At precisely eight o'clock the following night, Lorelai heard the doorbell
ring. She opened the door to find Luke standing behind it, dressed in his
usual uniform. He was carrying a bag in each hand - a paper takeout bag
from the diner and a plastic bag from the video store.
"Ah, you're Mr. Punctual, come on in." Lorelai stepped aside to let Luke in.
"I brought some food - a burger with everything and fries for you and a turkey burger and a salad for me." Luke said by way of a greeting.
"Punctual and bearing food, so far this night is a success. Did you bring dessert, too?"
"Of course, I wouldn't dare come to movie night without some apple pie."
Lorelai clapped her hands in delight. "And did you get a movie from the Lorelai approved list?"
"Yes, I got "Groundhog Day." Luke said, pulling the video out of the bag as he set down his other bag on the kitchen table.
"Ooh, this is so great. I've been on a Bill Murray kick ever since I saw "Lost in Translation." May the movie gods forgive me for ever bashing Sofia Coppola. Although I still say she's a sucky actress, so at least she found her calling as a film director."
Luke just nodded, he really had no idea what she was talking about. He was also amused by her outfit, she was wearing a velour sweat suit with the word "Juicy" on her butt. He wondered if she had worn that on purpose to get a reaction out of him. He tried to ignore her nicely shaped rear and concentrate on the mundane.
"So should we eat first?" Luke inquired.
"Let's heat this stuff in the microwave and then we can settle down and watch the movie."
A few minutes later, they settled on the couch, with takeout trays on their laps about to devour their burgers. Lorelai sat with her burger in one hand and a remote in the other.
"Okay, Luke, before we start, here are the non-rules. It's okay to talk over the movie, you can get up and go to the bathroom anytime you want and I'll pause it. I'll even replay a scene if you want. My only rule is that you don't fall asleep like you did last time."
"Why? I've been up since 5 AM."
"Because it's rude to fall asleep during a movie, it's an insult to the cast and crew."
"But it's not rude to talk over the movie? Isn't that also an insult to the cast and crew?"
"Luke, don't argue with me, you know you can't win." She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.
"Whatever you say, Miss Juicy Pants."
"Ah, you noticed." Lorelai smirked as she started the movie.
Lorelai had seen the movie several times before but Luke hadn't. She was surprised to hear him laugh heartily several times throughout the movie. She really hadn't heard Luke laugh much in the all the years she had known him. Occasionally she had gotten him to smile or chuckle, but laugh? It was a side of him she hadn't seen before.
Halfway through the film Lorelai announced. "I hate Andie MacDowell."
Luke turned to her. "Why? She's gorgeous and not a bad actress, either."
"I don't know, she just irritates me, that's all. And she acts with her hair."
"How does someone act with their hair?"
"She's all about tossing her curls around!" Lorelai demonstrated by tossing her mane of curls.
"Well, I think her hair is sexy." Luke said staring right at Lorelai, hoping she would get his veiled meaning.
She blushed and turned away. "Just watch the movie, Luke."
They watched the rest of the movie in relative silence, except for the occasional chuckle or laugh. When it was over, Lorelai turned to Luke.
"So, I guess you liked it, huh?"
"Yeah, Puxatawny looks a lot like Stars Hollow, doesn't it? And I sometimes feel like I'm trapped in the same repeated hell. I guess you could say I relate."
"I'd say so. You know, I've never heard you laugh so much. I think I've heard you laugh more tonight than in all the years I've known you. It's nice."
Luke cocked his head. "Nice?"
"Yeah, you've been grumpier than usual lately, it's nice to hear you laugh."
"Well, maybe it's because I feel free for the first time in months."
"What do you mean?" Lorelai asked.
"I guess the whole situation with Nicole was not very good for me. I thought I was happy just letting things flow, but I kind of felt trapped after a while. I mean, I care a lot about Nicole but she has all of these expectations. She pretends she doesn't but I sense it when she looks at me. She really wants me to be a real husband to her. I just don't think that I'm cut out for that." Luke admitted.
"Luke, I'm sure you could be a great husband." Lorelai assured him. "I just don't know if Nicole is the right wife."
