A/N Ok I know. There is absolutely no reason why I should have stopped
writing this story. To be honest I just couldn't get motivated and then I
got caught in summer activities and such and then when I sat down at the
computer I just didn't have any good ideas. But yesterday I was browsing
the page and found a very good story that skipped ahead in time and so I
figure given my situation I'd try to fast forward a bit to further the
story so here I go please be gentle in your reviews.
*Here's the deal: It's 7 months later. Lorelei and Luke tied the knot in May. Jess is practically living with Rory but still has his apartment in Hartford. At first Emily was very upset with their reconciliation, but she is gradually warming up to Jess.
It's July 21st, 11am.
*The jingling of keys is heard as the front door of Rory's apartment swings open.
"Hello." James says, announcing himself.
No answer.
James scans the room.
"Hm.......coffees not on...............don't tell me you're still in bed." James says loudly.
The door to Rory's bedroom is open.
James stands in the doorway, staring at the heap in the middle of the bed.
"Now, hunny, I know the responsibilities of being the Maid of Honor can take its toll, but seriously it's almost 11:30, we told Lane we'd be there by 12:30."
"Mmmgrr." is the response given.
James lies down next to Rory, placing his hands behind his head as if this was the most natural occurrence in the world.
"So, Merri's going to meet us there...........she's got a gig tonight so she won't make it to the little night before movie girl fest, but she'll definitely Be there for the ceremony."
" Mmmm."
"So how about you? Is Mr. Mariano going to make it?"
"Not if you get any closer...................no offense or anything but he doesn't like anybody crowding his space............" Rory says cheerfully, leaning against the doorframe.
James caught of guard, falls to the floor with a bang.
Rory howls with laughter.
"Shit." James mutters.
Jess emerges from under the covers, his hair sticking up in different directions.
"...................Cept for me." Rory finishes through giggles.
Jess lifts up his arm as Rory crawls in next to him, "Cept for her, sorry man but you're just not my type." Jess answers groggily.
"You know its been a few months now, you'd think I'd learn my lesson." James replies picking himself up off of the wooden floors.
"But no you just keep coming back for more." Jess manages a smirk.
"Shut up. I just keep forgetting you're here. I mean up until December I was the only guy with a key to this place."
"Well maybe you should start ringing the buzzer." Rory suggests.
"Anything to avoid this again..................why didn't you tell me I was talking to you and not Rory."
"It wouldn't have been any fun that way." Jess replies.
James sighs, "So Miss Gilmore are you ready to go?"
"Yeah..........but can we do a coffee run before we hit the road?"
"Sure." James smiles. "How long you going to be Jess?"
"Oh, he's got some stuff to finish up so he's going to drive down by himself later." Rory answers
"Alright then, lets go." James replies
"Ok, just one more potty break." Rory replies sheepishly.
James groans, "Be quick."
"I'll try."
Jess tumbles out of bed, proceeding to adjust his boxer shorts and scratch his head.
James scoffs, "So how'd it end up that you managed to get out of doing all this girly wedding crap stuff, and I'm the one being dragged along."
"Hey I'm just the boyfriend, you're the friend. Besides, I got to make a run to my apartment pick up some more clothes and stuff."
"Why do you even bother? Don't you think you guys should just move in together already."
A look of panic crosses Jess' face, "Lower your voice ok. These walls are thin you know."
"What's the big deal you spend all your time here anyway."
"Well Rory hasn't extended the offer now has she?"
"You guys haven't even discussed it?" James says skeptically.
Jess shakes his head.
"Wow." James mouths.
"Yeah well are we done here? Because this a little too much male bonding for me." Jess replies, coldly.
"Yeah. Sorry dude."
Jess sighs, "Why do you care anyway, wouldn't I get in the way of yours and Rory's platonic playhouse thing you've got going on here?"
"Oh come on don't tell me you still have issues with me and Rory being friends.............I'm engaged to another girl.............Rory's just, she's the best friend I've ever had."
Jess relents, "I know."
"But you guys have been together for a while now, and its pretty obvious you're in it for the long haul, so why not just take the next step, be man about it."
"This coming from a guy whose all time favorite film is the muppet movie." Jess bites back.
"Hey its classic, dude, lay off."
Jess smiles, "Whatever."
James grins, glad their serious discussion has come to an end.
"Whatever what?" Rory's voice fills the room.
"Nothing. Come on Ror lets hit the road."
"Hold on a second." Rory moves past James.
"Bye Jess." Rory leans in for a kiss.
Jess puts a hand to Rory's face, deepening the kiss.
"Mmm"
James looks away, a minute passes, impatient James begins to hum loudly.
Jess Rory pull apart.
"Bye."Jess says gruffly.
Rory gives him a final wave goodbye.
*The Gilmore House: Lorelai and Lane are sitting on the front steps waiting for Rory and James to arrive.
"So?" Lorelai asks eagerly.
"So what?" Lane replies.
"How are you holding up?"
"Fine." Lane answers with a nod.
"Really?"
"Yeah totally fine."
"Totally and completely fine...............when 30 hours from now you'll be a married woman?" Lorelai raises an eyebrow at the girl who is like a daughter to her.
"Oh God, Oh God Oh God." Lane mutters nervously.
"See I knew I could make you freak out."
"There's still so much to do!"
"No there's not just little stuff that other people can take care of for you. Today you are just kicking back relaxing with your best friend, and the coolest adult you've ever known."
