Luke And Jess are sitting in a bar 5 minutes out of Stars Hollow.
"Here you go boys, two beers. Can I get you anything else?" The overzealous waitress winks at Jess.
"No, we're fine." Luke barks back at her.
Jess is sucking on his beer, "Luke in a bar. Who knew."
"What do you think I just stayed holed up in that diner for 20 years?" Luke retorts.
Jess scoffs, "Well you do love it there."
"Shut up."
Jess shrugs at his uncle, "It's not a bad thing, I just know I never pictured you as the kind of guy who'd sit around a bar all night."
"Not all night, just for an hour or so when Lorelai baby sits for Sookie--- that kid is a terror."
"So it's a hide out then." Jess smirks.
"Something like that. Drink your beer."
"Fine." Jess replies with a grin. "So you going to hide from our kid too?"
Luke takes a swig of beer, "If she's half the terror you were, yes."
Jess laughs, "I was that bad?"
"You're Liz and Jimmy's kid—mix his immaturity with her irresponsibility and got the most uncontrollable toddler known to man."
Jess's smile thins, "You know, I know I always treated you pretty crappy."
Luke looks down at his hands, "Jess that was years ago."
"Yeah, but I still think about it."
"You shouldn't, there are more important things for you to think about now, like Rory, your family. Your book."
""Yeah but you're part of my family."
"You know what I mean." Luke says sternly.
Jess sighs, "Yeah I do."
"Ok."
"But." Jess continues, matching Luke's sternness. "I also recognize that to move on I have to say what I feel, get some things off my chest, make amends for the life I led before Rory."
"Jess." Luke says warily
"Luke. I was never an angel, but I don't want my daughter to know that side of me, I want to put that part of my life behind me."
Luke sighs, "Go ahead. Vent."
Jess runs his hand through his hair, "I've treated everybody in my life like crap at sometime, but of those people, I only regret my actions towards a few of them."
"Rory." Luke states.
"Obviously, but more than that you. You tried to help me, you kicked my ass when no one else would and refused to give up on me. And I know I wouldn't be here today if not for you."
"Uh, Well." Luke shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Thank you Jess."
The two men are momentarily consumed by silence.
"Your Book........." Luke says hesitantly.
"Yeah?" jess replies looking up from his drink.
"It's about all of this, isn't it?"
Jess smiles vaguely, "How'd you know. Lorelai said she didn't say anything to you."
"She didn't."
Jess stares down his uncle.
"Ok, she's been dancing around the house like a loon for the last week, but honestly she never said anything to me. I figured it was her pending grandmaship kicking in."
"So how..."
"Well I know it was a big part of your life, over the past few months we seem to be having more and more of these heart to heart conversations, you're being extra sweet to Rory, you've been visiting more often...."
"Ok I get it I've been more obvious about this than I thought I was."
Luke scoffs, "Nah. No one really picked up on it I just, I know you."
Jess smiles at his uncle.
"Besides it was just a matter of time before you and Rory's love story made it to paper."
Jess shakes his head, "Don't get me wrong, Rory and I are mentioned in there, if not in a somewhat biased perspective, but the main story is about, Luke you're the main character."
Luke looks at his nephew, truly stunned, "What?'
"Come on you're the classic unsung hero, it was just a matter of time before yours and Lorelai's love story made it to paper." Jess smirks at Luke.
"It'll never sell, I'm not that interesting."
"On the contrary there's already a lot of buzz around the book."
"Really?'
Jess nods.
"I'm surprised Rory isn't shouting your success from the rooftops."
"She doesn't know."
"You're kidding, you managed to keep this from her."
"I figure there's plenty of time for me to get praised, that's not what I'm really concerned with right now." Jess says honestly.
Luke pats Jess on the back, "I know."
Jess looks over at his uncle, "You do?"
"No one doubts you love her. The Gilmore's have that affect on men."
Jess smiles, "They sure do."
"Hey Jess."
"Yeah?"
"That thing about hiding from your kid?"
Jess smirks.
"I might reconsider my position."
"Aw Luke, you old softy."
"Shut up. You're buying the next round."
Jess just grins at his uncle "Waitress!"
Gilmore-Danes Residence:
Rory and Lorelai are engrossed in conversation.
"So what do you think they're doing right now?" Rory asks through a mouthful of cheetos.
"Getting drunk."
"Mmm."
"Like we should be." Lorelai says patting Rory's tummy.
"Well once this kid is here, I think Jess and Luke should get her for a night so we can have a girls night out."
"Ooo, can we invite Lane too?" Lorelai replies perking up.
"Of course." Rory grins.
"Wow," Lorelai says taking a swig from her soda. "Lane's a mother."
Rory sits up, "I know. 24 hours ago, she wasn't but now...."
"That's going to be you soon babe."
"I know." Rory grimaces.
"Aw sweets, don't worry you'll do great." Lorelai says encouragingly, "Besides after the fact, the whole delivery thing doesn't even matter to you."
"I know, I'm just nervous about everything, that, raising a child, what it's going to do to my relationship with Jess."
"Raising the kid is the best part." Lorelai says soothingly.
Rory smiles faintly.
"And as for Jess, that man isn't going anywhere. He's hooked trust me."
"How do you know?"
"By the way he looks at you."
"Really?"
Lorelai nods, "It's the same way Luke looks at me, although he doesn't do it as often as Jess, but every once and a while we'll be sitting on the couch watching a movie, or having dinner at Sookie's and I'll catch him staring me with a twinkle in his eye."
"Aw mom."
"Well its true. But seriously kiddo you and Jess will be fine."
"He's really excited about it."
"Yeah."
"We picked out some names."
"Really?"
Rory nods, "But I can't tell you any until she's here and we've officially named her."
"Party pooper."
"Sorry, mom."
"Its ok."
"The truth is I pretty much knew what I was going to name the baby once we found out it was a girl."
"Its not Lorelai, is it?"
"No, I decided I wanted that to be a special thing I shared with you, and only with you."
"That's sweet, babe. I agree. Besides I think this world has enough Lorelai Gilmore's as it is."
"Agreed." Rory grins.
"At least I won't have to wait much longer to find out her name, a week and a half and I'll be in New Haven."
Rory smiles, "Yep and then its just a matter of time."
"You just better not have this kid early like Lane. Because if I miss it I'm going to hold a grudge forever........or at least until you have another one and I get to be there for the delivery." Lorelai grins, hugging her knees to her chest.
"Ok, mom we're not going to even discuss a second one until I get through having the first and probably its going to be a while before I'm willing to discuss a second one at all."
"You say that now, but trust me sweets. Kids are addictive."
Rory rolls her eyes at her mother, "Don't hog the cheetos."
Next Day: Rory and Jess have returned home and are visiting Lane and Dave at the hospital.
"Lane!" Rory exclaims rushing into the hospital room.
Lane sits up, beaming, "Did you see him?"
Rory hugs her friend, "Uh huh all ten fingers and toes, he's gorgeous."
"He is isn't he? Yeah it's a shame because he was early he's got to stay in that incubator for a few more days."
"But he's going to be ok, right?" Rory asks carefully.
"Absolutely" Dave cuts in. "Its all just a precaution, truth is the doctor said he was a few weeks off track, so there probably will be no further complications, he'll be a perfectly healthy normal boy." Dave says with a smile leaning down to kiss his wife.
