Title: Christmas Mayhem
Author: MassCoffee
Feedback: My first. I need criticism.
Summary: My take on the future FINAL episode of the GG. Many things have changed, so be afraid, be very afraid. Get some popcorn and coffee and don't forget to widen your horizon.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews. I see I've inspired some wonderful authors to write some fictions of epic proportion. I look forward to reading them! And now that I've finished this section, I will be out there reviewing!
Rating: PG-13. At least it will be.
Pairing: L/L and R/J
Disclaimer: For the love of God don't sue! I don't own anything! Do you hear me!
Spoilers: There shouldn't be any. I only make up some.
For once, Lorelai's house was quiet. It was early in the morning and there was no evidence of the sun whatsoever. Lorelai's bedroom was crowded. She and Rory were curled up together on the upper half on the bed. On the lower half, Max the dog was greedily spread out. The thick soft fur on his back was touching the toes of his two mistresses.
Downstairs, Luke was to be found strewn across the couch. His arm lazily stretched out to the floor. Jess was a little harder to find. He was fast asleep on the rug hiding between the broken Christmas tree lights and the tinsel. After getting back from New York, both men had been far too tired to go home. So when Lorelai offered for them to crash here, there was no argument. Well, as little argument as could be expected in the Gilmore house.
As the sun's rays sprinkled down on Luke's face, his eyes sprung open. There was no clock but his instinct told him that opening time was drawing near.
A few hours later, Luke had finished serving the early risers, and was now serving the late comers. "Good morning sunshine!" Lorelei hailed Luke with her cheery smile and sat down on a stool. Max followed and sat silently at Lorelai's feet. Luke frowned but didn't say anything. He and Lorelai had fought lengthy battles about letting Max in the diner. In the end, that damn dog had won him over. But so help anyone else who dared to bring a pet into his new diner!
"The usual please! And get Max some extra bacon! I don't think Babette fed him enough last night." Lorelai smiled. Luke wrote down numerous things on his pad and gave it to Caesar.
"So is Rory still sleeping?"
"Like a rock! Do airplane companies drug passengers? Because I swear Rory is not normally like this when she comes home."
"It's called jet lag."
"Jess was gone. I know I shouldn't but I still get worried that he's off robbing a bank."
"For the first time, I think you have reason. That kid was up to something last night."
"You know, the way he was acting you'd swear he was the one that caused all that trouble with Rory's fiancé. He really did look like the Grinch."
Lorelai and Luke gave each other a look, then turned away.
"Nah."
"Ridiculous thought."
Max whimpered.
"Food please! Max demands food!"
Two plates were put in front of her. Lorelai placed the paper plate down on the floor for Max and then straightened back up to eat her own.
"That dog is scaring my customers away." Luke said.
"Puh-lease! You disinfect this entire area once we've gone! If your customers are going to complain about anything, it'll be about the respiratory problems caused by inhaling large doses of chemical fumes. Max nearly fainted one day!"
"Sometimes I think you care about that dog more than me."
"Let me tell you, it's a tough call." Lorelai teased. Luke huffed and walked away.
As she picked apart her meal, her blue eyes surveyed the new diner. It was similar in some ways to the old one. The fire that had happened there some years ago may have destroyed it, but it hadn't destroyed Luke's attachment to it. Together with the insurance payout and Taylor's undesired help, the diner was built just a little differently from the original.
Lorelai cringed as she remembered that horrible night. Luke had been utterly broken. Not one had dared to approach him. Then, out of nowhere, Jess had been the one to comfort him. Together, she and Jess had pulled the pieces of his life back together. Lorelai had never forgotten that. Jess had found a special place in her heart from that moment on.
"Nobody likes people who play with their food Lorelai."
Lorelai swung around to see her mother sitting next to her. Emily was looking down her nose at Max as he licked up the last morsels on his plate.
"Richard and I went to see Rory. We let ourselves in. I hope you don't mind. When Rory told me where you were, I decided to stop over and see you as well."
"You broke into my house?" Lorelai mocked.
"Well you're just asking for it with that kitchen door."
"Didn't I fix that?" Luke asked as he put a coffee down in front of Lorelai. "Tea Emily?"
"No Luke, coffee will be fine."
"I knew she'd had that addiction from birth." Luke mumbled as he poured out another cup of coffee.
"You did fix it! Its just Rory and I missed the old lock. So we, uh, modified the one you fixed." Lorelai said as she gave Max a soft pat.
"In other words you didn't know how to install a dog flap and so you decided to leave the kitchen door open at all times." Luke stared at her.
"Sometimes you know me so well you scare me." Lorelai replied.
"I'll be over there tonight." Luke said as if giving in to another one of their fights.
"No she's not! She's got a Christmas party to attend." Said Emily.
"I fail to see what that has to do with me Emily." Luke replied gruffly.
"Well since it's a party especially for Lorelai's friends, I would have thought that you would come as well."
"Wow! Mother mingles with the commoners!"
"Come on Lorelai, we have things to do. I take it you have some select friends you'd like to invite?"
"I have a better idea. Why don't we change the location to the Inn as its closer and we'll hand out flyers advertising free food."
"How vulgar."
"Trust me! You'll get more people!"
"You're scaring me Lorelai. Is this the only way we can get the townspeople to go to a party?"
"That and the offer of free beer."
"Free beer? I'm there." Luke teased.
"See? Now take Max and I'll see you outside. I have something I have to say to Luke."
Before Emily could say anything further. Lorelai had thrust Max's leash into her hand and pushed them outside.
Lorelai turned and walked up to Luke, who had an odd smile on his face. She threw her arms around him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"That was hug number one for today." She said pulling away. Luke was laughing.
"What?" Lorelai asked. Luke pointed outside his window. Max was running down the road at a furious pace. Emily was trying to catch up to him without running.
"I love that mutt." Luke said as Lorelai put some money on the counter and ran after her mother.
Although the party was to be held at the Inn, Emily had insisted that she still run it. Lorelai submitted to her mother's will and rang most of the numbers in her phone book. When she had finished, she sat back on her chair with a satisfied grin. No one could refuse the will of Lorelai. Everyone had said 'yes'. Even Sookie had agreed to bring Jackson and the baby for a little while.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting one of your fantasies?" Jess asked as he approached her desk.
