Ok So I know I should finish the other one and I swear Life personified is
not finished, I just had an idea today and I wanted to get it started. As
always a R/J because I'm sorry but I don't believe in anything else, and
this whole spin off thing ahs gotten to me so I thought I'd try my version
of it before it actually starts and I find out it sucks, which sadly I have
a feeling Milo's going to become the Scott Baio of the 00's, but I'll still
watch because I 3 him. So Here I go.
I don't have to do disclaimers you all know the deal, I'm a freshman in college I work at a movie theatre I have 5 bucks to my name, do I look like I own these character who are making Amy P a rich woman, uh uh, although I am an Amy.
So yeah it starts off during this season, Rory and Jess are having issues b/c Jess doesn't do the good boyfriend thing ad call, but I believe that's because he's never been in a real relationship which showed last night when all he wanted to do was suck Rory's neck, ew that's not a relationship dude. So here we go enjoy:
Lorelai approaches Rory's door cautiously as the music of Good Charlotte's "The Motivation Proclamation" booms through her door permeating the entire house.
Lorelai taps on the door.
Rory pokes her head out, she looks drained, "Hey mom."
"Hey sweet, I'm going to head over to the Inn......we've got that big dinner tonight for the ping pong players of Connecticut....It's my job to make sure they don't bring their paddles inside." Lorelai grins.
Rory nods, "Yeah ok, well I'll be here."
"Still hasn't called?" Lorelai raises an eyebrow.
Rory shakes her head, quickly plastering a smile on, "But its ok finals are in three weeks and I really should study.....besides I'm sure he's busy, he's got finals too."
Lorelai nods, not buying it, "Ok..........just don't wait around for him all night." Lorelai moves a strand of hair out of Rory's face. "Night, babe."
"Night mom."
Rory closes the door behind her as "Complicated" starts up.
Rory sighs, flopping down on the bed.
*5 minutes later the phone rings. Rory pounces on it.
"Hello." She says enthusiastically.
"Uh hey." Lane says taken back.
"Oh hi."
"Sorry to disappoint." Lane says sarcastically.
"Lane, I'm sorry, I just thought you might be....."
"Jess, I know. Look I realize you have a whole night of moping around planned but do you think you could postpone that for some pizza?"
"Uh......"
"Alright fine, I'll just go by myself."
A determined look crosses Rory's face; "I'll meet you in 10 outside Al's?"
Lane perks up, "Great!"
"And I promise to put the moping on hold."
"Yay." Lane claps hanging up the phone.
Rory leaps off the bed, stopping in front of her mirror, "Ew." Rory runs a finger through her hair, which is knotty and unkempt. Rory picks up a brush and starts brushing her hair intensely.
*10 minutes later: Rory approaches Al's pancakes looking like her normal "Well-adjusted self."
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Guess what."
"What?"
"I'm going to prom!" Lane says quietly but ecstatically.
"Oh my God! You told your mom about Dave?"
Lane gives Rory a drawn-out expression, "Noooot quite."
Rory stares at Lane, "What did you do?"
Lane bits her lip, "Well I found a date, he's Korean and he has a girlfriend, and he's going to come to my door take pictures with me and then I'm going to meet Dave at the prom."
"Lane." Rory scolds.
"So of course you have to come so you can take Polaroid's at prom and stash them at your house for me." Lane looks hopefully at her reliable friend.
Rory grimaces, "Sure."
Lane squeals.
"Of course, I'm only going if I'm asked, and some how that's doubtful." Rory mutters.
Lane groans pulling Rory into Al's, "No moping remember, you promised."
"Right, I forgot." Rory sighs plastering on a grin.
"Better, we'll work on your execution later....you're timing's all wrong."
Rory laughs.
"Pepperoni or are you feeling crazy........because I was thinking pineapple."
"Hmm......."
*45 minutes later: Lane and Rory are walking towards Rory's. They pass the diner. Rory stops to look in the window, Jess is not there.
"Do you want to go in?" Lane asks.
"No, it's ok."
"Come on, I feel like pie anyway."
Rory smiles, "Well if you insist."
Lane and Rory approach the counter. Luke nods at them
"Hey Luke."
"Rory, Lane." Luke says hoarsely.
"We want pie." Lane states.
"And coffee."
Lane face sours, "I'll have a coke."
Luke nods, "Cherry pie ok?"
"Sure." Lane and Rory reply simultaneously.
Luke walks away. Rory's glance travels across the diner.
Lane clears her throat, "He's probably working, I mean he does have two jobs right."
Rory shakes her head, "No he works Monday Wednesday Thursday and Saturday at Wal-Mart, it's Sunday.
"Right, well he probably fell asleep, maybe he's sick or out helping old ladies cross the street." Lane exaggerates.
Rory looks down at the counter sorrowfully.
Luke returns.
".......right ,Luke I bet jess is out delivering meals on wheels right now." Lane nods excessively trying to make her embellishment become reality.
Luke sighs, "He's upstairs actually."
"Oh." Lane puckers her lips shut.
Rory looks abashed at Luke. "Uh, I think we should go." Rory mutters to Lane.
"But we just got pie."
Rory looks like she might cry
Lane changes her mind immediately, "Sure, I'll just get it wrapped up."
"I'm going to wait outside." Rory says not waiting for a reply.
Luke takes their plates returning a moment later with two brown bags.
"Uh there's four slices in there." He says oddly.
"Thanks Luke." Lane replies heading for the door.
Luke watches her ext, immediately turning toward Rory, putting an arm around her as they start their walk back home.
