If you forgot from the last chapter Rory was at dinner, Josh sucks, Emily's mad, and Luke's been pissy now you're up to speed! : )

*****
"Wow, don't look too happy to see me," Lorelai mumbled as she walked through the diner, the weight of the impossible dinner dragging on her shoulders. Luke had noticed her walking in and given her a small wave-if you could even call it a wave - and went right back to serving his other three customers. Do I not look miserable and pathetic enough?

You're being unfairLuke tried to tell himself in an attempt to bury his frustration. Better not go over there unarmed. He grabbed a cup and the pot of coffee and headed over to Lorelai's table.

"Oh. Hello. How wonderful to get such prompt and courteous service." Lorelai pretended she didn't even know him.

"Don't take your bad evening out on me, Lorelai." Luke poured her a cup and sighed. So much for being fair, Danes.

"What is your issue today? Why are you picking today to be such a jerk?" Lorelai's voice began to creep louder. "What have I done to you? I mean, I've apparently done tons of stuff to everyone else- I've pissed off my daughter, I've made her boyfriend despise me, and to top it all off, I've got my mother riding my back because I didn't drag you to that stupid dinner"

"And what makes you think you would have had to drag me Lorelai?" Luke set down the coffee pot and crossed his arms, glaring down at her.

"Excuse me? Have I entered bizarre-o backwards' world here? You wanted to come to dinner?" Lorelai stared at him in utter confusion.

"Well, it's not as if you asked me to go."

"Well excuse me for not wanting to subject you to the torture"

"Look Lorelai, I've met your parents, O.K.? It's not a big deal. I would just think that if Rory's bringing her boyfriend to dinner, maybe, just maybe, you would do the same. Or maybe this whole thing isn't important enough" He stared to stalk off. Lorelai followed him.

"Are you listening to yourself? Are you crazy?"

"All I hear is that it isn't your family that doesn't want me there, it's you, Lorelai." He slammed a couple of dirty glasses together and dragged them into the kitchen. Lorelai stood in bewilderment, thoroughly defeated by the entire evening. She waited for him to emerge from the kitchen. He took his sweet time; she grew impatient.

"Fine. Fine. You know what, I cannot handle this right now. I cannot handle you and your insanity right now." She continued as he pushed angrily through the door. "This is too much for one night, so I'm leaving, and you can be as damn mad as you like, I don't care." She turned on her heel and grabbed her purse. Stop me, stop me, stop me, stop me, stop me.

Luke watched her leave.

Well, and now it sucks even more! Stalking out of the diner hadn't produced the results she had anticipated. I can't believe he doesn't care! I can't believe he's pissed. She continued walking until she was past the diner windows; she stopped, leaning against the building. She felt tears welling up in her eyes. And on our damn anniversary too- or the day before, or whatever, this just sucks.

Go back in. The little voice in the back of her head urged madly, but her pride held her back. She'd made a scene, and despite the fact there were only three customers in the place he was probably pissed. Besides, he still had an hour until close. Go wait then. She rummaged through her purse and found the keys to his apartment. She opened the door on the street and went up to wait.

Damn it, Lorelai opened the apartment door to see a huge bouquet of flowers on the table next to a wrapped box. Man, I'm just evil feeling guilty for the entire fight, she walked gingerly over to the table, heels clicking on the hardwood floor. She picked up the package and shook it gently; it felt heavy and barely moved. Huh. She set it back down and walked about aimlessly, sucking in the urge to burst into tears.

Read somethingshe walked over to the bookshelf, obvious remnants of Jess's collection still propped carelessly together. She passed the Dostoevsky and Bronte and Hemmingway until she found a worn copy of Dante's Divine Comedy. Well, I'm in hell already... She grabbed it, absently tossing her sweater onto the dresser beside the books. She kicked off her shoes and plopped herself onto the bed, trying desperately to concentrate on the journey on whatever hellish-ring she happened to open to and not on everything that had gone so crappy that night.

+++

Pick up, pick up"You've reached the Gilmores! Aliens have landed and we have left this planet to be worshipped as goddesses, so until we find a way to escape the adoring masses, you'll just have to leave a message! " Hate these stupid...

"It's Luke, again, just calling to see how you're doing, say sorry, all that pick up? O.K. I'll talk to you later." He paused long enough for her to have reached the phone and sighed, hanging up.

It's your own stupid fault. He'd closed up about a half hour ago and was trying to figure out what to do next. He'd known she was having a bad time with Rory, he'd known she was just looking for a little sympathyor at least not to get slammed by her stupid insecure boyfriend. Boyfriend. I didn't act much like a boyfriend. Ah hell.

