I Love Loving You
By: Legacy at Heart
Disclaimer: I own only Kate.
Story Summary: What if Rory had a twin sister? What if that sister fell in love with Jess instead of the Dean/Rory/Jess triangle that drove most people, including myself ,crazy? What would happen to them? Would Jess still leave? Or would he go to Yale with the girls? Would Lorelai like him? How long would they wait to be together? Starts at Season 2 when Jess comes in and jumps around a little after that. Cross Posted on AO3
Chapter Summary: Not based on an episode; When Patty and Babette decide to set Kate up on a date, she and Jess use it to their advantage to have a magical night and inadvertently create a town mystery one stormy night.
AN#1: Here it is: The next chapter. This one is not based off an episode but takes some quotes from Back in the Saddle, the episode before Teach Me Tonight. The song is Hunger by Ross Copperman. I suggest listening to it when the scene comes up, preferably if you find the Vampire Diaries scene with it. Some of the dance moves I described are from that.
Chapter 10: It's Like a Hunger in Me
Kate smiled as she walked into the Independence Inn. She saw Jess sitting in the library, reading a book.
"Hey," she said, kissing him.
"Hey," he replied, smiling.
"Oh, Kate, good, try these," Sookie said, coming over with a tray of tarts.
"This has been happening since I came in half an hour ago," Jess whispered as Kate eyed the tarts.
"What are they," Kate asked, taking one.
"Lemon salmon," Sookie replied.
Kate nodded and ate it. "Good," she replied.
"But are they good enough to have at my wedding," Sookie asked.
"Isn't it outdoors," Kate asked.
Sookie frowned and nodded. "Yeah, that's not a good idea," she replied.
Kate nodded. "Okay then…anything else for us to try," she asked the cook.
"Yes! Cake," Sookie exclaimed. "Follow me," she added, leading them into the kitchen.
Jess smirked and took Kate's hand as they walked into the kitchen. "How was school," he asked.
"Boring," Kate replied, kissing his jaw. "Paris knows," she said.
"About us," Jess asked, stopping.
"No, about you on the paper," Kate replied, smirking.
"Thank you," Jess sighed in relief, kissing her neck.
"I have strawberry cheesecake," Sookie called out.
"Oh," Kate squealed, as she left Jess' arms.
Jess smiled and shook his head, following her into the kitchen.
"Good, good, sit and eat," Sookie said, pushing him onto a stool.
Kate chuckled as she ate her cheesecake. Jess kissed her forehead and ate the chocolate cake in front of him.
"Sookie, Sookie, look," Lorelai ran into the kitchen.
"What, what," Sookie asked.
"You got a package," Lorelai said, handing Sookie a thick package.
"Ooh, what'd you get," Kate asked, grinning.
"Wedding invitations," Sookie exclaimed, opening the box, "Whoooooo! Gimme it! Ohh, I wanna see 'em!"
"This is exciting," Kate said.
"I should leave," Jess muttered.
"No, no, stay...oh, you're gonna love these. They're pearly white with this beautiful lavender stripe," Sookie said as she looked at the invite.
"Aw," Lorelai cooed.
"Sookie, they're perfect," Kate added, smiling.
Jess looked at them and cringed. "Not quite," he muttered.
Sookie gasped as she read them. "I'm gonna choke somebody by the neck until brains ooze out of their ears," she hissed.
"What do you two mean? They're beautiful," Lorelai told them.
"The name, look at the name," Sookie ranted.
Lorelai and Kate looked over the name. "The marriage of his daughter…" they trailed off.
"Susie St. James," they read in unison.
"Who is Susie St. James," Sookie asked.
"I think that's you," Jess piped up.
"What am I going to do," Sookie asked.
"I think that they could be changed," Kate replied.
"No, and these have to go out in a week," Sookie complained.
"We'll fix it," Lorelai promised.
"All I'm saying that our editor could have more force. I'm not saying that we need to have our own Paris but just telling me to cover an event with no direction, is crazy. Tell me that's crazy," Jess said, later that day as they walked to the diner.
Kate laughed and Jess opened the door for her.
"Why thank you, kind sir," she said, in a Southern accent.
Jess rolled his eyes and gave her a quick grin as he went to the counter, pouring her a cup of coffee. Kate smiled as she sat down at the counter. She was about to take her first sip of coffee when Kirk came up behind her and pinched her forearm.
"Ow, Kirk," she exclaimed.
Jess turned and glared at Kirk. The older man wasn't bothered as he nodded.
"Good BMI. Kate, tell me, what do you prefer: a day at the beach or a nice candlelit dinner," he asked.
