A/N: Before you start clutching your chest, screaming, "Elizabeth, I'm comin'!" Yes, it's me, and yes, I updated in a timely matter. I told you that this chapter was already half done. You didn't believe me, but it was the truth. Get ready for some juicy stuff, but as a warning, this chapter is more dramatic than funny. Oh, believe me, there's funny stuff, but also lots o' drama. Drama up the wazoo. I blame Grey's Anatomy. I was writing a lot of this during the commercials (on a side note, wasn't tonight's episode good? Grey's Anatomy is my most recent TV obsession, keeps me going during GG hiatus.) So, anyway…I dedicate this chapter to all of you who appreciate a good Monty Python quote, especially those who told me so, lol. Lolabelle26, I'm sending Resolve and a Tide pen your way. So, also dedicated to the pink stain on Lolabelle26's rug. I'm sorry. And, LLfreak8285, because I always look forward to your reviews. Hey, are the numbers in your s/n your bday? Because, if it is, your bday is 8 days before mine! Sorry for the extremely long note today. I'm in a bit of a rambling mood…

Chapter 6: Deep Dish from the Diner Man, and a Little Bit of Whoa!

February 22nd, 2001

Luke literally tossed camera-wielding Andrew out the door, bringing a bit of a smile to Lorelai's face. Yep, Luke's grumpy antics would never get old. It had been a nice evening overall. The two of them spending time together, picking out paint samples; it was a change, but a good change. Luke was a completely different person out of working mode. In fact, he seemed to smile more.

"That's it. We're closed for the night," Luke announced in a huff, flipping the CLOSED sign to face the town square. Lorelai took the opportunity to survey the walls of the diner, holding the desired paint sample in her hand.

"You know, listen –" she began, "since you have to take everything off the walls to decide what stuff you're going to keep and what stuff you're to get rid of."

"Everything stays," Luke stated adamantly.

"Okay, there's a plastic dancing pork chop that says –"

"Everything stays."

"'I lost my head over a good chop. You should too.'"

"Everything stays." There was nothing Lorelai could do but relent.

"Okay. Everything stays." She held up her hands in defeat. In response to Lorelai's comment, Luke began to gaze around the diner, looking at the rustic belongings on the walls and shelves.

"You know," Luke said, sounding nostalgic, "this place hasn't been painted since my dad was alive."

"No, I didn't know that." Luke hardly ever talked about his dad, but Lorelai always found herself wanting to know more about his parents, and his childhood, and just his life in general. There had to be a reason why Luke was the way he was.

"He painted it before he opened it and once more when the roof caved in one winter. I think that's probably it."

"The paint lasted a long time. He got his money's worth," Lorelai joked.

"Yep. He really loved this place, you know. This store was his life. Mine too, I guess. I spent every minute I wasn't in school here. I spent a lot of minutes I was supposed to be in school in here too."

"How come you opened a diner? Why didn't you keep it a hardware store?" Lorelai asked, wishing to voice her thoughts. She had to admit that she was curious.

"I don't know. I didn't love the hardware business the way my dad did, and, you know, I knew how to cook, so I just thought a diner would be more...fun." Lorelai smiled at that and started laughing.

"That's a hard word for you to say." Yeah, Luke and fun weren't words you generally connected together. Luke laughed too, and that sounded good to Lorelai. He didn't laugh enough.

"Yeah. I just always wanted to work here. Just where Dad did." A completely different perspective from Lorelai's. She would move out of the country if it meant permanently escaping one Emily and Richard Gilmore.

"God that's nice. To be so -- I don't know -- connected to your dad. That's -- I would have loved that."

"Well you've got that with Rory."

"Yeah...I guess so." Would Rory be different if I had a better relationship with my parents? Luke took in the diner again.

"You know, I still think there's a spot on the wall somewhere where my dad took an order one day when he ran out of paper."

"Really? Where?" Lorelai asked, suddenly curious again.

"I don't know. Behind the counter maybe." Lorelai moved to walk behind the counter and Luke followed her. "Next to the door. On the right side." Yeah right, 'behind the counter maybe.' Luke knew exactly where it was. She smiled with that realization and Luke smiled back. She sat down on the floor with her beer and surprisingly, Luke joined her. She found the exact spot where Luke was talking about, making out handwriting.