"That's great." Jess says warmly "So, Ben Rygawlski"
"Benjamin Tucker Rygawlski" Lane corrects him.
"Tucker?"
"Well we figured if he's going to follow in our rock and roll footsteps he should have a semi-normal and a really cool middle name so if he decides later to be referred to by his middle name, he's covered." Dave rationalizes.
"Future planning. Nice." Jess replies with a smirk.
"Thank you." Dave says smugly.
Rory and Lane laugh.
"So how are you feeling?" Rory asks her friend.
"Exhausted, but so happy." Lane grins. "I just can't wait to go home, the smell here is killing me"
Rory scrunches her nose, "Yeah it does reek in here. You'd think with all the technological advances they've made they could find a way to get ride of the hospital smell."
"Go figure." Lane shrugs.
The two couples continue to talk for another half hour before Rory and Jess return home to get some rest.
The Mariano House:
"That was nice." Rory coos.
"Yeah, they look good." Jess replies pulling Rory towards him.
"I still can't believe that they have one of those."
"I know and soon we will too." Jess says, rubbing Rory's back.
Rory sighs happily, "I'm so glad this all worked out."
Jess pulls away from her, "What do you mean?"
Rory sits down slowly on the couch, "I mean Lane and I having kids so close in age."
"Yeah." Jess replies taking a seat next to her.
"I didn't really have any friends until I met Lane in elementary school." Rory states quietly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, before that I was always around adults—breakfast lunch and dinner at Luke's, dancing with Miss Patty, I played at the Inn I didn't meet any other kids before I started kindergarten."
"Hmm"
"So I'm glad our baby will already have a friend when she's born."
"How do you know they'll be friends?" Jess smirks.
Rory leans forward, staring at him, "Of course they'll be friends why wouldn't they be friends?"
"Um because not everybody automatically likes each other just because they're forced to spend time with them, in fact it's usually quite the opposite."
"Shut up, they're going to be like me and Lane I just know it."
"There will never be two people like you and Lane."
"Don't be mean." Rory pouts.
"I thought it was a compliment." Jess says simply.
Rory grins, "oh. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Jess replies. "But I'm sure you're right, they'll be best friends"
"So what about you? What were your friends like when you were a kid?"
"must I remind you I was dumped on my uncle's doorstep at age 16---it wasn't because my knitting circle was keeping my mom awake at night."
Rory claws softly at Jess chest, "Come on you're not going to tell me you knocking over liquor stores at 6 years old."
Jess scoffs, "No, but I was getting into fights on the playground."
"Why?"
"All the other kids were playing Power Rangers—"
"Aw I loved power rangers—I was always pink and Lane was Yellow" Rory grins.
"Well I thought they were stupid and this one kid always tried to make me be the ugly bad guy and I wasn't having it, so I punched him a few times."
"Oh my god."
"What? I really didn't play with the other boys, I played with the girls."
"Aw." Rory leans her head on Jess' shoulder.
"To be honest my interests haven't really changed that much since I was six, back then I loved to read and play doctor, and today I still do." Jess smirks wildly at Rory.
Rory swats him across the chest, attempting, but failing to conceal a grin.
Jess leans in and kisses her square on the mouth.
Pulling out the embrace, Rory continues to grin at him.
"What?"
"I want ice cream." She says sweetly
"We haven't even had lunch yet."
"So skip lunch, I want dessert."
Jess scratches his head, "It would be a bad idea to argue with you, wouldn't it."
Rory smirks, "I don't know.......do you feel the urge to sleep on the couch tonight?"
"Not particularly."
"So I think you know the answer to that."
"Right.........coffee or black raspberry?"
"Both. Duh"
"What was I thinking?" Jess says wryly before disappearing into the kitchen.
5 minutes later: Rory and Jess are sprawled out on the couch sharing a large bowl of ice cream.
"See now don't I have good ideas?" Rory asks smugly.
"I'm not saying anything, I don't want to argue, I just want this week to be quiet and with as little stress as possible. I figure we better enjoy all this before the stress hits us come Saturday."
"What's Saturday?"
"Lorelai rolls into town."
Rory sits up, "Really?"
"Hey you're the one keeping track of all this stuff, check the calendar."
Rory rushes over to the refrigerator, "Wow. You're right."
"You're surprised?"
"I just didn't realize how fast the time was going."
Jess opens his arms, welcoming Rory to sit by him. She obliges.
"By this time next week I could......"
"I know."
"Wow."
Jess tightens his grasp on Rory, "But we're going not even think about that this week."
"Oh yeah? And what are we going to think about?"
"I don't know, but I do know we're going to be lazy the entire time."
"Lazy? Huh."
"Yep I told the publisher, editor and all other professional parties that I am unreachable for the next three weeks, so starting right now, you and I are not going to be doing anything but lie around the house, reading watching movies whatever, accompanied by the occasional walk around the block followed by naps that over an hour long."
"mmm, you really speak my language." Rory coos.
"I know. More ice cream?"
Rory shakes her head, "I kind of want spaghetti."
"My specialty, coming right up."
Rory's eyes go wide, "Oh wait Jess, I forgot this goes against are rules of the week—we're not supposed to exert ourselves we can just call out for pizza and have it delivered."
Jess laughs, "Well those rules mostly apply to you, but if it'll make you feel better you can come keep me company in the kitchen."
"Ok!" Rory says brightly. "Just give me 10 minutes to get off this couch."
"Want some help?" Jess asks sympathetically.
Rory nods, blushing pink.
"Babe." He whispers as he helps her up. "You look beautiful today." Jess says attempting to ease his wife's embarrassment.
Rory hugs him, "Thank you."
"Anytime, now enough sentiment. It's time to get down to business. Now this spaghetti, I'm thinking meat sauce but perhaps you feel in the mood for garlic cream sauce?" Jess raises an eyebrow comically at her."
"Meat sauce and garlic bread."
"Oo we're hitting big time."
Rory grins, "If we're breaking the rules we better make sure it's worth it.
"Agreed." Jess smirks, twirling her into the kitchen.
The next 7 days pass quickly, each one blending into another, filled with idle lounging, quiet conversation, and long walks around town.
Saturday morning: Rory and Jess are sprawled out on the couch waiting for Lorelai to arrive.
the buzzer rings.
"Mom's here, better get it."
Jess shakes his head, "She's you're mother you get it."
"Must I remind you how long it takes me to get off of this piece of furniture?" Rory replies pushing Jess in the back.
"I think you're just exaggerating. Hey don't push me." Jess fights back rubbing his arm.
The two burst out in laughter.
Lorelai's voice permeates through out the room somewhat staticy on the intercom:
"Ok, really cranky mother who just sat in bumper to bumper traffic for over an hour waiting outside with large boxes."
Rory looks at Jess.
"Alright. Jees I'll be right back." Jess replies heading for the door.
2 minutes later: Jess is carrying two large boxes while Lorelai whistles behind him.
"You're limping a bit bucko---is that why you didn't come down right away, did I interrupt something?" She asks coyly.
"Hardly." Jess replies in an amused tone. "The limp is courtesy of 48 hours of lying on the couch."
