Hey guys here is the next chapter based on Ed Sheeran's "Tenerife Sea". I heard this song the other day and it immediately reminded me of the dance that Luke and Lorelai shared at Liz's wedding and I wanted to write a a one-shot for it. That is one of my favorite episodes and I love the way it ended, but this is a what could have been if there was more. Hope you enjoy :)
You look so wonderful in your dress
I love your hair like that
The way it falls on the side of your neck
Down your shoulders and back
We are surrounded by all of these lies
And people who talk too much
You got the kind of look in your eyes
As if no one knows anything but us
Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
'Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need
I'm so in love, so in love
So in love, so in love
You look so beautiful in this light
Your silhouette over me
The way it brings out the blue in your eyes
Is the Tenerife Sea
And all of the voices surrounding us here
They just fade out when you take a breath
Just say the word and I will disappear
Into the wilderness
Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
'Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need
I'm so in love, so in love
So in love, so in love
[6x:]
Lumière, darling
Lumière over me
Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
'Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need
I'm so in love, so in love
So in love, love, love, love,
So in love
You look so wonderful in your dress
I love your hair like that
And in a moment I knew you, best
Lorelai spotted Luke among the crowd and slowly wandered towards him. She felt a great sense of guilt for making fun of Jess and the book she had discovered in his bag. Never in a million years did she think that Luke would take it so personally. They usually made fun of that type of thing together. They had been having such a good time, he looked so handsome in his suit and she hated to think she had ruined the night…
"Yeah, I'd love to see you juggle sometime. I'm a big fan of juggling." Luke said to the man before turning nervously to Lorelai. "He, uh - he juggles for money."
Lorelai nodded and pressed on, "You okay?"
Luke nodded quickly before answering, "Yeah, yeah."
She glanced up at him nervously, "We okay?"
He quickly looked away and tried to brush off her question, "Yeah, I-I-I didn't mean to get so defensive."
She sighed and reached out to him, "I didn't mean to make fun of Jess and what he was reading. Maybe it's good that he had it. You know, maybe - he's trying."
Luke shrugged and raised an eyebrow, "It's okay. I mean, that book does sound pretty dorky."
They both glanced away when they heard Kirk speaking to the crowd, "Liz and T.J. wouldst enjoy others to join them in their modest wriggles."
She ignored Kirk's comment, never dreaming that Luke would want to dance, "Oh, hey, so your food's probably cold. You want to go get some more?"
Luke quickly spoke and gestured towards the dance floor, "Sure, or we can...you know."
Her eyes followed his in confusion and asked, "We can...do what?"
She watched him take a deep breath before asking, "You want to dance?"
The shock of his response was evident on his face and she couldn't hide the smile that lit up her face, "Really?"
He gave a casual shrug, "Yeah."
Lorelai felt her heart rate speed up as she tried to understand what was happening, "Um, you said before you don't dance."
He shrugged and kept staring at her, "Well, I'm a compulsive liar."
She glanced over at the dance floor and nodded quickly, "Um, okay, yeah, let's dance."
As quick as a flash, his hand was extended to her and she gladly accepted it. She couldn't hide the smile on her face as he led her towards the dance floor among the other couples dancing. She took a deep breath as he positioned them and began to lead her across the dance floor. A small laugh escaped her lips, she tried to hide it but she couldn't.
Sure Luke had asked her to the wedding, but she never expected this. She never thought of Luke as a dancer. Then again, she was beginning to learn there was a lot she didn't know about him. But as he pulled her closer, she began to realize she wanted to know everything there was to know about him. She wanted to know what he was like as a kid, wanted to know about his parents, what his dreams were and what would make him happy.
She rested her hand on his shoulder and then her chin on her hand and closed her eyes as he continued to guide her. She knew he wouldn't steer her wrong, he never had before. Being there in hisarms made her wonder why she had never taken the time to fully appreciate how handsome he was. Sure she had caught herself staring a million times, but she always pushed those thoughts aside and told herself they were just friends. Best friends.
And being best friends meant they couldn't ever cross that line. Didn't it? Let's face it...most of Lorelai's relationship never ended very well and the idea of breaking up with Luke and losing him forever was too much for her to bear. And yet...being there with him felt so natural and so right. Did that mean her other relationships never ended well because she was supposed to be with this very man holding her?