"Oh. Huh. Here it is: 'Three hammers, Phillips-head screwdrivers –'" She began to read, only to be interrupted by Luke, who didn't need to read.

"'and three boxes of nails in assorted sizes.'" He finished.

"Oh."

" I've seen it from time to time." They both laughed. Lorelai couldn't help, but think that this whole situation was nice. Why didn't she and Luke spend time together more often? She liked seeing this side of Luke.

"Yeah, well, I guess it is time for a little spruce." Was this his way of mourning and letting go of his dad? By going off her suggestion to paint?

"Yeah, it is." Lorelai agreed. It had been her idea after all, "But let's not spruce this particular spot." Luke grinned.

"That sounds good."

"Okay," Lorelai stated with finality. She found herself looking right into Luke's eyes. Were they always this blue? He certainly had nice eyes. Luke looked different when he smiled. Cute even…Her thoughts were interrupted by voices outside the diner. Luke broke his intense stare at her and began to maneuver his legs to get up.

"Oh, jeez --"

"No, no, don't get up." For some reason that was beyond her, Lorelai didn't want to share Luke with the rest of the town right then.

"But if I don't get up –" Luke began, oblivious to her line of thinking.

"They'll go away. They'll go away, trust me. Shh." Luke nodded, suddenly understanding her quick thinking and went back to his original position next to Lorelai. They heard someone rattle the locked doorknob and both moved on their hands and knees to peak behind the counter. Luke was behind Lorelai, rather close. She saw Taylor and a small crowd behind the door, as Taylor proceeded to knock on the glass.

"What are they doing?" Taylor muttered, his voice muted by the pane, "They should be in there…" Just imagine it all in pastels. The whole thing." Taylor said, now addressing the crowd. After spending a few more minutes gazing into the seemingly empty diner, the crowd left and dispersed, much to the relief of the hiding pair.

"Thank you," Luke said, and Lorelai turned to face him. Yes, they were definitely close.

"You're welcome," Lorelai let out, looking right into Luke's eyes. What was his expression telling her? He seemed to want to say something or do something, Lorelai wasn't sure. But, she suddenly found herself looking at his lips. A wild thought crossed her mind. What would it be like to kiss Luke? What are you thinking, Lorelai? This is Luke! You can't kiss Luke! "I should go," she whispered, before doing something she might regret. Luke's eyes dropped and he nodded.

"Okay," Luke said. Was it her imagination or did he sound disappointed?

"Ah, so. It's going to be great," she stated as she got up off the floor, hoping the change of subject would alter her own thoughts.

"Oh, I'm sure it is."

"See ya," Lorelai let out quickly as she gathered up her stuff.

"See ya," Luke echoed and with that, Lorelai left. But, the only thought going through her head was, did Luke and I just share a moment?

Lorelai took a seat at the stool, sipping her beer. Luke was taking too long, wearing on her patience. She dug in her purse for a pen and began to doodle on a napkin. First, an extravagant Lorelai in the loopy cursive that she reserved for fancy parties. Then she added flowers. Daisies to be more specific. Followed by an abstract burger, which was testing her limited artistic skills. There was a reason why she and Rory could neither dance, play an instrument, sing, or draw. The burger added a bit of whimsy to her developing napkin picture. Luke appeared behind the counter right before she was about to copy the Luke's logo from a nearby menu. He set the plate in front of her after she moved the napkin out of the way.

"I didn't take that long." Luke insisted, sliding into the stool next to her with his salad in hand. He handed over silverware that he doubted Lorelai would use.

"You took long enough for me to draw all of this," she stated, displaying her napkin art to Luke. She stuck a chili covered fry in her mouth and waited for Luke's next comment.

"What's that?"

"It's a burger!" She said dramatically, in mock disbelief.

"Because the squiggly lines in the middle made that clear."

"That was all the meat and whatever else you put in other people's burgers, Luke. You are especially sarcastic today."

"Need I remind you what day it is? I am getting no business, I need an outlet."

"What am I? Chopped liver?"

"You aren't paying," Luke accused.

"Well, I was considering it."

"I highly doubt that."