"What," Kate asked.
"Or a night in," Kirk went on.
"What are talking about? Why are you asking me that?" Kate asked, scared for the answer.
Patty came into the diner. "Oh good, you're here. Katie, as you know the spring formal is coming up and I know a couple of cuties," she started.
"Oh no, no, no, no," Kate said, getting up and rounding the counter. "Jess, back me up," she begged.
Jess, who was watching in sheer amusement, looked at her then Patty. "I think that I need to vet them too, Miss Patty. Seeing as I'm her best friend and all. Don't want a lemon that I'm going to hear about all day," he said.
Luke, who was also watching in more shock, let a chuckle slip. Kate reared her glare onto him and he put her hands up.
"Hey, he's right," he pointed out.
"We had an agreement for no setting me up until I'm 21!" Kate exclaimed.
"But you should get back out there," Babette spoke up from her table.
"You don't have to marry the guys," Jess managed. Kate glared at him at that one. "What? You're acting like we're auctioning you off," he laughed.
"This is not funny," Kate hissed.
"No it's hilarious," Jess gasped.
"Did you tell my mother about this," Kate asked Patty.
"Not yet," Patty replied.
Kate took off out the door at that. She was not going to let this happen.
"Back me up here," Kate exclaimed as Lorelai and Rory laughed later that night.
"Sweetheart, this is gold," Lorelai laughed.
Jess and Luke came into the house and saw everyone laughing. Jess smirked as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend. She pushed him away. He winked at Lorelai and Rory as he took her upstairs by hand. She turned away from him and he shook his head, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissed her shoulders.
"I'm mad at you," she mumbled.
"You know, this could work to our advantage," he said, kissing her neck.
"I don't see how it can," she asked.
"I could crash one of the dates or better yet, save you and we could have a date without leaving town," Jess pointed out, kissing her jaw, rubbing her shoulders.
Kate gasped as he hit a knot in her shoulder. "Doesn't this bother you? That Patty is setting me up," she asked.
"Of course but honestly, do you see any other way that we can stop this without telling people?" Jess asked.
Kate turned to face him. "Do you want to tell people? Because say the word and we will," she told him.
Jess smiled and kissed her. Kate gasped into his mouth and wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled away and looked at her. Kate closed her eyes and nuzzled his neck, kissing it. Jess smirked as he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. Kate curled into his embrace.
"I would love nothing more than to do this in public but, Katie; I waited six months for this. And call me selfish, but I want this to be ours for as long as it can," he whispered.
Kate smiled. "Because as soon as we tell people…it can't be just ours," she nodded.
"And I like that they all care about you, but this…this is different…I'm not running or leaving," Jess went on.
Kate smiled and kissed him. She loved kissing him. It was like they both were in control, never overpowering the other. They understood each other. That's why they wanted this to work. She smiled as she pulled away. Jess smiled, brushing her hair back.
"You're beautiful," he whispered.
Kate giggled as she pecked him on the lips again. "Well you're not so bad yourself," she replied.
Jess smirked. "Just no kissing these guys," he told her as they got up.
Kate laughed as they walked out of the room.
Jess was busing tables the next day, when Patty came in with Irwin Piccolo, the kid from his math class. Jess had nothing against him but he rolled his eyes, knowing Patty's game.
"So you are going to ask Kate Gilmore out," Patty asked.
"I would like to," Irwin nodded.
Patty smiled. "I like you. You seem sweet. Now Kate could be a little rough around the edges but she's a sweetheart," she said.
Jess smirked as he watched from the counter. Patty was right and he was going to help give Kate a date that she would enjoy. After Patty left, he walked over to Irwin. The kid smiled as he sat down.
"Hey Jess," he said.
"Hey Irwin; Saw you talking to Miss Patty. You going to ask Kate Gilmore out," Jess asked.
Irwin nodded. "You're friends with her, right," he asked. At Jess' nod, he smiled. "What should we do," he asked.
Jess smiled. "Well, if was me, I'd get her out of town. Maybe start off someplace causal and low key because she likes that. Then maybe go to a movie. She'll mock it endlessly later but she enjoys a romantic comedy. And if you go along with her in the mocking, she'll enjoy it. It's a special brand of humor, but Gilmore humor is infectious," he said.
Irwin gawked at his classmate. Then he smiled. "I knew that the rumors about you weren't true," he said.
Jess smirked. "When it comes to Kate, they aren't," he nodded.
Irwin smiled. "Thank you, Jess," he added.
"Anytime," Jess smiled, going back to the counter. He stopped and turned around. "Just don't try to kiss her," he added.
Irwin smirked. "I never try to kiss another guy's girl," he said.
