Author's Note: Hopefully I'm still keeping this interesting. It's getting to where I wanted to go so it should conclude in a few chapters, or five or ten. It kinda depends. Thanks for the reviews. I don't own Gilmore Girls or this song...

Everyday by Dave Matthews Band...
Left to right
Up and up and inside out right
Good love fight for everyday
Jump in the mud, mud
Get your hands filthy, love
Give it up, love
Everyday...

Luke woke the next morning and it took him a moment before he fully realized where he was. He glanced down his chest to see Lorelai's head resting comfortably there. He smiled in spite of himself. With the exception of Lorelai's comments about Rory, last night was the best night of his life. For the first time in his life Luke felt content, happy, giddy even.

As much as he hated to do it he looked over at the clock and noticed how late it was. He must have been exhausted because he noticed that it was past 9 a.m. He hadn't remembered sleeping in that late in a very long time. He knew he had to get up ad get to the diner, but he felt awful moving and waking Lorelai. Then he remembered who he was thinking about. Lorelai could sleep through an air raid, a Fourth of July fireworks display and a marching band all at the same time.

He gently moved her arm to the side and slid away from her. She immediately turned on her side, but her eyes remained closed. Luke slithered out of bed quietly and rummaged the floor for his pants. He finally found them and was in the process of looking for his shirt when he realized that it was still in the living room. He tiptoed toward the door when he heard Lorelai's voice.

"So you're a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy, are you?" she teased him groggily as she opened her eyes and pushed her hair out of her face.

"Lorelai," he replied startled. "No, I was, it's late and I didn't want to wake you," he said trying to defend himself.

Lorelai raised a hand and swatted the air. "Luke, I'm kidding," she said with a smile. "Although I can't say I blame you for sneaking out when you wake up next to a woman looking like this," she said running her hand through the air around her face indicting her less than perfect morning look.

"That's crazy," Luke said coming over to the bed and squatting next to it. "There is no one else I'd rather wake up with," he said with a small grin and he leaned in and gave her a quick peck.

"You know for a player you're sure attentive," she said getting up out of bed. "You're also missing some clothing," she said gesturing to his lack of shirt. "Not that I'm complaining. It's definitely a look I could get used too." She ran her hands lazily down Luke's chest.

"Yeah well I was looking for my shirt when I remembered that a sex-crazed maniac ripped it off downstairs last night," he jokingly said turning to go downstairs.

"Ha, I don't recall you complaining about that last night mister," she yelled down the stairs as she threw on a skimpy pair of shorts and short tank top to follow him down the steps.

"Yeah well not only am I a love 'em and leave kind of guy, I also like my women with a little bit of dominatrix in them!" he shouted back up as she bounded down the stairs.

"Well then it looks like you've found the right girl," she said pulling him toward her and kissing him before he could throw his shirt on.

At that moment the doorbell rang. Both Luke and Lorelai looked at each other and then toward the door. They both knew they were yelling pretty loudly and there was a pretty good chance that whoever rang the doorbell probably heard the tail end of their little conversation. Lorelai sighed and walked over to the door as Luke quickly pulled his T-shirt over his head.

Lorelai opened the door and saw her father standing in front of her looking uncomfortable.

"Dad," Lorelai said surprised.

"Good morning Lorelai," her father said slightly uncomfortably. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Lorelai looked down at the floor. He had either heard the conversation that she and Luke had carelessly yelled through the house or he was making value judgements based on her attire. She couldn't really blame him. Her shorts gave Daisy Duke a run for her money and her tank top had a small picture of a chicken with hot pink letters encrusted with sequence that said 'I'm finger lickin' good.'

"Uh, no Dad," Lorelai finally spit out. "You not interrupting anything. Uh, what are you doing here?"

"Lorelai are you going to invite me in?" Richard asked slightly agitated.

"Oh, yeah, sure, I mean, come in," she said moving out of the way and gesturing him through the door.

It was at moment that Luke emerged from the living room clad in his usual T- shirt and flannel, except in his haste to button up properly the buttons were misalign.

