AN: So I was watching Dawson's Creek last night, A Winter's Tale, and I started thinking that maybe this could have been done better. But it was already done and for the most part, had been since about Christmas. So, anyway, I hope it's good. And also, thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, I feel a whole lot better now, I'm even going back to work tomorrow, which ill suck, but at least it'll get me out of the house.
Rory entered a classroom on Monday, rechecking the piece of paper in her hand - Miss Ness, History, - and quickly swept her eyes around the room. It seemed that with her hurried entrance into the school, there had been a mix up in her schedule. Another student who was changing a few classes around had been given Rory's timetable and she had been given his. But the guidance counsellor had managed to track both of them down and set it right.
Now as she stood just inside the door, Rory groaned. The only available seat was in the third row, middle of the room.
Right next to Tristan.
This sucks, this really sucks. I can't believe that I have to get stuck with him. She grumbled to herself, making her way over and pulling out the chair.
"Hey Rory, since when are you in this class?" he asked, looking up at her, smiling.
Biting back a contemptuous remark Rory smiled in return and sat down. He's Jess' friend, he is not really evil, just annoying. Remember that Jess likes him. She instructed. He was still looking at her, his smile faltering slightly, so she attempted to brighten her own. "Just today, actually, apparently there was a mix up so pretty much my whole schedule's changing. It's not so bad, not like the whole thing was ingrained in my mind or anything."
"Oh well, that's good I guess. And this way you can keep me company."
"Don't you have a million friends everywhere you go?" she checked. "Couldn't one of them do it?"
"Well, yes and no. I do have a lot of friends, but they're not really all that... let's just say I'm glad you and Jess are here."
"Oh, ok. Sure. So is this-"
"Alright class, as promised last week, today is the day that you will be paired up for your projects. As we have a new addition I'll explain again, which shall also serve to help those of you who weren't paying one hundred per cent attention on Friday." The woman at the front of the room began and Rory shifted in her seat, facing forward. "So, in pairs you will choose one of the periods that we've studied previously in the year and you will make a scale model of something from that era, before giving a short prepared speech in front of the class on what you've chosen and its significance in history." She paused a moment to allow everyone to take this in before picking up a clip board from her desk. "And without further ado, let's find out who's working with whom, shall we?" Rory listened as the first two pairs were called and she realised quickly that this was going to be done alphabetically.
Not knowing many of the other people's names at the school, or any in the class, she had a sinking feeling that the next pair called would be... "DuGrey and Gilmore," I knew it! The universe hates me! Jess' friend, she quickly reminded herself. He's Jess' friend, it'll be fine. "Now I'll allow for you to move around, meet up with your partner and begin discussing ideas," Miss Ness told them, sitting behind her desk once she'd finished her list. "Let me know if you have any questions."
"The world wants you to suffer," Tristan commented, Rory looked at him confused. "That is what you're thinking, isn't it?"
"No, I- I mean, that is, I was... I'm sorry. I know that isn't fair. I've pretty much only heard good things about you, and I haven't really given myself a chance to get to know you, but I just... I don't know, I just didn't like you."
"Hey, I wouldn't like me too much either, after that grandparent stunt. That was the original problem, wasn't it?"
"Yes. But things are a lot better on that front nowadays, so I guess I owe you a very belated thank you."
"You're finally welcome." Tristan quipped, grinning. "Now, do you think we can put our issues aside for a while and talk about this fabulous assignment?"
"Yeah, well, I'm not much of a builder, so we may have a problem,"
"And you think I'm used to working with my hands?" he shook his head. "We are so screwed."
"I'm impressed," Jess remarked, bringing over a fresh pot of coffee. "It's been two days and you still haven't killed each other. I gotta tell you I did not expect this to last."
"Well, it's only our mutual love for you that has helped us both refrain from truly violent acts," Tristan replied grinning, Rory shook her head at him and picked up the coffee Jess had poured for her.
"Watch out or you will be stripped of your speaking privileges." She informed him.
"Yes ma'am." He nodded and looked back down at his book.
"It actually hasn't been that bad," she explained to Jess. "Every time he does something that annoys me, I kick him, and when he's good-"
"I get a cookie. Seriously, I love it at her mom's apartment it's almost as good as your place in regards to the snacks and entertainment."
"Well, I'm glad things are going so well for you, but, Tris have you noticed the time?"
"Have I... Oh crap. I completely forgot. Thank goodness you're here to keep me on track. Sorry to cut this short, Rory, but I must be off."
"Oh. Ok, well don't forget, tomorrow we're planning what materials-"
"I know, I know, I'll see you then. Bye!" he raced out the door and Jess sat down in the seat he had vacated as Rory watched in confusion.
