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: I'm glad you people like Will and Michael so much since I thought that I might get complaints about them taking away from the Lit. part of the story. Thank you for the reviews, I really appreciate them (HINT HINT) and they do make me go faster, unless I have writer's block. So, read, review, and enjoy!!
I am guessing about a lot of stuff in this chapter and making it up since I know absolutely nothing about publishing and promoting books so just go with me here. Thanks!
Time Heals All Wounds?
Chapter Six: Shopping Trips and Coming Out
It is the day after Rory told Jess about what happened between her and Dean during college. Rory is asleep in her bed with Jess by her side. Will and Michael are sleeping in Will's bed, but nothing happened past sleeping and making out. Rory slowly begins to wake up.
Rory: (sees Jess asleep next to her and kisses him on the forehead) Hey.
Jess: (wakes up to the sound of Rory's voice) Hey.
The two kiss briefly.
Jess: Any plans for today?
Rory: Well, the bed is looking pretty comfortable at the moment. What about you?
Jess: Shopping. The release party is tomorrow night and they would get a little pissed if I showed up wearing jeans and a Clash shirt.
Rory: You just got yourself someone to help you find the perfect outfit.
Jess: You have to get your own, too. I mean, I can't go without a date now, can I? I think that Mike would get a little mad if I asked Will to go with me...
Rory: (smiles) Looks like you're stuck with me.
Jess: (smiles) You'll just have to do.
Rory: You do realize that you just told a Gilmore that she has to go shopping, right?
Jess: Yes and I am now remembering that I shouldn't have.
Rory: Too late. Once the idea is in my head, you can't get rid of it.
Jess: So, basically, don't even bother, right?
Rory: Yup.
Jess: Fine with me. Less work the better.
Rory: Yay! I win!
Jess: By default since I forfeited.
Rory: I still won. What's my prize?
Jess: Coffee.
Rory: And?
Jess: Me.
Rory: And?
Jess: Knowing that you'll be the envy of many females and probably some males once my book is released and the crap storm that is publicity begins.
Rory: I think that'll do for now.
Jess: Good.
Rory: So, how about that coffee?
Jess: Gilmores and coffee...if you are every captured for espionage, you'll cave so easily.
Rory: I guess it's a good thing I write about books for a living.
Jess: Guess so.
Rory: Besides, I was overqualified for the military, FBI, and CIA. I mean, with my excellent athletic skills and ability to lie...they just couldn't take someone so amazing.
Jess: Huh. So that's why? And here I thought it was because you always blink when you lie, don't deny it, and because Gilmores and physical activity don't go together at all.
Rory: Realist.
Jess: That's me.
The two get up and go over to the kitchen and begin to make coffee. They are soon joined by Will and Michael.
Will: Hey you sexy things.
Rory: (sarcastic) Really? You think so? So maybe I should reconsider my job with the Times and reconsider the whole Hugh Hefner option and give his wonderful publication another shot.
Jess: (trademark sarcasm) Not only would you be the star of my book, but every guy who heard of it would have a nice picture to go with the character.
Rory: (still sarcastic) Silly silly boy. I'd write articles for Playboy! I mean, everyone knows that people only get it for the articles. (A/N: I'm just remembering when the guy Will is loosely based on was more concerned about an article in it than the rest of it...it was pretty funny, well back to the story now hehe)
Jess: Damn, how could I forget that?
Michael: Someone wasn't using the correct head to think.
Rory: Dirty!
Will: Good one.
Michael: I try.
Jess: How can you people be so awake?
Rory: There's caffeine in my blood.
Will: (imitates Ralph Wiggum) Me special!
Michael: I'm used to less sleep.
Will: So, what's everyone up to today? I personally vote for ditching work.
Michael: I second that.
Rory: Jess and I are going shopping.
Will: Awww, how cute.
Rory: Jealous.
Will: (puts his hands up in defeat) You got me. I secretly wish that I was the one who was with Jess.
Jess: Calm down, there's enough of me to go around.
Will: Yay! And the party in my pants is back!
Rory: (to Jess) Look what you made him do.
Jess: Uh...oops?
Michael: Oh, that actually reminds me...Will, are you busy tomorrow night?
Will: Well, I did plan on sitting home and banging my head against the wall, but I could always postpone that. Why?
Michael: Well, Mr. Star Author here is having a book release party and me, being his editor and friend, is going and I need someone to talk to when he is preoccupied with Rory or the boring stuff that usually happens at these things.
Will: Sure. I'll actually be doing something...weird...
Rory: Will being social, whoa, that's a first.
Jess: Why do I have the feeling that all of us need to go shopping?
Will: My clothes are crap and Rory is addicted to shopping.
Michael: And I have nothing better to do.
Rory: Yay!
Jess: No more caffeine for you for a little while.
