A/N: I own nothing.
Summary: Alternate ending/continuation of "I Can't Get Started." Jess comes back, and everyone reacts differently.
"I just want to come back." The moment the words escaped Jess's mouth, he knew saying them had been a mistake.
"What?" Luke asked, in disbelief.
"I want to come back." Jess said, trying to look Luke in the eyes. He failed, and focused on thin air.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes." Jess said, trying not to look hurt, but feeling it all the same.
"Why?"
"Why?" Jess asked, his voice getting louder. "I can give you any number of reasons. Liz is being a total flake, her boyfriend is a huge jerk, I can't stay in the park because it's illegal, and I don't have the money to live on my own because I'm seventeen."
"Oh." Luke said.
"Any of those reasons good enough for you?"
"Jess--"
"Just forget it. Don't worry about it. I can fend for myself somewhere." Jess turned to leave.
"Any, or all of those reasons would be good enough for you to stay." Luke told Jess. "But, I just need to know: are you moving back because of Rory?"
"Maybe." Jess admitted.
"Why?" Luke pressed gently.
"Because she's one of the only sane people in this town." Jess pointed out. "And I don't know if I am moving back because of her, so I said maybe, okay?"
"Okay." Luke nodded. "Maybe is okay." Luke headed for the door. He paused. "You know she has a boyfriend." he reminded Jess, and continued to the stairs.
"Luke?" Jess's voice made Luke stop and turn. "Thanks." Jess said.
"You're welcome." Luke smiled, and went downstairs to deal with Kirk's sandwich.