Life: 2.0

Chapter 12: Crossing Lines

Author: knowhere

Rating: R

Disclaimer: Nothing.

AN: Yes, sorry I've been absent for a while. Thank you to those who understand and have patiently waited. I'd just like to politely say please don't message me about how long it has been since I've updated. There's a line between being excited and wanting to read what's coming and flat out bugging me about stories. This is just a hobby for me and I have other things happening in my life. I like to occasionally write and LOVE sharing it with you, but please, I know how long it's been since I've last updated and please don't assume that I withhold updates on purpose. I try my best.

I want to specially thank those who consistently review. I really appreciate it! Really, I do. It makes it all worthwhile.

Summary: Literati. Life doesn't always turn out like you expect. Jess and Rory meet as adults when their lives are at a transition period. Life, love, and everything else: Version 2.0. AU.

"When did Shakespeare die?"

Jess looked up from his laptop where he was typing tomorrow's column and shrugged. "I don't know. Google it."

Gabe made a face. "Can you do it? Your computer's right there."

Jess sighed. Sometimes it took him twice the amount of time to finish an article. What with Gabe being too lazy to go upstairs and turn on his own computer. "1616. Why?"

"I'm writing a paper that compares the work of Shakespeare to another contemporary writer."

"Oh."

They wrote in silence for another half hour with Gabe occasional making a mess as he scribbled out something and then erased an entire paragraph, blowing the eraser remnants all across the table. Jess concentrated on his column on the strike taking place at city hall, injecting his own commentary with the facts that he obtained by his interviews. When he was finished, he proofed, saved, and then emailed it off to his editor.

He got up to refill his tea and his thoughts drifted to the upcoming vacation. "Hey, what if we went home this Christmas?"

Gabe looked up. "What do you mean?"

"What if we flew to California, stayed near the beach, and just hung out?"

Gabe's eyes darkened. "I'm not sure."

Jess was expecting that answer. He'd never before suggested going home and to be honest, they hadn't been home since the funeral. But he felt like it would be good for him. After having explained the story about Christmas and his guilt over his parents' death during Thanksgiving to Rory, Jess felt like he needed some closure. And since Rory had mentioned something about the vacation coming up last night when they were laying in bed.

Jess smiled to himself as he dunked his teabag in and out of his cup, recalling last night. It was the first time Rory had spent the night at his house and though they didn't sleep much, they did make use out of his shower. After dinner, they'd watched a movie with Gabe but Jess had been acutely that Rory was there next to him. There was something different having known that Rory would spend the night in his bed. Jess had been revved up all night and by the time Gabe went up to bed, Jess hauled Rory up to his bedroom in a fireman's hold, playfully tapping her bottom when she tried to squirm away.

They made out frantically on his bed, laughing like kids, and fumbling with buttons and zippers as if it were their first time together. By the time they finally made it to his adjoined bathroom, he'd already gotten a taste of Rory's first orgasm. But it wasn't enough. While Jess tested the water to get it warm, Rory had run her hands all over his chest. And when they finally moved under the hot spray, she'd gotten her own taste of Jess and he practically shouted out his surprise. It had been unexpected; not the first time, but unexpected nonetheless. Jess held on with slippery fingers trying to find purchase on the tile as Rory knelt and held onto his thighs. Her little nails had made indentations on his skin and Jess fought not to push or thrust into her. When he came, he swore he blacked out for a moment.

Jess had taken Rory into his arms and they kissed lazily in the shower. He'd taken the time to explore the lines and crevices of her mouth, his hands dipping down into the crease between her legs, playing with her, teasing until she shook in his arms. When he turned on the third massaging showerhead, the one that was specifically for the lower back and turned Rory to face it, he cupped each of her shallow breasts in his palms and was delighted when Rory brought her own hands up to cover his, urging him to knead and touch her stronger. When Rory whimpered her second climax, their fingers were tightly laced together and Jess was hard behind her, prodding her lower back insistently.

