I Guess This Is Goodbye
By Gliterati
Pairing: R/J
Rating: PG
POV: Rory
Summary: One part fic. Rory drives Jess to the airport. Rory and Jess say goodbye. Rory and Jess cry.

I stopped at the red light in front of the diner. There he was, sitting on the curb with a suitcase. Just one suitcase. He was moving all the way across the country and he was only bringing one freaking suitcase with him. I should have had mom help him. Then he would have everything he needs, plus lots of things he wouldn't need.

I pull up to the curb and he opens the door to the Jeep and places his suitcase in the backseat. He leans across and gives me a kiss on the cheek. Such a simple gesture that means so much.

"So I sold my car yesterday," he says as I begin to drive him away from Stars Hollow.

"Well, that's good. You'll have money for when you get to California. You could buy souveniers. Or a new car. Or hey, maybe you could even take up surfing or something," I catch my breath and stop the babbling.

"I really don't think I have the coordination to be a surfer," he replies.

We bask in the silence for a few more minutes before he says quietly, "Will you miss me?"

I feel the tears begin to flood my eyes. "Yes," I manage to choke out.

I stop at another red light and he places his hand on top of mine. And that's when the waterworks come. "Please don't go, Jess. Don't leave me. Please."

He shifts his glance out the window and is silent. Finally he replies, "I need to do this, Rory. I need to get to know my father. I'm not leaving you forever. I'll come back someday."

"Promise me something, Jess."

"Anything."

"Promise me you won't forget me. Promise me that you'll write and you'll call."

"Oh, Rory. I could never forget you," he pauses dramatically. "I love you."

I feel my heart drop to my stomach at these words. We're driving on the interstate to Hartford now and I pull the Jeep onto the shoulder in one swift, screeching motion.

"I love you too," I whisper softly and I feel his arms go around me. By now, I'm crying so hard that I'm shaking. He rocks back and forth as he holds me, telling me that everything will be okay. But after a few minutes, I can hear him sobbing too.

And then we kiss. Our last passionate kiss. It was perfect.

But alas, we have to get back on the road so he doesn't miss his stupid flight. I am in no condition to drive, so Jess gets behind the wheel. We sit in silence, just enjoying our last moments together.

We were at the airport in no time. I didn't want to go in. I didn't want to watch him walk through the security gate. So I simply got out of the passenger seat and stood on the curb as he retrieved his suitcase from the back. He hugged me and kissed me one last time and told me that he loved me and that he would call or write or email everyday.

"I guess this is goodbye," he whispered.

I buried my face in his chest. "I guess so."

"I'll come back. I promise."

I smirked. "See you around, Dodger."

A wide smile crept across his face. "Dodger?" he teased.

"Figure it out!" I said as I climbed into the driver's seat.

"Oliver Twist!" he called out. I smiled and nodded. He blew me a kiss and walked into terminal.

I sat there for another few minutes, collecting myself and my thoughts. And then I began to travel the long, winding road back to Stars Hollow. The tears still stung my eyes, but I found hope. I knew he would be back.

And little did I know that as Jess Mariano began his descent into Venice, he found the same hope in his tears.

A/N: Trying to get over writer's block... I hope you liked this! Please R&R!