WHAT IT IS: A sequel, to my other Trory, What Happens When. Now, I had no
intentions at all to do a sequel. However, you're getting one, because of
all the Jess/Dean/Rory angst currently on the show—it's stressing me out.
So, since I had decided that fluff was probably all I'd get out of a sequel
and fluff is what I need right now (it's either fluff or unbearable angst
coming out of me right now)—here's a sequel.
WHAT I OWN: Nada.
RATING: PG-13, just to be safe. It is fluff after all.
"Eight and a half months and counting," Rory said into the telephone.
"Well, dear, do you have everything you need?"
"Except my body back, yes, we're all set Grandma."
"Wonderful. You promise you'll call us when you go into labor?"
"Well, I can't promise that I personally will be making a lot of phone calls, but you guys are on our call list."
"You have a call list?"
"Grandma, I have a list for everything."
"That's my girl. I'll let you go rest now."
"Alright. I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye dear."
"Bye."
Rory hung up the phone and sat back against the couch cushions. She had been watching a movie and eating nachos when her grandmother called. She had people calling up a lot recently, to see how things were going. She tried to be happy and give the information they wanted to hear, but frankly her ankles were swollen, the kid was kicking her all the time and she was huge. She wanted this kid to come and now. She shifted, trying to get more comfortable. It didn't work, and she moved again and again, finally picking up the phone in frustration and punching the numbers in.
"Yeah?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm almost home, why?"
"I'm tired of being pregnant."
"Well, I'm sorry," he offered lamely, knowing he couldn't do much about her discomfort.
"I can't get comfortable!"
"I'll try to help you out, I'll be home in fifteen minutes."
"Alright," she sighed. "I'm sorry, I'm just frustrated."
"I know. And as much as you are sick of hearing it, it's just another couple of weeks."
"I know. I'll see you when you get home."
Hanging up, she laid her head against the back of the couch and looked over at the throw pillows at the other end. She moved them so one would be behind her back and placed the others under her knees and swung her legs up over the pillows. Sighing with momentary comfort, she closed her eyes and let herself drift off into a sleepy haze.
Tristan came home, expecting to see his increasingly pregnant wife shifting about on the couch or walking the floors. To his surprise, she was fast asleep on the couch. Smiling, he walked over and kissed her forehead before heading to the bedroom to change out of his suit. He stopped by the nursery on his way out of the bedroom, and lingered in the doorframe. He smiled, seeing the last addition to the room. Luke had brought up the rocking chair from Will's room for them to use now that Will was older and didn't require the coddling that he once did. Rory had cried, thanks to the overload of emotions she was constantly carrying around at this point, and hugged her mom as Luke carried it into the room and placed it next to the crib Luke and Jess had built. He smiled, wondering how long it would be before the kid made its appearance. He knew Rory was in a constant state of discomfort, but more than that, he was just generally excited.
"TRISTAN!" came his wife's voice from downstairs. The urgency in her voice caused him to run down the stairs. She was sitting up, holding her stomach, and the worry in her blue eyes made his heart skip a beat.
"What's wrong?"
"I think I just had a contraction."
"But, it's early."
"I know."
"Well, let's wait, and see what happens. It could be those Braxton-Hicks ones."
"Right, you're right. It's the right time for those, right?"
"Yep, now that we're close, that's normal. Of course, if you did go into labor, it'd be okay. Just don't worry," he soothed her, rubbing her back with one hand and resting the other on her stomach.
"Wow, a lot of kicking going on, huh?"
"It's been incessant the last week or so."
"Getting used to it?"
"Not really. I mean, I like it but when this kid gets older, it better be a soccer player or I'll know it just doesn't like me."
"I'm sure the kid loves you. After all, you do take care of him or her," he smiled as he added the last part. They had held out this long, but it was starting to get to him not knowing for sure. Rory still held out that she had a feeling, but he wasn't sure how accurate those were. Not that she'd told him what she thought.
"Arrahh!" she moaned again, looking up at Tristan.
"Okay, time to check in with Dr. Matthews," he said, grabbing the phone.
"Thanks."
He called the doctor and explained the situation. Dr. Matthews explained that it did sound like Braxton-Hicks, but if they didn't subside in the next hour, to get to the hospital regardless. He thanked her and gave Rory a smile.
"So, we wait?"
"Yep. So, who all called today?"
Rory smiled, as he knew this had been going on a lot lately. "Well, Mom of course. Dad called. Grandma. Sookie. Jess. Oh, and your mom. She wants you to call her back, by the way," she informed him.
"Huh. Guess I should call her. But later."