She was glad he couldn't see her face because she was pretty sure it was bright red as the thoughts swarmed in her mind. The feel of his strong hand on her lower back sent shivers down her spine, and as the song came to an end, he pulled away just enough to look at her and ask, "Are you cold?"
She licked her lips and stared at him nervously, "Um...a little. I'm fine though…"
Luke quickly took his suit jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders, "Here…"
"You don't have too…" Lorelai said as his arms began to rub her shoulders gently.
He shook his head, "I'm fine. Don't want you to be cold…"
Her eyes fluttered up to his and she noticed how intensely he was looking at her, "Thanks…"
He shrugged, "Don't mention it."
She opened her mouth to speak again but was interrupted by Liz walking up to them, "Oh thank God you're still here!"
Lorelai jumped slightly and looked over at Luke's sister, "Hey...you okay?"
"TJ stepped on my dress while we were dancing and it ripped on the bottom. I know you fixed it earlier...but do you think you could take a look at it real quick?" Liz said with a hopeful smile.
Lorelai smiled, glad to have an excuse to get some much needed space between her and Luke to clear her head, "Sure. Yeah...let's go back to Miss Patty's."
"Oh you are a lifesaver!" Liz said as she spun and around to walk across the street to the dance studio.
Lorelai glanced back at Luke and took his jacket off slowly, "Um...I'll be back."
Luke swallowed hard and nodded as he took the jacket from her, "I'll be here…"
She inhaled sharply and looked him straight in the eye and she realized that statement covered more than just waiting for her tonight. He was always there. He was always her rock. Right there when she needed him.
She tried to smile as she turned and walked across the street to meet Liz. She slid the dance studio door open and glanced around until she spotted Liz standing nervously by the table Patty had set up for Liz to use while getting ready.
Liz turned and smiled at her, "Hey, thanks again for doing this! I'm the worst at this kind of stuff."
Lorelai smiled and made her way over to her, "Oh it's no problem at all." She lifted her dress up as she kneeled down beside Liz, "So...where's the rip?"
"Right here." Liz said pointing to the tear in the dress, "I love TJ but he's got two left feet."
Lorelai smiled, "Most men do…"
"You know I haven't seen Luke dance in…" She paused and stifled a laugh, "Actually I'm not sure I've ever seen Luke dance."
Lorelai swallowed hard as she reached for a needle and thread, "Yeah...I had no clue he could dance either."
Liz smiled down at her, "Still just the friend and customer?"
Lorelai's hand slipped and she stabbed herself with the needle, "Ow! Um...what?"
Liz's smile turned to a smirk, "When I first met you...you said you were just the friend and customer. Not the wife."
Lorelai nodded to show she remembered, "Right. Yeah...still just friends."
Liz laughed, "If you say so…"
"Liz...your brother is a great guy. But...we aren't...he doesn't…" She pulled on the thread as she spoke trying to keep her hands from shaking, "We're just friends. Really good friends."
Liz was quiet for a moment before she spoke, "You know I was never a fan of Rachel."
Lorelai's traveled up to her face again, "You weren't? They were together for so long. She seemed nice enough when she was here last...I'm sad she broke his heart again."
Liz shook her head, "Rachel was never right for him. They never really fit. He didn't light up like he does when he's with…"
Lorelai's hand stilled and she glanced up at her again before whispering, "When he's with…?"
Liz shrugged and looked down at her, "When he's with you…"
Lorelai quickly looked away and finished sewing Liz's dress in silence before she put the needle away and stood up. "Well, you're all set. Try and make sure TJ doesn't step on your dress again and you should be fine."
Liz noticed how Lorelai was looking anywhere but at her, "Hey...I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…"
Lorelai glanced at her quickly and then walked over to the table to put the sewing kit back, "Oh no. You didn't."
Liz sighed, "It's just...Luke is my big brother and I love him. I've always...worried about him. I was afraid he would never find anyone to truly make him happy. And I think that-"
"Luke doesn't think of me like that." Lorelai said quickly before glancing back at her, "We're just friends Liz...that's all."
Liz could sense that Lorelai didn't want to talk anymore about this so she just nodded, "Sure. Right. Just friends. Got it."
"I think I'm going to take a walk. Patty's punch has gone straight to my head…" Lorelai said as she walked to the door.