"Rory's making you sleep on the couch? Good for her." Lorelai replies as they approach the apartment.
"No actually, we've just decided to be really lazy until the big day."
"Hmmm, smart thinking."
"Isn't it? It was my idea."
"Of course it was, Rory's a workaholic there's no way she'd think about taking a break." Lorelai replies. "Here let me get the door for you."
"Mom!" Rory says happily from the couch.
"Wow Jess wasn't kidding, good for you sweets." Lorelai replies dropping her bag and joining Rory on the couch.
"Hey that's my spot." Jess says with a smile.
"Um yeah, I don't see those boxes unpacking themselves bucko. Once you go through those we'll talk about spots."
Rory sits up, "Mom, what is all this stuff, I thought you were packing light."
"I did, this is stuff from everybody else—some necessities and stuff."
"Necessities like....."
"Well Taylor threw in a few things of disposable diapers, Sookie sent over some snacks for you guys, Jackson thought some fresh veggies would be good to have in the apartment, Miss Patty and Babbette finally finished the blanket they've been working on for 6 months, oh and honey don't worry I'm sure you can just throw it the closet and when they come to visit you can tell them its in the wash."
"Aw mom I'm sure they did a nice job."
"Hon, it's orange and green with purple poke dots."
"Oh."
"And the best thing of all---some Luke's coffee grounds from the special Luke reserves—I had to fight for it babe, but I figure it'd make for the perfect post-birth celebration."
Rory grins brightly, "Thanks mom, I can't wait."
"So how you feeling kiddo?"
"Good. Jess has been taking really good care of me."
"Awww." Lorelai exclaims making a puppy dog face at Jess.
Jess mutters to himself.
"Mom you're embarrassing him."
"I'm sure I am." Lorelai grins. "Ok, so what's the agenda for the week?"
"Well, We were just about to start playing board games." Rory smirks at Jess.
"I told you I draw the line at games." Jess retorts
"Aw Jess is too insecure with his masculinity to play a game of life." Lorelai chimes in. "If you won't play board games with you're wife what's going to happen when you're daughter wants you play with her, you'll say no to her too?"
"Fine. I'll play but I call blue car." Jess replies huffily.
"Rory forget having a baby, I think you already have one." Lorelai quips as Jess glares at her.
5 days pass quickly, and as Rory's due day approaches and passes Jess and Lorelai become less relaxed to the point of being uptight and aware of every movement Rory makes, much to Rory's annoyance.
"Ugh." Rory enters the living room, making her way over to the couch.
"Hey babe, how you feeling?" Lorelai asks, looking away from the tv that is playing Mannequin.
Rory glares at her.
"Still nothing?"
Rory nods, "My due date was officially yesterday and not even a back pain."
"Rory, a due date means nothing."
"I know I'm just so tired of everybody asking me how I am every two minutes."
"And by everybody you mean me and Jess."
"I'm sorry, you guys are being great, I'm just ready to go and you guys reminding me that I'm not ready to go yet is just frustrating me."
"Alright sweets, we'll tone it down I promise."
"Thanks mom." Rory smiles faintly.
"Lunch." Jess says carrying two large plates into the living room
"Thanks Jess." Rory says as he hands her a plate and kisses her on the cheek.
"So how are—"
Lorelai waves her arms excitedly at him.
He gives her a questioning look, to which she mouths don't ask.
He nods and then turns back to Rory, "So uh, how are you going to want your chicken? Do you want barbeque sauce, ketchup, teriyaki?"
Rory shakes her head, "This is fine."
"Ok.....do you mind if I join you?" Jess asks carefully.
"As long as you don't mind watching Andrew McCarthy talking to a mannequin." Lorelai pipes in.
"Please do, I saved you a seat right next to me." Rory says encouragingly.
Jess goes to the kitchen to retrieve his plate, and rejoins Lorelai and Rory in the living room.
The three blast through lunch like the champion eater they are.
A half hour later, Rory has dozed off on Jess' shoulder.
The movie ends, Lorelai shuts off the tv, stand and stretches, "That movie never gets old."
"Huh." Jess muses, his free hand reaching for a blanket on the other side of the couch.
Lorelai walks over and tosses it to him.
"Thanks," he whispers placing the blanket over Rory's lap.
Lorelai smiles at him, "Sure thing, hey I'm going to go into the hall and call Luke---I don't want to wake her up."
Jess nods, "When is he coming by?"
"Today, I just want to make sure he's on the road, its after 3 he should be here soon."
"Yeah," Jess nods. "You know, I know Rory's miserable and I really feel terrible about it, but I'm kind of glad she hasn't had the baby yet."
Lorelai looks sideways at Jess, a smirk appearing on her lips, "You wanted Luke here for it, didn't you?"
Jess shrugs, trying to ignore Lorelai's prying glance, "I just think it's a special occasion and the kid's grandparents should be there—or at least waiting outside."
"Ah so I should expect Chris, Liz, and Jimmy to show up some time today too?" Lorelai says wryly.
Jess smiles at her exasperatedly, "No, just you and Luke. The others will get respective calls after the fact."
"Good." Lorelai grins evilly, making her way to the front door. "Oh and Jess you're secret is safe with me."
"Somehow I don't believe you."
Lorelai feigns being hurt.
"You're going to take one step out that door, call Luke and gush about how I want him here for this."
"I am not."
Jess stares at her.
Lorelai makes a small noise, "You take the fun out of everything!" she exclaims before storming out of the apartment.
Rory squirms in Jess' arms.
Jess kisses the top of her head.
"Hey," She says groggily.
"Hi."
"Did mom just leave?" She asks rubbing her eyes.
"Just to call Luke."
Rory nods, "How long was I out for?"
"Not too long, ten minutes."
"Oh."
"But you managed to drool through the sleeve of my shirt."
Rory cringes, "Sorry."
Jess pats her on the back, "Don't be Ror, I wasn't complaining, believe me I know I have no right to complain about anything right now."
"I know I've been really cranky, you guys don't deserve it." Rory says quietly propping herself up.
Jess puts a hand to her cheek, "Rory you're fine, and we're all on edge I guess."
Rory nods, "I just want it to be over already."
"I know."
"I feel like I've been pregnant forever,"
"Hmmmm." Jess mumbles, nestling into Rory.
Rory laughs, "snuggly are we?"
Jess shakes his head, ticking Rory's neck in the process, "I just want you to feel better."
Rory laughs, "That's a start."
"Yeah?" Jess smirks, "How's this?" Jess kisses Rory's neck seductively.
"Mmm." Rory Moans, closing her eyes.
Jess runs his hand through her hair, taking in her sweet scent.
"Jess," Rory mutters.
"Yeah?" He says gruffly.
"My mom is in the hall, Luke's on his way....."
Jess looks at her, defeated he sighs, ""You want to stop, ok."
"Not exactly, "I just think we should move locations."
Jess raises an eyebrow at her, "Really?"
Rory nods enthusiastically, "We've been sitting around here for over a week like two lumps......that's not us."
Jess shakes his head, "That's definitely not us.......so you want to........."
Rory looks at him shyly, "Something like that,"
Jess stands up, holding his hand out for his wife. Together they make their way to the bedroom.
The hallway.
The cell phone that Lorelai makes Luke carry in his truck rings for the 8th time, just as Lorelai is about to hang up Luke barks into the phone, "Hello."
