| LL ficathon |
[Aug. 15th, 2006|03:01 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  nervous | ] |
“Jogging Suits”
The over-head bell jingled as she walked in, for the second time that day. After a quick survey of the familiar diner, she decided on a stool at the counter. Glancing at the person next to her, she started a conversation she was sure she would regret, “Hey, Kirk.”
“Hi, Lorelei.” He chewed thoughtfully on his toast, “I swallowed my gum this morning. I heard it takes seven years for gum to digest, do you think that’s true?”
Yep, she defiantly regretted it, “I don’t know, Kirk, maybe.” She hoped Luke would make a much needed appearance soon.
“Imagine if that were true, what if I swallowed a piece of gum every week, what would happen when my stomach got so full of gum that there was now room for anything else? How would that be fixed? What if--”
Luke came out from the kitchen, this caused Kirk to fade into the background, as neither Lorelei or Luke had any real interest in listening to him. “Hey.”
“So, I was thinking that it was time for some coffee.” She flicked her hair and turned to face him.
“Only you would have an actual time that was designated for coffee.”
“Of course, I do. It’s when I’m tired, or hungry, or stressed, or awake. Basically, when the big hand hits the “need” and the little hand hit’s the “coffee”.”
“Sorry I questioned it. So, is the little hand hitting anything besides “coffee right” now, or is that it?”
“Ummm… nope, just the coffee will be fine. So, are you going to the shin-dig in the town square tonight?” Lorelei asked seriously enough, but her eyes glimmered with mischievous hope.
“Yeah, right. What the hell is the crazy town celebrating this time?”
This was her favorite part, “Well Pete the Pizza Guy finally got the car back from his wife, after she stole it during the divorce.”
“What?! Seriously? That‘s why the whole town is getting together for some stupid huge party?” Luke looked slightly crazed, ready to fall over the edge with disbelief.
“No, I just wanted to see your reaction. Pete did get the car back, but the party is just a end-of-summer type thing. How come you won’t come?”
Luke stared at her, she was insane. He had figured that fact out years ago, but sometimes she still amazed him. And, like today, something about her was slightly captivating, no matter how crazy she was being. “It’s just not my kind of thing. Come on, you should know me by now, I don’t do big parties.”
Lorelei smiled, “Fair enough. But, I still think you should come. And you should know me by now, if I want something, chances are, I’ll get it. Especially if it’s from you.” She got up from her seat, “And I want you to come, so I’ll see you there.”
“Why would you want me to come, I’m no fun, remember?” Luke said, as he realized he would have to go.
“Because, you might have fun, and having fun is good, even for you, once in a while. And, you’re plenty of fun, seeing you get all red and wild eyed just now was a riot.”
“Gee, thanks.” He watched her leave, shook his head, and returned to the grill. His only thought was that she was a pain in the ass, but that made him smile.
Luke was refilling ketchup bottles and almost finished closing up when a loud, blaring voice startled him out of his thoughts.
“LUKE! PLEASE STEP OUT OF THE DINER! KEEP YOUR HANDS UP AND YOUR MOUTH SHUT!”
“What the hell? Who--” He stopped when he reached the door and stared out at the crazy lady holding the mega phone. “So who’d you steal that from?”
“Kirk. He was pretty annoying. So I took it.”
“And you’re less annoying?”
“Of course, I’m not Kirk.”
“Good point. So, what are you doing yelling at me from in front of my diner?”
“I told you that you had to come, and I didn’t see you out there, so I had to come get you.”
“Out of curiosity, did it ever occur to you that I don’t wanna come?” He asked her, knowing that it probably was going to get a loud and incredulous response.
She stared at him as if he was from another planet and telling her that a couple pairs of shoes was really all she needed. Only a slight pause was allowed before it came, “Luke, if you don’t come to this party right now, I’m going to tell everyone that you’re a Trekkie, and that sometimes at night you dance to Spice Girls when you close up.” She looked completely serious, except for her eyes that looked as if they were laughing.
“You wouldn’t, and besides I don’t really care.” He hoped he sounded convincing and that she couldn’t hear the amusement in his voice.
She swiftly turned on her heal and began the loud part of her protest, “HEY, EVERYONE! LUKE WANTED ME TO TELL YOU THAT HE--”
She didn’t get to finish. Luke walked away from her with the mega phone, set it on the table in the diner, locked the door and returned beside her. “Fine, you win. Not that that’s a surprise.”
“No, it’s not. And, you never know, I might be right about you having fun.” Lorelei smiled and led the way back to the party.
