A/N: This takes place around the episode "Christopher Returns." Lorelai didn't forget to go to Luke's to help him paint. Curious things ensue...
Disclaimer: With the acception of a coat and pencil, I own nothing.
Under All Conditions
Chapter 1
"Hey, Luke, sorry I'm late. I got caught up at the parent's house for a little longer than I expected," I said as I walked into the diner, remembering the events of that night.
"It's okay. It just gave me more time to get set up. Want a beer?" Luke said to me.
"Gladly." I would've accepted anything to help me forget what I had just done with Christopher.
Flashback
"Do you regret it?" Chris asked me as we stood in my old room, after the "shmutzing" was over.
"Hell, yeah, I regret it. That was possibly the most stupid thing we have ever done."
"Why?"
""Why, what?"
"Why was it so stupid?"
"Because, Chris, it's you and me. Nothing good ever comes from you and me."
"I see how it is."
From that point on, Christopher hadn't talked to me for the rest of the night. He even turned down my offer to stay the rest of the night and went straight back to his place in the middle of the night.
End Flashback
"So, what happened?" Luke asked, bringing me out of my daze.
"What do you mean?"
"Why the dire need for the beer?"
I took a swig before answering. "Chris happened."
"Oh."
Silence ensued for what seemed like an eternity. Luke always seemed to silence himself when the mention of another man in my life came up. I always thought it was because he wanted to give me my privacy, but I started having second thoughts about it the other day. We were behind the counter, hiding from Taylor and I just know something more would've happened if my better judgment hadn't come into play. There was something about the look in his eyes that made me shiver. It was a good shiver, though. It made me feel comfortable and safe. And those lips. God, those lips, so sexy. Ever since that night, I'd been having trouble looking Luke straight in the eye. But I made him a promise, so I went to help him paint anyway.
"So, where do you want to start?" I asked, trying to break the silence as best I could.
"Well, are you sure you want to paint in those clothes?"
"Oh, right. I'll just run home and change real quick."
"No, no, I'm sure I've got something you could borrow."
"Are you sure you wouldn't mind?"
"Positive."
"Ok, thanks."
Luke went upstairs to get me some clothes, and I migrated from my spot by a table, over to the very place his father had written that order so many years ago. It was sweet how that grumpy diner owner could be so sentimental sometimes. I ran my fingers over the words, and remembered that night vividly. Oh, how I wanted to kiss him so badly.
Just then, Luke walked into the diner with my clothes, catching me looking at the words fondly. He didn't say it, but I now he knew exactly what I was thinking about.
"Here's your clothes," he said, trying desperately to avoid my eyes.
"Thanks."
"You can, uh, change upstairs… in my apartment. It's unlocked."
"Thanks."
I went upstairs and changed, and came back down, only to find Luke doing the same thing I was, running his fingertips over the hastily written order. Only this time, I couldn't tell if he was remembering our pew moments together, or the years he spent with his father. I almost wish I could've known him. Luke talks about him so fondly.
He looked up to find me staring at him.
"I, uh, had to tie the pants up with a rubberband," I said, startled by the brief moment our eyes had met.
"That's fine. So, shall we?" he asked, handing me a roller from off the counter.
"We shall." And the night began.
tbc
Thanks for reading chapter one! Remember, reviews are much appreciated!
