Title: Soundproof
Author: Bent137
Disclaimer: I own very little, ergo I do not own the show Gilmore Girls, Luke's diner, the band Jonny Was, or PJ Harvey.
Spoilers: Um, May contain scenes and characters and references not seen in Season One.
Authors Note: Sequel to Single Again, I recommend reading it first. Literati, possibly other ships thrown in for Lorelai and Lane. Titles come from a song, "Soundproof" by Jonny Was...

Chapter Two:
This is...

Jess approached Rory's door silently, through it he could hear faint strains of PJ Harvey. He finally worked up the courage and knocked, then stuck his hands in his pockets. Rory opened the door quickly and was startled when she saw him there. "Jess," she said.

He nodded at her, "Rory." After standing in silence a moment he decided to break it, "So, some weather today huh? There's a lot of really puffy white clouds."

"I hadn't noticed."

They both fell silent again as Jess shuffled his feet around and stared at Rory's shoes. Slowly he lifted his head and looked her in the eye, "We should talk." Rory nodded and stepped aside, motioning for him to come in. Once he was inside she shut the door.

**************

The bell on the door to Luke's diner rung gaily, oblivious to the town's drama, as Lorelai walked in. She sat at the counter and Luke approached her. "Coffee," she said, "Strong." As he began to turn away Lorelai spotted Miss. Patty coming towards her. "Really strong. Alcoholic even." Luke grunted and went to the coffeepot. Lorelai turned to Miss. Patty with a broad smile, "Patty."

Miss. Patty smiled, "Lorelai! Have you heard the latest?"

"I don't know," Lorelai said with a tight grin, "I'm sure you'll tell me anyways."

Miss. Patty just laughed lightly, then got serious, "Your daughter was in here earlier and she kissed that hoodlum Jess and ran away."

"Yeah I know."

Miss. Patty looked disappointed, "Who did you hear it from?"

"Rory."

"Oh, well, she has good taste, he's cute." Luke, whom was approaching with Lorelai's coffee involuntarily shuddered when the older woman said this. He set the coffee in front of Lorelai and as she began to turn to it Miss. Patty spoke again, "You certainly can tell she's your daughter."

"What does that mean?" Lorelai asked as she turned, but Miss. patty was gone. Lorelai turned back to Luke, "What did she mean?" Luke shrugged.

Luke leaned on the counter, "So what exactly is going on?"

"I assume you already know about Jess and Rory's big kiss?"

"Yeah, I saw it."

"Oh good! Gory details please."

"That should be Rory's department."

Lorelai snapped her fingers, "Rats! You're right. Anyways before I left the house Jess arrived."

"And?"

"And he's still there," she shrugged.

"You left them alone?"

"Uh, yeah?"

Luke grinned, "See, was it that hard to give him a chance?"

"This coming from the man who pushed him into a body of water, not knowing if he could swim, within days of his arrival."

"It wasn't deep or anything."

They were quiet a moment. "I hope she resolves it this weekend," Lorelai said.

"Why ruining your plans?"

She looked at him, "No, because THEN, she can't use Chilton as an excuse."

Luke nodded, "So how is she?"

"Mostly quiet, but you'll see any recent developments soon."

"Huh?"

"She's meeting me here for dinner."

"Is that wise?"

"She said it was okay."

Luke grunted, "but did she mean it?"

Lorelai paled.