Presenting … Lucas Danes?
By GilmoreGirl1979 (the Reigning Quote Queen)
Rating: haven't done this for a while... let's say PG-13 because we CAN CAN CAN! (yes, Moulin Rogue)
R/R: yes please I love reviews, I wanna marry them (as previously stated, I have strange passions.)
friendly disclaimer: SEE Chapter 1; But I'm gonna have to agree with totaltvjunkie, on this one … "Seriously, if I owned it, Chris would be dead." AMEN, SISTER FRIEND!
Luvz: Top o the morning te ya! Why thank you my little pixie darlin, fur ye kind words! I thank ye! I'm still stuck in my irish accent from the recent holiday! I've been getting drunk and telling little ema's to bite my sheleigh, don't say dirty, fur it's to easy! Ye know what's not easy? Doing the irish accent phonetically! Just watch the Quiet Man and imagine me as Michaleen Flynn.
You're favorite parts are my favorite too, we're so in SINK! I tell you I should write for this damn show. One day! Sigh…
PS I could actually picturing Lorelai saying it-THAT's THE IDEA! Hehehehe (go ahead call me abutt ass you know you want to!)
And other shout outs (HELLO MY LITTLE CRACK WHORES!):
ProFfeSseR: the picturing naked thing, absolutely brilliant!-AND FUN TRY IT SOMETIME! LOL
-'Chris won't appear in the next few episodes, but when Lorelai gets to happy, we're bringing him back.' How can she do that? You would never do that! We need you ;) – chris? Come back? NO NO NO NO NO NO, I will now proceed to POUT! DAMN STRAIGHT I'd NEVER DO THAT! If I had my way, David SUCKY (or whatever his name is) would be doomed to infomercials the rest of his days. can't you just see him,.. "THAT IS JUST AMAZING, you can get all this for the low low price of 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 …" –does not compute? Seriously he'd be perfect for the infomercial genre he's always trying to sell you something you DON'T WANT(like his presence on the show!)
-AND WHY THE F doesn't Scott do movies! I want to see him in some sort of action/comedy thing as a cop or something! better him than BRUCE WILLIS (don't get me wrong I loved fifth element! The DIVA is my FAV she is BLUE!) or like when lauren Graham was in seeing other people, why couldn't she hve an affair with SCOTT! Hello irony, funny; THAT IS COMEDY!
hanselel: Nice Luke/Rory bonding moment in the end. –THAT is how I intended it! thank you!
scubaluver: I think in commemoration of your chapter I shall spend the rest of the day picturing Luke naked. –it's TIME WELL SPENT! SIGH
-AND I don't eat beggin strips!(SMART ASS!) I have bacon with my bacon with a side of bacon toast! If they could put bacon in biscotti we'd be in business,(Lorelai: what am I to do with this? Sookie: Dunk!)
hmmmmmm bacon in my coffee? not sure how I feel about that… must ponder..(pondering by nature is a slow process…)
Ruli: (HUGS) It's nice to have a fan! Thank you so much for your praise, good for the ego and the skin! ENJOY! Thank you jeepgirl259: lol well she had to play hard to get sometime! (she just jumped in bed with the guy!) I mean, he got the milk for free (as my polish grandma would say!) And DUDE I know about the oops, I caught it when I was perusing for continutiy..DAMN IT! I have fixed and resubmited chap.(and I fixed a stamina line, it bothered me!) I appreciate the time you take with you're reviews! Let's me know what I do well and what I need to work on! PS Suggestions welcome! PPS thank you for the JEEP suggestion.. you will know it when you see it LOL.-On with the delicious torture! –WINK!
PPPS Hi! Finally a story about L&L having a baby that I can appreciate-HEY! What about fancy meeting your belly? LOL
gidget89: Tell me how you really feel! Express yourself! "I'm telling you if you keep Miss Anger all pinned up inside sooner or later she's just gonna squeeze her way right out.(Thumb Wars) THANK YOU! from one A/N Fan to another…. Hehehehe – say Hi to MoonDoggie!
OY, WITH THE INCESSENT A/Ns ALREADY:
A/N: who the Hell is BEN? You know that no name asian guy with glasses? The one Luke nearly bowled over, … Yeah him, Luvz and I named him Ben. Not sure why, … it seemed to fit.(Sookie: don't you think he looks like a Ben?)
A/N: Tuck in Crack whores! fur this be a long one!
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Chapter 10:
Compare and Despair
Lorelai and Rory were leaving Luke's to head home after dinner.
"So that whole thing this morning, with you and Luke, was a … misdirection … tactic?" Rory asked, as she adjusted her bookbag on her back for the brief trip to the Mocha Moblie.
"Exactly, you recall the lessons of Mel Brooks? If you are loud and annoying psychologically people don't notice you."
"So, Did you two have that planned?"
"Nope, It was the magic of improv." As Lorelai and Rory walked to the Jeep, Lorelai was still curious at what that glance between Luke and Rory meant. It had bothered her all through her cheese fries, keeping her from truly enjoying them. When both girls were buckled in the Jeep, safely out of any Gossip's earshot, Lorelai asked her daughter point blankly."So what's with you and Luke?"
"What do you mean?"
"That little conspiratorial exchange when I first walked in?"
"What? You're paranoid?"
"Well, you were alone all that time waiting for me. Did you … talk?" If so, what about?
"I was studying," Rory defended, "and we've been alone plenty of times before, like my dance lessons, that never happened, for one." Because Luke didn't present me.
"See that was weird, too."
"Mom, nothing is weird. Luke is fine with me, I'm fine with Luke, we are both fine."
"Uh huh, … and?"
"And?" Searching for the answer her mother was looking for, " and we had a little heart to heart?" Rory admitted finally.
"AH AH! Paranoid like a fox."
