Disclaimer: While I do have professional medical knowledge thanks to my day job, I have decided to ignore some of it so I can progress my story along and keep everything happy and fluffy.

Chapter 30-Star Hollow's Tiniest Citizens

"I think my water just broke."

"What?"

"We need to go to the hospital. It's time," Lorelai explained but not to Luke's satisfaction.

His head snapped to her direction "What? Why?".

"My contractions are closer together now," Lorelai clarified.

"Contractions! How long have you been having contractions?" Luke leapt up from the couch. "Jeez, Lorelai, did you call the doctor? Why didn't you say something sooner! Aww jeez, I knew I should have showered right when I got home," Luke ranted in a panic.

"Relax Luke, they just started to get worse. We still have time. Go shower now and bring my bag down while you are at it," Lorelai directed.

"But the contractions! We are having twins!" Luke exclaimed.

"Yes, Luke we are. So, I need you go shower. Skip the posing. It's crunch time, baby!"

"Ok!" Luke said while he made his way down the hall and up the stairs two at a time.

"Hurry, babe!" she said as she winced in pain and took a deep breath in.

-X-

Within 45 minutes, Luke was freshly showered and he and Lorelai had arrived at the hospital. They were checked-in while her doctor, Dr. Howard was paged. Waiting for the doctor to arrive, Lorelai got comfortable in her private room, courtesy of Emily Gilmore. As expected, Luke nervously paced around the room. Lorelai took his discomfort for her own amused, arguing it to be her coping mechanism. When the doctor arrived, she examined Lorelai. She was dilated but not as far as along as she was expecting so the waiting commenced. It was pretty late in the evening when they had arrived at the hospital. They both decided it was best not to bother Richard and Emily, Jess, or Rory to let them know that Lorelai was in labor. Afterall, it already had been an exciting day for Rory. While Lorelai's labor had progressed pretty quickly in the evening, there seemed to be at a standstill around midnight. The hospital was nice enough to bring Luke a cot so he could get some rest before what was going to be another eventful day. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow despite how uncomfortably small the cot was.

The next morning Lorelai's labor progressed quickly. Richard, Emily, Rory, and Jess were called to inform them of the news. As they rushed over to the hospital, two little healthy babies were welcomed into the world. Despite arriving early, both infants passed all of their tests with flying colors; however, the doctor felt she was more comfortable leaving the twins overnight for observation.

-X-

"They are so little," Luke whispered to Lorelai. The two were sharing Lorelai's hospital bed, a little bundle of blanket in each resting in their arms.

"They didn't feel so little coming out," Lorelai told him.

"You are amazing," he told her as he leaned in and placed a small kiss on her lips.

"Thank you. So how do you feel? Feel like a dad yet?" She teasingly asked.

"I am in awe. I don't think I've felt anything like this before. I don't even know how to explain it," he told her with a giddy expression.

"Like you'd do anything in the world to make them happy, feel loved, and keep them safe?" she offered, having felt similarly when she had Rory.

"Yeah, exactly."

"And don't they smell so good," she took a whiff. "I wish they could bottle this baby smell."

"So, we're really doing this?" Luke asked disbelief evident in his voice.

"I think it's too late to change our minds," she laughed as the baby she held shifted in her swaddle.

"Yeah, I think I like them."

"So, it's official then, we are keeping them."

"Yup, I'm attached" he announced and then pressed another kiss on her forehead. "So, think we should call in the troops. Let them into this bubble?"

"Aww, you want to pop the bubble? Now?"

"Gotta get back to reality some time."

"Reality? Hun, two crates of dynamites were lite under my lady bits, remember that? Is there anything more realistic than birthing twins?"

"I am just saying, Rory, your parents, Jess, Sookie and Jackson have been waiting in that waiting room for probably hours. I have no idea what time it is," he laughed when he realized time hadn't been something he had pay attention to since they arrived at the hospital last night.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I am happily exhausted."

