Presenting … Lucas Danes?
By GilmoreGirl1979
Friendly Disclaimer:see CH 1
Again dedicated to Luvz: cause you're always my hero my spoiler pixie ! feel better baby doll, may warm fuzzies ensue after reading this... still love you my (begins singing to the theme of secret agent man) secret spoiler pixie, secret spoiler pixie , digging up the spoils, spilling all plot lines do do do do do do do do
MORE Shout outs:
wolviesgal the men's wearhouse joke. If only it were that easy to pick up a Luke Danes. - They are backordered DAMN IT! gotta keep with the fresh quotes...
torzi-bom my mother raised me on musicals, why they are so... abundant in my fics lol
Sarah:Thanks, that Line was an original! I'm creative that way...
jeepgirl: will Lorelai nag him into oblivion-OH, she will something him in to oblivion DIRTY!
I hope it's the sight of Luke looking really hot in a tux that has Lorelai questioning their 'friendship' and (possibly?) jumping him in a coat room...-oooooooo in a coat room I must say I like the way you think! That could be potentially distracting... Luke might break into a rant about mink coats or something ... mid make out... hmmmmmmmmm must reconsider...-PSI already had ch2 written butI think it works THIS WAY , let me know if you agree...wink
Pokey:Reading your stories helps me deal with my hateful anger at Chris- I'm HERE TO HELP! hateful anger? Is there any other kind ! lol now now, don't worry Emily, … we HATE YOU TOO!
And my Klingon soul cries out … DEATH TO THE OPPOSITION! (Luke's a trekkie too! Insert girly giggle)
obsessedwGG: NO Luvz and I are obsessed with GG; the SHOW, not THE CHILD.. how much of a witch with a b is Emily GEEZ I want to hit her with something heavy!
Laswen Silmeiel the Celtic Elf: we are all upset Smoochies, that is the point of this fic a cathartic cheer up, hope for the best lets stay positive and beat on the bastard whilst we can.. for tomorrow he may DIE(we can only hope, sorry I'm mixing up my quotes lol)! we are here for you ! said it before and I'll say it again... any one may know my disdain for the BASTARD... DIS-DAIN!
Kimmers: you got it! enjoy!
gcmel: your thoughts please!
Pink88: YOUR thoughts please PS UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE! GO GO GET!
A/N:OMG I'm so BUMMED OUT by that PROMO... Evil Webijiah, Promo Bastard MAN! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I really really really needed to cheer myself up... so by popular demand here is an update... please feel better my darlings... and keep the faith, in LL LOVING..
comforting thought of the day:
-Hey if L/L break up (BRIEFLY BRIEFLY! calm down) then the best sex is usually MAKE UP SEX! YEAH HAPPY THOUGHTS ARE BACK! do happy dance in your seat...
Previously on Gilmore Girls:(fav parts I missed)
-Luke referring to "the guy"(the bastard dead beat dad) as "the guy"-I make myself laugh!
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Chapter 2:
Now stepping up to the plate ... Luke Danes
Late Tuesday Night (Day six)
It was another long day with work, school, and life taking it's toll. That evening, Rory was practicing walking around the house in her new heels; breaking them in and trying to think of a solution for her debutante debacle. Lorelai, who was also pacing the living room, had been on the phone most of then evening. She was still trying in vain to contact the elusive Christopher. Geez when you WANT him around, he's never there … , but that was Christopher for you, At least he's consistant. Lorelai tried to hide her concern over the apparent dissappearing act of her childhood friend and the father of her child. However, the pacing was a dead give away to Rory, who choose to ignore it. She had already accepted the situation for what it was as she attempted the Gilmore staircase in the painful footwear.
Dad is being Dad; He's not coming. Let's see; denial, bargaining, hard to bargain when there is no one to bargain with…., anyway, anger, despair, and finally the actual acceptance itself, yup I've hit em all, what to do now? heading into problem solver mode.
However, Lorelai's phone tag with Christopher, or lack there of, was vastly impeded, with Emily's anal calls every 15 minutes. Queen of the Minute Detail, LEAVE ME ALONE! In all those phone calls Lorelai never found the right time or wording to explain Christopher hadn't gotten back to them. Emily was like speed racer, getting one question answered per phone call.
When Lorelai finally did want to discuss the Chris issue; As a means of ending another "let's rent jewelry discussion", it was her Majestey's bed time, and another abrupt hang up on Lorelai. Lorelai decided it was rather late to try to call her mother back. If I did get through to Mom, she'd just lecture me on the appropriate time of day to make phone calls. Why don't you manage your time better, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah ...and I would be rolling my eyes at her hypocrisy.
Suddenly, there was a light knock at the front door.As Lorelai wrapped her fingers around the door knob, Will Rory's father figure magically appear behind door number one? And Lorelai opened the door to be met by the friendly, yet unsure, face of Luke Danes.
Huh, irony? "Why it's a bit late for gentleman callers, don't you think?" Lorelai grinned with a southern accent.
"Yeah, I'm sorry," Luke winced regretfully " I just … well… I … I need to talk to you …" pointing to the front yard with his thumbs "out … here…"
"Sure" Lorelai was curious, and came out on the porch and asked "What's up? Is Jess giving you trouble?" recalling the Metallica T-shirt incident from last week.
"Well, he's always giving me trouble, but uuhhh , that's … not it."
"Okay?"
Luke was quiet for a few moments, caught up in her blue, blue eyes. He wasn't really good with words, well when it came to personal stuff. Sure, he could out rant anyone, on the enviroment and problems in society. Luke could argue with Lorelai tit for tat; but when it came to the important stuff, Luke got uncomfortable really quick."Aww Geez, …" Luke went down the porch stairs; He seemed nervous, on edge. Now Luke was the one pacing in the front yard, self-consciously rubbing the back of his neck,. " I don't know how to ask this … or say this … " first off I better check … "ummm did you two ... hear from … the guy?" he then corrected quickly "You know … her … dad?"
