A/N Very much a filler chapter
*7am
Rory rolls out of bed like an acrobat. Her dreams had been of Jess, and by the time 5am had come around they had left her entirely awake, unable to fall back asleep.
Rory calls out to her mother, forgetting about her absence. She shakes the last bit of sleep out of her eyes as she walks towards her dresser. She stops as she passes the mirror staring at her image. She smiles broadly, most would say she looks exactly the same, but in her own eyes, Rory looks like a completely different person. Rory doesn't see what everyone else does, her soft features and clean-cut aura hide what she herself sees and feels. Her hair is knotted and disheveled, not from a restless night of sleep, but from the slender fingers of her boyfriend, her lover. Rory blushes at this thought. She and Jess were no longer boyfriend and girlfriend, but lovers as well. Rory Gilmore has a lover.
Rory giggles nervously turning away from the mirror. She mutters under her breath reminding herself that these thoughts will only get her in trouble. Her face burns as she imagines the towns reaction to last night's events.......somehow she is sure that it would end in some sort of festival being thrown.
Rory lies back on her bed trying to clear her mind, she sighs realizing how empty her bed feels. A smile creeps onto her face, less than 8 hours ago Jess' muscular arms were wrapped around her body. It was the safest she had ever felt in her life. Sitting alone on her bed Rory feels lonely. She reaches across the bed and grabs Jess' shirt.
She pulls it over her head along with a t-shirt to conceal the fact that she's wearing Jess' shirt, she didn't want to tip her mother off prematurely. Pulling on her sneakers, Rory takes her purse off the door and leaves her bedroom.
*7:45: Luke's.
Lorelai is already seated at the counter talking to a very tired-looking Luke.
The bell over the door rings.
"Rory!" Lorelai exclaims.
"So did you save the world from having another Thurston?"
"Yes but now they're set on Oscar."
'As in the grouch?!" Rory raises an eyebrow.
"They're beyond help, what can I say I did my best." Lorelai shrugs.
Rory laughs taking a seat next to Lorelai.
Luke puts out a cup in front of her.
"Thank you." Rory says cheerfully.
"Stand back." Lorelai announces.
"What?"
"Someone stuck a hanger in your mouth, here let m get that out for you." Lorelai reaches a hand towards Rory's mouth.
Rory's lips tighten; she shakes her head. "Stop it!"
"Hey, no means no." Jess says sarcastically has he appears behind Luke.
"Yeah you better remember that bucko." Lorelai retorts.
Jess nods, a smirk evident.
Luke pours more coffee distracting Lorelai from seeing Rory's face turns scarlet.
Lorelai takes a long sip of her coffee, "Well I'm off."
"Bye." Rory says happily.
"I think you're going to need hanger-removal surgery." Lorelai replies.
Rory rolls her eyes.
"Oh and remember you're on your own tonight, Ill be home around 11."
Rory nods.
"Date tonight?" Luke blurts.
Lorelai takes a step back, "No, we have a wedding at the Inn this weekend, I have to strategically place large bouquets of pink flowers around the place."
Luke nods awkwardly.
"Ok, going now." Lorelai says already halfway out the door.
Rory smiles at Jess who moves out from behind the counter.
Luke grabs him by the arm, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Come on Luke!" Jess says irritably.
Rory gives Luke a puppy dog glance, "It's our last day."
Luke's eyes soften, "Fine, but you're back here by 7."
"Going through separation anxiety are we?" Jess asks.
"Go." Luke replies.
"Luke?" Kirk asks.
"No."
"Luke?" Kirk says again.
"I'm busy."
"You're just standing there with a pot of coffee in your hand."
"Kirk, go."
"But I haven't had my breakfast yet."
Luke sighs, "What do you want?"
"Coffee."
Luke puts out a cup and pours coffee in front of Kirk.
"Luke, can I have some milk?"
"Sure."
Luke leaves momentarily, returning with a cup of milk.
"No, can I have it in a bowl?"
"What? Why?"
"For Taquito."
"Ta-who?" Luke asks.
Kirk pulls a small rat-like dog onto the counter.
"Oh God, get that thing out of here now Kirk."
Kirk stands up waving the dog in front of Luke, "But I promised Taqo breakfast out."