Liz couldn't herself, "Those earrings I made...I told him to give them to Nicole…but he gave them to you."
Lorelai glanced back at her with shock written all over face before she slipped out the door and began to walk down the street in the direction of the lake.
Liz sighed and tried to walk after her, but she knew she better leave her alone. She glanced back at the square where her guests were still celebrating and she knew she had to return. She lifted the hem of her dress and made her way across the street and was immediately met by Luke who glanced behind her.
"Dress all fixed? Where's Lorelai?" He asked glancing around.
Liz grimaced, "Um...she said she needed to take a walk."
Luke's face fell slightly, "Did she look sick or something? She seemed fine before…" Luke watched the way Liz didn't meet his eyes and he sighed, "Liz...what did you do?"
"I just...sort of asked her about your relationship…and I may have told her the truth about the earrings." Liz said with an innocent shrug, "I wanted to know if you were just friends."
Luke sighed, "Aw Liz…"
"I'm sorry! I just...I see the way you look at her Luke. And you don't dance...only someone special would be able to inspire you to dance. You light up when you talk about her! I can see it! Everyone can see it!" Liz said pushing him slightly.
"Liz...it's complicated." Luke said rubbing the back of his neck, "Lorelai and I have been friends for so long and I don't think-"
"Do you have feelings for her?" Liz asked quickly, "As more than friends I mean? Do you want to be more than just her friend?"
Luke sighed and glanced up at his sister, "I think I do…" He laughed to himself before answering again, "I know I do."
Liz squealed with delight, "Then I think you should tell her that!"
"And risk losing our friendship? I don't know...I'm not really her type Liz. We're different…" Luke said trying to think of any reason to think of why it wouldn't work between them.
Liz shrugged, "So what! Look at Mom and Dad! They were total opposites but they made it work. And they loved each other so much."
"Liz…" Luke said feeling his cheeks start to burn, he hated talking about his parents because it brought up to much pain for him.
"Luke...I just want you to be happy." Liz said with a sad sigh, "It's all I've ever wanted. You've spent so much damn time taking care of everyone else...Mom, Dad...me, Jess. Everyone in this town! Now it's your turn to get what you want. To find someone to take care of you…" She reached out to touch his arm gently, "And I think that person could be Lorelai if you let her…"
He swallowed hard and thought back to the tape and the very reason he had asked her to come to the wedding with him, "Did you see where she went?"
Liz smiled, "She looked like she was heading towards the lake…"
Luke nodded and began to walk away before he turned around and kissed Liz's cheek, "Thanks sis."
"Go get her big brother." Liz said pushing him away, "And don't take no for an answer!"
Luke chuckled as he made his way across the street and in the direction of the lake. He had walked this very path more times than he could even remember. But this time it felt different...this time it could either lead him to the future he had been waiting for or complete heart break.
His steps faltered as the thought crossed his mind that she may reject him. There were so many times over the years that he had almost asked her out, almost kissed her, almost admitted how he felt. And every time the idea of losing her in his life stopped him. The fear of rejection and not getting to see her at all was to strong to make him at least try.
He had to admit that the idea of rejection right now was just as painful if not worse than before. But then he thought about what it had felt like to hold her close as they danced. He was pretty sure that his heart had almost leapt out of his chest when she had said yes. And when he pulled her close and felt her skin against his, when he could smell the perfume that alway drove him insane and feel her silky hair, he had wondered why he had waited so damn long to admit she was the one.
With a deep breath, he forced his feet to move again until he reached the lake and the edge of the bridge. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her sitting with her feet dangling over the edge, the moon reflected off her milky skin and she looked more beautiful than ever. He cleared his throat and began to step across the bridge.
Her head jerked up at the sound of his shoes on the wood and she took a deep breath, "Hi…" She whispered.
He stopped near her and put his hands in his pockets, "Hey...mind if I sit?"
She shook her head and grabbed her shoes to move them aside, "No."
He lowered himself down and let his feet dangle over the edge, thankfully they didn't quite hit the water. "Liz said you needed some air…" He smirked, "Told you to slow down on Patty's punch. That stuffs deadly."
Lorelai laughed, "You'd think after all these years I would have learned my lesson."
Luke shrugged, "Don't feel bad. Most of us have fallen prey to Patty's punch before. In fact that was the first taste of alcohol I ever had…"
Her head snapped up as she glanced curiously at him, "Really? I always assumed you snuck some beers at a friends house or something."