"No" Lorelai confirmed with a frown and crossed arms. Rory is right! I've never kept her from him; if he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him here!
"Right, … right… " and Luke began to pace again, his hand nervously rubbing his chin.
Lorelai played with the drawstrings on her lounge pants waiting till he was ready. Then sat down on the front stairs, and watched him for a few more moments, slightly amused by his jitters. "For pity's sake Luke, what?" she said finally.
Luke let out a heavy breath "okay, …" and he faced her with his hands on his hips. He finally let it out, "Use me." He offered.
"Excuse me?" that should have been a 'Dirty'. But she was caught off guard.
"Use me, … to present Rory. I mean, only If you need me, that is, … I'll … do it."
Lorelai was in awe of this gesture. "What?"
And in a typical Luke rant, he explained, gesticualting wildly the whole time with his hands. "Look I've thought about this all day, and you said it yesterday, she can't be presented by herself… it's … tradition … or required, … or whatever… by the powers-that-be. Look, I'm by no means a father, to her or anyone. I'm not assuming that Rory and I would ever have that kind of relationship. I can't even get my nephew to talk to me; to wear appropirate attire in the diner. To tell me where the hell he goes, or what he does., … it's just… " Luke adjusted his ball cap and searched for the words, "… I can't stand the thought that Rory will in anyway be embarrassed or humiliated by those rich snobby trustfund brats, who wreck a porche every month that daddy is all too happy to pay for again and again. Who are only there 'cause of they who their parents are or who they know. Or that they will think less of Rory, or not even give her a chance or try get to know how amazing and smart she really is 'cause she wasn't in their play group as a kid. Or they are hung up on some soap opera sized scandal that her father didn't think enough of her to be there on her … special night. " Luke's true feelings had slipped with that last statement. He hoped Lorelai hadn't noticed.
She did, and didn't blame him; but Luke's concern and offer made her smile. "Luke, … I don't know what to say." Lorelai was truly touched; Not only how protective Luke was being, wanting to spare Rory any pain or humiliation by suffering on the alter of dignity himself. But also by how much he seemed to care about them. The fact that even after they left his diner, he was still thinking of them, for 24 hours, thinking of them and their problem; and Luke was willing to offer himself up as a solution. He is always such a good friend.
Luke continued to plead his case. "Hey , I have no idea what the rules are for this situation, this is definitely foreign territory for me. I'm not a high soceity go to the club kinda guy, you know that. I mean, … I can think of about 52 different kinds of torture I'd rather try on myself than go to this thing, …" he took a deep breath to calm back down. " … but this is for Rory… I mean, If you are uncomfortable with this, or think it's … inapropriate, or If you already have another solution, or heaven forbid, if her dad did decide to show up, that's fine; … I just wanted you to know … I'm here; okay? A warm body to step up" and he stammered out " … if … if you need it."
Lorelai beamed at the 'warm body' before her. "You would do that?"
He sat down next to her on the stairs, and quietly added, "Yeah, I mean, … anything for Rory." And Luke waited for her answer.
Lorelai was then compelled to take his hand and hold it. She knew in that moment that Luke had to be one of her best friends. This was definately beyond the call of duty. This wasn't like changing her oil, or fixing a porch rail. That was stuff he knew. This was Luke; simple, humble, flannel clad, diner Luke; going to a Daughters of the American Revolution Debutante ball. in formal wear no less. Forced into the company of critical haughty snobs, strangers, socialites and her parents, to boot. This was a sweet blue collar man going into the lion's den for the sake of a 17 year old girl.
Lorelai smiled again, but sighed, wanting to make sure he knew exactly what he was getting into. "We are going to need to clean you up a bit." She nudged him.
"I figured," he nodded, looking at their clasped hands momentarily, then at the ground again. "well, you've been wanting to 'GQ' me up for a while now," he threw up his free hand "… here's your chance to finish the job; … BUT I'm not getting a peticure or a manicure or any kind of cure.. okay,…"
"Shave and a hair cut?" She asked.
"Two bits" he nodded dryly.
"You will have to wear a tux …"
"Yeah, I heard Dean complaining earlier… "
Speaking of which… "you will have to be NICE to DEAN." She emphasized.
"Best behavior, I promise" that is the real challenge…
"Do you dance?" she didn't know whether to wince or to laugh.
As much as he hated to admit it. "I can hold my own …"
Lorelai cocked her head surprised, not really picturing Gene Kelly in a ballcap. "I'm not talking drunk guy dancing, or break dancing, I'm mean … like ballroom?"
"I know what you meant, and yes, I'll be fine."
"I'd still feel better if … maybe you scheduled something with Patty… you know a PRIVATE refresher course…" the whole sentence, Lorelai was thinking of sneaking in with a camera, to see how many times Patty would cop-a-feel at Luke's butt.
"I'll be fine…" Luke held his ground firmly. I don't even want to know what that smile is about.
"Well, I think this is really sweet of you. and totally above and beyond the call of duty. It's okay by me, if…" she rubbed the top of his hand with her left.
"If … what?" Luke questioned, expectantly…
"If … Rory's okay with it. It's her thing, Luke, you're gonna have to ask her."
Aw Geez. Asking Lorelai was hard enough, now he had to ask Rory? But, that sounded right,… he sighed heavily." so I should …" he gestured to inside the house.
"Yeah,…" Lorelai just stared at him, and he stared back…
"Can I have my hand back?" he said flatly, curious as to why she had taken it in the first place. Don't read into it. it means nothing, man.
Why am I holding his hand? "Oh yeah, ummmm sorry, … I'll wait here, .."
"Right , okay… " he stood up, and reached the top step, he looked down at Lorelai, almost pleading. "… couldn't you … ask her for me ...?"
She stood up with him, "Luke, you are the one offering … you'll do fine, just tell her what you told me … "
Okay,… umm what did I say again… ? "Right, right, … okay… " he took another deep breath and entered the familiar Gilmore house.