"What just happened?" she asked.
"His grandparents are coming in to town tonight and since they're the only people in his entire family he actually likes, he made me promise that he get out of here on time to see them for a bit at their hotel before the mandatory family dinner with his evil parents."
"Ah, yes, the wonderful DuGrey's."
"You know them?"
"I've heard a lot about them. Richard and Emily are almost in love with them, I think. Either that or they've just known each other forever and are really good friends. Probably the latter,"
"Probably," Jess agreed.
"So, I heard a rumour circulating recently,"
"Oh, who's pregnant this week? Your mom again, or is it mine?"
"As far as I know, neither, but you know, that could change. What I actually heard was that your mom and TJ are going out of town for the weekend. Is that true?" Rory checked, reaching for Jess' hand and leading him towards the apartment stairs. The diner was pretty much empty, but Luke was still in the kitchen in case any customers needed anything.
"Yeah, it's their two year anniversary."
"But the wedding was only-"
"They've been together two years," he clarified. "Stupid me didn't notice anything until a few months ago."
"Well, you are incredibly self-involved." He looked over at her and she grinned as she opened the apartment door. "And you have had that very time-consuming task of entertaining your fabulous girlfriend lately."
"Oh, that's true. It's entirely your fault. So, I'm assuming there was more to this line of questioning. Unless you just really like keeping tabs on my step-father,"
"When TJ is in possession of a firearm, its best to know his whereabouts." Rory explained.
"That is a very good point. You know, I still don't know what's scarier, the fact that Stars Hollow bank gave TJ a gun, or the fact that they seriously believe they need an armed guard."
"Clearly your little town is moving up in the world and the people in charge have decided they need protection." Rory explained, taking a seat on the couch.
"Clearly." Jess nodded, joining her. "So?"
"So?"
"Mom and TJ will be out of town, care to ask another question?"
"Well, I have a plan. Or, a proposition, more like. For you, you can yay or nay, whatever. It's just a thought I had."
"Hit me with it."
"I've been pondering something; you and I, and I came up with an idea I'd like to run by you about your house."
"You want to invite over a bunch of bikers and low-lives to trash the place while the parentals are out of town?" Jess guessed. "Believe it or not, but I think Liz may just be on board with that, if we pitch it to her the right way, of course."
"No. No bikers. No low-lives. My idea actually just concerns the two of us, and your house. Or more accurately your room, if you catch my drift?"
"Oh. Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm drifting with you."
"Ok, well, keep in mind this is just an idea and you can say no at any point and I'll stop talking and never mention it again if that's what you-"
"Ror, what's the thought?"
"You know how I've been getting along with mom lately?" Jess nodded. "Well, I was thinking I could tell Luke I'm spending Saturday night at her place. And I could say nothing about it to her, so she still thinks I'll be here."
"When in reality you would be with me in my parent-less, unsupervised house?" Jess finished.
"Basically, yes. What do you think?"
"I think… yes. I don't even know why I'm pretending to think about it, yes. This is a much better idea than bikers and low-lives."
"I thought you might think that."
"What if they talk to each other though? And work out that they've been lied to?"
"Well if that happens then I guess we really will have to go on the run, because I have a feeling Luke would probably attempt to kill at least one of us. Me, more likely, but I don't really want to find out."
"Neither do I. OK, we get busted, we run, we leave here and never look back?"
"Maybe in a few years, when Luke's cooled off we can come back, we'll just see how things go."
"But we're aiming for the not being run out of town option, right?"
"Yes, I think that would be better, I do kind of like it here anyway, and I'm pretty sure you would be missed."
"Good, I like it here too," Rory beamed at Jess and leaned into him, as he wrapped an arm round her. "Exactly how long have you been thinking of this plan?" he asked, kissing the top of her head.
"You want it down to the second, or...?"
"Ball park,"
"Ok, maybe a week or two. I don't know, I was just looking at you one day and I thought... I dunno. But if you're starting to think that I'm completely insane for having suggested this, then-"
"I'm not! I'm definitely not," Jess assured her. "I was just curious."
"You sure?"
"Yes, I am sure. Are you?"
"No. I'm good, I'm all on board. I wouldn't have verbalised it if I wasn't sure."
"Ok."
"You know I could have sworn that I had two employees downstairs just a few minutes ago," Luke called out as he came through the door. "But I came out of the kitchen, and you want to know what I saw?" he asked. The two teens looked at one another, wondering if he had heard any of their conversation. "The place was completely empty. Except for the three customers sitting there, waiting to order," he added and they both breathed a sigh of relief; if he'd overheard he wouldn't be complaining about the lack of help downstairs.