"Hello there Mr. Gilmore, Luke Danes, nice to see you again," Luke said shaking Richard's hand a little too enthusiastically. "Yeah so Lorelai, I, uh, took a look at the garbage disposal and I think it needs a new motor. So I'll come by later and replace it for you," Luke said trying to hid the fact that he had spent the night. He knew that Emily knew about their relationship, but he was fairly certain that her father didn't. Luke didn't want to be known as that diner man who spent the night quite yet.

"Oh, "Lorelai said shaking her head in agreement. "Okay, well I really appreciate you coming over to look at it Luke. I will see you later then," Lorelai said grateful for his lie.

Richard watched Luke exit and said, "He certainly was here early. It looks like you just woke up."

"Uh, yeah, well I'm just lucky he offered to come over and take a look at the dishwasher," Lorelai replied.

"You mean garbage disposal?" Richard asked.

"Yes, yes I did mean garbage disposal," Lorelai corrected herself. "Well they're all in the kitchen right? In fact, you know, I might have Luke take a look at the dishwasher next time's he's here. You know, just make sure everything is okay in the kitchen," Lorelai babbled.

Richard and Lorelai entered the living room. Lorelai noticed her shirt from the night before laying on the coffee table. She quickly ran to the couch and threw a couple magazines over the shirt, hoping her father didn't notice. They sat down next to each other on the couch and Lorelai waited for Richard to speak. When he didn't speak she knew she would have to play Oprah for a while.

"So what can I do for you Dad?" Lorelai asked. "You're not exactly a regular here in Stars Hollow."

"I'm here because I need to talk to you about your mother," Richard stated. "You were...right," he said struggling to get out the last word of the sentence. "My behavior gave you mother no reason to trust my word. I am at fault."

Lorelai was surprised by her father's candor. She hadn't even thought he was listening to her during their visit the other day. She was more blown away by the fact that not only did he listen, but also took her words to heart.

"Wow," was all Lorelai managed to reply.

"Yes, wow," Richard replied drolly. "Lorelai I need your help. I love your mother and I've apologized but it doesn't seem to be enough. What can I do to win her back?"

"Geez Dad I don't know!" Lorelai exclaimed. "Why are you asking me?"

"Because you know your mother Lorelai. You can help me figure out what to do," Richard told her.

"I know Mom? Dad, are you sure you're aware of who you're talking to?" Lorelai said flabbergasted.

"She's your mother Lorelai. You know what she likes, what it will take to get her to come back," Richard explained.

"Uh, in case you hadn't noticed, Mom and I aren't exact Naomi and Wynonna Judd. I don't know what Mom would like," Lorelai tried to reason with her father.

Lorelai took a good look at her father and saw the confusion and hurt on his face. It was obvious that he had messed up. But it was also obvious that he felt truly awful and wanted to do whatever it took to make it right. Hell, he had driven all the way to Stars Hollow for her opinion and admitted he was wrong. The least she could do was help him.

Lorelai took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm sorry Dad," she said. "You just caught me really off guard. Now you said you apologized to Mom, but how did you do it? I mean, were you really sorry when you said it?"

"Of course I was sorry," Richard replied offended. "I don't say things I don't mean Lorelai."

"I know dad," Lorelai sighed. "I meant was it heart-felt? Did you plan it out or did you just say it to end a fight?"

"It may have been said in the heat of an argument," Richard conceded.

"Okay, well how about if you apologize and explain yourself in a way that isn't so expected," Lorelai suggested.

"Well how would I do that?" Richard asked.

"Um, well, since Mom is in Europe for the next week, maybe you could write her a letter?" Lorelai suggested.

"Lorelai, mail takes longer than a week to get to Europe," Richard told her.

"Oh yeah. Well what about an old-fashioned telegram?" Lorelai said.

"A telegram?" Richard replied.

"Yeah," Lorelai said standing and starting to get more animated. "You could sent Mom a telegram telling her how sorry you are and how much you still love her. And then you could ask her to meet you for a date when she got back from Europe. It would be very Humphrey Bogart," Lorelai said.

"Humphrey Bogart was a drunk Lorelai," Richard dismissed her.

"Okay, fine, very Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire. Pick one-it would be romantic," Lorelai urged him.

"And besides that your mother and I are already married. You don't date when you're married," Richard said as if he hadn't heard Lorelai continue her list.

"But see Dad, that is the problem," Lorelai said sitting next to her father again. "Mom stopped feeling special. Why don't you take her out to a fabulous restaurant, or somewhere that is special to the two of you? You could woo her."

