A/N: Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, enjoyed and hated this story. I'm sorry it's ending. Many thanks to dimoreien who was always a huge help. Enjoy.

She Always Takes Me Back

Chapter 23: A Good Strong Name

"Come on, Luke, it's a great name and it fits with the rest of us. "

"No son of my will be named Lance. That's it. End of discussion."

"Well, there aren't many other cool 'L' names."

"Did you think that maybe our son could have a name of his own? He doesn't have to follow the rest of us. Besides, Rory is an 'R' name."

"Yeah, but her real name is Lorelai. I must have been heavily medicated when I decided to do that. It wasn't the name I had picked out for her."

"Really? What name did you have picked out for her?"

"I was torn between Susannah and Belinda. Doesn't Belinda Susannah Gilmore have a nice ring to it?"

"Yeah, if you're stuck in a romance novel and you don't mind your initials being BS."

Lorelai reached over the counter as far as her protruding belly would allow and smacked Luke in the arm.

"Do not make fun of my baby names or your son might end up with the name Laramie Alistair Danes."

"All right, I give, but we're not naming him Lance," he said as he refilled her coffee cup with decaf.

It only took Luke two months and a few photographs of babies with low-birth weight to stop Lorelai from complaining about decaf, but he kind of missed the daily battle with her.

"I can't believe I can't take place in tonight's Halloween festivities except to give out stupid candy," she said looking down at her stomach. "And it's all your fault Lucius."

"No, not the bad guy in Harry Potter either."

"Damn, I thought I could get that one past you."

"You made me watch all four movies so I can take you when the new one opens. I was awake, you know. Why don't you let Rory name the kid after one of those books she's all into. Something in one of them has to go with Danes."

"Oh, I can't name him Lamont, but you'll let Rory give him some Russian name like Leopold?"

Luke laughed. When they discovered they were going to have a boy, the fight over a name began almost instantly, and so far, they were still at a draw. She wanted an 'L' name. She wanted a family name. She wanted a unique name. Everyday, she had a new request, and he had shot them all down. He kept telling her when they heard the name, they would know it and until then, it was going to take all the willpower he could muster to keep his son from being named Llewellyn, Lysander or Ludlow.

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to hang the caramel apples for you. Look at it this way, you can sit inside and eat the candy instead of giving it to trick-or-treaters."

"That's true, but I wanted to show up Babette and Morey this year."

"At least you'll get out of hosting Thanksgiving since you'll most likely spend it in the hospital."

"Why did you have to remind me that I have to miss my favorite holiday to give birth? The one time you can stuff your face and not feel guilty, and I'm gonna be sucking on ice chips and having natural child birth."

"Who are you kidding? I've already heard you mention an epidural to the doctor five times."

"Hey, I'm still going to be awake. So until you plan on pushing a kid out of one of your body parts, can it Danes. Oh, and get me some pie!"

"Christopher, it's time to take your meds," Veronica, the morning nurse said as she entered his room with a tray full of little paper cups. "You can't be late for your appointment with Dr. Freeman."

"Thank you Veronica," he said taking his two cups, first the one with his meds, then water.

At first he tried to fight the pills, saying he was perfectly fine, but a few rounds with Arnold the Orderly had taught him to just take the damn pills. Plus, he enjoyed the feeling they gave him, kind of like being on a cloud. When he was up there, he forgot he had spent the last seven months in a mental institution filled with people who had to be restrained from setting fires.

When he agreed to his lawyer's and the district attorney's plea bargain, he thought he could convince the doctor he was perfectly sane in about a week. Unfortunately, Dr. Freeman wasn't so easy to charm since Christopher refused to admit he shot Lorelai in a jealous rage, but stuck to his story he was forced to kill Luke to save his daughter's soul from demons.

"Christopher, until you take responsibility for the actions you've taken, you aren't going to go anywhere."

"Why don't you understand I'm telling the truth?" Christopher said as he got out of the chair facing the doctor's desk. "That thing was holding my daughter's soul hostage and if I didn't help it, I'd lose her. Didn't you read about those awful things that happened in Port Charles? She did that."

"Your daughter caused an earthquake and a mob war? Wow, she's really special."

"My daughter didn't do it. That demon did it."

"Christopher, I can guarantee you that until you say the words, 'I am responsible for my actions and the consequences' you will not leave Shadybrook."

Christopher sighed and sat back down. He and Dr. Freeman had the same conversation every week. Christopher tried to tell him the truth, Dr. Freeman said he was lying, and then they would stare at each other for ten minutes. He realized if he wanted out, he'd have to tell the doctor what he wanted to hear.

"You know, you're right, Dr. Freeman, I have to take responsibility for what I did. No one forced me into that diner with a gun to kill Luke. I did it. No matter what reason I had, I went into that diner for one reason and instead, I hurt the most important person in the world to me."

"Are saying this because it's what you think I want to hear, or because you actually believe it?"

"Both."