"No, just a little moment of triumph. What are you doing here?"
"I wasn't feeling welcome at the Gilmore house, so I decided to come here and give you a hand with the party."
"Wasn't my mother the reason you weren't feeling welcome at home?"
"No, your parents are nice, it's Rory who's giving me the cold shoulder."
"What is with her?"
"Don't ask me."
"It must be this Arthur dude. He's turning her into a meanie."
"Who's Arthur?" Emily walked into the room, causing the other two to jump.
"Mom! Don't you have napkins to fold?"
"Jess! Just the boy I wanted to see. I need your help moving a few chairs."
"Mom, Jess is on vacation from work. Let him relax just a little, huh?"
"Don't be silly Lorelai. Jess doesn't mind helping out, do you Jess?"
"Of course not Mrs Gilmore. I came here to do nothing else."
Emily smiled, obviously pleased with this answer.
"You know Jess. You would have been perfect for my granddaughter."
"Mother!"
"Except she inherited a little commitment phobia from her mother."
"My sentiments exactly." Jess added, wanting add more fuel the fire. Lorelai knew that Jess was just teasing. But Emily had been out of line.
"That is not true! Rory is getting married to some boring guy just to make you happy!"
"I beg your pardon Lorelai?" Emily sullenly pursed her lips. Jess began to frown. Perhaps he had pushed a little too far this time.
"Just-just forget it!" Lorelai tried to leave. But Emily closed the door and locked it before any of them could leave.
"I will not forget it Lorelai. Who is this boring guy that you are blaming me for?"
"Arthur Donahue." Lorelai seethed.
"Donahue? Good gracious! That name is anything but boring."
"Of course! You approve! I knew you would. I'll tell Rory the happy news." Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"You mistake my sentiments Lorelai. I will not have any Granddaughter of mine marrying into that bloodline."
"You know the jerk?" Jess asked, a little too eagerly. A glare from Emily caused him to avert his eyes.
"His father broke up with Matilda, his second wife, a lovely creature I assure you, to be with a-a maid. I have no doubt that his son has the same reckless spirit."
The room was silent for a moment.
"Well, that was unexpected." Lorelai announced.
"Lorelai, I think you'll agree that I have put up with a LOT from you over the years. And here I was thinking we were finally getting along when I find out that you knew Rory was getting married and you didn't tell me?"
"Mom it was news to me about a day ago!"
"Really?"
"Yes! I promise!"
Emily turned to Jess, who had been watching the scene unfold with unholy glee.
"I suppose you're trying to sabotage Rory's engagement to Donahue?"
"No ma'am!" Jess replied hastily. Emily nodded, with a twinkle in her eye.
"I suppose we must invite this Donahue to dinner?"
"He won't be here for a few days, I hope. Ooops, who said that?" Lorelai looked around the room.
"Very well then. I see I need not worry for the moment. Jess come with me!" Emily left the room. Jess looked over at Lorelai, who was gripping the desk as if it were her only life support.
"You witnessed a fight." She said.
Jess nodded, approaching her slowly.
"You are truly one of the family now. That was just a taste of your welcoming ceremony!" She said. Jess walked over to her and gave her a hug.
"Get my real Rory back will ya?" She sighed in his ear.
"I'm working on it."
"Hurry. I want to see her before Christmas."
The townspeople of Stars Hollow were always charmed by the Inn. But tonight, the main hall was decorated beautifully and the full credit was given to whom it was due.
"Very charming Emily, not too over the top." Richard said as Emily wrapped her arm around his.
"Richard, that's your third glass in an hour."
"I'm merely getting into the Christmas spirit Emily. Besides, I have a strong suspicion that the non-alcoholic refreshments have been tampered with in some manner."
"Don't be ridiculous Richard!" Emily said as she picked up a fresh cup of coffee from a nearby table. She took a sip and choked on it.
"This drink is laced with vodka!" Emily's eyes focused on Lorelai and Rory who were on the other side of the room. They had been watching her with huge smiles on their faces. Emily decided she was going to wipe those smiles right off their cheeky faces.
"Don't Emily." Richard pulled her back. "Not tonight. Its Christmas time."
"But-"
"If I promise that this will be my last drink until after dinner, will you promise not to bother them about it?"
"Oh, very well."
Meanwhile, Lorelai was laughing at her little prank.
"I can't believe you ruined Grandma's drinks!" Rory scolded. But its effect on Lorelai was annulled by the uncontrollable giggles that followed it.
"What can I say? I'm a party girl." Lorelai said proudly.
"That you are."
"You're a party girl too!"
"I am?"
"It takes two to pull a really good prank."
"So it does."
"So I told Grandma you're getting married. Ooooh they've brought a platter of banana cake in! Lets get some banana cake!"
"You did what?"
"Come on, banana cake isn't that bad. It's not like you're actually eating a banana per say."
"You told her about Art? I can't believe you!"
"It came out by accident, ok?"
"No, not ok! I didn't want her to know just yet."
"Why? Everyone except Grandma was sharing in your so obvious pleasure at marrying someone you don't love. It seemed hardly fair that she should miss out."
"I am not having this conversation with you."
"Hey!" Jess approached them.
"Go away!" Rory snapped.
"Ok bye!" Jess rolled his eyes and turned back the way he came.
"Mom, I arrived yesterday and you've already managed to come to this conclusion?"
"I can't believe you just bit Jess's head off! If you don't mind, I'll think I'll go join him and see if he wants to raid the banana cake."
"Fine. You and Jess can go and gang up on me! Go get married! You two suit each other! First you being angry with me! Then Jess telling Art that he has the wrong number."
"What?"
"I heard him while I was in and out of sleep this morning. Art called four times! Each time Jess telling him he had the wrong number!"
"How do you know it was Art?"
"I just know!"
"Oh yeah! I forgot that college was teaching you mind reading skills."
"Amongst other things. Like how to know if your mother is angry with you even if she pretends everything is fine and it really isn't!"
"Rory I'm not mad!"
"Yes you are!"
"No I'm not! Look I'm full of Christmas joy! See? I'm just, worried."
"That I'm ruining my life?"
"Well, yes, now that you bring it up!"
"Well I'm not!"
"Good to know. I'm going to join Jess now."
"Fine."
"Fine."
