thank you for reviews/reading!

I know you are waiting for these two to reunite soooo let's not waste any more time ;)

Rated M scene ahead

enjoy xoxo

disclaimer: I own nothing


With hot, happy tears in her eyes and a wild thumping in her chest, Rory rushes through the airport. She knows from experience where baggage claim is now, which is a godsend given the blurring of her vision. She didn't text or call him, but she just knows he will be waiting for her there. Because he loves her, because he cares. She's sure that he's probably been tracking her flight just as frequently as she checked the inflight map while on the plane. She got no sleep and yet she feels wholly invigorated. The sweatshirt she's wearing still smells like him and the scent drives her on through the crowds and around obstacles of what currently feels like the largest airport in the world.

And then, as she descends the escalator to baggage claim, she feels his eyes on her. She stops running down the moving steps to furiously wipe at her tears until she can look up and see him clearly. It's much different from when Lorelai picked her up last time; there's no sign, no loud cheering or obnoxious waving. There's just him, clad in an arm hugging, dark green t-shirt, black jeans and the always reliable boots; and on his face, the most tender smile she's ever received from him. And somehow he alone in this way makes her feel just as loved and warmly welcomed home as her mom did.

They keep eye contact as they both walk towards each other. The words in his email ring in her head, I will always put in as much work as you and she thinks this is perfectly symbolic of that. Neither of them is waiting for the other to bridge the gap; they will always meet in the middle no matter the situation. As she gets closer, the blinding tears are back, and she increases her speed until she's close enough to launch herself into him. He doesn't let her down as he catches her safely in his arms, holding her close with one comforting hand at the back of her head and the other snugly around her waist. Her arms hold tightly around his neck as she unleashes elated tears against his shoulder. He inhales deeply against her hair and runs his fingers soothingly through her silky strands.

She pulls her head back to look at him once her tears subside. She can read the look in his eyes. It's pure vulnerability and she thinks she has never seen him look as beautiful as he does now. Without another thought, her lips find his and lock him in a passionate kiss. She can feel as his body relaxes against hers, as any concern that his words came too late fades. When they break apart he brings his hands to hold her face, brushing his thumbs under her eyes. But she speaks before he can say anything.

"Jess…your words," her chest heaves slightly with the swell of passion she feels. She holds his soft stare, "I…don't have words for your words. Or what they made me feel. Anything I can come up with isn't enough, and I'm sure even if I had access to the largest thesaurus in the world, I still wouldn't find the right words to express myself."

He regards her intensely, moving one hand through her hair until it rests protectively on her neck. His mesmerizing crooked grin appears slowly.

"I think a speechless Gilmore girl tells me exactly how you feel, actually."

Her eyes switch their focus from his eyes to his mouth before she leans in to kiss him again, biting gently at his bottom lip. His mouth looks slightly swollen as she pulls away, and she admires it with a pleased smile. However, his expression becomes more stoic.

"I did it all out of order. I'm sorry."

She shakes her head.

"No. You didn't. You did it the way that felt right, and that's perfect."

"Perfect? Giving you a hard time and making you feel like I don't trust you because I was feeling insecure? Because I failed to properly share my feelings with you?"

She half shrugs.

"Perfectly imperfect. It's us."

His face lifts up, mouth on the brink of a smirk. He leans down to kiss her gently. He pulls back and moves his hands down her body, down the length of her arms until he's holding both of her hands.

"Rory, I love you."

She smiles wide at him, "So I've heard. In any way, shape, or form apparently."

"In every way, shape, and form," he confirms, voice deep and assertive.

She melts, and ardently grasps his rough hands.

"And I love you, Jess. In every way, shape, and form."

His mouth grows into a joyful, genuine smile. He takes her in his arms again and practically lifts her off the floor while kissing her deeply. He carefully sets her down and nods towards the revolving baggage claim belt where only her lavender colored suitcase remains.

"Let's get your stuff and get out of here, baby."

She blushes with a shy grin and walks with him, hand in hand to get her luggage.

As they walk out towards the parking garage at the airport, she pulls the piece of paper out of her purse that she wrote for him the other day. She holds it out to him.

"This is for you. I guess we both had similar ideas about how to communicate with each other. It's so much easier to sort out your thoughts when you have the luxury of time and an eraser, isn't it?"

He takes it curiously, with a tame smile on his face at her words.

"It sure is."

He opens it as they enter the garage elevator. He reads the beginning of it, and then folds it back up and puts it in his jeans pocket. He pulls her into his side and kisses her head.

"I'll read that later. I respectfully don't want to think about any of that right now. I just want to think about you, and us."

She softens and nods, "Okay."

