I realize that I promised to update Kiss Me Fool, but instead I came up with this. It's Lit, of course, and a chapter fic. This chapter is rather short, but it's main purpose is to ease you into the story. Enjoy.
Note that this is NOT a post finale story, however, Jess did run off to California. Rory still attends Yale. Luke and Lorelai are together, although their relationship is not mentioned in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Amy Sherman-Palladino owns Gilmore Girls, Sonata Arctica owns my story title, and Metallica owns my chapter title.
Fade to Black
Casually, Rory sipped her Dr. Pepper as she attempted to comprehend the words she was reading. A pair of hands covered her eyes. "Jess," she growled, warning the boy to remove his fingers from in front of her face.
"Somebody's grumpy today," Jess remarked as he leaned against the table she was sitting at.
"Nothing some onion rings can't fix." Her bright blue eyes twinkled with delight. He paused for a moment and her attention went back to the book.
"Wait, was that the cue for me to feed you?" Jess smirked. The corners of Rory's mouth turned up in a smile as she nodded. Jess kissed her gently on the lips. "You're lucky I love you sometimes," he jokingly grumbled.
Rory smiled happily as Jess snuck behind Luke's counter to retrieve her some free onion rings. He had changed so much from the young hoodlum he used to be. Jess had grown up, gotten his GED, and was even attending college part time. Rory knew she was part of the reason Jess was on the right track. When they were together, he was a different person. Even on a regular basis, Jess was starting to show his true colors to everyone surrounding them. Luke had always believed she would be a good influence on Jess, even when she was with Dean so many years ago. Thus, things were working out perfectly for the couple. For the most part, Jess had shed his attitude and his desire to smoke. Every once in a while he would light up a cigarette, but it would have to be during a stressful situation. Jess's precious leather jacket was still in the picture, which was something Rory could never imagine Jess without. That old jacket was part of his personality, much like his hair. Rory loved the way he wore his hair. It changed every so often, but the gel was usually consistent. Rory especially loved when Jess gelled his hair. The texture was a nice compromise; it was neither soft nor stiff and never sticky. Sometimes, when Jess was running late, he would neglect the gel and his hair would be floppy. She loved how that style made Jess appear younger and boyish, a side of him she rarely saw.
"Onion rings for the madam." Jess presented her greasy snack with a flourish and a smile. A smile, something that had been a rare treat in the past was a common expression for Jess. Rory was almost used to seeing a hint of Jess's naturally perfect teeth on a daily basis.
"Hey, come down here and take a break," Rory requested. Jess checked to make sure no one needed assistance and took a seat across from Rory.
"So I scoped this new place out in Hartford to eat. It's really nice," Rory said between bites. "Right next to this cozy little bookstore that just opened up, too."
"Sold," Jess said as he scraped the excess batter off the onion. "Are you busy tonight? I'm off here at eight."
It had been a while since the pair had been out, so Rory scooped up the offer, "Of course, silly. Busy with you."
Jess smiled. Rory couldn't get over how much he was doing that now. "Pick you up at eight-thirty?"
Rory eyed him quizzically. "I figured we'd just meet here at eight."
"Come on. What fun is a date if I smell like a bucket of grease?" Jess grabbed the loose material of his shirt. "There's some nice smelling grease right there. What's wrong with me needing to smell fresh and pretty?"
"The fact that it takes you a half hour alone to gel your hair."
"I'm insulted Gilmore! This 'do only takes 25 minutes, tops. You know what? Revoking your onion ring privileges." With that, Jess grabbed the heaping plate of onion rings as Rory chased him behind the counter to retrieve them.
"No. Turn left," Rory grumbled.
"I'm sorry your directions are horrible, but stop taking it out on me," Jess pleaded.
Rory sighed. "Sorry." She was wound tightly tonight. There was really no reason for her attitude, she had just been unpleasant for the past few weeks.
Jess looked over in his girlfriend's direction. He had noticed her mood turning sour for weeks. Jess was uncertain whether or not he had done something or if it was merely school. Although with his knowledge of Rory, he assumed it to be the latter. "You okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine. I just want to relax and be with you." She sighed again and looked out the window. It was a cold night, part of a cold winter, but it had yet to snow. Each year, the Gilmores wished for a traditional "White Christmas," but they were hardly ever granted one. Rory couldn't remember the last time it had snowed for the holidays. It was a chilly February night, but it wasn't snowing. There wasn't even snow in the forecast. "I'd love for it snow," Rory added meekly.
"It will." Jess turned his attention back to the road. "I'll buy you a book when we get to the store, okay?"
Rory nodded. Books were the number one thing to cheer her up.
"Though if we keeping hitting every red light, we'll never get there." Jess took his foot off the gas and pressed his sneaker against the brake pedal. They sat in silence for a moment until the traffic light flicked to green.
"JESS!" Rory squealed as she grabbed the steering wheel. The truck's lights blinded Rory as it came closer. Before long, she felt herself floating in a dark abyss.
Lorelai turned away from the television as her phone began to ring. Pesky phone. She was extremely comfortable sitting, but figured the call must be important at nine thirty at night. With the receiver pressed to her ear, Lorelai muttered, "Hello?"
A female voice on the other end answered. "Hello. Mrs. Gilmore?"