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Author: Athena
Pairing: Rory/Jess, Luke/Lorelei
Rating: R to light NC-17
Summary: Rory met Jess in New York the summer before she started dating Dean. Now, Jess has moved to Stars Hollow to live with his Uncle Luke, and Rory's life will never be the same.
Disclaimer: The Gilmore Girls is the sole property of the WB and Amy Sherman-Palladino. I am just having fun.
Part 1
New York City 2000
Rory smiled as she walked into the Jacob Javits Convention center in lower Manhatten. They were having a book expo this weekend, and she had begged her mother to let her come. Lorelei had finally agreed, after her daughters pleading. Next week, Rory would start her sophomore year at Stars Hollow High, and this was her last horrah before school began.
She walked into the Convention Center, and her eyes widened at all the people inside. She took a deep breath, and began to walk around the large room. Smiling at the people as she passed, she grabbed a program from a nearby table. She scanned the small paper, and smiled. She made her way around the room, and stopped at the Classics section, where she scanned the shelves, looking to see if they had anything she could add to her collection. She turned the corner, and bumped into a boy her age.
Oh, Im sorry! Rory said. I didnt see you there.
Not a problem, the boy said. He looked at her and smiled. Fan of the classics?
What? Oh! Yeah, I just wanted to see if they had anything that I needed.
Im Jess.
Rory.
He smiled, Come on, Rory. Ill help you look.
She smiled and followed him. They spent the next two hours, scanning books, and finding the most amazing bargains. She looked up in embarrassment as her stomach growled in hunger.
Hungry? Jess laughed.
Yeah, I havent eaten since this morning.
Well, come on, Jess said. I know a place.
He took her hand, and led her out into the bright New York day.
He brought her to a little café in Tribeca. They found a seat by the window, and Rory sat down across from Jess. She smiled as she looked out the window, and watched the people pass by.
So, where are you from, Rory?
She turned and smield at him. Stars Hollow. Its this small town in Connecticut, not far from Hartford. What about you? Are you from New York?
He nodded. Yeah. I live hear with Liz.
Liz?
My mother, that is if you use the term mother loosely.
Not close?
To say the least.
Rory laughed as she took a sip of her soda. She liked Jess. She had never felt that kind of connection with anyone before, not even Lane. But she felt it with him, and she wanted to know him more. She looked up at him, and saw that he was staring at her.
I like you, Rory. I like you a lot.
She blushed. I like you too, Jess.
How long until you have to go back to Connecticut?
Tomorrow afternoon. My mom and I are staying at a hotel by Park.
Not the Plaza?
She laughed. God know, its a small hotel on Park and Eighth.
He nodded. Can I see you tonight?
Id really like that, Jess.
Come on, Ill walk you back to your hotel, and Ill pick you up around seven for dinner. Sound good?
Sounds great.
Part 2
Rory looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She had dressed in a knee length black skirt, with a black tank top scattered with pink flower buds. She had meticulously applied her make-up, emphasizing her bright blue eyes. She had spent hours agonizing over what to wear. She wanted to look beautiful for him tonight. She had a sinking feelings that tonight was all she would have with him.
Her mother had teased her unmercifully while she had gotten ready, and asked her pointed questions about the mystery man. Rory had finally glared at her mother, who had laughed in response, and went out to do some last minute shopping.
Rory placed a hand on her trembling stomach and giggled. She had never been this nervous before. What if things went horribly tonight? She had never been on a date before, she didnt even know how she was supposed to act. She looked up as she heard a knock at the door. He was right on time, damn him. She opened the door, and saw Jess staring there, holding a bouquet of yellow daisies.
These are for you. He smiled at her.
Thank you. Would you like to come in?
He nodded and followed her inside. She placed the flowers on the table in the main room, and smiled at him. He looked really amazing. He was wearing black pants, with a white cotton shirt. She just stood there staring at him for several breathless moments. He took her breath away.
Are you ready? He asked.
She nodded and followed him outside.
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Rory smiled at Jess, as they took their seats. He had taken her to an off-broadway play after dinner. She was having the time of her life. Everything about today had been perfect, like a dream that she didnt want to end. He picked up her hand, and brought it to his lips. She looked at him and smiled, as a blush formed on her cheeks.
Are you having fun tonight? He asked her.
