Season One
To the casual observer, Luke and Grace don't make sense. But as Helen said, "relationships that work don't always make sense." And Luke and Grace definitely work together. Read their history and decide for yourself.
The Fire and the Wood
The first time we see Grace she's in the office. To the more-than-casual "Joan of Arcadia" watcher, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Anyway, Grace is waiting for a tardy pass from Helen, who asks her why she's late. She's late because she's late, obviously. Grace gets the pass and leaves the class.
It's not until Joan joins AP Chem that we see Grace again. Actually, we see Grace after Joan's joined AP Chem, because, well, Grace is late again. Grace walks in late, goes to her seat in the very back of the classroom, which also happens to be behind Luke's table. Joan's assigned to a seat between Grace and Adam, and then assigned a group project.
Grace, Adam, and Joan meet at the Girardi's house to work on the project. Although Grace asks as if she doesn't care about school or pay attention to people, she's sure as hell noticed Luke. Her advice for Joan is to ask him for answers for their assignment. When Luke enters the kitchen, Grace repeats her request for Joan to ask him. Joan won't though, and oddly enough Grace doesn't press it. Since she doesn't seem like the type to care what people think of her, it's strange she doesn't ask him herself.
Luke's clearly paying attention to the study group though, because he's randomly throwing in comments to add to their discussion. When Grace explains that wood doesn't actually burn, Luke finds it "so hot" that she knows that. Heh. Grace looks at him for a minute, her expression blank.
Maybe a minute later, Luke's struggling with a cookie car by the fridge. Grace glances over and snaps her fingers. Luke, more than a little embarassed, walks over and hands her the jar. Without a pause, Grace opens it as she continues working on the problem and hands the jar back to Luke. Luke's still embarassed as he walks away, and Joan looks disgusted with her brother.
This isn't exactly Luke/Grace centric, but it's interesting that later in the episode, when Joan tells Grace that Adam left his backpack at her house, Grace makes a comment that makes it seem as if Adam's on drugs. At this point, both Becky Wahlstrom (Grace) and Chris Marquette (Adam) were only scheduled for four episodes, and apparently the writers hadn't established their friendship yet.
Touch Move
And this is the episode where I prove how much of a nerd I am. Anyway, we're at Joan's locker in school. Grace comes over and demands Joan tell her brother to stop wearing so much aftershave. Apparently, Grace is allergic, and only has "one working sinus" left. Once again, if Grace doesn't care what people think... exactly why is she going through Joan? If Joan hadn't switched into AP Chem, what would she do then? Anyway, the aftershave is apparently made of 'pickled eggs,' because that's how it smells.
In AP Chem, Grace is still going on about the aftershave, only now it's the "essence of pimp." As she rants and Joan tries to ignore her, Luke's raising the material of his shirt to his nose, clearly worried about Grace's impression of him. This is the last time the aftershave is referred to, so it's safe to assume that Luke stopped wearing it after hearing Grace didn't like it. Aww.
This whole episode has that whole fourth grade "girl likes boy, boy likes girl," hair-tugging feel to it. Grace flicks a small paper ball (think spitball, only without the spit or straw) at Luke as Joan blathers on. Luke spins around in his chair, arms up in a "What the hell?" kind of expression. Grace mimics his facial expression, eyebrows raised. Joan's still blathering, this time about how her type of guy is a wrestler, a la Dax Hibbing, abs, big forearms. Grace adds small cerebral cortex? Now this is where I could rant about how she's saying she'd rather have a smart guy, which she probably is. But whether it's a writer's error or not, cerebral cortex? For those of you not familiar with brain anatomy, this is the part of your brain that makes you identify a brain as such. The greymatter, the folds. But intelligence? Has to do with the folds of the cerebral cortex, not the size. But, uh, moving on. The teacher comes over and ends the discussion, and as we leave the sign, Grace is staring straight ahead... which is conveniently at Luke.
The Boat
Not much Grace in this episode, unfortunately. And absolutely no Luke/Grace. But this is really the first episode where we get a look into Grace's beliefs and anti-government beliefs, as she complains that they're 'under surveillance 80% of the time.' Nothing more to comment on, but this becomes a reoccuring thought of Grace's, so it's worth mentioning.
