#Jess Mariano x female!reader | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

corrodedcoffins-blog · 7 days

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History Repeats Itself

masterlist

note: first jess one-shot!!! (and i'm actually proud of it???) also i say their baby is one but i don't know babies to well so if she's too advanced for a one year old, just cut me some slack

warnings: teen pregnancy, food/eating

word count: 4.7 k

♡ summary: Being a teen mom is hard but without any help it's even harder, after saving up enough she can finally move to Stars Hollow to be closer to her baby's father

♡ Jess Mariano x reader

request ✓

The bus ride down was long, and it only got worse as 1-year-old Caroline woke up from her nap and decided to let everyone know of the inconvenience. Finally after the long months of working and saving up she had enough to move to Stars Hollow, unlike Jess who had a parent to send them and an uncle to stay with, she saved up and made it happen. She wanted Caroline to be around her father, and she wanted to be close to Jess.

And Y/n’s always loved the idea of a small town, a place where you felt safe, a place she would feel safe raising her child in, a place that wasn’t $2,500 a month for a closet. Here she could give her daughter a lot more, here she would have a support system in Jess and Luke. Unlike what her parents would give her.

By this point in the bus route it was only the mother and daughter and a couple strays, she saw the messy haired boy sitting on a park bench close to the bus stop, of course he had his nose in a book. She started packing up Caroline’s stuff, tucking her blanket and toys in the basket of the stroller.

When she got to the bus doors, Jess quickly made his way to help her lift the stroller down the steps, when the stroller was once again on the ground Jess squats down getting face to face with his little girl, “Hey, Care!” “Daddy!” He lifted her up by her armpits. When the little girl was out of her seat and in her dad’s arms, her mom stacked their bags on the seat.

“Hi! You’re so big! Really she is. She’s growing up so fast.” “Well she can walk way more stable now. No more scaring, mommy that you’ll fall if I look away for a second.” She says the last sentence in baby voice while she tickles the girl’s belly to make her giggle and their foreheads to rest on each other’s.

“So you gonna show us around?!” “‘Around’?” They continued their walk around the gazebo area, walking towards Luke’s.

“This is it, that's the record shop, that’s the bookstore, that's Luke’s, and that’s all you need to know.” “Well where’s the bank, I might need to rob it later.” “You’ll find a job. And if you don’t then work at Luke’s, he could do with the time off then maybe he’d get off everyone’s backs.” “He’s probably stressed with you always causing trouble.” “Me? Trouble? Nooo, I’m a peach.”

Jess had the baby today since Y/n was off to find a job, her first stop was the most promising. Luke let her know that a friend of his needed extra staff at their Inn for an event that was coming up, someone who could be an assistant of sorts. So after wearing her most capable looking top, and best fitting jeans. She kissed Caroline’s check and yelled goodbye to Luke and Jess as she began her walk.

When she walked inside she saw a man at the front desk on the phone. Waiting to ask for directions, she hung around the man’s desk, busying herself with some pamphlet. She couldn't help but listen to the man’s angry English in his french accent.

Suddenly he hung up the phone and got back to writing whatever he was writing, without looking up and with an annoyed tone said, “Yes?” “I was looking for Lorelei, I’m here for-” “The assistant job, yes.. Follow me.” He walked quickly to wherever it was they were going, mumbling along the way, “Of course, an assistant. Just what we need around here. Not like I don’t already do most of the work around here.”

He opened the door for them, it ended up being the kitchen they were now in. A tall woman holding a to-go coffee cup that said ‘Luke’s’ on it and a shorter woman in an apron fighting with a scruffy man about vegetables, which look to be parsnips.

“The mini-you is here.” “One little comment, Micheal. I’m not saying you’re incapable. I just want more help with organising events so I focus on planning!” “Whatever.” Turning on his heels, Micheal walked out the doors making his way back to his desk.

“So you’ve met Micheal! Sorry, we usually don’t let him around the new people but we're a little short-staffed. Let’s head to the dining room.”

They sat down at a table in the dining room, Lorelei asked all the important questions, and Y/n was perfect, now she was just asking the things she’ll tell Sookie later when the woman asks about the new hire.

Taking a sip of her sixth coffee this morning Lorelei asked, “So, are you new to town? I haven’t seen you around before.” The girl was stirring milk into her second coffee as she responded, “Yeah, I am. I just moved here with my um- my daughter, closer to her dad so…”

Since it was of course the time most adults got horrified, thought she was a bad kid, and though she didn’t get that vibe from Lorelei, it was at least bound to shock her. “You’re daughter? How old are you? Wait- I know, it’s on your resume. I mean- I’m, deja vu y’know? Abba did say ‘the history books on the shelf are always repeating themselves’.”

She must have seen the confused look on the young girl and explained, “I had my daughter when I was sixteen.. And came here to get a job, so just getting major deja vu. Well then, since I know what you’re going through, I won’t put you through the short mental torture of waiting for a call I was gonna do and just tell you you got the job.” “Oh, thank you! I really need this, I can’t thank you enough.” “Just change her name to Lorelei and we’ll call it even.” “deal.” Those two would get along great, much to Luke’s misfortune.

Y/n sat at the counter with Caroline in front of her sitting on the counter while she played with her mother’s hair. Jess was filling up cups of coffee and serving customers while he listened to Y/n’s words.

“So until you go back to school, you’ll have Caroline during the day here and when I’m done work I’ll take her.” “No, you’ll never have a break. After work you go to your house, relax then grab her after dinner.”

Jess may have this ‘I only care about myself’ attitude but that never included Caroline and Y/n, he’d kill for either of them at any given moment. He always put them first. If thought Y/n needed a break, she was getting a break whether she wanted it or not.

Just as the girl was going to thank him she was interrupted by another girl around their age coming to sit down at the counter, two over from her.

“I have the book you lent me.” She said, unknowingly interrupting the conversation since Jess was facing the coffee machine to make a new batch when she sat down. “Oh, thanks.” He muttered, notably not turning to face her.

On the inside Jess felt guilty. Why did he feel guilty? He didn’t do anything, he and Y/n weren’t together, nevermind the fact that all he did was lend Rory a book. As friends. Because they’re friends. But nonetheless it almost felt like cheating. Jess and Y/n may not be together officially but that didn’t mean that they both didn’t love each other. And not just because they were the parents to a beautiful little girl. Jess had always wanted more, he’d let the girl know that more than a handful of times, and she let him know it wasn’t unrequited, yet something always came between them.

You’d think having a baby together would bring them closer, and in some ways it did; they trusted each other more. But they also fought more and being the dumb teenagers they were, they didn’t have the emotional ability to move past that and build the relationship they both wanted. And then when they felt they were ready to, Jess was sent to live with his uncle. Just another fork in the road. But now they were living in the same town and had a good system, and people to support them. It was the perfect time, everything was going right, they could feel all the feelings that never really left resurfacing.

“Okay, I have to get to work. You’ve got her?” “Yeah.” “Bye, baby, I love you. I’ll see you in a little bit, but you get to spend all day with daddy.” “Bye-bye, mommy!”

She said bye to Jess after she walked around the counter and handed him Caroline, muttering a small ‘go see, daddy’ that Rory most definitely heard.

When the door finally chimed shut Rory shot up to follow Jess to the table he was now setting Caroline up at. She watched his gentle movements as he readjusts her shirt and places crayons and paper in front of her, which she got right into scriballing away.

