you guys, thank you so much for the reviews! they mean so much to me! I'm glad that you're enjoying my story and I hope you continue to. 3
Finals and work tried to kill me these last few weeks. so, I had to write something a little sweet, a little romantic, and a lot dirty to feel better. hope you like it ;)
Rated M scene ahead!
enjoy xoxo
Rory received an offer from the New York Times a week after her interview. It came with a salary good enough to feed her and pay rent, and decent health benefits. While people outside of the news industry might shake their head at it, it was more than enough to convince her to take the job. She spent the first month working from its headquarters in Manhattan. She learned the intricacies and expectations of her position, while taking on some local news stories to start her career there.
The day before Valentine's Day, she returned to the office after visiting a local women's shelter to report on its conditions after receiving more government funding the previous year. Her boss called her into his office not even ten minutes after she sat to write her article. Nerves lit up all over her body, her stomach doing flips as she ran through all the good and bad scenarios about to take place in her head.
However, to her excitement the meeting is about her first international assignment.
"There was an unjust death there last year that has resulted in extreme protests and unrest. We will plan to have you there, for now, for a little less than three months to avoid needing a visa. We want you to write news pieces as new things occur, but we also want you to work on a fuller piece capturing the feel of anger and anguish across the nation at the authority's general disrespect for human life."
Rory quells the smile willing itself to stretch across her face, and with a serious nod she says, "I can do that."
"Great. Now, keep in mind this will involve attending protests against the nation's government. You will need to be careful about who you are talking to and how you talk with them. I would not say it is dangerous necessarily, but you're entering a bit of turmoil. When we send reporters international, there is always the threat of being in their jurisdiction."
She nods in understanding, "You mean of being arrested?"
He nods slightly, "Yes. Or pissing people off in general, not being respectful of the local culture, those sort of things. Or even just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, I don't doubt that you already know these things. Just mentioning them because it's your first overseas assignment with us. I'm going to send someone with you for the first month, so you're not alone if any technical or other questions arise. And we are hiring a translator that lives there that will work with you throughout your visit. Otherwise, you'll be alone."
"I understand. Thank you so much for this opportunity."
"I look forward to reading your work. We would like you to leave as soon as possible but will give you the next week off to get anything settled that you need to in your personal life."
"That sounds great. And I would be happy to leave in a week if that works for everyone else."
"Wonderful, I'm glad to have you on our team. Keep an eye on your work email while you're off for any pertinent information."
She knows exactly how and where she will spend her week off. After packing a small suitcase and grabbing a coffee for the road, she heads to her hometown. As she drives, she carefully grabs her phone to make a phone call that she's been excited to make since receiving her assignment.
"Rory, dear. How wonderful to hear from you."
"Hi Grandma!"
"How are you? And how's that new job of yours? I haven't seen your name in the paper enough, do you need me to make a phone call and make sure they know how valuable you are? The Gilmore name does bear some weight, you know."
She chuckles in response, "It's going great. Grandma, I received my first international assignment today."
"Oh, that's wonderful! Where are they sending you? Somewhere beautiful like Marseille I hope?"
"No, not Europe at all. You won't believe it, Grandma. It's incredibly kismet."
"Well, come on! Don't keep an old woman waiting any longer. Where are you going?"
Rory smiles, "They're sending me to Morocco."
"Morocco? What's in Morocco?" Emily wonders out loud. Moments later, she gasps in realization.
"You're going to Fez."
"I'm going to Fez. Whether they station me there or not, I'm going to finally go."
"Oh Rory," she hears the strain in her grandmother's voice as she chokes back emotion, "Your Grandfather would be so proud."
"Thank you," Rory feels herself tearing up as well, and she quietly, almost carefully states, "There's no way to know for sure, but I have a feeling he led me to this. You probably think that's crazy but, the things I have been through to get to this point…I wouldn't have made it without someone watching over me, Grandma. I just know it."
Emily sniffles on the other end of the line, "I don't think you're crazy. Your Grandfather is absolutely taking care of you. And he always will."
Rory pulls into the driveway of her childhood home with an excited grin on her face. But after she wanders around the house searching for her best friend, she gets back in the car and drives to the Inn. She walks through the lobby and sees Lorelai on the phone at the front desk. She smiles broadly and walks towards her, Lorelai looks up and mirrors her daughter's smile, waving excitedly. She rushes off the phone and comes around the counter to give Rory a big hug.
"Hi sweets! What are you doing here?"
"I have some time off work and decided to come visit. I didn't think you worked this late anymore?"
"I do when my receptionist calls out 'sick' - aka she's on a valentine's day trip with her boo. I mean, how old does she think I am that I won't see her posts on instagram?" Lorelai rolls her eyes but keeps a playful smile.
"Oh no, you've made it to instagram too? Facebook wasn't enough?"
"Relax, I haven't posted any of your droopy drawers baby pictures," she places a reassuring arm around Rory's shoulder and smirks, "Not yet anyway."