"That doesn't even make sense?"
"Great, then I'm acting normal, … for me. So What kind of heart to heart? Did you give him the treat my mommy well or die speech? "
"Not exactly?"
"So, … you want him to treat me like crap, so it's easier for you to hate him?"
"I don't hate Luke. You know, I don't." Rory said flatly.
"Then what?"
"Well, this thing with you two is so … sudden," using Luke's words again to get her through yet another awkward situation. "… and he couldn't even look at me this morning, because I guess he feels uncomfortable cause, you know, it's me. The first daughter of Stars Hollow. We've known him for so long and now everything has changed. I wanted him it hear it from me, that I'm … okay with you two being … together …"
Well, Geez, I could have told him that. I did tell him that! "So, … Anything else?"
"Well, … " Rory hesitated, "he was a little concerned about … my relationship with … Max."
"Max?"
"Yeah. I still see him at school, and he was almost … family, I guess." Rory shrugged, "So, Luke wanted to be sure I was okay with … that situation, as well as with you and him."
"Wow," Lorelai was touched, he's covered all his bases, well except Emily, of course. "So, everything is … okay?"
"Yes, … You've got a good one there, Mom" Rory glanced toward the diner, to see Luke bussing a few tables.
"I do, don't I?" Lorelai smiled, knowing it wasn't fair to try to compare Max and Luke. She was thinking of all of Max's Merits so eloquently put into words by her daughter's Franklin article a few weeks ago. On the other hand, one's merits had been proven time and time again by his actions, and his constant presence. One she didn't love, despite all those merits; the other one, … well, … that remains to be seen. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
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"So you two are going on a date? A real date." Rory asked over her shoulder, as they entered the house. She was excited for her mother and Luke.
"Yeah, tomorrow night!" Wait, how is he gonna pick me up? aw man.. stupid logistics.
"Tomorrow?" Rory seemed surprised.
"Yeah? Is that a problem? … Oh no, did I forget a Chilton thing?"
"Ummm no, but you did forget about your business class?"
DAMN IT! "No! oh man, I completely forgot! How could I do that?"
"Well, he seems to have that effect on you," Rory shrugged with a smile.
"And what a lovely effect it is, too."
"Okay, I'll leave you to your dirty thoughts, if you need to brain storm a solution, let me know." And Rory retreated into the kitchen to organize her mountain of homework.
Lorelai sighed as she sunk to the couch, she found the phone in the couch cushions and dialed the diner's number.
"Luke's"
She smiled at sound of his voice. "Change in plans," Lorelai bit her lip and hoped Luke wouldn't be too mad on the other end of the phone.
"With what?" not recognizing who it was.
"Our … date."
Lorelai. "Alright?" He got out cautiously, She's canceling.That was fast.
"I was just soo," She hated to admit it, So much for hard to get! Oh hell, " … excited, that I forgot Tuesday night I have my business class."
"It's okay, we can … reschedule." Not hiding his disappointment.
"No, we can work with this." she assured him, wanting to be alone with him again, wanting "them" to really start. "It's in Hartford, no one knows us in Hartford. You can pick me up there and we can go to dinner,… or a movie,.. or .. " she heard him sigh, " …Or did you have something in mind?"
"Kind of."
"You planned an evening for me?" Already?
"Well, … yeah," he now looked at his boots, feeling his cheeks redden, even though she wasn't in the room. Luke chose to hide the color from his patrons by ducking into the kitchen with the phone.
"Awwww, Luke, please let's do your thing,…"
"No, it's alright."
"No, Luke please, pick me up at the college and we'll do your evening."
"You sure?"
"I insist."
"Well, I'm not about to start refusing the lady,"
"It's worked so well for you so far?" She teased, "But I better be the only lady … "
"You are." He whispered.
"Okay," Butterflies back in Lorelai's stomach. "It's settled then." Lorelai hung up, anticipating her date. Still trying to picture how it would be, even if he just took her to the batting cages, she was sure Luke wouldn't disappoint her.
Rory noticed how still and spacy her mother was, "Ummmm, Mom?"
"Yeah," Lorelai answered with a far off dreamy voice.
"Don't you have a test tomorrow?"
"CRAP, CRAP, CRAP, CRAP," Why does he do that to me? Lorelai found her books and studied with her daughter in the kitchen.
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Tuesday morning was a beautiful morning, indeed. Lorelai was practically flying through the Inn. Not only was she high off Luke's divine coffee and their brief morning mock sparring for the town gossips; But the mere thought of her date with Luke seemed to put a spring in her step, In heels no less. The morning's pep talk to the staff just wrapped up, and Lorelai was already picturing what she would wear for Luke. HMMM what do I have that says 'come and get it'?
"Lorelai?"
"Hmm?" she smiled cheerfully at Sookie who apparently was chasing Lorelai to her office.
"Did you hear anything I just said?" Sookie seemed a little frazzled this morning, well more so than usual.
"No, I'm sorry, what?" Lorelai smiled at her Luke thoughts, they were a lovely distraction, but she saw she needed to help Sookie at the moment.
"We have that huge wedding here next week! They've requested a very specific menu, and I need you to approve this order," Lorelai decided to get coffee from the kitchen, as she took the sheet from Sookie. " We have to get this done first thing, so it arrives in time." Sookie continued to explain while waiting for the lecture from her boss and friend.
Lorelai humored her friend to relieve her apparent distress, and glanced at the order form, "Halibut, are you kidding?"
Sookie groaned, as if knowing it would be a problem."I know it's over budget, but they said they would pay for the extra cost, this girl has wanted Halibut for her wedding since she was like … 9." Sookie was nervously wringing her hands.
"AHH, a bridezilla, just what we need!"