"Buy him a bone and take him outside!" Luke screams.
"But-"
"Go!" Luke says thrashing his arm around, ultimately knocking into the cup of milk on the counter.
"Damnit!" Luke yells as milk drip down his leg.
Kirk goes to speak.
"Leave now." Luke says harshly, turning towards the stairs.
*Upstairs.
Luke is in his bedroom changing his pants.
Luke exits his room, cursing about Kirk. He passes Jess' room and stops short.
"God, all his things are packed up and he still manages to trash the place." Luke mutters.
Luke survey's the room, whose floor is littered with cd covers, magazine articles and balled up pieces of paper.
Luke turns to walk away as his eyes catch on a light blue piece of cloth clinging to the corner of Jess' dressers.
Mechanically Luke enters the enemy's quarters. Luke moves slowly, not keen on finding out what is lying on Jess' floor, he doesn't need to go any further really, deep down he already knows.
Luke reaches down and picks up the wrinkled blue cloth.
Luke puts a hand on his forehead, unsure of what to do.
No, he never did get the hang of being a guardian, but standing alone in Jess' room Luke feels more at a loss then ever.
What is he supposed to feel as he sways awkwardly from side to side, Rory Gilmore's bra in hand.
"Involved party my ass." Luke curses as he walks out of Jess' room.
*11pm: Jess and Rory are standing on the Gilmore's porch.
Jess kisses Rory passionately.
Rory pulls away, "My mom's going to be home any minute."
"Danger, I'm excited."
"Jess."
Jess sighs, "I know."
Rory wraps her arms around Jess' neck, "Do you want to come in, we could put a movie on?"
"Nah." Jess replies. "I really shouldn't, I have to be up at six, bus leaves at 10, and I really can't miss it, my train leaves at 11:30."
Rory nods solemnly, "I guess this is it then."
"I'll see you in the morning won't I?" Jess looks up at Rory.
"Yeah, but this was our last night together, twenty four hours from now you're going to be thousands of miles away." Rory replies, tears gathering in her eyes.
Jess wipes them away, "I'm coming back."
Rory nods, "Yeah I know 6 months......."
"4."
"Diane on cheers said 6 months, but Sam knew better........she never did come back, well until the last episode of the last seas---"
Jess quiets Rory with a kiss.
She stumbles backwards as Jess pulls away, "I'm coming back, Sam."
"Have a nice life, Diane."
Jess takes Rory by the wrists, shaking her gently, "I'm coming back."
Rory nods, "Good night Jess." She turns her back to him.
"Goodnight Rory." Jess says quietly as the door closes in front of him.
*5 minutes later:
Rory is sobbing loudly, wrapped in an oversized blanket, she pops a tape into the vcr.
As the opening note to "When Harry Met Sally." Plays Rory's sob grows louder.
Rory is almost hysterical now, her sobs drowning out the footsteps behind her.
"I can sleep on the train." Jess' tone is hoarse.
Rory tips her head back to look at jess.
Jess' heart melts at the sight of Rory's red eyes and tear stained cheeks.
With out another word he hops over the back of the couch, seating himself next to Rory.
She pulls her blanket over him, her hand hovering over his shoulder.
Jess takes it and squeezes it, "Sshh." He says calmly.
Rory buries her face in jess' shirt.
Jess rubs her back soothingly, "I'm coming back he whispers."
Rory howls.
Jess tightens his hold on her, brushing his face against her hair, relieving is face of the tears gathering in his eyes.
*20 minutes later: Lorelai enters quietly. She turns on the lights and jumps at the outline of Jess' body sitting on her couch.
"Sorry." Jess says flatly. "I...."
He trails off as Lorelai walks around the side of the couch.
Lorelai's eyes travel to the heap gathered in his lap.
Lorelai turns her head sideways, even in her sleep Rory's face is red, her eyes puffy.
"Poor kid." Lorelai muses.
Jess swallows a lump in his throat, "I, I couldn't leave her like this."
Lorelai nods, "Thanks for taking care of her."
Jess shifts his weight, "Well I should........"
Lorelai shakes her head, "I'll call Luke, let him know you're spending the night."
Jess looks at Lorelai with uncertainty, "But........."
"I'm being nice, don't ruin it."