"Mom! You know you're going to have to be more mindful of embarrassing me now."
"Oh? And why's that? Because your not-boyfriend but not-casual lover lives here now? You know, I don't really see Jess as a threat. Sorry babe. We're almost friendly now. It's what you wanted."
Rory can't help the warm smile that spreads across her face hearing that, "No. As if I would send him to defend me anyway! No. It's because your daughter is officially an international correspondent."
"Really? And here I thought she already was?"
"Mom, I got my first assignment," she turns to face her mother, putting both hands on her arms with a thrilled smile, "I'm going to Fez."
Lorelai gasps, jaw dropping in astonishment.
"Are you serious? You're finally going to Fez?"
Rory nods emphatically, "Well, I mean. I'm going to Morocco, which is a big place, but there is no way I am not going to Fez. I have to."
Lorelai breaks into a watery smile as she engulfs her daughter in her arms, "Oh, honey."
She pushes back to look into her eyes, "That's totally cosmic. Full freaking circle, huh babe?"
Rory nods repeatedly, eyes glistening and mouth in a wobbly smile.
"It's a dream come true," she whispers. Lorelai tilts her head with a proud smile.
"A dream you deserve. Come on, this calls for celebration. We ordered extra champagne this month for Valentine's Day. Won't hurt if a bottle goes missing," she winks, walking Rory back towards the kitchen.
"Speaking of Valentine's Day, do you and Luke have plans?"
"We sure do! We have plans that would put pornhub out of business if we recorded them," she grins evilly, opening the fridge in the kitchen to get the bottle of champagne.
"That's on me, I shouldn't have asked. But, by the way, isn't pornhub one of the free sites? I don't think you can put something that's free out of business."
"Oh, we can. That's how dirty it will be," she winks as she pops open the bottle. Rory rolls her eyes and scoffs playfully, accepting the glass that Lorelai offers her.
"Cheers to you. My brilliant, independent, beautiful, worldly, strong and easily embarrassed daughter."
Rory giggles as she clinks glasses, "Maybe you shouldn't even hint at your sex life to your daughter. That would help the whole embarrassed thing."
"And what fun would that be?" Lorelai grins, taking a swig of her drink. She then places a hand on Rory's shoulder and fixes her with a genuine look of pride.
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore. I am so ridiculously proud of you. You've been through so much and yet accomplished even more. In fact, I think it's time we made you the reigning Lorelai."
Rory releases a small gasp, "No way. That's your title. I'm not ready for that."
"Oh yes you are. You're incredible, Rory. You're so much stronger than me. You are so ready. For anything."
Rory shakes her head modestly, moved but resistant to her mother's words, "I wish I was as strong as you. But I'm not, and I never will be. And I'm okay with that now."
Lorelai takes both her hands in hers, "Don't be ridiculous. I know it's just a moniker, but if I had a crown and all that jazz, I would pass it down to you in a heartbeat. I'm serious. And I want you to understand that and recognize that in yourself. Especially since you're embarking on a career that will have you on the road alone a lot of the time. Never, ever forget your strength and ability. Even when me, or Jess, or Luke, or Paris, or Lane aren't there to remind you," Lorelai implores, squeezing Rory's hands adamantly, and she finishes with a smile, "Promise me, your highness."
Despite her reservations, Rory grins and nods slowly in agreement, "Okay. I promise."
Lorelai smiles wide and nods in approval, "That's my reigning Lorelai. Now, even though it's just a title, there will certainly still be a celebration. When do you leave for Morocco?"
"I don't have the exact date yet, but I have at least a week," Rory responds, sipping her glass of champagne as Lorelai searches the fridge for a snack.
"Perfect, I'll plan a party for this Saturday. Who do you want me to invite besides Holden Caufield?" she walks back towards Rory with a plate of cheese and crackers.
"I don't need a party, mom. And Jess really isn't very Holden anymore."
"You're right, shall we upgrade him to Heathcliff? Or would that be a downgrade you think? Maybe Mr. Darcy is more appropriate."
"Mom."
"Kidding. But there will be a party," her eyebrow lifts as she pops a piece of cheese in her mouth. Rory takes a piece and nibbles on it before relenting with a sigh.
"Okay fine. Can we wait until I get back from assignment though? So I have a planned opportunity to see everyone that I missed."
Lorelai smiles and nods, "Of course, babe. We will plan it for when you come back. Just know, since you're giving me so much extra time, it's going to be extra extravagant."
"I can't wait," Rory grins genuinely, "Oh and you have to invite Grandma."
Lorelai's smile drops slightly, "Wow, making royal decrees at the expense of the little people already. I knew you would be good at this."
"Mom," Rory admonishes, then smiles softly and says, "I called her first to tell her about Fez. She cried."
Lorelai gives her a real half smile and breathes deeply.
"Okay, I'll invite her, Rory. She will want to be part of it."
"Thank you. Now, can I ask you a favor? And it's going to be a big ask because I know how busy the Inn is for Valentine's Day."
