So this has been, in the words of the Delays, "a long time coming". I will admit, I never though I'd venture into the world of fanfiction anymore, but the writing bug struck me so here I am! I don't know where I'm going with this, and if someone would like to beta me that would be awesome! Please review, I need all the encouragement I can get with this thing!

Now, on with the show!

Well that's an omen and a half. Went to submit this, and it tells me the site is down due to a technical glitch. Hilarious.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything, someone does and it's not me so don't sue!

"I really don't want to go to this thing right now," stated Lorelai plainly. Dressed to the nines, it was once again time to go to one of Emily's dinner parties.

"I know," Rory replied, "but at least you're not going to be paraded around like a show pony."

"Hahahaha. True. But still… Rooooory, don't make me go!"

"I'm going, you're going, everyone's going. Let's just suck it up, get in, get out and then we can hire Willy Wonka, grab some junk food and totally veg out."

"…I suppose. Deal."

With those words, Rory was finally able to get her mother out of the house. She wasn't looking forward to it either, but four years surrounded by the society type at Yale had given her more resilience at these kinds of functions. With her hair curled to perfection and a little black dress on, she was far cry from the girl who had started at Chilton at the tender age of 16.

A short car ride later, one filled with deals from Lorelai and threats about rolling out of the car, they arrived to a house full of the typical society type. Greeting them at the door, Emily cheerfully called out "Merry Christmas," naturally followed by, "you're late" in a more dour tone.

"C'mon Mom, it was like 5 minutes," replied Lorelai.

"Try fifteen," was the inevitable comeback.

"Also, Mom, I hate to tell you this, but it's November. The month in which Christmas isn't."

"Are you saying I can't have a Christmas party in November if I so wish Lorelai? I'll have you know, that December is simply completely booked up! I had to schedule this early so that…"

"All right!" Rory quickly interjected. She knew that this had the potential to turn into an all out fight and she could think of maybe…one million things which she would rather be doing. "Do I smell apple pies Grandma? I think I do. The house looks lovely." Luckily, Rory's interruption did its job. "Why thank you Rory. I had Millie's designer come in to do the place this year. I am quite pleased. Also, you look lovely tonight Rory! I'm sure there are plenty of men inside who would love to catch your eye!"

"Of course Grandma, let's just go inside," said Rory politely. Lorelai snickered quietly while they handed their coats to the maid.

Having lost Lorelai at least twenty minutes ago into the crowd, Rory stood by the bar sipping a flute of champagne and admiring her surroundings. She had to admit, her Grandma had done well in making the place feel very festive, with holly and mistletoe draped artistically around the room and a string quartet in the corner softly playing through their repertoire of Christmas carols. The crowd themselves added to the atmosphere, with most of the women donning festive shades of red, gold or silver. As she scanned the crowd, she spotted her grandma, standing with her grandfather each partaking in different conversations. Her grandmother was absorbed in the latest society gossip with members of the DAR while her grandfather was with a group of men who looked to be in serious conversation. If Rory had to hazard a guess, she'd say it was probably about the insurance biz. Scanning the crowd for her mom, she suddenly felt like she was being watched.

Blue met blue across the room and Rory was struck by the instantaneous connection. He looked the same and yet different at the same time. He was still gorgeous, with his ruffled blonde hair and clear blue eyes, but she had always known that, even at Chilton when he persisted in annoying the hell out of her. He had grown into himself more, seemingly more comfortable in his skin, more at ease in the tux, which he adorned for the evening. As she watched, he offered her a smile of recognition, one that she found herself easily returning. Evidently taking that as his welcome, he strolled over to meet her.

"Rory Gilmore, or should I say Juliet," he said once he was close enough.

"Tristan Dugrey. Suddenly I'm not Mary anymore?" Rory couldn't resist bringing up the nickname, which had formerly been the bane of her existence. Tristan chuckled softly, "ahh, of course. Mary. How have you been?"

"Well you know. Finished high school. Went to college. Pulled a baby out of a burning building. Established world peace. The usual."

"The usual huh?" Tristan replied with a smile on his face. He couldn't believe his luck. Although he had dreaded the idea of being dragged to a society function, he had been pleased to learn it was to be hosted by the Gilmores. When he had walked through the door, he had hoped he might see her and get a chance to talk to her. He had been scanning the crowds, trying to deflect the attentions of Jessica, or Jennifer or something when he had spotted her by the bar, still beautiful enough to make him catch his breath. When she had caught his eye and returned his smile, he knew that this was an opportunity he could not let go to waste. Her tinkling laugh brought him back to the present.

"Yep, just the usual. You know us Gilmore girls, always ambitious," she said, with a mischievous smile on her face. Looking at her now. It was obvious that this was the same witty girl who had caught his attention back in the days of plaid. However, she had grown into a young woman, more self-assured than she had ever been in those days.

"What about you?" Rory queried, "How's life been for Mr Dugrey?"

"Charmed, naturally," he responded, with his trademark smirk. "No world peace, because apparently you have that covered. I went to military school, went to college and now am struggling my way through medical school."

"Medical school? I must say I'm impressed."

"If I'd known learning anatomy was the way to impress you, I would have told you I knew all the anatomy that mattered years ago," he said, cringing instantly internally. It seemed like a reflex that came with seeing her. Even through Tristan had put his playboy days to rest; somehow, she still brought it out in him. If this had blown his chance with her…

"Still the same as ever Dugrey," she said, however, she still had a warm smile on her face. Looking at him, she knew that he was scared that she was going to be insulted or disgusted. Rory knew she had changed a lot since Chilton. "Obviously, you're a little bit different yourself Mary. In a good way of course." Tristan said, obviously relieved. "Well Mary," he continued, "you look about like you're having as much fun here as I am, so what do you say we run away together?"

"Is that a line Dugrey?" responded Rory.

"Are you saying yes, Mary?" replied Tristan as he held out his hand for her. Rory hesitated for just a moment, before placing her hand in his and allowing him to pull her through the crowd at the party and out the door.