Title: Beauty and the Beast
Author: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. All of it belongs to those whose names appear on screen.
Spoilers: General Season 2, it takes place in season 3.
Author Note(s): Feedback greatly appreciated. Not demanded (because I don't like that), but greatly appreciated. Helps the ego, helps the muses.
This is my first script style fic. I hope it turned out okay.
This fic is less dark and less angsty than my last. It's happy and funny and it does have a happy ending.
Summary: Rory gets the lead in the school play, Beauty and the Beast and Jess helps her with her lines. Will all the time spent together lead to something more? (Literati)
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AFTER SCHOOL AT LUKE'S DINER
[RORY walks into the Diner.]
RORY: Mom!
LORELAI: Over here, behind the coffee pot!
[RORY sits with LORELAI at the bar.]
RORY: Guess what?
LORELAI: Oooh! I love this game. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe had a baby with three heads?
RORY: No.
LORELAI: Uhhh, Luke took his baseball cap off? No! Wait! He wore it the front way?
RORY: No. But I would like to see that.
LORELAI: Okay. The cabbage and the celery got together and are planning on staging an attack on the gazebo?
RORY: No. And I think this conversation has gone far enough. [sighing] I'm going to be in the school play.
LORELAI: Come again? I thought I just heard you say you were going to be in the school play.
RORY: I did.
LORELAI: And you are in the school play because.
RORY: Because I needed a drama component to graduate, so I tried out for the school play.
LORELAI: Okay. What play?
RORY: Beauty and the Beast.
LORELAI: Good choice. Who are you?
RORY: Belle.
LORELAI: Belle as in the main character, Belle? Or Bell as a ringing bell. I think you would do very well as a bronze noisemaker. I can see the headlines now. Rory Gilmore, portrays bell very well. [beat] Hey! Rhyme!
RORY: Main character.
LORELAI: Honey, I don't mean to be offensive, but how did you get the part? I mean, it's not like you act, and your singing. While it does beat Marriah, it holds no candle to the sounds of Michelle.
RORY: I think they picked names out of a hat.
LORELAI: [nods and drinks her coffee.] So, Belle, huh?
RORY: Yeah. I was hoping to be on of the towns people or one of the servants.
LORELAI: I think you would have made a very nice Mrs. Potts.
RORY: Ah, yes. Maybe even a Chip.
LORELAI: No, not Chip! Because then we would have to chip you for the part.
RORY: I see pain in that.
LORELAI: And therefore, plan is gone.
RORY: Good.
LORELAI: Need some help with your lines?
RORY: Yes. But I was going to ask Dean. He's been upset that we haven't been spending any time together lately. This will be a good chance for us to hand out.
LORELAI: That's good. I'm glad you're trying to make things okay with Dean. He was very mopey while you were gone.
RORY: I'm not sure that was healthy, mom. Letting him mope all summer?
LORELAI: I thought about getting him hooked on coffee, but then I figured you wouldn't want to come back home to a crazy boyfriend.
RORY: [rolls her eyes] Thank you for sparing me the horror. You and me can take the excessive amounts of caffeine intake, but give it to any other human being and they are done for.
[RORY looks out the window and sees DEAN across the street.]
RORY: Ooh! Mom, I'm going to go ask Dean now. I'll be home soon. Love you!
LORELAI: Love you, too!
[RORY gets up and runs out side to DEAN]
RORY: Hey, Dean! Wait up!
DEAN: Hey, Rory. [they kiss] This is a nice surprise but I have to go to work.
RORY: I know. I just wanted to ask you something.
[DEAN nods, waiting for her to continue.]
RORY: Because of a joke fate played on me, I am now the lead in Beauty and the Beast. So. I was wondering if you wanted to run lines with me after work.
DEAN: That's okay, Rory, you can do it with your mom or Lane.
RORY: [hurt] Why don't you want to run lines with me?
DEAN: I don't like acting.
RORY: All you have to do is read.
DEAN: I don't like to read either, you know this.
RORY: But you said you wanted to spend more time together, I thought that this would be a way to see each other more. With this play and my homework, I will hardly have any time for you.
DEAN: [mumbles under his breath] And that's different from now?
RORY: Huh?
DEAN: Nothing. Practice with Lane, or your mom, or your Chilton friends. I gotta go to work, talk to you later.
[DEAN runs into Doose's, leaving a sad RORY.]
RORY: [quietly] Sure.
[RORY slowly walks back into Luke's and sits down at a table. LORELAI has left. JESS comes and sits across from her.]
JESS: What's up?
RORY: I got the lead in Beauty and the Beast.
JESS: That's. interesting.
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Didn't peg you for an actress.
RORY: I'm not. I need a drama thing to graduate. I tried out for the school play and got the lead.
JESS: [quotes] For who could ever learn to love a beast?
RORY: [mumbles] Yeah.
JESS: Why are you upset? Getting the lead in a play isn't a bad thing. Harvard will look at it and say, 'Wow, this girl does it all.'
RORY: [sighing] Its not the play. It's Dean.
JESS: [annoyed] What'd he do now?
RORY: I asked him to run lines with me so we could hang out. We haven't been spending time together and I thought this was a good way to see each other more. But he said he's not an actor and doesn't like to read. This sucks.
[JESS nods, being supportive.]
RORY: He said to practice with mom or Lane. But mom will be crazy and blow everything out of proportion. And Lane is grounded. Ug! I don't know what to do.
JESS: [mumbles] I'll help you.
RORY: Huh?
JESS: [louder] I'll help you.
RORY: You sure?
JESS: Yeah, it'll be fun. We can hang out, I can give you coffee. I'm not an actor but I like to read.
RORY: Are you sure you're sure?
JESS: Of course.
RORY: Okay. This is your choice, remember. And you can pull out when ever you want to. Okay?
JESS: Okay.
RORY: Fine. I'll come for dinner then after we can start.
JESS: Sounds good.
RORY: I'll see you later.
[RORY gets up and runs out the door.]
JESS: [to himself] You will.
LATER AT LUKE'S DINER
[RORY enters the diner. JESS stops cleaning the table and looks up at her.]
JESS: You're back.
RORY: [sitting at the bar] As I said I would be.
JESS: You waiting for your mom or ordering now?
RORY: I'm eating solo. Mom's at the Inn, something's wrong with something and she has to oversee the fixing.
JESS: What'll it be?
RORY: Burger, fries, and coffee.
JESS: A healthy choice.
RORY: [smiling] I think so.
JESS: You will live a long and healthy life with healthy meals such as this one.
RORY: You're turning into Luke, but with more sarcasm.
JESS: Not good. I'll drop the health comments.
RORY: Thank you.
[RORY throws a book on the table. Title says BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: SCRIPT.]
RORY: It's the script. Read it, know it, help me memorize it.
JESS: [picks up the book] It's long.
RORY: Is that a problem?
JESS: No, it just means that we'll have to spend a lot of time together.
RORY: [nods] It'll be fun.
JESS: Dean will get mad.
RORY: He's the one who didn't want to run lines.
JESS: He's not going to see it like that.
RORY: I'll deal with it when it happens.
JESS: [nods] I have to work.
RORY: Go. I'll tell you when I'm done.
[JESS goes to take orders and RORY finishes her dinner.]
RORY: [pushing her plate away] Done!
JESS: That was fast.
RORY: [defensively] I was hungry.
JESS: Relax. I watch you scoff down food everyday.
RORY: Oh, that's a comfort.
JESS: If it will help, I won't feed you and there goes the possibility of stuffing your mouth with food.
RORY: I think I'll keep my food, thank you very much.
[JESS smirks and heads upstairs.]
RORY: Hey! Where are you going?
JESS: You did want to run lines, didn't you?
RORY: Yeah. Let's go.
[RORY follows JESS upstairs to the apartment. They sit down across from each other on the sofa. JESS pulls out the script.]
JESS: Once upon a time in a far away land.
RORY: [interrupting] Start at my part.
JESS: Okay. [JESS flips some pages] Oh no!
RORY: What?
JESS: [shakes his head] I can't sing. I don't sing. I won't sing.
RORY: Oh no! Singing!
JESS: You did know it was a musical when you auditioned, correct?
RORY: Yes. But it slipped my mind that I would have to sing in front of people.
JESS: Chilton is overrated if this is all you know.
RORY: Not funny. I don't want to sing in font of everyone!
JESS: [giving in] Will it help if sung for you?
RORY: [grinning] Yes!
JESS: [groans] Fine.
RORY: [singing] Little town, it's a quiet village.