Lane inhales and exhales feverishly.
"Ok, too much freaking out, there's nothing to get worked up about. You're marrying Dave, Dave you've know since you were 18, that's almost 4 years."
"I know. I just can't believe we made it this far."
"It's been a crazy ride, that's for sure." Lorelai replies putting an arm over Lane's shoulder.
"I'm glad my mom finally came around."
"Hey well here come a couple of strangers we used to know." Lorelai says happily as James' car pulls into the driveway.
"Rory!" Lane exclaims.
"Lane!" Rory rushes out of the car to greet her friend.
"I'm getting married."
"I know, I can't believe it!" Rory replies.
"I'm so glad you're here...............my mom is trying to make me wear makeup that is probably older than I am................she says it's not proper to wear glitter and pink eye shadow."
"But you're a rock star you have to wear glitter it's your wedding day."
"I know!"
"Good thing you still have that stash of makeup at the church." Rory smiles at Lane.
"Yeah."
"Hey do you know what I just realized?"
"What?" "I was right."
"What are you talking about?"
At the last Kim family wedding I told you that you'd be the next one to get married there and guess what?!"
"Wow, you're right man that is so scary!"
"I know!"
The girls continue to talk loudly as they enter the house, Lorelai and James in tow.
Lorelai pulls James back, "So how exactly did you get roped into spending the whole day with us talking wedding talk?"
"Don't ask me, all I remember is drinking coffee, and next thing I know I heard ok well I'll see you tomorrow at 11."
Lorelai laughs, "So Mr. Wonderful's not coming?"
"He'll be here later."
"Nuts. I mean not that I don't love him but.................why couldn't you two just get together............at least you play nice with me, he's so boring."
"I know, but hey they're meant for each other and I have Merri."
"Meredith? Is she coming?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Yay. I love that girl."
"Well she loves you too."
"Come, come have coffee with me....................they're going to be busy catching up for at least another half hour.
James nods following Lorelai to the kitchen.
*6pm:
Jess enters the Gilmore house, through the kitchen. The house is eerily quiet
Muffled giggles escape the living room.
"Ok. Hold that thought I'm going to get more coffee....anybody else?" Lorelai's voice rises above the quiet laughter.
"Oo! Me!" Rory exclaims.
"3 cups is my limit." James replies.
"I'm good."
Lorelai walks towards the kitchen, humming to herself.
Jess standing in the doorway catches her off guard.
"Whoa you're just a little bit scary you do know that, right?'
Jess goes to speak but is cut off as Rory enters the room.
"Mom who are you talking t-? Jess!"
"Why do you ask if you already know the answer?" Lorelai replies.
"You didn't call me to let me know you were close."
"Sorry, I just got caught up." Jess says hoarsely.
Rory takes a step back, surveying her boyfriend. "Are you ok?"
"Fine, Just wiped."
"You slept for 9 hours last night."
"Yeah well you know." Jess shrugs.
Rory looks at him skeptically. "Hey didn't you bring a bag or anything?"
"Yeah its at the diner. "
"Why?"
"Well I figured I'd stay there............I mean its kind of weird having Luke and your mom here and us here.............plus tomorrow morning's going to be really hectic so it'll be one less person fighting for shower time."
"Well we just ordered pizza, so stick around and after I'll go back to the diner with you."
"You don't have to." Jess says quietly.
"Yeah, but I want to." Rory smiles faintly at Jess. "That's ok with you mom, right?"
"Huh? Oh sure definitely."
"Come on we're watching four weddings and a funeral right now."
"Oh joy." Jess replies as Rory pulls him towards the living room.
Lorelai watches sadly as Rory runs off with Jess, Jess who like it or not was slowly replacing her. It used to be that the two would have to compete for Rory's time, but the competition has long ceased, with Jess the obvious winner.
*9pm:
"Ok, I need to go home." Lane announces with a giggle. "I may be 21, but my mom still freaks if I'm not home by ten."
"Hmm, perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to give her cosmos the night before her wedding"James says.
"Yeah, waking up on your wedding day with a hangover is not a good thing." Rory replies.
"I'm not going to have a hangover..............am I?"
"Nah, You merely have a buzz, you'll be fine trust me." Jess says with a smirk.
"Good." Lane says happily.
James links arms with Lane, "Come on I'll walk you home."
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
"Hey," Rory nudges Jess. "We should probably get going too I want to be up early tomorrow.
"Huh? Yeah ok."
Rory approaches Lorelai who is sitting on the couch quietly.
"Mom, we're going to go."
"Ok, Babe see you in the am. Love ya."
"Love you too."
"Bye." Jess says with a wave, almost crashing into Luke as he enters the living room.
"Bye Jess." He says sternly.
"Later Luke."
Rory and Jess leave.
"Hey." Luke greets Lorelai, his tone becoming softer.
"Hi." Lorelai smiles faintly at her husband. "You're home early."
"Yeah well I didn't feel like being open anymore so I closed early."
Lorelai nods.
"So I expected this place to be nuts, but everybody left so early."
Lorelai nods sadly.
Luke sits down next to Lorelai on the couch, "What's the matter?"
"I didn't even get five minutes alone with her."
"Well there's a lot going on, I'm sure her and Lane have been talking non stop since she got here."
"Yeah but still..............."
"What?"
"She didn't even want to sleep here tonight, Rory used to love our sleep overs."
"Lorelai, she's 22 years old."