"Eat your salad," Lorelai ordered and Luke obeyed with a smirk by shoving a fork full into his mouth.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Lorelai had completely devoured her burger, while Luke took slow, polite, and methodical bites of his salad. After awhile, Lorelai found herself looking around the diner, taking in the sights of mugs, and eclectic items hung on the walls. Every so often, she would look over at Luke, maybe waiting for him to say something, or maybe because she quickly became bored of the stuff she saw everyday. There were things she noticed about his stature and appearance that she never really paid attention to before. Luke's jaw looked chiseled and strong when it moved, something that was usually hidden by his 5 o'clock shadow. He always had very good posture, spine set straight as he sat, shoulders back. Lorelai had decent posture herself, the product of her obsessive mother tying a broom to her back and making her balance a book on her head. Very lady-like. Luke's eyes were particularly nice. She always knew they were blue, but never really spent time looking at them, contemplating their color. She ran her eyes over his stubble, a myriad of browns, reds, blondes, and even a little gray. The result of aging. Both of them weren't getting younger, that was for sure. Luke really was handsome, a fact that she hardly ever allowed herself to admit.

"Stop staring at me," Luke voiced, making Lorelai jump right out of her skin. She had been caught.

"I was not s-staring," she managed to stutter out in defense.

"Yes you were."

"No, I wa-what are we? Two?"

"Well, could you at least stop looking at me while I'm eating? It's disturbing."

"Alright fine…You know, most men think it's a compliment when a pretty girl stares at them."

"So you admit to staring at me?" Luke asked, now making eye contact.

"I wasn't staring at you, Narcissus."

"Whatever," Luke muttered and returned to his salad by eating a fork-full. Lorelai picked up a fry and held it in front of her dining partner.

"Want one?" she asked.

"Only if you eat a tomato," he challenged.

"Ew, I might consider if you pick something else! Tomatoes are Satan's vegetable."

"It's a fruit."

"Well, either way, it's gross. Tomatoes are all you, babe." Jeez, did I just call Luke babe? I sound like a surfer. Dude that was a gnarly wave man! Totally tubular.

"I don't want your fry. I wasn't going to eat your fry a couple weeks ago either."

"You don't have to be all snippy about it, Mr. Grumpy Pants."

"Eat your fries," Luke ordered, sounding a lot like Lorelai did a few minutes before.

Quiet enveloped the room again as they ate. We are quite a couple tonight, Lorelai mused. It's Valentine's Day. We are eating together so we don't have to eat alone. Luke's a recluse, I'm a loser. It's really working out well, her own thoughts said sarcastically.

"We are quite a pair, you and I," Lorelai said, voicing her thoughts.

"Why is that," Luke posed, noting the return to seriousness in her voice.

"Well, I am once and always the pathetic one. I make you bid on my basket and eat lunch with me so I don't look like more of a loser than I already did. Then, I have a crappy day, and make you eat dinner with me, because I am desperately seeking attention on this lonely holiday. You are my compliant Hermit-Boy and I am the ever Patheti-Girl. You see, quite a pair."

"You are not a loser," Luke said, trying to match her somber tone, his eyes glazed with warmth, "And you have never been pathetic to me." Man, why does he have to be so sweet all the time.

"Thanks," She said with a glint of a smile. She needed that statement tonight.

"You're welcome…Hey," Luke said.

"Yeah?"

"This isn't a sad dinner…This is nice."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Luke grinned in a way that was seemingly unfamiliar to Lorelai. She never noticed what a nice smile he had before. Maybe because he hardly ever did. She managed to draw her eyes away from his mouth, looking down at her plate. She couldn't help but smile in return.

"You have a nice smile, Luke. Did it ever occur to you that you don't have to be a grouch all the time?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Luke asked, very playful as he took a swig of his beer. This was definitely a different side, a different facet of the Luke she didn't know as well. Lorelai stuck a couple of fries in her mouth, hoping that her heart, which she noticed was beating a little faster, was just her imagination. What's going on with me?