Luke shook his head, "Nope. Firelight festival when I was about 16...had my friend Joe distract my Dad and Patty and I filled a water bottle with the punch. We split it up between us back at my house...by the time my Dad came home Joe was passed out and I was puking my guts out."
Lorelai laughed, "Oh no...what a first experience."
Luke laughed, "Yeah...my Dad didn't even yell. The next morning when I thought I was dying...he just sat me down and said, 'Well at least you know to stay away from Patty's Punch from now on…' He slapped me on the back and walked away, to this day I swear I heard him laughing as he left me to puke again."
Lorelai smiled, "I wish I could have met him…he sounds like a hell of a guy."
Luke cleared his throat trying not to get emotional, "Yeah...he was. Best man I ever knew." He paused and glanced over at her, "He would have liked you. Would have thought you were funny and bold. He liked that."
She tried to smile, "Hm…"
"What about you? What was your first drinking experience?" Luke asked giving her a slight nudge.
Lorelai grimaced and looked away from him, "Um...I don't really want to talk about it."
"Oh come on...I told you mine. It can't be that bad…" He said with a shrug, "Tell me."
Lorelai sighed, "Well...I guess I tried wine the first time when I was about...14? Took a sip of my Mom's cup when she wasn't looking…"
He shrugged, "That doesn't really count. I mean when was the first time you got really drunk…"
Lorelai bit her lip and glanced out at the lake, "Um...the night Rory was conceived…" She said with a blush growing in her cheeks.
Luke's face reddened too at the realization, "Oh…"
Lorelai laughed sadly, "Yup...good old Jack Daniels made me forget everything I had learned in sex ed. And nine months later...my life changed completely."
Luke sat quietly for a moment, "Lorelai I didn't mean too-"
She shook her head and touched his arm gently, "It's okay Luke. It is what it is. I don't' regret it...I mean it's not the best story but," She shrugged, "I got Rory out of it...so it was worth it, right?"
Luke glanced over at her and smiled, "You did a hell of a job with her Lorelai. I don't know if I ever told you that...but I admire the way you have taken care of her so selflessly all these years. I don't know how you did it...I wouldn't have been able to do it."
She nodded quickly, "Yes you would have. You're a good man Luke...better than you give yourself credit for. You would have figured it out and taken care of your kid."
Luke was quiet for a moment, "Do you ever wish you had married Christopher?"
Lorelai laughed sadly, "Um...no." She shook her head, "We would have killed each other by now. Or I'd have a drinking problem and he'd have 10 mistresses. Not the kind of life I wanted for Rory...she may have had an unconventional life but I definitely didn't want that for her." She sighed, "I wish he had been there more for her...I know she missed him a lot. I know she wishes she had a better relationship with him...and I hate that I can't fix that for her. But...no. Christopher and I were never meant to be together...it took a while for me to figure that out. But I know now it was never in the cards for us…"
Luke nodded slowly and then glanced over the water, "Can I tell you a secret?"
She let her toes run through the water as she glanced over at her, "Sure."
He took a deep breath and continued to look away from her, "Every time I saw him drive into town on that motorcycle and make promises to Rory and you I knew he would never keep...It took all my strength not to punch him."
Lorelai's mouth hung open, "Why?"
He looked over at her meaningfully, "Because I hated how easy it was for him to hurt you both. He doesn't deserve you...he never did. You deserve so much better. Both of you do. You deserve someone who is going to be there when he promises to be. Someone who is going to take care of you and Rory no matter what."
She swallowed hard and slowly pulled her feet up as she sat cross legged and looked directly at him, "Someone like you?"
He let out a shaky breath, "I would take care of you Lorelai...and Rory."
She nodded slowly as the tears welled in her eyes, "You always have Luke…"
He searched her eyes for a moment before he leaned into her, "Lorelai…" He whispered softly as his lips got closer and closer to hers.
She quickly got her bearings, pulled away and stood up so quick he had to catch himself before he fell into the lake. "I can't do this." He heard her say to no one in particular.
He cleared his throat, shook his head to try and calm himself down before he pulled himself up to face her, "Lorelai…"
She sighed sadly, "Luke you are my best friend in the entire world. I adore you. And I don't know what I would have done without you all these years."
