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Jess lifts up the duffel bag, taking one last look around the room before shifting the bag onto his shoulder and stepping out. Matthew and Chris are in the kitchen, raising their beers as Jess says goodbye.

"You're really doing this thing?" Matthew asks and Jess nods. "Hope it's not a lost cause."

"We tried," Chris adds and Jess chuckles. "There's another beer in the fridge if you want."

"Thanks, but I've got to go," Jess says, smiling at his friends. "I'll be back in a couple of weeks."

The guys lift their beers again, in farewell or commiseration, and Jess heads down the stairs and out to the car, throwing the bag in the trunk. Once inside the car, he releases a breath. It feels good to get started on the journey.

Jess originally planned to drive directly to New Haven, but as he passes the sign for Stars Hollow, he makes a turn and drives to the diner. The lights are off and the sign is turned to closed, but Jess can see his uncle inside, throwing things into a duffel bag not dissimilar to his own. Stopping the car, Jess gets out and opens the door.

"The sign's –" Luke starts to say, stopping at the sight of his nephew. "Jess – what are you doing here?"

"On my way to New Haven."

"New Haven?"

"I'm taking a trip with Rory. We're going to check out some museums and galleries – it's a whole cultural thing. You'd hate it."

"I'm sure I would," Luke agrees. He sounds a little cautious and sighs as Jess nods at the bag on the counter.

"Taking a trip of your own?"

"Fishing."

"Ah."

"I haven't been for a while…"

"Right," Jess says, remembering Rory telling him about Luke's fishing trip after Jess crashed the car. "Got the right bait?"

"I think so."

"Good."

Luke coughs, offering some coffee and Jess accepts, sitting at a table until Luke brings the cups over. Sitting next to him, his uncle asks, "So you and Rory, huh? Must be going well if you're taking trips together."

"Ah, I don't know. We just want to see the same stuff."

Luke raises his eyebrows and Jess sighs, admitting, "We're still figuring it out."

"You two always do," Luke says and as Jess gives him a pointed look, adds, "Eventually."

"Maybe. Either way, it'll be cool to go away together."

Luke nods but looks away as Jess asks, "Luke, what the hell happened with Lorelai?"

"I didn't figure you came here to give me the third degree."

"Luke, you were getting married," Jess continues, ignoring him. "You love her."

"Do you know what she did?"

"Yes."

"Your question's answered then," Luke says abruptly, but his voice is sad and Jess shakes his head.

"It's not."

"She went to Christopher!" Luke exclaims. "You're right, we were engaged, and then suddenly she's freaking out, demanding a set date and when I couldn't give it to her she cheated on me! I can't get married like that!"

"No one's saying you have to get married like that," Jess says calmly, "I just don't buy that you've stopped loving her. You were hopeless, ever since I moved here. She was hopeless too. Come on, Luke."

"So because I love her I should just forget it?"

"No."

"You're making me sound like the bad guy here!"

"Lorelai messed up," Jess says seriously. "Not saying she gets a pass. But Luke, everyone screws up. If she's sorry and you still love her, can't you try and work something out?"

Luke is silent, taking an angry sip of coffee, before saying, "I knew there was something going on with him. Christopher's always going to be part of it – he's Rory's dad – but Lorelai lied."

"She didn't tell you what happened?"

"No – last year. Christopher's dad died and Lorelai spent the night drinking tequila with him and she never told me. Do you know how I found out? Christopher showed up at the grandparents' vow renewal and told me in no uncertain terms that he wanted Lorelai back. I should have known then."

"Did something happen?" Jess asks. "Besides a hellish amount of tequila?"

"Lorelai insists it didn't."

"Do you believe her?"

"Yes," Luke admits. "I know she wasn't lying, but now…"

"I don't think it's fair to say something went on then if you know nothing happened."

Luke stares at Jess. "Since when are you on the Lorelai Gilmore Defence League?"

"I'm not," Jess argues. He has to admit, standing up for Lorelai feels a little foreign, but presses on, "Luke, all I'm saying is that she made a mistake and I'm fairly confident in saying she still loves you. You had a fight and she made a really dumb decision. I'm not saying you should just let it go, but I don't think you should give up on what you have. Why were you even fighting?"

Luke is silent, sipping more coffee, before saying, "Anna. April. Finding out I'm a dad. This whole damn year."

Jess waits as Luke sighs and elaborates, "Jess, I don't know where things started getting messed up. Lorelai was going through that whole thing with Rory and remodelling the house and we even had a fight about Christopher, but it wasn't any of that….I guess it started when April came into my life. I didn't tell Lorelai. You don't have to inform me of how dumb that was – I know. Believe me, I know. I just couldn't deal with it."

"I get it," Jess says, remembering his last year at Stars Hollow High. He was in trouble – he knew it, and even when he found out he couldn't graduate he didn't tell anyone. It was easier not to ask for help and it made the whole thing harder.