"I know but even so this time last year she was coming home every other weekend and staying here."
Luke sighs, "This is about Jess isn't it?"
"No, yes, well it's just, why does he get all her free time?"
"He's her boyfriend."
"But I'm her mom and her best friend, doesn't that count for anything anymore?"
Luke pulls Lorelai closer to him.
Resting her head on Luke's shoulder, Lorelai continues, "I just, I feel replaced.........God I'm pathetic."
"No you're not."
"I just miss having her here, I mean it was so weird to see her leave with him.............knowing that they were going to your old apartment.............together."
Luke laughs.
"What's so funny. This is not funny not even a little ha ha funny, this is down right creepy."
"I'm not laughing at you, I swear. Look I just think that its better not having Rory staying with us."
"What?" Lorelai turns to look at Luke. "How can you say that?"
"I just mean that all the times Rory was staying here were fun but well there were certain things I couldn't do when she was around."
"Like what? Walk around in your undies, because you don't do that when she's not here either."
"Like this."
Luke leans in and kisses Lorelai 's neck.
"Mmm. Oh."
"Or this." Luke's hands move playfully across Lorelai's shirt, slowly lifting it upward.
Lorelai grins, "Maybe this separation thing isn't such a bad idea."
"That's why I suggested it."
"What?"
"Well you know......"
"No I don't, tell me." Lorelai replies with a smile.
"Well Jess stopped in to say hi before heading over here, so I suggested that he and Rory stay there so you and I could have some time to ourselves. I mean I know I've been working late, and you're so busy with the new inn, so I thought I'd make time for.........us."
Lorelai leans in for another kiss. "Wait, but what about James, I told him he could stay here."
"Well I revoked the invitation. Besides he's friends with the groom, what is it? Dave? So he said he'd stay over there."
"You are a sneaky one, Mr. Danes."
"Yeah Well we have to make time for this before we get old and can't move around anymore."
"Oh stop. That's never going to happen to us. We're going to be 90 years old and doing it everyday just because we can." "Well, just in case, we better take advantage of the time we have." Luke replies.
"If you insist........" Lorelai Rolls her eyes playfully.
*Luke's Diner:
Rory and Jess unlock the front door.
*Kirk walks by:
"Hey, can I get a sandwich."
"It's 9:30, we're closed..........besides do I look like Luke?"
"Actually........"
"Don't say it Kirk." Jess says taking Rory's arm and pushing her inside.
"I just want a club sandwich, they only take 3.3 minutes to make."
"How do you know that?" Jess asks, blocking the doorway.
"I timed it...........twice."
"Goodnight Kirk." Jess replies, shutting the door behind him and locking it.
Rory grins at Jess, "He's right you know."
"Oh did you time Luke too?"
"Not about that, about you looking like Luke."
"Shut up."
"I can't believe you just told me to shut up."
"Well then, don't say things like that." Jess says walking towards the stairs.
Rory walks in front of him, climbing the stairs, she turns back to look at him, "Well it is true, you sound the same too."
Jess mumbles under his breath.
"What?" Rory asks, collapsing onto Luke's old couch.
"Nothing" Jess replies lamely.
Rory sits up, eyeing Jess with concern, "Hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"Was the ride here ok?"
"Yeah it was fine why?"
"Well you seemed kind of out of it when you got to my mom's, and you really didn't say anything all night, and now you're being short with me."
"I am not." Jess bites back.
"See."
Jess sighs, running a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry."
Rory motions for Jess to join her on the couch, "What's going on."
"I've just been thinking a lot about...........stuff, and I guess its kind of freaking me out."
"What stuff?"
"Us stuff."
"Oh."
"It's all your stupid friends fault you know." Jess says, lifting his arms up in the air dramatically.
"Whose? Lane's?"
"No the other one."
"James? What did he say?"
"Nothing, he was just talking about us moving in together and how we're practically living together already. And then he made this big deal out of the fact that we haven't even discussed it."
Rory drapes her arm over her face, "James is an idiot why would you listen to him? It's not that big of a deal.................I mean we see each other enough, your place is like 20 minutes away from mine, we're at a good place right now....."
"But he's right and it is a big deal. I mean it's not like I don't want to live with you-"
"I know Jess."
"I just never really thought about it."
"Oh."
"And on the ride here I was thinking about it and what it would mean and stuff and its just like once we move in together........well it's like ok we're practically living together now."
"Yeah........"
"So if I actually moved in with you instead of practically living together, we'd be practically married."
"Oh." Rory replies, her tone abashed
"And I guess being in that car by myself everything came into perspective, and it all became so real."
"Jess, we don't have to-"
"I mean Jees, we've been living in a cloud for 7 months...................just pretending like everything was like it was before, but it isn't."
"Jess I don't know if I like where this is going."
"Look Rory its like this, before we got back together I still felt like I was 17, even when we were dating I felt like a kid, but now, now that we're here it's like I'm 22."
"Jess you are 22."
"You know what I mean Rory, we're not those young idealistic people we were when we first met..........we've grownup."
"What are you saying?"
"This is your last year at school, you have an internship with a news station this year, I'm on the fast track at work.............3 of the commercial that are going to air during the super bowl this year came from the pitches I made last year, I've started writing again.....................we're adults Rory, living adult lives."
Rory nods, wary of the direction in which this conversation is going.
"We're in an adult relationship, we need to acknowledge that."