He sighed and stepped closer to her, "You're my best friend too. But...don't they say you should be with your best friend? That person who you feel most comfortable with in the world? That person you trust whole heartedly? Because you're that person for me Lorelai...you always have been."
She looked down, "Luke...you can't possibly want me! I'm everything you hate. I love junk food and coffee. I hate the wilderness and I can't cook to save my life. I'm messy and irrational! I'm stubborn as hell and I have a knack for self destruction like I've never seen. I talk too much and watch too much Television. I don't care about sports and I know absolutely nothing about cars except they get you from point A to point B.I look NOTHING like Rachel or Nicole so-"
"Whoa. Stop." Luke said putting his hand up, "Yeah you're right...you talk way too much. Would you let me say something for once?" He said defensively.
She swallowed hard, "I...I…" She sighed sadly and huffed, "Fine! What do you want to say?"
He smirked at her, "Yes, you love junk food and coffee which drives me insane because I know what it will eventually do to your insides. I wish for once you'd eat a carrot instead of a damn french fry but I enjoy arguing with you about it. I don't care that you don't like camping or cooking because I don't like shopping or having movie marathons. I can be messy and irrational too and just as stubborn as you. We both have a way of self destructing but I think that's because we've never been with the right people."
She whimpered as he stepped closer to her and she stepped back, "Luke…"
"I like that you talk too much. It makes me laugh...and as far as television that doesn't really bother me either. You don't have to like sports, or know anything about cars because I will fix your cars for you just like I fix everything else in your life. And as far as not looking like Rachel or Nicole…" He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets, "You are right. You don't look anything like them. You are more beautiful than they ever could be or would be. You're stunning and not just physically...everything about you intrigues me and makes me crazy." He said with a laugh, "And for once...I don't want to pretend that I just want to be your friend. Because I want more than that Lorelai...I want so much more than that."
She stared at him and sighed, "I don't know what to say."
He laughed sadly and shook his head, "It's...fine. You don't have to say anything. I don't know why I thought you'd feel the same way. I just…" He sighed and looked down, "Like I said...I can't pretend anymore…" He stepped back, "I'll leave you alone."
She watched him begin to walk away and her heart jumped in her chest, "Wait!" She moved to walk to him and tripped over her shoes that were in front of her. Luke heard her scream and he spun on his heels and noticed her trying to catch herself. He instinctively reached out and pulled her up before she went face first into the lake.
Her back hit his chest as he steadied her, "Omf." He groaned as she caught her breath he turned her slowly, "Are you okay?"
She stared up at him, her hand was resting on his chest and she couldn't find the words to respond. He knelt down slowly to study her face, confused by her lack of words. Before she knew what she was doing she stood on her tiptoes and crushed her lips against his in a sweet but passionate kiss.
Luke stumbled a little as he tried to steady them both, he moaned into her mouth before she pulled away, "Lorelai…" He whispered.
"You're always there." She whispered feeling the tears burn in her eyes, "You always catch me. You fed Rory...and me. You fixed every square inch of my house and God Luke...you gave me $30,000 just so my dreams could come true."
He studied her face for a moment before licking his lips, "I just...like to see you happy Lorelai."
She took a deep breath, "But...why? Why would you possibly want me? I'm-"
"Don't go into the list again. It won't work. Nothing you say is going to change the way I feel Lorelai." He said stubbornly, "And it drives me crazy when you don't see how amazing you are...how much you deserve."
She swallowed hard, "You never said anything…"
He sighed and stepped away from her, "Because I was to scared. And because the time was never right."
"What do you mean it was never right?" Lorelai asked trying to pull herself together.
"There were so many times I wanted to tell you...to ask you out." He shrugged, "But...there was always someone else."
Lorelai shook her head, "But you loved Rachel...you married Nicole."
Luke laughed, "I didn't love Rachel." He shook his head, "I mean I think I did...at one point. But not when you knew her. She left because she could tell I had feelings for you."
Her eyes widened quickly, "She did?"
He nodded, "I went to your house to tell you...that night she left." He paused, "But then…"
"Max…" She said swallowing hard as she remembered that night, "Oh Luke…"
Luke sighed, "And as far as Nicole…" He rubbed the back of his neck sadly, "I only asked her out when I heard about that Alex guy...that one you were learning to fish for. I think I gave up then...and then everything happened so fast with Nicole."