"I'm a father," Luke says, letting out a surprised laugh. "I found out I'd been a father for twelve years with no clue, and this kid walks into my life and I have to be a dad and at the same time I'm marrying the woman I love more than anything, and have my life with her, and it was too much. I figured I'd settle into knowing April a little and then tell Lorelai. Well, that went to hell. It all got too much so I asked to put the wedding off. I know it hurt Lorelai, I know I screwed up, but I had to focus on April. And I didn't know how to explain it to Lorelai so I didn't try. I thought we were doing okay, once she knew and we'd agreed to put the wedding off. I'm not an idiot, I know things weren't perfect, but I thought we were on the same page. And out of the blue, she demands we get Rory and elope and I won't do something when someone gives me an ultimatum. And she left and went straight to Christopher. Well, I guess I helped her there."

Luke stares at the table, his jaw tight, and Jess sighs.

"You screwed up," he says. "You both hurt each other. Not judging, but quitting on each other seems like an even more dumb thing to do. If you still love each other and miss each other, why can't you start over?"

Luke lifts his head and asks in disbelief, "Who made you Doctor Phil?"

"I believe you were the one handing me the self-help book and the tapes that came with it."

Luke snorts with laughter. "Do you see her face?" he quotes. "I saw her face. That book's half the reason I got started with Lorelai in the first place."

"Luke, please. You were fixing her porch long before I came to town."

"Yeah, yeah. But that book's what got me to actually ask her out."

"Are you sorry?" Jess asks bluntly. "Do you think it was a mistake to be in a relationship with her?"

His uncle looks away again and in the pause Jess remembers telling Rory that it's not on them to fix it. It's not, he knows, but Luke could use a little advice. Arguing for Lorelai's cause is a little surreal, Jess has to admit, but Luke's crazy about her. Jess can't simply let Luke destroy it.

"No," Luke says slowly. "I loved being with Lorelai. It was hard here and there, especially these past few months…but I loved her. I still love her."

Jess nods and angrily, Luke adds, "She's hurt me. How could she -?"

"Luke, I'm pretty sure Lorelai's regretting what she did. I think you need to talk to her – just talk. Not saying you have to get married tomorrow or even be engaged again. I'm just saying that people make really bad choices when they're hurt and this seems one of them."

"You have some experience with that?" Luke teases and Jess grins.

"Not an exact frame of reference but I've done the self-destructive thing."

"I've messed up too," Luke admits. "I didn't cheat but I know I hurt Lorelai. All she wanted was to be part of this new thing in my life and I shut her out."

"So go talk to her."

"I will," Luke says and, as Jess nods, remarks, "So a trip with Rory?"

"So it's my turn for an interrogation?"

"No interrogation – just curiosity."

"Nothing to tell right now. I'll keep you posted."

"Good to hear."

Luke pats Jess's shoulder as they get up and, just as Jess goes to leave, Luke says, "Don't be too like your uncle."

"What?"

Jess is thrown off, assuming the conversation was over, and Luke goes on, "You told me to stop hanging around hoping something would happen with Lorelai, remember? Back when you lived with me? And Lorelai and I were too scared to do something about it. You and Rory never had that fear. I know things got messed up but you've moved on. Remember how I told you not to be afraid to take a chance on loving her? Don't stay friends because you're scared, is all I'm saying."

"Okay," Jess says mildly, but he gives Luke a smile and a nod. "I understand."

"Good. Say hi to Rory from me."

"Will do. Talk to Lorelai but don't say hi from me."

Luke laughs at that, giving Jess as quick wave as he departs. Jess feels almost amused but mostly touched as he drives away, remembering the days where he and Luke would insult each other in place of advice. Maybe he and Lorelai will become friends someday. Stranger things have happened although, Jess amends as he starts the car, that may be a bridge too far.

Jess pulls up to Rory's place not long after that. As he knocks on the door Rory lets him in, a bright smile on her face and in her eyes.

"Hey!"

"Hi," Jess grins. "You ready?"

"Think so," Rory says absently. "Come in for a sec – can I get you anything? There's water in the fridge and, well, that's it. Or I can make you coffee."

"Water sounds great."

Jess follows Rory into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table and watches as Rory goes to the fridge. For a moment, she lifts her hair, reminding Jess of how she used to wear it tied back, until Rory shakes it loose, the locks settling on her shoulders. Rory passes Jess a bottle and then announces, "I need coffee."

"What?" Jess laughs. "You're already past the energy quota for the day."

"Jess, I'm a Gilmore. I need coffee before hitting the road."

"Sorry I doubted you."

Rory makes a pot, pouring Jess a cup along with her own and asks, "So how was the drive?"

"Fine. Traffic was good."

"That's good."

Jess nods, sipping some coffee, and then tells her, "I stopped at Luke's."

"You did?"

"Yeah. He was packing for a fishing trip and the diner was closed. Surprised no one was demanding lunch – it's still afternoon."

"Miss Patty probably spread the word."

"Right."

"So…how is he?" Rory asks awkwardly and sighs as Jess says, "Not great."

