A/N I think it's important that I address a review I got, I realized that
Lorelai's reaction to Chris might have confused some of you. Someone asked
why Lorelai was so upset even though she has look. I should tell you now
that I've been working on my character development skills and I've been
trying to write each character with their own motivation. Every time I
write a dialogue now I sit for a good ten minutes and say to myself ok,
this is happening so and so had this happen to them this long ago and their
going to act like this as a result.
Concerning the Chris issue I think that Lorelai will always love Chris, and so she gets upset when he says things to Jess because she knows that that's not very Chris-like, and she gets upset when she finds out Chris is having another baby with Sherri because it shows to her that Chris is happy where is, Chris is happy, in her mind that he abandoned Lorelai and Rory.
Also I'd like to discuss the Jess issue, I know I may have gone out of character with him being all touchy feely and well sweet to Rory but the way I saw it was that Rory and Jess while mature 25 year olds are still in that teenage mind set in a way. So for Jess this whole baby thing was kind of like a dream you know where it's happening but you're not quite sure if it's really happening. When he was in the backseat of the car with Rory and put his hand to her stomach the dream stopped and he realized that this was really happening and so his character changes a little bit to fit that realization.
Ok sorry to bore you with character development; it's my new obsession. Anyway On with the story.
*Down Town Giorgio's Coffee:
Lorelai is walking back to the table, a large grin on her face. Turning the corner she notices Luke talking on her cell phone.
Luke puts the phone down as Lorelai hands him his cup of tea.
"Someone call?" She asks.
"Uh yeah, Jess."
"What did he want.....was he warning you that there'd be a sock on the door when we get back." Lorelai say seriously.
"What? Ew, no!"
"Are you sure, was he talking in code? Maybe he was try trying to spare your innocent mind"
"No!" Luke says, aggravated. " I'm not an idiot you know, I could take the hint, Jess did not call because of that, but he did call to warn me of something."
Lorelai gives Luke a confused look.
"Chris is there."
"Oh..."
"Look, he just showed up at their door unannounced, he's by himself. Jess just wanted to make sure you were aware."
Lorelai nods.
"Jess doesn't know why he's there or anything either......he was calling from the bathroom."
"Why?"
"I think he was hiding out."
Lorelai nods, "Poor kid"
"Yeah, he didn't sound too great on the phone."
"When does he ever sound great on the phone?"
Luke shrugs.
"Ok well lets go."
"What?"
"I want to go back, we're leaving early tomorrow I need some sleep."
"Are you sure you want to go back?" Luke asks warily.
"Yes, I'm not staying away from my, well Rory's apartment where I'm staying just because Chris decided to show up."
"Ok." Luke replies standing up. "Let's go."
Lorelai eyes her fresh cup of coffee, "I'm going to get this to go first, be right back.
*Rory and Jess' Apartment.
"Nice of him to get dressed." Chris remarks as Jess exits the bathroom dressed in a long-sleeve shirt and jeans.
Rory gives Chris a stern look," Dad, I thought you said you going to try, if all that "I want to be a part of this stuff" was all crap then you can go."
Jess stops in his tracks, reaches for the tv guide on the end table, pretending to read it while he eaves drops.
"No, Rory I really want to work things out, I'm sorry it's Just..."
Rory's eyes narrow at her father.
"I'm sorry." Chris sighs.
Rory takes a sip of her tea, "So what are you doing here?"
Jess puts the tv guide down and walks into the kitchen.
"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop and say hi."
Rory smiles faintly, "Hi."
"You look terrific." Chris states.
"Thanks."
"You've been eating good and taking care of yourself?"
"Yep, Jess makes sure that I do." Rory replies reaching a hand out towards Jess.
Jess moves towards her, kissing her hand as he takes a seat next to her.
Chris nods, "Well that's good...."
Rory nods.
"So do you know what the sex is yet?" Chris asks.
"No, I have an appointment in next week we'll find out then."
Jess beams at Rory.
Rory goes pink.
"So how are you doing with work, Ror?"
"Um good, haven't had much to do the last few weeks, the first two weeks of the new year are really slow news wise. But I'm working on this piece about how recent foreign affairs are affecting our area you know how peoples attitudes have changed, there are some volunteer groups raising money to send overseas so I interviewed them last week. Once it's all done we should have a really nice report."
"That's great sweetie, I'm so happy they're finally taking advantage of the talent they have down there at nbc."
"Well I wouldn't get your hopes up, I mean I'm still doing local pieces but at least they started putting me on camera which is something."
"Exactly."