Luke sighs, growing angrier by the second.
"Caesar." Luke barks.
Caesar walks out of the back.
"I'll be down in a minute."
Caesar nods as Luke storms up the stairs.
Luke bursts into the apartment where Jess is sprawled across the couch, watching nick at night.
"What the hell are you doing?" Luke asks fuming.
"Huh looks pretty obvious to me........do you need to make an appointment with your eye doctor?" Jess replies not bothering to peel his eyes off of the television screen.
"God Damnit, do not tell me that you're honestly going to sit here and be a smart ass with me to night?" Luke shouts.
"Ok, I won't tell you."
Luke sighs loudly, "Come on Jess, what the hell is going on?"
Jess turns his head towards Luke, "I don't know what you're referring to." Jess' eyes wonder back to the television.
Luke stamps his foot down, "So you have no idea why Rory just left here in tears right?" Luke yells.
Jess flips off the tv, "What? Because of me?"
"You sound surprised." Luke retorts.
"It was one lousy phone call."
"Tonight, you canceled twice on her this weekend, didn't answer the phone yesterday and refused to go to Lane's band practice with her."
"Ok, so it was a few things."
"Jess if you don't stop this bullshit you're going to lose her."
Jess looks at the ground.
"Do you think she's going to stick around much longer, she's not a trained poodle."
Jess scoffs, "Thank God.....then we'd have a bunch of animal rights activists petitioning outside for mistreatment of animals."
"Look by some bizarre turn of events you got Rory by being a complete ass........but that doesn't cut it anymore, you're in a relationship you have to put into it........believe me it won't survive on wits alone." Luke preaches.
Jess is growing agitated, "Don't you think I know that?" He barks back.
"Well if you know so much what the hell are you doing sitting here?"
Jess cowers.
"Well?"
Jess sighs heavily looking momentarily fragile, "I don't know why, ok?"
Luke looks at Jess who is avoiding his stare. Luke puts a hand to his head, "I don't believe that."
Jess looks down at the floor, "She can do better than me."
Luke laughs dully, "Yeah, but that's not the point here."
Jess looks up, "Yes it is, you know I've spent an entire year of my life pining after this girl." Jess scoffs, "And now I have her, and I should be happy....but I'm not."
"Jess."
"Just let me say this, I've spent a year dreaming about having Rory but now that I have her, I don't know what to do. I've never been in a relationship before, not a real one before, not one that mattered to me anyway."
Luke shifts his weight.
"I mean I can do the whole holding hands thing." Jess smirks, "And I've got the kissing thing down...."
"That's enough." Luke says gruffly.
Jess rolls his eyes as he sits up, "But I not like HIM, I can't be sweet 24/7, I don't want to attend these little town sponsored epileptic fits known as fairs." Jess sigh, "I'm not boyfriend material, and I have to face that......Rory's better off without me."
"That's bull, you don't have to do all that stuff to be Rory's boyfriend, she doesn't want that...she wants you to be yourself."
"You've said it yourself a million times, I'm a schmuck, and Rory doesn't want a schmuck."
"For some reason that is beyond my human knowledge, she does.....Look Jess, you don't have to be Dean but you have to cave somewhat, you have to at least talk to her."
Jess sighs, "I don't know how."
"Never had a problem before you two go together."
"Yeah but it's different now, when I'm with her ten minutes into the conversation I start thinking about her and then all I want to do is touch her...."
Luke glares at Jess.
Jess shakes his head firmly, "It's like she's just another girl in my head, but the thing is she's not and I don't want her to be.....I don't want to screw her up."
Luke looks at jess sympathetically, "You won't........if you make amends of course"
"Excuse me?" Jess says warily.
"Look, all I know is women have that effect, well the right one anyway.......they make us better people, they soften us up so we're incapable of messing them up."
"She has turned me soft." Jess mutters.
Luke laughs.
Silence engulfs the room suddenly.
Luke looks awkwardly at Jess, "What just happened here?"
Jess returns Luke's awkward glance, "I'm not sure...."
More silence.
"I should get back to the diner." Luke announces.
Jess stands up grabbing his coat, "I need to go see Rory."
Luke smiles, "Ok, but not too long.....and if Lorelai's not home, you don't step one foot into that house."
Jess smirks, "Right Luke."
*10 minutes later: Gilmore Residence.
Lane is comforting Rory.
Rory is sobbing loudly.
"Ror." Lane says warily, "It's 9:30.......I have to go."
Rory nods, her face buried in her pillow.
"I'll come by tomorrow after school, Rory it's going to be ok."
Rory nods again, turning on her cd player as Lane leaves.
Jess lifts his hand to knock on the door as it suddenly opens.
"You." Lane says harshly.
"Is she in?"
"I don't think that's your concern." Lane replies coldly.
Jess puts his hand on the door holding it open, "I need to talk to her."
"Well you should have called 3 hours ago when she waiting by the phone for your call." Lane replies sourly.
"I know, I'm a screw up, I need to fix it, please."
Lane sighs, "Fine."
Lane steps aside as Jess enters.
Jess approaches Rory's room, he decides not to knock.
Rory doesn't here the door open as "Change blasts through the room.
"Good lyrics, I can relate." Jess says simply.
Rory looks up, not saying a word.
Jess walks over and shuts off the cd, "I'm sorry." He says sitting on the edge of Rory's bed stroking her hair.
Rory pulls away.
"I'm a jerk...I didn't mean to make you cry."
Rory sits up, hugging her chest to her knees, "Yeah well you did."