They stormed off in different directions. Sookie, who was seated on a chair nearby, had been the only witness. She had wanted to intervene, but her arms were full with a sleeping child. She looked down at her baby and smiled.
"Never fear little one. Christmas is a time for miracles. Now where's Jackson. It's time to change you! JACKSON!"
Lorelai stormed over to Jess.
"Are you alright?" Jess asked, turning away from the group he was with.
"I should be asking you that. I can't believe Rory swapped bodies with a green eyed monster without my permission!"
"I'm alright. I just have to work on my timing."
"Can you believe it? She accused you of telling Arthur that he had the wrong number."
Jess was caught off-guard by this. His whole face was riddled by guilt.
"You didn't?"
"Time for another drink." Jess headed towards the refreshment table.
"Jess wait! I'm not mad. In fact, if I were in a better frame of mind, I'd think it quite funny. I'd laugh! I'd be in hysterics on the floor."
"You want a drink? I think someone added something to the hot cocoa, but it shouldn't do you too much harm."
"Jess, after all we've been through, talk to me!"
"It hurts ok? It damn well hurts! She left me because she was scared. Now it's too late!" He yelled. 'Wow, where did that come from?' he thought.
For once, she could read his carefully disguised eyes. She could see the pain bubbling and spilling out onto the surface. But the thing that bothered her most was the knowledge that her daughter had wrought that pain.
She wondered how many men she herself had inflicted that pain upon.
"It's all my fault! My mother was right!" Lorelai moaned.
Knowing exactly where Lorelai's thoughts had led to, Jess reached out and grabbed her hands.
"NEVER tell yourself that. You and Rory are-are-"
"Wonderful?" An impish grin had crept across Lorelai's face. Forgetting his anger, Jess gazed at Lorelai for a moment.
"Yes, I suppose you are." He wished Luke could see her like this. She looked very pretty under the Christmas lights.
"And because I'm so wonderful, I get the first dance after dinner." Lorelai squeezed his hand. Out of the corner of his eye, Jess could see Rory gaping at them.
"Sure." There was suddenly an unpleasant curl playing about his lips. "As many as you like."
Dinner was uneventful. However, it would have been a true feast for someone who studied body language. Lorelai's downcast eyes were avoiding her daughter's. Rory's anxious gaze was moving back and forth between her mother and Jess. Jess's full attention was focused on Lorelai. And Luke, who had arrived late, was suspiciously eyeing all three.
When dinner was over and the group went back to the hall for supper and dancing, Luke approached Sookie.
"Hi Sookie. How are you doing?"
"Who me? I'm fine. Just a little tired these days. Did you enjoy the dinner? Emily and I debated for ages on that dessert. But you just can't go wrong with date pudding on Christmas, can you? If you're looking for Jackson he's in the kitchen feeding-"
"Actually, I wanted to ask you what happened this evening."
"Oh nothing much. Ryan and I debated on the menu for the next week but I don't think that's what you're asking is it? Oh well Lorelai and Rory got into a fight about something silly. And I wasn't worried, really, until-"
They both looked out at the dance floor to where Lorelai and Jess were dancing. As they watched, Jess whispered something to Lorelai that made her face go red.
"Luke go dance with her! Cut in! Quick!" Sookie said. "That kid is using my best friend for his own ends and I don't like it!"
"What! Why me? I can't dance. Lorelai's a big girl. Jess is a big guy. He wouldn't do anything-" He trailed off as he took another look at Jess's face.
Oh yes he would.
Luke stormed towards the dance floor.
"Excuse me Jess, I think Rory wants to speak with you."
"Oh really? Is this imaginary Rory?" Jess mocked. His Uncle was anything but a good liar.
"If you don't leave right now I'll hit that smug look right off your face." Luke was furious.
"Hey! Where's your Christmas spirit Mister?" Lorelai asked Luke as Jess left. Luke put his arm roughly around her waist and began to dance with her.
"What the hell were you doing with that kid? You were making a huge spectacle of yourself, that's for sure."
"I beg your pardon?" Lorelai pulled away from him.
"Oh come on Lorelai. You must have known what he was up to."
"Not that I have to answer to you, but nothing untoward happened."
"Oh right! It looked so innocent too!" Luke left her alone on the dance floor. Seething with embarrassment and anger, Lorelai pursued him.
"Excuse me, but I thought you of all people knew me best."
"Yeah, well, I was sure wrong about you this time."
"Would you stop implying what I think you're implying? Nothing happened. What am I saying? Nothing started!"
"He was using you to get to Rory!"
"May be! But to me he was telling me how he got Arthur in trouble at the airport!"
Luke stared at her. Lorelai was in earnest, he could tell. Then why did it still hurt?
"It was so funny!" Lorelai continued. "If you weren't so mad with me now I would have been telling you about it. Then I would have told you about what happened with Rory. Then I'd ask you what the hell is wrong with me. Why I'm fighting with my daughter when she's finally home. Why I'm such a screw up?"
Luke stared down at his feet, knowing he would be unable to say anything or do anything without giving away what he felt for her.
"Well? I think after leaving me out on the dance floor, making wild accusations and insulting our friendship involves some sort of apology. Don't you think?" Lorelai folded her arms in expectation.
There was a long pause.
"What happened with Rory?" He asked gently. Lorelai broke into smile and took his arm. This was how Luke forgave. As she began telling him what had passed between mother and daughter, she didn't notice how Luke never released her arm.
Jess had seen Rory run outside. He had followed her and reached out to take her hand. But Rory had thrust him away.
"I have had it with you Jess! You have done nothing but cause trouble since I first came home!"
Jess made to speak, but Rory interrupted him.
"Don't you dare try to deny it! What were you doing with Mom? Whatever it was, it was disgusting. She's-she's my Mom for crying out loud!"
"Now that's a nice way to talk about Lorelai. What, don't you trust her anymore?"
"I trust her but I sure as- I don't trust you."
"Of course you don't. That's why you ran away years ago, wasn't it? Before I could hurt you right?" Jess retorted, the smile fading away from his face.
"Jess I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! A hundred times plus one I'm sorry! I was younger, and scared and-and-"
"Stupid? That was what you were going to say wasn't it? Being with me was so stupid! So glad we cleared that up."
