GILMORE DAYS
Title: Roasting On An Open Fire
Author: mocha-queen
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. All of it belongs to those whose names appear on screen.
Spoilers: General season 2 and parts of season 3. I just took a few things because I accidentally incorporated them later. Takes place in season 3. Dave is here.
Summary: It's Christmas in Stars Hollow, let the festivities begin! Part 2 of Tis The Season To Be Jolly.
Author Notes: This fic is basically my idea season 3, so it's a rewrite of GG season 3 and most of the TV stuff hasn't really happened unless I've incorporated it. But I ran into a problem when I put Dave in, when he wasn't really supposed to be there. So, let's just pretend that Dave came in like he did in the show.
Thank you to all of you who have feedbacked. It means so much. And if you haven't sent feedback, please do! Again, all ideas for what else should happen are welcome.
Adriannawolf- Hey, how about I just keep your name in my Author Notes just for fun? He he he.
This is the last for a while. I don't have anything else written for this at the moment, but when the mood and muse strikes me, you will have more. But don't fear, I do have more fic. Tomorrow, look for my newest one, "Letters of Remembrance." Read it, it's really, really good. And coming from me about my own fic, that's saying a lot.
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ELDER GILMORE PARTY
[JESS and RORY are sitting on a couch.]
JESS: I'm bored.
RORY: [shrugs] Okay.
JESS: Do you wanna do something?
RORY: Like?
JESS: Oh, I don't know.
[He yawns and stretches and puts an arm over her shoulders.]
RORY: Sneaky.
JESS: I could always sneeze and my hand could fall and..
RORY: Not now.
JESS: [mock hurt] Spoil my fun.
RORY: I spoil your fun now, but just you wait.
JESS: And what if I can't wait?
RORY: Good things come to those who wait.
JESS: Damn.
RORY: Sorry, babe.
JESS: [shrugs] Well, I can tease you too, you know.
RORY: You wouldn't. Not in front of Grandma's friends. And my mother!
JESS: Wouldn't I?
RORY: [pleading] Jess. Don't.
JESS: [holds up his hands in surrender] Okay.
[RORY similes and leans into him.]
JESS: I'm bored.
[RORY rolls her eyes.]
ELSEWHERE
[LUKE and LORELAI are standing by the dessert table talking.]
LORELAI: Can you make me some coffee?
LUKE: There's coffee right in front of you.
LORELAI: It's not as good as yours.
LUKE: I can't make you coffee here.
LORELAI: Because you don't have Luke's special coffee beans?
LUKE: Something like that.
LORELAI: We could run back to Luke's get some coffee beans and come back and then you can make coffee.
LUKE: Or while we're there, we could get you a cup of coffee.
LORELAI: Yes! To hold me over until we get back and you can make the coffee. [British accent] Smart man, you are Lucas, smart man.
LUKE: [warning] Don't..
LORELAI: Don't what?
LUKE: Don't call me that.
LORELAI: Okay I won't call you *that*.
LUKE: You know what I mean.
LORELAI: [mock stupidity] No, I don't.
LUKE: [whispering] Don't call me *Lucas*.
LORELAI: Well, since you asked nicely.. I guess I can give it up. for a few days.
[LUKE rolls his eyes as EMILY walks over.]
EMILY: Oh, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two.
LUKE: Always check with the coffee.
LORELAI: Yes, Mom, have I taught you nothing? You always look by the coffee.
EMILY: Apparently not. [pause] Come with me, you two, I need your help.
LORELAI: You need *my* help?
EMILY: Yes. Is that so hard to believe?
LORELAI: It's Ripley's worthy.
EMILY: [to Luke] What is she talking about?
LUKE: No one will ever know. [pause] You needed help?
EMILY: Yes. Come you two.
[LUKE and LORELAI follow EMILY down the hall to a small room. LUKE and LORELAI are standing in the doorway, EMILY is right behind them. LORELAI looks into the near empty room.]
LORELAI: How exactly do you need my help?
[EMILY points above their heads.]
EMILY: [mock surprise] Oh, look, mistletoe! Such a coincidence. I'll leave the two of you alone now.
[EMILY leaves, grinning to herself.]
LORELAI: Mistletoe. Huh. That was totally not planted there.
LUKE: We could.. uh, skip it if you want.
LORELAI: No, it's tradition. Those under the mistletoe kiss, right?
LUKE: [unsure] Right.
LORELAI: You know what? You're right, we don't have to.
LUKE: And break tradition?
LORELAI: That's bad luck.
LUKE: Don't want that.
[Slowly LORELAI and LUKE inch closer together till they kiss. The kiss becomes heated till LORELAI pulls away.]
LUKE: Sorry.
LORELAI: Me too.
LUKE: [disappointed] Yeah.
LORELAI: Actually, I'm not.
LUKE: [hopeful] No?
LORELAI: Nope. You know why? Because you're a good kisser.
[LORELAI pulls LUKE inside the room, closes the door and while kissing, presses him up against it.]
ELSEWHERE
[RORY and JESS are still on the couch.]
RORY: I'm bored.
JESS: I'm still bored.
RORY: I wonder where Luke and Mom are.
JESS: Probably pretending they don't have feelings for each other.
RORY: I like those odds.
JESS: Or, maybe they finally got together and are in a room right now-
RORY: Gross. Did not need that image.
JESS: You're right. I can live with out imaging Luke and Lorelai. Okay, I'm stopping now.
RORY: Thank you.
JESS: I'm bored.
RORY: Me too. [pause] How bout a tour?
[JESS stands and helps her up.]
JESS: Sure.
LATER
[RORY and JESS are outside a room.]
RORY: And this is Mom's old room.
[JESS pokes his head in.]
JESS: Cool.
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Big house.
RORY: No kidding, I used to get lost.
JESS: Really?
RORY: [embarrassed] I cried.
[JESS kisses RORY in the cheek before going to sit on the bed.]
JESS: Comfy.
[RORY comes to stand between his legs.]
RORY: Really?
JESS: Yeah.
[JESS pulls RORY so she's leaning against him.]
RORY: I'm sorry.
JESS: About?
RORY: The party. Not fun.
JESS: It's okay.
RORY: How were the grandparents?
JESS: [smirking] Good, considering I'm about to corrupt their granddaughter.
[RORY smiles and kisses JESS lightly. He pulls her into a deep kiss and pulls her back onto the bed.]
ELSEWHERE
[EMILY is running around and finds PARIS and RICHARD.]
EMILY: Have either of you seen Jess and Rory?
PARIS: Nope, sorry.
RICHARD: No I haven't, and come to think of it, I haven't seen Lorelai and Luke either.
EMILY: Oh, don't worry about Lorelai and Luke. I'm sure they're busy.
RICHARD: What did you do?
EMILY: Nothing.
RICHARD: You were never one for doing nothing.
EMILY: Richard! How dare you accuse me of such a thing?
RICHARD: Emily..
EMILY: I just wanted to know if either of you had seen Rory and Jess.
RICHARD: I'm sure they're around somewhere.
EMILY: [bitter] Somewhere un-chaperoned.
[EMILY storms off in search of RORY and JESS. She walks past LORELAI'S room but doubles back thinking she might as well check it. She finds JESS'S upper body over RORY on LORELAI'S bed.]
EMILY: [screaming] OH MY GOD!
[PARIS and RICHARD hear and go to check it out. LUKE and LORELAI are still in the room making out.]
[EMILY runs over and pulls JESS off RORY.]
EMILY: Just what do you think you are doing?!?!
JESS: Uhh..
RORY: [embarrassed] Grandma.
[RICHARD and PARIS appear.]
RICHARD: What's going on?
EMILY: I found them [motions to JESS and RORY] on *that*! [points to the bed]
PARIS: On the bed?
EMILY: Yes!
RICHARD: I'm sure they were just-
EMILY: He was on top of her, kissing!
PARIS: [shocked] Rory!
RORY: Wait. We weren't.
EMILY: You know what? This isn't my problem. I'm taking you to your mother!
RORY: Where is-
EMILY: I don't want to hear another word out of you.
JESS: But-
[EMILY sends a death glare Jess's way and he stops.]
RICHARD: Emily, calm-
EMILY: No! I will not calm down! I just found my granddaughter and him [points to JESS] on a bed in an empty room, doing god knows what! I will not calm down!
[EMILY grabs RORY'S hand and pulls her behind. RORY grabs JESS'S hand and pulls him. RICHARD and PARIS run after the three, eager to see what happens next.]
EMPTY ROOM
[LORELAI and LUKE are on the couch kissing when EMILY barges in pulling the two teens behind her. LORELAI and LUKE immediately break apart.]
LORELAI: [breathless] The. mistletoe. It made me. [notices the crowd] What's up?
EMILY: You will never guess what I found these two doing.
LORELAI: Reading?
EMILY: Kissing! On your bed!
LORELAI: Oh.
EMILY: That's all you have to say?
LORELAI: For now, yes. I'll deal with it when I get home.
EMILY: But they were on your bed! Kissing and doing god knows what else!
LORELAI: [trying to remain calm] I really don't want to be arguing about this at your party.
EMILY: This is all your fault.
LORELAI: My fault? How did Rory and Jess kissing become my fault?
EMILY: Because you let her see him!
LORELAI: I don't have a choice in who she likes.
EMILY: You could-
LORELAI: No. I'm not turning into you and stopping Rory from having anything that resembles a life!
