Disclaimer: If I was in any way affiliated with Gilmore Girls, Amy Sherman
Palladino, The WB, or anything else, this thing would not be here. Besides,
I'm a broke teenager.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews. They are really appreciated! It's nice after spending a lot of time writing to get feedback, so keep it coming! Hehe, I'm a review whore! Well, in response to some reviews, one in particular, this is going to kinda be a filler chapter. I'll try to weave some information into a conversation between Jess and Michael or Will, whichever guy I feel like pairing with him at the time. Well, thank you for reading and reviewing and please continue! Reviews do make me go faster! Hehe.
Time Heals All Wounds?
Chapter Four: Made For TV Movies and Hairy Monkeys
Jess and Rory spent Tuesday with each other. Mainly, they stayed in Rory's apartment and read, talked, and kept Rory's bed company, if you know what I mean. At the end of the day, Jess went back to his apartment since he knew that he needed to go and meet Michael the next day since the book was being released on Friday.
At about 9:30, Jess walked into Michael's office and saw him for the first time since the day he went to meet Rory at Chin Chin's for the interview.
Michael: (sees Jess) Hey man. Have you been living under a rock for the past week or something?
Jess: Hey. And you wouldn't believe the week that I have had.
Michael: Cliffs Notes version.
Jess: Leigh Gilmore-Hayden is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, aka Rory, aka Rachel.
Michael: Holy crap.
Jess: Yeah.
Michael: Screw Cliffs Notes, I gotta hear this story in entirety.
Jess: Thought you would say that. Well, the name thing never really registered in my mind, but when I saw her in the restaurant I was like it has to be her. But, I didn't say anything and just asked questions about her that would either confirm or falsify what I was thinking.
Michael: Come on. Keep on babbling boy...
Jess: After she answered a few of them I pretty much knew it was her and she must have thought the same thing because that was when she asked if the J.M. stood for Jess Mariano. I answered with yes Rory, so that gave everything away.
Michael: Well, you didn't put much effort into create a good penname...
Jess: Hey, you thought of it!
Michael: Argue later. What else happened, I know there's more.
Jess: After talking at dinner we went back to her apartment and that's when I met Will.
Michael: Husband? Boyfriend?
Jess: Gay. Yeah, I found out after I asked how long they had been together and they laughed in my face.
Michael: Someone needs to fix his Gaydar.
Jess: I don't need it so why bother?
Michael: But others, like your lonely editor and friend, could.
Jess: Selfish.
Michael: Hey, it's hard to find a decent guy. I need as much help as possible.
Jess: You need help with other things too.
Michael: Screw you. Now get back to the story damnit!
Jess: Someone's moody. After Will left, Rory and I well, what would you do if you were in my position?
Michael: Hello Mr. Bed, how nice to meet you.
Jess: Yeah. Let's just say there were a couple repeat performances of that night. Besides hanging out together, that was pretty much it.
Michael: So, now it's question time.
Jess: Happy happy joy joy. (A/N: I've had that song in my head all day long, had to include it somehow.)
Michael: Obvious one - Are you two together now?
Jess: (smiles) Yeah.
Michael: As your editor for a minute - Is she still writing the article?
Jess: Yes and it kicks ass. Her editor is jumping for joy.
Michael: Now for the important one - Any regrets? Past, Present, Future?
Jess: Well, I have no regrets about how we got together and now that we are together, so that answers part of it.
Michael: You regret leaving her so long ago and shutting Stars Hollow out of your life?
Jess: Yes and no. If I hadn't of done that, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I do regret not talking to her that summer after senior year when I left for California. It was hard for me and I knew it was even harder for her. That's why I completely forgot about Stars Hollow except for Luke. I only went back for the wedding, but hid in the background to avoid her.
Michael: Whimp.
Jess: I couldn't. She was with someone and seeing her just hurt too much. I mean, it just opened up all of the wounds and I had to avoid her as much as possible.
Michael: I understand: That's like when Waldo and I broke it off and then I saw him a couple months later. I mean, it's hard to forget four years in just a couple of months.
