Here's the next update. Just a heads up this has been a major plot point for me all along. So with that read on! I will update soon.
Rory woke up a little before 9 and crawled out of bed. She looked to the other side of the room and saw that Amy wasn't in her bed. She walked out of the bedroom and down the hall towards the kitchen. She heard hushed voices and smiled as she walked through the kitchen door and heard a loud "Happy Birthday Rory!" six voices at once.
She blushed, "Thanks guys…"
Lorelai smiled and walked over to her, pulled her in for a hug, "How's it feel to be a full fledged teenager?"
Rory shrugged, "Doesn't feel much different than 12 so far…"
"Oh it will eventually…" Jamie said from her spot at the counter, "Give it a few weeks…"
Luke and Tyler were at the stove cooking away, "What smells so good?"
Tyler smiled, "Mrs. Dane's famous birthday breakfast special. I convinced Luke to bring it back."
Lorelai ushered Rory to the table and sat her down, "What consists of the Mrs. Dane's breakfast special?"
"Chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream, fruit salad, bacon, home fries and scrambled eggs." Luke said as he flipped over the pancakes.
"Mrs. Danes never missed anyone's birthday. I'd go over for mine because my Mom couldn't cook at all. She gave you the five star treatment all day!" Tyler said.
Lorelai glanced at her boyfriend; he always shied away from birthdays. She never understood why. But hearing Tyler's take on the way his Mother had treated birthdays; she assumed it was too hard to face them without his Mom.
Tyler walked over and set some hot chocolate down in front of Rory and topped it with whipped cream, "Here you go kiddo."
"Thanks Tyler." Rory said as she pulled the warm mug towards her, "And thanks Luke! It smells great!"
Luke gave her a shy smile; Lorelai stood up and walked over to him. She placed a hand on his back and looked saw Rory deep in conversation with her Luke's friends. "You okay?"
Luke smiled at her, "Haven't had one of these birthday breakfast's in a long time…"
She squeezed his bicep, "You didn't have to do this…"
Luke leaned over and turned down the burner, "It's hard yeah…" He shrugged, "But it actually feels nice to share this with her…"
"You're a hell of a guy, Luke Danes." She said sincerely, "Rory and I are incredibly lucky to have you…"
He leaned forward and kissed her softly, "Grab that bacon, would ya?"
She winked at him and went to get the plate of bacon. Luke and Tyler got the rest of the plates and they all sat together to eat Rory's special birthday breakfast.
Later in the morning, they were hiking the trails around the house. Jamie and Lorelai were giggling together on a rock during one of the stops. Tyler was playing catch with Carson, Amy and Bentley ran circles around them. Rory was sitting on a nearby rock staring off into the distance, deep in thought. Luke walked over to her and held out a bottle of water.
"Having fun?" He asked as he settled in beside her.
Rory looked up and smiled as she took the bottle, "Hey." She unscrewed the top of the bottle and took a sip, "Yeah...it's really beautiful out here."
He breathed in the cool fall air, "Yeah it is. Really quiet…peaceful."
"No nosy neighbors…" Rory teased as she nudged him.
He chuckled, "Yeah we certainly have a few of those in the Hollow…"
Rory shrugged, "They all mean well…"
"They do." He paused and looked out across the mountains, "So how is your birthday so far?"
Rory smiled and turned towards him, "Great! I loved my birthday breakfast." She paused, "I'm sure that wasn't easy for you to do. It's been a long time since your Mom was around…"
Luke sighed, "Yes it has...seems like a lifetime some days." He smiled and shrugged, "But she always made the day special for my sister, Dad and I. You deserve that too…"
She watched him for a moment, "You don't like your birthday…"
He smiled sadly, "Just hard without her...never really felt the same."
Rory nodded, "I can understand that." She shrugged, "But this year you'll have us to share it with…"
He turned his head towards hers and nodded, "True…"
"So maybe you can let us spoil you this year…" She said nervously.
"Maybe…" He said glancing over at Lorelai, he smiled when he saw her throw her head back and laugh, he was happy to see her relaxing again.
Rory's gaze followed his and she smiled, "I've never seen her happier than when she's with you…"
Luke's heart thumped in his chest, "Well that's good to hear. Means I'm doing something right."
Rory smiled, "I know the last few weeks and months haven't been easy. You pretend like it hasn't affected you but it has."
Luke sighed, "Rory I just want to make you and your Mom happy, that's all."