"Do you want to get some sleep? I can take the kids back to the nursery and stare at them through the window."

Lorelai's loving smile grew larger. "What?"

"Nothing. You said 'kids'. Are you were going to stay by the window and watch out for your kids."

"Well, I gotta make sure all the little boys stay away from my little girl and my little boy stays out of trouble."

"I am so happy right now. I am deliriously happy. I'm not dreaming, am I?"

"I'm sure your epidural is due to wear off any minute, but I can pinch you if you like."

"No, don't! Switch?" she asked.

"Ok," he agreed. He gently placed his sleeping son who he had been holding into to crook for Lorelai's free arm and then took his daughter from her. She cooed a little and he whispered something, and it immediately soothed her. He did this all like a pro, not a new dad for 85 minutes. He looked down at the baby. Her big blue eyes looking up at him. "You're really curious, aren't you?"

"It almost seems like she is afraid she is going to miss something," Lorelai pointed out.

"Like her mom. And that one sleeps like his mom."

"Nah, he sleeps like you. Once you are out, you are out. A marching band wouldn't wake you up."

"Sleep, don't remind me. I am exhausted."

"Aww, hun. I know. I am not even going to remind you that I was in labor all night."

"I did manual labor all day," he reminded her.

"Touché."

"She is perfect. He's perfect."

"It's incredible."

"You're perfect and incredible," he leaned over and placed another kiss on her lips.

"You're not too bad yourself," she told him, reciprocating with another kiss.

"Really? Because if I remember correctly, you were wishing some not so good things about me back in the delivery room."

"Well, that's what you are supposed to do at the man who inflicted this excruciating pain I was enduring at the time on me. I'm sorry and I take it all back. That is until both of them are screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night and we are living on two hours of sleep. Then all bets are off again."

"As long as I get to stick around."

"Well you do have the coffee," Lorelai reminded him.

There was a knock on the door. The nurse poked her head in and asked, "You up for some visitors? We have eager big sister and grandparents out here."

"Let them in," Lorelai said.

"Mom!" Rory said, running to her mom's side.

"Sshh,"

"Sorry, ooh! They are so little," she said, looking down in aww of the two little newborns in Luke and Lorelai's hand.

"Ooh! Congratulation you two!" Richard said when he entered the room.

"Thank you," Luke replied.

"Hello!" Emily greeted in an uncharacteristic cheerful tone.

"Hi Dad. Hi Mom. Come on in. Meet your brand-new grandchildren," Lorelai invited.

"Oh Richard, look! They look just like Rory when she was a newborn."

"Aww, not quite. This one has Luke's nose," Lorelai pointed at her youngest daughter.

"And I'm so sorry for that," Luke said, dryly.

"What, it's a great nose," Lorelai told him.

"Ok, you guys are officially disgusting," Rory announced and then turned her attention to her new siblings.

"Oh, stop. Ok, who wants to hold a baby?" Lorelai asked. "Dad, do you want to hold your grandson?"

Richard beamed at the sound of "grandson" and replied, "Why yes I would."

"Here you go, now I know it's been a couple of decades but you do remember how to hold a baby?" Lorelai questioned.

"Lorelai, I think I can handle it," he said as he expertly cradled his grandson. "Emily look! He's smiling at me."

"Aww, would you look it that. It's such a beautiful smile," Emily gushed, uncharacteristically.

"I wouldn't get too excited there. It's probably just gas," Lorelai told them. Richard and Emily chose to ignore her comment.

"Rory, do you want to hold your sister?" Luke asked when he noticed her quietly standing next to her mother's side of the bed. Her eyes bugged out at the thought. "Come on. It'll be fine," he encouraged. Rory walked around the bed to the side he was sitting holding her sister. "Ok, now you have to remember to support her head," he instructed as he maneuver the newborn into her arms.

"Like that?" Rory asked, concerned she would harm her sister.

"Just like that. See you got it. Here, sit down," he pointed to the arm chair in the corner of the room closest to them. "You'll probably be a little more comfortable.

