By Laurie
kickass_grrl@hotmail.com
Spoilers: Every episode before the 2nd season finale, I guess. this is what
would happen during the summer if I could control the universe. Hell that
would be fun!
Summary: Rory is in Washington D.C. and gets a pleasant surprise visit
from a friend.
Rating: only PG 13 (yet)
Content: Kissing, of course
Pairing: Rory and Jess and maybe I'll include some L/L later on. we'll see.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything; it all belongs to Amy Sherman-Palladino
and the WB (Thank God for them!)
Where You Lead
By Laurie
Chapter One
The conference had finished an hour late, leaving Rory half asleep, her head heavily resting on Paris' shoulder. Every day they had had to wake up early -even earlier then they had to when they got up on a normal Chilton day- to attend dreadfully long environmental or political conferences, led by old, washed-up wannabe politicians who clearly didn't care. It wasn't that Rory didn't find it interesting or rewarding, she just felt that this was not the quiet and peaceful- away-from-Stars-Hollow-time she expected to be spending. After her painful discussion with Dean and the "avoiding Jess game" she had played for the 5 days that went by after their kiss and before she left, she was glad at the time to be leaving the town for the summer, even if it meant she wouldn't see her mother for a whole six weeks. The trip was almost over and Rory was now thrilled at the idea to be home again. She missed Lorelai. She missed Lane, her Grandparents, neighbours and oddly enough, she missed Kirk. But above everything else, she missed Luke's coffee. Every morning, she woke up with even the faintest hope to be perked up by a burning hot cup of the addictive beverage. After the conference, she ran to her room, not waiting for her friend, and got up the nerves to call Luke. As the phone rang on the line, she wished Jess wouldn't answer. Even with all the free time she had had, late at night, to think about their situation, she always succeeded to find something else to think about.
- Yello? asked the familiar grumpy voice who answered the phone.
- Luke!!!
- Hey kid, how are you? Are you calling form Washington?
- Yeah I am. How are you?
- I'm good, very good. Your mom told you we're talking now, right?
- Yeah. Thank God. Do you think she would've been able to survive through the summer without me AND caffeine?
- That would be a Fear Factor worthy situation.
- Agree. So. talking about coffee. Hum. I had this crazy idea.
- Ah no! Don't tell me you're blind from the lack of it, too. Your mom has already tried unsuccessfully the trick on me last year.
- No. My eyes are perfectly fine, I think it's my elbow. It's twitchy and I can't control it anymore.
- Ok, I'll stop you right now! What do you need Rory?
- Well, I was thinking you could FedEx me some of your good good coffee beans.
- Well I'm flattered that my coffee is so irreplaceable, really. And I do owe you. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that you might be the reason for Jess' return, and why he's been working so hard lately, staying out of trouble.
- Hum. I don't know. Do you have a pen and a paper, for the address?
(While she says this, Jess has come down the stairs, into the diner)
- Jess, can you give me this pad? Okay got it, what is it Rory?
Jess couldn't help smiling. Rory had called; she was on the phone right now, with his uncle. His stomach suddenly started aching from all the feelings he had tried to bottle up in her absence.
- Room number? Okay, perfect! I think you should get this in two or three days.
- Oh! One last thing Luke. Hows. Kirk?
- Well Babette is watching your house everyday so he doesn't get too close to your mom or your house while you're gone, so don't worry.
- I wasn't worried, I was just wondering how he was doing.
- Oh. well I'm sure he's fine.
- Yeah but now I'm worried. God! Tell my mom I'll call her tonight, so she's not jealous I called you and not her. But it's for coffee, she'll understand!
- Will do. Bye Ror!
- Bye Luke, thanks!
Should she believe Luke, had she tamed Jess' fiery temper? She somehow wished that he stayed how he was, it was after all the reason she had been so attracted to him. But maybe he had come back for her. When she thought of that possibility, she had troubles breathing normally and felt as if she was about to throw up. This was how he made her feel. When she heard Luke pronounce his name, when he called him, her heart had sunk. She missed Jess so much. Their conversations, their silences, the looks they secretly exchanged. She felt better when she thought that she would see him in less than 10 days. And that she would probably brake up with Dean. Fully, this time. Definitely. Before her departure, she had managed to make him agree on this break situation they were now in. They would spend the summer apart to think about their relationship. She felt so guilty when she told him that, because she knew deep inside that for her, there was no relationship anymore. It wasn't worth it to even reconsider it. She didn't love Dean anymore.