Luke found Rory on the couch, with her feet in the air, twisting her ankles about. " Hey, how long till these things get comfortable?" refering to her painful heels, usually being a flats kinda of girl.
"Not really my area of expertise" Luke said as manly as he could.
"Oh, … hey Luke, I think mom stepped out.." which is weird cause she was in her PJ's.
"Yeah, I know, I saw her, … actually I wanted to talk …. to you … about something."
"Okay?" Her curiousity naturally peaked, Mr. Mono-Sylable wants to talk, … to me?
"Okay, " and he took a seat across from Rory, on the easy chair. "Alright, so I know about this, .. ball … thing … your having …"
"Uh huh?" Rory was confused by his choice of topic.
Luke felt the need to explain, "Your mom told me, … you know she tells me everything, and she talks a lot, you know, … it's kinda hard to get her to shut up at times. " He was trying to make a joke, but instead he just ended up babbling.
"Uh huh?" Rory still did not see where he was going with this.
Boy this is hard. "So here's my thought, … uuuhhhh I know you dad is … MIA at the moment, … but I thought," he cleared his throat, "… if he couldn't make it, … and if you needed someone to … escort you, you know … fill in ... ummm I could … I could ... do it ... if that's okay, … if you want, … only if you want."
"Did my mom put you up to this?" Rory's voice full of suspicion. Was Luke one of her many phone calls?
It does sounds like something she'd brow beat me into. But Luke quickly defended, "No, no, though your mom does have amazing persuasive powers." He laughed lightly, "Believe it or not, this was … my idea, … I'm the one offering. I did ask her first, but she told me it was your … decsion … So, … here I am." He could tell Rory was mulling it over.
Rory never really saw Luke as a father figure, but then again, she never really thought about it either. I mean, he has always been around. Luke remembers my birthday, with my annual, specially made, personalized coffee cake, as opposed to the ill timed after thought cards from dad. Luke tries to cheer me up when I have bad days at school. Luke feeds Mom and I on a daily basis, he keeps the house for caving in on us. Oh yeah, by the way, He is totally into mom. … hmmmmmmm, having a Haily Mills moment, this may work out in more ways than one… Mom and Luke?
Luke continued, "Rory … I like to think we are … friends. I mean I'm not as fun as Sookie, and I'm definitely not you dad. Still… , I can be there for a friend, right? I mean you are like, … the niece I wish I had." He shook his head, thinking of Jess " you are like… family, sooooo, you have a problem, here is a possible solution. … I know, I'm gonna have to polish up a bit, but I am willing to do that." Damn it, look at her face, she's not going for it man, "Look, if you need me, … I'm here, okay … I just wanted you … to know that."
"Luke, …" Rory smiled, "I'd be happy to have you as my … understudy … dad, escort whatever… ?"she tripped up on the wording, but finished with a tension releiving laugh.
"Really? … You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure.. " she stood up, hobbled over in her heels, and leaned down to give Luke a hug. " … and thank you." Luke accepted the hug, smiled that he could make this amazing girl happy again.
"You might need to shave." Rory suggested, As she pulled away rubbing her cheek. Probably why I don't do that often.
"Will do, and Don't worry I won't embarrass you," least I'll try not to…
"Your gonna have to ... you know, dance with me? … in a tux…? In public? with people watching…?"
"Yeah, …" I know…
" … With mom watching, possibly with a camera…"
"We'll be fine.." Please, dear God, no camera!
"Oh no, we won't, I suck…"
"We'll work on that…"
"Hey, if I need help, I don't know how much help you will need."
"One step at a time."
"Ahhh dancing humor, I get it…"
"It's a gift." He offerd dryly, "We'll talk about dancing later. Okay, right now, I gotta get back, who knows if Jess has burned the place down by now."
"Goodnight Luke. and Thank you." she smiled genuniely.
"Any time, … Night" and he left out the front door in to the cool night.
Luke didn't get far. His first step out the door, he was met with a hyperactive excitable Lorelai. "Jeez, took you long enough! What did she say? What'd she say?" Lorelai was practically bouncing up and down on the porch.
"She went for it."
"Oh Luke," and Lorelai lunged at him, "thank you, thank you, you are wonderful, thank you …"
He had to laugh at her excitement. He had to enjoy her embrace. Seriously, … how often did she hug him? The last one he got from Lorelai may have been Rory's Birthday. The things I do for these women. Still it wouldn't be all bad, I'll get to see Lorelai in an incredible dress, I'm sure.
"Oh Luke, this is such a weight off my mind, thank you." she still held him close, making sure he knew how much she appreciated this by the length of the hug.
Apprehensively, Luke rubbed her back. "Glad to help." he whispered, then swallowed hard. She is just a friend, this means nothing, she's an affectionate type … person, an affectionate friend … who isn't wearing a bra at this time of night, God help me! Bra or not, Lorelai still beamed, and Luke had brought that smile to her face. I just did what I've always done, pitched in where I can, whenever they needed a man's touch for the a certain situation. Unlike.. "the GUY".
Lorelai was so happy, (A) Luke was definitely a better choice than the cable guy. (B) She may get the opportunity to shop for him again. (C) Now she could focus on what she was going to wear. (D) Luke was being Luke; He was there when they needed him. Be it pipes, pickle jars, or a 007 look alike; Luke was always the man for the job. He was never too busy and was always around. Always.
As they pulled away their eyes met in one of those awkward gazes; The kind of gaze both silently agreed to ignore. Lorelai broke the silence and the gaze , unable to stand it any longer."So see you tommorow, … bright and early. " Lorelai looked down at her bare feet, if Luke won't get a peticure, I will.