*The intercom buzzer goes off.
Jess send Rory and concerned look before getting up and pressing the enter button.
"What was that?" Chris asks.
"Uh, just mom and Luke. They came for Lane's wedding, they leave in the morning."
Chris nods.
"Well I guess I should be going then, I don't want to cause any trouble."
"Ok." Rory replies standing up. "Bye Dad."
Chris turns around, "Hey kiddo, what are you doing tomorrow? How about we do lunch before I head back."
"I'd like that, I get off for lunch at 1."
"1 it is, I'll pick you up?"
"Ok."
Chris walks over to Rory and hugs her goodbye. "Bye sweetie..... Jess." Chris nods at Jess.
Jess folds his arms, managing a small wave to Chris.
The front door opens.
"Lorelai." Chris breathes uncomfortably.
"Chris."
"I'm leaving."
"Goodbye." Lorelai replies walking past him.
Chris turns, waves at Rory and is gone.
*5 minutes later:
Rory is stretched across the couch. Lorelai is in the kitchen with Jess. Luke is inside getting changed.
"So he just showed up?"
"Yep." Jess replies.
"And you're going out with him tomorrow?" Lorelai asks.
"Its just lunch." Rory replies.
"I know, I'm just surprised he came, I'm surprised the ol' ball and chain let him."
"Mom."
"Sorry, hey sweets I'm going to go to bed I'm exhausted and I told work I'd be in as soon as we got back, apparently I've been taking a few too many days off." Lorelai rolls her eyes.
Rory giggles, "Ok, night mom."
Jess watches Lorelai disappear into the spare bedroom, waits for Luke's gruff voice to rise as Lorelai takes his baseball cap, and then with a grin makes his way over to Rory.
"Hey." He says standing over her.
"Hi."
"Bed." Jess says offering Rory his hand.
"Yeah." Rory replies taking Jess' hand.
They walk hand and hand towards the bedroom.
"Sorry about tonight."
"Hey don't worry about it." Jess replies gruffly.
"I really wanted to...," Rory is cut off by jess lips meeting hers.
"I know." Jess replies a smile playing on his lips.
They enter the bedroom, Jess in front of Rory.
Jess turns around, facing Rory, "So everybody's gone tomorrow?"
"Yep." Rory grins.
"No more visitors?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Not for a few weeks anyway."
"So it'll be just me and you.....all week?"
"Save anymore surprises." Rory replies seriously.
"What time you get home tomorrow?"
"6, and you're here at 5?"
"I say we lock the doors and shut off all the lights the second you get home."
"Sounds like a plan." Rory replies happily.
Jess wraps his arms around Rory, pulling her with him as he backs onto the bed, "I can't wait for tomorrow."
"Me neither."
*5am: Jess is awoken by Rory feverishly tossing and turning.
Jess puts his hand on Rory's arm, "Hey." He whispers.
Rory tosses again, making a small noise.
"Ror, hey Rory." Jess says grabbing Rory by the arm this tine.
Rory turns to look at him, her eyes glassy.
"What's the matter?" He asks.
"I can't sleep." Rory replies sadly.
"Have a bad dream?"
"No."
"Anything bothering you?" He asks pulling Rory towards him.
Rory rests her head on Jess' chest and nods.
"What?"
"You're going to laugh at me."
"Try me."
"For the past hour all I've been thinking about is chocolate creampuffs, and now I really really want one."
Jess stifles a laugh.
Rory pulls away.
"No, hey I'm sorry. It's not funny." Jess says, taking Rory in his arms.
Rory sighs as Jess runs his fingers through her hair, tossing it to one side so he can kiss her neck.
"So you're not going to be able to get back to sleep?"
Rory shakes her head.
"Alright I'll be back."
Rory sits up as Jess slides out of bed, "Where are you going?"
"The bakery down the street opens in five minutes, maybe they'll have cream puffs."
"No, Jess I don't want to you to go get me one now...come back to bed I'll just go eat a pop tart.
"I have to get up in another hour anyway, besides you ate the last two pop tarts yesterday."
"Oh, right." Rory replies. "At least let me come with."
"Alright, just dress warm, it's freezing out."
Rory jumps out of bed heading for the dresser.
*30 minutes later: Jess and Rory are walking back to the apartment with a bag of cream puffs and a loaf of cinnamon bread.
Jess stops abruptly, "What are you waiting for I thought you couldn't live without cream puffs."
Rory eyes the bag in Jess' hand, "I am, but I'm just a little embarrassed ok."
"Embarrassed about what?"