"Good thing you're the reigning Lorelai now. You've got power, babe. What do you need?"
Rory knocks softly on the window, feeling like a teenager sneaking around a boy's house. Jess looks up from the kitchen table where he is sitting with Doula and smiles at the sight of her. He leans over and says something to his sister that has her heading out of the room. She watches with a soft smile as he saunters over and lifts the window up, leaning his muscular upper body out the window to meet her lips for a quick kiss.
"This is a nice surprise."
"I wasn't sure if it was okay to knock on the door."
"You could have. Liz and TJ are out right now," he replies with a shrug, then smiles, "Feels like I'm having deja vu. Only we're in opposite roles."
She smirks at that, "And you were throwing rocks at my grandmother's windows. It's a little different."
"No kissing then either. More like a do over I guess."
Rory laughs quietly, "So. Are you busy?"
"A little. Just helping Doula with homework. I swear it feels like I'm still being punished for dropping out."
"Do you want help?"
His eyebrow lifts and he shrugs one shoulder, "Only if you're offering. You're obviously off from work, I don't expect you to spend your free time helping my little sister with homework."
"I'm offering. Plus, it means I get to hang out with you too which is a major plus because I'm leaving for my first international assignment soon."
His eyes widen slightly before his whole face morphs into admiration.
"That's fucking awesome, Ror. Where are you going? Did you just find out? Did you try to tell me sooner? I'm sorry, I know I haven't around lately."
She smiles at his excitement for her, and places a gentle hand on his shoulder, "I just found out today. And you know you have nothing to apologize for. I'm going to Morocco to cover the protests happening there."
He grins wider, "That's some important shit, Rory. I'm happy for you. And I know what going there means to you. Your grandfather liked to gift you money towards traveling to Fez, right?"
Emotions swell in her chest, because god does it feel special to be with someone that cares about the details of her life. She can only manage to nod repeatedly in agreement, afraid those emotions will escape her grip. He reaches out and runs a hand down her face.
"Come to the door, I'll let you in," he goes to put the window down, but she stops him.
"Okay but first, I want to ask you something, Romeo," she says with a playful smile.
He leans towards her with his head cocked, "speak, bright angel."
Even recognizing the quote, she blushes, "What are you doing tomorrow night?"
He shrugs, "Probably working. I'm way behind on editing."
She smiles bashfully, "Would you maybe be able to take the night off and spend it with me? I have something special planned if you can."
One side of his face perks up, surprised at her words, but then it drops just as quickly.
"Oh shit. Is tomorrow Valentine's Day?" he pulls out his phone to check the date on his screen, "Fuck, Rory. I didn't realize. Of course I will spend the night with you if that's what you want. Or since I'm the asshole that forgot, I can plan something for us."
She shakes her head, "No, no. It's already handled, you just need to show up. Honestly, Valentine's day isn't a big deal to me. I'm sort of using it as an excuse to do something special because I'll be gone for so long."
"You sure? I don't want you to be secretly miserable that I forgot. Just tell me if you need more from me, I'll make it happen."
"Jess, no pressure. Remember? You making time for me is enough. Now, let me in this house so I can help your sister with her homework. I've seen you try to do homework before and it mostly involved magic tricks. Those won't help her get through elementary school."
"You hating on my unorthodox methods? You know, magic exercises the brain and the body."
She laughs and rolls her eyes, "Let me in, please. I think my nipples are frozen. They might fall off soon."
"Yes ma'am. I do not want you losing those pretty little things. Bring them inside stat so I can warm them up for you," he winks and closes the window. She rolls her eyes but laughs and meets him at the door. He opens it and immediately pulls her into his warm embrace. She hums in satisfaction against his neck as his limbs heat her up all over. She pulls back slightly to talk.
"By the way, you'll need to pack an overnight bag for tomorrow. And I will pick you up from Luke's at 6pm."
He smirks and nods in confirmation, "It's a date, Gilmore."
"I can't wait. Now, what kind of homework do we have tonight?"
He rolls his eyes in exasperation, "Multiplying decimals, unfortunately. Not that I have ever needed to use those skills in all thirty-three years of my life. That's what calculators are for."
"Oh, I love decimals! So fun, let's go!" Rory beams, taking his hand.
Jess coughs behind her, muttering "Freak."
She turns and fixes him with the withering stare. He bites his lip and holds a hand up.
"Sorry. You're a beautiful, intelligent freak. But you are a freak, I won't take that back."
She pouts.
"Put that thing away," he points at her in faux sternness, "You're my freak. Does that make it better?"
And as her lips morph into a twinkling smile, he knows it does.
Rory wraps the blanket tighter around herself as she gazes out at her hometown, rocking slowly along the streets. Red and pink decorations are everywhere, cupids and hearts hanging from storefronts and street lamps. Even the bushes and trees have been covered in twinkling lights. It makes her smile and giggle a little bit at the thought of Taylor, a man with no regard for others' emotions most of the time, making a big deal out of the holiday every year - surely to bring in tourist money. Luckily, she knows from experience that Miss Patty is the mastermind behind turning Stars Hollow into a romantic hamlet, and her essence can be felt everywhere.