The elevator opens up, and Jess holds it open for Rory to step out. He follows with her suitcase and leads the way to the car with her hand in his. She starts to get curious as she notices the level of the garage they are on is almost completely empty, and even more curious when Jess stops in front of a car that's not hers.

"What is this?" she looks up at him. He smirks and uses the key to pop open the trunk. She looks the vehicle over and notices it's an older car and looks a little rough around the edges. Her jaw drops and she turns sharply to Jess.

"You did not get an old, beat up car while I was gone!"

He grins and shrugs.

"I seem to remember a certain fantasy of yours involving a dilapidated vehicle. I thought, what better way for us to come together again? Literally," he winks.

She blinks up at him in disbelief.

"Not to be rude, but where did you get money to just buy a car outright? Especially since you just got yourself a bike in the spring. And we're moving into a nice apartment. Are you secretly a millionaire? Did you inherit something from an old, mysterious, single woman that's a little scary and always wears the wedding dress from when she was left at the altar?"

He laughs heartily and shakes his head.

"No, I did not secretly have a Miss Havisham in my life. This I actually got from Chris. He likes to work on cars in his spare time, and he had this sitting around. He gave it to me with the promise that we will babysit any time him and his wife come up to New York City."

"Oh my god, please don't tell me you told him why you wanted the car…" she begs, eyes wide and anxious. He shakes his head and kisses her quickly.

"No. Promise. I just told him I felt bad relying on using your car all the time. Which isn't exactly a lie."

She relaxes and smiles, "Oh Jess, your friends are so nice! And don't feel bad about using my car, ever."

"I don't have to now. At least for a little while, depending on how long this old thing lasts," he pats its roof.

Rory looks over it and asks nervously, "This car is going to get us home, right?"

She looks back up at him when she doesn't get a response. His eyes have darkened and the look he is giving her is severe.

"What?" she asks, "Is there something on my face?"

He shakes his head.

"This car will get us where we need to go safely, yes. But after we christen it."

Her eyes widen and she blushes, her head spins around to survey the area.

"Here?! In public?"

He smirks and takes her hand. He opens the door to the back seat, and points to its window.

"Tinted. See? And I parked all the way at the top on purpose. No one will be coming up here, and if they do, they won't see a thing."

Her blush increases, heat practically radiating off her face. She bites her lip and crawls into the backseat. He follows and closes the door behind them. He's grateful the old car has a wide, bench like backseat as he lays her down on her back. He smiles over her, taking in her pink cheeks and excited grin. His hands frame her head, fingers brushing against pieces of her hair.

"Kiss me," she pleads, staring at the beautiful curves of his mouth. He immediately fulfills her request, tasting her sweet tongue and tugging gently on her soft lips. He feels her hand move between them, and her fingers make quick work of the button and zipper of his jeans, he helps her push them down his thighs without breaking their kiss. He wastes no time in finding the band of her cotton joggers, and she lifts her hips up as he pulls them down with her light blue thong. He pulls away from her to sit back against the door and take her pants all the way off. He tosses them on the floor of the car and moves back towards her again. She lifts her legs to wrap around him as he settles between her hips. Just as he's about to enter her, he curses.

"Shit, I forgot protection. I'm sorry. What do you want to do?"

She smiles at his thoughtfulness but shakes her head, her hands tangle in his hair.

"It's okay. We're safe. Please, I want you inside me," she begs, pushing her hips against him. He grins mischievously, teasing her entrance with the tip, moving up and down against her lips. She groans.

"Teenage you would not have teased me like this, we would have been having sex by now! You're messing with the fantasy, you know."

He chuckles and leans down to kiss her.

"I'm sorry. You're right. I would have wasted no time," he grunts as he finally pushes inside of her. She moans, "Yes, ugh I missed you."

"I missed you too. So much," he kisses her, "cross your ankles, baby, pull me closer."

She does as he says, until he's pressed flush against her throbbing center. She purrs out his name.

"Anything else I should know about this fantasy? I want to make sure this lives up to your expectations completely," he whispers the question in her ear, thrusting every few words. She bites her lip and hums with her eyes closed, enjoying the fullness and the pressure of his body against hers. After a moment she opens her eyes and nods.

"Don't be gentle."

He pauses his movements, eyebrow raised in surprise at this request.

"No?"

"No. I never imagined you as gentle. I love it when you are, but gentle isn't part of this fantasy."

"Okay," he starts thrusting again, this time harder than before, "as you wish."

