This is one of the longest chapters in this fic. I thought about making it the last chapter of this story, but then decided against it. But the end is near ! ; )

So be nice and leave a review! Thanks!

Chapter 33: Cheers to boy Lucas

"No, Laila, come on lay down. I know you´re tired, you know you´re tired, so stop crying." Luke said soothingly and rocked her back and forth while she was lying against his chest. Emily and Richard were downstairs and he and Lorelai wanted to leave, but since the incident with the snowball earlier that day Laila was whiny and clung to her parents.

"Wis you, daddy!" she cried against her fathers chest.

"No, princess you stay here and sleep. It´s late. See, even Sara is asleep. Mummy and Daddy will be back soon and your grandparents are downstairs. Ssshh, don´t cry!"

Luke was always incredibly patient, what surprised Lorelai because she never thought that Luke could be like this before they had kids. He could soothe and sit with them for hours. When they had been babies he had walked with Sara hour after hour at night to get her back to sleep. He had always told her stories in this deep low voice that Lorelai loved so much.

Lorelai stood in the doorway and watched them, but remained silent until she was sure Laila was asleep.

"Luke, let´s go!" she whispered. He placed his daughter on her bed and covered her with her blanket, then turned of the light and walked to Lorelai.

"Sure. You´re ready?" he asked her and lead her out of the doorway and closed the door.

"Yep, or don´t you like it?" she asked him with raised eyebrows and turned around one time. In the light Luke saw now that she was wearing a tight black dress, with a deep V-neck and ended just under her knees. Her hair were open and curly.

"Wow!" he just said and his eyes lingered first on her legs and then slowly moved upwards.

"Seems like you like it! So my trip to the mall had something good at least. And because your eyes are already on my décolleté I think it might be helpful tonight" she grinned.

"So you try to manipulate me!" he laughed when they walked downstairs.

"I always do, hon" she grinned.

"She´s asleep now?" Richard asked when he saw them coming down the stairs.

"Finally! But if she wakes up and cries then please call us, she´s not herself today" Lorelai told her parents and slipped in her jacket which Luke held open for her.

"Just because of this snowball?" Richard asked confused.

"I think because of the nose-bleeding. She was pretty scared, it was a lot of blood, or at last looked like it." Luke said and grabbed the keys.

"Have a nice evening!"Emily said when they walked outside and gave Lorelai a reassuring smile which she returned.

"Lucas, how are you son?" Maisy greeted him and hugged him when they entered Sniffy´s.

"I´m fine, thanks. How are you?" he asked her and shook hands with Buddy, while Maisy pulled Lorelai into a hug.

"If you would call more often you would know!" Maisy said to him and he just rolled his eyes, before she turned back to Lorelai.

"And look at you young lady! Still dressing up for my old husband?"

"Of course! Only for Buddy!" she laughed and hugged him.

"Where are our three monsters?" Maisy looked around confused.

"At home with my parents. Luke and I have some stuff we have to talk about and we wanted to do it alone" Lorelai answered.

"Ah, I see. But next time you´ll bring them along!" Maisy said when she saw how uncomfortable Luke suddenly looked.

"Your standard-table?" Buddy asked.

"Sure" Luke shrugged and lead the way.

They talked about things which had happened in the Inn or at the diner until they had ordered. Neither wanted to start with the uncomfortable talk they needed to have, because they were talking so nicely, like nothing stood between them. But both knew that they had to talk and that was when an uncomfortable silence set in.

Lorelai broke it.

"Okay, uhm, do you want to start or can I?" she asked.

"Of course you can!" Luke said and looked at her intently.

"Uhm...okay...where to start? I think I will start with Kirsten, that´s easier to warm up." she said and started to play with her fork.

"I...no, I start differently: When she walked in on Christmas I was surprised at first what this woman could possibly want on Christmas. And then you came out, saw her and hugged her and it just surprised me, cause you are not exactly the hugging-kind of guy other than to me and the kids. And I would lie if I would say that it didn´t disturb me. I mean it would also disturb you if I would hug a guy who is a complete stranger to you.

And then she took my place beside you in the living-room. I know that she didn´t do it intentionally, but she did it. The whole evening you talked to her and only to her. I wasn´t existing anymore. I wanted you for me this evening and she got in the way, so you are right, I never gave her a chance. On New Years Eve I saw you together after midnight and Rory´s call, she held Sara and you took her and you were laughing and I felt left out and angry because you never told me that you were a couple once. She talked about how you took her virginity and you didn´t seemed to mind and I wanted her gone. This is my family and I want to be the one you are smiling and joking with and who hands you our crying daughter because you have to soothe her. It´s not Kirsten´s job!

