The little house Dean was renting from Taylor was about a block and a half
away from Luke's Diner. Around midnight Rory and Dean walked over to the
diner to fetch Rory's car, by that time they were both pretty tired.
"Thanks Rory, I had a really good time tonight. Sorry though about unloading all my marital crap on you. It's just so easy for me to talk to you. Years of practice I guess."
"I had a nice time too. And how many times do I have to tell you I don't mind, that's what friends are for."
"Are you busy tomorrow? If not, would you like to meet for lunch?" Dean asked because he definitely wanted to spend some more time with Rory.
"Not until 7:30, we are having dinner at Sookie's house. I don't think my Mom is going to let me out of her sight all day, but if I can sneak away I would love to. I'll call you around noon to let you know if it's possible. How's that?"
"Yeah that works for me. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Goodnight Rory."
"Goodnight Dean" Rory said as she stepped forward towards Dean to hug him. With the feelings Dean had been harboring for Rory, he couldn't just handle a hug. As Rory hugged him, Dean leaned down and gently brushed his lips across Rory's. Nothing too intense but more of a light, simple, yet sensual peck. Rory was not sure what to do. She knew that she needed to remove herself from his embrace. She went to take a step back and unclasp her hands from around Dean's neck, but instead she slid her hands down to the small of his back. Then she lifted her head from where it had settled on his chest, tiptoed, looked into his eyes and then planted one on him.
This kiss was much more demanding but just as sensual. Both sets of lips were parted and their tongues began to massage each other. The intensity of the lip lock slowly dies down. And the two parties involved decided simultaneously that they needed oxygen. Slowly they parted to breathe and Rory removed her hands from the Dean's buttocks. He withdrew his hands that were cradling her porcelain face. They were separated now just standing silently looking at each other.
Dean broke the silence. "Ror, I'm sorry if I was out of line. I just needed to kiss you."
"No Dean it was sweet. I'm sorry for the death grip on your butt." She blushed as she spoke the words.
"Oh no don't ever, ever apologize for that." Dean replied wearing a very large pleased smile.
"Well, on that note, I am going to hit the road. Talk to you tomorrow."
"OK Goodnight Ror."
Rory got in her car and pulled away waving. Dean waved and muttered to himself "I love you Rory". With a dramatic sigh he turned on his heels and walked home thinking about his failed marriage, Rory Gilmore, and her hands on his ass.
^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%
I am finally home, Rory thought when she walked up the front steps onto the porch of the Gilmore house. This was her home, Boston would never feel like home to her. A sleek black bag was slung over her shoulder as she opened the front door. This bag carried her essentials, she had decided against lugging the rest of her stuff in from the car at this hour. It would have to wait until morning. The television in the livingroom was on. She went to turn it off and she noticed her Mom and Luke wrapped in a blanket sleeping on the couch. Rory hit the power button on the TV, glanced at the sleeping couple on the couch one more time and went to her room to get ready for bed.
After a quick trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth, Rory climbed into her bed and was fast asleep.
*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*
About 5:30 am. Luke began to stir on the couch. He opened his eyes very unsure of his surroundings until he realized a sleeping Lorelai in his arms. It seemed like every time they had a movie night, they fell asleep in the livingroom, luckily the couch was comfy. Luke wiggled out of the slender arms that were tangled around him and rolled off the couch without disturbing Lorelai. Quickly he climbed the stairs and made way towards Lorelai's bedroom to get fresh clothes from his drawer in her dresser. Then he went into the bathroom to get a shower.
While Luke was washing himself with his rubber ducky shaped soap on the rope, a gift from Lorelai. He began to think about her and the relationship that they shared. They had been together now almost a year and had been skirting around the issue of living together for the past couple of months. Luke did not understand the big deal, they were together every night. It was like they lived in the same house anyway, he had things at her house and she had things at his place. Most nights they stayed at her house but a few nights a week they slept at the cramped little apartment above the diner that Luke called home. Luke decided it was now time to reopen the cohabitation negotiations again. He knew he was ready, he had been ready since the beginning, Luke hoped that Lorelai was ready now too.