Jess laughed and patted his shoulder. "You're okay, Irwin," he nodded. "And if I laugh, it's at Kate's face. Not you," he added.
Irwin laughed and shook Jess' hand.
Later that day, the Gilmores were in the diner when a young boy walked in. Kate eyed him as he walked over to her. Jess raised his eyebrow, nudging Luke, who was next to him. Luke looked up as the kid tapped Kate's shoulder.
"Yes," she asked.
"Are you Kate Gilmore?" the kid asked.
"Yes," Kate nodded.
"Hi, I'm Irwin," the kid smiled.
Kate blinked at him, seeing the braces. Rory and Lorelai looked and saw Jess leaning against the counter, amusement in his eyes.
"Miss Patty set you," Kate asked.
"Yes Madam," Irwin nodded. "I go to Stars Hollow's High," he said.
"How old are you," Lorelai asked.
"17," Irwin smiled.
Kate nodded slowly. "And what do you do outside of school," she asked.
"I'm Captain of my school's chess club and debate team. And I'm a mathlete," Irwin said.
Jess burst out laughing at that one. Everyone looked at him in shock and he waved them off.
"Don't mind me," he gasped, going upstairs, laughing all the way.
Kate glared at him and the diner was quiet. They never heard Jess laugh before.
"So, you wanna go out with me," Irwin asked.
Kate plastered on a fake smile. "Why not," she asked.
"Great, my mom and I will pick you up at six, that way maybe we'll beat the rain," Irwin grinned leaving.
Kate waved and then as soon as he left her field of vision, she banged her head on the table. Rory put her sweater on the table and Lorelai patted her shoulder. Jess came back down, calmer now. Then he saw Kate and started laughing again.
"Jess," Kate whined, not looking up.
Jess shook his head and sat next to her. "What time is the mathlete picking you up?" he asked.
"Six, with his mom, so maybe we could beat the rain," Kate replied, muffled by the sweater.
Jess bit his lip and Lorelai and Rory giggled a little. Kate glared at them and Jess kissed her forehead.
"Let me know where and I'll be there," he whispered in her ear.
Kate smiled as she got up. "Back to work," she said, leaving the diner.
Jess looked at the other two Gilmores and they all laughed the second Kate was far enough away.
"Pictures, I need pictures," Lorelai gasped.
"I'll do my best," Jess promised.
At six, Kate was in the backseat of a Honda driving to Hartford. Irwin said he was interested in the new wedding movie and Kate agreed that it looked funny so she left word with Luke to tell Jess where they were after Irwin and Kate ate at the diner.
"Okay, I'm going to be back around 10. Let me know if you need me to come earlier," Irwin's mom said as she dropped them off. "I want to beat this rain they keep saying is coming," she added.
"Thanks Mom," Irwin smiled. He turned to Kate and offered her his arm. "Shall we," he asked.
Kate smiled a little. The guy was sweet and a perfect gentleman all night. He paid for everything so far and yeah, he was a little dull but she didn't hate him.
"Lead the way," she smiled as he paid for her ticket.
The two of them walked into the theater and Kate saw Jess was there already, reading as always. He looked up as he felt Kate's eyes on him. Kate smiled as he smiled at her. He nodded to the seats behind him. The last row, like she liked them.
"Let's sit in the back," Irwin said, smiling. "It's my favorites," he added.
"Mine too," Kate said, as they walked up the stairs.
"Hey Jess," Irwin said, smiling at Jess.
Jess turned and looked at him. "Hey, Irwin, Kate, how's the date going," he asked.
Irwin smiled. "Nice, right Kate," he asked.
Kate nodded. "What about you? You bring anyone," she asked.
Jess raised his eyebrow at her. "Maybe I wanted a night off to myself," he said.
Kate smirked a little. "Maybe I should see if Patty knows some girls," she whispered in his ear.
Jess smirked back. "Try me," he said.
Kate chuckled as she leaned back. The movie started and Kate found herself enjoying the whole event. Jess on the other hand did not like the fact that he was next to two couples who decided to make out. He looked at the fake couple behind him and Kate smiled at him. Irwin motioned to the seat next to Kate.
"Wanna move up here with us," he asked.
Jess almost ran up the stairs to the seat. "You're a life saver man," he said.
"I figured you would want to sit next to her," Irwin whispered.
Kate blinked. "What does that mean," she asked.
Irwin blinked. "He likes you," he told her.
Jess smirked and Kate bit her lip. He took her hand and caressed her knuckles. He grinned at Irwin.
"She doesn't like to be outsmarted," he said.
