Luke, You are My Father

by WizMonCruWil

I have always loved Luke and Rory's relationship, so I wanted to map out their father-daughter moments across the series. For vignettes that reflect actual episodes, some might contain accurate dialogue, some might not. I had to do a lot of sleuthing on YouTube to find these scenes, and learn what episode number they were. Please, enjoy!

2. 1x06: You Blew Up Balloons for Me?

1x06: "You Blew Up Balloons for Me?"

October 8th, 2000. Rory Gilmore entered Luke's Diner alongside her best friend, Lane Kim. Making a beeline for the counter, both girls ignored the diner's morning rush, as well as the TV blaring election coverage. The presidential contest between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush was in its final month, and was already predicted to be a squeaker.

Luke sauntered up to the counter. He noticed that Rory looked glum. "What's the matter with you?"

Rory sighed. "My dad promised me he would call for my birthday before I left for school. But then Mom tried ringing him, and his number's been disconnected. Again."

Lane rested a hand on her best friend's shoulder. "Forget about that. Look over there!" Rory followed her gaze to the corner of the diner. On one table sat an immaculate coffee cake; the chair was adorned with balloons. Rory turned back to Luke.

"You blew up balloons for me?"

"Yup," Luke shrugged, his expression not even changing from the almost-frown on his face and without even pausing in the cup he was cleaning.

"Aw, Luke! You old softie!" Rory grinned, grabbing her schoolbooks as she popped over to her surprise present.