"You may be right, Lorelai." He paused. "Remember what you said to me last night about home being where your heart is?"
Lorelai nodded as Luke continued. "You said that if Nicole's heart was truly with me, then she would move here. I realize now that my heart wasn't really with her, and that's why I couldn't move to Litchfield. My heart is here in Stars Hollow, for better or for worse."
"Sounds like you're married to the town, Luke."
"Yeah, with no divorce in sight." He sighed. "Speaking of divorce, I guess it's time for me to go ahead with it."
"I think that's a wise choice." Lorelai agreed.
They sat on the couch, contemplating the decision that Luke just made. Luke felt like a weight had been lifted with that decision. Since he was feeling a little bold, he decided to shift the topic a bit.
"So what about you, Lorelai?"
"What about me? I'm not getting a divorce."
"I meant, what about you and Jason? Have you figured out whatever the problem was?"
"Um, not really." Lorelai admitted.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Luke prodded. "I'm not the best at dating advice but maybe I could help?"
Lorelai sighed, not really wanting to go there. But she was running out of time and Jason wanted her to make a decision by the end of the week.
"Jason thinks I might have feelings for someone else." She said quietly.
"And why would he think that?"
"Because I've been distracted lately and have been talking about this 'someone else' in front of him."
"Hmm, I guess he would come to that conclusion." Luke wondered, nah, it couldn't be.
Lorelai looked at him. "I'm not sure, but I'm thinking maybe I do. It's really hard to figure it out because he's a big part of my life and I really depend on him. I'm not sure if it's just friendship we have or if there's something more there. And the truth is I'm kind of afraid to find out.."
"Why?" Luke was beginning to think that maybe..
"Because what if he doesn't have those feelings, too? Or what if he does? It might not even work out and one of the best things in my life would be completely ruined."
"Lorelai, you've never struck me as someone who plays it safe. Why not take the risk and find out? You may spend the rest of your life wondering what if..."
"Yeah, but.." Lorelai started to protest.
"Believe me, I know it's really hard to move beyond the comfort zone, where everything is predictable and safe."
"So Luke, you understand where I'm coming from." She searched his face for a sign of recognition.
"More than you know." Luke echoed something that Babette had said about him earlier, and something clicked in her head and her heart.
Seeing Luke's tender gaze, Lorelai's heart began to pound beneath her velour sweatshirt. She had seen that look before a few years ago, sitting on the floor of the diner behind the counter, but it scared her and she fled. She also remembered seeing it during the dance marathon when he was fixing her shoe and they talked about parenthood. But they both looked away. But this time, she did not flinch.
"So Luke, are you ready to take that risk, and move beyond the comfort zone?"
Luke's breath caught in the back of his throat but he nodded, barely getting out the words.
"I think so."
"Really?" She smiled tentatively at him. "Are you sure?"
Luke nodded again and moved to sit closer to her until they were facing each other. He closed his eyes, not really believing what was happening. He went in for a kiss but the sound of nervous giggling stopped him.
His eyes flew open. "What's so funny?"
"You look so serious. I'm sorry I laughed.I guess I'm a little nervous."
Lorelai looked at her hands, feeling silly. What was she afraid of? This was Luke. But it was also Luke and she felt the doubt creep in. She saw his expectant face and didn't want to disappoint him. And unless she kissed him, she wouldn't really know the extent of her feelings. Besides, she did owe Jason an answer. Then, she realized more importantly, she owed herself and Luke an answer, too.
"Hey, let me try it this time." Lorelai put her arms around Luke's neck and went in for the kiss. This time their mouths met and they gently kissed each other, each careful not to part their lips. It lasted only a second or two but was long enough for each to sense the electricity they had created.
Lorelai pulled back first. "That was nice."
Luke agreed. "Yeah, um, do you want to try it again?"
Lorelai smiled at him so they gave it another round. This time they both leaned in at the same time and the kiss was not as gentle. It was more passionate and after a few seconds, Lorelai allowed her lips to part and felt Luke's tongue tease the tip of hers. They continued this duel until both felt the need to breathe.
They both pulled back and looked at each other, a bit breathless and contemplated what had just happened. They gave each other a look as to say, what now?