She makes a sound of gratification beneath him and arches her back to take all of what he's giving her. He moves a hand under her head and grabs her hair, tugging it until her chin is up and he has full access to her neck. She whimpers as he licks and bites mercilessly, surely leaving a mark but that only adds to the experience for her. He pumps into her with power, seemingly uninhibited by the cramped space they are in. His hips meet hers repeatedly, hitting her pulsating clit perfectly with every thrust. One hand still pulls at her hair, causing a pleasantly dull ache at the crown of her head. Combined with the elated feeling of being together again, after everything they went through and everything he willingly shared with her, her whole body vibrates with pleasure.

His other hand sits propped next to her head, holding his body up above her. Her eyes wander between the ceiling and the outlines of his muscles, on full display as he uses all of his strength. He lifts his mouth from her neck momentarily.

"Touch yourself for me, baby. I need both my hands to give you what you want."

"I don't need to, I'm already close. Just keep giving it to me like this, please Jess," she grunts out in response, tightening the grip of her legs around his waist.

"Fuck, you're so sexy," he murmurs against her skin. He bends his arms until he's resting his forearms against the seat on each side of her head. He moves a hand to grip her neck, and the other grabs more of her hair and pulls harder. He uses this leverage to drive into her, and she moans his name repeatedly, her voice getting higher as she gets closer to her end.

"Yes, yes - come for me, Rory. I can feel you're so close. Is this how you wanted it? Hard and rough, huh baby? Do you love it? Tell me, Rory."

His words add to her pleasure, and she confirms, in a high-pitched tremble, "Yes, Jess, yes! I love it. Oh my god, it's so fucking good."

Suddenly, her breath catches as she reaches her orgasm. She comes undone beneath him, and a pleasurable, drawn-out cry emanates from her. He finishes with an animalistic groan as she clenches tight around him. He slowly pumps through the end of his own orgasm, and with a deep breath he relaxes his hands and falls carefully on top of her.

"I love you," he kisses her lips, then leans his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder. Her heart skips a beat, and she has to swallow before she can respond.

"I love you too."

"Was that everything you dreamed of?" he murmurs against her ear, kissing it so softly she tingles all over.

"Better. Much better."


She sleeps through most of the drive, comforted by her happy reunion with Jess, the vibrating rumbles of the old car and the warmth of the early fall sun through the windshield. She doesn't notice that they are driving in the opposite direction of New York until they are almost to their destination, as she wakes up with a stretch and a yawn. She blinks away her lethargy and looks around at the areas passing by her window. Her mouth perks up as she recognizes her surroundings.

"We're going to Stars Hollow?"

He looks around and shrugs, "huh. Must have taken a wrong exit."

Her face scrunches up as she scrutinizes him.

"What's going on?"

He shrugs, "It was an honest mistake. Want me to turn around?"

"No!" she exclaims, and he smirks, "I want to go to Stars Hollow! I just think you're up to something. You're being all mysterious."

"When am I ever mysterious?"

She rolls her eyes.

"Only every moment since I've met you."

"Hmm you're right. It's charming, isn't it?"

She can't help grinning.

"It is, but only because I know it means you're doing something nice that you don't want credit for."

"This, whatever it is, is definitely something I don't deserve credit for."

"Whatever it is?! Jess, I've had enough surprises to last a lifetime this week. I'm going to have a heart attack. Tell me!"

"Relax, Gilmore," he reaches over and places a calming hand on her leg, "we're at our first stop anyway."

"First stop?" she asks, and looks up to see he is pulling up to a very familiar place, "my mom's house? What comes after this?"

Jess chuckles and shakes his head, getting out of the car and coming around to help her out of it, "Come on. I'm not sure what is waiting for you here, but something is."

She follows him with excited anticipation but is surprised to find the house empty once they get inside.

"Where is everyone?"

Jess turns on the lights and nods towards her room, "Can't answer that, but I do know you need to go to your bedroom."

She sighs and does as he says. When she opens her door, she is greeted by a beautiful dress spread out on her old bed, with a small note on top.

Welcome home from the UK! Did you save the Queen? Someone's got to do it for Sid already! Anyway, I look forward to hearing about your trip, and about making up with Jess (because there is no world in which you don't!) but first: a small, early birthday gift for my lovely daughter. Because you never know when you will be the belle of the ball! (hint: put it on now.)

Love, Mom - the woman with incredible taste that just knows this dress will look good with your eyes, your skin tone, and oh yeah, also make Jess even crazier for you!

With a wide smile, Rory picks up the blue dress from the bed. She quickly disrobes and gets into it. Stepping in front of the mirror, she admires the vivid royal blue of it, the way the neckline dips just low enough to show the top of her cleavage but still at her comfort level, how it sits snug against her body until it pops out at the perfect point of her waist into a fun little flare, and the slightly off the shoulder sleeves. She lets out a small excited screech, loving how pretty, youthful, and delightfully feminine she feels. The door creaks open and she turns to see Jess looking inside at her. His mouth opens slightly, and his eyes widen as he takes all of her in. She smirks and does a quick spin.

