AN: So, this is my first chapter story, and I'm a little bit nervous. However, I've been thinking and planning it for months, so I'm getting on with it and hoping for the best. This story is technically an AU starting when Rory is 10, but most things are the same. It was originally inspired by a fan-video on youtube to Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson, and it kind of evolved from there.

I also want to put in a trigger warning for discussion of abuse. It happens off-screen and let's just say that Christopher is an asshole. That particular storyline starts around chapters 8.

I hope you enjoy this.

Luke POV

"Luke," Lorelai pleaded, "I need a favour."

I looked up at her, worried, "What kind of favour?"

"One you're not going to like..." She trailed off, looking over her shoulder at Rory, who had her nose in yet another book.

A pit of dread formed in my stomach, immediately knowing what she needed, "She cried for two hours last week, and you're going to let it happen again?"

She looked back at me, her eyes filling with tears. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, "I know, but I can't forbid her from seeing her father."

"Seeing him? He never shows!" I said harshly, lowering my voice, so the others didn't overhear, "He calls you, he makes plans, and never turns up... She can wait here, I don't mind her being here, but it kills me to watch her cry like that."

She chuckled humourlessly, "You and me both. Chris is due at 10 on Saturday morning, I'll drop her off at 8 before work with money for food."

I sighed, running a hand over my face, "I'll call you when I can't get her to stop crying."

She turned to go back to her table, but stopped for a moment, "If she ever tells me she wants to stop seeing him, she'll never see him again. But I can't stop her from wanting to see him."

Before opening the diner up on Saturday, I set up my apartment ready for the tears that were sure to come; snacks, a blanket, a few of her favourite films (thank you Lorelai) and a big box of tissues.

While I was obviously hoping that Christopher was actually going to show up, I had low expectations since he hadn't shown his face in 6 months, not counting the time he picked her up and dropped her back 10 minutes later because he apparently had to work. Neither me or Lorelai brought it, but Rory did, which is what mattered.

I served her chocolate chip pancakes when she came in, and made sure she was okay before getting on with serving everyone else. I kept a close eye on the clock as I worked, and every time the door opened after 10, my heart leapt into my throat, hoping it was him.

"Luke, is the clock wrong?" She asked in a small voice as I walked past the table at about midday.

My heart broke for her, "Does it match the time on your watch?"

She nodded, slumping back in her chair, "Maybe he's really late."

"I hope so."

I got on with my job but kept a closer eye on her as I did. She had stuck her nose back in her book, but I could tell she was starting to struggle. I served a few more customers before spotting her wiping away tears.

"Caeser, take over – I need to deal with something for a while. And if I'm not back in an hour, call Lorelai and tell her Christopher never turned up. The number is next to the phone."

I briskly walked over to Rory and started packing up her stuff, "Come on, let's get you upstairs."

Unfortunately, that only made her cry more, and we quickly make our way upstairs so the entire town didn't see. She immediately aimed for the sofa and I put her bag on the table before sitting with her. She latched onto me and cried into my chest. I rubbed her back, letting her get it out. Her whole body shook as she cried for the second week in a row, and I wrapped the blanket around her, remembering that it helped a little.

"Why doesn't he love me?"

The question took my breath away, and rage bubbled inside me. I took in a deep breath, shoved the anger down as far as it could go, and responded with, "He does love you; he's your dad."

"Then he doesn't want me; otherwise he'd be here," She cried, her words barely coherent. I didn't have an answer for her, it wasn't like Christopher had proved otherwise. I resumed rubbing her back, thinking about all of the ways I'd like to turn Christopher into meat; no 10-year-old should be questioning whether her father loves or wants her.

After an hour of rubbing her back, she started to drift off to sleep, exhausted from crying. While I had no intention of moving and leaving her alone, I hoped Lorelai would turn up soon so Rory would have her mother.

Luckily, 10 minutes later, I heard someone running up the steps, and appearing in my apartment. She was flustered, and had definitely cried on the way over. She was just as heartbroken as Rory was. I slowly laid Rory down as not to wake her and tucked the blanket properly around her, beckoning Lorelai over to the kitchen.

"This can't happen again," I said sternly, making sure to keep my voice down. Lorelai immediately started to protest, so I explained, "She is convinced he doesn't love or want her. What's next, she convinces herself that you only look after her because Christopher wouldn't? You can't take that risk; he could damage her for life."

She looked horrified, and rightly so. And then she looked guilty, "I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was hurting her that much... how do I cut all contact without hurting her further?"

"I don't know," I sighed, "I really don't know."

Lorelai sunk into a kitchen chair, looking absolutely drained. I offered her a small smile, "Look, we'll figure it out. But I do have an idea of what might help Rory."

She looked at me quizzically, but before I could answer her, Caesar opened the apartment door, "Christopher is here and looking for Rory."

AN: Chapter 1 done. What did you think? I don't think it's bad for a first attempt, but I don't think it's great either. Let me know! Oh, and updates will be on every Monday (hopefully) to set your week off right.