A/N: If you read the first chapter, I updated a few things. I got incredibly inspired this week - it's my first time writing in years - and if you want to make sure the flow stays consistent, now is a good time.

I love Rory and Jess together. I personally relate to Jess a ton, so I find writing for him not too much of a stretch.

I had the first test chapter up one day and I felt really encouraged even off six reviews to keep going, so I hope everyone enjoys where I take this. =^..^=


As soon as his final class released, Jess grabbed his bag and bolted for the door. There really was no reason to be in a rush. His parents were gone – he didn't really care where they were this time. It was more awkward when they were around at this point. Coming home to an empty house, free to do as he pleased, had been a way of life since even elementary school. Kids in his class had been jealous and floored when it became common knowledge. Jess always assumed that it was normal to be left alone a lot and now that he was older, he preferred it.

He hadn't see Rory – that girl from his English class with that obscure book - in any more of his classes the rest of the day, but that was no surprise. Chilton was a large school, practically a college campus in size. Chances of them having several classes in common were slim.

It wasn't until he was darting across the courtyard, making his way to the parking lot, that he saw her again. She suddenly appeared at his side, matching his quick walking pace. She gave him a small smile and gentle wave. His breath caught in his throat as the sun made her hair glimmer, playing out the hues of red and caramel and giving them a golden glow. Quickly, he went back to looking in front of him. He just wanted to get home and be alone.

"You know, typically when someone thanks someone else, that someone else says 'your welcome' or 'my pleasure' or some variance of those phrases," she remarked playfully.

He couldn't help but be a bit transfixed by her conversation attempt. He went for his usual dryness. "Really? I'll jot that down to remember for next time."

Rory raise an eyebrow slowly, her pink lips curling up. "Next time, huh? You plan on protecting me often?"

His face reddened as his mouth quickly worked into a scowl. He accelerated his pace, trying to get to the parking lot as fast as he could. This is embarrassing, he thought. He didn't know how to react to whatever she was trying to do. Is this supposed to be small talk? Certainly not impressive. He cursed to himself silently, wondering why he had even humored the conversation at first.

"Now I'll have you know," she continued, appearing again by his side and now slightly out of breath yet persistently trying her hardest to match his speed, "I don't make a habit out of being a damsel in distress. In fact, if you'd have given me one more minute I would've been able to resolve the situation myself."

Jess gave her an incredulous look, clearly not believing her. "Oh yeah? How's that? Tristan looked like he was getting awfully fresh from where I was sitting."

Rory rolled her eyes and huffed, dismissing his comment. "Well, anyway, the point is… thanks." she smiled, tucking a strand of loose, straight hair away from her face. "That guy must be used to girls melting at his touch instantly I assume."

He grunted. "You could say that."

She shook her head. "Guys like that are awful. I don't get it."

"Huh."

He really wasn't sure what to say, but so far he was realizing she was smarter than he may have first given her credit for. Without realizing, he slowed down his pace so she wouldn't be stumbling to keep up with him. Her cheeks were flushed and he couldn't stand the way noticing that was making his heart pound.

She gazed over at him, clutching her books tightly to her chest. "You don't speak much, do you?" she murmured.

Jess shrugged. "Not much to say."

He made the mistake of glancing over and saw the flash of words that had grabbed his attention earlier that day. The small book was nestled between her chest and a larger textbook, cradled delicately in her arms. That damn book again, he thought in annoyance.

"That book," he heard himself ask impatiently, then paused, unsure how to continue.

Rory looked down, and pulled out the small book. "This one?"

He nodded. "Yeah. How do you know it?"

Her eyes practically glowed. "Oh, there's a bookshop just outside my town with lots of obscure stuff," she explained, "The owner is practically like a grandfather to me with how much time I've spent there over the years. He always recommends odd things he's read or come across. Do you read?"

He expected the question, but didn't want to talk about himself.

"Not much."

She narrowed her eyes and smirked. He wasn't used to other people being the ones smirking at him. "You're lying." It was a declaration, and she was sure of its truth. "You obviously know this book and anyone who knows this book has to be somewhat of a bibliophile. So how do you know it?"

Her blue eyes were intense and prodding as she stared him down, waiting for a proper response. He surprised himself when he started speaking almost immediately.

"My next door neighbor when I was growing up, was kind of like your store owner." He shook his head in disbelief that he was answering her, but the words kept coming. "Name was Nathan. Started giving me books when I was seven - books with words most kids my age probably wouldn't know." He felt a small smile cross his face as he thought of his old friend. "He passed away and left me his library. Didn't have any kids and seemed to think I was the closest he had to one."

"That's amazing," she said is a soft voice, seeming to understand she had been given a rare privilege. She then wrinkled up her nose at him and gave a playful shove against his shoulder. "And to think you tried to say you don't read much."

He couldn't help but look back at her and give an authentic smile. "Well," he said carelessly, the smile remaining, "What is much?"

By now they were finally at his car, and Rory seemed to realize she had been following him for awhile. They both stopped and awkwardly faced each other. "I better go," she said, a bit sad. At least, he hoped she was a bit sad. He couldn't deny a part of him had been starting to enjoy their little chat.

"I can't miss my bus," she continued, "But, um… thanks. Again."

He looked into her eyes seriously for a moment. "You're welcome."

She started to turn away, and then suddenly spun back. He felt the same surprise come to his face that she had brought up in him earlier that day and quickly tried to hide it. The shine in her stunning expression showed she noticed, but wasn't going to acknowledge it.

"I just realized I still don't know your name," she pointed out.

"We know who we are, so we don't need names," Jess quoted with a smirk.

Rory shook her head and giggled softly. "Alright then." She turned and walked away, but before she got too far, he called out to her.

"It's Jess."

He felt any 'cool' points were gone. Any mystery vanished. But he felt his heart jump a bit that this girl – this girl with the obscure book, the girl that he still wasn't sure about – seemed to want to to get to know him.

"Jess," she breathed, letting the name leave her mouth slowly, before spinning back around and breaking into a light jog toward the bus stop. He repeated in his mind the breathy way she said his name the whole drive home.