"Ummmm yeah, well I'll be there, … you know, at the diner, .. cause I'm there every day, " again clearing his throat, as if that would dislodge how stupid he sounded, and to keep his mind off Lorelai's pajamas. " ummm we can go over details, ... for this … shin dig, … tomorrow, you know, …"
"Sure, sure, umm how about… Lunch? I'll come to the diner for Lunch, we can talk then …"
"Sounds good. ... ummm night, "
"Yeah night …"
Luke was about to head back to his truck when a thought struck him. "Hey Lorelai?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you keep this kinda quiet, I mean, … I'm doing it for Rory, … not the attention … you know."
"But I already put in a bid for the super bowl!"
"No coffee for a month!" he threatened.
Luke was doing her a big favor, she felt obligated to respect that. "My lips are sealed, I'll tell Rory to zip it, too!"
"Wise choice, and Thanks, … well night, " and he climbed in his truck and drove away.
Lorelai watched as his truck pulled away, and she wondered what she ever did to deserve such a great guy like Luke. ummm Friend, ... Friend like Luke … he was just a Friend.
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Wednesday evening, (day 7)
Lorelai had been swamped all day. She had to reshedule her date with Luke. It wasn't a date, she corrected in her head. It was just lunch… and now it was dinner. Ummmm, that does sounds like a date. Dinner with Luke.
Lorelai came into the diner, and looked for Rory. It was often understood if one wasn't home, they would meet at Luke's for dinner; hmmmmm Rory as a chaperon for me and Luke? What the hell? Luke and I dont' need a chaperon?
Due to a high mantenience guest, Hey Taylor! I found your twin, with a series of complaints, she was a half an hour late for both … uhhh appointments, Yeah that sounds better. She surveyed the tables and counter; there was no sign of Rory. Curious.
She settled at the counter when Jess came up to serve her. "What do you want?"
"Wow, add a ball cap and you can really see the family resemblance."
"You know I could come back if your not ready…" he began to turn away.
"Large coffee please, … after the day I've had …" she was cut off as Jess quicky fill her request with the thud of a coffee mug, and he was off to other customers. Well, Luke would have at least listened to one story. Where is Luke? There was no sign of him either. Again Curious, very curious. "Hey Jess? Where is Luke?"
"Upstairs."
Monosylable boy strikes again! "Okay, … Thanks." for nothing. I'll see him when he comes down.
Lorelai waited about 15 minutes, now she was really annoyed. A daughter doesn't stand up the mother. Particulalrly if it was the mother who was late in the first place. Jess came back to settle a bill at the registar. "Hey Jess, have you seen Rory?"
"Upstairs." He offered dully.
"No, not Luke, … RO-RY!" She clarified, " … And I'm offended you would get them cofused."
"RO-RY - UP- STAIRS - WITH –LUKE" Jess returned the condescending tone.
"What?"
"Jeez, She and Luke are upstairs, " Get a clue woman!
"Why didn't you mention this before?" She narrowed her eyes at the hoodlum.
"You asked where Luke was, I told you where Luke was."
"But, you left out that Rory was there, too."
"You didn't ask for Rory, you asked for Luke."
"Well, it should be a perfectly natural conclusion that I'd like to know where my daughter is, too."
"Gee, Ms. Gilmore, I thought she would have told you, the two of you being so close and all. What kind of mother are you that you don't know where your child is?" in that annoyingly slow sarcastic tone that was only Jess'.
PUNK! "So what are they doing…?"
"How should I know, maybe she decided to do a fascinating paper on the inner workings of a small town diner for that fancy school of hers; They needed to talk or something, …" Jess shrugged.
Luke and Rory? Talking?
So Lorelai slipped behind the curtain when Jess' back was turned and headed up the stairs. She could have sworn she heard music. She leaned closer to the etched glass and distinctly heard her daughter's frustrated voice.
"OH Man! It's hopeless I stink, I suck, I am… really, really bad!"
"Come on, Rory it's not that bad."
"I keep stepping on your toes."
Music? Toes stepping? Lorelai was surprised, a private dance lesson? With Luke?
"Hey, it's okay, these are steel toed work boots … And you weigh like … 10 ounces, so don't worry about it."
"But I have to do this in front of … everyone.. "
"Everyone who?" Luke reasoned.
"Everyone … who will … be there." she struggled. Okay, now it sounds stupid.
"Yeah a bunch of strangers you will see for one night."
"That's even worse."
"How is that worse? You don't even know them..."
"Well, still… I'm coming out … or whatever, … the whole point is to make a good impression …" still sounding stupid!
"For what? So you can meet your prince charming?"
"Well, umm no, … of course not!"
"Exactly, you have Dean, and guess what? No one is going to care. Trust me, in a week they will be on to their next auction or art exhibit, talking about Muffy's batched nose job … or whatever it is rich people do to fill their time. You go do this thing for what … 3- 4 hours? Walk down a flight of stairs, do a dance, mingle a bit and boom you're home, everything is back to normal; You never have to see them again … "
I couldn't have said it better myself, thank you Luke, Lorelai thought with a smile
That's not the way Grandma and Grandpa will see it. The whole point it so mix and mingle with good blood. And Rory quoted her mother in her head. 'Hi, I'm Rory. I'm of good breeding and marriageable age, and I will now parade around in front of young men of similarly good breeding and marriageable age so they can all take a good long look at me.' Rory started. "But, … "
Luke cut her off, " … But nothing, this is not a big deal. I know it's important to your grandma, and to your mom. But hey, it's one night right?"
"One Night," she repeated, "Right, … thanks." Calmed down from what she had gotten her self into.
"It's what I'm here for, … so from the top?"
"How do you know how to do this?" Rory pondered.
"Well I would tell you, but you'd probably tell your mom, and then I'd have to kill you …. And then your mom would hate me … it just gets more complicated after that… "
"Ahhh, well, we can't have that" Rory smiled at Luke's not so secret crush on her mother.
"No, we can't, okay now remember, let the guy lead."
Lorelai couldn't stop grinning. That's nice. Almost like a father/daughter … bonding … moment. Lorelai could hear Rory chuckle. She was having a good time with the grumpy diner man. Lorelai tried to picture it in her head; Luke dancing with her daughter. Visuals would so help. So Lorelai decided to knock on the door and play dumb.