It turned out she was close to being right, Luke was having an okay time. He met up with Jackson and had a pretty useless conversation about barbequing and vegetable crops. Gypsy tried to convince him to upgrade his truck, and while Taylor was yelling at someone to fix something he slipped and fell into the mud puddle next to the dunk tank. Although, Lorelei had abandoned him, as he knew she would. But, that was okay, it was better for his ego if she didn’t see him having fun.
~Several months later~
Lorelei handed Luke a beer and sat next to him on the couch, then picked up the remote and began half-heartedly flipping through channels. Luke propped his feet up on the coffee table and settled in.
“So…is there a particular reason for the spur-of-the-moment get together, I mean, we don’t usually hang out like this.” Luke had been wondering why she called him over here since the moment she called, and now the curiosity finally won.
“Honestly, I’ve just been in a funk the last couple of days, since the whole not marrying Max thing.” Lorelei sighed and sunk back into the couch, “And, I dunno, I guess I just felt the need for some non-female company.”
Luke raised his eyebrows.
“I didn’t mean it like that, I just meant I needed someone around that I was comfortable with and wouldn’t be all mushy, or hitting me with non-stop probing questions. You came to mind, so I called you, just to hang out, to see if it helped.” She looked at him, then back at the TV.
“I get it. It was the same kinda thing as when Rachel left, only I just dealt with it on my own.” Luke played with the beer in his hands.
“You could have called me.”
“You were busy with Max, the engagement, then the cancelled engagement, it just didn’t seem the right time to butt in with my minor issues.”
“Minor? Weren’t you upset?” Lorelei looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“Yeah, of course I was, I just meant that compared to your stuff, mine was minor.”
“Something that upsets you is never minor to me. You’re my friend and I would have wanted to be there for you, if you needed me. But, of course, you don’t because you’re a big tough man.” She had added the last part to lighten the mood, but the seriousness of her words wasn’t lost.
“I know, I appreciate that, but I’m fine.” Luke liked that she was concerned.
“So…why did Rachel leave? You never told me the specifics, you just said that she had her reasons.” Lorelei tried to look and sound casual, but the intensity of her curiosity was evident in her voice.
Luke had been dreading the moment when Lorelei realized that he never really explained the whole Rachel leaving thing. “It doesn’t really matter, she just wasn’t the one…and she didn’t think she was the one.” That was the best he could give her.
“That’s a pretty vague reason.” She looked slightly disappointed, and maybe a little relieved.
“Well, that’s it. So, what did happen with you and Max?” It was Luke’s turn with curiosity, plus he was hoping to distract her a little from Rachel.
Lorelei gasped, “Traitor! You turned into a girl, now my plan for the evening is shot. Thanks a lot. I guess I have to trade the baseball game and beer, for manicures and wine.”
“I just meant that you seemed happy. Why weren’t you?” Luke was used to ignoring her little quips of distraction.
“Oh, look at the time, reruns of South Park are about to start, lets watch.” She quickly turned to the TV and pretended to be powerfully interested in the show, and oblivious to Luke.
For once, Luke was going to break his rule of getting too personal with anyone. “Lorelei.” His tone was able to catch her attention, and turn her back to him.
“I just…I didn’t love him, that’s the plain, simple truth. But, even if I did, I don’t think we would have worked.” Lorelei surprised herself with the honestly she let come out.
“Why not?”
“I don’t know, do we really have to talk about this?“ She looked at Luke pleadingly, and something about his expression made her continue. “He didn’t get me. I mean, he could keep up with me and my little quirks, but when it came to the serious stuff, like my basic life or raising Rory, he didn’t understand. He tried too hard to force a place for himself, or to figure out his role. Not that it’s all his fault. I mean, I’m a tough person to figure out and to live with, ask Rory, but I didn’t get him either. I didn’t understand his need for a role and place. Like, you get that I know how to deal with Rory, and that I’m the one who makes any of the big decisions regarding her, and you would never question that, except for maybe the eating habits.”
Luke nodded. “Yeah, I know. It’s kinda impossible to miss the whole bond thing you two have.”
“Yeah… So, since I told you all that, are you gonna tell me anymore about what happened with you and Rachel?” She sucker punched him, and was obviously done talking about herself.
“Nope, I already told you everything I plan on telling you, so deal with it. Now, are we going to watch a movie, or what?” Luke turned to the TV and sat expectantly.
“Fine. But, I’m making you watch Pretty Woman.”
~Several weeks later~
“Hey, you look nice, where you going?” Lorelei strode into the diner and stood in front of the counter.
“Thanks, and I just have an appointment.” Luke pat himself down searching for his keys.