"I don't know, I don't want you to think I'm this crazed pastry fiend."
Jess chuckles, "There's nothing shameful about that, besides at least its cream puffs and not pickles." Jess gives Rory a disgusted face.
"Ew, I'll never eat pickles yuck."
"So go ahead." Jess replies waving the bag at Rory
Rory takes it, delicately placing her hand in the bag she grabs a large cream puff and bites into it.
She makes a small noise.
"Good huh?"
Rory nods, "Want some?"
"Please." Jess replies taking it from her.
"Hey not so much, that bite was huge!" Rory exclaims.
"There's 6 more in the bag, babe."
"That may not be enough." Rory replies with a grin.
*The apartment.
Rory and Jess enter to find Lorelai sitting at the counter waiting for them.
"And where were you at 5:30 in the morning?"
"What are you doing up at 5:30?" Jess replies.
Lorelai groans, "When I said we needed to leave early I meant like 9 o'clock but Mr. workaholic over there wants to be back home for 8."
Rory giggles.
"oo! Bakery bags, what'd you bring me." Lorelai replies hopping off the counter.
"Cinnamon bread." Rory answers.
Lorelai approaches the bag of cream puffs, "Oo! Cream puffs!"
Rory tightens her grip on the cream puff bag, "These are mine."
Lorelai pouts.
"Ok, you can have one but the other 4 are mine."
"4, I thought there were 6 left."
"There were 6." Rory says sheepishly.
Lorelai takes her cream puff over to the counter. "Ah, so someone got an early craving?"
"mm hmm."
"I always hated losing sleep over those." Lorelai replies through bites.
"Yeah, but at least the baby's got good taste." Rory replies licking her lips.
"Mmm these are good."
"Alright I'm going to go shower, hey Ror, sweetie try and save some of those for lunch." Jess says kissing Rory on the cheek.
"Man he's really taking this whole good dad/husband thing seriously isn't he?"
"Yeah....that's why I'm afraid that after the whole morning sickness thing goes away he might not let me have coffee anyway." Rory replies sadly.
"Oh no, that is one thing he will not do, he should know by now not to mess with a Gilmore's coffee intake."
Rory giggles.
1pm:
"Mrs. Marino, your father is here."
"Thank you Casey, tell him I'll be right out." Rory calls through her office intercom.
*2 minutes later.
Rory enters the lobby where Chris is talking to Casey the Secretary.
"Hey honey." Chris says hugging Rory.
"Hey Dad."
"I saw this great little place down on Waverly, what do think does Chinese sound good?"
"I never turn down egg rolls." Rory grins.
*Outside.
"I'm sorry but that still sounds weird." Chris speaks up.
"What sounds weird?"
"Rory Marino."
"Dad." Rory says sternly.
"No, I'm not saying it's a bad thing....it sounds kind of nice actually it's just weird."
"Jess wanted me to keep my name."
"Really?" Chris scoffs. "That's surprising, why?"
"He said Gilmore sounded more Journalistic." Rory giggles.
"He's right, you know." Chris replies, "Too late now though."
*Restaurant: 20 mins later
"....So how's Georgia?"
"She's good, got a part in the school play."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's going be Wendy in peter pan, and she wanted to make sure that I told you she wants you and Jess to come see it."
"We wouldn't miss it."
" I swear that guy can do no wrong in her eyes."
"Yeah well he's just good with kids, especially little girls....I think it's the hair."
Chris laughs, "She never takes of that damn metallica shirt he brought her, Sherri tried to take it away and Gi had a hissy fit."
"Not a big fan of Metallica?" Rory says flatly.
"Nah, she went out and bought Gi a bunch of those Raphie cds, I found them in the bathroom garbage the next morning, without all their cases....Gigi slipped Metallica and her Ramones cds in there, Sherri has yet to notice." Chris rolls his eyes.
"Ah yes, Jess does have a profound affect on one musical taste." Rory grins.
Chris shrugs, "Please tell me what it is about this guy that makes my daughters swoon for him." Chris asks.
Rory's smile fades, "Do you really have to ask Dad, you've know him for 8 years."
Chris shakes his head, "Rory I was kidding."
"That's the thing, you weren't.
"Honey, please don't get upset.."
"You've known Jess for 8 years and you still haven't gotten over what happened in high school."
Chris sighs, "I'm sorry Rory, I can't just change my opinion of Jess in one day."