"Ok."
Lorelai sighs, "I guess its about time I make up for all the shit I've given you."
Jess remains silent.
"I'll call Luke." Lorelai rpeats.
Jess nods.
Lorelai turns to walk away.
"You know she's not the only one whose heart is broken."
"I know." Lorelai says solemnly. "Get some sleep." Lorelai turns out the light.
*9:30am:
Lorelai Luke and Rory and standing outside the diner, saying their goodbyes to Jess. In the morning light, Jess
'Well, I guess this is goodbye.......it was nice, uh having you around." Lorelai says hugging Jess.
"Right." Jess replies with a smirk, "See you soon Lorelai."
Luke approaches Jess, "You know, if it isn't working out you can call me, I could always use someone to close on Fridays."
Jess smiles, "Thanks Luke."
The two men embrace awkwardly.
"Have a safe trip." Luke says taking a step backward.
Rory remains close to her mother. Jess walks over putting a hand out towards her.
She takes it and they walk away.
"I'm coming back." Jess says.
Rory sniffles, "I love you."
"And you'll come for spring break and we'll walk on the beach eat overpriced ice cream cones, watch the sunset......."
Rory sighs, looking down at her feet.
"I love you." Jess says swallowing Rory in his arms.
Rory hugs Jess tightly, "I'm going to be a hermit, I'll go to school, the diner and home every day."
"No, I don't want that......you can go to Lane's and listen to music once or twice a month." Jess smirks.
Rory sobs, holding tightly onto Jess' shirt.
Jess looks away.
Rory puts a hand to jess' face, forcing him to look at her, there are tears in his eyes.
"I'm going to miss you so much." He says hoarsely.
"We'll call each other......"
"Everyday." Jess says swallowing a lump in his throat.
Rory leans in and kisses him affectionately square on the mouth.
Jess' arms rest on Rory's back as their bodies sway back and forth.
*The bus pulls up behind Jess.
Jess pulls away.
Rory sobs.
"I love you." Jess says. "Lorelai Gilmore, I love you."
"I love you too."
Jess kisses her again before climbing onto the bus.
Tears stream freely down Rory's cheeks.
Jess hangs his head out of the window, "I'm coming back!" He calls as the bus pulls away.
Rory yells, "I love you!"
Sobbing quietly she watches the bus turns the corner, before walking away.
Lorelai and Luke watch her leave.
"shouldn't you go after her?" Luke asks.
Lorelai shakes her head, "There's nothing I can do for her right now."
Luke nods.
"So we're on speaking turns again?" Lorelai asks.
"Yeah......" Luke says quietly, "Hey remember when you said you were the involved party and I kind of blew up at you?"
"The whole reason for us not talking, yes I remember."
"Well I still don't know if I agree with you being an involved party, but I think there's something you should know."
Lorelai eyes Luke suspiciously, "Ok......"
"I was going passed jess' room yesterday."
Lorelai stares at Luke, unaffected.
"And something caught my eye."
"Yeah?"
"Here." Luke hands Lorelai Rory's bra.
Lorelei stares down at it.
"It's Rory's."
Lorelai nods.
"I wasn't home the other night.......I'm sorry I shouldn't have been stupid, leaving that sex crazed maniac home alone."
Lorelai laughs.
"Shouldn't you be more upset about this?" Luke barks. "I mean that's Rory's, uh br-"
"It's called a bra Luke."
"And I found it on Jess' floor." Luke says, lowering his voice.
"Luke, I know..........I knew about it."
Luke sighs, "God Rory told you......."
Lorelai scoffs, "No she hasn't mentioned it yet."
"Then how'd you know?"
"See that girl, half a block away, you know my daughter......"
"Yeah." Luke says adjusting his baseball cap."
"She's wearing jess' shirt." Lorelai says solemnly
A/N Sorry for the filler chapter very fluffy and sobbie and all that u fun stuff, I just can't get to the real interesting stuff till this chapter was done and I did promise I'd post it today and it's exactly 40 minutes until it's Wednesday. Anyway please review. Oh and hey what'd you think of Nicole in tonight's episode she's nothing like I pictured, but she seems to fit good with Luke very down to earth. And poor Dave, I hope he knows that Lane loves him.
