Title: The Mariano Agenda
Author: Bent137
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Characters of Gilmore Girls(as well as anything else associated with it) aren't mine, the title is a spin of the Dark Angel episode "The Berrisford Agenda".
Spoilers: Up to the Season 2 Finale
Music References: All lyrics can be found on "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama.
Authors Note: I've had this bouncing around for a little while. I finally got the chance to sit and write it out. This is the first time I've done script format. Thanks to Rea for beta reading for me.

Tone-deaf: The Band

Previously

(Jess turns to leave again and Mary reaches out for him)

Mary: Jess wait!

April: Let him go Mary.

Dylan: Yeah, he's just gonna hold you back.

(Camera shows Mary watching Jess leave, his face stony as he pushes his way back through the crowd. Just as she loses sight of him the crowd begins to chant.)

Crowd: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!

(The sound of the crowd yelling "Happy New Year!" echoes as the scene cuts to Jess bolting up in his bed. He roughly runs a hand over his face, immediately wincing.)

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(Bananarama's "Cruel Summer" plays as Rory and Paris walk down a sidewalk. It's not overly crowded, just right. Most of the people seem like locals, wearing t-shirts and cutoffs. Carrying groceries or shopping bags as they walk. Rory and Paris are looking around as they pass hair salons, and pubs. Rory takes note of a Chinese restaurant as they pass it, peering in the window.)

Paris: Decent neighborhood.

Rory: Yeah it is.

Paris: Lots of restaurant and bars though.

Rory: Yeah I noticed, especially that Chinese restaurant back there.

(The duo come across a little coffee shop and Rory squeals, clapping her hands together.)

Rory: Coffee! Come on Paris!

(She walks into the shop and Paris follows mumbling. Rory walks up to the counter and a young man comes up behind it.)

Young Man: Can I get you something?

Rory: Yeah, (she studies his name tag) Wichita, huh interesting name. I'll take the biggest cup you've got filled with the strongest coffee you have.

Wichita: (laughs) My name may be interesting, but you're habits are just plain odd.

(He turns and grabs a very large cup as Paris leans forward with a smirk.)

Paris: I can assure you, her name is equally interesting.

Wichita: Is it? (looks at Rory) Well now, out with it!

Rory: (grins and holds out her hand) Rory.

Wichita: (shakes her hand) Pleased to meet you Rory. What an interesting name.

Rory: It's actually a nickname.

Wichita: Oh?

Rory: Yeah, for Lorelai.

Wichita: Still an interesting name.

(Paris rolls her eyes)

Paris: I'll take a regular size cup of decaf please.

Wichita: Sure thing, what's your name?

Paris: Paris.

Wichita: Another interesting name. We should form a band.

Rory: Yeah, I can't play an instrument or sing, how about you Wichita?

Wichita: I'm afraid I'm the same.

Paris: Me too.

Rory: Well at least we'd have a name. (Wichita and Paris stare at her) Tone-deaf!

Wichita: (laughs and pushes their coffees across the counter) There you go anything else?

Rory: Nah.

(Rory and Paris sit at a booth and drink their coffee as they people watch. Cut to Rory approaching the counter again with her and Paris' cups in her hand)

Wichita: (looks up) What can I get you Rory?

Rory: The biggest to go cup you have filled with whatever coffee you gave me earlier. The coffee at the place where I'm staying sucks.

Wichita: (chuckles) Okay then, I guess I'll be seeing a lot of you huh?

Rory: Every day, sometimes 5 or 6 times.

Wichita: (laughs) Well, it was great to meet you. See you later Rory. (Calling out) Bye Paris!

Paris: Bye.

(Paris and Rory walk out and go back towards the dorm. Cut to them entering and looking around. The clock says it's 3:50.)

Paris: They'll be doing checks in just a minute.

Rory: Then dinner. (she walks to her desk and sets down) Hey I've got mail. (she clicks it) Oh my god.

Paris: What?

Rory: Luke. Jess.