AN: I was so overwhelmed with all the reviews I got for this story! I was so touched and happy to hear from you all. I got so many people asking me to continue this story so I thought "give the people what they want!" Also, for those of you who read Challenge, I do plan on adding another chapter. I had forgotten how I left it and would have never even thought of leaving it that way if I had remembered. I hope you enjoy and keep giving me feedback, inspiration and ideas. -- GGfanatic

Chapter 2: Love is Blind; Friendship Closes its Eyes

Tristan pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine. Before she could speak he was around at her door, holding it open graciously for her. She smiled and placed her hand in his outstretched one as she pulled herself out of the car.

"Why thank you kind sir" she answered in her best English accent

Instead of commenting on her dreadful attempt at the accent he played along. "Your quite welcome my lady" The both giggled as he guided her up the steps towards her front door. "Here we are!" Tristan announced bringing them to a halt.

"Why I would have never noticed if you hadn't so chivalrously pointed out that fact." She batted her eyelashes flirtatiously.

"You think you're very clever don't you?" he retorted

"Well some days I think "clever" other days "not so clever" she smiled brightly

"I had a great time tonight" Tristan said, bringing them back to reality

"Me too"

"You're amazed aren't you?"

"No" Rory responded quickly. He gave her a very pointed look, showing her he saw right through her answer "Okay, maybe a little" she added while holding up her thumb and index finger to emphasize her point.

"Yeah" he said unconsciously as he took a step toward her. She mirrored his action. He reached for her hands and intertwined their fingers. She glanced down at their joined hands before looking up into his eyes. That's were she drowned. His eyes swirled, the blue becoming brighter in the dim light. Tristan stared back at her and watched her diamond eyes grow wider as she took in the situation. He glanced down at her lips as she tugged one between her teeth nervously. Many dirty thoughts flew through his mind but he quickly pushed them away. He leaned in slightly and she tilted her head and inched forward slightly. Just then the door flew open and they sprung apart.

"I thought I heard something out here" Lorelai smiled as she tried her hardest not to laugh at Rory's embarrassed expression.

"Hey Mom" Rory said trying to sound calm and nonchalant as she silently begged her mom not to say anything that would humiliate her further.

"Hi, I'm Lorelai" she extended her hand to Tristan

"Tristan Dugray Ma'am." He said accepting her outstretched hand

"Loose the Ma'am and we're good to go." She paused "I'm going to go inside and uh it was nice meeting you Tristan." She said as she clumsily walked backwards into the house.

"You too, Lorelai" they both smiled slightly as she closed the door. After a moment's pause Tristan commented "So that was your mom…"

"Yup, in the flesh." There was an awkward silence. It was one of the first that evening. "So, I should get inside."

"Right okay." He said lamely

She leaned in and kissed his cheek lightly "Thanks Tristan"

Just before she stepped inside her had to ask, "Why are you thanking me? Shouldn't I be thanking you?"

"Goodnight Tristan" she gave a small smile "Don't be a stranger."

"I won't" he said as he smiled from ear to ear. He practically flew down the stairs due to the hop now in place in his step. He stuck his hand in his pocket to get his keys and pulled out a scrap of paper instead. "555-7253" he read to himself "Don't be a stranger." Today Clever, definitely very clever he thought.

Rory leaned back against the now closed front door. Suddenly Lorelai jumped out from around the corner. "Ah-Ha!" she yelled

"What?" Rory asked innocently

"What was that all about? Was it just me or would you have kissed if I hadn't opened the door when I did?"

"It's a possibility." Rory responded pushing herself off the door and heading towards her room. Lorelai, never one to give up without a fight, sashayed along right beside her, firing questions at a rapid speed.

"Who is he? Is he your boyfriend? Do I know him? The name sounds oddly familiar…are you going to get together again? Why did he bring you home? I thought my rents were doing so. Start anywhere you like but I need some answers!"

"It's Tristan, from Chilton, sophomore year, he left because he was sent to military school…"

"Bible Boy!"

"He actually used my real name tonight."

"Amazing!"

"I thought so."

"He so likes you!"

"Does not!"

"It works out well too, considering you like him too!"

"I do not!"

"Do too" Lorelai continued as she plopped down beside Rory on her bed. "Did you give him your number?" Rory cast her eyes downward in response. "Oh you so like him."

"No, I don't. I just think we could become good friends."

"Just friends?"

