Rory sploshed and splashed through the town, deliberately stomping in puddles just to spite herself. Her uniform clung to her skin and she trembled with anger and hurt. She was convinced about her and Jess. They were so right together….why did everything have to go wrong?

He's such a jerk. Why can't he get off his ass and admit that he's not a bad person? I don't care what he thinks, he's good enough for me. I've never felt so understood by anyone, apart from mom. But this in a totally different way. He always leaves me thinking, he makes me feel like I can do anything and so can he.

He could do so much.

I'm ready.

She slammed the door behind her and sank to the floor, panting heavily. Mom wasn't home yet. She took her bra from out of her pocket apprehensively. It reminded her of when things were light and fun. But was it really so dark and heavy now? Maybe it was just her…

A piece of paper fell into her hand. Her heart started to thud. She couldn't unfold it fast enough, her hands shaking. Her brow furrowed as she began to read.

"This is just to say bye, without actually being there to see you hurt. It's also so that you don't come visit me for a "goodbye" because here it is. Bye, so don't follow me. I shouldn't have led you on for so long and I'm sorry to have caused you any pain (though I doubt it) but now you can get on with your life, get back together with Dean, go to Harvard, be a journalist and maybe even go to your prom. I only regret that I couldn't be your guy. It's just not me. Don't worry. I didn't love you. Jess"

The paper crumpled in her clenched fist. She got up and ran. Out. Through the rain. Her mind was a thronging blaze of desperation. Like one of those nightmares where you ran towards an object that stays the same distance away. Frustration. Why couldn't she run any faster?

Was she crying? Surprisingly no. She was way beyond that. She was ready.

The diner. Luke was in there, so was Kirk…and her mom but that didn't matter. She wasn't fuming with them.

She scampered around the side towards the back door, when she slammed into someone, sending her skidding back.

The first thing she saw was the bag he carried. He wasn't wasting anytime.

"Stop Jess! What are you thinking?"

He didn't answer. Couldn't.

She took out the crumpled note from her pocket and hurled it at him, pushing him backwards . "How could you say those things? Why lie to me?" Now she was crying.

He let himself be knocked back by her because she needed it.

"It doesn't matter if they're true or not, that's not the point. They're…they're…it's right." His deep eyes locking into hers made her shake, her lips trembling also. He continued, "I can't do this anymore. Everyone knows I'm not good enough for you, I know that I'm not good enough and I don't want to feel guilty anymore or like I'm ruining…the…the town princess! So, can't you see that if I leave you'll be happy?"

"No…" Her voice sounded small and unconvinced.

Jess closed his eyes, she knew he was right…

"Fuck that!"

His eyes snapped open and Rory was staring back at him, with a look of pure indignation. Rory never swears. She looks so shocked at herself.

Rory's POV

He needn't look like that. I'm right.

In spite of everything that had happened and his packed bag that was getting wet on the ground, he couldn't help but smirk, amused.

"Sorry, you couldn't possibly repeat what you just…"

"No!" Why was she smiling.

He slowly and teasingly pulled her by the towards him, wrapping his hands around her waist. "Aww come on, I'm betting that was a once in a life time event and you never actually showed your withering stare that time…so I think I deserve to…"

Her lips came crashing on to his and he suppressed a smile, instead letting himself become passionate and longing for more. She responded, tickling his tongue with sexy little strokes that set him on fire.

They stopped and Jess silently implored into Rory's eyes. Her own eyes were watery, but happy and not scared anymore.

Jess gently placed his hand as the small of her back and guided her towards the back door and upstairs. She's ready. Oh my god she's ready. Is she ready? I think she's ready. She's ready.

Rory was smiling to herself. Halfway up the stairs she leant back and pecked Jess on the lips. He nearly fell backwards She giggled.

"I love you Rory…and it doesn't matter because..we erm…if you're not…I'm just…we don't have to, if you don't want to…"

She caught his hand in hers and pulled him up the stairs.

"Jess, I love you."

Rory felt his hear beat against hers. She was ready.