She stared at him for a moment, "But you married her…"
He nodded slowly, "Yes. I did. And having to tell you I married her was horrifying."
She shook her head, "If you felt something for me...why would you marry her? I wasn't with anyone then…"
He threw his head back and groaned, "Because...I just gave up Lorelai. I didn't think I would have a chance with you. And then you told me to go on the cruise."
"I didn't tell you to go on the cruise...you already had it planned with her." Lorelai said shaking her head.
"I wasn't going to go." Luke said quickly, "But at Rory's graduation, I asked if you thought it was a good idea for me to still go…you said yes."
She looked at him with a confused look on her face, "So...you thought that meant marry her?"
He groaned again, "No! I was stupid and drunk and I kept thinking about you and that damn dream you told me about and the twins. But I made a stupid mistake and I regret it. But I can't take it back."
"But…" She shuffled her feet nervously, "Maybe you don't really feel this way about me. Maybe you just are feeling lonely and sad about Nicole...maybe you just want a rebound."
Luke's eyes widened in shock, "Lorelai...do you really think I'm that type of guy? Do you think I would throw our friendship away just to what...get in your pants?" He scoffed at her, "Because if you do...then you don't know me at all." He started to back away again with a sad expression on his face.
She swallowed hard and called out to him, "I know you aren't that kind of guy…"
He glanced back at her, "Then why would you even say that?"
She tried to keep her tears away as she spoke, "Because I'm afraid to lose you Luke. And being in a relationship with you could make that happen and I couldn't stand that. That summer we spent not speaking was the worst few months of my life Luke. And I can't risk having that again."
Luke sighed and glanced over at the water, "So what do you want me to do Lorelai? Live my life pretending to be someone that I'm not? Pretending not to feel the way I do about you?"
She stepped over her shoes towards him and felt the tears burning in her eyes, "No...I just. I…" She looked down at her hands, "I don't know what to do here Luke. I don't want to hurt you…"
He was quiet for a moment as he contemplated her words, then he looked over at her and took one step towards her. "That night we broke the bells…" He saw nervousness flash across her face, "Why did you get so upset? Why didn't you want me to move?"
"Luke…" She whispered nervously as she glance down, to afraid to look him in the eye.
"Tell me. I deserve that much, don't I?" He asked in a more confident voice.
She looked up and gave in, "Because I didn't want you to leave me. Because I wanted you here...I need you here. I...I need you."
He let out a shaky breath, and took her hand to place it against his chest so she could feel his heartbeat, "I'm here. I've always been here. Even when I was with Nicole...I was here Lorelai. Ask me why…"
She searched his eyes quickly and whispered, "Why?"
"Because I am in love with you." Luke said in a deep, honest voice as he stepped all the way up to her. "Not Rachel...not Nicole or anyone else. I am in love with YOU."
The tears pooled in her eyes and she let out a puff of air, "Wow…"
"You're not a rebound. You're not just some girl I want to sleep with. That isn't me. I want more Lorelai. I want what my parents had...a real relationship with my best friend. That's where I am in this...and if you don't feel the same way." He swallowed the lump in his throat and shrugged as he let go of her hand,"Then I understand...but I needed you to know."
"I think I do…" She whispered, "I mean I think I'm…" He grimaced, "I've never said those words to anyone other than Rory...never to a guy. And I...I know I care about you. I know I feel like we are more than friends...but God it scares me to death Luke."
He nodded, "I can understand that. But you know me Lorelai...you know me. I'd still be here if you said no. I'd still be here if we got together and it didn't work...I'd be right here for you and Rory. No matter what."
She nodded, "I know…"
"Then...give me a chance." Luke said with a hopeful smile, "Just a shot...that's all I'm asking for."
She opened her mouth to speak again but the sounds of a slow song came echoing all the way from the town square, "Will you dance with me?"
He stared at her for a moment, confused by her question. He had just spilled his heart out to her and was waiting for an answer but all she wanted to do was dance. He was beginning to feel defeated until she reached out and took his hand gently in hers and pulled him closer.
"Please Luke...dance with me?" She asked with a nervous smile, "I felt safe when we were dancing...and I'm trying to wrap my head around all of this. I just…" She sighed and pulled his hand again, "I want to feel safe Luke...that's all I ever wanted."