"Mom got it for me. She told me to put it on right away."

Jess pushes the door open more and walks inside, not taking his eyes off of her. He pulls her close and kisses her hard. They part and he once again looks her up and down, then finally looks her in the eyes earnestly.

"You are…bewitching."

She cocks her eyebrow but smiles, "Not the word I expected, but thank you.

"Sorry. Beautiful isn't enough, but you are that too," he kisses her quickly then takes one of her hands, "come on. Time for the next stop."

"Wait! I don't know where we're going, but I can't go in this gorgeous dress without putting any makeup or cute shoes on. I need fifteen minutes. Is that okay?"

He shrugs, "Sure. Even though you look great already."

"I want to look as great as you make me feel. This will help. Fifteen minutes," she promises with a smile, and then runs out and up to her mom's room to borrow makeup and shoes. Jess picks up the note on the bed and reads Lorelai's words. He chuckles at her signoff, and then lays back on the bed to wait for Rory. He thinks about the note that she wrote him, that's sitting in his pocket still. He knows it won't be anything bad or hurtful, but he just can't bring himself to let Logan be any part of this day, and he's sure there are details in there about their meetup. Minutes later he hears the telltale clacking of shoes and then Rory pops into the room, "Ready!"

"That was fast."

"I forget that it's much easier to get ready when you're not living directly out of a disorganized suitcase."

"You? Disorganized?" He questions in disbelief as they get back in the car.

"Not on purpose! It's hard to keep those things straight. I've tried all kinds of separators and travel friendly containers from amazon, but nothing can seem to keep the one top that I really want to wear from inexplicably disappearing into the very bottom of my suitcase!"

"That is a predicament if I've ever heard one."

"Yes, so I gave up. But when I stay in places for long periods of time I do actually put my stuff away. Where are we going by the way?"

"Good try, though you're an intelligent woman who is extremely familiar with this town and I'm sure you can guess where we are heading based solely on the direction of the road we're traveling," Jess surmises, gesturing to their surroundings as he drives the old car slowly through town.

"I could. But I won't. Even though I don't like surprises, I hate spoiling them for myself more."

"Well, you don't have to spoil the location for yourself now because we are here."

She watches as he turns onto the long driveway that leads up to the Dragonfly Inn. She bounces in her seat.

"I'm so excited! I don't know what's happening, but I'm so excited!"

"I thought you had enough excitement for one week and were going to have a heart attack?" he jokes, pulling up and into a parking spot.

"I might but I bet it will be worth it! Let's go."

He laughs as she jumps out of the car.

"You don't even know what we're doing or where we're going specifically."

"Yes, but I know if it's here it involves my mom, and I can't wait to see her!"

He locks the car and holds his hand out to her. She takes it and tugs him towards the Inn.

"You're going to break my wrist if you pull any harder, woman."

She smiles guiltily back at him and slows down, "Sorry! I need to know what's happening."

"Then let me lead the way," he tugs at her now, pulling her to the side of the Inn instead of the entrance.

"But the door-"

"Shhhh."

As they come around the corner of the building, Rory hears the beginning sounds of the song "Killer Queen". Then, when they finally reach the 'backyard' of the Inn, she is greeted by a loud and happy 'surprise'. She jumps and gapes as she takes in the party before her. The outdoor dining area is decked out in pink and glitter, there's a cake as big as her whole body towering in a corner, and a big, sparkly banner that says "Happy Birthday Reigning Lorelai!". She notices the music is live and turns her head to see Lane and the boys playing the Queen song for her. And in front and center of it all is her mom with a huge grin on her face, a pink feather boa around her neck. In one hand she has a wand with a star on the end, and the other waves rapidly. Rory covers her mouth with her hand and looks up at Jess. He grins and nods towards Lorelai.

"All her. I told you I don't deserve any credit."

Rory immediately turns back and runs towards her mom who holds her arms wide open to her. She jumps into her and squeezes her as tight as she can.

"Oh my god, Mom! This is amazing. Thank you so much!"

Lorelai squeezes her in return, "Happy birthday, honey."

Rory steps back and smiles at her mom, then surveys the area around her. She gasps when she spots her grandmother. Emily waves and steps closer to her.

"Grandma! It's so good to see you!" she wraps her up in a warm hug. Emily holds her and pats her on the back.

"Well, I wouldn't miss a combined birthday and coronation party," Emily pulls back from her and looks pointedly at Lorelai, "though I still don't understand how you can be the reigning Lorelai if you mother is still alive."

"Jeez mom, why don't you just hire a hitman now?"

"Don't be ridiculous, I don't want you dead! That's just the usual process of things."

