Summary: JJ. She let herself fall for him, even though he was with someone else.

Disclaimer: Don't own a thing.

Author's Note: Alright, this next chapter has a little Richard-Emily dialogue and some Luke-Lorelai dialogue. It's not that long, but I have thought of a very interesting storyline, and I intend to make this story go a lot further. Just let me know what you think once you've read it.

flirtswithdisaster: Thanks so much for the review. I'm glad you liked it. I really tried to throw some references in there, and even though they weren't the greatest, I think they worked.

cywen69: I'm glad you like it. The only reason I didn't have Lorelai sleep with Luke at the inn is because she had to entertain a bunch of people the next morning. I wrote what I think would have happened if that were the case in the actual show. Thanks for your review! It's appreciated!

smileyGGfan; gilmoregirlsfanatic; javajunkie mi; Luke-n-LorelaiLuva6292; Christi06; Kim; Nubes; gilmore-gurl-13; Abbey06; #Luke and LukeNLorelai637: I think I got everybody... Thanks for the reviews, guys!

Because She Cares

Chapter Ten: Promising You

Richard listened for the door to slam, and winced once he heard it. He stared in the direction of the foyer, before turning to face his wife, "What was that all about?"

"I know, the man's completely unsuitable for her. Talking to us as if he know's a thing or two about class..."

"Emily, I was referring to the way you treated Lorelai." She just stirs in her seat. "I want Luke out of the picture just as much as you do, but the more you fight it, the more she's going to stick with him. Out of spite."

She sighed, not wanting to admit it, "I know, you're right."

"We're going to have to pretend we don't mind this relationship, Emily. Sooner or later, they're bound to break it off."

"I hope so. I can't imagine that man being her husband, never mind Rory's step-father."

"I agree with you there."

She half-muttered under her breath, "He can't even shave properly..."

The two of them sat in silence for a while. They were finishing the last of their dessert when Emily lifted her head to face Richard. "What do you think he meant by telling us to talk to Rory? She loves Christopher."

"I was just questioning that myself. Perhaps he knows something that we don't?"

"Perhaps."

-

The ride home from the Gilmore's was silent. Lorelai debated talking to Luke, but each time she spoke, she stopped short. He was upset and she knew it. She was regretting she ever took him to this dinner. They should have skipped it. Stupid Kirk.

As they turned into Star's Hollow, Luke stopped in front of the diner. Quietly, unemotionally, he spoke, "You want some coffee?"

She cleared her throat, "Yeah, sure."

He parked the truck and Lorelai followed him inside. He walked behind the counter, not saying word, as she slumped on the stool. Ten minutes later, as she was nursing her coffee, she knew she had to say something. She didn't want this to turn into something more. He was by the cash register, counting his tips, when she spoke.

"Luke, I'm sorry. I didn't know tha-"

"Don't." He interrupted her, still avoiding eye contact. "You warned me, remember?"

"I remember."

"Alright, then. Don't apologize."

She inhaled deeply before speaking, "I don't - I'm not - I'm not trying to upset you, but - I just don't think you should have said that to my parents. About Chris. They're never going to let that down."

"Think I care?"

"Luke..." He doesn't reply. "Luke, talk to me."

He tapped the counter before walking closer to her, staring into the air, "Is this how it's going to be from now on?"

"What do you mean?"

"Everybody just waiting for us to break up?"

"No, Luke. That's not the case."

"Then how do you explain tonight?"

"It's just - It's complicated with my parents. They see things differently than I do, you know that."

"Well, I don't like being talked down to, and I don't like being compared to Christopher."

"I don't like it either." She said aggravated, thinking he should know that.

He sighed, finally looking up at her, "Do you want to be with him?"

Her eyes slightly widened in disbelief, "What?"

"Is this - what we're doing here - is this just to pass the time? Until he's back in your life?"

"Luke... no. That's so far from the truth." He doesn't say anything, just slightly shakes his head in disbelief. "Luke, I'm not going back to Chris. Ever. Please... just believe me." He remained silent. She slid off of the stool and rounded the counter, standing right before him, whispering, "I'm all in, Luke. Please, trust me." He looked her in the eyes, and knew that she was sincere. He gently slid his hands down her arms, "I do. I trust you."

"Good." She gave him a soft peck on the lips. "Alright, well, I better get home to Rory. She's finally home for the weekend and..."

"Yeah, yeah, that's fine. You wanna bring back a couple of donuts?"

"Good idea. The poor kid will leave if I don't feed her."

Luke nodded and smiled, and handed her a bag of donuts. "You okay walking home?"

"Yeah, absolutely." She smiled, "Thanks." and walked out the door.

TBC

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