"My don't we sound happy."
"What do you want?"
"I'm just checking that you left the diner."
"I told you I was, what you don't trust me?" Luke asks, his tone changing.
Lorelai makes a face, "No, I do you're just really attached to that diner."
"Oh you say that like you're not really attached to anything."
"Other than my daughter and you no."
"What about that blue sweater you wear all the time."
"What?"
"Come on its like 5 years old and to the point that it's a completely different shade of blue than when it was brand new." Luke says in an amused voice
"Since when do you pay attention to my clothes."
"You should throw it out, there's a run in the back of it." Luke's voice echoes.
"How do you know there's a ru—"Lorelai stops as someone taps her on her shoulder.
"With running a successful business and all I figure you should be able to afford one new sweater." Luke says shoving the cell phone in his pocket.
Lorelai launches herself into his arms.
Luke wraps his arms around her, "Calm down.."
"You scared the hell out of me. Lorelai hits him hard in the chest.
Luke lets go of her, "Ow. God forgive me for trying to surprise you."
Lorelai smiles at him, "I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting you to be here this second.....these 6 days have been so terrible without you."
"Nice to know I'm missed."
"I always miss you when you're not around—why do you think I'm always at the diner."
"So I'll feed you."
"....and asking you to close early."
"So I can check the closet for monsters before you go to bed.
"You know me too well." Lorelai replies, kissing him gingerly on the lips.
Luke lets his hand rest on her hips, "So, how is she?"
"Exhausted, asleep on the couch with Jess right now."
Luke nods.
"Come on lets get out of this hallway, "the woman across the hall keeps coming out and looking at me and then going back inside. Creepy."
"Ok lets go." Luke puts his arm around her waist, leading her inside.
Lorelai is rambling on about Jess' confession this morning when Luke stops her, "I thought you said they were sleeping."
"Well Rory, was Jess was kind of just stuck there why?"
Luke nudges Lorelai; she looks up too see the deserted couch.
"Hmmm"
Suddenly they notice the sound of giggling coming from the bedroom.
Luke's face distorts as Lorelai grins, "Well I guess they're not sleeping anymore."
"ew."
"Come on lets go."
"Where?"
"Dinner. I want pizza."
"Didn't you say you just had lunch?"
"Like an hour ago, gees come on." Lorelai says dragging Luke out of the apartment.
An Hour later:
Rory and jess are lying on their bed, clinging to one another, Jess kisses Rory softly on the cheek, rousing her from thought.
"Hey." She muses.
"Hey. You hungry?"
Rory shrugs, "A little."
"What do you want?'
"Pancakes."
"Good choice, coming right up." Jess replies bounding out of bed.
"Wait for me." Rory whines.
"Ok." Jess says brightly holding the door for her.
"Thank you."
"Huh." Jess states entering the living room.
"What?"
"You're mom's not here."
"Luke probably showed up."
"Right....."
"And she probably heard us, other wise she'd be on that couch making Luke watch Mannequin."
"Ah. So chocolate chips on those pancakes missy?"
"Please." Rory replies taking a seat in the kitchen. "Hrrm."
Jess turns around, "Ror?"
"Huh?"
"You ok?"
"Yeah, when I sat down my side hurt."
"Like hurt how?"
"I don't know....it just did." Rory's eyes go wide. "Jess, I think its starting."
Jess smiles, "Really?"
Rory nods.
"I didn't realize I was that talented." Jess smirks at her.
"You're not, its just a pain in the side, that's nothing."
"Mean." Jess retorts.
"Just make the pancakes." Rory balls up a napkin and throws it at him.
Jess catches it, looking at her seriously he replies, "Just let me know when....."
"I will. Promise."
Jess returns to the task at hand as Luke and Lorelai enter the apartment.
"Ah so the lovebirds have emerged."
"We're making pancakes!" Rory exclaims.
"We?" Jess scoffs.
"Shut up. My side hurts." Rory retorts.
"Oh you can so not use that against me." Jess replies slamming the box of pancake mix down.
"Use what against him?" Lorelai watched them suspiciously.
"It's starting." Rory grins.
"Yay!" Lorelai claps.
"Wait are we talking about...." Luke looks at them nervously.
Rory and Lorelai nod.
"And we're applauding this because?"
"You have no idea what the last 5 days have been like for us." Jess cuts in, flipping the pancakes over.
Luke just nods.
"So how you doing sweets? See now its ok for me to ask that." Lorelai smiles at Rory.
"Fine, starving."
"I'm going as fast as I can."
"Well hurry, I'm famished." Rory says dramatically.
"Come on sweets, let go into the living room, I say its time for more Andrew McCarthy."
"oo." Rory grins following her mother into the living room.
A Few hours later.
Luke and Lorelai have dozed off on the couch.
Rory is slumped in the chair while Jess is in the shower.
Jess emerges from the bathroom, "Hey," He says quietly.
"Hey." Rory says unenthusiastically.
"How's it going?"
"Remember before when we were clapping over this."
"Yeah?" Jess replies leaning down to Rory's level.
"It's not so fun anymore."
"I'm sorry." He whispers, stroking her hair.
Rory shifts her weight in the chair, "I have to get up, I can't sit anymore."
"O-ok." Jess replies helping her up.
"Thanks."
"I know its late, but why don't we go for a walk, maybe moving around will help."
Rory shrugs, "ok."
An hour later:
Lorelai wakes up, "Luke." She nudges Luke.
"Huh, what?"
"Rory, Jess—they're gone."
"And?"
"Oh my God, do you think they left without us?"
Luke sits up rubbing his eyes, "Did they leave a note?"
"I don't know it's dark."
Luke switches on the light, the brightness of the room causing them both to flinch.
"I don't see one, and Rory's cell in the table...."
"So maybe they just got up for a second?" Luke replies dully.
"I hope everything's ok."
With that the apartment door swings open, Jess holding Rory around the waist
"Honey, are you ok?" Lorelai asks approaching her daughter.
Rory nods.
"We decided to walk around the block a few times to pass the time."
Lorelai nods, "How you feeling?"
Rory shakes her head, "They've gotten worse over the last half hour. I think we're going to just grab some things and start for the hospital."
"Ok, Rory. Do you want to us to come with you?"
Rory shakes her head, "No, its late it'll probably still be a while you guys should try and sleep some more."
"I can't sleep now, we'll follow you in Luke's truck, ok?"
Rory nods, "I just want to go brush my teeth before we go."
"Ok, sweets."
They all watch Rory disappear into the bathroom.
Lorelai approaches Jess, "And how's the daddy holding up."
Jess whispers hoarsely, "Nervous."
"Aw, it'll be ok."
"I know, I just hate seeing her like this."
"Just be there for her, its all you can do."
Jess nods.
Rory appears at the bathroom door, "I uh---my uh......"
Lorelai's eyes go wide, "Oh ok, sweets, its fine come on lets get you in the car."
Jess looks bewildered.
"Come on, can't have the kid with out the daddy there to throw things at." Lorelai pats Jess on the back as the four of them make there way out of the apartment.
A/N kind of a lame end to the chapter but I've been writing this chapter for a while and had total writers block and just wanted to finish it so I could get on with the happy ending which will probably be in another chapter or so. Please send feedback
"Here you go boys, two beers. Can I get you anything else?" The overzealous waitress winks at Jess.