Kate shot him a look and Irwin chuckled. Kate shook her head and went back to watching the movie.
"Windex stings like a bitch on a cut," she muttered.
"Personal experience," Jess asked.
"Common sense," she replied.
Jess chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Not even in my family do we have that many people with the same name," he muttered. "And Nick is very popular with the Italians," he added.
Kate giggled and Irwin smiled seeing them. "Believe it or not, I'm half Greek and this is exactly like my family is," he spoke up.
"My aunt doesn't leave her house since her parrot died," Jess smirked.
"Petey died," Kate asked, feigning heartbreak.
"My grandmother came over from Greece and she almost shot the mailman three times," Irwin whispered.
Kate giggled and Jess nodded. The couples in the row in front of them glared at them. Kate smirked.
"Like you all were watching the movie," she shot back.
Jess smirked, kissing her forehead and settling back to finish the movie with them. The mocking was relentless but it was fun with a new person who got it. After the movie was over, Irwin smiled as he watched Kate wait for Jess.
"You two are together aren't you," he asked.
Kate looked at him. "Yeah, we're together. We're just keeping it a secret for now," she replied.
Irwin nodded. "I get it," he nodded. "When Miss Patty asked me, Jess was around and he told me what you like. Like he knew you inside and out. Was this your first time outside of town," he asked.
Kate nodded. "Kind of," she admitted, smiling as Jess leaned against the wall. She turned back to Irwin. "Could you keep it quiet for a bit? You see how they are with me and him…and I have plans for Taylor," she added.
Irwin laughed and walked her over to Jess. Kate smiled and Jess blinked.
"What?" he asked.
"Your secret's safe with me," Irwin said.
"Thanks man," Jess replied. "Come on, we'll drop you off," he said, pointing to Kate's car.
"You took my car," Kate asked.
"Your mother let me," Jess replied.
Kate laughed and Irwin's mom pulled up. Kate smiled and hugged him.
"Thanks for tonight," she whispered.
Irwin smiled and nodded as he shook Jess' hand. "You take care of her," he asked.
Jess nodded. "Always," he smiled over Irwin's shoulder. Kate grinned and they waved to him as he got into his mom's car. She smiled and pulled away. Kate took Jess' offered arm and walked with him to the car.
"So do I get to know these plans for Taylor," he asked, opening the door for her.
Kate laughed and kissed him. "Oh yeah," she grinned, getting into her car.
They drove back to Stars Hollow with an easy banter going back and forth between them. When they got to the middle of the town, the sky opened up and the rain came down. The town was dark and the lights were dimmed through the rain that was coming down in sheets.
"What the hell," Kate laughed.
"I guess they weren't kidding about late storms," Jess whistled.
Kate grinned. "Pull over," she said.
Jess looked at her and did what she asked, in the middle of the town square. Kate smiled and put in a CD from her glove compartment. She found a song and turned it up loud, and pausing it before she got out of the car. Jess laughed as she stood outside the car, her hair getting matted down and her black floral dress becoming a second skin.
"Dance with me," she said to him over the rain.
Jess laughed again, getting out of the car. He kept his door opened so they could get back into the car. "You're crazy," he laughed.
Kate laughed and pulled him to her. "This could be the night we tell everyone about for years," she said. She kissed him. "I want to dance in the rain with you," she whispered.
Jess smiled and leaned back to the car, putting the song on and turning the lights off. He took Kate in his arms and they started to dance.
One look and I can't catch my breath
Two souls into one flesh
When you're not next to me
I'm incomplete
Kate knew that this could end horribly. They could break up and he could leave and they could never speak again. Or worse, they could break up, he could leave, but would always come back, like the universe would try to get them back together, but they could never line up like this again. And she could never live without him. She loved him too much for that to happen. She wanted to know everything about him. She wanted to know his hopes and dreams; be the reason why he smiled, laughed, and lived. She knew that she would never get over him. And she knew that she loved him. She was going to make this stick. She loved him. She knew in her heart that she did. She loved Jess with all her soul. And one day, she would tell him.
'Cause I'm on fire like a thousand suns
I couldn't put it out even if I wanted to
These flames tonight
Look into my eyes and say you want me, too
Like I want you
Oh, love, let me see inside your heart
All the cracks and broken parts
The shadows in the light
There's no need to hide
Jess watched as Kate twirled in his arms. He could have had her in his arms months ago but his fear of how it would end stopped him. He could never get enough of her. He wanted to know everything about her. He wanted to be the reason she smiled, laughed, and sang. He wanted her love. And if he ever lost her…he would never get over her. He was going to make this work if he could have more nights like this for the rest of his life. He loved her with all his heart and soul. And one day, he was going to say that to her.
