A/N: I know it's not much but I kinda like it stopping where it does. Hope you do too.

Chapter 5

Rory dragged Jess through town by the hand. They were going to Luke's; almost as soon as Lorelai had left, Rory had started talking about going to Luke's.

"But there are pancakes here," Jess had argued.

"But not coffee." Jess had raised his eyebrows. "Okay, fine. Not Luke's coffee. Please Jess. Everyone's gonna see us soon anyway. And they all already know. I've been away for months with only watery machine coffee and Starbucks to get me by; I just want a proper cup of coffee."

Rory had crawled up her bed towards him then, grinning evilly. He couldn't say no to that. So here they were: getting coffee.

"I don't understand the running, Ror. The diner will still be there."

"One: not running, moving with purpose. Two: I am a Gilmore and that man has the coffee."

Jess rolled his eyes and smiled. He'd missed this so much. Even if it was cold and he kind of wished he was still wrapped up in Rory on her bed, he had missed her unquenchable enthusiasm for everything and especially for coffee.

"Earth to Jess?"

"Huh?"

"I said: Are you sure you're sure about Friday Night Dinner tonight?"

"Ah yes. My subconscious knew I didn't want to hear that."

"Jess."

"Yes, I'm sure. And your grandparents are going to love me this time."

Rory just snorted.

"Well thanks for the vote of confidence."

She stopped moving then and took his other hand in hers, smiling, just looking at him.

"I've missed you, Jess."

He met her gaze then.

"I know."

The look in her eyes changed from playful to deadly serious. Almost sad.

"No, I've really missed you. I… Jess…"

He liked to think the look in his own eyes stopped her talking. That they showed her that he felt the exact same way because although he was happy - so happy - he couldn't help but be a little sad for all the time they hadn't been able to make it work, for all the time they hadn't been here together, moving with purpose through the fall leaves towards the people the loved them both best in the world.

"I know, Rory. I know."