EMILY: You need to stop this before she turns out like you!
LORELAI: [yelling] And that's so bad? Look at me, Mom! I'm successful, I have a brilliant daughter and the best friend anyone could ask for.
EMILY: Lorelai-
LORELAI: No, Mom!
RORY: Guys, can you just stop this? Grandma, this isn't Mom's fault. I'm completely to blame.
EMILY: No, dear, I don't blame you. But I do blame Jess.
RORY: What?
EMILY: You arrived late, which was probably his doing. He got you in an accident. He's going to get you pregnant!
RORY: Grandma, please stop.
EMILY: No! Your mother won't do anything about you and Jess, but I will. Rory, I forbid you to see him!
[RORY'S eyes fill with tears and she runs from the room. EMILY walks out the door but is shoved away by JESS who runs after RORY. EMILY is about to chase after them too.]
LORELAI: [warning] Mom.
EMILY: But-
LORELAI: Mom, you've done enough damage for one night.
EMILY: Aren't you going to-
LORELAI: Jess will handle it.
[EMILY looks at LUKE.]
LUKE: [shrugs] He'll take care of it.
OUTSIDE
[RORY runs out the doors and stops when she reaches the balcony railing. JESS comes out soon after. RORY is still crying. JESS approaches her slowly.]
JESS: It's cold.
RORY: [sniffling] I don't care.
JESS: You'll get sick at Christmas.
RORY: [angry] Did you not hear me say I don't care?!?
[JESS is now in front of RORY and pulls her into his arms.]
JESS: [softly] Hey, hey. It's okay...
RORY: [crying] No.. It's not.
JESS: It will be.
RORY: It's Christmas and I just got into a fight with Grandma. I hate this.
JESS: I know. [pause] You're shivering.
[JESS takes off his jacked and puts it over her. He stands behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. They stand watching the snow start to fall.]
INSIDE
[RICHAR, EMILY, and LORELAI are still in the room. PARIS and LUKE have left.]
EMILY: Well, someone should go find them.
LORELAI: [angry] I think you've done enough.
RICHARD: [to EMILY] This is not your problem.
EMILY: It concerns my granddaughter.
LORELAI: Well, it concerns my daughter! [pause] You can't control her life like you did mine.
[Silence.]
EMILY: I hate how things are between us.
LORELAI: I do too.
EMILY: You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the fact that you couldn't pay for Rory's tuition.
LORELAI: Hey, I come to the Christmas party for the apple tarts!
RICHARD: Lorelai..
LORELAI: Fine. [pause] I would have come home eventually.
EMILY: Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, I probably would have needed to borrow money *later*.
RICHARD: [frustrated] Lorelai.
LORELAI: Mom, look. I know you were only doing what you thought was right.
EMILY: I wanted you to have the best.
LORELAI: I didn't want the best of that world. I didn't want to live the life you had.
EMILY: The life I live is fine!
LORELAI: Maybe for you, but not for me. My life, right now, that's fine.
EMILY: You hate us.
LORELAI: I don't hate you.
EMILY: Yes, you do.
LORELAI: On occasion, there may be some feelings of dislike towards you. but I never will fully hate you. You're my parents. You gave me a home, you gave me everything you thought I should have.
EMILY: You resent us, then.
LORELAI: [smiling] Not always.
RICHARD: Now that we have that settled.. What will you two do about Rory?
OUTSIDE
[RORY is still wrapped in JESS'S arms, except she's facing him and her head is resting on his chest. They're swaying, slowly dancing to the distant music from inside.]
RORY: [softly] Thank you. I didn't mean to get. You know.
JESS: Don't worry about it.
RORY: Just. She doesn't give you a chance. She would love you.
JESS: I'm not so sure.
RORY: [sighing] You're right.
JESS: Be happy that your Grandpa doesn't mind me.
RORY: [smiling] That's good.
[Silence, but they still dance.]
RORY: I want to go home.
JESS: Let's go.
RORY: It's the middle of the party.
JESS: Who cares? We have keys, we have a car. Let's go.
RORY: [giving in] Okay. Let's go find tell Mom and Luke we're going.
[They go back inside in search of LUKE and LORELAI.]
RORY: So, do you think it's just a hook up or they'll start dating?
JESS: Who? Luke and Lorleai?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: I think with help from us, they'll get together.
RORY: [smiling] Good.
ROOM
[RICHARD has left. LORELAI and EMILY remain.]
LORELAI: I'm going to find Rory, now.
EMILY: I'll come with you.
LORELAI: No, Mom. Give her a chance to cool off.
EMILY: [sadly] Oh.
LORELAI: Hey, we have this party on Christmas Eve. Come by then, she'll forgive you.
EMILY: Really?
LORELAI: Really. [pause] We'll probably head out. I'm going to find Luke. I'll see you Tuesday.
EMILY: Goodbye, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Goodbye, Mom.
[LORELAI exits leaving EMILY alone.]
PARTY
[LUKE is by the food. LORELAI comes up to him.]
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey.
[LUKE is about to kiss her but is not sure he should and pulls back. LORELAI smiles and kisses him instead. RORY and JESS come up behind them, holding hands.]
RORY: Ah hem!
[LUKE and LORELAI break apart.]
LORELAI: [shocked] Rory! I was just coming to find you.
RORY: Sure. when you're lips got unglued from Luke's?
LORELAI: [teasing] You're not the only one who can have fun.
RORY: About that..
LORELAI: We'll talk later, okay?
RORY: Okay. [pause] So you two are.
LORELAI: I don't know. Luke?
LUKE: Uhhh.
LORELAI: We'll save this discussion for another time.
RORY: Good idea. [pause] We're gonna go.
LORELAI: Yup. Us too.
RORY: You okay with me going back with Jess?
LORELAI: Of course, don't stay out too late, k?
RORY: Umm, tell Grandma and Grandpa I said bye?
LORELAI: Yup.
[LUKE and LORELAI go back to kissing. RORY and JESS get their coats and run into PARIS at the door who is also leaving.]
RORY: Have a good time?
PARIS: Yes, thank you.
RORY: Shame Jamie couldn't come.
PARIS: He had stuff to do. He said he'd come on Tuesday.
RORY: Good.
PARIS: Are you okay? You seemed pretty upset.
RORY: [looks up at JESS] Yeah, I'm fine.
PARIS: [uncomfortable] Good. Good, I'll just go now.
RORY: Bye Paris.
PARIS: Bye Rory, Jess.
JESS: See ya.
[PARIS leaves. RORY and JESS roll their eyes and follow.]
GILMORE HOME
[RORY and JESS sit in the car outside the house.]
RORY: Things shouldn't be this out of hand.
JESS: But they are.
RORY: I wish we could just have a Merry Christmas.
JESS: We can.
RORY: I don't want Grandma to be angry.
JESS: You'll patch things up.
RORY: How are you so sure?
JESS: She and your Mom always work out their differences.
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: No problem.
[JESS kisses RORY goodnight before RORY gets out of the car.]
JESS: Bye.
RORY: See you tomorrow?
JESS: Yup.
RORY: Bye.
[RORY goes inside.]
LATER-GILMORE HOUSE
[LORELAI comes and sits on the couch beside RORY.]
RORY: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey. Made it home okay?
RORY: Yeah. [pause] Sorry about tonight.
LORELAI: It's okay.
RORY: [skeptical] Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, you haven't lived life unless Emily catches you making out with a guy.
RORY: Just to clarify, we weren't.we're not.
LORELAI: Just promise me, if you guys do.. have sex, you'll let me know.
RORY: I promise.
LORELAI: It's just that-
RORY: I promise.
LORELAI: [grinning] And you also have to promise to tell me all the gory details.
RORY: Eww, gross.
[LORELAI and RORY hug.]
RORY: So, how's Luke?
LORELAI: Good. Why?
RORY: How's his mouth?
LORELAI: Gross.
RORY: So, you and Luke are together now?
LORELAI: Hey, you and Paris seem to be getting along lately.
RORY: I'm not going to let you change the subject. This is way too important. [pause] So, are you?
LORELAI: I can't hide, can I?
RORY: Nope.
LORELAI: Grandma set us up.
RORY: Grandma?
LORLEAI: Yup. She tricked us into a room with mistletoe.
RORY: So what are you and Luke now?
LORELAI: I don't know. It's weird. I mean, it's me and Luke. We've known each other for like.. forever. He knows me, I know him.
RORY: And you want to be with him, he wants to be with you, and the town can't wait for you guys to hook up.
LORELAI: What do you think?
RORY: Honestly?
LORELAI: Completely honest. Because if you don't like it. Me and Luke will never happen.
RORY: I couldn't ask for a better Dad.
LORELAI: So you think we'll get married?
RORY: If it were up to Luke, in like 5 years.. at least. But since you will propose because he's waay to chicken.. I'll give it a year.
LORELAI: You've planned it?
RORY: We have a pool. If you help me win, I'll split the money.
LORELAI: Deal.
CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY-GILMORE HOUSE
[LORELAI, SOOKIE, and RORY are in the kitchen preparing. The doorbell rings.]
SOOKIE: Oh my god! They're here already! I don't have the food finished yet!
LORELAI: Sookie, calm down. And I wonder why they are ringing the doorbell.
RORY: I'll get the door. Mom, please make sure Sookie doesn't go completely crazy.