Just Say No
Once again, there's no Luke/Grace. But in this episode, Grace remarks that Joan has 'no radar' (you know, because Grace has so much herself). And then later, in AP Chem, when Joan's called down to the office, Grace seems almost surprised it's not her. Hee.
Joan's preparing for a yard sale, and Luke's helping her dig through the garage for stuff. It's worth mentioning because at one point, as Joan and Helen are discussing Will's packrat tendencies, Joan picks up a stuffed rabbit. Luke quickly grabs it (it's one of those loud, squeaky stuffed animals) and brings it to his chest, kind of cuddling it and patting it fondly. This is the point where I totally fell in love with a fictional character, because I'm that pathetic.
At the yard sale, Luke walks by a table and informs Joan that she can't lower the price on his geodes, because they're worth "five times that much already." He tries to grab something as Joan shoos him away, and storms off angrily.
Bringeth It On
The episode's second scene has Joan, Grace, and Adam sitting in the Girardi kitchen, studying on a Saturday night. Luke comes into the kitchen and remarks it's a "classic geek misdirect," which is kind of funny since Luke is the family geek. Anyway, he walks over so he's standing behind Grace and tells them he and Friedman are going to the Homecoming game, so if anyone wants to come... He looks at Grace, but she doesn't notice, instead just saying she has better things to do than watching a bunch of "cheerleaders flashing their panties." Gah. Ex-cheerleader here, definitely taking offense to that. First, they aren't panties. Second, it's not flashing. It's an occupational hazard. Sorry, off topic again.
Luke's at the park with Friedman, and Friedman's being himself, crudely remarking on the... assets of some girl. Luke's not interested, and of course, we all know why. He's too into Grace to notice anyone else.
The next Luke/Grace scene's one of my favorites of the show. It's the crew in AP Chem, and some bitchy girl's talking about the baby dumping. Anyway, Grace comes into class late, crashes into Luke's lab setup, and is all, "Oh darn. Now you won't get into Harvard." Luke's all smiley and says "Hey" as Grace walks away. Friedman and Glynis stare at him. A minute later, Glynis asks Luke if he'll partner with her for the science fair. Luke's response is to let her down softly with a "Can I think about it?" Friedman's stunned, and "Dude"s Luke. As all this is going on, Grace responds to the bitchy girl who implied that she and Joan were dating by pouring sulfiric acid into the girl's baking soda test tube, making it bubble. It's interesting how something corrosive can tell you what's something made of, right? Like using gay as an all-purpose insult.
Later, in the Chem Lab, Grace is 'sprucing' her lab notes, which losing her group a letter grade. Friedman's still upset with Luke for turning down Glynis. There's barely enough time to gather data, unless, of course, Luke and "Avril La Grace over there want to try to get electricity from a potato." Luke's angered by this and says loudly that "Grace Polk's a lot smarter than people think." The whole class is surprised by Luke's outburst, and Grace looks around uncomfortably. Luke looks over at her, embarassed. Friedman tells Luke that since he likes Grace, he's "tested positive for the presence of gay." This? Is where my Friedman hate originates.
Grace approaches Luke at his locker, telling him that Cheerleader!Joan needs an intervention. Luke's flustered and uncomfortable around her. Unfortunately, this isn't as sweet as it sounds, because he's taking Friedman's theory seriously, and doesn't want to be seen around Grace. He tells Grace he's got to get to homeroom, since the teacher counts on him to take attendance. Wow. Anyway, Luke tells Grace that "girls do stuff like go get smoothies... seriously, I have to go." As Luke rushes off, Grace looks a little hurt.
Luke comes into Kevin's room with this really screwed up moose analogy. One moose is telling another moose that he's really an elk (since the moose was seen sniffing a flower) and as such should running with another herd. Kevin asks for clarification. "Does it mean I'm gay if I like a lesbian?" Kevin takes him seriously, pointing out only the 'moose' said the girl was a lesbian. He asks Luke when he's alone, passing the time, what does he like to think about? Luke doesn't catch the innuendo behind this. When you're in the shower... Luke's response? "Condalisa Rise. Sigourney Weaver. Christina Ricci. Batgirl." Uh, we get it.
