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 The Fountainhead.
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 Four:
I Think That...

Rory cautiously climbed the stairs, when she reached the door to Luke's apartment she knocked softly. She rocked back and forth on her heels as she waited for Jess to answer. When he did answer, he wrenched the door open with a pickle jar in his hand. "I'll be right down, Luke," he said and began to turn around. Before Rory could open her mouth to protest, he spun back around, "Rory."

"Uh, Yeah," she said shifting nervously on her feet. They stood quietly like that for a moment. "We need to talk."

"Wow, deja vu," Jess commented, but he moved aside to let her in. Once she'd walked in he shut the door behind her and gestured towards the couch, "sit."

Rory sat down and looked up at him, "sit?" Jess sat down and stared at her. Rory opened her mouth, then promptly closed it. She opened it again and said, "That's very unnerving Jess, could you stare at something else while I say what I need to say?"

"As you wish," he stared at the slightly worn copy of The Fountainhead laying on the floor.

Rory sighed, "Okay, so we've both had time to think and I know you're not the cute and fluffy puppy dogs and rainbows type. I also know you're not evil like everyone makes you out to be." Jess nodded. "And I must like you since I kissed you right? I respect you," she floundered a bit, "and your wit. You're very intelligent and it's refreshing." Jess snorted, thinking of Dean. "So I guess I would like to be your girlfriend."

Jess was silent a second, "Really?"

"Yes."

"Huh."

"What?" Rory questioned in a panic.

"I agree"

A breath Rory hadn't realized she'd been holding whooshed out, "Really?"

"No, I'm just saying it."

"Not funny."

Jess smirked, "I thought it was."

"So."

"So."

"We should do something," Rory said.

"I don't think you're ready for the 'big step,' Ror," Jess said.

"Ha ha, so funny," Rory deadpanned. "I meant go to a movie or something date-like."

"When?"

"Before Spring Break ends."

"Okay."

They smiled at each other. "I've got to get going," Rory said.

"Okay, I'll walk you down. I should help Luke anyways."

Rory smiled at him as they walked down the stairs. Rory left the diner with her mother and Jess got to work. He tried not to smile, but he couldn't help it. His face broke into a wide grin as he wiped down a table in the middle of the diner. He ignored all the strange looks he was receiving.

As Luke came out of the back room he saw Jess and smiled slightly to himself. "At least something's working out," he thought.