A/N: Double-posting this chapter with the next one. I will write a longer author's note on that one. Happy 100th chapter, and yes, I am alive :) And hopefully this story's going to become much more so as well.

A quick note on 100: I know I thought about doing something big for Chapter 100. Something groundbreaking and important and significant, to mark the occasion. But the truth is, that's not this story and that's not Literati. I'm one of those people/authors who sees the beauty as being more in the little things and the everyday than in the grand gestures, and this story is going to be pretty true to that. So I hope you don't mind, but Chapter 100 is just a little Jess-Rory-Lorelai interaction that I find cute and characteristic and witty.

As always I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters or concepts, though I do now possess an ACTUAL coffee addiction (recently made the switch from chai tea to cappuccino, and I'm finally starting to understand Lorelai's insane levels of productivity). Please read, review, favorite and follow if you're so inclined, and read the next chapter for an extended author's note!


Chapter 100

"Mom!"

"Loinfruit!"

Rory immediately crossed her arms across her chest. "I thought we'd decided to put that to rest."

"No, you decided to put that to rest. And then I vetoed you."

"Who gave you veto rights?"

"Honorary position I earned by magicking you…"

"Alright, enough with the gory details," Rory cut her off, glaring at Jess who was smirking, "And you are to forget this conversation ever happened."

"Not a chance," he laughed, "But I'll spare you the mocking and go put away our bags."

"Smart move."

"It's the withering stare," he replied, grinning at her. Rory blushed and shook her head as he walked up the stairs to Luke's apartment.

"Withering…"

"It's a hoodlum-daughter thing," Rory smiled at Lorelai, "So where's Luke?"

"The house," Lorelai answered, walking behind the counter and pouring two cups of coffee, "The lock on the back door is jammed again."

"Must be nice being able to take advantage of Luke's handiness all the time instead of one day a year. What does he do for your birthday now?"

"All things dirty," Lorelai grinned and laughed.

"Gross," Rory rolled her eyes, "He handles our food."

"And he does it so well…"

"Topic change, for the love of all that is holy…"

"Kirk offered Lulu as my maid of honor."

"Wouldn't it be matron?"

"He said matron sounded too uptight for her personality. And he winked!"

"Kirk winked?"

"Well, attempted to wink," Lorelai admitted, "But it was even creepier than it sounds. I had to let him down gently."

"Are you capable of that?"

"Hey! I let him down gently when he asked me out."

"A shining moment on an otherwise grimy record."

"Mean daughter! Be nice or I'll take away the coffee." Lorelai pulled Rory's cup towards her threateningly.

"I'll just ask Jess for more."

"I guess I've lost all parental control."

"I'll probably shave my head and then go live in a commune."

"Your hair was already pink, you should put that on your commune application form."

"They have applications?"

"Hey, those hippies can be quite the snobs. Pronounce quinoa wrong and you've got a room full of withering stares. How do you pronounce quinoa, anyway?"

"Keen-wa."

"That's stupid."

"Like culs-de-sac."

"I still say you're lying about that."

"Let's ask the expert," Rory smirked as Jess walked down the stairs, "Jess! We need you to settle an inquiry."

"I can already tell this is a bad idea…" he rolled his eyes, walking behind the counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee and grabbing two doughnuts. He handed one to Lorelai and Rory. "Preventative peacekeeping measures. So what's the question?"

"Culs-de-sac."

"Stupid but true."

"He lies!" Lorelai protested dramatically, "He's only agreeing because he gets to…"

"Give you my doughnuts?" Jess whispered to Rory, who burst out laughing.

"What? What is so funny about the fact that you are clearly manipulating…"

"So Mom, how about those magazines?" Rory quickly stopped her, shooting one last amused look at Jess, "We should really get an idea of what we're looking for before we go."

"I don't know why you think it'll be so hard to find a dress…"

"Mom, I've seen you take three days to decide which flavor of Pop Tarts to buy," Rory rolled her eyes.

"But they're all so wonderful!"

Rory sighed and Jess smirked at her.

"Well enjoy your browsing," he replied, "I've got to meet Luke at your house. Apparently he could use help with a number of slave-driving demands you've left for him?"

"Finally, I get why you're useful for us to have around now," Lorelai grinned at Jess, who laughed.

"Just another man-slave. I know my place."

"As you should," Rory added, smiling widely, "I'll see you tonight."

"To serve your other demands," he murmured in her ear before kissing her on the cheek. She turned bright pink and gestured to the door, unable to stop the grin spreading across her lips.