"Ok, and do what Jess?" Rory asks, becoming agitated
"Look Rory, I'm not looking for anybody else, I think, I think this is it for me."
"Jess." Rory breathes in quietly. "Me neither."
"But lets face it we can't keep living the way that we are, so what I think what we need to do is-"
"Jess, don't say we need a break, because I don't think that's going to solve anything."
"I agree, but I just think that we're too old for all these practically's."
"What do you mean?"
"I just think we should screw all these steps, and skip to the end."
Rory smiles faintly, "Which means what?"
Jess turns towards Rory, staring straight into her eyes he says softly, "I think we should get married."
"You're kidding." Rory replies hoarsely, her breath caught in her throat.
Jess shakes her head, "I mean it was going to happen eventually, so what's the point of putting it off, I'm making a decent salary right now, you have a great apartment that's perfect for two, why not get married now?"
"Wow. I can't believe my ears................I never thought you were the marrying kind."
Jess laughs, "Well neither did I but I guess things change."
Rory nods, tears forming in her eyes.
"You still haven't given me an answer you know."
"Well you didn't really ask me anything." Rory replies with a smile.
Jess sighs.
"I can't answer you if you don't ask me." Rory replies with a smirk.
Jess rolls his eyes playfully as he gets down on one knee, "Rory?"
"Yes." Rory says happily.
"Will you marry me?"
Rory gulps, "Wow I didn't expect it to be like that."
"Like what?"
"Powerful."
Jess smiles, his eyes meet Rory's.
"So?"
Tears stream down Rory's face, "Of course I will."
Jess leans in and kisses Rory's tears away, "We're getting married," He whispers in her ear.
Rory nods, burying her face in Jess' chest. Jess wraps his arms around Rory.
They remain in the embrace for what seems like hours, until Jess finally pulls away.
"I don't have a ring for you."
Rory sniffles, "I don't need one, you asking me is enough."
This time, its Jess that tears up, pulling Rory towards his chest again, to hide his tears.
Rory laughs into his shirt.
"What?"
"Since when did you become such a sap?"
Jess looks down at Rory, "Since you made me watch Steele Magnolias once too many times."
Rory giggles.
"So........."
Rory's eyes go wide, "I have to call my mom!"
"Ok." Jess replies, "Oh wait, maybe you should wait."
"What why? She's going to be really mad if she's not the first person I tell."
"I think she may be busy."
"With what?"
"Luke closed the diner early tonight."
"Ohhhhh." Rory replies, a grin emerging.
"You really are dense some times, aren't you."
"What is with you and insulting me tonight."
"I'm sorry..................it's just come on, Luke comes home at 9 on a Friday night, it's pretty obvious, that and the fact that he practically begged me to stay here tonight."
"Wow...........that's so un-Luke"
"Not really...........actually, I think he had the right idea................"Jess smirks at Rory.
"Oh really?"
"Absolutely." Jess replies twirling Rory up into his arms.
Rory leans in, her face nearly touching Jess', licking her bottom lip teasingly. Jess' muscular arms travel towards Rory's waist, his hands gingerly placing her long brown hair behind her ears on the way. Rory kisses Jess' Jaw, as his hands explore her torso. Jess takes a step backward, bringing Rory with him. Rory stumbles forward, crashing into Jess' stomach. A small noise escapes Jess' mouth.
"You ok?" Rory whispers, placing a hand on his chest.
"Fine............come on." Jess replies, taking Rory's hand and leading her towards his old bedroom.
Jess enters, a sweet expression on his face.
Rory lingers in the doorway.
"Wow. Deja vu." Rory says quietly, surveying the room.
Jess nods, "You were so shy that night."
"Well it was my first ti-"
"I know."
"I'm not so shy anymore though." Rory replies with a grin.
"Come here." Jess holds his hand out for Rory she takes it, kicking the door closed behind her as Jess wraps his arms around her again.
*Saturday:10pm: Lane's Wedding Reception.
*The wedding went off without a hitch. Lane convinced her mom that slow dancing at a wedding was acceptable, yes Mrs. Kim is still walking around separating people.
*Edwin Mcain's "I'll Be" starts playing.
*Lorelai and Luke are sitting this dance out. Lorelai sighs as Luke puts his arm around her.
"I feel old." Lorelai states quietly. "You're not. You're gorgeous." Luke says gruffly.
"Thank you." Lorelai replies. "But I still feel old, it seems like only yesterday that Lane came bursting into the house begging me to stash her new kid on the block cd."
Luke laughs.
"She was 6."
Luke nods.
"Rory's next you know." Lorelai adds sadly.
Luke shakes his head, "No, I think you've still got a few years..................Jess is never going to propose."
"Yeah you're right.......................but still, she's not my baby anymore."
"Was she ever? You've been treating that kid like she was 20 since she was five."
"You know what I mean." Lorelai sighs.
"Yeah. But hey what you've got now is really good too. You talk to her everyday, she comes to visit 2 or 3 times a month, and whenever she's not around.....................you've got me."
"That's definitely a plus." Lorelai grins.
Luke kisses Lorelai tenderly on the cheek.
"I love you ." Lorelai half moans.
"I love you too." Luke replies with a smile. "Man, will you look at those two." Lorelai leans forward, her eyes following Rory and Jess as dance around the room, whispering in each others ears.
"Uh........."
"He really does make her happy."
"Yeah he does."
"Would you have ever thought 5 years ago that they'd be together."