Things were getting too heated in the shower and Jess knew that he wouldn't be able to take her standing up, not without ending up with both of them on their asses or at the very least, the condom slipping off and creating a potential problem for them. He had turned off the water and dried off Rory while she just stood here, limp as a noodle and a silly grin on her face. He toweled off quickly and guided her towards his massive California king-sized bed. When she snuggled down into it, her eyes were drooping and he knew that she wouldn't be up for more. So, he climbed in behind her, spooned tight, and turned off the light.

But this morning…Jess chuckled at the memory; he was awakened to his favorite fantasy. Hot and wanton Rory up and ready for a morning romp on all fours with a sexy come-hither look tossed over her shoulder. He woke up quickly and by the time they were finished with the bed sheets all messy, he was draped over her, his chest practically glued to the length of her back. He went to work with a smile only morning sex with the woman he loved could bring.

"Why do you want to go back to California now?" Gabe stood up, his gaze firmly on Jess.

Jess shook himself out of his memories a felt a blush creeping up his neck. He turned his face so that Gabe wouldn't notice. "I thought it'd be nice. We haven't been back." Since Mom and Dad died is what he left unsaid.

"I just thought we'd never go back."

"Why would you think that?"

"This is home now." Gabe went back to the kitchen table, looked in his binder, scribbled something else, and then erased another sentence.

He followed him, sitting down with his new cup of tea. "You don't want to go?"

"No, it's not that…"

"We could escape the cold," Jess coaxed. He really felt like it would do them both good to get away for a while and go home. Or at least go back to their birth home and visit. "I'm sure some of your friends would like to see you."

Gabe brightened up at that, as if he hadn't thought of it and Jess knew he had hooked him. "Maybe I can stay with Mark for a few days?"

"Sure. We can arrange that."

"But what about you? I don't want you to be alone for Christmas."

Jess thought about his words for a moment. "I was thinking about asking Rory to come with us," he added.

"Oh."

"Bad idea?" he asked.

"No." Gabe shook his head. "I think it's a good idea."

That was a change of pace. Not that Gabe had been difficult for them, but Gabe hadn't ever spoken like that before. "What makes you say that?"

Gabe sighed and swirled his spoon in his bowl of melting ice cream. "You love her, right?"

Jess paused, trying to consider how to answer. He really didn't want to get Gabe's hopes up or anything like that. But he didn't want to lie. "I do."

"Does she love you?" Gabe asked softly.

"Yes."

Gabe looked at Jess, his eyes serious. "She tell you that?"

Jess nodded.

"She's good for you."

"You think?" Jess asked, curiously. "Because I'm less grumpy, as you so put it?" Jess rolled his eyes, recalling their earlier conversation from a while back.

"Not just that. I can tell."

"Tell what?"

Gabe shrugged. "That's she's the one and all that shit. You get this look in your eyes. Same one that Dad used to have when he looked at Mom and thought I wasn't looking."

Jess was so stunned he didn't even register the fact that Gabe had just cussed. Was Rory The One? That was a heady label to put on anyone, even her. Sure, he loved her and was able to freely admit that. But The One?

"I wouldn't mind, you know. If you married her."

Jess could barely process the whole idea of Rory being The One without bursting a vein, but marriage? Was that was he wanted? Jess's chest felt like it was going to explode. Or constrict with lack of air.

And suddenly, seeing Gabe give him a look that was well beyond his fifteen years, Jess realized that he did. He did want that. And at thirty-two, had Jess Mariano had finally found his potential for a happy ending?

"Holy shit."

Gabe laughed. "What? Don't tell me you weren't thinking it?"

"I really wasn't."

"Oh. Well." Gabe stuck a spoonful of Chunky Monkey into his mouth. "You should think about it. Might have to really work at convincing her," he smirked. "But she'd be good for you."

Rory lounged back in Jess's bed, hearing him behind the half-closed door of the bathroom washing his hands and taking care of business. He approached the bed with a washcloth and eased back into bed with a tender smile in place.