*7am
Rory rolls out of bed like an acrobat. Her dreams had been of Jess, and by the time 5am had come around they had left her entirely awake, unable to fall back asleep.
Rory calls out to her mother, forgetting about her absence. She shakes the last bit of sleep out of her eyes as she walks towards her dresser. She stops as she passes the mirror staring at her image. She smiles broadly, most would say she looks exactly the same, but in her own eyes, Rory looks like a completely different person. Rory doesn't see what everyone else does, her soft features and clean-cut aura hide what she herself sees and feels. Her hair is knotted and disheveled, not from a restless night of sleep, but from the slender fingers of her boyfriend, her lover. Rory blushes at this thought. She and Jess were no longer boyfriend and girlfriend, but lovers as well. Rory Gilmore has a lover.
Rory giggles nervously turning away from the mirror. She mutters under her breath reminding herself that these thoughts will only get her in trouble. Her face burns as she imagines the towns reaction to last night's events.......somehow she is sure that it would end in some sort of festival being thrown.
Rory lies back on her bed trying to clear her mind, she sighs realizing how empty her bed feels. A smile creeps onto her face, less than 8 hours ago Jess' muscular arms were wrapped around her body. It was the safest she had ever felt in her life. Sitting alone on her bed Rory feels lonely. She reaches across the bed and grabs Jess' shirt.
She pulls it over her head along with a t-shirt to conceal the fact that she's wearing Jess' shirt, she didn't want to tip her mother off prematurely. Pulling on her sneakers, Rory takes her purse off the door and leaves her bedroom.
*7:45: Luke's.
Lorelai is already seated at the counter talking to a very tired-looking Luke.
The bell over the door rings.
"Rory!" Lorelai exclaims.
"So did you save the world from having another Thurston?"
"Yes but now they're set on Oscar."
'As in the grouch?!" Rory raises an eyebrow.
"They're beyond help, what can I say I did my best." Lorelai shrugs.
Rory laughs taking a seat next to Lorelai.
Luke puts out a cup in front of her.
"Thank you." Rory says cheerfully.
"Stand back." Lorelai announces.
"What?"
"Someone stuck a hanger in your mouth, here let m get that out for you." Lorelai reaches a hand towards Rory's mouth.
Rory's lips tighten; she shakes her head. "Stop it!"
"Hey, no means no." Jess says sarcastically has he appears behind Luke.
"Yeah you better remember that bucko." Lorelai retorts.
Jess nods, a smirk evident.
Luke pours more coffee distracting Lorelai from seeing Rory's face turns scarlet.
Lorelai takes a long sip of her coffee, "Well I'm off."
"Bye." Rory says happily.
"I think you're going to need hanger-removal surgery." Lorelai replies.
Rory rolls her eyes.
"Oh and remember you're on your own tonight, Ill be home around 11."
Rory nods.
"Date tonight?" Luke blurts.
Lorelai takes a step back, "No, we have a wedding at the Inn this weekend, I have to strategically place large bouquets of pink flowers around the place."
Luke nods awkwardly.
"Ok, going now." Lorelai says already halfway out the door.
Rory smiles at Jess who moves out from behind the counter.
Luke grabs him by the arm, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Come on Luke!" Jess says irritably.
Rory gives Luke a puppy dog glance, "It's our last day."
Luke's eyes soften, "Fine, but you're back here by 7."
"Going through separation anxiety are we?" Jess asks.
"Go." Luke replies.
"Luke?" Kirk asks.
"No."
"Luke?" Kirk says again.
"I'm busy."
"You're just standing there with a pot of coffee in your hand."
"Kirk, go."
"But I haven't had my breakfast yet."
Luke sighs, "What do you want?"
"Coffee."
Luke puts out a cup and pours coffee in front of Kirk.
"Luke, can I have some milk?"
"Sure."
Luke leaves momentarily, returning with a cup of milk.
"No, can I have it in a bowl?"
"What? Why?"
"For Taquito."
"Ta-who?" Luke asks.
Kirk pulls a small rat-like dog onto the counter.
"Oh God, get that thing out of here now Kirk."
Kirk stands up waving the dog in front of Luke, "But I promised Taqo breakfast out."