"I don't have to answer to you! You turned Mom against Arthur. You used her affection for you to get at me. You-you're a creep! I want you to leave now!"
"Fine. By the way, where's your ring?"
Rory looked down at her bare finger and charged at Jess. "Give it back! I want it now!"
"I don't have it! Not that I expect you to believe me."
"Why should I? Mom told me about what happened with Dean and the bracelet!"
"I didn't take it them either! You dropped it Rory! I merely found it!"
"Give it to me!"
"I told you! I don't have it this time!"
"I don't believe you!"
"Funny isn't it? When I first made enemies of everyone in this town, you were the only one who trusted me. But now, Lorelai is the only one who would believe me. Lorelai knows I love you more than anything, while you look at me like a thief. Have it your way, I'm leaving tomorrow."
"You do that! But make sure you stop at my house to drop off my ring!" Rory yelled after him. Tears were flowing freely down her face, but Jess didn't see them.
Not wanting to go back to the party, Rory made the long journey home on foot. She didn't notice the snow that fell down on her. She didn't notice her nose and hands go numb from the cold.
Exhausted and sweaty, she finally reached the front steps of the house. Panting heavily, she sat down on the bottom step and stared down at her feet.
Something was buried in the snow.
Oh no.
She made a swipe for the object, picking it up in her frozen hands.
It was such an ugly ring.
Fresh tears came.
I was younger, and scared, and in love.
The ring was flung back into the snow. Getting up, Rory entered the house, gave Max his dinner and trudged into her old bedroom. She picked up her notebook and flipped it open to a page. Her flushed trembling fingers pressed the unfamiliar pattern of numbers into the cordless.
"Hello? I'm looking for Lane Kim? She's not there? Can you tell her Rory called? Thanks, who is this? Reggie?"
A brief smile flitted across her face.
"Reggie. Tell her it is of the utmost-yes- I suppose its called girl stuff. Bye." Rory hung up. Without taking any of her things off, Rory curled up into her bed and fell asleep.
Rory awoke to see Lorelai's startling blue eyes searching her face. Somehow, she had managed to fit in the bed beside Rory when she had gotten home the night before.
"Boy, that champagne really got the party going last night didn't it?" Lorelai joked nervously.
"Yeah, it was some party."
"That girl and her mother. My God. You could tell that they had too many pieces of fruitcake."
"Yeah. Who needed a TV with them around?"
"A classic fight!"
"Oh classic! I was laughing the whole time."
"So do you think the daughter forgave the mother this morning?"
"Only if the mother forgave the daughter."
They hug. Rory holds up her naked hands.
"No ring."
"Oh. I'm sorry hon."
"No. Don't be. I didn't love him. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Goody! Now I can tell you what Grandma told me about him!"
"Oh I hope she won't be disappointed."
"Trust me when I say she won't!"
"Grandma didn't have anything good to say about him?"
"Nope."
"Did she say she wanted me to be with Jess too?"
"Not in so many words."
"It's too late Mom. I called him a liar, a cheat and a thug. He's leaving today!"
"I call him that all the time. Do you think he takes me seriously?"
"He hates me. He-" Rory stopped as they both heard a car pulling up outside the house. Lorelai got up and walked to the living room where she peeked out the window.
"Who is it?" Rory asked as Lorelai appeared back at her doorway.
"It's Jess. Hon, I have to say goodbye to him if he really is leaving. Are you mad?"
"No."
"Just hide out in here. I'll keep him out the front, okay?"
"Okay."
Lorelai closed the door behind her and Max as they exited the house. Encouraged by Max's energetic spirits, Lorelai jogged up to where Jess had parked his car. He was opening the boot up.
"Wow! Santa came early this year! Would this be a bad time to tell you I'm Jewish?" Lorelai teased as Jess started pulling out Christmas presents and putting them on the path.
Max began sniffing at the presents.
"Good boy Max! Oh! Tell me what's in the big one!" Said Lorelai.
"I don't know if Rory told you. But I'm leaving."
"I know. I'll-we'll miss you."
"I wasn't sure whether you'd want to talk to me this morning."
"Ugh!" Lorelai waved her hand in dismissal. "We were all a little high on the bubbly last night. I was the worst, believe me. I have a one of a kind hangover to show for it."
"I'm gonna kill the person that spiked those drinks."
"Uh, yeah! Yeah! You do that! You know I think I saw Ryan sneaking a flask back into his coat."
"Well, that's the last of them." Jess looked down at the large pile on the ground.
"There had better be some chocolate in there somewhere!"
"You can't open them until Christmas!"
"So there is chocolate in there?"
"Oh, I forgot! One last present."
As Jess carefully pulled it out, Lorelai saw that it wasn't wrapped in Christmas paper like the others. It was a large thin white rectangular box. He put it down carefully against some of the other presents.
"This," Jess began mischievously, "Is a very special present. Take very good care of it."
"Can I open it now?" Lorelai whined. She picked up the tag and read it. "But this is for Luke?"
"Very good! You're very alert this morning for someone with a hangover!"
"Stop ragging me! I'm bursting with curiosity, and a headache."
"I want you to give this to Luke and say it's from you."
"Now I'm worried. I won't do that unless you warn me what's in it first."
"Yes you will! I put a lot of time into this present. Promise me you'll follow my instructions."
"It won't make him angry?" Lorelai put her hands on her hips.
"At you, no."
"Hence the 'me' giving him the present. Will it make him horny?"
"No!"
"Crazy?"
"Will you stop badgering me about it and just give it to him?"
"Rory loves you. She was crying in her sleep when I got home last night."
Jess looked up at the house. He wanted to run in there, badly.
"No she doesn't. I just said some hurtful things to her. Tell her I'm sorry."
"I'll tell her it was the bubbly."
"Sure." Jess and Lorelai hugged for a long time. Finally, he got into the car.
"Um, Jess, just on the off chance that someone might want to visit you really really urgently. What might your address be?" Lorelai asked innocently, twisting her fingers.
"It's best for her if she doesn't know. I'll be back to see you and Luke at Easter. Merry Christmas Lorelai."
"What about a phone number?"
Jess backed the car onto the road and drove away.
"Damn!" Lorelai breathed. "I forgot to give him his presents."
To be continued. Does anyone know what Luke's present is? I do! He he he! Here's a hint - Luke is not himself.