"He hasn't done anything to make you doubt his faithfulness to me ever, and you're still giving me shit about him. He even asked you for permission to marry me, you told him he wasn't ready for marriage, so he proposed to me a month later and we stayed engaged for two years...last year he invited you to his bachelor party and you wouldn't even go. He's tried everything to make you like him, but you don't want to like him."
"Rory, I can't just get over this stuff, you know the situation, am I being unfair maybe but I just I can't get over it."
"Well you're going to have to dad, I mean another 7 1/2 months and we'll be connected permanently." Rory replies, instinctively placing a hand on her stomach.
Chris sighs, "I know, I know."
"Dad, you're too old to be doing this....you have to let me make my mistakes, live my own life."
"You're right."
"But I'll tell you one thing, Jess is not a mistake....I love him, just like you love Sherri."
Chris shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
"Don't pretend like you settled, I've done a lot of thinking about this and I know you love her."
"I do."
"I don't like Sherri."
"I know, none of you do." Chris says flatly.
"But I'm willing to work on it."
"Really?"
"If you work on getting along with Jess."
Chris rolls his eyes playfully.
"Dad."
"Ok, I'll work on it, I promise."
Rory and Chris sit in silence for a few minutes as Chris pays the check and they stand to leave.
"Thanks for lunch, Dad."
"Anytime, I'm glad we talked things out."
"Me too, we'll have to work out when we can do it again, all of us."
"How about dinner tonight?"
"What?"
"Well I brought Sherri and Gigi with me, they're sightseeing today."
"Why didn't you tell me they were with you?"
"Well I know things between you and Sherri ended on a sore foot."
Rory glares at her father.
"Something that was 100% not your fault, and believe me Sherri knows that.....she wants to apologize." Chris replies, a sense of desperation in his voice.
Rory eyes soften on her father sympathetically, knowing that if she wasn't willing to take the first step towards a mutual civility with Sherri, it would only give Chris more of a reason to dislike Jess.
"Dinner sounds good." Rory replies, "....but not tonight."
"Alright tomorrow then." Chris smiles at Rory. "Great, I'll call you tomorrow and we'll set it all up, thanks sweetie."
"So got plans tonight?" Chris smiles at Rory.
Rory goes pink, "Yep, big plans."
*6pm: Rory opens the door to the apartment, which is dimly lit by candles, the light sent of lilac permeating the small residence.
Rory stands in the doorway speechless.
Jess walks out, almost as if on cue from the bedroom.
He smiles at the sight of Rory.
"You're home."
Rory nods.
"Close the door behind you....lock it."
Rory grins, stepping inside effortlessly pulling the deadbolt closed.
Jess approaches Rory, a goofy smile on his face.
Rory meets him halfway, resting her arms around his slim muscular frame.
"So you survived lunch?" Jess raises an eyebrow at her.
Rory nods.
"Good, at least that's over." He says quietly, moving his hands across her back.
Rory pulls away, "Actually..."
Jess sighs, making a fist with his hand in an attempt to control his anger, "What now?"
Rory sends him a bewildered glance.
"D-dinner tomorrow."
Jess sighs.
"You, me, him..Georgia and Sherri." Rory says carefully, mumbling the alst part.
"He brought them with him..God this was such a set up."
Rory puts her hand on Jess' arm. He pulls it away.
"Look Jess, yes it was a set up.......but what I realized something today."
Jess' expression softens as Rory continues to speak.
"As much as we'd all like to pretend that Dad and Sherri's marriage is a sham, over the years he's really come to love her.....he wouldn't have stayed this long if he didn't, even the "new and approved" Christopher Hayden doesn't have that much power, he loves her......just like I love you."
Jess sighs, knowing exactly where this is going.
"I can't expect him to make an effort to accept you, if I don't try and be civil to Sherri."
"You're right."
"Look, he said she wants to apologize to us......at least that will be entertaining, right?" Rory smiles faintly.
Jess mumbles, "I guess."
"So you'll go with me."
"Of course, I learned my lesson, from now on I go anywhere you ask me too."
"He wanted us to have dinner tonight."
"Oh really?" Jess asks.
"Yea." Rory says smirking, "But I told him we had other plans."
Jess grins, "Hungry? I made chicken Alfredo."
"Oo taking risks in the kitchen?"
"What can I say I'm a modern day dare devil."
Rory laughs.
"So you want to eat?"
"Yeah, but not right now." Rory smiles, taking hold of Jess' collar.
