A/N: This is an insert into 1:10, Forgiveness and Stuff. It starts with Rory and Luke leaving the hospital and him driving her home. It was a thirty-minute drive. They had to talk about something, didn't they?
Rory and Luke walked through the hospital and into the parking lot in silence. Well, silent with the exception of the slight gasping noise Luke made whenever they passed someone on a gurney or in a wheelchair.
When they reached the 'oldest truck known to man', Luke chivalrously opened Rory's door. "You don't have to…" she lightly protested.
"It's fine." He climbed into the driver's side, started the truck, and they pulled out onto the highway without a word.
A few minutes into the drive, Rory turned to Luke. "Hey Luke?"
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Why'd you come to the hospital?"
"I… gave your mom a ride."
Rory paused and stared out the window for a moment. Then she turned back to Luke. "Why'd you stay?"
"What?"
"Why'd you stay? You could've left. I mean, you were obviously uncomfortable."
Luke winced. "Was it that obvious?"
Rory laughed. "Yeah. It was." She returned to looking out the window.
Luke relaxed, having avoided Rory's question. He relaxed a moment too soon.
"You officially evaded my question. Why did you stay?" She inquired again.
Luke took a deep breath. "For your mom. And you." He added.
Rory smiled. "Thanks. We… we needed it."
He blushed slightly, and was thankful it was dark. He reached out his right arm and gave Rory a supporting pat on the shoulder. "Anytime."
As they neared Stars Hollow, Luke spoke up. "What do you say we stop by the diner and get you some coffee before I take you home?"
"That sounds great."
He pulled in front of the diner and they exited the truck. Luke unlocked the door and flipped on the lights. "Have a seat." He said, gesturing to the counter.
She sat down on a stool near the register as Luke started a pot of coffee. As soon as it was done, he filled a cup and slid it to her.
Rory took a sip and set the cup back on the counter. She stared down into the swirling black liquid while she thought. She looked up at Luke and cocked her head to the side with a slight smirk on her face.
"What?" he said, noticing her odd look.
"You like her, don't you?" She asked quietly, knowing very well that he understood exactly whom she was referring to.
"You want a doughnut to go with your coffee?" Luke asked as he moved toward the case.
Rory smiled. "You're not gonna answer my question, are you?"
He set the doughnut on a plate and set it in front of her. "Anything else?"
"No, I'm good." Rory finished her food in silence. "I'd better get home." She stated after drinking the last of her coffee.
"Let's go."
Neither said a word on the short drive to the Gilmore home. When Luke pulled into the drive, Rory turned to him. "Thanks again, Luke. Really."
He shook his head slightly. "No problem."
She stepped out of the car. "'Night Luke!"
"'Night, Rory."
Rory walked across the lawn towards the door. When she was halfway up the steps, Luke rolled down his window. "Hey, Rory?"
She turned to face him, her eyes signaling him to continue.
He looked down into his lap nervously before returning to meet her gaze. "I do. I really do." He called out to her.
Rory smiled, gave one last wave, and stepped inside. No more words were needed.
They both knew he'd just answered her question.
The End.
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