I have to say, this was a little heart-breaking to read. Especially the dance on the roof scene.
But incredible work. I read it in one day. I liked the way it progressed, from something seemingly light-hearted to something very complex.
I also really liked that you spent a lot of time talking about Rory's professional life and how it ties to her relationship with Jess.
Can't say I loved the ending - but I didn't hate it either and I don't know what kind of ending would make more sense.
Anyway, thank you for posting this!

Jesus Mary and Joseph, why aren’t you writing real books! Holy moly what a ride. Write more.

It was very interesting I love the book sentences, and the quotes, but overall I did not like the story it was prolonged too much and was very awkward, the ending would have made it all better but it didn't.

Thank you so much for writing such an amazing piece. I haven't read any Gilmore Girls fan fic for a while and was so glad when I logged in to come across this piece fully written. It was so good that I had to read it all in one session, I just couldn't stop. I have to agree with my disappointment of AYITL, especially on the development (or lack of development) of Rory's character (hence my need to keep reading fan fics...). The prose and poetry of your writing is amazing and had me completely hooked. I think your story ended in such a perfect place but I hope you might consider writing some more to tell us what might happen in say the next 10 years - in my mind these two are still end game and I would love to see how your thought process might take us there... THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I hate that it took me this long to read the final chapter of this great story. I unfortunately have been majorly busy, but I finally got a chance to read it and I loved it. I loved that you took the time with finding the right books for them and while it was always so sad to see them seperate, it was great to see them together.
I truly don’t think they should have revival the way they did. I understand she didn’t get to end the series the way she wanted, with the Rory being pregnant, but it happens. It felt like she ruined Rory’s character just so she could recreate what she lost her chance at.
I don’t think of Jess as Lorelai’s Luke because Jess and Rory were, I believe, even better suited then Lorelai and Luke were. I do believe they would have found their way back to eachother, but sooner then the revival showed them talking after supposedly four years of nothing. I do think the Logan Year’s during college were both a phase and a growing period Rory needed, just as much as Jess did. While it showed him doing better for himself I still think he needed more time. Time to work on his communication issues, anger, and also learn that sometimes when you mess up or leave someone you can’t win them back so easy. I think feel they probably would have started more communication some time after she ended things with Logan maybe during her campaign trail or after.
I am so glad you added what you did to give the revival more depth. Though I would love a story where they find their way back much earlier then sometime after the revival. In fact I think scrapping the revival altogether is the best way to go.
Anyway I look forward to any of your future lit works.

This was perfect. Absolutely perfect. I would not change a thing! Thanks for writing it.

This works for you, even the ending that isn’t an ending. You pulled an ASP on us! I really like that we get in Jess’s head and that we got more of what the two did in the ten years. This is truly a unique, and yes, odd piece. I like it.

Loved it.

I DON'T WANT THIS TO BE OVER! NO!

Okay, now that that's out of the way, wow. First off all, I just want to say how honored I am that you gave me a shout out at the end of this chapter, and that I helped inspire this chapter. That is so incredibly moving to me. Thank you so much! And thank you so much for writing this story, and just sharing your words in general. I'm also a snob when it comes to reading, especially fanfiction, just because I read fanfiction to continue the author/creator's original story, and I want to stay with the characters as they are, at their core. Your story does this and is SO GOOD! I would not have even left the review if that had not been the case. So thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you! I sincerely hope you will continue writing. You're too good of a writer to not write, which is even more impressive because English is not your first language, which is really hard to tell here. There are only a couple slips in grammar in the story, mainly switching the definitions of "in" and "on" and a couple of prepositions out of order (ex. in chapter 2 "I had never realized how alike are you and my mother" should read "I had never realized how alike you and my mother are" or "I had never realized how alike you are with my mother") Overall, you write better than a lot of native English speaking writers, so please don't look down on the fact that it's not your first language. If you continue writing and would like a beta reader for grammar and linguistics, I'll be happy to do it for you :)

I too had my disappointments with AYITL, mainly because it proved that the Rory that I loved from seasons 1-3 (the Rory that loved reading, that cared about the emotions and thoughts of other people, that thought about consequences to her actions, that didn't come across as a completely spoiled, selfish, entitled brat with no respect for herself or boundaries, that actually had drive and wanted to work for her achievements, not coast by on privilege alone without doing any work) was a complete illusion and that the REAL Rory was like the Rory from the end of season 4 til the end of the series. It was heartbreaking to see a character that I had once adored to be such a mess in the revival, and STILL making the same mistakes that she made at 19. LEAVE THE MEN WHO ARE IN COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS IE MARRIED/ENGAGED ALONE! JUST BECAUSE YOU DATED THEM DOES NOT MAKE YOU HAVE OWNERSHIP OVER THEM! THEY ARE PEOPLE, NOT POSSESSIONS!