"No, we're fine." Luke barks back at her.
Jess is sucking on his beer, "Luke in a bar. Who knew."
"What do you think I just stayed holed up in that diner for 20 years?" Luke retorts.
Jess scoffs, "Well you do love it there."
"Shut up."
Jess shrugs at his uncle, "It's not a bad thing, I just know I never pictured you as the kind of guy who'd sit around a bar all night."
"Not all night, just for an hour or so when Lorelai baby sits for Sookie--- that kid is a terror."
"So it's a hide out then." Jess smirks.
"Something like that. Drink your beer."
"Fine." Jess replies with a grin. "So you going to hide from our kid too?"
Luke takes a swig of beer, "If she's half the terror you were, yes."
Jess laughs, "I was that bad?"
"You're Liz and Jimmy's kid—mix his immaturity with her irresponsibility and got the most uncontrollable toddler known to man."
Jess's smile thins, "You know, I know I always treated you pretty crappy."
Luke looks down at his hands, "Jess that was years ago."
"Yeah, but I still think about it."
"You shouldn't, there are more important things for you to think about now, like Rory, your family. Your book."
""Yeah but you're part of my family."
"You know what I mean." Luke says sternly.
Jess sighs, "Yeah I do."
"Ok."
"But." Jess continues, matching Luke's sternness. "I also recognize that to move on I have to say what I feel, get some things off my chest, make amends for the life I led before Rory."
"Jess." Luke says warily
"Luke. I was never an angel, but I don't want my daughter to know that side of me, I want to put that part of my life behind me."
Luke sighs, "Go ahead. Vent."
Jess runs his hand through his hair, "I've treated everybody in my life like crap at sometime, but of those people, I only regret my actions towards a few of them."
"Rory." Luke states.
"Obviously, but more than that you. You tried to help me, you kicked my ass when no one else would and refused to give up on me. And I know I wouldn't be here today if not for you."
"Uh, Well." Luke shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Thank you Jess."
The two men are momentarily consumed by silence.
"Your Book........." Luke says hesitantly.
"Yeah?" jess replies looking up from his drink.
"It's about all of this, isn't it?"
Jess smiles vaguely, "How'd you know. Lorelai said she didn't say anything to you."
"She didn't."
Jess stares down his uncle.
"Ok, she's been dancing around the house like a loon for the last week, but honestly she never said anything to me. I figured it was her pending grandmaship kicking in."
"So how..."
"Well I know it was a big part of your life, over the past few months we seem to be having more and more of these heart to heart conversations, you're being extra sweet to Rory, you've been visiting more often...."
"Ok I get it I've been more obvious about this than I thought I was."
Luke scoffs, "Nah. No one really picked up on it I just, I know you."
Jess smiles at his uncle.
"Besides it was just a matter of time before you and Rory's love story made it to paper."
Jess shakes his head, "Don't get me wrong, Rory and I are mentioned in there, if not in a somewhat biased perspective, but the main story is about, Luke you're the main character."
Luke looks at his nephew, truly stunned, "What?'
"Come on you're the classic unsung hero, it was just a matter of time before yours and Lorelai's love story made it to paper." Jess smirks at Luke.
"It'll never sell, I'm not that interesting."
"On the contrary there's already a lot of buzz around the book."
"Really?'
Jess nods.
"I'm surprised Rory isn't shouting your success from the rooftops."
"She doesn't know."
"You're kidding, you managed to keep this from her."
"I figure there's plenty of time for me to get praised, that's not what I'm really concerned with right now." Jess says honestly.
Luke pats Jess on the back, "I know."
Jess looks over at his uncle, "You do?"
"No one doubts you love her. The Gilmore's have that affect on men."
Jess smiles, "They sure do."
"Hey Jess."
"Yeah?"
"That thing about hiding from your kid?"
Jess smirks.
"I might reconsider my position."
"Aw Luke, you old softy."
"Shut up. You're buying the next round."
Jess just grins at his uncle "Waitress!"
Gilmore-Danes Residence:
Rory and Lorelai are engrossed in conversation.
"So what do you think they're doing right now?" Rory asks through a mouthful of cheetos.
"Getting drunk."
"Mmm."
"Like we should be." Lorelai says patting Rory's tummy.
"Well once this kid is here, I think Jess and Luke should get her for a night so we can have a girls night out."
"Ooo, can we invite Lane too?" Lorelai replies perking up.
"Of course." Rory grins.
"Wow," Lorelai says taking a swig from her soda. "Lane's a mother."
Rory sits up, "I know. 24 hours ago, she wasn't but now...."
"That's going to be you soon babe."
"I know." Rory grimaces.
"Aw sweets, don't worry you'll do great." Lorelai says encouragingly, "Besides after the fact, the whole delivery thing doesn't even matter to you."
"I know, I'm just nervous about everything, that, raising a child, what it's going to do to my relationship with Jess."
"Raising the kid is the best part." Lorelai says soothingly.
Rory smiles faintly.
"And as for Jess, that man isn't going anywhere. He's hooked trust me."
"How do you know?"
"By the way he looks at you."
"Really?"
Lorelai nods, "It's the same way Luke looks at me, although he doesn't do it as often as Jess, but every once and a while we'll be sitting on the couch watching a movie, or having dinner at Sookie's and I'll catch him staring me with a twinkle in his eye."
"Aw mom."
"Well its true. But seriously kiddo you and Jess will be fine."
"He's really excited about it."
"Yeah."
"We picked out some names."
"Really?"
Rory nods, "But I can't tell you any until she's here and we've officially named her."
"Party pooper."
"Sorry, mom."
"Its ok."
"The truth is I pretty much knew what I was going to name the baby once we found out it was a girl."
"Its not Lorelai, is it?"
"No, I decided I wanted that to be a special thing I shared with you, and only with you."
"That's sweet, babe. I agree. Besides I think this world has enough Lorelai Gilmore's as it is."
"Agreed." Rory grins.
"At least I won't have to wait much longer to find out her name, a week and a half and I'll be in New Haven."
Rory smiles, "Yep and then its just a matter of time."
"You just better not have this kid early like Lane. Because if I miss it I'm going to hold a grudge forever........or at least until you have another one and I get to be there for the delivery." Lorelai grins, hugging her knees to her chest.
"Ok, mom we're not going to even discuss a second one until I get through having the first and probably its going to be a while before I'm willing to discuss a second one at all."
"You say that now, but trust me sweets. Kids are addictive."
Rory rolls her eyes at her mother, "Don't hog the cheetos."
Next Day: Rory and Jess have returned home and are visiting Lane and Dave at the hospital.
"Lane!" Rory exclaims rushing into the hospital room.
Lane sits up, beaming, "Did you see him?"
Rory hugs her friend, "Uh huh all ten fingers and toes, he's gorgeous."
"He is isn't he? Yeah it's a shame because he was early he's got to stay in that incubator for a few more days."
"But he's going to be ok, right?" Rory asks carefully.
"Absolutely" Dave cuts in. "Its all just a precaution, truth is the doctor said he was a few weeks off track, so there probably will be no further complications, he'll be a perfectly healthy normal boy." Dave says with a smile leaning down to kiss his wife.
