Title: Closeness and Jealousy
Author: PunkRockAlec
Rating: PG13
Improv: sudden, casual, olive, honor, observe, learn
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's Notes: My first one, hope you enjoy.
Spoilers: May reference characters and situations not found in Season
One.
Chapter Two:
Lane Tells It Like It Is.
Paris and Jess walked out of the bookstore. Jess was casually swinging his bag at his side when Paris turned to him, "I'll just call and have someone pick me up now."
Jess glanced at her, "Why? You aren't still scared of Luke's truck are you? I told you he baby's the thing."
"No," Paris replied indignantly, "It's just so out of your way to take me home."
"Ah, but you're not going home."
"Uh, yes, I do believe I am," Paris stopped walking.
"Oh, but no m'lady, you agreed to come with me to Stars Hollow."
"I did no such thing."
"I believe the exact words were 'Sure, I assume at Luke's?' Ring any bells?" Jess spun on Paris suddenly, realizing what was going on, "What's wrong? Afraid you'll learn something? Afraid you'll start liking Rory? Man," he sighed and looked away, "Rory tries so hard to be your friend when I'm already ready to give up. She makes peace offering after peace offering and still, nothing. Have your honor and pride blinded you so that you won't see what's in front of your face until she brings you an actual olive branch?"
Paris gaped at him, "Fine."
They began walking to the truck again. "Good, let's hurry. I don't want to miss the fireworks when Dean finds out Tristan's there."
A short time later they were walking up to the front door of the Gilmore house. Faint yelling could be heard inside. "Just in time," Jess said turning the knob. Paris followed curiously. "Honey, I'm home," Jess bellowed as he entered the living room. Four pairs of eyes snapped to him.
"What's he doing here?" Dean hissed.
"Nice to see you too Dean-o," Jess said before Rory could respond. "Does Doose's deliver now? What would Taylor say if he knew you were patronizing his valued customers?" Dean's eyes narrowed as Jess stepped closer. "Lovely apron you have there, brings out your eyes."
Dean clenched his fists and opened his mouth to speak. However, he was interrupted by Lane, whom until now had been observing from the couch with a bag of popcorn. "Dean, before you act, think," Lane said pointing her popcorn bag at him, "These two young men will most likely team up against you and then odds won't be in your favor. I can't help because what would mama say if I came home with a black eye?" She motioned to Paris with a piece of fluffy popcorn, "Paris here wouldn't be much help either since I've deducted she'd be on Jess and Tristan's side since she just arrived with Jess, and probably grew up with Tristan." Paris nodded, "As for Rory," Lane went on, "I'm sure she's getting sick of this crap." Everyone looked at Rory, who nodded, "So you're very outnumbered," Lane concluded.
Dean glanced at Rory again then headed for the door, waving her off when she said his name.
Jess walked over and sat next to Lane, stealing a handful of popcorn, "Wonderful speech Lane dah-ling."
"Why thank you, Jess."
Tristan approached Jess and held out his hand, "Tristan DuGrey."
Jess shook his hand, "Jess Mariano."
"Thanks for the support."
Jess shrugged, "I mainly did it for Rory," he glanced to where Rory was talking to Paris and dropped his voice a notch, "She deserves better than Farmer Dean."
"Like you?" Tristan asked.
Jess shook his head, "Rory's like my twin sister, we think alike, act similar. We've kissed a few times but it's too awkward."
Tristan nodded, "Interesting."
"Yeah," Lane echoed, letting them know she was still there.
"Aw," Jess said wrapping his arm around Lane's shoulder's and giving her a squeeze, "You know you're my 'music cousin,' Lane."
"Yeah, I know."
"So, you and Paris?" Jess asked Tristan.
"Nope, we dated once at Rory's insistence. It ended badly, however, and we discovered we knew far too much about one another," he glanced at Jess, "It was like dating my sister."
