A/N: I am starting a new story because I apparently can't write just one story at a time and because it occurred to me that I've never written a multi-chapter teenage Lit fanfic. It's set in season 2, "Back in the saddle again" episode. Lorelai goes by the diner, Rory goes home and runs into Dean and mayhem happens. If you've read through my old stories, you might recognise this as re-write of Reach. I'm also tempted to throw in some JJ at some point, but it will take a while. First, tell me if I should continue it or stop wasting mine and your time :).
Out of the saddle
Driving back from Hartford, Lorelai glanced at her daughter, smiling.
"So, what are your plans for the rest of the night? Calling Dean, spending some time with him?"
"I…" Hesitating slightly, Rory pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll wait until tomorrow. I'm tired. Long day."
"You sure? It's still early."
"I'm sure." Rory nodded, smiling as well. "You going by Luke's?"
"I need coffee. And food."
"Mom, you just had dinner."
"Yes, but dessert was sucky so I was thinking of stopping by for some pie. Since there's no Dean in the schedule, you can join me."
"I don't think so."
"Oh, come on, what if Luke's grumpy? I can't deal with that!"
"Yes, you can. And Luke will not be grumpy."
"He's always grumpy. Especially late at night."
"Well then, be extra nice to him."
"I don't wanna."
"Mom…" Sighing, Rory laughed, looking at Lorelai.
"Fine, I'll try." Pulling the car into a parking spot close to the diner, she looked at her daughter again. "Last chance. Going once, going twice…"
"Night, mom. Don't stay out too late."
"I'll try."
"And no going off with a gang of bikers just because they looked cool." She pointed her finger at Lorelai, opening the car door.
"I never get to have any fun!"
"I'll see you at home. Bring me coffee." Stepping out of the car, Rory waved at her mother one last time before heading towards their house. Walking through the cool late winter night, she wrapped her jacket tighter around her body to shield herself from the wind.
"Cold?" A male voice pulled her from her thoughts, making her turn her head to look at him.
"Yes. And stop sneaking up on people."
"What'd be the fun in that?"
"In not giving me a heart attack? Oh, I'm sure I can think of some perks. What are you doing out anyway?"
Pulling a cigarette out of his pocket, he smirked, lighting it.
"Nothing much. On break from the gulag."
"Charming. Didn't Luke say you quit smoking?"
"Where's your mom?" He ignored her question, smirking and taking another drag of his cigarette.
"Diner. Jess, it's bad for you."
"Really? You'd think they'd put that on packs."
"Where do you even get cigarettes? I mean, this is Stars Hollow and I know Taylor cards you if you even look at them, so that's not it."
"I have my ways."
"You're not going to answer me, are you?"
"A magician never reveals his tricks."
"You're impossible."
"I'm fun."
Laughing, she shook her head, looking at him.
"You see, laughing just proves my point. So…where's Dean tonight?"
Suddenly turning serious, Rory shrugged. "Home, I suppose."
"What, you're not going to be all lovey-dovey tonight?"
"Not tonight. And, just for the record, I cannot believe you've just said lovey-dovey."
"Cold."
"What?"
"You talking about him. It just seems…cold. Everything alright there?"
"Yes. Everything's just fine." She huffed, looking down at her feet.
"Huh."
"Jess, everything between me and Dean is just fine. Thank you for your concern."
"You're welcome." He smirked, throwing his cigarette to the ground.
"That's littering."
"You can tell Taylor tomorrow, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to organize the pitchfork mob." Glancing at her house, barely visible in the distance, he shook his head. "I better go."
"Why?"
"Because, unless my eyesight's suddenly gone horribly bad, you were wrong and Stars Hollow's own Tiny Firefly is waiting for you in a very adoring puppy like way on your porch."
"Thanks." She smiled, turning around only to see him walk away in the opposite direction. Taking a deep breath, she started hurrying towards her house, hoping he hadn't seen them talking. Another fight was the last thing she wanted. Reaching the driveway, she slowed down as she saw the dejected look on his face. Wearily, she walked closer to him, smiling but before she could say anything, he took a deep breath, looking straight into her eyes.
"You like Jess, don't you?"
Wrapping her arms around her body, she took a small step back, biting her lip.
"Answer me, Rory." Dean stood up, not going any closer to her.
"I…"
"A simple yes or no will do."
"Don't do this, Dean."
"Don't do what, Rory? You're stringing me along and frankly, I've had just about enough. You're supposed to be my girlfriend and yet every single freaking day, you're at the diner, with him!"
"I was at the diner every day before he came to town as well. You're reading too much into things." She tried to argue weakly, not knowing what else to say.
"Oh, please. You're always with him."
"Is this about the basket? Because I explained that…"
"This is about more than that!" He cut her off, walking closer to her. "It's always him or your mom or Lane or the paper or school. Everything is more important than I am to you and I'm getting really freaking tired of this."
"Dean, I have to do those things!"
"You don't have to be with him!"
"Well, maybe if you gave me a bit more space, I wouldn't be!" The words flew out of her mouth before she could realize what she was saying.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means you don't have to call 14 times in 3 hours! Constantly appear at my side! You're smothering me. We don't have to do everything together!"
"No, because you clearly want to do everything with him."
"Dean, come on." She pleaded with him but she shook his head, stepping closer to her.
"You like him."
"I love you."
"It doesn't really feel that way to me."
"You're being unfair."
"No, you are. Just say the freaking words and let's be done with this."
"What words?"
"Say you like him."
"Why?"
"I want to hear you saying it."
"Fine, I like him!" Snapping, Rory looked at him, biting her lip. Nodding almost imperceptibly, Dean stepped closer to her.
"Ok."
"What does this mean?"
"It means that you can go be with him."
"Dean…" She whispered, reaching out and touching his arm but he pulled back, looking at her.
"Have a nice life."
"Dean!" She called his name again but he ignored her, walking away before she could stop him. Biting her lip, she crashed on the front steps of her house, where he'd been sitting, trying to process what had just happened.