~*~ Fast Forward to the four walking around a large clothing store in search of new outfits. ~*~
Jess: (to Rory) You know that you don't have to follow us around. Go look for a dress so you don't die of boredom of watching us look through the piles of shirts and pants.
Rory: I could, but then I wouldn't be able to see what you handsome men choose and how you look in it.
Will: Only handsome? Not dead sexy? What about hottest person on Earth?
Rory: (sarcastic) How could I be so foolish. What I meant to say is that I want to see what the three sexiest men in the world choose and how hot they look in it.
Michael: (loosely puts an arm around Rory's shoulders) Where have you been all my life to inflate my ego?
Jess: (cuts Rory off) Buried in a book.
Rory: (playfully slaps Jess's arm) I'll have you know that I went to plenty of parties during college.
Jess: (jokingly) I'm having trouble picturing that.
Rory: Oh well, your loss.
Will: (interrupting Rory and Jess's conversation) I think that I could testify on her behalf since I've seen how she gets at parties and clubs.
Rory: Ha! I'm not a complete bookworm!
Jess: (grins) I'll believe it when I see it.
Rory: Then you'll just have to wait.
They resume looking through the piles and piles of clothes and eventually, all three of the guys have chosen different outfits to try.
Will: (to Rory, Jess, and Michael) Damn!
Rory: Good or bad damn?
Will: (stepping out of the dressing room) What do you think?
Will is wearing a dark blue shirt with pants that are similar in color. The tie he is wearing is lighter than the rest of the outfit, but matches perfectly.
Rory: Sexy boy!!
Will: Hallelujah! I think it's a miracle I found something so good so fast.
Michael: (calling from his dressing room) Hey, tell me what you guys think of this...
Michael emerges wearing a darker green shirt with khaki colored pants.
Will: (whistles)
Rory: You look like you jumped out of an ad.
Michael: (smiles) I'll take that as a good sign.
Will: (calls out to Jess) Hey, book boy, are you coming out anytime soon?
Jess: (yells back) Hold on.
Will: To who or what?
Rory: Dirty!
Michael: Finally, people with sick minds just like me.
Will: We take pride in our dirty minds.
Michael: I've noticed.
Jess: (out of the dressing room and interrupts them) Hate to break up your little discussion, but how bad is it?
The three turn around and they see Jess wearing a black shirt with black pants and a silver/gray tie. (A/N: *sigh* mmmm, nice mental image...)
Will: There's just one problem....
Jess: What? Is the tie messed up or something?
Will: No, not that. Please reconsider the whole you being straight thing. Damn!
Michael: (points to Will) Uh, yeah...what he said... Who would have thought that behind the band shirts and old converses, there was someone that could pull that off.
Jess: (turns to Rory who has not taken her eyes off of Jess) Any comments from the peanut gallery?
Rory: It's perfect.
Jess: Awww, I thought that I had some flaws, but perfect?
Rory: You know what I mean.
Will: Before this turns into another lovefest between you two, we still need to find something for Rory here. Unless, she's playing on going without any clothes, which could be a little bit of a problem.
Rory: (smiles) Hurry up and change, it's finally my turn to find something.
The guys go back into their dressing rooms and emerge with their old clothes on with the clothes they selected in their arms.
Rory: Let's go!
The four head off to the section of the store that contained all of the formal dresses so Rory could begin the hard task of finding the perfect dress.
Will: (holding a light blue dress) Here, Ror, add this to your pile.
Rory: Thanks.
Michael: Hey, Rory, over here.
Rory walks over to Michael and sees him holding an amazing red dress that she knows is the perfect dress for her to wear.
Rory: Oh my God, it's beautiful. I have to try this on right now.
Rory takes the dress and rushes toward the dressing room to try on the dress.
Rory slowly walks out of the dressing room and toward the mirror at the end of the hall.
Rory: (says quietly to herself) It's perfect.
The three guys walk over to the dressing rooms and they see Rory wearing a long, form-fitting, red dress. The dress has a high neckline with thin straps going over each shoulder.
Will: Wow. Someone's a lucky girl.
Michael: It looks like I picked the right one.
Jess: Ror, you, you look amazing.
Rory: (smiling) I'd jump up and down but I don't want to kill the dress.
Will: Go change so I can hug you and not have to worry about hurting the dress.
Rory goes to change and while she is in there Will starts to sing 'Lady in Red.'
Rory: (shouts to Will) Never become a singer!
Will: (pouting) But I have a great voice.
Michael: Don't start writing the Grammy speech yet.
Will: You people really know how to boost a guy's confidence.
Rory: (walking out of the dressing room carrying the dress) Damn straight.
Jess: So, are we finally done?
Rory: Yup. Me need coffee now.
Will: Mmmmm, coffee...
The four go and pay for their clothes and then go to Coffee Addicts Anonymous for some coffee and food.
