It was quarter past four in the morning and Lorelai sat in the passenger seat of his truck, huddled in one of Luke's thick blankets. She wasn't altogether awake, but she understood why he felt the need to take her home so early, and it made perfect sense to her morning-muddled mind as well.

He'd woken her gently, kissed her forehead and helped her up and into the truck without much discussion. She'd been staring at him through sleep-laden eyes the entire trip and he wondered what was going on in that mile-a-minute-mind of hers.

Here we are. He didn't pull into the driveway, rather, shut off the lights and let the truck coast to a stop in front of the drive. Lorelai made no move to leave.

I haven't always loved you, you know, she blurted, staring out the window at her house. This time last year, I thought of you fondly, as my friend, and when you were angry with me I missed you, but not in any love-sick sort of way.

he tried to interrupt, swallowing hard, unsure he wanted to know where this was heading.

Sure, I liked flirting with you, bantering back and forth, batting my eyes. I enjoyed teasing you too, when I had this gut feeling you had a thing for me and I had absolutely no intention of doing anything about it because I didn't feel the same. I guess I was just mean sometimes. She gave a strangled laugh, sucking in a tear at the same time and stared at her hands.



I would get jealous, when you dated other peopleand I'd think well, maybe you do have a thing for him, but I'd sit down and really think about it and realize I was just being selfish, not really wanting to share your flirtations with anyone else because if you were with someone else, you probably weren't pining for me and your pining for me made me special, you know. So the jealousy was so totally selfish, you see?

She looked at him then and could tell she wasn't done and fought the urge to stop her from continuing, the outburst Nicole had made so long ago ringing dead in his ears and he knew he was so far in love with Lorelai now that if she said she didn't love him, the way Nicole had, it'd be the end of any of it. Feeling. Caring. Any of it.

I know my mom called it having my fun' and all that, and maybe it was, but the point of all this is that somewhere along the line, I changed. Call it growing up or learning from my own mistakes but I started thinking differently, started feeling differently. Like maybe my next thirty years shouldn't be spent in some caffeine-induced craze of boyfriends and teenage living, that maybe I'd finally gotten past the whole not having an adolescence' thing and was ready to face everything as an adult. She could see his face turning into a mask, watched as his body stiffened. Get to the point, Lorelai, you're hurting him.

So the point right, the point. I love you. Maybe it's the first really adult thing I've ever done, but it's a hell of a way to start if you ask me. She shifted over towards him as the relief washed over his frame. If I've changed enough to be able to recognize I've grown up, and that loving you is one of the top ten things I've done in my life, and well, maybe it's been a trade off. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

What if I've lost her now? What if I'm not the person she knew and she sees that, and doesn't want any part of it. What if this is all my fault? She trailed off, head buried in his arm and she knew she was crying again.

He stroked her hair. maybe you need to talk about it with her.

She sniffled and wiped her runny nose with the sleeve of her pajamas, glancing up at him.

Maybe you've both changed and you just have to figure out where you two fit with everything that's different. I suck at giving advice. I make no sense, even to myself.

Well that makes sense.



Don't sound so shocked Lucas. You've changed too, you know. Mr. Not-So-Loner-Anymore, Mr. Friend-to-Children-and-Lost-Pregnant-Girls. She pinched his side and he laughed. Mr. –Helpful-Advice. You should open a bar and listen to stories of woe all day.

I feed Kirk. I hear enough woe for one lifetime from him. He squeezed her tightly. Go on, now, Rory's noticed us out here. He pointed to her house where Rory peeked out the window for the fourth or fifth time, he'd lost count.

O.K. Gimme kiss? Little kiss, though- I need to get a toothbrush at your place. She kissed him softly and scooted over to the door. Want the blanket back?

Later. It looks good on you. He grinned as she hopped out and hustled back to the house, grabbing at the large blanket so it wouldn't trail on the ground.

Lorelai called into the house.

Rory rushed into the foyer and stopped short, trying to act cool. You were gone a while.

I fell asleep. Lorelai hiked the blanket up around her shoulders like a shield.

The air was thick with their silence.

Look, honey, we need to talk, Lorelai began

I agree.