Author: MassCoffee
Feedback: My first. I need criticism.
Summary: My take on the future FINAL episode of the GG. Many things have changed, so be afraid, be very afraid. Get some popcorn and coffee and don't forget to widen your horizon.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews. I see I've inspired some wonderful authors to write some fictions of epic proportion. I look forward to reading them! And now that I've finished this section, I will be out there reviewing!
Rating: PG-13. At least it will be.
Pairing: L/L and R/J
Disclaimer: For the love of God don't sue! I don't own anything! Do you hear me!
Spoilers: There shouldn't be any. I only make up some.
For once, Lorelai's house was quiet. It was early in the morning and there was no evidence of the sun whatsoever. Lorelai's bedroom was crowded. She and Rory were curled up together on the upper half on the bed. On the lower half, Max the dog was greedily spread out. The thick soft fur on his back was touching the toes of his two mistresses.
Downstairs, Luke was to be found strewn across the couch. His arm lazily stretched out to the floor. Jess was a little harder to find. He was fast asleep on the rug hiding between the broken Christmas tree lights and the tinsel. After getting back from New York, both men had been far too tired to go home. So when Lorelai offered for them to crash here, there was no argument. Well, as little argument as could be expected in the Gilmore house.
As the sun's rays sprinkled down on Luke's face, his eyes sprung open. There was no clock but his instinct told him that opening time was drawing near.
A few hours later, Luke had finished serving the early risers, and was now serving the late comers. "Good morning sunshine!" Lorelei hailed Luke with her cheery smile and sat down on a stool. Max followed and sat silently at Lorelai's feet. Luke frowned but didn't say anything. He and Lorelai had fought lengthy battles about letting Max in the diner. In the end, that damn dog had won him over. But so help anyone else who dared to bring a pet into his new diner!
"The usual please! And get Max some extra bacon! I don't think Babette fed him enough last night." Lorelai smiled. Luke wrote down numerous things on his pad and gave it to Caesar.
"So is Rory still sleeping?"
"Like a rock! Do airplane companies drug passengers? Because I swear Rory is not normally like this when she comes home."
"It's called jet lag."
"Jess was gone. I know I shouldn't but I still get worried that he's off robbing a bank."
"For the first time, I think you have reason. That kid was up to something last night."
"You know, the way he was acting you'd swear he was the one that caused all that trouble with Rory's fiancé. He really did look like the Grinch."
Lorelai and Luke gave each other a look, then turned away.
"Nah."
"Ridiculous thought."
Max whimpered.
"Food please! Max demands food!"
Two plates were put in front of her. Lorelai placed the paper plate down on the floor for Max and then straightened back up to eat her own.
"That dog is scaring my customers away." Luke said.
"Puh-lease! You disinfect this entire area once we've gone! If your customers are going to complain about anything, it'll be about the respiratory problems caused by inhaling large doses of chemical fumes. Max nearly fainted one day!"
"Sometimes I think you care about that dog more than me."
"Let me tell you, it's a tough call." Lorelai teased. Luke huffed and walked away.
As she picked apart her meal, her blue eyes surveyed the new diner. It was similar in some ways to the old one. The fire that had happened there some years ago may have destroyed it, but it hadn't destroyed Luke's attachment to it. Together with the insurance payout and Taylor's undesired help, the diner was built just a little differently from the original.
Lorelai cringed as she remembered that horrible night. Luke had been utterly broken. Not one had dared to approach him. Then, out of nowhere, Jess had been the one to comfort him. Together, she and Jess had pulled the pieces of his life back together. Lorelai had never forgotten that. Jess had found a special place in her heart from that moment on.
"Nobody likes people who play with their food Lorelai."
Lorelai swung around to see her mother sitting next to her. Emily was looking down her nose at Max as he licked up the last morsels on his plate.
"Richard and I went to see Rory. We let ourselves in. I hope you don't mind. When Rory told me where you were, I decided to stop over and see you as well."
"You broke into my house?" Lorelai mocked.
"Well you're just asking for it with that kitchen door."
"Didn't I fix that?" Luke asked as he put a coffee down in front of Lorelai. "Tea Emily?"
"No Luke, coffee will be fine."
"I knew she'd had that addiction from birth." Luke mumbled as he poured out another cup of coffee.
"You did fix it! Its just Rory and I missed the old lock. So we, uh, modified the one you fixed." Lorelai said as she gave Max a soft pat.
"In other words you didn't know how to install a dog flap and so you decided to leave the kitchen door open at all times." Luke stared at her.
"Sometimes you know me so well you scare me." Lorelai replied.
"I'll be over there tonight." Luke said as if giving in to another one of their fights.
"No she's not! She's got a Christmas party to attend." Said Emily.
"I fail to see what that has to do with me Emily." Luke replied gruffly.
"Well since it's a party especially for Lorelai's friends, I would have thought that you would come as well."
"Wow! Mother mingles with the commoners!"
"Come on Lorelai, we have things to do. I take it you have some select friends you'd like to invite?"
"I have a better idea. Why don't we change the location to the Inn as its closer and we'll hand out flyers advertising free food."
"How vulgar."
"Trust me! You'll get more people!"
"You're scaring me Lorelai. Is this the only way we can get the townspeople to go to a party?"
"That and the offer of free beer."
"Free beer? I'm there." Luke teased.
"See? Now take Max and I'll see you outside. I have something I have to say to Luke."
Before Emily could say anything further. Lorelai had thrust Max's leash into her hand and pushed them outside.
Lorelai turned and walked up to Luke, who had an odd smile on his face. She threw her arms around him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"That was hug number one for today." She said pulling away. Luke was laughing.
"What?" Lorelai asked. Luke pointed outside his window. Max was running down the road at a furious pace. Emily was trying to catch up to him without running.
"I love that mutt." Luke said as Lorelai put some money on the counter and ran after her mother.
Although the party was to be held at the Inn, Emily had insisted that she still run it. Lorelai submitted to her mother's will and rang most of the numbers in her phone book. When she had finished, she sat back on her chair with a satisfied grin. No one could refuse the will of Lorelai. Everyone had said 'yes'. Even Sookie had agreed to bring Jackson and the baby for a little while.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting one of your fantasies?" Jess asked as he approached her desk.