"Woo her?" Richard questioned.

"Of course," Lorelai replied. "Women like to be wooed every once in while."

"That is ridiculous Lorelai. I'm a married man. I shouldn't have to take my own wife out on a date," Richard scoffed.

"Well you shouldn't have kissed that other woman either, but now you have to pay the piper," Lorelai told him.

"Women like to be wooed?" Richard asked again hoping her answer would change.

"They love it, trust me," Lorelai said with a playful slap on her father's knee.

"Should I assume that that fellow Luke has wooed you sufficiently then?" Richard asked uncomfortably.

Lorelai blushed. She hated discussing men with her father. She always felt like she was 16 again and what she had done was wrong. He had obviously heard the end of their conversation, or had deduced that Luke had spent the night since Lorelai was so scantily clad and Luke was over so early.

"Uh, yes, actually Dad, Luke is a very good wooer," Lorelai said, keeping her response unusually brief.

"And what things did he do to make you interested in him?" Richard asked.

"Well, come on Dad, you and Mom had to have dated before you were married. What kinds of things did you do? Where would you go on dates? Did you bring her flowers? Just think of the things Mom used to like when you first met."

"Well she did like when I brought her flowers. We used to go a little restaurant called Marty's. Your mother loved that place," Richard reminisced.

"You and Mom went to a place called Marty's? Are you sure it wasn't Le Chateau Maurice?" Lorelai cracked a joke.

"Yes, I'm sure, "Richard said exasperated. "It was this cozy little diner in Hartford. It closed down years ago, but it was very quaint. We used to talk for hours over coffee."

"That sounds nice," Lorelai said. "Well I think you should get Mom to meet you when she gets back from Europe and go somewhere like that again. It might be nice. Maybe you'll have the opportunity to explain what happened a little better this time," Lorelai said.

"Yes, maybe we will," Richard said with a hazy look in his eyes. It was as if he was trying to recapture the memories and transform them into real life.

Richard stood up and started to walk to the door. "Thank you for your help Lorelai," he said.

"You're welcome," Lorelai replied shyly walking with him.

"You might want to call Luke and tell him that his shirt buttons were very askew," Richard said uncomfortably as he turned to leave.

"Uh, sure, thanks Dad," Lorelai said waving goodbye to her father.

Luke entered the diner, much later than usual and noticed it was very busy. He had decided to get to his apartment through the back door, which turned out to be a very idea considering his shirt buttons were crooked and he had obviously not slept at his apartment last night.

Luke poked his head into the kitchen and talked to Caesar who seemed to have everything under control despite Luke's tardiness. He hadn't intended to be so late, but he had to admit that being late was definitely worth it after the night had spent with Lorelai. In fact Luke felt like he was wearing a stupid, boyish grin, but as hard as he tried he couldn't pry the smile from his lips.

"Oh Luke," Patty called when she saw him emerge from the kitchen. She was sitting with Babette and Morey and Luke knew that wasn't a good sign.

Luke walked over to their table, coffeepot in hand. "Morning Patty," Luke said a little too chipper.

"Good morning Luke," Patty cooed. "How are you this today?"

"I'm good, thanks for asking. What can I get you?" Luke asked trying to be his usual brisk self.

"That's so nice. Are you feeling a little exhausted this morning dear? I noticed you were late," Patty said glancing at Babette. Babette looked as though she was trying to stifle a grin and Morey looked at Luke like he felt sorry for him.

"No, not exhausted," Luke told her. "I just slept a little later than usual. Can I get you something?" Luke asked hoping against hope she would order and move on.

"No dear, I'm terrific," Patty smiled. "But I think Babette has a question for you."

"It's no big deal," Babette said. "I just thought I noticed your truck outside Lorelai's last night," Babette said.

"Oh, well I stopped by her place after work," Luke replied.

"Hmm," Patty murmured.

"Oh that's great sugar," Babette said. "I was just saying to Morey last night that Lorelai must be awfully lonely in that big house with Rory off in Europe."

"Well Rory's been at school for a year. I think she might be used to it," Luke replied.

"Oh yeah maybe," Babette said. "It's just nice to know that you're around to keep her company."

"All night," Patty whispered.

"What?" Luke said alarmed.