"Nope..................but then again I never saw this happening either." Luke replies taking Lorelai's hand in his.
A/N Ok here you go! Hopefully it is up to par. Any suggestions are welcome (
*Here's the deal: It's 7 months later. Lorelei and Luke tied the knot in May. Jess is practically living with Rory but still has his apartment in Hartford. At first Emily was very upset with their reconciliation, but she is gradually warming up to Jess.
It's July 21st, 11am.
*The jingling of keys is heard as the front door of Rory's apartment swings open.
"Hello." James says, announcing himself.
No answer.
James scans the room.
"Hm.......coffees not on...............don't tell me you're still in bed." James says loudly.
The door to Rory's bedroom is open.
James stands in the doorway, staring at the heap in the middle of the bed.
"Now, hunny, I know the responsibilities of being the Maid of Honor can take its toll, but seriously it's almost 11:30, we told Lane we'd be there by 12:30."
"Mmmgrr." is the response given.
James lies down next to Rory, placing his hands behind his head as if this was the most natural occurrence in the world.
"So, Merri's going to meet us there...........she's got a gig tonight so she won't make it to the little night before movie girl fest, but she'll definitely Be there for the ceremony."
" Mmmm."
"So how about you? Is Mr. Mariano going to make it?"
"Not if you get any closer...................no offense or anything but he doesn't like anybody crowding his space............" Rory says cheerfully, leaning against the doorframe.
James caught of guard, falls to the floor with a bang.
Rory howls with laughter.
"Shit." James mutters.
Jess emerges from under the covers, his hair sticking up in different directions.
"...................Cept for me." Rory finishes through giggles.
Jess lifts up his arm as Rory crawls in next to him, "Cept for her, sorry man but you're just not my type." Jess answers groggily.
"You know its been a few months now, you'd think I'd learn my lesson." James replies picking himself up off of the wooden floors.
"But no you just keep coming back for more." Jess manages a smirk.
"Shut up. I just keep forgetting you're here. I mean up until December I was the only guy with a key to this place."
"Well maybe you should start ringing the buzzer." Rory suggests.
"Anything to avoid this again..................why didn't you tell me I was talking to you and not Rory."
"It wouldn't have been any fun that way." Jess replies.
James sighs, "So Miss Gilmore are you ready to go?"
"Yeah..........but can we do a coffee run before we hit the road?"
"Sure." James smiles. "How long you going to be Jess?"
"Oh, he's got some stuff to finish up so he's going to drive down by himself later." Rory answers
"Alright then, lets go." James replies
"Ok, just one more potty break." Rory replies sheepishly.
James groans, "Be quick."
"I'll try."
Jess tumbles out of bed, proceeding to adjust his boxer shorts and scratch his head.
James scoffs, "So how'd it end up that you managed to get out of doing all this girly wedding crap stuff, and I'm the one being dragged along."
"Hey I'm just the boyfriend, you're the friend. Besides, I got to make a run to my apartment pick up some more clothes and stuff."
"Why do you even bother? Don't you think you guys should just move in together already."
A look of panic crosses Jess' face, "Lower your voice ok. These walls are thin you know."
"What's the big deal you spend all your time here anyway."
"Well Rory hasn't extended the offer now has she?"
"You guys haven't even discussed it?" James says skeptically.
Jess shakes his head.
"Wow." James mouths.
"Yeah well are we done here? Because this a little too much male bonding for me." Jess replies, coldly.
"Yeah. Sorry dude."
Jess sighs, "Why do you care anyway, wouldn't I get in the way of yours and Rory's platonic playhouse thing you've got going on here?"
"Oh come on don't tell me you still have issues with me and Rory being friends.............I'm engaged to another girl.............Rory's just, she's the best friend I've ever had."
Jess relents, "I know."
"But you guys have been together for a while now, and its pretty obvious you're in it for the long haul, so why not just take the next step, be man about it."
"This coming from a guy whose all time favorite film is the muppet movie." Jess bites back.
"Hey its classic, dude, lay off."
Jess smiles, "Whatever."
James grins, glad their serious discussion has come to an end.
"Whatever what?" Rory's voice fills the room.
"Nothing. Come on Ror lets hit the road."
"Hold on a second." Rory moves past James.
"Bye Jess." Rory leans in for a kiss.
Jess puts a hand to Rory's face, deepening the kiss.
"Mmm"
James looks away, a minute passes, impatient James begins to hum loudly.
Jess Rory pull apart.
"Bye."Jess says gruffly.
Rory gives him a final wave goodbye.
*The Gilmore House: Lorelai and Lane are sitting on the front steps waiting for Rory and James to arrive.
"So?" Lorelai asks eagerly.
"So what?" Lane replies.
"How are you holding up?"
"Fine." Lane answers with a nod.
"Really?"
"Yeah totally fine."
"Totally and completely fine...............when 30 hours from now you'll be a married woman?" Lorelai raises an eyebrow at the girl who is like a daughter to her.
"Oh God, Oh God Oh God." Lane mutters nervously.
"See I knew I could make you freak out."
"There's still so much to do!"
"No there's not just little stuff that other people can take care of for you. Today you are just kicking back relaxing with your best friend, and the coolest adult you've ever known."
Lane inhales and exhales feverishly.
"Ok, too much freaking out, there's nothing to get worked up about. You're marrying Dave, Dave you've know since you were 18, that's almost 4 years."