"No, just a little moment of triumph. What are you doing here?"
"I wasn't feeling welcome at the Gilmore house, so I decided to come here and give you a hand with the party."
"Wasn't my mother the reason you weren't feeling welcome at home?"
"No, your parents are nice, it's Rory who's giving me the cold shoulder."
"What is with her?"
"Don't ask me."
"It must be this Arthur dude. He's turning her into a meanie."
"Who's Arthur?" Emily walked into the room, causing the other two to jump.
"Mom! Don't you have napkins to fold?"
"Jess! Just the boy I wanted to see. I need your help moving a few chairs."
"Mom, Jess is on vacation from work. Let him relax just a little, huh?"
"Don't be silly Lorelai. Jess doesn't mind helping out, do you Jess?"
"Of course not Mrs Gilmore. I came here to do nothing else."
Emily smiled, obviously pleased with this answer.
"You know Jess. You would have been perfect for my granddaughter."
"Mother!"
"Except she inherited a little commitment phobia from her mother."
"My sentiments exactly." Jess added, wanting add more fuel the fire. Lorelai knew that Jess was just teasing. But Emily had been out of line.
"That is not true! Rory is getting married to some boring guy just to make you happy!"
"I beg your pardon Lorelai?" Emily sullenly pursed her lips. Jess began to frown. Perhaps he had pushed a little too far this time.
"Just-just forget it!" Lorelai tried to leave. But Emily closed the door and locked it before any of them could leave.
"I will not forget it Lorelai. Who is this boring guy that you are blaming me for?"
"Arthur Donahue." Lorelai seethed.
"Donahue? Good gracious! That name is anything but boring."
"Of course! You approve! I knew you would. I'll tell Rory the happy news." Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"You mistake my sentiments Lorelai. I will not have any Granddaughter of mine marrying into that bloodline."
"You know the jerk?" Jess asked, a little too eagerly. A glare from Emily caused him to avert his eyes.
"His father broke up with Matilda, his second wife, a lovely creature I assure you, to be with a-a maid. I have no doubt that his son has the same reckless spirit."
The room was silent for a moment.
"Well, that was unexpected." Lorelai announced.
"Lorelai, I think you'll agree that I have put up with a LOT from you over the years. And here I was thinking we were finally getting along when I find out that you knew Rory was getting married and you didn't tell me?"
"Mom it was news to me about a day ago!"
"Really?"
"Yes! I promise!"
Emily turned to Jess, who had been watching the scene unfold with unholy glee.
"I suppose you're trying to sabotage Rory's engagement to Donahue?"
"No ma'am!" Jess replied hastily. Emily nodded, with a twinkle in her eye.
"I suppose we must invite this Donahue to dinner?"
"He won't be here for a few days, I hope. Ooops, who said that?" Lorelai looked around the room.
"Very well then. I see I need not worry for the moment. Jess come with me!" Emily left the room. Jess looked over at Lorelai, who was gripping the desk as if it were her only life support.
"You witnessed a fight." She said.
Jess nodded, approaching her slowly.
"You are truly one of the family now. That was just a taste of your welcoming ceremony!" She said. Jess walked over to her and gave her a hug.
"Get my real Rory back will ya?" She sighed in his ear.
"I'm working on it."
"Hurry. I want to see her before Christmas."
The townspeople of Stars Hollow were always charmed by the Inn. But tonight, the main hall was decorated beautifully and the full credit was given to whom it was due.
"Very charming Emily, not too over the top." Richard said as Emily wrapped her arm around his.
"Richard, that's your third glass in an hour."
"I'm merely getting into the Christmas spirit Emily. Besides, I have a strong suspicion that the non-alcoholic refreshments have been tampered with in some manner."
"Don't be ridiculous Richard!" Emily said as she picked up a fresh cup of coffee from a nearby table. She took a sip and choked on it.
"This drink is laced with vodka!" Emily's eyes focused on Lorelai and Rory who were on the other side of the room. They had been watching her with huge smiles on their faces. Emily decided she was going to wipe those smiles right off their cheeky faces.
"Don't Emily." Richard pulled her back. "Not tonight. Its Christmas time."
"But-"
"If I promise that this will be my last drink until after dinner, will you promise not to bother them about it?"
"Oh, very well."
Meanwhile, Lorelai was laughing at her little prank.
"I can't believe you ruined Grandma's drinks!" Rory scolded. But its effect on Lorelai was annulled by the uncontrollable giggles that followed it.
"What can I say? I'm a party girl." Lorelai said proudly.
"That you are."
"You're a party girl too!"
"I am?"
"It takes two to pull a really good prank."
"So it does."
"So I told Grandma you're getting married. Ooooh they've brought a platter of banana cake in! Lets get some banana cake!"
"You did what?"
"Come on, banana cake isn't that bad. It's not like you're actually eating a banana per say."
"You told her about Art? I can't believe you!"
"It came out by accident, ok?"
"No, not ok! I didn't want her to know just yet."
"Why? Everyone except Grandma was sharing in your so obvious pleasure at marrying someone you don't love. It seemed hardly fair that she should miss out."
"I am not having this conversation with you."
"Hey!" Jess approached them.
"Go away!" Rory snapped.
"Ok bye!" Jess rolled his eyes and turned back the way he came.
"Mom, I arrived yesterday and you've already managed to come to this conclusion?"
"I can't believe you just bit Jess's head off! If you don't mind, I'll think I'll go join him and see if he wants to raid the banana cake."
"Fine. You and Jess can go and gang up on me! Go get married! You two suit each other! First you being angry with me! Then Jess telling Art that he has the wrong number."
"What?"
"I heard him while I was in and out of sleep this morning. Art called four times! Each time Jess telling him he had the wrong number!"
"How do you know it was Art?"
"I just know!"
"Oh yeah! I forgot that college was teaching you mind reading skills."
"Amongst other things. Like how to know if your mother is angry with you even if she pretends everything is fine and it really isn't!"
"Rory I'm not mad!"
"Yes you are!"
"No I'm not! Look I'm full of Christmas joy! See? I'm just, worried."
"That I'm ruining my life?"
"Well, yes, now that you bring it up!"
"Well I'm not!"
"Good to know. I'm going to join Jess now."
"Fine."
"Fine."
