-1Just Can't Help It

Chapter 53

Luke woke up a bit confused the next morning. He had forgotten how he ended up on Lorelai's couch, but then, he remembered his dinner with Jessica and how he went to Lorelai's afterwards. They had fallen asleep rather quickly. He was now lying on his back, head on a pillow, with his arms wrapped tightly around Lorelai who was on top of him, sleeping peacefully. Her head was resting on his chest. One of her hands was under him, the other holding his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head, and she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, she looked up and smiled at Luke who was staring down at her. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty."

"Morning, Luke."

"Sleep okay?"

She nodded "Slept perfectly."

"Good. Me too."

She smiled. "Good." She kissed him and sighed as she rested her head back on his chest.

"You hungry?"

"Always, but I can wait a little bit."

"Oh really?"

"Yep! I'm quite comfortable."

"I see."

"Five minutes?"

"Five minutes." He kissed the top of her head again and relaxed as she snuggled into him, burying her head into the nook of his neck. He took the time to absorb the scent of her fruity shampoo and ran his fingers through her wild, curly hair. "You're beautiful."

She smiled and kissed his neck, just a peck. He hugged her tighter. "You're perfect." They smiled. After a couple more minutes of enjoyable, comforting silence, she spoke. "I'm ready for breakfast now."

"Do you have any food?"

"I think so."

"I'll go check." He reached over and grabbed the remote off the coffee table. "Here. Watch TV while I go make food."

"And coffee."

"That's what you think."

"That's what I know."

"What's what you know?"

"I know that you think I want some coffee, so you are going to make me some and bring it to me while I wait for my breakfast. Then, when breakfast is ready, you will refill my mug and bring me my food."

"Uh huh. And when, in this ingenious plan, do I get to eat?"

"You eat with me, Silly!"

"Oh okay…"

She got off of him so he could get up. He stood up, kissed her and went into the kitchen. After a few minutes of searching, he found some edible food and started making her coffee. While he was filling the pot, he felt arms wrap around his waist. "Hello."

"Hi!" She kissed his back.

"I thought you were watching TV."

"I'd rather watch you cook."

He scoffed. "Which really means 'There's nothing on.'"

"Wow, you learn fast."

"Uh huh. I've known you for years now. I was bound to figure it out sometime."

"Well, I'm glad you figured it out early."

"If you can call this early."

"Good point."

"I know."

"Which really translates to 'Thank you, Lorelai.'"

"No it doesn't."

"It does in Lorelai Land."

"Oh right. I forgot your mind is always in a different place."

"Ha ha, very funny."

"I thought so."

She sat at the table, and Luke set a steaming mug of coffee in front of her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. So, do you want to talk about yesterday?"

"Not really, but I will."

"Okay. You don't have to if you're not ready."

"I'm fine. Let's start with Rory."

"What happened to Rory?"

"Nothing. She's dating Marty…"

"Oh."

"…And he's coming here with her tomorrow for Christmas break."

"Oh… Where is he staying?"

"I'm going to see if there are any rooms left at the inn."

"Okay… How do you feel about that?"

"About Marty and Rory dating? I'm fine with it. Marty seems like a great kid."

"That's good, but it's not what I meant. How do you feel about him coming here for Christmas? I know you and Rory have some traditions."

"Yeah we do, but now that you and I are together, I figured those traditions would probably change anyways."

"They don't have to. Spend some alone time with Rory."

"No, Luke. I want to be with all of you on Christmas."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Of course I do."

"What about Jess?"

"Oh yeah… I guess he can spend it with us too."

"He's not going to like it when he sees Marty there."

"I know… Maybe he'll be okay. He wouldn't do anything stupid, right? I mean, he knows it would probably ruin any chance he has with Rory, doesn't he?"

"Yeah. You're probably right."

"Okay, so then, it's settled. Jess will be spending Christmas with you, me, Rory, and Marty."

"Good."

"Yeah good… What about Liz and T.J.?"

"What?"

"Jess could spend it with his mom and T.J."

"Actually, they're going to be with T.J.'s family for Christmas, and I really don't think Jess would want to do that."

"Oh yeah. Remember his brother?"

"Yep. I bet there are more of them too."

"Ugh! Jeez! I don't even want to think about it." They laughed. Luke set a plate in front of Lorelai and sat down with his own. "Thanks… I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Yeah. Jess is trying really hard."

"That's good. You did well with him. I think he looks up to you."

"I don't know about that…"

"I do."

"Thanks… So what do you want for Christmas?"

"What?"

"Well, we're dating now, so I'm guessing I'm supposed to get you a present."

She smiled. "Oh that's right. You are!"

"Uh huh. So what do you want?"

"I don't know."

"Come on! You have to want something."

"Oh I do, but the boyfriend is supposed to pick up subtle hints."

"You see? This is why I hate dating."

She gasped, then pouted. "You hate dating me?"

"No. I hate dating in general. I love dating you."

"Good to know."

"Yes it is… So… Emily."

"No. Lorelai."

He smiled. "You said you were ready."

She sighed. "I know." He grabbed her hands on top of the table and gave them a reassuring squeeze. "I just don't understand. Dad said that if Rory wasn't of legal age, mom would probably be trying to get custody of her."

"What?"

"I know! That's why I'm glad I still have my dad on my side. Plus, Rory will probably testify for me."

"Yeah she would, and I will too if you want me to."

"Really?"

"Of course! I mean, I was the one who found you two in the hallway."

"Yeah you were. Thanks, Luke."

"Anything for you… I'm sorry, but I have to get to the diner soon."

"Oh okay."

"I'll see you later though, right?"

"Yeah. Do you want to come over again tonight? Maybe we can actually watch a movie this time."

He smiled. "Yeah okay. I'll bring dinner." They were now standing on Lorelai's front porch.

"Great, and we can talk about your dinner with Jessica."

"Yeah… we'll see."

"Yes we will."

"See you later, Lorelai."

"Bye, Luke!" They kissed for a long moment, and then, Luke walked down the steps, and drove away. Lorelai watched the truck drive down the street until she couldn't see it anymore.

20 minutes later, at the Gilmore mansion…

Diiiing Dooong! Luke rang the doorbell and listened to the pungent sound. A moment later, a maid opened the door. "May I help you?" She asked him in an accent he hadn't heard before.

"Um, yes, is Mrs. Gilmore here?"

A/N: Ah ha ha! Cliffhanger! I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, I ran out of cows and flippers. The good news is, I found some reindeer making a bunch of noise on my roof, so I kept them for captivity. I'm keeping the one with the strange nose, but you guys can pick a different one! Review please!