A/N: Thank you for the reviews. Opinions on this chapter would be greatly appreciated, since I'm extremely nervous about trying my hand at writing Jimmy.
The Prodigal Father Returns
Wednesday night, Rory walked into the upstairs apartment, holding a cup of take-away coffee in her hand.
"Wedding crisis averted."
"What happened?" Jess looked up at her from his book.
"Small problem with the flowers, all fixed." She smiled, sitting down on the bed next to him. "Why are you all dressed and showered and stuff?"
"I tend to be dressed and showered every day. You might have noticed in the past." He smirked and she slapped his arm playfully, kissing the spot quickly.
"Yes, but you're not usually freshly showered at…almost 7." She glanced at the clock on the night stand. "And on that note, when did it get so late?"
"I'm going to guess somewhere in between you running around like a maniac, leaving me here with nothing to do because you and your mother decided that I'm useless in this wedding, since I'm the guy. A decision I full heartedly support, for the record. And I'm clean because my freaking bachelor party is tonight."
"Wasn't it supposed to be tomorrow night, like mine?"
"Ror, who gets here tomorrow?"
"Uh…" She hesitated for a second before she remembered, looking at him. "Jimmy!"
"Yes. I have no intentions of having him along and not inviting him would be…weird I guess, if he were here. Not to mention the Luke being there thing. So we're doing this tonight to avoid having to invite him."
"Wise."
"Yeah, it happens sometimes." Standing up, he ran his hand through his hair, looking at the door. "I should get going."
"Have fun."
"Sure." He replied sarcastically, smirking.
"Hey, this is your last chance to get drunk as a single man. I suggest you take it."
"What about strippers?" He grinned at her, making her laugh.
"Sure, if you can find a strip club in Stars Hollow, go ahead."
"No need to crush my dreams." Leaning over and placing a quick kiss on her lips, he smiled. "I'll see you later."
The next morning, Jess walked downstairs in the diner, finding Rory and Lorelai sitting at a table, with Will in a high chair next to them, having breakfast. After pouring some coffee in a take-away cup behind the counter, he sat down.
"He's awake." Lorelai snickered. "How was your party?" She dragged out the words, keeping her voice as loud as she could.
"Fine, thanks." Jess smirked back.
"Damn it, why are you not hung over?" She started speaking normally again, looking deflated by his lack of reaction.
"Water. It's magic, I tell you. Magic." Leaning over to Rory, he kissed her cheek. "I'm off to the airport. Want to come or do you have something planned?"
"Sorry, hoodlum, part one of bachelorette party is bound to begin very soon." Lorelai chimed in, shaking her head. "You're not taking her anywhere."
"Is there at least someone working at the inn to check Jimmy in or is it DYI now?"
"Michel is there in all his grumpy glory. And I'm sure half the town will be accidentally dropping by today."
"Don't bring him here, Luke's been on a rampage all morning." Rory warned, looking over to the counter to make sure the man couldn't hear her.
"'Cause that's unusual." Jess chuckled, squeezing her hand under the table. "I wasn't planning to, anyway. I'll pick him up, drop him off then find something else to do."
"Good plan."
Standing up again, he picked up his cup. "I'm off. Lorelai, I like her in one piece, make sure she stays that way."
"I'll do my best." Lorelai nodded solemnly, grinning. "However, I am not in any way responsible for any damages that may occur."
"Suppose that's good enough."
"Hey!" Rory protested, trying not to laugh. "You're both so nice to me."
"We try." Jess chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "Have fun."
As soon as he was out the door, Lorelai leaned over closer to Rory, making sure no one was around.
"How's he really doing with the Jimmy thing? He seems…surprisingly calm."
"He is. Most of the time anyway." Rory shrugged, drinking from her mug.
The previous night, after the party.
Crawling into bed, Jess sighed, taking off his shoes with his feet. Rory watched him, smiling, then stood up and filled a glass with water, handing it to him.
"Here."
"Thanks." He grumbled gratefully, chugging the water down.
"How was it?"
"We drank, we talked, Luke made a charming attempt at asking me if I needed someone to talk to which I quickly shot down-I think he was more relieved than I was. About it."
"Fun?"
"Yeah." He nodded, smirking as Rory sat down next to him after filling his glass again. "Exhausted though. I'm too old for this."
Leaning over and turning off the bedside lamp, Rory placed a quick kiss on his lips, smiling in the dark. "Good night."
"I love you."
"Love you too."
Taking his phone out of his pocket, he started setting an alarm and she looked at him, surprised.
"Anything important that you need to be awake for?"
"I told Jimmy I'd pick him up from the airport. If he actually got on the plane, that is."
"I'm sure he'll be here."