They stormed off in different directions. Sookie, who was seated on a chair nearby, had been the only witness. She had wanted to intervene, but her arms were full with a sleeping child. She looked down at her baby and smiled.
"Never fear little one. Christmas is a time for miracles. Now where's Jackson. It's time to change you! JACKSON!"
Lorelai stormed over to Jess.
"Are you alright?" Jess asked, turning away from the group he was with.
"I should be asking you that. I can't believe Rory swapped bodies with a green eyed monster without my permission!"
"I'm alright. I just have to work on my timing."
"Can you believe it? She accused you of telling Arthur that he had the wrong number."
Jess was caught off-guard by this. His whole face was riddled by guilt.
"You didn't?"
"Time for another drink." Jess headed towards the refreshment table.
"Jess wait! I'm not mad. In fact, if I were in a better frame of mind, I'd think it quite funny. I'd laugh! I'd be in hysterics on the floor."
"You want a drink? I think someone added something to the hot cocoa, but it shouldn't do you too much harm."
"Jess, after all we've been through, talk to me!"
"It hurts ok? It damn well hurts! She left me because she was scared. Now it's too late!" He yelled. 'Wow, where did that come from?' he thought.
For once, she could read his carefully disguised eyes. She could see the pain bubbling and spilling out onto the surface. But the thing that bothered her most was the knowledge that her daughter had wrought that pain.
She wondered how many men she herself had inflicted that pain upon.
"It's all my fault! My mother was right!" Lorelai moaned.
Knowing exactly where Lorelai's thoughts had led to, Jess reached out and grabbed her hands.
"NEVER tell yourself that. You and Rory are-are-"
"Wonderful?" An impish grin had crept across Lorelai's face. Forgetting his anger, Jess gazed at Lorelai for a moment.
"Yes, I suppose you are." He wished Luke could see her like this. She looked very pretty under the Christmas lights.
"And because I'm so wonderful, I get the first dance after dinner." Lorelai squeezed his hand. Out of the corner of his eye, Jess could see Rory gaping at them.
"Sure." There was suddenly an unpleasant curl playing about his lips. "As many as you like."
Dinner was uneventful. However, it would have been a true feast for someone who studied body language. Lorelai's downcast eyes were avoiding her daughter's. Rory's anxious gaze was moving back and forth between her mother and Jess. Jess's full attention was focused on Lorelai. And Luke, who had arrived late, was suspiciously eyeing all three.
When dinner was over and the group went back to the hall for supper and dancing, Luke approached Sookie.
"Hi Sookie. How are you doing?"
"Who me? I'm fine. Just a little tired these days. Did you enjoy the dinner? Emily and I debated for ages on that dessert. But you just can't go wrong with date pudding on Christmas, can you? If you're looking for Jackson he's in the kitchen feeding-"
"Actually, I wanted to ask you what happened this evening."
"Oh nothing much. Ryan and I debated on the menu for the next week but I don't think that's what you're asking is it? Oh well Lorelai and Rory got into a fight about something silly. And I wasn't worried, really, until-"
They both looked out at the dance floor to where Lorelai and Jess were dancing. As they watched, Jess whispered something to Lorelai that made her face go red.
"Luke go dance with her! Cut in! Quick!" Sookie said. "That kid is using my best friend for his own ends and I don't like it!"
"What! Why me? I can't dance. Lorelai's a big girl. Jess is a big guy. He wouldn't do anything-" He trailed off as he took another look at Jess's face.
Oh yes he would.
Luke stormed towards the dance floor.
"Excuse me Jess, I think Rory wants to speak with you."
"Oh really? Is this imaginary Rory?" Jess mocked. His Uncle was anything but a good liar.
"If you don't leave right now I'll hit that smug look right off your face." Luke was furious.
"Hey! Where's your Christmas spirit Mister?" Lorelai asked Luke as Jess left. Luke put his arm roughly around her waist and began to dance with her.
"What the hell were you doing with that kid? You were making a huge spectacle of yourself, that's for sure."
"I beg your pardon?" Lorelai pulled away from him.
"Oh come on Lorelai. You must have known what he was up to."
"Not that I have to answer to you, but nothing untoward happened."
"Oh right! It looked so innocent too!" Luke left her alone on the dance floor. Seething with embarrassment and anger, Lorelai pursued him.
"Excuse me, but I thought you of all people knew me best."
"Yeah, well, I was sure wrong about you this time."
"Would you stop implying what I think you're implying? Nothing happened. What am I saying? Nothing started!"
"He was using you to get to Rory!"
"May be! But to me he was telling me how he got Arthur in trouble at the airport!"
Luke stared at her. Lorelai was in earnest, he could tell. Then why did it still hurt?
"It was so funny!" Lorelai continued. "If you weren't so mad with me now I would have been telling you about it. Then I would have told you about what happened with Rory. Then I'd ask you what the hell is wrong with me. Why I'm fighting with my daughter when she's finally home. Why I'm such a screw up?"
Luke stared down at his feet, knowing he would be unable to say anything or do anything without giving away what he felt for her.
"Well? I think after leaving me out on the dance floor, making wild accusations and insulting our friendship involves some sort of apology. Don't you think?" Lorelai folded her arms in expectation.
There was a long pause.
"What happened with Rory?" He asked gently. Lorelai broke into smile and took his arm. This was how Luke forgave. As she began telling him what had passed between mother and daughter, she didn't notice how Luke never released her arm.
Jess had seen Rory run outside. He had followed her and reached out to take her hand. But Rory had thrust him away.
"I have had it with you Jess! You have done nothing but cause trouble since I first came home!"
Jess made to speak, but Rory interrupted him.
"Don't you dare try to deny it! What were you doing with Mom? Whatever it was, it was disgusting. She's-she's my Mom for crying out loud!"
"Now that's a nice way to talk about Lorelai. What, don't you trust her anymore?"
"I trust her but I sure as- I don't trust you."
"Of course you don't. That's why you ran away years ago, wasn't it? Before I could hurt you right?" Jess retorted, the smile fading away from his face.
"Jess I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! A hundred times plus one I'm sorry! I was younger, and scared and-and-"
"Stupid? That was what you were going to say wasn't it? Being with me was so stupid! So glad we cleared that up."