Rory's Hotel reception desk.
-The Delta Inn, this is Michel, how can I help you?
-Your name is Michel, are you kidding me? Jess said, trying not to burst into laughter.
- No. Why would I? I have a very beautiful name.
-Yes, yes. Of course, I'm sorry.
- So what is this call in reference to? said the clerk, warming up.
- Ah, yes. I'm Luke Danes and I'm sending a package to a woman named Rory Gilmore, in room 273. It should be there in 2 or 3 days.
- 273, Gilmore, 2-3 days. Noted.
- Yes, and I would appreciate it, when you receive the package, if you could keep it for a while with you, until someone picks it up to give it Miss Gilmore himself. His name is Jess Mariano.
- Mariano. Okay, there should be no problem. When will Mr Mariano be there to pick up the package?
- In three days, no more, no less.
- All right, everything should be in order.
- Thank you so much Michel. Have a nice day.
And with that, Jess hung up. He copied the address of the hotel and the room number and quickly went up the stairs to start packing. He was going to see Rory.
Paris, Meet me in the lobby at 1:15 today Convention @ 1:45, but we'll need coffee, first! Your devotee, future Harvard alumni, coffee addicted VP friend, Rory
P.S. Wow, my signature was longer than my message!
He couldn't help but laugh out loud when he saw the note hung on their hotel room door. It was 1:05. With the FedExed package in his hand, Jess started walking back down the hallway, to the elevator.
When he got out the elevator, at the first glance, he noticed her through the wide and crowded lobby. She was walking towards the centre of the room, towards him, unknowingly. He smiled broadly when her eyes met his.
She stopped walking. Not only because she was in shock, but also because seeing him smile made her feel weak. Not in a bad way however, she was just unable to move. He rarely smiled, and when he did, she was the only person present. He didn't smile when she was with her mom or with Lane, and even less when Dean was there. He smirked a lot, though, in the presence of Bag Boy.
- JESS!
- So they call me, he said, still smiling.
- Oh my god! What are you doing here? I missed you SO much! Is that my coffee? How is Luke? You're in Washington? Oh MY GOD! Jess!
And with that, she threw herself in his arms and hugged him tightly.
- Wow, is that what coffee deprivation does to you? I mean, I saw how your mom was when she and Luke were in that fight, but she never hugged me like that! So you missed me?
- Yeah, I did, she said slowly.
- Well. so did I.
- You did? And with that she smiled to herself. So. Why did you come here?
- You didn't say Good Bye, he replied, waiting to see red flush her cheeks.
- Oh yeah. That reason. A classic. Best Excuses Book worthy, isn't it?
- Only if it's sincere. I know you were, and I can say I am. You didn't say Good Bye when you left, he repeated.
- Right. Well, I was really confused, I'm sure you can understand.
- I can, actually. I went through the same thing with my friends when I left New York.
- Your friends, huh?
- Yeah, my friends. I hope I didn't deceive you with my lack of originality for my reason for being here. Did you copyright that line?
- Deceive me? Jess, you could never deceive me. Well maybe if you started listening to Creed or if you grew a beard. How overdone was that, this year! Beards. Silly things!
- Well I never succeeded growing any kind of facial hair "do", and as for Creed, I think you know that's humanly impossible.
- Indeed!
- So I could never deceive you? Even if I boldly kissed you, right here, in the middle of this crowded lobby, while you are still "officially" with that boyfriend of yours?
- Do I really need to answer your question?
Jess smiled at her subtle approbation and circled her with his lean arms and pressed his lips against hers. Electricity lit their tense bodies and it was as if the kiss had waked them from a long trance. As she took Jess' head in her hands and pulled him closer, Rory parted her lips and kissed him more fiercely and passionately than she ever kissed Dean. They needed this, they needed each other after all the time they had spent denying it. They knew it and this kiss had even more signification then the first kiss they had exchanged five weeks ago.