"I'm sorry, I'm just no good at this boyfriend thing."
Rory looks at Jess horrified, "Y-you're breaking up with me."
Jess eyes go wide, "No. No. I, I just need to explain myself."
Rory sighs, "go ahead."
"I'm not as experienced as you think I am."
Rory scoffs.
"Well I am, just not in the way I want to be.....I've had plenty of 'girlfriends', well more like friends with benefits; but I've never had a relationship."
Rory sniffles.
"I don't know how to do all the stuff you want me too, I'm not used to doing that."
Rory remains silent.
"And then last week when we were at the bookstore I realized that even though I feel so many different emotions towards you, I'm still in the mind set of the old me. As hard as I try I can't stop thinking about you..........in that way."
Rory blushes.
Jess touches her cheek tenderly, "And I started to think that maybe I couldn't be your boyfriend and not have that part of the relationship, that maybe that's all I wanted.....and I didn't', I don't want to do that, not to you."
Rory shivers.
Look, I know we're not at that point yet in our relationship, but that's all I know.....I need you to help me with the in between stuff."
Rory sniffles "O-ok."
Jess reaches over and hugs Rory.
Rory buries her face in Jess' coat.
Jess looks down at Rory, "I'm sorry."
Rory nods.
"I'll try harder this time, I promise."
Rory pulls away, "I believe you."
"Good." Jess replies tightening his grasp on Rory.
*4 weeks later: Jess is true to his word. After holding Rory in his arms for over an hour, Jess snuck out promising to meet Rory at the diner in the morning. From there he walked her to her bus and was waiting there for her when she got off of it in the afternoon. Over the next few days he let Rory take the lead, accompanying her on evening walks, attending Saturday movie nights and Lane's band practices.
Today, nightly phone calls have become a routine and Rory and Jess' relationship is stronger than ever, much to the distaste of Rory's mother.
*It's prom night, Rory mentioned to jess that she'd like to go and although he said it wasn't his thing he agreed to go.
*Gilmore house: Lorelai has invited Luke over to see Rory and Jess off.
There is a knock at the door. Lorelai opens it revealing Luke in his regular attire and jess in a dark navy blue tuxedo.
"Someone looks sexy." Lorelai replies.
Jess blushes.
"I wasn't talking about you......and remember you lay a finger on my daughter, you lose a hand."
Luke grins.
"Come in." Lorelai ushers them in. "Rory!"
"Coming!" Rory yells down.
Jess waits expectantly as Lorelai heads upstairs.
A moment later she returns, "Gentlemen may I introduce Miss Lorelai "Rory" Gilmore"
Slowly Rory makes her way down the stair case dressed in a knee length modernized 50's inspired light blue dress complete with small bow at the chest line.
Jess breath is taken away.
Rory smiles faintly, "Is it ok?"
"Y-you look amazing." Jess says breathlessly.
"Ok! Picture time!" Lorelai squeals.
*3 rolls of film later Rory and Jess run out the door.
Lorelai and Luke watch them leave.
"They are sweet together aren't they?" Lorelai muses.
Luke smirks.
Lorelai rolls her eyes, "Don't tell him I said that."
"I'll take it to my grave......well I should get back, Friday night rush."
Lorelai nods.
"Feel like coffee?"
"Do you have to ask?" Lorelai says perking up.
"Come on." Luke replies pretending to be annoyed.
*An hour later:
Lorelai is happily engrossed in a large mug of Coffee. Luke is in the back filling orders.
Lorelai's eyes travel across the diner where man highschoolers dressed in evening wear are splitting pre-prom milk shakes and plates of fries. She smiles to herself.
The bell over the door rings causing Lorelai to come out of her trance. Lorelai smiles as an attractive man in his mid thirties enters.
The man, wearing dark blue jeans and a long sleeve dress shirt, with the two top buttons undone looks around, sighs and then takes a seat in the corner.
Lorelai stares at him blankly, theirs is an ora surrounding him, something familiar that makes Lorelai's lip curl.
A loud noise in the back breaks Lorelai concentration.
Luke returns, "That kid is going to die when he gets home."
"Oh?"
"He had dish duty needless to say I just broke six plates that were piled up 3 feet over my head." Luke replies.
Lorelai nods.
"Refill?"
"Please." Lorelai smiles.
Luke turns to the coffee pot.
"Looks like you've got a new customer."
"Huh?" Luke asks turning around.
Lorelai nudges her head towards the corner. Luke's eyes follow her, as his eyes settle on the corner booth his facial expression turns hard.
Lorelai looks at him quizzically. It goes unnoticed.
"Lu-" Lorelai starts but is cut off as Luke advances towards the man, a look of loathing crossing his face.
"Get out!" Luke barks, standing In the middle of the diner.
The man looks up, unsurprised, "Hello Luke."
"Enough pleasantries get the hell out."
The customers, including Lorelai look on enthralled.
The man's face creases, causing Lorelai's eyes to go wide. The expression was identical.
"You can't keep me from seeing him."
"Want to bet?"
"I'm his father."
Luke scoffs, "Right, you're the father.....the father who's been MIA for 18 years."
"That's not my fault!" The man replies raising his voice.
"How'd you know he was here.......don't tell me you actually talked to Liz."
The man nods,.
Luke curses under his breath, "What did she tell you?"
"That he'd gotten into some trouble and she sent him to you."
Luke shakes his head, "What made you care, what all of a sudden made you decide you needed to see him."
"I made a mistake."