BACK IN LUKE'S DINER
[RORY and JESS stand across from each other by the door. It's night.]
RORY: Thanks for doing this.
JESS: Pleasure's all mine.
RORY: [smiles] Same thing tomorrow?
JESS: [looks like he wants to kiss RORY.] Yeah.
RORY: See you for breakfast.
[RORY waves and walks home. JESS is left watching her walk away from him.]
GILMORE LIVING ROOM
[RORY walks into the house, LORELAI is sitting on the sofa watching TV.]
LORELAI: How was it?
RORY: [sits while smiling] Fine.
LORELAI: *Just* fine?
RORY: Yeah.
LORELAI: [worried] No kissing?
RORY: No kissing.
LORELAI: Okay.
RORY: Did you want there to be?
LORELAI: No! No, it's just that you seem happy.
RORY: Should I not be happy?
LORELAI: [flustered] No. It's just. never mind.
RORY: [frustrated] Okay. I'm going to go to bed now.
LORELAI: Good night.
RORY: Night.
[RORY flops onto her bed and starts to read her script, but her thoughts are clearly elsewhere.]
LUKE'S DINER
[It's morning, RORY and LORELAI are sitting at the bar eating pancakes. JESS is sitting beside RORY, his script on the table beside them.]
RORY: [as Belle] What do you know about my dreams, Gaston?
JESS: [as Gaston] Plenty! Picture it... coming home after a hard day... my latest kill roasting over the fire... and my little wife, massaging my feet. While the little ones play on the floor with the dogs. We'll have six or seven.
RORY: Dogs?
JESS: No! Strapping boys, like me!
RORY: Imagine that.
JESS: And do you know who that little wife will be, Belle?
RORY: Let me think.
JESS: You, Belle!
RORY: Gaston... I - I'm speechless... I really don't know what to say...
JESS: Say you'll marry me!
RORY: I'm truly sorry, Gaston... but I - I just don't deserve you!
JESS: [back as JESS and clapping] How much do you have memorized?
RORY: Quite a bit. The script is almost exactly like the movie and I've seen the movie like a zillion times.
JESS: [looks out the window] Bus.
RORY: [looks out as well] School! Right, I better go. See ya later.
[RORY kisses her mom goodbye and runs out the door. Once RORY is gone LORELAI turns to glare at JESS.]
LORELAI: Jess.
JESS: What?
LORELAI: Don't get in the way.
JESS: Of what?
LORELAI: Her and Dean.
JESS: She came to me.
LORELAI: [getting angry] Look, I know you like her. I know she likes you, whether or not she'll ever admit it. But she's happy with Dean. If you do anything to screw it up, I will come down here and beat you. [relaxes] We clear?
[JESS shrugs and walks off, leaving an angry LORELAI.]
LATER
[It's raining outside. RORY runs into the diner, soaking wet.]
JESS: Wet?
RORY: [grumbling] That's what happens when you run in the rain.
JESS: Want some dry clothes?
RORY: [holds up a sports bag] I thought ahead. Mind if I change?
JESS: [lifts his eyebrow] Can I watch?
RORY: Ew! No!
JESS: [shrugs] Worth a shot. Go, get changed. I'll have some coffee ready when you get back.
RORY: [running up the stairs] Thanks!
[RORY runs back down the stairs to see JESS sitting by the window. A cup of coffee and a coffee pot is waiting for her. She sits down and quickly drinks from the cup.]
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: Where do you want to start?
RORY: [singing] Little town, it's a quiet village. Everyday, like the one before. Little town, filled with little people, waking up to say..
[RORY and JESS have just finished going over the entire play.]
RORY: I better go home.
JESS: [looks out the window] No way. You're not going home in that weather.
[It's raining hard, the wind is blowing everywhere, and there is lightning and thunder.]
RORY: Well, what will I do then? Stay here?
JESS: Why not?
RORY: I don't have a change of clothes.
JESS: We can dry your old ones.
RORY: But what will Luke say?
JESS: Luke!
LUKE: [coming from the back] What?
JESS: Can Rory stay here?
LUKE: No.
JESS: [pointing to the window] You're gonna let her out in that?
LUKE: [looks outside] Fine, she can stay. Lorelai will kill me if I let Rory out in that.
JESS: See, you can stay.
RORY: Fine. Just let me call my Mom.
[LUKE leaves. RORY picks up the phone and dials her house. No answer. She then dials LORElAI'S cell.]
LORELAI: Hello?
RORY: Mom.
LORELAI: Where are you? I've called the house like 10 times.
RORY: I'm at Luke's, remember?
LORELAI: Right.
RORY: Anyway. It's really stormy out and the guys won't let me go home so they are kidnapping me till tomorrow morning.
LORELAI: Well then, here's your counter mission. Steal Luke's coffee.
RORY: I'm a double agent?
LORELAI: Just like Sydney Bristow.
RORY: You're CIA?
LORELAI: Is that so hard to believe?
RORY: Yes.
LORELAI: Fine, I'm SD-6 and your mission is to steal the brown powder in a bag, AKA Luke's coffee, and bring it back to head quarters ASAP. Sally will brief you on the tech.
RORY: The coffee maker?
LORELAI: Yes, after all, the coffee is for her.
RORY: Whatever. Just called to tell you where I was.
LORELAI: Don't do anything stupid.
RORY: What?
LORELAI: I mean it. No fooling around with Jess.
RORY: Mom! What are you talking about? Nothing is going on between me and Jess. And even if there was, Luke's here.
LORELAI: Fine.
RORY: [annoyed] Bye.
LORELAI: [frustrated] Bye.
[RORY hangs up the phone and turns, bumping into JESS. He catches her in his arms and they regain their balance. They look into each other's eyes, not paying attention to anything else, including LUKE when he comes back in.]
LUKE: What's going on?
[RORY and JESS break apart.]
RORY: [flustered] Nothing.
[LUKE gives JESS a warning look.]
JESS: Nothing! She bumped into me.
LUKE: Fine. I'm going upstairs. Finish closing up when you're done. And please, don't do anything Lorelai wouldn't approve of.
[LUKE goes up stairs leaving RORY and JESS alone. RORY slides down onto the floor dropping her head in her hands. JESS sits beside her.]
RORY: [annoyed] Why does everybody keep telling me that? Don't do something stupid with Jess.
JESS: You've heard my reputation.
RORY: It's like they don't trust me.
JESS: It's me they don't trust. They think I'm going to corrupt you.
RORY: You're not.
JESS: No, but they still think so. It's not like I give them reason to believe otherwise.
RORY: Why is that?
JESS: I don't like these people. Why should I pretend to enjoy their company?
RORY: You could at least be civil.
JESS: You don't think I try?
RORY: [surprised] You do?
JESS: [frustrated] Yes. Believe it or not, I have tried to get along with these freaks. But they don't want any of it. They like believing that I'm no good.
RORY: [puts her arm across his shoulders for comfort] I don't think you're no good.
JESS: You're the only one who does.
[RORY pulls him into a hug and rests her chin on his shoulder. JESS slowly puts his arms around her. They sit there thinking, comfortably, for a few minutes. RORY reluctantly pulls away, feeling guilty. They go back to sitting up against the wall.]
RORY: I have a boyfriend.
JESS: I know.
RORY: You like me.
JESS: [long silence] I do.
RORY: [quietly] I like you.
JESS: [surprised] Do you?
RORY: I'm not supposed to.
JESS: You have a boyfriend.
RORY: Dean.
JESS: The freakishly tall bag boy, who has the intelligence of the bags he uses to put food into.
RORY: I remember how weird I acted when I had a crush on him. I went into Doose's and bought a head of lettuce and a mousetrap. But I only had enough for the lettuce. I ran out of there so fast.
JESS: You bought lettuce?
RORY: I know. I'm glad I'm less flustered around you.
JESS: You try harder.
RORY: It's easier around you. Around you, I don't have to be careful about what I say, who I hang out with. We can have actual conversations about intelligent things.
JESS: [nervous] Can I tell you something?
RORY: Of course.
JESS: You're the only person in this town who likes me, and the only one I can stand to be around. What ever happens, or doesn't happen between us. I still want to be friends.
RORY: Me too.
JESS: This isn't me. I'm not open. I'm not nice. But there's something about you.. Rory, you did something to me.
RORY: [apologetic] I didn't mean to.
JESS: Thank you.
RORY: [relieved] You're welcome.
JESS: [back to his usual self] Let's go run lines.
[RORY and JESS go upstairs and rehearse.]