"Oh nothing honey," Patty said. "Babette was just saying she thought she saw your car at Lorelai's last night and I know I saw it parked out front this morning. It was nice of you to stay there and keep her company all night," Patty told him.

Luke's face turned a shade of magenta. Luckily he hadn't had time to shave that morning so his two-day-old stubble covered up some of the color. He knew dating Lorelai under the watchful eyes of Stars Hollow would be difficult but he hadn't realized that his sex life would be on parade for the whole town to see.

"Uh, well that really isn't any of your business Patty," Luke said uncomfortably.

Patty laid a hand lightly on Luke's wrist. "Oh dear, we don't want to embarrass you. It's about damn time you two got off your good-looking asses and did something like this," Patty told him.

Luke, although mortified and irritated that Patty and the rest of the town seemed to know that he spent the night at Lorelai's, couldn't help but suppress a small grin as he walked away from their table.

Lorelai entered the diner a little after 8 p.m. Like Luke, she had been late for work and the visit with her father made her doubly late. Although Lorelai had to admit that one of the perks to owning her own inn was that she didn't have to explain her tardiness to anyone. Nevertheless she did tell Sookie the exact reason for late arrival. Sookie, always excitable, was so happy for the both Luke and Lorelai. She had seen Lorelai in relationship after relationship, but deep down she always felt that Luke and Lorelai were the perfect fit. Lorelai seemed to bring out a happier, more carefree Luke and Luke seemed to bring out a more confident, content Lorelai.

Although at work, Lorelai managed to hear the gossip the whole town was fixated on—Luke's truck was at her house all night. Everyone knew what that meant and Lorelai, though mildly upset that people knew, felt so happy that it didn't really bother her that much. She only hoped Luke felt the same way. Lorelai was also secretly grateful that the Dean/Rory gossip seemed to have disappeared.

Lorelai sat at the counter and waited for Luke to come over.

"Hey there hot stuff!" she said happily as Luke poured her a cup of coffee.

"Hey, don't call me that in here," Luke hissed, not mad, just paranoid. He scanned the diner to see how many people had heard her.

"Oh relax," Lorelai told him swatting his hand. "They already know, believe me. I am the Paris Hilton of this town. If only we'd thought to record the event. I think we'd have made a killing in video sales," Lorelai said contemplating her idea.

"That is so wrong on so many levels," Luke replied.

"Oh come on, it could be great. Kirk could be our wholesale distributor, maybe Lane and her band could add the background music," Lorelai said with a smile.

Luke leaned across the counter and said quietly, "Can't I just have you all to myself for a while before we go selling the rights to Cinemax?"

"You can definitely have me all to yourself. Just let me know when honeybunch," Lorelai said with a sly grin, which Luke returned happily.

"You know, not only are we the talk of the town, but your mood today has been reported as, and I quote, 'almost pleasant' by a certain town magistrate," Lorelai informed him.

"Taylor?" Luke said in disgust. Lorelai nodded. "It figures. I knew I gave him too much coleslaw at lunch. Why are people taking about my mood anyway?"

"Everyone talks about your mood. In fact a while back we wondered if we should all chip in and buy a couple of those weather symbols and a sign that says, 'Today Luke is sunny, rainy, cloudy,' you know. It was a pretty good idea," Lorelai told him.

"You're kidding me," Luke replied.

"Nope, your mood affects the whole town my little burger flipper," Lorelai said.

The diner was fairly empty so Luke had time to talk. He leaned on his elbows on the counter. "Okay, what's up with the names?" Luke asked her.

"What names dumpling?" Lorelai asked trying to act innocent.

"You've been in here for about five minutes and so far you've called me hot stuff, honeybunch, my little burger flipper and dumpling. I am not a cutesie name kind of guy," he stated.

"Oh come on, you need a nickname!" Lorelai protested.

"I'm sure you'll no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't nicknames supposed to be short for something? My name is short enough already," he told her.

"Well of course you're wrong," Lorelai informed him. "First of all your name is Lucas, which you never let anyone call you. Second, it's not so much a nickname as a term of endearment. What if we're out in a crowd and I get lost and I can't find you? So I yell out Luke and what if 30 guys named Luke turn around? I'll still be lost. But if I yell out 'hey, My Little Strawberry Danish of Love,' then you'll be the only one to turn around and I'll be found again," she explained.