Jess: So, for the future, um, well, I'm just glad that I have her in my life again. I will do anything I can to avoid screwing up this time.
Michael: (fake crying) Awww, how sweet. Kleenex?
Jess: Haha.
Michael: The big bad boy just got all sensitive.
Jess: Don't get used to it.
Michael: Wouldn't think of it.
Jess: So, do you have anymore questions for me Officer Mike?
Michael: (mind wandering) Officer Mike...I like the sound of that.
Jess: Stop there, I don't want to know about your latest fantasy.
Michael: No fun. And I think that I am questionless for now.
Jess: Way to invent words.
Michael: I'm an editor, I can do that.
Jess: Sure Noah. (A/N: Noah Webster - dictionary guy)
Michael: I'll take that as a compliment.
Jess: Go ahead.
Michael: I lied. I have another question for you.
Jess: (slightly annoyed but joking) What is it now?
Michael: Are you going to take her to the release party?
Jess: I completely forgot about that. Yeah, I'll ask her. Why?
Michael: Just curious.
Jess: Whatever you say. So, what do we have to do today?
Michael: Lots of boring crap.
Jess: (sarcastically) Hooray!
Jess and Michael work for the next few hours on various piles of paperwork and only stop for lunch and to talk about how bored they are. Then, at about five, Jess gives up.
Jess: That's it. I'm done for the day.
Michael: I second that.
Jess: Coffee?
Michael: Oh, dear God, yes!
Jess: Let's go. I found this new place that has great coffee. And they serve it in mugs as big as bowls.
Michael: Hallelujah! Finally, someone up there listened to me.
Jess: Come on, let's go before your religious references start to bug me.
Michael: (mock salutes) Yes sir!
Jess and Michael exit the building and get into a cab. Jess gives the driver an address and the guys soon find themselves walking into Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Michael: Coffee!!
Jess: Down boy.
The two are waiting in line and finally, it's their turn to order.
Jess: Hey Brian.
Brian: Hey Jess. What's up?
Jess: Not much. Can I please have a medium coffee and chocolate croissant before my stomach decides to have a mutiny.
Brian: Yikes, that bad?
Jess: You have no idea.
Brian: Coming right up.
While Brian is away getting the food, Michael hits Jess in the side.
Jess: (whispering) With Will.
Michael: (says quietly) Damn.
Brian: (with Jess's order) Here you go.
Jess: Thanks.
Jess moves to the side while Michael orders.
Brian: Hey. What can I get for you.
Michael: Largest coffee you have and an espresso brownie.
Brian: Sure, coming right up.
Jess: (says quietly to Michael) Down boy.
Michael: (makes a whimpering noise) No fair.
Brian: Here you go.
Michael: Thanks.
While Michael and Jess begin to leave for a table, Brian calls out Jess's name.
Brian: Jess.
Jess: (turns around) Yeah.
Brian: Corner.
Jess: (smiles) Thanks.
Brian: (looks at Jess with a puzzled expression on his face) What was that all about?
Jess: Follow me.
Jess leads Brian to the corner where Will and Rory's usual table is. When they approach the table, Jess says something to Will and Rory.
Jess: Got room for two more?
Will: In my pants, yes. Here, no.
Jess: Well, we'll just have to fix that.
And Jess goes to sit next to Will, half on his lap.
Will: Rory, control your man.
Jess: Damn. I was looking forward to that party.
Jess gets up and goes to the other side to sit next to Rory. First, he introduces Michael to Rory and Will.
Jess: Guys, this is Michael Kerr, my editor and friend and coffee addict.
Will: (looks Michael over) Hey. The more the merrier.
Rory: Hey, I'm Rory. Also known as Leigh.
Michael: Hey.
The four sit at the table and begin talking. The topic that comes up in their conversation is Jess's book. Obviously, this makes Jess a little uncomfortable, but he hides his discomfort.
Will: Three words: future lifetime movie.
Jess: Oh God no.
Rory: Hey! It would be a good movie.