Grace shows up at Joan's cheerleading tryouts and Luke joins her. He's surprised to see her here and what's to know why she cares whether or not Joan shows up. Luke realizes that this must mean Grace is emotionally invested in her relationship with Joan, but somehow misses the friendship part and interprets this to mean that Grace likes Joan. Grace puts him in his place, explaining that in her better moments, Joan hasn't made her want to puke. At this point, Joan enters the gym and starts her cheer, and Grace looks pretty disgusted. But as Joan insults the cheerleaders through her cheer, Grace and Luke are impressed, smiling. When the cheer comes to an end, they jump up, clapping and cheering. It's definitely "a better moment." Unfortunately, Friedman ruins the moment by telling Luke that his sister's "like, hot." Grace tells Friedman he's an ass and takes off. Friedman invites Luke to play "Diablo at Dave's" and Luke looks off in the direction Grace left, not responding.
Outside the school, Grace is sitting on the steps with Adam. Luke walks over nervously. "Would you do me the honor of applying to the 2004 Arcadia High Science Fair?" Adam's puzzled, "Yeah, sure." Grace notices Adam talking and pulls off her headphones, asking Luke if he said something. Luke repeats his question in a much more casual, yet stumbling way. Grace looks at him like he has two heads. That's thing's months from now, and she doesn't plan ahead. She tells him to ask when it's closer. Off Luke's stunned expression: "Are you saying it's possible?" Grace is getting defensive as she starts to put her headphones back on. "In theory, if you stop acting like such a loser." Her eyes are darting back and forth as Luke gets this ego boost. "Okay, awesome," and he walks away. Adam looks at a smiling Grace in shock and Grace shoots him a silencing look. "What?" she asks defensively, putting the headphones back on. Adam looks away, puzzled.
Death Be Not Whatever
We're in AP Chem and Lishack's lecturing on kinetic and potential energy. Luke answers a question, saying that the sexier of the two is "potential, for its chemical bonds being the forces that hold atoms together." Joan tells Grace that the little boy she's been baby-sitting, Rocky, is obsessed with death. Grace says its no stranger than being obsessed with 'this stuff, like Atom Boy.' Luke looks over his shoulder. "I heard that..." If it was normal for a little boy to be obsessed, I could understand Grace's abrupt topic change. But to hear that Rocky's obsessed with death wouldn't have brought up thoughts of Luke, at least not to someone who wasn't secretly obsessed with him. Grace must always be thinking of Luke.
The Devil Made Me Do It
Nothing important in this episode concerning Luke and Grace, but it's an interesting commonality to point out both can juggle. At the beginning of the episode, Helen becomes upset when Grace is 'juggling in ceramics.'
We're also introduced to Grace's father in this episode. Joan goes to Grace's house to ask a favor, but Grace isn't home. Grace's father answers the door but doesn't invite Joan in. Joan mistakenly addresses him as Mr. Polk, but he corrects her, saying "Rabbi Polonski." When Grace was younger, he changed his last name back to the family name, Polonski. Grace, in an act of rebellion, kept Polk.
St. Joan
Joan's in her kitchen and informs her family that she has to go meet Grace. Luke looks up from his breakfast, quickly asking if he can walk with them. Joan, oblivious to Luke's interest, laughs it off. Luke ends up getting a ride to school from Kevin, but I doubt Grace would've minded all that much if she 'had' to walk with Luke. And Luke? Definitely would've been more than happy.
Drive, He Said
It's a case of bad timing in this episode. As Grace shows her first sign of possible interest in Luke (staring at him down the hallway, possibly), Luke's too concerned about his 'pregnant' sister to notice. How ironic...
The Uncertainty Principle
Luke and Joan are walking down the hall as Luke rambles on about his ideas for the science fair. He tells Joan he asked Grace to do 'this thing' with him, and at the time she said yes, but it was contingent. Joan is unaware he's still talking about the science fair, and she interprets this as Grace agreed to go to the Crystal Ball with Luke. She starts to plan on teasing Grace about it, and asks Luke what Grace will wear, since they don't make dresses out of fatigues. Confused, Luke asks Joan what she's talking about. When Joan responds that she's talking about the Crystal Ball, Luke clarifies for her, explaining he meant the science fair. Joan asks "Science really is like sex to you, isn't it?" Luke opens his mouth to respond, but instead says "I don't know how to respond to that." Really, what was he going to do? Deny it? I'm pretty sure that if Luke got the chance, he'd have sex with Grace. Anyway, Joan tells Luke he should do himself a favor and "put on some stupid clothes and go grope each other in the gym." Joan doesn't seem all that surprised by Luke's interest in Grace, and from her words, you have to wonder or not whether she's suspected Grace is interested in Luke, and would therefore be game to the groping.