That being said, there were parts of AYITL that I absolutely loved: Jess, Paris, Jess, Emily, Jess, did I mention Jess? Luke and Jess. Just give me all the Jess. lolololol... what I'm still on the fence about is this idea about coming full circle and Rory following in Lorelai's footsteps. I absolutely do think that is where ASP was going with her storyline, with Rory equaling Lorelai, Logan as Christopher, and Jess as Luke. However, the difference between the first trio and the second trio is that ASP built up Lorelai's feelings for BOTH suitors. She didn't do it for Rory and Jess. Yes, Jess' feelings for Rory are completely clear. However, Rory has been completely indifferent to Jess (in terms of romantic feelings) since she turned down his proposal to run away at the end of season 4. Of course it didn't help that Milo was no longer a series regular after season 3, but when he did appear, Rory turned him down every time, first for Dean and then for Logan. I think ASP has shown that Jess may in fact be Rory's Luke, given his ability to get through to her and help her at her worst when literally no one else could. However, where she falls short is showing Rory as Jess' Lorelai. Lorelai, once she realized her feelings for Luke, choose Luke every time. She pursued him (when he was getting back together with Nicole), she proposed to him (both times). BUT SHE MARRIED CHRISTOPHER! Yes, I know, but that was after she felt she and Luke would never get married. Besides the marriage lasted literally for seven episodes. She even admits at the end of the seventh season that it was always supposed to be Luke.

Where is that for Rory? As you pointed out wonderfully in chapter three, Rory has never once pursued Jess. She has toyed with him, played with him, kissed him, rejected him, but never once pursued him. Only twice has she taken initiative and made a step towards Jess. First, when she went to New York to say goodbye, which then led to Jess coming back and them sharing the most amazing of first kisses. Second, when she went to Philadelphia to see Jess at his open house and then preceded to try and use him to get back at Logan for cheating on her, before declaring her love for Logan and then leaving, trampling over Jess' heart in the process. If ASP had shown that Rory had continued to be interested in Jess after season 4, such as I don't know, her actually telling him that she loved him, at all during the series, with no maybe before it, or leaving Blondie McDouchface at the bar once he became an inebriated ass, and gone off with Jess for dinner, or her coming to Philadelphia, them still sharing the kiss, but Rory pulling away because she couldn't take a second chance on him, then it would be different, because we at least would have acknowledgment/confirmation that Rory still feels something. However, all there is right now is speculation, which is not enough to really stand by as evidence.

Do I think Rory and Jess are soulmates and belong together? ABSOLUTELY! Do I think the show has clearly shown that? NO. In fact, I think that ASP has pulled an Eat, Pray, Love, with Rory and Jess and borrowed Gilbert's words in regards to soulmates:

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mates' purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life..."

Does that not describe Rory and Jess to a T? Rory was the inspiration behind Jess' transformation, and he was the driving force to put Rory back on course. But their relationship when they were actually together? Painful. The majority of their encounters after their break up? Painful. So if ASP wants everyone to believe that Jess and Rory will end up together, she's gonna have to do a better job of SHOWING the love from BOTH sides. Because it has been incredibly one-sided for over 10 years. JESS DESERVES BETTER DAMMIT!

Hence why your story actually did a better job than AYITL at portraying the Literati and Sophie relationship. We actually got some context as to the choices Rory made, we got a glimpse into her psyche and why she made the decisions she did, such as restarting her relationship with Logan (because for the life of me I could not figure out why Rory was in that nothing of a relationship, actually nothing of both relationships. For convenience? For comfort? Cause it's expected? Cause they're just there? It didn't make any sense to me. Like if you're going to be cheating, at least let it be for a relationship you're actually invested in.) However, in your story, we got the background, we got the conversations that were missed, we got to see the progression of the relationships. Which was great.

And now that we're finally back to talking about your story, let's actually review the chapter.

This chapter was so good. It literally took me reading it a second time to realize that this entire chapter is from Jess' perspective, unlike the last five chapters. That's how engrossed I was in the story. I loved the hangover aspect of it, the haziness he had to fight through in order to recall the events of the wedding. I really loved the inclusion of Rocky Horror Picture Show, because I have no doubt that Lorelai would include that, although I would think she would have included "Touch-a, touch-a, touch me" or "sweet transvestite" cause those are both really dirty lol.

I also really loved the repeating of this idea of rhythm and beats, how Jess continues to say that two has no rhythm, alluding to the number of times they've had sex. Which obviously shows that Jess has no concept of music theory at all, considering that yes, there is a rhythm with two beats (2/4 count anyone?). However, what I think he was trying to say, was that 2 beats is plodding. It's signifies a connection, that it's more than a mistake, but that's it. There is a rhythm, but there is not movement within the rhythm. There's no moving forward. And I really love that analogy. And to break it with Rory coming to him and revealing her kept invitations and her pregnancy was just great. Cause it's a nice allusion to the fact that it's also Rory's third time coming to him since he came to her in Chicago. First, when she drove to New York to see his play. (I don't count their moment on the bridge because Stars Hollow is more her town. She's not making a sacrifice or a leap seeing him in her own hometown.) Second, when she called him and left a message to come to her awards ceremony. And now third, her coming to Philadelphia, which is a nice tie in to her original visit to Philadelphia. While their are still Logan overtones given the pregnancy, this reunion feels so much more hopeful because for once she's admitting the part she played in their relationship. THAT is the kind of hopeful ending we should have gotten in the revival. With an admission of feelings from her, even if she doesn't fully know what those feelings are exactly, and stating that she needs Jess (ie, she needs his encouragement and guidance more than ever). That is how you write an ending. With even a hint of continuation with the last line. (Is that a hint? I would love for it to be a hint.)