"Lay back, baby."

She bit her lip at the warm sensation and tried not to blush at the thought of what he was doing down there.

"Still embarrassed?" he grinned.

She nodded.

"Why? I've done this plenty before. Hell, we've done almost everything there is to do."

"We have?" she couldn't help but tease him.

"I don't know if we're the poster couple for the Kama Sutra, but yeah, I think we've done quite a bit. Everything short of having people watching us, that is."

She giggled. "Oh, gross."

"Not an exhibitionist?"

"Only for you. I like that." She blushed anew at the thought of their first night together while he had watched her pleasure herself. It was still one of his favorite sexual requests of her. He loved it. And that got her to think about what she liked of him.

As if reading her mind, he asked her, "What do you like?" When she hesitated, he pressed on, getting under the covers with her and turning off the light, bathing the room in moonlight. It created a sense of mystery and safety in their shared secrets. "Tell me. I wanna know."

"I like it when you're on top," she whispered. He was close to her, lying on his side, facing her with their noses almost touching. She could feel his breathing against her cheek.

"Do you?" he smiled, running his hand along her arm, the other pulling her close, hugging her tight.

She nodded. There was something so indescribable to her when he was on top, controlling the angle and the timing, his hard body heavy on hers. She loved that feeling of her man loving her gently even though he possessed a strength that surpassed hers. But he'd never use that strength to hurt her. That's what she loved about him.

He was gentle with her, his actions tender yet demanding. He was a curious lover who would spend hours just mapping her body with kisses finding what kinds of touches she liked, how much pressure he needed to use to push her over the edge.

He rolled on top, his forearms flat on the bed, his hands framing her face. "Like this?"

"Yeah." She could feel his arousal pressing into her. But he didn't push her for anything. He just seemed to be enjoying the moment like she was.

"Um," he nuzzled her, making her sigh at the feel of his Eskimo kiss. "I like this too."

Her hands wandered down to cup his butt, giving him a quick squeeze and she smiled at his predictable groan. "You like anything."

"True." He kissed her and she felt his tongue peek out to play with hers. She shifted, and felt the connection of their bodies. "Fuck, that feels incredible."

He started to pull out, but she clamped her inner muscles and her hands gripped his hips. "No, don't." He felt too good in her. Too right.

"Baby, I'm bare. There's a condom right in the nightstand. Let go." He kissed her and then his hips thrust deeper into her as if he couldn't help it.

She shook her head, the intimacy of the moment too great for her to stop. "No. Don't care."

She felt him tremble and he tightened his hold on her. "You sure?"

"I'm on the Pill."

He groaned and moved his hips again. "I know, but it's not a guarantee."

"Would that be so bad?" Her heart clenched while she waited for his answer. It really was the wrong time to begin even thinking about such a thing but she needed to know. She was approaching thirty on her next birthday and the feel of her ticking biology clock, no matter how silly that sounded out loud, was looming over her feminine side. The side that wants the husband, family, and picket fence.

She wanted to be with a man who would love her and want to start a family with her. But she wasn't willing to settle for just any man. She found out the hard way with Logan. Logan hadn't been the right man, but Jess…

"No," he whispered. "It wouldn't be bad at all."

She smiled and was certain that it was threatening to split her face. "I love you."

"Hmm," he moved slowly and reverently as if committing her body to memory. "I love you too."

Rory hugged him with her arms and legs, pulling him as close as she could get him. Even though they'd already passed the 'I love you' phase, this felt like they were just entering into a new commitment. As if their declarations were something more; something deeper. She knew she was not only giving him her heart, but a place in her future. And it felt like he was doing the same for her.

Jess had left her this morning with a stupid grin on his face and she was sure that she spotted a matching smile. She had woken up to the feel of Jess snuggled tight behind her, one of his arms tightening around her waist as she tried to get up, as if he couldn't bear to be without her even in sleep.