In AP Chem, Lishack reminds the class that science fair applications are due at the end of the day, but she's clearly addressing Luke, who hasn't submitted his. Grace comes in late and Lishack asks why she bothered. Um, to see Luke, maybe? Anyway, Grace confronts Joan with the news that she asked Steve Ramsey, an old friend of Rove's, to the dance. They make a big deal out of it until the bell rings, and Grace is really slow to get up. In fact, she doesn't even make an effort to. Instead, she sits there playing with a light as the class leaves. Luke puts on his backpack and walks over to Grace. He nervously stumbles over his words and tells Grace "I was wondering if you-- how you were feeling about the--."
Grace jumps up, thinking Luke's talking about the Crystal Ball. "What's with these sanctioned mating rituals that make everyone drool over each other like zombies?" Luke's eyes bug out of his head and his mouth falls open as he realizes what Grace thinks. He corrects her quickly, and Grace gives him a look. It's a strange look, possibly a cross between hurt and relief. I'm not sure what to make of it. Grace says she already told Luke she'd do the science fair with him, and asks why he's getting all sweaty. She doesn't see what the big deal is and tells him she won't be much help. Reaching toward him, she takes the pencil from behind his ear and signs the application. As long as she doesn't have to wear a dress, she's game. As if he's looking for something to submit to one of those Trauma-Rama sections of some teen magazine, Luke says, "Yeah... me too." Grace gives him a strange look and Luke gets all flustered, "No, not that I would ever wear a dress, but..." Grace sticks the pencil back behind his hair, whispering an "It's okay, man," as she leaves the classroom, leaving a very flustered Luke behind.
So I'm going to stop in my recap to analyze the hell out of this scene. In "Bringeth It On," Grace made it very clear Luke should ask again when it's closer to the Science Fair. However, now she's acting as if she agreed to it up front, and doesn't understand why he's even asking again. It seems like she's been planning on doing this science fair with Luke all along.
Grace and Luke meet in what looks to be the cafeteria turned science fair room to discuss their project. Luke makes a solar system model of an atom with a sugar cookie and Grace's grapes. He tells her Heisenberg says this is crap, because you can't know where a nucleus is with any certainty since by looking for it, you change it. By observing something, you're changing it. Matter's just meer clouds of possibility. During this, he's been eating her grapes and she yells at him for it. As he continues to talk, she's watching as he eats her grapes and notices a drawing. She picks it up. "What's this?" Luke tells her it's a rail gun, and Grace tells him they should do that.
At this point, Friedman comes over and taunts them about the science fair and pimps his website. Turning to Grace, he says, "Guess we won't be seeing you at the dance tomorrow night?" Grace, unwilling to let Friedman win, responds, "Says who?" Friedman says it's based on the unlikely hypothesis of seeing Grace in a dress. Grace is all 'caught up in the testosterone,' and tells Friedman that his assumptions suck and they'll see him there. "Now beat it before I give you a wedgie." Friedman says she can't give him a wedgie, but when she stands up he takes off.
Luke, who was quiet through this whole things, looks up at Grace and asks her if they're going to the dance together. Grace looks a bit shocked, saiys, "Must've gotten caught up in the testosterone," and takes off. Luke, with a silly little smile on his face, says to no one in particular, "Cool."
At the Crystal Ball, Luke's sitting alone at a table as one of those sucky, overplayed Bare Naked Ladies songs plays. Because, you know, God forbid they use anything original at a dance. Since Luke's alone, they give just enough time for the viewer to wonder if Grace stood him up, before you can see Grace in the background, approaching Luke. She's wearing the leather jacket, but has a hot pink dress on underneath. It's not ugly, and it fits her nice, but it isn't something I'd be caught dead in. It's not really something off a department store sales rack, but it's pretty close. Although I guess this is pretty accurate for what a high school girl who doesn't particularly care about how she looks would wear. And her makeup... it's kind of reminiscent of one of those girls in junior high who wants to wear makeup but hasn't learned how yet. The lipstick's too dark and way too pink, although the eye makeup's okay, I guess. The one redeeming quality's the hair, I think. Although it's not styled wall, it's got this slightly funky, air-dried look, and instead of its normal greasy look, it's a buttery blonde.