He reached into his pocket, fingering the keys he'd been carrying since he'd gotten them. He ran his thumb along the cold metal L. Making up his mind, he shut off the lights and locked the door behind him.

++

Luke knocked on the Gilmore's front door. He looked around; her jeep was missing. Maybe she went for a drive. Well, see if the keys work then, idiot. Uh, Lorelai? He opened the front door slowly, peeking in after announcing himself.

The house was dark and quiet, which certainly meant she wasn't around. Or maybe she's around, upset and sitting in some corner somewhere hating you He decided to keep looking.

He liked her house; it was comfortable and quirky and screamed Lorelai.' He wandered around downstairs, checking in the kitchen (nothing out of the ordinary, no real food, dishes, just oh crap. In the center of the table was a wildly wrapped box with his name on it inglitter? Yup. Glitter. He grinned.

Just concentrate on finding her you don't deserve any gifts anyway. He called her name softly as he headed up the stairs. It was pretty hopeless- her bed was still made, seven different outfits strewn over the bed, the dresser in disarray. Where the hell is she? Call her cell phonenumber's back at the apartment. shit. He shoved his hands into his pockets and headed back.

++

Now why didn't I see that before? Luke noticed Lorelai's jeep still parked on the street as he made his way back to the diner. His pace quickened and he jogged back up to his apartment.



Took you long enough. The mumbled response came from the bedroom. Lorelai rolled over, half-asleep and regarded him questioningly. Where were you?

Looking for you. He tossed his flannel shirt to the side and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her, taking off his shoes. Have you been here this whole time?

Lorelai sat up, cross-legged, arms crossed.

Well, you have about a dozen stupid messages for you on your answering machine at home. If you're feeling merciful you'll just erase them all. He reached over and stroked her face; she didn't pull away. That's a good sign.

Why, what do they say?

That I'm a jerk, and I'm sorry. He held his hands in his lap and stared at them remorsefully.

I'm a jerk. I should have asked you to come with me tonight. I didn't even think it'd be something you wanted to do

It's not that, Lorelai I wanted you to want me to go. Is it possible to sound more idiotic?

You're sweet. She smiled and leaned over to kiss him.

Enough about that, thoughare you O.K.? He shifted to face her; she shrugged.

It was just a crappy night. But don't expect me to go getting all girly weepy on you or anything she grinned.

She's faking it. She's holding it in just one month of being close to her and I can read her so clearly now. Should I press her? He tried to read her face as best he could. No, not tonight. Whatever you need, Lorelai.

Whatever I need? Lorelai raised an eyebrow seductively.

Luke said slowly. Lorelai's grin widened.

I wanna open my present! She bounced on the bed. Correction-I need to open my present! If you only knew the absolute restraint it has taken for me to ignore it this long she groaned as if weak with the torture.

It's just something small Luke protested as she jumped up to get the gift. She grabbed it and bounced back onto the bed.

And the flowers are really pretty too, thank you, she leaned over and kissed him soundly, doing her best to erase the hurt that had twisted the both of them. I got you something small too

I saw. On the kitchen table. She smiled up at him and he blushed. Lorelai held the box up to her ear, shaking it. Don't do that

So it's breakableis it big?



Is it green no, purple

Lorelai, you can open it and find out.

This is more fun is it something useful?



Something fun and useful? she asked hopefully.

Sure, I guess, he laughed. Just open it, or I will. He was blushing, uncomfortable with the thought of being there when she opened a gift from him.

She ripped at the paper like a child, tearing it into little pieces. It's a box! She hugged the box closely to her.

Stop it.

Just teasing sweetie, she pulled open the box slowly, prolonging the moment.

Oh, for crying out loud he opened the box for her and pushed aside the tissue paper the clerk had wrapped in the box for him.

So impatient! She pushed his hands aside and pulled out what was quite possibly the biggest coffee cup she'd ever seen- and Lorelai Gilmore had seen her share of enormous coffee mugs.

You like it? He sounded shy, trying to catch a glimpse of her reaction.

Holy cow. She turned it over in her hands. It was maroon with mocha and cappuccino colored swirls. do I get to drink coffee from this? Her eyes were alight with childlike wonder, and she grinned from ear to ear.

If you want. Luke was pleased.

Your coffee?

Not right now" he glanced at the clock- it was past midnight.

Oh! It's got my name on it. She flipped it over and found written in a script handwriting along the bottom.

Well you don't want to lose it. He was grinning like an idiot, and he didn't really care.

I love it, she said honestly, hugging it close to her. She set it to the side and kissed Luke thoroughly. She pulled away and looked at him sadly.



I don't like fighting with you. It sucks.