"That makes one of us."
"Would it matter if he wouldn't be?" She asked him after a few seconds of silence, biting her lip.
"Yeah…it would."
"Wait, so Jess actually sort of admitted that he wants Jimmy here?"
"Don't get me wrong, I think he'd be ok either way, but this is the first time Jimmy's actually promised him something. Him not showing up wouldn't bode well for any sort of future relationship. Jess can hold a grudge."
"Can't say I'd blame him."
"How's Luke doing?"
"He's been…not talking about it." Lorelai shrugged, looking for her husband. "I tried to, he shot it down. He did promise he'll be on his best behavior when Jimmy's actually here, but I don't think he'll be happy."
"Ever wish our lives were normal?" Rory laughed, making her mother smile as well.
"Eh, from time to time. But then I come back to my senses."
"It would make things a whole of a lot easier."
"But so much less fun." Standing up, Lorelai picked up Will, walking to Luke. "The babysitter will be here in a bit to take him, you're in charge until then. We're off to party."
"Have fun." Luke leaned over, giving his wife a quick kiss before picking up their son. Walking back to the table, Lorelai grabbed her purse, looking at her daughter.
"Time to get incredibly pampered."
"Here, here!"
A bit later, at the airport. Walking out of the arrivals area, Jimmy looked around him, holding a small duffel bag in one hand and a suit bag in the other. Spotting Jess, he headed towards him, both men looking at each other slightly apprehensively.
"You're earlier than I thought you'd be." Jess shrugged, shoving his hands deeper in his pockets.
"Landed early." The other man shrugged as well.
"Good flight?"
"It was ok. I don't think I'll ever get used to flying, though. Give me a fast car and some music and I'll be much happier getting from point A to B." After pausing for a second, the man took a deep breath. "It's good to see you, Jess. You look…uh, good."
"Yeah, you too." He sighed, even more uncomfortable.
"See you've retired the leather jacket." The man pointed out, making Jess smirk.
"See you haven't." He pointed out.
"This was the only thing I had that could sort of pass for winter wear. Not much use for winter clothes in California."
"Mine's not completely retired either, just in the process of trying to find a new one. The old one looks like it's been through a few wars." Jess chuckled, relaxing slightly. Looking around him, he took out his keys. "Want to head back?"
"Sure." Jimmy nodded. "Where are you parked?"
"This way." Jess pointed with his head and the man started following him. "How are Sasha and Lily?"
"Good. Both send their love. Lily gave me a present for you and everything."
"Let me guess, a book?"
"What can I say, you made an impression. She's looking at colleges now. Probably going to head this way next year."
"Really?"
"She claims California's too sunny."
"I can see where she's coming from." Jess chuckled, stopping in front of the paying machine.
"I can get that." Jimmy pointed to the machine but Jess shook his head.
"It's fine. I'm better off than I was last time you saw me." He paid quickly, trying to avoid any more offers from Jimmy before heading for his car. After throwing the bags in the trunk, they got in the car, driving off.
"So, when do I get to meet this girl you're marrying?"
"Not sure. She's off with her mother for a bachelorette party thing."
"Her mother is Luke's wife, right?"
"Yeah. Lorelai."
"And Stars Hollow's just as crazy as it used to be?"
"Worse." Jess chuckled.
"How'd you deal with it?"
"Rory likes it so I put up with it. I mostly hide, though." He admitted honestly, chuckling. "I'm supposed to meet her for coffee later today at the inn, while Lorelai checks up on things. You can join us if you want to."
"I'd like that."
Later that afternoon, Jess walked back in the lobby of the inn, after having spent a few hours in the diner, finding Rory already there, reading a book.
"How was your morning?" He asked, sitting next to her and kissing her cheek quickly.
"Awesome. I need to spend more time in spas." She grinned, extending her hand so he could see her fingernails. "Pretty, right?"
"Sure." Jess shrugged, smirking. "I'm sure this falls into the category of conversations that should have been had more than 2 days before the wedding, but do you want to meet Jimmy? I told him he could join us for coffee. If it's ok with you." He added quickly, looking at her and Rory smiled, nodding.
"Better now than meeting my father-in-law at the wedding."
"How about we just refer to him as Jimmy?" Jess chuckled, standing up and taking her hand after she dropped her book back in her purse.
"But I like annoying you. You're cute when you're angry."
"Cute, huh?" His smirk grew bigger as he pulled her against his body, kissing her.
"Very." Rory smiled back at him, placing another kiss on his lips before moving away. "Ok, where are we meeting him?"
"Dining room."
A few seconds later, they both walked in the dining room, Rory squeezing Jess' hand tightly and he leaned over closer to her, whispering "Don't be nervous." in her ear.
