Author's Note: This story is complete. It's twenty-eight chapters of JavaJunkie love. I plan on posting a chapter or two every couple of weeks. So, please make sure you follow.
There's been so many different takes on the post Bon Voyage lives of Luke and Lorelai. I think I've read most of them. However, I found myself unsatisfied with many of the interpretations. Either Luke and Lorelai were too far out of character, the scenarios too far fetched, or they didn't incorporate the town of Stars Hollow quite enough. So, to you Reader, I humbly submit my interpretation of the events following Bon Voyage.
Work In Progress (WIP) does not follow AYITL canon, although there are little nuggets sprinkled throughout that do give a nod to the reboot. Chapter One begins during the Bon Voyage kiss and WIP will tell the tale of Luke and Lorelai's journey all the way through the end of that summer. I do have plans to continue with a WIP - Part II …eventually.
WIP has been such an amazing personal journey for me. I began it at a pretty low point in my life, a time when I really needed a distraction. I've learned so much about myself and have grown so much with my writing ever since embarking on this adventure. It's truly been an incredible experience. However, Reader, you would not be stepping aboard on this epic tale if it were not for ReaderGG. Without her encouragement, guidance, grammar lessons, and fact checking, none of this would have come to fruition. She's an amazing writer, and even more, an amazing person. I'm so blessed to be able to call her a true friend. Go follow her and check out her stuff if you haven't already.
Now, without further ado, I give you Work In Progress …
CHAPTER 1 – Baby's (Got) Back
"I just…like to see you happy."
In an almost magical scene, the glistening reflections of fairy lights, decorating the entire town, shimmered and swayed on the wet pavement like a mesmerizing meteor shower streaking across the night's sky. Caught in the middle of the asphalt asteroids, Luke and Lorelai stood locked in a hypnotic stare, both utterly captivated by the other, neither able to look away.
Luke's eyes, those stunning sapphire irises, conveyed more than any words he could ever utter. They were the open window to his soul, revealing everything Lorelai could ever possibly need to know. Dispelling any previous doubts she held, they left her totally speechless, perhaps for the first time in her life.
As one, they instantly stepped forward. Crashing together with a force that sent seismic shock waves rippling through their bodies. In that instant, the world around them faded away.
They unleashed a year's worth of bottled up emotions into that kiss. It was a powerful yet soothing blend of desire and familiarity. It felt like a homecoming. A comforting reminder of the love that had always been there despite the traumatic year apart.
An eternity passed before Lorelai's face, flush and wet from tears, reluctantly broke away from his lips. Immediately she sought refuge in the comfort of his sturdy chest. Clinging to him for dear life, her arms tightly wound around his waist. Her fingers instinctively clenched, gripping the fabric of his navy blue flannel with every fiber of her being.
Terrified to let her out of his grasp, Luke protectively clamped his arms around her shoulders, squeezing her closer than he ever imagined possible. Completely enveloped in her essence, he cradled her head with his chin and breathed her in. Each breath bearing a tidal wave of pure bliss as the familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo danced around his nostrils.
Neither wishing for this profound moment to end, they remained entwined, embracing each other with all their might. Both basking in the contentment of being back where they belong.
As tears steadily streamed down her face, Lorelai whimpered, "I missed you so much," pressing her face deeper into his flannel.
Cradling the back of her head in the palm of his hand, Luke kneaded his long fingers through her dark curls. "I missed you too." He drew her in even tighter. "So damn much," he choked, his eyes brimming with tears.
Just then, a sudden blast of Gwen Stefani's 'Woo-Hoo, Yee-Hoo's', screeching from the party's stereo system, jolted Luke and Lorelai back to the present.
With one arm continuing to clutch at his shirt, Lorelai leaned back, slowly disengaging from their embrace. Using the cuff of her black sweater, she dabbed at the tears rolling down her cheeks. "God, this mascara is running faster than Forrest whenever Jenny calls," she mumbled, lifting her swollen red eyes to meet Luke's gaze.
Exchanging hesitant smiles that flickered with a mix of warmth and nervousness, they found themselves caught in a moment of unsure anticipation over what to do next.
Maintaining their steady eye contact, Luke tilted his head towards the diner and instinctively asked, "Coffee?"
