Alternate scene from Keg! Max! Jess tells Rory why he isn't in a good mood. I own nothing. ONESHOT.

Rory entered the bedroom at Kyle's house after Jess. He was sitting in a chair to one side. He looked like he carried the weight of his world on his shoulders. He ran his hands through his hair and stood to meet her.

"Sad boy." Rory said, caressing his cheek with her hand. He allowed the gentle movement, seeking comfort in it. "What's wrong?" He shook his head, and withdrew from her touch. "Jess." Rory persisted. "You can tell me. What's wrong?"

"I can't tell you." he sat on the bed, and buried his head in his hands.

"Why not?" she sat next to him and put one arm around him.

"You would be disappointed."

"I wouldn't." she shook her head.

"Yes, you would." he insisted, a hard edge to his voice.

"Tell me." Rory pleaded.

"No!" he jumped to his feet, and turned to face her. "Rory, you don't get it! You're going to Yale!"

"So?" she asked. "What does that have to do with anything?" Rory thought for a moment. "Is this because you're not going to college? Jess, I don't care about that!"

"It's because I'm not graduating from high school!" he said with vehemence. "I'm a loser, just like my dad. My dad came here, and Luke wasn't going to tell me, because that's where I'm headed. I'm a loser, just like Jimmy, and you don't deserve that."

"Jess, you are not a loser." Rory stood and took Jess by the shoulders. "You are nothing like your father. You've stuck it out, living with Luke, and working in the diner. You are not a loser."

"So what do I do now?" he asked, turning away from her. "You're headed for Yale in the fall. What will I be doing? Luke won't let me stay with him unless I repeat my senior year, and there's no way I'm doing that."

"Jess." she turned him to face her and grabbed his hands firmly. "You are not quitting. You're smarter than most anyone at Stars Hollow High. I know I have said this before, but you just need to apply yourself."

"Don't tell me that." he said, eyes stormy. "You're perfect. How can I compare?"

"Jess...." she sighed. "I'm far from perfect. I had to work hard to be where I am. Did I ever tell you that I got a D on a paper, missed a huge Shakespeare test because I got hit by a deer, and lost it in front of my literature class?"

"No." he said. He was surprised. Rory always seemed so put together.

"No one is perfect, Jess. Not even me. I know you can do it."

"I don't want to repeat senior year. It's too embarrassing." he took his hands out of hers and turned away once more.

"Jess, I would say you could get your GED, but it's not seen the same way as a diploma anymore."

"I know." he nodded.

"Would you rather keep your pride and be a high school dropout, or swallow your pride, do it all over, and go to college afterwards?" she asked. He shook his head slowly.

"I don't know." he admitted. "I'd rather keep my pride." he said, after a moment.

"What do I have to do to change your mind?" she asked. "I'll be here with you, every step of the way. You've got Luke, no overhead, no tuition, so you don't need a job. You just need to focus on school. Please do it? I know you can."

"Okay." he finally acquiesced, secretly warmed and pleased that she had faith in him. "I'll go back. But you'll be here every weekend you can, and help me with all of the high school stuff, right?"

"And some other stuff." she said, stepping beside him and slipping her arm around him. She rested her head on his shoulder. "I promise."