Talk, as in, not get all angry and run off and all that.

I agree.

Good, we all agree. They continued to stare at each other, unsure of where to go next. This is totally a junk food moment, don't you think?

Lorelai dropped the blanket and they bolted for the kitchen. Rory threw open a cabinet.

Of course. Peanut Butter?

With what?

graham crackers?

Good. You should have had Luke come in and make us coffee before he left.

Damn. Good point. You think he's still out there?

He'd probably come back.

Yeah, but I'm trying not to be one of those selfish whore girlfriends.

A good goal mom.

I thought so. They turned and faced each other, arms filled with various types of junk food that would kill any normal mortal. They flashed each other a grin and headed towards the family room. Lorelai kicked Luke's blanket in front of her and they dumped their stash onto the table.

Let's get comfy then. Lorelai spread the blanket out onto the floor and they sat.

This isn't like a blanket of sin or anything?

No. Brat. Luke and I are waiting. Rory raised an eyebrow. We are

Fine. Good for you. They lapsed into silence.

Rory, what's going on with us? Lorelai finally asked. Rory shrugged, biting into a peanut butter covered marshmallow. We said talk

I know, she muttered, mouth full. She swallowed hard. Things are just different lately.

I know!

I know I'm not totally far away, but I feel like we're in different worlds.

Lorelai sat back and let Rory rant.

I know you don't like Josh, and I know it's partly his fault, and I feel bad about that, but when he's the one I see the majority of the time and you're not, it makes your opinion of him just irritating, which is totally irrational and annoying, but it's just the way I feel about it.



And then there's the coming home thing, which is not at all what I thought it'd be the Inn is different, you're different, you're dating Luke which is great, because you two have this wonderful vibe thing going on and it's so nice to see you both happy, but it's different, and I guess I'm not handling that well.

Well that makes sense honey. We both kind of pretended like this whole thing was going to be no big deal, and it is. Things are different now. I'm different. Different is totally the theme word of the day. Rory laughed.

You are. It's good though, mom.



what now? Rory munched thoughtfully on some cheetos.

Well, we'll figure it out, Lorelai mumbled through a mouthful of food. We always do, you know.

Yeah, I guess.

If there's anything you need, Rory

I know. She wiped her hands. Ugh. I think I'm going to be sick.

Me too. Lorelai tossed the bag of chips on the table. Oh, who am kidding. she grabbed it and started munching again. Rory laughed. So, you gonna tell me about your boyfriend? Rory shrugged.

He's a boy. He's fun. I think he likes me a lot.

You think?

Paris hates him.



I don't know if I really want to get into it.

That's O.K I could give you juicy details about my boyfriend. She wiggled her eyebrows, grinning lasciviously.

Oh that's just wrong mom! Rory threw a pillow at her.

Not wrong!

I do not want to hear juicy stories about Luke.

Well, that's probably a good thing, because I don't have any juicy details that is. I have other details.

Do you love him? For real, now that you've got him? Rory looked up at her mother hopefully, studying her face. Lorelai's eyes softened and she smiled dreamily. It's written all over her face.

Yeah. I love him a lot.

Good then. He deserves lots of love.

I agree. Lorelai stared at her daughter, smiling. So we're good?


*****

When do I get my boobs back, Lorelai? I mean it when? Annie tugged at the front of her shirt. Lorelai almost choked on her hamburger; Sookie giggled.

Soon enough, honey. Annie made a face and glanced across the back yard towards Luke, Jake, and Jackson. The mid-October air was chilly, but the day was agreeable nonetheless. Annie and Jake had invited Lorelai, Luke, Sookie, and Jackson over for the last barbeque of the year.

I like that they all get along.

Yeah, it's a good thing. Lorelai polished off her burger and stood up. If you can really call that getting along

Well, they each got to make their own burgers their own way, and they're sharing the grill like nice boys, Sookie grinned.

I feel like starting a coop and asking Jake for one of his burgers. Lorelai grinned wickedly.

You can't sell out your man like that. It'd be too much for any guy to take! Annie laughed. The baby monitor let out a wail, and she got up, sighing. Looks like naptime is over!