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as Lorelai loosened her grip on Luke's flannel, releasing him with a slight reluctance. Glancing down at the glistening asphalt, she drew in a deep breath of cool, clean air that carried the distinctive smell of fresh rain. Invigorated by the Earthy aroma, Lorelai's eyes flickered upwards, only to be met by Luke's patiently waiting gaze. "Do you even have to ask?" she replied with a bashful smile.
Luke's lips lifted slightly as he slid his hand into hers and laced their fingers together. Reaching down with his spare hand, he snatched the charcoal bag off the ground, then guided Lorelai toward the dimly lit diner.
Tossing the charcoal near the door, Luke reached for the door handle and, with a swift motion, pushed it open, the familiar chime of the bell echoing in response. Holding the door ajar, he watched as she cautiously took a step inside, as if she were entering the diner for the very first time.
Pausing just inside the threshold, Lorelai closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the diner's characteristic aromas of coffee and bacon grease. A sense of warmth and coziness returning to her core, she blinked open her eyes and surveyed the once familiar sight.
The dining room was cloaked in a shadowy ambiance, punctuated only by the intermittent twinkle of fairy lights outlining the windows. A gentle glow was cast across the upside down chairs, stacked atop the tables, by a soft, veiled luminescence from behind the back curtain. Lining the counter were rows of ketchup and mustard bottles, all freshly-filled and awaiting their morning deployment to condiment needy customers.
Lorelai found herself lost in the memories. Transported to a time when she'd frequently seen the diner in a similar nocturnal state. Like nights where she'd tiptoe downstairs to grab a late-night sweet treat after spending many sweat soaked hours making love to him upstairs. "I almost forgot what this place looks like with all of the lights off," she said, a wistful smile gracing her face as she savored the scene.
As though he had peered directly into her mind, Luke muttered in response, "I miss those nights too," as he squeezed her hand and nodded toward the counter. "Grab a seat. I'll get a pot started."
As Luke busied himself behind the counter with the coffee maker, Lorelai made a conscious effort to organize the chaotic thoughts buzzing through her mind. With a quick swipe of her hand, she brushed at the tears gathering in her eyes only to realize the smudges of mascara staining her fingertips. "I probably look scarier than Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. Best keep any and all fuzzy bunnies at a distance." She chuckled nervously. "I'm just …" She nodded towards the back curtain. "Gonna go try pulling myself back together."
Mid-step toward the restroom, a jolting in-site struck her, causing Lorelai to instantly stop dead in her tracks. "Will you still be here when I get back?" she asked, a quiver of insecurity running through her words.
With a quick flinch, Luke's narrowed gaze locked onto her. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"This just …I don't know, Luke. I guess it kinda feels like I'm in the middle of an upside-down lucid dream."
Luke arched an inquisitive brow in her direction. "Upside-down lucid dream?"
"I don't think that's a real term. Let's think of it as a Lorelai-ism."
"I'm sorry …a Lorelai-ism?"
"Yea, you know …think of that like a trendy catch-phrase, like 'Web 2.0' or 'upcycling'. It's a catch-all of sorts for colloquialisms unique to your's truly."
With a shake of his head, Luke continued pouring the coffee grounds into a filter. "Okay, I have no idea where this Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs canoe that you're paddling is taking us, but we're about one stop away from the Snap! Crackle! Pop! Sanitarium."
"An 'upside-down lucid dream' is like a dream that's so incredibly amazing and so wildly vivid, that when you wake up, you actually think that what happened in the dream is your reality. Once you shake the sleep out of your head and realize that it was all just a dream, you kinda get a dream hangover of sorts because you're so disappointed that your real life is nothing at all like the amazing dream you just had." As if a dam had broken, all of the anguish of the last year and a half came flooding back. Trying to hide her emotions, Lorelai lowered her chin as tears welled in her eyes once more. "I, um …I had a lot of those dreams this last year."
The pain from their year apart struck Luke with a gut-wrenching blow. His jaw set firm, he redirected his attention to the coffee, carefully placing the stainless steel basket into the machine. "Yea," he sighed, pushing the start button on the coffee maker. "I barely slept all year." As he turned to meet her gaze head-on, Luke's eyes revealed a turbulent mix of profound pain and overwhelming love. "Go take care of yourself," he told her in a gentle tone, nodding his chin toward the restroom. "I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere."