~*~ Fast forward to the next night. Rory and Will are getting ready and Michael and Jess are supposed to arrive soon to leave. ~*~
Will: (singing along with 'Bohemian Like You' by The Dandy Warhols, which is playing in the background.) 'And I like you...'
Rory: Of course you like me!
Will: I don't like you. I LOVE you!
Rory: (sarcastic) I say we catch a flight to Vegas and elope.
Will: Two problems and their names are Jess and Michael.
Rory: Damn.
The two are interrupted by a knock on the door.
Rory: Will, get the door!
Will: Why me?
Rory: Because I'm still getting ready.
Will: (walking toward the door) You should have started sooner.
Will opens the door to welcome Jess and Michael.
Will: Well, well, well, someone sure cleans up well.
Jess: (sarcastic) Down boy.
Will: (barks) I never mastered that command.
Michael: We know.
Jess: We should have taken longer shouldn't we?
Rory: (coming out of her room) Nope.
The three guys look at Rory who has emerged wearing her dress and has her hair in loose curls.
Will: (whistles) Someone is red hot tonight. And I did intend to make that a pun.
Michael: You look great Rory.
Jess: Wow. You look fantastic.
Rory: (smiles) Thanks.
Michael: You guys do know that the press is going to attack you tonight, right?
Jess: Unfortunately.
Rory: I think I have a little experience with them.
Michael: Just thought I'd warn you.
Jess: Let's go before I start to rethink going.
The four exit the apartment and enter the limousine that is taking them to the party.
Michael: (they're pulling up in front of the location of the party) Welcome to Hell. Follow me and be as nice and fast as possible.
Michael exits and is followed by Will. The two move off to the side as Jess is the next to exit and flashes immediately start to go off. He stands by the door and waits for Rory to come out.
As soon as Rory is out of limousine, she has Jess's arm around her waist and Michael and Will in front of them beginning the walk through the group in front of them.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) Here goes nothing.
Jess: (whispers to Rory) Let's get this over with.
Rory and Jess set off for the entrance to the building and ignore the questions that they are being asked. They simply smile and walk toward where Michael and Will are waiting for them.
Michael: (leading the group to the room where the party is being held) Well, wasn't that fun?
Jess: Tons.
Michael: Well, all I can say is have fun tonight with the different questions you'll be asked by the press members that are waiting for you in there.
Jess: You guys better save me when it gets bad.
Rory: (kisses Jess) Of course.
Jess: (kisses Rory) You are not leaving my side. If you do, I'm leaving.
Rory: Well, it looks like I'll be next to you for a long time.
Jess: Guess so.
Michael: (standing outside of the door to enter the room) Ready?
Will: Gimme food and alcohol and I'll be fine.
Jess: (sarcastic) I can't wait!
Rory: This is going to be a long night.
The four enter and Michael and Will walk off and Jess and Rory are almost immediately welcomed by various members of the media.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) Be nice.
Jess: (whispers to Rory) Please let me wake up now if this is a dream.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) We can do this. I'll be right there with you.
Jess: (kisses Rory) I love you.
Rory: I love you too. Now, let's go and give them something to write about.
Jess: Last chance to run. (a man is approaching them) And it is gone.
Man: (greets Jess and Rory) Gregory Peterson of The New York Tribune.
Jess: Jess Mariano. Also known as J.M. Danes.
Gregory: (turns to Rory, who he knows from previous events) Leigh, have a little trouble keeping work and your personal life separate?
Rory: Well, next I plan on seducing Stephen King. Maybe John Grisham.
Jess: (sarcastic) You only used me for your article?
Rory: (smiles) Did you really think I liked you? Awww, how sweet.
Jess: So I'm just another story to you, thanks.
Rory: (laughs) Actually Greg, Jess and I knew each other when we were younger.
Gregory: So maybe you could tell me who Rachel is.
Jess: I could, but then I'd have to kill you. Or deny everything you write.
Gregory: I hope you give us something good later when you make your speech.
Jess: Well, I do aim to please, so you should.
Rory: Aim to please? Dirty, dirty boy.
Jess: Can we go find Will and Michael before someone else gets to us?
Rory: Yeah.
Rory and Jess look for the two guys in the crowd and see them seated at an empty table talking to one another.
Rory: (to Will and Michael) Am I interrupting anything?
Will: Just some dirty words and innuendoes. Just the usual stuff.
Michael: So, how's it going so far?
Jess: Well, I found out that a certain female is only using me to get a good story and is planning on seducing Stephen King next.
Will: Old scary guy...ick.
Rory: I've been trying to block out his image ever since I made the comment.
The group continues to talk and eat until one of Michael's co-workers comes over to them.
Woman: Hey Mike, Jess, ready for what everyone has been waiting for?
Jess: I can't wait.
Michael: Let's go and get this over with. I'm in serious need of decent coffee and comfortable clothes.
Will: I could so make that dirty right now.
Rory: Please don't. I've heard enough tonight.
Jess: Mike, let's go.