Luke grinds his teeth, "I'll give you a mistake"
The man lifts his hands up protecting his face, "I was young and stupid......I couldn't have supported them if I wanted to besides she didn't want me."
Luke lowers his fists.
The man looks up at him, "That's right, we were through before she even told me about Jess, I stuck around though....because of him, I think she hated me for it too and then a week after Jess was born she kicked me out, no I didn't leave she kicked me out, and for some reason I agreed to leave and I never looked back......that was my mistake, I never looked back."
Luke sighs.
"I don't expect you to feel sorry for me, I mean it's not like I tried to keep in touch with him, but I knew I couldn't do anything for him, I was a mess at 22, I'm a mess at 40....but a few years ago I did start to get it together, I got off the alcohol, got a job, I'm in California now....make decent money. I even got in a few decent relationships, ones that should have been fulfilling but weren't, they weren't because I felt like a fraud."
"Bullshit." Luke retorts.
"Don't believe me, but it's true.....last year I went into therapy for it I came to realize that I needed to reconnect with the part of me that I turned my back on, so I tracked Liz down and she sent me here."
Luke stares the man down, "Well he's not here."
"Sure Luke," The man replies standing up.
"He's not he's at the prom."
The man smirks.
Yep, Lorelai nods the resemblance was uncanny.
"A Danes at the prom?"
"Mariano." Luke corrects.
The man smiles, "S-she kept the name."
Luke nods.
The man sighs, "Luke, I know I screwed this kid up by not being there but I want to change all that."
"It's too late, he's not 5 anymore."
"I know." The man nods.
"...but it's not really my decision to make as to whether or not you get kicked to the curb."
The man sits back down, "Thanks Luke."
"But I swear to God, if that kid tells you to beat it your gone." Luke says harshly.
"Ok."
*The prom: 2 hours later: Rory and Jess are slow dancing, more like clinging inseparably to each other while music plays in the background. Rory Kisses Jess' neck as his arm rests across her back. Rory pulls away momentarily eyeing jess suggestively. Jess élans in and kisses her passionately. Rory deepens the kiss.
Pulling away again, "Maybe we should get out of here she whispers."
Jess shakes his head, "No way."
Rory looks back at him with hurt.
"Rory, you don't want to leave yet."
Rory smiles, "You're right I want to stand here amongst the paper decorations and drunk teenagers dancing to Kylie Minogue."
Jess laughs, "Ok so you want to leave."
Rory and Jess walk over to the table where they left their coats. Rory nudges Lane as they pass by, "We're going to go."
Lane pouts playfully as Dave puts an arm around her waist, "Alright, Call me tomorrow."
Rory nods as Jess pulls her towards the door.
*Outside: Rory and Jess are walking hand and hand.
"They're kind of cute together." Jess says quietly.
Roy smiles, "Noticed that too huh?"
Jess grins, "Dave's a nice guy.....perfect for Lane."
Rory giggles walking in front of jess to prevent him from walking.
Jess laughs, "What are you doing?"
Rory leans forward kissing him fervently.
Jess holds her by the wrists, pushing her away, "Nothing is going to happen tonight."
Rory blushes, turning away from Jess.
"Come on Rory don't be embarrassed, it's not you seriously it's me."
Rory turns and looks at him sadly.
"Look, if I'm going to make a real effort to be a good boyfriend then this can't happen, as much as it pains me to say this.......but I think we should wait."
Rory smiles, "Really?"
"Yeah.....I'm not ready yet." Jess smirks.
Rory takes her place next to Jess entwining her fingers with his.
"Besides, prom night is so passé, I mean it would be like we trying to prove something to somebody...and that's not us."
Rory shakes her head, "Definitely not us."
Jess squeezes Rory's hand reassuringly.
"What now?" Rory asks.
Jess smiles, "Coffee?"
Rory grins, "If you insist."
The next five minutes pass in silence, as the approach the diner Jess turns to Rory.
"You know we have our whole lives to have sex."
Rory nods, "You plan to hold on to me that long?"
Jess grins kissing her cheek he replies, "That's right, and nothing's going to stand in my way."
Rory grins as jess holds the diner door open for her.
Rory enters smiling, her mother is still at the counter talking to Luke.
Rory pulls jess towards the counter.
"Jess." A deep voice says from behind.
Jess' muscles tense up.
Rory looks at him with concern.
Jess turns around, still holding Rory's hand, "What are you doing here?"
The man starts to speak but Jess cuts him off.
"You know what it doesn't matter, I don't care." With that jess turns sharply on his heals heading for the apartment stairs, dragging Rory with him.
Luke turns to go after him but Lorelai puts her hand out, "Luke let him go, he'll be fine he's got Rory."
Luke nods.
*Upstairs. Jess slams the door shut after Rory.
Rory stand in the middle of the apartment shaking with fear, she's never seen Jess this angry before.
As Jess meets Rory's gaze, he's expression relax.
Rory smiles at him supportively.
Jess pulls Rory into a tight embrace, unsure of how to express his true emotions, "I'm sorry." He whispers in her ear.
"For what?"
"Scaring you."
"Don't worry about it." Rory says softly, placing jess' head on her shoulder.
*Silence ensues.
"Jess?"
"Yeah?" Jess mumbles hoarsely.
"W-who was that."
Jess straightens up, "I think you already know the answer to that."
"Just tell me."
"That man, that stranger." Jess says icily, "He's my father."