Fully grasping the weight of that seemingly casual remark, Lorelai's face softened as her heart swelled with affection for the gruff diner owner. Flicking her finger in the direction of the restroom, she continued her path past the counter.
"Get it together, Gilmore," Lorelai told herself, hovering over the restroom sink, glaring at her own swollen, red eyes in the mirror. The past few moments with Luke had been so electrifying and so emotionally charged that she felt like her chest would explode with the sheer force of her feelings. The butterflies in her stomach were frantically fluttering while her nerves were buzzing like a beehive. And as eager and anxious as Lorelai was to get back to that flannel-clad man, she made the conscious effort to stop and take a deep breath.
Tonight was about Rory.
As Lorelai turned on the tap and blotted at the mascara streaks with a damp paper towel, a heavy sigh escaped her lips.
In less than twelve hours, Rory would be airborne, heading to Iowa to kickstart her career as a journalist. Simultaneously, the dreaded 'empty-nester' phase of Lorelai's life would officially commence. Deep down, she knew that this bittersweet day was inevitable. But, the news of Rory's job offer came hurtling toward them like that asteroid in Armageddon. Everything was moving too quickly. A whirlwind even by Lorelai's standards - the one person capable of doing mental gymnastics faster than Mary Lou Retton's pet cheetah.
They were supposed to have more time.
The town was planning a graduation reenactment party. They were supposed to spend the summer rollercoastering across the country. The universe, however, had different plans.
Then, like a knight in shining plaid, Luke swooped in and saved the day by organizing the farewell bash that would be talked about for years to come. She wasn't entirely sure why she was so surprised. Luke's love language has always been highlighted by grand gestures done purely to bring her joy. After a year of heartache, Lorelai was convinced that pure joy was no longer attainable.
She turned off the tap and tossed the paper towel in the trash. With a final glance in the mirror, she smoothed the wrinkles from her sweater before drawing in a deep breath and releasing it slowly. "He just likes to see me happy," she said to herself, the mirror seeming to share in her excitement, reflecting her infectious smile.
At the counter, atop her favorite stool, Lorelai peeked over the brim of her blue coffee cup. "Mmmm …heaven. You, Sir, are my angel. Have I ever told you that?"
Luke stood against the back counter, arms tightly folded over his chest. "Once or twice," he replied, his eyes magnetically drawn to her every subtle movement.
The raw intensity in his eyes left Lorelai feeling exposed, prompting her to lower her eyes and safely set her mug on the counter.
Sensing the opportune moment, Luke slipped a slender pink box from the back pocket of his jeans and slid it on the counter just beside the mug. "Open it," he said, shoving his hands in his back pockets.
"What's this?" Lorelai looked up at him with a puzzled expression. "Did I pull a Rip Van Winkle and sleep through Christmas and now it's my birth -"
"Just …" Luke rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "Open it."
With a hint of anticipation, Lorelai jiggled the box before gingerly raising the lid. Nestled within was a meticulously crafted necklace adorned with a delicate, pale blue crystal pendant hanging from a dainty silver chain.
Spellbound by the hypnotic dance of the pendant swaying from her finger, Lorelai's mouth gaped open as the word, "Pretty," softly escaped her lips.
"It, um …kinda reminded me of, ah …you know, your eyes."
Despite their awkward delivery, his words sent a tremor through her, making the nervous flutter in her stomach feel more like a full-blown earthquake. The raw genuineness in his gaze, coupled with the soft cadence of his voice, left her utterly speechless, as if the weight of his sincerity had taken her breath away.
Recovering her composure, Lorelai's face lit up as she lifted her eyes to meet his. "Help me put it on?"
As Lorelai gathered her wavy locks at the nape of her neck and draped them over her shoulder, Luke swiftly navigated around the counter.
Carefully he wrapped the dainty silver chain around her neck and, after momentarily fumbling, managed to secure the clasp. Then with a soft caress, his fingertips traced along her neckline, lingering for a fleeting moment before gently withdrawing.