Michael: See you guys later.
Will: Have fun.
Rory: (kisses Jess) Remember what we talked about...you can do this.
Jess: Thanks.
Rory: Now, go kick some ass.
Jess: Please say that you meant that literally.
Rory: Nope, sorry.
Jess: Damn, now I have the urge to kick someone's ass.
Rory: Go already!
Jess: Fine, I know when I'm not wanted.
Jess and Michael head off for the little stage and podium that is set up.
Michael: Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but now for the moment that you have been waiting for all night, J.M. Danes, author of 'Small Town Heart' will now speak to you and answer some questions.
Michael walks away from the podium and Jess replaces him.
Jess: Hello everyone, I'm Jess Mariano, but most of you know me as J.M. Danes. Now I'm sure that many of you are curious about the contents of 'Small Town Heart' so listen closely and I'll probably answer your questions. First of all, the story is based on the two years of my life that I lived in Stars Hollow, Connecticut with my uncle, Luke Danes. Those two years allowed me to grow emotionally and learn what it is to truly love a person. Now, you all know that girl as Rachel from my book, but I know her as Rory Gilmore. And many of you know her as Leigh Gilmore-Hayden from The New York Times. So, before someone comes out with the story that the article that will soon be printed in The Times about me and 'Small Town Heart' was a result of a fling with Leigh Gilmore-Hayden, know that the author is someone that I have known since I was seventeen, and I can honestly say that she is one of the few people that actually understands me and I can truly say that I love. Now, back to the contents of the book. You may find some of the characters to be unrealistic, but believe me, they're all real. At this point, I will take any questions that you have.
Jess is asked many questions by the reporters and they vary from personal to what his next book will be about. After answering what seems to be hundreds of questions, Jess is finally saved by Michael.
Michael: Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but that is all the time that we have. Thank you for coming tonight.
Michael and Jess walk off the stage and immediately find Rory and Will. Jess is greeted by a hug from Rory, which does not go unnoticed by photographers and reporters.
Rory: Who would have thought that Stars Hollow's resident bad boy actually had some manners hid inside of him.
Jess: Shh, don't tell anyone.
Will: I hate to sound rude, but can we go?
Jess: Oh dear God, please.
Michael: Yeah. I think that everything's done.
Jess: Yes.
The four exit the building and enter their limousine. They give the driver the address of Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Jess: Ugh, it's over.
Michael: You still have a long road of publicity crap in front of you.
Jess: Why did I choose to become a writer?
Rory: So you could tell everyone what goes on inside of your head.
Will: Awww, how tacky.
Rory: (smiles) I try.
The limousine pulls up in front of Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Will: Coffee!!
Rory: Ahhh, heaven.
The four enter and walk over to the counter to order. Rory and Will are anxiously waiting to place their order.
Rory: (to the person behind the counter) Large coffee with an espresso brownie.
Will: I'll have the same.
Rory and Will wait for their coffee and brownies and eagerly take them.
Rory: Mmmm, coffee.
After getting their own coffee and food, Jess and Michael go with Rory and Will to their usual table in the corner.
Michael: So, what did you guys think about tonight?
Will: The food was pretty crappy, but the company made up for it.
Rory: Who's being tacky now?
Will: Bite me.
Rory: (makes a biting sound)
Will: So, she likes it rough?
Rory: Hush you.
Will: Wait, what was that? Was that the trademark Rory Gilmore blush? Ha!
Rory: So, Michael, did you have fun tonight?
Michael: Nice try at changing the topic.
Rory: Hey, none of you were going to save me.
Jess: But it's so much fun to watch you squirm.
Rory: But you aren't the one who is put in the position that results in squirming.
Will: Did anyone else actually understand that?
Jess: Yeah.
Michael: Yup.
The four continue to talk and tease one another and eventually leave the coffee shop and head off toward Rory and Will's apartment.
Rory: I'm sooo tired. I could sleep for a whole day.
Jess: (pulls Rory closer to him) That doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Will: I say we let tomorrow be 'Sleep All Day' day. And we can play that Jason Mraz song in celebration.
Rory: I love any guy that can have a song called 'Sleep All Day.'
Jess: Lazy girl.
Rory: (yawns) Yup, that's me.
The four enter the apartment and the couples separate and go to their respective bedrooms to being the intended 24-hours of laziness.
A/N: I think that I just wrote the longest chapter ever for one of my stories. I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter. I got kinda skimpy with the details at the end, but I hope that didn't take away from the general fluff of the chapter. I'll post another chapter as soon as possible, but I don't really know where I want the story to go next and school is real pain in the ass right now, so I'm not sure when the next one will be up. Please send me reviews, ideas, comments, anything. I love to get feedback so don't hesitate to write a review or email. I hope you liked this chapter because it took a lot of time to finally get out. Please please tell me what you thought! Until next time - Amy.
