Title: Of Mice and Men Author: RightSide A/N: To view the disclaimer and other essentials, see chapter one. A/N2: The song is 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' by Poison. Thank you for the reviews and keep them coming if you can. I'm so sorry about the wait. A/N3: If you commented about the editor thing, I'm still going to get one. It's just that it's about time I update and figure might as well just shove this out there now while I have time. Hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 4: Brown Eyed Girl
Despite the few moments of bickering over the music selection, Jess and Rory's drive was unusually silent. Their minds were clicking, attempting to foresee what their futures would have in store. Both were brutally reminded of Jess's habit of running away when things became difficult and of their sorely lacking financial situation. When a hotel passed by, both noticed fatigue affecting their limbs and set off to locate the next one. A Holiday Inn soon came into view, and though the only room left was single, they took it.
"Where'd you get the money?" Rory asked as she searched through the duffel bags to find a pair of clean pajamas.
"Work." was his only reply. He watched her dig through her things until she was satisfied with what she'd chosen and left him to change in the bathroom. It hadn't occurred to him to bring his clothes as well, and he knew he was going to regret it as the temperature rose while he was stuck in a greasy Flogging Molly shirt and jeans.
"You're not going to wear that to sleep in, are you?" Rory asked as she emerged clad in a pair of plaid boxer shorts and a gray tank top. He shrugged, took a pillow off of the bed, and threw it to the ground.
"Doesn't really matter. At least this way I won't need to steal any of your blankets." he lied down on the floor and patted the bed next to him.
"You don't have to sleep down there."
"Yes, I do." he said, sitting up.
"Well, you can pretend to have good manners tomorrow night. Just…" she inhaled deeply, "don't stay down there. Please?" Sensing her rapid mood change, he got up and placed the pillow back in its rightful place. She slipped between the covers and Jess removed his shirt. The action didn't bother her. It was like a boiler in the room despite the snow falling outside. When the pants came off, however, she let out a yelp.
"You're not going to sleep nude, are you?" she asked shyly. He shook his head, smirking slightly.
"Just trying not to mess up the bed too bad." he answered and crawled in. Both were quiet for a long time, and then Rory reached for Jess. Something cracked, and he squeezed her hand.
"Come here." he said, pulling her toward him. She clung to him as he stroked her back. Jess wasn't asking for intimacy, and that comforted Rory more than the strong arms that encircled her.
"You said before that you'd fix it. How?"
"I don't know, Ror, but I will. I swear to you, I will." he laid down and held her as she cried. When most of it had subsided, he began to do something he'd never done before. He sang to her.
'We both lie silently still In the dead of the night Although we both lie close together We feel miles apart inside'
She smiled and pulled him closer, which only egged him on. His voice was barely a whisper yet clear enough for both to hear.
'Was it something I said or something I did?
Did my words not come out right?
Though I tried not to hurt you
Though I tried
But I guess that's why they say
Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn
Yeah it does I listen to our favorite song
Playing on the radio
Hear the DJ say, 'love's a game of easy come and easy go'
But I wonder, does he know?
Has he ever felt like this?
And I know that you'd be here right now
If I could let you know somehow
I guess
Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn'
He forgot the words and made a couple of 'da na na' noises before stopping. Rory laughed a little and kissed his cheek in thanks. It stung him; it was a reminder of what he could never have.
"Goodnight, Jess." she murmured into his chest. He brushed his lips against her forehead and wished her sweet dreams.
---
Jess stood behind the counter of the local diner and wiped down the area in front of him. Staring at the door, a little hand reached for the handle and his face instantly brightened.
"Daddy!" the girl yelled. She threw down her denim backpack and ran to him, wrapping her small arms around his legs. Rory came in soon after to find him twirling her daughter around.
"How was your first day of school, Mary?" he asked cheerily.
"Fine." was all she said, settling her big brown eyes on the empty napkin holder in front of her.
"That's it? That's all you have to say?" Jess asked.
"I think she's still mad we're making her go." Rory answered knowingly, lifting Mary up into her lap as she took a seat at the bar. Jess grinned and kissed Rory on the cheek before sitting. Checking his pocket, he pulled out his wedding ring and put it on.
"Why do you take it off?" she asked for the thousandth time.
"I don't want to ruin it by wearing it while I work," he kissed her again, only this time on the lips, "Trust me, Ror. There's only room for two girls in my life." He touched Mary on the shoulder for a moment and looked back at Rory.
"I'm going to hold you to that." she said, smirking.
"I'm counting on it."
---
Lorelai bolted upright in bed. The dream had been so real. Jess and Rory married and happy with mother dearest out of the picture. And the girl. Oh, she was the mirror image of Rory as a child. Except for the eyes. Those were Jess's eyes taking in the world. Only that was a lie. Jess wasn't the father. The seventeen year old sleeping in the chair next to her was.
When she'd woken up in the hospital, the last person she expected to see was Tristan DuGrey. But there he was, hand combing through his hair nervously as he told her he'd be glad to drive her home after she got the okay to go. Minutes later they were in the car, engine revving and a thick silence hanging over them. Both were ashamed for their actions. Half way there, Tristan confessed whole-heartedly. Tears stung his eyes and his voice held so much emotion that Lorelai couldn't help but feel pity for him.
After they'd arrived at the Gilmore residence, he refused to leave. Since the hour was late, she showed him the couch and threw some blankets in his direction. Sometime after she'd gone to sleep he must have crept upstairs into her room to keep an eye on her. Make sure she had no more kamikaze incidents in mind. His hands were laced together, a soft expression on his face except for his brow which would tighten every couple of minutes. He was dreaming.
Confusion took over as she watched his chest rise and fall heavily. She should hate him. This boy had gotten her daughter pregnant. No matter how accidental it was, there was absolutely no way she could absolve him of that fact. But he had come here. He had tried to set things right, and in so doing saved her life.
But that wasn't the only reason why she was pushing away thoughts of death and torment as she looked at him. There was always that tone. That hushed whisper that only she could hear as he spoke about Rory. Love. He loved her, and that above all made forgiveness an option.
"Tristan." she called. He woke and collected himself.
"How are you feeling, Ms. Gilmore?" he asked politely.
"Better. But you should go. It's already seven and you have school."
"Are you sure?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. Lorelai was reminded of her dream, of those beautiful brown eyes, and knew that if she ever did see her grandchild they wouldn't exist. Instead the coloring would be replaced by crystal blue. Just like Rory. Just like Tristan.
"Yes, I'm sure. If I hear any news I'll give you a call."
"Thank you."
A/N: Here it is. Please review and let me know what's going on in your head. It's really important to me. Love to all!