“She’s yours?” “Yeah.” “.. So that girl is your girlfri-" "I’ve got work to do.”

The warm atmosphere of the dinner is a stark contrast to the cold winter air. Noticing Jess and Caroline are nowhere to be seen she assumes they were upstairs and makes her way up the stairs. Half-way up the flight of stairs she could hear her little girl’s loud giggles. She quietly opens the door to see Jess holding Caroline above his head, as if she was flying.

When she first got pregnant everyone told her Jess wouldn’t be a good dad, that she can’t rely on him for anything. God were they wrong. She doesn’t think it’s possible for her baby to have a better person as a dad. She sadly doesn’t get to watch the scene for much longer as she’s spotted by little Caroline.

“Mommy! I see daddy ‘morrow?” “Yes, you get to be with daddy all day tomorrow too.” “Yay!”

As the conversation between them goes on, Jess lets his little girl plant her feet back on the ground and starts collecting some things she’ll need during the night before she comes back here tomorrow, he then starts getting Caroline’s shoes on her feet. While Y/n sits on the couch next to their little girl.

“So who was that girl this morning?” “Who?”

Jess always did this, it was a tell tale sign that he didn’t want to talk about it, but that’s never stopped Y/n before. “You know who.” Of course having to be difficult, Jess gives her a fake confused look, as if he’s never met another girl in his life.

“The one returning your book.” “Oh, that girl.” “Yeah, that girl.” “She’s nobody.” “So you just lend books to ‘nobody’s now?” “Care, where’s Mr.Wiggle?” The girl lets out a gasp and reaches out for Jess to help her off the couch, when he does she runs into the closet where she previously hid while playing hide and seek a couple hours earlier.

“What? Don’t want Care to hear about her new step-mom?” “Don’t call her that.” “What? Care? Only you can call her that?” “No, don’t call Rory Care’s ‘step-mom’.” “Rory! I get her name!”

Jess was a quiet guy, but not this quiet, especially not with Y/n. He didn’t want to talk about Rory, maybe because it was weird talking about another girl with your baby momma. And yes it was weird for Y/n too, but for a completely different reason, she assumes. She liked Jess, and has since before she even knew about Caroline.

“C’mon, Jess, it’s me. I want you to be happy.” Sure Rory made him happy, but only because she was the only friend he had here, it wasn’t the way Y/n made him happy. Before he could deny for words again Caroline came back running into the room with her stuffie in her hands. Having already said her goodbyes, she opened the door and walked out.

“Caroline, wait hun! I think you should go for it Jess.”

She walked out the door, closing it behind her, leaving Jess to stare at where she disappeared. He decided to take her advice, just maybe not the way she meant it

Y/n helped Caroline pack more snow onto their snowman. Caroline wanted to do it after she heard Luke complaining about town events again, he stopped complaining when he saw how excited the girl was. They had Mr.Wiggles off the side learning against the tree, using him as a reference.

“Mommy, no. Mr.Wiggles has more hair.”

Caroline was getting very comfortable ordering her mother around, but in this instance Y/n let it slide, poking more sticks on the top of the snowman’s head to mimic Mr.Wiggle’s spiky hair.

“That’s good!”

Lorelei and Rory were just one snowman down, both told Caroline they thought she would win and encouraged her before she even started. Since they were so close, they could hear the scene that had just played out.

“Tough age, wait till you get to the terrible twos. ‘No’ is all you’ll hear.” Lorelei said, kindly as her and her own daughter walked past them. Y/n let out a laugh at the comment before she asks, “You guys done already?” “No, but after Michelangelo over there busted out the power buffer, and when Caroline busts out her cuteness, what chance do we have?” “I see your point.” “So off to Luke’s we go.” “We’ll see you there in a bit.”

Y/n was standing talking to one of the decorators when she saw Lorelei and Sookie step out of the kitchen, quickly finishing her directions she wrote down a note on her clipboard then made her way to meet them at the entrance of the dining room.

When Sookie sees her, she asks, “What’re we looking at today?” Sookie was really fun to work with, like Lorelei she was very chill as a boss, but Sookie was also so kind and always took it upon herself to make sure Y/n has eaten and that her and Caroline are taken care of. She could tell the woman was going to make an amazing mother.

“This is last on the list.” She replied, after she took a quick glance at her clipboard, then continued, “We’ve got trumpets, the madrigal singers-” “Sorry to interrupt, but I’m not playing squire of Bracebridge.”

Sookie and Lorelei must have finally told Jackson to play the squire, they told her earlier in the week that they were playing to ask at the last moments so he had to. It was a flawless plan, especially when Jackson can’t say no to Sookie.

She saw that Lorelei and Sookie were just ignoring him, so she played along and continued down her list, “All the servers are lined up. This is just for the recorder players and harpists.” She stopped at the recorder players and let Lorelei talk to them, “Hi. Lay some on us, guys.”

The two recorder players played the soft tube they were going to come accustomed to in the next few days. The three of them shared positive looks and when their playing came to an end, Sookie said, “Hey, you cats really know how to blow those things.” Lorelei continued Sookie’s comment by saying, “You’ve got the gig. Y/n here will call you later with the details. Thanks.”

Recorder players started packing their things, Jackson started again on the fact that he wouldn’t play the squire, and the three women continued to ignore him.

“When do the quests arrive?” “Thursday at four on their own jet.” “After buying out the whole inn.”

“Must be nice to have money.” Y/n added, checking off and writing down more notes on her clipboard.

“You know what struck me today?” “-Was it the fact that I am not the squire?-""We’re crazy for doing this.” “We’re beyond crazy.” It did feel crazy, Lorelei told her they’d never done a function this big before and that’s the reason they hired more help. Like her, but also that they were planning to do a lot more big things like this, more weddings, and such.

“We’re ‘Anne Heche speaking her secret language to god and looking for the spaceship in Fresno’ kinda crazy.” “Oquinis no-goodo noto.” Sookie said, causing Y/n add, “Il ecnatra dos guidan.”

Their nonsense was once again interrupted by Jackson, “And spring this on me at the last minute too. I mean, that’s just manipulative.” Suddenly a cook pops his head out of the kitchen, saying calmly, “Sookie- fire!”

Sookie rolled her eyes softly, this happened far too often, before saying, “I gotta get back in the kitchen. You guys handle the harps?” Both women nodded and replied in unison, “You got it.”

“Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll play squire Bracebridge if that’s what you want.” Everyone knew he would cave eventually. Sookie patted his arm and said a quick, “Thanks, sweetie.” before walking back into the kitchen to hopefully deal with the fire. “As long as it’s not just because I fit the costume.” Jackson looked back at Lorelei and Y/n, Lorelei had a grin on her face while Y/n wore a tight-lipped smile. “It’s because I fit the costume, isn’t it?” He followed after Sookie.

Lorelei put her arm around Y/n and led them to the harpist, “Go ahead.” The harpist played the same tune as the two recorder players. But just as the woman started, Lorelei got a call. She patted Y/n’s arm, “I have to take this, you handle the harpist.”

The girl tried to stay calm, nodding her head and going back to listening to the music. Lorelei trusted her, yes it wasn’t a big job by any means, but still it was a step into a bigger role down the line.