"Good. Now, we're making progress. Christopher, it doesn't really matter why you did what you did. You just have to realize you are responsible for what happened, and that action had consequences. Now, once you realize that demons from Hell aren't controlling you, I think we'll be able talk about letting you back into society."

"Demons from Hell don't control me. I told you it left and went to Port Charles."

Now it was Dr. Freeman's turn to sigh.

It took Christopher another five weeks to finally convince Dr. Freeman he was no longer a threat to himself or others. He was allowed to call Francine to tell her the good news, but he could by her voice she wasn't completely thrilled with the notion.

"Oh course, I'm happy about it, Christopher. I'm sure Georgia will be thrilled to have you home for Christmas."

"How is my girl?"

"She's doing well. She's adjusted well since starting her new school this fall. Rumsey Hall has been a good fit for her."

"Have you heard from Rory?"

"You know she doesn't call me, Christopher. You are going to have to make that contact yourself."

"I know. I was just hoping she would have visited me at least once while I was in here."

"Well, she must be holding a grudge. I can't imagine why."

"This is not the appropriate time for sarcasm, Mother."

"Well, Christopher, considering the embarrassment you have put me through, I think I'm allowed. Georgia and I will pick you up on Friday. Goodbye son."

Three more days, he thought. I only have three more days in this hell hole. Then I can see Lorelai again, and explain what happened. Since he did not have a trial, he had never had a chance to tell his side of the story. She hadn't even come to his sentencing.

"Christmas will be the perfect time to ask for forgiveness," he said as he started to pack. "There is always a chance she'll take me back once she knows the whole story."

Although his mother had originally wanted him to leave the state, the state of Connecticut would not allow it, so Francine insisted he stay with her until he had decided where he wanted to live. She had forbid him from contacting Lorelai or visiting Stars Hollow. He was, however, allowed to make contact with Rory, something he had avoided so far. Christopher decided Rory would be the perfect excuse to see Lorelai.

"Mother, I'm going to New Haven to see Rory," Christopher said trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "If I wait any longer, she'll have headed back to Stars Hollow and I won't be able to give her a Christmas gift."

"Just remember you have to be back by your curfew, Christopher," Francine said. "And keep your cell phone on."

"I will," he said, enjoying the lies. "I'll be back by eight."

As soon as he got away from the house, Christopher turned off his phone. He didn't want any interruptions. He had already bought gifts for Lorelai and Rory. He knew it was always wise to come bearing gifts.

The drive to Stars Hollow was short, and he immediately went to the Dragonfly, figuring he should probably start on neutral ground. When he entered, he expected to find Lorelai or at least Michel behind the desk, but there was a strange girl he had never seen before.

"Hi, welcome to the Dragonfly Inn. My name is Joy. How can I help you today?"

"Hi, Joy. I'm looking for Lorelai Gilmore."

"She's not back yet. She won't be back until after the holidays."

"Oh, I didn't know. Is she in town?"

"Sure, she should be at home."

"Thank you."

Christopher headed back to his car. He hadn't returned to Lorelai's house since the nightmare events of last spring. He still couldn't look at gnomes without having nightmares. As he drove, he worked on what he would say, deciding to play on Lorelai's sympathies about him being Rory's father and the horrors he had suffered in Shadybrook.

When he arrived at Lorelai's house, the first thing he noticed was it was a different color, a richer blue. The next thing he noticed was the strange car in the driveway. Lorelai's jeep was nowhere to be seen. Also, her stupid lawn arch was missing.

Fearing he would chicken out, Christopher went to the door as fast as he could and knocked. He heard some crashing sounds inside, some muffled cursing before the door opened and a strange looking young man in glasses appeared at the door.

"Yes?"

"Is Lorelai here?"

"Oh, she moved this summer and rented out the house to my band."

"Are you in Lane's band?"

"Yeah, I'm Brian. I'm Hep Alien's bass player."

"You guys are great. Rory's played me some of your stuff."

"You know Rory?"

"Yeah, I'm her fa-- her favorite cousin, Steve. So, where did Lorelai move to? I'm just passing through town, and I wanted to say hello."

"Oh, she moved to the Twickham house, right off the town square. You can't miss it. It's the big house with columns."

"Hey, thanks…."

"Brian. Have a good day."

Christopher knew exactly what house the kid was talking about, but he couldn't believe Lorelai had moved there. She had always expressed such pride over her home, how she had saved for five years for the down payment and made the curtains herself.

"Why would she move when she already had the perfect house?" he asked himself as he turned over the engine and headed toward the town square.

All was quiet at the Twickham house as Lorelai was napping on the couch. The baby had finally dozed off, and Lorelai took every opportunity she could. She was just getting visions of pancakes when the doorbell ring, causing a flurry of curses to silently fall out of her mouth.

"Dammit, if he wakes up, you are so dead," she said as she headed to her door. "What the hell do you think…Christopher? What the hell are you doing here?"