A/n Ok this was basically a filler chapter wanted to get the whole Chris situation, another words where he and Rory stand set up. I figure Rory would be fats to forgive her dad, and really the whole Chris not liking jess is parallel to Rory not liking Sherri, so I want to tackle that and probably after next chapter I'll skip ahead a bit. Thanks for reading please Review let me know what I can work on. Next chapter will be more exciting, promise (
Concerning the Chris issue I think that Lorelai will always love Chris, and so she gets upset when he says things to Jess because she knows that that's not very Chris-like, and she gets upset when she finds out Chris is having another baby with Sherri because it shows to her that Chris is happy where is, Chris is happy, in her mind that he abandoned Lorelai and Rory.
Also I'd like to discuss the Jess issue, I know I may have gone out of character with him being all touchy feely and well sweet to Rory but the way I saw it was that Rory and Jess while mature 25 year olds are still in that teenage mind set in a way. So for Jess this whole baby thing was kind of like a dream you know where it's happening but you're not quite sure if it's really happening. When he was in the backseat of the car with Rory and put his hand to her stomach the dream stopped and he realized that this was really happening and so his character changes a little bit to fit that realization.
Ok sorry to bore you with character development; it's my new obsession. Anyway On with the story.
*Down Town Giorgio's Coffee:
Lorelai is walking back to the table, a large grin on her face. Turning the corner she notices Luke talking on her cell phone.
Luke puts the phone down as Lorelai hands him his cup of tea.
"Someone call?" She asks.
"Uh yeah, Jess."
"What did he want.....was he warning you that there'd be a sock on the door when we get back." Lorelai say seriously.
"What? Ew, no!"
"Are you sure, was he talking in code? Maybe he was try trying to spare your innocent mind"
"No!" Luke says, aggravated. " I'm not an idiot you know, I could take the hint, Jess did not call because of that, but he did call to warn me of something."
Lorelai gives Luke a confused look.
"Chris is there."
"Oh..."
"Look, he just showed up at their door unannounced, he's by himself. Jess just wanted to make sure you were aware."
Lorelai nods.
"Jess doesn't know why he's there or anything either......he was calling from the bathroom."
"Why?"
"I think he was hiding out."
Lorelai nods, "Poor kid"
"Yeah, he didn't sound too great on the phone."
"When does he ever sound great on the phone?"
Luke shrugs.
"Ok well lets go."
"What?"
"I want to go back, we're leaving early tomorrow I need some sleep."
"Are you sure you want to go back?" Luke asks warily.
"Yes, I'm not staying away from my, well Rory's apartment where I'm staying just because Chris decided to show up."
"Ok." Luke replies standing up. "Let's go."
Lorelai eyes her fresh cup of coffee, "I'm going to get this to go first, be right back.
*Rory and Jess' Apartment.
"Nice of him to get dressed." Chris remarks as Jess exits the bathroom dressed in a long-sleeve shirt and jeans.
Rory gives Chris a stern look," Dad, I thought you said you going to try, if all that "I want to be a part of this stuff" was all crap then you can go."
Jess stops in his tracks, reaches for the tv guide on the end table, pretending to read it while he eaves drops.
"No, Rory I really want to work things out, I'm sorry it's Just..."
Rory's eyes narrow at her father.
"I'm sorry." Chris sighs.
Rory takes a sip of her tea, "So what are you doing here?"
Jess puts the tv guide down and walks into the kitchen.
"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop and say hi."
Rory smiles faintly, "Hi."
"You look terrific." Chris states.
"Thanks."
"You've been eating good and taking care of yourself?"
"Yep, Jess makes sure that I do." Rory replies reaching a hand out towards Jess.
Jess moves towards her, kissing her hand as he takes a seat next to her.
Chris nods, "Well that's good...."
Rory nods.
"So do you know what the sex is yet?" Chris asks.
"No, I have an appointment in next week we'll find out then."
Jess beams at Rory.
Rory goes pink.
"So how are you doing with work, Ror?"
"Um good, haven't had much to do the last few weeks, the first two weeks of the new year are really slow news wise. But I'm working on this piece about how recent foreign affairs are affecting our area you know how peoples attitudes have changed, there are some volunteer groups raising money to send overseas so I interviewed them last week. Once it's all done we should have a really nice report."
"That's great sweetie, I'm so happy they're finally taking advantage of the talent they have down there at nbc."
"Well I wouldn't get your hopes up, I mean I'm still doing local pieces but at least they started putting me on camera which is something."
"Exactly."
*The intercom buzzer goes off.
Jess send Rory and concerned look before getting up and pressing the enter button.
"What was that?" Chris asks.
"Uh, just mom and Luke. They came for Lane's wedding, they leave in the morning."