Oh, let me get her Annie! Sookie stood up a little too quickly. Oh, head rush.

Sookie, you're not supposed to lift anything! Sookie pouted. Fine, we'll all go. Lorelai stood and grabbed Annie's hand, hoisting her up. They headed into the house.

Looks like they're all on baby patrol, Jackson nodded towards the girls' retreating backs. So Jake, you going to make an honest woman out of her? Luke laughed as Jake gave Jackson the oddest look. What? It's a fair question!

I guess Jake glanced over at Luke, who shrugged in return. well, I'm not sure yet. There's still stuff we need to work out.

Like what? Jackson pressed.

Work. I have to go back to North Carolina in a week and I haven't told Annie yet. She's going to flip, ya'll, even though it is only for a few days.

Are you going back then? Luke asked suspiciously, taking a long drink of his beer. I want to like you man, but if you're bailing again

No. Not really, I guess. It's not like I can just quit, you know, it's more complicated. I'm not leaving, that's for sure. It's not worth it anymore. I have to find out what my options are.

Luke was satisfied with his answer.

Well how about you, Luke, how are things with Lorelai? Jackson continued his attempts to gossip with the guys. Luke was a bit more open to his attempts than Jake was, having known Jackson's tendencies to, well act like a girl sometimes.

Good, I think he nodded to himself. You know, she keeps leaving stuff at my apartment.



Yeah- hair clips, sweaters, random pairs of shoes it's a little weird.

Oh man, you're being tested. Jake sat back, chuckling.



Jackson added.

She wants to see what you'll do with her stuff. Will ya' give her a spot? Will ya' give it back? Don't give it back. Jake laughed.

What, like she wants a drawer or something? Luke contemplated, remembering Rachel's drawer.

Or something.

Be careful, Luke. You are at a distinct disadvantage because Lorelai knows everything you've done for other girls you've dated. If you gave Nicole a drawer, you better find a closet for Lorelai. Jackson warned. Jake laughed in agreement.

Wow. Now I'm terrified.

You should be. Chicks are tricky. Jackson tried to sound manly. It failed totally, and they were still laughing when the girls rejoined them.

What's so funny? Lorelai demanded as they approached. Luke had to wipe a tear from his eye as they tried to calm themselves.

Jake said in his slow southern drawl, and it started he and Luke all over again. Annie shook her head.

Daddy's a silly head, yes he is! She bounced Emma on her hip. Jake shook his head and took a deep breath.

Come He grabbed Annie and sat her on his lap; Luke did the same with Lorelai. Sookie took one look at Jackson and rolled her eyes, sitting next to him.

I could do it, Jackson seemed wounded

I'd kill you, and I want my baby to have a father. She reached out to Annie. Oh! Pass the baby! Annie obliged.

I'm hungry, Lorelai grumbled, rubbing her tummy. Luke hugged her tightly.

What else is new?

Not nice!

But true, Lorelai, Annie quipped. Thanks for coming out you guys.

It's fun. Nice and couple-ly! Sookie babbled.

Luke said softly, breathing in the scent of her hair. Lorelai set her hands over his own and leaned back. They were quiet, enjoying the silence.

Stop looking at my boobs, Jake.

You sure they're yours, Annie? Lorelai began to laugh and Luke shook his head, enjoying, really enjoying the company.
*****
Luke stared at the pile of random Lorelai items he'd piled onto his bed: A scrunchie and another strange, evil-looking hair-torture-clamp of some kind, a sweater, a t-shirt, a plastic coffee mug (which he cleaned, thank god), a tube of lipstick, three pairs of earrings, a bag of m-n-ms (well, they certainly weren't his) and two pairs of shoes. Who leaves shoes behind? How does that even happen? Wouldn't you miss two pairs of shoes?

It wasn't as if she'd even left anything that would be all that useful should she stay over- like a toothbrush or a pair of slippers. That girl's feet are always freezing. And with winter coming up, it'd be worth it to leave a couple of socks. But no.

So, not a drawer He walked over to his closet and found a box and put everything inside. Now it looks like I'm kicking her out. He emptied it immediately and moved on, pacing around. There was Jess' old closet but he'd kind of turned that into office storage as soon as he moved. You could go back to having the file cabinets next to the table No. That wouldn't work.