Michael: Don't worry. I'll try to prevent that.
Jess: Thanks. At least, wait until I'm dead to make me a complete sellout and base one of those crappy movies on something I wrote.
Michael: No problem.
Rory: (slightly sarcastic) You holding out for an actual movie deal, instead?
Jess: Never really thought about it. I just don't want it to be a made for TV movie.
Rory: Understood.
Will: Those things always suck hairy monkey parts.
Rory: Hey! Didn't you like 'The Laramie Project'?
Will: Doesn't count. That was a play in movie form. Plus, HBO is completely different.
Rory: Excuses, excuses.
Will: Hey, you liked 'The Pact' and 'We Were the Mulvaneys'!
Rory: That doesn't count because they came from such good books! I admit, 'The Pact' could have been a lot better if it stuck to the original story more, but the guy who played Chris is hot! You can't deny that.
Will: Fine, hot guy makes up for it. What about the other one?
Rory: Great performances, especially by Blythe Danner. (A/N: I hope I spelled her name right. I was too lazy to look it up.)
Will: Fine, the performances make up for the fact that it was a Lifetime movie.
Rory: Ha! You just gave up mister!
Will: Wha, no, but, you, no, me, arghhh
Jess: Easy there caveman.
Will: (whining) I'm supposed to win!
Michael: Don't bother trying to beat a female. They always manage to trick you somehow.
Will: So true, so true.
Rory: Hey! I'm sitting right here.
Jess: Really? I didn't know that.
Rory sticks her tongue out at him and Jess just smiles at her.
Will: Get a room.
Michael: Or at least a bathroom stall.
Will: Dirty!
Michael: Can't help it. Recently watched '54' and 'American Psycho'.
Will: (imitating Homer when he's salivating over a doughnut) Mmmmm....Christian Bale and Ryan Phillippe...
Michael: Sex, abs, drugs. What else is needed to make a good movie?
Will: Absolutely nothing.
The two guys laugh at that and Brian looks over at them with envy in his eyes.
Rory: So, you guys done with your dirty thoughts yet?
Will: I won't be until I'm dead.
Rory: (asks sarcastically) Someone craving physical contact?
Will: You shouldn't talk.
Rory: At least I admit it.
Will: Fine, I do too.
Rory: Whoa, he agreed. Creepy.
Will: (gets up from the table) Excuse me.
He walks over to Brian, who is clearing off a table, and kisses him.
Brian: Hey to you too.
Will: Thanks.
Will walks back with an odd expression on is face. It's a mixture of disappoint, confusion, and a few more emotions. Rory notices immediately.
Rory: Hey Will, can I talk to you for a second outside?
Will: (voice is a little distant) Yeah, sure.
Will and Rory exit and leave Jess and Michael to wonder about what is going on.
Jess: I am officially confused.
Michael: Join the club.
The two sit making idle conversation while Rory and Will talk.
Rory: Okay, what's wrong?
Will: It's gone. When I kissed him...
Rory: Nothing.
Will: Yeah. And I really like him. And I am not going to give up this place.
Rory: If you don't feel anything anymore, you can't waste his time and yours.
Will: I know. It's just, it sucks.
Rory: (hugs Will) It'll be okay. Don't worry.
Will: Thanks.
Brian notices Will and Rory hugging and wonders what is going on. When they come back in, he walks over to them to see what happened.
Brian: Is everything okay?
Will: Yeah, um, could we talk?
Brian: Yeah, sure.
Will: In private.
The two guys go to the storage room and Rory goes back to the table. She is immediately asked questions about what is going on.
Rory: I'll tell you later.
Jess: No clues?
Rory: The feeling's gone.
The two guys are slightly puzzled but soon realize what she is saying.
Michael: (mentally) I will not be the rebound guy...want to be rebound guy....