"How's it look?" she asked, whirling around on her stool as her fingers lightly danced over the pendant.
Luke's eyes lingered on the charm exquisitely suspended just above her heart. "It looks …" He swayed his head in amazement. "Perfect."
"It's beautiful. I love it."
"Yea?"
"Yea," she whispered, the innocence radiating from his features completely eroding her final layer of defense. Rising to her feet, she tenderly cupped the stubble of his jawline. "And you …I still love you, Luke. I'm not sure what that means to you but …" She shrugged, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "There it is."
In a surge of emotion, Luke's eyes traveled down to her lips. No longer able to hold back, he swept her into his arms, pulling her close with an urgency so intense their lips slammed together in a forceful collision.
They kissed with a hunger that had been dormant for more than a year. Driven by an insatiable desire, their hands brazenly traced the curves of each other's backs. Both eager to rediscover the intimate geography of their physical selves. As Lorelai tipped her head to deepen the kiss, a soft moan escaped her lips, sending Luke's appetite into orbit. Famished for her, he dove in, feasting in every second of this intensely fervent moment.
As Luke's work-worn fingers began to inch their way up the back of her sweater, Lorelai was suddenly hit with a moment of clarity. Dawning on her just how near she was to dragging him upstairs by the brim of his cap, Lorelai made her retreat. Tearing her lips away from his grasp, she pressed her forehead against his. Both gasping with desire, they clung to one another tightly. Neither wishing to ever let go.
Piercing the thick silence, Lorelai blurted out, "Did we just have our Notebook moment?" as she struggled to catch her breath. "Actually, now that I think about it, we had two Notebook moments in one night. We're even better than Allie and Noah. All that's missing is the rain. Well …I guess we could have had that this afternoon. Timing never really has been our thing, has it?"
Ignoring her rambling, Luke clamped his eyelids shut and swallowed hard to push down the lump in his throat. "I, um …I need you to know that, ah …" He battled to put his feelings into words. "I love you," he admitted in a breathy whisper. "Pretty damn sure I always will."
His words left Lorelai utterly smitten, melting her already softened heart into a drippy pile of goo. She snuggled her face into the crook of his neck and, with a deep inhale, breathed him in. A warm blend of his earthy, pine-like fragrance, subtly laced with the savory aroma of juicy burgers, wrapped around her soul like a soothing embrace.
Luke pressed his cheek to the top of her head and hypnotically caressed circular patterns across her back. Lost in the rhythm of their embrace, they surrendered to the moment. As if woven together by the gentle sway of their bodies, their minds drifted into a blissful state of connection. So relieved to finally be home.
Eventually, a recognizable, booming bass riff ripped through the diner, rattling the rafters with each thunderous thud. Like an alarm clock blaring, the raging party outside rooted Lorelai back in reality.
"Hey, Luke?"
"Yea."
"Are we really slow dancing to Baby Got Back?"
"Aw, geez," he groaned, letting his hands drift from her back.
A playful glint danced in her eyes as a teasing smile spread across her lips. "What's wrong? Your anaconda don't want none?"
Luke let out an uncharacteristic deep, rumbling laugh and shook his head in amusement. "You're still bat shit crazy."
"Some things never change."
"Good." He winked. "Let's keep it that way."
Out of nowhere, the weight of the present collided with the lingering ghosts of past betrayals, leaving a heavy silence filled with unspoken words hanging between them. While simple apologies had been exchanged, the word 'sorry' only scratched the surface of the deep-seated pain that lingered within them both.
With a look that spoke volumes, she raised her eyes to him. "We need to talk, Luke. Really talk about …you know, everything." The tone in her voice serving as a tether to their perplexing reality.
Feeling the need to sooth her soul, Luke gently took her hands in his. Brushing his lips against each of her knuckles, he tenderly attempted to erase any lingering anxieties one small appendage at a time. "We'll fix this," he whispered with quiet determination. "I'll do whatever I have to do."
"We can't screw this up again."
"I won't let us."
The soothing assurance in each graze of his lips, coupled with the unwavering conviction in his tone, planted a seed of hope in Lorelai about their relationship's future.
If only a similar seed could be sown to lessen the ache of Rory's impending departure.