LORELAI: [salutes] Aye, aye, captain!
[RORY goes to answer the door. JESS and LUKE are on the other side, arms filled with boxes.]
RORY: Hey.
JESS: Hey.
LUKE: Hey. We would have just come in but we had our hands full.
RORY: It's okay. Mom's in the kitchen.
LUKE: [smiling] Thanks.
[LUKE leaves. RORY smiles and gives JESS a kiss almost causing him to drop the boxes.]
KITCHEN
[LUKE comes in.]
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey.
[LUKE gives LORELAI a kiss before leaving again.]
SOOKIE: So are you and Luke together?
LORELAI: Yup.
SOOKIE: Officially?
LORELAI: We talked about it, and yeah, we're going to try it out. [pause] I think it's going to work out.
SOOKIE: Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, we get along and stuff.. Most of the time. Rory likes him, he likes Rory, so we don't have that problem.
SOOKIE: Good.
LORELAI: Yup. Today's our coming out.
SOOKIE: The town will have a field day.
LORELAI: Please, don't remind me.
LATER-PARTY
[Everyone from Stars Hollow and even other towns are around.]
MISS PATTY: [to LORELAI] Is it true?
LORELAI: What?
MISS PATTY: You and Luke?
LORELAI: [dreamily] Yes.
MISS PATTY: Oh, you lucky girl, nice piece of meat you got there.
LORELAI: [still dreamy] Oh yeah.
MISS PATTY: Well, I'll let you and Luke have some fun.
LORELAI: [sarcastically] Thanks, Patty.
[MISS PATTY leaves. KIRK comes to talk to LORELAI.]
KIRK: Lorelai.
LORELAI: Hello, Kirk.
KIRK: How are you?
LORELAI: Good, you?
KIRK: I'm a little hurt, actually.
LORELAI: Really? What's wrong?
KIRK: You didn't tell me you were seeing Luke.
LORELAI: I was supposed to tell you personally?
KIRK: Yes.
LORELAI: Why?
KIRK: Well, we've known each other for a long time, correct?
LORELAI: Quite a while, yes.
KIRK: And we're good friends, correct?
LORELAI: Sure.
KIRK: I just thought that since we were friends you'd have the decency to tell me that you were dating Luke.
LORELAI: Oh, sorry Kirk.
KIRK: You're forgiven, just don't let it happen again.
LORELAI: [humouring him] You have my word.
[KIRK leaves and LORELAI escapes to a corner of the room. LUKE comes up to her.]
LORELAI: Oh, thank god, someone I can talk to!
[They kiss.]
LUKE: Being attacked by curious towns people?
LORELAI: Oh yeah.
LUKE: Maybe we shouldn't have told them at a party.
LORELAI: I'm beginning to think that would have been a good idea.
LUKE: I told you so.
LORELAI: You did not.
LUKE: I did.
LORELAI: I said we should tell people, they're dying to know. You asked when. I said now. You said no because then we'll have to deal with everyone at the party and. okay, fine. Yes, you told me so, but since when do I listen?
LUKE: [joking] What have I gotten myself into?
ELSEWHERE
[PARIS and JAMIE walk up to RORY and JESS who are talking in a corner.]
PARIS: Hey.
RORY: Hi, you made it!
PARIS: You demanded my presence, didn't you?
RORY: I did. [pause] Hi Jamie!
JAMIE: [nervous] Hi.
PARIS: Jamie, Jess. Jess, Jamie.
JAMIE: Hello.
JESS: Hey, man.
[Awkward silence.]
RORY: So, Paris, got any of that homework done?
PARIS: Some, I've been a little busy. You?
RORY: None what so ever. I better get started.
PARIS: [eager] Yup. So.
JAMIE: [to PARIS] I'm going to go get some drinks, you want anything?
PARIS: I'll come with you.
[PARIS and JAMIE leave.]
JESS: That was..
RORY: Awkward?
JESS: Yeah. Jamie is.
RORY: Preppy?
JESS: Pretty much.
ELSEWHERE
[LUKE and LORELAI are in the kitchen fixing up the food.]
LUKE: Where's Sookie?
LORELAI: She needed something and left me in charge to make sure the plates were stocked and what not.
[TAYLOR enters.]
TAYLOR: Luke! Just the man I was looking for.
LUKE: Taylor, what do I owe this pleasure?
TAYLOR: Do not humour me, I am on important business.
LUKE: And that would be?
TAYLOR: I have the petition I promised.
LUKE: Do you?
[TAYLOR takes out a piece of paper and hands it to LUKE. LUKE takes it and looks at it.]
LUKE: This is all you got?
TAYLOR: Yes, it was very hard work.
LUKE: You have like 10 signatures on here. And all of them work at your store.
TAYLOR: The petition was in my store, it's only natural they see it and sign.
LUKE: Sure.
TAYLOR: This petition is legitimate.
LUKE: How many names do you need on a petition to make it come into effect?
TAYLOR: Majority.
LUKE: Is 10 signatures a majority?
TAYLOR: No, but it's the Christmas season and people are busy. So, I made each name represent 300.
LUKE: That's cheating.
TAYLOR: It's written on the paper. See. [points to the section] 'Each name on this petition represents 300 residents of Stars Hollow.'
LUKE: I'm not putting Christmas decorations up in the diner.
LORELAI: It's the day before Christmas, what's the point?
TAYLOR: Hey, I'm not the one who signed it.
LORELAI: What?
[LUKE inspects the paper closer.]
LUKE: [to LORELAI] You signed it.
LORELAI: [confused] What? I did not!
LUKE: How could you sign this?
LORELAI: I didn't!
[LUKE shows LORELAI the paper. Her signature is there.]
LORELAI: Oh my god, how did I sign that? I don't remem- oh.
LUKE: Oh?
LORELAI: Well. I was tricked! I was having fun signing my name on stuff and Rory said I should stop using my credit card to sign the receipts, so, I went into the store to sign the stuff I could. I guess I signed the paper. I didn't mean to! Forgive me?
LUKE: Fine.
[They kiss. LUKE rips up the paper behind her back.]
TAYLOR: [angry] Hmph! Please, keep these public displays of affection to a minimum or else I will be forced to take action. And please tell Rory and Jess.
ELSEWHERE
[RORY and LANE are talking.]
LANE: Great party.
RORY: Thanks.
[They hug.]
LANE: I like the music.
RORY: You chose it.
LANE: See, I like the music.
RORY: Dave here?
LANE: [giggly] Yes! He's getting drinks right now.
RORY: Very gentlemanly.
LANE: I know! He's just so great, and wonderful, and cute. and there's no way in a million years my mother with ever approve of him.
RORY: [sigh] He's neither Korean or a doctor.
LANE: I was thinking she could over look that, which would be impossible. So, plan B is to put a lot of make up on Dave, make him *look* Korean, and forge a doctor certificate.
RORY: Lane, Dave won't look remotely Korean even with the make up. How about plastic surgery?
LANE: But plastic surgery is a permanent thing. and I see where you're going with this, I'm crazy.
RORY: You just need to calm down, take it one day at a time.
LANE: Yeah, yeah. Good idea.
[DAVE and JESS walk up to the girls.]
JESS: [to Lane] You picked a good one.
LANE: Really?
JESS: Yeah.
DAVE: [to RORY] Yours is crazy.
RORY: [nods] I know. But I like him anyway.
[JESS and RORY kiss.]
LATER
[EMILY and RICHARD enter. RORY sees them and rushes over.]
RORY: Grandma! Grandpa!
[RORY hugs both grandparents.]
RORY: I didn't know you guys were coming.
EMILY: Your mother suggested we come. After the other night, she thought it would be a good way to make up. I thought she would have told you.
RORY: No, but it doesn't matter. I'm glad you guys could make it.
RICHARD: Us, too. [hands RORY some presents] Here are a few gifts.
RORY: Oh, thank you!
[LORELAI walks in.]
LORELAI: Oooh! Goodie, presents!
EMILY: Lorelai, that is no way to make an entrance.
LORELAI: Sorry. [takes the boxes] I'll just go put these under the tree. You guys talk and stuff.
[LORELAI leaves.]
RORY: About Saturday-
RICHARD: It's okay, Rory.
RORY: No, we shouldn't have been in Mom's room. It was rude, and bad, and it won't happen again, I promise.
EMILY: Really, Rory, it's alright.
RORY: I'm really sorry.
EMILY: It's really alright. Your mother made me realize that sometimes there are things you just can't control.
RORY: Mom made you realize that?
EMILY: With help from your grandfather.
RICHARD: She was very hard to persuade, but I think I got the job done.
RORY: So, we're good?
EMILY: Yes, we are, as you say it 'good'.
RICHARD: Agreed. Now, what do you say for some good reading material while everyone else socializes?
RORY: I do believe I have some of Jess's Hemingway if you'd care to read that.
RICHARD: That would be great.
LATER
[EMILY is talking to BABETTE when LORELAI walks over.]
BABETTE: Oh, and we just love cats. They are my life, I just don't know what I'd do without them.
LORELAI: [interrupting] Hey guys.
EMILY: [relieved] Oh, Lorelai!
BABETTE: Heya, hon.
LORELAI: Having a good time?
BABETTE: Yes, your parties are always a blast.
LORELAI: Good. Morey is looking for you, hon.