She nodded, "I know. But all that stuff with Michael…" She swallowed hard, "That can't have been easy for you to handle. I mean…" She cringed, "I hate to think about what could have happened…"
Luke grabbed her hand, "I try not too."
She smiled gently, "You helped her a lot through that." She paused, "And...and me too. Plus all this with my Dad…" She felt the tears prickling in the back of her eyes, "I used to sit up on my birthdays until the last possible second to see if he'd call or show up...and he only did once." She smiled sadly, "Now I see no chance in that at all…" She shrugged, "But it's okay...because you're here."
Luke watched her for a moment, "I know I can never take the place of your Dad…"
"You kind of already have." She said softly, "I don't know if that totally freaks you out...but you've done more than he ever has."
He blushed, "I'm not just in this for your Mom. I care about you too. You know that."
Rory smiled, "I do. You prove that all the time. I've never had to question your intentions or feelings like with him...and you don't know how much that means to me."
He took her small hand in his and gave it a squeeze, "In our own weird way...you me and your Mom are our own type of family."
Rory smiled, "Yes we are."
He cleared his throat slightly, "And if I were to...ask her to marry me...would that be okay with you?" Her eyes widened, "I'm not saying it's going to happen right now...but it's my plan for further down the line. But I need to talk to you about it before I make any final decisions…"
Rory bit her lip excitedly, "Luke you know I want you and Mom to get married more than anything."
"Yeah?" He asked squeezing her hand again, "I know you've said so in the past but I want to make absolute certain. This would be a big deal and a big change…"
She shrugged, "You already live with us...it would just be some new rings and a piece of paper when you think about it. But it will make it official...no backing out."
He shook his head, "No backing out. I can promise you that."
Rory looked at her Mom again, "Sometimes it feels like you guys have been together forever…"
Luke smiled, "Your Mom and I were just talking about that."
She glanced back at him, "Can I ask you something? If this is gonna be official...I want your opinion too."
Luke nodded, thinking he had a good idea where this was going, "Sure kiddo. You know you can ask me anything."
She took a deep breath, "I know Mom told you about what the school said. Do you think I should go to a private school?"
He smiled softly at her, "Rory...I think that no matter where you go you will do amazing things. But if in your heart you feel like you need to go somewhere else...then your Mom and I will back you 100%."
"What about the money?" She asked in a nervous voice, "I don't want Mom to stress about that...it isn't fair."
He shook his head, "That is something your Mom and I would figure out. Don't worry about that. If that's your only hesitation on the issue than it shouldn't be. You need to think about what you want to do and tell us."
She paused, "Maybe Grandpa could help with that…"
He cringed slightly, "Maybe…" He knew better than to tell Rory what had happened between her Mother and Grandfather, now wasn't the time or place.
"He says he wants to be involved…" She shrugged, "But I wonder if Grandma would be angry about that."
"Again...that's something you need to let your Mom and I figure out. You think about what you want to do and only that, okay?" He asked as he leaned into her.
Rory stared at him for a moment, "So you wanna be my Step Dad someday?"
His smile grew, "Yeah...I do. You sure you're good with that?"
She smiled and leaned forward to hug him, "More than sure Luke...it's the best birthday wish I could have ever asked for."
Luke smiled and held her close. Things were finally falling into place exactly where he wanted them. The sound of crunching rocks signaled the approach of Lorelai as she sat down beside them, "What are my two favorite people hugging about?"
Rory smiled and gave Luke a wink before pulling away, "Oh just thanking Luke for helping make my Birthday so special."
Lorelai smiled and wrapped an arm around her daughter, "I'm glad you're having fun sweetie. You deserve it. There's no better kid out there than you."
Rory laughed, "You may be a bit biased on that one Mom…"
Lorelai rolled her eyes, "Eh so what. If I say you're' the best kid out there than you are."
"I have to agree with your Mom on this one." Luke said with a smile, "I remember the first time you came into the Diner I was shocked by how well you were behaved. I was used to kids coming in and tearing the place apart. But you had such good manners and respect...I was blown away. And you continue to blow me away the more time I spend with you."
Rory blushed, "Luke…"
"Oh learn to take a compliment kid...someday you'll be begging for them from men." She teased.
Rory and Luke both laughed, then the young girls face softened and she looked out at the horizon, "It feels nice being here with you both...after everything that's been happening."