Now moving onto the non-shallow part- Grace walks over, tells Luke the music sucks, and cements herself as my favorite character with that line. Luke's surprised she showed and jumps up. "Hey... wow." Grace kind of nods and looks a teensy bit pleased before saying "Yeah... don't talk about it." They look out at the dance floor where Friedman and Glynis are... I wouldn't even call it dancing. Okay, Friedman and Glynis are 'dancing,' and Grace asks Luke if he knows where his sister is. He doesn't know, and asks if she wants to take off her coat. Grace gives him a disbelieving look. "Cool it, horn dog, I'm not there yet." Heh. I really love Grace in this episode.
I could've called this. As I pointed out, the thing Friedman and Glynis are doing? Is so not dancing. Because now he's spun her out of control and she oh so conveniently ends up in Luke's arms. Luke catches her with a puzzled look, and she smiles up at him. She's in his arms just long enough for us all to be screaming, "Get her away! Get her away! Dropkick her, Grace," and for Grace to be thinking it. In fact, Grace has this really weird look on her face. I wouldn't call it jealousy (at least not yet) but it's pretty damn close. It's a bit possessive though, and after Friedman comes over and grabs Glynis, Grace watches them in disgust. Luke glances at Grace. "Do you sometimes wonder if high school will ever come to an end?" Grace looks very disillusioned and nods.
The next we see Luke, he's sitting alone again. Friedman comes over and leans against the table. "So, Polk looks pretty hot under all that Feminazi garb, who knew?" Uh, Friedman, go away. Glynis is standing off in the background. Luke looks pissed. "Did you just say Feminazi?" Friedman tells Luke to "be straight" with him- are Luke and Grace exchanging fluids? We wish. Luke still looks upset and asks "Why am I friends with you?" I've been wondering that since the conversation that spawned the moose/elk discussion with Kevin. Ugh. Friedman's still feeling betrayed about being abandoned for the science fair, and he asks, "Why else would you commit science fair suicide?" Um, possibly because he couldn't stand working with you? Luke misquotes Einstein, finally showing he's not perfect, although I do think it's just a writer's error. The correct quote is "The search for truth is more important than its possession" but Luke says 'possessions.' Minor error, but worth noting coming from an infalliable science genius who will probably write his college essays on how Heisenberg or Einstein greatly affected his life. Friedman tells Luke to "invest in Birkenstocks now, because you're doomed to a life of lesbian worship." Because all lesbians wear Birkenstocks, and everyone wearing Birkenstocks is a lesbian. Oookay...
Grace, coming back with drinks, overhears this, and covers her hurt by walking up to Luke, who has started to stand up, and pulling him into a long kiss. You want a time? From the time she pulls him to her to the time she pulls away is nearly eight seconds. She runs her hand from his cheek to his shoulder and pulls off his suit jacket. Then she pulls away, strips off her jacket, hands it to him, and pulls on his shirt, leading him out to the dance floor. Luke, a bit dazed, hands off the jacket to Friedman, who smiles at Glynis. "Did he just convert her from Mac to PC?" Heh. Oh, and by the way, Glynis is destroyed. I just can't bring myself to care.
Now, by the way, more sucky music is playing, and we see Luke and Grace dancing. It's a fast song, which I wish it weren't, but they're okay dancers. Friedman and Glynis go by, and I exit out of Media Player. No, seriously.
Jump
It's a Sunday morning, and the Girardi kids are sitting around the table. Luke tells his family that Grace is coming over to work on their science fair project and they need to knuckle down, so if his family could "keep it down..." Kevin, smirking: "Then you can make out with her?" Okay, we aren't sure if Joan or Helen saw the kiss, and Kevin definitely wasn't there, so it's interesting that he knows. Either the Friedman spread word, or Luke told Kevin. I like the second option better. Luke brushes it off, though, telling Kevin that "Grace kissed [him] once as a political statement" and that he "doesn't expect it to happen again." Kevin's still smiling, though, and Luke doesn't look like he's not up for it happening again.
