Disclaimer: I own my own rambling thoughts, nothing more.
Ch.4- Reactions
Lorelai watched as Rory strolled out the door, wishing there was something she could do to stop her. She knew where her daughter was going; after Jess. After the boy who broke her heart so many years ago. What she couldn't understand was why. As much as she had disliked Logan at times, she was at least grateful that he had helped in getting Rory to move past her exes. Now she was going back there again. Not to mention he was Luke's nephew, which added a whole new level of weirdness to the situation. She didn't realize that she was completely zoned out until Sookie stood up and announced that she, too, was going home. Lorelai barely managed a decent good-bye to her best friend before resuming her vacant stare towards the door. Luke walked Sookie out and turned back to his fiancée.
"Lorelai; you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, just peachy" she replied absently.
"Oh yeah, that's convincing. I know what you're thinking. You can't just go after her. They have to figure this thing out on their own. They aren't kids anymore" Luke reasoned.
"I know that. And I know that you're all buddy-buddy with Jess now. The fact that I think he's actually turned into a decent guy somehow makes it worse. It's just weird. I don't like that she's hiding things from me. And I don't how she wants me to react. Should I wait until she gets back and play the friend card, or should I wait until she gets back and play the mom card?"
"I don't think you should wait up at all. You don't know when she'll get back, or if she'll even get back at all, and I would rather not sleep alone tonight."
"She'd better get back tonight! I can't even think of the alternative right now. But you're right, I should just come to bed. If she wants to talk, she'll wake me up" Lorelai finally acquiesced and followed Luke upstairs, hoping she'd be woken up soon.
Just before dawn, Jess stirred, opening his eyes slowly, careful not to disturb the sleeping beauty in his arms. He smiled and debated getting up to start a pot of coffee, but decided it could wait a few more minutes. Rory was brought out of her dream by the slight shifting of weight across her waist. She didn't move, in case Jess was asleep. She took a moment to collect herself. It wasn't even light outside yet, which was good because it meant she still had time to escape the diner without anyone in the town seeing. She had obviously spent the night, but was still fully clothed minus her shoes. Her mom was going to kill her anyway. She smiled slightly as Jess tightened his grip around her before sliding easily off the bed and heading for the coffee maker.
"Merry Christmas" she said, giggling as the sound of her voice made him jump every so slightly.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I was going to make you coffee for your Christmas present, seeing as how I didn't actually buy you anything" he teased.
"Well, that's okay, because my mom has probably replaced all your gifts with coal by now" she retorted.
"I'll be lucky if that's all she does. Do we really have to go over there today?"
"Jess! Of course we do. Then we're going to see your mom and sister later this afternoon and then to my grandparents for dinner" she rattled off.
"Ugh. I thought you were kidding about that part. I thought you loved me."
"Stop whining. Maybe if you had gotten me a real present you would have something to bargain with, but that ship has sailed, my friend."
"Hey, I haven't given you this coffee yet, I could just pour it down the drain" Jess threatened.
"You wouldn't" Rory stated, matter-of-factly.
Jess sighed, pouring two mugs full of the freshly brewed elixir and handing one to the girl still in his bed. She smiled appreciatively and sipped the hot liquid. Jess didn't even bother to drink his, he only held it so he had something to do with his hands. After a few minutes, Rory looked up and handed her mug to Jess, who set both cups on the table and took a deep breath before turning back around to meet her gaze.
"Jess," she began, "what are we doing?"
"We're having coffee together on Christmas morning."
"You know what I mean. I thought when I came up here last night we were going to… well, I wasn't expecting to make hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies. Not that we didn't have fun; but you're not just a friend, and I don't want you to be. I can't figure you out anymore. I need to know what you want" she laid out, bluntly.
"I love you, Rory, but we leave in two days. I have to go back to Philly and you have to go where ever it is you go next and we won't see each other for God knows how long. I'm not going to screw this up again. I can't" Jess explained quietly.
"You're not going to screw anything up. And I love you, too" she added, putting her head on his shoulder.
Jess relaxed and ran his fingers through her hair, kissing the top of her head. He knew he was being overcautious, but it would be worth it in the end. The sun was beginning to rise and Jess knew it was time to get Rory home before the whole town started waking up and spreading rumors. The stroll to Lorelai's started out peaceful, with the sun rising slowly and illuminating the town. A few times they had to duck behind a building to avoid an early riser, but that only made the trip entertaining. They were still laughing about having to hide from Taylor in the bushes as they walked up the front porch steps, but all laughter ceased when the door suddenly opened from the inside, revealing a very angry Lorelai.
A/N: Sorry for the short chapter, but next will be Christmas at the Crapshack! Stay Tuned!