Paris had entered the lobby at 1:10 and opened her newly bought book right away. When she saw them, she knew they needed much privacy, and time. Rory never did talk about Jess during the long conversations they had shared in their free time in D.C., but Paris, who usually didn't have a clue about relationships, love and other similar matters, knew he was the one on her friend's mind. Not Dean, not Tristan. No, it was the guy with whom she shared tastes in books and movies, the guy that understood and loved her little quirks, the one with whom she could have strictly sarcastic conversations without confusing him. They shared dreams. They were attracted to each other. How in the whole could Paris have detected all of this before Rory even did herself? "Rory Gilmore, oblivious of the effect she has on people!" That naïve young girl she had grown to like within those long days they had spent together. That young girl who was till kissing Jess in the lobby after. 27 minutes! She got up and went up to them.
- Hum. Sorry to interrupt, but while you two were making out, I had time to read Jonathan Livingston the Seagull. All of it. I know it's short, but still. Now, I know this is big, it will probably be Stars Hollow's newsletter front page tomorrow, but meanwhile, we have a convention to attend to. Jess, hi. It's really nice to see you today! Rory, come on.
Paris took Rory's hand and dragged her away from Jess. He barely had time to mouth, "I'll be in your room" before the two girls were out of the lobby.
- Rory! Snap out of it, Paris whispered, this lecture is important. Listen up; they're talking about Ivy League schools.
- Right! I should take notes, shouldn't I?
- Yes! And stop smiling. Everyone knows how you feel about Harvard, but with that kind of smile, you can't fool anybody. Just one last question before we start paying attention, what does it mean?
- Oh God! I don't know! Well obviously, I like him and, well, I think he likes me too, I guess, maybe, if you-
- Duh! Of course he does! But, you and Dean.
- I'll call him tonight. I can't live a lie. Even if nothing concrete happens between Jess and me, I still don't think it's right if I stay with Dean.
- How moral! You need to start giving Dr. Phil some lessons.
- You know, he's not that moral. His principles are very questionable. Weird little man.
- Whatever. Let's just not talking about your little thing and get back to this. But by the way, I think it's great.
And quickly, Paris ran to the front row and sat down, leaving Rory beaming with joy, trailing off behind.
End of Chapter One
Where You Lead
By Laurie
Chapter One
The conference had finished an hour late, leaving Rory half asleep, her head heavily resting on Paris' shoulder. Every day they had had to wake up early -even earlier then they had to when they got up on a normal Chilton day- to attend dreadfully long environmental or political conferences, led by old, washed-up wannabe politicians who clearly didn't care. It wasn't that Rory didn't find it interesting or rewarding, she just felt that this was not the quiet and peaceful- away-from-Stars-Hollow-time she expected to be spending. After her painful discussion with Dean and the "avoiding Jess game" she had played for the 5 days that went by after their kiss and before she left, she was glad at the time to be leaving the town for the summer, even if it meant she wouldn't see her mother for a whole six weeks. The trip was almost over and Rory was now thrilled at the idea to be home again. She missed Lorelai. She missed Lane, her Grandparents, neighbours and oddly enough, she missed Kirk. But above everything else, she missed Luke's coffee. Every morning, she woke up with even the faintest hope to be perked up by a burning hot cup of the addictive beverage. After the conference, she ran to her room, not waiting for her friend, and got up the nerves to call Luke. As the phone rang on the line, she wished Jess wouldn't answer. Even with all the free time she had had, late at night, to think about their situation, she always succeeded to find something else to think about.
- Yello? asked the familiar grumpy voice who answered the phone.
- Luke!!!
- Hey kid, how are you? Are you calling form Washington?
- Yeah I am. How are you?
- I'm good, very good. Your mom told you we're talking now, right?
- Yeah. Thank God. Do you think she would've been able to survive through the summer without me AND caffeine?
- That would be a Fear Factor worthy situation.
- Agree. So. talking about coffee. Hum. I had this crazy idea.
- Ah no! Don't tell me you're blind from the lack of it, too. Your mom has already tried unsuccessfully the trick on me last year.