BABETTE: Oh, thank you, dear, I better go find him.
LORELAI: See ya.
[BABETTE leaves.]
EMILY: My god, I thought she'd never shut up.
LORELAI: [warning] Mom.
EMILY: You have a very diverse group of friends here, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I do. [pause] Did you and Rory make up?
EMILY: Yes, we did.
LORELAI: So we can come next Friday and there will be no death glares from either of you.
EMILY: Rory sends me death glares?
LORELAI: No, but. You know what I mean.
EMILY: Very rarely, but this time, yes. [pause] Are you and Luke together now?
LORELAI: We're gonna try. [pause] Thank you. I'm not sure either one of us had the guts to make the first move.
EMILY: I'm just glad I don't have to see the two of you hide your feelings anymore.
LORELAI: Thank you.
EMILY: You're welcome.
[Silence.]
LORELAI: So. where's Dad?
ELSEWHERE
[RICHARD is outside reading and JESS joins him.]
JESS: Little cold to be outside?
RICHARD: I could say the same for you.
JESS: It's too hot in there.
RICHARD: It is.
[JESS sits beside RICHARD.]
JESS: Look, I'm really sorry about Saturday. I don't want-
RICHARD: Don't bother. Frankly, I'm not that worried about it.
JESS: Seriously?
RICHARD: Yes, I know how much Rory likes you. You make her happy, and you are a great deal better than her last boyfriend.
JESS: I hope so. The guy was a jerk.
[Silence.]
JESS: Enjoying my Hemingway book?
RICHARD: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. You don't mind, do you?
JESS: Nope.
RICHARD: I really enjoy your insights.
JESS: Ahh, the infamous margin notes. Rory loves them.
RICHARD: I can see why, you're a brilliant young man, Jess. You'll be very successful in life.
JESS: [sarcastically] Great.
LATER
[The party has ended and most people have left, just a few people being polite and helping put away a few things before leaving themselves. RORY, LORELAI, JESS, and LUKE are at the door saying goodnight.]
RORY: All I want to do is sleep and never get up.
JESS: But tomorrow's Christmas.
RORY: And Mom will wake me up at the crack of dawn.
JESS: I assume I'll be seeing you for coffee, then?
RORY: You bet.
[RORY pulls him into a kiss, and he leans into her, deepening the kiss.]
LORELAI: [to LUKE] Awww, that's so cute. [to JESS and RORY] Okay, you two, that's enough. Break it up.
JESS: [to RORY] Bye.
[RORY gives JESS a quick kiss.]
RORY: Bye.
[LORELAI kisses LUKE.]
LORELAI: Bye.
LUKE: Bye.
[LUKE and JESS leave. LORELAI leans on RORY as they walk away from the door, slowly.]
LORELAI: Remind me again, why did we throw this party?
RORY: You thought it would be a good idea at the time.
LORELAI: Don't let me throw another party again.
RORY: I'll try. But last time I tried to talk you out of something, you ended up pulling me into it too.
LORELAI: Maybe you should just lock me in my room.
RORY: I can do that.
LORELAI: And send Luke in.
RORY: Gross.
LORELAI: Tired.
RORY: Very.
LORELAI: Very, very, tired.
RORY: Let's go to bed.
LORELAI: Good idea. Night, babe.
RORY: Night, Mom.
[RORY and LORELAI go their separate ways.]
LORELAI: Hey, Rory?
RORY: Mmm?
LORELAI: Don't let me throw a party again.
RORY: Will do.
[Both go off to bed into a deep sleep filled with dreams of their guys.]
CHRISTMAS MORNING
[LORELAI is jumping up and down on RORY'S bed.]
LORELAI: [yelling] It's Christmas! It's Christmas!
[RORY hides under the covers.]
RORY: Mom, what time did we go to bed last night?
LORELAI: I dunno, late.
RORY: And, what time is it now?
LORELAI: I dunno, early.
RORY: I'm tired.
LORELAI: But it's Christmas!
RORY: [groaning] Gimme five minutes.
LORELAI: I'll start without you!
RORY: Get me some coffee and I'll join you.
LORELAI: [excited] Coffee!
[LORELAI dances out of the room.]
LORELAI: Coffee! Christmas! Coffee! Christmas! Coffee! Christmas!
APARTMENT
[JESS emerges from his room, LUKE is at the kitchen table with a small package in front of him.]
LUKE: Hey.
JESS: Hey.
LUKE: Merry Christmas.
JESS: You too. [pause] So, uh..
LUKE: This is awkward.
JESS: That it is.
[LUKE stands.]
LUKE: I, uh. I got something for ya. Not much, but it's Christmas and. yeah.
[JESS pulls out a package from behind his back.]
JESS: I got you something, too.
[They stand awkwardly.]
LUKE: I guess we should open them.
JESS: Yeah, good idea.
[They open their presents. Jess got a book, Luke got a sign that says "when hell freezes over."]
JESS: I didn't know what you'd want.. I figured you could point to that when Lorelai's begging you for coffee or something.
LUKE: No, it's great. Thanks. [points to book] Rory helped me out with that.
JESS: Figured. It's great, thanks.
[More awkwardness.]
LUKE: So do we.
JESS: I dunno.
[LUKE uneasily steps up and pulls JESS into a quick hug, and he hugs back.]
JESS: So.
LUKE: Open the diner? The girls should be here soon.
JESS: [relieved] Definitely.
[LUKE and JESS go downstairs, never to speak of the moment again.]
LUKE'S
[LORELAI and RORY run in.]
LORELAI: [yelling] MERRY CHIRSTMAS!!!
LUKE: You don't have to yell, we're right here.
[LORELAI rolls her eyes and goes to kiss LUKE. RORY meets JESS at the counter. He kisses her quickly before handing her a gift. She gives him one too.]
RORY: Hey.
JESS: Hi.
RORY: Merry Christmas.
JESS: You too.
[They open their presents. He gives her a Hemingway book, she gives him an Ayn Rand book. They look at each other and laugh, and then kiss.]
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
LUKE: Merry Christmas.
[They exchange gifts. For him a flannel shirt, for her a silver chain necklace.]
LORELAI: Thanks, it's gorgeous.
LUKE: Thank you.
LORELAI: Now, I want some coffee.
LUKE: Hey, wait here a sec, I got something else.
[LUKE runs upstairs and then comes back down with the sign, a hammer, and some nails. He hammers the new sign beside the "no cell phones" sign.]
LORELAI: Hey!
LUKE: Thanks, Jess.
JESS: [smirking] Anytime.
LORELAI: [to JESS] I'm so gonna kill you for this.
SOOKIE'S
[SOOKIE, JACKSON, LORELAI, RORY, JESS, and LUKE are seated around a table covered in food.]
SOOKIE: I have turkey, chicken, and fish. Garden salad, caesar salad, potato salad, and coleslaw. Stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce and-
LORELAI: Sook, honey, I think we get the point. There's a whole lotta food here.
RORY: We'll be eating the left overs until we're old, grey, and wrinkly.
[They begin to eat, but Jackson stops them.]
JACKSON: Wait! Stop! Before we eat, we should have a toast.
LORELAI: Bang the glass!
JACKSON: What?
LORELAI: When you make a toast, you tap your glass with a utensil to get people's attention.
JACKSON: Fine. [taps the glass] Happy?
LORELAI: Very much so.
JACKON: A toast to my wife Sookie. Our first Christmas together. And honey, you made enough food to feed a large army, next time cut back a little?
SOOKIE: [giggles] Oh, Jackson. A toast to Jackson, my husband, my produce man, and my friend.
LORELAI: To all you guys for being the best. Except for Jess, who hasn't quite got his name off my potential enemies list.
JESS: Thanks, good to know. To Hemingway.
RORY: [mock hurt] Hey! What about me?
JESS: And to Rory.
RORY: [smiling] To Jess. And to everyone else.
LUKE: To Lorelai, and now we're together, I will make it my life's mission to cut your coffee intake back.
LORELAI: Blasphemous!
RORY: Oh, the nightmares.
JESS: Bad move, man.
JACKSON: Back to the toast.
[JACKSON gives the lead to raise the glasses, numerous clings follow.]
LATER
[They are all standing at the door saying goodbye.]
LORELAI: Sookie, thank you so much for dinner.
SOOKIE: My pleasure. Merry Christmas.
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
SOOKIE: [to everyone] Merry Christmas!
EVERYONE: Merry Christmas!
[LORELAI, LUKE, RORY, and JESS are just down the street from SOOKIE'S.]
RORY: Hey, Mom, we're going to go for a walk.
LORELAI: Okay, don't stay out too late.
RORY: I'll be home soon.
[They hug.]
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
RORY: Merry Christmas.
LATER
[RORY and JESS stop at the bridge. They dust the layer of snow off and sit and snuggle.]
RORY: So, has this been the best Christmas ever?
JESS: [smiling] Until next year.
RORY: I'm glad you came to Stars Hollow.
JESS: Me too.
RORY: Are we.
JESS: What?
RORY: Serious? Our relationship, I mean.
JESS: What do you want?
RORY: I want to be serious.
JESS: Then I guess we are.
RORY: Good.
JESS: Good.
[JESS smiles and kisses RORY.]
JESS: Merry Christmas, Rory.
RORY: Merry Christmas, Jess.
[END]
Title: Roasting On An Open Fire
Author: mocha-queen
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. All of it belongs to those whose names appear on screen.