Luke smiled and shook his head. "I'm not sure what to do next. I've never been in this situation before."
"Me neither. So what do we do Luke, do we go on a date? Do we jump into bed?"
Luke looked embarrassed and shrugged. "Um, both?"
Lorelai laughed. "Well, why don't we try a date first, then we'll see how it goes. Just as long as we don't get on a ship and get married tomorrow."
"Ouch." Luke said and was instantly reminded of Nicole. "There's one small problem, I need to inform Nicole that we're separating, officially. I don't want her suing me for adultery."
Lorelai sighed. "So I guess the jumping into bed will have to wait."
"Afraid so. We'll just have to take this slow. I hope you don't mind."
"Well, we've waited this long, I'm sure I can wait a little longer."
Just then Luke yawned.
"Am I boring you Luke? Are you gonna fall asleep on my couch again?" Lorelai teased.
"Do you mind if I do, I am kind of beat." Luke replied.
"Well, since the movie's over I guess it's okay. Hey, if you want some company, you know where I'll be." Lorelai said in a suggestive tone pointing to the stairs.
"With that no adultery rule, I think I'll stay on the couch. I don't want to be tempted." Luke smiled.
Luke took off his boots and stretched out on the couch. Lorelai went to the linen closet to get him an extra pillow and her pink blanket. By the time she returned he was asleep.
She knelt beside him and smoothed the blanket around him. She removed his blue baseball cap, ran her fingers through his wavy hair and kissed him gently on the forehead. She watched him for a moment and smiled to herself. He really did look comfortable there, she thought.
"Goodnight, Mr. Sleepyhead." She whispered as she ascended the stairs to her bedroom.
As Lorelai settled into her own bed she felt comforted that Luke was sleeping soundly just one floor below. Not in Litchfield with Nicole - but in her home, in Stars Hollow, where Luke's heart was.
The End
A/N: You know I had to work the title into the end.
BTW, this story is an antidote to "I'm movin' on" by Dukesmom - beautifully written but really depressing. I probably won't write a sequel, so if you want to read a L/L in a relationship, read "It's right There" by Coffee Drinker or "A little Emotional" by Kasey22.
"Ah, you're Mr. Punctual, come on in." Lorelai stepped aside to let Luke in.
"I brought some food - a burger with everything and fries for you and a turkey burger and a salad for me." Luke said by way of a greeting.
"Punctual and bearing food, so far this night is a success. Did you bring dessert, too?"
"Of course, I wouldn't dare come to movie night without some apple pie."
Lorelai clapped her hands in delight. "And did you get a movie from the Lorelai approved list?"
"Yes, I got "Groundhog Day." Luke said, pulling the video out of the bag as he set down his other bag on the kitchen table.
"Ooh, this is so great. I've been on a Bill Murray kick ever since I saw "Lost in Translation." May the movie gods forgive me for ever bashing Sofia Coppola. Although I still say she's a sucky actress, so at least she found her calling as a film director."
Luke just nodded, he really had no idea what she was talking about. He was also amused by her outfit, she was wearing a velour sweat suit with the word "Juicy" on her butt. He wondered if she had worn that on purpose to get a reaction out of him. He tried to ignore her nicely shaped rear and concentrate on the mundane.
"So should we eat first?" Luke inquired.
"Let's heat this stuff in the microwave and then we can settle down and watch the movie."
A few minutes later, they settled on the couch, with takeout trays on their laps about to devour their burgers. Lorelai sat with her burger in one hand and a remote in the other.
"Okay, Luke, before we start, here are the non-rules. It's okay to talk over the movie, you can get up and go to the bathroom anytime you want and I'll pause it. I'll even replay a scene if you want. My only rule is that you don't fall asleep like you did last time."
"Why? I've been up since 5 AM."
"Because it's rude to fall asleep during a movie, it's an insult to the cast and crew."
"But it's not rude to talk over the movie? Isn't that also an insult to the cast and crew?"
"Luke, don't argue with me, you know you can't win." She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.
"Whatever you say, Miss Juicy Pants."
"Ah, you noticed." Lorelai smirked as she started the movie.
