Title: Soundproof
Author: Bent137
Disclaimer: I own very little, ergo I do not own the show Gilmore Girls.
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...

This is the last chapter. I've lost interest and it's getting lengthy and starting not to make sense so I'm wrapping it up here. However it is a super long chapter so that should soften the blow. Thanks to Teri for helping me get from A to B... to C, to D, to E, to F, to G.

Chapter Fifteen:
I Don't Know Why

"Are you ready for this?" Rory asked Jess. They were standing on the stoop in front of the elder Gilmore's door.

"Yeah I'm ready," Jess replied.

"I'm kind of scared to go in," Lorelai said thoughtfully.

"Why?" Rory asked.

"Listen," Lorelai gestured to the house. The three were silent a moment listening to the sounds of people talking and laughing. "We're late, we might as well have shown up in our bathing suits."

Rory shot a confused glance at her mother, "Okay." She reached out and rang the doorbell. A moment later the clickety-clack of sharp heels on the floor could be heard nearing the door. The door swung open revealing Emily.

"Well there you are! It's about time, come in, come in," Emily said stepping back.

"Hi Mom," Lorelai said as she entered.

Rory entered right behind her, "Hello Grandma."

"Lorelai, Rory," Emily nodded at each in acknowledgment. Emily turned to Jess, "You must be Rory's friend." Emily straightened her lips into a thin line and looked Jess up and down.

"Hello Ma'am," Jess held out his hand, "I'm Jess Mariano." Emily took his hand and shook it once then dropped it. Jess pulled his hand back slowly and rocked on his feet. He gestured to the gift in his hand, "I have gift here for Mr. Gilmore, where would you like it?"

Emily gave him a tight smile, "There's a table in the dining room."

"I'll show you," Rory said. She held up her and Lorelai's wrapped gifts, "I have to take these anyways."

"Thank you, Rory," Emily said. She turned to Lorelai, "Lorelai dear, will you please come with me? Mrs. Pratchett has been asking after you."

"Okay, Mom," Lorelai began following the older woman, glancing over her shoulder at Jess and Rory.

Rory turned and led Jess into the dining room. They spotted a table piled high with gifts easily and added theirs to the bounty. Jess surveyed the brightly wrapped packages, "Wow, you're grandfather is really pulling in some haul."

"Yeah, he's well respected. So, want to go meet him?"

"Actually, I kind of have to go to the bathroom."

"Oh, okay," Rory responded.

"Um, where is it?" Jess asked, looking around.

"Oh," Rory said, she spun and began walking towards the hall. Jess followed her. "You just go down here to this hall." Rory stopped at the end of the front hall opposite the door and gestured to a doorway to her left. She turned and faced Jess. "It's the third door on your left. I'm going to go find my mom. Find me when you're done?"

"Sure." Rory smiled at him and walked away. Jess made his way down the hall and opened the third door on his left. What awaited him was not a bathroom, but a library. He paused just inside the door, letting his eyes run over the mahogany bookcases and leather bindings. His hand slipped off the doorknob and he stepped further into the room. The heavy door swung shut and clicked quietly into place behind him. He approached a nearby bookshelf with curiosity and began studying the spines of the books. When his eyes rested upon a title he recognized, and revered, he gently un-shelved the book and opened it carefully. He skimmed the words on the page and became caught up in the fictional world. So caught up in fact he did not hear the door reopen or notice there was another person in the room until said person cleared his throat. Jess turned, startled, and found Rory's grandfather behind him.

"May I ask what you are doing in here?" Richard asked.

Jess could see why Rory said he was respected. He had an aura about him that seemed to command and deserve it. "I was just admiring your collection," Jess replied.

"Oh," Richard said, softening a little. "It is something isn't it?"

"Yeah, it sure is."

Richard noticed the book in his hand. "What have you there?"

"The Sun Also Rises."

"Ah, Hemingway."