Chris nods.
"Well I guess I should be going then, I don't want to cause any trouble."
"Ok." Rory replies standing up. "Bye Dad."
Chris turns around, "Hey kiddo, what are you doing tomorrow? How about we do lunch before I head back."
"I'd like that, I get off for lunch at 1."
"1 it is, I'll pick you up?"
"Ok."
Chris walks over to Rory and hugs her goodbye. "Bye sweetie..... Jess." Chris nods at Jess.
Jess folds his arms, managing a small wave to Chris.
The front door opens.
"Lorelai." Chris breathes uncomfortably.
"Chris."
"I'm leaving."
"Goodbye." Lorelai replies walking past him.
Chris turns, waves at Rory and is gone.
*5 minutes later:
Rory is stretched across the couch. Lorelai is in the kitchen with Jess. Luke is inside getting changed.
"So he just showed up?"
"Yep." Jess replies.
"And you're going out with him tomorrow?" Lorelai asks.
"Its just lunch." Rory replies.
"I know, I'm just surprised he came, I'm surprised the ol' ball and chain let him."
"Mom."
"Sorry, hey sweets I'm going to go to bed I'm exhausted and I told work I'd be in as soon as we got back, apparently I've been taking a few too many days off." Lorelai rolls her eyes.
Rory giggles, "Ok, night mom."
Jess watches Lorelai disappear into the spare bedroom, waits for Luke's gruff voice to rise as Lorelai takes his baseball cap, and then with a grin makes his way over to Rory.
"Hey." He says standing over her.
"Hi."
"Bed." Jess says offering Rory his hand.
"Yeah." Rory replies taking Jess' hand.
They walk hand and hand towards the bedroom.
"Sorry about tonight."
"Hey don't worry about it." Jess replies gruffly.
"I really wanted to...," Rory is cut off by jess lips meeting hers.
"I know." Jess replies a smile playing on his lips.
They enter the bedroom, Jess in front of Rory.
Jess turns around, facing Rory, "So everybody's gone tomorrow?"
"Yep." Rory grins.
"No more visitors?" Jess raises an eyebrow at Rory.
"Not for a few weeks anyway."
"So it'll be just me and you.....all week?"
"Save anymore surprises." Rory replies seriously.
"What time you get home tomorrow?"
"6, and you're here at 5?"
"I say we lock the doors and shut off all the lights the second you get home."
"Sounds like a plan." Rory replies happily.
Jess wraps his arms around Rory, pulling her with him as he backs onto the bed, "I can't wait for tomorrow."
"Me neither."
*5am: Jess is awoken by Rory feverishly tossing and turning.
Jess puts his hand on Rory's arm, "Hey." He whispers.
Rory tosses again, making a small noise.
"Ror, hey Rory." Jess says grabbing Rory by the arm this tine.
Rory turns to look at him, her eyes glassy.
"What's the matter?" He asks.
"I can't sleep." Rory replies sadly.
"Have a bad dream?"
"No."
"Anything bothering you?" He asks pulling Rory towards him.
Rory rests her head on Jess' chest and nods.
"What?"
"You're going to laugh at me."
"Try me."
"For the past hour all I've been thinking about is chocolate creampuffs, and now I really really want one."
Jess stifles a laugh.
Rory pulls away.
"No, hey I'm sorry. It's not funny." Jess says, taking Rory in his arms.
Rory sighs as Jess runs his fingers through her hair, tossing it to one side so he can kiss her neck.
"So you're not going to be able to get back to sleep?"
Rory shakes her head.
"Alright I'll be back."
Rory sits up as Jess slides out of bed, "Where are you going?"
"The bakery down the street opens in five minutes, maybe they'll have cream puffs."
"No, Jess I don't want to you to go get me one now...come back to bed I'll just go eat a pop tart.
"I have to get up in another hour anyway, besides you ate the last two pop tarts yesterday."
"Oh, right." Rory replies. "At least let me come with."
"Alright, just dress warm, it's freezing out."
Rory jumps out of bed heading for the dresser.
*30 minutes later: Jess and Rory are walking back to the apartment with a bag of cream puffs and a loaf of cinnamon bread.
Jess stops abruptly, "What are you waiting for I thought you couldn't live without cream puffs."
Rory eyes the bag in Jess' hand, "I am, but I'm just a little embarrassed ok."
"Embarrassed about what?"
"I don't know, I don't want you to think I'm this crazed pastry fiend."
Jess chuckles, "There's nothing shameful about that, besides at least its cream puffs and not pickles." Jess gives Rory a disgusted face.