Lorelai smiled and squeezed her close, "I was thinking the same thing…"
"Did you think thirteen years ago when you had me...that this is where you would end up?" Rory asked curiously.
Lorelai laughed, "Honey I wasn't sure where I was going to end up within the hour after having you...I never imagined any of this."
Rory nodded in understanding then glanced at her slowly, "Any regrets?"
Lorelai leaned up and brushed back her hair, "Not even one…" Rory bit her lip and Lorelai continued, "I've said it before and I'll say it again…" She leaned forward and kissed her forehead, "You Rory Gilmore are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I mean that with all of my heart."
Rory sighed and snuggled into her Mother's side, "I love you Mom."
Lorelai smiled and held her close, "I love you too babe. To the moon and back."
Luke smiled as he listened to the exchange between them, then wrapped an arm around Lorelai's shoulder to hold them both close. This is what life was all about…
Before they knew it; the weekend was coming to an end. They had to leave early Monday morning to make it back to Stars Hollow before nightfall. That night, they were sitting around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and talking when Tyler brought out a guitar and smirked at his friend.
"I bet Lorelai and Rory have no idea how well you can play." He said handing it to him.
Luke groaned, "Really man? Did you have too?"
Lorelai's eyes lit up, "You play the guitar?"
He sighed, "Not well…"
Jamie rolled her eyes, "Untrue...he's great. Just gets embarrassed…"
Lorelai sat up a little straighter and smiled at him, "Play for us…"
He shook his head, "I haven't played in years...I wouldn't be any good at it."
She jutted out her bottom lip and whimpered, "Oh please Luke? Pretty please?"
He glared at her, "You aren't playing fair…"
Tyler laughed from his seat next to his wife, "All's fair in love and war my friend…"
Luke shot him a death stare, "You're gonna pay for this someday man…"
Tyler nodded, "Duly noted."
With a sigh, Luke lifted the guitar and set it in his lap so he could play. Rory got up, walked over to Lorelai and settled into her lap. Lorelai wrapped her arms tight around her daughter and watched curiously as her boyfriend strummed a few chords. After a minute or two he started to play a song, which she soon recognized as "Something" by the Beatles.
From his spot beside his wife, Tyler started to sing the words. But Lorelai's eyes never left Luke. She felt mesmerized by him. It amazed her that he was still able to surprise her this far into their relationship. Her heart fluttered when his eyes met hers. She felt her cheeks burn and she wondered what he was thinking about so intensely. Through the entire song, his eyes stayed on her and she had to snap out of her daze when he was done as everyone clapped.
As they all headed to bed, Lorelai helped settle Rory in and told her she would wake her up in the morning when it was time to go. She walked back to the bedroom she was sharing with Luke and found him stripping his t-shirt up and over his head. She walked across the room and ran her hands up his bare back.
"Hey…" He said in a hoarse voice, "Rory get to bed okay?"
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his spine, "Mhm…"
He shivered when he felt her hands slide up his front and her nails drag across his chest, "Lorelai…"
"How come you never told me you played the guitar?" She asked as she began to nibble on his ear.
He smiled and stilled her hands so that he could turn in her arms, "Never came up…"
She raised an eyebrow challengingly, "Never came up? Luke you're great at it...I do hope you know that I'm going to make you play for me now."
He groaned, "Great...except I don't have a guitar anymore."
Lorelai smiled, "I can get you one for your upcoming birthday…"
He cringed, "You and Rory and your birthday obsession…"
She frowned, "I know birthdays are hard for you Luke. But…" She shrugged, "I for one think your birthday is a definite reason to celebrate. You and Rory being born were the two greatest gifts God ever gave me."
He blushed, "Lorelai…"
"I mean it Luke. I don't know what I would do without you...now that we're here I can't imagine a world without you." She said in a shaky voice, "And I never want too."
He smiled and cupped her face in his hands, "Well you never have too. I'm not going anywhere, remember?"
She smiled, "I know." Wrapping her arms around his waist a little tighter she beamed up at him, "Would it help if I told you that you playing the guitar was a huge turn on?"
He groaned and rubbed her back sensually, "Oh really?"
She smiled and leaned forward to begin to kiss along his jaw and neck, "Uh huh. Big time. I always wanted a man who could play the guitar…"
He smiled, "So I should have told you about that talent of mine a long time ago?"
She giggled and nipped at his sensitive skin playfully, "Yes sir."
