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, The Importance of Being Earnest the book or movie, Oscar Wilde, Reese Witherspoon
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 Five:
This Will Destroy You...

Rory walked into her room and began to change into her pajamas and get ready for bed. She'd barely gotten out her pajamas when Lorelai came bounding in. "So, how was the date?" she asked.

"It went well," Rory said with a smile.

"What movie did you go see?"

"The Importance of Being Earnest."

"Book by Oscar Wilde, recently made as a film starring Reese Witherspoon?"

"That's the one," Rory replied.

"So you both had fun?"

"Indubitably."

"Huh," Lorelai said looking thoughtful, "So, when's the wedding?"

"We're thinking Halloween."

"Very cool," Lorelai said. "So, sleep tight."

"I will. See you tomorrow."

The next day at lunch Rory had the misfortune of sitting at the opposite end of Paris' table. Although lunch Paris kept pestering Rory about her score on their government pop quiz. She believed refuge would come after lunch. She was wrong, Paris kept after her every spare moment.

Rory began to look forward to leaving Chilton that afternoon with a gusto never seen before, at least not in her. Which may attribute to her bristling when Brad stopped her outside.

"Rory, you're smart right?" Brad asked.

"Well, I like to think so," Rory said with a light laugh as she glanced over her shoulder. "Can we take this around the corner?"

"Uh, sure," Brad said and they moved around the corner of the large building.

Rory leaned against the cool stone, "What's up?"

"I was just wondering, uh," he stammered, "your thoughts, uh, on, well, uh, what if I asked Madeline out?"

Rory arched an eyebrow and was silent a moment. "Well," she drew the word out slowly, using a whole breath, "That's a very interesting question." Rory paused and Brad looked stricken, but she smiled and said, "I say go for it. The worst she can say is no. Plus, it's better than not knowing."

Brad smiled a little and relaxed, "Thanks Rory."

"No problem," Rory said as they rounded the corner. Brad took off and Rory began to walk to her bus stop. Suddenly she heard her name being called. She turned and saw Paris coming towards her. Rory suddenly saw red amid the sea of blue plaid.