“What kind of appointment?” Lorelei wasn’t that interested, but she was bored.
“Just something I have to do that’s none of your business.” Luke was not really avoiding telling her where he was going, but his voice held a warning.
Now, Lorelei was interested. “Luke?” Her voice was whiny, “Why won’t you tell me where you’re going? Is it embarrassing? Will it make me laugh? Is it a secret part of your life? Are you Superman?”
“Lorelei.”
“Batman? The Incredible Hulk? Fantastic Backwards-Baseball-Cap Man?”
Luke heavily sighed, “Fine, if you won’t shut up, why don’t you just come with me?” Luke found his keys and headed to the door.
“Come with you? To your appointment? Is that allowed?” Lorelei seemed confused and taken aback.
“It’s not a professional appointment, it’s just somewhere I have to go. Now, get your coat, if you’re bored you can come with me. It won’t take long.”
“Uh, okay, I guess, let’s go.” Lorelei gathered her things.
Lorelei was quiet at first, but as they drove further, the more curious and restless she became. “Luuuukkkke…where are we going?”
“We’re almost there. Just hold your horses.”
“I don’t have any horses, I hate that phrase because it reminds me that I don’t have horses to hold…Are you going to kill me? Have you finally had enough of me annoying you?” As she said this, he began to turn into a driveway, “Willow Acre Cemetery? I always knew I had fantastic comedic timing, but this is a little creepy. What are we doing here?” Lorelei looked at Luke.
He nodded up the hill, parked the car and got out. “Com’on, it’s just up the way.”
They both walked silently until they reached a small headstone, and Luke stopped.
Lorelei gazed at the headstone, which read, “Mrs. Lily Elizabeth Danes”. Her voice caught a little in her throat as she whispered, “Is this your mom?”.
“Yeah, today’s her birthday, and every year I come to visit her grave. Usually, I come alone, but for some reason I thought it might be nice if you came this year. Maybe just because you were there and wouldn’t leave me alone. But, still, it’s nice.”
“Luke, I don’t know what to say, I feel bad about being a jerk before.” Lorelei had an expression of disbelief and compassion.
“You don’t have to say anything, I’m fine, it was a long time ago. And, you weren’t a jerk, you didn‘t know, and it was fun to watch.” Luke grinned warmly at her.
“Gee, thanks.” She bit her lower lip and slipped her arm into the crook of his. “Well, this wasn’t what I was expecting. You’re kind of a softy.”
Luke glanced at her. “Well, thanks for coming. Now, come on, I’ll feed ya.”
~Several days later~
Luke watched Lorelei walk past the diner. He hadn’t spoke to her since that night. Well, actually, she had come in a couple of days ago, but he didn’t really talk to her, not like they used to talk to each other. Rory and Jess were in an accident, and if that wasn’t enough, he and Lorelei had fought. He hated fighting with her. And, he especially hated fighting with her at a time like this. He needed to talk to her about Jess. But, mostly, he would have liked to be there for her. Her pride and joy, the one thing that meant everything to her was put in jeopardy, and it had freaked her out. Luke wanted to help her with that. Plus, she had something else going on with her, he could see it in her face, she was upset. At least, Rory was supposed to be coming back from Washington soon. That should help, even if he couldn’t. Luke realized that he wasn’t going to last much longer without talking to her regularly again. He just didn’t know if she would forgive him, and if he could get over his stupid pride and let her forgive him. He figured he’d just have to wait and see.
He didn’t have to wait long. She came into the diner that night, after her Friday night dinner with her parents. She spoke, he listened. Christopher had left her for another woman, and she was scared that she’ll never have anyone to wear matching jogging suits with, or something to that effect.
“Oh, and I hate admitting it, because I fancy myself wonder woman, but I really want it, the whole package.” He watched her tears slide slowly down her cheeks.
His heart melted as he gruffly answered, “You’ll get it.”
Her words were forced and raw, “How do you know?”
“I know.”
“But, how do you know?” He almost grinned as the insistent and persistent Lorelei emerged.
“Because, I know, now eat your donut.”
She just looked at him, then down at her donut, then back at him, “But--”
“Lorelei.” He interrupted her, as he once again attempted to make the decision between playing it cool, or revealing something personal. However, this time he didn’t decide to play it cool.
“Listen.” He walked from behind the counter and slowly slid onto the stool beside her. “Lorelei, I know you’ll find all that stuff… because, in some respect, you already did.”
He chanced a glance at her eyes and saw them widen a little, both from curiosity and anxiety. He guessed that he probably wasn’t as secretive as he’d like to be, so she might have a clue as to where this was headed.