"Thanks. So, we have something to discuss."
"Serious face," he commented.
"Yep. Godparents."
"Ah, the big question."
"You know this is a big deal."
"I know."
"And I want Lane to be the godmother. But shouldn't the godmother and godfather be a couple?"
"Not necessarily."
"Really?"
"Really. I mean, it would be nice if it worked out that way, but mine are just two of my parents' close friends. Who are your godparents?"
"Well, Sookie's my godmother. Mom didn't really pick them out 'til after she moved to Stars Hollow. And in her blur of feminism, I don't have a godfather."
"So, Jess?"
"Yeah. I don't want to hurt Erin's feelings."
"I think she'll understand. You've known Lane for eons."
"I know. You're right. We'll ask them at the hospital, okay?"
"Sounds like a plan. How're you feeling?"
"Better. No more pain, and it's been ten minutes."
"Good. I'll go call mom," he said, kissing her cheek and standing up.
"What about dinner?"
"I thought that was what the nachos were about?"
"You're funny," she smiled at him. Shaking his head, he walked off to call his mom. Rory resumed her comfortable reclined position on the couch and flipped on the television. She flipped past some reality shows, and settled on a clip show on VH1. She was watching 1001 Most Hottest Moments or some such nonsense, whatever the newest compilation was. She lost herself in the mindless entertainment. She wanted to turn the channel, she really did, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. It was sort of like she was hypnotized.
"What are you watching?"
"512 Hot Moments or something."
"Did you lose the remote?"
"No."
"Okay," he drawled out, continuing to look at her strangely.
Without looking directly at him, she continued to talk to him. "So, what did your mom want?"
"They're getting married."
Rory looked up at her husband, a little in shock. "What?"
"You heard me."
"Your mom and dad?"
"No, Gramps and his nurse."
"Haha. When?"
"Mom said that as soon as Gramps was back on his own they were going to do it, so they can leave on a honeymoon."
"Wow."
"Yeah."
"So, this is good?"
"I hope so," he sighed.
"You aren't curious still?"
"It's not that I'm not curious. I just, wanted to see if it was for real before I bothered with him and his issues, you know?"
"I think it's time, then."
"Yeah. Probably."
A few days passed. Rory had intermittent contractions, more Braxton-Hicks, but insisted that Tristan go about his business as usual. He would never be too far away from her that he couldn't get to the hospital in time, so on Thursday afternoon, he went up to Hartford to meet his father for dinner. If all went well, Janlan would be able to go home in four weeks, and the wedding would be the following weekend. Rory hoped the talk would be cathartic for them both, and that Tristan would be happy about the reunion. But mostly, she hoped their child would be in attendance on the outside of her body for the wedding. She was going stir-crazy being in the house, and was going to take a walk. She got a block away when she saw a familiar car coming down the road. She stopped as the car pulled up beside her and the window rolled down.
"Wanna ride?"
Rory smiled and leaned in the window. "Where you headed?"
"Either an ice cream shop or Canada. Whatever I see first," Jess smiled.
Rory opened the door and hopped in. "I don't have my purse with me."
"It's on me. But if we make it to Canada, you'll have to stop at an ATM. I can't pay for the two of us forever with the money in my wallet."
"Deal," she smiled. "So, what brings you here?"
"I thought you might like some company today."
"Tristan asked you to watch over me, didn't he?"
"No," he lied.
"Sure. I suppose it's sweet, but I keep telling him I'm fine."
"He said you've been having contractions."
"It's just Braxton-Hicks."
"Well, you're due in like another week, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, having someone around couldn't hurt. I'm surprised you aren't staying with Lorelai."
"Jess, our doctor and hospital are here. And Tristan couldn't come with me, so it doesn't make sense. She can come here to visit if she wants. She calls everyday as it is."
"Are we all calling too much?"
"It's just, I don't know how to tell you guys I have swollen ankles any other ways. I was trying to be creative, but even I run out of synonyms."
"Rory, I'm disappointed. Have you tried engorged?"
Rory giggled, and smacked Jess on his shoulder. "Like in that movie!"
"Be vaguer."
"You know, 'Reginald's quivering member. Engorged, hmm, I like that.'" Jess continued to look at her as if she were losing it. "You know. The crazy guidance counselor that's writing the dirty romance novel?"
"You have too much time on your hands."
"We watched it together once, I know you've seen it."
"You aren't going to let this go, are you?"
"It's based on The Taming of the Shrew?"
"You know, but you want me to guess?"
Rory nodded, smiling. "I have little everyday entertainment at this point."
"Right. Uh, well, it's not 'O'."