Lorelai grins at Rory, "we don't like to do things 'as usual'."

Emily rolls her eyes, "Boy, do I know that. Anyway, don't spend all your time with me, go mingle with your guests. I can entertain myself just fine."

"Wait, Grandma. I want you to meet someone. Or, well. Re-meet him I guess," Rory turns and waves for Jess to come over, who is talking to Luke near the cake. He smiles but when he sees who she is with, it drops slightly in apprehension. She gives him a look and waves him towards her again. He takes a deep breath and nods, finally walking over to them. He steps close next to Rory, and she places a calming hand on his arm.

"Grandma, this is Jess. We are in a relationship," she says diplomatically. He turns to Emily with a nod and small smile, and she surprises them both by returning it.

"You don't have to sound so tactful about it, Rory. This man is your boyfriend, is he not?"

She blushes slightly in embarrassment, "Yes. He's my boyfriend. We dated before, when we were teenagers. I don't know if you remember him."

Jess nods slightly, "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Gilmore."

"Nice to see you again too, Jess," she grins smugly, "you look much better without a black eye."

Rory's mouth opens, but Jess's response of laughter quiets her.

"Thanks, I've managed to steer clear of them since that night."

"Well, that's good to hear. Tell me, what kind of work do ex-punks do now?"

Rory once again opens her mouth to defend him, but he answers before she gets the chance.

"I don't know about others, but I'm a writer and a partner of a publishing company. It's called Truncheon and is based in Philadelphia, but I work with clients and represent our company in New York City."

Rory smiles softly, realizing that there's no need to prepare for a fight or anything. Jess is grown and fully capable of politely sparring with Emily as necessary.

"A publishing company? Well, it may not be as fruitful as one would like but it certainly is a perfect match for our Rory. She loves her books."

Rory and Jess exchange knowing smiles.

"He's a great writer too, Grandma. He's published three books of his own, all of them so profound and intellectual. I sent copies to Grandpa over the years, and he liked them too."

Jess turns to her in surprise at her admission. She shoots him a quick, sweet look.

Emily's face softens, "Well then. You must be a fantastic writer. My husband was a tough critic. Especially of contemporary works, classics had his heart."

Jess turns back to Emily bashfully, with a small shrug.

"I do my best."

"You're certainly much more modest than most male authors, in my experience. And more than other men Rory has dated," Emily shoots her a look and Rory's jaw drops slightly. Before she can reply, Emily turns back and speaks again, "That's refreshing. So, Jess, any plans to open a storefront in New York?"

"Oh no, we're entering franchising territory again," Lorelai mutters to Rory, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Rory puts a finger to her mouth to silence her from disrupting.

"No, not really. I'm the only partner that lives in New York right now, so it would be hard to run a place myself. Plus, there's an abundance of bookstores and publishers there. Competition would be tough."

"There's an abundance of retail space there as well. And someone has to fill it with something. A bookstore makes just as much sense, if not more, than any other store. Don't you agree?"

Jess shrugs, "I guess. But leasing, or buying, space in New York is exponentially more expensive than Philadelphia. I'm not sure the guys would want to put money into something that has the potential to bleed more than it makes."

"Oh, I'm sure between you, Rory and any employees you hired you would be able to figure out how to turn a profit."

Jess side glances at Rory, who shrugs slightly in response.

"I don't know. It's not something we have ever discussed, and we all make a comfortable living right now. That would certainly put a strain on it."

"If you had an outside investor it wouldn't. And, in case you're not as bright as you seem to be, I would be the aforementioned outside investor."

Jess opens and closes his mouth a couple of times.

"Mrs. Gilmore- "

"You can call me Emily."

Rory and Lorelai share a look of surprise.

"Okay. Emily, I genuinely appreciate your offer, but I don't think publishing and books are as lucrative a business as you're thinking. I make enough to take care of myself, and Rory if that's what she wanted, but you wouldn't see monumental returns."

"Do you think this is all about money? If you think so, you've surely misjudged."

His face turns to confusion, and he looks over to Rory and Lorelai for a clue. They look none the wiser than he feels. Emily huffs and he turns back to her.

"An investment in you would be an investment in Rory's future, and that is worth anything to me. Luke and Lorelai have the diner, the Inn and now a spa. You have a publishing company. Right now, Rory is working for the New York Times, which is wonderful, but who knows what could happen with that. She's always at the mercy of her employer, and she might decide she wants a family one day and doesn't want a job that has her traveling anymore or working long hours. It is good to have a legacy, a business within the family to rely on. I doubt that Rory would want to take over her mother's inn, and god knows she would be no good taking over a diner. No offense Rory, I can't cook either," she turns to her briefly and Rory shrugs and nods in agreement, "And it would be prudent of me to invest in that now, so you don't have to wait for me to die to get any of my help or money. Do you understand?"