His eyes fluttered shut, "Lorelai…"
She smiled and pulled away to look deep into his eyes, "Luke…" She said in a mocking tone.
He laughed and ran a hand through her hair, "Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is all real. That we are actually here together."
She took a deep breath and held him close, "I know...I do the same thing."
"How are you feeling about everything?" He asked in a worried tone, "About things with your Dad...we go home tomorrow and we'll have to deal with it all."
She frowned sadly, "I know...I think I have to call him and try and have a civil conversation, ya know? I think I was just so caught off guard by the whole thing that I snapped. I am so sensitive when it comes to things with Rory...I couldn't see where he was coming from."
"I don't think he even realized what he was saying about her potentially moving in with them. He didn't mean in a hurtful way…" He said with a shrug, "He was just thinking that he was doing what was best for Rory…"
She nodded, "I know."
"She asked me what I thought about it all...obviously not stuff about your Dad...but about her going to private school." He said.
She smiled, "She values your opinion Luke…"
His face flushed, "I was surprised by that…"
She shook her head and squeezed him, "You shouldn't be. You're a huge part of her life Luke."
He nodded, "Yeah. I guess." He paused, "I told her that it should be her decision...she needs to decide what she wants to do. Is that okay that I said that?"
Lorelai smiled, "Of course Luke. You know I trust you completely...I know you'd never do anything to hurt Rory. I also know that you'd never go behind my back and try and mess up a relationship with her or you...You have her best interest at heart."
"I want you both to be happy." He said with a shrug, "That's all that's important to me."
She took a deep breath and stood up on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him closer, "I know I have things to think about when we get home...but right now…" She kissed him gently, "Right here...I just want to be you and me."
He lifted her up off the ground making her squeal as he brought her over to the bed, "I think I can handle that…"
When he lay her down, she stared up at him with love and admiration. "I love you Luke Danes."
He felt a rush of emotion from his head to his toes at the thought that someday she could be Lorelai Danes. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to each cheek, her nose, chin, forehead and finally her mouth. He settled in above her and took a deep breath, taking in all that was Lorelai.
"I love you too Lorelai Gilmore." He whispered before his lips found hers again.
Despite how worried she was about going home, she knew that with Luke beside her she could handle anything.
Back in Rory and Amy's room, they were huddled together on Amy's bed talking quietly.
"I'm glad you got to come up this weekend." Amy said softly, "I always feel like I can be myself around you."
Rory smiled, "Me too. I'm glad we got to come too." She looked over at her suitcase on the floor, "Thank you for my new journal by the way. I can't wait to write in it when I get home."
"I'm glad you like it." Amy said, "I'm hoping my parents want to go back to Connecticut around Christmas so I can visit."
"That would be fun." Rory said, "My Mom loves Christmas. Even when I was little and we couldn't really afford a lot of gifts...she made it special. She loves snow too...she claims she can smell it."
Amy giggled, "Smell it?"
Rory laughed and shrugged, "I stopped questioning it because somehow she always ends up being right…"
"My Dad says he can tell your Mom and Luke are the real deal. He says he think they will get married." Amy said.
Rory smiled, "Luke told me he wants to ask her...he wanted my permission."
Amy's face lit up, "That's so Luke…"
She laughed, "Yes it is."
"Well what did you say?" Amy asked, "Would you be okay with that?"
"Of course I would!" Rory said happily, "Luke's the best! He already lives with us so this would just be making things official."
"What about your own Dad?" Amy asked, "I know you don't have a great relationship with him…"
Rory shrugged, "It doesn't really matter what my Dad thinks...he doesn't want to be around me. He doesn't care…"
"Do you really believe that?" Amy asked, "I mean aren't parents just supposed to care about their kids?"
Rory sighed, "Maybe...but my Dad sure doesn't care. He came into town a while back and talked to my Mom but never even saw me. Left before I got home from school."
Amy's eyes widened, "Wow...I can't imagine not having a good relationship with my Dad. That must really suck."
Rory nodded, "It does...it hurts ya know? I don't know why he doesn't love me but I'm starting to realize it doesn't matter. I have my Mom and Luke...that's all I need."
"I bet someday your Dad will regret not being around though…" Amy whispered.
"Maybe...but I can't say that I'll be willing to let him in if he does try and come back. I mean how could I trust him?" Rory asked.
"Your Mom trusted her Dad enough to let him back in…" Amy pointed out, Rory had told her about getting to know her Grandfather during one of their many phone conversations.