A/N: I just randomly got the idea for Michael and Will to get together so, I laid the foundation in this chapter. I hope that the conversation between Michael and Jess answered questions about the past and what happened. If you have more questions, include them in a review or else I won't know what you are thinking. Please review so I know that I didn't sacrifice my studying time for nothing. I'll update as soon as possible.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews. They are really appreciated! It's nice after spending a lot of time writing to get feedback, so keep it coming! Hehe, I'm a review whore! Well, in response to some reviews, one in particular, this is going to kinda be a filler chapter. I'll try to weave some information into a conversation between Jess and Michael or Will, whichever guy I feel like pairing with him at the time. Well, thank you for reading and reviewing and please continue! Reviews do make me go faster! Hehe.
Time Heals All Wounds?
Chapter Four: Made For TV Movies and Hairy Monkeys
Jess and Rory spent Tuesday with each other. Mainly, they stayed in Rory's apartment and read, talked, and kept Rory's bed company, if you know what I mean. At the end of the day, Jess went back to his apartment since he knew that he needed to go and meet Michael the next day since the book was being released on Friday.
At about 9:30, Jess walked into Michael's office and saw him for the first time since the day he went to meet Rory at Chin Chin's for the interview.
Michael: (sees Jess) Hey man. Have you been living under a rock for the past week or something?
Jess: Hey. And you wouldn't believe the week that I have had.
Michael: Cliffs Notes version.
Jess: Leigh Gilmore-Hayden is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, aka Rory, aka Rachel.
Michael: Holy crap.
Jess: Yeah.
Michael: Screw Cliffs Notes, I gotta hear this story in entirety.
Jess: Thought you would say that. Well, the name thing never really registered in my mind, but when I saw her in the restaurant I was like it has to be her. But, I didn't say anything and just asked questions about her that would either confirm or falsify what I was thinking.
Michael: Come on. Keep on babbling boy...
Jess: After she answered a few of them I pretty much knew it was her and she must have thought the same thing because that was when she asked if the J.M. stood for Jess Mariano. I answered with yes Rory, so that gave everything away.
Michael: Well, you didn't put much effort into create a good penname...
Jess: Hey, you thought of it!
Michael: Argue later. What else happened, I know there's more.
Jess: After talking at dinner we went back to her apartment and that's when I met Will.
Michael: Husband? Boyfriend?
Jess: Gay. Yeah, I found out after I asked how long they had been together and they laughed in my face.
Michael: Someone needs to fix his Gaydar.
Jess: I don't need it so why bother?
Michael: But others, like your lonely editor and friend, could.
Jess: Selfish.
Michael: Hey, it's hard to find a decent guy. I need as much help as possible.
Jess: You need help with other things too.
Michael: Screw you. Now get back to the story damnit!
Jess: Someone's moody. After Will left, Rory and I well, what would you do if you were in my position?
Michael: Hello Mr. Bed, how nice to meet you.
Jess: Yeah. Let's just say there were a couple repeat performances of that night. Besides hanging out together, that was pretty much it.
Michael: So, now it's question time.
Jess: Happy happy joy joy. (A/N: I've had that song in my head all day long, had to include it somehow.)
Michael: Obvious one - Are you two together now?
Jess: (smiles) Yeah.
Michael: As your editor for a minute - Is she still writing the article?
Jess: Yes and it kicks ass. Her editor is jumping for joy.
Michael: Now for the important one - Any regrets? Past, Present, Future?
Jess: Well, I have no regrets about how we got together and now that we are together, so that answers part of it.
Michael: You regret leaving her so long ago and shutting Stars Hollow out of your life?
Jess: Yes and no. If I hadn't of done that, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I do regret not talking to her that summer after senior year when I left for California. It was hard for me and I knew it was even harder for her. That's why I completely forgot about Stars Hollow except for Luke. I only went back for the wedding, but hid in the background to avoid her.
Michael: Whimp.
Jess: I couldn't. She was with someone and seeing her just hurt too much. I mean, it just opened up all of the wounds and I had to avoid her as much as possible.
Michael: I understand: That's like when Waldo and I broke it off and then I saw him a couple months later. I mean, it's hard to forget four years in just a couple of months.
