Rory had three days a week when her study coincided with first period. Being as Tristan shared this trait, morning coffee quickly became a ritual between the pair.

It was crystal clear how Tristan was affected by Rory, and it caused her amusement to no end. On one such trip to Starbucks, Rory ordered her usual Irish cream.

"I'll have a venti French Roast. Black." Tristan tried to act nonchalant and adult, as if he always drank this. When they sat down, Rory said nothing, waiting with a small smile until he had drained the entire cup.

"You know you didn't have to do that." she gestured at his empty cup. "I sort of liked that you drink wuss coffee. My mom had a field day when I told her."

"Oh thanks, tell me now." he said in a rueful tone, and she grinned roguishly.

"Actually, it wasn't half bad." he conceded, and she clicked her tongue.

"Well well well, I'm impressed." she mocked lightly. He bowed floridly and she laughed.

-

At lunch she was in her usual place, reading with her music blasting in black headphones, when she was interrupted.

A shadow passed over her page, and she looked up in time to see Tristan set his tray down across from her. She removed her headphones a moment to throw him a quisitive look.

"You know," he said around mouthfuls, "it's rude to do that when people are talking to you,"

"You were talking to me?" she asked innocently, and a slow flush crept up his neck.

"Well--no, but what if I was? You would let me make a fool of myself, just to finish..."he raised her book and peeked at the cover. "Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde?" She looked back at the page and shrugged her shoulders.

"Why Mary--"

"--Rory,"

"Mary I'm hurt. I thought we were closer than that. And after I left my post as King at my usual table, this is quite a disappointment." he shook his head in mock disapproval, and to his utter delight, she actually appeared to be blushing.

"I'm sorry Tristan," she said in a crestfallen voice, "You're right. Besides, I enjoy spending time with you." she added, almost to herself. It was surprising to her how true her statement was. Since when had she liked speaking with him? It felt like only yesterday when she dreaded his every appearance, and cursed the way he would vaporize seemingly out of nowhere to torment her.

Tristan was floored, but he recovered his composure quickly, and snapped his mouth shut.

"Well if you feel that was about it, we could be doing better things than eating." he suggested archly, and she forced herself not to grin. She couldn't keep the corners of her mouth from curling up, though.

"Oh? Like what?" she said absently, picking up her book and pretending to read again.

Tristan leaned forward, almost over the edge of the book.

"I can think of a few things," he said, in a voice so soft that she could just barely make out his words.

It was at this point that everything went horribly wrong.

Rory thought about his comment, and after thinking up a snappy response, it hit her. She was actually flirting with Tristan DuGrey. She was succumbing to his will; playing wight into his hands. She might as well have carved the notch in his bedpost herself. The smiled slipped from her lips, and a small exclamation of disgust escaped her.

"Forget is, Tristan. Forget it all." she picked up her books and left the dining hall.

Tristan sat in shock for a moment, before catching himself. Unwilling to lose face, he sauntered over to his usual table, immediately followed by two sophomore girls.