Turning to him, she smiled gratefully, biting her lip. "How'd you know?"
"Wild guess." He smiled back, heading towards the table where the older man was already sitting, his back turned to them. Walking around the table, Jess nodded as a greeting while Jimmy stood up, smiling.
"Rory, this is Jimmy. Jimmy, Rory." He introduced the two quickly, not knowing what more to say.
"Nice to finally meet you." Jimmy smiled, shaking her hand and she smiled back at him.
"Nice to meet you too."
After a few seconds of awkwardly standing around, Jimmy finally shook his head, chuckling.
"I think this is about the time when we all sit down, instead of looking like idiots."
"Couldn't agree more." Rory smiled, sitting down and the two men followed her example. After ordering more coffee and some sandwiches, they all looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
"So…" Jimmy dragged out the word, looking for something to say while running a hand through his hair. "Excited about the wedding?"
"Yeah." The younger couple nodded quickly, ready for the same conversation they'd had about a million times in the last couple of weeks. "Can't wait for it to be done, though." Rory added smiling.
"Yes, a week away from the crazies here sounds great."
"Honeymoon?" Jimmy asked and Jess nodded in reply. "Where are you going?"
"New York." Jess answered again, resting his hand on Rory's leg under the table. "I tried telling her there's nothing exciting about it, but she wouldn't relent."
"Seriously? You want to have this conversation again?" She sighed dramatically, making him shake his head and smirk.
"I'm good."
"New York is a great place, I'm sure you'll have fun." Jimmy added, smiling. "Can I ask a question?" He asked after a few more seconds of silence.
"Sure." Rory smiled, trying to make the man relax.
"Why has everyone been staring at me all day?"
Laughing, she shook her head. "Sorry about that. You're big news around here."
"Why?"
"They have nothing better to do." Jess shrugged. Before anyone could say anything more, Jimmy's phone started ringing and he pulled it out of his pocket, an apologetic smile on his face.
"Sorry, I have to take this. Work."
"Sure." Rory smiled, nodding and the man stood up, stepping in the library. "He seems nice." She leaned over and kissed Jess' cheek and he shrugged.
"He's not bad."
"You ok?"
"Yeah." He kissed her, cupping her face in his hand and smiling.
"Guys, public." Lorelai grimaced, sitting across from them, not noticing the other man's cup.
"Sorry." Blushing, Rory pulled back and Jess smirked.
"You here to butt in?"
"Butt in in…what?" Lorelai looked at him, confused.
"Jimmy?" Jess sighed, trying not to get annoyed.
"Nope, just here to tell Rory Lane called and the kids have been dropped off at Mrs. Kim's place, so we can go if she's done. And what's this about Jimmy?"
"Sorry about that." The man appeared at the table again, noticing Lorelai sitting there and she snickered, standing up.
"Get it now. Sorry to have interrupted."
"Lorelai, Jimmy." Jess introduced the two, running a hand through his hair.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rory's mom." Lorelai smiled, shaking the man's hand.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too. Are you joining us for coffee?"
"Nope, just here to tell Rory something. I'll be in my office when you're done, sweets."
"Lorelai, you can stay." Jess offered but she shook her head.
"Take your time." Leaving the three alone again, she headed towards the kitchen.
"Rory, if you have somewhere to go…" Jimmy trailed off and she shook her head.
"It can wait."
Half an hour and some more slightly awkward small talk later, Rory stood up, looking at the clock on the wall.
"I should get going. It was really nice meeting you." She smiled at Jimmy, then leaned over to Jess, kissing his cheek quickly. "I'll probably be very, very late tonight. Entertain yourself."
"I'll try." He smirked, running his hand down her leg and kissing her quickly before she left the room, waving goodbye again.
After being silent for a few seconds, Jimmy looked at Jess, smirking. "I can see why you were pining after her that summer."
Many years before, a quiet summer night in California. Stepping out in the yard, Jimmy sat next to Jess on the bench, pointing at his cigarette.
"You still haven't quit."
"What, you have nothing better to do than to try your hand at fatherhood now?"
"You said you would."
"Give me a fucking break, will you?" Jess snapped, taking another drag out of his cigarette. Grabbing one out of the pack and lighting it, Jimmy took in the smoke, leaning back against the bench.
"Still the best thing in the world."
"Didn't know you…"
"I don't. Quit about 5 years ago."
"Really? 'Cause it seems to me like you're doing a shit job at it."
"Don't tell Sasha." Jimmy shrugged, watching his son. They sat like that for a few minutes, both smoking quietly, Jess looking away. "What's her name?" He broke the silence again and Jess turned his head.
"What?"
"The girl."
"There's no girl."
"Why?"
"I fucked it up."
