Disclaimer: Still not mine. Some of it is, but mostly not.
Ella came downstairs after her shower, passing the 'Sorry' marathon currently going on in the living room by those waiting for shower privileges. She kept going, however, as she smelled coffee coming from the kitchen. Not just any coffee—this was Lorelai's own brew. Strongest stuff on the face of the earth. Capable of putting hair on your chest, as Luke always says. Which never fails to make Lorelai to scrunch up her nose in disgust.
"Hey, Els, want some?"
"Thanks, Gramma," she nodded as Lorelai poured her a mug. She sat her own down and looked at her only granddaughter, and a mischievous smile formed on her lips.
"So, I hear the slumber party got a little NC-17," she opened.
"Gramma," she groaned, pleading for her to stop.
"Now, I won't tell your dad, but I'm going to need details. Lots of them."
"There aren't any details—Billy kissed me, then Luke came down and woke everyone up. End of story."
Lorelai knew better. Her granddaughter was blushing, just as Rory used to do. Normally Ella took after Tristan socially. A whirlwind of suitors that never unhinged her—or even caused her to bat an eyelash. This girl's reaction was much more akin to Rory's behavior in the love department—babbly and flushed.
"Mm-hmm," she nodded, pretending to believe Ella, "So, you like him?"
&&&&
"He's been running for over an hour," Jess commented, causing Rory to look up from her paper. Neither had spoken since Tristan's departure.
"He does that."
"It's raining."
Rory sighed. She knew Tristan was pissed off. She knew that Jess knew it as well. She just really didn't want to talk about it.
"Rory, look at me."
She obeyed his request, her eyes freely offering up the information that she didn't speak.
"I'm sorry," he said genuinely.
She nodded. "I know," she said quietly. "But, Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"Was she right?"
He sighed, like only he could. His eyes narrowed a little, making her feel like he was sizing her up—deciphering exactly how much information she could handle. Or how much of himself he was willing to give.
"It's complicated."
"Then explain it to me," she demanded, hating the on-edge feeling that was welling up inside of her.
"Rory."
"Come on. We've driven our spouses away. It's just us. Explain it to me," she said again, crossing her arms over her chest.
"About her thinking I'm in love with you?"
"That would be a good place to start."
"At the restaurant, right before she said it, I was watching you and Tristan dance," he paused, then began again slowly, " I just kept thinking about how in love you two are, and wondering when Erin and I lost that. It's always been so easy for you, but she and I had to work harder at it."
She nodded, but didn't interrupt.
"She said I wouldn't go away with her until you asked me to. . . She's just grown more questioning of any time we spend together."
"Do you love her?" Her question was simple, her tone remained very even.
"In a way."
"Do—do you love me?"
"In another way."
"Jess," she admonished his vague response.
"Rory, no one could replace what you are to me. You were the first person I was ever in love with. I think that she feels that she's getting less of me because of that. But we have a life, and kids together. Neither in my mind is replaceable."
Rory nodded again. She'd never gotten the feeling over the years that Jess wanted more with her than the close friendship they had. Their relationship was so close, in part, because they'd dated. For her, once Tristan re-entered her life, she knew without a doubt he was the love of her life. They have what Jess and Erin have—or at least, had.
"Jess, should I do something, say something to her?"
"Rory, this isn't your problem. I appreciate your concern, but this is something she needs to work out. You guys have done enough."
She bit her bottom lip and nodded, now looking into her coffee.
"I'm going to take the train down to New York, to look for her," he raised his hand to block any protest, "You and Tristan stay another day alone and have fun. I'll meet you guys back in Stars Hollow."
She gave him a genuine smile, knowing he was thinking of her despite being in pain himself. He turned to go upstairs, and she called out to him.
"Jess?"
"Mm?"
"I love you, too."
He smiled, nodded, and continued on into the other room.
&&&&
Anna had never felt so incredibly well rested. Seeing as she hadn't really slept in over a week, this had been the first consecutive few hours in a row she'd managed to stay asleep in what seemed like forever. She was only mildly surprised that she was in Will's bedroom, and that it was broad daylight outside. She remembered the events of last night, being with Will always put her in a good mood. Smiling even more, she reburied her face in the pillow. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the fact that Will's scent seemed to be enveloping her senses.
"A-HAH!"
She gave a jump, sitting upright in the bed to see her brother standing in the doorway, his finger pointing accusingly. Her cheeks blushed violently, but she tried to ignore that fact.
"Go away, Dave."
"You know, the more you protest, the more I see you do stuff like this."
"Shouldn't you be at Lamaze classes with your girlfriend?"
"What?"
"God, Dave, dating Bree? That skank-bag? Especially after what she put Will through? I mean, he's the sweetest guy in the whole world, but did she care? No, she just—what? Why are you laughing?"
"Ann, I'm not dating Bree. I talked to Will already. I'm dating her roommate, Mallory. Who, by the way, doesn't much care for her, either."
"But . . . I thought," she managed.
"Do you even hear yourself talk about him? 'Cause it's starting to make me nauseous."
"Shut up! We're just—,"
"If you say friends, I'll go running around town, yelling, "Anna loves Will!" he challenged her.
Realizing Davey would do such a thing, all that was left for her to do was pout a bit. He ran a hand over her head and mussed her hair.
"Don't worry, I won't tell him," he promised, "But you really should."
&&&&
After Lorelai released Ella from the interrogation, she picked up the phone and ducked into Will's room, dialing furiously.
"Tristan?"
"Two more guesses."
"Oh, hey, Mom. How are the monsters behaving?"
"Funny you should ask."
"Who did what?"
"Ella. Kissed. Billy!"
"Shut up!"
"And LUKE walked in on them!"
"No way!"
"Way!"
"Oh my god!"
"I know!"
"So, she likes him?"
"She so does. I mean, she denies it, but she's completely acting like you used to."
"What does that mean?"
"She's all blushy and blinky—she's babbling and twirling her hair," Lorelai explained.
"I never acted like that."
"You still act like that, every time I see you and Tristan in a fifty foot radius of each other. It's disgusting."
"Really?" she asked, sounding quite pleased.
"Yeah, really. How's the va-ca?"
"It's not good, Mom. Oh, I think I hear Tristan back form his run. I'll tell you about it tomorrow?"
"Okay, Hun. Don't worry, we've got everything under control here."
"Right. Just make sure I'm not going to be a grandma when I get back?"
"Hmm. I better get back out there."
"You instill me with such confidence. Bye."
"Bye."