Chapter 9: Is It Love?

"Ughhh, Sookie. I need coffee! I'm dying," Lorelai complained, slowly strolling into the kitchen.

"Did you not go to Luke's?"

"No. I had trouble going to sleep last night, but once I fell asleep, I overslept. I had to rush to take Rory over to Lane's, and I didn't have time to stop in to see him."

Curious as to why, Sookie asked carefully, "And you couldn't sleep… because?"

"Because... I was thinking about Luke."

"Oh my gosh! Did you guys finally do it," Sookie asked excitedly, "How was it?"

"No Sook," Lorelai replied quickly, "We didn't do it."

"Well then, why else would you stay up all night thinking about him?"

"I… I don't know," she replied unconvincingly.

"Oh please, Lorelai! You, of all people, would not stay up voluntarily unless it was something big. You love sleep. Now, spill!"

Sighing, Lorelai grabbed Sookie and pulled her into the pantry. "Sookie, what I say here is something you have to keep a secret."

"Okay. I've got it. Now quit avoiding my question and spill it."

"I think I'm in love with Luke."

Sookie's eyes went wide, and she jumped right at Lorelai, squealing and bringing her into a hug. "Oh my gosh! Lorelai, I'm so happy for you! Why would that keep you up at night?"

"Sook, what if he doesn't love me back," Lorelai responded quietly.

"Has he made you think otherwise?"

"No," Lorelai answered swiftly, "It's just the opposite, actually."

"What do you mean?"

"Sookie, he is so good to me. Last night we got into it because of something my mother said to me, and instead of letting me push him away, he faced it head on and fought it out! I know fighting is not something to be happy about, but Sookie, he fought for me! No one has ever done that! He literally takes care of Rory like she's his own, which is something her own father won't even do! He feeds me, repairs anything I need, and he's there for me when I don't have anyone else to turn to… He's just so good to me; I honestly don't know what I ever did to deserve it. I wanted to tell him last night, during the fight, but I just couldn't do it…not at that moment."

As Lorelai spoke, a wide smile spread across Sookie's face. "Lorelai, do you hear yourself? I don't know why you are so worried, but all of what you just said made me think that that man loves you. He loves you a lot. If he didn't, what else would be keeping him around?"

"I don't know…" Lorelai replied quietly, "I can't think of anything else. Even my dad said that Luke loves me…"

"Well then, there is your answer, hon."

"But, Sookie," she spoke quickly, dropping her eyes to her feet and shifting uncomfortably, "Do you know how scary it is for me to love Luke? I have never wanted anyone like I do him, and it freaks me out that something could happen. If I tell him, then one day he just decided that he didn't want me anymore, it would not only break my heart, but Rory's too."

"Lorelai," Sookie responded sternly, "You can't worry about something that hasn't even happened yet…There are two questions that need to be asked in this situation. First, do you think Luke loves you?"

"Yes."

"Secondly… Do you love Luke?"

Slowly, Lorelai looked up, and she answered confidently, "Yes."

"Well, then tell him. Tell him when you feel the moment is right."

"Thanks, Sookie," Lorelai replied, pulling Sookie in for a hug, "I'll let you know what happens."

Later that day, Lorelai was on her lunch break, and, of course, she had to go visit Luke.

"Good afternoon Burger Boy," Lorelai called loudly as she strolled through the diner door, "I'm in need of lunch, and I was hoping you could help me with that… Coffee first, please!"

Taking a step back, Luke leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "And what makes you think I'm giving you coffee," he replied teasingly.

"Well if you don't, I'll just get it myself," Lorelai started, as she began to walk around the counter.

"No! Sit down, and I'll get it."

Instead of bringing her the mug he got her, he grabbed the smallest mug he could find. While he was setting it down on the table, Lorelai gasped. "Lucas! How in the world am I supposed to survive on such a small amount of caffeine?"

"If you keep pushing my nerves, I won't give you any."

"Fine," she pouted. "Please tell me that I am allowed to have the food I want."

"Of course," he replied while smirking, "What are you hungry for?"

A devilish grin appeared on Lorelai's face. "Are we talking in terms of food, or…" she faltered off, running her hand slowly up and down his arm.

"Lorelai," he warned, trying to ignore her touch, "You know good and well that I mean food."

"Well, how was I supposed to know? When my smoking hot boyfriend is dressed like that, how am I supposed to resist?"