MORNING
[RORY comes down the stairs. She sees LORELAI sitting at a table waiting. RORY sits down across from LORELAI.]
LORELAI: How was last night?
RORY: [still a little annoyed] Fine.
LORELAI: Look, Rory, I didn't mean to go all 'mom' on you, I just-
RORY: I got it.
LORELAI: [attentively] Are we okay.
RORY: [clearly lying] We're fine.
LORELAI: [hostile] Be that way. I have to go to work.
[LORELAI gets up, RORY stops her.]
RORY: What's wrong with Jess?
LORELAI: Do you really want me to answer that?
RORY: Yes. Why do you, and everyone else, always tell me to watch out for Jess?
LORELAI: He steals, he lies, and he draws outlines of dead bodies. What's not wrong with him? He doesn't try to get along, all he does it sulks and makes sarcastic remarks, especially when he knows it will piss people off. I don't like him, Rory. But I refuse to be *that* controlling and forbid you to see him. I'm dealing with this the best way I can and that's by constantly reminding you that he's no good.
RORY: Well, you can stop worrying. I'm fine, Mom. I've been hanging around Jess for months. Nothing's happened. I'm still Rory, I haven't changed.
LORELAI: Yes you have.
[LORELAI exits, leaving a stunned RORY at the table. RORY sees the bus and runs off to school. JESS heard RORY and LORELAI'S conversation from the stairs and appears at the doorway just in time to see RORY get on the bus.]
CHILTON AUDITORIUM
TEACHER: This may be the most important play you are ever in. It will be the last one before acceptance letters are sent out from the Universities you are planning to go to. Scouts will be watching those who wish to attend an acting school. I expect you to rehearse for at least two hours a night. I want the script fully memorized by the end of the week. Now, off you go. Rory and Greg, can I please talk to you?
[TEACHER sits beside RORY and GREG.]
TEACHER: As you are aware, there is a kissing scene in this play. In order for this play to be as real as possible, we were hoping to incorporate this kiss into the play. Do either of you have a problem with that?
RORY and GREG: No.
TEACHER: Good, I will let you two rehearse.
[TEACHER leaves, RORY and GREG are left alone to talk.]
GREG: You're Rory, I can see why you were cast. You have a striking resemblance to Belle.
RORY: And you're Greg, who fortunately, looks nothing like the beast.
GREG: So.. kissing, huh?
RORY: Yeah.
GREG: You okay with it?
RORY: [a little unsure] I guess.
GREG: It'll be fine. Purely professional. Do you have a boyfriend?
RORY: Why?
GREG: It's easier if you have a boyfriend, that way you don't get carried away with the kiss.
RORY: I have a boyfriend.
GREG: Good.
RORY: You act a lot?
GREG: It's only my first love.
RORY: So you're good?
GREG: I hope so.
RORY: I'm not so great.
GREG: How'd you get the lead, then?
RORY: My theory is picking names out of a hat.
GREG: Ahh, you're one of those academic girls who are only doing the play to graduate.
RORY: [guilty] Busted.
GREG: It's okay. A lot of students do that. But as long as you're dedicated, I'm fine with it.
RORY: I'll do my best.
GREG: [looking at his watch] I better go.
RORY: Me too. My bus comes soon and I want to get home.
GREG: If you ever need someone to run likes with..
RORY: [smiling] I've got it covered, but thanks.
GREG: I think you'll make an outstanding Belle.
RORY: Wait till you see me act.
GREG: I'm sure I'll be blown away. Goodbye, mademoiselle.
RORY: Bye.
STARS HOLLOW STREETS
[RORY gets off the bus and goes to Luke's. JESS is there waiting tables.]
JESS: How was rehearsal?
RORY: [groans] I have to kiss him.
JESS: Who?
RORY: The beast.
JESS: Well then, I'll have to help you on that ending. I say we should devote a few hours a day to that kissing scene, with me as your beast.
RORY: You wish.
[JESS raises his eyebrow, looking at RORY as if she should know the answer. RORY blushes remembering his crush on her.]
RORY: Sorry. Bad comment.
JESS: Practice the ending with Dean.
RORY: Definitely.
LATER-LUKE AND JESS'S APARTMENT
RORY: [as Belle] It is you.
[They had been rehearsing and were at the end. Both were wrapped up in the flow of the script. Slowly their heads inched forward until their lips were touching. It took a second before either realized what was going on and both pulled back quickly.]
JESS: Sorry.
RORY: We were caught up in the moment.
JESS: It'll never happen again.
RORY: We'll be more careful.
JESS: This isn't good.
RORY: Next time, we'll skip the ending entirely, there's not much dialogue anyway.
[Silence settled amongst them.]
RORY: [gets up] I should go.
JESS: Good idea.
RORY: I'll see you tomorrow.
JESS: Yeah.
GILMORE HOUSE
[RORY comes in the front, LORELAI is no where in sight.]
RORY: I'm home!
LORELAI: Kitchen!
[RORY goes to the kitchen. LORELAI is sitting at the table, obviously waiting for RORY. There is nothing on the table, not even coffee.]
RORY: What's up?
LORELAI: Nothing. How's the practicing going?
RORY: [blushes a little] Good.
LORELAI: Are you two.
RORY: No.
LORELAI: Because I've told you, repeatedly, I don't like you hanging around him.
RORY: I do not believe we are still having this conversation.
LORELAI: We will have this conversation until I'm convinced my daughter is safe from the town rebel.
RORY: For the last time, he's not going do anything to me.
LORELAI: He already has.
RORY: What are you talking about?
LORELAI: How do you not see it?
RORY: See what?
LORELAI: You've been spending so much time with Jess that you don't even see Dean anymore-
RORY: He's the one who didn't want to help.
LORELAI: And you've just been picking fights with me over Jess-
RORY: Because you always play the 'he's a bad influence' card.
LORELAI: He's making you drop your responsibilities-
RORY: I'm in the school play, I'm picking up responsibilities.
LORELAI: You don't help out at the Inn-
RORY: I'm in a play that I have to act in and look good because, let's face it, this is Chilton and they expect nothing but the best.
LORELAI: And he's taking you away from me-
RORY: Well he's.. What?
LORELAI: I'm losing you.
RORY: That's what this is about?
LORELAI: He's taking up all your time and I hardly see you anymore.
RORY: Mom. Jess isn't taking me away from you.
LORELAI: Yes, he is. It's scary. You're growing up, you're distancing yourself from me. Our relationship was too good to be true, it can't last forever. I just.Losing you to Jess of all people.
RORY: Mom, Jess will never take me away from you.
[LORELAI gets up and leaves RORY in the kitchen.]
LORELAI: [whispering to herself] He already has.
LUKE'S DINER
[RORY comes in at dinner with her script ready to practice. JESS takes it away from her when he sees it.]
RORY: Hey!
JESS: No lines tonight. Tonight, is movie night.
RORY: You're kidding?
JESS: Nope.
RORY: What movies?
JESS: Come see.
[JESS takes RORY'S hand and leads her upstairs.]
RORY: [picks up movie cases] Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, 101 Dalmatians, and Beauty and the Beast.
JESS: I know, it's a lot of movies. But since you don't have school tomorrow.
RORY: [nods her head] Junk food?
JESS: [pulls a bag from behind the sofa] Everything you need. Gummies, popcorn, chocolate, suckers, pop, everything.
RORY: [Takes the bag from him and sits down] Let's get started.
JESS: What movie?
RORY: Cinderella.
[JESS pops Cinderella into the VCR before coming to sit beside RORY.]
RORY: Jess?
JESS: Yeah.
RORY: About last night.
JESS: Forget about it?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Sure.
[The movie starts and they relax, RORY pigs out on food. Half way through, she finishes eating and rests her head on JESS'S shoulder. JESS wraps an arm around her.]
[Cinderella is done and Snow White is playing. JESS sees RORY is cold and raps her in a blanket.]
[Snow White is over, JESS can see RORY is tired.]
JESS: Last movie. Wanna watch Beauty and the Beast?
RORY: Sure.
[Beauty and the Beast begins. RORY and JESS, at the beginning of the movie, mouth each word. RORY gets very tired part way through and puts her head on JESS'S lap to rest. JESS absent mindly strokes her hair. Both fall asleep on the sofa before the movie is over.]
[LORELAI paces around her house waiting for RORY.]
LORELAI: Where is that girl?
[She finally gives up and goes to LUKE'S. LORELAI beats on the glass and LUKE lets her in.]
LUKE: What?
LORELAI: Where's Rory?