Luke's sitting at him computer when Grace walks into his room. Grace doesn't seem very happy that their project's a computer generated model. Luke promised her they'd build something, and not a virtual, theoretical, cyber-model. To Luke, that's "a meaningless distinction." Grace walks over to his bed and flops back on it so she's laying down. For the first time being in his room, she's mighty comfortable. Luke look over at her. "Look, I've-- I've really enjoyed our-- our collaboration. I -- I feel our intellects and approaches really complement each other and I was, you know, hoping you felt the same way." As Luke's talking, Grace covers her face with her hands, frustrated. But after he's finished, Grace half sits up and says in this taunting, husky voice, "Stop, stop! You're embarassing me with your dirty talk." Heh. Luke looks away and purses his lips, unsure how to respond. He turns back to his computer.
The next scene has one of those oversharing moments. The Girardi home in searched by the FBI and Luke's computer's taken away. Luke tells the FBI that "any naked ladies" are because of his friend Friedman. Without that PC, he has no science fair project.s
Kevin and Luke are out in the garage/shed/room with the boat talking when Grace and Adam enter. Kevin's in the middle of asking Luke when does he actually absorb information, because it always seems like he's spouting it out. Heh. Grace remarks as she comes through the door, "His ears and eyes work on a separate circuit from his mouth." I love that she answers for him. She got his message, but doesn't understand why they should just give up instead of turning to Plan B. Luke wants to know what 'Plan B' is, and Grace tells him it's the "cannon thing" he told her about. Luke asks if she could "possibly, by any stretch of the imagination," be talking about the rail gun. Kevin tells him to stop talking like the Queen of England. It's a theoretical construct that no one's actually perfected yet, Luke adds. They're mini-scene is ended by an overly angry Adam who knocks Kevin out of his wheelchair trying to escape Joan.
At the school, Luke's looking at Friedman and Glynis' project, and tells Friedman he isn't spying, and that he's not even in the science fair anymore. He explains the FBI took away his project, and Glynis is all, "I always knew you had what it takes to contravene national security." Neither of them had heard about the mayor being arrested or the city council being dissolved, and Luke's not at all impressed. Friedman's suddenly all concerned about the FBI examining Luke's hard drive, because it has proof of his 'latex fetish.' Sorry, but if I had to learn that, so did you. Glynis nauseatingly tells Luke he can become their third partner for 'final tweaks,' but he stays loyal to Grace and tells them Grace wants to build something. Glynis is disgusted and doesn't believe it's possible. "Overnight?" Hon, you don't stand a chance, so get over it. Compared to Grace, you're a... okay, sorry. I'll keep it PG.
Luke's at the hospital to see Kevin, who took a spill playing basketball. Anyway, Luke's discussing his next step with Kevin. He's got two choices: to work with Grace and make a stupid rail gun that probably won't work or salvage his dignity and work with Friedman. Kevin: "No contest." All Luke sees is contest. Kevin tells him to get over his fear of women or "resign yourself to looking at boobs on the internet for the rest of your life." Luke responds that not everything is about sex. Kevin replies that not everything is about science. Luke: "This is a new arena for me."
The next scene has Grace back at the Giradis, thanking Luke for leaving a message with her father, the rabbi, saying he wanted to spend the night with Grace building a gun. Heh. And the Rabbi let her out? Luke says that if they work through the night there's a chance they can build a functional rail gun in time for tomorrow's science fair. If they're insanely lucky, it will move a steel object two inches. Grace wants to know what kind of steel object. Luke walks across the room to unveil a motor. Grace is very impressed, showing there's no way to a girl's heart like a motor. (Kidding). Luke reminds her that the most likely outcome is that they'll fail and look like idiots to the entire scientific community, as the term applies to Arcadia High. Grace approaches Luke until she's stand thisclose to him and says flirtatiously "So, what you're telling me, Dawg, is that there's no downside." She walks away and takes off her coat, leaving a dazed but smiley Luke to ponder this.