He let his eyes roam over her for a moment, and let the words of the song wash over him. She looked so beautiful in her pink dress, and the flowers in her soft curly hair. He didn't know what was about to happen, but he knew that if this was all he could ever have with her, he would take it. He gave her a slow nod before stepping up to her and put his arms out for her to hold onto as they began to sway to the music.
He pulled her as close as possible, just like he had in the square just a little while ago. He felt her take a deep breath as she rested her chin against his shoulder and let him lead her in the dance on the bridge in the moonlight.
He swallowed hard and tried to ignore the ache in his chest as he wondered just what she was thinking. As if on cue she began to speak to him, "I asked Rory once if it would be okay to date you…"
Luke's steps faltered for a moment but he regained his composure and began to lead her again, "You did?"
She nodded against him, "Yes. Years ago...she said she didn't think it was a good idea."
He pushed her back a little so he could see her face, "Oh…"
"I've always had this rule...that I wouldn't bring anyone into Rory's life if I didn't' see a real future there. I've always been cautious about getting her hopes up." Lorelai said with a nervous smile, "I kind of broke that rule with Max...and even though she handled it well I know it was difficult. She's always wanted a real family…" She swallowed hard, "I know she's not a little kid anymore...but you mean so much to her Luke."
He nodded, "Well I care about her too. She's a great kid…"
"Rory and I…" She swallowed hard and looked down at her hand resting on his chest as they danced, "We're a packaged deal...every decision I make affects her too."
Luke nodded, "I know that."
"It would break her heart if something happened between us...if we didn't…" She said shaking her head afraid to finish her statement.
"I told you I'd still be there...no matter what." Luke said with a serious look on his face, "She won't lose me. And neither will you."
"You can't promise that." Lorelai said shaking her head, "What if I do something so horrible that you can never face me again?"
"Unless you plan to murder someone in my family...I think we'll be okay." He paused and smirked, "But if you want to murder TJ...I'll help you hide the body and thank you endlessly."
She couldn't help but laugh, "Luke...he's not that bad."
"He's a nightmare." Luke said with a groan, "He's crazy…"
"And he loves your sister." Lorelai said squeezing his hand lightly, "He makes her happy...doesn't that make you happy?"
He groaned, "Maybe…"
She smiled at him, "You're insufferable…"
"So are you." Luke said with a smirk, "A guy pours his heart out to you and you ask him to dance?" He said with a laugh trying to break the tension.
She sighed and stopped moving her feet, "Luke…"
He shook his head, "I'm just kidding…"
She took a deep breath and urged him to keep dancing as she rested her chin against his shoulder again, "So...you really...love me?"
He smiled as he held her close and swayed her back and forth again, "Yep. Can't seem to shake it...believe me I've tried."
She held him closer, "See even you know loving me is a bad idea."
He shook his head and squeezed her gently, "No it's not...I just didn't think you'd ever want want me back."
She was quiet for a moment as they continued to dance, "You know...you don't give yourself enough credit either Luke. You're an amazing man...any woman would be luck to have you."
He took that as a hopeful sign, "Hm…"
"That night you told me about Nicole…" She closed her eyes and held him closer, "I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. I wouldn't admit to myself that I was jealous...but I was. And then you said you were getting a divorce...and for a moment I could breath. But then...you started dating her again and I was so confused. I couldn't figure out what I wanted…"
He nodded, "Well do you know now?"
She sighed and pulled away to look at him, "I just want to be happy Luke…"
"You know I'd do anything to make you happy." Luke said smiling at her in the moonlight. "Say the word and I'll find a way to make it happen."
"So you'd track down Bono for me?" He started to laugh, "Make him fall in love with me? Or you'd dress up like a mad scientist and let me put on a Halloween show for all the kids in town?"
Luke couldn't stop laughing, "Lorelai…"
"You'd build me a house entirely made of chocolate? Or rob a bank for me?" She said poking his his side gently.
He smiled, "Lorelai come on…"
She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder again, "Just wondering…"
He held her close, "I'd take care of you. Help you with the Inn...help with Rory."
"You already do that." She pointed out as she turned her head to rest it in the crook of his neck, "Always have…"
He sighed and began to pull away, "Then do you want to just keep things the way they are? I mean I will...it will be a little awkward. But I will still be here just like I promised."