A/n ending it there for now, I'll finish the last story probably tomorrow but more likely Friday. Just needed to get this on paper before I forgot it or lost the passion for it, and please excuse all the GC references I'm just a little engrossed in the Benj at the moment so I couldn't help it please read and review let me know how you liked it. Oh and I know the r rating doesn't make much sense but it's a precaution and I know at least a few chapters will most definitely fit into the r category.
I don't have to do disclaimers you all know the deal, I'm a freshman in college I work at a movie theatre I have 5 bucks to my name, do I look like I own these character who are making Amy P a rich woman, uh uh, although I am an Amy.
So yeah it starts off during this season, Rory and Jess are having issues b/c Jess doesn't do the good boyfriend thing ad call, but I believe that's because he's never been in a real relationship which showed last night when all he wanted to do was suck Rory's neck, ew that's not a relationship dude. So here we go enjoy:
Lorelai approaches Rory's door cautiously as the music of Good Charlotte's "The Motivation Proclamation" booms through her door permeating the entire house.
Lorelai taps on the door.
Rory pokes her head out, she looks drained, "Hey mom."
"Hey sweet, I'm going to head over to the Inn......we've got that big dinner tonight for the ping pong players of Connecticut....It's my job to make sure they don't bring their paddles inside." Lorelai grins.
Rory nods, "Yeah ok, well I'll be here."
"Still hasn't called?" Lorelai raises an eyebrow.
Rory shakes her head, quickly plastering a smile on, "But its ok finals are in three weeks and I really should study.....besides I'm sure he's busy, he's got finals too."
Lorelai nods, not buying it, "Ok..........just don't wait around for him all night." Lorelai moves a strand of hair out of Rory's face. "Night, babe."
"Night mom."
Rory closes the door behind her as "Complicated" starts up.
Rory sighs, flopping down on the bed.
*5 minutes later the phone rings. Rory pounces on it.
"Hello." She says enthusiastically.
"Uh hey." Lane says taken back.
"Oh hi."
"Sorry to disappoint." Lane says sarcastically.
"Lane, I'm sorry, I just thought you might be....."
"Jess, I know. Look I realize you have a whole night of moping around planned but do you think you could postpone that for some pizza?"
"Uh......"
"Alright fine, I'll just go by myself."
A determined look crosses Rory's face; "I'll meet you in 10 outside Al's?"
Lane perks up, "Great!"
"And I promise to put the moping on hold."
"Yay." Lane claps hanging up the phone.
Rory leaps off the bed, stopping in front of her mirror, "Ew." Rory runs a finger through her hair, which is knotty and unkempt. Rory picks up a brush and starts brushing her hair intensely.
*10 minutes later: Rory approaches Al's pancakes looking like her normal "Well-adjusted self."
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Guess what."
"What?"
"I'm going to prom!" Lane says quietly but ecstatically.
"Oh my God! You told your mom about Dave?"
Lane gives Rory a drawn-out expression, "Noooot quite."
Rory stares at Lane, "What did you do?"
Lane bits her lip, "Well I found a date, he's Korean and he has a girlfriend, and he's going to come to my door take pictures with me and then I'm going to meet Dave at the prom."
"Lane." Rory scolds.
"So of course you have to come so you can take Polaroid's at prom and stash them at your house for me." Lane looks hopefully at her reliable friend.
Rory grimaces, "Sure."
Lane squeals.
"Of course, I'm only going if I'm asked, and some how that's doubtful." Rory mutters.
Lane groans pulling Rory into Al's, "No moping remember, you promised."
"Right, I forgot." Rory sighs plastering on a grin.
"Better, we'll work on your execution later....you're timing's all wrong."
Rory laughs.
"Pepperoni or are you feeling crazy........because I was thinking pineapple."
"Hmm......."
*45 minutes later: Lane and Rory are walking towards Rory's. They pass the diner. Rory stops to look in the window, Jess is not there.
"Do you want to go in?" Lane asks.
"No, it's ok."
"Come on, I feel like pie anyway."
Rory smiles, "Well if you insist."
Lane and Rory approach the counter. Luke nods at them
"Hey Luke."
"Rory, Lane." Luke says hoarsely.
"We want pie." Lane states.
"And coffee."
Lane face sours, "I'll have a coke."
Luke nods, "Cherry pie ok?"
"Sure." Lane and Rory reply simultaneously.
Luke walks away. Rory's glance travels across the diner.
Lane clears her throat, "He's probably working, I mean he does have two jobs right."
Rory shakes her head, "No he works Monday Wednesday Thursday and Saturday at Wal-Mart, it's Sunday.
"Right, well he probably fell asleep, maybe he's sick or out helping old ladies cross the street." Lane exaggerates.
Rory looks down at the counter sorrowfully.
Luke returns.
".......right ,Luke I bet jess is out delivering meals on wheels right now." Lane nods excessively trying to make her embellishment become reality.
Luke sighs, "He's upstairs actually."
"Oh." Lane puckers her lips shut.
Rory looks abashed at Luke. "Uh, I think we should go." Rory mutters to Lane.
"But we just got pie."
Rory looks like she might cry
Lane changes her mind immediately, "Sure, I'll just get it wrapped up."
"I'm going to wait outside." Rory says not waiting for a reply.
Luke takes their plates returning a moment later with two brown bags.
"Uh there's four slices in there." He says oddly.
"Thanks Luke." Lane replies heading for the door.
Luke watches her ext, immediately turning toward Rory, putting an arm around her as they start their walk back home.
Luke sighs, growing angrier by the second.
"Caesar." Luke barks.
Caesar walks out of the back.
"I'll be down in a minute."
Caesar nods as Luke storms up the stairs.