- No. My eyes are perfectly fine, I think it's my elbow. It's twitchy and I can't control it anymore.
- Ok, I'll stop you right now! What do you need Rory?
- Well, I was thinking you could FedEx me some of your good good coffee beans.
- Well I'm flattered that my coffee is so irreplaceable, really. And I do owe you. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that you might be the reason for Jess' return, and why he's been working so hard lately, staying out of trouble.
- Hum. I don't know. Do you have a pen and a paper, for the address?
(While she says this, Jess has come down the stairs, into the diner)
- Jess, can you give me this pad? Okay got it, what is it Rory?
Jess couldn't help smiling. Rory had called; she was on the phone right now, with his uncle. His stomach suddenly started aching from all the feelings he had tried to bottle up in her absence.
- Room number? Okay, perfect! I think you should get this in two or three days.
- Oh! One last thing Luke. Hows. Kirk?
- Well Babette is watching your house everyday so he doesn't get too close to your mom or your house while you're gone, so don't worry.
- I wasn't worried, I was just wondering how he was doing.
- Oh. well I'm sure he's fine.
- Yeah but now I'm worried. God! Tell my mom I'll call her tonight, so she's not jealous I called you and not her. But it's for coffee, she'll understand!
- Will do. Bye Ror!
- Bye Luke, thanks!
Should she believe Luke, had she tamed Jess' fiery temper? She somehow wished that he stayed how he was, it was after all the reason she had been so attracted to him. But maybe he had come back for her. When she thought of that possibility, she had troubles breathing normally and felt as if she was about to throw up. This was how he made her feel. When she heard Luke pronounce his name, when he called him, her heart had sunk. She missed Jess so much. Their conversations, their silences, the looks they secretly exchanged. She felt better when she thought that she would see him in less than 10 days. And that she would probably brake up with Dean. Fully, this time. Definitely. Before her departure, she had managed to make him agree on this break situation they were now in. They would spend the summer apart to think about their relationship. She felt so guilty when she told him that, because she knew deep inside that for her, there was no relationship anymore. It wasn't worth it to even reconsider it. She didn't love Dean anymore.
Rory's Hotel reception desk.
-The Delta Inn, this is Michel, how can I help you?
-Your name is Michel, are you kidding me? Jess said, trying not to burst into laughter.
- No. Why would I? I have a very beautiful name.
-Yes, yes. Of course, I'm sorry.
- So what is this call in reference to? said the clerk, warming up.
- Ah, yes. I'm Luke Danes and I'm sending a package to a woman named Rory Gilmore, in room 273. It should be there in 2 or 3 days.
- 273, Gilmore, 2-3 days. Noted.
- Yes, and I would appreciate it, when you receive the package, if you could keep it for a while with you, until someone picks it up to give it Miss Gilmore himself. His name is Jess Mariano.
- Mariano. Okay, there should be no problem. When will Mr Mariano be there to pick up the package?
- In three days, no more, no less.
- All right, everything should be in order.
- Thank you so much Michel. Have a nice day.
And with that, Jess hung up. He copied the address of the hotel and the room number and quickly went up the stairs to start packing. He was going to see Rory.
Paris, Meet me in the lobby at 1:15 today Convention @ 1:45, but we'll need coffee, first! Your devotee, future Harvard alumni, coffee addicted VP friend, Rory
P.S. Wow, my signature was longer than my message!
He couldn't help but laugh out loud when he saw the note hung on their hotel room door. It was 1:05. With the FedExed package in his hand, Jess started walking back down the hallway, to the elevator.
When he got out the elevator, at the first glance, he noticed her through the wide and crowded lobby. She was walking towards the centre of the room, towards him, unknowingly. He smiled broadly when her eyes met his.
She stopped walking. Not only because she was in shock, but also because seeing him smile made her feel weak. Not in a bad way however, she was just unable to move. He rarely smiled, and when he did, she was the only person present. He didn't smile when she was with her mom or with Lane, and even less when Dean was there. He smirked a lot, though, in the presence of Bag Boy.
- JESS!
- So they call me, he said, still smiling.