"Yes," Jess nodded, "He's one of my favorite authors."

"Yes, yes, mine too," Richard confided. "Who else do you enjoy?"

"Jane Austin, The Bronte Sisters, I also have a sort of guilty pleasure with Stephen King."

"Ah, a very good selection. Even Stephen King, he's very successful and well-written. You have similar taste as my granddaughter. You should meet her, Mr.?" Richard trailed off realizing he did not know Jess' name.

"Mariano," Jess completed for him, "Jess Mariano."

"Very nice to meet you Jess."

"Likewise sir."

"As I was saying, you should meet my granddaughter, Rory."

"I already have sir."

"Really?" Richard asked, rather confused.

"Yes, I'm here with her, and Lorelai too. I live in Stars Hollow."

"So you're the friend she brought," Richard asked, slightly suspicious.

"Yes, sir."

"Just what is your relationship with my granddaughter?"

"We've been very good friends since I arrived in town. Only recently we began dating."

"Rory never told me she was dating anyone."

"She didn't?" Jess was puzzled. "Perhaps she intended to tell you tonight, when she could introduce me to you."

"Perhaps," Richard said.

"So what are your plans for the future, Jess?"

"Well, I'm really not entirely sure yet."

"Really."

"See, my father wasn't really, well, he was kind of low class."

"I see."

"I don't want to be like him, I want to be better. Especially now I'm with Rory."

"Uh huh."

"I've been thinking about college," Jess admitted, "even Rory doesn't know that yet. I don't think I could get into anything more than a state college though, maybe not even that."

"Why not?"

"I used to get into a lot of trouble at school, play pranks, skip class."

"Do you still?"

"No, I met Rory and wanted to change. She's very inspirational."

Richard smiled, "Yes, she is that."

"Plus there's the money. I don't know where my dad is. My mom has trouble even paying her rent. I don't make enough working and Luke can't afford it. I've applied for some scholorships, but I haven't heard yet."

"Well that's a good first step. What schools have you applied to?"

"Capital Community College and the University of Hartford."

"I see," Richard said. They were interrupted by a door opening, not the door they had both come through, but one on the other side of the room. Emily stood in the doorway.

"There you are," she said. "Dinners being served so we're all moving to the dining room."

"Thank you Emily," Richard said. "We'll be right there." Emily left and shut the door behind her. Richard turned to Jess. "Shall we?"

"Actually, I was looking for the bathroom when I found this place. Can you tell me where it is?"

"Ah yes, just out the door and up one more room."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The two men parted ways, each heading for an opposite door. Jess turned suddenly, "Sir?"

"Yes?" Richard asked turning around.

"How did I rank?"

"Excuse me?"

"On your little interrogation."

"Oh," Richard nodded, "better than her last boyfriend." With that both men exited the room smiling.

While Jess was getting the third degree from Richard, Lorelai was receiving similar treatment from Rory. Rory had found her mother, predictably, near the drinks. She subtly pulled Lorelai aside for a heart to heart. "So mom, Rachel's back." Rory stated.

"Yes, I saw."

"What do you think?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware I had to think anything about it."

"Come on, Jess told me you practically choked to death when he told you Luke was picking her up, and the way you were teasing her at the diner. You're jealous."

"I am not," Lorelai daintily sipped her drink. "Besides, what would I be jealous about?"

Rory rolled her eyes, "You're jealous that she's back with her whole history with Luke. You're jealous she even has a history with Luke. You don't want her to be here to get back together with Luke because you want to be with Luke yourself."

"Please," Lorelai snorted and looked around the room for an escape, but found none less threatening than the situation she was currently in. "I'm not worried about her and Luke getting back together." Rory stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "I'm not," Lorelai protested. Rory tilted her head and Lorelai groaned. "Fine, maybe a little," Lorelai conceded.

"Aha!"

"In an abstract way."

"Well don't worry too much about it mom, I don't think they'll be getting back together."