Spoilers: General season 2 and parts of season 3. I just took a few things because I accidentally incorporated them later. Takes place in season 3. Dave is here.
Summary: It's Christmas in Stars Hollow, let the festivities begin! Part 2 of Tis The Season To Be Jolly.
Author Notes: This fic is basically my idea season 3, so it's a rewrite of GG season 3 and most of the TV stuff hasn't really happened unless I've incorporated it. But I ran into a problem when I put Dave in, when he wasn't really supposed to be there. So, let's just pretend that Dave came in like he did in the show.
Thank you to all of you who have feedbacked. It means so much. And if you haven't sent feedback, please do! Again, all ideas for what else should happen are welcome.
Adriannawolf- Hey, how about I just keep your name in my Author Notes just for fun? He he he.
This is the last for a while. I don't have anything else written for this at the moment, but when the mood and muse strikes me, you will have more. But don't fear, I do have more fic. Tomorrow, look for my newest one, "Letters of Remembrance." Read it, it's really, really good. And coming from me about my own fic, that's saying a lot.
---------------
ELDER GILMORE PARTY
[JESS and RORY are sitting on a couch.]
JESS: I'm bored.
RORY: [shrugs] Okay.
JESS: Do you wanna do something?
RORY: Like?
JESS: Oh, I don't know.
[He yawns and stretches and puts an arm over her shoulders.]
RORY: Sneaky.
JESS: I could always sneeze and my hand could fall and..
RORY: Not now.
JESS: [mock hurt] Spoil my fun.
RORY: I spoil your fun now, but just you wait.
JESS: And what if I can't wait?
RORY: Good things come to those who wait.
JESS: Damn.
RORY: Sorry, babe.
JESS: [shrugs] Well, I can tease you too, you know.
RORY: You wouldn't. Not in front of Grandma's friends. And my mother!
JESS: Wouldn't I?
RORY: [pleading] Jess. Don't.
JESS: [holds up his hands in surrender] Okay.
[RORY similes and leans into him.]
JESS: I'm bored.
[RORY rolls her eyes.]
ELSEWHERE
[LUKE and LORELAI are standing by the dessert table talking.]
LORELAI: Can you make me some coffee?
LUKE: There's coffee right in front of you.
LORELAI: It's not as good as yours.
LUKE: I can't make you coffee here.
LORELAI: Because you don't have Luke's special coffee beans?
LUKE: Something like that.
LORELAI: We could run back to Luke's get some coffee beans and come back and then you can make coffee.
LUKE: Or while we're there, we could get you a cup of coffee.
LORELAI: Yes! To hold me over until we get back and you can make the coffee. [British accent] Smart man, you are Lucas, smart man.
LUKE: [warning] Don't..
LORELAI: Don't what?
LUKE: Don't call me that.
LORELAI: Okay I won't call you *that*.
LUKE: You know what I mean.
LORELAI: [mock stupidity] No, I don't.
LUKE: [whispering] Don't call me *Lucas*.
LORELAI: Well, since you asked nicely.. I guess I can give it up. for a few days.
[LUKE rolls his eyes as EMILY walks over.]
EMILY: Oh, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two.
LUKE: Always check with the coffee.
LORELAI: Yes, Mom, have I taught you nothing? You always look by the coffee.
EMILY: Apparently not. [pause] Come with me, you two, I need your help.
LORELAI: You need *my* help?
EMILY: Yes. Is that so hard to believe?
LORELAI: It's Ripley's worthy.
EMILY: [to Luke] What is she talking about?
LUKE: No one will ever know. [pause] You needed help?
EMILY: Yes. Come you two.
[LUKE and LORELAI follow EMILY down the hall to a small room. LUKE and LORELAI are standing in the doorway, EMILY is right behind them. LORELAI looks into the near empty room.]
LORELAI: How exactly do you need my help?
[EMILY points above their heads.]
EMILY: [mock surprise] Oh, look, mistletoe! Such a coincidence. I'll leave the two of you alone now.
[EMILY leaves, grinning to herself.]
LORELAI: Mistletoe. Huh. That was totally not planted there.
LUKE: We could.. uh, skip it if you want.
LORELAI: No, it's tradition. Those under the mistletoe kiss, right?
LUKE: [unsure] Right.
LORELAI: You know what? You're right, we don't have to.
LUKE: And break tradition?
LORELAI: That's bad luck.
LUKE: Don't want that.
[Slowly LORELAI and LUKE inch closer together till they kiss. The kiss becomes heated till LORELAI pulls away.]
LUKE: Sorry.
LORELAI: Me too.
LUKE: [disappointed] Yeah.
LORELAI: Actually, I'm not.
LUKE: [hopeful] No?
LORELAI: Nope. You know why? Because you're a good kisser.
[LORELAI pulls LUKE inside the room, closes the door and while kissing, presses him up against it.]
ELSEWHERE
[RORY and JESS are still on the couch.]
RORY: I'm bored.
JESS: I'm still bored.
RORY: I wonder where Luke and Mom are.
JESS: Probably pretending they don't have feelings for each other.
RORY: I like those odds.
JESS: Or, maybe they finally got together and are in a room right now-
RORY: Gross. Did not need that image.
JESS: You're right. I can live with out imaging Luke and Lorelai. Okay, I'm stopping now.
RORY: Thank you.
JESS: I'm bored.
RORY: Me too. [pause] How bout a tour?
[JESS stands and helps her up.]
JESS: Sure.
LATER
[RORY and JESS are outside a room.]
RORY: And this is Mom's old room.
[JESS pokes his head in.]
JESS: Cool.
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Big house.
RORY: No kidding, I used to get lost.
JESS: Really?
RORY: [embarrassed] I cried.
[JESS kisses RORY in the cheek before going to sit on the bed.]
JESS: Comfy.
[RORY comes to stand between his legs.]
RORY: Really?
JESS: Yeah.
[JESS pulls RORY so she's leaning against him.]
RORY: I'm sorry.
JESS: About?
RORY: The party. Not fun.
JESS: It's okay.
RORY: How were the grandparents?
JESS: [smirking] Good, considering I'm about to corrupt their granddaughter.
[RORY smiles and kisses JESS lightly. He pulls her into a deep kiss and pulls her back onto the bed.]
ELSEWHERE
[EMILY is running around and finds PARIS and RICHARD.]
EMILY: Have either of you seen Jess and Rory?
PARIS: Nope, sorry.
RICHARD: No I haven't, and come to think of it, I haven't seen Lorelai and Luke either.
EMILY: Oh, don't worry about Lorelai and Luke. I'm sure they're busy.
RICHARD: What did you do?
EMILY: Nothing.
RICHARD: You were never one for doing nothing.
EMILY: Richard! How dare you accuse me of such a thing?
RICHARD: Emily..
EMILY: I just wanted to know if either of you had seen Rory and Jess.
RICHARD: I'm sure they're around somewhere.
EMILY: [bitter] Somewhere un-chaperoned.
[EMILY storms off in search of RORY and JESS. She walks past LORELAI'S room but doubles back thinking she might as well check it. She finds JESS'S upper body over RORY on LORELAI'S bed.]
EMILY: [screaming] OH MY GOD!
[PARIS and RICHARD hear and go to check it out. LUKE and LORELAI are still in the room making out.]
[EMILY runs over and pulls JESS off RORY.]
EMILY: Just what do you think you are doing?!?!
JESS: Uhh..
RORY: [embarrassed] Grandma.
[RICHARD and PARIS appear.]
RICHARD: What's going on?
EMILY: I found them [motions to JESS and RORY] on *that*! [points to the bed]
PARIS: On the bed?
EMILY: Yes!
RICHARD: I'm sure they were just-
EMILY: He was on top of her, kissing!
PARIS: [shocked] Rory!
RORY: Wait. We weren't.
EMILY: You know what? This isn't my problem. I'm taking you to your mother!
RORY: Where is-
EMILY: I don't want to hear another word out of you.
JESS: But-
[EMILY sends a death glare Jess's way and he stops.]
RICHARD: Emily, calm-
EMILY: No! I will not calm down! I just found my granddaughter and him [points to JESS] on a bed in an empty room, doing god knows what! I will not calm down!
[EMILY grabs RORY'S hand and pulls her behind. RORY grabs JESS'S hand and pulls him. RICHARD and PARIS run after the three, eager to see what happens next.]
EMPTY ROOM
[LORELAI and LUKE are on the couch kissing when EMILY barges in pulling the two teens behind her. LORELAI and LUKE immediately break apart.]
LORELAI: [breathless] The. mistletoe. It made me. [notices the crowd] What's up?
EMILY: You will never guess what I found these two doing.
LORELAI: Reading?
EMILY: Kissing! On your bed!
LORELAI: Oh.
EMILY: That's all you have to say?
LORELAI: For now, yes. I'll deal with it when I get home.
EMILY: But they were on your bed! Kissing and doing god knows what else!
LORELAI: [trying to remain calm] I really don't want to be arguing about this at your party.
EMILY: This is all your fault.
LORELAI: My fault? How did Rory and Jess kissing become my fault?
EMILY: Because you let her see him!
LORELAI: I don't have a choice in who she likes.
EMILY: You could-
LORELAI: No. I'm not turning into you and stopping Rory from having anything that resembles a life!
EMILY: You need to stop this before she turns out like you!
