Title: Soundproof
Author: Bent137
Disclaimer: I own very little, ergo I do not own the show Gilmore Girls, the gazebo, Luke's diner, Jeep, Doose's Market, lettuce, antidisestablishmentarianism, collectors plates, collectors spoons, bells, or the band Jonny Was
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 Nine:
Can You Hear Me...

Lorelai and Rory walked through the town square, past the gazebo, over the spring grass, which was sporting dandelions, towards Luke's, outside of which Lorelai's jeep was parked. "So, shopping for Grandpa?" Rory questioned.

"Yes, that is today's objective," Lorelai replied.

"Hey, could I invite Jess?"

"Uh," Lorelai said, "You'll have to clear it with your Grandmother."

"Can I borrow your cell phone?"

"Sure," Lorelai dug it out of her purse and handed it to Rory. They paused outside of Doose's and Rory dialed the phone and stood around waiting, Lorelai glanced around the town as they waited. She spotted a woman painting her picket fence. 'I wonder why people always paint their picket fences white,' she thought. 'Why not some other color, like pink?'

"Thanks Grandma," Rory said breaking Lorelai's thoughts. "We'll see you Friday."

As Rory hung up the phone Taylor stormed out of the market. "Are you loitering?" he demanded.

"Uh, no," Lorelai said quickly, "we were just admiring your lettuce. It's nice and green." Taylor looked at her in disbelief. "I was thinking of maybe getting it, as a gift, for my father."

"That's an abnormal gift," Taylor scoffed as he straightened his cardigan.

"Yes, well," Lorelai began, "I've always been one for antidisestablishmentarianism." Rory stared at her mom and Lorelai shrugged.

"You should get him a nice collectors plate," Taylor suggested, "or perhaps one of those little collectors spoons."

"Hey, there's a thought," Lorelai said sarcastically looking at Rory, who raised her eyebrows. Lorelai turned back to Taylor. "We've got to get going, thanks for the ideas though."

The bell on Luke's door jangled as Lorelai and Rory walked in. Jess looked up from behind the counter and smiled as they approached. "Hey," he said, then leaned across the counter and gave Rory a quick kiss, "coffee?"

"Yes please," Lorelai responded.

Rory smiled, "to go."

Jess raised an eyebrow, "me or the coffee?"

"Both," Rory replied breezily. "We're going shopping for my grandfather, so we need to the coffee to go, you know, with us."

Jess nodded, "Okay, and me?"

"I would like you to come with us Friday to his birthday dinner."

"Sure," Jess said putting their coffees in front of them.

"You'll have to dress up," Lorelai added.

"Okay," Jess said.

"Great," Rory exclaimed with a smile. She moved a bit as Lorelai nudged her. "We have to go."

"Okay," Jess said. "See you later?"

"Absolutely," Rory said leaning over the counter and kissing him. "Bye."

"Bye." Jess turned towards Lorelai, "Bye Lorelai."

"Bye Jess."

Lorelai and Rory walked out of the diner and to the jeep as Jess watched them. They climbed inside and placed their coffee in the beverage holders before buckling up and pulling away from the curb.