A/N: I'm glad you people like Will and Michael so much since I thought that I might get complaints about them taking away from the Lit. part of the story. Thank you for the reviews, I really appreciate them (HINT HINT) and they do make me go faster, unless I have writer's block. So, read, review, and enjoy!!
I am guessing about a lot of stuff in this chapter and making it up since I know absolutely nothing about publishing and promoting books so just go with me here. Thanks!
Time Heals All Wounds?
Chapter Six: Shopping Trips and Coming Out
It is the day after Rory told Jess about what happened between her and Dean during college. Rory is asleep in her bed with Jess by her side. Will and Michael are sleeping in Will's bed, but nothing happened past sleeping and making out. Rory slowly begins to wake up.
Rory: (sees Jess asleep next to her and kisses him on the forehead) Hey.
Jess: (wakes up to the sound of Rory's voice) Hey.
The two kiss briefly.
Jess: Any plans for today?
Rory: Well, the bed is looking pretty comfortable at the moment. What about you?
Jess: Shopping. The release party is tomorrow night and they would get a little pissed if I showed up wearing jeans and a Clash shirt.
Rory: You just got yourself someone to help you find the perfect outfit.
Jess: You have to get your own, too. I mean, I can't go without a date now, can I? I think that Mike would get a little mad if I asked Will to go with me...
Rory: (smiles) Looks like you're stuck with me.
Jess: (smiles) You'll just have to do.
Rory: You do realize that you just told a Gilmore that she has to go shopping, right?
Jess: Yes and I am now remembering that I shouldn't have.
Rory: Too late. Once the idea is in my head, you can't get rid of it.
Jess: So, basically, don't even bother, right?
Rory: Yup.
Jess: Fine with me. Less work the better.
Rory: Yay! I win!
Jess: By default since I forfeited.
Rory: I still won. What's my prize?
Jess: Coffee.
Rory: And?
Jess: Me.
Rory: And?
Jess: Knowing that you'll be the envy of many females and probably some males once my book is released and the crap storm that is publicity begins.
Rory: I think that'll do for now.
Jess: Good.
Rory: So, how about that coffee?
Jess: Gilmores and coffee...if you are every captured for espionage, you'll cave so easily.
Rory: I guess it's a good thing I write about books for a living.
Jess: Guess so.
Rory: Besides, I was overqualified for the military, FBI, and CIA. I mean, with my excellent athletic skills and ability to lie...they just couldn't take someone so amazing.
Jess: Huh. So that's why? And here I thought it was because you always blink when you lie, don't deny it, and because Gilmores and physical activity don't go together at all.
Rory: Realist.
Jess: That's me.
The two get up and go over to the kitchen and begin to make coffee. They are soon joined by Will and Michael.
Will: Hey you sexy things.
Rory: (sarcastic) Really? You think so? So maybe I should reconsider my job with the Times and reconsider the whole Hugh Hefner option and give his wonderful publication another shot.
Jess: (trademark sarcasm) Not only would you be the star of my book, but every guy who heard of it would have a nice picture to go with the character.
Rory: (still sarcastic) Silly silly boy. I'd write articles for Playboy! I mean, everyone knows that people only get it for the articles. (A/N: I'm just remembering when the guy Will is loosely based on was more concerned about an article in it than the rest of it...it was pretty funny, well back to the story now hehe)
Jess: Damn, how could I forget that?
Michael: Someone wasn't using the correct head to think.
Rory: Dirty!
Will: Good one.
Michael: I try.
Jess: How can you people be so awake?
Rory: There's caffeine in my blood.
Will: (imitates Ralph Wiggum) Me special!
Michael: I'm used to less sleep.
Will: So, what's everyone up to today? I personally vote for ditching work.
Michael: I second that.
Rory: Jess and I are going shopping.
Will: Awww, how cute.
Rory: Jealous.
Will: (puts his hands up in defeat) You got me. I secretly wish that I was the one who was with Jess.
Jess: Calm down, there's enough of me to go around.
Will: Yay! And the party in my pants is back!
Rory: (to Jess) Look what you made him do.
Jess: Uh...oops?
Michael: Oh, that actually reminds me...Will, are you busy tomorrow night?
Will: Well, I did plan on sitting home and banging my head against the wall, but I could always postpone that. Why?
Michael: Well, Mr. Star Author here is having a book release party and me, being his editor and friend, is going and I need someone to talk to when he is preoccupied with Rory or the boring stuff that usually happens at these things.
Will: Sure. I'll actually be doing something...weird...
Rory: Will being social, whoa, that's a first.
Jess: Why do I have the feeling that all of us need to go shopping?
Will: My clothes are crap and Rory is addicted to shopping.
Michael: And I have nothing better to do.
Rory: Yay!
Jess: No more caffeine for you for a little while.
~*~ Fast Forward to the four walking around a large clothing store in search of new outfits. ~*~
Jess: (to Rory) You know that you don't have to follow us around. Go look for a dress so you don't die of boredom of watching us look through the piles of shirts and pants.