"How?"
"Well, I'm here. Draw your own conclusions." Jess sighed, frustrated, lighting another cigarette. Not saying anything, Jimmy just looked at him, waiting to see if he had anything more to say. After another long pause, Jess took a deep breath, whispering without looking at the man. "Rory."
"What?"
"Her name. Rory."
"I wasn't pining." Jess chuckled, shaking his head.
"Sure." He drew at the word, still smirking and Jess shook his head. "She's nice."
"She's the best thing that's ever happened to me." Jess admitted honestly, before shaking his head and finishing his coffee. "I should let you get some sleep or something."
"I'm fine." Jimmy brushed it off. "But you can go if you have something to do."
"Not really." Jess smirked, leaning back further in his chair. "What colleges is Lily looking at?"
The next morning, Rory woke up to Jess sitting back on the bed, placing a cup of coffee on the bedside table. Leaning down and kissing her, he smiled.
"Good morning. How was the party?"
"Too much food. Never again." She laughed, sitting up on the bed. "What's the time?"
"Almost 10.
"Seriously?"
"You got in late last night." He shrugged. "Figured I'd let you sleep in."
"Thanks." She picked up the mug, but quickly lowered it again, looking into his eyes. "Hey…I'm feeling half decent today."
"No more nausea?"
"A bit, but not as bad as it used to be." She shook her head and he smiled, kissing her temple.
"Good. About time that happened."
"We don't have much time before I have to go away for the day."
"So…you're suggesting we skip breakfast and just get naked?" He chuckled, making Rory glare at him.
"Pig."
"I try. I still don't get why you're insisting on doing this. It's not like I can knock you up today or something."
"It's tradition. Get over it." Drinking from her mug, she put it back on the table. "How did it go with Jimmy?"
"Good."
Smiling, she ran her fingers through his hair. "Any more details than that?"
"We talked. Nothing important. It was just…good."
"I'm happy for you."
"Ror, this doesn't mean much."
"I know." She shook her head, moving closer to him and placing a soft kiss on his lips, smiling. "But it's a step ahead. It could turn out alright."
"You still want him in the kid's life?" He ran his fingers across her small bump.
"If you do. This is your choice."
"I'm…willing to give it a try. If he is as well."
"He's here. I think that means he wants to."
"Or he had nothing better to do." Jess chuckled, standing up and taking her hand, pulling her out of bed. "Go on, breakfast and then you can tell me where I'm allowed to be today, so I don't accidentally see you and some unspeakable horror happens."
"Zombie apocalypse."
"What?"
"I've decided that's what happens if you see me after 12 today."
"Sure." He drew out the word, chuckling.
"You're a lot like him, you know." She looked at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Only cuter." She laughed, kissing him.
"I'm not…"
"Not the bad things." She cut him off, smiling and hugging him closer. "But there's something…I don't know, he reminds me of you. You have the same smirk." She shrugged, kissing him again.
Shaking his head and chuckling, Jess pointed to the table. "Go on. Food."
"Yes!" She clapped her hands excitedly, dragging him towards the table. After they finished eating, Rory stood up, walking to him and sitting in his lap, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"Where are you going to be today?"
"Where do you want me?"
"Either up here or the inn, but tell me where so I know."
"I'll call you when I go to the inn, ok?"
Nodding, she kissed him, smiling. "I can't believe the next time I'll see you will be at the wedding. Our wedding."
"No running away?" He looked into her eyes and she laughed.
"No running away." She repeated his words, standing up again. "I should get going."
Taking her hand and pulling back closer to him, Jess placed a soft kiss on her bump. "You be nice to your mom tomorrow and not mess this up, okay, kid?"
"What, you think he'll listen?"
"If it doesn't, I'm grounding it for life." Jess laughed, looking up at her. "Take care of yourself."
"Jess, it's 24 hours."
"I don't care. Just trying to make sure you know I want you in one piece tomorrow."
"I'll be in one piece. Don't let Matt and Chris convince you you need to go drinking again."
"A couple of drinks won't kill me."
"I'm the only one that's allowed to be sick tomorrow."
"You're not allowed to be sick either." He shook his head, standing up and kissing her. "See you at our wedding."
"See you then." Rory smiled, kissing him one more time before heading for the door. Turning around, she smiled. "Vows done?"
"Uh…" He smirked, shaking his head. "Sorry."
"Shocking." Rory laughed, opening the door. "If they're nicer than mine, I'll be very upset."
"No, you won't be."
"I'll try to be, is that better?"
"Maybe. Go." Jess chuckled again and she nodded.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
As soon as she walked outside, Jess sat down on the couch, pulling his notebook out again, trying to focus on the white piece of paper in front of him.