Knock, Knock, Knock "Luke, you up here?"
The music abruptly stopped, and Luke's rough voice called. "Umm Yeah?"
Lorelai spoke to the door again, "Have you seen Rory? She's not downstairs and I was wondering..."
Luke opened the door, in his usual flannel/jeans uniform. "Yeah sorry, she was up here …"
"What are you two up to?" come on fess up so I can MOCK!
"Oh you know…" he dismissed sheepishly.
"Just going over ball … details …" Rory interjected with an innocent smile.
"Right, right" Luke agreed.
"Uh huh? Well did you have dinner?" Lorelai asked her daughter.
"Nope, I was waiting for you, just trying to be efficient with my time." She grabbed her book bag from by the door. "Thanks Luke, for the pep talk and everything."
"Sure..." then to Lorelai he assured, "I'll be down in a sec. I know you hate it when Caesar cooks."
Rory and Lorelai went down the stairs. But Lorelai stopped her daughter midway "Okay, I have to know, were you two … dancing?"
"SPY!" her daughter accused.
"What I over heard music and some talking…"
"How much talking…?" eyes now narrowed on her mother.
"Oh you know… steel toed boots?"
"Man " Rory whined, already embarrassed at her lack of Ginger Rodgers flare.
"Rory, it's okay, I just wanted to know what was going on?"
"Okay, well, we were practicing.."
"For?"
"The father/daughter dance…"
"Oh right… forgot about that…"
"Yeah, well, Luke didn't want Patty's help for … obvious reasons; … He didn't want to tell you, for … obvious reasons. So when you were late we took the opportunity to practice."
"So there is nothing funny going on?"
"MOM! "
"Well you two don't really hang out, … Should I be concerned? you and Luke, … alone for a long period of time. Is this a Bachelor and the bobbysoxer situation? You're not Amy Fisher are you? Am I gonna have to sleep with a frying pan for protection?"
"Well, the Amy Fisher reference would imply that I was trying to steal Luke from you? Why mother is there something you want to tell me?"
Suddenly Lorelai was on the spot and uncomfortable. "What? umm no, no , nothing like that. I just.. you know.."
"Mom, you know me. You know Luke, and EWWWWWWWW!" Not to mention against the LAW!
"Oh come on, Luke is not Ewww…" she defended the diner man's honor.
"Really?" Rory turning the tables on her mother yet again. well well, he's some one else's age.
"You know what I mean …"
"No, enlighten me?" Rory folded her arms.
"He's …, you know … not bad, you know ... he doesn't … hurt my eyes," she quickly tried to dismiss the ideas popping in her head, Bad Luke thoughts, "… but I don't think of him like that …"
"RIGHT?" Rory elongated to tease further.
"Rory … " Lorelai tried to laugh the thought off. "I don't!" trying to convince her daughter and herself.
"Whatever you say mom?" and Rory went into the diner.
"I don't!" Lorelai still defended. How did this become about me? Wow, I've taught her well! Too well!
"You don't what?" Luke asked behind Lorelai.
Lorelai jumped. "JEEZ, God, don't do that, what? Did you go to ninja school?" She hit him in the arm.
"Sorry," Luke was right next to her, "you okay?"
"Yeah, just … Rory, messing with my head…"
"That must be a nice change…" he smirked. Luke descended past her, and went into the diner; while Lorelai tried not to look at his butt. I don't think of him like that… I don't, I don't, I don't! It was one thing when someone try to call you on such thoughts, a completely different matter to catch yourself with such thoughts. I don't, I don't, I don't!
Having recollected herself, Lorelai followed him, to have dinner with her daughter, and to see if they could all discuss the details concerning the big night.
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Thursday, (Day 8)
The following afternoon, in a mall not so far away; Hartford to be exact.
"I hate you very much." Luke called from the dressing room.
"Need I remind you, this was your idea? Now, Come on Luke it can't be that bad." Lorelai had kidnapped him into shopping with her for a few final things. Emily forgot about the importance of glitter make-up, and they needed to get Luke's tux fitted; well to get him a tux at all, major accomplishment right there. "Is it better or worse than the black suit I bought you?"
"It's Tails! You never mentioned Tails! … I look ridiculous." He still refused to come out.
"Come on, baby, remember … James Bond ... channel the Bond … " What was good for Dean was good for Luke! She attempted to sing the instrumental Bond theme in a whining tones, complete with poising with an imaginary gun.
"James Bond never wore wear tails, and Please stop that," as he finally stepped out toward the angled mirrors. " Why do I need this fitted, can't I just rent one? I mean, it's for one night." Luke had on the pants, he wore the tails jacket, with the tux shirt unbuttoned, revealing an undershirt; and the bow tie draped around his neck, and he couldn't figure it out to save his life. I'd do better with a noose!
Wow! He looks good. I like the open shirt. Woaw, down girl! " You look, … great!" she cleared her throat "Really, … nice." She rarely saw him in a suit, much less a tux.
"Shut up!" as he struggled to finish off the buttons. She must think this is so damn funny.
"I mean it, you are gonna be the best looking guy there," and on my arm, seriously, Down girl!
"I said … shut up." still having trouble finishing off the shirt.
"Luke, come on …" she was amused at his fumbling "need help?"
"No!" he said firmly, ... but conceded after a minute. "Yes" he sighed and surrendered throwing up his large hands.
Lorelai stepped closer to him with a sympathetic grin. Apparently the small fancy buttons were a challenge for Luke's big blue-collar fingers. "There all done," and she smiled at him. Luke gave her annoyed, stern look, with his eyes; a silent 'shut up', if you will.