They had made breakfast from scratch, sharing lazy morning kisses over the waffle-maker, breaking their stares only when Gabe had thundered down the stairs, looking for his backpack. Jess had walked her over to her car when it was time to go and he kissed her, telling her he'd see her later tonight for their date.

It was Friday and she was looking forward to spending some time alone with Jess. She loved spending time with Jess and Gabe together, but there were times where she just wanted Jess all to herself. And tonight, she'd get what she wanted.

Her phone vibrated and she glanced at the wall clock hanging on the wall facing her desk in the classroom. It was almost four o'clock. She must've wasted a good chunk of time daydreaming again. Figuring it was Jess calling to chat, she flipped it open and answered cheerfully, "Hey."

"Rory?"

She stopped, her red pen suspended in midair.

"Hello? Rory?"

"Logan." Her voice actually cracked.

"Hi."

"What are you calling about?"

"Rory." She heard a weary sigh. "I just wanted to talk to you."

She felt bad. She had no right biting off his head. After all, it seemed in retrospect that breaking up with Logan was the best thing that could have happened to her. If it weren't for the slip with Logan, she would have never moved, and therefore never had met Jess. "I'm sorry, I was being rude. Of course we can talk."

"How are you?" She thought she heard a certain longing in his voice.

"I'm good." She paused. "Great, actually. It's almost Christmas vacation and I'm looking forward to it." Jess had asked her to join him and Gabe for Christmas last night before they fell asleep. When he added that they would be going to California, Rory had tackled him with a hug. She was looking forward to it.

"Oh? You have plans?"

"Yeah, I might go to California."

There was a weighty pause. "By yourself?"

"No. I've been seeing someone. And he's asked me to go with him for the holidays." She didn't want to rub Logan's nose in it but hey, if he could be happy with someone, then so should she, right?

"Is it serious?"

"Yeah, it is." If talking about love and hinting of a future that included a family wasn't serious, she didn't know what was. Besides, her heart was heavily invested and that counted as dead serious for her.

"That's…good."

There was a weird note in his voice. "What's up Logan? Why did you really call?"

"I…Margaret and I had a fight."

"Oh." She leaned back in her chair.

"Yeah."

There was silence for a few minutes. "Why did you call me?"

"I don't know." He sighed. "I guess I just wanted to hear your voice."

At one time that might have melted her, but now…she just wanted to know what he called for. She got a clear picture of the difference between Logan and Jess. Logan skirted around issues and had always secretly wanted Rory to be able to read his mind. In essence, he played games and he played them well. For Jess, he put things clearly out there. If he wanted something, he told her. Plain and simple. And even though he requests had both the ability to make her blush and want to hit him sometime, at least Jess always made it clear what he wanted and what he wanted of her.

"Logan."

"Are you happy Ror?"

"Yes." Her answer came immediate.

There was another heavy pause. "I miss you sometimes."

She closed her eyes. A year ago, right after the breakup, she might have wanted to hear that from him. But now…it only made her want Jess and to feel his arms around her, holding her safe.

She didn't want to answer to Logan's declaration of missing her. "I don't think you should be calling me, Logan," she said softly.

"Right." There was a click. "I apologize."

She hung up and stared at the phone.

"How did the swim thing go?"

Gabe ran his hand through his wet hair and then shook it like a dog. "Good."

"Did you have fun?" Jess pressed.

"That sounds like something Mom would've said." Gabe said but then softly added, "Yeah, I did."

"Good." Jess turned into their driveway. "I just want you to be happy, kid."

"Stop. You're getting all gushy on me."

Jess popped him in the shoulder. "Shove it."

"Who is that?"

"What?" He put the car in park and ducked to look out window.

Gabe pointed, he voice confused. "That guy with the fancy car. That isn't Bram."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Gabe gestured again. "Look!"

Jess's breath caught at the sight of Rory's ex going up her driveway.

"Who is it?"

His mouth dried up. There was a good explanation for it. He knew it. And he trusted Rory. Right? "That's Rory's ex-fiancé."