After that realization Luke's thoughts turned to Rory. He wondered if she had a good time with Dean and if she had come home. He hoped she had come home because if not, he knew he was in deep shit with her mother. Lorelai was all ready a bit pissed at him for bringing up the idea of Rory and Dean hanging out last night. She had wanted Rory to stay home with her and Luke to watch movies and talk. Luke rinsed off, hopped out of the tub, dressed and then down the stairs he went directly into the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Luke set up the coffee maker and put the timer on, so that in an hour it would brew automatically. That way it would be done by the time Lorelai woke up. Luke opened the junk drawer and got out a pen and paper to scribble a note for Lorelai. He wrote...
Lorelai, started your coffee. Had to open the diner, see you for breakfast. We need to talk, and No there is nothing wrong. I think it is a good thing and it's not about Rory and Dean, just you and I. Love you, Luke
He was about to leave when he saw Rory's door was cracked open. He walked over to it and peeked in. He let out a sigh of relief, he wasn't in trouble Rory was asleep in her bed. Luke exited the house by the back door and headed to the diner.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Rory woke up to the smell of coffee filling the air. It's so good to be home she thought. She rose from her bed knowing that her mother was not awake yet. She looked around her room trying to locate her cell phone, she needed to make a call before her Mom did get up. Spotting it laying on the floor next to her overnight bag she went to retrieve it and started to dial as the phone on her night table started ringing.
Rory rushed over and grabbed it. "Hello" she said sounding a little nervous and wondering who would be calling this early.
"Why don't you ever answer your cell?" asked the agitated male voice on the other end.
"Umm...... it hasn't rung. Why are you calling here? And...." Rory said then her words were cut off by the voice.
"Let me guess you don't want to talk to me. I called because I have been worried about you."
"OK well as you now know I am fine, so no need to worry. Bye." Rory said sarcastically but did not hang up the phone like she had intended. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed to hear his voice.
"When are you going to stop freaking out and talk about this?" He asked interrupting Rory's thoughts.
"How about never?" She stated not asked.
"Rory stop being so damn stubborn. We have to talk, I love you and I want to..." This time she cut him off, "I don't want to talk about this and I don't care what you want." And with that she hung up the phone.
Rory was not ready to discuss this baby situation yet not with anyone. But she knew that she did love him no matter how much of an asshole he was. Tears were threatening to sting her eyes. And it seemed as if on cue the telephone on the night table started to ring again.
No pleasantries at all this time. "I told you already I do not want to speak to you. I have nothing to say so stop calling my house." Rory was about to hang up when she heard Luke's voice.
"Excuse me? Rory?"
"Umm.. I'm sorry. Hi Luke."
"Rory, what's going on?" Luke asked sternly.
"Nothing Luke."
"Are you OK?" Luke asked knowing something was wrong. Silently he wished she would just open up.
"Yeah Luke, I am fine. How are you this morning?"
Guess not, Luke thought. "I'm good but I am not stupid. How about you get over here to eat breakfast and tell me what is going on."
"Oh no thank you Luke, I'm not hungry."
"Rory, I wasn't really asking if you wanted to. I am telling you nicely to get your little butt over here so we can talk. I'll see you in fifteen minutes." Luke stated firmly and hung up the phone, leaving Rory on the other end speechless.
Rory got up shoved her feet in her sneakers, pulled a heavy white sweatshirt over her head. She picked up her car keys then changed her mind, dropped them back down on the nightstand. Maybe a morning stroll will clear my head a little. And then out the back door she went in her red pajama pants that had big white roses all over them. Not until out in the sunlight did she think she should have gotten dressed because now all of Stars Hollow would be talking about Rory's sleeping attire.
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%
Rory walked through the door of the diner and right up to the counter to sit down. Her mind was racing, she had no idea what she was going to say to Luke, but she knew she had to be honest. She would just have to roll with the punches and see what happens. Luke came out of the kitchen when he heard Rory enter. The diner was empty except for the two of them. Out of habit Luke went to pour Rory a cup of coffee when he remembered that her addiction was mysteriously cured.
"Would you like an orange juice?"
"Yeah that'll work Luke."
Luke put the glass of OJ down in front of Rory before he started the conversation. "Rory, I want to know what's going on. Don't tell me nothing, cut the crap. OK I am worried and I don't worry. Your mother is worried and I didn't even tell her that you swore off coffee. Do you realize how worried she is going to be when she realizes you are not consuming the daily Gilmore recommended amount of caffeine. If there is something wrong you know you can confide in us. We love you."
