What did you say? Lorelai heard in response to her snide remark.

She sighed and leaned against the wall. What's up Christopher?
+
Luke felt his body tense at the sound of his name. He's Rory's dad, you've got to expect that he'd call. Just because you've gotten through fourth months or so without having to hear his name or see him, doesn't mean he doesn't call. Or stop by. Has he stopped by? She would have told me. Right? Right. He glanced over towards Lorelai. She twirled a lock of hair around her finger as she listened. Is she getting mad? I think she's getting mad. Well, why wouldn't she be mad? He's an idiot. Couldn't even show up to his own daughter's graduation. Luke caught himself gripping the puppy food bag too tightly and forced himself to relax. Ella cocked her head and stared up at him; he smiled and tried not to listen.
+
So, how have you been?

Small talk's not your strong suit, Christopher.

So, we're not being civil. I see.

Lorelai sighed. Fine. I've been fine. And you? Fine? Sherry? Good? Gigi? Good? Great. We're caught up.

This is a courtesy call, just so you know, Christopher began, annoyance ringing in his tone.

Imagine you, extending courtesy. Lorelai's voice dripped of sarcasm. It was bad enough she had to stand around making excuses for Christopher months ago at graduation, but his utter lack of involvement with Rory since made her instantly defensive. He's never even seen her dorm room. He skipped out on meeting her for around Thanksgiving break and I really don't feel like humoring him now.

I'm calling because I plan on inviting Rory over for Christmas Day, Christopher blurted.

Excuse me?

Don't make this more difficult than it is, Lorelai.

You're right. Of course. I'm not going to make this difficult, because there's nothing to make difficult. No.

It's not your call.

What's wrong with you Chris? What makes you think this is even a possibility? No. No. A thousand times, no. Lorelai turned her back from the kitchen, trying to keep her voice down.

It's not your call, Lorelai, he repeated before letting out a long sigh. Look, it's Gigi's first Christmas. Sherry thinks

Oh, that's it, sell it baby. Lorelai seethed with renewed anger.

May I continue? He waited for her silence. Thank you. Sherry thinks it would be the perfect opportunity for Rory and her sister to get to spend some quality time together.

Quality time? Quality time? Listen, Chris, there is plenty of time the other three hundred and sixty four days of the year, time you have failed to take advantage of. Rory is Lorelai took a breath. Rory has spent her first semester away from home. This is a big holiday, and she's going to spend it here: with me. I haven't seen her nearly enough

Ah ha! See, it's about you, not Rory. Chris said with satisfaction.

What? No. You're twisting my words

Look, Lorelai, I'm calling Rory tonight, and I'm asking her what she wants to do. Hopefully, she'll be a little more flexible and a little less confrontational than you have been.

Aarruugghh. Lorelai slammed down the phone. She yelled at the phone.

Luke stepped tentatively into the hallway.

Aarruugh. He just aarruugh. She threw up her hands and began pacing around the front room. Luke tried his best to follow her. He does this crap on purpose. I swear. He does this to make me nuts or crazy or whatever. I can't take this right now.

Do you want

I want to be alone right now, O.K.? Lorelai snapped, heading for the stairs. I just I can't deal right now. She stormed up the stairs, waving her hands above her head as she spoke. Luke stood at the bottom of the steps with Ella sitting haphazardly at his feet. The best they could do was stare at her retreating back.
+++++

Lucy, I'm home! Rory called from the front door, jarring Luke from his restless perch on the couch.

he said, meeting her in the hallway.

Oh, Desi. Hi. Rory smiled widely and handed him one of her bags. I've got three more in the car.

I'll bet. He forced a grin he didn't particularly feel.

Lorelai called from the top of the stairs, thundering down them two at a time. Any outward appearance of frustration had vanished, and a charming, bubbly Lorelai emerged from her two-hour seclusion.

I'll get those bags, Luke murmured, slipping past the giggling Gilmores towards Rory's car.

A pang of guilt shot through Lorelai as she glanced over Rory's shoulder towards Luke. He'll understand, she told herself.

So, where's the baby? Rory peeked around her mother.

She's sleeping in the crate, Luke explained as he headed back in. I'll get her, he put the bags down and brushed past Lorelai.

Rory raised an eyebrow.

Lorelai stared guiltily at her shoes.

What's wrong Lorelai sighed.

Your father called, she admitted. he wants you to spend Christmas with himand Sherry, and Gigi. He wants to make it some big family bonding thing.