But on the day we got the pigs she showed me her house and I wasn´t very friendly in the beginning. And she talked to me about her husband and showed me a picture of her son and I felt so guilty because I had been so unfriendly and cold. The picture was nearly identical with the one I have of Will in my office and I thought that this could happen to me, too. And I couldn´t stand it. I like Kirsten, Luke. I really do. She is nice and funny. But every time you came home late, forgot a date or an appointment we had because you were working at her house I wanted her gone and afterwards I feel guilty, because I shouldn´t feel that way, but that´s how it is. This is how I feel and I know it might be wrong and you might have a point in calling me selfish in that case, but I can´t change my feelings. I tell myself that it´s nice of you to help her and that nothing happens in her house when you are over there alone with her for hours, but it´s not helping. At first I get angry at myself and then at her and you. I liked the life and the routine we had before she showed up. I liked that we had more time for each other. But now that´s all down the hill because you don´t have any time for me or the kids anymore." she finished her speech, still playing with the fork.

"Can I?" Luke answered afraid she wasn´t finished and his interrupting would cause the first fight. Lorelai nodded still focused on the fork.

"Uh, then I start with Kirsten, too. I understand what you are saying and I know that you can´t change how you feel. But I´ve known Kirsten for such a long time and I´m happy that she is back. But the circumstances aren´t what I wanted. I would also be happier if her husband and her son would still be alive and he could set up the furniture, paint the rooms and help her. But he is not and as a friend it is my duty to help her. It´s not that I´m not enjoying her company, but I really wish that I would have more time for you and the kids. I just thought that when I invest a lot of time now and finish everything, then afterwards I will have time for you again, without worrying because something isn´t finished over at Kirsten´s house.

I think you know that nothing will happen between Kris and me. I know, I know , we´ve been a couple once, but it wasn´t half as romantic as Kirsten made it sound. Liz had talked me into this and I wasn´t aware of the fact that she was still a virgin, otherwise I would never have slept with her. But when I knew it it was too late. I never felt more than friendship for her and I felt like I was kissing my own sister, which sounds weird now, I know, but that´s why I broke off when I met Anna. You know me better than anyone and I´m not a cheating guy or one who falls in and out of love easily, not now and not then. I was never in love Kirsten." he assured her.

"And with Anna?"

"No, I had a crush on her and she was... nice as a girlfriend. It was comfortable to be with her."

"And Rachel?"

"I loved Rachel, you know that."

"Yeah"

"Nicole?"

"God, no!" he said, then was quiet before he went on.

"I talked with Andy and we decided that he will help me the next weekend and then hopefully everything will be finished."

"Why did you lie to me about the meeting with your friends? You said Jo would be there, but you never said anything about Kirsten. Will told me"

"I didn´t know that Kris would be there, too. Jo called me and I called you. Later I walked over to her house and she told me that Jo had called her also and if we could drive over there together. I wasn´t aware that this would be a problem." he told her honestly.

" It was just the last thing this evening, together with the fact that I didn´t see you all day and Will´s question if you would move in with Kirsten. I kept telling myself that there was nothing happening, but then I had this picture in my crazy head of you two having a romantic dinner."

"This is really crazy!" he told her.

"You were just lucky that you came home that late, because otherwise you had spent the night on the couch, my friend!" she had to smile about her own craziness.

"That´s why my pillow and my blanket were on the couch! I had been wondering about that but I thought you just grabbed what you first got into your hands!"

"Yeah, sorry about that! I was so tired because being jealous and angry does that to me, so I fell asleep and didn´t get to yell at you and tell you to sleep on the couch"
"Was that an apology for falling asleep or for not yelling at me?" he smiled.

"For both?" she said with raised eyebrows and returned his smile.

"Okay, next time I´ll wake you up and then you can yell at me!" he laughed.

"I don´t want to yell anymore" she said, turning serious again.

"Me neither" he agreed and took a sip of his beer.

"So, one lasagna for the young lady and one steak with salad, for you my son!" Maisy said and placed their food on the table.

"Thanks, Maisy! Could I have a water?" Luke asked.

"Yeah sure. Anything else?" she asked and looked at Lorelai.

"No, thank you. I´m fine!" she smiled and Maisy left the two alone again.

They ate in silence for some time, neither wanted to talk while they were eating. Maisy brought Luke´s water and knew by the silence that something was definitely up. But they had said they wanted to talk about something, and this something seemed to be serious.

Maisy went into the kitchen and told Buddy what she had just observed. Together they decided that they wouldn´t let the two leave until they knew that they were fine again.

"Second round?" Lorelai asked after she was done with eating.

