Hi guys,

I know I'm bad at updating lately - but you know - life sorta gets in the way. Anyway, here is the latest chapter. I'm super excited about this story (same goes for New York Night) so here's hoping for speedy updates. Let me know what you think. You know I LOVE the reviews!

Also, big big thanks to you guys - I can't believe how many people read this story. You rock the free world, my friends.

Rock on & love,
Gilmoregirl19

Disclaimer: Don't own the wonderfulness that is the gilmoregirls.

Chapter Seven: Fall Fell Fallen

September came putting summer and the craziness that accompanied it to an end. The first day back had been a little awkward, what with Rory turning down Logan's plea for love, Stephanie and Colin not talking, and Lane and Finn closer than ever. However, the group knew that they were the Golden Spawns, which meant they were subject to vicious gossip. If Emily Gilmore had taught them anything, it was the ability to put on a society mask. But, being a Golden Child also meant being looked up to and treated like royalty. Everyone wanted to be a friend, but at the same time, everyone at Chilton Preparatory School knew that it was simply not done to approach one of the Golden's. It was almost as if a glass wall separated the six of them and the rest of the school. This, and the fact that they were trained to put on a society mask forced them back to some kind of normalcy. They were grateful, however Rory knew this new normal would not last for long.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Mrs. Pearson's strict voice cut through Monday morning homeroom. It was the third week of the semester, and autumn was in full swing.

"It's too early for this," Stephanie sighed into her Little Coffee House special blend extra tall foam free latte.

"I know," Lane agreed, as she popped opened her Styrofoam lid and inhaled the scent of her cinnamon coffee with whipped cream.

"I can't believe you guys drink that crap," Rory said, eying her friend's six-dollar coffees as she took a long swing of her own straight-up coffee with milk, no sugar.

"Will you ladies stop talking?" Colin hissed, "Maybe Pearson's is introducing that new kid…."

Indeed, the rumor mill was running on over time. Apparently, a new student – very rich – student was transferring in. Some even suggested that he could give the Golden Spawns a run for their money…

"Oh man," Logan yawned, "I hope it's a chick!"

Rory whipped her head around and shot him a death stare. She was just about to open her mouth, when Mrs. Pearson spoke again, forcing her to swivel back and direct her attention to her.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Tristan Dugray. He is joining us from the Chateau Le Monte, a fine educational institute for young men in Switzerland. His family relocated here, from Boston, and he is very excited to be a part our Chilton family..." Pearson spoke with obvious pride in her voice - apparently the rumors where true. The new kid was something special.

"Dugray!" Finn whispered, "That's serious. They came over on the Mayflower!"

"Big deal," Stephanie sighed, "Like we didn't!"

"You know what this means, right," Colin muttered.

"Introductory dinner at the Gilmore Estate," Logan sighed. "Ah, crap!" Lane said softly, "I guess they want our group of six to become Lucky Seven….What do you think, Rory?"

But she didn't respond, she was too busy pretending to be interested in Mrs. Pearson's speech. Pretending, being the operative word, since she was really checking Tristan out. She started by giving his body a quick once over. He was wearing the mandatory navy blue Chilton uniform, though it was obvious that he had to be ripped underneath that starched white shirt.

Slowly, she shifted her gaze from his midriff up to his face. He was definitely a hottie in her book. It was strange, since she had never experienced this intense psychical attraction before. Sure, she was attracted to Logan, but he was her friend. In the heat of the moment, she was too chicken to act and that determined that they were destined to remain friends.

Besides, she realized that she was the only one in her circle that had not had her first kiss. Finn and Lane obviously shared that special lip-lock together. Stephanie had hers with her British fling, Colin with some skank at Emily's back-to-school party.

And Logan, he was kissed at the tender age of 12 by some random girl at their school. She walked right up to him, during lunch, and kissed him. They had all been grossed out, though now it's something they laugh about.

Somewhere, after summers events Rory hoped her first real kiss would be with Logan, however, now shifting her gaze from Tristan's midriff up to his face, she determined that he had wonderfully kissable lips, first-kiss worthy, for sure. She continued to check him out shamelessly… His cute nose, those amazingly intriguing blue-gray eyes and that perfect blond hair. Oh, she was falling fast.