"Why not?" Lorelai questioned.

"Did you see the way he was teasing her too? He's obvious got eyes for you."

"Got eyes for me?" Lorelai delicately wrinkled her nose. "Sounds gross and like a health hazard."

Just then Emily tapped a butter knife against her glass in the middle of the room. "Attention everyone," Emily began. Everyone quieted and turned to her. "Dinner will be served in a moment, so if we could all just make our way to the dining room and find our seats that would be wonderful thank you." The herd of guests began slowly shuffling that way as Emily approached the girls. "Lorelai, Rory, have you seen Richard?"

"No Grandma," Rory answered.

"Last I saw him he was headed towards the bathroom," Lorelai added.

"Fantastic," Emily went to move away but stopped. "Rory, where's your friend?"

"Oh!" Rory exclaimed looking around. "I showed him to the bathroom some time ago and haven't seen him yet."

Emily nodded, "You girls head to the table and I'll see if I can find them both down that way." The three parted ways, Lorelai and Rory joining the back of the group headed into the dining room. At the doorway Rory glanced over her shoulder to see Emily opening a door. Rory was already through the doorway and out of earshot when Emily spoke.

Once everyone was at the table Emily called for the salad to be brought in. Lorelai, Rory, Jess and often Richard ate in silence as the other guests socialized. Richard sat at the head of the table, with Emily directly across from him at the opposite end. To Richard's right was Lorelai, to his left was Rory, on her left was Jess. It wasn't until the main course was brought out and the other guests were complimenting Emily on her wonderful chef that one of the Gilmore girls spoke. "Happy birthday Grandpa," Rory said quietly, smiling at him.

"Why thank you Rory," Richard answered with a smile.

"Yeah, happy birthday Dad," Lorelai added.

"Thank you Lorelai." Richard went back to eating and they were all silent for a few more moments.

"Oh, Grandpa, this is my good friend Jess," Rory said introducing the two.

"Sir," Jess said with a nod.

"I believe we've met," Richard commented, "It is, however, nice to be formally introduced."

Lorelai's eyebrows shot up and she glanced at Rory. Rory looked between Jess and Richard confused. "Where did you meet?"

"I got lost trying to find the bathroom," Jess explained.

"It would seem you missed a door in your direction's Rory," Richard commented. "I, however, directed him to it."

"Thank you again sir," Jess said. Lorelai looked from Jess to Rory to Richard.

"Thank you for that Grandpa," Rory said. She paused, and seemed about to say more but Emily interrupted with desert and the moment was lost.

After dessert was cleared from the table, Richard began to open his gifts. He received many great things, the latest gadgets, gift certificates, passes to an associates private box at Yankee Stadium. It wasn't until the end, when there were 3 simple gifts left on the table, that Lorelai, Rory and Jess realized he had not reached theirs. Richard began by picking up a small white envelope. He opened it and found inside Rory's gift. "Thank you very much, Rory," Richard said. "My current subscription is about to run out."

"I know," Rory said with a grin.

"Really?"

"I called Grandma," Rory explained.

"Oh, well thank you." Richard carefully set the subscription aside and picked up Lorelai's gift. He tore carefully at the cheery paper covered with balloons and revealed the blanket Lorelai had bought him. "This is beautiful Lorelai, thank you."

Lorelai smiled, "I thought you'd like it." On the opposite side of the table Rory rolled her eyes.

"It looks itchy," Emily proclaimed.

"I think it's charming," another woman proclaimed.

"It may be charming, but it still looks itchy."

"I think it is kind of itchy, Mom," Lorelai said.

"Well, why on earth would you buy your father an itchy blanket, Lorelai?"

"Because I want to see him suffer?" Lorelai questioned sarcastically.

Emily made a noise of disapproval. "Actually, Grandma," Rory interjected, "It's a hand made Navaho blanket."

"Really?" Richard questioned.