"I know, I know, but I never get to work with Halibut. I haven't seen one since culinary school, and I just had so many ideas that her parents actually liked! I know, it's not in the budget, which is why I stood my ground and insisted if they wanted it, that they pay for it."
"Sookie, it's fine." And Lorelai entered the Kitchen.
"It is?" Sookie abruptly came down from her panic high, following lorelai through the kitchen door.
"I'll do it right now, no worries." And Lorelai went for the Coffee machine.
"That's it?" Sookie was astonished not to have been at the receiving end of a Lorelai lecture.
"Yeah, what? … was there more?" Lorelai was pouring the magic brown liquid into her favorite Inn Mug.
"You're not mad?"
"It's out of their own pocket, Sookie?" As she returned the pot to the machine.
Sookie noticed yesterday the smile on Lorelai's face. A smile which only faded at Rune's incessant questioning at the staff meeting. "You seem … really happy," Almost Glowing!
"Yeah, I'm good," Lorelai smiled into her coffee, which made her think of Luke, which made her think again of her impending date with him.
"Well, I gotta say, yesterday you were a little … vague on the details of the whole … Rory's presentation," but still giddy as hell over it, I see,"Spill."
Lorelai blushed again, thinking how well the ball turned out, with Luke. "Yeah, it was great!"
"Did Chris finally show up?"
"In a manner of speaking, he did," Lorelai replied shortly. Not even thoughts of "he who shall not be named" could ruin her mood today.
"Oh MY GOD!"
"What?"
"You and Chris?"
"What?"
"You're back together with Chris!"
"What? NO!"
"That is why you didn't marry Max Right! I knew it, I just knew it!"
"Sookie, NO." Lorelai's brow scrunched up in disbelief, "NO, no, no, no, no. He's the one who has let us down so many times." dismissing the thought as her friend's romantic hopefulness talking. "Chris has a girlfriend, and I don't want him anyway. I've grown up; Chris is … not the one for me." Luke on the other hand… Stop it!
"But you said he did show?"
"Yeah, about 5 hours too late, and Rory and him had it out… and she totally put him in his place, and rightly so." Lorelai calmly relayed.
"Awwww, poor kitten." Sookie frowned for the town's angel, a girl she has come to love as a niece, or a really young best friend. I should make her some brownies, or something ."Well, did you find an escort to present Rory? To be at your beck and call?" the last part was totally suggestive, with the good mood she's in, what else can it be?
"Yeah," holding back bursting into a fit of giggles at the thought of Luke as her escort, and so much more.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Lorelai you called off your wedding three days before hand. You haven't spoken to Max since. I'm dying to know…. "
Lorelai asked, "What?" Stopped at the doorway waiting to make her exit.
"Who is he?"
"Who is who?" Lorelai was confused.
"The guy you left Max at the alter for?"
"I didn't leave Max at the alter," and she left the kitchen to head back to her office to get in the wedding order.
Sookie followed, "Look, Jackson has been on the pulse of the entire wedding aftermath, as it has come to be known, and everyone thinks there was someone else."
At that comment, Lorelai faced her friend, "What?" so much for sneaking around!
"See and I thought it was Chris, you and him, together after all these years!" the last phrase she sing songed as only Sookie could, "But now you say it wasn't him so …"
Lorelai completed the trip to her office with Sookie close behind. Lorelai closed the door, and exclaimed "Sookie that is crazy," cause it's so close to the mark, Damn this town. "Have I mentioned anyone to you? anyone at all?" Lorelai felt bad lying to her best friend, right to her face; But, if Sookie got a hold of the real dirt, she might accidentally slip it to Jackson and Luke and Lorelai's wedding announcement would be in the Stars Hollow Gazette by week's end.
"Well, you have to admit, you do look 'radiant'," Sookie Teased. "Oh My God!"
"What now?"
Sookie took another guess, "Did Max call? Did you two make up? Is the wedding on again?" I can start making Clyde Junior!
"No, Sookie," Lorelai was still embarrassed she had let the wedding get so far before realizing what a mistake it would have been. "Max didn't call."
"Did you want him too?" in a pitiable tone.
"Sookie!"
"Well, I'm still wrapping my brain around this, we haven't really talked out the wedding stuff thoroughly, what if you change you mind? What if Max was the one and you let him get away?"
"Sookie, look, I appreciate your concern, but it's been 6… 7 weeks since the … since it was called off. Okay, I'm fine, I really didn't … love Max, and I thought it would be unfair to lie to him like that … for the rest of our lives."
"Okay," Sookie was not expecting that answer, but still wanted to get to the bottom of the new happiness in her friend. "Well, is there someone new?" Already? Then Sookie gasped with an epiphany, "Did you … hooked up with a guy at Rory's ball ?"
Lorelai rolled her eyes, now seeing Sookie wasn't going to let it go, "You could … say that?" she admitted.
"OH MY GOD!"
"Sookie please, it's still new and I just don't want to jinx it."
"Sure, sure, that's fine, what's his name?"
"Sookie, please?"
"Not even his name? Oh, … Don't you know it?" Oh my God, Lorelai had a one night stand.
"Of course I do! Sookie, … Let me have this to myself, just for a little while longer, please."
"Does Rory know?"
" … No," again with the lies and the deception. Lorelai now felt sick. "Please, just keep it to yourself."
"Okay,"Sookie was a little hurt, "but you will let me in on it later right?" with a hopeful smile.
"Of course, it's just … I'm still sorting out things you know…" how I could have fallen for Luke so fast, so suddenly. Out of the blue like this.Well admittedly not out of the blue …
"With Max?"
"What?"
"Still sorting out your Max feelings?"
"Yeah," Sure, why not? I'm on a roll. "for … closure."
"With this other guy? So this other guy is just a transitional man?"
