Chapter 4: Two strangers meet again

A/N: First, I want to thank the awesome reviews I got from last chapter! Keep them coming, is great to know what you think!

So, some of you thought that I am being too harsh on Emily and I agree. However, she is not exactly in character. I kind of wanted her to turn out that way, but I want you to know that I love Emily's character on the show and I think Kelly Bishop is a wonderful actress.

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2016

A/N: I've always imagined episode 8 from season 6 (Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out) should have gone more like this.

Rory got up, picked up her cell phone and dialled her boyfriend's number.

"Logan, I need a drink. Can you meet me at the bar?"

She quickly put on a pair of golden sandals, dark jeans and a black silky blouse. It was nothing too fancy, but she looked good. Afterwards, she applied a bit of mascara, rouge and a natural pink lipstick, just to give her face a little life. She did not feel like spending time getting ready because she was in a despaired need to leave.

On her way out, she grabbed her purse, her keys and some money that had been left on the table. She turned the door handle and stepped out of the house.

Before turning around to walk towards her car, she saw him.

He was wearing dark jeans and a black t-shirt that matched how she was dressed. His hair was a bit shorter and messier than the last time she saw him. His eyes, however, had the same mischievous feel.

He looked good, too good. Her heart skipped a little, but she was able to control herself and remain as calm as she could in given situation.

A smile appeared across his face and she looked deeply inside his eyes, inhaling deeply, "Jess."

His name brought up so many memories, some good and some painful. Nevertheless, all she could remember, at that instant, were the good moments she shared with him. She also smiled, somehow curious with his presence, "What are you doing here?"

"Rory: What are you doing here?

Jess: Hello to you too.

Rory: Is everything ok?

Jess: You look nice.

Rory: Thank you. What are you doing here?

Jess: I moved back.

Rory: But…what…why?

Jess: Just wanted to."

He responded her truthfully, "I wanted to see you." He paused for a minute, noticing the keys in her hands and continued, "Are you on your way out? Cause I could come back later…"

She observed that he seemed calm and confident, different from the way he used to act. It was not as if he was insecure before, not at all, but his posture seemed distinct, more mature. He did not look like someone acting impulsively. In addition, he talked slowly, pronouncing every word as if he meant all of what he was saying.

She also noticed his gaze was as intense as it once was. That, she realized, was never going to change.

Suddenly coming back to the present, she remembered that Logan would be waiting for her.

"Actually, I was." She responded.

Rory saw a bit of disappointment hit his eyes, but before he could say he understood, she continued talking, "But it's not a big of deal. I can cancel it." She felt like she could meet Logan later. "We'll have the chance to catch up." She finished.

"Are you sure?" He questioned her, hoping she was.

"Yeah. Just wait a minute, ok?" She required.

At that time, she walked away a little and dialled Logan's number for the second time in half an hour.

He picked up and she heard his voice, "Hey Ace. Are you there yet? I'm on my way over; just give me five more minutes." Her boyfriend said.

"Actually, I was kind of calling to cancel it. I am not feeling too well. Do you think we can hook up tomorrow instead? I'm sorry." She was not sure about why she had lied, but something deep inside of her told her that she should.

"Hum, yeah, sure." He was kind of surprised and taken aback, but asked her concerned, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, it's just a headache. I did not get much sleep last night, so it must be tiredness. I'm sorry I made you go almost all the way to the restaurant, but I'll see you tomorrow, right?" She felt guilty hearing her words living her mouth, but covered it up.

"You bet." He declared. "I just hope you will feel better soon. Get some rest and if you need anything, call me."

She felt even guiltier because he was worried with her.

"Bye, Ace." He hung up.

She also said her good byes and, then, turned off her cell phone to avoid more distractions.

Rory watched Jess waiting for her, leaning on her car.

She walked back towards him.

"Everything good?" He asked her.

"Yeah, everything is fine." She reassured him.

"So, do you want to go and grab a bite to eat?" She invited him.

"Sure, that way we'll have the chance to talk." He continued, "Are you sure this is alright?" He questioned her once again.

"Yes, I'm sure." She nodded. "I'm actually starving."

"Good." He simply said and smiled once again. Jess remembered the two Gilmore's appetite.

She noticed he was smiling a lot more than he used to; not his usual smirks, but genuine smiles.

He had changed, she thought to herself, but then again, so had she.

"Are you driving or do you want me to drive? She questioned him, undecided.

"Yes, we can go in my car, if that's ok." He answered her.

"It's ok." He affirmed.

"So, let's go?" He asked her.

"Lead the way."

2005

A/N: So, what did you think? Review and let me know!

A lot more of Jess and Rory on the upcoming chapter.