"Luke, I love you guys too. I am sorry if you are worried. But I am fine, everything is fine. Noth... I'll be OK."
"Rory, you do know I can tell that everything is not fine and you can tell me anything you want. If you don't want me to tell your Mom, I won't."
"OK Luke, You want the truth. I'll give it to you. I'm twenty-three years old, I just finished school, I have a great job. And now I am screwing up all my plans."
"That's impossible, you have everything going for you. You are a smart, beautiful girl. How could you possibly mess anything up?"
"Luke, I am pregnant." As the words came out of Rory's mouth, the first of the day's customers entered the diner. It was Kirk, Luke walked over to him and informed that the diner would be closed for a while and made him leave. Luke locked the door behind Kirk and turned the sign to 'Sorry, Closed' and returned to the counter. A now scared, crying Rory was perched on a stool, staring off into space.
Rory was in shock, she couldn't believe she blurted that out the way she did. "Hey kiddo, let's go upstairs to talk so we can get away from Kirk." Rory stood up and realized what Luke meant, Kirk was standing outside with his nose pushed up against the window.
They went upstairs to Luke's little apartment to talk, but when they got up there they just sat staring at each other. Luke did not know how to comfort Rory. He had no clue what to say. Rory was like his daughter and now all he could think was now I am going to be a grandfather too.
"So Rory, What are you going to do? Have you decided?"
"Yes, Luke I am going to have the baby. I am scared though."
"You are not alone, we are here for you, you'll have a lot of help. Does the father know? I am guessing the father is who you thought was on the phone this morning."
"Yes, Luke, he knows. He wants to get married."
"I am guessing that you don't."
"It's not that I don't, but I believe he asked me just because of the baby. And if that is the case, then no I don't want to."
"How long have you known him?"
"A few years." Luke's heart rose into his throat he had a weird feeling that Rory was going to say that Jess was the father. He knew that Jess had been to visit Rory in Boston a few times. For the next few moments all Luke thought about was, how he was going to murder Jess.
"Rory, can you tell me who the father is? Then we can figure out how to tell your Mom, and everything will be OK."
"Tristan DuGrey"
"Thanks Rory, I had a really good time tonight. Sorry though about unloading all my marital crap on you. It's just so easy for me to talk to you. Years of practice I guess."
"I had a nice time too. And how many times do I have to tell you I don't mind, that's what friends are for."
"Are you busy tomorrow? If not, would you like to meet for lunch?" Dean asked because he definitely wanted to spend some more time with Rory.
"Not until 7:30, we are having dinner at Sookie's house. I don't think my Mom is going to let me out of her sight all day, but if I can sneak away I would love to. I'll call you around noon to let you know if it's possible. How's that?"
"Yeah that works for me. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Goodnight Rory."
"Goodnight Dean" Rory said as she stepped forward towards Dean to hug him. With the feelings Dean had been harboring for Rory, he couldn't just handle a hug. As Rory hugged him, Dean leaned down and gently brushed his lips across Rory's. Nothing too intense but more of a light, simple, yet sensual peck. Rory was not sure what to do. She knew that she needed to remove herself from his embrace. She went to take a step back and unclasp her hands from around Dean's neck, but instead she slid her hands down to the small of his back. Then she lifted her head from where it had settled on his chest, tiptoed, looked into his eyes and then planted one on him.
This kiss was much more demanding but just as sensual. Both sets of lips were parted and their tongues began to massage each other. The intensity of the lip lock slowly dies down. And the two parties involved decided simultaneously that they needed oxygen. Slowly they parted to breathe and Rory removed her hands from the Dean's buttocks. He withdrew his hands that were cradling her porcelain face. They were separated now just standing silently looking at each other.
Dean broke the silence. "Ror, I'm sorry if I was out of line. I just needed to kiss you."
"No Dean it was sweet. I'm sorry for the death grip on your butt." She blushed as she spoke the words.
"Oh no don't ever, ever apologize for that." Dean replied wearing a very large pleased smile.
"Well, on that note, I am going to hit the road. Talk to you tomorrow."
"OK Goodnight Ror."