"It sure is Dad," Lorelai added.

"It would go good in your office Richard," added one of his male business associates.

"Quite right," Richard said thoughtfully.

"Plus," Lorelai added, "If you got stuck at the office you could use it to keep warm in an emergency."

"Very true. I think that's exactly where it will go," Richard said. He set the blanket aside and picked up the last gift, Jess'. He carefully pulled off the wallpaper revealing the book. "Ernest Hemingway on Writing" he read the title, then looked at Jess. "Thank you Jess, this is fantastic."

"You're welcome sir."

After the gifts were all unwrapped and all of the guests, except Lorelai, Rory and Jess of course, were gone. The Gilmore girls, and guest, were attempting to make their way towards the door. Richard caught Lorelai and Rory and paused them for a conversation while in the other room Emily cornered Jess.

"Lorelai, Rory, I was so glad you could come," Richard smiled at them.

"It was no problem Dad," Lorelai said.

"Thank you very much for your gift Lorelai, it was very thoughtful."

"You're welcome Dad. Now, if you'll both excuse me, I have to visit the ladies room before we leave."

"Very well, Lorelai, it will give Rory and I a chance to talk."

Rory smiled at her mother and at her Grandfather as Lorelai walked off. Richard smiled back, "So, Rory, when were you planning on telling me that you and Jess are dating?"

Rory paled. "How did you find out?"

"Jess told me. We both had assumed you would tell me when you introduced us, but as you know, that wasn't the case. So my question is why?"

Rory looked down, "Well, I saw how you acted with Dean, and I didn't want a repeat of that with Jess. I don't like when we fight." Rory looked up at him. "I planned on telling you once I'd gauged your initial reaction to him, that way I could find a way to ease into it."

"I see, so you're not ashamed of him?"

"No!" Rory protested. "Why would I be?"

"I don't know. Really, Rory, I don't. He's a wonderful young man. We had a very pleasant conversation in the library and I fully approve of him. No offence, but I think he's better than Dean."

Rory stiffened a little, "You do realize I don't need your approval right?" Richard looked taken aback. "But I do want it," Rory finished.

In the other room Emily's lips were pursed as though she had tasted something sour. "So, Jess is it?"

"Yes ma'am," Jess responded.

"So, Jess, what are your intentions with my granddaughter?"

"My intentions?"

"Yes, your intentions, are they honorable? After all, you are the same hoodlum who broke my granddaughter's arm."

"Mrs. Gilmore, I assure you that my intentions are honorable. That accident was just that, an accident. I would never do anything to deliberately hurt Rory."

"So is there something going on between the two of you?"

"As a matter of fact there is. Now if you don't mind, Lorelai and Rory are waiting for me, so I think it's time I go find them." Jess turned and began walking out of the room. Emily followed him. Rory and Richard both turned to them when they entered the room. "Are we interrupting something?" Jess asked.

"No, it's fine young man, I believe we're done," Richard said looking down to Rory.

"Yeah," Rory agreed, "We're done." Jess drew closer and Rory wrapped an arm around him.

"Jess, it was very nice to meet you," Richard held out his hand.

Jess took his hand and shook it, "It was nice to meet you as well sir." Emily watched the exchange warily.

Lorelai came up to the group and smiled. "Ready to go guys?"

"Yeah, Mom."

"Thank you for coming everyone," Richard said.

"Yes, thank you for coming Lorelai, Rory," Emily said. Rory and Lorelai exchanged looks.

"Bye Mom, Dad," Lorelai said as she opened the door.

"Bye Grandma," Rory said as she hugged her. "Bye Grandpa," Rory said as she hugged him. She joined Lorelai at the door.

"Ma'am, sir," Jess said nodding at them, "it was nice to meet you both, thank you for letting me join in the festivities."

"You're welcome," Richard said. "You all have a safe drive back." With that the two groups parted and the door was shut between them, and therein on our story.