"Dressed like what? I wear this everyday…"

"Exactly. It's incredibly sexy," she replied, biting her lip and dropping her gaze to his lips.

"Will you quit looking at me like that," he snapped, "There are other people in this diner."

"But it is so fun to make you blush!"

"Lorelai, I'm serious. If Patty and Babette saw you looking at me like that, I would get bugged for weeks."

"Fine… but you owe me."

"Owe you what?"

"A date," she replied smiling.

"And what do you have in mind?"

"Movie night!" Before he could even roll his eyes, Lorelai continued, "I know, I know. We've done movie nights, but hear me out. After my parents' party, I've had my fill of getting dressed up for at least the next week, so I thought we could do something more casual! I'll even let you pick the movie. Pleeeeaaasssee."

"Fine," Luke replied without argument, knowing that he wanted to spend time with her alone, "But we should do it here because I close tonight, so it will be a little later than usual… What about Rory?"

"She's spending today and the night with Lane. Mrs. Kim allowed it since Lane memorized all of her Bible verses for the week."

"Okayyy, then I guess it's settled. Does 9 work for you? I don't get to close until 8:30, and I need time to clean up and everything."

"Nine is perfect! Now… about that burger."

Sighing, Luke replied, "Sorry, I forgot… I'll be right back."

Grabbing his hand before he could leave, Lorelai quickly added, "Ooo and add extra cheese and bacon!"

"Oh yes," he deadpanned, "That's perfect for your arteries."

"But it's so tasty!"

"I'll have it out in a minute," he grumbled.

"Thanks babe," she squeezed his hand gently and smiled, "You're the best."

At 9:10, Lorelai made her way up the stairs to Luke's apartment. Knocking on the door, she didn't receive a reply. That's weird. I'm pretty sure he said 9.

She knocked again, but again, Luke didn't answer. Deciding not to wait any longer, she opened the door to let herself in, but Luke was nowhere in sight. What the hell? Where is he?

"Lorelai?"

Turning around quickly, she saw Luke standing in the doorway, hands full with groceries.

"What are you doing here? I thought I told you 9."

"I hate to break it to you, babe," she replied laughing as she grabbed some of the bags from him and sat them on the table, "But it is already 9:15… You're late."

"Shit, really? I'm sorry Lorelai. I went to go get a movie, and decided I would get you some snacks. I didn't think it would take me so long."

"It's fine Luke. I was late anyway… I'm just giving you a hard time," she giggled.

Peeking into the bags, she saw they were filled with vegetables, oatmeal, and everything else she hated. "Sorry, but I'm not eating any of this green junk."

Luke chuckled at the grossed out look on her face. "I didn't expect you to. Those are actually my groceries. Your stuff is still in the truck. I'll be right back."

When Luke came back, he had Lorelai's snacks in one arm, but his other arm held out a large bouquet of yellow daisies.

"Aww, Luke! You got me flowers?"

Meekly, Luke answered, "Well, I wanted this date to still feel like a real date, even though we're just spending the night in. Sooo…"

"Thank you, Luke," she replied and kissed him sweetly. "You know, you're the only person that has ever gotten me flowers before." Sookie was so right. I have no reason to doubt.

"And I've never bought anyone else flowers," he responded and returned her kiss. "You deserved something nice. Now, about that movie… what do you think of this one?"

"No way," Lorelai exclaimed, "You got Dirty Dancing? This is only one of the best and most controversial movies of the last decade!"

"Controversial? Aw jeez… Please tell me it's not too bad. I only got it because Sookie said you might like it…" Luke shuddered.

"You'll just have to wait and see," she giggled, dragging him over to the couch, anxious to begin their date.

Midmovie, Luke and Lorelai found themselves snuggled up on the couch. Luke laid against the back, with Lorleai in front of him and her back against his chest. His arm was draped protectively around her, and she had her fingers laced loosely through his.

"You know, Luke," Lorelai spoke suddenly, "We're actually a little like them."

"Who?"

"Baby and Johnny."

"Uh huh," Luke rolled his eyes. "And you think that, why?"

"Well, look at them. She's a privileged girl who has had everything handed to her on a silver platter. Her family absolutely hates Johnny and would rather her end up unhappy with a man with a better social status. Johnny is an amazing guy who comes from a family of "lesser status", and he's willing to put up with all of the crap in Baby's life just to be with her. Plus, he takes care of those close to him, no matter what it costs him… just like you."