"But it does have a similar star."
"Male or female?"
"The latter."
"Julia Stiles?"
"Yep."
"Man, I seriously have no knowledge of her body of work."
"Jess, I'm on the verge of telling you now," she warned. She knew once he got going, he hated not being able to guess her pop culture references.
"10 Things I Hate About You!" he exclaimed triumphantly.
"Give the man ice cream!" she said, as he pulled into the shop.
"I hate you."
"But I make you more in tune with our culture!"
"I like being out of tune with our culture. Our culture is abhorrent."
"Ooh, with the big words!"
"Be nice, or no ice cream!"
"Jess, are you seriously going to deny me, who is almost nine months pregnant, food of any kind?"
Jess looked at her and eyed her to see how seriously he thought she might be able to hurt him. If nothing else, her sitting on him might smart a little. She had definitely gained about thirty pounds, making her in his weight range. And her weight was very concentrated.
"Fine. But only because I don't want the kid to miss out."
Rory smiled, wanting to tell him about the official decision of godfather. She had talked to him about it long ago, but now it was a done deal. Instead, she called him a softy, and they went into the shop and sat down, eating ice cream and enjoying their conversation.
Meanwhile, Tristan was in Hartford, at his parents' house. His father hadn't come home from work yet, so he was playing chess with his grandfather.
"So, what is your opinion about this marriage thing?" Janlan asked as he moved his piece across the board.
"My opinion is that they obviously aren't just sleeping together, and it's more serious now."
"They're sickening, I'll have you know. I can't wait to get back to my privacy and leave them to theirs."
"Nice. You can leave the details out, I've seen enough of them for a lifetime."
"Fine, we'll change the subject. How's your wife?"
"Tired of being pregnant. She's been having those practice contractions."
"So, you're nervous."
"Why do you say that?"
"You want to take care of her. I've seen the way you look at her."
"Well, it is sort of my fault she's in this position."
"She's not dying, she's just having a child. Women do it all the time."
"I know, I just want to be there for her, with her, for the whole thing."
"Men in my day weren't allowed in the delivery room."
"How could you stand that?"
"Son, it's just how it was done. It wasn't something men were lobbying to change."
"Well, I can't wait."
"I'll just never understand your generation," Janlan shook his head and studied the chessboard. Tristan shook his head, laughing at the older man. The continued to play while Tristan waited for his father.
AN: wow, 200 reviews! I did a little happy dance at that one. Thanks to those of you who are ever-faithful reviewers!
WHAT I OWN: Nada.
RATING: PG-13, just to be safe. It is fluff after all.
"Eight and a half months and counting," Rory said into the telephone.
"Well, dear, do you have everything you need?"
"Except my body back, yes, we're all set Grandma."
"Wonderful. You promise you'll call us when you go into labor?"
"Well, I can't promise that I personally will be making a lot of phone calls, but you guys are on our call list."
"You have a call list?"
"Grandma, I have a list for everything."
"That's my girl. I'll let you go rest now."
"Alright. I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye dear."
"Bye."
Rory hung up the phone and sat back against the couch cushions. She had been watching a movie and eating nachos when her grandmother called. She had people calling up a lot recently, to see how things were going. She tried to be happy and give the information they wanted to hear, but frankly her ankles were swollen, the kid was kicking her all the time and she was huge. She wanted this kid to come and now. She shifted, trying to get more comfortable. It didn't work, and she moved again and again, finally picking up the phone in frustration and punching the numbers in.
"Yeah?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm almost home, why?"
"I'm tired of being pregnant."
"Well, I'm sorry," he offered lamely, knowing he couldn't do much about her discomfort.
"I can't get comfortable!"
"I'll try to help you out, I'll be home in fifteen minutes."
"Alright," she sighed. "I'm sorry, I'm just frustrated."
"I know. And as much as you are sick of hearing it, it's just another couple of weeks."
"I know. I'll see you when you get home."
Hanging up, she laid her head against the back of the couch and looked over at the throw pillows at the other end. She moved them so one would be behind her back and placed the others under her knees and swung her legs up over the pillows. Sighing with momentary comfort, she closed her eyes and let herself drift off into a sleepy haze.
Tristan came home, expecting to see his increasingly pregnant wife shifting about on the couch or walking the floors. To his surprise, she was fast asleep on the couch. Smiling, he walked over and kissed her forehead before heading to the bedroom to change out of his suit. He stopped by the nursery on his way out of the bedroom, and lingered in the doorframe. He smiled, seeing the last addition to the room. Luke had brought up the rocking chair from Will's room for them to use now that Will was older and didn't require the coddling that he once did. Rory had cried, thanks to the overload of emotions she was constantly carrying around at this point, and hugged her mom as Luke carried it into the room and placed it next to the crib Luke and Jess had built. He smiled, wondering how long it would be before the kid made its appearance. He knew Rory was in a constant state of discomfort, but more than that, he was just generally excited.