LORELAI: [yelling] And that's so bad? Look at me, Mom! I'm successful, I have a brilliant daughter and the best friend anyone could ask for.
EMILY: Lorelai-
LORELAI: No, Mom!
RORY: Guys, can you just stop this? Grandma, this isn't Mom's fault. I'm completely to blame.
EMILY: No, dear, I don't blame you. But I do blame Jess.
RORY: What?
EMILY: You arrived late, which was probably his doing. He got you in an accident. He's going to get you pregnant!
RORY: Grandma, please stop.
EMILY: No! Your mother won't do anything about you and Jess, but I will. Rory, I forbid you to see him!
[RORY'S eyes fill with tears and she runs from the room. EMILY walks out the door but is shoved away by JESS who runs after RORY. EMILY is about to chase after them too.]
LORELAI: [warning] Mom.
EMILY: But-
LORELAI: Mom, you've done enough damage for one night.
EMILY: Aren't you going to-
LORELAI: Jess will handle it.
[EMILY looks at LUKE.]
LUKE: [shrugs] He'll take care of it.
OUTSIDE
[RORY runs out the doors and stops when she reaches the balcony railing. JESS comes out soon after. RORY is still crying. JESS approaches her slowly.]
JESS: It's cold.
RORY: [sniffling] I don't care.
JESS: You'll get sick at Christmas.
RORY: [angry] Did you not hear me say I don't care?!?
[JESS is now in front of RORY and pulls her into his arms.]
JESS: [softly] Hey, hey. It's okay...
RORY: [crying] No.. It's not.
JESS: It will be.
RORY: It's Christmas and I just got into a fight with Grandma. I hate this.
JESS: I know. [pause] You're shivering.
[JESS takes off his jacked and puts it over her. He stands behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. They stand watching the snow start to fall.]
INSIDE
[RICHAR, EMILY, and LORELAI are still in the room. PARIS and LUKE have left.]
EMILY: Well, someone should go find them.
LORELAI: [angry] I think you've done enough.
RICHARD: [to EMILY] This is not your problem.
EMILY: It concerns my granddaughter.
LORELAI: Well, it concerns my daughter! [pause] You can't control her life like you did mine.
[Silence.]
EMILY: I hate how things are between us.
LORELAI: I do too.
EMILY: You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the fact that you couldn't pay for Rory's tuition.
LORELAI: Hey, I come to the Christmas party for the apple tarts!
RICHARD: Lorelai..
LORELAI: Fine. [pause] I would have come home eventually.
EMILY: Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, I probably would have needed to borrow money *later*.
RICHARD: [frustrated] Lorelai.
LORELAI: Mom, look. I know you were only doing what you thought was right.
EMILY: I wanted you to have the best.
LORELAI: I didn't want the best of that world. I didn't want to live the life you had.
EMILY: The life I live is fine!
LORELAI: Maybe for you, but not for me. My life, right now, that's fine.
EMILY: You hate us.
LORELAI: I don't hate you.
EMILY: Yes, you do.
LORELAI: On occasion, there may be some feelings of dislike towards you. but I never will fully hate you. You're my parents. You gave me a home, you gave me everything you thought I should have.
EMILY: You resent us, then.
LORELAI: [smiling] Not always.
RICHARD: Now that we have that settled.. What will you two do about Rory?
OUTSIDE
[RORY is still wrapped in JESS'S arms, except she's facing him and her head is resting on his chest. They're swaying, slowly dancing to the distant music from inside.]
RORY: [softly] Thank you. I didn't mean to get. You know.
JESS: Don't worry about it.
RORY: Just. She doesn't give you a chance. She would love you.
JESS: I'm not so sure.
RORY: [sighing] You're right.
JESS: Be happy that your Grandpa doesn't mind me.
RORY: [smiling] That's good.
[Silence, but they still dance.]
RORY: I want to go home.
JESS: Let's go.
RORY: It's the middle of the party.
JESS: Who cares? We have keys, we have a car. Let's go.
RORY: [giving in] Okay. Let's go find tell Mom and Luke we're going.
[They go back inside in search of LUKE and LORELAI.]
RORY: So, do you think it's just a hook up or they'll start dating?
JESS: Who? Luke and Lorleai?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: I think with help from us, they'll get together.
RORY: [smiling] Good.
ROOM
[RICHARD has left. LORELAI and EMILY remain.]
LORELAI: I'm going to find Rory, now.
EMILY: I'll come with you.
LORELAI: No, Mom. Give her a chance to cool off.
EMILY: [sadly] Oh.
LORELAI: Hey, we have this party on Christmas Eve. Come by then, she'll forgive you.
EMILY: Really?
LORELAI: Really. [pause] We'll probably head out. I'm going to find Luke. I'll see you Tuesday.
EMILY: Goodbye, Lorelai.
LORELAI: Goodbye, Mom.
[LORELAI exits leaving EMILY alone.]
PARTY
[LUKE is by the food. LORELAI comes up to him.]
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey.
[LUKE is about to kiss her but is not sure he should and pulls back. LORELAI smiles and kisses him instead. RORY and JESS come up behind them, holding hands.]
RORY: Ah hem!
[LUKE and LORELAI break apart.]
LORELAI: [shocked] Rory! I was just coming to find you.
RORY: Sure. when you're lips got unglued from Luke's?
LORELAI: [teasing] You're not the only one who can have fun.
RORY: About that..
LORELAI: We'll talk later, okay?
RORY: Okay. [pause] So you two are.
LORELAI: I don't know. Luke?
LUKE: Uhhh.
LORELAI: We'll save this discussion for another time.
RORY: Good idea. [pause] We're gonna go.
LORELAI: Yup. Us too.
RORY: You okay with me going back with Jess?
LORELAI: Of course, don't stay out too late, k?
RORY: Umm, tell Grandma and Grandpa I said bye?
LORELAI: Yup.
[LUKE and LORELAI go back to kissing. RORY and JESS get their coats and run into PARIS at the door who is also leaving.]
RORY: Have a good time?
PARIS: Yes, thank you.
RORY: Shame Jamie couldn't come.
PARIS: He had stuff to do. He said he'd come on Tuesday.
RORY: Good.
PARIS: Are you okay? You seemed pretty upset.
RORY: [looks up at JESS] Yeah, I'm fine.
PARIS: [uncomfortable] Good. Good, I'll just go now.
RORY: Bye Paris.
PARIS: Bye Rory, Jess.
JESS: See ya.
[PARIS leaves. RORY and JESS roll their eyes and follow.]
GILMORE HOME
[RORY and JESS sit in the car outside the house.]
RORY: Things shouldn't be this out of hand.
JESS: But they are.
RORY: I wish we could just have a Merry Christmas.
JESS: We can.
RORY: I don't want Grandma to be angry.
JESS: You'll patch things up.
RORY: How are you so sure?
JESS: She and your Mom always work out their differences.
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: No problem.
[JESS kisses RORY goodnight before RORY gets out of the car.]
JESS: Bye.
RORY: See you tomorrow?
JESS: Yup.
RORY: Bye.
[RORY goes inside.]
LATER-GILMORE HOUSE
[LORELAI comes and sits on the couch beside RORY.]
RORY: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey. Made it home okay?
RORY: Yeah. [pause] Sorry about tonight.
LORELAI: It's okay.
RORY: [skeptical] Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, you haven't lived life unless Emily catches you making out with a guy.
RORY: Just to clarify, we weren't.we're not.
LORELAI: Just promise me, if you guys do.. have sex, you'll let me know.
RORY: I promise.
LORELAI: It's just that-
RORY: I promise.
LORELAI: [grinning] And you also have to promise to tell me all the gory details.
RORY: Eww, gross.
[LORELAI and RORY hug.]
RORY: So, how's Luke?
LORELAI: Good. Why?
RORY: How's his mouth?
LORELAI: Gross.
RORY: So, you and Luke are together now?
LORELAI: Hey, you and Paris seem to be getting along lately.
RORY: I'm not going to let you change the subject. This is way too important. [pause] So, are you?
LORELAI: I can't hide, can I?
RORY: Nope.
LORELAI: Grandma set us up.
RORY: Grandma?
LORLEAI: Yup. She tricked us into a room with mistletoe.
RORY: So what are you and Luke now?
LORELAI: I don't know. It's weird. I mean, it's me and Luke. We've known each other for like.. forever. He knows me, I know him.
RORY: And you want to be with him, he wants to be with you, and the town can't wait for you guys to hook up.
LORELAI: What do you think?
RORY: Honestly?
LORELAI: Completely honest. Because if you don't like it. Me and Luke will never happen.
RORY: I couldn't ask for a better Dad.
LORELAI: So you think we'll get married?
RORY: If it were up to Luke, in like 5 years.. at least. But since you will propose because he's waay to chicken.. I'll give it a year.
LORELAI: You've planned it?
RORY: We have a pool. If you help me win, I'll split the money.
LORELAI: Deal.
CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY-GILMORE HOUSE
[LORELAI, SOOKIE, and RORY are in the kitchen preparing. The doorbell rings.]
SOOKIE: Oh my god! They're here already! I don't have the food finished yet!
LORELAI: Sookie, calm down. And I wonder why they are ringing the doorbell.
RORY: I'll get the door. Mom, please make sure Sookie doesn't go completely crazy.
LORELAI: [salutes] Aye, aye, captain!