Rory has not been in town for this holiday since college, before dating Logan. When she wasn't quite dating and still felt stung from the loss of Jess, so she didn't participate in the festivities and avoided acknowledging the spirit of it all around her. But now she is on her way to pick Jess up for a lovely and hopefully lustful night together. The smile stays on her face as she passes Kirk's theater and sees the long line of couples waiting to watch The Philadelphia Story - one of her favorite films. If she didn't have other plans for her and Jess, she may have just made him suffer being in Kirk's presence to attend. She smiles wider as she sees Lane in line, snuggled into Zack. Her friend waves at her, throwing her a knowing wink with it.
She soon pulls up outside of Luke's, and not seeing Jess around yet she decides to run inside for a coffee.
"Hi Luke," she greets, walking up to the counter with a smile. He turns from the coffee machine and grins at her.
"Hey Rory. Perfect timing, I just brewed a fresh pot. We've been busy all day, you think these people would have better things to do," he mumbles, grabbing a paper cup and filling it for her.
"Well, nothing says romance like a small town diner."
Her joke elicits an uncharacteristic chuckle from Luke, and it makes her smile wider.
"And you seem to be in a good mood despite all these darn paying customers bothering you. Do you have something special planned for mom tonight?"
He leans on the counter in front of her and nods, "Don't tell her, but I convinced Kirk to do a second screening of The Philadelphia Story later tonight. Just for the two of us. Your mom was upset when that employee called out sick again and she realized she would miss the movie."
"Aw, Luke! That's so sweet. She will be so happy."
He shrugs, "I got her a sparkly bracelet too so if for some reason the movie's not enough, she'll be happy anyway."
"She does love anything shiny. You know your wife well."
Rory catches a genuine smile on his face and notices his chest heaves slightly.
"You okay?"
"Fine," he nods, and then quietly admits, "It's been three months already and I just never get tired of hearing her called that. My wife. Can't believe my luck sometimes."
She gulps down the emotions in her throat at his blatant adoration for her mother.
"That's beautiful, Luke. She feels the same way about you."
He smiles softly and taps her hand in thanks. As he stands up straight, his gaze catches something outside and his features turn to a scowl.
"Taylor! I told him if he wanted a horse, it couldn't be right in front of my diner. I thought we settled this years ago!" he grumbles and throws his kitchen towel on the counter, moving to no doubt confront Taylor at his ice cream shop.
"Luke! Wait!" Rory calls after him before he reaches the door, "That's my horse! Well, not mine. I'm borrowing him from the Inn, but I'm picking Jess up."
Luke stops and looks back and forth between her and the window.
"You're picking Jess up in…a horse drawn carriage?"
"You didn't," Jess's voice comes from behind her. She smiles sheepishly and turns to face him.
"I did. With mom's help, of course."
Jess smirks at her and walks forward to kiss her briefly on the lips, "Romantic. Do you want to go out and get a head start so I can jump in?"
She bites her bottom lip lightly and shakes her head, "It's not meant to be a reenactment, more like an homage."
Luke's grunt pulls them from their focus on each other, "Okay, clearly this is some sort of inside joke I'm not aware of. You two enjoy, though how sitting behind a horse's ass is somehow romantic is beyond me."
"Damn, Lorelai's a lucky woman. You're just oozing with passion."
Rory hits Jess lightly on the arm, "He has something very romantic planned for her. Leave him alone."
"Thanks Rory, but you don't need to give my nephew a hard time. I really enjoy doing it myself," he then turns to Jess, "you and that smart mouth better get out of here before I call Lorelai to give you all the gory details of how 'passionate' I can be. I would do it myself, but she has a special talent for lewdness."
Jess throws a hand up, "I'm out of here. I've got some passion to spread around myself. See ya, uncle Luke."
He grunts in response, while Jess takes Rory's hand and pulls her outside.
"Bye Luke! Have a nice night with my mom!" she calls before the diner door shuts behind them.
"So where are we heading, Cinderella?" Jess asks as the carriage begins to move. He places an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. She smiles and leans her head on him.
"Final destination is the Dragonfly."
"Final as in there are multiple stops?"
"Just one. Another silly and nostalgic stop."
Jess kisses the side of her head and holds her tighter against him, "Nothing about this night is silly. I'm already blown away. And feel like a major jerk that all I have for you is a small gift while you've planned something out of an Austen novel."
She looks up to meet his eyes, "Stop it. No pressure. I wanted to do all this."
He stares back into her eyes, questioning her without words.
"I'm leaving for at least three months," she says quietly, her voice bearing the hidden bit of insecurity she feels for the first time since receiving the assignment. He nods slowly in understanding and runs his hand soothingly up her arm.
"You're nervous."