"TRISTAN!" came his wife's voice from downstairs. The urgency in her voice caused him to run down the stairs. She was sitting up, holding her stomach, and the worry in her blue eyes made his heart skip a beat.
"What's wrong?"
"I think I just had a contraction."
"But, it's early."
"I know."
"Well, let's wait, and see what happens. It could be those Braxton-Hicks ones."
"Right, you're right. It's the right time for those, right?"
"Yep, now that we're close, that's normal. Of course, if you did go into labor, it'd be okay. Just don't worry," he soothed her, rubbing her back with one hand and resting the other on her stomach.
"Wow, a lot of kicking going on, huh?"
"It's been incessant the last week or so."
"Getting used to it?"
"Not really. I mean, I like it but when this kid gets older, it better be a soccer player or I'll know it just doesn't like me."
"I'm sure the kid loves you. After all, you do take care of him or her," he smiled as he added the last part. They had held out this long, but it was starting to get to him not knowing for sure. Rory still held out that she had a feeling, but he wasn't sure how accurate those were. Not that she'd told him what she thought.
"Arrahh!" she moaned again, looking up at Tristan.
"Okay, time to check in with Dr. Matthews," he said, grabbing the phone.
"Thanks."
He called the doctor and explained the situation. Dr. Matthews explained that it did sound like Braxton-Hicks, but if they didn't subside in the next hour, to get to the hospital regardless. He thanked her and gave Rory a smile.
"So, we wait?"
"Yep. So, who all called today?"
Rory smiled, as he knew this had been going on a lot lately. "Well, Mom of course. Dad called. Grandma. Sookie. Jess. Oh, and your mom. She wants you to call her back, by the way," she informed him.
"Huh. Guess I should call her. But later."
"Thanks. So, we have something to discuss."
"Serious face," he commented.
"Yep. Godparents."
"Ah, the big question."
"You know this is a big deal."
"I know."
"And I want Lane to be the godmother. But shouldn't the godmother and godfather be a couple?"
"Not necessarily."
"Really?"
"Really. I mean, it would be nice if it worked out that way, but mine are just two of my parents' close friends. Who are your godparents?"
"Well, Sookie's my godmother. Mom didn't really pick them out 'til after she moved to Stars Hollow. And in her blur of feminism, I don't have a godfather."
"So, Jess?"
"Yeah. I don't want to hurt Erin's feelings."
"I think she'll understand. You've known Lane for eons."
"I know. You're right. We'll ask them at the hospital, okay?"
"Sounds like a plan. How're you feeling?"
"Better. No more pain, and it's been ten minutes."
"Good. I'll go call mom," he said, kissing her cheek and standing up.
"What about dinner?"
"I thought that was what the nachos were about?"
"You're funny," she smiled at him. Shaking his head, he walked off to call his mom. Rory resumed her comfortable reclined position on the couch and flipped on the television. She flipped past some reality shows, and settled on a clip show on VH1. She was watching 1001 Most Hottest Moments or some such nonsense, whatever the newest compilation was. She lost herself in the mindless entertainment. She wanted to turn the channel, she really did, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. It was sort of like she was hypnotized.
"What are you watching?"
"512 Hot Moments or something."
"Did you lose the remote?"
"No."
"Okay," he drawled out, continuing to look at her strangely.
Without looking directly at him, she continued to talk to him. "So, what did your mom want?"
"They're getting married."
Rory looked up at her husband, a little in shock. "What?"
"You heard me."
"Your mom and dad?"
"No, Gramps and his nurse."
"Haha. When?"
"Mom said that as soon as Gramps was back on his own they were going to do it, so they can leave on a honeymoon."
"Wow."
"Yeah."
"So, this is good?"
"I hope so," he sighed.
"You aren't curious still?"
"It's not that I'm not curious. I just, wanted to see if it was for real before I bothered with him and his issues, you know?"
"I think it's time, then."
"Yeah. Probably."