"Do we have a choice? You want to start again?"

"I can. But I have more questions than answers here. You told me I´m selfish and self-centered and some other nice things like that. And I don´t understand where this is coming from. Let´s forget about Kirsten and my stupid behavior because of my jealousy, but you blamed me that I kind of force you to do things you don´t want to do. I always thought that you secretly love doing these things, that this is our thing. I want something, you refuse. I beg, you cave. But obviously I´ve been wrong. And I don´t understand why you let this routine set in? Why you did all those things you hate and why you never said anything? I ... I really don´t get it. I mean why did you marry me then? It was like that years before we became a couple, I really...don´t understand" she said sadly and confused, waiting for him to answer her questions.

"It is, it is our thing! I say "no" then give in, that is our thing. And I love it. Just like I love spending time with you, no matter what we are doing. But we are always doing things you like, and that´s okay. I mean, I never realized that it disturbs me until we fought about Kris, but it does sometimes. We watch the movies you like, we eat what you like, we go to town festivals and town meetings, we have dinner with Sookie and Jackson, and that´s fine. But just once in a while it would be nice if we could do something I like." he said and waited for her reaction. She needed a moment to let it sink in.

"But you can do things you like! I mean I always tell you that you should go and hang out more with Andy and Jo. Go to a baseball-game or grab a drink somewhere. You can even get drunk if you like, just call me that I can pick you up and you don´t drive." she said.

"No, that´s not what I mean. I know that you encourage me to go out more often and do some guy-things, like you call it. But I don´t want to do that without you! I want to do those things with you!" he explained.

"Luke, I would love to do that. All you have to do is ask me!"

"I asked you and you said you didn´t want to go."

"When was that?" Lorelai got defensive.

"Some time ago. James had asked me to come over and I asked you to come along, but you refused"

"Luke I just think that you sometimes need some time alone with your friends. And I´m not sure if they would like it when I would come, too. I would feel like I would intrude and disturb your guys-night"

"Lorelai, when I ask you to come with me, I want you to come with me. James doesn´t know you and would like to meet you, Andy likes you a lot and I wouldn´t leave Jo alone in a room with you longer than a second, because he would hit on you. You won´t disturb us. And I would really like it if you would come with me for once."

"It wouldn´t be weird?" she asked unsure.

"No, it wouldn´t be weird. It would be nice to have you without the kids and my friends all at the same time."

"We never did that" she had to admit.

"Exactly, we never did that!" he smiled.

"Luke?"

"Yeah?"

"I´m sorry! I never meant to be so selfish. I won´t make you do all that stuff anymore. You are right and I´m really sorry. But you said that my selfishness isn´t limited to these things, or at least it didn´t sound like it. Luke you don´t have to fix the things at the house, we could hire someone, we can afford it. And you don´t have to cook me dinner every day, I could eat t the Inn. You don´t have to go to the town-meetings anymore, I will go with Sookie and if something important happens, I´ll tell you. And we can decide together from now on what to watch on TV, then we have to buy a TV guide, but then we can make a plan and..."

"Woa, woa, slow down. Listen, I was stressed, tired and angry when I said all that crap. I´m the one who has to apologize, not you. I told you that I want you to come with me to my friends, but, and that´s a big but, you are the most selfless person I ever met, because you would give and do everything for the people you love, without hesitation. You care for everyone and support everyone. You care more about others than about yourself, especially if the others are our kids. Rory, Will, Laila and Sara couldn´t ask for a better mother and I could never find a better wife. So, just forget about that shit I was saying and enjoy that I spoil and pamper you from time to time, because I enjoy it, too! I would lie if I deny it". He finished with a smile on his face and looked at her expectantly. Lorelai was a loss for words, for once. She put the glass she had been holding back on the table and stood up. She walked around the table and pulled a confused Luke up, so that he was standing. Then she kissed him passionately. Luke was so stunned he couldn´t respond at first, but then he closed his eyes and slid into the kiss.

Buddy and Maisy were watching the scene from the kitchen door window and smiled relieved. Maisy walked to the fridge and grabbed bottle of champagne, then walked out, Buddy followed her.

Luke in the meantime had broken the kiss and looked around embarrassed, while Lorelai just grinned at him. Buddy patted him on the shoulder and Luke turned around.

"My Lucas, there is nothing you have to be embarrassed about! Such a passionate kiss, I never thought you would do that in public!" Maisy smiled and pushed him towards his chair. Luke just let her do it, confused what was happening and still with a red face. Maisy pushed him down on the chair and Lorelai sat down on his lap, her seat was occupied by Maisy, the other one by Buddy. Buddy had opened the champagne and poured them each a glass.