"Buy him a bone and take him outside!" Luke screams.
"But-"
"Go!" Luke says thrashing his arm around, ultimately knocking into the cup of milk on the counter.
"Damnit!" Luke yells as milk drip down his leg.
Kirk goes to speak.
"Leave now." Luke says harshly, turning towards the stairs.
*Upstairs.
Luke is in his bedroom changing his pants.
Luke exits his room, cursing about Kirk. He passes Jess' room and stops short.
"God, all his things are packed up and he still manages to trash the place." Luke mutters.
Luke survey's the room, whose floor is littered with cd covers, magazine articles and balled up pieces of paper.
Luke turns to walk away as his eyes catch on a light blue piece of cloth clinging to the corner of Jess' dressers.
Mechanically Luke enters the enemy's quarters. Luke moves slowly, not keen on finding out what is lying on Jess' floor, he doesn't need to go any further really, deep down he already knows.
Luke reaches down and picks up the wrinkled blue cloth.
Luke puts a hand on his forehead, unsure of what to do.
No, he never did get the hang of being a guardian, but standing alone in Jess' room Luke feels more at a loss then ever.
What is he supposed to feel as he sways awkwardly from side to side, Rory Gilmore's bra in hand.
"Involved party my ass." Luke curses as he walks out of Jess' room.
*11pm: Jess and Rory are standing on the Gilmore's porch.
Jess kisses Rory passionately.
Rory pulls away, "My mom's going to be home any minute."
"Danger, I'm excited."
"Jess."
Jess sighs, "I know."
Rory wraps her arms around Jess' neck, "Do you want to come in, we could put a movie on?"
"Nah." Jess replies. "I really shouldn't, I have to be up at six, bus leaves at 10, and I really can't miss it, my train leaves at 11:30."
Rory nods solemnly, "I guess this is it then."
"I'll see you in the morning won't I?" Jess looks up at Rory.
"Yeah, but this was our last night together, twenty four hours from now you're going to be thousands of miles away." Rory replies, tears gathering in her eyes.
Jess wipes them away, "I'm coming back."
Rory nods, "Yeah I know 6 months......."
"4."
"Diane on cheers said 6 months, but Sam knew better........she never did come back, well until the last episode of the last seas---"
Jess quiets Rory with a kiss.
She stumbles backwards as Jess pulls away, "I'm coming back, Sam."
"Have a nice life, Diane."
Jess takes Rory by the wrists, shaking her gently, "I'm coming back."
Rory nods, "Good night Jess." She turns her back to him.
"Goodnight Rory." Jess says quietly as the door closes in front of him.
*5 minutes later:
Rory is sobbing loudly, wrapped in an oversized blanket, she pops a tape into the vcr.
As the opening note to "When Harry Met Sally." Plays Rory's sob grows louder.
Rory is almost hysterical now, her sobs drowning out the footsteps behind her.
"I can sleep on the train." Jess' tone is hoarse.
Rory tips her head back to look at jess.
Jess' heart melts at the sight of Rory's red eyes and tear stained cheeks.
With out another word he hops over the back of the couch, seating himself next to Rory.
She pulls her blanket over him, her hand hovering over his shoulder.
Jess takes it and squeezes it, "Sshh." He says calmly.
Rory buries her face in jess' shirt.
Jess rubs her back soothingly, "I'm coming back he whispers."
Rory howls.
Jess tightens his hold on her, brushing his face against her hair, relieving is face of the tears gathering in his eyes.
*20 minutes later: Lorelai enters quietly. She turns on the lights and jumps at the outline of Jess' body sitting on her couch.
"Sorry." Jess says flatly. "I...."
He trails off as Lorelai walks around the side of the couch.
Lorelai's eyes travel to the heap gathered in his lap.
Lorelai turns her head sideways, even in her sleep Rory's face is red, her eyes puffy.
"Poor kid." Lorelai muses.
Jess swallows a lump in his throat, "I, I couldn't leave her like this."
Lorelai nods, "Thanks for taking care of her."
Jess shifts his weight, "Well I should........"
Lorelai shakes her head, "I'll call Luke, let him know you're spending the night."
Jess looks at Lorelai with uncertainty, "But........."
"I'm being nice, don't ruin it."