"That's great." Jess says warmly "So, Ben Rygawlski"
"Benjamin Tucker Rygawlski" Lane corrects him.
"Tucker?"
"Well we figured if he's going to follow in our rock and roll footsteps he should have a semi-normal and a really cool middle name so if he decides later to be referred to by his middle name, he's covered." Dave rationalizes.
"Future planning. Nice." Jess replies with a smirk.
"Thank you." Dave says smugly.
Rory and Lane laugh.
"So how are you feeling?" Rory asks her friend.
"Exhausted, but so happy." Lane grins. "I just can't wait to go home, the smell here is killing me"
Rory scrunches her nose, "Yeah it does reek in here. You'd think with all the technological advances they've made they could find a way to get ride of the hospital smell."
"Go figure." Lane shrugs.
The two couples continue to talk for another half hour before Rory and Jess return home to get some rest.
The Mariano House:
"That was nice." Rory coos.
"Yeah, they look good." Jess replies pulling Rory towards him.
"I still can't believe that they have one of those."
"I know and soon we will too." Jess says, rubbing Rory's back.
Rory sighs happily, "I'm so glad this all worked out."
Jess pulls away from her, "What do you mean?"
Rory sits down slowly on the couch, "I mean Lane and I having kids so close in age."
"Yeah." Jess replies taking a seat next to her.
"I didn't really have any friends until I met Lane in elementary school." Rory states quietly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, before that I was always around adults—breakfast lunch and dinner at Luke's, dancing with Miss Patty, I played at the Inn I didn't meet any other kids before I started kindergarten."
"Hmm"
"So I'm glad our baby will already have a friend when she's born."
"How do you know they'll be friends?" Jess smirks.
Rory leans forward, staring at him, "Of course they'll be friends why wouldn't they be friends?"
"Um because not everybody automatically likes each other just because they're forced to spend time with them, in fact it's usually quite the opposite."
"Shut up, they're going to be like me and Lane I just know it."
"There will never be two people like you and Lane."
"Don't be mean." Rory pouts.
"I thought it was a compliment." Jess says simply.
Rory grins, "oh. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Jess replies. "But I'm sure you're right, they'll be best friends"
"So what about you? What were your friends like when you were a kid?"
"must I remind you I was dumped on my uncle's doorstep at age 16---it wasn't because my knitting circle was keeping my mom awake at night."
Rory claws softly at Jess chest, "Come on you're not going to tell me you knocking over liquor stores at 6 years old."
Jess scoffs, "No, but I was getting into fights on the playground."
"Why?"
"All the other kids were playing Power Rangers—"
"Aw I loved power rangers—I was always pink and Lane was Yellow" Rory grins.
"Well I thought they were stupid and this one kid always tried to make me be the ugly bad guy and I wasn't having it, so I punched him a few times."
"Oh my god."
"What? I really didn't play with the other boys, I played with the girls."
"Aw." Rory leans her head on Jess' shoulder.
"To be honest my interests haven't really changed that much since I was six, back then I loved to read and play doctor, and today I still do." Jess smirks wildly at Rory.
Rory swats him across the chest, attempting, but failing to conceal a grin.
Jess leans in and kisses her square on the mouth.
Pulling out the embrace, Rory continues to grin at him.
"What?"
"I want ice cream." She says sweetly
"We haven't even had lunch yet."
"So skip lunch, I want dessert."
Jess scratches his head, "It would be a bad idea to argue with you, wouldn't it."
Rory smirks, "I don't know.......do you feel the urge to sleep on the couch tonight?"
"Not particularly."
"So I think you know the answer to that."
"Right.........coffee or black raspberry?"
"Both. Duh"
"What was I thinking?" Jess says wryly before disappearing into the kitchen.
5 minutes later: Rory and Jess are sprawled out on the couch sharing a large bowl of ice cream.
"See now don't I have good ideas?" Rory asks smugly.
"I'm not saying anything, I don't want to argue, I just want this week to be quiet and with as little stress as possible. I figure we better enjoy all this before the stress hits us come Saturday."
"What's Saturday?"
"Lorelai rolls into town."
Rory sits up, "Really?"
"Hey you're the one keeping track of all this stuff, check the calendar."
Rory rushes over to the refrigerator, "Wow. You're right."
"You're surprised?"
"I just didn't realize how fast the time was going."
Jess opens his arms, welcoming Rory to sit by him. She obliges.
"By this time next week I could......"
"I know."
"Wow."
Jess tightens his grasp on Rory, "But we're going not even think about that this week."
"Oh yeah? And what are we going to think about?"
"I don't know, but I do know we're going to be lazy the entire time."
"Lazy? Huh."
"Yep I told the publisher, editor and all other professional parties that I am unreachable for the next three weeks, so starting right now, you and I are not going to be doing anything but lie around the house, reading watching movies whatever, accompanied by the occasional walk around the block followed by naps that over an hour long."
"mmm, you really speak my language." Rory coos.
"I know. More ice cream?"
Rory shakes her head, "I kind of want spaghetti."
"My specialty, coming right up."
Rory's eyes go wide, "Oh wait Jess, I forgot this goes against are rules of the week—we're not supposed to exert ourselves we can just call out for pizza and have it delivered."
Jess laughs, "Well those rules mostly apply to you, but if it'll make you feel better you can come keep me company in the kitchen."
"Ok!" Rory says brightly. "Just give me 10 minutes to get off this couch."
"Want some help?" Jess asks sympathetically.
Rory nods, blushing pink.
"Babe." He whispers as he helps her up. "You look beautiful today." Jess says attempting to ease his wife's embarrassment.
Rory hugs him, "Thank you."
"Anytime, now enough sentiment. It's time to get down to business. Now this spaghetti, I'm thinking meat sauce but perhaps you feel in the mood for garlic cream sauce?" Jess raises an eyebrow comically at her."
"Meat sauce and garlic bread."
"Oo we're hitting big time."
Rory grins, "If we're breaking the rules we better make sure it's worth it.
"Agreed." Jess smirks, twirling her into the kitchen.
The next 7 days pass quickly, each one blending into another, filled with idle lounging, quiet conversation, and long walks around town.
Saturday morning: Rory and Jess are sprawled out on the couch waiting for Lorelai to arrive.
the buzzer rings.
"Mom's here, better get it."
Jess shakes his head, "She's you're mother you get it."
"Must I remind you how long it takes me to get off of this piece of furniture?" Rory replies pushing Jess in the back.
"I think you're just exaggerating. Hey don't push me." Jess fights back rubbing his arm.
The two burst out in laughter.
Lorelai's voice permeates through out the room somewhat staticy on the intercom:
"Ok, really cranky mother who just sat in bumper to bumper traffic for over an hour waiting outside with large boxes."
Rory looks at Jess.
"Alright. Jees I'll be right back." Jess replies heading for the door.
2 minutes later: Jess is carrying two large boxes while Lorelai whistles behind him.
"You're limping a bit bucko---is that why you didn't come down right away, did I interrupt something?" She asks coyly.
"Hardly." Jess replies in an amused tone. "The limp is courtesy of 48 hours of lying on the couch."
"Rory's making you sleep on the couch? Good for her." Lorelai replies as they approach the apartment.