It was time to change the subject. Did he know what happened between her and Christopher? Would he understand? She felt the unnatural desire to lay all her concerns on the table. Luke was a good listener. Maybe it would be good to talk things out with a friend. Even though she promised to talk to Rory, Lorelai knew it might be hard for her to comprehend. Chris was her father. She tried to shield every romantic encounter with Christopher, good or otherwise, away from her little girl. Lorelai didn't think Sookie would understand either. There wasn't a man in her life that she had this long past with. But, for some reason, Lorelai thought Luke would. He had at least one woman that he shared a long history with. Perhaps he could identify because Rachel was like Christopher to him.

"Luke," she began. Luke turned his head to make eye contact, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Did you hear everything Christopher said in the diner the other day?" Luke swallowed, clearly a little uncomfortable with the way this conversation was going. "I won't be mad if you heard."

"He wasn't exactly being quiet."

"Yes, very true. I think I hit a nerve."

"I only heard his side of the conversation. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop," Luke said in his defense.

"I know. I saw you look over at me after he stormed out and I kinda figured you caught a good chunk of what he said."

"I know this is none of my business," Luke started. He looked concerned for her, "but, is that why you've been down on yourself all day?" Lorelai gave him a half-smile to show her appreciation.

"Yes and no, I guess I-"Luke held up his hand to stop her.

"You don't have to explain it to me. I was just curious. You don't have bad days very often."

"No I don't…It's just," Lorelai said, taking in a breath. She wasn't sure where to begin," Okay, Luke, I need you to pretend that you aren't my friend for a second. Better yet, pretend you don't know me at all. Pretend you are a man!" Lorelai spouted out enthusiastically.

"I don't think that will take much pretending."

"You know what I mean."

"What are you getting at?" Luke asked with a sigh.

"So say, hypothetically, you are seeing someone and its going really well. She's serious, you're serious, you bought a cat, the whole nine yards."

"A cat?" Luke questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Just go with me on this, huh?" Lorelai said, doing her best Archie Bunker.

"Fine, continue."

"Then say, hypothetically, that an old girlfriend comes into town to see you. Ooo, pretend it's Rachel, and she sees that you are happy and in love and whatnot and she's happy for you," That hit a little too close to home for Luke, as he remembered Rachel's last words to him. Lorelai continued, not noticing Luke shift nervously in his chair, "And even though she is really happy for you, she realizes something. So, Rachel comes to you and, says," Lorelai cleared her throat before coming up with her best attempt to do a Rachel voice, "'Luke, coming here and seeing you settle down with this girl has got me thinking. I think that deep down, I always linked you and I in our mind, even the idea of us one day being together again permanently. And, even though I knew this would never happened, I still held on to that notion in my head and because of that, I think I unconsciously sabotaged every relationship I've been in. But, now that I see you serious with someone else and I think I can move beyond that.' Now, you say…" Lorelai held out her hand in a dramatic flourish, like a magician, waiting for Luke's response. Luke paused a moment before answering.

"So, you are basically saying that this is what you told Christopher and he got angry and now you want to hear my take on what you said to see if I would have the same response."

"Ha, no Luke. Rachel is saying this to you. Remember, you are a man. You do not know me. Who is this Lorelai you speak of? Who is this Christopher? You are Joe Diner, not Luke Danes, coffee-supplier to Lorelai Gilmore."

"Lorelai," Luke said impatiently.

"We are still in hypothetical situation mode, my friend."

"Fine…honestly, I don't know what I would say to her."

"Gee, you sure are a lot of help."

"Well," Luke stated, starting to get a little flustered, "I guess it would depend on if I was actually put in that situation."

"Um yeah, when I said 'hypothetical,' I wanted you to pretend to place yourself there."

"I know what hypothetical means," Luke said, using a very patient teacher tone with Lorelai.

"Come on, Luke! Give me some perspective here. Let me into the male psyche," Lorelai practically begged. Luke rolled his eyes in return.

"Okay, if 'Rachel,'" he said her name with air quotes, which under normal circumstances would have resulted in mocking from Lorelai, "is truly happy for me and if she feels the need to lay this all on my lap, that's her prerogative. I'll let her say her piece and go."

"So, you're saying you wouldn't get mad?" It was a little interesting to delve into the mind of Luke. What is relationship Luke like? How does he respond?

"No. If that's what she needs to say to be happy, then I'll let her say to without objection. I would want her to be happy the same way she wants me to be happy."