Lorelai had seen the movie several times before but Luke hadn't. She was surprised to hear him laugh heartily several times throughout the movie. She really hadn't heard Luke laugh much in the all the years she had known him. Occasionally she had gotten him to smile or chuckle, but laugh? It was a side of him she hadn't seen before.
Halfway through the film Lorelai announced. "I hate Andie MacDowell."
Luke turned to her. "Why? She's gorgeous and not a bad actress, either."
"I don't know, she just irritates me, that's all. And she acts with her hair."
"How does someone act with their hair?"
"She's all about tossing her curls around!" Lorelai demonstrated by tossing her mane of curls.
"Well, I think her hair is sexy." Luke said staring right at Lorelai, hoping she would get his veiled meaning.
She blushed and turned away. "Just watch the movie, Luke."
They watched the rest of the movie in relative silence, except for the occasional chuckle or laugh. When it was over, Lorelai turned to Luke.
"So, I guess you liked it, huh?"
"Yeah, Puxatawny looks a lot like Stars Hollow, doesn't it? And I sometimes feel like I'm trapped in the same repeated hell. I guess you could say I relate."
"I'd say so. You know, I've never heard you laugh so much. I think I've heard you laugh more tonight than in all the years I've known you. It's nice."
Luke cocked his head. "Nice?"
"Yeah, you've been grumpier than usual lately, it's nice to hear you laugh."
"Well, maybe it's because I feel free for the first time in months."
"What do you mean?" Lorelai asked.
"I guess the whole situation with Nicole was not very good for me. I thought I was happy just letting things flow, but I kind of felt trapped after a while. I mean, I care a lot about Nicole but she has all of these expectations. She pretends she doesn't but I sense it when she looks at me. She really wants me to be a real husband to her. I just don't think that I'm cut out for that." Luke admitted.
"Luke, I'm sure you could be a great husband." Lorelai assured him. "I just don't know if Nicole is the right wife."
"You may be right, Lorelai." He paused. "Remember what you said to me last night about home being where your heart is?"
Lorelai nodded as Luke continued. "You said that if Nicole's heart was truly with me, then she would move here. I realize now that my heart wasn't really with her, and that's why I couldn't move to Litchfield. My heart is here in Stars Hollow, for better or for worse."
"Sounds like you're married to the town, Luke."
"Yeah, with no divorce in sight." He sighed. "Speaking of divorce, I guess it's time for me to go ahead with it."
"I think that's a wise choice." Lorelai agreed.
They sat on the couch, contemplating the decision that Luke just made. Luke felt like a weight had been lifted with that decision. Since he was feeling a little bold, he decided to shift the topic a bit.
"So what about you, Lorelai?"
"What about me? I'm not getting a divorce."
"I meant, what about you and Jason? Have you figured out whatever the problem was?"
"Um, not really." Lorelai admitted.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Luke prodded. "I'm not the best at dating advice but maybe I could help?"
Lorelai sighed, not really wanting to go there. But she was running out of time and Jason wanted her to make a decision by the end of the week.
"Jason thinks I might have feelings for someone else." She said quietly.
"And why would he think that?"
"Because I've been distracted lately and have been talking about this 'someone else' in front of him."
"Hmm, I guess he would come to that conclusion." Luke wondered, nah, it couldn't be.
Lorelai looked at him. "I'm not sure, but I'm thinking maybe I do. It's really hard to figure it out because he's a big part of my life and I really depend on him. I'm not sure if it's just friendship we have or if there's something more there. And the truth is I'm kind of afraid to find out.."
"Why?" Luke was beginning to think that maybe..
"Because what if he doesn't have those feelings, too? Or what if he does? It might not even work out and one of the best things in my life would be completely ruined."
"Lorelai, you've never struck me as someone who plays it safe. Why not take the risk and find out? You may spend the rest of your life wondering what if..."
"Yeah, but.." Lorelai started to protest.
"Believe me, I know it's really hard to move beyond the comfort zone, where everything is predictable and safe."
"So Luke, you understand where I'm coming from." She searched his face for a sign of recognition.