LUKE: Huh?
LORELAI: Where's Rory? I know she's here. I bet that Jess seduced her and has her in his bed right now.
[LORELAI storms upstairs, LUKE runs after her, he catches her before she enters.]
LUKE: Lorelai! They were watching movies and fell asleep.
LORELAI: And you didn't stop them?
LUKE: They were watching movies.
LORELAI: Yeah. Right. Just watching movies? Or making out?
LUKE: What is wrong with you?
LORELAI: Nothing.
LUKE: Lorelai.
LORELAI: Luke.
LUKE: Leave them be.
[LORELAI ignores LUKE'S request and walks in to find RORY sleeping on JESS'S lap.]
LORELAI: Rory! Up! Now!
[Both RORY and JESS slowly wake up.]
RORY: Wha?
LORELAI: Up! We're going home.
RORY: Mom?
LORELAI: Yes, I am your mother and as your mother I am ordering you to come home.
RORY: What? Is this about Jess?
LORELAI: It's always about Jess, isn't it?
RORY: [exasperated] Apparently.
LORELAI: What's that mean?
RORY: We've been over this. You keep brining him up as the bad guy. He's not.
LORELAI: He his. And it's not only that he's stealing you. He's like your father.
RORY: What does Dad have to do with this?
LORELAI: He comes in, sweeps you off your feet and you fall.
RORY: Mom. We're friends.
LORELAI: [disgusted] You're more than that.
RORY: I have Dean.
LORELAI: You never see Dean.
RORY: [fed up and screaming] Mom! I don't want to talk about this now.
[RORY runs out the door. JESS jumps up and follows her. They stop at the bridge.]
JESS: Hey.
RORY: Hi.
JESS: I don't want to get in between you and your Mom.
RORY: You're not.
JESS: Sure.
RORY: [defensively] You're not!
JESS: If you say so.
RORY: We've just been fighting.
JESS: Over me.
RORY: Yes, but it's not your fault.
JESS: [giving up] Whatever.
[RORY plops down on the bridge, JESS sits beside her.]
RORY: It's just. I don't know. Things between Mom and I have been.
JESS: Strained?
RORY: Yeah. We never talk, not like we used to. I spend all my time with you and.. Oh, God, my Mom was right.
JESS: What?
RORY: I have been spending all my time with you. You are taking me away from her! [scared] This.. this was your plan all along. You thought you would come in and throw my life around and take me from my mother, my best friend?
JESS: Rory!
RORY: Jess, no. I've heard enough.
[RORY runs back to her house. She sees LORELAI there waiting on the sofa.]
RORY: Mom, I'm sorry. You were right. Jess is taking me away from you, I didn't realize how much time I was spending with him. From now on, I'll hang with you, hang with Dean-
LORELAI: Rory..
RORY: Hang with Lane.
LORELAI: Stop! It's okay. I thought about it, and if you want to spend time with Jess, I have no right to stop you. Your growing up, it's inevitable. I have to accept the fact that, sooner or later, you will grow up and get a life of your own. If it's with Jess. well, I'm powerless to stop it.
RORY: [sits beside LORELAI] I freaked at Jess.
LORELAI: That's why you all of a sudden decided that you were spending too much time with him?
RORY: I was angry and I said some things I didn't mean. I just.. I want things back the way they were.
LORELAI: They'll never be the way they were.
RORY: But I want it to be the way it was.
LORELAI: [hugs RORY] I know, sweetie. I know.
LUKE'S DINER
[It's morning and RORY has calmed down since last night. She walks into the diner happy and smiling.]
LUKE: You seem happy.
RORY: [smiling] I am.
LUKE: He's upstairs.
RORY: Thanks.
[RORY runs upstairs and knocks on the door. JESS answers.]
JESS: What?
RORY: Can I come in?
JESS: [pauses] Whatever.
[JESS sits on the couch. RORY walks into the apartment and looks around before sitting beside JESS.]
RORY: I'm sorry about last night. I was all crazy after fighting with Mom and I said some things.
JESS: Okay.
RORY: That's it? Okay?
JESS: Yeah. What'd you expect?
RORY: I don't know. Maybe something like.. you're forgiven?
JESS: You said some stuff last night-
RORY: That I didn't mean.
JESS: But you said them.
RORY: So?
JESS: So you must have meant them on some level.
RORY: [reluctantly] I did. But it's not a bad thing. I love spending time with you. And maybe you are taking me away from my Mom, but of all people, I'm glad you're the one doing it.
JESS: Really?
RORY: Yes! My mom and I smoothed things over last night and. we found common ground.
JESS: [smiling] Okay.
RORY: [smiling] Okay. So, we're good?
JESS: We're good.
[RORY and JESS start rehearsing again.]
CHILTON AUDITORIUM
[LUKE, LORELAI, JESS, DEAN, EMILY, RICHARD, SOOKIE and JACKSON are front and center watching RORY in the play. After the play is done, they all meet up to chat.]
RORY: [rocking on her feet] So. How was it?
LORELAI: [squealing and hugging RORY] You were perfect.
LUKE: It was. nice.
EMILY: Splendid, you were magnificent out there, Rory!
RICHARD: Excellent.
SOOKIE: Oh, honey. You were so beautiful in that dress. And I loved the part were the they were singing about the food.
JACKSON: Sookie- it was fake food. Rory- good job.
DEAN: [kisses her on the cheek] Best play I've ever seen.
RORY: [grinning] Oh, thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked it.
LORELAI: Liked it? Honey, we loved it!
[RORY sees JESS over in a corner avoiding the crowds.]
RORY: I'll, uh.. I'll be right back.
[RORY takes JESS'S hand and pulls him outside. DEAN watches with a scowl on his face.]
RORY: What did you think?
JESS: You got critical acclaim in there.
RORY: They'll humour me. I want to know what you thought.
JESS: [casual] It was fine.
RORY: Just fine?
JESS: [sighing] It was great.
RORY: And you're not just saying that?
JESS: No. I mean it. It was great.
RORY: Thanks for all your help.
JESS: It's no big deal.
RORY: Yes it was.. You went out of your way to help me prepare for this. Thank you.
JESS: Really, it was nothing.
RORY: If there's any way I can repay you.. any way at all.
[JESS looks nervous, his eyes dart from RORY to the ground. In one swift motion his lips are on hers. RORY wants to pull back but doesn't and puts her hands on his back. She slowly pulls away, their faces still inches apart.]
JESS: I'm sorry.
RORY: Don't be.
JESS: I am.
RORY: I'm not.
JESS: You have a boyfriend.
[RORY thinks for a second before pulling away.]
RORY: I'm going now. I have to go break up with Dean. I expect he'll be running out these doors in a hurry and I suggest you hide before he hurts you.
JESS: I'll be okay.
RORY: Don't say I didn't warn you.
[RORY slowly goes back inside to talk to DEAN. She finds him and pulls him off to the side.]
RORY: Dean, we need to talk.
DEAN: I'm listening.
RORY: We're not.. uh.. We're not working out.
DEAN: You're breaking up with me.
RORY: I'm sorry, but-
DEAN: You have feelings for Jess.
RORY: Not what I was going to say, but yes, I do.
DEAN: Fine.
RORY: Fine?
DEAN: Yeah. But don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart, gets you pregnant, or holds a gun to your head.
RORY: Don't worry.
DEAN: I won't.
[DEAN storms off. LORELAI heard the whole conversation and comes over to comfort RORY.]
LORELAI: You okay, honey?
RORY: Yeah.
LORELAI: You and Jess?
RORY: Me and Jess.
LORELAI: [hugs RORY] I'm happy for you.
RORY: Thanks.
LATER-ON THE BRIDGE
JESS: You broke up with Dean.
RORY: I did.
JESS: Regrets?
RORY: That I didn't do it sooner.
JESS: I see.
[Silence.]
RORY: What are we?
JESS: Philosophical or literal?
RORY: Neither. You and me, what is our relationship?
JESS: I was hoping for something more than friends.
RORY: Like girlfriend and boyfriend?
JESS: In order to receive that status, I believe we have to go on a few dates first.
RORY: Do you want-
JESS: You busy Friday?
RORY: Yes.
JESS: Right, sorry. Saturday?
RORY: No.
JESS: Good, pick you up at seven?
RORY: Sounds good.
JESS: We are well on our way to becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.
RORY: [leans on JESS'S shoulder] I like how that sounds.
[JESS puts his arm around her and rests his head on hers. Both are smiling and perfectly content.]