Lorelai's gaze drifted over Luke's plaid shoulder. Her face fell slightly, eyes mirroring a wave of melancholy as they settled on the patchwork canopy sheltering the partygoers in the Town Square. "It just seems so final," she breathed out slowly, her lower lip quivering with uncertainty. "I have no idea when I'm going to see her again."
"It's not final." He squeezed her hands a little tighter. "She won't be gone forever. She'll visit and, if I know the two of you like I think I do, you'll call each other at least five times a day."
"Everything is happening so fast. Rory and now you …or us …or whatever this is. It's all just …" She let out a sigh. "A whole lot to process, you know?"
"Take care of Rory first. Take all the time you need to process that, okay?"
A slight pang of panic flashed in Lorelai's eyes. "What about us?"
"After the Rory stuff, we'll deal with our stuff."
"I don't wanna wait for us. We've already wasted so much time."
"Believe me, I don't wanna wait either, but the Rory stuff …you know, it's a lot. Take a couple days, alright? We got time."
Gathering her resolve, she clamped her eyes shut and drew in a quick breath. "I've been trying so damn hard to be strong."
"You are strong."
"I don't want her to see me have a big Sally Field, Steel Magnolia sized emotional breakdown. I mean, I know she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance, and she looked fantastic in that black dress on the Red Carpet, but no daughter should ever have to witness that kinda performance."
"It's okay even if she does see it."
"No, it's not, Luke!" she cried, yanking her hands free from his grasp and balling them into fists at her side. "I want her to embrace this opportunity …jump headfirst into the life and career that we'd always envisioned. I don't want her to spend one second worrying about her sad and lonely Mom back in Stars Hollow."
"Hey." He grazed her chin with his finger, gently tilting it upwards. "Her mom won't be lonely. I'll make sure of it," he said with a soft tone, sweeping a loose curl from her brow. "What time do you need to be at the airport?"
"Her flight's at eight, so we'll need to leave by six."
"I'll have coffee brewed by five. Stop by before you leave. I may still have some chocolate chips in the storeroom for your pancakes."
"Whip cream?" she asked, a playful spark igniting in her eyes.
"Sure."
"Ice cream?"
"Don't mistake my kindness for weakness."
She snuggled close to him, placing her hand over his heart. "Thank you for …everything. For the party, for the necklace, for just …you know, being you again."
"You're welcome," he told her, running his fingers through her hair and kissing the top of her head.
"We should get back out there. You know how this town talks."
"I swear, everyone in this town has been vaccinated with a phonograph needle." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "That includes you."
"Hey now, Sir …" She pointed her finger into his chest. "What's this I hear about a secret town meeting that you organized?"
"Aw, geez."
"Who knew you possessed such excellent party planning skills? What's next on your calendar? Elton's Oscar Party? You know, the next time the Stars Hollow Knitting Club asks The Dragonfly to host their annual shindig, I'm giving them your number, Mister."
"Do that and I'm switching you to decaf."
Lorelai gasped. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
With a lighthearted laugh, Lorelai conceded the battle and threaded her arm through his. In seamless unity, they strolled toward the exit. "You mind if I come find you before Rory and I leave for the night? Maybe grace you with a goodnight smooch?"
"I'd like that," he replied with a sly smile, the bells chiming as he pulled open the door.
Pausing at the threshold, Lorelai brushed her fingers across the soft flannel covering his chest. "You know, there's this little hidden spot right behind the DJ booth that would be a perfect little place for us to get our groove on."
"Uh …that's not gonna happen. Besides, Kirk's been behind the DJ booth all night."
"Hey, don't knock it until you try it. I read in Entertainment Weekly that Nicole Ritchie and DJ AM really solidified their relationship while at some DJ competition." She pecked a kiss to his scruffy cheek. "And anyway, it wouldn't be the first time Kirk's laid witness to our canoodling."
Luke gave his head a shake in disbelief. "Come on, Crazy Lady, let's get you back to your party." He snatched the bag of charcoal by the doorway and slipped his hand in hers. "And, um, do me a solid, Hootch, lay off that Founder's Day punch. I'm too tired to carry your derriere home tonight."