"Ok."
Lorelai sighs, "I guess its about time I make up for all the shit I've given you."
Jess remains silent.
"I'll call Luke." Lorelai rpeats.
Jess nods.
Lorelai turns to walk away.
"You know she's not the only one whose heart is broken."
"I know." Lorelai says solemnly. "Get some sleep." Lorelai turns out the light.
*9:30am:
Lorelai Luke and Rory and standing outside the diner, saying their goodbyes to Jess. In the morning light, Jess
'Well, I guess this is goodbye.......it was nice, uh having you around." Lorelai says hugging Jess.
"Right." Jess replies with a smirk, "See you soon Lorelai."
Luke approaches Jess, "You know, if it isn't working out you can call me, I could always use someone to close on Fridays."
Jess smiles, "Thanks Luke."
The two men embrace awkwardly.
"Have a safe trip." Luke says taking a step backward.
Rory remains close to her mother. Jess walks over putting a hand out towards her.
She takes it and they walk away.
"I'm coming back." Jess says.
Rory sniffles, "I love you."
"And you'll come for spring break and we'll walk on the beach eat overpriced ice cream cones, watch the sunset......."
Rory sighs, looking down at her feet.
"I love you." Jess says swallowing Rory in his arms.
Rory hugs Jess tightly, "I'm going to be a hermit, I'll go to school, the diner and home every day."
"No, I don't want that......you can go to Lane's and listen to music once or twice a month." Jess smirks.
Rory sobs, holding tightly onto Jess' shirt.
Jess looks away.
Rory puts a hand to jess' face, forcing him to look at her, there are tears in his eyes.
"I'm going to miss you so much." He says hoarsely.
"We'll call each other......"
"Everyday." Jess says swallowing a lump in his throat.
Rory leans in and kisses him affectionately square on the mouth.
Jess' arms rest on Rory's back as their bodies sway back and forth.
*The bus pulls up behind Jess.
Jess pulls away.
Rory sobs.
"I love you." Jess says. "Lorelai Gilmore, I love you."
"I love you too."
Jess kisses her again before climbing onto the bus.
Tears stream freely down Rory's cheeks.
Jess hangs his head out of the window, "I'm coming back!" He calls as the bus pulls away.
Rory yells, "I love you!"
Sobbing quietly she watches the bus turns the corner, before walking away.
Lorelai and Luke watch her leave.
"shouldn't you go after her?" Luke asks.
Lorelai shakes her head, "There's nothing I can do for her right now."
Luke nods.
"So we're on speaking turns again?" Lorelai asks.
"Yeah......" Luke says quietly, "Hey remember when you said you were the involved party and I kind of blew up at you?"
"The whole reason for us not talking, yes I remember."
"Well I still don't know if I agree with you being an involved party, but I think there's something you should know."
Lorelai eyes Luke suspiciously, "Ok......"
"I was going passed jess' room yesterday."
Lorelai stares at Luke, unaffected.
"And something caught my eye."
"Yeah?"
"Here." Luke hands Lorelai Rory's bra.
Lorelei stares down at it.
"It's Rory's."
Lorelai nods.
"I wasn't home the other night.......I'm sorry I shouldn't have been stupid, leaving that sex crazed maniac home alone."
Lorelai laughs.
"Shouldn't you be more upset about this?" Luke barks. "I mean that's Rory's, uh br-"
"It's called a bra Luke."
"And I found it on Jess' floor." Luke says, lowering his voice.
"Luke, I know..........I knew about it."
Luke sighs, "God Rory told you......."
Lorelai scoffs, "No she hasn't mentioned it yet."
"Then how'd you know?"
"See that girl, half a block away, you know my daughter......"
"Yeah." Luke says adjusting his baseball cap."
"She's wearing jess' shirt." Lorelai says solemnly
A/N Sorry for the filler chapter very fluffy and sobbie and all that u fun stuff, I just can't get to the real interesting stuff till this chapter was done and I did promise I'd post it today and it's exactly 40 minutes until it's Wednesday. Anyway please review. Oh and hey what'd you think of Nicole in tonight's episode she's nothing like I pictured, but she seems to fit good with Luke very down to earth. And poor Dave, I hope he knows that Lane loves him.