"And you wouldn't think she was blaming you for all her failed relationships since you?"

"No."

"Man, you are one understanding guy, Luke."

"That's my nature, I suppose." Lorelai pondered these thoughts silently as she ate another fry. They were starting to get cold now.

"The thing is," Lorelai began again, the need to vent and get everything out still strong, "I think I understand why Christopher blew up at me. Looking back, thinking about what I said and how I said it…I don't know. Maybe if he had said the same things to me, I would get mad too."

"Did you ever consider that maybe he got mad because he still has feelings for you and he is angry at himself because he can't shake them, even though he may be happy with this other woman?" Lorelai was silent as Luke said those things. She had never thought of it that way before. Luke continued, "Maybe the confession that you always held him in the back of your mind was too much for him to handle and this is the only way he could deal with it. It couldn't have helped that you said you wanted to move on." Lorelai sucked in a breath. That was deep. Lorelai never thought Luke could think that way about a man he hardly knew. Was it the male perspective or did he actually know where Chris was coming from?

"Whoa," was all Lorelai could vocalize, "I never…I…whoa."

"It's just a thought," Luke suggested quickly, hoping that he hadn't overwhelmed Lorelai. She was aware that Luke didn't mean to render her speechless. He had never seen her at a loss for words before. Why now?

"No, I know Luke…I just, wow, I never looked at it from that angle before. I mean, that really seems likely…I can't believe I never let myself think that was the reason he was mad. I let myself get hurt and down because of what he said and what my mother said and I never considered the fact that maybe Chris was dealing with his own feelings." Luke nodded in response, looking like he wanted to ask her something, but wasn't sure how to put it. He was giving her a funny expression now. "What?" Luke took in a breath.

"I think you need to ask yourself whether you can really move on or if you will always have those feelings for him that will prevent you from having a lasting relationship." Wow, another deep comment. Luke sure came up with some zingers tonight. This is a weird, but insightful side of him.

"That's a tough question," she blatantly told him. Luke nodded again, showing that he knew that fact.

"You don't have to answer it now, and you really don't have to tell me. But, as a friend, I think it's something you should consider."

"You seem to be the relationship sage. I should have come to you a long time ago." Luke laughed a little.

"Let's just say I've been in some serious relationships and that's the reality you have to face when you part with someone you have a deep connection with."

"Was it like that with Rachel?"

"To a certain extent." Luke confessed. Lorelai never had a complex relationship talk with another man before. It was different, but it seemed to be helping. Weird that Luke and I hardly ever talk one on one about serious stuff like this. He gives good advice. Huh?

"Is that why you took her back last year? Because you weren't over her like you thought you were?"

"Maybe in the beginning. My heart just wasn't in it in the end."

"Why?" Lorelai was fascinated with this Luke. Relationship Luke.

"It's complicated," he said, giving her a lopsided grin. Luke picked up his beer from the counter and drained the contents. "Want another one?" he asked, holding out his empty bottle.

"No thanks, I'm good." She hadn't touched her beer much. It was still half full. Or half empty, depending on which philosophical side of the debate you took. Luke returned quickly with another beer in hand, twisting the cap off before he sat back down next to her. Lorelai gave him a half-smile.

"You doin' okay?" Luke asked, always concerned about her well-being.

"Yeah, I guess so. I'm just trying to take it all in. I thought I had a lot to think about before, but now…man."

"That's probably my fault."

"No, you're helping. A lot, actually."

"Sometimes you need someone to bounce ideas off of."

"Yeah, it's nice to have." Lorelai locked eyes with Luke. She liked that he was there for her, as always. Luke was a constant in her life. Lorelai suddenly didn't know what she would do without him.

"He proposed to me twice, you know?" Lorelai stated, still feeling like she had more steam to let out.

"Christopher?" For a minute, Luke wasn't sure if she was referring to Rory's father or to Max.

"Yeah…Once, when we were 16, right before I left to come here and once last year."

"Really." This was all new information. She never told Luke about Christopher's most recent proposal. She hadn't even told Rory. Her very astute daughter had picked up that vibe, though.