Luke bursts into the apartment where Jess is sprawled across the couch, watching nick at night.
"What the hell are you doing?" Luke asks fuming.
"Huh looks pretty obvious to me........do you need to make an appointment with your eye doctor?" Jess replies not bothering to peel his eyes off of the television screen.
"God Damnit, do not tell me that you're honestly going to sit here and be a smart ass with me to night?" Luke shouts.
"Ok, I won't tell you."
Luke sighs loudly, "Come on Jess, what the hell is going on?"
Jess turns his head towards Luke, "I don't know what you're referring to." Jess' eyes wonder back to the television.
Luke stamps his foot down, "So you have no idea why Rory just left here in tears right?" Luke yells.
Jess flips off the tv, "What? Because of me?"
"You sound surprised." Luke retorts.
"It was one lousy phone call."
"Tonight, you canceled twice on her this weekend, didn't answer the phone yesterday and refused to go to Lane's band practice with her."
"Ok, so it was a few things."
"Jess if you don't stop this bullshit you're going to lose her."
Jess looks at the ground.
"Do you think she's going to stick around much longer, she's not a trained poodle."
Jess scoffs, "Thank God.....then we'd have a bunch of animal rights activists petitioning outside for mistreatment of animals."
"Look by some bizarre turn of events you got Rory by being a complete ass........but that doesn't cut it anymore, you're in a relationship you have to put into it........believe me it won't survive on wits alone." Luke preaches.
Jess is growing agitated, "Don't you think I know that?" He barks back.
"Well if you know so much what the hell are you doing sitting here?"
Jess cowers.
"Well?"
Jess sighs heavily looking momentarily fragile, "I don't know why, ok?"
Luke looks at Jess who is avoiding his stare. Luke puts a hand to his head, "I don't believe that."
Jess looks down at the floor, "She can do better than me."
Luke laughs dully, "Yeah, but that's not the point here."
Jess looks up, "Yes it is, you know I've spent an entire year of my life pining after this girl." Jess scoffs, "And now I have her, and I should be happy....but I'm not."
"Jess."
"Just let me say this, I've spent a year dreaming about having Rory but now that I have her, I don't know what to do. I've never been in a relationship before, not a real one before, not one that mattered to me anyway."
Luke shifts his weight.
"I mean I can do the whole holding hands thing." Jess smirks, "And I've got the kissing thing down...."
"That's enough." Luke says gruffly.
Jess rolls his eyes as he sits up, "But I not like HIM, I can't be sweet 24/7, I don't want to attend these little town sponsored epileptic fits known as fairs." Jess sigh, "I'm not boyfriend material, and I have to face that......Rory's better off without me."
"That's bull, you don't have to do all that stuff to be Rory's boyfriend, she doesn't want that...she wants you to be yourself."
"You've said it yourself a million times, I'm a schmuck, and Rory doesn't want a schmuck."
"For some reason that is beyond my human knowledge, she does.....Look Jess, you don't have to be Dean but you have to cave somewhat, you have to at least talk to her."
Jess sighs, "I don't know how."
"Never had a problem before you two go together."
"Yeah but it's different now, when I'm with her ten minutes into the conversation I start thinking about her and then all I want to do is touch her...."
Luke glares at Jess.
Jess shakes his head firmly, "It's like she's just another girl in my head, but the thing is she's not and I don't want her to be.....I don't want to screw her up."
Luke looks at jess sympathetically, "You won't........if you make amends of course"
"Excuse me?" Jess says warily.
"Look, all I know is women have that effect, well the right one anyway.......they make us better people, they soften us up so we're incapable of messing them up."
"She has turned me soft." Jess mutters.
Luke laughs.
Silence engulfs the room suddenly.
Luke looks awkwardly at Jess, "What just happened here?"
Jess returns Luke's awkward glance, "I'm not sure...."
More silence.
"I should get back to the diner." Luke announces.
Jess stands up grabbing his coat, "I need to go see Rory."
Luke smiles, "Ok, but not too long.....and if Lorelai's not home, you don't step one foot into that house."
Jess smirks, "Right Luke."
*10 minutes later: Gilmore Residence.
Lane is comforting Rory.
Rory is sobbing loudly.
"Ror." Lane says warily, "It's 9:30.......I have to go."
Rory nods, her face buried in her pillow.
"I'll come by tomorrow after school, Rory it's going to be ok."
Rory nods again, turning on her cd player as Lane leaves.
Jess lifts his hand to knock on the door as it suddenly opens.
"You." Lane says harshly.
"Is she in?"
"I don't think that's your concern." Lane replies coldly.
Jess puts his hand on the door holding it open, "I need to talk to her."
"Well you should have called 3 hours ago when she waiting by the phone for your call." Lane replies sourly.
"I know, I'm a screw up, I need to fix it, please."
Lane sighs, "Fine."
Lane steps aside as Jess enters.
Jess approaches Rory's room, he decides not to knock.
Rory doesn't here the door open as "Change blasts through the room.
"Good lyrics, I can relate." Jess says simply.
Rory looks up, not saying a word.
Jess walks over and shuts off the cd, "I'm sorry." He says sitting on the edge of Rory's bed stroking her hair.
Rory pulls away.
"I'm a jerk...I didn't mean to make you cry."
Rory sits up, hugging her chest to her knees, "Yeah well you did."
"I'm sorry, I'm just no good at this boyfriend thing."
Rory looks at Jess horrified, "Y-you're breaking up with me."
Jess eyes go wide, "No. No. I, I just need to explain myself."