Rory got in her car and pulled away waving. Dean waved and muttered to himself "I love you Rory". With a dramatic sigh he turned on his heels and walked home thinking about his failed marriage, Rory Gilmore, and her hands on his ass.
^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%^^%
I am finally home, Rory thought when she walked up the front steps onto the porch of the Gilmore house. This was her home, Boston would never feel like home to her. A sleek black bag was slung over her shoulder as she opened the front door. This bag carried her essentials, she had decided against lugging the rest of her stuff in from the car at this hour. It would have to wait until morning. The television in the livingroom was on. She went to turn it off and she noticed her Mom and Luke wrapped in a blanket sleeping on the couch. Rory hit the power button on the TV, glanced at the sleeping couple on the couch one more time and went to her room to get ready for bed.
After a quick trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth, Rory climbed into her bed and was fast asleep.
*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*
About 5:30 am. Luke began to stir on the couch. He opened his eyes very unsure of his surroundings until he realized a sleeping Lorelai in his arms. It seemed like every time they had a movie night, they fell asleep in the livingroom, luckily the couch was comfy. Luke wiggled out of the slender arms that were tangled around him and rolled off the couch without disturbing Lorelai. Quickly he climbed the stairs and made way towards Lorelai's bedroom to get fresh clothes from his drawer in her dresser. Then he went into the bathroom to get a shower.
While Luke was washing himself with his rubber ducky shaped soap on the rope, a gift from Lorelai. He began to think about her and the relationship that they shared. They had been together now almost a year and had been skirting around the issue of living together for the past couple of months. Luke did not understand the big deal, they were together every night. It was like they lived in the same house anyway, he had things at her house and she had things at his place. Most nights they stayed at her house but a few nights a week they slept at the cramped little apartment above the diner that Luke called home. Luke decided it was now time to reopen the cohabitation negotiations again. He knew he was ready, he had been ready since the beginning, Luke hoped that Lorelai was ready now too.
After that realization Luke's thoughts turned to Rory. He wondered if she had a good time with Dean and if she had come home. He hoped she had come home because if not, he knew he was in deep shit with her mother. Lorelai was all ready a bit pissed at him for bringing up the idea of Rory and Dean hanging out last night. She had wanted Rory to stay home with her and Luke to watch movies and talk. Luke rinsed off, hopped out of the tub, dressed and then down the stairs he went directly into the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Luke set up the coffee maker and put the timer on, so that in an hour it would brew automatically. That way it would be done by the time Lorelai woke up. Luke opened the junk drawer and got out a pen and paper to scribble a note for Lorelai. He wrote...
Lorelai, started your coffee. Had to open the diner, see you for breakfast. We need to talk, and No there is nothing wrong. I think it is a good thing and it's not about Rory and Dean, just you and I. Love you, Luke
He was about to leave when he saw Rory's door was cracked open. He walked over to it and peeked in. He let out a sigh of relief, he wasn't in trouble Rory was asleep in her bed. Luke exited the house by the back door and headed to the diner.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Rory woke up to the smell of coffee filling the air. It's so good to be home she thought. She rose from her bed knowing that her mother was not awake yet. She looked around her room trying to locate her cell phone, she needed to make a call before her Mom did get up. Spotting it laying on the floor next to her overnight bag she went to retrieve it and started to dial as the phone on her night table started ringing.
Rory rushed over and grabbed it. "Hello" she said sounding a little nervous and wondering who would be calling this early.
"Why don't you ever answer your cell?" asked the agitated male voice on the other end.
"Umm...... it hasn't rung. Why are you calling here? And...." Rory said then her words were cut off by the voice.
"Let me guess you don't want to talk to me. I called because I have been worried about you."
"OK well as you now know I am fine, so no need to worry. Bye." Rory said sarcastically but did not hang up the phone like she had intended. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed to hear his voice.
"When are you going to stop freaking out and talk about this?" He asked interrupting Rory's thoughts.
"How about never?" She stated not asked.
"Rory stop being so damn stubborn. We have to talk, I love you and I want to..." This time she cut him off, "I don't want to talk about this and I don't care what you want." And with that she hung up the phone.
Rory was not ready to discuss this baby situation yet not with anyone. But she knew that she did love him no matter how much of an asshole he was. Tears were threatening to sting her eyes. And it seemed as if on cue the telephone on the night table started to ring again.
