Rory slipped intosome black khakis and a low cut white blouse. Tristan had asked her after their conversation on the bench if she wanted to go out and get something to eat and catch up on things. Since he had said that he would consider them going out as friends only she had agreed to it. They we're going to meet at a restaurant that was pretty fancy, to Rory's taste anyway. It would be quiet so they would be able to talk without having to strain to hear each other.

Rory looked in the bathroom mirror and smiled at her reflection. She looked perfect. Nice but not really date nice. She glanced at the alarm clock on her bedside table. It was six thirty. She was supposed to meet Tristan at the restaurant at seven so she quickly slipped on herblack flats and walked quickly from the room and out into the cool, evening air.

When Rory reached the restaurant she saw Tristan sitting on a bench right outside the door. He was wearing a navy blue dress shirt and some tan, khaki pants. He smiled at her and stood up as she walked up to the door. He let out a sharp whistle and let his eyes roam slowly over her body. Rory rolled her eyes and laughed.

"You too," Rory said, smiling. She slid her arm through Tristan's when he offered it and they entered the restaurant.

It didn't take long for the waiter to seat them and it wasn't much longer after that when they had ordered their food. After the waitress came back with their drinks Rory glanced over at Tristan and smiled at him. He returned the smile and took a drink from the coke he had ordered.

"So,have youdated anyone since Dean?" Tristan asked, watching her from the other side of the table. Rory shook her head.

"I saw this guy, Logan a few times but things didn't really work out," Rory replied. Rory took a small sip of her coke.

"I was engaged," Tristan said. Rory looked up at him in surprise.

"Engaged?" Rory asked. Tristan nodded.

"Her name was Kelly," Tristan said, staring down into his drink. Rory nodded. When he didn't continue she decided to ask him what happened even though she didn't want him to think she was trying to be too nosey.

"What happened?" Rory asked, watching him. Tristan looked up at her from his drink.

"I cheated on her," Tristan replied, a sad expression on his face. He took another sip of coke and gave Rory a small smile. Rory wasn't really surprised by his answer. She had known how he had been in school.

"Oh," Rory replied, glancing down at the table. Tristan cleared his throat.

"How is Paris? I heard from Finn that she was dating a teacher," Tristan said. Rory looked up at him.

"Yeah. Things didn't work out for her," Rory replied, not feeling comfortable talking about Paris's private life.

The waitress finally brought their food and they both started eating. Neither of them spoke again until they we're out of the restaurant. Rory turned and smiled up at Tristan.

"Thanks. I had a great time," Rory said. Tristan smirked down at her.

"Yeah. Me too. It was great talking to you again," Tristan replied, taking her hand and lifting it up so he could kiss it. Rory laughed and he winked at her.

He glanced down the street toward the university.

"It's late. I'll walk you back," Tristan said, glancing back at Rory. Rory shook her head but gave him a small smile.

"I'll be okay," Rory said. Tristan smirked.

"Rory, I know you'll be okay but let me," Tristan said, taking her small hand in his larger one, "I want to." Rory rolled her eyes.

"Fine," Rory said, trying to glare at him but having a hard time trying to keep the smile off of her face. Tristan smiled and started walking toward the university. He had let go of her hand so for a second Rory had to run to catch up with him.

"What happened between you and Dean?" Tristan asked, glancing over at her. Rory stuck her hands into her pockets.

"There was another guy, Jesse and things just weren't working out," Rory answered, "Then Dean met Lindsay." Tristan nodded.

"His wife?" Tristan asked. Rory nodded and turned onto the paved road that led up to the university dorms.

When they reached the glass doors that led into Rory's building she turned to face Tristan. She kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight," Rory said, smiling at him. Tristan smiled down at her.

"Can I ask you something?" Tristan asked, licking his lips. Rory couldn't help but stare at his lips as she nodded.

"Rory, look at me," Tristan said, he smiled when she looked up into his eyes before lowering his voice so that just Rory could hear him, "Can I kiss you?" Rory was so surprised that she couldn't even speak and before she knew what was happening she had nodded and his lips we're against hers, kissing her softly. She moved her hands up around his neck and kissed him back softly. She felt his arms wrap around her waist as he held her closer. Tristan parted her lips gently with his tongue and began rubbing her back with his hands. It seemed like he had only just begun kissing her when he pulled back. He smiled at her before kissing her cheek softly. It was at that moment that hefelt the tears on her cheek. He pulled back, keeping his arms around her but looking into her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Tristan asked, gently holding her against him.

"Tristan?" Rory asked, staring into his eyes, "I don't want to hurt you." Another tear rolled down Rory's cheek and Tristan gently wiped it away.

"Don't worry about me," Tristan whispered softly, smiling at her, "I'm a big boy, ya know?" Rory laughed and hugged him. Tristan kissed her forehead, softly before releasing her. Rory shivered, suddenly feeling cold and alone without his arms around her.

"I have to go," Tristan whispered, "Can I see you tomorrow?" Rory smiled up at him and nodded. Tristan walked away and Rory went inside and into her room. She laid down on her bed and let the tears fall. Tristan had held her like he loved her and she knew he probably did. Deep in her heart she knew he always had but what scared her was her own feelings. She needed someone and he had been there. Even though he was annoying and a huge pain, Tristan had always been able to take her mind off of all her other problems. This time she had let him but the thing that scared her the most was possibly not being able to love him as much as he would want her to.

I know the kiss came on pretty fast but it's because Rory has been upset over everything with Dean, Jesse and Logan. Plus, I'd like to think she already had strong feelings for Tristan since Chilton. Thanks for all the great reviews :)