[END]
Author: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. All of it belongs to those whose names appear on screen.
Spoilers: General Season 2, it takes place in season 3.
Author Note(s): Feedback greatly appreciated. Not demanded (because I don't like that), but greatly appreciated. Helps the ego, helps the muses.
This is my first script style fic. I hope it turned out okay.
This fic is less dark and less angsty than my last. It's happy and funny and it does have a happy ending.
Summary: Rory gets the lead in the school play, Beauty and the Beast and Jess helps her with her lines. Will all the time spent together lead to something more? (Literati)
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AFTER SCHOOL AT LUKE'S DINER
[RORY walks into the Diner.]
RORY: Mom!
LORELAI: Over here, behind the coffee pot!
[RORY sits with LORELAI at the bar.]
RORY: Guess what?
LORELAI: Oooh! I love this game. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe had a baby with three heads?
RORY: No.
LORELAI: Uhhh, Luke took his baseball cap off? No! Wait! He wore it the front way?
RORY: No. But I would like to see that.
LORELAI: Okay. The cabbage and the celery got together and are planning on staging an attack on the gazebo?
RORY: No. And I think this conversation has gone far enough. [sighing] I'm going to be in the school play.
LORELAI: Come again? I thought I just heard you say you were going to be in the school play.
RORY: I did.
LORELAI: And you are in the school play because.
RORY: Because I needed a drama component to graduate, so I tried out for the school play.
LORELAI: Okay. What play?
RORY: Beauty and the Beast.
LORELAI: Good choice. Who are you?
RORY: Belle.
LORELAI: Belle as in the main character, Belle? Or Bell as a ringing bell. I think you would do very well as a bronze noisemaker. I can see the headlines now. Rory Gilmore, portrays bell very well. [beat] Hey! Rhyme!
RORY: Main character.
LORELAI: Honey, I don't mean to be offensive, but how did you get the part? I mean, it's not like you act, and your singing. While it does beat Marriah, it holds no candle to the sounds of Michelle.
RORY: I think they picked names out of a hat.
LORELAI: [nods and drinks her coffee.] So, Belle, huh?
RORY: Yeah. I was hoping to be on of the towns people or one of the servants.
LORELAI: I think you would have made a very nice Mrs. Potts.
RORY: Ah, yes. Maybe even a Chip.
LORELAI: No, not Chip! Because then we would have to chip you for the part.
RORY: I see pain in that.
LORELAI: And therefore, plan is gone.
RORY: Good.
LORELAI: Need some help with your lines?
RORY: Yes. But I was going to ask Dean. He's been upset that we haven't been spending any time together lately. This will be a good chance for us to hand out.
LORELAI: That's good. I'm glad you're trying to make things okay with Dean. He was very mopey while you were gone.
RORY: I'm not sure that was healthy, mom. Letting him mope all summer?
LORELAI: I thought about getting him hooked on coffee, but then I figured you wouldn't want to come back home to a crazy boyfriend.
RORY: [rolls her eyes] Thank you for sparing me the horror. You and me can take the excessive amounts of caffeine intake, but give it to any other human being and they are done for.
[RORY looks out the window and sees DEAN across the street.]
RORY: Ooh! Mom, I'm going to go ask Dean now. I'll be home soon. Love you!
LORELAI: Love you, too!
[RORY gets up and runs out side to DEAN]
RORY: Hey, Dean! Wait up!
DEAN: Hey, Rory. [they kiss] This is a nice surprise but I have to go to work.
RORY: I know. I just wanted to ask you something.
[DEAN nods, waiting for her to continue.]
RORY: Because of a joke fate played on me, I am now the lead in Beauty and the Beast. So. I was wondering if you wanted to run lines with me after work.
DEAN: That's okay, Rory, you can do it with your mom or Lane.
RORY: [hurt] Why don't you want to run lines with me?
DEAN: I don't like acting.
RORY: All you have to do is read.
DEAN: I don't like to read either, you know this.
RORY: But you said you wanted to spend more time together, I thought that this would be a way to see each other more. With this play and my homework, I will hardly have any time for you.
DEAN: [mumbles under his breath] And that's different from now?
RORY: Huh?
DEAN: Nothing. Practice with Lane, or your mom, or your Chilton friends. I gotta go to work, talk to you later.
[DEAN runs into Doose's, leaving a sad RORY.]
RORY: [quietly] Sure.
[RORY slowly walks back into Luke's and sits down at a table. LORELAI has left. JESS comes and sits across from her.]
JESS: What's up?
RORY: I got the lead in Beauty and the Beast.
JESS: That's. interesting.
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Didn't peg you for an actress.
RORY: I'm not. I need a drama thing to graduate. I tried out for the school play and got the lead.
JESS: [quotes] For who could ever learn to love a beast?
RORY: [mumbles] Yeah.
JESS: Why are you upset? Getting the lead in a play isn't a bad thing. Harvard will look at it and say, 'Wow, this girl does it all.'
RORY: [sighing] Its not the play. It's Dean.
JESS: [annoyed] What'd he do now?
RORY: I asked him to run lines with me so we could hang out. We haven't been spending time together and I thought this was a good way to see each other more. But he said he's not an actor and doesn't like to read. This sucks.
[JESS nods, being supportive.]
RORY: He said to practice with mom or Lane. But mom will be crazy and blow everything out of proportion. And Lane is grounded. Ug! I don't know what to do.
JESS: [mumbles] I'll help you.
RORY: Huh?
JESS: [louder] I'll help you.
RORY: You sure?
JESS: Yeah, it'll be fun. We can hang out, I can give you coffee. I'm not an actor but I like to read.
RORY: Are you sure you're sure?
JESS: Of course.
RORY: Okay. This is your choice, remember. And you can pull out when ever you want to. Okay?
JESS: Okay.
RORY: Fine. I'll come for dinner then after we can start.
JESS: Sounds good.
RORY: I'll see you later.
[RORY gets up and runs out the door.]
JESS: [to himself] You will.
LATER AT LUKE'S DINER
[RORY enters the diner. JESS stops cleaning the table and looks up at her.]
JESS: You're back.
RORY: [sitting at the bar] As I said I would be.
JESS: You waiting for your mom or ordering now?
RORY: I'm eating solo. Mom's at the Inn, something's wrong with something and she has to oversee the fixing.
JESS: What'll it be?
RORY: Burger, fries, and coffee.
JESS: A healthy choice.
RORY: [smiling] I think so.
JESS: You will live a long and healthy life with healthy meals such as this one.
RORY: You're turning into Luke, but with more sarcasm.
JESS: Not good. I'll drop the health comments.
RORY: Thank you.
[RORY throws a book on the table. Title says BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: SCRIPT.]
RORY: It's the script. Read it, know it, help me memorize it.
JESS: [picks up the book] It's long.
RORY: Is that a problem?
JESS: No, it just means that we'll have to spend a lot of time together.
RORY: [nods] It'll be fun.
JESS: Dean will get mad.
RORY: He's the one who didn't want to run lines.
JESS: He's not going to see it like that.
RORY: I'll deal with it when it happens.
JESS: [nods] I have to work.
RORY: Go. I'll tell you when I'm done.
[JESS goes to take orders and RORY finishes her dinner.]
RORY: [pushing her plate away] Done!
JESS: That was fast.
RORY: [defensively] I was hungry.
JESS: Relax. I watch you scoff down food everyday.
RORY: Oh, that's a comfort.
JESS: If it will help, I won't feed you and there goes the possibility of stuffing your mouth with food.
RORY: I think I'll keep my food, thank you very much.
[JESS smirks and heads upstairs.]
RORY: Hey! Where are you going?
JESS: You did want to run lines, didn't you?
RORY: Yeah. Let's go.
[RORY follows JESS upstairs to the apartment. They sit down across from each other on the sofa. JESS pulls out the script.]
JESS: Once upon a time in a far away land.
RORY: [interrupting] Start at my part.
JESS: Okay. [JESS flips some pages] Oh no!
RORY: What?
JESS: [shakes his head] I can't sing. I don't sing. I won't sing.
RORY: Oh no! Singing!
JESS: You did know it was a musical when you auditioned, correct?
RORY: Yes. But it slipped my mind that I would have to sing in front of people.
JESS: Chilton is overrated if this is all you know.
RORY: Not funny. I don't want to sing in font of everyone!
JESS: [giving in] Will it help if sung for you?
RORY: [grinning] Yes!
JESS: [groans] Fine.
RORY: [singing] Little town, it's a quiet village.