"I don't … know, Sookie," Thank God I'm not Pinocchio, you could play Limbo with my nose. Sookie left the office to leave Lorelai put in the Halibut order. Lorelai was happy to get away from the twenty questions and continue dreaming of her NON- transitional man, still feeling guilty for lying to her best friend.
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"RORY!"
Rory ran upstairs to assist her mother's date prep. "I've found it!" bringing a charm bracelet of blue beads, pixies and fairies to add a little whimsy to her mother's blue dress and sweater.
"I lied to her; I lied to my best friend. I'm a horrible person!"
"Mom, we've been over this. This is what you and Luke wanted."
"… just lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie."
"Mom, Sookie will understand. What you said was true, you hooked up with Luke at the ball. Not lying, just… selectively revealing the truth." Still thinking it was stupid to hide the story book romance the town as been waiting 5 years to see.
"Oh, well that makes me feel better, will you run my campaign whe I run for office?" Lorelai sighed sarcastically. Then she became distracted by the time, and she gave herself a final once over in the mirror, "Okay, This has never happened before, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear."
"Because he's worth it?"
"Hello, he's a man, not shampoo!"
"Isn't this a bit … dressy for business class?" Rory noticed the low neckline. and Sexy?
"Well, I'm giving them a little perk today."
"And you could use your feminine whiles to distract fellow students from the test thereby destroying any hope of a curve?"
"Only my curves!"
"Cause you are gonna Ace this test?"
"Unlike the greasy state school drop outs who never shower."
"You're evil! … Hey, what about the Jeep? He's picking you up there?"
"Well, I have the parking permit, so I will leave my car there and we will … do his thing." She giggled.
"Dirty," Rory teased.
"And we will drive back separately."
A final plea from daughter to mother. "Why you won't just tell people? It would make things a lot easier. He could pick you up here, you could drive in the same car…"
"We will …, " That is what Lorelai really wanted, she wasn't even sure whose idea it was to keep the relationship quiet.
"So are you two gonna eat at different restaurants? Or just do different tables."
You are such a funny, funny girl! "It's just for the first month or so…"
"Well, let it be known, I think you two are just digging yourselves into a hole."
"Then I won't be lonely, I'll have Luke with me." then Lorelai figured she would ask, "Hey did you hear talk when the wedding was called off that it was over … someone else. I left Max at the alter for another guy."
"Oh yeah , I forgot about that,…. I guess in a way … you sort of did, right?" You said Luke's talk made you change your mind.
"Yeah, … Don't tell anyone else that though! And dispell those nasty rumors."
"Because their true."
"Okay, okay, What shoes?"
"Too cold for open toe, ummm boots?"
"How about," picking up a pair of simple black pumps. "… these"
"Hmmmmmmmm, 'come and get it'?"
"Perfect." Exactly what I'm going for.
Rory just rolled her eyes.
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Lorelai was anxious for Luke to come, and she didn't have a front door to hide behind. She was out in the open, waiting in front of the campus building where her class just let out. Rory was right about her outfit being too dressy for school. 3 guys were asked to take their test in another room, cause they couldn't keep their eyes on their papers. And 2 more asked her if she wanted to get Coffee or dinner. She accepted the compliments for the sake of her ego and shot the suitors down. She already had a man, and that thought made her smile.
When Lorelai spotted Luke's truck and she became really nervous. It's just Luke, okay, this is not a big deal! Just a date, And he likes you. I mean, You've seen him naked. Hell, you've had fantastic sex with him and everything!
A baseball capless Luke got out of the truck, and he looked good. Better than good, amazing. He was in a dark gray sweater that accented his chest muscles, even beneath the leather jacket she had also bought for him last year. And slacks? who knew he owned a pair of slacks, oh wait I bought those, He's G.Q.ed, … for me. When he rounded the truck, and saw her, "Wow!" was all he got out.
"You like?" doing a little mock curtsy for him.
"You look … beautiful." Again, She took his breath away. Luke was still unable to believe she really wanted to go out on a date with him.
"Thank you," she smiled, "You're pretty … handsome yourself."
"Thank God, I thought you were gonna say I was 'pretty', in which case I'd go home right now."
"Come on, you know you can't resist me." There was a awkward silence after the blatant flirting. To keep the date moving, Lorelai noticed, "I see you shaved." She stroked his cheek as she did the morning of the ball, only this time there was no need to hide her enjoyment of it. It was getting easier. Thinking of him in that way was no problem, but acting on those impulses, following through with actions and deeds was still new. Even so, Lorelai was almost impatient for contact with him. Maybe it was the sneaking around they deemed necessary, they had to be so careful not to slip up in the diner. Or maybe it was the fact that it had been 3 days since they had any "intimate" contact. Maybe it was simply that Luke was a talented Lover and Lorelai wanted to break him in as soon as possible. Dirty.
However, she was willing to go through the usual proprieties, dinner, Movie; After all she didn't want to appear too eager. THAT would be slutty, and that is the job of the dress, not my behavior.
"So, How are you?" as he sheepishly put his hands in his pockets.
Lorelai stepped toward him, this is what she was looking forward to all day. "Just fine now that you showed up." she slipped her arms around his waist. "And you know, you don't have to make up any schemes to kiss me now. We're alone." Giving him a subtle hint.
"Yes, … we are, " He offered quietly, and leaned in for a short peck. As he pulled away, he gave her a small smile. Then he lead her to the truck, opened the door for her, and helped her inside. He was a gentleman, but she had figured that already. Nevertheless, that kiss left something to be desired, it almost seemed … sad. Lorelai wondered if he was up for this tonight, but she pushed her concern aside, maybe he's nervous too.
Luke rounded back to the drivers side, and buckled himself in beside her, again like Saturday, same people, same nervous tension, different vehicle.