The next day, Sookie and Y/n had all the waiters/performers in the dining room going over what their job was. And teaching them the old English words to use for things.

Sookie was just telling Rune that he couldn’t just talk like an old man whe Lorelei came in with a disappointed look on her face, and let them know the dinner was off.

The three women, as well as Rory and Caroline were now sitting at a table at Luke’s, Caroline was happily eating her pancakes, plain just as she liked and completely unaware of the collective disappointment of the group.

Lorelei has really welcomed Y/n into her life. She may not be Jess’s biggest fan, but she would always help another teen mom out. Especially since she sees so much of herself in Y/n. She’s grown to really love the girl in the short time they’ve known each other. And aftering hearing Y/n didn’t have her family in her life she was more than happy to help and maybe become that family for her one day. Just like Mia did for her.

“I’ve got 30 pounds of aged beef, trays and trays of trout, mountains of prune tarts. I diced pumpkins until my hands turned orange. I’ve got pumpkin hands!” Sookie showed the table her hands, it apparently caught Caroline’s attention since she grabbed Sookie’s right hand and held it in her left while she continued eating. Sookie lets her hand rest in the little girl’s while she freaks out more and asks Lorelei, “How can you stay so calm?” “There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Rory was just as upset, mostly because she knew how hard her mother worked on the planning, “I can’t believe they got snowed in.” Y/n hasn’t told Jess, but she’s become pretty close to Rory, the girl sometimes comes to the Inn and helps around and Rory’s become kinda her only friend, that was until Rory invited her to the record store with Lane. After that day she had two friends.

After knowing Rory more, she realised how much she and Jess have in common, and even though Rory has a boyfriend she can tell there’s an attraction to Jess she’s trying so hard to hide.

Y/n zoned out for a moment, looking outside, she was upset that the first event she helped organise wouldn’t even happen. She was broken from her stare out the window from Caroline jumping in place while sitting on her mom’s lap, the cause of which was Luke coming to the table.

“You girls want anything besides coffee?” He asked, adding on with a pat on the girl’s head, “Or pancakes?” “Hey, what about Luke?” “What about him?” “He eats, and Jess eats. Doesn’t Jess eat?” Sookie directs the question at Y/n, before the girl could say anything Luke cuts her off, “What’s she doing?” “I think she’s inviting you for dinner.”

Getting distracted while trying to convince Luke to come to dinner, the four decide to still put on the dinner for the town. Like an out of control slumber-party.

The dinner was going great, the secret amazing part of inviting the town was that Y/n and Caroline could actually meet everyone. Miss. Patty and Babette loved Y/n and Caroline (mostly Caroline), Caroline loved Kirk, and everyone loved that Caroline could do whatever she wanted and Talor wouldn’t say anything. And Y/n got to meet Paris after all the stories she’s heard.

Caroline and Y/n were in line for the horse drawn carriage rides, when Caroline saw her favourite person, Lane. “Laney! I ride with you!” Lane, before agreeing, made eye contact with Y/n to make sure it was okay. Y/n gave them the go ahead and helped Caroline get settled. After their carriage left she made her way to the next one. Telling the driver it’s just her.

It was nice to get a break from everything. It was quiet and peaceful. Well that was until Jess ran up and hopped on the carriage next to her. Without a word he put the blanket that was over the girl’s legs on his too.

“I thought you and Care were going together.” “She’s one ahead, with Lane.” “Ahhh. Well it’s two to a sleigh no more, no less. So you were breaking the rules, you're welcome for saving you.” “You could have hurt yourself.” “Aw, you care about me.” “You are my baby's father.”

She wished she just agreed with him. She didn’t just care for him because he was Caroline’s dad, and she doesn’t think she says it enough. But then again, maybe it would mess things up if she admitted that. But that decision was made for her.

“I’m touched.” “Jess. I don’t mean it like that. I care about you, Caroline or not.”

Trying to change the topic to something she thought was more lighthearted, she says, “So, how are things with Rory?” “There are no things with Rory.” “C’mon, Jess, we can talk about this stuff-” “Why are you so insistent that I date Rory?”

She wasn’t expecting that outburst. Not from Jess. He rarely ever yelled at her, and when he did it was always misplaced anger, never actually angry at her. This time it was her, it was what she said.

“I just want you to be happy-” “C’mon, Y/n. Be serious.” “I am. I want-” “If you want me to be happy so bad, why won’t you give me a chance?!”

He turned his face to her, looking right into her eyes, she could see the hurt in his. Did she put it there?

“What’re you-” “Since we found out about Caroline, I’ve tried and tried to help you realise that I love you. And not how you mean ‘I love you’. I don’t love and care for you because we have a family and I have to. I love you, because I want to. I want to be with you. And I know it will be hard, but I’ll do the work.”

If she had more social awareness at the pent she would have hated that the coachman heard all of that. But after what Jess said, the look in his eyes; that was so full of love. She felt like it was just them two in the world. No, that it was just their little family in the whole world. He and Caroline were all she would ever need.

“I love you too, Jess. I have for so long, long before Caroline, but I thought you wouldn’t want to be tied down to me, especially after I had Caroline, that any sign I thought you gave me was all in my head.” “It’s not.”

He brought her in closer to him, an arm around her shoulders and when her arms wrapped around his waist he left a kiss on the crown of her head. The small kiss brought her eyes up to him, which led to their first real kiss in one year and nine months.

His lips were softer than she remembered, but they still fit into hers as if they never left.

She broke away from their reuniting kiss to place her head in the crook of his neck, wanting nothing more than to be close to him.

“My mom didn’t want me to come home.” She took her head out of his neck to look at him fully. They were always that person for each other, the one you can tell your problem to and they knew when to help and when listening was enough. Right now, she knew listening was enough.

“I’m sorry, Jess.” “It’s fine. Just sucks.” “I know. Well, Care and I will always want you to come home.” After her words, he brought her closer than before. She was always just what he needed.

Wanting to change the subject, Jess nodded his head to the snowman Y/n and Caroline built. “It’s good.” “What?” “Your snowman, well Caroline’s snowman I'm sure she’d want me to say.” “You know which one’s ours?” “Definitely shows her personality… It kinda looks like Mr.Wiggles.” “That’s what we were going for. But everyone thinks the one on the end is going to win.” “Really? It’s so overdone.” “I agree.” “You and Care’s should win.” “Agree again.”

The dinner was filled with Jess and Luke confused at what exactly was in the food, Jess and Y/n trying their best to keep Caroline sat which about half an hour in they gave up and just let her walk around the lobby, as well as saying hello and talking to everyone at the table. Having an interesting conversation with Mrs.Kim about grace, ‘helping’ Kirk by sitting on his rolling food cart, and even talking with Paris for a while.

Overall it was a great night. Even better when Jess, Y/n, and Caroline got to their shared room, putting Caroline asleep together for the first time in a while. And falling to sleep in the same bed together, holding each other, listening to each other’s breaths, as well as Caroline’s. Everything was just how they both always secretly wanted. And now get to have openly and freely.

In the morning Y/n got up early since she was technically working, and she still was when Luke, Jess, and Caroline left to open the diner for the day. It was around noon when Y/n finally left, walking to Luke’s to spend the day with her two favourite people. Which was when she saw Michelangelo’s snowman fallen to a large pile of snow on the ground.

