A/N: First chapter back and this is gonna be a short one. Been working on a lot of the longer term stuff for this story today. Longer note and chapter tomorrow! I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters or concepts, but I own tons of candles and takeout and that's enough for me.

Chapter 117

"So that was…"

"Horrible."

"I was going to say trying."

"Awful."

"Challenging."

"Terrible."

"You're a writer. Aren't you supposed to have more eloquent ways of expressing your displeasure?"

"Oh, I do. I'm just avoiding saying life-mutilatingly-brain-addlingly-stomach-rupturingly heinous out of respect for your feelings."

"Oh. Well that's appreciated."

"Only for you."

"Really though, it wasn't that bad."

"Rory, no amount of lobster rolls will ever make up for me having to hear Paris and Doyle argue about the logistical difficulties that nursing bras will cause for their 'special time'."

"We weren't supposed to hear that, you can't blame them."

"They knew we were in the apartment!"

"They thought we were watching a movie."

"How could they have expected us to pay attention to any movie when they were screaming that loud?"

"It was pretty loud."

"Yeah, were they that peaceful back in college?"

"I mean, they were always loud, but usually the other way."

"I did not need to know that," Jess groaned, burying his head in his hands. Rory smirked. "Serves you right for complaining."

"I put up with it all weekend. I should get a medal."

"Whining and putting up with it are two very different things."

"But not necessarily incompatible."

"…I'll read the Kerouac letters."

"Not enough."

"What else do you want?"

"Anaïs Nin and no Indian food for a month."

"But Jess! If I have to eat that much Thai food I'm going to end up turning into a giant rice noodle."

"I don't think that's how science works. Or even mythological transfiguration."

"We won't know until we try it."

"Another great reason to cut out the vindaloo for a while."

"You're cruel."

"And intentioned."

"Really?"

"Best I've got, the crazies have me beat. Give me a good night's sleep, some coffee, Anaïs Nin, and non-seafood food and I'll be good to go again."

"You sure you have the energy for Anaïs?"

"I always have the energy for her."

"Good, because she's quite a demanding woman."

"So I've noticed."

Rory grinned as they pulled into the parking space. And immediately furrowed her brow.

"Wha…"

"That's Matt's car. What is he…"

"It's 11:00."

"What could he possibly…"

"Only one way to find out."

"Matt?" Jess called, opening the door cautiously. They heard a gasp and feet quickly moving.

"Um, yeah, one sec," Matt called, "Don't come in."

"Matt, what the hell are you doing?" Jess growled, giving Rory a warning look.

"We were just…borrowing something."

"From Truncheon? This late? Wait, we? MATT!"

Jess stormed in, Rory tumbling in behind him. Immediately Rory smirked.

"Been keeping the place warm for us?"

"What…what are you…we were just borrowing…"

"Hi, Rory," Leah blushed, walking in as she pulled her shirt down self-consciously. Rory giggled and Jess rolled his eyes, repressing a smile.

"Both of you, out. Matt, we'll talk about this tomorrow. Leah, I'm assuming he corrupted you so I'll pretend this never happened," Jess demanded. Matt furrowed his brow.

"Hey, this place is a third mine. You can't tell me what to do."

"Alright, fine. Come in tomorrow and we'll decide exactly which third of the store you can have sex in," Jess challenged. Leah blushed.

"Sorry Jess," she smiled, "See you guys."

"Bye, Leah," Rory waved, unable to hold back her own laughter.

"Rory, it's not funny. He contaminated the place!"

"I'm just glad they weren't in our bed."

"No respect for the business."

"Not Truncheon's, anyway," Rory raised her eyebrows.

"And on that note…" Jess sighed, holding out his hand and leading her upstairs.

"So Anaïs…"

"No shot in hell. We might have to move."