- Oh my god! What are you doing here? I missed you SO much! Is that my coffee? How is Luke? You're in Washington? Oh MY GOD! Jess!
And with that, she threw herself in his arms and hugged him tightly.
- Wow, is that what coffee deprivation does to you? I mean, I saw how your mom was when she and Luke were in that fight, but she never hugged me like that! So you missed me?
- Yeah, I did, she said slowly.
- Well. so did I.
- You did? And with that she smiled to herself. So. Why did you come here?
- You didn't say Good Bye, he replied, waiting to see red flush her cheeks.
- Oh yeah. That reason. A classic. Best Excuses Book worthy, isn't it?
- Only if it's sincere. I know you were, and I can say I am. You didn't say Good Bye when you left, he repeated.
- Right. Well, I was really confused, I'm sure you can understand.
- I can, actually. I went through the same thing with my friends when I left New York.
- Your friends, huh?
- Yeah, my friends. I hope I didn't deceive you with my lack of originality for my reason for being here. Did you copyright that line?
- Deceive me? Jess, you could never deceive me. Well maybe if you started listening to Creed or if you grew a beard. How overdone was that, this year! Beards. Silly things!
- Well I never succeeded growing any kind of facial hair "do", and as for Creed, I think you know that's humanly impossible.
- Indeed!
- So I could never deceive you? Even if I boldly kissed you, right here, in the middle of this crowded lobby, while you are still "officially" with that boyfriend of yours?
- Do I really need to answer your question?
Jess smiled at her subtle approbation and circled her with his lean arms and pressed his lips against hers. Electricity lit their tense bodies and it was as if the kiss had waked them from a long trance. As she took Jess' head in her hands and pulled him closer, Rory parted her lips and kissed him more fiercely and passionately than she ever kissed Dean. They needed this, they needed each other after all the time they had spent denying it. They knew it and this kiss had even more signification then the first kiss they had exchanged five weeks ago.
Paris had entered the lobby at 1:10 and opened her newly bought book right away. When she saw them, she knew they needed much privacy, and time. Rory never did talk about Jess during the long conversations they had shared in their free time in D.C., but Paris, who usually didn't have a clue about relationships, love and other similar matters, knew he was the one on her friend's mind. Not Dean, not Tristan. No, it was the guy with whom she shared tastes in books and movies, the guy that understood and loved her little quirks, the one with whom she could have strictly sarcastic conversations without confusing him. They shared dreams. They were attracted to each other. How in the whole could Paris have detected all of this before Rory even did herself? "Rory Gilmore, oblivious of the effect she has on people!" That naïve young girl she had grown to like within those long days they had spent together. That young girl who was till kissing Jess in the lobby after. 27 minutes! She got up and went up to them.
- Hum. Sorry to interrupt, but while you two were making out, I had time to read Jonathan Livingston the Seagull. All of it. I know it's short, but still. Now, I know this is big, it will probably be Stars Hollow's newsletter front page tomorrow, but meanwhile, we have a convention to attend to. Jess, hi. It's really nice to see you today! Rory, come on.
Paris took Rory's hand and dragged her away from Jess. He barely had time to mouth, "I'll be in your room" before the two girls were out of the lobby.
- Rory! Snap out of it, Paris whispered, this lecture is important. Listen up; they're talking about Ivy League schools.
- Right! I should take notes, shouldn't I?
- Yes! And stop smiling. Everyone knows how you feel about Harvard, but with that kind of smile, you can't fool anybody. Just one last question before we start paying attention, what does it mean?
- Oh God! I don't know! Well obviously, I like him and, well, I think he likes me too, I guess, maybe, if you-
- Duh! Of course he does! But, you and Dean.
- I'll call him tonight. I can't live a lie. Even if nothing concrete happens between Jess and me, I still don't think it's right if I stay with Dean.
- How moral! You need to start giving Dr. Phil some lessons.
- You know, he's not that moral. His principles are very questionable. Weird little man.
- Whatever. Let's just not talking about your little thing and get back to this. But by the way, I think it's great.
And quickly, Paris ran to the front row and sat down, leaving Rory beaming with joy, trailing off behind.
End of Chapter One