She nodded. Everythings been so amazing, Jess. Thank you.
I dont want tonight to end, Rory.
Neither do I.
They both looked at the stage as the lights darkened and the curtain opened. Rory stared at the stage transfixed as the actors performed their roles. Jess watched her from the corner of his eye, grinning. Her facial expressions were unreal.
When the play ended, he took her hand and led her out of the theatre and into the night. She was smiling, and he thought he had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life. They stopped at the corner, and waited for the light to change. He looked over at her, and turned her to face him. She was laughing at the sights and sound of Manhatten at night. Her laughter stilled when she looked at him, her eyes growing serious. He reached down and kissed her, gently masasaging her lips with his tongue. Rory moaned and wrapped an arm around him, oblivious to the people passing them by. All that mattered was this moment, and Jess. His tongue entered her mouth, and memorized every crevice of her mouth.
Jess pulled away and looked at her, smiling. Come on, we should get back.
She nodded and followed him down the busy street. They passed the rest of the way in silence, neither wanting to voice the thoughts running through their minds. Rory felt tears choke her throat, and took a deep breath. She wanted to be with him, but she knew that it would never work. He lived in Manhatten, and she lived in Stars Hollow. She silently damned the fates the showing her him, only to mock her with the knowledge that it could never work. They rounded the corner and walked up the steps to the hotel room she was staying in. They stopped at the door and looked at each other for several long minutes.
Rory.I.
She smiled at him. I know, me too.
He leaned down and gently kissed her, wanting this moment to last forever. He ran his hand down her cheek, memorizing the contours of her face, as she pulled him closer to her, not wanting him to leave.
I have to go, he said, pulling away from her. Good-bye, Rory.
Good-bye, Jess.
Part 3
Stars Hollow, Present
Rory! Time to wake up! Youre going to be late! Lorelei yelled to her daughter from the kitchen. Rory groaned and forced herself to get out of bed, and face the day. She had been dreaming about Jess again. She loved those dreams, they made her want to sleep forever.
She got up, and quickly got dressed, before making her way into the kitchen where her mother was holding out a cup of coffee for her. She smiled and took the offering. She needed this. Today was her first day back at Stars Hollow High. Dean, her boyfriend for the past year, was meeting her at Lukes for breakfast this morning. Dean was a great guy, and he really loved her, but he wasnt Jess. No one was. But she couldnt have him, so she would take what she could get.
She drained the contents of the glass, and ran out the front door, waving at her mother as she went. She made it to Lukes in record time and found Dean already waiting for her. She sat down next to him, and smiled.
Hey, you. He said in way of greeting.
Hey.
She looked up as Luke came over and poured her some coffee. Morning, Rory. Luke said. Did your mom tell you about tonight?
Tonight?
Dinner. My nephew is moving here, to come live with me, and Lor suggested that we all have dinner at your house.
Oh, yeah. She did, I forgot.
So, well see you around seven.
Sounds great, Luke.
Dean looked at his watch, and then back at Rory. We should get going. We dont want to be late.
She nodded, as she drank the remnants of her coffee, and followed him outside. She took a deep breath as she approached the high school. Senior year. She was looking forward to it. She had signed up for a few advanced placement classes with Lane, and things with Dean were going well, even if he didnt excite her the way that Jess had. She forced a smile, and walked towards homeroom. Dean took the seat next to her, and smiled. She had the distinct feeling that today was going to be a very long day.
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So how are things with Dean? Lane asked her best friend as they walked home from school.
Rory shrugged in response. The same as always.
Why dont you sound happy about that?
Rory sighed. I dont know, its just that everything is always the same. We never do anything exciting.
Yeah, but Dean loves you. Doesnt that make up for the lack of excitement?
I know it should, Rory looked up and smiled at Lane. Im being silly. I should get home. Luke and his nephew are coming over for dinner tonight, and the house is a mess.
Lane laughed, and waved to Rory as she ran down the street.
Rory was sitting in her room, reading her history assignment. She couldnt believe that their teacher gave them homework on the first day. She sighed, and shut her book. She looked at her clock, and sighed. Luke would be over soon, with his nephew. Oh joy.
She went into the kitchen, and saw her mom lying out the food that Sookie had brought by earlier. Lorelei wanted everything to be perfect for Luke. She knew how nervous he was about his nephew. Lorelei had been dating Luke for a couple of months now. He had a renewed sense of vigor, and Lorelei was always smiling now. Rory was happy for them.