Lorelai watch the exchanged between Luke and Rory. Her heart melted seeing Luke treat Rory like his own daughter, the hormones rushing through her amplified the feeling and her tears started to flow. She quietly wiped them away, but they would not stop.

"Lorelai, is everything alright?" Emily asked. Luke turned his head in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she sniffed. "I am just so happy!" she continued to cry.

Emily handed her a tissue. Lorelai thanked her as she tried to mop up her face.

"Ok, Richard, it's my turn now. I want to hold my grandson," Emily demanded as she peaked over his shoulder.

"Now, Emily it's only been a few minutes," Richard whined as he held the sleeping baby boy.

"What color are his eyes?" Emily asked.

"I don't know. He has been asleep this whole time."

"I have a live one over here Emily," Luke waved her over.

Emily rushed over the chair Rory was sitting on. She peered over her shoulder. "Oh my. They are beautiful. Not quite like Lorelai's or Rory's," she gushed and pointed out looking at the dark blue-gray eyes.

"Oh, those are definitely Luke's eyes. I've seen picture!" Lorelai pointed out.

"So pretty."

There was a silence besides some coos from both the adults and the babies.

"So, what, no one wants to have any introductions?" Lorelai asked, realized they still hadn't shared the names yet.

"Oh yes! The names!" Rory excitedly exclaimed causing the newborn in her arms to cry out a fuss. Rory's eyes bugged out in the unpredictable movement.

"Shhh," Luke whispered in a soothing tone as he smoothed one hand over the top of the baby's head. His daughter immediately calmed down.

"Hey, you're good at that," Rory complimented. "Please share names please."

"Yes, what are their names?" Richard asked.

Emily sighed, "You named them Lorelai and Luke didn't you," Emily said. "That's why you've been so secretive about their names and I couldn't get anything monogramed."

"We didn't not name them Lorelai and Luke," Luke confirmed.

"Oh! Bowie and Susanna?" Rory guessed.

"As a matter of fact, no. Are you guys gonna stop so I can tell you," Lorelai said impatiently.

"Good ahead, Lorelai. What are the names of my new grandchildren?" Richard asked.

Lorelai smiled and glanced at Luke. He nodded his head and she began.

"Rory, let grandma hold your baby sister," Lorelai said. Luke helped Rory transfer the baby to Emily's arm. Emily couldn't hold back her delight and cooed at the baby with a huge smile. "Mom, I'd like for you to meet Amelia Emily Danes. Leah, for short."

"What," she said in disbelief. "You named her after me," Lorelai nodded.

"And Dad, say hello to William Gilmore Danes," Lorelai announced.

Richard's eyes widen in excitement. "Gilmore?"

"We thought you would like a son to carry on the Gilmore name," Luke said.

"Hey, I wanted to name him Luke, but Luke wouldn't let me," Lorelai said.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Emily exclaimed in relief as she gently rocked the little pink bundle in her arms. "Hello, Amelia. This is grandma. And I am so excited to spoil you and your brother rotten."

"We'll call him Liam," Luke shared, choosing to ignore Lorelai.

"A nice strong name," Richard boomed with pride as he rocked his grandson in his arms.

"Leah and Liam," Rory tested. "I like it, but now I'm the only one without an 'L'!"

"Silly girl, my first born, sweets. I named you after me. You are a Lorelai," Lorelai reminded her.

"Oh right."

"I see that sibling jealousy starts quick."

"I am sorry, but I will always need my mommy and I don't care who knows it," Rory said.

"And I'm always here for you, babe. Hey! Now I can come check out your new digs even sooner than we planned."

"And how are you going to do that with two new babies?"

"I will always find a way, Rory."

"I've been interviewing nannies just in case you changed your mind Lorelai. I have a few resumes in my purse if you wanted to peruse them," Emily announced.

"What? Mom! No!" Lorelai exclaimed. She sat up on bed ready to defend her babies.