She didn’t even have to think for a second to know that Jess did it. Sometimes he did the weirdest things to show his love.

The bell rang as she pushed open the door, she sat down next to Caroline, saying ‘good morning’ and getting one back before she made her way to the counter.

“I saw what you did.” “What’d I do?” “Caroline will be happy she won.” “Anything if my girl’s win.”

#jess mariano #jess mariano x reader #jess mariano x fem!reader #jess mariano x female reader #jess mariano x y/n #gilmore girls #gilmore girls fic #milo ventimiglia #rory gilmore #lorelai gilmore #emily gilmore #teen mom!reader #teen mom

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sashascripta · 1 year

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the mystery woman, part ii (Luke Danes x female!reader)

Hi everyone, I'm so sorry for the lack of update for over a year! Truth be told, I was never planning to follow up on this story. It was just a little project to have fun with, but I saw how many people enjoyed it and wanted to get back into writing, so I hope you enjoy this as well. Since I wasn't certain on the reader's character yet, this still takes place before their date. (Scroll down for Part I)

Luke ran his hand through hair nervously a few times. "Hey, uh, Jess." He glanced over at his sullen nephew, poring over novels that probably weren't for school.

"What," Jess responded in a statement, not a question, as all the Danes men did.

Luke sighed, bracing himself for the favor he was about to entreat. "When you use hair mousse, how much do you actually apply?" He held the jar between three fingers tentatively.

Jess looked up, finally intrigued.

"I mean, I know you use it like water, or shampoo, judging by how often I have to buy shampoo. I tell you, Jess, if you cover your hair in this oily stuff, of course you need lots to wash it off-" Luke started rambling again. He was nervous about his date later that night and found solace in taking it out on his surly nephew.

"Shut up, will you?" Jess stalked towards him, grinning. "Why are you trying to look like you don't fry potatoes for a living?"

Luke smoothened the collar of his leather jacket and turned to Jess. "Hey!" he pointed. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with what I do. I'm just trying to fix myself up tonight. I have a-" he sighed for what seemed the hundredth time that very hour. "I have a date."

"Mrs Slutsky?" Jess prodded.

"(Y/N)!" Luke glared at him. "You don't know her, lucky for her. Not so lucky for you, she seems like an incredibly lady." He cringed, whilst Jess raised his eyebrows, holding back the urge to wiggle them.

"So I assume you've talked to her? Is she a friend of Lorelai?"

"We had a–a brief conversation back in the diner. She's a hotel consultant, here for the inn. But not a friend of Lorelai.

"I don't know. You know I don't do this often, Jess, because I find the whole courting process nauseating. But, I figured, if everything goes to hell, at least she doesn't live here," Luke conceded. He was happy to talk to someone other than Caesar and Patty, who were all too eager to engage in Luke's love life and gossip about what could be. Probably for their morning gossip column, Luke thought with disdain.

"Ah, how romantic. Just the way every great romantic novel starts: if it all goes to hell..."

"Shut up." Luke directed another pointed look to his nephew. "I didn't think you'd have much interest in romantic novels, other than the ones you write in and gift Rory."

Eager to move past the conversation of his love life, Jess quickly screwed open the jar of the conversation starter. "So about the mousse, just scoop up a dollop and run it through your hair. I'm not going to do it for you, because this isn't some stupid–"

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Luke said, quickly following the directions.

Ten minutes later, Luke was ready. He brushed his hair multiple times until Jess made a snarky remark, guided him out the door and promised to lock up after. Although grateful for his nephew's uncharacteristic benevolence, Luke was glad he asked Caesar to check in an hour later.

Luke got in his truck and drove over to the restaurant you agreed to meet at. He enjoyed the hum of the vehicle over the busy highway he either detested or tuned out, focused on the drive instead.

He looked back to his conversation with you. Despite it only occurring a few hours before (well, about 7), he still cringed at nearly everything he said. Did he say he was full of surprises? Not only was that a god awful way of flirting, it was also a lie.

He thought back to what Jess said, watching Luke comb his hair. "So when you were waxing poetic about your future, you said it's okay if it goes to hell because she'd eventually leave. But what if it doesn't go to hell?" Luke cracked a joke about Jess's sudden optimism, enjoying he and his nephew's relatively pleasant moments, engaged in banter, and even confiding in and advising each other.

What if it doesn't go to hell? Luke's head spun. After Anna and Rachel, he assumed heartbreak was around every corner. It was why he avoided new relationships, why he didn't take those chances, why he got back with Rachel so many times. He always wanted to follow every strand of wool to the rest of the ball to see if it was worth it, he couldn't leave a possibility he invested time and effort in, unfinished. That's why he finally approached Lorelai and realized she wasn't the one. But what if you were the one? What then?

His mind raced for a second, before his coping mechanism of overwhelming practicality kicked in. He didn't need to think that much. hell, you barely knew each other.

Luke pulled up before the restaurant, its lights glaring harshly against the dark night sky. He silently cursed the consumerism and skyscrapers in the big city, before he got out of his truck. Change is good, change is necessary. Change leads you to dining with pretty women at 6 o'clock in the evening.

He wasn't sure whether to enter and linger in the waiting area, because he wasn't yet invited in, or to wait outside. The first was awkward. He'd hang around, because his party hadn't arrived yet and people would conjecture that his date didn't show. But waiting outside seemed desperate in his own way, like he was watching you pull in, ready to pounce.

He wished he had a dial by the side of his head, to turn his thoughts off, or at least, to slow them down. He knew nothing about you would make his life easier, because, right now, you overwhelmed him with how cool you seemed. You weren't Lorelai Gilmore or Rachel (what was her last name again?) cool. You turned heads simply by walking in the room and had a quiet, effortless charm about you that just drew him to you. He wished you hadn't such an effect on him, because he was too far in. And because it would hurt so much if you truly did stand him up.

#luke x reader #luke danes x reader #luke x female reader #imagine #gilmore girls #gilmore girls imagine #short appearance by jess mariano #jess mariano

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wittyminds · 1 year

Text

Requests are open

I'm a new writer here and really want to start creating stories so if you have any requests i'll do my best!

Characters i'll do:

Remus Lupin, James Potter, Regulus Black

Steve Harrington

Graham Dunne

Steven Meeks, Charlie Dalton, Neil Perry, Knox Overstreet

Finnick Odair, Peeta Mellark

Chandler Bing, Joey Tribbiani

Bradley Bradshaw

George Weasley, Ron Weasley, Newt Scamander

Jess Mariano

JJ Maybank

Nikolai Lantsov

Bucky Barnes, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield/Tom Holland)

What i wont write

Detailed smut (i can write the build up but anything beyond makes me awkward)

Inappropriate relationships

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sixxxes · 1 month

Note

hey baby!! (platonic - LMK if you're not comfortable with that) do you do writing requests?? if so.. looking for a dallas winston x male!nerdy!reader ;) wtv you're up to doing i'm up to reading!!

baby is fine, lovie! i love the idea of dally with a nerd and i love you for sending this in. so cute!!! reader is deffo giving spencer reid energy and i’m here for it! i’m a firm believer that dally secretly reads loads in a jess mariano way.

Dally wasn’t sure he’d ever heard someone talk for so long without stopping (and he’s friends with Sodapop Curtis so that’s saying something). He had absolutely no idea why he was bothering to even listen — he didn’t give a shit about some dumb a book written by some sad woman about a jar of all things. But as the you sat across from him on a bar stool at Buck’s, he found himself nodding along, throwing in the occasional, ‘yeah’ and ‘oh, really?’.