"More than you know." Luke echoed something that Babette had said about him earlier, and something clicked in her head and her heart.
Seeing Luke's tender gaze, Lorelai's heart began to pound beneath her velour sweatshirt. She had seen that look before a few years ago, sitting on the floor of the diner behind the counter, but it scared her and she fled. She also remembered seeing it during the dance marathon when he was fixing her shoe and they talked about parenthood. But they both looked away. But this time, she did not flinch.
"So Luke, are you ready to take that risk, and move beyond the comfort zone?"
Luke's breath caught in the back of his throat but he nodded, barely getting out the words.
"I think so."
"Really?" She smiled tentatively at him. "Are you sure?"
Luke nodded again and moved to sit closer to her until they were facing each other. He closed his eyes, not really believing what was happening. He went in for a kiss but the sound of nervous giggling stopped him.
His eyes flew open. "What's so funny?"
"You look so serious. I'm sorry I laughed.I guess I'm a little nervous."
Lorelai looked at her hands, feeling silly. What was she afraid of? This was Luke. But it was also Luke and she felt the doubt creep in. She saw his expectant face and didn't want to disappoint him. And unless she kissed him, she wouldn't really know the extent of her feelings. Besides, she did owe Jason an answer. Then, she realized more importantly, she owed herself and Luke an answer, too.
"Hey, let me try it this time." Lorelai put her arms around Luke's neck and went in for the kiss. This time their mouths met and they gently kissed each other, each careful not to part their lips. It lasted only a second or two but was long enough for each to sense the electricity they had created.
Lorelai pulled back first. "That was nice."
Luke agreed. "Yeah, um, do you want to try it again?"
Lorelai smiled at him so they gave it another round. This time they both leaned in at the same time and the kiss was not as gentle. It was more passionate and after a few seconds, Lorelai allowed her lips to part and felt Luke's tongue tease the tip of hers. They continued this duel until both felt the need to breathe.
They both pulled back and looked at each other, a bit breathless and contemplated what had just happened. They gave each other a look as to say, what now?
Luke smiled and shook his head. "I'm not sure what to do next. I've never been in this situation before."
"Me neither. So what do we do Luke, do we go on a date? Do we jump into bed?"
Luke looked embarrassed and shrugged. "Um, both?"
Lorelai laughed. "Well, why don't we try a date first, then we'll see how it goes. Just as long as we don't get on a ship and get married tomorrow."
"Ouch." Luke said and was instantly reminded of Nicole. "There's one small problem, I need to inform Nicole that we're separating, officially. I don't want her suing me for adultery."
Lorelai sighed. "So I guess the jumping into bed will have to wait."
"Afraid so. We'll just have to take this slow. I hope you don't mind."
"Well, we've waited this long, I'm sure I can wait a little longer."
Just then Luke yawned.
"Am I boring you Luke? Are you gonna fall asleep on my couch again?" Lorelai teased.
"Do you mind if I do, I am kind of beat." Luke replied.
"Well, since the movie's over I guess it's okay. Hey, if you want some company, you know where I'll be." Lorelai said in a suggestive tone pointing to the stairs.
"With that no adultery rule, I think I'll stay on the couch. I don't want to be tempted." Luke smiled.
Luke took off his boots and stretched out on the couch. Lorelai went to the linen closet to get him an extra pillow and her pink blanket. By the time she returned he was asleep.
She knelt beside him and smoothed the blanket around him. She removed his blue baseball cap, ran her fingers through his wavy hair and kissed him gently on the forehead. She watched him for a moment and smiled to herself. He really did look comfortable there, she thought.
"Goodnight, Mr. Sleepyhead." She whispered as she ascended the stairs to her bedroom.
As Lorelai settled into her own bed she felt comforted that Luke was sleeping soundly just one floor below. Not in Litchfield with Nicole - but in her home, in Stars Hollow, where Luke's heart was.
The End
A/N: You know I had to work the title into the end.
BTW, this story is an antidote to "I'm movin' on" by Dukesmom - beautifully written but really depressing. I probably won't write a sequel, so if you want to read a L/L in a relationship, read "It's right There" by Coffee Drinker or "A little Emotional" by Kasey22.