As much as Luke hated to agree with Lorelai's strange movie explanations, he didn't disagree with this one. His demeanor softened at her analysis of him, knowing that he truly would do anything for her.

"I guess I can see it… but there's one problem with that theory," Luke replied humorously.

"And what is that?"

"He and I are different because I would never wear such fruity outfits. Those v-neck shirts are just too much."

Giggling, Lorelai turned and pecked his lips. "I agree. I'd much rather have the flannel."

Nearing the end of the movie, Luke had blushed uncomfortably many times, and he was ready to enter full rant mode.

"Why in the world would they dance like that in public? That's awful! It's like they're doing it, just with clothes on!"

Lorelai grinned. "Aww, come on babe. You mean you wouldn't dance like that with me?"

"No," he answered quickly.

"You're no fun!"

Turning her attention back to the screen, Lorelai noticed her favorite scene. "Ohhh, Luke! This is the best part! We should dance!"

"I just told you, I will not dance like that."

"Oh come on, Luke! They aren't dancing dirty! It's just normal dancing… You said you wanted it to be like a real date, so let's dance!"

"Lorelai… I don't want to dance," Luke replied sternly.

"But it's not like we're in public! Please Luke," she pouted as she jumped up, extending her hand to him.

"Fine," he grumbled, taking her hand, "I swear, that pout of yours will make me do anything."

She smirked. "You act like I don't know that."

Lorelai turned up the TV a little louder, and the sound of The Time of My Life filled the room. At first, Luke was a little hesitant, but as the song continued, he and Lorelai fell into perfect rhythm. Out of nowhere, Luke skillfully pulled Lorelai closer, placing his hand on her upper back, and dipped her low.

"Luke," she gasped while laughing, "What the hell was that!"

"Well, you said you wanted to dance," he smirked smugly, "We're gonna do this right, or we're not gonna do it at all."

Resuming their movement, Lorelai leaned in, laying her head on his chest, encircling his waist with her arms. "I thought you said you couldn't dance," she spoke gently

"I never said I couldn't. I just said I wouldn't."

"But really, Luke. You don't just get these skills from anywhere. I was forced into lessons as a kid, but you weren't, I'm assuming. Where did you learn to dance?"

"Honestly, I've never told anyone this, but … I … uh, learned from my mom."

A small smile spread across Lorelai's face. Leaning back, she met his gaze with sympathetic eyes, knowing how hard it was for him to talk about his family. "So that's why you don't dance?"

"Exactly," Luke replied quietly, "I haven't done it since she died."

"And yet, you're dancing with me. I'm sorry I pushed you … You know, we really don't have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable."

She started to pull away, but Luke held her tighter and kissed her sweetly. "Lorelai, at first I didn't want to dance, but now that we're doing it, I'm glad I gave in. You're the perfect partner for me."

This is it. This is the moment. "Luke," Lorelai spoke sincerely, "Look at me."

"Lorelai, no. I promise it's fine. There's no one else I'd rather dance with."

"No, that's not it…" she spoke softly, waiting for his eyes to meet hers.

"Okay… then what is it," he asked hesitantly.

"Luke… I… I love you."

A wide smile spread across his face, her words echoing in his mind. "Really?"

"Yes, Luke Danes. I love you."

"Lorelai," he started as he leaned in for a tender kiss, "I love you too, more than you could ever know."

Gradually, Lorelai laced her arms around Luke's neck. They kissed slowly and tenderly, savoring the moment they found themselves in.

Unable to control themselves for very long, they brought the kisses deeper, and what started as a soft kiss turned into fiery passion. One of Luke's hands found its way to the top of her back, while the other slid down to her bottom, where he pulled her against him. A quiet moan escaped Lorelai's lips, and Luke took the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth. As they fell into a comfortable rhythm, Lorelai's hands slowly slipped from around his neck and down to his abdomen, where she began to unbutton his shirt.

When Luke realized what she was doing, he pulled back a moment. "Are you sure," he asked breathlessly, "We don't have to… if you're not ready."

Shutting him up, Lorelai brought him back down to her, kissing him soundly. She mumbled against his lips, "I'm ready."