“It raises some really eye opening issues surrounding female liberation, don’t you think?”

As interested in the conversation as Dally came across, he was, in reality, far too occupied stealing subtle glances at the soft strands of hair which fell into the your eyes and your plump lips which he just then realised had stopped moving. His eyes met yours — beautiful, soft and looking at him questioningly.

“What?”

“Don’t worry,” you chuckled taking a sip from your drink. “I’ve been talking your ear off. I know you ain’t the most chatty guy in Tulsa. Sorry.”

Dally protested and wondered why he was trying to save your feelings from being hurt. “No, no, I just got distracted for a second. What did you say?”

“It’s fine you don’t have to—”

“Shut up,” Dally spoke firmly. “I wanna hear it. I don’t mind. Y’know, your presence don’t make me wanna blow my brains out which I have to admit is surprising.”

You smiled at Dally, head tilting as you gave him a once over. There was more to the boy than what people thought. Maybe he did care beneath the mean smirk and leather.

“I was saying how the portrayal of Esther makes you think about female liberation.”

Dally stared at you, mouth opening and closing for a moment before he started chuckling, shaking his head almost fondly. “Jesus Christ, you’re such a nerd.”

#dallas winston x reader #the outsiders #dallas winston #dally winston #dally winston x reader #matt dillon x reader #dallas winston headcanons #matt dillon #realistic dallas winston #the outsiders headcanons #male reader

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teddypickerry · 1 year

Text

𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 !

pairings! jess mariano x female reader

word count! 1.4k

warnings! swearing

a/n! it’s been a minute. hope everyone had a decent holiday and didn’t have to be stuck in a room with their sucky family too long lmao. don’t forget requests are open, and i’m aliveeee. this was actually a request from a few months ago but i accidentally deleted it or something so idk i can’t find it now. so i’m sorry person who requested!!

THE WIND WHISTLED throughout the chilly morning, entering the wooden apartment building with ease. As if it had been waiting all morning to do so. An escape indoors when a purple coated man with funky boots opened the bright red door, holding it with his mittens. The girl stepped in behind him a soft 'thank you' with a warm smile releasing from her mouth.

The building was inevitably cold. The winter months didn't allow any other way. So the few who mingled throughout the lobby, sprawled out on the mismatched couches, were bundled. You recognized them as the Williams family. A pair of older adults with their one son. Their heater had broken individually in their apartment leaving them stuck to the lobby for warmth. The mother was sure to greet you with a smile, one you mirrored with a quick 'hello.' You had already offered your company to them the evening before. When your boyfriend and you had come home from the bookstore.

The couple had politely awarded your generosity with a hug but declined the offer. You had gifted them a blanket or two along with one of the books for the son, who seemed bored out of his mind. So it warmed your heart to catch the teenager sat on the floor with the novel in his hands. This was one of the moments that Jess Mariano; the love of your life, had fallen even more deeply in love with you. It was only a few weeks ago you had moved to the city. The past nineteen years of your life had been spent in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The town where you so luckily met your boyfriend two and a half years ago.

You hardly knew the people in the lobby who seemed fairly upset but you offered your kindness to them. Something most wouldn't do. You trusted people and you trusted your heart. Which is something Jess Mariano never had the taste for. He had spent his whole life searching for warmth. Being raised by a mother who didn't know him from the next and preferred the men she met on the streets over him — left him with no real resemblance of what a true kind person in your life meant. When he was seventeen he was shipped from his mother's home (which lacked any home truly) to the small town.

Living with his Uncle Luke he rebelled immensely. That's what he knew how to do. Stars Hollow was also where he met Rory Gilmore. The girl whom he assumed would change all in his mind. She was pretty and incredibly bright. They had similar book tastes and both trashed the same musicians. But they were never on the same step. Always one step forward, and three steps back. So the short lived relationship was ended quicker than it had arrived. And that's when his love for you blossomed.

You made your way up the flight of stairs that you had made so familiar with these past few weeks. Fumbling with your keys, and your schoolbooks to unlock the door down the hall. The tiring day of academics that started far too early for your liking was finally coming to an end. There was nothing more you preferred to do than run inside and fall asleep in your warm bed. New York University was harder than you had imagined. But delightful in more ways than one.

When you had been accepted just a year ago, right after you started dating the dark haired boy who had won over your heart, you didn't have the money to move your life (and your love) to the city. So after yet another year with your boyfriend in Stars Hollow — and saving up as much as you could, the two of you could comfortably afford an apartment in Brooklyn. One that was the perfect little home for the both of you.

The door opened, the keys jingling in the process. The sound of a Billy Squier record engulfed your ears immediately. Your boyfriend's adequate yet varying taste in music was always something to adore. You could hear the record stop, and footsteps make their way over towards the machine. It was only seconds later another song sounded. The classic rock filling the home.

Dropping your books and bag on the kitchen counter, you took off your shoes and made your way quietly into the small living room. Where the sight of records, CDs, and books sprawled out all over the ugly green carpet surprised you. Hardly any walking space anywhere. But spotted directly infront of the built-ins was the man who had your heart. His messy dark hair sprawled all over his head as it faced the wall, his back the only part you could see. He sported a jean jacket over his blue t-shirt and black sweats. Which you could only assume was because of the weather. A stack of books held in one of his hands while the other attempted to place them on the shelves.

"Woah was there a tornado? I didn't feel it." You had joked, a small smile appearing on your lips as you watched your boyfriend's head spin around. Attempting to not drop the pile of books in the process. A goofy grin was quick to appear on his face, turning his head back to face the shelves. "Hey, how was it?"

"Um... I mean," You paused with the shrug of your shoulders despite knowing the curly haired boy wouldn't be able to see. Making your way towards the boy, making sure to not knock over each pile or box of things. "It was hard that's for sure. But worth it. I'm glad I'm here and thank you for coming with me."

"Hey, cmon no need for that shit. I'd never leave my girlfriend in a city by herself. Plus what's Stars Hollow without Y/N Y/L/N? It's just bullshit," Jess simply spoke as you made your way up behind him, your hand approaching the small of his back. "So what are you trying to do?"

"Trying to go for a Martha Stewart vibe," He humored placing the last book on the shelf before wrapping one of his arms around you. "Books on this side and I'll get another shelf for our bedroom. Then your records here, mine here, and our CDs there. And a worship lair for Kathy Griffin right here."

"Hm," you hummed as your smile poked out at his last sentence. "Why can't our records be together?"

"Megadeth and Carly Simon clash, babe." Jess teased lightly before turning down the record player a few tones. So hopefully it wouldn't burst a journalist in the making's eardrums. How else would you hear all the political bullshit? "You didn't have to do all this right now. I know you're probably tired from working."

"I'm fine. C'mon, it's gotta be perfect for you. And if my sleep deprivation means that you'll get that New York apartment we've always talked about, then fuck sleep." The nineteen year old explained before removing you from his embrace and reaching down for more books. "That was cheesy, Mariano. Rom-com cheesy. You love me so much."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Y/L/N." The boy's once rebellious demeanor took over as he dropped his warm face. Trying his best to appear vile. "Well definitely not you, Mariano. You tend to keep me wide awake." Your words revealed a smirk on the boys face as you pressed your hand to his shoulder. "Okay well, I'm gonna order some dinner. Let's see if I can get through this without tripping."