Jess, Rory and Lorelai all gape at Emily, speechless. She rolls her eyes.

"I'm no fool. Jess lives in New York, Rory lives in New York. You're in a relationship despite the fact that Rory travels frequently for work. Rory spent the holidays last year away from her family with no reason, and it's not like the two you don't already have a history," Emily sighs as if exhausted from explaining the obvious, "You're in love and you have been for some time, I gather. The two of you must be very serious about each other."

"I…don't know what to say," Jess responds eventually, after a few moments of stunned silence.

"Well, you'll want to decide sooner rather than later," her eyes flick over to Lorelai, "I seem to be on a kick of helping small businesses expand. I'll let you all pick your jaws up off the floor, I'm going to get myself some tea and one of those delicious looking cookies that Sookie made."

The three stand there in disbelief for a minute.

"That was freaky. In like…a good way?" Lorelai finally utters. Jess and Rory just nod in agreement, not knowing what else to say. Then Rory turns to Lorelai with an excited smile, "Sookie is here?!"

Lorelai returns her grin, "yep, take a guess as to where she's hanging out."

Rory turns to Jess and kisses him on the cheek, "Be right back! I'm going to run to the kitchen to say hi."

He nods and calls after her retreating form, "Be careful! You don't want to burn or slice any part of you at your own birthday party."

Rory giggles but keeps walking. She passes some familiar faces and waves.

"Hi Babette and Morey! Hi Kirk!"

"Hi Sugar! Look at that body, wow. You're the sexiest thirty three year old I've ever seen!"

She blushes, and stutters, "Oh, thanks Babette. I won't tell my mom you said that."

"Rory, what did you call me?" Kirk asks, face serious and stern. She stops in her tracks and looks at him funny.

"I said, 'Hi Kirk?'"

"Kirk?"

"Yes…"

"Is that my name?"

"What!? Yes that's your name!"

"Are you sure it's not Dirk?"

Rory makes a face, "Are you feeling okay, Kirk?"

"It's Dirk!" he exclaims, then hits himself on the forehead, "or is it Kirk? Oh god, I can't remember anymore!"

Rory hears a quiet chuckle nearby and sees Luke trying to hold in laughter. She gasps.

"Oh no, what did they do to you Kirk? Don't worry, that's your name! I promise. It's always been Kirk."

"Help me, Rory, I'm so confused!"

"Aw Kirk," she laments and places an arm around his shoulders, "Come on. Come say hi to Sookie with me, she knows your name!"

A few feet away, Jess and Lorelai watch the scene with entertained smiles on their faces.

"Oh, our sweet Rory. She's too good for this world," Lorelai states with a light sigh.

"She is," Jess agrees softly, watching his girlfriend's body disappear inside the Inn. Lorelai grins at the scene and pats Jess on the arm.

"Come on, let's go get some beers with Luke while Rory says her hellos."


An hour or so into the party, Rory stands drinking a glass of wine with Jess, Lane and Paris during a band break. She animatedly discusses all the record stores they can go to whenever Lane comes to visit in New York for a sleepover at their new apartment.

"I really want to get my hands on a vintage Bowie picture disc! I have to be able to find one somewhere in the city." Lane states excitedly, sipping her beer.

Jess scoffs, "Sure, you'll just have to pay an arm and a leg for it. You know everything Bowie has skyrocketed in price since he died."

"Ugh, I know. People love to commodify death," Lane laments.

"I'm sure Bowie's turning in his grave," Jess mutters, sipping his beer.

"Figuratively speaking you mean, because Iman spread his ashes in Bali. Per his wishes," Lane specifies, tossing her now empty bottle of beer in a trash can nearby.

"Really?" Rory asks, "I didn't know that. God, he's so cool, even in death!"

"Hey, Aladdin Sane, you could sell your eggs to me. I could get you a pretty penny since you're musically inclined. The Korean thing might help too. You didn't want any more kids anyway, right?" Paris offers, waving her wine glass around.

"Nice reference. I didn't take you for a fan," Jess looks at her in surprise.

"I'm musically cultured, thank you very much."

"What does being Korean have to do with it? You know what, I don't want to know. I can part with my right leg. I really only need the left for drumming," Lane turns to Rory, "mind if I borrow an arm?"

"Sorry, I use all of my limbs in my profession."

"Don't look at me, you know all I do is edit and write," Jess argues.

Lane rolls her eyes, "useless. All of you."

Suddenly, their talk is interrupted by Lorelai's voice loudly coming through a speaker. They all look up at the stage.