Rory sighs, "go ahead."
"I'm not as experienced as you think I am."
Rory scoffs.
"Well I am, just not in the way I want to be.....I've had plenty of 'girlfriends', well more like friends with benefits; but I've never had a relationship."
Rory sniffles.
"I don't know how to do all the stuff you want me too, I'm not used to doing that."
Rory remains silent.
"And then last week when we were at the bookstore I realized that even though I feel so many different emotions towards you, I'm still in the mind set of the old me. As hard as I try I can't stop thinking about you..........in that way."
Rory blushes.
Jess touches her cheek tenderly, "And I started to think that maybe I couldn't be your boyfriend and not have that part of the relationship, that maybe that's all I wanted.....and I didn't', I don't want to do that, not to you."
Rory shivers.
Look, I know we're not at that point yet in our relationship, but that's all I know.....I need you to help me with the in between stuff."
Rory sniffles "O-ok."
Jess reaches over and hugs Rory.
Rory buries her face in Jess' coat.
Jess looks down at Rory, "I'm sorry."
Rory nods.
"I'll try harder this time, I promise."
Rory pulls away, "I believe you."
"Good." Jess replies tightening his grasp on Rory.
*4 weeks later: Jess is true to his word. After holding Rory in his arms for over an hour, Jess snuck out promising to meet Rory at the diner in the morning. From there he walked her to her bus and was waiting there for her when she got off of it in the afternoon. Over the next few days he let Rory take the lead, accompanying her on evening walks, attending Saturday movie nights and Lane's band practices.
Today, nightly phone calls have become a routine and Rory and Jess' relationship is stronger than ever, much to the distaste of Rory's mother.
*It's prom night, Rory mentioned to jess that she'd like to go and although he said it wasn't his thing he agreed to go.
*Gilmore house: Lorelai has invited Luke over to see Rory and Jess off.
There is a knock at the door. Lorelai opens it revealing Luke in his regular attire and jess in a dark navy blue tuxedo.
"Someone looks sexy." Lorelai replies.
Jess blushes.
"I wasn't talking about you......and remember you lay a finger on my daughter, you lose a hand."
Luke grins.
"Come in." Lorelai ushers them in. "Rory!"
"Coming!" Rory yells down.
Jess waits expectantly as Lorelai heads upstairs.
A moment later she returns, "Gentlemen may I introduce Miss Lorelai "Rory" Gilmore"
Slowly Rory makes her way down the stair case dressed in a knee length modernized 50's inspired light blue dress complete with small bow at the chest line.
Jess breath is taken away.
Rory smiles faintly, "Is it ok?"
"Y-you look amazing." Jess says breathlessly.
"Ok! Picture time!" Lorelai squeals.
*3 rolls of film later Rory and Jess run out the door.
Lorelai and Luke watch them leave.
"They are sweet together aren't they?" Lorelai muses.
Luke smirks.
Lorelai rolls her eyes, "Don't tell him I said that."
"I'll take it to my grave......well I should get back, Friday night rush."
Lorelai nods.
"Feel like coffee?"
"Do you have to ask?" Lorelai says perking up.
"Come on." Luke replies pretending to be annoyed.
*An hour later:
Lorelai is happily engrossed in a large mug of Coffee. Luke is in the back filling orders.
Lorelai's eyes travel across the diner where man highschoolers dressed in evening wear are splitting pre-prom milk shakes and plates of fries. She smiles to herself.
The bell over the door rings causing Lorelai to come out of her trance. Lorelai smiles as an attractive man in his mid thirties enters.
The man, wearing dark blue jeans and a long sleeve dress shirt, with the two top buttons undone looks around, sighs and then takes a seat in the corner.
Lorelai stares at him blankly, theirs is an ora surrounding him, something familiar that makes Lorelai's lip curl.
A loud noise in the back breaks Lorelai concentration.
Luke returns, "That kid is going to die when he gets home."
"Oh?"
"He had dish duty needless to say I just broke six plates that were piled up 3 feet over my head." Luke replies.
Lorelai nods.
"Refill?"
"Please." Lorelai smiles.
Luke turns to the coffee pot.
"Looks like you've got a new customer."
"Huh?" Luke asks turning around.
Lorelai nudges her head towards the corner. Luke's eyes follow her, as his eyes settle on the corner booth his facial expression turns hard.
Lorelai looks at him quizzically. It goes unnoticed.
"Lu-" Lorelai starts but is cut off as Luke advances towards the man, a look of loathing crossing his face.
"Get out!" Luke barks, standing In the middle of the diner.
The man looks up, unsurprised, "Hello Luke."
"Enough pleasantries get the hell out."
The customers, including Lorelai look on enthralled.
The man's face creases, causing Lorelai's eyes to go wide. The expression was identical.
"You can't keep me from seeing him."
"Want to bet?"
"I'm his father."
Luke scoffs, "Right, you're the father.....the father who's been MIA for 18 years."
"That's not my fault!" The man replies raising his voice.
"How'd you know he was here.......don't tell me you actually talked to Liz."
The man nods,.
Luke curses under his breath, "What did she tell you?"
"That he'd gotten into some trouble and she sent him to you."
Luke shakes his head, "What made you care, what all of a sudden made you decide you needed to see him."
"I made a mistake."
Luke grinds his teeth, "I'll give you a mistake"
The man lifts his hands up protecting his face, "I was young and stupid......I couldn't have supported them if I wanted to besides she didn't want me."
Luke lowers his fists.