She swallows, letting his intense gaze hold her steady, "It's a long time to be so far from everything I love. I've traveled for work before but…not like this."
His eyes roam softly over her face before he leans in to kiss her tenderly.
"The pros outweigh the cons, Ror."
She hesitates before nodding and moving her focus to their surroundings. Jess uses his free hand to turn her face back towards him.
"It's okay to be nervous. But remember all the reasons you're doing it. And remember how lost you felt just a month ago. You're meant to do this."
This time she nods in full agreement, and her body relaxes against him. He kisses her head again.
"And me, your mom, Luke and all the crazies here that love you will be here for you when you get back. Every single time."
She smiles and turns from him as the carriage slows to a stop. She leans down and moves the blanket off her legs to reveal a basket sitting on the floor.
"The bridge. The basket. I definitely recall this memory."
Rory grins up at him as she lifts the basket. He steps out of the carriage and holds a hand out to her.
"I also remember the food you tried to feed me was essentially poison and we got a pizza instead. Something tells me there's no pizza in that picnic basket, boo boo," he states as he helps her out and walks with her towards the middle of the bridge.
"No pizza, Yogi. But don't worry. The cooks at the Inn made this for us. It's totally safe."
"Good, I have a feeling food poisoning would put a damper on this evening."
After eating, the carriage brings them to the Dragonfly Inn. Jess is surprised when Rory takes him not in the building but around it, to a separated small building that resembles a cottage.
"Okay, I guess I should accept that you have somehow entered us into a Disney fairytale tonight. Or is this about to get Hansel and Gretel?"
Rory laughs as she walks them up to the entrance and pulls out a key, swiftly opening the door.
"No, we will not be entering any Grimm brothers territory tonight," she walks him into the suite and placing down her bag, she goes to the small table near the bed and pours them each a glass of the champagne that's waiting for them there.
"But I hope it won't feel very Disney for too long," she remarks with a sultry wink, holding a glass out to him. He bites his lip and takes the glass. His eyes roam over the room and then all over Rory's body. He tips his glass back and takes a messy sip before placing it back on the table. He rubs his thumb under his bottom lip to rid of the champagne that dripped there, then moves that same thumb to Rory's lips. She blushes but parts her lips without question. Staring at the arousal on his face as she licks the bubbly taste off his finger.
"I missed your mouth," he mumbles, removing his thumb to trace her lips. She gives him a sympathetic sigh.
"I missed yours too. How is everything going here? I know you've been busy."
He shrugs and removes his coat, "Let's not talk about that now. We have other things to focus on."
She giggles and rolls her eyes, "Come on, talk to me a little. I want to drink some more champagne, and it would be nice if I can warm up enough to feel my own skin, let alone yours."
He sighs and nods in agreement, picking up his glass and sipping as he takes in more of his surroundings.
"It's nice and convenient that this room has a fireplace. Want me to start it up?"
"Yes, please! And I will sit right here and watch you be all manly."
He laughs and places his drink down to take care of it.
"You know, it's not that laborious. We're not in the woods. It will take me less than a minute.."
Rory removes her coat and shoes and reclines on the bed, facing him with her drink in her hand.
"And I'm going to enjoy every second of it, mister."
He shakes his head, amused, and crouches down to start it.
"I can't believe your mom let you do this. I know she's more supportive now, but this is essentially her giving us…a place to fuck."
Rory puts a hand over her mouth to keep the sip of champagne she just drank from spewing out.
"It's romantic! She supports romance. It's not just to…have sex. It's to spend time together. Just the two of us, somewhere special, without being disturbed."
"Uh huh," he gets the fire lit and stands up to sit next to her, "sounds to me like she handed you the keys to a love shack."
"Don't be gross."
"Nothing about us having sex is gross."
"Drink your champagne," she picks his glass back up and hands it to him.
"Sure thing sergeant Gilmore."
"Jess," she ignores his comment and regards him seriously, "Tell me how things have been. We haven't seen each other since January, and we haven't spoke much lately. Which is totally fine, I'm not giving you a hard time. I just want to know."
He stares at the bubbles moving around in his glass in silence for a minute before he responds.
"Things have been…okay. I think I told you we convinced Liz and TJ to start marriage counseling, on Luke's dime of course. But they've been going to every appointment. So that's good."
"Good. And Doula?"
"She's good. They talked to her, and she knows they are getting help. It made her a little nervous because she has friends with parents that have divorced, but overall, she's alright. Doesn't know about the drinking."
"And Liz is still drinking?"
Jess shrugs, "It seems like it. We're hoping TJ will bring it up in counseling and we can start working through it that way. If we try to talk her into getting help just for her drinking she will not be receptive. Not yet anyway."
Rory nods and puts a hand on his leg, gripping him in support.
"You guys are doing your best. And I'm sure she is too."
He places a hand over hers and nods in response.
"And how's work?"
He runs a hand through his hair and sighs, "I got pretty set back around the holidays. Still trying to dig my way out unfortunately."