"So, ummm did you have a good day?" Luke had no idea how to start a conversation with her, usually she would just burst into the diner, begging for coffee; or he criticize her eating habits and they would go from there.
"Well, I think I did very well on my test?"
"Test?"
"For class?"
"You had a test and insisted that I take you out? Lorelai, you could have been studying? You could have …"
"I did study! The test is over, and I had a handsome man to look forward, too."
"I would have rescheduled …" he said faintly, knowing how hard she had worked to get through business school.
"Well, … I didn't want to wait." She said simply and took his hand across the seat. That comment and gesture seemed to cheer him up, and for a moment she saw her sweet Luke again.
Luke had to smile at that and looked down at the steering wheel, then at her hand in his, deciding to take that as a compliment.
"So where are we going?" She asked still anticipating the evening he planned for her.
Luke took a deep breath and started the truck. Lorelai noticed it was as if he was pushing something from his own mind. She made a note to ask later.
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Lorelai wanted to eat first, Of course, so Luke began driving away from anything she recognized.
"You know, I'm not a wilderness girl. You're not gonna make me kill my own dinner, are you? I may be able to get something with my shoe?" Keeping up the banter, so he had to talk to her, still gaging what may have been bothering him.
"We're just heading to a little place I know."
"Okay?"
"You'll like it," He knew she was bottomless pit who apparently could eat anything and not gain a pound. And despite the background of her wealth and privilege, Lorelai was a simple "burgers and fries, snails make me puke" kinda girl. Luke figured she'd fall in love with Sniffy's tavern, and it's quirky proprietors.
Luke parked the Truck and helped Lorelai out, and she had to wonder where are earth Luke had brought her. She forgot this musing when Luke took her hand to show her inside. Sparks flew up her arm from the contact and she squeezed his hand.
When they entered the restaurant, A delightful woman approached Luke, "Lucas!" Luke hugged her, "How are you Maisy!" this stunned Lorelai, Luke was not usually a hugger. Sure, He was usually courteous and respectful to elderly ladies, but this was different.
"Well well, don't you clean up nice. Pity you didn't look like this on Sunday, I would have had you out here on the floor instead of slaving over the stove. You would have been the reason customers came in, well the ladies anyway… always calling their friends on those damn cell phones. But that would make our night, now wouldn't it!"
"Well, I prefer to cook anyway, you know that!" Luke to humble to be the center of attention.
Maisy noticed Lorelai for the first time. "I see you've brought a young lady of your own?"
"Maisy, this is Lorelai."
Lorelai offered her hand, "It's very nice to meet you," not knowing what else to say to this woman, not exactly sure who he was introducing her to.
Maisy shook Lorelai's hand."Well I see this is a special occasion, follow me." They followed Maisy to the back of the restaurant to a very nice booth. "Will this do?"
"It's perfect."Luke smiled.
"This is a real treat for us, Lucas never brings his girls here." Maisy offered as an aside to Lorelai.
Lorelai grinned, she knew Luke wasn't a "girls" type of man. Still, she was the one he brought here, because she was special. She couldn't wait to find out the reason why this place was special to him. She decided to enjoy her evening with Luke, not to question his weird behavior before now that he seemed comfortable in this setting.
"Lucas!" a jolly old man came up to the table.
"Hey, Buddy." Luke shook the man's hand before he sat down.
"I just want to thank you again for stepping in like that. I don't know what we would have done without you."
"Glad to help,"
Lorelai deduced that this is where Luke was on Sunday.
Maisy interrupted the men's talk, to be polite "Buddy, this is Lorelai, Lucas' lady friend."
"Hello, … Buddy." Not sure if that was his real name or just a pet name among friends.
"Wow, I must say he has wonderful taste."
Maisy nudged her husband with a scolding tone, "Alright there, Casanova, come on, we've got people to feed. Let's leave these two alone."
Lorelai began to look at her menu wondering if she should dive right into the questions. Or start with an appetizer.
"Don't bother looking, they've already put in our orders."
"Did you order ahead?"
"No, they just always seem to know what people want. Or think they know what people want… but no one ever complains," apparently it was a running gag.
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Being with his friends, and having an home cooked meal; romantic Luke seemed to be present again. On a side walk, back in Hartford, Lorelai was arm and arm with Luke, and couldn't stop talking about her food. "That was so good. You've got serious competition for my stomach's affections."
"Don't forget, Buddy is a married man. And anything Buddy can make, I can make."
"Oh well, you'll have to do." she teased, nudging him with her hip, "Hey, What was that cheese they stuffed the chicken breast with? Gonzo? Goethals?"
"Gorgonzola," Luke had to laugh.
"Whatever you call it, that was the best part," Lorelai couldn't believe he was actually talkative now, which helps a lot with dating and getting comfortable with their new roles. She wanted to get to know this man who had been her friend for so long. "Or maybe it was just my company?"and she gave his arm another squeeze, with the big eyes, and her chin on his shoulder.
"Maybe?" removing his arm from hers, and putting it around her waist to hold her closer. Things are okay, you are with her, she wants to be with you. enjoy your evening, Danes. Putting the reasons for his mood earlier to the back of his mind.
Lorelai adjusted to their new stride down the street by putting her arm around his waist, too. "So, you go there two… three times a week?"
"Yup."
"And Maisy went to school with your mom?"
"Yup."
"And that is where you were on Sunday?"
Luke smiled at her subtle way of pumping information. "Yes, … they were short handed. A cook got sick, ironically from food posioning, not Sniffy's related, mind you. But I like to help out when and where I can. I used to work there."
"You? worked at Sniffy's."
"Yeah well, it was before I opened the diner. The hardware store was failing. All our money went to treating my dad. Then … after my dad died, I needed money to renovate and open the diner. I did some … construction work, but Buddy really helped me out. He really showed me how to run a resturant."
