Disclaimer: It's not mine
Pairing: Literati
Rating: PG-13/R-ish
A/N: School starts Tuesday, so I'm going to try and get this whole thing finished so that by the time dance starts (on Sept. 9), all I'll be doing is posting the rest up. But I don't know. We're definitely nearing the end though :( It makes me sad, because this was my first fic, and my first Literati. I'll be sad to see it go. Anyway, enough drama, and on with the chapter.
***
Luke and Lorelai sighed nervously as they both climbed into Lorelai's Jeep. They had been hanging around the diner since the previous day, waiting for a telephone call that never came. Both were getting worried to the point where they were ready to go to New York themselves. After worrying for nearly 24 hours, they needed something, anything, to get their mind off of it, to pass the time. So they had gone to a movie, and gone out to eat. But both had been quiet and disconnected. As Lorelai started the car, they turned to each other and spoke in unison.
"I'm worried."
A small smile danced on Lorelai's mouth, but her eyes looked tired.
"I don't know Luke...I mean, Rory likes him. A lot. I think she might love him. I don't know. I just...."
"You know she's responsible, but you're afraid of what might happen. Maybe I should have gone with them."
Lorelai glanced at him for a second, almost wishing he had. Then she wondered somewhere in her mind why he wasn't going to the funeral in the first place. "Actually, why didn't you?"
"I don't think it was my place to go. I mean, the only reason I knew where their family lived, or was in contact with them at all, was 'cause of Jess. I didn't know Alexa at all. The only reason I woulda gone was to support Jess. Plus the whole...Rory...Jess...thing. So as terrible as I felt, I knew it was pointless to go. Now I kind of wish I had."
"Wow. That's the longest sentence I've ever heard you say at one time! I'm so impressed."
Luke rolled his eyes, and then looked at her affectionately. Lorelai's eyes widened the slightest bit at the way his eyes were boring into hers, but she quickly turned back towards the wheel.
"Lorelai?"
"What?" Lorelai jumped, answering almost too quickly.
"Shut up and drive."
And with that, the two headed back to Luke's for Lorelai's caffeine dose, riding the rest of the way in close, comfortable silence. Of course, Lorelai had to play Vanessa Carlton lightly in the background. Occasionally, she would sing along. Luke just laughed quietly.
***
Rory and Jess were returning to the hotel in silence. The funeral had been terribly tough for both, Jess because he was losing someone, and Rory because she hated seeing him fall apart. Tears were streaming down both of their cheeks as they reached the elevator. Rory's eyes were red and liquid, just as they always were when she cried, but Jess's eyes were tightly shut, as if he were trying to block out the memories. It was all too much to handle. He leaned against the elevator wall and covered his face with his hands. Fresh tears squeezed out from under his eyelids.
Rory looked at him, helpless. She did the only thing she could. She reached out and squeezed his hand, and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry," she whispered gently. "But it will be OK." She kissed him on the forehead so gently, he thought he had imagined it.
"She was beautiful," Jess said, suddenly, quietly, and shakily. The elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened, but he didn't move. "She always smiled...no matter what. And now she-she-" he couldn't continue. He just followed Rory into their room, the room that now had two separate beds. It was nearly twilight, and the last of the day's light was streaming in, burnt orange bright. It spilled over onto the rug.
Rory sat on Jess's bed, holding him and watching him cry. It scared her a little. She was usually the one crying, or losing herself. It was him that was always calm and quiet, putting up the blank façade. But now sobs shook him, and Rory rubbed his back and tried to make it OK. When they finally subsided, he swallowed and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Thank you," he told her simply, his voice even and soft.
"Wouldn't miss it," she whispered back.
He kissed her on the lips, but quickly pulled away as if he didn't want to get started. But Rory returned the kiss, and he couldn't help it. Emotions were rushing through the two of them. The turmoil of the day swirled around in their minds, and as they kissed once more, they felt comforted and connected. But the usual effect wasn't lost, despite the circumstances. Their many emotions seemed to intensify that feeling. One touch from either one to the other sent them reeling.