"Ew, I'll never eat pickles yuck."
"So go ahead." Jess replies waving the bag at Rory
Rory takes it, delicately placing her hand in the bag she grabs a large cream puff and bites into it.
She makes a small noise.
"Good huh?"
Rory nods, "Want some?"
"Please." Jess replies taking it from her.
"Hey not so much, that bite was huge!" Rory exclaims.
"There's 6 more in the bag, babe."
"That may not be enough." Rory replies with a grin.
*The apartment.
Rory and Jess enter to find Lorelai sitting at the counter waiting for them.
"And where were you at 5:30 in the morning?"
"What are you doing up at 5:30?" Jess replies.
Lorelai groans, "When I said we needed to leave early I meant like 9 o'clock but Mr. workaholic over there wants to be back home for 8."
Rory giggles.
"oo! Bakery bags, what'd you bring me." Lorelai replies hopping off the counter.
"Cinnamon bread." Rory answers.
Lorelai approaches the bag of cream puffs, "Oo! Cream puffs!"
Rory tightens her grip on the cream puff bag, "These are mine."
Lorelai pouts.
"Ok, you can have one but the other 4 are mine."
"4, I thought there were 6 left."
"There were 6." Rory says sheepishly.
Lorelai takes her cream puff over to the counter. "Ah, so someone got an early craving?"
"mm hmm."
"I always hated losing sleep over those." Lorelai replies through bites.
"Yeah, but at least the baby's got good taste." Rory replies licking her lips.
"Mmm these are good."
"Alright I'm going to go shower, hey Ror, sweetie try and save some of those for lunch." Jess says kissing Rory on the cheek.
"Man he's really taking this whole good dad/husband thing seriously isn't he?"
"Yeah....that's why I'm afraid that after the whole morning sickness thing goes away he might not let me have coffee anyway." Rory replies sadly.
"Oh no, that is one thing he will not do, he should know by now not to mess with a Gilmore's coffee intake."
Rory giggles.
1pm:
"Mrs. Marino, your father is here."
"Thank you Casey, tell him I'll be right out." Rory calls through her office intercom.
*2 minutes later.
Rory enters the lobby where Chris is talking to Casey the Secretary.
"Hey honey." Chris says hugging Rory.
"Hey Dad."
"I saw this great little place down on Waverly, what do think does Chinese sound good?"
"I never turn down egg rolls." Rory grins.
*Outside.
"I'm sorry but that still sounds weird." Chris speaks up.
"What sounds weird?"
"Rory Marino."
"Dad." Rory says sternly.
"No, I'm not saying it's a bad thing....it sounds kind of nice actually it's just weird."
"Jess wanted me to keep my name."
"Really?" Chris scoffs. "That's surprising, why?"
"He said Gilmore sounded more Journalistic." Rory giggles.
"He's right, you know." Chris replies, "Too late now though."
*Restaurant: 20 mins later
"....So how's Georgia?"
"She's good, got a part in the school play."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's going be Wendy in peter pan, and she wanted to make sure that I told you she wants you and Jess to come see it."
"We wouldn't miss it."
" I swear that guy can do no wrong in her eyes."
"Yeah well he's just good with kids, especially little girls....I think it's the hair."
Chris laughs, "She never takes of that damn metallica shirt he brought her, Sherri tried to take it away and Gi had a hissy fit."
"Not a big fan of Metallica?" Rory says flatly.
"Nah, she went out and bought Gi a bunch of those Raphie cds, I found them in the bathroom garbage the next morning, without all their cases....Gigi slipped Metallica and her Ramones cds in there, Sherri has yet to notice." Chris rolls his eyes.
"Ah yes, Jess does have a profound affect on one musical taste." Rory grins.
Chris shrugs, "Please tell me what it is about this guy that makes my daughters swoon for him." Chris asks.
Rory's smile fades, "Do you really have to ask Dad, you've know him for 8 years."
Chris shakes his head, "Rory I was kidding."
"That's the thing, you weren't.
"Honey, please don't get upset.."
"You've known Jess for 8 years and you still haven't gotten over what happened in high school."
Chris sighs, "I'm sorry Rory, I can't just change my opinion of Jess in one day."
"He hasn't done anything to make you doubt his faithfulness to me ever, and you're still giving me shit about him. He even asked you for permission to marry me, you told him he wasn't ready for marriage, so he proposed to me a month later and we stayed engaged for two years...last year he invited you to his bachelor party and you wouldn't even go. He's tried everything to make you like him, but you don't want to like him."