Wow, more than two sylables, this is what she wanted; to really get inside his ballcap. She then swelled with satisfaction at the thought he wouldn't be such a mystery for long. His tone told Lorelai that he was grateful to Buddy, but still missed his dad. In a way, she felt like she just met his parents, Bud and Maisy were the closest thing he could have introduced her to since his parents were gone.
The couple reached the theater, "So, What do you want to see?" Luke rubbed her back to help keep her warm on the cold night.
The friction on her back, sent a familiar electricity up her spine, 2 hours alone in the dark with Luke."Lord of the Rings?" She didn't care, she knew what her main attraction was going to be, or rather who.
"Seriously?" He smiled thinking she was kidding, and figured he could see it later. I've already read the books.
"Yeah, besides I might not be watching the movie any way." And she kissed him to let him preview what was in his future.
"I'll be right back," and Luke went to get the tickets.
Lorelai considered, Lord of the Rings? … a 3 hour movie to make out during, …thank you Peter Jackson.
"Lorelai?" a voice called over her shoulder.
Lorelai turned and was stunned. Of all the rotten luck! "Max? hi, … ummm what are you doing here?"
"Oh, well there's a really great book store down the street, Lot's of used, out of print finds. Rory … would love it …" then he regretted mentioning her daughter, because the gaff produced an awkward silence between them. Reminding each of their past relationship. He was only her teacher now, he had no right to think of Rory in that way anymore. "I was returning something … that I actually got for Rory." Just to inform Lorelai he was letting go of that more personal perspective of her daughter.
"You got Rory a book? That's not very orignial, Max." It sounded so off handed and casual in her head, but out loud, to her ex-fiancee … it sounded stupid.
"Well, it was sort of… A wedding gift … type thing, you know, sort of thanks for letting me in the family, … but it wouldn't be … appropriate now, … that I'm just her … teacher."
"Oh well, that was … thoughtful of you … to think of her that way…"
"Well, I was going to be her step father." Again with his foot in his mouth, he forced a smile. "I guess this was bound to happen."
"What?"
"Us running into each other, we live like 15 miles from each other. I mean, I had expected it to be at a school function or something, but here we are."
Another silence came between them, Lorelai was desperate to finish this conversation before Luke returned, but wanting to be considerate of Max's feelings. "You could still, give it to her… the book, you know, … if you wanted." Thinking of Rory's continued reletionship with her teacher, for the next year and a half. "She's a great kid, easy to get along with … I should know, …"
"I wouldn't want to play favorites; what would the other students say? I just exchanged it for books I need for California."
"California?"
"Yeah, I'm transfering to California, just for a semester, I mean, we made it through this term … so far, … Rory and me, that is,… but I think it's in everyone's best interst if … I remove myself from the situation entirely… for a period of time." Maybe, you and I could get back together when I return. Max knew that entertaining such thoughts was dangerous; but the Syren was right infront of him, and her charm and song were hard to ignore. Maybe, you'll be ready then, … I'll ask the same question every year till I get a yes …
Why do all my exes go to California to pine for me? Lorelai could tell Max wasn't over it yet. She felt bad, he was a great guy, but to lead him on further, into a whole made up life wasn't fair. She knew it was the right thing to do. As was tradition, the right thing was usually the hardest.
Just then Luke came up beside Lorelai and noticed Max for the first time. Both men drew deep breaths as they began a manly staring contest.
Okay, Awkward , "Um, so uh, Max, you may remember … Luke Danes. "
The smile Max had from seeing Lorelai again faded, "Nice to see you again," he offered stiffly. Max had his suspcisons on why Lorelai called off the wedding, suspicions that had just been confirmed.
"Yeah, you too." Luke took Lorelai's hand, possesively, but she didn't seem to mind, or blame him.
Max continued bitterly, "I guess it was only a matter of time right? I mean you have the famous coffee and she needs the coffee so, … match made in heaven." Max was waiting for someone to confess to some crime.
I think we've been here before. Immediately, Lorelai thought of that first exasperated proposal. The way Max accused her of having a reletionship with Luke, and here she was, only now guilty as charged. The trio stood there silent for a full minute. Lorelai broke in unable to take the pause any longer, "Ummmm. So, we should be going."
"Yeah. Our movie starts soon." Luke informed flatly.
Max agreed, unable to take the happy couple for much longer himself, "Yeah, I've got packing to do, after Christmas … I'm gone." Some how hoping that information would change Lorelai's mind and she would show up at his apartment proclaiming she missed him as she did before. "… But I'll get that book for Rory if you think she'd really enjoy it." Hoping that would torture Luke, of just how much they talked about; What sort of meaningful conversation he and Lorelai had in the span of 5 minutes.
Okay, you didn't even tell me what book it was. She now figured it was just to annoy Luke, make him jealous, and plant seeds of doubt. Max, I never thought you'd stoop that low!
"And don't forget Lorelai, there is a midterm parents-teachers meeting, I'll see you there. And Rory, too, of course." As if to say "I'm still in her life, Luke."
"Ummmm okay?" Lorelai was gaging Max and Luke, at the same time. Max, to figure out if he was really so vindictive to take out his jealousy on her child's education and grades. Eyeing Luke over how upset he'd be over this little accidental encouter. Again calling to mind the original foyer measuring contest that sparked the clumsy engagement to begin with.
Max turned back one more time, just for one final jab, "and Lorelai, tell Rory if she needs any study help, it doesn't matter what time it is, I'll always be around." Maybe throwing back the quote was a bit much, but it made Max feel better. Leave them to sort it out.
