Author's Note: To all my wonderful, kind, forgiving readers who have waited so long for an update. This chapter is for all of you. I know its been forever but I hope you understand that sometimes life gets crazy, and this chapter was originally planned to be a part of the story so I had to debate in the story line for a week or so. Plus I transferred schools so that took a little time.

You'll find this chapter is not based off of any of the episodes. It more of a side chapter to show Rory and Jess together. Originally I planned to only follow major events but that skips a lot of time so I wanted to give you something to go with! Be aware this occurs before Rory helps Jess study.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls, the characters, or their dialogue. I only own the plot :)

Rory looked out the bus windows taking in the sight of her small town. Stars Hallow felt even more like home after a tough day of school. The small town charm oozed into her pours as the bus started driving the streets. She was practically bouncing in her seat with the anticipation of being home again.

Today had the potential of being a great day. Sure school had been less than thrilling, but her mother worked late which meant she could spend time with Jess without causing suspicion. They had only been able to hang out a few times since they had kissed and little between the two of them had changed.

In fact Rory wasn't even sure if she could say she was dating Jess. They spent time together when they could but no one knew, not even Lane or Paris. Jess had suggested meeting with Paris again, but Rory thought it would be too risky Paris had no filter around Lorelai.

Instead most of their time had been dedicated to the bridge. They would go there to read or just to talk. The bridge was their safe haven away from the prying eyes of Stars Hallow, because if they were seen by just one person the entire town would know before Rory could even get home.

They had created a plan for the day so they could remain as inconspicuous as possible. Rory would get off the bus and visit Luke, just to say hello like she occasionally did when no one met her at the bus station. Jess would be waiting on the stairs until he heard Rory come in, then he would storm out with his usual fuss about leaving. Rory would stay for only enough time to get a coffee then make her way to the bridge.

It seemed like the perfect plan, Rory would have been in the diner with Luke when Jess left so no one would think they were walking anywhere together. And because Jess had the longer legs they both assumed he would get to the bridge faster than her anyway.

The bus pulled up to her stop and quickly jumped from her seat. She didn't bother with the strange looks the other passengers had given her, she practically ran to front step down and off the bus as quickly as possible. She waited allowing the bus to pull forward and continue on before she crossed the street towards the square.

She knew she needed to walk slowly just as she did every day. If she ran into Luke's like her life depended on it people might suspect something. Instead she thought carefully about taking each step and paid attention to the speed that she went the entire time.

Luke's was less busy than normal on a weekday afternoon. Rory was surprised when she saw only a few tables occupied. She had been anticipating more people, it had made the whole plan more exciting in her head. But the people that were there would be hard to fool. Miss Patty and Babette were at their usual table gossiping away.

Rory walked towards the counter and smiled up at Luke as she sat on the first stool. He was a finishing up a conversation with Caesar but turned to talk to her within only a moment.

"Hey, how was school."

"Same. Paris is nuts but I expect it by now. Had a test, two quizzes, and a presentation so it's nice to have all that done with. Mom been by today?"

It felt like a safe topic, no matter what he said she could go on a rant about her mother, guaranteeing Jess a chance to hear her talking. And Rory talked about her mother often it wouldn't seem suspicious to anyone in the diner.

"No, why?" Luke answers leaning on the counter.

"We've been pranking each other for about a week now. No reason. I just woke up one morning last week and she started a prank war. Luke's is the only safe ground so you should feel honored. Mom didn't want to mess with her chances of getting her coffee. I pointed out that pranking in here might lead to being kicked out. You might want to put up a sign to go with that cell phone one she nevers pays attention to anyway."

Rory was hoping Jess had heard by now because going into details of the prank war would just embarrass Luke. Although she thought that might entertain her. Lorelai had started the war only a few days after Dean broke up with Rory, not that Lorelai knew that. Rory hadn't told her mother anything about the break up or Jess, so her mother had taken her bummed mood into her hands.

"Well, that's- interesting." Luke said clearly not sure what to say, "Hey where are you going?"

Rory turned in her spot and saw Jess throwing his leather jacket on as he walked quickly towards the door.

"Out."

"Where, out?" Luke asked annoyed.

"Thought I'd steal a gnome or two." Rory had to stop herself from snorting at the response.

If Luke had been annoyed before he was downright mad now. Rory wasn't even sure if she should let Jess really leave. But they had a plan and she wanted to spend time with him so she let him frustrate his uncle.

"Jess-"

"I'm just going for I walk, cabin fever." Jess offered as an excuse.

Either Luke believed him or he had given up on fighting because he just shrugged and let Jess go without another word. Luke turned back to Rory as if nothing had just occurred and pinned all his focus at her.

"Did you want something or just saying hi?"

"Um, coffee please. And maybe a bagel because they looked good."

Luke laughed turning to pour coffee into one of his to go cups. He grabbed her a bagel as well. Rory reached in her pocket for some spare money but Luke raised his hand to refuse.

"On the house."

Rory smiled, not even sure why she had attempted to pay she knew Luke would just give her the coffee, and a bagel was hardly anything.

"Thanks, see ya."

Rory took off towards the bridge, minding her pace so she wouldn't look like a freak running through town. The bridge was nearby, off the woods path behind the school so it was easy to make it there quickly.

Just as Rory thought Jess was already sprawled out his legs dangling over the bridge but just barely avoiding the water below. Rory sat with him, taking on a similar stance.

"Hey there."

"Hey." Rory replied.

Things were odd between them, good but odd. There had been a few days where they barely spoke. Occasionally they wouldn't even touch while other days Jess would push his luck with the kissing. The hot and cold of the whole thing was the entire reason Rory was still so confused by what they were. She hardly knew what to think about the situation when each day brought about a new version of their relationship.

Jess was staring up at the sky like a child looking for pictures in the clouds. His eyes hadn't wavered from their spot. Rory couldn't help but take in the sight of him. Her eyes glued to him just as persistently as his eyes to the sky. She liked seeing him so determined, she couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind. He was thinking seriously, causing his brow to furrow just slightly and his mouth formed a tight line.

And they sat, just like that for how long Rory didn't know. It was so different from how things were with Dean. With Dean Rory had talked constantly, she told him about school and books, she explained movies and tv shows to him. But with Jess she could sit quietly and it never caused a problem. They could barely speak and it was a comfortable silence rather than nothing to talk about. But when Jess did get talking she still couldn't compare it to Dean fairly.

Dean had rarely talked about what Rory talked about. He tried or would ask questions. But Jess was able to debate, when he was in the mood for it.

"So?" Rory asked after time had passed.

"I was just thinking about how this'll turn out."

"Probably wacked."

"Shut up." Rory said not wanting to accept that as the answer.

But in all honesty he probably had a point. They were sneaking and hiding. Hell, her mom didn't even know about her break up. Things were truly complicated. And nothing ends well for Romeo and Juliet, that much Rory had learned.

"I think you're cracked. 'sides we're only hanging out."

"Right." Jess said turning his attention back to the sky.

It had been an odd afternoon. So much potential had quickly dwindled down into an awkward encounter. But they had experience those before and they never brought them down enough to truly do any kind of damage on their friendship. Or whatever this is. Rory thought with just a small amount of anger.

A.N: So there is another chapter! And as an apology to all those who waited so long for an update I plan on posting another chapter later tonight once I go through and edit it.