Chapter 2 - The Date

Disclaimer: OK I forgot this in the first chapter. I own nothing of Gilmore Girls. Great show and I'd love to own Luke if only for a day but alas I'm just borrowing the characters for my own insanity.

Author's Note: Thanks to all the people who have reviewed my story so far. My muse has apparently taken a short break from me and left me with a cranky 14 month old daughter to deal with at the moment. I have at least one more chapter I'm working on and if I continue to receive requests for more, I'll finish it. Thanks again for the reviews and not being too harsh on my first work of fiction EVER.

Saturday afternoon Rory was helping her mom get ready for her first date with Luke. "Mom, you look nervous. Are you OK?"

Lorelai looked at Rory and said "I'm just all nerves today. I mean I've liked Luke for so long and I'd given up hope that he felt the same. I just want everything to be perfect. Are you sure you're OK with me dating Luke?"

Rory looked at her mom like she'd lost her mind. "Of course I don't mind your dating Luke. I like Luke. He's great and he keeps you in line when I'm at school!"

Lorelai and Rory both laughed at the last statement. "Don't forget he keeps me supplied with coffee too."

"How could I forget? He keeps me supplied when I'm in town." Rory said. "I'm so happy for you two. Have fun tonight!"

Lorelai was waiting nervously for Luke to arrive. She was ready early and was anxious to see where Luke would take her. She had done what Luke asked and dressed up for their first date. She had decided to wear a dress she had picked up when she and Rory were in Europe. She hadn't worn it before and was anxious to see what Luke would think of it. The dress was strapless, fairly short and a deep red.

Finally at seven on the dot, Luke pulled into her drive. He got out of the truck and started toward the front door. Lorelai opened the door when he rang the bell. She nearly fainted at the sight of Luke dressed up. He was wearing the suit she'd picked out for him ages ago.

"Wow! You look -" Lorelai started just as Luke said

"Wow! Great -".

They both laughed and Luke gestured for Lorelai to speak first. Lorelai took a deep breath and said "Wow Luke! You clean up good. You look great tonight."

Luke just stood there looking embarrassed by what Lorelai had said. He finally remembered that he was supposed to talk now. He looked at Lorelai and said "You look amazing tonight!"

They finally stopped staring at each other and climbed down the porch steps to Luke's truck. Luke opened the passenger door and helped Lorelai climb in. He then got behind the wheel and started the truck. Lorelai couldn't stand the suspense of not knowing where they were going. Finally she said, "OK Luke. Where are we going?"

Luke turned and looked at Lorelai for a second. "It's a surprise. Now be good or I'll take you back home."

"OK OK. I'll be good."

During the drive Luke and Lorelai finally got over their awkwardness and had a normal conversation. Luke asked how Rory was and how she was enjoying classes this year. Lorelai asked about Liz and the diner. Soon Luke stopped the truck. Lorelai looked around and couldn't believe her eyes. Luke had drive to Hartford and she'd never even noticed. They were sitting outside a lovely little Chinese restaurant.

Luke got out of the truck and went to open Lorelai's door for her. The walked slowly to the restaurant door and went in. "Danes party of two" Luke said to the waitress that greeted them. The waitress immediately seated them at a cozy little table for two in a candle-lit corner. The setting was so romantic that Lorelai was speechless - a very rare occurrence indeed. After ordering their dinner, they sat and stared at each other for many long moments. This silence was a comfortable one borne of years of friendship. After a delicious dinner, Luke and Lorelai headed back to Stars Hollow.

On the drive home Lorelai casually mentioned that she'd like this day to last forever. Luke was so happy to hear her say that. He'd been thinking the same thing. Instead of taking her home he decided to stop at the lake. They got out of the truck and walked hand in hand along the water's edge. When the cold finally seeped through their clothes, they headed back to Luke's truck. Luke drove slowly to Lorelai's house. When they got to the house, Luke got out and opened Lorelai's door. He walked her to the front door and stopped. "I had a great time tonight Lorelai. Thank you."

Lorelai looked at Luke and smiled. "That's my line. I had a wonderful time too."

Luke was quite nervous but he knew that he wanted to kiss Lorelai good night. Luke finally worked up the courage to try. He grasped Lorelai's hands in his and pulled her close. He then put his arms around her and kissed her. Lorelai wrapped her arms around Luke's waist and kissed him back. When they finally came up for air, Luke laid his forehead against Lorelai's to catch his breath. Luke just stared at Lorelai and smiled. He was completely speechless. Lorelai smiled back and said "Wow!" Luke backed away from Lorelai still grinning like an idiot and said "Good night. I'll see you at the diner tomorrow. Bye." After giving her another quick kiss, Luke got in his truck and drove back to his apartment.

Neither Luke nor Lorelai slept well that night. They both lay awake thinking about how wonderful their night had been. But they were both worried about how to act around each around town.