"That sucks. Do the guys at work know what's going on?"
"They know enough. They're being cool about it. But I don't want to put any of us in a shitty position."
"Sorry for pulling you away from work tonight. You can leave if you need to."
He turns his body towards her and shakes his head.
"No way. I wouldn't get any work done anyway, thinking about you and your delicious body lying here without me."
She bites her lip and breaks into a full blush at his words. He places his champagne glass down on the table next to him, then leans over and grabs her glass to do the same. Rory reclines back more on her pillow as Jess hovers over her body, his weight on one arm next to her. He takes his free hand and cups her face, while his lips glide over her soft neck. He places gentle kisses all over it, and she closes her eyes at the sensation, her arms draped around his neck. His lips move from her neck to her mouth, and his hand begins to roam around her body. She enjoys everything he's doing, but her mind is stuck on something so her hands don't move from his neck. After a few minutes, he pulls his face from hers and looks into her eyes.
"What's going on in there?" he asks quietly, running callused fingers down her cheek. She stares back at him for a moment and then smiles.
"I have an idea."
"Oh? Something sexual?"
"No, something to help you with work actually."
He looks at her incredulously, "I can't believe you were thinking about work with my hand in your pants. I'm disappointed in myself."
She laughs, "Jess, I'm serious. I'm going to another country and for the most part I will be alone. And to be honest I'm not the best at making new friends, so I'm sure I will have a lot of time to myself while I'm there. Why don't you give me or email me some manuscripts to work on while I'm there? To help you out."
He looks her face over, comprehending her offer. Then he exhales slowly.
"Rory, I appreciate you. So much. But I don't know if that's a good idea."
"Why not? You don't think I would be good at it?"
"No, not that at all. I'm sure you would be better than me. But I would feel terrible to take away from your work and your experiences. And I'm not sure if I would be able to get the guys on board fast enough, plus not sure what we would be able to pay you."
"Let me help you. You don't even have to tell the guys, I don't care about getting paid. Are there manuscripts that you just need someone to edit for basic stuff, like spelling and grammar? I would be excellent at that."
"You're offering too much. It's not fair to you, whether you see that or not."
Rory rolls her eyes, exasperated, "Jess. You have been knocking into my head for the last few months that getting help is not a bad thing. Would you take your own damn advice?"
He goes to speak but pauses, realizing that he doesn't have much to stand on against her words. He sighs again, this time in reluctant agreement.
"Okay, but I have to pay you something. No way would I feel okay with you helping me for free."
She brings a hand to his face and breaks into a seductive smile.
"I know how you can pay me," her eyes move to where their hips are resting on each other. Jess catches her gaze, and then looks up to smirk at her.
"Miss Gilmore, are you propositioning me?"
"Maybe…" her tone is sweet, but everything about the look on her face conveys the truth to him. He raises his eyebrows and clicks his tongue before slowly moving himself down the length of her body. He lifts her shirt slightly and kisses her at the junction of her hips. He unbuttons and unzips her jeans, then tugs them down her legs with her underwear until he's standing in front of the bed with them in his hands. He tosses them on the floor. He leans down towards the bed and places his hands on her ankles.
"Baby, you don't know what you're asking for."
She yelps as he pulls her down the bed until her legs hang off.
"What are you doing?" she asks, as she watches him grab an ottoman from across the room and drag it in front of the bed. He situates himself right between her legs.
"Paying you in advance," he states as though it's obvious, taking one of her legs and placing it on his shoulder, giving him even better access to her sex.
"Jess-" she starts to tell him that she was only joking, but it turns into a moan as he inches his face closer and licks teasingly around her lips.
"You ready?" his voice is deep and potent, and it makes her look down to meet his hungry gaze.
"For what?"
"I'm going to give you an orgasm for every month you'll be gone," he runs his tongue down the full length of her lips, "and then a couple more to express my gratitude."
Her skin crimsons from her chest up, eyes widening at his promise.
"Jesus Jess, am I going to be able to walk tomorrow?" she asks, the curiosity in her voice giving away excitement. She watches as he smirks, mouth inches from her center.
"That almost sounds like challenge," he mumbles with a raised brow, "Is that what you want, Rory? You want to walk around Stars Hollow on shaky legs, want to sit on a chair at Luke's drinking coffee, browse around the bookstore - with the memory of tonight aching between your legs?"
Before she has a chance to respond to his lasciviousness, he grabs her at the hips and hoists her right against his mouth. She whimpers at the feel of his breath on her, lifting her other leg up to rest on his shoulder, desperate for contact.
"That's so wrong," is all the response she can muster, but it's weak and wispy and it makes his smirk widen.
"But you do want it, don't you?" he sticks out his tongue and moves his whole head in a circle as he swipes her clit, "Tell me."
She only moans in response. He pulls his face away slightly, allowing air to tease across the wetness he left there. She whimpers quietly and squeezes her thighs against his head. He chuckles darkly.