"No actually, we've just decided to be really lazy until the big day."
"Hmmm, smart thinking."
"Isn't it? It was my idea."
"Of course it was, Rory's a workaholic there's no way she'd think about taking a break." Lorelai replies. "Here let me get the door for you."
"Mom!" Rory says happily from the couch.
"Wow Jess wasn't kidding, good for you sweets." Lorelai replies dropping her bag and joining Rory on the couch.
"Hey that's my spot." Jess says with a smile.
"Um yeah, I don't see those boxes unpacking themselves bucko. Once you go through those we'll talk about spots."
Rory sits up, "Mom, what is all this stuff, I thought you were packing light."
"I did, this is stuff from everybody else—some necessities and stuff."
"Necessities like....."
"Well Taylor threw in a few things of disposable diapers, Sookie sent over some snacks for you guys, Jackson thought some fresh veggies would be good to have in the apartment, Miss Patty and Babbette finally finished the blanket they've been working on for 6 months, oh and honey don't worry I'm sure you can just throw it the closet and when they come to visit you can tell them its in the wash."
"Aw mom I'm sure they did a nice job."
"Hon, it's orange and green with purple poke dots."
"Oh."
"And the best thing of all---some Luke's coffee grounds from the special Luke reserves—I had to fight for it babe, but I figure it'd make for the perfect post-birth celebration."
Rory grins brightly, "Thanks mom, I can't wait."
"So how you feeling kiddo?"
"Good. Jess has been taking really good care of me."
"Awww." Lorelai exclaims making a puppy dog face at Jess.
Jess mutters to himself.
"Mom you're embarrassing him."
"I'm sure I am." Lorelai grins. "Ok, so what's the agenda for the week?"
"Well, We were just about to start playing board games." Rory smirks at Jess.
"I told you I draw the line at games." Jess retorts
"Aw Jess is too insecure with his masculinity to play a game of life." Lorelai chimes in. "If you won't play board games with you're wife what's going to happen when you're daughter wants you play with her, you'll say no to her too?"
"Fine. I'll play but I call blue car." Jess replies huffily.
"Rory forget having a baby, I think you already have one." Lorelai quips as Jess glares at her.
5 days pass quickly, and as Rory's due day approaches and passes Jess and Lorelai become less relaxed to the point of being uptight and aware of every movement Rory makes, much to Rory's annoyance.
"Ugh." Rory enters the living room, making her way over to the couch.
"Hey babe, how you feeling?" Lorelai asks, looking away from the tv that is playing Mannequin.
Rory glares at her.
"Still nothing?"
Rory nods, "My due date was officially yesterday and not even a back pain."
"Rory, a due date means nothing."
"I know I'm just so tired of everybody asking me how I am every two minutes."
"And by everybody you mean me and Jess."
"I'm sorry, you guys are being great, I'm just ready to go and you guys reminding me that I'm not ready to go yet is just frustrating me."
"Alright sweets, we'll tone it down I promise."
"Thanks mom." Rory smiles faintly.
"Lunch." Jess says carrying two large plates into the living room
"Thanks Jess." Rory says as he hands her a plate and kisses her on the cheek.
"So how are—"
Lorelai waves her arms excitedly at him.
He gives her a questioning look, to which she mouths don't ask.
He nods and then turns back to Rory, "So uh, how are you going to want your chicken? Do you want barbeque sauce, ketchup, teriyaki?"
Rory shakes her head, "This is fine."
"Ok.....do you mind if I join you?" Jess asks carefully.
"As long as you don't mind watching Andrew McCarthy talking to a mannequin." Lorelai pipes in.
"Please do, I saved you a seat right next to me." Rory says encouragingly.
Jess goes to the kitchen to retrieve his plate, and rejoins Lorelai and Rory in the living room.
The three blast through lunch like the champion eater they are.
A half hour later, Rory has dozed off on Jess' shoulder.
The movie ends, Lorelai shuts off the tv, stand and stretches, "That movie never gets old."
"Huh." Jess muses, his free hand reaching for a blanket on the other side of the couch.
Lorelai walks over and tosses it to him.
"Thanks," he whispers placing the blanket over Rory's lap.
Lorelai smiles at him, "Sure thing, hey I'm going to go into the hall and call Luke---I don't want to wake her up."
Jess nods, "When is he coming by?"
"Today, I just want to make sure he's on the road, its after 3 he should be here soon."
"Yeah," Jess nods. "You know, I know Rory's miserable and I really feel terrible about it, but I'm kind of glad she hasn't had the baby yet."
Lorelai looks sideways at Jess, a smirk appearing on her lips, "You wanted Luke here for it, didn't you?"
Jess shrugs, trying to ignore Lorelai's prying glance, "I just think it's a special occasion and the kid's grandparents should be there—or at least waiting outside."
"Ah so I should expect Chris, Liz, and Jimmy to show up some time today too?" Lorelai says wryly.
Jess smiles at her exasperatedly, "No, just you and Luke. The others will get respective calls after the fact."
"Good." Lorelai grins evilly, making her way to the front door. "Oh and Jess you're secret is safe with me."
"Somehow I don't believe you."
Lorelai feigns being hurt.
"You're going to take one step out that door, call Luke and gush about how I want him here for this."
"I am not."
Jess stares at her.
Lorelai makes a small noise, "You take the fun out of everything!" she exclaims before storming out of the apartment.
Rory squirms in Jess' arms.
Jess kisses the top of her head.
"Hey," She says groggily.
"Hi."
"Did mom just leave?" She asks rubbing her eyes.
"Just to call Luke."
Rory nods, "How long was I out for?"
"Not too long, ten minutes."
"Oh."
"But you managed to drool through the sleeve of my shirt."
Rory cringes, "Sorry."
Jess pats her on the back, "Don't be Ror, I wasn't complaining, believe me I know I have no right to complain about anything right now."
"I know I've been really cranky, you guys don't deserve it." Rory says quietly propping herself up.
Jess puts a hand to her cheek, "Rory you're fine, and we're all on edge I guess."
Rory nods, "I just want it to be over already."
"I know."
"I feel like I've been pregnant forever,"
"Hmmmm." Jess mumbles, nestling into Rory.
Rory laughs, "snuggly are we?"
Jess shakes his head, ticking Rory's neck in the process, "I just want you to feel better."
Rory laughs, "That's a start."
"Yeah?" Jess smirks, "How's this?" Jess kisses Rory's neck seductively.
"Mmm." Rory Moans, closing her eyes.
Jess runs his hand through her hair, taking in her sweet scent.
"Jess," Rory mutters.
"Yeah?" He says gruffly.
"My mom is in the hall, Luke's on his way....."
Jess looks at her, defeated he sighs, ""You want to stop, ok."
"Not exactly, "I just think we should move locations."
Jess raises an eyebrow at her, "Really?"
Rory nods enthusiastically, "We've been sitting around here for over a week like two lumps......that's not us."
Jess shakes his head, "That's definitely not us.......so you want to........."
Rory looks at him shyly, "Something like that,"
Jess stands up, holding his hand out for his wife. Together they make their way to the bedroom.
The hallway.
The cell phone that Lorelai makes Luke carry in his truck rings for the 8th time, just as Lorelai is about to hang up Luke barks into the phone, "Hello."