The man looks up at him, "That's right, we were through before she even told me about Jess, I stuck around though....because of him, I think she hated me for it too and then a week after Jess was born she kicked me out, no I didn't leave she kicked me out, and for some reason I agreed to leave and I never looked back......that was my mistake, I never looked back."
Luke sighs.
"I don't expect you to feel sorry for me, I mean it's not like I tried to keep in touch with him, but I knew I couldn't do anything for him, I was a mess at 22, I'm a mess at 40....but a few years ago I did start to get it together, I got off the alcohol, got a job, I'm in California now....make decent money. I even got in a few decent relationships, ones that should have been fulfilling but weren't, they weren't because I felt like a fraud."
"Bullshit." Luke retorts.
"Don't believe me, but it's true.....last year I went into therapy for it I came to realize that I needed to reconnect with the part of me that I turned my back on, so I tracked Liz down and she sent me here."
Luke stares the man down, "Well he's not here."
"Sure Luke," The man replies standing up.
"He's not he's at the prom."
The man smirks.
Yep, Lorelai nods the resemblance was uncanny.
"A Danes at the prom?"
"Mariano." Luke corrects.
The man smiles, "S-she kept the name."
Luke nods.
The man sighs, "Luke, I know I screwed this kid up by not being there but I want to change all that."
"It's too late, he's not 5 anymore."
"I know." The man nods.
"...but it's not really my decision to make as to whether or not you get kicked to the curb."
The man sits back down, "Thanks Luke."
"But I swear to God, if that kid tells you to beat it your gone." Luke says harshly.
"Ok."
*The prom: 2 hours later: Rory and Jess are slow dancing, more like clinging inseparably to each other while music plays in the background. Rory Kisses Jess' neck as his arm rests across her back. Rory pulls away momentarily eyeing jess suggestively. Jess élans in and kisses her passionately. Rory deepens the kiss.
Pulling away again, "Maybe we should get out of here she whispers."
Jess shakes his head, "No way."
Rory looks back at him with hurt.
"Rory, you don't want to leave yet."
Rory smiles, "You're right I want to stand here amongst the paper decorations and drunk teenagers dancing to Kylie Minogue."
Jess laughs, "Ok so you want to leave."
Rory and Jess walk over to the table where they left their coats. Rory nudges Lane as they pass by, "We're going to go."
Lane pouts playfully as Dave puts an arm around her waist, "Alright, Call me tomorrow."
Rory nods as Jess pulls her towards the door.
*Outside: Rory and Jess are walking hand and hand.
"They're kind of cute together." Jess says quietly.
Roy smiles, "Noticed that too huh?"
Jess grins, "Dave's a nice guy.....perfect for Lane."
Rory giggles walking in front of jess to prevent him from walking.
Jess laughs, "What are you doing?"
Rory leans forward kissing him fervently.
Jess holds her by the wrists, pushing her away, "Nothing is going to happen tonight."
Rory blushes, turning away from Jess.
"Come on Rory don't be embarrassed, it's not you seriously it's me."
Rory turns and looks at him sadly.
"Look, if I'm going to make a real effort to be a good boyfriend then this can't happen, as much as it pains me to say this.......but I think we should wait."
Rory smiles, "Really?"
"Yeah.....I'm not ready yet." Jess smirks.
Rory takes her place next to Jess entwining her fingers with his.
"Besides, prom night is so passé, I mean it would be like we trying to prove something to somebody...and that's not us."
Rory shakes her head, "Definitely not us."
Jess squeezes Rory's hand reassuringly.
"What now?" Rory asks.
Jess smiles, "Coffee?"
Rory grins, "If you insist."
The next five minutes pass in silence, as the approach the diner Jess turns to Rory.
"You know we have our whole lives to have sex."
Rory nods, "You plan to hold on to me that long?"
Jess grins kissing her cheek he replies, "That's right, and nothing's going to stand in my way."
Rory grins as jess holds the diner door open for her.
Rory enters smiling, her mother is still at the counter talking to Luke.
Rory pulls jess towards the counter.
"Jess." A deep voice says from behind.
Jess' muscles tense up.
Rory looks at him with concern.
Jess turns around, still holding Rory's hand, "What are you doing here?"
The man starts to speak but Jess cuts him off.
"You know what it doesn't matter, I don't care." With that jess turns sharply on his heals heading for the apartment stairs, dragging Rory with him.
Luke turns to go after him but Lorelai puts her hand out, "Luke let him go, he'll be fine he's got Rory."
Luke nods.
*Upstairs. Jess slams the door shut after Rory.
Rory stand in the middle of the apartment shaking with fear, she's never seen Jess this angry before.
As Jess meets Rory's gaze, he's expression relax.
Rory smiles at him supportively.
Jess pulls Rory into a tight embrace, unsure of how to express his true emotions, "I'm sorry." He whispers in her ear.
"For what?"
"Scaring you."
"Don't worry about it." Rory says softly, placing jess' head on her shoulder.
*Silence ensues.
"Jess?"
"Yeah?" Jess mumbles hoarsely.
"W-who was that."
Jess straightens up, "I think you already know the answer to that."
"Just tell me."
"That man, that stranger." Jess says icily, "He's my father."
A/n ending it there for now, I'll finish the last story probably tomorrow but more likely Friday. Just needed to get this on paper before I forgot it or lost the passion for it, and please excuse all the GC references I'm just a little engrossed in the Benj at the moment so I couldn't help it please read and review let me know how you liked it. Oh and I know the r rating doesn't make much sense but it's a precaution and I know at least a few chapters will most definitely fit into the r category.