BACK IN LUKE'S DINER
[RORY and JESS stand across from each other by the door. It's night.]
RORY: Thanks for doing this.
JESS: Pleasure's all mine.
RORY: [smiles] Same thing tomorrow?
JESS: [looks like he wants to kiss RORY.] Yeah.
RORY: See you for breakfast.
[RORY waves and walks home. JESS is left watching her walk away from him.]
GILMORE LIVING ROOM
[RORY walks into the house, LORELAI is sitting on the sofa watching TV.]
LORELAI: How was it?
RORY: [sits while smiling] Fine.
LORELAI: *Just* fine?
RORY: Yeah.
LORELAI: [worried] No kissing?
RORY: No kissing.
LORELAI: Okay.
RORY: Did you want there to be?
LORELAI: No! No, it's just that you seem happy.
RORY: Should I not be happy?
LORELAI: [flustered] No. It's just. never mind.
RORY: [frustrated] Okay. I'm going to go to bed now.
LORELAI: Good night.
RORY: Night.
[RORY flops onto her bed and starts to read her script, but her thoughts are clearly elsewhere.]
LUKE'S DINER
[It's morning, RORY and LORELAI are sitting at the bar eating pancakes. JESS is sitting beside RORY, his script on the table beside them.]
RORY: [as Belle] What do you know about my dreams, Gaston?
JESS: [as Gaston] Plenty! Picture it... coming home after a hard day... my latest kill roasting over the fire... and my little wife, massaging my feet. While the little ones play on the floor with the dogs. We'll have six or seven.
RORY: Dogs?
JESS: No! Strapping boys, like me!
RORY: Imagine that.
JESS: And do you know who that little wife will be, Belle?
RORY: Let me think.
JESS: You, Belle!
RORY: Gaston... I - I'm speechless... I really don't know what to say...
JESS: Say you'll marry me!
RORY: I'm truly sorry, Gaston... but I - I just don't deserve you!
JESS: [back as JESS and clapping] How much do you have memorized?
RORY: Quite a bit. The script is almost exactly like the movie and I've seen the movie like a zillion times.
JESS: [looks out the window] Bus.
RORY: [looks out as well] School! Right, I better go. See ya later.
[RORY kisses her mom goodbye and runs out the door. Once RORY is gone LORELAI turns to glare at JESS.]
LORELAI: Jess.
JESS: What?
LORELAI: Don't get in the way.
JESS: Of what?
LORELAI: Her and Dean.
JESS: She came to me.
LORELAI: [getting angry] Look, I know you like her. I know she likes you, whether or not she'll ever admit it. But she's happy with Dean. If you do anything to screw it up, I will come down here and beat you. [relaxes] We clear?
[JESS shrugs and walks off, leaving an angry LORELAI.]
LATER
[It's raining outside. RORY runs into the diner, soaking wet.]
JESS: Wet?
RORY: [grumbling] That's what happens when you run in the rain.
JESS: Want some dry clothes?
RORY: [holds up a sports bag] I thought ahead. Mind if I change?
JESS: [lifts his eyebrow] Can I watch?
RORY: Ew! No!
JESS: [shrugs] Worth a shot. Go, get changed. I'll have some coffee ready when you get back.
RORY: [running up the stairs] Thanks!
[RORY runs back down the stairs to see JESS sitting by the window. A cup of coffee and a coffee pot is waiting for her. She sits down and quickly drinks from the cup.]
RORY: Thanks.
JESS: Where do you want to start?
RORY: [singing] Little town, it's a quiet village. Everyday, like the one before. Little town, filled with little people, waking up to say..
[RORY and JESS have just finished going over the entire play.]
RORY: I better go home.
JESS: [looks out the window] No way. You're not going home in that weather.
[It's raining hard, the wind is blowing everywhere, and there is lightning and thunder.]
RORY: Well, what will I do then? Stay here?
JESS: Why not?
RORY: I don't have a change of clothes.
JESS: We can dry your old ones.
RORY: But what will Luke say?
JESS: Luke!
LUKE: [coming from the back] What?
JESS: Can Rory stay here?
LUKE: No.
JESS: [pointing to the window] You're gonna let her out in that?
LUKE: [looks outside] Fine, she can stay. Lorelai will kill me if I let Rory out in that.
JESS: See, you can stay.
RORY: Fine. Just let me call my Mom.
[LUKE leaves. RORY picks up the phone and dials her house. No answer. She then dials LORElAI'S cell.]
LORELAI: Hello?
RORY: Mom.
LORELAI: Where are you? I've called the house like 10 times.
RORY: I'm at Luke's, remember?
LORELAI: Right.
RORY: Anyway. It's really stormy out and the guys won't let me go home so they are kidnapping me till tomorrow morning.
LORELAI: Well then, here's your counter mission. Steal Luke's coffee.
RORY: I'm a double agent?
LORELAI: Just like Sydney Bristow.
RORY: You're CIA?
LORELAI: Is that so hard to believe?
RORY: Yes.
LORELAI: Fine, I'm SD-6 and your mission is to steal the brown powder in a bag, AKA Luke's coffee, and bring it back to head quarters ASAP. Sally will brief you on the tech.
RORY: The coffee maker?
LORELAI: Yes, after all, the coffee is for her.
RORY: Whatever. Just called to tell you where I was.
LORELAI: Don't do anything stupid.
RORY: What?
LORELAI: I mean it. No fooling around with Jess.
RORY: Mom! What are you talking about? Nothing is going on between me and Jess. And even if there was, Luke's here.
LORELAI: Fine.
RORY: [annoyed] Bye.
LORELAI: [frustrated] Bye.
[RORY hangs up the phone and turns, bumping into JESS. He catches her in his arms and they regain their balance. They look into each other's eyes, not paying attention to anything else, including LUKE when he comes back in.]
LUKE: What's going on?
[RORY and JESS break apart.]
RORY: [flustered] Nothing.
[LUKE gives JESS a warning look.]
JESS: Nothing! She bumped into me.
LUKE: Fine. I'm going upstairs. Finish closing up when you're done. And please, don't do anything Lorelai wouldn't approve of.
[LUKE goes up stairs leaving RORY and JESS alone. RORY slides down onto the floor dropping her head in her hands. JESS sits beside her.]
RORY: [annoyed] Why does everybody keep telling me that? Don't do something stupid with Jess.
JESS: You've heard my reputation.
RORY: It's like they don't trust me.
JESS: It's me they don't trust. They think I'm going to corrupt you.
RORY: You're not.
JESS: No, but they still think so. It's not like I give them reason to believe otherwise.
RORY: Why is that?
JESS: I don't like these people. Why should I pretend to enjoy their company?
RORY: You could at least be civil.
JESS: You don't think I try?
RORY: [surprised] You do?
JESS: [frustrated] Yes. Believe it or not, I have tried to get along with these freaks. But they don't want any of it. They like believing that I'm no good.
RORY: [puts her arm across his shoulders for comfort] I don't think you're no good.
JESS: You're the only one who does.
[RORY pulls him into a hug and rests her chin on his shoulder. JESS slowly puts his arms around her. They sit there thinking, comfortably, for a few minutes. RORY reluctantly pulls away, feeling guilty. They go back to sitting up against the wall.]
RORY: I have a boyfriend.
JESS: I know.
RORY: You like me.
JESS: [long silence] I do.
RORY: [quietly] I like you.
JESS: [surprised] Do you?
RORY: I'm not supposed to.
JESS: You have a boyfriend.
RORY: Dean.
JESS: The freakishly tall bag boy, who has the intelligence of the bags he uses to put food into.
RORY: I remember how weird I acted when I had a crush on him. I went into Doose's and bought a head of lettuce and a mousetrap. But I only had enough for the lettuce. I ran out of there so fast.
JESS: You bought lettuce?
RORY: I know. I'm glad I'm less flustered around you.
JESS: You try harder.
RORY: It's easier around you. Around you, I don't have to be careful about what I say, who I hang out with. We can have actual conversations about intelligent things.
JESS: [nervous] Can I tell you something?
RORY: Of course.
JESS: You're the only person in this town who likes me, and the only one I can stand to be around. What ever happens, or doesn't happen between us. I still want to be friends.
RORY: Me too.
JESS: This isn't me. I'm not open. I'm not nice. But there's something about you.. Rory, you did something to me.
RORY: [apologetic] I didn't mean to.
JESS: Thank you.
RORY: [relieved] You're welcome.
JESS: [back to his usual self] Let's go run lines.
[RORY and JESS go upstairs and rehearse.]