'Cause I'm on fire like a thousand suns
I couldn't put it out even if I wanted to
These flames tonight
Look into my eyes and say you want me, too
Like I want you
It's like a hunger in me
Yeah, it's never ending
Yeah, I'll burn for you (I'll burn for you)
Their dance was a work of art. The two people moved in and out of the light, so if they had an audience, they couldn't be identified. And yet, it did not hinder the dance at all. He spun her around multiple times, smiling at the grin on her face. He led them into a waltz and then hugged her tight to him, dipping her low, her long, dark hair skimming the wet pavement and then lifting her up high. She grasped his shoulders and turned away from him. He grabbed her and they laughed as he twirled her away from him, and she spun back to him, never out of his arms more than five seconds.
It's like a hunger in me
Yeah, it's never ending
Yeah, I'll burn for you (I'll burn for you)
I'm on fire like a thousand suns
I couldn't put it out even if I wanted to
These flames tonight
Look into my eyes and say you want me, too
Like I want you
He lifted her again and she hooked her leg around his waist as they spun around. They locked eyes and he put her down, holding her as she did a split and pulled her back up. They waltzed again and slowed their movements as the song ended.
I got a hunger in me
When the song ended, Jess dipped her and kissed her with all the passion he felt. Kate's fingers slid into his hair and kissed him back with equal passion. Their bodies pressed together tightly, into one line. The rain was falling and yet it was like it was falling around them, like it didn't want to, or couldn't, touch them. It just helped keep them obscure from the townspeople looking out, trying to see the couple whose dancing captivated them.
I got a hunger in me
Lorelai looked up as she heard the door opened. She turned to see Kate leaning against the door, grinning like a fool.
"What happened to you? You get caught in the storm," she asked.
Rory came into the living room and saw her sister. Kate laughed and shook her head.
"Jess and I decided to dance in the rain," she admitted.
"You got Jess to dance with you in the rain," Rory asked, getting a towel for her sister.
Kate took it and wrapped it around herself. "Yeah and it was amazing," she sighed.
Lorelai smiled and Rory grinned as they both walked upstairs. Kate stopped near her room and looked at her sister.
"I really love him, Rory," she admitted.
Rory smiled. "And I know he loves you, Kate," she replied.
Kate smiled and nodded, as they went into her room.
The next day, Kate walked into the diner with Lorelai and Rory and saw everyone looking at the papers. Jess passed them and dropped a copy onto the table, smirking at Kate.
"Mystery Dancing Couple Stuns in the Rain," Kate laughed.
Lorelai and Rory looked at the paper, knowing the full story last night when Kate came into the house soaked and grinning like a fool.
"What would be a noise complaint turned into a case of who are they as an unidentified couple danced in the rain so perfectly, one would think it was choreographed and planned. Taylor Doose denies this," Rory read.
Luke rolled his eyes and shot Taylor a look. Taylor wouldn't shut up about what he saw last night.
"It was amazing. They were in near darkness but they were still so beautiful. They had to be from some professional company. Because they were so perfect," he gushed.
Kate laughed and looked over to Jess, who smirked. Luke looked at him.
"I will pay you to tell Taylor," he muttered.
"Not a chance," his nephew replied.
"Shame I missed it," Kate spoke up.
Patty and Babette looked over to her. "Yeah, how was the date last night," Patty asked.
"Irwin was a sweetheart but I'm sorry to say he's not the one for me," Kate smiled.
Jess smirked at her and handed her coffee. Kate smiled up at him.
"I would love to know where those two are right now," she said.
"I think they're off somewhere, being happy and in love," he replied.
Kate's heart quickened and she nodded. "I hope so," she replied.
Jess nodded. "I know so," he winked.
Kate smiled into her coffee cup and turned back to her sister and mother, who were talking to Patty about another date. Jess shook his head and folded up the article. He was definitely right about them.
He knew it.
End of Chapter 10
AN#2: I started this in thought of Kate going on a string of bad dates and writing a song about them and what she wants in a guy to sing to the town. Then I was on YouTube and was poking around Vampire Diaries clips finding Damon and Elena's last dance scene (don't get me started on that, because I still cry) and the song, Hunger by Ross Copperman, was so haunting and beautiful and I had to use it somewhere. And I wanted a Kate and Jess dance scene either in Teach Me Tonight or in Sookie's wedding but I thought that this could lend itself to Kate's story line with songs. Jess is OOC in this one, or maybe not because he does truly love Kate. But I will let you decide on that one. I really would like to hear what you think-good and bad- so please review!