Rory thought about that for a moment, "Yeah that's true...but sometimes I think it was more for my benefit than hers."
"I guess." Amy said with a shrug, "But no one would fault you for wanting to try and give him a chance...he's still your Dad."
Rory smiled sadly, "Truthfully...Luke feels more like my Dad than my real Dad. In just the few short months that he has been with Mom...he's done more for me than my real Dad ever has."
Amy smiled, "That says a lot…"
"I think it really does." Rory said happily, "And the thought of him marrying my Mom...of them maybe having a baby together...it feels like it's all supposed to happen. Does that make any sense at all?"
"It does if you think it does." Amy said with a laugh, "That just means you are happy."
"I am." She said honestly, "Truthfully things have been stressful lately but Luke's been great...he's helped Mom and I so much. It feels great to feel secure and happy at home."
"That's how I feel now with my family. When my Mom was going through some things...it was always a little touch and go. But right now everything feels safe and good. It's a great feeling." Amy said.
"Yes it is." Rory said as her smile grew, "And I hope it stays this way."
"If there's anything I know about Uncle Luke...it's that he is a man of his word. If he plans on proposing to your Mom...then he will do it." She said with a smile, "All that has to happen is for your Mom to say yes."
Rory laughed, "Oh trust me...she'd never say no. She loves him so much."
"I can tell." Amy said, "They are so cute together. Dad says he's never seen Luke like this."
"I hope that's a good thing." Rory said hugging her knees close.
"I think it's definitely a good thing." Amy said laying back in bed, she paused and then smiled, "Wanna go scare Carson? It's always better to do that with a partner in crime."
Rory laughed, "Let's do it!"
The two friends tiptoed out of bed and snuck into Carson's room to have a little more fun before the weekend was over.
The following morning, the two families woke up early to say their goodbyes. Luke was packing up the truck when Tyler came over to meet him.
"I'm glad you came up this weekend." Tyler said as he leaned over the side of the truck, "It was good to see you. Lorelai and Rory too."
He smiled at his friend, "I know. Thanks for having us. I think it was exactly what we need." He tied something in and then turned to his friend, "You gonna come visit home soon?"
Tyler nodded, "Maybe around the holidays? I miss it…"
Luke smiled, "Well our door is always open." He said in response, "You know that."
"I do know that." He glanced back at his wife and Lorelai talking on the porch, "So when are you gonna pop the big question?"
Luke laughed, "I don't know yet...I want it to be the right time. I don't want it to be too sudden either...and she's got a lot going on. But don't worry...you'll be the first to know."
Tyler nodded, "I assume I'll be the best man too."
Luke smiled and held out his hand, "No one else I'd ask man…"
Tyler smiled and pulled his hand in for a hug, "Go be happy Luke…"
Luke gave him a smile as they pulled back and the girls and Carson walked up to the truck. They all exchanged hugs and said their goodbyes. Amy and Rory promised to continue writing and calling each other. Lorelai got Rory into the car and got in beside her. She lowered the window and they waved as Luke pulled down the rocky driveway.
"So...successful weekend trip?" Lorelai asked as she wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulder.
Rory leaned her head against her Mom, "Best birthday ever."
Lorelai smiled over Rory's head and caught Luke's quick gaze. He gave her a wink and turned back to the road, ready to face whatever happened next.
After stopping for lunch and bathroom breaks, they finally made it back to Stars Hollow by mid afternoon. As they pulled into town Lane came bursting from her house when she saw the green truck. She was waving frantically at the truck and Rory tapped her Mom's knee.
"Mom can I hang with Lane for a little bit? I'm always with her on my birthday. This was the first year I was away." She said.
Lorelai smiled, "Sure hon. I don't see why that would be a problem."
Luke pulled his truck over Lorelai hopped out to let her daughter down. Rory gave her Mom a squeeze and ran off towards her best friend. Lorelai waved at Lane and then climbed back up into the truck beside Luke. She slid across the bench seat and snuggled into his side as he drove off towards the house.
Lorelai felt relaxed sitting with him. But as soon as they pulled into the driveway she felt her heart sink into his chest. Luke put the car in park and glanced at her, "What's wrong?"
"Christopher…" She whispered so softly he barely heard her.