Rory: I could, but then I wouldn't be able to see what you handsome men choose and how you look in it.
Will: Only handsome? Not dead sexy? What about hottest person on Earth?
Rory: (sarcastic) How could I be so foolish. What I meant to say is that I want to see what the three sexiest men in the world choose and how hot they look in it.
Michael: (loosely puts an arm around Rory's shoulders) Where have you been all my life to inflate my ego?
Jess: (cuts Rory off) Buried in a book.
Rory: (playfully slaps Jess's arm) I'll have you know that I went to plenty of parties during college.
Jess: (jokingly) I'm having trouble picturing that.
Rory: Oh well, your loss.
Will: (interrupting Rory and Jess's conversation) I think that I could testify on her behalf since I've seen how she gets at parties and clubs.
Rory: Ha! I'm not a complete bookworm!
Jess: (grins) I'll believe it when I see it.
Rory: Then you'll just have to wait.
They resume looking through the piles and piles of clothes and eventually, all three of the guys have chosen different outfits to try.
Will: (to Rory, Jess, and Michael) Damn!
Rory: Good or bad damn?
Will: (stepping out of the dressing room) What do you think?
Will is wearing a dark blue shirt with pants that are similar in color. The tie he is wearing is lighter than the rest of the outfit, but matches perfectly.
Rory: Sexy boy!!
Will: Hallelujah! I think it's a miracle I found something so good so fast.
Michael: (calling from his dressing room) Hey, tell me what you guys think of this...
Michael emerges wearing a darker green shirt with khaki colored pants.
Will: (whistles)
Rory: You look like you jumped out of an ad.
Michael: (smiles) I'll take that as a good sign.
Will: (calls out to Jess) Hey, book boy, are you coming out anytime soon?
Jess: (yells back) Hold on.
Will: To who or what?
Rory: Dirty!
Michael: Finally, people with sick minds just like me.
Will: We take pride in our dirty minds.
Michael: I've noticed.
Jess: (out of the dressing room and interrupts them) Hate to break up your little discussion, but how bad is it?
The three turn around and they see Jess wearing a black shirt with black pants and a silver/gray tie. (A/N: *sigh* mmmm, nice mental image...)
Will: There's just one problem....
Jess: What? Is the tie messed up or something?
Will: No, not that. Please reconsider the whole you being straight thing. Damn!
Michael: (points to Will) Uh, yeah...what he said... Who would have thought that behind the band shirts and old converses, there was someone that could pull that off.
Jess: (turns to Rory who has not taken her eyes off of Jess) Any comments from the peanut gallery?
Rory: It's perfect.
Jess: Awww, I thought that I had some flaws, but perfect?
Rory: You know what I mean.
Will: Before this turns into another lovefest between you two, we still need to find something for Rory here. Unless, she's playing on going without any clothes, which could be a little bit of a problem.
Rory: (smiles) Hurry up and change, it's finally my turn to find something.
The guys go back into their dressing rooms and emerge with their old clothes on with the clothes they selected in their arms.
Rory: Let's go!
The four head off to the section of the store that contained all of the formal dresses so Rory could begin the hard task of finding the perfect dress.
Will: (holding a light blue dress) Here, Ror, add this to your pile.
Rory: Thanks.
Michael: Hey, Rory, over here.
Rory walks over to Michael and sees him holding an amazing red dress that she knows is the perfect dress for her to wear.
Rory: Oh my God, it's beautiful. I have to try this on right now.
Rory takes the dress and rushes toward the dressing room to try on the dress.
Rory slowly walks out of the dressing room and toward the mirror at the end of the hall.
Rory: (says quietly to herself) It's perfect.
The three guys walk over to the dressing rooms and they see Rory wearing a long, form-fitting, red dress. The dress has a high neckline with thin straps going over each shoulder.
Will: Wow. Someone's a lucky girl.
Michael: It looks like I picked the right one.
Jess: Ror, you, you look amazing.
Rory: (smiling) I'd jump up and down but I don't want to kill the dress.
Will: Go change so I can hug you and not have to worry about hurting the dress.
Rory goes to change and while she is in there Will starts to sing 'Lady in Red.'
Rory: (shouts to Will) Never become a singer!
Will: (pouting) But I have a great voice.
Michael: Don't start writing the Grammy speech yet.
Will: You people really know how to boost a guy's confidence.
Rory: (walking out of the dressing room carrying the dress) Damn straight.
Jess: So, are we finally done?
Rory: Yup. Me need coffee now.
Will: Mmmmm, coffee...
The four go and pay for their clothes and then go to Coffee Addicts Anonymous for some coffee and food.
~*~ Fast forward to the next night. Rory and Will are getting ready and Michael and Jess are supposed to arrive soon to leave. ~*~
Will: (singing along with 'Bohemian Like You' by The Dandy Warhols, which is playing in the background.) 'And I like you...'