"Sorry."
"Yeah, we're very sorry." Jess added. "We just came up here for a little break."
"The place was totally empty; we didn't think we'd be missed." Rory tried to explain.
"Well you were, so might I suggest that you get back down there? Give me a hand,"
"Sure!"
"On our way right now." They both jumped up and raced out the door ahead of Luke who just scratched his head in confusion at their obedience.
On Saturday night Rory walked up the steps to Jess' porch and crossed to the door. She let her backpack slip down to the floor, glancing over her shoulder at Babette's house for a moment before knocking.
"Hi," Jess smiled at her as he opened the door and kissed her.
"Hey,"
"Wanna come in?" he asked, picking up the bag at her feet and opening the door wider.
"Yes please." She stepped inside and he closed the door after taking a quick look around to make sure there was no one else nearby.
The next morning, Rory woke with her fingers laced through Jess' and his arm tight around her as she lay against his chest. "Hi," she smiled at him and he smiled back.
"Hi,"
"Oh no," she quickly reached for the sheet and pulled it up to cover her mouth.
"What's the matter?"
"I have bad-bed breath." She told him through the material.
"Bad-bed breath?" he repeated, chuckling. "That's a thing now?"
"Of course it is. It always has been. It's that moment in the morning before you brush your teeth, and it smells like something died or is in the process of dying in your mouth."
"I think I can take it." Jess replied, pulling the sheet away. Rory chewed her lip uncertainly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I mean, mine's probably as bad as yours, so if you can handle it, so can I." He explained and she nodded, accepting his logic.
"Ok. That's good. So, we're all sorted on the breathe issue then?"
"I believe so, any other issues that need discussion?"
"Coffee." Rory replied,
"I knew that one."
"You did huh?"
"Yes believe it or not, but I have actually learned a thing or two in the time you've been in my life. Number one on the list, always make sure that a cup of coffee is available, or, at the very least, close to being ready for consumption."
"And you made this possible, by sneaking out of here, and making me a cup while I was asleep?" Rory enquired, sitting up, holding a sheet against her. "Is it the scentless kind? Coz I can't smell anything. Coffee usually smells, in a good way."
"I made sure that the machine was filled last night before we went to bed, so all I have to do is turn it on and presto, you will have your coffee in minutes." He explained, causing a grin to grow on Rory's face.
"Presto?"
"Presto,"
"Did anyone ever tell you you were an amazing boyfriend?"
"I… No, you know what I don't think anyone ever has."
"Oh, well, in that case," Rory's grin got even bigger as she turned back to face Jess and pulled him into a kiss. "Would you mind making me a coffee, oh amazing boyfriend who I adore?"
"Since you asked so nicely…" He reached for his pants at the end of the bed and then left the room leaving the door open a little. "So I'm adored now? That's nice to hear."
"Don't let it go to your head," Rory called out, reaching for an over-sized shirt and pulling it over her head. Walking out into the kitchen, she fiddled with the hem a little, watching Jess.
"Nah, I wouldn't dream of it." he replied, as he moved around the kitchen, before turning to Rory with a plate of pop-tarts. "To tide you over until the coffee's ready,"
"Someone's prepared this morning," Rory remarked, "a girl might think you had this planned or something."
"Well that girl wouldn't be completely wrong. But really, can you blame me?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"I guess I could let you off the hook this once."
"That's very good to hear."
"But don't start thinking you can get away with this sort of thing all the time. Tricking me into bed… Very bad boy,"
"I don't remember having to resort to trickery. And besides, I'm pretty sure that this whole thing was your idea. Proving all those people in town who think you're a bad influence on me right."
"Because you protested so much these last few days. Face it; any evil scheme I come up with, you will be a more than willing participant."
"You're probably right. I really don't have a leg to stand on here, do I?
"Nope, so why don't you join me over here at the table and stop using both those ineffectual appendages?" Rory suggested, pushing one of the chairs out with her foot. Jess nodded as the coffee pot filled and he quickly filled two mugs, placing one in front of Rory before taking a seat.
"So how are you feeling?" he asked after they'd both taken a sip.
"Awful. Stupid. I can't believe we did that. I mean it's all running through my mind, the repercussions, everything. I have all these regrets and I can't figure out why I-" Jess shook his head and leaned across the table to cut Rory off with a kiss. "Oh yeah, that's why." She grinned and moved to come and sit in his lap. "You know, I'm pretty sure that after last night's events, had I still been a smoker, it would have been the perfect time to light up."