MORNING
[RORY comes down the stairs. She sees LORELAI sitting at a table waiting. RORY sits down across from LORELAI.]
LORELAI: How was last night?
RORY: [still a little annoyed] Fine.
LORELAI: Look, Rory, I didn't mean to go all 'mom' on you, I just-
RORY: I got it.
LORELAI: [attentively] Are we okay.
RORY: [clearly lying] We're fine.
LORELAI: [hostile] Be that way. I have to go to work.
[LORELAI gets up, RORY stops her.]
RORY: What's wrong with Jess?
LORELAI: Do you really want me to answer that?
RORY: Yes. Why do you, and everyone else, always tell me to watch out for Jess?
LORELAI: He steals, he lies, and he draws outlines of dead bodies. What's not wrong with him? He doesn't try to get along, all he does it sulks and makes sarcastic remarks, especially when he knows it will piss people off. I don't like him, Rory. But I refuse to be *that* controlling and forbid you to see him. I'm dealing with this the best way I can and that's by constantly reminding you that he's no good.
RORY: Well, you can stop worrying. I'm fine, Mom. I've been hanging around Jess for months. Nothing's happened. I'm still Rory, I haven't changed.
LORELAI: Yes you have.
[LORELAI exits, leaving a stunned RORY at the table. RORY sees the bus and runs off to school. JESS heard RORY and LORELAI'S conversation from the stairs and appears at the doorway just in time to see RORY get on the bus.]
CHILTON AUDITORIUM
TEACHER: This may be the most important play you are ever in. It will be the last one before acceptance letters are sent out from the Universities you are planning to go to. Scouts will be watching those who wish to attend an acting school. I expect you to rehearse for at least two hours a night. I want the script fully memorized by the end of the week. Now, off you go. Rory and Greg, can I please talk to you?
[TEACHER sits beside RORY and GREG.]
TEACHER: As you are aware, there is a kissing scene in this play. In order for this play to be as real as possible, we were hoping to incorporate this kiss into the play. Do either of you have a problem with that?
RORY and GREG: No.
TEACHER: Good, I will let you two rehearse.
[TEACHER leaves, RORY and GREG are left alone to talk.]
GREG: You're Rory, I can see why you were cast. You have a striking resemblance to Belle.
RORY: And you're Greg, who fortunately, looks nothing like the beast.
GREG: So.. kissing, huh?
RORY: Yeah.
GREG: You okay with it?
RORY: [a little unsure] I guess.
GREG: It'll be fine. Purely professional. Do you have a boyfriend?
RORY: Why?
GREG: It's easier if you have a boyfriend, that way you don't get carried away with the kiss.
RORY: I have a boyfriend.
GREG: Good.
RORY: You act a lot?
GREG: It's only my first love.
RORY: So you're good?
GREG: I hope so.
RORY: I'm not so great.
GREG: How'd you get the lead, then?
RORY: My theory is picking names out of a hat.
GREG: Ahh, you're one of those academic girls who are only doing the play to graduate.
RORY: [guilty] Busted.
GREG: It's okay. A lot of students do that. But as long as you're dedicated, I'm fine with it.
RORY: I'll do my best.
GREG: [looking at his watch] I better go.
RORY: Me too. My bus comes soon and I want to get home.
GREG: If you ever need someone to run likes with..
RORY: [smiling] I've got it covered, but thanks.
GREG: I think you'll make an outstanding Belle.
RORY: Wait till you see me act.
GREG: I'm sure I'll be blown away. Goodbye, mademoiselle.
RORY: Bye.
STARS HOLLOW STREETS
[RORY gets off the bus and goes to Luke's. JESS is there waiting tables.]
JESS: How was rehearsal?
RORY: [groans] I have to kiss him.
JESS: Who?
RORY: The beast.
JESS: Well then, I'll have to help you on that ending. I say we should devote a few hours a day to that kissing scene, with me as your beast.
RORY: You wish.
[JESS raises his eyebrow, looking at RORY as if she should know the answer. RORY blushes remembering his crush on her.]
RORY: Sorry. Bad comment.
JESS: Practice the ending with Dean.
RORY: Definitely.
LATER-LUKE AND JESS'S APARTMENT
RORY: [as Belle] It is you.
[They had been rehearsing and were at the end. Both were wrapped up in the flow of the script. Slowly their heads inched forward until their lips were touching. It took a second before either realized what was going on and both pulled back quickly.]
JESS: Sorry.
RORY: We were caught up in the moment.
JESS: It'll never happen again.
RORY: We'll be more careful.
JESS: This isn't good.
RORY: Next time, we'll skip the ending entirely, there's not much dialogue anyway.
[Silence settled amongst them.]
RORY: [gets up] I should go.
JESS: Good idea.
RORY: I'll see you tomorrow.
JESS: Yeah.
GILMORE HOUSE
[RORY comes in the front, LORELAI is no where in sight.]
RORY: I'm home!
LORELAI: Kitchen!
[RORY goes to the kitchen. LORELAI is sitting at the table, obviously waiting for RORY. There is nothing on the table, not even coffee.]
RORY: What's up?
LORELAI: Nothing. How's the practicing going?
RORY: [blushes a little] Good.
LORELAI: Are you two.
RORY: No.
LORELAI: Because I've told you, repeatedly, I don't like you hanging around him.
RORY: I do not believe we are still having this conversation.
LORELAI: We will have this conversation until I'm convinced my daughter is safe from the town rebel.
RORY: For the last time, he's not going do anything to me.
LORELAI: He already has.
RORY: What are you talking about?
LORELAI: How do you not see it?
RORY: See what?
LORELAI: You've been spending so much time with Jess that you don't even see Dean anymore-
RORY: He's the one who didn't want to help.
LORELAI: And you've just been picking fights with me over Jess-
RORY: Because you always play the 'he's a bad influence' card.
LORELAI: He's making you drop your responsibilities-
RORY: I'm in the school play, I'm picking up responsibilities.
LORELAI: You don't help out at the Inn-
RORY: I'm in a play that I have to act in and look good because, let's face it, this is Chilton and they expect nothing but the best.
LORELAI: And he's taking you away from me-
RORY: Well he's.. What?
LORELAI: I'm losing you.
RORY: That's what this is about?
LORELAI: He's taking up all your time and I hardly see you anymore.
RORY: Mom. Jess isn't taking me away from you.
LORELAI: Yes, he is. It's scary. You're growing up, you're distancing yourself from me. Our relationship was too good to be true, it can't last forever. I just.Losing you to Jess of all people.
RORY: Mom, Jess will never take me away from you.
[LORELAI gets up and leaves RORY in the kitchen.]
LORELAI: [whispering to herself] He already has.
LUKE'S DINER
[RORY comes in at dinner with her script ready to practice. JESS takes it away from her when he sees it.]
RORY: Hey!
JESS: No lines tonight. Tonight, is movie night.
RORY: You're kidding?
JESS: Nope.
RORY: What movies?
JESS: Come see.
[JESS takes RORY'S hand and leads her upstairs.]
RORY: [picks up movie cases] Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, 101 Dalmatians, and Beauty and the Beast.
JESS: I know, it's a lot of movies. But since you don't have school tomorrow.
RORY: [nods her head] Junk food?
JESS: [pulls a bag from behind the sofa] Everything you need. Gummies, popcorn, chocolate, suckers, pop, everything.
RORY: [Takes the bag from him and sits down] Let's get started.
JESS: What movie?
RORY: Cinderella.
[JESS pops Cinderella into the VCR before coming to sit beside RORY.]
RORY: Jess?
JESS: Yeah.
RORY: About last night.
JESS: Forget about it?
RORY: Yeah.
JESS: Sure.
[The movie starts and they relax, RORY pigs out on food. Half way through, she finishes eating and rests her head on JESS'S shoulder. JESS wraps an arm around her.]
[Cinderella is done and Snow White is playing. JESS sees RORY is cold and raps her in a blanket.]
[Snow White is over, JESS can see RORY is tired.]
JESS: Last movie. Wanna watch Beauty and the Beast?
RORY: Sure.
[Beauty and the Beast begins. RORY and JESS, at the beginning of the movie, mouth each word. RORY gets very tired part way through and puts her head on JESS'S lap to rest. JESS absent mindly strokes her hair. Both fall asleep on the sofa before the movie is over.]
[LORELAI paces around her house waiting for RORY.]
LORELAI: Where is that girl?
[She finally gives up and goes to LUKE'S. LORELAI beats on the glass and LUKE lets her in.]
LUKE: What?