"Rory?" Mrs. Pearson asked impatiently, pulling Rory from her daydream.

"Hm?" She mumbled startled, receiving strange looks from her friends. Rory never daydreamed! "I'm sorry…"

"That's alright," the teacher smiled insincerely. "I was inquiring, since you are editor-in-chief of the Franklin Gazette, social chair and on honor roll, if you would be interested in showing Mr. Dugray around."

"Show Mr. Dugray around," she choked out. Her heart was beating a million miles an hour and suddenly her palms became very sweaty. She looked at her teacher, was this some sick joke? However, Mrs. Pearson glared at Rory over her half-moon specs, waiting for an answer. Rory looked at Tristan, and immediately they locked eyes as he shot her a quick, and very sexy, smile.

Oh, god, that smile! "Yes, I'd love to," Rory said as calmly as possible.

"Excellent," Mrs. Pearson beamed, and she continued with the rest of the class. Tristan found his seat somewhere in the front row. Rory continued watching him, though Lane's sharp tap on her shoulder forced her back in the classroom.

"You okay, Rory?" she whispered.

"Yeah," Rory whispered back. "Peachy keen," she shot her friend a big smile as she realized that she had fallen for the mystery that is Tristan Dugrey, the Bostonian, Mayflower riding heir. She rolled her eyes. This had all sorts of drama spelled out over it.

A ray of sunshine greeted Rory the following morning. It had been a long time since she woke up feeling content and energized, as if she could take on the world. She unconsciously fingered her sapphire ring, and smiled. It was a good feeling.

"Good morning!" She called out happily, waiting for Logan to reply, though it remained quiet.

"Logan?" she asked the empty kitchen, and again silence was her reply. She filled her coffee mug, and lazily walked into the living room, wondering if Logan perhaps was still asleep.

She flipped open her laptop, and typed in , since she believed that there was no better way to start your morning with a little coffee and Perez.

The phone rang so she picked up, as she continued to scroll over the bright pink pages, "Did you know Jen Aniston called up John Mayer and is, like, totally begging for him back. You know, he should take her back – she got her lips done for him for Pete's sake!!"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh my god," Rory exclaimed, "Logan! I thought you were still asleep! Hey, if you aren't at the house, where are you? Is everything okay?" Even though it was very early, she managed to talk extremely fast.

"How much coffee have you had, there, Ace?" he asked jokingly.

"Uh, about two cups, or so….Don't change the subject, mister! Where are you?"

"I'm in a limo, on my way to the airport…," he sighed heavily, "Rory, don't be upset, okay. I got a call at 6:00 a.m. The credit crisis is seriously affecting the London market, and these people – they don't know what's left or right, up or down.. business is ... you know, business..."

He paused for a moment, letting her take in this information.

"So," she sighed, her happiness fading away, "when will you be back?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly.

"Logan" Rory said angrily.

"Wait!" he interjected, before she could go off on a rant.

"What?" she spat.

"Walk to the front door," he commanded lightly.

"Why?"

"Humor me"

She shrugged, as she bit her lip in anger and fought back tears. Nothing would ever change she thoughy bitterly and walked to the foyer.

"A vase of sunflowers," she described what she saw. "I'm touched," she said sarcastically. Seriously, the man of grand gestures and all he came up with was a vase of sunflowers. Please.

"Hey, they are your favorite," he shot back, not offended by her tone in the slightest. "Look at the envelope on the table, okay?"

"Okay," she rolled her eyes and she opened the envelope. It remained silent as he waited for her reaction.

"Oh my god!" she squealed. "Tickets, to London!" she screamed elated.

"They're not tickets, Ace," Logan replied dryly.

"Huntzberger-jet conformation number for flight 453 doesn't really roll of the tongue, now does it?" she retorted as she broke into a fit of giggles. "I'm going to London, to be with you."

"You are going to London, to be with me. That is – if you want to go…."

"Are you kidding me? I can't wait!"