"I need to know what you want before I start. What if I decide to go all soft and gentle with you all night, will you be disappointed tomorrow?"
"Jess…" she whines, looking down at him. She's greeted by a blazing in his eyes and mischief written all over his face.
"Come on, tell me baby," he pleads, stroking a finger through her wetness before pushing it gently in her, "I can go soft and slow, really take my time with you."
She bites her lip and watches as he goes in and out. She shakes her head and bucks her hips slightly.
"No?" he raises an eyebrow and adds another finger, stroking her with more force, "You want it a little rough, don't you? Sweet Rory wants to feel this for days, huh?"
She groans, skin hot and flushed all over. With a frustrated edge she grunts, "Yes! Please. I need more."
He pulls his fingers out abruptly and pulls her back up to his mouth, "So sexy. I'm going to give you exactly what you want," he promises and punctuates it with a small bite of her clit, "anything your dirty heart desires, baby." And before she can open her mouth to start begging him again, he gets to work doing just that.
Two orgasms later, she squirms as Jess continues lapping her up. She's sensitive and tender in all the right places, so his seemingly gentle licks feel like full on assaults to her nerves. She moves a hand to his head with a groan, grabbing his hair to slow him down.
"Jess, it's too much. So sensitive. Your tongue feels…like a baseball bat," she mutters between labored breaths. He chuckles and switches to soft kisses as he grabs her right leg by the calf, removing it from his shoulder to hang off the bed. He leans back and pushes her legs apart more. He kisses along the leg still resting on his shoulder as he pushes two fingers inside her. She gasps softly and relaxes back on the bed.
"This better baby?"
"Mhm," she hums in response, her senses slowly recovering. He runs his lips along her leg, tongue flitting out every so often as he strokes within her. When she feels relaxed around his fingers again, he kisses his way down her leg and back to her center.
"Oh god," she moans as his tongue traces her clit, her head falls forward and she watches him from behind strands of her hair, "I didn't think you meant to do this with just your mouth. Aren't you thirsty?"
He smiles, dragging his tongue from her clit to her entrance. He pulls back with a shrug, "A little champagne wouldn't hurt. Can you hand me some?"
"I think I'd do anything for you after those two insane orgasms," she admits with a blush as she reaches over and grabs the whole bottle from the nearby table to hand to him.
"Anything, huh?" he smirks, then tilts the bottle back and takes a few sips.
"Short of murder, yes."
He laughs and places the bottle on the floor, then puts his head back between her legs.
"What I want is to make you come like this one more time, and then I want you to let me inside you and I'll give you the next two like that. Sound good?" he asks, but it's clear he doesn't care about the answer as he closes his wet lips around her clit and starts sucking.
"Jesus, yes yes. Anything you want," she groans. She can feel the leftover chilled bubbles from the champagne on his tongue as he licks her in circles, and it makes goosebumps erupt all over her body. He switches from sucking to soft nibbling, and he reaches across her body with one hand to squeeze and roll her nipple between his fingers. She sits up to give him better access, throwing her head back as he tugs gently at her breast and sucks incessantly with his tongue.
Suddenly she's at the edge again, legs twitching erratically as he brings her closer. He switches to dragging his tongue in heavy strokes against her clit, while he uses his free hand to find the sensitive spot inside her and stroke it at the same time. It quickly brings her to another climax; she calls his name so loud it bounces off the walls of the room. Jess breaks into a smug smirk as he gently runs his hands up and down her legs.
"That's three. For the months you'll be gone," he carefully removes the leg that was still resting on his shoulder and stands up to take off his clothes, "it's time for two more. To show you my appreciation."
She watches him undress, taking deep breaths to slow her racing heart. She's spent already, but her desire to feel his body on hers is stronger than her need for rest.
"You okay?" Jess asks, realizing that she's staring at him and hasn't said anything yet.
She nods slowly, eyes roaming over him.
"I love your body," it comes out in a shy whisper, and if she wasn't already red from what he just did to her, she would surely be blushing. His lips perk up in a genuine smile.
"I love yours too," he replies, pulling his last piece of clothing off. He kneels on the bed and leans down to hover his body over hers.
"I'm going to miss it," she pouts, looking up at him. He releases a low chuckle but nods in agreement.
"I'm going to miss yours too. But we'll make this a tradition. Before every assignment. Number of orgasms for months gone," he winks and lowers his head to kiss her.
It suddenly hits her hard. Her new future as a traveling journalist. All the time she will be away, when she finally feels like she's on the right track with someone. Her nerves have been inundated, and her body has become so soft, so relaxed that she has no strength to stop the feelings from erupting. Jess pulls back from her lips as wetness hits against his cheek.
"Rory? Baby, what's wrong? Did I do something?" He searches her face and when she doesn't respond, he moves his body from on top of her to next to her. He faces her and places a hand on her face to turn it towards him. She shakes her head.
"It's stupid, I'm sorry for ruining the moment. I'm being silly."