[RORY goes to answer the door. JESS and LUKE are on the other side, arms filled with boxes.]
RORY: Hey.
JESS: Hey.
LUKE: Hey. We would have just come in but we had our hands full.
RORY: It's okay. Mom's in the kitchen.
LUKE: [smiling] Thanks.
[LUKE leaves. RORY smiles and gives JESS a kiss almost causing him to drop the boxes.]
KITCHEN
[LUKE comes in.]
LUKE: Hey.
LORELAI: Hey.
[LUKE gives LORELAI a kiss before leaving again.]
SOOKIE: So are you and Luke together?
LORELAI: Yup.
SOOKIE: Officially?
LORELAI: We talked about it, and yeah, we're going to try it out. [pause] I think it's going to work out.
SOOKIE: Really?
LORELAI: Yeah, we get along and stuff.. Most of the time. Rory likes him, he likes Rory, so we don't have that problem.
SOOKIE: Good.
LORELAI: Yup. Today's our coming out.
SOOKIE: The town will have a field day.
LORELAI: Please, don't remind me.
LATER-PARTY
[Everyone from Stars Hollow and even other towns are around.]
MISS PATTY: [to LORELAI] Is it true?
LORELAI: What?
MISS PATTY: You and Luke?
LORELAI: [dreamily] Yes.
MISS PATTY: Oh, you lucky girl, nice piece of meat you got there.
LORELAI: [still dreamy] Oh yeah.
MISS PATTY: Well, I'll let you and Luke have some fun.
LORELAI: [sarcastically] Thanks, Patty.
[MISS PATTY leaves. KIRK comes to talk to LORELAI.]
KIRK: Lorelai.
LORELAI: Hello, Kirk.
KIRK: How are you?
LORELAI: Good, you?
KIRK: I'm a little hurt, actually.
LORELAI: Really? What's wrong?
KIRK: You didn't tell me you were seeing Luke.
LORELAI: I was supposed to tell you personally?
KIRK: Yes.
LORELAI: Why?
KIRK: Well, we've known each other for a long time, correct?
LORELAI: Quite a while, yes.
KIRK: And we're good friends, correct?
LORELAI: Sure.
KIRK: I just thought that since we were friends you'd have the decency to tell me that you were dating Luke.
LORELAI: Oh, sorry Kirk.
KIRK: You're forgiven, just don't let it happen again.
LORELAI: [humouring him] You have my word.
[KIRK leaves and LORELAI escapes to a corner of the room. LUKE comes up to her.]
LORELAI: Oh, thank god, someone I can talk to!
[They kiss.]
LUKE: Being attacked by curious towns people?
LORELAI: Oh yeah.
LUKE: Maybe we shouldn't have told them at a party.
LORELAI: I'm beginning to think that would have been a good idea.
LUKE: I told you so.
LORELAI: You did not.
LUKE: I did.
LORELAI: I said we should tell people, they're dying to know. You asked when. I said now. You said no because then we'll have to deal with everyone at the party and. okay, fine. Yes, you told me so, but since when do I listen?
LUKE: [joking] What have I gotten myself into?
ELSEWHERE
[PARIS and JAMIE walk up to RORY and JESS who are talking in a corner.]
PARIS: Hey.
RORY: Hi, you made it!
PARIS: You demanded my presence, didn't you?
RORY: I did. [pause] Hi Jamie!
JAMIE: [nervous] Hi.
PARIS: Jamie, Jess. Jess, Jamie.
JAMIE: Hello.
JESS: Hey, man.
[Awkward silence.]
RORY: So, Paris, got any of that homework done?
PARIS: Some, I've been a little busy. You?
RORY: None what so ever. I better get started.
PARIS: [eager] Yup. So.
JAMIE: [to PARIS] I'm going to go get some drinks, you want anything?
PARIS: I'll come with you.
[PARIS and JAMIE leave.]
JESS: That was..
RORY: Awkward?
JESS: Yeah. Jamie is.
RORY: Preppy?
JESS: Pretty much.
ELSEWHERE
[LUKE and LORELAI are in the kitchen fixing up the food.]
LUKE: Where's Sookie?
LORELAI: She needed something and left me in charge to make sure the plates were stocked and what not.
[TAYLOR enters.]
TAYLOR: Luke! Just the man I was looking for.
LUKE: Taylor, what do I owe this pleasure?
TAYLOR: Do not humour me, I am on important business.
LUKE: And that would be?
TAYLOR: I have the petition I promised.
LUKE: Do you?
[TAYLOR takes out a piece of paper and hands it to LUKE. LUKE takes it and looks at it.]
LUKE: This is all you got?
TAYLOR: Yes, it was very hard work.
LUKE: You have like 10 signatures on here. And all of them work at your store.
TAYLOR: The petition was in my store, it's only natural they see it and sign.
LUKE: Sure.
TAYLOR: This petition is legitimate.
LUKE: How many names do you need on a petition to make it come into effect?
TAYLOR: Majority.
LUKE: Is 10 signatures a majority?
TAYLOR: No, but it's the Christmas season and people are busy. So, I made each name represent 300.
LUKE: That's cheating.
TAYLOR: It's written on the paper. See. [points to the section] 'Each name on this petition represents 300 residents of Stars Hollow.'
LUKE: I'm not putting Christmas decorations up in the diner.
LORELAI: It's the day before Christmas, what's the point?
TAYLOR: Hey, I'm not the one who signed it.
LORELAI: What?
[LUKE inspects the paper closer.]
LUKE: [to LORELAI] You signed it.
LORELAI: [confused] What? I did not!
LUKE: How could you sign this?
LORELAI: I didn't!
[LUKE shows LORELAI the paper. Her signature is there.]
LORELAI: Oh my god, how did I sign that? I don't remem- oh.
LUKE: Oh?
LORELAI: Well. I was tricked! I was having fun signing my name on stuff and Rory said I should stop using my credit card to sign the receipts, so, I went into the store to sign the stuff I could. I guess I signed the paper. I didn't mean to! Forgive me?
LUKE: Fine.
[They kiss. LUKE rips up the paper behind her back.]
TAYLOR: [angry] Hmph! Please, keep these public displays of affection to a minimum or else I will be forced to take action. And please tell Rory and Jess.
ELSEWHERE
[RORY and LANE are talking.]
LANE: Great party.
RORY: Thanks.
[They hug.]
LANE: I like the music.
RORY: You chose it.
LANE: See, I like the music.
RORY: Dave here?
LANE: [giggly] Yes! He's getting drinks right now.
RORY: Very gentlemanly.
LANE: I know! He's just so great, and wonderful, and cute. and there's no way in a million years my mother with ever approve of him.
RORY: [sigh] He's neither Korean or a doctor.
LANE: I was thinking she could over look that, which would be impossible. So, plan B is to put a lot of make up on Dave, make him *look* Korean, and forge a doctor certificate.
RORY: Lane, Dave won't look remotely Korean even with the make up. How about plastic surgery?
LANE: But plastic surgery is a permanent thing. and I see where you're going with this, I'm crazy.
RORY: You just need to calm down, take it one day at a time.
LANE: Yeah, yeah. Good idea.
[DAVE and JESS walk up to the girls.]
JESS: [to Lane] You picked a good one.
LANE: Really?
JESS: Yeah.
DAVE: [to RORY] Yours is crazy.
RORY: [nods] I know. But I like him anyway.
[JESS and RORY kiss.]
LATER
[EMILY and RICHARD enter. RORY sees them and rushes over.]
RORY: Grandma! Grandpa!
[RORY hugs both grandparents.]
RORY: I didn't know you guys were coming.
EMILY: Your mother suggested we come. After the other night, she thought it would be a good way to make up. I thought she would have told you.
RORY: No, but it doesn't matter. I'm glad you guys could make it.
RICHARD: Us, too. [hands RORY some presents] Here are a few gifts.
RORY: Oh, thank you!
[LORELAI walks in.]
LORELAI: Oooh! Goodie, presents!
EMILY: Lorelai, that is no way to make an entrance.
LORELAI: Sorry. [takes the boxes] I'll just go put these under the tree. You guys talk and stuff.
[LORELAI leaves.]
RORY: About Saturday-
RICHARD: It's okay, Rory.
RORY: No, we shouldn't have been in Mom's room. It was rude, and bad, and it won't happen again, I promise.
EMILY: Really, Rory, it's alright.
RORY: I'm really sorry.
EMILY: It's really alright. Your mother made me realize that sometimes there are things you just can't control.
RORY: Mom made you realize that?
EMILY: With help from your grandfather.
RICHARD: She was very hard to persuade, but I think I got the job done.
RORY: So, we're good?
EMILY: Yes, we are, as you say it 'good'.
RICHARD: Agreed. Now, what do you say for some good reading material while everyone else socializes?
RORY: I do believe I have some of Jess's Hemingway if you'd care to read that.
RICHARD: That would be great.
LATER
[EMILY is talking to BABETTE when LORELAI walks over.]
BABETTE: Oh, and we just love cats. They are my life, I just don't know what I'd do without them.
LORELAI: [interrupting] Hey guys.
EMILY: [relieved] Oh, Lorelai!
BABETTE: Heya, hon.
LORELAI: Having a good time?
BABETTE: Yes, your parties are always a blast.
LORELAI: Good. Morey is looking for you, hon.