Apparently, Max had those words branded in his brain too. Lorelai now foucused on Luke. "I didn't know he'd be here, he just sort of … appeared, out of no where. He came from the books store and ambushed me… not that he had this planned mind you. You couldn't plan a situation this bad." She tried to lighten his dark face, but he remained silent. "Luke, please, let's not have this ruin our evening. Let's just go into the movie, and you can tell me how all the junk food I want is gonna kill me."
Luke stayed silent, and took her hand and lead her into the theater, his evening had sufficently been killed, but he'd humor her, with the movie to distract him. If only Tolken could purge this from my memory. Let's Go to Hartford where no one knows us, Luke thought bitterly.
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The evening had been going so well, then Max showed up. Luke went past the concessions with Lorelai in tow. Damn confusing cesspool with your 12 screens.
Lorelai was trying to reason with him quietly, as to not make a scene and disturb the other movie goers. "Luke please, don't be mad. It's not like I planned this. I didn't call him and say here is where we are gonna be, let's embarrass Luke."
"I know," he offered shortly, turning the corner to the stairs that led down to their assigned theater. Right now, he didn't want to talk about it. He only wanted the movie to take him from the reality at hand.
"Then why the cold shoulder?" Lorelai stopped in her tracks at the bottom of the stair well.
Luke turned back to her quickly, you want to have this conversation now? fine. "Maybe you should reconsider."
"Reconsider what?"
"His … proposal." Luke said evenly.
"Luke, No, I made up my mind…" I want you…
"Lorelai, I only want you to be happy, and he has a relationship with Rory, he's already comfortable around her."
"You are too, you were willing to dance with her in public, to present her into society, those snob socialites already think you're her step father."
"That was before we, " he stopped suddenly thinking of the night they shared. He was in the right then, it shouldn't have happened, he should have been strong for the both of them, and left her house before everything was ruined. "That was before … us. Things were different. He can give you things that I can't."
"You can give me things he can't!"
"What about your parents? I bet they loved him, a successful scholar in one of the tops schools of the country."
"Yeah who is teaching their granddaughter! You want me to share my mother's nuggets of joy and her opinion of my lack of 'propriety' at dating my daughter's teacher?"
Luke could imagine.
"Luke, he's leaving, he's going to California to teach. We won't see him anymore. After this term he won't be Rory's teacher, he won't even be a citizen of Conneticut!"
"It's too soon." Luke had excuses to the hilt.
"To soon? For what?"
"You need more time to sort things out, … with what happened with Max. I should have had that in mind …"
What? Wait a minute, that phrase sounded familiar to Lorelai.
"I should have left that night! It should have never happened."
"Please, I don't want you talking like this. You are the one I want. Max is a great guy , … for someone, but I don't love Max."
"but you still need time… for closure."
Again, Her own words were quoted back to her. "Did you talk to Sookie?"
"No, Jackson," apparently Jackson's information was correct, since Lorelai knew exactly what he was talking about.
"Why were you talking to Jackson?"
"Hello, I run a restaurant, I need vegetables! We were unloading my order, and he was going on and on about your wedding aftermath and what the town is saying. It didn't matter that I told him to shut up about it. It didn't matter that he probably knows I've had feelings for you. but he just kept going saying that Sookie said that you needed time to sort things out. "
"Luke no, you don't understand… "
Luke was still mid rant, "Who knows maybe Jackson thought he was helping, you know. Like he was informing me of when a good time to make my move would be. But here we are already in a releationship that means more to me than it does to you."
"Luke, I said that to Sookie to keep us quiet, I've been looking forward to this date all day. Ask Rory, she knows all I'll let you use my cell phone…"
"Lorelai, please."
"No, Luke …"
"Come on I'll drive you to your car,…" but Lorelai stopped him. Using the steps to get a height advantage over the diner man, she kissed him. Kissed him the way she had wanted to all evening, all day, all the time. After the initial shock wore off, he automatically wrapped his arms went around her. Lorelai could have sworn she heard footsteps behind her coming down the stairs. She didn't care, this was more important. The witness was confirmed when a smart ass usher said, "Hey usually you wait to get into the theater to do that!" and he walked away.
Their moment ruined, Lorelai pulled away, and persuaded Luke. "Luke, we aggreed. That night was amazing. I want a 1,000 nights like that. we said we would try this, you and me. Now, we've had a wonderful evening up to now. please, … if you want… let's just watch the movie, and take a break from the subject." She rested her forehead on his. "If you need to process and think that's fine, but know that it's you I wanted to see tonight. Not Sniffy's, not Aragorn, not Max; You."
His blue eyes met hers. He's always had a quick temper, and all day he had been stewing thinking she was only humoring him, using him, going through the motions. He should have known better than to trust what the town crazies were spewing with their speculations and conjectures. Max succeeded with is comments, too. He furthered the doubt inspired by Jackson's gossip. This woman, this face, Lorelai, was the one Luke should trust. "You want popcorn?"
"Yeah."
"I'll get it,"
"Oh no, we're sticking together."
"We may stick to the floor, " dreading the disgusting "cine-muck" of the high traffic theater floor.
"As long as we're facing each other that's fine." And Lorelai loaded up on nachos, twizzlers, and popcorn.
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The fight over, the couple having made up, they were content just to cuddle in the dark after their disaggreement.
Things were back to normal. They were back in the Truck heading back to the campus for Lorelai's car.
"I can't believe you ate all that?"
"I was hungry, fighting gave me an appetite."
"Miss 'I love Gorgonzola refined palate', slowly killing yourself with heart clogging nacho cheese and junior mints. And the theaters over charge so much for that crap!"
"Luke, just think, you helped some poor minimum wage worker save up for their first car."
"Or their first payment on their credit card debit. Or student loan."