Rory was stroking his back, and feeling him shiver. Her hands came around to the front, feeling his stomach. His abs tightened, and she smiled against his mouth. His mouth opened hungrily and their tongues met, the heat exploding in their mouths. Her hips moved slightly and involuntarily against his as they laid down on their sides. Jess fought the familiar urge to press himself closer. As they pulled away from each other, Jess stroked her stomach, watching her eyes grow heavy-lidded.
They were getting in too deep, and Jess knew it. He forced himself to stop, and he saw her blue eyes lock on his, desire swimming in them, weakness clouding her irises, too. She saw the need and vulnerability in his. She repressed the urge to start anything again. She waited for him to speak. He had to ask her.
"OK?"
She nodded, and that was all it took. He pulled her over on top of him, and groaned instinctively as their hips met. Everything melted away as the curtain was closed, and darkness fell upon them. But Rory didn't need the light. She could feel well enough. Both closed their eyes, omitting that sense. They concentrated on that feeling as their bodies touched, filling the emptiness. It made them whole.
***
Lorelai and Luke had been waiting in the diner since they had gotten home from dinner. Lorelai was drinking her 5th cup of coffee. Her fingers tapped on the counter as Luke wandered aimlessly around the diner, refilling sugar canisters and wiping down spotless countertops.
"Why haven't they called?" asked Lorelai, for possibly the hundredth time that day. When she didn't get an answer, she sighed and rose from her chair, wringing her hands. She wondered what could possibly be going on.
"Maybe I should go. It's almost 11."
"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning?"
"Of course. The Phone Vigil continues. Thanks for waiting with me."
"No problem. I'll call you...if they call."
"Bye." She glanced at him, and then, on some kind of impulse, planted a quick kiss on Luke's mouth. And with that, she breezed outside, leaving Luke standing behind the counter. He touched his mouth and remained like that for a moment before shaking his head and walking upstairs. But his eyes were smiling.
Lorelai pondered why she had done it all the way home. "Just platonic. No feelings for Luke. None at all. Nope. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero feelings for Luke." She mumbled out loud for a bit longer, and tried to convince herself of something that obviously wasn't true.
***
Rory was lying next to Jess, wrapped up in the sheets. She had her pajamas on now, and it was nearly 11:00, maybe past. His muscular arms were draped around her, and her head was resting on his stomach. It wasn't awkward now, as she thought it would be, but more comfortable between them. She wasn't worried, because they had been careful, and she definitely didn't regret. But as Jess rubbed her back, he was worried that she was already regretting.
"Rory?"
"Mmm?" she asked, her eyes closed.
"Did you want to?"
Rory, in a moment of out of character for her, smirked, as she affirmed her thoughts out loud.
"Hell, yeah." He smirked at this, but he was also relieved. His smirk twisted into a small smile.
"Your vulgarity continues to appall me." He quipped.
Rory rolled her eyes, still smiling. His sarcasm was back. HE was back. She was relieved. Seeing him break down scared her. She supposed they had both been out of character today. Jess was vulnerable, and Rory finally, for once, gave in to her impulse. But she knew Jess wouldn't stay that way. She vaguely wondered if she would remain impulsive, and she remembered the events of the afternoon as she responded.
"So sorry to have tainted your innocence."
"I'll forgive you...maybe. On a couple of conditions."
"Like?"
Jess wiggled his eyebrows. Rory blushed, much more Rory-like, and he quickly amended.
"Call your mom."
"What?" asked Rory, momentarily confused. Then she remembered and sat straight up in bed, panicked.
"Oh my God! I totally forgot! I should have called her right when I get here! She's going to kill me...I always call. What if she's worried? What if-"
"Rory. Start breathing again long enough to call. The longer you wait, the more worried she'll be," he told her, sensibly and honestly.
"Man, I hope you never get into a real emergency. You'd probably faint from lack of air intake," he remarked a second later. Rory ignored this comment and grabbed the phone, dialing in a frenzy. Her stomach fluttered with nerves, and she hoped that her mother wouldn't be too upset. She heard the ringing on the other end stop, and she caught her breath.
"Hello?" came an earnest voice on the other end, a voice that sounded overwhelmed with confusion and worry.
"Mom?" Rory asked shakily.
"Gee, how nice of you to call."