Jess: So, for the future, um, well, I'm just glad that I have her in my life again. I will do anything I can to avoid screwing up this time.
Michael: (fake crying) Awww, how sweet. Kleenex?
Jess: Haha.
Michael: The big bad boy just got all sensitive.
Jess: Don't get used to it.
Michael: Wouldn't think of it.
Jess: So, do you have anymore questions for me Officer Mike?
Michael: (mind wandering) Officer Mike...I like the sound of that.
Jess: Stop there, I don't want to know about your latest fantasy.
Michael: No fun. And I think that I am questionless for now.
Jess: Way to invent words.
Michael: I'm an editor, I can do that.
Jess: Sure Noah. (A/N: Noah Webster - dictionary guy)
Michael: I'll take that as a compliment.
Jess: Go ahead.
Michael: I lied. I have another question for you.
Jess: (slightly annoyed but joking) What is it now?
Michael: Are you going to take her to the release party?
Jess: I completely forgot about that. Yeah, I'll ask her. Why?
Michael: Just curious.
Jess: Whatever you say. So, what do we have to do today?
Michael: Lots of boring crap.
Jess: (sarcastically) Hooray!
Jess and Michael work for the next few hours on various piles of paperwork and only stop for lunch and to talk about how bored they are. Then, at about five, Jess gives up.
Jess: That's it. I'm done for the day.
Michael: I second that.
Jess: Coffee?
Michael: Oh, dear God, yes!
Jess: Let's go. I found this new place that has great coffee. And they serve it in mugs as big as bowls.
Michael: Hallelujah! Finally, someone up there listened to me.
Jess: Come on, let's go before your religious references start to bug me.
Michael: (mock salutes) Yes sir!
Jess and Michael exit the building and get into a cab. Jess gives the driver an address and the guys soon find themselves walking into Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Michael: Coffee!!
Jess: Down boy.
The two are waiting in line and finally, it's their turn to order.
Jess: Hey Brian.
Brian: Hey Jess. What's up?
Jess: Not much. Can I please have a medium coffee and chocolate croissant before my stomach decides to have a mutiny.
Brian: Yikes, that bad?
Jess: You have no idea.
Brian: Coming right up.
While Brian is away getting the food, Michael hits Jess in the side.
Jess: (whispering) With Will.
Michael: (says quietly) Damn.
Brian: (with Jess's order) Here you go.
Jess: Thanks.
Jess moves to the side while Michael orders.
Brian: Hey. What can I get for you.
Michael: Largest coffee you have and an espresso brownie.
Brian: Sure, coming right up.
Jess: (says quietly to Michael) Down boy.
Michael: (makes a whimpering noise) No fair.
Brian: Here you go.
Michael: Thanks.
While Michael and Jess begin to leave for a table, Brian calls out Jess's name.
Brian: Jess.
Jess: (turns around) Yeah.
Brian: Corner.
Jess: (smiles) Thanks.
Brian: (looks at Jess with a puzzled expression on his face) What was that all about?
Jess: Follow me.
Jess leads Brian to the corner where Will and Rory's usual table is. When they approach the table, Jess says something to Will and Rory.
Jess: Got room for two more?
Will: In my pants, yes. Here, no.
Jess: Well, we'll just have to fix that.
And Jess goes to sit next to Will, half on his lap.
Will: Rory, control your man.
Jess: Damn. I was looking forward to that party.
Jess gets up and goes to the other side to sit next to Rory. First, he introduces Michael to Rory and Will.
Jess: Guys, this is Michael Kerr, my editor and friend and coffee addict.
Will: (looks Michael over) Hey. The more the merrier.
Rory: Hey, I'm Rory. Also known as Leigh.
Michael: Hey.
The four sit at the table and begin talking. The topic that comes up in their conversation is Jess's book. Obviously, this makes Jess a little uncomfortable, but he hides his discomfort.
Will: Three words: future lifetime movie.
Jess: Oh God no.
Rory: Hey! It would be a good movie.
Michael: Don't worry. I'll try to prevent that.