"They were both so crazy…I mean, for one, you're too young to get married at 16. And, the second time, Chris was just so immature. We were arguing. I was in my I Love Lucy pajamas. And, he just dropped the bomb on me. I said no both times; not because I didn't care about him, but just because it wasn't right, you know."

"You still care about him?" Luke questioned.

"I think a small part of me always will. He was my first love. We had a baby together. You can't erase history like that."

"No, I guess not." Luke took a swig of his beer.

"But, deep down, I know that even if we were given the slightest chance to make it work again, it wouldn't."

"Why is that?"

"I think maybe because Chris and I are two different people with two different lives and two different outlooks. I'm starting to see that the only things we have in common anymore is a daughter, a history, a background, and a sense of humor."

"You have a great kid." Luke said. It wasn't the first time he said it to her, but it always made her feel good when he did.

"I think so too."

"It's because of you."

"I think she came out of the womb that way," Lorelai said, trying to hide her blush from Luke.

"Some things you're born with, but other things are the result of how you are raised." Lorelai felt a little choked up at that. She never cried, but he was being so damn sweet.

"Thank you," she swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump that formed. "Think that's why I'm so screwed up?"

"You are not screwed up," Luke said forcefully, placing his hand over hers that was resting on the counter. That surprised Lorelai, but she like how it felt. It made her feel tingly, but she didn't know why. Lorelai looked up at Luke, holding on to his gaze. "I don't want you to be down on yourself anymore, okay?" Lorelai nodded, swallowing again.

"I want what he has," Lorelai said with a waver in her voice. Luke's grip on her hand tightened in an effort to comfort her. She never felt so weak and pitiful. "I want to find that person who makes me feel loved and special and happy. I want to go home and find him cooking dinner for me. I want him to leave me a cup of coffee on the nightstand before he goes to work. I want him to love and be good to my kid. I want him to take care of me. I want him to make me a better person, like Sherry did to Chris. I want it all. The whole package. Is that selfish of me?" Luke shook his head.

"You'll get that," he said simply.

"How do you know?" Her voice still sounded wobbly, and she took a deep breath to make it steady.

"I know."

"How?" She pleaded with him.

"I just know." Lorelai could tear her eyes away from him. She was once again struck by how handsome he was. How good it felt to talk to him. How good his hand felt on hers.

"God, Luke. Why do you have to be so good to me?" She let this out without even knowing why she said it. Luke didn't say anything in return. She felt his thumb rub absently on the top of her hand, sending chills down her spine. That did her in. "I mean, you do all the 'honey-do' chores at my house. You cook for me everyday. You look after Rory like she was your own. You give me advice. You let my cry on your shoulder. Why?" Luke was still at loss for words. At least her voice didn't quaver. She still couldn't take her eyes off him; like that tractor beam from Stars Wars was holding her in. Luke cleared his throat.

"Because, I, uh, care, Lorelai." There was some great about that statement. There was something great about a lot of things Luke said tonight. Lorelai's other hand got a mind of its own, slowly making its way to Luke's cheek. She felt him jump slightly as her hand made contact with his skin. What the hell am I doing? Her hand started to stroke the side of his face, his stubble tickling her fingers. She moved her hand so that her thumb positioned itself right under his lower lip. "Lorelai?" Luke questioned softly in his gruff whisper, "What are you doing?"

"I don't know," she responded. She felt herself lean closer to him. Surprised when Luke's other hand grazed her waist, resting there. "I don't know," she said again.

"Me neither," Luke responded, and Lorelai saw him lean in even closer, stopping just short of her lips. She could feel his breath on his face. She wanted him to kiss her. She desperately wanted him to kiss her. And, just for a moment, she didn't think that was weird.

Voices were suddenly heard from near by. Startled, Lorelai pulled away so fast that she almost toppled backward out of her chair. Luke grabbed her wrist to keep her upright. He couldn't look away from her. "You okay?" He asked with a nervous laugh.

"Me…yeah…uh, uh, um fine. Yeah, me fine."

"Lorelai-" Luke started to say something, but was interrupted by the bell over the diner door.