Somehow they managed to finish it, and the next morning, all that needs to be done is connect the cables to the wiring. Luke's all shaky and tells Grace that "if these two leads touch, this entire circuit could blow." Grace, ever the face of coolness and collectivity, takes the cables from him and connects them. Luke: "Steady hands, good." Grace asks if it's done, and Luke looks down at her. There's major sexual tension as he tells her it is done. Grace gulps and looks up at him and asks if they're going to test it. According to Luke's calculations, the wiring won't take more than one burst, so... He trails off as he looks at her. Grace is looking back at him and you can tell she's waiting for him to kiss her. And I'm throwing socks at my TV. (Don't ask; it's something I do pretty often). Instead, he asks her if she remembers when she kissed him at the dance. Grace sighs and the moment's broken. "Forget it," she says, and walks away. Luke's still smiling, though, and remarks, "can't unring a bell, baby." Is that a reference to Tom Waits? Because frankly, I'd be surprised if Luke knew who he was. I suppose it could be a reference to Pavlov, but it seems a bit reaching. Huh. Either way, it's adorable.
We next see Luke and Grace setting up the rail gun at the science fair. There's people watching as Luke hands Grace the controller. Heh. She's always had power in that relationship. Anyway, Grace flicks it... and nothing happens. The Friedman and the Ostrich... Glynis, I mean, look awfully smug. Suddenly, the lights flicker and the dial spikes. Everyone's stunned until Luke suddenly realizes what's happening and yells, "Get down," half pulling Grace down with him. The engine almost hits Glynis as it plunges through her project, but Lishack [unfortunately] pushes her out of the way in time. The engine knocks over a dinosaur, which hits a lever that releases a box of feathers. Once the damage is done, Luke and Grace come back up from behind the table, surveying the damage. Grace starts to laugh, as does Luke. Even in this scene, they're standing awfully close. Now, for some reason, TPTB decided to make this an Adam/Joan moment, even though it's clearly centered around Luke and Grace. Don't ask me. Even my dad found it weird.
Recreation
Grace's first scene of this episode had me wondering if all the original writers had been fired at first. She seemed so horribly out of character. Here's the deal. Joan and Adam are standing by a locker when Grace comes by, all excited about some assembly Helen's put together. The purpose? To dissuade Arcadia High students from doing drugs. This is the kind of thing I'd think Price would have to drag Grace to kicking and screaming, and even then she'd sit sullenly in the back row, arms crossed over her chest. No. She sneaks in late, but into a fairly up-front row. Happily. Huh? Oooooh. That's why. Luke's working the projector. As the doctor starts talking about "ro-mantic love," we get a shot of Luke working the projector. His gaze drifts off to his left, in Grace's general area. She's tugged a strand of hair in front of her face and refuses to make eye contact with anyone.
Grace is sitting on the stair railing waiting for Joan, reading a book that looks suspiciously like a thinner version of those orange AMSCO global history books, if any of you followed the Honors Curriculum for History in high school in the last few years. Anyway, she's advice Joan to deal with her problems with Adam, since Joan kissed him. There's this old Latin quote from Catullus that goes "suis cuique attributus est error, sed non videmus manticae quod in tergo est." (Catullus 22, lines 20-21). It means "Everyone has his own delusion assigned to him, but we do not see that part of the bag on our back." In other words, it's the pot calling the kettle black.
Joan, following God's advice, decides to have a party while her parents are out of town. She cons Luke into helping plan it. Luke's very hesitant at first, but after Joan has that people of the other sex "like Grace Polk" can come, Luke quickly gives in.
At school Grace asks Luke and Joan about the party, and whether or not she's invited. Luke quickly assures her, "Of course." Grace, as if realizing what she's said, remarks that she hates parties. Luke states it's "a different kind of party." Apparently, Luke told Friedman and Friedman told Glynis, so they've appointed themselves in charge, the little nitwits. Since when does knowing of a party's existence even mean you're invited, let alone in charge? They've got 75 people and 20 seniors confirmed. Luke seems a little uncomfortable around Glynis.
Later, the party's in full swing when Joan tells Luke that Grace is there. Luke and Joan quickly make their way to the door, and Joan volunteers Luke to take their coats. Luke feels used, but takes Grace's coat without hesitation. Grace is disturbed by the party. She remarks that it's like "a druid solstice ritual without the viscera." Heh. Luke tells her to stick around; the night is young. Grace excuses herself, saying she needs salt. Luke follows her away from Adam and Joan. Of course, Glynis is watching because she's a freaking stalker!!!