BABETTE: Oh, thank you, dear, I better go find him.
LORELAI: See ya.
[BABETTE leaves.]
EMILY: My god, I thought she'd never shut up.
LORELAI: [warning] Mom.
EMILY: You have a very diverse group of friends here, Lorelai.
LORELAI: I do. [pause] Did you and Rory make up?
EMILY: Yes, we did.
LORELAI: So we can come next Friday and there will be no death glares from either of you.
EMILY: Rory sends me death glares?
LORELAI: No, but. You know what I mean.
EMILY: Very rarely, but this time, yes. [pause] Are you and Luke together now?
LORELAI: We're gonna try. [pause] Thank you. I'm not sure either one of us had the guts to make the first move.
EMILY: I'm just glad I don't have to see the two of you hide your feelings anymore.
LORELAI: Thank you.
EMILY: You're welcome.
[Silence.]
LORELAI: So. where's Dad?
ELSEWHERE
[RICHARD is outside reading and JESS joins him.]
JESS: Little cold to be outside?
RICHARD: I could say the same for you.
JESS: It's too hot in there.
RICHARD: It is.
[JESS sits beside RICHARD.]
JESS: Look, I'm really sorry about Saturday. I don't want-
RICHARD: Don't bother. Frankly, I'm not that worried about it.
JESS: Seriously?
RICHARD: Yes, I know how much Rory likes you. You make her happy, and you are a great deal better than her last boyfriend.
JESS: I hope so. The guy was a jerk.
[Silence.]
JESS: Enjoying my Hemingway book?
RICHARD: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. You don't mind, do you?
JESS: Nope.
RICHARD: I really enjoy your insights.
JESS: Ahh, the infamous margin notes. Rory loves them.
RICHARD: I can see why, you're a brilliant young man, Jess. You'll be very successful in life.
JESS: [sarcastically] Great.
LATER
[The party has ended and most people have left, just a few people being polite and helping put away a few things before leaving themselves. RORY, LORELAI, JESS, and LUKE are at the door saying goodnight.]
RORY: All I want to do is sleep and never get up.
JESS: But tomorrow's Christmas.
RORY: And Mom will wake me up at the crack of dawn.
JESS: I assume I'll be seeing you for coffee, then?
RORY: You bet.
[RORY pulls him into a kiss, and he leans into her, deepening the kiss.]
LORELAI: [to LUKE] Awww, that's so cute. [to JESS and RORY] Okay, you two, that's enough. Break it up.
JESS: [to RORY] Bye.
[RORY gives JESS a quick kiss.]
RORY: Bye.
[LORELAI kisses LUKE.]
LORELAI: Bye.
LUKE: Bye.
[LUKE and JESS leave. LORELAI leans on RORY as they walk away from the door, slowly.]
LORELAI: Remind me again, why did we throw this party?
RORY: You thought it would be a good idea at the time.
LORELAI: Don't let me throw another party again.
RORY: I'll try. But last time I tried to talk you out of something, you ended up pulling me into it too.
LORELAI: Maybe you should just lock me in my room.
RORY: I can do that.
LORELAI: And send Luke in.
RORY: Gross.
LORELAI: Tired.
RORY: Very.
LORELAI: Very, very, tired.
RORY: Let's go to bed.
LORELAI: Good idea. Night, babe.
RORY: Night, Mom.
[RORY and LORELAI go their separate ways.]
LORELAI: Hey, Rory?
RORY: Mmm?
LORELAI: Don't let me throw a party again.
RORY: Will do.
[Both go off to bed into a deep sleep filled with dreams of their guys.]
CHRISTMAS MORNING
[LORELAI is jumping up and down on RORY'S bed.]
LORELAI: [yelling] It's Christmas! It's Christmas!
[RORY hides under the covers.]
RORY: Mom, what time did we go to bed last night?
LORELAI: I dunno, late.
RORY: And, what time is it now?
LORELAI: I dunno, early.
RORY: I'm tired.
LORELAI: But it's Christmas!
RORY: [groaning] Gimme five minutes.
LORELAI: I'll start without you!
RORY: Get me some coffee and I'll join you.
LORELAI: [excited] Coffee!
[LORELAI dances out of the room.]
LORELAI: Coffee! Christmas! Coffee! Christmas! Coffee! Christmas!
APARTMENT
[JESS emerges from his room, LUKE is at the kitchen table with a small package in front of him.]
LUKE: Hey.
JESS: Hey.
LUKE: Merry Christmas.
JESS: You too. [pause] So, uh..
LUKE: This is awkward.
JESS: That it is.
[LUKE stands.]
LUKE: I, uh. I got something for ya. Not much, but it's Christmas and. yeah.
[JESS pulls out a package from behind his back.]
JESS: I got you something, too.
[They stand awkwardly.]
LUKE: I guess we should open them.
JESS: Yeah, good idea.
[They open their presents. Jess got a book, Luke got a sign that says "when hell freezes over."]
JESS: I didn't know what you'd want.. I figured you could point to that when Lorelai's begging you for coffee or something.
LUKE: No, it's great. Thanks. [points to book] Rory helped me out with that.
JESS: Figured. It's great, thanks.
[More awkwardness.]
LUKE: So do we.
JESS: I dunno.
[LUKE uneasily steps up and pulls JESS into a quick hug, and he hugs back.]
JESS: So.
LUKE: Open the diner? The girls should be here soon.
JESS: [relieved] Definitely.
[LUKE and JESS go downstairs, never to speak of the moment again.]
LUKE'S
[LORELAI and RORY run in.]
LORELAI: [yelling] MERRY CHIRSTMAS!!!
LUKE: You don't have to yell, we're right here.
[LORELAI rolls her eyes and goes to kiss LUKE. RORY meets JESS at the counter. He kisses her quickly before handing her a gift. She gives him one too.]
RORY: Hey.
JESS: Hi.
RORY: Merry Christmas.
JESS: You too.
[They open their presents. He gives her a Hemingway book, she gives him an Ayn Rand book. They look at each other and laugh, and then kiss.]
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
LUKE: Merry Christmas.
[They exchange gifts. For him a flannel shirt, for her a silver chain necklace.]
LORELAI: Thanks, it's gorgeous.
LUKE: Thank you.
LORELAI: Now, I want some coffee.
LUKE: Hey, wait here a sec, I got something else.
[LUKE runs upstairs and then comes back down with the sign, a hammer, and some nails. He hammers the new sign beside the "no cell phones" sign.]
LORELAI: Hey!
LUKE: Thanks, Jess.
JESS: [smirking] Anytime.
LORELAI: [to JESS] I'm so gonna kill you for this.
SOOKIE'S
[SOOKIE, JACKSON, LORELAI, RORY, JESS, and LUKE are seated around a table covered in food.]
SOOKIE: I have turkey, chicken, and fish. Garden salad, caesar salad, potato salad, and coleslaw. Stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce and-
LORELAI: Sook, honey, I think we get the point. There's a whole lotta food here.
RORY: We'll be eating the left overs until we're old, grey, and wrinkly.
[They begin to eat, but Jackson stops them.]
JACKSON: Wait! Stop! Before we eat, we should have a toast.
LORELAI: Bang the glass!
JACKSON: What?
LORELAI: When you make a toast, you tap your glass with a utensil to get people's attention.
JACKSON: Fine. [taps the glass] Happy?
LORELAI: Very much so.
JACKON: A toast to my wife Sookie. Our first Christmas together. And honey, you made enough food to feed a large army, next time cut back a little?
SOOKIE: [giggles] Oh, Jackson. A toast to Jackson, my husband, my produce man, and my friend.
LORELAI: To all you guys for being the best. Except for Jess, who hasn't quite got his name off my potential enemies list.
JESS: Thanks, good to know. To Hemingway.
RORY: [mock hurt] Hey! What about me?
JESS: And to Rory.
RORY: [smiling] To Jess. And to everyone else.
LUKE: To Lorelai, and now we're together, I will make it my life's mission to cut your coffee intake back.
LORELAI: Blasphemous!
RORY: Oh, the nightmares.
JESS: Bad move, man.
JACKSON: Back to the toast.
[JACKSON gives the lead to raise the glasses, numerous clings follow.]
LATER
[They are all standing at the door saying goodbye.]
LORELAI: Sookie, thank you so much for dinner.
SOOKIE: My pleasure. Merry Christmas.
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
SOOKIE: [to everyone] Merry Christmas!
EVERYONE: Merry Christmas!
[LORELAI, LUKE, RORY, and JESS are just down the street from SOOKIE'S.]
RORY: Hey, Mom, we're going to go for a walk.
LORELAI: Okay, don't stay out too late.
RORY: I'll be home soon.
[They hug.]
LORELAI: Merry Christmas.
RORY: Merry Christmas.
LATER
[RORY and JESS stop at the bridge. They dust the layer of snow off and sit and snuggle.]
RORY: So, has this been the best Christmas ever?
JESS: [smiling] Until next year.
RORY: I'm glad you came to Stars Hollow.
JESS: Me too.
RORY: Are we.
JESS: What?
RORY: Serious? Our relationship, I mean.
JESS: What do you want?
RORY: I want to be serious.
JESS: Then I guess we are.
RORY: Good.
JESS: Good.
[JESS smiles and kisses RORY.]
JESS: Merry Christmas, Rory.
RORY: Merry Christmas, Jess.
[END]