Is he insane? Rory stared at her mother in horror.

Lorelai let out the breath she'd been holding. See, nothing to worry about. Me and Rory, we're on the same page. As usual.

Can you believe the gall? Rory asked as Luke brought Ella towards her. Oh, she's just adorable! Rory reached out and grabbed the puppy from Luke. I can't believe you guys have a puppy. This is so fun. Rory led the uncomfortable group to the living room. So you and Luke must have had a good laugh about that, Rory began, knowing full well they hadn't.

About what? Luke asked, assuming he'd just missed the conversation.

Well, Christopher called, you know that, and he wanted Rory here to, um, spend Christmas with his little family, and Rory thinks it's something we were probably laughing about instead of oh, doing something stupid like not talking about it in separate rooms or something.

I see, Luke said slowly, and he did. The sting of it was still there, but they'd figure it out.

Yeah, and if I was, oh, and idiot, I would have worried that there was some possibility Rory would want to do that, and it would have stressed me out and made me upset, but that would have just been stupid and completely unnecessary.

Of course. Which is why we just laughed about it, he added.

Like maniacs. Maniacal laughter, here at the Crapshack. Lorelai locked eyes with Luke in a silent apology.

Well good. Rory clasped her hands in her lap and they were silent for a moment, the awkwardness of the situation settling. there can be a compromise, like if Grandma allows it, they can stop by to see us in Hartford, if they make the effort. Maybe they could stop by for dessert or something.

Well, maybe that could work, Lorelai said diplomatically. If you talked to Grandma about it first.

Gigi is my sister now.

Of course.

But there's no way I'm spending Christmas off somewhere without you guys.

Well, that's just laughable. Lorelai smiled.

Good. I shouldgo call Grandma.

If she starts choking on her resentment, let me know! Lorelai called over her shoulder as Rory headed for the phone. She turned to face Luke and, sighing dramatically, she leaned onto his shoulder. I'm sorry.

For laughing?

Yeah. For laughing. She relaxed as he reached his arm around her and squeezed.

do that to me, O.K.? he said softly.

I'll try not to. I didn't mean anything

I know, but he sighed.

I know we've come this super long way really quickly with the opening up and talking about stuff and everything, and I know I used to harp on you about it, but I guess I didn't realize how weird it would be to deal with the whole Christopher situation. I mean, it's not like you don't know all that history.

Luke nodded, his stomach tightening at the memories.

I'll try to be better about it, K?

She leaned over and kissed him quickly.

Grandma, I'm just saying it could be a good opportunity Luke and Lorelai heard Rory explaining over the phone. Lorelai shook her head.

Sometimes I think he's just a menace. Look at the drama he's causing!

He's not responsible.

That's putting it lightly.

So are we still getting a tree today? Luke changed the subject.

Definitely. In about thirty minutes, when Rory talks my mother down from the ceiling. Lorelai grinned, leaning into him again. I'm really sorry.

Stop. It's not a big deal.

I'll make it up to you she traced her fingers along the buttons on his shirt.

Luke shifted, embarrassed, glancing apprehensively over at Rory.

Lorelai laughed. You'll get used to her being around. You'll see.

*****
Luke made his way down the stairs, two at a time, intent on getting to Ella before she could make any more noise than she already was. He'd have been there sooner, if he hadn't stumbled around in the dark looking for his stupid jeans.

Make her stop, Rory moaned from the doorway of her room, disheveled from sleeping. Luke nodded, glad his search for pants hadn't been in vain.

She has to go out. She's just a baby, he said quietly, stepping into the kitchen to open Ella's crate as the puppy whimpered. Rory watched silently as Luke led Ella out into the yard, praising her softly as she behaved.

You're good with her, Rory said as they came back in from the cold. Luke grinned.

She likes me.

You're a good daddy, Rory joked. Luke blushed. I mean, look, mom's already got you on night patrol.

Have you ever tried to wake her up in the middle of the night? Luke asked cynically. Rory laughed.

I know better.

I've learned. Luke bent down to pet Ella and lead her back into her crate. She started to whine. She'll calm down, he promised. You kind of got stuck with the noisy room, I guess.

It'll be O.K. Rory grinned. Goodnight, Luke.

he said softly as she closed the door to her room. O.K. So, your first late-night run in with Rory went pretty well. This is going good. Right. He took a deep breath and headed back up to bed.
*****
You're so full of it, Rory was saying as Lorelai approached the table at Luke's. Tom was leaning over the table, smirking.

