Disclaimer: Don't own 'em (wish I did, so Milo could come back, but don't own 'em)
Author's Note: Kind of short-ish chapter where things that need to be done, happen. I needed to have this chapter here, because if I had just moved on, the cute Rory/Jess stuff would have been completely scrapped, and I really love writing that stuff. Plus I have a feeling, with the way this story is going, and if you want me to continue they're not gonna get to be all that lovey dovey for awhile.
"You… you, what?" Rory asked, coming to a full stop, taking a few steps back. Jess' cheeks were ruddy, possibly from the cold, but mostly, she knew, because of her reaction. While he hadn't been expecting her to return his sentiments, he at least thought that she would understand them. But her face was anything but happy. In fact, she was shaking, her eyes having glazed over, unable to look at him.
"Ror?" He whispered, knowing he should leave it alone, knowing he would be able to keep her near him longer if he just didn't say a word, but unable to stop himself. "Ror," His voice became a little softer as her cupped her face with his hands. "Did you hear me?" Her eyes had that far away look in them, and instead of looking at him; they were focused on a stop above his shoulder. Pain surged through him, but he was determined not to push her. Slowly she swallowed, and nodded her head a half an inch, turning her eyes up to meet his.
"Jess," she responded, exhaling slightly. "I… this… thing, that we have… it's amazing." She leaned forward and kissed him so swiftly it nearly knocked him off his feet. "And we can talk," her voice dropped low. "And we can fight…" She kissed him again, leaning in close. "And it's perfect." A smile so open and hopeful had started at the corners of his lips, and Rory's heart broke at what she had to do. "And I want to be with you." A strangled noise came from his throat, and in an instant, he had lifted her into his arms. Rory laughed as he twirled her, setting her down gently as he kissed her. Rory felt her phone vibrating in her pocket, knew it must be late, but nothing could have stopped her from wrapping her arms around his neck, from standing on her tip toes in an effort to kiss him as fully as possible, not able to get close enough. They broke apart for a moment to catch their breath, and a chill ran down Rory's spine.
"You Ok, Ror?" Concern filled his molten chocolate eyes, and Rory smiled to reassure him, rubbing her arms for emphasis.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just…" She shivered again, and looked up at him, apprehension in her eyes. There was warmth there, and he reached out his hand to hold hers, and grasped it firmly. "I'm Ok." She nodded, the words resonating in her mind. Jess squeezed her hand, and Rory knew that even though her life was falling apart around her, she couldn't give him up.
"Well, this is me." Jess whispered as they stopped in front of Luke's. Rory turned her baby blues up to him and raised her brows in question.
"You're not… gonna come back with me?" She asked, biting her lip up at him. It took all the restraint he had to hold himself back as her tongue darted out to lick her lips.
"Ror, you know I can't," He whispered, his forehead against hers, his lips only a whisper away, his heart frantically beating in his chest. She let out a peal of mirthful laughter and took a step back to throw her arms around him. Dotting kisses all over his face, she finally came to his lips, kissing him so sweetly and tenderly that his heart melted. So this is what love is, he though as his lips twisted into a smile. He pulled her closer once more, her body against his, their arms around each other. He took a step back, and a deep breath, running his hands through his hair. "You know, Gilmore," he whispered unable to stay away from her. "We haven't solved a thing." She nodded, sadly, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"We will though." She looked up at him, hope lining her eyes, and leaned up for a goodnight kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He nodded and watched her as she turned to go, tuning back every once in a while and smiling. When she was out of sight he turned and walked up the stairs to Luke's, without a care in the world. Neither teen had seen the tall shadowy figure watching them from Doosey's. As he stepped out from the dark, Dean shook his head scornfully, his mind reeling.