likes her, or for how long he has. You know how they went to school together, well he always liked her he just never made a move. You should have seen his face when he realised that she was going to school with him"

"I think she really likes him too, she was just scared of getting hurt, of putting herself out there" Rory replied yawning.

"I get that, but if you never put yourself out there how will you ever know" Tristan

Rory shrugged in reply as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Tristan stared at the ceiling trying to gather his thoughts.

"Rory" he began looking over to where she lay, he realised she was asleep and pulled the duvet up over her shoulder.

"Night Mary" he whispered as he rolled over attempting sleep of his own.

To be continued…