"What'd I miss?" Lorelai asked, sitting next to her daughter. Christmas time at the Inn was always more stressful than not, and this day was no exception. Lots of picky people who wanted their holiday trips to be just perfect would bombard her with requests and complaints.

"Nothing." Rory rolled her eyes and Tom, still grinning, headed back to the counter after a short wave hello to Lorelai. "Tom's going to come over tonight and help us hang lights and stuff.

"Oh really?" Lorelai wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Rory rolled her eyes again.

"I. Am. Not. Dating. Anyone. Tom is just a fun guy to talk with and hang around. How many years did you have me convinced that guys can be just friends."

"I was full of it, obviously. Hey, Luke."

"You look tired," he leaned over and kissed her quickly, setting her coffee cup in front of her.

"Thanks so much. 'You look tired' ranks right up there with 'were you going to wear that?' and 'are you gaining weight?'"

Luke frowned. "That's not what I meant"

"I know. I'm just crabby."

"Right. What can I get you to eat?"

"Don't you want to know why I'm crabby?" Lorelai glared at him over the menu.

"I know why you're crabby. You're crabby because it's close to Christmas and people are being rude and impossible to deal with, because Sookie's gone and you're running things yourself, because you haven't spent as much time with Rory as you'd like, and the decorations are still not up."

"Wow." Rory contained her laughter. "He'd got you pegged."

"Well, sure, he can know all that stuff, but does he know what color underwear I'm wearing today?" she challenged, her ugly mood melting.

"I reserve the right to answer that when your child isn't present."

"Much thanks from the child." Rory grinned.

"Well, it's something to look forward to, at least."

"So, lunch?" Luke asked, poised to take her order.

"If you know me so well, surprise me with something."

"O.K."

"So Tom's coming over tonight."

"Oh, really?" Luke grinned, his tone identical to Lorelai's earlier.

"Please. You two should take that show on the road," Rory muttered. Luke looked confused. "We're just friends."

"I've heard that before," Luke teased, reaching out to scruffle Rory's hair.

"I've said that before," Lorelai added.

"Hey mister, it takes hours to get this hair styled perfectly." Rory smoothed her hair, acting every inch the snob that she wasn't.

"Now if your mother said that, I'd believe her."

"Enough with the mocking my morning routine. You were merciless today and I've had about enough. Both of you!" Lorelai glared as they laughed. "Go cook me food, boy."

"Yes, ma'am." Luke tipped an imaginary hat and headed back to the kitchen.

"You two are so cute it makes me want to puke sometimes," Rory said, glancing at her mother's smiling face over her coffee cup.

"Thanks... I think." Lorelai took a long sip of coffee and settled back into her chair. Maybe she wasn't so crabby after all.
*****
You have got to be kidding me, Tom dropped his coat on the chair in the Gilmore's living room.

Don't even just don't. I would suggest running. Luke looked up from the center of room, surrounded by a knot of tinsel and lights, ornaments and upturned boxes.

She's outside now. Oh, hey Tom. Lorelai breezed back into the room and Luke glared up at her. What? It's her first Christmas, she got excited.

Tom looked at the mess.



Someone was supposed to be taking her outside. Someone was supposed to put up the gate in the kitchen. Someone was supposed to keep her out of here, he looked pointedly at Lorelai.

Wow. That someone is in trouble. Lorelai glanced around the room guiltily. Hey, at least the tree's still standing or not Luke reached his arms over his head protectively and Tom lunged for the wobbling tree. Just kidding. It's fine. Lorelai giggled.

I think the gate is latched this time. Rory brushed her hands on jeans as she entered the room, Ella's high-pitched yelps following her. Oh wow. She looked up; Tom stood, straddling an overturned box, holding onto the tree. Luke sat, covered in decorations, hands over his head, flashing murderous glances at her mother. Mom, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Kodak moment? Lorelai grabbed the camera and snapped a couple of shots.

Nice. Help. Now. Luke tried to stand without breaking anything.

Hey. You came. Rory stepped towards Tom and grabbed his arm, helping him maneuver back over the strewn boxes.

Yeah, well, you said it'd be exciting. You weren't lying. They watched as Lorelai made her way towards an increasingly angered Luke.

Watch out mom, if he gets any angrier, he's going to turn green and clothes will start ripping

Yeah. I know. Luke mad! She growled as she reached for him. He lifted her over a box and swung her over the mess towards the tree.