"Hey, wait." He called out anxiously making you turn to face him once more. "Where's my kiss?"

"I think I left it at school." You pouted making the boy give you an annoyed look before you pressed his lips against yours. A sweet sensation taking over your body in the process. You felt the boy ross the books onto the chair in the corner of the room, his hands pulling your body into yours as he deepened the kiss. There was nothing like the feeling of kissing the love of your life in your shared apartment. Not just an apartment, but a home.

#jess mariano x reader #gilmore girls #lorelai gilmore #jess mariano #teddypickerry #rory gilmore #jess mariano x y/n #luke danes #gilmore girls fic

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 6 months

Text

HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE 2023

Here’s a masterlist of all the Fics I have wrote/will write for my Halloween challenge. The aim was to post a fic a day for 10 days between 21st - 31st of October. All are song fics and not necessarily Halloween-themed. I’ll be updating the list as I go. Hope you like them🧡

Day One // Tennessee Orange

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 2407 Summary: I met somebody, he’s got blue eyes. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Two // Die From A Broken Heart

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 1837 Summary: Was it ever really real if he don't feel like I feel? Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Three // Pieces

Fandom: Supernatural Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 1494 Summary: Baby, please release me, let my heart rest in pieces. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Four // Southern Boy

Fandom: RPF Pairing: Austin Butler x Reader Rating: Explicit Word Count: 1455 Summary: Ain't nothing in the whole wide world like a southern boy. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Five // Stay With Me

Fandom: Daisy Jones x The Six Pairing: Daisy Jones x Reader Rating: Mature Word Count: 1399 Summary: Guess it’s true I’m no good at a one-night stand. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Six // Good 4 U

Fandom: Daisy Jones x The Six Pairing: Graham Dunne x Original Female Character Rating: Mature Word Count: 4793 Summary: Maybe I'm too emotional or maybe you never cared at all. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Seven // I'd Lie

Fandom: RPF Pairing: Austin Butler x Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 3271 Summary: And if you ask me if I love him, I'd lie. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Eight // You Ain’t Woman Enough

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader Rating: Mature Word Count: 4106 Summary: You’ve come to tell me something, you say I ought to know. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Nine // It Hurts Me

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF Pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader, Jerry Schilling x Reader Rating: Mature Word Count: 7849 Summary: It hurts me to see him treat you, the way that he does. Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Ten // Jess' Dad

Fandom: Gilmore Girls Pairing: Jess Mariano x Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 2426 Summary: You know I really like Jess a lot but… Song Link AO3 LINK

Day Eleven // Little Bird

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF Pairing: Elvis Presley x Addison Goodwin Rating: Mature Word Count: 4553 Summary: Walked down the aisle, breakin' my heart, lay down my pride, I know I gotta let you go. Song Link AO3 LINK

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staticscreenwriting · 2 years

Text

Fake Dating || Jess Mariano

My entry for day 5 of our Christmas Calendar. Find all the information here. We’d love for you to join us.

Summary: Reader is invited to her ex boyfriend’s Christmas Party and doesn’t want to show up alone. Playing pretend leads to a confession.

Likes, reblogs, comments are all much appreciated. I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please.

There’s something magical about Stars Hollow in the winter. The snow covers the ground and the roofs like a layer of marshmallow fluff and Christmas lights twinkle at you from every corner.

It’s like a scene straight from a Hallmark card brought to life.

Sounds like a little piece of paradise right here on earth, right? Like a dream.

Yeah not when you have to stomp through the snow, hands freezing, toes merely made of ice by this point, hair a mess atop your head, and all that fuels you to continue going is the anxiety coursing through your veins and the promise of warmth and a hot cup of coffee waiting for you at the end of your journey.

When she reaches the sacred halls of Luke’s cafe, a big scowl pulls the corners of (Y/N)’s lips downwards. Coming back home was supposed to be fun. It was supposed to feel the way it did when she was a kid. Safe and comforting and warm. Only everything is different.

A big mug of steaming coffee is set down in front of her before she can even properly sit down on the barstool by the counter. Luke greets her with his signature grunt that might seem grumpy to some but really it’s how he shows his love. Being at the receiving end should make you feel proud.

Okay, maybe not everything has changed. Maybe some things stayed the same. Even if it’s the little ones. Sometimes they mean everything.

“ What’s got you scowling like that ? “ he asks as he rings up the person by the register.

“ Hmm — the heartbreaking realization that we can not stop the passing of time and that with every ticking second the magic of Christmas gets lost a little more as our bitter little hearts grow colder? “

Luke takes a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. “ Look I already have one aggressively sarcastic jokester around right now, I can’t use another one. “

“ What do you mean? “

“ Jess is here. “

It’s like the sun cuts through her cloudy mind for a split second as the words register. There’s something about Jess she can never quite put into words. A silent understanding about the world and everything in it that he shares with her. Back when they were teenagers, angry and lost, the only place they found belonging, found understanding, was in each other.

And while she knows she never held the importance in his life that Rory did, while she was never at the receiving end of his romantic interest, she knows she meant something to him — means something. Sometimes you need to find someone else who’s lived their own tragedies in order to help you overcome yours.

Jess was her best friend and she was his. And while times have changed and distance has kept them apart lately, they both know the other is just a phone call away and a little part of their heart will always belong to each other.

“ Jess is here? “

“ I’m here. “ he announces his presence as he steps out from behind the curtain separating the stairs to the apartment from the cafe.

“ Woah, what’s got you looking all gloomy? “

“ That’s what I asked her but I only got a smartass answer. “ Luke points out before making his round across the room serving refills to eager customers trying to hide from the harsh winter winds raging outside.

“ So ? “

“ So, you didn’t tell me you were gonna be here. “

Jess just shrugs and averts his eyes in the way he always does. The way that makes him look so casually cool and unphased when (Y/N) knows he’s anything but. He has the biggest and softest heart of anyone she knows. It’s just hard sometimes, to let it show when the people who were supposed to love you most left it scarred and broken.

“ Didn’t know I was gonna be here but then Doula called last night and asked if I wanted to spend the week before Christmas with them too instead of just Christmas day and I didn’t have anything else to do anyway so — “

“ And you can’t say no to your sister. “

“ Yeah, that too. But back to you. The last time I saw you this sad was when you made me watch that Mickey Mouse Christmas movie that had you crying for like 3 hours after it ended."

"He sold his harmonica to buy Minnie a present Jess! He gave up his music for her."

"You gonna start crying again? "

"I might. Because it's sad and also just to annoy you."

"Okaaaay. Look just - just tell me what's up and maybe I can be talked into watching another cheesy movie if that would cheer you up a little."

He's sweet and gentle and he cares so much. And while she wishes he'd show this side of him to other people sometimes, to let them see the real him, there's a certain sense of pride that fills (Y/N)'s heart knowing she's one of the few people that part of him is reserved for.

"I don't think that's gonna be enough this time, although I appreciate the offer. I ran into Riley earlier."