"Emily, thanks for the consideration, but we are fine right now," Luke interjected, intercepting the potential fight.

"Just let us know if you change your mind," Richard answered before Emily could say anything else.

There was knock on the door and Sookie and Jackson appeared.

"Got room for two more?" Jackson asked as they entered into the hospital room.

"It's gonna be tight squeeze but come join the party!" Lorelai invited in.

"Oh, my goodness!" Sookie excitedly cooed rushing in between Richard and Emily who were holding their newest grandchildren. "They are so tiny!" she squealed. "And beautiful!"

"Congratulation, man," Jackson shook Luke's hand.

"Thanks."

"So how does it feel?" Jackson cautiously asked.

"Honestly?" Jackson nodded. "Absolutely terrifying and incredible at the same time."

"At the same time?"

"Yup."

"So how durable are they?" Jackson asked another question.

"I think we could use them for a quick game of football," Luke deadpanned

"Really?" Jackson said, confused.

"No, we aren't gonna play football with my kids."

"How are you feeling?" Sookie asked Lorelai.

"Tired, sore, hungry, excited, blissful, exhausted," Lorelai shared.

"Wow, that's a lot of things."

"Yeah, well. That's motherhood."

"And everything went well with the deliveries?"

"As perfect as Rory's. Except this time, I had the best coach and hand-holder who refused to leave my side despite several close fainting spells."

"I did not faint."

"No, you turned pasty white where you could have given Casper himself a run for his money in a lookalike contest and gripped the bed rails really tightly, to avoid passing out."

"But I didn't and that's all that matters."

"Whatever you say, Luke."

They all conversed for a while. Lorelai and Luke formally introduced their children to Sookie and Jackson. Pretty soon, Luke took noticed of how extremely tired Lorelai grew. He politely asked everyone if they could pick up this gathering again at home after they were discharged from the hospital. When they all left, that's when Luke realized how tired he actually was as well.

"What time is it?" Lorelai asked him.

Luke placed his son in the plastic bassinet that the hospital provided to transport them from Lorelai's room and the NICU. "A little after 2 pm."

"That's it? It's only 2?"

"Well, it has been an eventful 36 hours."

"It certainly has," she said as she settled back in her pillow.

"Are you falling asleep? Or just resting?"

"Resting, but I may fall asleep. That epidural is a magical, magical thing," Lorelai said, with a loopy grin.

"Well, it's probably gonna wear out soon" he said, pointing to the almost empty IV bag.

"Then I better get some sleep before I get the feeling back in my lower half."

"You good? Do you need anything? I'll call the nurse to take the babies back to the nursery so you can sleep for little bit. I am sure they are due for a checkup soon. I can go get you something to eat too," Luke suggested.

"Luke, Hun, your eyes are spinning in two different direction. Go home, sleep for a few hours. You need it too," Lorelai told him.

"But I can't just leave you guys here."

"Yes, you can. Rory is here, Sookie is here. My mother is here. There is an army of nurses here at my disposal. I will be fine. The twins will be fine. Go home, shower, sleep because soon it will all disappear and you would have lost your time." Luke looked at her unsure. "Luke, please. Do it for me then."

"Alright."

"Yay!"

"Do you need anything?"

"Can you bring me those other outfits I had picked out to bring them home in? I changed my mind. Also, could you stop by the pharmacy to drop off those prescriptions the doctor wrote so they are ready when I am discharged?

"I can do that," Luke told her. "Anything else."

"A pot of you best coffee and Connie Chung's original face back."

"I am not bringing you coffee," he sternly told her.

"Aww, come on! I just gave birth to your babies. I think I deserve some coffee. Just one cup. Please."

"Ok, fine," he gave in.

"Yes!"

"It's gonna be half decaf."

Lorelai hesitated, "well, I guess it's a start." She pressed her nurse call button.

"I'll be back soon."