I agree. Lorelai crawled onto his lap and threw her arms around his neck.

Then let's never fight again, she sang. He nodded, held her tightly and pulled her in for a kiss.
*****

"So you're going to be MIA pretty much all weekend," Luke asked, leaning back on the couch at his apartment, Lorelai's head on the pillow in his lap.

"Yeah. I think Rory and I need to work some stuff out- just get back to where we were at before this whole Josh fiasco. I never knew this whole college thing would be so tough." Luke responded by rubbing her arm slowly. "It's like it'd almost be better if she was further away, because then I could blame distance for her lack of interest in anything back here, but she's 40 minutes away" Lorelai sighed.

"You'll at least stop by to eat sometime, right?" You are such a dork.

Lorelai shifted and glanced up at him. "You gonna miss me?" She smiled, noticing his discomfort. "Have you gotten used to having me around every day already?" she teased. Luke responded by tickling her, causing her to jump with laughter. It helped to suppress his blush.

Lorelai wriggled out of his grasp and sat up, leaning on his shoulder. It's funny- dating your best friend, someone you see every day. I don't think I spent this much time with Max in total, both times I dated him. He caught her looking at him. "What?"

"Nothing. You are used to me."

"Yeah." He felt silly, and the way she was looking at him wasn't helping.

"Already."

"Would you rather I wasn't?" He started to get defensive.

"Maybe what if you get bored with having me around?"

"Lorelai." He stood up to get a drink. "The last thing on earth you will ever be is boring." He opened the fridge and grabbed a beer. "If anything, you're going to get bored with me." He swallowed hard, waiting to hear her response.

She shrugged, nonchalant, and stood to stretch her legs. Her silence made him uncomfortable. She walked over to the dresser where he had placed her anniversary present to him- the picture of them from Emma's Christening, framed- and straightened it, smiling at the image. "We just have to avoid getting into a rut is all."

"A rut?"

"Yeah like, we haven't really gone out on a date in a while- anniversary excluded and" she paused, trying to be delicate.

"What?" Luke shifted, uncomfortable.

"Well, you're not the most romantic person in the world again, anniversary excluded."

"You know that I'm not, Lorelai." Luke crossed his arms and stared at her.

"Don't get defensive I'm just saying, we should be careful that we don't just turn into old married-like people whose only real excitement falls when you decide whose house to watch movies at or sleep over in. Sometimes you just need a little bit of romance." She avoided his gaze, wandering around the apartment.

"I don't know what you expect then." She could feel the air getting thicker and without looking at him, she knew he was getting tense, shutting down. Time to just change this subject. She walked over to him and hugged him tightly; his arms remained crossed.

"Nothing that's not what I meant just forget it, O.K.?"

"Easy to say"

"Easy to do." She leaned in and kissed his nose. He could tell it was still bothering her though. Damn it, of all the things she needs

"I'd do anything for you, you know," he said suddenly, wondering where the words even came from.

Whoa. She stepped back, surprised by the sincerity and urgency of his outburst. "I know I would too" she wrapped her arms around him and he returned the embrace and they kissed deeply, passionately, his hands roaming her back and sides, pressing her closer. She broke away and trailed kisses across his face. "I love you," she whispered as she approached his ear, sucking gently on the lobe. It was the first time she'd said it since the night at Jake and Annie's.

"Lorelai," he sighed her name and brought her lips back to his own, and they stood entwined in the kitchen of his apartment exchanging heated kisses, hearts beating wildly as caresses and kisses deepened. She broke away first.

"I should we should" she was tongue-tied.

"Yeah." He took a deep breath to calm himself.

"I'll I'll see you soon, O.K.? Rory will be here tomorrow night right after work, so I won't be able to stop by" she stepped back, trying not to concentrate on the fact that he hadn't reciprocated her earlier declaration of love.

"O.K." He watched her gather her things clumsily, still shaking a bit. He tried to steady his own hands. "Lorelai," he called as she opened the door.

"Yeah?" She sounded hopeful. He closed the distance between them quickly enough and kissed her softly.

"I love you too." She grinned widely.

"You better, buster." She slugged his arm; he laughed. "See you," she turned and left.
*****

"So we can lock ourselves in the house for six solid hours and watch both the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers extended versions in anxious anticipation of the release of the third, and most important Return of the King this Christmas, or we could do a Kevin Smith marathon sans Chasing Amy because well, I hate that one and I'm the mommy or"

"Mom, let me put my stuff down first." Rory laughed and dropped her bags in the foyer, feeling like a visitor in her own house. Things change when you move out, Rory.

