Title: Soundproof
Author: Bent137
Disclaimer: I own very little, ergo I do not own the show Gilmore Girls, Shakira Dashboard Dancers or Jeep.
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 Twelve:
Did Everything Change When You Left Me?

The Shakira Dashboard Dancer wobbled back forth inside the Jeep as the vehicle lurched to a halt outside the Gilmore household. Lorelai and Rory extricated themselves from the vehicle, Lorelai carrying a large bag that held the blanket she'd bought. "I'm going to go to Luke's and get some coffee," Lorelai said, "want to come?"

"Maybe I'll come down later, but right now I want to get on the internet and look at getting grandpa's subscription." Rory replied.

"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow then huh?" Lorelai joked.

Rory rolled her eyes and reached out, "I'll take your bag in for you."

"Thanks honey," Lorelai said handing the bag to her.

Rory walked up the steps of the porch and into the house as Lorelai turned and began the trek towards Luke. Lorelai pushed the door open and hurried into the diner, ignoring the bell on the door. The diner was empty and Luke was nowhere in sight, however Jess was sitting on a stool behind the counter reading. He looked up when the bell rang and immediately marked his page and rose when he saw it was Lorelai. He reached behind him and grabbed a mug as he slid off the stool and shoved the paperback into his back pocket. He grabbed the coffee pot and made his way to the counter. "Lorelai," he greeted as he turned over the mug and poured some coffee into it.

"Jess," Lorelai returned the greeting as she slipped onto the stool. She cupped the coffee in her hands and took a deep breath, smiling.

"Did you guys have a good shopping trip?"

"Yes we did," Lorelai said. She took a sip of coffee before continuing. "I bought a Shakira Dashboard Dancer for the jeep and a brown woven blanket for my father."

Jess nodded, "Huh."

"What?"

"Shakira huh?"

"Yeah. She's in the outfit from 'Wherever, Whenever.' Do you have a problem with Shakira?"

"Well, not especially. She can dance, and she's a decent singer. I guess it's just the lyrics."

"So objection I don't wanna be the exception to get a bit of your attention," Lorelai sang slightly off key.

"Oh please stop," Jess requested putting his hands over his ears.

"Next to her cheap silicon I look minimal," Lorelai sang.

Jess put his hands on the counter, "If I give you food will you shut up?"

"Objections I'm tired of this triangle," Lorelai started to sing again before stopping abruptly and perking up even more, "Food? What kind of food?"

"Well, Luke made a pie before he left, it should be cool enough to eat now."

"Bring on the pie." Jess disappeared into the kitchen emerging moments later with two pieces of pie and a glass of milk. He set on piece in front of Lorelai then pulled his stool up across from her and sat down with his slice of pie. Lorelai stuck her fork into the pie brought it up, shoveling a forkful of the pastry into her mouth. "Mmm," she mumbled around a mouthful of pie. She swallowed. "This is fantastic."

"Yeah it is pretty good," Jess agreed eating a bite.

"So where did Luke go?"

"He went to Hartford to pick up Rachel." Lorelai began choking and pounded on her chest. "Are you okay?" Jess asked looking at her concerned.

Lorelai finally managed to dislodge the pie. "Yeah, I'm good. So, Rachel's back?"

"I guess so," Jess said looking down at his pie with a smirk.

Rory was on her way to Luke's to meet her mom when she spotted Dean outside of the market working on a display. She stopped abruptly and watched him a moment before steeling herself and walking forward. As she neared he looked up and saw her approach.

"Hi," she said when she neared.

"Hi," Dean said turning to her. "So, Can I help you with anything?"

"No, just heading to Luke's."

"To see Jess?"

"Uh no, I mean he'll probably be there, but I'm not going to see him, but if I do, see him that is, then that's okay too."

"I should hope so, you are dating after all."

"How did you?" Rory trailed off. Dean gave her a look. "Miss Patty, right."

"So, coffee?"

"Now? Us?"

"No, I meant, 'are you going to Luke's for coffee?'" Dean clarified.

"Oh," Rory said sheepishly. "Yeah, I'm meeting mom."

"Oh. Well, see you around."

"Yeah, I guess so." Rory starting walking towards Luke's again.

"Rory?" Dean called. She turned towards him tilting her head questioningly. "Is he treating you right?"

Rory smiled slightly, "Yeah, he is."

"Good," Dean said turning back to his work.

Rory smiled a bit and turned, continuing towards Luke's.