"Any one notice if she's had a trayful of tequila?" Rory mutters. Lane laughs and Jess looks at her curiously.

"Lane's wedding. I'll tell you later," she whispers.

"Hello beautiful people! I first want to say thank you so much for coming to Rory's party. I know to most thirty three isn't very party worthy but hey, she's special, right?" Lorelai looks over at her with her hand on her heart. Everyone either cheers or claps, and Rory turns pink under the attention. Jess smirks at her and pulls her into his side to kiss her on the head.

"And not only that, it's her coronation day! Which means, every single one of you is a royal too. So, grab your coronation cocktails and biscuits, because it's time to crown the new Reigning Lorelai. Come on up, babe! Chop, chop - nobody likes a long, drawn out ceremony."

Rory rolls her eyes and steps from Jess's arms. He grabs her wrist at the last second and pulls her to him for a heated kiss. Hollers erupt around them and just as quickly, Jess releases her with a wink.

"Well. That's one way to officially announce your royal relationship status," Lorelai mutters into the microphone. The crowd laughs and Rory walks timidly onto the stage.

"Okay, first and foremost you're going to need this," Lorelai takes the feather boa from her neck and wraps it around Rory's. She then leans in to whisper in her ear, "Nice hickey, by the way."

Rory puts her hand on her neck, "I covered that up!"

"Well, he must have bit you hard because it's showing through your makeup. Don't worry now it's concealed thanks to the magical feather boa," Lorelai winks. She then takes the crown that's on her head and places it on Rory's. She takes her by the shoulders and stands her in the middle of the stage then steps back.

"Okay, repeat after me: I, Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, proudly accept, as my birthright, the sparkling title of 'Reigning Lorelai'. I vow to be vivacious, witty, and kind. I will rule with a perfectly manicured fist in a pink velvet glove. I will tell my mother she's the most beautiful woman on the planet every single day - "

"Mom," Rory stops repeating her and rolls her eyes.

"Alright, alright fine. Now, spin around in a circle three times and say 'I'm a pretty princess'!"

Rory gives her a look.

"Guess I'm going to have to call in reinforcements. Oh, Doula!"

Suddenly, Doula runs onto the stage and gives Rory a big hug.

"Hi! I didn't know you were here," Rory exclaims, hugging her back.

"I was hanging out with the horses! But as soon as I heard Aunt Lorelai on the stage, I had to see you be crowned."

"Doula, will you please spin a circle three times with Rory and say 'I'm a pretty princess'? My daughter is too embarrassed to do it alone."

"Okay!" Doula grins and nods to Rory, "Ready? Let's spin!"

Rory can't help smiling and playing along, and she just knows people are taking pictures of her in the crowd, but she couldn't care less as she allows herself to just absorb the love and happiness surrounding her. As she stops spinning, Lorelai steps up to her with the sparkly wand and taps her on each shoulder and then head.

"By the power vested in me, by caffeine, Stars Hollow, and the Gilmore name, I now dub thee as the Reigning Lorelai! Congratulations, your highness. You are now the syndicate of all things pop culture, coffee and junk food. Do me proud."

Rory rolls her eyes but smiles wide and gives her mom a big hug.

"Thank you. For everything. You make life so much more fun, mom."

Lorelai pulls away and looks her over with a tight smile and watery eyes, "I'm so proud of you, Rory. You know that's what all this silliness is about, right?"

Rory's own eyes water and she nods.

"I know."

Lorelai adjusts the crown on Rory's head and pats her lovingly on the cheek.

"Go enjoy the rest of your party, Queen."

"You are playing fast and loose with those Royal titles today, you know."

Lorelai giggles, "I know, it's so fun, right? I mean, who knows what any of them mean anyway?"

"I'm sure the monarchy knows."

"Well, you know what I say, 'Monarchy, smonarchy'!"

Rory laughs at her mom's antics, hugging her once more. They head back into the crowd as Lane's band starts to take the stage again around them.

Rory is greeted and stopped for pictures with most of Stars Hollow, until finally Jess shows up and taps her on the arm.

"Can I have this dance?"

She pauses to listen and smiles at Hep Alien's cover of Lost in the Supermarket.

"Sure, but can one actually dance to this song?"

Jess smirks and takes her by the hands, pulling her away from Sookie's kids unapologetically.

"Of course. I would argue it's the best of the few Clash songs you can slow dance to."

She grins and lifts her arms to rest on his shoulders, arms lazily circle around his neck. He pulls her closer, holding her tenderly at the waist. He gazes down at her, and she admires the green hue his hazel eyes have turned to match his shirt.

"You have pretty eyes," she mutters, timid smile on her face. One side of his mouth perks up.