Luke raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. It's all random stuff, of course, so it doesn't fit in any one place Suddenly it clicked. He grabbed his coat and headed down to the diner.

Tom, I'm going out.

Tom waved as Luke headed for the truck.
*****

So what are we shopping for again, mom? Lorelai dragged herself around the mall, following aimlessly as Emily power-shopped for a million different things.

We're getting a jump on the holidays!

Mom, it's not even Halloween yet.

Oh, you and your last minute shopping, Emily waved her hand dismissively. I have to make sure I have enough stuff for your grandmother, she shuddered.

Still, mom, you're going to totally miss the entire grab-and-jab holiday shopping the third week of December.

Oh, poor me. Emily browsed the jewelry case at Neiman Marcus. So have you thought about what you're going to get Luke?

Not really. Lorelai played with some necklaces hanging on the rack.

What? Why not!?

Mom, chill, I just haven't thought about it. He's difficult to shop for.

So things are still good then?

Yeah, actually, I was wondering if I could bring him to dinner this week?

Please, Lorelai, I wouldn't want you to torture him.

Mom, stop, I'd like to. Honestly. Lorelai placed her hand on her mother's arm.

Well, that would be very nice, then. Emily tried to contain her smile. What do you think of this over here Emily pointed to a particularly flashy necklace.

Uh, I don't' know if that's exactly grandma

A voice from behind them interrupted.

Nicole. Hi! Lorelai turned to face the familiar redhead.

Shopping with your mom?

Yeah. Mom, this is Nicole. Lorelai awkwardly introduced them, watching as they exchanged polite, if not strained, hellos.

So Lorelai, how are things with you and Luke? Good?

And how does she know lucky guess? Yeah, things are good.

Oh. How nice, she sounded anything but pleased, despite her plastic smile. Luke told me about you two getting together a while ago, but he hadn't mentioned it in a while.

Dangerwhat the hell? Oh. Yeah, we're dating, month and a half almost, Lorelai mumbled.

Great, that's great. Well, tell him I said hello, and I'll probably give him a call sometime next week, K.? It was so nice to meet you Mrs. Gilmore. Nicole turned on her heel and sauntered away.

Well, who is that obnoxious woman?

Luke's ex, Lorelai said absently, lost in thought.

Well. That's interesting. They still talk then?

Lorelai bit her nail.

Should we get going then, Lorelai? Emily asked gingerly.

I don't feel much like shopping.
*****

Luke smiled widely as Lorelai walked into the diner, so happy to see her he didn't quite notice the anger in her body language.

Lorelai was not as enthusiastic.

Caesar? I'm heading upstairs for a while. He put his arm around Lorelai and led her upstairs.

I'm glad you stopped by, he started to say as they walked up the stairs.

Really? Cause you might not be when I say what I have to say. Lorelai crossed her arms and stared at him, angry.

What's this? What's up Lorelai? He held the door open as she stalked in, arms crossed, and she was right, he wasn't nearly as happy as he had been.

Do you still talk to Nicole? She hurled the words out, spinning on her heel to stare at him as he walked through the door.

occasionally, she calls

And you didn't think this would be information I would like to have?

Luke's defenses went up instantly. Why exactly would I think this was information you need to have?

Oh, I don't know, so when I'm shopping with my mother and we happen to run into her, I don't look like an absolute idiot when she says oh, be sure to tell him hello and I'll call later!' Maybe that's a good reason. She tossed her purse onto the table angrily.

Damn Nicole Lorelai, I

Did you love her? Lorelai asked suddenly, jealously. She bored holes in his head with her glare. He didn't answer right away.

I guess I did, yeah, in a certain way, I did

Then why did you break up with her?

Would you rather we hadn't broken up? Their voices rose.

I'd rather you answer. Why did you break up withoh. I get it. Lorelai read into his silence. She broke up with you.

Not technically

Oh come off it. You were in love with her and she ended things. Again, information that would have been nice to have

Lorelai, I don't see the point.