And with that, I think I'll stop this super super long ranting review. Again, thank you so much for writing this story. I had so much fun reading it. It even introduced me to some literature I haven't read yet (Save The Last Dance? That's immediately getting read as soon as I finish this semester next week). I'm adding you to my follows list so I can make sure to read any other work you may post.

This was an amazing ride! Much love and hope to do it again!

(p.s. hell yes to HSM! Although the fandom's pretty much dead. But if there was ever a reunion, I am so there!)

I am one of those terrible readers who never leave reviews but you really deserve one because this story was incredible. I also disliked the revival, primarily because of Rory's complete lack of growth since we had last seen her. But unlike in the revival, your Rory had depth. She was messed up and lost but for some reason, it all made sense. So thank you for that! And as for everything else in your story - the way you wrote Jess, the messed-up relationship between the two of them, their interactions over the years, the book flirting - it was amazing. Well written and well developed. I'm not sure I liked the last chapter as much as your earlier ones but perhaps I just need to re-read it. It just felt a bit more disjointed. Still a great piece of writing though. Since this is the last chapter, I want to thank you for taking the time to write this; I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more stuff from you.

I'll be honest with you, I haven't managed to read the last two chapters so far and I'm very certain they'll make me cry when I do. In terms of AYITL, god, where do I start? I personally reject pretty much the whole idea of the story, in the sense that, I'd only make peace with it if it included Jess and Rory getting together in the next 1-3 years instead of in the next 15 like with Luke and Lorelai. The Jess as her Luke thing is more of a confirmation for me that they're endgame than anything else, primarily because I hate Logan fans who keep trying to push the idea of Rory and Jess being together again down. I know they went through loss in the revival too, but I can't find it in me to be sympathetic towards them, Rogan or just Logan in general because he got too much fucking screentime being a terrible person who just strings Rory along when he wants to, and even wanted to continue doing so until she broke it off. Meanwhile, we got next to nothing with Jess, and I'll never forgive ASP for that.
Rory, god where do I start with her. I personally love so many of her faults and terrible decisions in the original series because it just made her complicated and a real character to me, you know? But AYITL just regressed her to the point where I didn't even recognize her anymore. Everything that was done with her was awful, the execution of her feeling lost and unsure about her job was the literal worst you could do to a character that is known for being so hard-working at times, so much that I don't consider her being in character at all throughout AYITL. My head just can't accept that garbage. Also I feel like all that was just done so that she could end up pregnant like Lorelai which is complete bullshit. Her entire character was wasted all for some terrible mirroring plotline which I found cheap. And while I can accept a story where her and Jess find each other again while working on the book, at times I can't find it in me to accept Rory struggling with being a single mom. This is a pregnancy she's obviously frightened about, doesn't seem sure of anything regarding it and is born out of a weblock, which is one of the things she hated when she was younger and she still has abandonment issues re: her father who never stuck around. I also doubt Logan would stick around and at this point AYITL proved that their relationship is too unbalanced, plus he never once considered actually being with her and just her, so yeah. I can't find it in me to accept this pregnancy storyline with ease. The only good thing I took out of it was the confirmation that Jess and Rory are endgame, and always seemed to be, and that's the only thing I need. I'm gonna try and replace AYITL with my own fanfic version of events, whether ASP likes it or not.

So yeah, that's my general opinion. I'm gonna come back later on and finally leave you a good proper lengthy review on your fic (its awful how this site only allows one review per chapter), but I just had to write this first. Thank you so much for continuing to contribute to Jess and Rory's story as well as general stories that exist here. That really takes a lot and I'm extremely thankful.

Please finish! Love the richness of your story.

The dance and the exchange that came after, that was so heartbreakingly beautiful! You did good work right there.

You can write so romantically, so passionately, yet heart wrenching at the same time! The dance was beautiful and the literary dialogue was just perfect. Well done!

This is a great story! I really hate Logan right now, and can’t believe she is still with him. I really love Jess and Rory, it’s like neither of them is really living without the other. Neither of them is truly happy with their current lives or lovers. I would feel bad for his girlfriend, but she obviously knew what she was getting into since he was sleeping with her in California when he was supposedly still in love with Rory. Honestly I can’t feel bad for a woman who is willingly putting herself in a relationship with a man who clearly loves and belongs with someone else(Rory). I also really hope Odette finds out that Logan had been dating Rory all along and way before he picked her up as a side piece for when Rory was away.
Anyway I can’t wait for your next update! I just want Jess and Rory to finally be happy together like they deserve to be!