She went to the fridge and took out a can of pepsi, and began drinking it. She sighed, and went in the kitchen to help her mom. The doorbell rang, and Lorelei jumped. Damnit! she yelled. Hes early! Rory, could you get the door, while I finish up in here?
Rory laughed at her mom, and made her way over to the front door. She opened it, and felt her heart stop beating. There in front of her was Luke, with a scowling Jess. His scowl fell as soon as he saw her, and it was replaced by a look of astonishment.
Hey, Rory. Luke said. She turned as she heard Lorelei curse in the kitchen. Luke laughed, and went to help her, leaving Rory alone with Jess. The two of them just stood there, staring at each other, taking note of all the changes.
Rory? Jess said when he finally found his voice.
Jess, she whispered.
Part 4
They just stood there, staring at each other, in open mouthed amazement. Neither one of them, was willing to break the spell, and realize that this was all a dream.
Rory? Lorelei said as she walked towards her daughter. Whats taking so long? She looked up and smiled as she saw Jess. Hi, you must be Jess. Im Lorelei.
Jess forced his gaze away from Rory and looked at her mother. Hi, its nice to meet you.
Well, why dont you come inside. Rory? Why dont you get Jess something to drink?
Ummyeah, okay. Rory said, as she walked into the kitchen. She poured him a soda, and stared into space. What was Jess doing here? He was Lukes nephew? Did that mean they could be together now? What was she going to do? Questions and thoughts ran through her mind.
Is that for me? Jess said, motioning to the glass in front of her.
What? Oh, yeah. Here you go.
You dont seem to happy to see me.
No! Surprised is all. I never thought Id see you again.
And now?
I dont know.
He nodded and went into the living room, sitting on the far side of the room. Seeing Rory had been like a dream come true, but she was so distant, almost as if she were afraid. He wanted to get out of here, to escape. To forget the woman who had haunted his dreams for the past year.
He watched through hooded eyes as she came into the room, and sat in the armchair on the other side of the room. She smiled at her Mom and Luke, who were snuggling up on the couch. He looked at them, and felt a pang in his chest. He wanted that with Rory.
He looked up as the phone rang, and Rory went to answer it. He could hear the muted conversation from the next room.
So, Jess. How do you like Stars Hollow so far?
He shrugged in response. Its definitely different.
Yeah, I bet. Rory and I were actually in New York about a year ago, we had a great time.
You dont say.
Lorelei nodded and took a sip of her wine.
Rory came rushing back into the room, and sat down in her chair.
Who was that, honey?
Umm, it was Dean. She said while she looked across the room at Jess.
Oh, is he coming over?
Rory shook her head. I told him not to.
Why not? You know he is always welcome here.
I just didnt want him to, thats all. Rory looked over at Jess, who was staring at her. I should go check on the food. She ran out of the room before anyone could stop her.
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Rory was sitting on her bed, reading Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. She had read this book close to a thousand times already, but it was of her favorites, and right now she needed some comfort. She sighed, and laid down on her side as she continued to read. But words alluded her. She felt as if her whole world had turned upside down. She was so confused. She knew that she didnt love Dean, but she didnt want to hurt him either. But she knew that she was in love with Jess, that she always had been. Seeing him last night had just reinforced all the feelings that she had been burying for the past year.
A sound at her window, startled her. She walked over, and moved the curtain aside, to see Jess standing there. She took a deep breath and walked towards the back door. Fortuntately, Luke and Lorelei were watching a movie upstairs, so they wouldnt see her leaving. She walked onto the porch, and looked at him, standing five feet from her, yet it felt as though he was a million miles away.
So, you have a boyfriend, Jess said as he stuffed his hands in the pocket of his navy pants.
Rory nodded.
Do you love him?
She shook her head.
Then why are you with him?
Because I couldnt be with you.
Jess just stared at her speechless. That was the last thing he had expected her to say. He walked up to her, and kissed her. He kissed her like he had wanted to a year ago, with all the feelings he had welled up inside of him. His tongue massaged her lips before plunging into her mouth. Rory moaned, and pulled him closer to her, melding her body against his. All the memories came rushing back to her, all the feelings that he had invoked in her on that one night that had changed her forever. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up.
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