A few days passed. Rory had intermittent contractions, more Braxton-Hicks, but insisted that Tristan go about his business as usual. He would never be too far away from her that he couldn't get to the hospital in time, so on Thursday afternoon, he went up to Hartford to meet his father for dinner. If all went well, Janlan would be able to go home in four weeks, and the wedding would be the following weekend. Rory hoped the talk would be cathartic for them both, and that Tristan would be happy about the reunion. But mostly, she hoped their child would be in attendance on the outside of her body for the wedding. She was going stir-crazy being in the house, and was going to take a walk. She got a block away when she saw a familiar car coming down the road. She stopped as the car pulled up beside her and the window rolled down.
"Wanna ride?"
Rory smiled and leaned in the window. "Where you headed?"
"Either an ice cream shop or Canada. Whatever I see first," Jess smiled.
Rory opened the door and hopped in. "I don't have my purse with me."
"It's on me. But if we make it to Canada, you'll have to stop at an ATM. I can't pay for the two of us forever with the money in my wallet."
"Deal," she smiled. "So, what brings you here?"
"I thought you might like some company today."
"Tristan asked you to watch over me, didn't he?"
"No," he lied.
"Sure. I suppose it's sweet, but I keep telling him I'm fine."
"He said you've been having contractions."
"It's just Braxton-Hicks."
"Well, you're due in like another week, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, having someone around couldn't hurt. I'm surprised you aren't staying with Lorelai."
"Jess, our doctor and hospital are here. And Tristan couldn't come with me, so it doesn't make sense. She can come here to visit if she wants. She calls everyday as it is."
"Are we all calling too much?"
"It's just, I don't know how to tell you guys I have swollen ankles any other ways. I was trying to be creative, but even I run out of synonyms."
"Rory, I'm disappointed. Have you tried engorged?"
Rory giggled, and smacked Jess on his shoulder. "Like in that movie!"
"Be vaguer."
"You know, 'Reginald's quivering member. Engorged, hmm, I like that.'" Jess continued to look at her as if she were losing it. "You know. The crazy guidance counselor that's writing the dirty romance novel?"
"You have too much time on your hands."
"We watched it together once, I know you've seen it."
"You aren't going to let this go, are you?"
"It's based on The Taming of the Shrew?"
"You know, but you want me to guess?"
Rory nodded, smiling. "I have little everyday entertainment at this point."
"Right. Uh, well, it's not 'O'."
"But it does have a similar star."
"Male or female?"
"The latter."
"Julia Stiles?"
"Yep."
"Man, I seriously have no knowledge of her body of work."
"Jess, I'm on the verge of telling you now," she warned. She knew once he got going, he hated not being able to guess her pop culture references.
"10 Things I Hate About You!" he exclaimed triumphantly.
"Give the man ice cream!" she said, as he pulled into the shop.
"I hate you."
"But I make you more in tune with our culture!"
"I like being out of tune with our culture. Our culture is abhorrent."
"Ooh, with the big words!"
"Be nice, or no ice cream!"
"Jess, are you seriously going to deny me, who is almost nine months pregnant, food of any kind?"
Jess looked at her and eyed her to see how seriously he thought she might be able to hurt him. If nothing else, her sitting on him might smart a little. She had definitely gained about thirty pounds, making her in his weight range. And her weight was very concentrated.
"Fine. But only because I don't want the kid to miss out."
Rory smiled, wanting to tell him about the official decision of godfather. She had talked to him about it long ago, but now it was a done deal. Instead, she called him a softy, and they went into the shop and sat down, eating ice cream and enjoying their conversation.
Meanwhile, Tristan was in Hartford, at his parents' house. His father hadn't come home from work yet, so he was playing chess with his grandfather.
"So, what is your opinion about this marriage thing?" Janlan asked as he moved his piece across the board.
"My opinion is that they obviously aren't just sleeping together, and it's more serious now."
"They're sickening, I'll have you know. I can't wait to get back to my privacy and leave them to theirs."
"Nice. You can leave the details out, I've seen enough of them for a lifetime."
"Fine, we'll change the subject. How's your wife?"
"Tired of being pregnant. She's been having those practice contractions."
"So, you're nervous."
"Why do you say that?"
"You want to take care of her. I've seen the way you look at her."
"Well, it is sort of my fault she's in this position."
"She's not dying, she's just having a child. Women do it all the time."
"I know, I just want to be there for her, with her, for the whole thing."
"Men in my day weren't allowed in the delivery room."
"How could you stand that?"
"Son, it's just how it was done. It wasn't something men were lobbying to change."
"Well, I can't wait."
"I'll just never understand your generation," Janlan shook his head and studied the chessboard. Tristan shook his head, laughing at the older man. The continued to play while Tristan waited for his father.
AN: wow, 200 reviews! I did a little happy dance at that one. Thanks to those of you who are ever-faithful reviewers!