Rory: Of course you like me!
Will: I don't like you. I LOVE you!
Rory: (sarcastic) I say we catch a flight to Vegas and elope.
Will: Two problems and their names are Jess and Michael.
Rory: Damn.
The two are interrupted by a knock on the door.
Rory: Will, get the door!
Will: Why me?
Rory: Because I'm still getting ready.
Will: (walking toward the door) You should have started sooner.
Will opens the door to welcome Jess and Michael.
Will: Well, well, well, someone sure cleans up well.
Jess: (sarcastic) Down boy.
Will: (barks) I never mastered that command.
Michael: We know.
Jess: We should have taken longer shouldn't we?
Rory: (coming out of her room) Nope.
The three guys look at Rory who has emerged wearing her dress and has her hair in loose curls.
Will: (whistles) Someone is red hot tonight. And I did intend to make that a pun.
Michael: You look great Rory.
Jess: Wow. You look fantastic.
Rory: (smiles) Thanks.
Michael: You guys do know that the press is going to attack you tonight, right?
Jess: Unfortunately.
Rory: I think I have a little experience with them.
Michael: Just thought I'd warn you.
Jess: Let's go before I start to rethink going.
The four exit the apartment and enter the limousine that is taking them to the party.
Michael: (they're pulling up in front of the location of the party) Welcome to Hell. Follow me and be as nice and fast as possible.
Michael exits and is followed by Will. The two move off to the side as Jess is the next to exit and flashes immediately start to go off. He stands by the door and waits for Rory to come out.
As soon as Rory is out of limousine, she has Jess's arm around her waist and Michael and Will in front of them beginning the walk through the group in front of them.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) Here goes nothing.
Jess: (whispers to Rory) Let's get this over with.
Rory and Jess set off for the entrance to the building and ignore the questions that they are being asked. They simply smile and walk toward where Michael and Will are waiting for them.
Michael: (leading the group to the room where the party is being held) Well, wasn't that fun?
Jess: Tons.
Michael: Well, all I can say is have fun tonight with the different questions you'll be asked by the press members that are waiting for you in there.
Jess: You guys better save me when it gets bad.
Rory: (kisses Jess) Of course.
Jess: (kisses Rory) You are not leaving my side. If you do, I'm leaving.
Rory: Well, it looks like I'll be next to you for a long time.
Jess: Guess so.
Michael: (standing outside of the door to enter the room) Ready?
Will: Gimme food and alcohol and I'll be fine.
Jess: (sarcastic) I can't wait!
Rory: This is going to be a long night.
The four enter and Michael and Will walk off and Jess and Rory are almost immediately welcomed by various members of the media.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) Be nice.
Jess: (whispers to Rory) Please let me wake up now if this is a dream.
Rory: (whispers to Jess) We can do this. I'll be right there with you.
Jess: (kisses Rory) I love you.
Rory: I love you too. Now, let's go and give them something to write about.
Jess: Last chance to run. (a man is approaching them) And it is gone.
Man: (greets Jess and Rory) Gregory Peterson of The New York Tribune.
Jess: Jess Mariano. Also known as J.M. Danes.
Gregory: (turns to Rory, who he knows from previous events) Leigh, have a little trouble keeping work and your personal life separate?
Rory: Well, next I plan on seducing Stephen King. Maybe John Grisham.
Jess: (sarcastic) You only used me for your article?
Rory: (smiles) Did you really think I liked you? Awww, how sweet.
Jess: So I'm just another story to you, thanks.
Rory: (laughs) Actually Greg, Jess and I knew each other when we were younger.
Gregory: So maybe you could tell me who Rachel is.
Jess: I could, but then I'd have to kill you. Or deny everything you write.
Gregory: I hope you give us something good later when you make your speech.
Jess: Well, I do aim to please, so you should.
Rory: Aim to please? Dirty, dirty boy.
Jess: Can we go find Will and Michael before someone else gets to us?
Rory: Yeah.
Rory and Jess look for the two guys in the crowd and see them seated at an empty table talking to one another.
Rory: (to Will and Michael) Am I interrupting anything?
Will: Just some dirty words and innuendoes. Just the usual stuff.
Michael: So, how's it going so far?
Jess: Well, I found out that a certain female is only using me to get a good story and is planning on seducing Stephen King next.
Will: Old scary guy...ick.
Rory: I've been trying to block out his image ever since I made the comment.
The group continues to talk and eat until one of Michael's co-workers comes over to them.
Woman: Hey Mike, Jess, ready for what everyone has been waiting for?
Jess: I can't wait.
Michael: Let's go and get this over with. I'm in serious need of decent coffee and comfortable clothes.
Will: I could so make that dirty right now.
Rory: Please don't. I've heard enough tonight.
Jess: Mike, let's go.