"I wish he and Mom could work things out."

"I tried to tell him."

"You did?" Rory asks, looking up.

"Yeah. I know we can't fix it but no harm giving him advice."

"Do you think he'll take it?"

"I don't know," Jess says honestly. He and Rory fall silent, finishing the coffee, and Jess smiles as his eyes land on three suitcases.

"Not a light traveller?"

"Huh?" Rory looks over her shoulder and laughs. "One of those is for books."

"Of course."

"I couldn't decide which books to take and which to leave so I decided to dedicate a suitcase to them."

"Very wise," Jess says with no trace of sarcasm, and Rory smiles. "Willing to loan me some?"

"Potentially," Rory teases. "Ready to hit the road?"

"Absolutely."

Jess helps Rory carry the suitcases to the car, smiling as he sees them next to his duffel bag. Talk about a study in opposites. Rory runs back to check she's definitely locked the apartment up and then hurries back to the car, jumping into the seat beside Jess.

"Let's go!"

Jess laughs, starting the engine, and as they pull out of town asks, "So where's the map?"

"Excuse me?"

"Rory, I'm betting you've got a map and itinerary laid out."

"Not an itinerary as such, but…." Rory pauses, pulling out a map and notebook from the bag in her lap, making Jess smile. "Just some suggestions."

"Let's hear them."

Happily, Rory reads out the list, pausing to ponder if they want to focus on saving time and seeing more or staying longer to soak in certain destinations. Jess throws in a few thoughts, suggesting a little spontaneity here and there, and Rory nods, putting the papers away.

"I think we've got a plan."

"No argument."

They settle into the drive, choosing a mix of music which suits both, and share trivia about the bands. Jess smiles as he looks over at Rory, a relaxed expression on her face which he's missed. She turns to smile at him and Jess glances back the road, slightly shy at her noticing. They're not too far from New York now. Jess changes lanes and, as if in recognition of the destination, his stomach rumbles.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to grab some early dinner but I guess my stomach announced it," Jess says, making Rory laugh. "Should we get some food?"

"Jess, I am always interested in early dinner."

"How could I forget? I've seen you eat."

It doesn't take long to get into the city but it takes longer to park, and Jess is starving by the time he stops the car. He looks around for a café but Rory says, "Hey, there's a foodstand. That'll do for me."

"Me too," Jess agrees. It's a hotdog stand and, as he and Rory buy one each, Jess knows she's remembering that afternoon too. "Like old times, huh?"

"Best lunch I ever had," Rory says, taking a bite. "Wow, either I'm starving or this rivals it."

"Maybe both."

They stroll along until reaching Washington Square Park and sink down on a bench. It's not the one Jess liked to take back then but the view around the park is the same. He smiles at Rory, remembering, and she seems shy as she smiles back.

"We're back."

"Good to be back, Gilmore."

"Yes, it is." Rory pauses, looks away and then gets out her notebook. "Which museum should we see?"

"Not sure," Jess says, a little thrown at the segue. "Where's closest?"

Rory chooses and they head over. Jess's confusion is lost as they start walking through the museum, discussing the pieces and exhibition. This is so easy, he thinks, laughing at Rory's remarks on an artist. Just being here, talking with her, going to the museum. Jess knows it wouldn't be fun with anyone else. Rory's thinking what he's thinking, as they look at the art, or thinking something even better. Jess remembers when they dated, trading books and respective thoughts. It's one of his favourite memories from those days and walking here, discussing culture, is matching it. Finally, they leave the museum as it starts to close, blinking in the bright light.

"That didn't suck," Rory announces and Jess laughs loudly.

"It definitely didn't suck. Where to next?"

"I don't think we have time for anywhere else," Rory says, looking at her list. "Everywhere will close soon. But we could walk around a little?"

"How about for extra spontaneity you leave the map in the car?"

"Risky move," Rory teases. "Fine."

"Really?"

"I'm always up for adventure."

"That I know."

Leaving the map and notebook in the car, Rory and Jess stroll around the city, taking whichever route looks the most interesting. It's only when the sun begins to really dip, reflections blinding in the windows, that they stop and Rory remarks, "Okay, maybe we should head back. My feet are killing me."

"Mine too."

"Which way's back?"

Jess looks around, putting a hand to his eyes, and stops.

"What?" Rory asks and Jess turns to face her.

"We're not too far from a subway, but we're also right by the old neighbourhood."

"We are?"

"I can see where we are now."

"Oh," Rory says quietly. Her expression is unreadable and quickly Jess says, "Hey, the subway is right there. We'll be back at the car in no time."

"I want to see it," Rory says clearly. "I want to go back to the neighbourhood."

"You do?" Jess asks cautiously and Rory nods, looking around.

"I want to see our old life."

Jess looks at her carefully and Rory asks, "Do you want to see it?"

"Why not?"

"Okay," Rory says, looking at the road which takes them to the neighbourhood. "Lead the way, Jess."