"I'm so sorry...it's just there was this whole hotel mix-up and the funeral and then we came back, and I didn't realize and-"
"Do you have any idea how worried I was, Rory? You scared me!"
"I know! I'm sorry! It's just, with all this drama and-"
"Drama? More drama here than there. I kissed Luke," her mother interrupted, coming out with a blunt statement and completely swinging the conversation around. It was obvious that Lorelai had way too much on her mind to concentrate on scolding her daughter.
"What? When? How did this happen?" Rory asked, confused at the sudden turn of conversation. But she was a little excited, and her heart jumped.
"I don't know...I just kind of...acted on impulse, I guess."
Rory smiled as she cradled the phone and thought of how familiar that sounded. "Well, sometimes giving into your impulses is good."
"You would know."
"I would, wouldn't I? Anyway, mom, I'm really sorry about the whole...not calling thing."
"Don't let it happen again. I don't need to see you're ok on your own! I like to believe you're going to cling to your dear old mommy forever."
"Then you would get sick of me."
"Yeah, well, you know I'm already waiting for the day you get shipped away. Then I'll get your half of the junk food stash."
"I miss you, Mom."
"Ditto."
"We'll probably be home in a day or two. Not that it matters. You have Luke to keep you company."
"Hmmm. I'm wondering know if I should've shared that particular drama."
"Too late."
"OK, Ror, see you soon. Luv ya."
"Me too. Bye."
Rory hung up the phone contentedly. Sighing, she felt her eyes start to close and she buried her head in the crook of Jess's arm, comforted by the familiar smell and the heat of his skin. Jess looked down at her as she began to sleep. As her eyes closed, he spoke one last time.
"How about a bedtime story?"
"MM...like what?"
"I'm thinking Hemingway?" he questioned, knowing what the response would be. There was a comfort in the consistency of their Hemingway argument.
"Well, we all know it will put me to sleep faster."
Jess sighed and laid his own head on the pillow, thanking whoever it was that sent her to him.
***
A/N: I know, I know. This chapter was a little risqué...but hey...I see it happening eventually. Anyway, I know it took me such a long time to post...but that won't happen anymore. At least, I hope not. Please review. Thanks for all of you who continue to support my stories.
Pairing: Literati
Rating: PG-13/R-ish
A/N: School starts Tuesday, so I'm going to try and get this whole thing finished so that by the time dance starts (on Sept. 9), all I'll be doing is posting the rest up. But I don't know. We're definitely nearing the end though :( It makes me sad, because this was my first fic, and my first Literati. I'll be sad to see it go. Anyway, enough drama, and on with the chapter.
***
Luke and Lorelai sighed nervously as they both climbed into Lorelai's Jeep. They had been hanging around the diner since the previous day, waiting for a telephone call that never came. Both were getting worried to the point where they were ready to go to New York themselves. After worrying for nearly 24 hours, they needed something, anything, to get their mind off of it, to pass the time. So they had gone to a movie, and gone out to eat. But both had been quiet and disconnected. As Lorelai started the car, they turned to each other and spoke in unison.
"I'm worried."
A small smile danced on Lorelai's mouth, but her eyes looked tired.
"I don't know Luke...I mean, Rory likes him. A lot. I think she might love him. I don't know. I just...."
"You know she's responsible, but you're afraid of what might happen. Maybe I should have gone with them."
Lorelai glanced at him for a second, almost wishing he had. Then she wondered somewhere in her mind why he wasn't going to the funeral in the first place. "Actually, why didn't you?"
"I don't think it was my place to go. I mean, the only reason I knew where their family lived, or was in contact with them at all, was 'cause of Jess. I didn't know Alexa at all. The only reason I woulda gone was to support Jess. Plus the whole...Rory...Jess...thing. So as terrible as I felt, I knew it was pointless to go. Now I kind of wish I had."
"Wow. That's the longest sentence I've ever heard you say at one time! I'm so impressed."
Luke rolled his eyes, and then looked at her affectionately. Lorelai's eyes widened the slightest bit at the way his eyes were boring into hers, but she quickly turned back towards the wheel.
"Lorelai?"
"What?" Lorelai jumped, answering almost too quickly.
"Shut up and drive."