"My don't we sound happy."
"What do you want?"
"I'm just checking that you left the diner."
"I told you I was, what you don't trust me?" Luke asks, his tone changing.
Lorelai makes a face, "No, I do you're just really attached to that diner."
"Oh you say that like you're not really attached to anything."
"Other than my daughter and you no."
"What about that blue sweater you wear all the time."
"What?"
"Come on its like 5 years old and to the point that it's a completely different shade of blue than when it was brand new." Luke says in an amused voice
"Since when do you pay attention to my clothes."
"You should throw it out, there's a run in the back of it." Luke's voice echoes.
"How do you know there's a ru—"Lorelai stops as someone taps her on her shoulder.
"With running a successful business and all I figure you should be able to afford one new sweater." Luke says shoving the cell phone in his pocket.
Lorelai launches herself into his arms.
Luke wraps his arms around her, "Calm down.."
"You scared the hell out of me. Lorelai hits him hard in the chest.
Luke lets go of her, "Ow. God forgive me for trying to surprise you."
Lorelai smiles at him, "I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting you to be here this second.....these 6 days have been so terrible without you."
"Nice to know I'm missed."
"I always miss you when you're not around—why do you think I'm always at the diner."
"So I'll feed you."
"....and asking you to close early."
"So I can check the closet for monsters before you go to bed.
"You know me too well." Lorelai replies, kissing him gingerly on the lips.
Luke lets his hand rest on her hips, "So, how is she?"
"Exhausted, asleep on the couch with Jess right now."
Luke nods.
"Come on lets get out of this hallway, "the woman across the hall keeps coming out and looking at me and then going back inside. Creepy."
"Ok lets go." Luke puts his arm around her waist, leading her inside.
Lorelai is rambling on about Jess' confession this morning when Luke stops her, "I thought you said they were sleeping."
"Well Rory, was Jess was kind of just stuck there why?"
Luke nudges Lorelai; she looks up too see the deserted couch.
"Hmmm"
Suddenly they notice the sound of giggling coming from the bedroom.
Luke's face distorts as Lorelai grins, "Well I guess they're not sleeping anymore."
"ew."
"Come on lets go."
"Where?"
"Dinner. I want pizza."
"Didn't you say you just had lunch?"
"Like an hour ago, gees come on." Lorelai says dragging Luke out of the apartment.
An Hour later:
Rory and jess are lying on their bed, clinging to one another, Jess kisses Rory softly on the cheek, rousing her from thought.
"Hey." She muses.
"Hey. You hungry?"
Rory shrugs, "A little."
"What do you want?'
"Pancakes."
"Good choice, coming right up." Jess replies bounding out of bed.
"Wait for me." Rory whines.
"Ok." Jess says brightly holding the door for her.
"Thank you."
"Huh." Jess states entering the living room.
"What?"
"You're mom's not here."
"Luke probably showed up."
"Right....."
"And she probably heard us, other wise she'd be on that couch making Luke watch Mannequin."
"Ah. So chocolate chips on those pancakes missy?"
"Please." Rory replies taking a seat in the kitchen. "Hrrm."
Jess turns around, "Ror?"
"Huh?"
"You ok?"
"Yeah, when I sat down my side hurt."
"Like hurt how?"
"I don't know....it just did." Rory's eyes go wide. "Jess, I think its starting."
Jess smiles, "Really?"
Rory nods.
"I didn't realize I was that talented." Jess smirks at her.
"You're not, its just a pain in the side, that's nothing."
"Mean." Jess retorts.
"Just make the pancakes." Rory balls up a napkin and throws it at him.
Jess catches it, looking at her seriously he replies, "Just let me know when....."
"I will. Promise."
Jess returns to the task at hand as Luke and Lorelai enter the apartment.
"Ah so the lovebirds have emerged."
"We're making pancakes!" Rory exclaims.
"We?" Jess scoffs.
"Shut up. My side hurts." Rory retorts.
"Oh you can so not use that against me." Jess replies slamming the box of pancake mix down.
"Use what against him?" Lorelai watched them suspiciously.
"It's starting." Rory grins.
"Yay!" Lorelai claps.
"Wait are we talking about...." Luke looks at them nervously.
Rory and Lorelai nod.
"And we're applauding this because?"
"You have no idea what the last 5 days have been like for us." Jess cuts in, flipping the pancakes over.
Luke just nods.
"So how you doing sweets? See now its ok for me to ask that." Lorelai smiles at Rory.
"Fine, starving."
"I'm going as fast as I can."
"Well hurry, I'm famished." Rory says dramatically.
"Come on sweets, let go into the living room, I say its time for more Andrew McCarthy."
"oo." Rory grins following her mother into the living room.
A Few hours later.
Luke and Lorelai have dozed off on the couch.
Rory is slumped in the chair while Jess is in the shower.
Jess emerges from the bathroom, "Hey," He says quietly.
"Hey." Rory says unenthusiastically.
"How's it going?"
"Remember before when we were clapping over this."
"Yeah?" Jess replies leaning down to Rory's level.
"It's not so fun anymore."
"I'm sorry." He whispers, stroking her hair.
Rory shifts her weight in the chair, "I have to get up, I can't sit anymore."
"O-ok." Jess replies helping her up.
"Thanks."
"I know its late, but why don't we go for a walk, maybe moving around will help."
Rory shrugs, "ok."
An hour later:
Lorelai wakes up, "Luke." She nudges Luke.
"Huh, what?"
"Rory, Jess—they're gone."
"And?"
"Oh my God, do you think they left without us?"
Luke sits up rubbing his eyes, "Did they leave a note?"
"I don't know it's dark."
Luke switches on the light, the brightness of the room causing them both to flinch.
"I don't see one, and Rory's cell in the table...."
"So maybe they just got up for a second?" Luke replies dully.
"I hope everything's ok."
With that the apartment door swings open, Jess holding Rory around the waist
"Honey, are you ok?" Lorelai asks approaching her daughter.
Rory nods.
"We decided to walk around the block a few times to pass the time."
Lorelai nods, "How you feeling?"
Rory shakes her head, "They've gotten worse over the last half hour. I think we're going to just grab some things and start for the hospital."
"Ok, Rory. Do you want to us to come with you?"
Rory shakes her head, "No, its late it'll probably still be a while you guys should try and sleep some more."
"I can't sleep now, we'll follow you in Luke's truck, ok?"
Rory nods, "I just want to go brush my teeth before we go."
"Ok, sweets."
They all watch Rory disappear into the bathroom.
Lorelai approaches Jess, "And how's the daddy holding up."
Jess whispers hoarsely, "Nervous."
"Aw, it'll be ok."
"I know, I just hate seeing her like this."
"Just be there for her, its all you can do."
Jess nods.
Rory appears at the bathroom door, "I uh---my uh......"
Lorelai's eyes go wide, "Oh ok, sweets, its fine come on lets get you in the car."
Jess looks bewildered.
"Come on, can't have the kid with out the daddy there to throw things at." Lorelai pats Jess on the back as the four of them make there way out of the apartment.
A/N kind of a lame end to the chapter but I've been writing this chapter for a while and had total writers block and just wanted to finish it so I could get on with the happy ending which will probably be in another chapter or so. Please send feedback