"Oh, Luke. I was looking for you honey," Miss Patty said, walking through the door with a bouquet of bright fuchsia roses in hand. She was followed by Andrew, Gypsy, Taylor, Babette, and Morey. "You and Andrew tied for the lowest number of hearts. You weren't outside for me to give you your prize." Lorelai got out of her stool as quickly as she could, but tripped on her own shoes. Morey thought fast and grabbed her arm.

"Gotcha, girlie."

"Yeah, a little clumsy today." Luke was still staring at her with that look. She didn't know what to call it. She needed to get out of there. She couldn't breathe.

"Lorelai, you alright? You're looking pale, doll," Babette commented in her raspy voice.

"I'm fine, really."

"Here's your rose, Luke," Patty said, pulling one out of her bunch. Lorelai slowly backed away from the crowd, toward the door. Anything to get out of there. She could feel Luke's eyes bearing into her back.

"I didn't know," Luke said quietly. Lorelai turned, just before she reached the door.

"What was that, hon?" Miss Patty asked.

"The game, the heart. Lorelai. I didn't know…she was there."

"It doesn't matter. Lorelai's heart was still on you're back. We all saw it," the rest of the crowd either nodded or voiced their agreement. Lorelai couldn't tell if his words had a double meaning. She looked over at him once again. He shook his head, still staring at her. Then she walked out the door. She couldn't deal with this now. Not here. Not today. Not with the whole town watching.

February 23rd, 2001

"I asked you a question!" Emily nearly yelled as she followed Lorelai into the kitchen. There was a reason why she escaped to get more ice. Lorelai wanted her mother to stop talking about Luke. She didn't want her mother to get the wrong idea about her and Luke and the whole Stella situation.

"He was helping me find the bird, Mom," she stated, trying not to lose her patience.

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Jeez, what's with the third degree from everyone today? First Sookie, now Mom. Calling Luke was completely innocent! Then why did I call him?

"And how did he know that the bird was missing? What, was he strolling by your house and he heard your plaintive cries for help?"

"Mom." Why was she pushing it?

"Or the helpless cheep of a chick in trouble?" Lorelai was just about frustrated now.

"I called him, Mom. Okay? I called him and asked him to come over and help me look for the bird. Okay?

"It seems like this man is always around when you're in trouble."

"He's a good friend." He really is.

"Oh, please." Oh, my God, Mother!

"Do we have to discuss this?"

"Lorelai, I'm getting a little tired of being lied to."

"Apparently we do." What is she getting at? Luke and I together is crazy, right?

"This man was at Rory's birthday party, he came to the hospital with you, he's the male lead in every story you tell, you go to the diner every single day. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way you look at him. I'm not a fool."

"Mom, please." She was beyond frustration now. Her tone was practically pleading Emily to stop.

"Why do you treat me like I don't have a clue in the world as to what is going on in your life? Now I'm asking you, as a favor, if you have any respect for me at all as your mother, just tell me. Do you have feelings for this man?" Lorelai audibly let out the breath she held. Should she be honest? Should she just say something to get Emily off her back?

"I don't know. Maybe I do... I haven't given it much thought. Maybe I do." Lorelai was suddenly aware that maybe she was acting out of honesty for once. Maybe she really did have feelings for Luke.

"Thank you. I'm glad you were finally honest with me. Now we can discuss what on earth you could possibly be thinking."

A/N: Well, well, what do you think? Really, be honest? If it's a little too dramatic or OOC, I can fix stuff. I am willing. I really do try to be authentic in my characters and dialogue and whatnot. I also decided to mix it up with a flashback in the front and back of the chapter. Actually, this was originally supposed to be the end of the last chapter, so I had to think of another flashback to use. This one seemed appropriate. That Damn Donna Reed is one of my fave episodes.

So, like I said last chapter, the next chapter is done. Story is done! Huzzah (just came back from the Renaissance Festival in Phoenix, can you tell?)! But, I decided to wait a couple of days before I post the last chapter. Why? Maybe I'm cruel...no, I'm mainly doing it for suspense. I'm not going to be like, "If I don't get 50kajillion reviews, I'm not going to post the last chapter." Let this chapter soak in for you a bit. I want time to hear your feedback to see if I need to make adjustments. I really value your feedback, you guys. You keep me writing. I love you all, and I promise to pose in a few days.

And for my Monty Python fans…my hovercraft is full of eels!