"I know. I just can't believe we made it this far."
"It's been a crazy ride, that's for sure." Lorelai replies putting an arm over Lane's shoulder.
"I'm glad my mom finally came around."
"Hey well here come a couple of strangers we used to know." Lorelai says happily as James' car pulls into the driveway.
"Rory!" Lane exclaims.
"Lane!" Rory rushes out of the car to greet her friend.
"I'm getting married."
"I know, I can't believe it!" Rory replies.
"I'm so glad you're here...............my mom is trying to make me wear makeup that is probably older than I am................she says it's not proper to wear glitter and pink eye shadow."
"But you're a rock star you have to wear glitter it's your wedding day."
"I know!"
"Good thing you still have that stash of makeup at the church." Rory smiles at Lane.
"Yeah."
"Hey do you know what I just realized?"
"What?" "I was right."
"What are you talking about?"
At the last Kim family wedding I told you that you'd be the next one to get married there and guess what?!"
"Wow, you're right man that is so scary!"
"I know!"
The girls continue to talk loudly as they enter the house, Lorelai and James in tow.
Lorelai pulls James back, "So how exactly did you get roped into spending the whole day with us talking wedding talk?"
"Don't ask me, all I remember is drinking coffee, and next thing I know I heard ok well I'll see you tomorrow at 11."
Lorelai laughs, "So Mr. Wonderful's not coming?"
"He'll be here later."
"Nuts. I mean not that I don't love him but.................why couldn't you two just get together............at least you play nice with me, he's so boring."
"I know, but hey they're meant for each other and I have Merri."
"Meredith? Is she coming?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Yay. I love that girl."
"Well she loves you too."
"Come, come have coffee with me....................they're going to be busy catching up for at least another half hour.
James nods following Lorelai to the kitchen.
*6pm:
Jess enters the Gilmore house, through the kitchen. The house is eerily quiet
Muffled giggles escape the living room.
"Ok. Hold that thought I'm going to get more coffee....anybody else?" Lorelai's voice rises above the quiet laughter.
"Oo! Me!" Rory exclaims.
"3 cups is my limit." James replies.
"I'm good."
Lorelai walks towards the kitchen, humming to herself.
Jess standing in the doorway catches her off guard.
"Whoa you're just a little bit scary you do know that, right?'
Jess goes to speak but is cut off as Rory enters the room.
"Mom who are you talking t-? Jess!"
"Why do you ask if you already know the answer?" Lorelai replies.
"You didn't call me to let me know you were close."
"Sorry, I just got caught up." Jess says hoarsely.
Rory takes a step back, surveying her boyfriend. "Are you ok?"
"Fine, Just wiped."
"You slept for 9 hours last night."
"Yeah well you know." Jess shrugs.
Rory looks at him skeptically. "Hey didn't you bring a bag or anything?"
"Yeah its at the diner. "
"Why?"
"Well I figured I'd stay there............I mean its kind of weird having Luke and your mom here and us here.............plus tomorrow morning's going to be really hectic so it'll be one less person fighting for shower time."
"Well we just ordered pizza, so stick around and after I'll go back to the diner with you."
"You don't have to." Jess says quietly.
"Yeah, but I want to." Rory smiles faintly at Jess. "That's ok with you mom, right?"
"Huh? Oh sure definitely."
"Come on we're watching four weddings and a funeral right now."
"Oh joy." Jess replies as Rory pulls him towards the living room.
Lorelai watches sadly as Rory runs off with Jess, Jess who like it or not was slowly replacing her. It used to be that the two would have to compete for Rory's time, but the competition has long ceased, with Jess the obvious winner.
*9pm:
"Ok, I need to go home." Lane announces with a giggle. "I may be 21, but my mom still freaks if I'm not home by ten."
"Hmm, perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to give her cosmos the night before her wedding"James says.
"Yeah, waking up on your wedding day with a hangover is not a good thing." Rory replies.
"I'm not going to have a hangover..............am I?"
"Nah, You merely have a buzz, you'll be fine trust me." Jess says with a smirk.
"Good." Lane says happily.
James links arms with Lane, "Come on I'll walk you home."
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
"Hey," Rory nudges Jess. "We should probably get going too I want to be up early tomorrow.
"Huh? Yeah ok."
Rory approaches Lorelai who is sitting on the couch quietly.
"Mom, we're going to go."
"Ok, Babe see you in the am. Love ya."
"Love you too."
"Bye." Jess says with a wave, almost crashing into Luke as he enters the living room.
"Bye Jess." He says sternly.
"Later Luke."
Rory and Jess leave.
"Hey." Luke greets Lorelai, his tone becoming softer.
"Hi." Lorelai smiles faintly at her husband. "You're home early."
"Yeah well I didn't feel like being open anymore so I closed early."
Lorelai nods.
"So I expected this place to be nuts, but everybody left so early."
Lorelai nods sadly.
Luke sits down next to Lorelai on the couch, "What's the matter?"
"I didn't even get five minutes alone with her."
"Well there's a lot going on, I'm sure her and Lane have been talking non stop since she got here."
"Yeah but still..............."
"What?"
"She didn't even want to sleep here tonight, Rory used to love our sleep overs."
"Lorelai, she's 22 years old."
"I know but even so this time last year she was coming home every other weekend and staying here."
Luke sighs, "This is about Jess isn't it?"
"No, yes, well it's just, why does he get all her free time?"