"Yes"

"With a guy that looks like that?" Lorelai asked skeptically "especially one who is obviously crazy about you."

"He is not."

"Yeah and the oven isn't for storing shoes."

"I'm going to sleep now, so if you could please eradicate yourself from my bed it would be greatly appreciated." Rory gave her overly sweet smile.

"Oh big words, you trying to scare me away?"

"If it'll work"

"Well it won't but I'm tired so I'll go."

"Hey mom?" Rory called

"Yeah Hon?"

"Weren't you supposed to be working tonight? I mean that's what you told grandma. That's why you didn't come tonight right?"

"Goodnight sweetie." And with that she skipped up the stairs to her own bed.

Rory awoke with a start to the painfully loud ring of the telephone. She muttered to herself as she rolled out of bed and scurried off to find the phone. By the time she found the phone, which had been in between the couch cushions, she was out of breath.

"Do you have a death wish? Or do you just enjoy seeing the pain you caused by calling at such an ungodly hour?" Rory handed out wrath on a skewer.

"Uh Hey" came the unsure voice at the other end.

"Tristan?"

"Wow, you recognized my voice, I'm flattered."

"Consider yourself lucky."

"Lucky?"

"Yeah, that you are out of arm swinging length"

"Well one generally is when they call."

"That would make sense."

"It certainly would."

"So, may I ask what the need is for this unwelcome wakeup call?"

"Are wakeup calls normally welcome?"

"Tristan…" Rory whined

"I was just dying to hear your voice." He replied in a sexy southern drawl

Rory laughed in response. "Seriously"

"I was wondering if you wanted to meet up for lunch or an early movie."

"Oh well uh, that sounds great." Rory alleged, caught a little off guard.

"Great." He paused "can I meet you at Je ne sais quoi at 2?"

"Say that again"

"Say what?"

"Je ne sais quoi"

"Why do I have the feeling it's so you can openly mock me?"

"Why would I ever do such a thing?" she picked up his country twang.

"I'm choosing not to answer that."

"I'm thinking that's a safe choice."

He gave a throaty chuckle which Rory found completely sexy; but she managed to refrain from saying so. "So what do you say?"

"To what?" Rory asked, in hopes he would repeat his previous statement.

"Rory, I'm not falling for it. The café at the edge of Hartford at 2, sound good?"

"C'est très bon"

"Au revoir" he said just to humor her

"Au revoir" came her reply before she hung up the phone.

Rory wandered into the kitchen to get some much needed coffee before getting ready, realizing it was bordering on 12:30. She suddenly felt stupid for making such a fuss about the time Tristan had called. It had been about 12 when he had done so, a completely reasonable hour for someone to do so. She grabbed her cup of coffee and began to head towards the bathroom to shower. She noticed a note tapped onto the door.

Rory,

Had to run to the inn, Michael was there alone. Enough said. I'll be home around 6, bearing take out. See you then.

Love your darling viable mother

Rory laughed at her mom's choice of words before proceeding with her shower. Rory was standing in front of her closet a half our later, staring at her clothes. I have nothing to wear Rory thought. She wasn't even sure why she was putting so much effort into her outfit choice considering she didn't even know what this meeting was.

Just pick something. Throw on a pair of jeans it doesn't matter. It's just Tristan. The last thought was on repeat in her mind. She glanced at the clock recognizing that if she didn't leave in ten minutes she would be late. Rory decided on a tweed skirt and a pink top that just matched. She hurried out the door and slid into the car her grandparents had just given her as a graduation present. She arrived just as the clock struck two. She parked and wandered towards the café. She saw Tristan at an outside table. He stood and walked in her direction when he noticed her approaching. He met her halfway and kissed both of her cheeks.

"As long as we are going along with the whole French thing" he whispered, placing his hand on the small of her back and leading her to the table.

Rory captured Tristan's appearance. He looked amazing in dark denim jeans that were just baggy enough, without looking trashy. He donned a button up collared shirt with the first few buttons left undone to reveal a plain white tee.

Tristan took the time to take in Rory's appearance, as she looked beautiful, as always. He wasn't sure what exactly was going on between them, but he was happy with whatever she gave him. He knew how he felt, but he didn't want to rush things. His plan was just to let things take their course, and spend as much time with her as possible.

Friends they both thought. For now Tristan added.

AN: Please review and ideas, suggestions, constructive criticism, and of course praise bats eyes innocently is always welcome and encouraged.