"Hi Lorelai. It's nice to see you, too."

"You're supposed to be in jail or something," she said as she stepped out on the porch and shutting the door behind her.

"I got out about a week ago. I'm sorry to come by with no warning, but I tried the Dragonfly first, but they said you were on vacation?"

"Uh, yeah, vacation," she said, a grin on her face. "So why are you here?"

"I wanted to apologize for what happened last spring. I am sorry I shot you, but I am Rory's dad, and I need to be in her life."

"You're sorry you shot me? Are you fucking kidding me, Christopher? You could have killed me. You were going to kill Luke, and Luke broke my favorite coffee pot with your face. You've apologized, now take your sorry ass out of my town and don't come back. I'll tell Rory where you are. If she wants to call you, she will."

"Lor, I need to explain what happened."

"Uh, no you don't. I heard about your cockamamie story about your kid being possessed. It's really sad you tried to blame a six-year-old. You will never change."

As her voice raised, she heard the small cry from inside the house. Christopher heard it too.

"What was that?"

"That's my son, and you woke him up. Now, I have to go inside and take care of him."

"Wait, you had a kid? When?"

"On November 30th. He's three weeks old. I was pregnant when you shot me, but fortunately, he wasn't harmed. His name is Henry."

"Is he…"

"Yes, Luke is his father. We live here."

"Are you married?"

"Not that it is any of your business, but no. I didn't want to look like a beached whale at my wedding, so we are waiting until this spring. Now that you're updated on my life, please get out of it and don't come back."

Lorelai opened the door, and went back inside before Christopher had a chance to say anything. He was about to knock when he heard footsteps behind him.

"What are you doing here?" Luke practically growled at him.

Christopher turned around to find Luke, looking like a deranged war veteran in a green army jacket, fingerless gloves, and his omnipresent baseball hat throwing daggers at him with his eyes.

"Uh, Luke, I didn't come here to start trouble. I just came to apologize for my behavior."

"Did you?"

"Yes, and now, I'm leaving."

"Good because some nice words and a hangdog smile are not going to erase the pain you caused Lorelai."

"I know that."

"No, I don't think you do. While you were gluing macaroni to paper, Lorelai had to go through six weeks of physical therapy and a high risk pregnancy. She doesn't need you bothering her, and if I see you again around my home or my kids, I'll personally run you over with my truck. If you can get away with a few months in a hospital, I doubt I would even be arrested for it."

Luke had moved closer to Christopher who began to feel himself in danger.

"Now, get off my property before I remove you myself."

Luke walked past him, using every ounce of will power in his body not to clobber Christopher. He unlocked the front door and went inside, shutting the door a little too loudly.

It took Christopher's heart beat a full ten minutes to return to normal as he sat in his car. Lorelai had a baby. He knew this was the one thing that would keep her from coming back. She would never deprive her child of knowing his father, and even if he thought he could be a better father than Luke. He knew he wouldn't get that chance.

"I guess she's not going to take me back this time," he said to himself as he passed the Stars Hollow's city limits sign. "Well, maybe in a few years when her son is older. She might be ready then. I'll try again in a year or so. She'll be tired of the diner life by then."

Christopher smiled knowing there was always a way he could worm his way into Lorelai's heart.

"Hey, is he asleep?" Luke whispered into the nursery to Lorelai, who was rocking Henry to sleep.

"Yeah, just," she said. "Put him in his crib."

Luke took the sleeping infant from Lorelai and gently placed him in the crib. Henry was so tiny, and Luke was often afraid he would break him, but Lorelai gently reassured him that baby's are much tougher than they look.

Lorelai's pregnancy had been filled with complications, from their fear that the gun shot wound would have lasting effects to the myriad of health problems she suffered. She just counted her lucky stars she made it through without going on bed rest. Unfortunately, she was forced to have a c-section after the baby was breech, a week late, and larger than originally anticipated.

When he was born, they still hadn't decided on a name until Lorelai insisted he have a family name, but Luke refused to name him Lucas.

"I don't even like it and it's my name," he had grumbled each time she suggested it.

"Well, what was your father's middle name?" she said, holding their son in her arms in a first attempt to breast feed him.

"Harold. That's out of the question too."

"What about Henry then? It's close to Harold and it's kind of cool. We could even call him Hank if you wanted."

"I don't know about Hank, but I like Henry. It's a good, strong name. Henry Danes. Oh crap! What about a middle name?"

"Hey, Rory?" Lorelai asked to her half asleep daughter in the chair.

"Yeah?" she said with a yawn.

"What book are you reading?"

"The House of the Seven Gables by Nathanial Hawthorne. Why?"

"Henry Nathanial Danes. It's perfect."

Luke smiled. It was perfect for the small boy with the shock of black hair and deep blue eyes with a face like Winston Churchill.

"It is perfect. He's perfect, too."

"You say that now, but wait until he flushes your keys down the toilet."

Luke smiled and kissed her on the lips.

"I can't wait."