Lorelai continued her reassurance, "You look GREAT!" and she ran her fingers through his hair briefly, since she was so close. When she realized what she was doing, "… or at least you will …, you know, After a hair cut, … " Pulling her hands away quickly, Nice save Gilmore…
Okay, … That was just plain … freaky? "Can we get this over with please?" Luke said to the tailor, who had observed the whole scene, with a nostalgic grin on his face. The little man made his measurements and marked with his chalk. Luke was uncomfortable under Lorelai's gaze. He was always self-conisous around her, but now, even more so not being in his normal clothes. And an old man measuring my inseam doesn't help either! He tried to focus on the ceiling and not on her staring at him. Why did he agree to this? He began to wonder if the Gilmore persuasive powers had in fact planted seeds in his head the day he offered to do this for Rory. Mind Control maybe? But no, it was his idea, his doing, for Rory, … and now he had to go through with it. For Rory! At least I'm a man of my word, unlike other dead beats.
Lorelai watched his discomfort over the required formal wear. This must be hell for the t-shirt and jeans guy. The tailor showed Luke how to tie the bow tie, and adjusted the cummerbund, and made his final markings so the ensemble would fit Luke perfectly.
"They are fairly simple alterations, it should be done in about an hour. I'll put my son on it right away" the cheerful little man smiled.
"So quickly?" Lorelai smiled, how lucky is that?
"Well, it's been kind of slow lately, and you caught me just before the winter wedding season. So actually your timing is perfect." He laughed.
"Well, Thank you," she turned to Luke "Okay, That's another thing to check off the list. Go change, and I'll buy you lunch, … anything you want."
"You are eating a salad with me." Luke commanded with a pointed finger.
"Luke," she whined.
"That is what I want, I'm gonna make you eat something healthy for once. If you did it on your own, I wouldn't have to stoop to coercion; it's for your own good."
"Fine. I'll just drown it in dressing. And then, … you are getting a hair cut, Mister!" she threatened.
"Shaking in my cummerbund," Luke offered dryly, as he shook his head and went to change into his normal clothes, undoing the buttons was easier for some reason.
"I bet you had to twist his arm to get him to wear that tux. " the little man laughed again. "My wife had the same power over me. I'd go out and find a watermelon in January, if she wanted it."
"Aw, that's so sweet." Lorelai smiled, sensing his wife may have passed on.
"Yes, well Best Wishes to you both."
"Best Wishes?"
"Sure, … on your wedding? You two have such great chemistry, like my Lilly and me. 47 years and we argued everyday. I can just sense the two of you being happy for a long, long time." He gave Lorelai another grin, and couldn't help but chuckle, " I like the way you said that, 'Need I Remind you this was your idea?'" he quoted, "that is classic. " and he put his chalk and tape away with a chuckle.
"Uh, Thank you" she said absently, thinking about her friendship with Luke and what this little man was implying. Lorelai tried to remember what he may have overheard, and what the tailor had obviously misunderstood. But I could see how it would appear that Luke and I were … a couple? Jeez, more bad Luke thoughts!
"How did he propose?" the naturally curious tailor asked. Most couples liked to share their story.
"I'm sorry what?"
"He seems like the reluctant romantic, how did he propose?"
Before Lorelai could answer the odd question, her cell phone rang. "Oh I'm so sorry I have to take this…" happy for an excuse from the interrogation.
"I understand the bride's work is never done, " he laughed, having to deal with brides and grooms all the time. It was his business after all.
In an attempt to shake off the Luke / Lorelai engagement suggestion, she eagerly answered the phone, and only hoped for a sane voice from the outside world. "Hello?"
"Lorelai?"
"Mom?" so much for sane. "What can I do for you?" she's alive!
"I wanted to call to tell you that dinner this Friday is cancelled?"
"Cancelled?"
"Yes"
"As in not happening?"
"Yes"
"As in you won't hold it over me?"
"Yes"
"Yes, you will hold it over me? "
"No Lorelai, you and Rory are excused from dinner this week."
"Wait, wait we have your permission to skip dinner this week." Still unable to believe her luck.
Emily's voice now sounded tired, frustrated, and hurt, "Lorelai, I still have a million things to do for Saturday. I suggest you postpone your usual 'happy dance', and use this time wisely, as I will."
Now Lorelai began to feel a bit guilty about how pleased she was with this change in the schedule. She can always ruin my fun, " so Mom, how's dad holding up?"
"He's fine."
"And you, are you okay? "
"I'm fine Lorelai, see you Saturday… "
"Wait, mom there is one little thing I need to tell you… ", Remembering Luke in his tux; but Emily abruptly hung up. Christopher can't make it and Luke is filling in, Lorelai frowned at her phone.
"Loosing their little girl," the tailor observed.
"Huh?" She turned back to the tailor.
"Most parent's of the bride are stressed cause they have to arrange everything, and pay bills for everything, but don't worry, they will cry with the best of them when the time comes. " he smiled. "So you were gonna tell me how he popped the question?" and Lorelai was saved from having to answer again when Luke opened the dressing room door. His question forgotten, work to be done, the little tailor went to get the tux from Luke. As he came out of the dressing room, Luke put his ball cap on, and met eyes with Lorelai.
After an few quiet moments, "What?" Luke asked.
"Nothing, … Lunch, my treat." And for the benefit of the tailor, Lorelai linked arms with Luke as they left the shop. Let him think what he wants, nosey eavesdropping little man!
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Friday night
It was the night before the ball; everyone was in final stages of preparation. Luke and Dean were struggling to practice with their bow ties, and the ties were winning. Rory sat on the couch and painted her toenails, while Lorelai walked around with a book on her head eating Chinese food from the cardboard container. "See now, only a lady can gracefully walk around a room with a book on her head while eating Kung Pao chicken. And a great lady can even spit the peanuts back into the container without anyone noticing."
From the hall mirror, Luke shot Lorelai a look, and said to Dean "Remind me not to have anymore kung pao chicken."
"You got it," the tall teen agreed.
"Wow." Rory said to her mother, and was only mock impressed and very disgusted.