She stared at him, trying to find the right words, "You..you asked me to give you a chance."
Luke swallowed hard, "I did…"
She smoothed out her dress nervously and nodded, "What would that entail exactly?"
His heart started pounding in his chest, "Um...I mean I guess it would mean us going out on a date?"
She cocked her head to the side, "Was this a date?"
"I…" He paused and rubbed the back of his neck, "Did you want it to be a date?"
Her cheeks flushed, "Well...I did get all dressed up for you. We danced...ate...drank...you admitted your feelings for me and we did kiss."
He swallowed hard, "Yes...we did."
She stepped closer to him, "What would you say if I wanted to kiss you again? Just to...test it out. I mean it was a great kiss before...but a little rushed and I want to...I want more."
He took a shaky breath, "I...I'd be okay with that."
She smiled softly and stepped all the way up to him, she placed a hand on his chest and tried to stand up on her tip toes, "Okay…"
"Okay…" He whispered as her lips got closer and closer.
This time he was ready for her. It wasn't rushed, it wasn't unexpected or awkward. His hands slid around her waist and pulled her close as her arms wrapped around his chest. Their lips met in a tender kiss at first, she pulled away just enough to get her bearings and then she smiled and leaned back in.
He crushed his lips to hers, and she moaned as she felt his tongue trace her bottom lip begging for entrance. She quickly complied and felt her knees begin to go weak, but he caught her just like he always did and held her close. She slid her hand down to his chest and felt the rapid heartbeat under her hands making her melt further into him.
"Oh Luke…" She whispered as she pulled away and smiled up at him lovingly, "That was…"
He smiled at her, and pushed a strand of hair out of her face, "Yes it was... "
"We should have done that a long time ago…" She whispered as she ran her finger along his jaw, "Like a long time ago…"
He took a deep breath, "Lorelai…"
"I...I'm still scared." She whispered slightly, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. "I hate the idea of losing my best friend but…"
He took a deep hopeful breath before squeezing her hips hopefully, "But?"
"But I think I'd be a fool to not give this a chance...us a chance." She said lifting her eyes to meet his, "I know I'd regret it if I didn't."
He let out a puff of air and tried to keep the smile from his face, "So...are you saying?"
She smiled up at him, "When are you free to take me out for our second date?"
His face lit up like a Christmas tree and she couldn't help but laugh, "Tomorrow too soon?"
She smiled, "No...I don't think so. I mean...this has been a long time coming hasn't it? Might as well not waste any more time…"
"Lorelai…" Luke said with such emotion it made her heart melt as he cupped her face in his hands, "God Lorelai...I don't even...are you sure? I mean I'm sure...but I need you to be totally sure here. I don't want to pressure you…"
She shook her head, "Luke...I can't pretend that I haven't thought about this. That I haven't wondered about it...and now that I know how you feel…" She took a deep breath and glanced back up at him as he rubbed her cheeks gently, "I don't want to pretend anymore either…"
He leaned in and kissed her gently, "I meant what I said…"
"Which part?" Lorelai asked as her eyes fluttered open, "About loving me?"
He smiled, "Yes that. But also...that I'll be here no matter what. For you and Rory."
She leaned into him again, "Keep talking like that and I'll have no chance but to fall in love with you Danes…"
He smirked, "I'll keep that in mind."
She smiled and nodded, "Good." She glanced around and held her hand out to him, "Walk me home?"
He smiled at her, "Of course." He let her begin to pull him in the direction of her house but he stopped, "Lorelai?"
She turned back to him and smiled, "Yes?"
"You look beautiful in that dress.." He shrugged, "You always look beautiful but...tonight…" He sighed as he stepped closer and ran a finger through her hair, "And I love your hair like this…"
She sighed happily and leaned up to kiss him again before repeating her words from earlier, "Flattery will get you everywhere my friend…"
Luke chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to kiss the top of her head. When he was preparing for tonight, he had never felt so nervous. He was hopeful, but he never thought the night would end this way. But he was damn glad it did...It felt good to be able to say everything he was feeling. Pretending not to love her was too hard, but being able to show her and tell her felt just right.
So what did you think? I hope you liked it! I think some of you are still interested so I will keep thinking of new one-shots. I'll try and update soon! Thanks!