Knowing there was no backing down now, he sucked in a deep breath and continued. “I’ve always been there for you, at least since I met you. I know I frequently harp on you about your caffeine habits, or your consumption of food that has absolutely no nutritional value, and often bark at your need to get your way, no matter what it takes. But the truth is, I would rather have you annoying me and disgusting me, then not have you around at all.” He felt himself settle into a rhythm, and though it wasn’t really his style of speech or depth, he let it all come out.
“I would do anything for you, despite my protesting, and I would definitely do anything for Rory. In fact, I’ve been doing anything I could for the two of you since the day you came tearing into the diner. And, as powerful as your persuasive powers are, I don’t do it because you convince me to, I do it because I like doing things for you. And, I wouldn’t mind giving you the whole package, except maybe nix the jogging suit thing, but the family and the growing old thing would definitely be a possibility.” He took a moment to revel in the fact that he had achieved the impossible, he had Lorelei speechless. But, he wasn’t finished quite yet, “I realize that you probably don’t feel the same way about me, I’m not proposing anything, I’m more than happy to be your friend. I just want you to know that if you can get a loner like me to be willing to give you everything, then you have nothing to worry about. All you have to do is find a guy that can make you happy and gets how amazing you are, and you’ll have it made.”
“Is that all?” Her voice is barely audible when she finally spoke the only words she could think of at the moment. Her face told him she’s trying to wrap her mind around the uncharacteristic Luke and his confessions.
“That’s all.” He smiled at her and got up, but stopped when he felt her fingers gently grasp his wrist.
“Wait.“ Her voice was a breathy whisper, but it somehow sounded like it could bring down a building with the emotion it carried. Both stayed motionless for several seconds, afraid to move. He held his breath and turned to face her.
She rose to her feet, meeting him face to face, but not yet ready to look him in the eye. Before he could even register what was happening, he felt her free hand come up to his face and tenderly urge his face toward hers. He let her lead, unsure of her intentions and certainty. She kissed him lightly, but the strength behind it came so strong he felt as if it might just knock him over. He kissed her back, just as softly and with as much intensity. He was just getting lost in it all when he pulled back.
“Lorelei,” His voice was rough, and when he looked in her eyes he was met with excitement and disappointment. “I--can’t--you and Christopher-- you’re--it’s not right--too soon--” He wasn’t talking in complete or understandable sentences, but his mind was still floating around somewhere in Lorelei‘s kiss.
Lorelei finally understood, and her expression softened as she firmly held Luke around the wrist that she never released. “Luke. You’re right. You’ve been there for me whenever I needed you, every time, without exception. If I had a problem with Rory, or my parents, or work, or even another guy, you were always there to listen. Even if we were fighting, like now, you listen. I know you’re worried that this thing with Chris is too soon, or that maybe you’re just a rebound, or I’m not really thinking clearly, or whatever… but, I’m sure it’s not. I think I always knew that there was something between us. And, I knew that if we ever went there, it would be more than just a fling or dating, it would be something…significant. But, I tried not to think about it because, well because it’s me, terrified of commitment. I think some part of me was always waiting for you and me. Just, now that you shoved right in my face I can’t run from or ignore it. And, it has nothing to do with Christopher.”
Luke stared at her. He looked into the sparkling blue eyes and wondered if he was dreaming. When he felt her lips again, he was sure that it wasn’t a dream, and he settled his hands on he waist.
Lorelei pulled away first this time, “Is that acceptable to you? Because, as much as I love to talk, I really don’t wanna give another speech.”
He grinned, “Yeah, that’s acceptable, but you’re gonna make me give another speech, aren’t you?”
“At some point in the future, absolutely. It’s not often that anyone gets to see mushy Luke.” Her tone was energetic and playful, but a serious undertone was evident as she tightened her grip on him a little bit.
“If I say ‘don’t get used to it‘, will it kill the mood?”
“Yes, so kiss me instead.” He didn’t have a chance to, because she beat him to it.
After a little while of getting to know the new aspect of their relationship, Lorelei released her arms from around his neck, and with mock irritation pushed him away, “Okay, we’re done.”
Looking a little flustered, Luke gaped at her, “Why?”
“’Cause I want my donut.” She said as if he should’ve known.
“You’re gonna be a lot of work.”
His smile involuntarily spread across his face as she answered with a mouth already full of sugary death, “You betcha.”
~~~
Luke was amazed at how easily their lives had changed from just friends to more. But, then again, they were never just friends, he had always been the guy that could and would provide Lorelei with the whole package. He chuckled softly to himself, no jogging suits though. But, then again, who knows? He was with Lorelei. |
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