"What are you-" He glanced towards the porch and paused when he saw him, "Christopher…" He felt Lorelai tense beside him, so he took her hand and squeezed it tight, "I'm right here…"
She swallowed hard and gave him a quick nod. Luke opened the driver side door and got out before getting out to help her out. He held her hand firmly in his and kept his eyes on the ground, he wasn't sure he could look at that man. When they walked up the steps, he heard Chris stand up from the swing and clear his throat. "Hey…"
Lorelai never let go of Luke's hand, "What are you doing here Chris?"
He sighed and held out a box in his hands, "Came for my kid's birthday…"
She crossed her arms over her chest, pulling her hand away from Luke's, "Her birthday was Saturday."
He glared back at her, "I'm trying here Lore…"
She snorted, "Let me guess...you had tickets to some amazing concert on the actual date. So again she came second right?"
He shook his head, "I was away on business...making money."
She smiled, "For who? You? Lord knows you never gave me a dime for your daughter."
"You wanna fight Lorelai? I'm trying here." He said angrily, "You always have to make everything a freaking fight."
Luke stepped closer to him, "You aren't going to talk to her like that so step back…"
Chris gave him a once over, "I presume you're Luke?"
Luke crossed his own arms over his chest and glared right back, "I am. And I presume your Christopher. The guy that abandoned his daughter and her Mother."
"You don't know shit about me or my relationship with Rory or Lorelai." Chris said.
"I know a hell of a lot more than you think." Luke said with a laugh.
"Luke…" Lorelai whispered as she put a hand on his back.
Chris smirked at Luke, "You think you're gonna sweep Lorelai off her feet? You think she's gonna settle for you? Nothing is ever good enough for Lorelai Gilmore. As much as she wants to pretend that she's easy she's a total bitch."
Luke lunged and pushed him against the front door, "You don't get to call her that! Are you kidding me right now? You stay away and then show up like this and call her that?"
Lorelai grabbed Luke's arm again and tugged, "Luke don't...it's not worth it."
Chris laughed; he knew that he had hit a nerve, which was exactly what he wanted, "Even if she wants you her parents will never approve. Look at you."
Luke shoved him further into the wall, "At least I'm here when I say I will be! At least I give a damn about them!"
"Luke stop!" Lorelai said yanking again, "Let go."
Luke stepped back and took a few deep breaths, "You don't deserve Rory's love. You know that?"
"You will never be her Father." Chris said shaking his head, "You can't take my place. It doesn't matter what I do...she's always going to want me first."
"Why are you so sure about that?" Lorelai asked, "I already told you that she barely asks about you anymore. She doesn't expect anything but heartache from you. She knows she can count on Luke. She knows he cares about her and that he'd do anything for her. She doesn't need you."
"You know what pisses me off the most?" Chris asked angrily, "You pretend like you're perfect. You must have made some mistakes with her along the way."
Lorelai rolled her eyes, "Of course I have. But at least I've tried...at least I've been there for her!"
"I wasn't ready to be a parent!" Chris screamed finally losing his nerve, "I was only 16!"
"News flash Chris! So was I!" she said pointing to her chest, "Neither of us were ready but she was born and we had an obligation to take care of her!"
"Not if you had just had an abortion like I wanted you too! Then we never would have had to worry about it again!" Chris said throwing the box down on the ground beside him.
A silence filled the porch until a soft voice from far away spoke, "I knew you never wanted me!"
All three heads turned and stared in horror when they realized Rory was standing on the front lawn. She had heard everything. Luke of course knew about Chris wanting Lorelai to get an abortion. She had mentioned it to him when they first began to date. But he also knew that Lorelai never wanted Rory to know that because she feared that Rory would think she wasn't wanted.
The next few seconds happened in a blur. Rory turned and began to run away from the house. Luke faintly heard Lorelai yell after her daughter. His head swung around again and immediately noticed a car turning the corner, coming straight into Rory's direction.
His feet moved without even thinking, he hadn't run this fast since his track days but it didn't matter. He felt like he was floating across the grass. His heart was thumping in his chest, he could hear Lorelai screaming louder and louder but it still sounded muffled. Suddenly he was within inches of Rory. He reached out, grabbed her arm and pulled her against him. He heard the screech of tires and a searing pain in his side before tumbling to the ground, covering Rory's body with his own. The last thing he remembered was hearing Lorelai's anguished cries.
He felt something warm trickling down his face...and then everything went black.
I am fully expecting some angry reviews...I get it! But like I said this has been a plot point since the day I decided to make this more than a one shot. So just trust in the process and read on. Always an L/L shipper. Keep that in mind.