" Riley Riley? From High School? "

" The same one. Who broke my heart and started dating one of my friends right after dumping me at the firelight festival. "

There's a dangerous gleam in Jess' eyes. One she's very familiar but hasn't seen in a long time, not since that one night at truncheon when he told her about Rory and Logan and how he felt used. When he called her drunk and sad. When -

"That guy is an asshole, nothing new. But I thought you were over him."

"I am. I totally am. But you know since we're all adults now and civil and we haven't seen each other in a while he thought it would be nice to invite me to this Christmas party they have tonight. "

"They?"

"Him and Lexi. The same girl he dumped me for. They are married now and, by the look of their house, pretty well off too. “

“ Okay, so what did you say? “

(Y/N) takes the last sip of coffee, letting the bitter taste settle on her tongue hoping that maybe it can overshadow the taste of regret and shame and sadness that has been stuck there ever since talking to Riley.

“ Well, what was I supposed to say? No ? “

“ Yes! That’s exactly what you should’ve said. Come on, Goose. Why would you say yes? “

“ I couldn’t say no. That would’ve made it look like I'm still into him or something.”

Jess only regards her with the signature Jess Mariano scowl and judgmental eyes. Not mean or malicious, just maybe a little disappointed.

"Maybe I'll go ahead and ask Lulu if she'll lend me Kirk for the night. Just so I don't have to show up alone, like a loser."

“ You’re not a loser. “

“ You’re my best friend. You’re basically contractually obligated to say that. “

"I don't remember signing - "

"Aah in pretty sure you did " (Y/N) interrupts him before pushing herself off of the barstool. " Alright, I gotta run. Need to figure out what to wear tonight and ugh this completely ruined my whole hair washing schedule. Anyway, I will come around tomorrow and report back about the epic failure of tonight's dinner. "

As she rushes out of the diner, red scarf fluttering behind her like a lick of fire, she yells a happy "thanks for the coffee, Luke" and just as the door is about to close, Jess can make out a faint "Bye Maverick. Love you." And though she said it a thousand times before it never fails to make his heart beat just a tiny bit faster.

"Bye Goose."

She looks nice. Pretty even. (Y/N) has to admit that much as she regards herself in the mirror adorning the wall of the entryway. It's taken some time to do the hair and makeup but it looks good. Doesn't mean it feels good. Or right.

She wants nothing more than to slump back on her couch, stuff her face with junk food, and put on a Christmas movie. Maybe invite Jess over because… well Jess makes everything better. And it's not that she doesn't like getting dolled up or going out. If it was just any other place and any other person.

A knock on the front door shakes her from her daydream or rather day-nightmare?

There's a lot of faces she would have expected to see on the other side of the door. Stars Hollow is a tiny town with nosy people and friendly neighbors always ready for a quick chat. Not this though. She never would've expected him.

"Jess? What are you doing here? And dressed so fancy."

"It's not fancy," he huffs, a cloud of breath forming in the icy winter air " it's just dark Jeans and a white dress shirt."

If she didn't know him any better she'd describe him as bashful right then. And maybe it was the cold nipping at his cheeks but maybe, just maybe, there's a blush dusting his cheeks.

"Oh wow is that the man version of jeans and a nice top?"

"Huh?"

"Forget it," she waves him off, "what are you doing here?"

"You need a date and I need to get out of the house before Liz ropes me into one of her crystal healing circles. "

Now it's her time to blush.

"You want to be my date?"

He's quiet for a moment, contemplating his words, before nodding his casual, entirely unbothered Jess Mariano nod.

"Sure. I mean you read all those fake dating romance books. I know you do, don't even try to deny it. And I'm a good liar so we are basically made for this."

"Fake dating yeah … yeah that's right."

"So is that a yes? I can't wait to see pretty boy Riley's face when he sees us showing up together. Dude never liked me."

"Are you doing this to help me or to piss off Riley?"

"Little bit of both."

"Alright, I'll accept that. Let's go."

"You look beautiful, by the way."

"Thanks, Maverick."

"You're welcome, Goose."

"Woah, I mean I knew they were rich but I didn't expect to be invited to a Gatsby party," (Y/N) exclaims, eyes wide with surprise.

There's a lot of people here. Entirely too many for her to feel truly comfortable. Tinsel and ribbon decorate each corner and just by walking up the driveway and entering the entrance hall, she's counted 12 perfectly decorated Christmas trees.

“ Well, let’s hope they don’t have a pool. “ Jess replies as they make their way through the crowd looking for food, or drinks, or both.

“ What’s that? “ Jess asks, lips pulled up in a questioning scowl, eyebrows furrowed in confusion at what he assumes to be the food. There are several big silver plates loaded with all kinds of cheeses and cured meats and other indefinable things.

"Food?"

"You sound convinced."

"Yeah, I guess maybe we should stick to the cheese and champagne for now."

"Very fancy," Jess remarks and raises his glass.

"Very fancy indeed," (Y/N) agrees and clings her glass with his before they both take a sip of the bubbly concoction.

"You know what this reminds me of?" Jess inquires as they weave their way through the crowds. "The dinner at the Independence Inn."

"The Bracebridge Dinner!"

"Yeaaah that one. Wouldn't be surprised if they bring out the horse-drawn carriages at some point later today."

Even to this day, there's still a sense of mischief in Jess' smile. It's not as prominent and pronounced as it used to be but it's still there.

"I remember you forcing me to commit a crime that night."

"What are you talking about?"

"The snowman."

"Oh my god," Jess lets out a mix between a laugh and a scoff. "It was a snowman. I hardly think that's considered a crime."

"It is in Stars Hollow. But hey at least it worked. It earned you brownie points with Rory."

The mood shifts. Not necessarily in a bad way just, something is different. It always is when Rory gets brought up. Sometimes (Y/N) thinks it's because that whole relationship left scars on Jess and sometimes she thinks it's because he still isn't entirely over her. She's not sure which hurts worse.

"Sure."

"What's - what's going on there anyway?"

"With Rory?"

"Yeah. She's back in Stars Hollow. You're visiting a lot. Might be time to rekindle a past love."

At those words Jess downs the rest of his champagne, a bitter look crossing his handsome face. "I think maybe that ship has sailed. Don't think I'm what she needs. And she's not what I need either. Not anymore."

His eyes lock with hers and for a moment she swears there is something there. A static in the air. A sizzling. Goosebumps rising on her skin and heart fluttering inside her chest and then -

"You came!" Riley's voice cuts through the air like the blaring of an emergency siren taking away all of what could be and what might've been and all the magic that came with it.

He still has the same swooping brown locks and those piercing green eyes and even now she can see why she fell in love with him at 17. He's the boy from the romcom, the teen drama heartthrob. He's the High School sweetheart that you marry, have kids with, buy a golden retriever with.

He's the one that leaves you for your friend. That laughs about your passions. That thinks money fixes everything.

Maybe it wasn't all that bad that they didn't work out. Maybe it was for the best.

"... and you brought Jess."

Before she can even react, she feels the weight of Jess' arm settle on her shoulder and pull her closer.

“Good to see you too, Riley. She’s allowed to bring her boyfriend, isn’t she?”

“Sure she is.”

There’s a wave of animosity crashing over them like a tidal wave only (Y/N) can feel none of it. Her heart is too busy beating out of her chest at the sound of Jess calling himself her boyfriend. Sure it’s all pretend. It’s all a lie. It’s all fake.

And yet it still makes her feel a fluttering inside her chest.

