A/N: Okay, I know this isn't quite the chapter you guys are expecting and I know you're wanting to uncover the cliffhanger of the last chapter, but I needed a filler chapter. The next chapter is already written and ready to go and it's really long and basically explains the universe, but it's all up to you reviewers on how soon you see it. So leave some good, wholesome reviews (good or bad). I'm sorry this chapter isn't very good, it's the best I can do right this second. Also, if you figure out where this story's going, please don't post it in your reviews. a) it spoils the story for others b) i dont even know where i'm going, so it spoils the writing process for me. Thanks a bunch guys and enjoy the chapter!

"Luke, can I borrow your board over there?" Kirk asked and pointed at the chalkboard with Luke's daily specials on it.

"No." Luke said.

"Why not?" Kirk asked.

Luke looked at him, bewildered. "It's my Daily Specials board."

"Everyone knows your daily special is eggs and bacon, Luke. I'll write it on my forehead, can I please borrow your board?"

"No."

"Please, Luke, it's very important."

"What is it?"

"The First Annual Stars Hollow Thumb-War Competition," Kirk said proudly.

"The First Annual what?" Luke asked, not believing his ears.

"The First Annual Stars Hollow Thumb-War Competition," Kirk said. "Every year, from now on, community folk are going to meet here in our favorite diner and tally up our scores in thumb-war on our favorite diner's black chalkboard."

"You're kidding, right?" Luke asked.

"No."

"This is a diner, not an Elks Lodge or Bingo Palace."

"I know, the Elks was full today. We promise to each buy a hamburger."

"And coke." Luke said. Kirk nodded. "And fries." Kirk nodded again. "And napkins, and forks, and plates, and spoons."

Kirk looked at him. "Can I please see the chalkboard now?" Luke grunted and handed it to him. "Caesar," he yelled at the cook. "Start making hamburgers and fries." Kirk grinned and placed his order.

He took the chalkboard back to his seat and sat across from Miss Patty. "1-2-3-4, I declare thumb-war!" he chanted, moving his thumb from side to side in an effort to squash Miss Patty's dreams of winning the tournament. Around him three other groups battled each other: Timmy Johnson vs. Andrew, Lulu vs. Taylor, and Lane vs. Babette.

Luke watched mortified as his diner turned into a playground.

He got over it as more and more townspeople started wandering in the doors, sitting down and ordering food and moving their thumbs side to side in a rhythmic motion.

Every now and then, someone would stand up and yell "Yes! I win!" or someone would start crying in the background. Luke watched the townspeople make fools of themselves until Rory came in and sat down at the counter.

"What's going on in here?" she said with a huge smile on her face as he poured her a cup of coffee.

"The First Annual Stars Hollow Thumb-War Tournament," Luke grunted.

"Thumb-war! Cool!" Rory said, turning around and watching.

Luke stared at her in disbelief.

"What, it beats the hell out of real war." Rory shrugged. "Can I play, guys?" she jumped out of her chair and headed over to the table.

"You have to buy an overpriced hamburger, overpriced fries, overpriced coke, and an overpriced piece of ice from Luke to play," Taylor said. "It's our rental fee."

Rory looked over at Luke and made a face. "It's on the house," Luke mouthed to her and turned around to tell Casear to prepare another hamburger.

Hours later, Kirk held up the scoreboard for everyone to see. "Timmy Johnson is the winner," he said discouraged. He pointed at the freckle-faced, four-eyed, skinny third grader who was sitting across from Taylor.

Timmy stood up, "In your face, Stars Hollow!" he yelled, standing on top of the chair.

"Hey, get off of that!" Luke yelled. Timmy looked at him, went wide-eyed, and jumped off the chair.

"So, tell me young man," Kirk said, grabbing a ketchup bottle and putting it near Timmy's chin. "What was your strategy?"

Timmy smiled. "I picked my nose before ever match."

All of the townspeople got up and ran off, leaving Timmy, Rory and Luke standing in the diner. Timmy grinned and took a bite of his hamburger and ran off.

Rory laughed and sat down at the counter. "See, aren't kids adorable?"

Luke huffed.

"Mom just called me. She wanted me to stop by and tell you that you need to get home as soon as you can today."

"Why?" Luke asked, worried. "Is she okay?"

"I don't know," Rory shrugged. "I think she just misses you."

"Oh," Luke said. "Coffee?"

"Yes, please." Rory said, pushing her coffee cup towards Luke. "So, how much profit came from the First Annual Stars Hollow Thumb-War Tournament?"

Luke grunted. "I don't know. I probably would have made a lot more without those lunatics in here playing thumb-war, that's for sure."

"Aww, poor Luke," Rory said in her best baby voice. "I'll get you a pacifier for Christmas next year."

"Can you get me one for Valentines Day? It's sooner." Luke replied.