The point? She laughed bitterly. The point is that information like that is important. I could be your re-bound girl. This could all mean nothing in a month!



And you're still talking to her? If she hadn't broken up with you, would you have? Would you have broken up with her?



Would you? You wouldn't have.

If Sherry hadn't gotten pregnant where would you be Lorelai? You think I don't know that the only reason you aren't with Chris is a 5 foot blonde mommy? Luke returned Lorelai's glare and they stood in a stalemate.

His questions took the wind out of her sails. He was right. She couldn't think of much to say, really, so she just stood there, the anger melting away into confusion and a little sadness. So she stood, trying to think of anything to say, her arms waving occasionally as if she was still talking.

Luke stepped towards her. This is stupid. We could drive ourselves crazy with this sort of thing. What if you had married Chris 20 years ago? What if Rachel hadn't left? Really He ran his hand up one of her arms as she avoided his gaze.

Yeah. I just freaked out, I guess. You're right. She stepped towards him and he hugged her tightly. I just I guess I don't like her very much. Luke laughed. She was that other girl' I had to get rid of, Lorelai mumbled.



Yeah. I had elaborate plans too, you know. MacGyver like stuff. You wouldn't believe.

Probably not. Luke kissed the top of her forehead.

O.K., psycho girlfriend freak-out over.



O.K., so I drank too much coffee she wriggled out of his grasp and danced over to the bathroom. Be right back.

As she was washing her hands, a bright pink object caught her eye. There, next to Luke's usual plain blue toothbrush was a pink and purple Power Puff Girls toothbrush. Huh? She reached for the towel and brushed her hand against a new basket hanging off the side of the sink. In it she found her hair clip and scrunchie along side Luke's hairbrush. This is curious She tiptoed to the shower and opened the curtain- everything looked familiar except the brand new bottles of shampoo and conditioner next to Luke's usual two-in-one.

She called as she exited the bathroom, glancing around suspiciously. Either you're housing a fifteen year old girl, or

Or what? Luke was smiling devilishly.

What did you do She glanced around him suspiciously, grinning.

I put away some of your stuff.

Put it away

Yeah. And I stopped and got you some stuff I thought you'd want to have around here.

You bought me stuff? Lorelai grabbed the front of his shirt and jumped in front of him. Luke tried to avoid getting clobbered in the chin by the top of her head.



What did you buy?

He grinned as she danced around excitedly.

You're a brat. A sweet brat though. She leaned up and kissed him soundly. I'm sorry I yelled at you.

You're sorry cause I bought you stuff? He joked. She pinched him.

No, I'm sorry I was a jerk and I got all freaked out.

No problem it's kind of nice to know you get jealous,

Sure, nice for you. She peeked around his shoulder. So what stuff?

You have to find it.



You have to look, he waved his hand around the apartment, the other arm still hugging her tightly.

Oh, like an Easter egg hunt! She giggled like a little kid.

Luke followed her around as she wandered around the apartment, finding all the practical (yet fun! she'd exclaimed) stuff he'd bought: Slipper socks with different characters on them, a pair of pajamas that reminded him of the Strawberry Shortcake ones she'd worn that first night they'd slept together, a variety of junk food, the toothbrush and other toiletries he'd picked up, the cutest little jewelry box, coffee mugs for upstairs (so he could bring the others back to the diner) and a couple of heavier blankets.

He'd also put her other stuff the sweater was next to the one his aunt had gotten him 10 years ago, the shoes in the closet, the other things neatly integrated with all his own.

Lorelai held up the pajamas. Not exactly the type of stuff girls usually get from their boyfriends, she teased. He blushed.

Yeah, well, I've got another four months to get the courage up to by any other kind. She smiled, and it lit up her face, eyes sparkling as she stared up at him. She scooted across the bed and hugged him tightly.

We don't have to you know, she smiled up at him, kissing his cheek.

But we will, he smiled, grabbing her chin to stop her scattered kisses and planted one firmly on her lips. he added, before kissing her again.
*****

So we'll probably be doing some time jumping soon it's hard to write in the future cause I'm going to have to write a Christmas in there and it's about 75 degrees and sunny let me know what you think, how the pace is going and anything else!