"I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck here," Lorelai hugged her daughter tightly as soon as she released the bag she'd brought. "I'm glad you came tonight, although I'm still bummed you have to leave so early on Sunday"

"Mom, I said I was sorry already." There was a hint of warning in Rory's tone.

"I know, sorry." Lorelai quickly changed subjects. "So, anything you feel like doing tonight besides a movie marathon?"

"Well, I am starving."

"Pizza?" Lorelai walked towards the phone.

"We eat pizza constantly back in the dorms, mom what's wrong with going to Luke's? Did you do something to Luke, Mom" Rory asked suspiciously.

"What? No."

"So you haven't crumpled his heart into tiny bits or anything since the last time I talked to you"

"Rory. That's so rude." Lorelai set down the phone and crossed her arms. "What is with this new tone?"

"Nothing, mom, I was kidding, bad joke." Rory tried to shrug it off. I wish I knew why things have been bugging me"So you two are good?"

"Yeah. We're great, in fact."

"So why aren't we going there for dinner?"

"Wellit's late, and" Lorelai bit her nails. "I just wanted this weekend to be about us spending time together and everything didn't want a ton of people coming up to us, asking you about everything, bugging you."

"It doesn't bug me mom. Let's go."

Well it bugs me, Lorelai thought as she shrugged into her jacket. "O.K. then, Luke's it is."
+++

"I would have thought you'd have gotten rid of these by now." Rory flashed the menu towards her mother.

"I'm not that insecure" Lorelai opened the menu Luke had designed when he was dating Nicole, suddenly very insecure about the stupid thing. Why is she being so irritating?

"Hey you guys," Luke said in a chipper voice. "I didn't think I'd see you tonight." He leaned over and was thankful when Lorelai met him halfway for their usual kiss he didn't want to interrupt their weekend.

"Well, Rory just had to have some of you good cookin' first thing I think she misses it more than me," Lorelai joked. I can see right through you now, Lorelai Gilmore this visit is going badly already shit.

"Burgers all around?" He tried to remain upbeat despite his observations.

"Sounds good to me. Rory?"

"You haven't changed her into a health-food junkie yet?" Rory looked up at Luke and grinned.

"I'm not a miracle worker."

"Hey you two, who says I need to be changed?" Lorelai asked in a huff.

"No one, mom." Rory rolled her eyes. Luke could sense the hostility between the two of them.

"Well good then," Lorelai was trying to spin things positively. A burger is fine by me and I'd like a special cup of coffee. She and Luke shared a glance that made Rory feel like an outsider.

Um, I'll have a burger too, and coffee, minus the whole freaky special' thing. Rory smiled up at Luke and handed him her menu.

Sounds good. He walked off to fill their orders.

Wait till you see my coffee. I'm so excited. Lorelai practically bounced in her chair.

I'm a little terrified of the whole thing, mom.

Don't be. Here he comes, Luke set Lorelai's enormous mug of coffee on the table, Rory's looking positively miniscule next to it.

So now I get the special.

Yeah, it's even got my name on it. Thanks sweetie, she called to Luke's back.



Yeah. It's a new thing I'm trying out. I kind of like it.

Well, I'd say having your own coffee cup with your name on it is a lot better than a silly menu with a couple of salads. Excellent job, mom.

I thought so! Lorelai's grin became genuine as hints of her usual relationship with Rory began to surface.

Twenty minutes later, they were back to their usual banter.

So Paris is moving in next week.

She's gone through three roommates? Rory nodded.

Two have dropped out and the last one had her own brand of therapy when she took all of Paris's stuff and threw it out the dorm window in the middle of the quad.



Oh yes, I was helping her pick her underwear out of the trees for at least an hour.

Should I be terrified for you? Lorelai took another bite of pie.

Nah, I've learned the delicate nature of the little flower that is Paris.

Lorelai shuddered.

All done? Rory polished off her pie. We can still get back in time for some serious movie critiquing.

Been a while since you dissed a good flick?

Yup. I'll wait outside while you say goodbye

No need, it's only professional-style kisses in the diner. She turned to the counter. Luke! We're leaving!

He stepped from behind the counter and met them at the door. Have fun, O.K.? He smiled, seeing the light return in Lorelai's eyes. You need anything, call, he whispered. She grinned and nodded, and the Gilmores left the diner.

Lorelai threaded her arm in Rory's as they walked down the quieting streets of Stars Hollow. Don't you miss this place? She asked, eyes wandering around the town.

Rory shrugged. but I miss the dorm when I'm away too it's like I have this whole new place that's just awesome it's different mom. Lorelai nodded and they lapsed into a silence soon broken by the ringing of a strange cell phone.