Dropping her hands back down to the bottom of his flannel, she made her way up, unbuttoning every button and sliding the shirt off of his shoulders. Luke's hands found their way under the hem of her shirt, where he slowly caressed her bare skin, sliding higher and higher until he teased the sides of her breasts, causing her to arch into him. Her response ignited the fire in Luke, and his movements became more intentional, doing his best to show her just how much he wanted her.

Struggling to untuck his undershirt, Lorelai groaned. Luke quickly pulled back and removed the offending garment, and Lorelai's eyes went wide with desire. "You know, you wear way too many layers," she spoke intensely, dragging her hands slowly across his torso, "You're too handsome to cover up. You should just walk around shirtless."

"Only if you do too," he replied seductively, pulling her shirt over her head. Stopping for a moment to take her appearance in, Luke spoke earnestly, "Lorelai… you're beautiful."

A wide, sincere smile took over Lorelai's face, and she softly spoke, her words barely audible, "I love you, Luke."

"I love you, Lorelai."

With one swift motion, he lifted her and carried her to bed. "Now, where were we," he asked softly, laying her back gently, and capturing her lips with his.

"You know, I always thought that you'd be the one to say "I love you" first," Lorelai spoke softly, as she snuggled closer placing soft kisses on his neck.

Turning his head to give her better access, he replied in the same tone, "I'd be lying if I said I haven't wanted to… I've just been waiting for you."

"Boy, you've been doing a lot of waiting for me. Am I really that great," she asked tentatively.

Turning himself to face her, Luke pulled her in for slow, love filled kiss. "Lorelai, you are extraordinary. Sometimes, I just wish you could see what I see."

A small laugh escaped from Lorelai's lips. "Babe, I really hope I can live up to this image you have of me. I'm far from perfect."

"Don't I know it," he teased, "I'd be insane to think you were."

"Hey," Lorelai exclaimed playfully, slapping his chest, "I'm not that bad."

Capturing her wrists with his hands, he continued honestly, "Lorelai, you're really not…that's wat I've been trying to tell you."

Grinning, she softly replied, "Thank you, Luke."

For a moment, they just laid staring into each other's eyes, taking in they adoration they saw in them.

"Hey hon," Lorelai broke the silence, "Can I have my hands back?"

"I don't know. I was hoping that I could keep them for a little while longer."

"Why, Mr. Danes, what do you plan on doing with me," she giggled, leaning up to peck his nose.

A sly smile crossed Luke's face as he turned over her, pinning her arms above her head, and her body under his. Dropping his lips to the sensitive spot just behind her ear, he growled, causing her whole body to shiver in anticipation. "Unspeakable things."

Lorelai woke up around 6 am to an empty bed. Wondering why she was awake at such an hour and why she smelled food, she took a moment to get a grip on her surroundings. Remembering the events of the night before, a smile spread across her face. This is so right.

As she slowly turned over, she found Luke leaning over the stove, cooking breakfast. Quietly, Lorelai snuck out of bed, grabbing Luke's discarded flannel on the way to the kitchen.

"Shouldn't you be downstairs," she asked quietly, snaking her arms around his middle and planting a kiss at the nape of his neck.

Immediately, a bright smile spread across Luke's face. Turning around, he laced his arms around her. "As fun as that sounds, I thought I'd have Ceasar open so I could spend the morning with my beautiful girlfriend," he replied, leaning in for a lingering kiss, "Good morning."

"Mmmmm, very good morning," Lorelai replied sweetly.

"How do pancakes and bacon sound?"

"Are you saying that you're voluntarily giving me unhealthy food?"

"Well, you obviously worked off the snacks you ate last night," he replied, sliding his hands down her back and down to her ass, pulling her closer, "So I thought you might need something to give you energy."

"Easy there bucko," she replied playfully, "You've got to let me eat the food first before I can do anything else."

Rolling his eyes, Luke turned and filled Lorelai's plate. "You and your food… how could I ever think I would win that battle."

"It's a pretty hard battle to win, but food wasn't even the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning… do you know what was," Lorelai asked, as they sat down and began breakfast.

"Hmmm," Luke questioned as best as he could, considering he had a mouthful of oatmeal.

"I was thinking about how right this felt… you, me, breakfast together… the only thing missing is Rory."

"I like it too," he smiled.

"Speaking of Rory, how do you like being Daddy Luke, so far," she asked happily.

"Honestly, I'm thrilled… Is that wrong?"