Lorelai was a little full of herself at this point. "Yeah, well, don't be intimidated. You have to practice and practice to get to my level."
"Anyone want the last egg roll?" Rory asked as she put down her nail polish, painted toes were required if "the Deb" was wearing open toed shoes. So it is written; So it shall be done!
"Uh, no thanks" Dean was distracted by the knot he was trying to unravel, so he didn't choke himself.
Lorelai scolded her daughter for reaching toward the food. "Heh. Where are you going? "
" To get the egg roll."
"You're getting the egg roll yourself? "
"Yes, " confused where her mother was going with this.
"No! Ladies never get their own egg rolls. Ladies never get their own anything. They don't even get their own ideas. "
"Oh boy," here we go again. Three pairs of eyes collectively rolled toward the ceiling at Lorelai's rant.
"They just sit helplessly and wait for some young strong man to come by and assist them. They don't step in puddles, they don't step over puddles. They can't even look at puddles. They actually need to be blindfolded and thrown in a sack and carried over puddles."
"Isn't there a moratorium on how long ladies are supposed to talk? "
"Uhh, no." Miss Smart Ass "Now repeat after me, I am completely helpless. "
Luke and Dean made quite the pair as they stood in front of the hall mirror. Luke was helping Dean tie his bowtie, by learning to tie one on him self. They were side by side, tying unison. Luke had tried to remember how the tailor did the bow tie when they picked up his tux. Needless to say, he had more than a little trouble remembering; But Brainiac Rory came to the rescue. Luke marveled at the paper Rory had printed out for him. "Okay, so you pull the left side through the back loop, … and tug a little bit on both sides, … and you, might just be mistaken for …. a waiter? Par for the course for me." He shrugged.
"Rory? You really found this on the internet." Dean asked his girlfriend, trying to mimic what Luke had done.
"You can find anything on the internet."
Lorelai had enjoyed the sight of Luke and Rory getting along so well, but her mouth was too fast as soon as she grabbed another Crab Rangoon, "Even pictures of Luke naked?" My God! Was that out loud? Why am I having thoughts about naked Luke? She popped the fried delight in her mouth, to prevent anything else like that from slipping out.
"Aw Jeez," Luke winced. Why must she embarrass me in every way known to human kind?
"Mom, that is gross."
"Thanks" Luke offered dryly.
"No offense Luke, you know what I meant, "Rory apologized.
"Yeah and as your mock father figure, still … thanks," happy Rory didn't think like her mother.
Dean asked, "Hey, Luke, uh, do you think it's cool when Neil Young wears a tux?" still self conscious about this whole deal.
"Sure, … but it's Neil Young. " Luke shrugged.
"Right." Dean sighed.
Luke had to admit, Dean was a good kid, he seemed to treat Rory really well, and Dean was not that different from himself. Both of them like to work on cars. Both had been involved with Stars Hollow High Sports. Both of them were hopelessly in love with a Gilmore Girl.
As the boys had some sort of private conference, Rory decided it was time for a girl's conference too, and forcefully whispered "Mom".
"What?" she leaned into her daughter?
"Will you stop embarrassing Luke? Right now, he's the only Dad I have!"
Lorelai made a face at her daughter's choice of words. Luke as Rory's … dad?
"Mom, he's doing a really nice thing for us, we need him."
Step-Dad Luke? "I know that" We need Luke,
"Then cool it! I expect your best behavior tomorrow if you embarrass him, you may by extension embarrass me, and then Grandma will never let you live it down. Okay?"
"Best behavior. Promise." Lorelai nodded in agreement, and began to stare at Luke, struggling with his tie again. He was doing a nice thing; he was doing many really nice things. He offered to present Rory, he was being civil, dare we say friendly, to Dean. It happened again, Lorelai couldn't help mulling over her unconvincing performance in the diners staircase; her denial of a crush on Luke. The little tailor had seen it too, Lorelai also recalling his observations. And, Luke was really the only father figure Rory had. They were kind of dependent on him for a lot of stuff. We need Luke.
Dean looked at the clock, " … I should get going. I'll see you all at three. " Dean undid his perfect tie, as did Luke, who didn't want to think of all the jokes Lorelai was making in her head as she stared at him. Why is she is staring at me? Why does she have to look at me like that? It was those blue eyes that made him self-conscious; those pleading blues that made him offer his services in the first place.
"Okay. Oh wait." Rory kept her 7-foot tall boyfriend from leaving and handed him a plain white box.
Dean was confused "What's this?"
Rory smiled flatly "Your gloves."
"I thought you were kidding."
Lorelai interrupted, "No, no. Ladies never kid." Not sure when the last time the peanut gallery chimed in; she was a little distracted by selfless Luke removing his tie. Oh Right, the naked Luke comment, now I remember.
Shaking his head on the situation he now found himself in, Dean kissed Rory "Bye." And then left.
"Night" the room collectively called.
"I think I'm going to bed too. " Rory tried to get up with out messing up her toenails.
"Do you need help?" Lorelai was testing her daughter yet again.
"No," Roy said, firmly walking on her bare heels, to not ruin her nail's paint job.
"Wrong! The correct answer is yes. Ladies need help with everything." She shot Luke a mock worried expression, now that he was her only audience to entertain. "Have I taught her nothing!"
Rory chose to still ignore her mother's comments. "Goodnight Luke"
"Night Rory." Luke smiled at Lorelai, as the teen left him alone with her mother. He did love that Lorelai found all this just as ridiculous as he did. He began to gather up the empty take out boxes.
Hoping things wouldn't be weird between them now they were alone. I embarrass him all the time… he's fine with it, isn't he? Still trying not to have "bad Luke thoughts" Lorelai sighed heavily and shook her head, as she picked up the phone. "I don't know about that girl. I don't know how she's ever gonna make it in society. At this rate, she's gonna actually get a job and only marry once." Lorelai then sat on the couch and dialed a number into the phone.