"Potato, Patato." She shrugged, happy they had made up and found their rhythm again. Not the rhythm she had hoped for, but half the fun of fighting was the making up. Even so, I hope we aren't always like this?
The now abandoned campus was only illuminated by the parking lamps. Luke pulled the Truck up beside Lorelai's Jeep. This is where they had to say good night.
"I did have a really good time." Save for being cornered by my Ex-fiancee.
"Sure, me too" Except for Max showing up, and the fight, other than that it was great, a sarcastic tone in his head.
"Bud and Maisy are really … sweet," trying to remind him of the good parts of this date.
"Yeah, They are great."
"So, … I have class again on Thursday, and Friday night dinner with my folks. But if you want to … get together on … Saturday." Or Wednesday …
"We'll see what happens," with having to sneak around, "I know Rory's schedule changes a lot." Luke took her hand despite himself.
"Well, if she has a Franklin thing, maybe you can take care of those … trees." She smiled thinking of an empty house, with Luke in it.
"Maybe."
"Well, Goodnight." Lorelai scooted closer.
"Goodnight."
Lorelai couldn't stand his being a gentleman any longer. She leaned over and kissed him, a kiss which didn't take long to escalate. Her hands running through his hair, pressing herself as close to him as she could. "Luke," she sighed breathlessly between kisses.
"Lorelai," He became intoxicated by the smell of her perfume. Luke wasn't expecting to behave like teenagers in a parking lot. Yet, here he was, practically pinned to the driver's side door, steaming up the windows of his pick up with Lorelai Gilmore. He had learned in their one night together some of the proper places to focus on. Rekindling the fire from Saturday was easy, all be it in tighter quarters. Yet, Luke eagerly grabbed at her curves, feeling the desire heighten in both of them. What is wrong with me? It's only been like 3 days.
A desire that was disturbed by a flashlight tapping on the driver's side window almost directly behind Luke's head. A startled Lorelai accidentally honked the steering wheel's horn. "Gah!"
In light of their authoritative company, they straightened up and composed themselves in the truck seat. Lorelai smoothed her hair and sweater, as Luke rolled down the window. "Uhhhh, is there a problem, officer?" Luke asked, hoping the dim street lamps hid his embarrassment.
A campus officer stood there, very amused with the unexpected age of his offenders. "Yeah, you don't have a parking permit."
"Oh, well, I was just dropping … her off, … to her car." Luke struggled to get out.
"I see that," the sarcastic tone apparent, " …but, classes aren't in session, the parking hours are over, so you will have to move these vehicles or I'm gonna give both of you a ticket."
"We understand, thank you, … uhh, have a good night."
The officer when back to his patrol bike and watched to make sure they moved in a timely manner.
"Well, that's not embarrassing," Lorelai tried to joke wishing they hadn't been interrupted.
Luke faced her again, "We better do as the man says."
"Right , right," her disappointment evident, but Lorelai opened the passenger side door. "We'll get better at this." she smiled.
"God, I hope so."
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As Lorelai drove home, she would glance in her mirror and saw Luke following behind her. She smiled, he always had been just in the background before; and now she would give anything to just pull over and have her wicked way with him, in the Jeep, if necessary. However, the inside of said vehicle would not be the best venue for two tall people. Hell, it's not even a feasible venue for people of average height, unless we went the convertible route, which maybe too exhibitionist for Luke. She quickly dismissed the idea with a sigh. Luke followed her to her house, to make sure she got home safely, and Lorelai watch as his truck pulled away. All the while wishing he could have gotten out, walked her to her porch, and had true good night kiss. No campus police or exes to ruin it. Maybe the truck bed? No still too exhibitionist.
Lorelai sighed again as she climbed the porch steps, Soon, wondering how long they could keep this under wraps or how long before one of them went crazy.
Namely me!
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A/N: author fav parts:
- If you are loud and annoying psychologically people don't notice you.-High Anxeity, GREAT MOVIE!
-Sookie's guessing game-FUN TO WRITE!
-GORGONZOLA- it is my fav cheese, shout out to my fave RI resturant CRAZY BURGER with the best stuffed chicken breast this side of the Mississippi!(that chicken breast would be the only reason I would return to RI!)
-the REVERSE MEASURING CONTEST! As Luvz Dubbed it!
-That night was amazing. I want a 1,000 nights like that.-don't we all!
-NOT the rhythm she had hoped for-DIRTY
- A startled Lorelai accidentally honked the steering wheel's horn. "Gah!"
A/N: "cine-muck": a termed coined again by me and my sis, to describe the sticky substance on the floor of cinema. Our theaters are SOOOOO BAD we find alcohol bottles from the previous showing. You know a movie is bad if you need a drinking game during a MATINEE!
A/N: credit where credit is due! the inside of said vehicle was not the best venue for two tall people. Hell, it's not even a feasible venue for people of average height, unless you go the convertible route, which is a tad too exhibitionistic for Luke.- thank you , jeepgirl,it was just so perfectly worded I had to borrow it… I tried to rework it and make it my own but you captured it sobeautifully so I did it verbatim, due forgive! or feel honored? you pick!
A/N: ask Luvz, this is how I wanted the first part of the season (5) to go. if they were hiding it… then they (the writers) could have fun with it, people walking in on em, or not able to find a moment alone together… granted this makes it harder with the TWO teens, but it would have been so much FUN in season 5, OH well.
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"that was all God given talent..." why thank you Luke...
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R/R: PLEASE, I like to better myself. To quote The Princess Bride,
"...Remember this is for posterity, ... so be honest."
Please be specific with R/R; name one (or as many as you can think of or want to mention..…) at least specific thing you liked
Please! It makes me feel good...inside (Dirty!)
Hence the Rant option below.
Insert Rant here V
A/N: if not completely satisfied with this chapter, please return unused portion for a full refund …