"Please get some sleep, babe." It's the last time you'll have it uninterrupted for a long time," she reminded. Luke laughed. "You laugh now, but just you wait," she added with a big yawn.

He let out a gruff laugh, "Call me if you need me to come back sooner," he said before he left the room.

-X-

Lorelai was released from the hospital later that afternoon. The twins were doing better than initially expected and came home two days later. Luke and Lorelai were running frazzled as they adjusted to life with two newborn babies at home. The Star Hollow's welcome wagon eagerly waited to meet their newest citizens, but respected the new parents request for space in this time of transition.

A wail was heard through the baby monitor. Luke and Lorelai both moan as they had barely just fallen asleep.

"I'll get him," Luke volunteered, pushing his body up and rolled to a sitting position on the bed. He rubbed his eyes awake.

"Thanks Hun," Lorelai groggily said.

Luke got up and walked over to the bassinette and picked up his son. His wails immediately quieted to whimpers has Luke place the precious boy's head against his chest.

"What's wrong, little guy? I've got you," Luke spoke in a soft soothing tone. Liam rubbed against his chest. "Just wanted a little cuddle from daddy. Sweet boy, I need you to sleep so Mommy and I can get some sleep. I know being inside mommy was warm and comfort, but I am so happy that you are here and I can be you dad. I know I already told you that, but I have to keep reminding you because I am hoping you will let mommy and daddy sleep a little while longer. Because between you and your sister, we are so tired. But we love you so much. I love you so much. I will get up and hold you anytime, ok. So, if you need me, you know how to find me. We good, baby boy?" He pressed his lips to the top of his little head. He had been lulled back to sleep with the sound of Luke's voice. Something Luke had figured out was the best way to get his son back to sleep.

His daughter was another story. Definitely Lorelai's child as a strong personality was very evident. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you wanted to look at it, the twins were on slightly different schedules. They had been tag- teaming it as much as they could share the responsibility; however, feeding the babies fell onto Lorelai for obvious reasons.

Luke gently placed Liam back into his bassinet. He quickly peeked over to Leah who was sound asleep and had not stirred the entire time. He walked back to the bed. He slowly eased himself onto the bed, careful to not wake up Lorelai. After he had settled into a comfortable spot, he felt Lorelai's hand reach out and gently rub his stomach.

"Thank you," she whispered. "for letting mommy sleep a little while. We are both tired but I do love them so much."

"Heard that?"

"I gotta say, I love the monitors. I never knew you could be this sweet, soft man. I love you."

"I love you. Now let's sleep because Leah is due for her wakeup call in a couple hours."

-X-

The next morning, Luke was changing Leah while Lorelai sat in the rocking chair feeding Liam.

"What a stinky little girl. You knew it was daddy's turn and you wanted to make sure he worked for it."

"That's my baby girl!" Lorelai said proudly. "Meanwhile her brother is going to town, aren't you my little piggy," she smoothed a hand over his tiny head.

"He needs to grow up big and strong," Luke said.

"Like his daddy," Lorelai added. "You are gonna be baseball thrower person for the Blue Sox, right."

"Pitcher and Red Sox," Luke corrected.

"I hear no difference."

"You're sleep deprived."

"No, you are sleep deprived. I am caffeine deprived."

"Fine, one cup. Just because last night was a little rough."

"Oh yeah, sure. Call it rough. Between the wailing and the poopy diapers, the bouncing up and down, I would call it a wild night."

"I'm going to make a trip to Doose's to stock up on groceries. Maybe I can actually make us a homemade and edible meal instead of the various frozen casseroles the town has dropped off over the month."

"I can't believe it's already been a month! The twins are 1 month old! Remind me to get the camera and take some official pictures. I want to make sure we document all of this because soon they will be grown up, going to college, and slowly stealing your clothes on the weekends they visit."

"Rory finally took your flippy skirt?" Luke concluded.

"Yup and so much more. She said, I wasn't going to wearing it anytime soon. Ugh, stupid baby weight."