"You're calling your mom? Again?" Luke concerned by the abnormal Lorelai behavior, sitting down next to her.
"I don't get it. For the last week, every five minutes she's calling me checking on shoe fittings and curtsy progress, and have I talked Rory into putting her hair up yet, and then Friday Night Dinner is cancelled and not one phone call." Of course when she actually wants to talk to her mother communication was impossible, well that's not new. Even so, Lorelai still hadn't run the Luke poising as the father idea by her mother, or what the proper protocol would be if the real father had fallen into a black hole, which was as good a guess as any. Lorelai didn't want Emily to be upset that Christopher had not shown up, … again, but it seemed she would have to be surprised with everyone else.
Luke took the phone from her. "No, you are not doing this anymore."
"Luke?"
"For the last week you've been saying she's driving you nuts. Now from what I know of your mom, she has a great attention to detail, she has planned everything out to the letter. With all those phone calls before, did you ever think that maybe everything is done? There is nothing left to prep, all parties involved are ready for tomorrow?"
Lorelai took a deep breath, and adopted a worried expression. Luke now saw that this might have gone deeper than dance details, so he put a hand on her shoulder to ease her concern. "What is it?"
Lorelai shrugged, "She's been acting so weird lately…you know, … not normal … well, normal for her… " Lorelai then sighed seriously this time, "They're fighting. ... My parents are openly fighting. I don't think they've ever done that before." Lorelai tried not to linger on Luke's hand on her shoulder, or on thoughts of his strong hands giving her a back rub? That would be nice right about now, Gah! "I'm not sure what to do about it. "
He now remembered she said her folks had been off lately. "Well, I don't have much experience there" Luke offered honestly, since both his parents had passed away, putting his arm fully around her.
Lorelai leaned back against the couch; surprised Luke had completed the gesture. Just keep talking, its okay, ummmm "You know, my father doesn't even want to go tomorrow. His perfect angel granddaughter is being presented to society in front of all his friends and colleagues, something he never got to do with his bad, loser, evil daughter. "
Luke gave her shoulders a squeeze. "Hey don't put yourself down like that!" A knot formed in Luke's stomach. He hated that she would even think something like that, as amazing as she was. Then he began to worry how he would get along with Richard Gilmore for an entire evening, if that was the opinion Richard held of his own daughter. Wait, what the… ? It's not like I'm… meeting her parents as a… 'Meeting the parents' kind of thing, I'm just helping out… Luke struggled at that in this moment, "Maybe, … I don't know … you should sit down and talk to them. Really clear the air." From the look on her face, "Okay bad idea? Forget I said anything."
Lorelai leaned her head against his arm and sighed. "Well, there is nothing more I can do tonight." she smiled at Luke's attempt, turning to look him in the eye and seeing just how close they were. Bad Luke thoughts! "Well I should get my beauty sleep too …" awkwardly changing the subject.
You don't need it… "Right, right, that's the lady's subtle hint that I should ... get going."
"Finally, someone who listens to me. "
"You get real mad if I don't!"
Both got up and Lorelai walked Luke to the door.
"So, I'll leave my tux here, I really don't want to parade through town with it on, you know."
"I understand" she smiled. Luke in a parade, on a homecoming court float, hee hee.see funny good Luke thoughts…
"Yeah, I'll change here, if that's okay, and I'll, you know, change before I go home. "
Luke naked… again.. BAD LUKE THOUGHTS!" yeah that's fine, and, … Thank you … for doing this.."
"Well, Anything for Rory… "
"Well still, it's above and beyond." And Lorelai shyly kissed Luke on the cheek.
"Your welcome." He offered quietly, surprised she had done that.
His blue eyes were locked on her, they seemed to see right into her, and suddenly she didn't want him to go.
"Sooo you covered, tomorrow, I mean, … the diner is covered?"
"Yeah, I'm yours all day." I should have phrased that differently! Damn it!
All mine? "Great, … and uuuhh thank you again…"
"Stop saying that" He felt so strange, standing in her foyer, … so late at night, "Umm, do you want help cleaning up?" suddenly remembering the boxes he had intended to clear.
"No, no, … it's fine, … I've got it."
He smiled, He has a great smile, " okay then, till tomorrow"
"Tomorrow…"
"… Well, good night Lorelai."
"Yeah, good night" Why did I kiss him on the cheek? " … Don't forget to shave!" And she shut the door behind him… okay? That was weird. Pressing a hand to her stomach to subdue the butterflies that popped up when he looked at her like that. Why did he have to look at me like that?
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My fave parts:AKA parts that make myself LAUGH!
-Will Rory's father figure magically appear behind door number one? And Lorelai opened the door to be met by the friendly, yet unsure, face of Luke Danes.
Huh, irony?
" Use me "
"Excuse me?" that should have been a 'Dirty'. But she was caught off guard.
-awkward porch moment-Luke and Lorelai holding hands... awwwwww
-Luke felt the need to explain, "Your mom told me, … you know she tells me everything, and she talks a lot, you know, … it's kinda hard to get her to shut up at times. " He was trying to make a joke, but instead he just ended up babbling.
-an affectionate friend … who isn't wearing a bra at this time of night, God help me!
-the Lorelai /Jess exchange...I think I really caught him!
- Did you go to ninja school?" -another Sisterly catch phrase when ever we startle one another... we're sneaky that way!
-the tailor (as in sewing ) scene( And an old man measuring my inseam doesn't help either! )
-the foyer goodnight
A/N: more deviation in the next chap... I promise!
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"that was all God given talent..." why thank you Luke...
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R/R: PLEASE, I like to better myself. To quote The Princess Bride,
"...Remember this is for posterity, ... so be honest."
Please be specific with R/R; name one(or as many as you can think of or want to mention..…) at least specific thing you like please! It makes me feel good...inside (Dirty!)
Hence the Rant option below.
Insert Rant here V
A/N: if not completely satisfied with this chapter, please return unused portion for a full refund …