"My Little Strawberry Danish of Love?" he asked inquisitively.

"Well, I couldn't think of a good one and the pastries are right there," she said pointing to the covered pastry tray.

"First of all, I'm not planning on taking you to a Luke convention so 30 guys with my name shouldn't be a problem. Second, I don't need a fruity nickname," Luke said firmly turning around to grab a rag.

"Are you sure? What about Snookums? Love Muffin? Mr. Good Lovin'?" Lorelai tried these assorted names to see if Luke would respond favorably. The only reaction the names seemed to get was an eye roll. Although, Lorelai made a mental note that Mr. Good Lovin' did seem to get a small blush.

"How about we stop talking about this?" Luke suggested wiping the counter down.

Lorelai opened her mouth to reply, but before she had a chance to answer, the phone rang.

"Luke's," he said as he picked up the phone. "Hi, how is everything?...Good...Uh, so you're okay then?...Sure...Yeah," Luke said into the phone.

Lorelai listened rather intently to his conversation trying to figure out who he was talking to. She swirled her coffee around in her cup while Luke continued to talk. Finally he turned back toward Lorelai and said, "It's for you."

Lorelai gave him a look of confusion, but came behind the counter to take the phone from him.

"Who is it? Why didn't they call my cell?" Lorelai asked.

"Because lately you seem to be in the habit of keeping it off," Luke said pointedly handing her the phone before turning to finish his cleaning.

"Hello?" Lorelai said as she quickly stuck her tongue out at Luke.

"Hi Mom," said Rory tentatively.

"Rory," Lorelai replied surprised. It had been days since she had spoken to Rory and it wasn't a pretty conversation. Lorelai had said things she didn't mean, but she was too stubborn to call her daughter and apologize, but deep down she missed her. "How are you sweetie? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything is fine," Rory said. "I just called because...I'm so sorry about what I said Mom," Rory said, her voice cracking slightly. "I didn't mean it."

"Oh Rory I'm sorry too," Lorelai said with tears forming in her eyes. "I didn't mean to say what I said either. I hate not talking to you," Lorelai said regaining her composure.

"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said anything about you and Luke. I like Luke and I know he loves you," Rory continued. "It's just kind of weird I mean I'll be coming home soon and you'll be with Luke."

"I know sweetie," Lorelai said quietly. "But nothing has really changed. I torment Luke, he gets irritated with me, I demand coffee and greasy food, he denies me my request until I torment him some more," Lorelai explained. "See? It's not so different. There's just kissing involved. Isn't that right my little peach cobbler?" Lorelai said louder so Luke would hear her. He responded by rolling his eyes.

"Please don't tell me you call him that?" Rory said. "That is so wrong on so many levels."

"Oh Luke said the exact same thing!" Lorelai said excitedly.

"Well great minds think alike," Rory informed her mother.

"Yeah they do. I can't wait until you come home," Lorelai told her daughter sincerely.

"Me too," Rory said only slightly apprehensively.

"Everything is okay here Rory. I swear, you and Dean are a footnote in the town history," Lorelai said.

"Oh," was Rory's noncommittal response.

"How is everything?" Lorelai prodded.

"I'm okay," Rory said. "I definitely needed the time away. Grandma and I are having a good time."

"I never thought I'd hear those words in the same sentence," Lorelai replied. "But really Rory, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," Rory answered definitively. "I screwed up. I think I used all my mistakes cards in one moment, but I know what I did was completely, 100% wrong. I feel awful that Dean's marriage is over because of me," Rory confided.

"Oh sweetie, I think Dean's marriage was over with or without your involvement. What happened might have given his that little push and I wish you hadn't been part of the equation at all, but if anyone understands mistakes it's me right?" Lorelai responded.

"Right," Rory agreed. "Well I won't tie up Luke's phone I just wanted to say I was sorry," Rory said.

"Right back at ya kiddo," Lorelai replied. "I love you Rory."

"Love you too Mom," Rory replied. "Bye."

"Bye."

Lorelai walked over to her stool satisfied with her conversation with Rory and happy that they had patched things up.

"Everything okay?" Luke asked.

"It couldn't be better," Lorelai replied taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

TBC