It's not mine Lorelai looked oddly at Rory as she rummaged through her pockets.

Josh gave me his so he could call me Hello? Hey Josh, Rory's smile widened and suddenly she was two paces ahead, chattering away to her new boyfriend.

Don't be bitchy, be nice, be nice Lorelai tried to use telepathy to destroy the stupid phone the entire walk back to the house and failed. Rory was no closer to ending the conversation than she had been when they walked through the door.

Five minutes, mom, Rory didn't wait for a response, instead, she walked herself into her bedroom and shut the door. Lorelai stood in the hallway, alone, staring at the closed door. Not even a witty little comeback you're slipping girl. This is just crazy.

Shaking herself out of her trance, she removed her coat and wandered into the living room. Pictures. Look at pictures of Rory when she wasn't being so obnoxious. Lorelai grabbed a couple of the picture books she'd finally gotten around to organizing and allowed herself to get lost in her past for a bit, anxiously checking Rory's door every once in a while. After twenty minutes, she got frustrated.

I'm changing into my pajamas!' she called.

Rory called through the door. Lorelai wandered back upstairs and changed slowly, hoping Rory would be out by the time she got done. She forced herself to walk slowly down the stairs, but Rory's door was still shut.

This sucks. Lorelai flung herself onto the bed and began randomly flipping channels, stopping to watch Animal Planet, grossing herself out. That is not fit for television she declared as she glanced at the clock.

An hour had past. An hour! It's fair game now she rose and knocked on Rory's door. Ror? I'm gonna start the movie soon

I'll catch up! Rory called through the door, leaving Lorelai stunned yet again. Well fine then. She stalked back to the couch and started Mallrats.

That kid's on the escalator again Brody exclaimed from the television. Lorelai laughed weakly, glancing back at her daughter's door. She jumped when it began to open.

Wow, honey, any longer and Willam really would have seen the sail boat.

Mom, don't start Rory sat down, rolling her eyes.

Longest five minutes ever, Lorelai couldn't help adding.

Oh, you know what? Fine, you want to be a jerk about it, fine. Rory clicked off the TV angrily and stood, hands on her hips. Lorelai regarded this newer, angrier Rory with amazement. I know you don't like him, mainly because he didn't come over here and kiss up to you

Rory, you just hold on Lorelai tried to control the explosion that was about to occur.

No mom. Josh says you probably have a problem with me actually having a life that doesn't involve you and I finally see his point.

Josh says? He's never even said three words to me, how could he know? And what the hell is you not having a life without me all about Rory Gilmore? Cause last time I checked, I was your mother and that didn't suddenly end when you went off to Yale, no matter what Josh says.

You just don't get it.

No, Rory, I don't get it. I don't get why you hide things from me, I don't get why you avoid talking to me, calling me when you know I'm at work and leaving a message, I don't get your tone or your utter lack of respect for me. I do not get it.

I can't handle this. She sounds like me last night oh man.

Don't walk away from me!

I'm going to bed. I will talk to tomorrow if you've calmed down. Rory slammed her bedroom door.

Lorelai banged on the door. Rory, please. Rory responded to her pleas by turning up her music. she asked finally, quietly as she leaned against the wall and sank slowly to the floor. She dropped her head to her knees, the palms of her hands pressed harshly into her eyes, trying to stop the flood of tears that threatened to break. Get up get up, don't sit here ans break down, get up

I'm going for a walk, she said weakly to the door before pushing herself up. There was no answer. Lorelai grabbed her keys and jacket, wrapping herself in it as she left, her slipper-clad feet stumbling aimlessly.

She was at the diner before she knew it. Well, that wasn't true it was where she wanted to be. She knew it.

She opened the door to the apartment quietly. It was late; Luke was asleep. He jerked up at the sound of the door opening and rubbed his eyes.

She nodded, walking over to the bed. She crawled in without a word a buried herself in his side, the tide of tears breaking finally into a gut wrenching flood. Luke slid himself down until he was lying beside her, his arms wrapped around her as her body trembled, wracked with sobs.

He whispered half sentences and heartfelt promises into her hair: he loved her, she'd be O.K., let it all out She cried until she had nothing left, and she was left hiccupping tears that wouldn't fall.

She exhausted herself in the effort and still he held her until she calmed and had cried herself to sleep. He'd wake her early, so she could get back now she needed the peace sleep had brought her. Still he held her, watching her small frame breathe heavily. Sometime later, he closed his eyes.
*****

It's finals time, so the chapters are coming a little less swiftly hope you all are enjoying yourselves for those of you who are surely thinking Rory's OC, she is- college does that to you- at least, in my own experience now past. Any and all feedback is totally appreciated! : )