Stay there. I will pass you stuff, he ignored their mocking and began to untangle the lights.
++++

An hour later, the mess on the floor was well on its way to being transferred to the tree. Lights first, then garland, now ornaments- everything placed in order, in an organized fashion. It was the cleanest looking tree the Gilmores had ever had.

Wow, so you can get that department store look, Rory said.

Yeah, as long as you have the Christmas Nazi, Lorelai replied. Luke glared from his perch atop the step stool. I'm just teasing sweetie. She hugged his torso and grinned.

Don't be mean, mom, Rory warned. Tom remained silent, handing ornaments to Rory from the floor.

Oh, oh! What's this one? Lorelai held up an ornament from Luke's box, a small wooden plane painted blue and gold.

An ornament? Luke said sarcastically, reaching down for the ornament. She held it just out of reach.

You're not playing nice, she pouted. He sighed.

It's an ornament. My dad made it for me when I was 7.

She twirled it around in her hands. It's perfect.

He taught me what he knew, Luke replied, a hint of pride slipping through.

Why a plane?

Well, I wanted to be a pilot. For about five minutes.

Oh! Captain Luke! I bet what you really wanted to fly was a star ship, she teased, handing it up to him.

What about this one? She held up an ornate beaded star.

My mom made that one, I think. It was their thing. Making ornaments. He took the ornament from Lorelai gently and hung it towards the back of the tree.

Stop that, move them up towards the front. We've got some really ugly ones for back there Rory made when she was little I mean She glanced at Rory and grinned sheepishly.

So I sucked at art. What do you want from me mom? Total perfection at everything, Rory teased.

Of course not sweetie. But you really sucked at art. Lorelai leaned over and rummaged through another box. Here's one! She pulled out an oddly shaped clay figure with three or four feathers sticking out from all directions.

Hey, that's my bird of peace, Rory said defensively.

That's a bird? Tom asked incredulously.

Rory shoved Tom, sending him wobbling towards the tree.

Luke and Lorelai yelled at the same time. Rory reached out and grabbed his shirt, steadying him before any damage was done. Tom dramatically fell back into Rory, sending the two toppling to the ground.

Lorelai mouthed to Luke as she handed him another ornament. Luke nodded, smiling.

What's this? It was Luke's turn to ask. He held up what looked at first to one big fashion earring with glitter glued to it.

Lorelai stood and took it back, smiling sadly. Our first Christmas on our own, we barely had money to buy presents, let alone decorations, but I wanted Rory to have a tree of her own, so we raided the jewelry I brought with and spent an evening decorating them. There used to be more, but when I was 20, I remember taking them out and being so embarrassed by them I tossed most of them straight in the garbage. I stopped short at tossing them all. She held the ornament up to the light, surprised by the sudden tightness in her throat.

Luke stepped down from the stool and stood closely in front watching as she tried to laugh off her obvious emotional response. It's a silly, sad little thing and I don't think anyone's asked me about it before, she said, pausing to take a deep breath of air as she stared at her shoes. Luke slipped his hand under her chin and tipped her head up to kiss her sweetly. Lorelai smiled into his mouth and they stood forehead to forehead while she calmed herself down. She stepped back first, regaining her usual composure.

So, what's going to be our thing? she asked, glancing past Luke to where Rory and Tom had been. Where'd they go?

Out front, I think. What thing?



You asked what our thing was going to be, Luke prompted.

Right. Yeah. So?



What's our thing going to be?

What thing?

Our thing.

wait. You're teasing me.

Well, yeah, now I am. she grinned. What I meant was, well, you said your parents had the make the ornaments thing, and I just wanted to know what our thing was going to be.

I don't think you can pick a thing. I think a thing just happens.

Well, that's practical and no fun at all, Lorelai, grumbled. Luke grabbed her around the waist and hugged her back tightly against his chest.

We could make cleaning up nicely and neatly our thing, he whispered, kissing her neck. She laughed. We could do it every year, give everything it's own special box with labels, put it all in the attic in order. I think this is a good idea.

Fine, we'll wait until our thing happens. Lorelai stepped out of his embrace and headed towards the door.

But I think this is a good thing for us! Luke protested, grinning. He ducked as Lorelai threw his gloves at him.

Let's go. We've got lights to put on outside, she laughed, tossing his jacket.

I think you need to seriously consider this, he called after her as she raced out the door to join the mounting snowball fight Tom and Rory had begun.