"It will come off soon," he told her, thinking it would reassure her.

"Oh, so you think I'm fat too!" She accused.

"I didn't say that," Luke tried to defend.

"You didn't not say it."

"Do you need anything from Doose's?" Luke asked as he placed a freshly changed Leah back in her bassinet.

"Some chunky monkey ice cream, stool softener, and cooling pad thingies."

"Still having some pain?"

"A little. It doesn't feel like it is constantly burning anymore, but I can't get comfortable."

"Did this happen with Rory?"

"I can't remember, but I also didn't push two babies out of me."

"I am sorry you are still in pain."

"The doctor said it takes a few weeks. Besides," she nudged her head towards the little baby that had now fall asleep with her nipple still in his mouth, "these two are pretty cute."

"Are you going to be ok by yourself for a little bit? I can call Sookie or Babette over while I run to the stop," Luke suggested.

"I think we are going to be fine," she said as she slowly got up from the rocking chair. She placed Liam in his bassinet. "I am going to lay down while you are gone. These two should stay asleep."

Lorelai grabbed the baby monitor and the pair walked into their bedroom. Lorelai headed to her side of the bed and carefully sat on the bed and laid down, baby monitor in hand.

"I'll be quick," Luke promised as he picked up his keys and wallet from his bedside table and stuffed them into his pockets. He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Lorelai's lips.

-X-

The doorbell rang to the Dane's Household. The twins had just woken up from a nap and were ready to meet the Stars Hollow Townies.

"Where are the babies?!" Babette shrieked when Luke opened the front door. She barreled passed him in the direction of the living room, leaving Maury still at the door.

"Hi Babette," Luke greeted as an afterthought.

"Are we the first ones here," Maury asked.

"Yes, you are. Come one in."

"Ah man. This really isn't good," Maury said as he walked into the house.

Luke was about to close the door behind him when she saw Miss Patty on the sidewalk coming toward them. Sookie and Jackson were right behind them, Sookie carrying a large Tupperware container and Jackson with a tower of at least three more. "And so it begins," Luke muttered under his breath.

"Lucas Lucas Lucas. Fatherhood agrees with you," Miss Patty said as she walked up. "I see you Lorelai finally loosened you up," her hand grazed his shirt, which was exposed as his flannel hanged off his arms as she walked in.

"I wasn't expecting every single person to be on time to this thing," he told her as he started to button his flannel shirt. As he finished buttoning up, Sookie and Jackson made it to the door. Luke greeted the two and took a few of the Tupperware containers from Jackson. He followed them inside after, closing the door with his leg. The other townspeople would just have to knock. He made it to the kitchen and started to lay out the food that Sookie brought on the plates that were set out on the counter awaiting their arrival. Luke could hear the crowd of people gathered around his son and daughter in the other room. He scoffed at the thought of how crazy the town went when they had brought home the twins. He chuckled at the memory of how the town tried to keep a respectful boundary to allow the family to adjust, but they couldn't help themselves and would frequently stop by with casserole dishes. This town, his town, everyone always had their noses in everyone's business, but they meant well and it was all out of love. This is what love felt like. And Lorelai and him and the twins as a family. It was surreal. It was going well. It was definitely an adjustment, but it was working well for them. It was surreal.

He decided he should join his family in the living room.

"There's food in the kitchen. Help yourself," he announced as he walked in. Nobody acknowledged him. They continued to coo at the babies and/or talk to Lorelai. He went over next to Lorelai and stood behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with a proud smile and then went back to her conversation with Sookie regarding the Inn. In the meantime, Gypsy, Andrew, and Kirk joined in, having let themselves in.

"Sorry, Luke, looks like you have competition for Miss Patty's affection," she said, pointed at how close to her chest she was cradling Liam.

"Aww jeez."

-X-

TBC

An: I think the part that gets me the most about writing this now is that these little babies that I had made up in my head would be graduating high school and nearing adulthood in our current time.