"Rory had a fiancé?" Gabe choked out.

"Yeah." Jess grabbed his bag and opened the door. "Let's go inside."

He could hear Gabe's quick steps trailing after him and then a mumbled, "This isn't good is it?"

"Logan!" Rory had expected Jess showing up for their date but that wasn't who was staring back at her.

"Rory. Hi."

She stepped outside and frantically swung her head around. His car was in the driveway but it looked like he missed Logan's entrance. Sighing in relief, she didn't want to ruin her night with Jess with a misunderstanding that had the potential to be as gigantic as this.

"What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?"

She debated saying no, but thought that she could get this over with easier if he came in, said his piece, and got out. "Well, I guess."

She heard the clatter of nails of tiles as Wesley ran into the front room, eager to explore the newcomer. At the sight of Logan, a stranger, Wesley barked and tried to snap at him with his sharp little teeth. "Wesley! Stop!" Rory bent down and picked up her dog, soothing him with a gentle rub behind the ears.

"Nice dog." Logan stood awkwardly in the foyer.

"He's just trying to be a good protector."

"He's tiny."

Rory cooed into Wesley's triangle ears, telling him he was a good boy. She didn't particularly like the tone Logan was using. He was the stranger in her home and it was only natural that Wesley would take umbrage to an interloper. Heck, it had taken Wesley a good month before he stopped charging at Jess. But Jess had taken Wesley to some dog obedience class for what Jess had called "male bonding." When they came back, Wesley started to follow Jess around like he was his best friend or something.

Rory watched as Logan shuffled his feet. "Want a drink or something?"

He nodded. "Yeah, thanks." He followed her into the kitchen and she let Wesley out into the backyard. "Got a beer or something?"

She shook her head. She didn't keep a lot of alcohol in the house. Jess didn't drink all that much and neither did she. Other than the occasional bottle of good wine for when they were getting all romantic, she didn't keep anything other than soda or ice tea. "How about a Snapple?" She had plenty of those. Both Gabe and Jess seemed to be addicted to Snapple Apples.

"Sure."

Her phone rang suddenly, breaking the tense moment and she grabbed it, happy for the intrusion. "Hello?"

"Hey baby." Jess's rich sinful voice soothed her but she was immediately on guard.

"Hi!"

"Ready for our date?"

"Um, not yet." She glanced at Logan who was pacing in her small kitchen. She had a feeling this talk with him wouldn't be over in a short five minutes. So much for getting him out as soon as she could. "Actually, can we stay in tonight? I'll come over with a movie later."

"Oh." Was that a catch she heard in his voice?

"It's just that I have a lot to finish for tomorrow's lesson plan." What was she doing? Just tell him the truth, you idiot!

"Anything I can help? Want me to come over?"

"No!"

"You okay?" There was that weird tone again.

She looked to Logan and then thought about Jess. She wanted to tell him; blurt out that Logan dropped by unexpectedly and that she was just going to find out what he wanted and kick him out. Just say it. Say it!

"Fine."

"Is there something you want to tell me, Rory?"

Yes, yes! "No."

There was a tense pause. Or maybe she was the only one who was tense.

"See you later?"

"Yes."

"Okay." He hung up.

"What was that?" Logan's voice jarred her out of her daze.

"Nothing."

But it wasn't nothing. She knew it.

She just lied to Jess. And there was a sneaking suspicion that even though nothing has happened, this was something she could never take back.

"What did she say?" Gabe was perched on the countertop, his growing coltish legs swinging back and forth.

"Nothing." Jess stared at the phone in his hand, his emotions zinging back and forth. What the hell was going on?

Gabe hopped off the counter muttering again, "Nope, this isn't good at all."

Jess's eyes went to the fence that separated Rory's house from his. He trusted Rory. And she just lied to him.

AN: Please take a moment to review. These reviews mean just as much, if not more, to me than reviews from the first few chapters now that the story is approaching its end. So, just...review! :) Thanks.