"I don't have to answer to you! You turned Mom against Arthur. You used her affection for you to get at me. You-you're a creep! I want you to leave now!"
"Fine. By the way, where's your ring?"
Rory looked down at her bare finger and charged at Jess. "Give it back! I want it now!"
"I don't have it! Not that I expect you to believe me."
"Why should I? Mom told me about what happened with Dean and the bracelet!"
"I didn't take it them either! You dropped it Rory! I merely found it!"
"Give it to me!"
"I told you! I don't have it this time!"
"I don't believe you!"
"Funny isn't it? When I first made enemies of everyone in this town, you were the only one who trusted me. But now, Lorelai is the only one who would believe me. Lorelai knows I love you more than anything, while you look at me like a thief. Have it your way, I'm leaving tomorrow."
"You do that! But make sure you stop at my house to drop off my ring!" Rory yelled after him. Tears were flowing freely down her face, but Jess didn't see them.
Not wanting to go back to the party, Rory made the long journey home on foot. She didn't notice the snow that fell down on her. She didn't notice her nose and hands go numb from the cold.
Exhausted and sweaty, she finally reached the front steps of the house. Panting heavily, she sat down on the bottom step and stared down at her feet.
Something was buried in the snow.
Oh no.
She made a swipe for the object, picking it up in her frozen hands.
It was such an ugly ring.
Fresh tears came.
I was younger, and scared, and in love.
The ring was flung back into the snow. Getting up, Rory entered the house, gave Max his dinner and trudged into her old bedroom. She picked up her notebook and flipped it open to a page. Her flushed trembling fingers pressed the unfamiliar pattern of numbers into the cordless.
"Hello? I'm looking for Lane Kim? She's not there? Can you tell her Rory called? Thanks, who is this? Reggie?"
A brief smile flitted across her face.
"Reggie. Tell her it is of the utmost-yes- I suppose its called girl stuff. Bye." Rory hung up. Without taking any of her things off, Rory curled up into her bed and fell asleep.
Rory awoke to see Lorelai's startling blue eyes searching her face. Somehow, she had managed to fit in the bed beside Rory when she had gotten home the night before.
"Boy, that champagne really got the party going last night didn't it?" Lorelai joked nervously.
"Yeah, it was some party."
"That girl and her mother. My God. You could tell that they had too many pieces of fruitcake."
"Yeah. Who needed a TV with them around?"
"A classic fight!"
"Oh classic! I was laughing the whole time."
"So do you think the daughter forgave the mother this morning?"
"Only if the mother forgave the daughter."
They hug. Rory holds up her naked hands.
"No ring."
"Oh. I'm sorry hon."
"No. Don't be. I didn't love him. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Goody! Now I can tell you what Grandma told me about him!"
"Oh I hope she won't be disappointed."
"Trust me when I say she won't!"
"Grandma didn't have anything good to say about him?"
"Nope."
"Did she say she wanted me to be with Jess too?"
"Not in so many words."
"It's too late Mom. I called him a liar, a cheat and a thug. He's leaving today!"
"I call him that all the time. Do you think he takes me seriously?"
"He hates me. He-" Rory stopped as they both heard a car pulling up outside the house. Lorelai got up and walked to the living room where she peeked out the window.
"Who is it?" Rory asked as Lorelai appeared back at her doorway.
"It's Jess. Hon, I have to say goodbye to him if he really is leaving. Are you mad?"
"No."
"Just hide out in here. I'll keep him out the front, okay?"
"Okay."
Lorelai closed the door behind her and Max as they exited the house. Encouraged by Max's energetic spirits, Lorelai jogged up to where Jess had parked his car. He was opening the boot up.
"Wow! Santa came early this year! Would this be a bad time to tell you I'm Jewish?" Lorelai teased as Jess started pulling out Christmas presents and putting them on the path.
Max began sniffing at the presents.
"Good boy Max! Oh! Tell me what's in the big one!" Said Lorelai.
"I don't know if Rory told you. But I'm leaving."
"I know. I'll-we'll miss you."
"I wasn't sure whether you'd want to talk to me this morning."
"Ugh!" Lorelai waved her hand in dismissal. "We were all a little high on the bubbly last night. I was the worst, believe me. I have a one of a kind hangover to show for it."
"I'm gonna kill the person that spiked those drinks."
"Uh, yeah! Yeah! You do that! You know I think I saw Ryan sneaking a flask back into his coat."
"Well, that's the last of them." Jess looked down at the large pile on the ground.
"There had better be some chocolate in there somewhere!"
"You can't open them until Christmas!"
"So there is chocolate in there?"
"Oh, I forgot! One last present."
As Jess carefully pulled it out, Lorelai saw that it wasn't wrapped in Christmas paper like the others. It was a large thin white rectangular box. He put it down carefully against some of the other presents.
"This," Jess began mischievously, "Is a very special present. Take very good care of it."
"Can I open it now?" Lorelai whined. She picked up the tag and read it. "But this is for Luke?"
"Very good! You're very alert this morning for someone with a hangover!"
"Stop ragging me! I'm bursting with curiosity, and a headache."
"I want you to give this to Luke and say it's from you."
"Now I'm worried. I won't do that unless you warn me what's in it first."
"Yes you will! I put a lot of time into this present. Promise me you'll follow my instructions."
"It won't make him angry?" Lorelai put her hands on her hips.
"At you, no."
"Hence the 'me' giving him the present. Will it make him horny?"
"No!"
"Crazy?"
"Will you stop badgering me about it and just give it to him?"
"Rory loves you. She was crying in her sleep when I got home last night."
Jess looked up at the house. He wanted to run in there, badly.
"No she doesn't. I just said some hurtful things to her. Tell her I'm sorry."
"I'll tell her it was the bubbly."
"Sure." Jess and Lorelai hugged for a long time. Finally, he got into the car.
"Um, Jess, just on the off chance that someone might want to visit you really really urgently. What might your address be?" Lorelai asked innocently, twisting her fingers.
"It's best for her if she doesn't know. I'll be back to see you and Luke at Easter. Merry Christmas Lorelai."
"What about a phone number?"
Jess backed the car onto the road and drove away.
"Damn!" Lorelai breathed. "I forgot to give him his presents."
To be continued. Does anyone know what Luke's present is? I do! He he he! Here's a hint - Luke is not himself.