LORELAI: Where's Rory?
LUKE: Huh?
LORELAI: Where's Rory? I know she's here. I bet that Jess seduced her and has her in his bed right now.
[LORELAI storms upstairs, LUKE runs after her, he catches her before she enters.]
LUKE: Lorelai! They were watching movies and fell asleep.
LORELAI: And you didn't stop them?
LUKE: They were watching movies.
LORELAI: Yeah. Right. Just watching movies? Or making out?
LUKE: What is wrong with you?
LORELAI: Nothing.
LUKE: Lorelai.
LORELAI: Luke.
LUKE: Leave them be.
[LORELAI ignores LUKE'S request and walks in to find RORY sleeping on JESS'S lap.]
LORELAI: Rory! Up! Now!
[Both RORY and JESS slowly wake up.]
RORY: Wha?
LORELAI: Up! We're going home.
RORY: Mom?
LORELAI: Yes, I am your mother and as your mother I am ordering you to come home.
RORY: What? Is this about Jess?
LORELAI: It's always about Jess, isn't it?
RORY: [exasperated] Apparently.
LORELAI: What's that mean?
RORY: We've been over this. You keep brining him up as the bad guy. He's not.
LORELAI: He his. And it's not only that he's stealing you. He's like your father.
RORY: What does Dad have to do with this?
LORELAI: He comes in, sweeps you off your feet and you fall.
RORY: Mom. We're friends.
LORELAI: [disgusted] You're more than that.
RORY: I have Dean.
LORELAI: You never see Dean.
RORY: [fed up and screaming] Mom! I don't want to talk about this now.
[RORY runs out the door. JESS jumps up and follows her. They stop at the bridge.]
JESS: Hey.
RORY: Hi.
JESS: I don't want to get in between you and your Mom.
RORY: You're not.
JESS: Sure.
RORY: [defensively] You're not!
JESS: If you say so.
RORY: We've just been fighting.
JESS: Over me.
RORY: Yes, but it's not your fault.
JESS: [giving up] Whatever.
[RORY plops down on the bridge, JESS sits beside her.]
RORY: It's just. I don't know. Things between Mom and I have been.
JESS: Strained?
RORY: Yeah. We never talk, not like we used to. I spend all my time with you and.. Oh, God, my Mom was right.
JESS: What?
RORY: I have been spending all my time with you. You are taking me away from her! [scared] This.. this was your plan all along. You thought you would come in and throw my life around and take me from my mother, my best friend?
JESS: Rory!
RORY: Jess, no. I've heard enough.
[RORY runs back to her house. She sees LORELAI there waiting on the sofa.]
RORY: Mom, I'm sorry. You were right. Jess is taking me away from you, I didn't realize how much time I was spending with him. From now on, I'll hang with you, hang with Dean-
LORELAI: Rory..
RORY: Hang with Lane.
LORELAI: Stop! It's okay. I thought about it, and if you want to spend time with Jess, I have no right to stop you. Your growing up, it's inevitable. I have to accept the fact that, sooner or later, you will grow up and get a life of your own. If it's with Jess. well, I'm powerless to stop it.
RORY: [sits beside LORELAI] I freaked at Jess.
LORELAI: That's why you all of a sudden decided that you were spending too much time with him?
RORY: I was angry and I said some things I didn't mean. I just.. I want things back the way they were.
LORELAI: They'll never be the way they were.
RORY: But I want it to be the way it was.
LORELAI: [hugs RORY] I know, sweetie. I know.
LUKE'S DINER
[It's morning and RORY has calmed down since last night. She walks into the diner happy and smiling.]
LUKE: You seem happy.
RORY: [smiling] I am.
LUKE: He's upstairs.
RORY: Thanks.
[RORY runs upstairs and knocks on the door. JESS answers.]
JESS: What?
RORY: Can I come in?
JESS: [pauses] Whatever.
[JESS sits on the couch. RORY walks into the apartment and looks around before sitting beside JESS.]
RORY: I'm sorry about last night. I was all crazy after fighting with Mom and I said some things.
JESS: Okay.
RORY: That's it? Okay?
JESS: Yeah. What'd you expect?
RORY: I don't know. Maybe something like.. you're forgiven?
JESS: You said some stuff last night-
RORY: That I didn't mean.
JESS: But you said them.
RORY: So?
JESS: So you must have meant them on some level.
RORY: [reluctantly] I did. But it's not a bad thing. I love spending time with you. And maybe you are taking me away from my Mom, but of all people, I'm glad you're the one doing it.
JESS: Really?
RORY: Yes! My mom and I smoothed things over last night and. we found common ground.
JESS: [smiling] Okay.
RORY: [smiling] Okay. So, we're good?
JESS: We're good.
[RORY and JESS start rehearsing again.]
CHILTON AUDITORIUM
[LUKE, LORELAI, JESS, DEAN, EMILY, RICHARD, SOOKIE and JACKSON are front and center watching RORY in the play. After the play is done, they all meet up to chat.]
RORY: [rocking on her feet] So. How was it?
LORELAI: [squealing and hugging RORY] You were perfect.
LUKE: It was. nice.
EMILY: Splendid, you were magnificent out there, Rory!
RICHARD: Excellent.
SOOKIE: Oh, honey. You were so beautiful in that dress. And I loved the part were the they were singing about the food.
JACKSON: Sookie- it was fake food. Rory- good job.
DEAN: [kisses her on the cheek] Best play I've ever seen.
RORY: [grinning] Oh, thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked it.
LORELAI: Liked it? Honey, we loved it!
[RORY sees JESS over in a corner avoiding the crowds.]
RORY: I'll, uh.. I'll be right back.
[RORY takes JESS'S hand and pulls him outside. DEAN watches with a scowl on his face.]
RORY: What did you think?
JESS: You got critical acclaim in there.
RORY: They'll humour me. I want to know what you thought.
JESS: [casual] It was fine.
RORY: Just fine?
JESS: [sighing] It was great.
RORY: And you're not just saying that?
JESS: No. I mean it. It was great.
RORY: Thanks for all your help.
JESS: It's no big deal.
RORY: Yes it was.. You went out of your way to help me prepare for this. Thank you.
JESS: Really, it was nothing.
RORY: If there's any way I can repay you.. any way at all.
[JESS looks nervous, his eyes dart from RORY to the ground. In one swift motion his lips are on hers. RORY wants to pull back but doesn't and puts her hands on his back. She slowly pulls away, their faces still inches apart.]
JESS: I'm sorry.
RORY: Don't be.
JESS: I am.
RORY: I'm not.
JESS: You have a boyfriend.
[RORY thinks for a second before pulling away.]
RORY: I'm going now. I have to go break up with Dean. I expect he'll be running out these doors in a hurry and I suggest you hide before he hurts you.
JESS: I'll be okay.
RORY: Don't say I didn't warn you.
[RORY slowly goes back inside to talk to DEAN. She finds him and pulls him off to the side.]
RORY: Dean, we need to talk.
DEAN: I'm listening.
RORY: We're not.. uh.. We're not working out.
DEAN: You're breaking up with me.
RORY: I'm sorry, but-
DEAN: You have feelings for Jess.
RORY: Not what I was going to say, but yes, I do.
DEAN: Fine.
RORY: Fine?
DEAN: Yeah. But don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart, gets you pregnant, or holds a gun to your head.
RORY: Don't worry.
DEAN: I won't.
[DEAN storms off. LORELAI heard the whole conversation and comes over to comfort RORY.]
LORELAI: You okay, honey?
RORY: Yeah.
LORELAI: You and Jess?
RORY: Me and Jess.
LORELAI: [hugs RORY] I'm happy for you.
RORY: Thanks.
LATER-ON THE BRIDGE
JESS: You broke up with Dean.
RORY: I did.
JESS: Regrets?
RORY: That I didn't do it sooner.
JESS: I see.
[Silence.]
RORY: What are we?
JESS: Philosophical or literal?
RORY: Neither. You and me, what is our relationship?
JESS: I was hoping for something more than friends.
RORY: Like girlfriend and boyfriend?
JESS: In order to receive that status, I believe we have to go on a few dates first.
RORY: Do you want-
JESS: You busy Friday?
RORY: Yes.
JESS: Right, sorry. Saturday?
RORY: No.
JESS: Good, pick you up at seven?
RORY: Sounds good.
JESS: We are well on our way to becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.
RORY: [leans on JESS'S shoulder] I like how that sounds.
[JESS puts his arm around her and rests his head on hers. Both are smiling and perfectly content.]
[END]