"He's her boyfriend."
"But I'm her mom and her best friend, doesn't that count for anything anymore?"
Luke pulls Lorelai closer to him.
Resting her head on Luke's shoulder, Lorelai continues, "I just, I feel replaced.........God I'm pathetic."
"No you're not."
"I just miss having her here, I mean it was so weird to see her leave with him.............knowing that they were going to your old apartment.............together."
Luke laughs.
"What's so funny. This is not funny not even a little ha ha funny, this is down right creepy."
"I'm not laughing at you, I swear. Look I just think that its better not having Rory staying with us."
"What?" Lorelai turns to look at Luke. "How can you say that?"
"I just mean that all the times Rory was staying here were fun but well there were certain things I couldn't do when she was around."
"Like what? Walk around in your undies, because you don't do that when she's not here either."
"Like this."
Luke leans in and kisses Lorelai 's neck.
"Mmm. Oh."
"Or this." Luke's hands move playfully across Lorelai's shirt, slowly lifting it upward.
Lorelai grins, "Maybe this separation thing isn't such a bad idea."
"That's why I suggested it."
"What?"
"Well you know......"
"No I don't, tell me." Lorelai replies with a smile.
"Well Jess stopped in to say hi before heading over here, so I suggested that he and Rory stay there so you and I could have some time to ourselves. I mean I know I've been working late, and you're so busy with the new inn, so I thought I'd make time for.........us."
Lorelai leans in for another kiss. "Wait, but what about James, I told him he could stay here."
"Well I revoked the invitation. Besides he's friends with the groom, what is it? Dave? So he said he'd stay over there."
"You are a sneaky one, Mr. Danes."
"Yeah Well we have to make time for this before we get old and can't move around anymore."
"Oh stop. That's never going to happen to us. We're going to be 90 years old and doing it everyday just because we can." "Well, just in case, we better take advantage of the time we have." Luke replies.
"If you insist........" Lorelai Rolls her eyes playfully.
*Luke's Diner:
Rory and Jess unlock the front door.
*Kirk walks by:
"Hey, can I get a sandwich."
"It's 9:30, we're closed..........besides do I look like Luke?"
"Actually........"
"Don't say it Kirk." Jess says taking Rory's arm and pushing her inside.
"I just want a club sandwich, they only take 3.3 minutes to make."
"How do you know that?" Jess asks, blocking the doorway.
"I timed it...........twice."
"Goodnight Kirk." Jess replies, shutting the door behind him and locking it.
Rory grins at Jess, "He's right you know."
"Oh did you time Luke too?"
"Not about that, about you looking like Luke."
"Shut up."
"I can't believe you just told me to shut up."
"Well then, don't say things like that." Jess says walking towards the stairs.
Rory walks in front of him, climbing the stairs, she turns back to look at him, "Well it is true, you sound the same too."
Jess mumbles under his breath.
"What?" Rory asks, collapsing onto Luke's old couch.
"Nothing" Jess replies lamely.
Rory sits up, eyeing Jess with concern, "Hey Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"Was the ride here ok?"
"Yeah it was fine why?"
"Well you seemed kind of out of it when you got to my mom's, and you really didn't say anything all night, and now you're being short with me."
"I am not." Jess bites back.
"See."
Jess sighs, running a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry."
Rory motions for Jess to join her on the couch, "What's going on."
"I've just been thinking a lot about...........stuff, and I guess its kind of freaking me out."
"What stuff?"
"Us stuff."
"Oh."
"It's all your stupid friends fault you know." Jess says, lifting his arms up in the air dramatically.
"Whose? Lane's?"
"No the other one."
"James? What did he say?"
"Nothing, he was just talking about us moving in together and how we're practically living together already. And then he made this big deal out of the fact that we haven't even discussed it."
Rory drapes her arm over her face, "James is an idiot why would you listen to him? It's not that big of a deal.................I mean we see each other enough, your place is like 20 minutes away from mine, we're at a good place right now....."
"But he's right and it is a big deal. I mean it's not like I don't want to live with you-"
"I know Jess."
"I just never really thought about it."
"Oh."
"And on the ride here I was thinking about it and what it would mean and stuff and its just like once we move in together........well it's like ok we're practically living together now."
"Yeah........"
"So if I actually moved in with you instead of practically living together, we'd be practically married."
"Oh." Rory replies, her tone abashed
"And I guess being in that car by myself everything came into perspective, and it all became so real."
"Jess, we don't have to-"
"I mean Jees, we've been living in a cloud for 7 months...................just pretending like everything was like it was before, but it isn't."
"Jess I don't know if I like where this is going."
"Look Rory its like this, before we got back together I still felt like I was 17, even when we were dating I felt like a kid, but now, now that we're here it's like I'm 22."
"Jess you are 22."
"You know what I mean Rory, we're not those young idealistic people we were when we first met..........we've grownup."
"What are you saying?"
"This is your last year at school, you have an internship with a news station this year, I'm on the fast track at work.............3 of the commercial that are going to air during the super bowl this year came from the pitches I made last year, I've started writing again.....................we're adults Rory, living adult lives."
Rory nods, wary of the direction in which this conversation is going.
"We're in an adult relationship, we need to acknowledge that."
"Ok, and do what Jess?" Rory asks, becoming agitated
"Look Rory, I'm not looking for anybody else, I think, I think this is it for me."
"Jess." Rory breathes in quietly. "Me neither."