"Oh Lukey, look we get champagne for this kiss! Maybe we should do it more often in public!" she smiled and pinched his cheek.

"Lorelai" he groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Here!" Maisy said and gave them their glasses.

"Cheers to you! To our boy Lucas and his beautiful wife! May we see more kisses like this in the future!" Maisy smiled warmly.

"Ah Geez! I hate champagne!" Luke grumped and Lorelai laughed.

They all took a sip of the champagne and Luke made a face before he put his glass back on the table.

"Oh, poor man! But I didn´t make you drink it!" Lorelai smiled.

"No, you didn´t" he smiled back warmly and looked into her eyes.

"Did you like your food?" Buddy interrupted their staring.

"Yes, so good!" Lorelai said and took another sip of her champagne.

"You really have to bring the kids along the next time! It´s been so long since we saw them the last time. What are they up to? Does Will have any new injuries?" Maisy asked.

"No, today Laila got hurt" Luke said.

"Yes, our drama queen got a snowball on her nose and had nose-bleeding, but nothing major. Luke took care of it while I calmed the other two, cause they were just as upset cause Laila was screaming like she was going to die. Afterwards she was whiny the whole day and Luke carried her around all the time. When we wanted to leave she was crying again, hoping that her daddy would stay with her, although she was so tired she could barely hold her eyes open."

"Well, your princess looks a lot like you Lorelai" Maisy grinned.

"Ha, what does that mean?"

"I remember someone who locked herself into our bathroom here, because she was six months pregnant with twins and her normal jeans wouldn´t close anymore. And when her husband told her she was beautiful she yelled at him and ran into the bathroom and stayed there for nearly an hour! I think the throne is still yours, my kid" Maisy laughed and the others joined her. But then Lorelai started to pout and hit Luke on the chest.

"Hey, you! Don´t laugh! It was your fault that my hormones went crazy!"

"Sorry!" he chuckled and pecked her on the lips.

"And your parents are watching the kids again?" Buddy asked.

"Yes, the kids are used to it, my parents are used to it. It´s fine" Lorelai told him.

"Why can´t we have them for one evening?" Buddy asked.

"What do you mean?" Luke asked and looked confused at Lorelai.

"You want my parents? For a whole evening! Wow, you are brave!" Lorelai grinned.

"No, we talked about it and we decided that when you two go out the next time, then we will watch the kids. We never got the chance to and that´s unfair!" Maisy said.

"You´re sure you could handle them for a whole evening? No, offense but they are fast and loud and you two are not the youngest" Luke told them.

"Oh give us a chance!" Maisy begged.

"Okay, you´ll have your chance. But maybe we should first try it out with a little less time than a whole evening and night." Lorelai said.

"That would be great! Lucas remember when you celebrated your tenth birthday here and we played this game... I can´t remember the name but it ended with a huge cake fight and the whole place was a mess." Maisy laughed.

"Yeah, I remember, but I never participated in the fight" Luke said, but didn´t look happy at the memory. Lorelai looked at him and when he looked her into the eyes she suddenly knew. It had been the first birthday without his mother. She gave him a peck and a reassuring smile, what caused him to pull her even closer.

When they sat in the car on the drive back Lorelai hummed with a song on the radio.

"Lorelai?" Luke interrupted her.

"What? Don´t say that you don´t like my humming. You forbid me to sing, but you didn´t say a word about humming!"

"Actually, I didn´t even realize that you were humming, so thanks for telling me. But I wanted to ask you something"

"Oh,what?" she looked at him curiously.

"Andy got me tickets for a baseball game. James and Jo will be there, too. He got me two tickets because I thought about bringing Will, but maybe you would like to come? There are hot-dogs and other stuff you like to eat..."

"...and guys in tight uniforms, I can watch!" she grinned wickedly.

"Hey! That´s not part of the deal! You will get a blindfold!" Luke laughed.

"Mean!" she pouted.

"So, you want to come?"

"No blindfold! And I´m allowed to wear one of your caps, because...hello! Baseball! So I need a baseball-cap!"
"Fine! So you´re coming?"

"The blue one?"

"The blue one! You´re coming?"

"Can I add glitter-powder and pink-letters?" she asked excitedly.

"Don´t overdo it!" he said.

"Fine!" she rolled her eyes before she started to smile.

"Luke?"

"Mmmh?"

"I´m coming with you! That will be so much fun! You and me, no kids, a cute outfit, your friends, junk-food, hot guys doing something with a ball..." she rambled.

"... and a bat..." Luke continued.

"Dirty!" she laughed

"Ah Geez!"

TBC