"Stop. Those things aren't true. Please tell me what's wrong," he implores, wiping a finger across her cheeks.
"It's ridiculous. I'm really excited to finally embark on my dream career. But I don't know. The reality of it just kind of hit me."
He listens intently, giving her space and time to asses her own thoughts and feelings.
"I'm going to be gone a lot. Everything is so good between us. And you make me so happy. How can what we have be sustained when I'm hardly ever going to be around? And those thoughts frustrate me too because I pride myself on being independent and I always thought when it came down to it, I would put my career first. But thinking about it now…it's scary, Jess."
He takes a deep breath and then leans over to pepper kisses on her face.
"It's only scary because it's the unknown. But it won't be for long."
She sniffs, thinking over his words. Then she says timidly, "I know you probably don't want to hear about this but when Logan moved to London while we were dating…it was hard. It was difficult to coordinate times to talk. His work always came first, and I was really busy with school. We just sort of struggled."
He looks over her face, "What happened to all the confidence you had in us when we talked on Christmas? What happened to no pressure because we support each other in everything? You know we're going to be okay. I can't make any promises as to what it's all going to look like, and I definitely can't promise that it's going to be easy, but it's you and me, Rory. It's not you and Logan."
He watches as she worries her bottom lip, but the tears at least have ceased.
He adds quietly, "We have to trust each other's investment in us."
Slowly, her mouth shifts to a weak smile and she nods.
"You're so right. God, I'm still doing that comparison thing aren't I? I'm sorry."
He doesn't have a verbal response to this, instead he meets her lips and kisses her deeply. She meets this with equal force, and she runs her hands all over his chest, back and abs. She's quickly turned on again and lifts a leg to wrap around him and bring his body closer to hers.
"I brought condoms this time," Jess mumbles against her mouth, "it's pathetic you have been providing them so far. Sorry."
She giggles in response and pushes him away slightly.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that."
He looks down at her inquisitively, "about me not being prepared? I'll reimburse you for using your supply."
She laughs and rolls her eyes, "No, Jess. About using them."
He stares down at her.
"I'm going to need you to give me a clue here."
"Well, since traveling internationally is in my job description, I had to get blood work done when I was hired."
"Uh huh."
"So, I know for a fact that I'm clean."
He nods, "I am too. But what about - "
"I'm back on birth control. I have been for over a month, which is how long they say to wait for full effectiveness."
He smiles softly and runs a hand through her hair, "are you sure you're comfortable with this? With you know…all you've been through."
"You're the one that just reminded me that this is different. I trust you. I'm comfortable doing this with you. There may be times where I want you to use protection still, but again, I trust you. I know you won't deceive me at all."
He kisses her hard.
"And…I want to know what you really feel like. So I can think about it while I'm gone," she bites her lip, pupils widening as though she's fantasizing about it already.
"Jesus," his eyes roll back slightly at her sensual admission, "well how can I deny you that, baby?"
He covers her mouth with his, kissing her ferociously as one of his hands travels down her body. He pushes on her thigh and she quickly parts her legs to him more. His hand massages between her lips tenderly, evoking gentle moans and whimpers from her. He slows his kissing down to match the speed and touch of his hand. She trembles underneath him, the softness and care he's showing her gripping at her rib cage. She uses the leg wrapped around his body to urge him closer.
"Someone's impatient," he smirks as he pulls back from her, setting himself between her legs.
"And someone still owes me two orgasms."
"Oh, he's going to give them to you alright," he mutters as he grasps her thigh, edging himself closer to her center. He brings his free hand to her clit and runs his fingers in light strokes over it.
"Please Jess," she groans, lifting her hips. He enters her then, while still rubbing her lightly. He groans in relief at finally being inside her. He sits back and watches as he thrusts in and out of her at a steady pace. They've never been physically closer, and that fact escalates their arousal on top of everything else they're feeling. He grows harder and increases the pace of his thrusts and his fingers around her clit.
"Rory," he pants, and her eyes snap up to meet his, dark and dilated.
"Jess," she moans in response, turned on further by his complete attention.
"It feels so fucking good," he thrusts into her hard, and she nods in agreement, but he continues, "so good that you trust me."
She looks at him with wonder, not having expected those words to come out of his mouth. She assumed he was commenting on the physical feeling of her wet heat surrounding his naked erection, which has her personally reeling; but to hear those words is even better. Clearly it's a layer of intimacy more significant to him than what their bodies are doing. She can feel the sparks of their connection firing, it tingles from her head to toe. It grows stronger the longer she stares into his intense, consuming stare. His dark eyes stay locked on her, absorbing every inch of her he can; soaking in the energy their bodies are creating.
She has no words for the emotions he's wrung from her, but it prickles and builds strongly enough throughout her that she finds herself coming undone again. He reaches his release at the same time, and they tremble together, bodies hot and entwined. Their gazes stay fixed the whole time, fully grasping, for a moment, the magnitude of their feelings for each other.