"Thank you. Not as pretty as yours though. Especially in this dress," he argues, eyes wandering up and down her form briefly, "you're a vision."

She blushes.

"You like it better than my white 'coming out to society' dress?"

Jess smirks and leans down to kiss her briefly.

"You can't compare the two. Completely different dresses, completely different situations, and truly completely different people. You and me both."

His smirk melts to a heavy look of sincerity. She matches his look, raking over his intense eyes and softened lips.

"Completely different," she speaks her agreement gently, mindful of what it means to him, "yet exactly the same in the best ways."

His lips twitch, and he pulls her closer by the waist until she's pressed up against him.

"Like you're just as captivating as when I first met you in your sweet little bedroom in your sweet little home in your sweet little town, with your big, and yes, sweet, heart."

She gives him a dazzling smile.

"And your margin notes still knock me off my intellectual feet," she leans in closer to whisper in his ear, "and I'm sure you want to get under this dress too."

"You know me so well. The difference is, I think that thought excites you now more than it would have then," he responds, breath skating across her ear. She shivers and he pulls back with a grin and a wink. He surprises her with a quick spin of her body before holding her close again. Her chest swoons with warm emotion, and her eyes wander tirelessly over his face and between their bodies, trying to imprint it all in her brain. He squeezes her soothingly.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"I know."

"Neither is this feeling between us."

Her heart thumps, and her throat feels thick.

She whispers, "I know. I just want to commit all of it to memory."

He rubs tender circles on her hips with his thumbs in response, eyes locked on her.

"What was your plan?" she asks suddenly, slowing her swaying down almost completely.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. You said you didn't go with your original plan for the apartment and the chapter and all that. And that I would see what your plan was soon. But it's not any clearer to me, except that it has something to do with this party. How long has this been planned by the way?" She looks around at the twinkling lights, taking in the uproarious cheer and laughter coming from various places around the space.

"I can't give Lorelai's secrets away. You know better than that."

Rory rolls her eyes but laughs, "I forgot you guys are all friendly and in cahoots now. I'll get it out of her myself."

"Cahoots? I can assure you I've never been in 'cahoots' with anyone about anything."

She laughs again but when he doesn't continue she gives him a look, "Jess. What was your plan?"

"It's really not that special or exciting."

Her mouth opens to retort, but he silences her with a kiss.

"I'm going to tell you. Just didn't you want you to be expecting something out of a fairytale. I'm not as creative as you."

"Yes you are!" She insists, poking his neck with every word, "and I bet it's better than a fairy tale. Tell me!"

"Okay," he pulls her head to his shoulder and murmurs near her ear as they continue to sway, despite the music changing to something upbeat, "I was going to give you the chapter as a birthday gift at midnight tonight. After the party, so it would be its own special thing. I had planned to do things to build up to tonight. Like more dates, spending more time with you in general, talking every day in some way in person or text or phone call- because I didn't know what your work schedule would be like, dinners with your family, just being there for you, with you. You know…showing you I'm committed, reliable, stable. Everything I know you need to feel good, and safe with me. I sometimes feel like I haven't put enough effort into that."

"You have," she whispers. He kisses her head.

"Then give you the notes tonight and tell you out loud that I'm in love with you. Establish our relationship, establish our feelings for each other. I would have taken you to the apartment tomorrow, at the end of your birthday-day so we could spend as much time as you wanted in Stars Hollow. I think you would have liked it."

"I would have loved it. Especially the privacy of those moments. You know me so well," she pulls her head from his shoulder to meet his eyes, "but I loved the way it all actually happened. Knowing that you felt so strongly you couldn't wait to show me, that makes me feel…wild with joy. And giving me those notes to read, solidifying your feelings for me despite what we were dealing with…it was incredibly meaningful. And we did all of those things any way. Dates, dinner with my family, spending time together. It all happened. I wouldn't change any of it. Would you?"

No longer moving to the music, they stand looking at each other in the middle of partygoers. Their still forms centered like the eye of a storm. Just as Jess opens his mouth to reply, someone yells Rory's name at them.

"Hey! He gets more time with you than any of us. Come on Mary, we're doing tequila shots with your mom. Loverboy can entertain himself," Paris shoves between them and takes Rory by the arm. She lets Paris pull her away but looks back to catch a reflective smile on Jess's face as he watches her movements. She takes a mental picture of him, looking handsome and content, and holds his eye contact until there are too many jubilant party guests in her line of vision to see him anymore. Paris is talking to her, she knows. But she has no idea what she's saying and even though she knows she's going to get yelled at for not listening, she couldn't care less. Her mind and her heart are happily elsewhere for the time being.

PS - just an update in case you want to know. I envision one to two more chapters in this time period. then we jump around and eventually get closer to my one shot :)