And with that, the two headed back to Luke's for Lorelai's caffeine dose, riding the rest of the way in close, comfortable silence. Of course, Lorelai had to play Vanessa Carlton lightly in the background. Occasionally, she would sing along. Luke just laughed quietly.
***
Rory and Jess were returning to the hotel in silence. The funeral had been terribly tough for both, Jess because he was losing someone, and Rory because she hated seeing him fall apart. Tears were streaming down both of their cheeks as they reached the elevator. Rory's eyes were red and liquid, just as they always were when she cried, but Jess's eyes were tightly shut, as if he were trying to block out the memories. It was all too much to handle. He leaned against the elevator wall and covered his face with his hands. Fresh tears squeezed out from under his eyelids.
Rory looked at him, helpless. She did the only thing she could. She reached out and squeezed his hand, and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry," she whispered gently. "But it will be OK." She kissed him on the forehead so gently, he thought he had imagined it.
"She was beautiful," Jess said, suddenly, quietly, and shakily. The elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened, but he didn't move. "She always smiled...no matter what. And now she-she-" he couldn't continue. He just followed Rory into their room, the room that now had two separate beds. It was nearly twilight, and the last of the day's light was streaming in, burnt orange bright. It spilled over onto the rug.
Rory sat on Jess's bed, holding him and watching him cry. It scared her a little. She was usually the one crying, or losing herself. It was him that was always calm and quiet, putting up the blank façade. But now sobs shook him, and Rory rubbed his back and tried to make it OK. When they finally subsided, he swallowed and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Thank you," he told her simply, his voice even and soft.
"Wouldn't miss it," she whispered back.
He kissed her on the lips, but quickly pulled away as if he didn't want to get started. But Rory returned the kiss, and he couldn't help it. Emotions were rushing through the two of them. The turmoil of the day swirled around in their minds, and as they kissed once more, they felt comforted and connected. But the usual effect wasn't lost, despite the circumstances. Their many emotions seemed to intensify that feeling. One touch from either one to the other sent them reeling.
Rory was stroking his back, and feeling him shiver. Her hands came around to the front, feeling his stomach. His abs tightened, and she smiled against his mouth. His mouth opened hungrily and their tongues met, the heat exploding in their mouths. Her hips moved slightly and involuntarily against his as they laid down on their sides. Jess fought the familiar urge to press himself closer. As they pulled away from each other, Jess stroked her stomach, watching her eyes grow heavy-lidded.
They were getting in too deep, and Jess knew it. He forced himself to stop, and he saw her blue eyes lock on his, desire swimming in them, weakness clouding her irises, too. She saw the need and vulnerability in his. She repressed the urge to start anything again. She waited for him to speak. He had to ask her.
"OK?"
She nodded, and that was all it took. He pulled her over on top of him, and groaned instinctively as their hips met. Everything melted away as the curtain was closed, and darkness fell upon them. But Rory didn't need the light. She could feel well enough. Both closed their eyes, omitting that sense. They concentrated on that feeling as their bodies touched, filling the emptiness. It made them whole.
***
Lorelai and Luke had been waiting in the diner since they had gotten home from dinner. Lorelai was drinking her 5th cup of coffee. Her fingers tapped on the counter as Luke wandered aimlessly around the diner, refilling sugar canisters and wiping down spotless countertops.
"Why haven't they called?" asked Lorelai, for possibly the hundredth time that day. When she didn't get an answer, she sighed and rose from her chair, wringing her hands. She wondered what could possibly be going on.
"Maybe I should go. It's almost 11."
"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning?"
"Of course. The Phone Vigil continues. Thanks for waiting with me."
"No problem. I'll call you...if they call."
"Bye." She glanced at him, and then, on some kind of impulse, planted a quick kiss on Luke's mouth. And with that, she breezed outside, leaving Luke standing behind the counter. He touched his mouth and remained like that for a moment before shaking his head and walking upstairs. But his eyes were smiling.
Lorelai pondered why she had done it all the way home. "Just platonic. No feelings for Luke. None at all. Nope. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero feelings for Luke." She mumbled out loud for a bit longer, and tried to convince herself of something that obviously wasn't true.