"Good," Logan smiled, "Pack light – we'll get you stuff here."

"Okay," she smiled and thought about how significant this was – he was making such a big effort.

They stayed in a comfortable silence for a minute until Logan aksed , "Can I ask you two things?"

"Yeah, shoot," Rory said as she admired her sunflowers.

"You aren't mad, right? You're flying out tomorrow…I mean, we'll work on this, okay."

"I know, Logan. I wasn't mad - I mean, I was, but now I'm good!"

"Good, good." A tiny smile played on his lips, "Why do you pick up the phone and inform the caller on the latest gossip? What if Emily calls?"

"Oh, that," she chuckled, "Mom normally calls about now…"

"I see," Logan grinned and shook his head – how could he forget?

"In fact," Rory said, "It's my call waiting now. I'll make it short…"

"No, don't worry about it, Ace. I'm almost at the airport anyway. I'll call you as soon as I get in. And I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay," she said, "See you tomorrow."

"Hey Mom!" Rory greeted her mother cheerily.

"So, what about Jen and John, huh? She got her lips done for him!" Lorelai yelled in mock anger.

"I know!" Rory practically screamed through the phone.

"Wow, got a little coffee kick going there, hon?"

"You are the second person that's asked me that today!" Rory replied.

"Who else called?" Lorelai asked, since it was unusual for her daughter to take morning phone calls.

"Logan," Rory exhaled excitedly, "He has to go to London – he rushed off this morning and he booked the jet for me to see him. He wants me there!"

"That's awesome, babe" Lorelai said unconvincingly.

"What?"

"It's just that, uh, I thought he was in London?"

"Ah, yes. He was, but he came back."

"He came back," Lorelai repeated her daughter, not understanding what she meant.

"Yes."

"Care to explain here? My magic swami powers are on the fritz this morning…." Lorelai deadpanned.

"Why don't you come over and help me pack for London – I'll tell you everything!"

Tristan waited for Rory in the hallway after that his introductory homeroom.

"Hi, Rory," he greeted her warmly, life dancing in his eyes.

"Tristan," she nodded her head, and chuckled, "Welcome to Chilton."

Soon thereafter Rory-and-Tristan was crowned the new power couple of Chilton. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they were terribly compatible. He was an excellent writer, and debater. He ran for student body president, and won. Besides that, he had Golden credentials and a smoking hot body. If you looked up perfect in the dictionary, you'd find a picture of Tristan.

However, Rory's group of friends didn't easily accept him. He was the unknown, unpredictable factor since they did not know him, making him the ultimate threat. It took a while for Lane and Stephanie to warm up to him, and, naturally, Logan did not like the guy and out of loyalty, Finn and Colin gave Tristan the cold shoulder. It was all very awkward in the beginning, but soon it became apparent that Tristan was not going anywhere so they best figure something out - even if it was just to keep up appearences. The society mask training sometimes really was a blessing in disguise.

The whole Tristan Dugray experience was too much for Logan. He hated him because he was with Rory. Besides, he had convinced himself that Rory didn't like him, she was only with him since Tristan displayed an uncanny resemblance to another certain blond-haired heir.

He hated the fact that she appeared, at least in his mind, to be settling for second best. However, talking to her about this would only make him seem jealous, so he decided to suck it up and continue to act as Rory's friend, though remaining distant, since that was what their relationship had become. It seemed incredibly unnatural, but it was their new understanding. Besides, both Rory and Logan decided that they did not want to add any more oil to the fire, since the drama that followed Colin and Stephanie was enough.

In the meantime, Logan needed some distraction and that came in the form of Julia, Zoe, Claire, Bernadette, Lauren, Jasmine, Serena, Penelope, and Nicole. Yes, nothing spelled distraction like those girls.

Rory acted like his player-esque ways didn't bother her. After all, she had Tristan, so why should it? Why should she care? Oh, but she did. In a 'I care about you as a friend kind of way', or at least, that's what she told herself. Frequently.

Let me know whatcha think!! Too much drama? Not enough dialouge? More Cephanie? Or Solin? Or Fane? Or Linn? :)