"But lets face it we can't keep living the way that we are, so what I think what we need to do is-"
"Jess, don't say we need a break, because I don't think that's going to solve anything."
"I agree, but I just think that we're too old for all these practically's."
"What do you mean?"
"I just think we should screw all these steps, and skip to the end."
Rory smiles faintly, "Which means what?"
Jess turns towards Rory, staring straight into her eyes he says softly, "I think we should get married."
"You're kidding." Rory replies hoarsely, her breath caught in her throat.
Jess shakes her head, "I mean it was going to happen eventually, so what's the point of putting it off, I'm making a decent salary right now, you have a great apartment that's perfect for two, why not get married now?"
"Wow. I can't believe my ears................I never thought you were the marrying kind."
Jess laughs, "Well neither did I but I guess things change."
Rory nods, tears forming in her eyes.
"You still haven't given me an answer you know."
"Well you didn't really ask me anything." Rory replies with a smile.
Jess sighs.
"I can't answer you if you don't ask me." Rory replies with a smirk.
Jess rolls his eyes playfully as he gets down on one knee, "Rory?"
"Yes." Rory says happily.
"Will you marry me?"
Rory gulps, "Wow I didn't expect it to be like that."
"Like what?"
"Powerful."
Jess smiles, his eyes meet Rory's.
"So?"
Tears stream down Rory's face, "Of course I will."
Jess leans in and kisses Rory's tears away, "We're getting married," He whispers in her ear.
Rory nods, burying her face in Jess' chest. Jess wraps his arms around Rory.
They remain in the embrace for what seems like hours, until Jess finally pulls away.
"I don't have a ring for you."
Rory sniffles, "I don't need one, you asking me is enough."
This time, its Jess that tears up, pulling Rory towards his chest again, to hide his tears.
Rory laughs into his shirt.
"What?"
"Since when did you become such a sap?"
Jess looks down at Rory, "Since you made me watch Steele Magnolias once too many times."
Rory giggles.
"So........."
Rory's eyes go wide, "I have to call my mom!"
"Ok." Jess replies, "Oh wait, maybe you should wait."
"What why? She's going to be really mad if she's not the first person I tell."
"I think she may be busy."
"With what?"
"Luke closed the diner early tonight."
"Ohhhhh." Rory replies, a grin emerging.
"You really are dense some times, aren't you."
"What is with you and insulting me tonight."
"I'm sorry..................it's just come on, Luke comes home at 9 on a Friday night, it's pretty obvious, that and the fact that he practically begged me to stay here tonight."
"Wow...........that's so un-Luke"
"Not really...........actually, I think he had the right idea................"Jess smirks at Rory.
"Oh really?"
"Absolutely." Jess replies twirling Rory up into his arms.
Rory leans in, her face nearly touching Jess', licking her bottom lip teasingly. Jess' muscular arms travel towards Rory's waist, his hands gingerly placing her long brown hair behind her ears on the way. Rory kisses Jess' Jaw, as his hands explore her torso. Jess takes a step backward, bringing Rory with him. Rory stumbles forward, crashing into Jess' stomach. A small noise escapes Jess' mouth.
"You ok?" Rory whispers, placing a hand on his chest.
"Fine............come on." Jess replies, taking Rory's hand and leading her towards his old bedroom.
Jess enters, a sweet expression on his face.
Rory lingers in the doorway.
"Wow. Deja vu." Rory says quietly, surveying the room.
Jess nods, "You were so shy that night."
"Well it was my first ti-"
"I know."
"I'm not so shy anymore though." Rory replies with a grin.
"Come here." Jess holds his hand out for Rory she takes it, kicking the door closed behind her as Jess wraps his arms around her again.
*Saturday:10pm: Lane's Wedding Reception.
*The wedding went off without a hitch. Lane convinced her mom that slow dancing at a wedding was acceptable, yes Mrs. Kim is still walking around separating people.
*Edwin Mcain's "I'll Be" starts playing.
*Lorelai and Luke are sitting this dance out. Lorelai sighs as Luke puts his arm around her.
"I feel old." Lorelai states quietly. "You're not. You're gorgeous." Luke says gruffly.
"Thank you." Lorelai replies. "But I still feel old, it seems like only yesterday that Lane came bursting into the house begging me to stash her new kid on the block cd."
Luke laughs.
"She was 6."
Luke nods.
"Rory's next you know." Lorelai adds sadly.
Luke shakes his head, "No, I think you've still got a few years..................Jess is never going to propose."
"Yeah you're right.......................but still, she's not my baby anymore."
"Was she ever? You've been treating that kid like she was 20 since she was five."
"You know what I mean." Lorelai sighs.
"Yeah. But hey what you've got now is really good too. You talk to her everyday, she comes to visit 2 or 3 times a month, and whenever she's not around.....................you've got me."
"That's definitely a plus." Lorelai grins.
Luke kisses Lorelai tenderly on the cheek.
"I love you ." Lorelai half moans.
"I love you too." Luke replies with a smile. "Man, will you look at those two." Lorelai leans forward, her eyes following Rory and Jess as dance around the room, whispering in each others ears.
"Uh........."
"He really does make her happy."
"Yeah he does."
"Would you have ever thought 5 years ago that they'd be together."
"Nope..................but then again I never saw this happening either." Luke replies taking Lorelai's hand in his.
A/N Ok here you go! Hopefully it is up to par. Any suggestions are welcome (