"Rory, I can't just get over this stuff, you know the situation, am I being unfair maybe but I just I can't get over it."
"Well you're going to have to dad, I mean another 7 1/2 months and we'll be connected permanently." Rory replies, instinctively placing a hand on her stomach.
Chris sighs, "I know, I know."
"Dad, you're too old to be doing this....you have to let me make my mistakes, live my own life."
"You're right."
"But I'll tell you one thing, Jess is not a mistake....I love him, just like you love Sherri."
Chris shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
"Don't pretend like you settled, I've done a lot of thinking about this and I know you love her."
"I do."
"I don't like Sherri."
"I know, none of you do." Chris says flatly.
"But I'm willing to work on it."
"Really?"
"If you work on getting along with Jess."
Chris rolls his eyes playfully.
"Dad."
"Ok, I'll work on it, I promise."
Rory and Chris sit in silence for a few minutes as Chris pays the check and they stand to leave.
"Thanks for lunch, Dad."
"Anytime, I'm glad we talked things out."
"Me too, we'll have to work out when we can do it again, all of us."
"How about dinner tonight?"
"What?"
"Well I brought Sherri and Gigi with me, they're sightseeing today."
"Why didn't you tell me they were with you?"
"Well I know things between you and Sherri ended on a sore foot."
Rory glares at her father.
"Something that was 100% not your fault, and believe me Sherri knows that.....she wants to apologize." Chris replies, a sense of desperation in his voice.
Rory eyes soften on her father sympathetically, knowing that if she wasn't willing to take the first step towards a mutual civility with Sherri, it would only give Chris more of a reason to dislike Jess.
"Dinner sounds good." Rory replies, "....but not tonight."
"Alright tomorrow then." Chris smiles at Rory. "Great, I'll call you tomorrow and we'll set it all up, thanks sweetie."
"So got plans tonight?" Chris smiles at Rory.
Rory goes pink, "Yep, big plans."
*6pm: Rory opens the door to the apartment, which is dimly lit by candles, the light sent of lilac permeating the small residence.
Rory stands in the doorway speechless.
Jess walks out, almost as if on cue from the bedroom.
He smiles at the sight of Rory.
"You're home."
Rory nods.
"Close the door behind you....lock it."
Rory grins, stepping inside effortlessly pulling the deadbolt closed.
Jess approaches Rory, a goofy smile on his face.
Rory meets him halfway, resting her arms around his slim muscular frame.
"So you survived lunch?" Jess raises an eyebrow at her.
Rory nods.
"Good, at least that's over." He says quietly, moving his hands across her back.
Rory pulls away, "Actually..."
Jess sighs, making a fist with his hand in an attempt to control his anger, "What now?"
Rory sends him a bewildered glance.
"D-dinner tomorrow."
Jess sighs.
"You, me, him..Georgia and Sherri." Rory says carefully, mumbling the alst part.
"He brought them with him..God this was such a set up."
Rory puts her hand on Jess' arm. He pulls it away.
"Look Jess, yes it was a set up.......but what I realized something today."
Jess' expression softens as Rory continues to speak.
"As much as we'd all like to pretend that Dad and Sherri's marriage is a sham, over the years he's really come to love her.....he wouldn't have stayed this long if he didn't, even the "new and approved" Christopher Hayden doesn't have that much power, he loves her......just like I love you."
Jess sighs, knowing exactly where this is going.
"I can't expect him to make an effort to accept you, if I don't try and be civil to Sherri."
"You're right."
"Look, he said she wants to apologize to us......at least that will be entertaining, right?" Rory smiles faintly.
Jess mumbles, "I guess."
"So you'll go with me."
"Of course, I learned my lesson, from now on I go anywhere you ask me too."
"He wanted us to have dinner tonight."
"Oh really?" Jess asks.
"Yea." Rory says smirking, "But I told him we had other plans."
Jess grins, "Hungry? I made chicken Alfredo."
"Oo taking risks in the kitchen?"
"What can I say I'm a modern day dare devil."
Rory laughs.
"So you want to eat?"
"Yeah, but not right now." Rory smiles, taking hold of Jess' collar.
A/n Ok this was basically a filler chapter wanted to get the whole Chris situation, another words where he and Rory stand set up. I figure Rory would be fats to forgive her dad, and really the whole Chris not liking jess is parallel to Rory not liking Sherri, so I want to tackle that and probably after next chapter I'll skip ahead a bit. Thanks for reading please Review let me know what I can work on. Next chapter will be more exciting, promise (