Jess: Thanks. At least, wait until I'm dead to make me a complete sellout and base one of those crappy movies on something I wrote.
Michael: No problem.
Rory: (slightly sarcastic) You holding out for an actual movie deal, instead?
Jess: Never really thought about it. I just don't want it to be a made for TV movie.
Rory: Understood.
Will: Those things always suck hairy monkey parts.
Rory: Hey! Didn't you like 'The Laramie Project'?
Will: Doesn't count. That was a play in movie form. Plus, HBO is completely different.
Rory: Excuses, excuses.
Will: Hey, you liked 'The Pact' and 'We Were the Mulvaneys'!
Rory: That doesn't count because they came from such good books! I admit, 'The Pact' could have been a lot better if it stuck to the original story more, but the guy who played Chris is hot! You can't deny that.
Will: Fine, hot guy makes up for it. What about the other one?
Rory: Great performances, especially by Blythe Danner. (A/N: I hope I spelled her name right. I was too lazy to look it up.)
Will: Fine, the performances make up for the fact that it was a Lifetime movie.
Rory: Ha! You just gave up mister!
Will: Wha, no, but, you, no, me, arghhh
Jess: Easy there caveman.
Will: (whining) I'm supposed to win!
Michael: Don't bother trying to beat a female. They always manage to trick you somehow.
Will: So true, so true.
Rory: Hey! I'm sitting right here.
Jess: Really? I didn't know that.
Rory sticks her tongue out at him and Jess just smiles at her.
Will: Get a room.
Michael: Or at least a bathroom stall.
Will: Dirty!
Michael: Can't help it. Recently watched '54' and 'American Psycho'.
Will: (imitating Homer when he's salivating over a doughnut) Mmmmm....Christian Bale and Ryan Phillippe...
Michael: Sex, abs, drugs. What else is needed to make a good movie?
Will: Absolutely nothing.
The two guys laugh at that and Brian looks over at them with envy in his eyes.
Rory: So, you guys done with your dirty thoughts yet?
Will: I won't be until I'm dead.
Rory: (asks sarcastically) Someone craving physical contact?
Will: You shouldn't talk.
Rory: At least I admit it.
Will: Fine, I do too.
Rory: Whoa, he agreed. Creepy.
Will: (gets up from the table) Excuse me.
He walks over to Brian, who is clearing off a table, and kisses him.
Brian: Hey to you too.
Will: Thanks.
Will walks back with an odd expression on is face. It's a mixture of disappoint, confusion, and a few more emotions. Rory notices immediately.
Rory: Hey Will, can I talk to you for a second outside?
Will: (voice is a little distant) Yeah, sure.
Will and Rory exit and leave Jess and Michael to wonder about what is going on.
Jess: I am officially confused.
Michael: Join the club.
The two sit making idle conversation while Rory and Will talk.
Rory: Okay, what's wrong?
Will: It's gone. When I kissed him...
Rory: Nothing.
Will: Yeah. And I really like him. And I am not going to give up this place.
Rory: If you don't feel anything anymore, you can't waste his time and yours.
Will: I know. It's just, it sucks.
Rory: (hugs Will) It'll be okay. Don't worry.
Will: Thanks.
Brian notices Will and Rory hugging and wonders what is going on. When they come back in, he walks over to them to see what happened.
Brian: Is everything okay?
Will: Yeah, um, could we talk?
Brian: Yeah, sure.
Will: In private.
The two guys go to the storage room and Rory goes back to the table. She is immediately asked questions about what is going on.
Rory: I'll tell you later.
Jess: No clues?
Rory: The feeling's gone.
The two guys are slightly puzzled but soon realize what she is saying.
Michael: (mentally) I will not be the rebound guy...want to be rebound guy....
A/N: I just randomly got the idea for Michael and Will to get together so, I laid the foundation in this chapter. I hope that the conversation between Michael and Jess answered questions about the past and what happened. If you have more questions, include them in a review or else I won't know what you are thinking. Please review so I know that I didn't sacrifice my studying time for nothing. I'll update as soon as possible.