"I don't think so. Being Rory's mom is the most rewarding thing I've ever done," she replied, cutting another piece off of her pancake. Before she stuck the piece in her mouth, she continued, "I went through a lot of crap with Chris, with my parents, and with the pregnancy itself, but I wouldn't change being a mother for anything. It's the most amazing experience. You're may not be her biological father, but you'll come to realize that standing in that role for Rory is wonderful. She's the best kid a parent could ask for."

"She's a great kid, Lorelai. I know I tell you that all the time, but, really, she is. You've done a great job with her."

"Yeah, well, I did what I had to do…" she replied, shrugging her shoulders. Smiling sincerely, she continued, "Thanks for being here to help with her now, though."

The continued eating in silence, but Luke sensed a shift in Lorelai's demeanor. She began moving her food around her plate, rather than eating it, and Luke knew it was a tell-tale sign for when she was nervous about something.

"Lorelai, what is it? What's wrong?"

A small laugh escaped Lorelai's lips, "How do you do that? It seems like you can read my mind… nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about something."

"When you don't eat, I know something is up. What's going on up there?"

Sighing, Lorelai slowly replied, "Luke… You don't think this is too fast?"

"Too fast?"

"Yeah… we're not taking our relationship too fast, right?" Dropping her gaze to her plate, she tried to keep Luke from seeing the doubt in her eyes. "You're already playing a major role in Rory's life, and we have only been dating for two and a half months… Plus, I mean, I know that most couples haven't taken care of a sick kid, vacationed together, said I love you, and slept together in the first two and a half months of dating. I know what I feel for you is real… and this just feels so right, but I can't help but worry sometimes…" she faltered off.

"Lorelai, look at me…" when her eyes finally met his, he continued seriously, "Do you love me, and I mean, do you know you love me?"

"Yes," she confirmed quietly but confidently.

Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his, "Lorelai, I know I love you. So if I love you and you know you love me, then what's the problem? So what, we are taking a path that's a little different from normal… Who the hell cares?"

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and to Luke's pleasure, it made it to her eyes. "Yeah, you're right. I have never taken the normal route in my life…Sorry, my insecurities just get the best of me sometimes."

"Lorelai, you don't have to apologize… just tell me these things, and we'll talk them out."

"Gosh, Luke, I really love you."

"I love you too," he grinned, "Now finish your food. I didn't make Lorelai sized portions just to see it go to waste."

"Yes sir," she remarked, mock saluting, "Eating my breakfast sir."

Rolling his eyes, he replied playfully, "Crazy Lady."

"Yep… Get used to it Burger Boy."

Pushing her chair back from the table after she finished eating, Lorelai walked over to Luke and nudged his legs, hoping he would scoot back and allow her to sit in his lap.

Knowing what she wanted, but not wanting to give in just yet, Luke just stared at her with a look of fake confusion, "May I help you?"

Rather than responding, she raised her eyebrows and nudged his legs again.

Pointing with his spoon, he replied, "You know, the chair you were just sitting in is a perfectly good chair."

"I know, but I think I like you better. Now scoot."

Deciding to pull her chain a little longer, he teasingly answered, "Can I at least finish my toast first?"

Lorelai scoffed playfully, "Are you seriously rejecting your girlfriend, who, might I add, loves you and just wants to be close to you, for toast?"

Unable to hide his grin, Luke answered, "I don't know… maybe. We were pretty close all of last night and this morning. I'm not sure if I can handle her being so close to me yet."

"Fine… she is just going to take a shower then. Don't bother joining her. You might get too close," she laughed.

Turning away, Lorelai began to walk to the bathroom, swaying her hips suggestively. Before she could get too far away, Luke stood up and pulled her back by the hem of the flannel. A playful squeal escaped Lorelai's lips as she struggled to get away. "Nope, sorry," she giggled, "You had your chances, Danes! No more Lorelai love for you today."

"Are you sure there is nothing that I can do to change your mind," he asked in a low voice, dropping his lips to the side of her neck and pulling her back against his obvious arousal.

"You know, there might be one thing," she replied, turning in his arms. With a naughty gleam in her eye, Lorelai leaned in and whispered in his ear.

Luke's breath hitched in his throat at her words. Swiftly, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, nipping at her thigh as he carried her.

"I thought you'd see it my way," she laughed, happy to be literally swept off her feet by the man she loved.