Michael: See you guys later.
Will: Have fun.
Rory: (kisses Jess) Remember what we talked about...you can do this.
Jess: Thanks.
Rory: Now, go kick some ass.
Jess: Please say that you meant that literally.
Rory: Nope, sorry.
Jess: Damn, now I have the urge to kick someone's ass.
Rory: Go already!
Jess: Fine, I know when I'm not wanted.
Jess and Michael head off for the little stage and podium that is set up.
Michael: Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but now for the moment that you have been waiting for all night, J.M. Danes, author of 'Small Town Heart' will now speak to you and answer some questions.
Michael walks away from the podium and Jess replaces him.
Jess: Hello everyone, I'm Jess Mariano, but most of you know me as J.M. Danes. Now I'm sure that many of you are curious about the contents of 'Small Town Heart' so listen closely and I'll probably answer your questions. First of all, the story is based on the two years of my life that I lived in Stars Hollow, Connecticut with my uncle, Luke Danes. Those two years allowed me to grow emotionally and learn what it is to truly love a person. Now, you all know that girl as Rachel from my book, but I know her as Rory Gilmore. And many of you know her as Leigh Gilmore-Hayden from The New York Times. So, before someone comes out with the story that the article that will soon be printed in The Times about me and 'Small Town Heart' was a result of a fling with Leigh Gilmore-Hayden, know that the author is someone that I have known since I was seventeen, and I can honestly say that she is one of the few people that actually understands me and I can truly say that I love. Now, back to the contents of the book. You may find some of the characters to be unrealistic, but believe me, they're all real. At this point, I will take any questions that you have.
Jess is asked many questions by the reporters and they vary from personal to what his next book will be about. After answering what seems to be hundreds of questions, Jess is finally saved by Michael.
Michael: Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but that is all the time that we have. Thank you for coming tonight.
Michael and Jess walk off the stage and immediately find Rory and Will. Jess is greeted by a hug from Rory, which does not go unnoticed by photographers and reporters.
Rory: Who would have thought that Stars Hollow's resident bad boy actually had some manners hid inside of him.
Jess: Shh, don't tell anyone.
Will: I hate to sound rude, but can we go?
Jess: Oh dear God, please.
Michael: Yeah. I think that everything's done.
Jess: Yes.
The four exit the building and enter their limousine. They give the driver the address of Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Jess: Ugh, it's over.
Michael: You still have a long road of publicity crap in front of you.
Jess: Why did I choose to become a writer?
Rory: So you could tell everyone what goes on inside of your head.
Will: Awww, how tacky.
Rory: (smiles) I try.
The limousine pulls up in front of Coffee Addicts Anonymous.
Will: Coffee!!
Rory: Ahhh, heaven.
The four enter and walk over to the counter to order. Rory and Will are anxiously waiting to place their order.
Rory: (to the person behind the counter) Large coffee with an espresso brownie.
Will: I'll have the same.
Rory and Will wait for their coffee and brownies and eagerly take them.
Rory: Mmmm, coffee.
After getting their own coffee and food, Jess and Michael go with Rory and Will to their usual table in the corner.
Michael: So, what did you guys think about tonight?
Will: The food was pretty crappy, but the company made up for it.
Rory: Who's being tacky now?
Will: Bite me.
Rory: (makes a biting sound)
Will: So, she likes it rough?
Rory: Hush you.
Will: Wait, what was that? Was that the trademark Rory Gilmore blush? Ha!
Rory: So, Michael, did you have fun tonight?
Michael: Nice try at changing the topic.
Rory: Hey, none of you were going to save me.
Jess: But it's so much fun to watch you squirm.
Rory: But you aren't the one who is put in the position that results in squirming.
Will: Did anyone else actually understand that?
Jess: Yeah.
Michael: Yup.
The four continue to talk and tease one another and eventually leave the coffee shop and head off toward Rory and Will's apartment.
Rory: I'm sooo tired. I could sleep for a whole day.
Jess: (pulls Rory closer to him) That doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Will: I say we let tomorrow be 'Sleep All Day' day. And we can play that Jason Mraz song in celebration.
Rory: I love any guy that can have a song called 'Sleep All Day.'
Jess: Lazy girl.
Rory: (yawns) Yup, that's me.
The four enter the apartment and the couples separate and go to their respective bedrooms to being the intended 24-hours of laziness.
A/N: I think that I just wrote the longest chapter ever for one of my stories. I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter. I got kinda skimpy with the details at the end, but I hope that didn't take away from the general fluff of the chapter. I'll post another chapter as soon as possible, but I don't really know where I want the story to go next and school is real pain in the ass right now, so I'm not sure when the next one will be up. Please send me reviews, ideas, comments, anything. I love to get feedback so don't hesitate to write a review or email. I hope you liked this chapter because it took a lot of time to finally get out. Please please tell me what you thought! Until next time - Amy.