“We’ll come on, let’s fill up our drinks and you guys can tell me all about how — this happened. “

Riley leads them to a table and sits down before motioning to the waiter and getting all 3 of them a refill of their champagne flute.

"So, you two, huh?”

“Yup.” Jess responds, his lips popping the ‘p‘. “Us two.”

“How did that come along. I mean not that I’m surprised.”

“What do you mean?” (Y/N) asks, eyebrow raised in question. Sure, there’s always someone who asks about her and Jess and whether or not they are more than friends, but it’s usually people that don’t know them very well. Riley should know better.

“Come ooon. It was just a matter of time with you two. Everyone could see you were into each other. I mean, why do you think Jess hated me so much back in High School. It’s because he was jealous.”

There’s a sense of self-assurance and arrogance in Riley’s voice. Like he’s some cheesy movie villain spewing exposition to our clueless heroes that will change their lives forever. Only that’s not true. This can’t be true. It’s all just pretend and he has no idea what he’s talking about. Right?

“Or maybe I just didn’t like you because you didn’t treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”

“Come oooon, man”

His voice is aggravating, like nails on a chalkboard. Like a blaring fire alarm.

“No, you come on. Remember when she had that poetry reading. The one she’d been working and practicing on for months. The one where she won an award? You weren’t there. I was. Because it was important to her. Because I was proud of her. She’s the most creative, brilliant person I know. So I’ll be there whenever she needs me to be. Because she deserves that.”

It’s like her body moves on autopilot when she leans over and places a soft kiss on his cheek. Really she wants to kiss his lips but maybe that would be overkill. And maybe that’s not how she wants it to be. No like this. In a moment of misplaced emotion. Not again.

“Okay man, I give you that. I should’ve been there. You’re right. Still, I wonder what brought this on now? What made you guys realize?”

“He sends me pictures of every dog that comes into the bookstore because he knows they make me smile.”

“Every time she finds a copy of my book she buys it.”

They speak simultaneously and for a second this room full of people feels like it’s only the two of them. Like time stops and all noise is sucked from the room and all that can be heard is the beating of their hearts.

“Well, that’s cute. Good for you guys. Seems like you’re on the same page. Glad you finally figured it out and hey, it seems like you’re happy.”

“We are,” (Y/N) agrees, locking eyes with Jess.

“Yeah, we are”.

“Aww you guys,” a voice cut through the moment. What is it with these people and their constant interruptions?

Lexi crosses the room and drops down on Riley’s lap, her finger pointing at the ceiling right above Jess and (Y/N).

And sure enough there it is, green and white with a sparkling red bow dangling above their heads like it’s mocking them. Like it says “how far are you willing to take this huh? This play pretend? This lie? Are you willing to break your own heart in order to keep up this charade?”

“You guys,” Lexi nagged, unaware of the tension. Unaware of the fluttering inside (Y/N)’s chest. Unaware of the fact that it’s so much more than a lie. So much more that it will never be. “It’s a mistletoe. You gotta kiss.”

She turns to look at Jess, almost getting lost in his gorgeous brown eyes. She’s wanted this. For so long. Ever since she was a teenager but for just as long, Jess had made it clear that a friend was all she was ever gonna be. So maybe this is her only chance. Maybe this is it.

“Kiss me,” she whispers softly and shrugs her shoulders trying to seem casual. Like this doesn’t break and reassemble her heart all at once.

And he does. He kisses her. Softly touches her lips with his, holds onto the side of her face with a gentle touch. And time stands still and spreads up and nothing makes sense only everything does. He tastes like champagne and nostalgia and love. And it’s so hard to let go and pull away but her heart can’t take much more. It’s about to burst right out of her chest.

Jess softly pulls away before going in for another sweet peck. It’s short. Barely there. It’s a whisper of a kiss. But it’s there and it’s too much.

“I uh — I gotta pee. I’ll be right back”.

Only she doesn’t move towards the bathroom; instead, she finds herself on the patio, looking out towards the trees and hedges covered in thousands and thousands of sparkling fairy lights. This looks like the scene from a movie only the tears of frustration piling at her waterline giving away that this is in fact real life.

The cold winter air whips harshly against her skin and yet it feels less cold than the knowledge that the boy you want, the one you’ve always wanted, will never be yours. He’ll never want you back.

“Please don’t ever leave me alone with Riley, he’s such an — hey are you okay?”

He’s so casual. Why is he so casual? Does this mean nothing? It means nothing. It’s a lie, (Y/N). It’s just a lie!

“I didn’t want it to be like this,” she confesses, as the tears pearl down her cheeks, “ I can’t do this anymore. I can’t do it again. Not after last time.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The kiss, Jess! After that opening night at Truncheon when you kissed me after Rory screwed you over. I promised that the next time I’d kiss you it would mean something. But it doesn’t, not to you. Does it? It’s just a lie.”

For a moment he just stands there, looks at her with an unreadable expression. There’s just them and the night and the lights and the stars.

And then he smiles. It’s a tiny smile, but it’s a Jess smile so it means everything.

“You think that kiss meant nothing to me? I’ve thought about nothing else but you since that night. I’m sorry I kissed you then but not because of the kiss. I’m sorry about making you feel like I just kissed you because you were there. That’s not it. I only realized that night when you showed up. You always showed up when I needed you. Still do”

“It’s what friends do.”

“No one ever did that for me. Not my friends. For a long time, not even my family. Only you,” he exclaims and nervously combs his fingers through his hair. “Earlier today I sent the guys the first draft of my new book.”

“You’re writing a new book?”

“I’ve thought about nothing but you since that night. So much that I wrote a book about how I felt. I wrote this book for you. It’s yours. I’m yours. And I know this sounds so fucking cheesy, saying this out loud gives me the heebie-jeebies. But I need you to know. None of what I said was fake or pretend. I’m in love with you, Goose. And maybe — maybe Riley was right. Maybe I’ve always been.”

Snow falls softly around them as some horrible indie rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas sounds from inside, a few people drunkenly singing along. The wind nips at her nose, her cheeks. Her fingers are numb and her toes are but icicles by now. But it doesn’t matter. None of it does.

All that matters is the way he cradles her face in his hand, the way his heart beats in time with hers, and the way his lips feel as they meet hers in a passionate kiss.

And this one, this one means everything. It’s real and it’s true and it’s perfect.

“I’m in love with you too, Maverick. I’ve always been. But then there was Rory and I thought —“

“I was scared of losing you. Back then I fucked everything up and I couldn’t risk fucking up with you. Rory is always gonna be a part of my past, being with her helped me grow but you — that’s different. I need you. Always did, always will. And now I’m at least a little less fucked up and a little more deserving of you.”

“Oh Jess, you silly boy. You were always enough. “

“You wanna get out of here”

“Fuck yeah, please.”

There’s something magical about Stars Hollow in the winter. The snow covers the ground and the roofs like a layer of marshmallow fluff and Christmas lights twinkle at you from every corner.

It’s like a scene straight from a Hallmark card brought to life.

Sounds like a little piece of paradise right here on earth, right? Like a dream.

As the snow falls outside and (Y/N) is cuddled into Jess’ side, a big mug of hot cocoa clasped tightly in her hand, warming her up, she thinks it’s better than any dream.

This is her reality now. No fake story. Not pretending. No dream.

This is her life now and yeah, it feels quite magical.

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