No pleasantries at all this time. "I told you already I do not want to speak to you. I have nothing to say so stop calling my house." Rory was about to hang up when she heard Luke's voice.
"Excuse me? Rory?"
"Umm.. I'm sorry. Hi Luke."
"Rory, what's going on?" Luke asked sternly.
"Nothing Luke."
"Are you OK?" Luke asked knowing something was wrong. Silently he wished she would just open up.
"Yeah Luke, I am fine. How are you this morning?"
Guess not, Luke thought. "I'm good but I am not stupid. How about you get over here to eat breakfast and tell me what is going on."
"Oh no thank you Luke, I'm not hungry."
"Rory, I wasn't really asking if you wanted to. I am telling you nicely to get your little butt over here so we can talk. I'll see you in fifteen minutes." Luke stated firmly and hung up the phone, leaving Rory on the other end speechless.
Rory got up shoved her feet in her sneakers, pulled a heavy white sweatshirt over her head. She picked up her car keys then changed her mind, dropped them back down on the nightstand. Maybe a morning stroll will clear my head a little. And then out the back door she went in her red pajama pants that had big white roses all over them. Not until out in the sunlight did she think she should have gotten dressed because now all of Stars Hollow would be talking about Rory's sleeping attire.
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%
Rory walked through the door of the diner and right up to the counter to sit down. Her mind was racing, she had no idea what she was going to say to Luke, but she knew she had to be honest. She would just have to roll with the punches and see what happens. Luke came out of the kitchen when he heard Rory enter. The diner was empty except for the two of them. Out of habit Luke went to pour Rory a cup of coffee when he remembered that her addiction was mysteriously cured.
"Would you like an orange juice?"
"Yeah that'll work Luke."
Luke put the glass of OJ down in front of Rory before he started the conversation. "Rory, I want to know what's going on. Don't tell me nothing, cut the crap. OK I am worried and I don't worry. Your mother is worried and I didn't even tell her that you swore off coffee. Do you realize how worried she is going to be when she realizes you are not consuming the daily Gilmore recommended amount of caffeine. If there is something wrong you know you can confide in us. We love you."
"Luke, I love you guys too. I am sorry if you are worried. But I am fine, everything is fine. Noth... I'll be OK."
"Rory, you do know I can tell that everything is not fine and you can tell me anything you want. If you don't want me to tell your Mom, I won't."
"OK Luke, You want the truth. I'll give it to you. I'm twenty-three years old, I just finished school, I have a great job. And now I am screwing up all my plans."
"That's impossible, you have everything going for you. You are a smart, beautiful girl. How could you possibly mess anything up?"
"Luke, I am pregnant." As the words came out of Rory's mouth, the first of the day's customers entered the diner. It was Kirk, Luke walked over to him and informed that the diner would be closed for a while and made him leave. Luke locked the door behind Kirk and turned the sign to 'Sorry, Closed' and returned to the counter. A now scared, crying Rory was perched on a stool, staring off into space.
Rory was in shock, she couldn't believe she blurted that out the way she did. "Hey kiddo, let's go upstairs to talk so we can get away from Kirk." Rory stood up and realized what Luke meant, Kirk was standing outside with his nose pushed up against the window.
They went upstairs to Luke's little apartment to talk, but when they got up there they just sat staring at each other. Luke did not know how to comfort Rory. He had no clue what to say. Rory was like his daughter and now all he could think was now I am going to be a grandfather too.
"So Rory, What are you going to do? Have you decided?"
"Yes, Luke I am going to have the baby. I am scared though."
"You are not alone, we are here for you, you'll have a lot of help. Does the father know? I am guessing the father is who you thought was on the phone this morning."
"Yes, Luke, he knows. He wants to get married."
"I am guessing that you don't."
"It's not that I don't, but I believe he asked me just because of the baby. And if that is the case, then no I don't want to."
"How long have you known him?"
"A few years." Luke's heart rose into his throat he had a weird feeling that Rory was going to say that Jess was the father. He knew that Jess had been to visit Rory in Boston a few times. For the next few moments all Luke thought about was, how he was going to murder Jess.
"Rory, can you tell me who the father is? Then we can figure out how to tell your Mom, and everything will be OK."
"Tristan DuGrey"