***
Rory was lying next to Jess, wrapped up in the sheets. She had her pajamas on now, and it was nearly 11:00, maybe past. His muscular arms were draped around her, and her head was resting on his stomach. It wasn't awkward now, as she thought it would be, but more comfortable between them. She wasn't worried, because they had been careful, and she definitely didn't regret. But as Jess rubbed her back, he was worried that she was already regretting.
"Rory?"
"Mmm?" she asked, her eyes closed.
"Did you want to?"
Rory, in a moment of out of character for her, smirked, as she affirmed her thoughts out loud.
"Hell, yeah." He smirked at this, but he was also relieved. His smirk twisted into a small smile.
"Your vulgarity continues to appall me." He quipped.
Rory rolled her eyes, still smiling. His sarcasm was back. HE was back. She was relieved. Seeing him break down scared her. She supposed they had both been out of character today. Jess was vulnerable, and Rory finally, for once, gave in to her impulse. But she knew Jess wouldn't stay that way. She vaguely wondered if she would remain impulsive, and she remembered the events of the afternoon as she responded.
"So sorry to have tainted your innocence."
"I'll forgive you...maybe. On a couple of conditions."
"Like?"
Jess wiggled his eyebrows. Rory blushed, much more Rory-like, and he quickly amended.
"Call your mom."
"What?" asked Rory, momentarily confused. Then she remembered and sat straight up in bed, panicked.
"Oh my God! I totally forgot! I should have called her right when I get here! She's going to kill me...I always call. What if she's worried? What if-"
"Rory. Start breathing again long enough to call. The longer you wait, the more worried she'll be," he told her, sensibly and honestly.
"Man, I hope you never get into a real emergency. You'd probably faint from lack of air intake," he remarked a second later. Rory ignored this comment and grabbed the phone, dialing in a frenzy. Her stomach fluttered with nerves, and she hoped that her mother wouldn't be too upset. She heard the ringing on the other end stop, and she caught her breath.
"Hello?" came an earnest voice on the other end, a voice that sounded overwhelmed with confusion and worry.
"Mom?" Rory asked shakily.
"Gee, how nice of you to call."
"I'm so sorry...it's just there was this whole hotel mix-up and the funeral and then we came back, and I didn't realize and-"
"Do you have any idea how worried I was, Rory? You scared me!"
"I know! I'm sorry! It's just, with all this drama and-"
"Drama? More drama here than there. I kissed Luke," her mother interrupted, coming out with a blunt statement and completely swinging the conversation around. It was obvious that Lorelai had way too much on her mind to concentrate on scolding her daughter.
"What? When? How did this happen?" Rory asked, confused at the sudden turn of conversation. But she was a little excited, and her heart jumped.
"I don't know...I just kind of...acted on impulse, I guess."
Rory smiled as she cradled the phone and thought of how familiar that sounded. "Well, sometimes giving into your impulses is good."
"You would know."
"I would, wouldn't I? Anyway, mom, I'm really sorry about the whole...not calling thing."
"Don't let it happen again. I don't need to see you're ok on your own! I like to believe you're going to cling to your dear old mommy forever."
"Then you would get sick of me."
"Yeah, well, you know I'm already waiting for the day you get shipped away. Then I'll get your half of the junk food stash."
"I miss you, Mom."
"Ditto."
"We'll probably be home in a day or two. Not that it matters. You have Luke to keep you company."
"Hmmm. I'm wondering know if I should've shared that particular drama."
"Too late."
"OK, Ror, see you soon. Luv ya."
"Me too. Bye."
Rory hung up the phone contentedly. Sighing, she felt her eyes start to close and she buried her head in the crook of Jess's arm, comforted by the familiar smell and the heat of his skin. Jess looked down at her as she began to sleep. As her eyes closed, he spoke one last time.
"How about a bedtime story?"
"MM...like what?"
"I'm thinking Hemingway?" he questioned, knowing what the response would be. There was a comfort in the consistency of their Hemingway argument.
"Well, we all know it will put me to sleep faster."
Jess sighed and laid his own head on the pillow, thanking whoever it was that sent her to him.
***
A/N: I know, I know. This chapter was a little risqué...but hey...I see it happening eventually. Anyway, I know it took me such a long time to post...but that won't happen anymore. At least, I hope not. Please review. Thanks for all of you who continue to support my stories.