A/N: A little cute, fluffy LL one-shot told from Rachel's perspective. Enjoy the sappiness!
Disclaimer: Do I really have to say it again? No? Good.
I'd always had a crush on Luke Danes. I remember watching him back in high school, when everyone called him Butch. His athletic ability made him instantly popular. I'd shyly observe him and his table full of people from my nearly empty table in the corner. He didn't talk much, just sat and ate. He never was much of a people person. Every once in awhile he'd smile. But it never quite reached his eyes. You could tell, if you were really looking, that he didn't want to be there, surrounded by all those people.
We dated during our senior year and he took me to the prom. We saw each other for two years after that as well, as I commuted to the community college in Hartford. I thought I made his smile reach his eyes. They certainly seemed brighter when I was around. But maybe I was just fooling myself.
I'd left to be a photographer. I loved always moving; never having a set home. But six years later I returned to Stars Hollow, missing its small town charm. I hooked up with Luke again, trying to rekindle what was lost. He was too wary, though. Just waiting for the other shoe to drop, for me to leave again. He couldn't trust me.
So I proved him right. I packed up my things and I left again, stopping only to say a quick goodbye.
I drowned myself in my work, traveling all over the world. I made sure to send Luke a postcard every once in awhile, even though I knew he couldn't (wouldn't?) write back.
I still couldn't get Stars Hollow out of my mind, and after five more years I returned yet again. Everything was still the same: the people, the town, the diner. Even Luke. Well, almost. When I walked into the diner, he was smiling – a smile that reached his eyes. There was not doubt about it. This man was happy. And the woman he was talking to seemed pretty damn happy herself.
But as I got to know Lorelai, the more I noticed how oblivious she was. When she tried to help me convince him I wanted to stay, I knew she was clueless. Every once in awhile, though, I thought I saw flicker of jealousy in her eyes. When Luke could barely admit she was 'just a friend', I knew.
Still I stayed. I just couldn't leave again. I knew if I did, I would lose all of Luke's trust. But this time, it wasn't me. It was him. He couldn't commit. He always had her in the back of is mind; the thought of something more. I know he never said it, or even admitted it to himself, but I could see it in his eyes.
So I left. Again, I know. And I told him not to wait too long to tell her. Because if he couldn't be happy with me, at least he'd be happy.
Apparently he did wait. Because here I am, back again after another long five years. But this time I was invited.
I arrive late and quickly take a seat in the back. But even from this far away I can still see the smile – and boy does it reach his eyes. Hers, too. And as they stand there, grinning, I smile as well.
Because their smiles are contagious.
Smiles ARE contagious! So spread 'em around. (hee hee… a little 'To Live and Let Diorama' humor there…)
Review! Pretty, pretty please! (Hey, I said please!)