"Can I just say that I'm thrilled you're not? That may have drawn a little bit too much attention, since no one smokes here, or as far as I know, ever has. And also, it's nice to know you won't be getting lung cancer anytime soon."
"Thank you, that's very nice to hear."
"What time do you have to be getting back?" He asked, his arms snaking around her waist.
"Well, I usually return from Lorelai's at about eight, so, providing she hasn't decided to pop in for a visit and blown our cover we should have at least another hour."
"Sounds good,"
"Hey I have to tell you something." Rory said standing up and moving back to her own seat. Jess looked up at her a little concerned, but she smiled, putting him at ease for a moment.
"Ok, what is it?"
"I love you."
"Huh." He blinked for a second, just looking at her. "I love you too."
"You don't have to say that, just because of what happened last night, I'm really not expecting-"
"Rory, stop. Can you just let me express my feelings? You got to, why can't I?"
"But you don't have to say that, just because I said it, I mean, that's totally up to you, and I wanted to say it, but you don't-"
"I know I don't have to, but I kind of did, actually. I did have to tell you, because I had to get it out and you should know. I love you, I do."
"I didn't think you'd be able to manage more than a few syllables after that, you surprised me, Mariano."
"Well, I am capable of doing that every now and then." Rory laughed and shook her head. "So what would you like for breakfast this morning?" Jess asked, standing up and returning to the fridge as Rory nibbled on a pop tart.
On her way out to the main room of the diner later, Rory heard the bell above the door jingle, nothing unusual there, she thought. Miraculously she'd managed to get home avoiding all suspicion. Luke completely believed that she had been at Lorelai's the night before and she was extremely grateful.
"Hey Luke," Until she heard that voice. She's here, what am I going to do? How did I not think of something to say to her? I knew she would be in here eventually, damn it!
Jess had the morning off, and as much as she would have liked to spend the next few hours stealing glances at him while she went about her work, she had insisted he stay home and do some of the homework he hadn't gotten to the night before or to go spend time with Lane even. Now she was wishing he was here so he could help with this situation.
"Hey how was last night?" Luke asked as Rory came through the curtain and waved a hand at her mother.
"Last night?" she asked, not seeing the desperate teen.
"Yeah, with Rory," Lorelai looked up and finally caught sight of the girl trying to get her attention.
"Oh, with Rory, yeah, right. It was great. Yeah, just a bit of a girls night, you know, toenail painting, pillow fights, the usual."
"Good, I'm glad you had a good time. You want some coffee?"
"Does the sun rise in the east?"
"Right, coming right up,"
"Hey Mom, Luke," Rory nodded at the two of them before stepping around the counter, heading for the customers.
"Actually, can you just put that coffee on hold for me, for a sec? Rory and I need to have a little chat." Lorelai explained as her hand shot out and she grabbed her daughter's arm. "We won't be long." She added.
"Uh, ok. Sure."
"Ow! Attached to the arm here, ok, that hurts!" Rory cried out as she was pushed towards the apartment door. She dropped onto the couch and looked up at her mom. "So how much do you want to kill me right now?" she asked, rubbing her arm.
"That depends. Did you lie to Luke and tell him you were with me so you wouldn't have to explain that you were doing an astronomy assignment? Or did you lie to him, and me too because you had some plan to break everyone's rules and spend the night with Jess?" Rory didn't say anything for a moment, just chewed on her lip. Lorelai took this as the answer she'd been expecting. "I can't believe you would do this! After... everything! How could you have been so-"
"Stupid? Irresponsible? Because we weren't. We talked about it and we knew what we were doing, we had everything taken care of."
"You... you're sure?"
"Yes. And before you ask, it wasn't even his idea. It was me."
"That doesn't surprise me a whole lot, but if you're absolutely certain that you were careful then I guess I can stop freaking out for at least six minutes. Or until I see Jess, then we may have a problem."
"Please try not to go ballistic on him, I told you it was me."
"Yeah, I know, I know. I'll do my best. Ok, let's get back down there before Luke thinks there's something going on."
"Are you sure you'll be able to look at him without freaking out?"
"Only one way to find out,"
"Right, I just wish that one way didn't involve me actually having to be there."
"How else do you expect me to keep my cool?"
Rory sighed and stood up. "Ok, let's do it," she decided.
Lorelai nodded and started for the door before turning around. "So, you're sure everything was-"
"Just go!" Rory instructed, pushing her towards the door.
AN2: I don't have a rel;ationship like this with my mother, and we've never had that coversation, so I don't know exactly how it's supposed to go, but hopefully that wasn't too off. Thanks for reading.