A/N: Hey! I just want to take a moment to dedicate this story to some of my favorite literati authors:  Mahlia Lily, otownroxx, Lucia Marin, and Genevah. I also want to thank everyone who has ever written literati; the good, the bad, and the utterly over-dramatic (you know who you are!) alright, now… on with the fic.

That Night, 11 p.m.

Rory looked up from her seat on the bridge as she heard footsteps approach. Jess was walking slowly towards her, his hands in his pockets and eyes on his shoes. She wasn't sure he had seen her until his footsteps slowed without his eyes leaving the ground. He met her eyes momentarily, but didn't hold his gaze. Rory smiled slightly but continued staring out over the water.

The bridge creaked as Jess sat a few feet away. The distance was far enough that he could dodge her arm if her fists started flying, or wrap her in his arms if the tears started flowing. Not that he would do that, of course.

"You're supposed to hate me."

Jess's voice was quiet and calm, in juxtaposition with his statement, which was in content stark and harsh.

"Why?"

Rory's eyes, still containing some of the youthful innocence that had attracted Jess to her in the first place, glowed in the night as she spoke.

"Because it makes it easier to hate you."

Rory nodded. Her heart was beating slightly hard just being in his presence. His words hurt her to the core.

"I'm sorry. I just don't think I can do that."

Her voice shook slightly, and she cursed herself for her weakness. When she was this close to Jess, she remembered certain things about him; the way his voice lowered when he was turned on, the musky scent of his cologne, the taste of his tongue slowly sliding over hers, shooting chills through various limbs. She could almost forget the nights she spent waiting for him to call, and crying after he'd left. She could almost forget the sound of his voice over the phone, basically telling her where to shove it.

Almost, but not quite.

Jess shrugged.

"Ah, well we all have faults. Anyways… I want to thank you for today. It means a lot that somebody believes in me."

All of this was said in a monotone, with Jess staring at his feet once more. Rory cleared her throat and nodded slightly, unsure of herself. Once again she felt 17. She was angry for some reason. It was unfair… The second she was out of Jess's life he pulled it together and made himself into something worthwhile… a father. She couldn't believe how mature he'd become.

The silence was comfortable, but at any second Jess knew it would become awkward. Rory giggled quietly, and a grin broke out on Jess's face.

"What?"

Rory smiled at him.

"Look at you Jess, all grown up. It's adorable."

Jess couldn't stop the smile from overcoming his features once again. Things were still tense between them, but as long as Rory would dance around the subject of that phone call, so would he. It wasn't his fault; he'd tried to get the subject in the open as soon as he sat down, but she'd dodged it. He could almost convince himself of that.

"So… It's a beautiful night, huh?"

Jess just nodded, content with their conversation. After a few more minutes of silence, Jess stood.

"I should really be getting back to Lainey. She's not quite settled in yet, and she freaks out when I'm away for too long."

Rory couldn't stop the twinge of jealousy that appeared suddenly in her chest. It was insane; being jealous of the gorgeous little girl that Jess quite obviously loved so much. But it used to be Rory, she used to be the only one he loved.

She had an idea suddenly.

"Hey, you know… I was thinking... Do you want to come over tomorrow? With Lainey, I mean… My mom is dying to meet her, and we could have lunch or watch a movie or something."

There was hesitation apparent in Jess's eyes.

"If you have something else to do… though, you know. It's fine. Never mind, it was stupid."

Jess couldn't help but smirk. Rory Gilmore was standing in front of him, backpedaling like she was a teenager again.

"No, Rory… It's okay. We'll be there. Is noon okay?"

Rory looked unsure.

"Yeah, noon. That's good."

Jess nodded, pressing his lips together. He waved slightly before backing away. As he turned and walked, Rory felt her heart beating hard in her chest. Something was going haywire in her stomach, and small electric jolts were taking place in all of her fingertips. She couldn't have these feelings for Jess. Not again, after all she'd been through!

Rory sighed, walking back towards her house. She was so angry, in her heart. Rory couldn't seem to make herself yell or be immature towards him… Maybe it was a good thing. But she knew two things for sure.

1. She was confused as hell, and

2. She wanted Jess.

A/N: Wow. I want to thank everybody who reviewed, SO MUCH!!! I checked my email and I had like 20 reviews from all my stories! It brought tears to my eyes. I was so giddy, I went ahead and finished this story! So review, it definitely helps!