Luke POV

After six weeks of dating, we had settled into a nice rhythm. I was fairly certain Miss Patty had figured it out but since she hadn't declared it to the entire town, I wasn't panicking about it.

I was starting to think about the relationship, though; I've loved both Lorelai and Rory from the beginning. The connection to Lorelai was instant, but when I met Rory... it was like everything changed in a very strange way. I felt like it was my job to keep her safe, like she was my responsibility, even though I had no reason to even like the girl. I had never been one to believe in fate or anything like that, but the instant need to protect her, to keep her safe from everything... the only explanation is that it was supposed to be that way.

I explained this to Lorelai on our date tonight, and she laughed, "That's called being a parent. I didn't think I'd love Rory when I was pregnant, and then I held her, and it was magic."

She went quiet, "I don't think that even happened for Christopher, that he had that feeling. And you did, which is crazy. I think you were meant to be a part of our crazy little family, you wouldn't have had that feeling, otherwise."

I smiled sadly, "I wish I had known you both from the beginning, maybe I could have been her dad and maybe he wouldn't have had a chance to hurt her. Maybe I could have done more."

"Well," She started, "You have the chance now, and both me and Rory are open to it, even if she doesn't know we're together yet."

"I can't wait to tell her," I admitted, and she chuckled.

"Soon, I promise," She said, quickly changing the subject.

She was putting it off.

I was ready to tell Rory, for Rory to be involved, and while Lorelai seemed ready to involve her daughter, she was hesitant. Maybe because she had never taken a man home, or maybe because she was scared of hurting Rory, or maybe it was just because Rory was especially vulnerable right now because of her asshole of a father, but the reason didn't matter; Lorelai was hesitant.

I knew that this could really affect Rory, especially if it all goes wrong, but something in my heart was telling me it wouldn't. Even if it did go wrong with me and Lorelai, the way I care about Rory isn't going anywhere and I wouldn't leave her like her father did.

I knew I would be okay with waiting if Lorelai would talk to me about it, but she keeps saying 'soon' and moving on, even when I do try to ask her what's going on. I'm not even sure she's hearing me.

"Lorelai?" An unfamiliar voice called, making us both look up from our conversation. Her eyes widened and I could just hear her cursing under her breath. With a glance at the person, I made the assumption he was a relative, probably her father.

"Lor?" I questioned softly as she stood up to embrace the gentleman.

"Hi Dad, are you here with Mom?" She asked politely, with an undertone of annoyance.

He laughed, "No, I'm meeting some possible clients for dinner. I presume you're on a date?"

I stood up and introduced myself to him, but Lorelai interrupted me, "He's my boyfriend, Dad."

"Huh..." His eyes raked over me, probably trying to figure out my societal status (based on what Lorelai has told me about them) and then he said, "I have to get to dinner, but maybe we should catch up soon."

He walked off before she could respond, and she sunk into her chair. I sat back down and took a long drink.

"I'm sorry about tonight," She said as she left the restaurant, "I don't see my parents often because we don't get on, but I do see them on holidays so Rory doesn't completely miss out."

"It's okay – parents and families are a part of being in a proper relationship with someone," I said softly, pulling her in for a kiss. She looked around, before dragging me into the nearest alleyway, which had been our new tradition since we were limited.

The kiss was immediately heated, our hands roaming. I kept one hand in her hair at all times, being her favourite, but my other one slipped under her dress, blinding exploring her body. Her hands were everywhere, unable to settle on a destination. Every touch was a surprise, often causing me to tighten my grip on her hair, causing an endless circle of pleasure.

When our make-out session ended, we headed to our separate vehicles, making me wish we were out to Rory even more. The drive home was lonely, and my apartment was lonelier.

However, being alone did mean that I was able to work on a little project that I've had for a while, so there was that benefit. I just hoped that it was finished in time for when I needed it.

AN: So this chapter is a lot shorter than intended but I needed a filler chapter to put us back in Lorelai's point of view. Don't ask. Let me know what you thought of this chapter, and I would also still like suggestions of what to put on Rory's list of things Christopher didn't do. While I have quite a few, I can always do with more, so please drop some suggestions.