Later, Luke's trying to keep people away from the "people food" in the fridge, directing them instead to the chips in the living room. Glynis oh-so-conveniently shows up (stalker, I tell you, stalker!) and tells Luke to order a pizza and everyone will calm down. Luke asks if it really works, and Glynis tells him it somehow soothes the "savage breast." Breast... beast. It took me a minute, but wow. I can totally see a guy making that blunder, as he talks to a girl's breasts. In fact, I do believe that's happened to me. But for a girl to? Anyway, Glynis looks mortified and Luke doesn't even look at her breasts. Once again, the average guy? Would take a comment like that as permission to stare at them.
The phone rings and Luke turns to Grace for help. It's interesting that he searches for Grace instead of just getting the phone himself or asking Glynis to. It's almost like he's trying to point her out to Glynis. You know, like when some guy's hitting on you and you oh so casually find a way to mention your boyfriend in the conversation? Yeah. Anyway, he asks Grace if she can help, and she responds "Apparently not." She's playing cards, but I'm pretty sure it was just a way to get Luke away from Glynis, as he had to answer the phone.
You know a party sucks when old photo albums are brought out. Luke, Friedman, and Glynis are sitting on the couch as the two with no redeeming qualities pour over baby pictures of Luke. Luke looks upset, but Grace, who's standing over Luke's shoulder, is laughing. After looking at a Halloween picture from when Luke was three, Luke reaches out to close the photo album. Grace reaches over him and slaps his hands away, and he gives in. He can't say no to Grace yet. And, uh, I have to point out that Michael Welch's hands? Are huge in this shot due to the camera angle. Out of proportionately so.
After receiving a noise complaint, the police break up the party. Luke is lying on the couch with what appears to be a facecloth over his eyes. I'm thinking migraine or headache, because that's one of the first things my nanny would have me do. Grace is standing behind him with a cup in her hand, studying him. It's an interesting little scene, because it's one of the only times we've seen both of them with their guard completely down. But it's a blink-and-you-miss-it clip, so it occurs at 40 minutes and 32 seconds into the episode, for those of you who have commercial-less versions.
State of Grace
We open with the subdefectives standing in front of a metal detector. Grace walks through and sets it off. She walks back over in a huff, raises her shirt, and takes her belly button ring out. Luke watches in shock, but he's a bit turned on. Unfortunately, you can tell because he has the same expression as Friedman and Friedman's always turned on. Grace hands the ring to Mr. Price, walks through the metal detector, and turns back to the group, shooting them a look. "What?"
In AP Chem, Friedman asks Grace if getting her navel pierced hurt. For those of you who want a straight answer to this, it hurts like hell, and I have an incredibly high pain tolerance. Only do it if you're serious about it. I get the feeling he's been talking about it for a while because of Grace's tone when she tells him to stop. Friedman remarks that some people find pain erotic. Joan's disgusted and tells Friedman he's foul, and he remarks that eroticism is a part of life. Glynis opens her mouth, and I really wish she wouldn't. She makes a comment about how odd things can arouse powerful feelings, but I can't give you an exact quote because I blocked it out. Luke looks over at her, and to his credit, he's probably more uncomfortable than she is. Grace glances at Glynis, amused by her interest. I'm choosing to think it's because Grace is convinced nothing could happen there, and she's that sure in Luke's interest in her. Grace informs Joan she's sneaking off campus for lunch and asks if anyone wants to join her. Um, how about Luke? Maybe that would've prevented the craptastic plot that ensues.
The next we see Luke, we learn why people get so confused with analogies on the SATs. The ones they've heard before make no sense. It starts off nicely enough. Friedman tells Luke he has to forget about Grace. Luke says he "gets these feelings" and that he knows it's "biological reaction" but... Friedman says they aren't talking about Biology, but Psychology. And this is where it all goes downhill. He tells Luke he's always throwing himself against the one gate that's locked, because he's afraid of going through the gate and enjoying the pleasures... Glynis' gate is open. Luke tells Friedman he can't "just transfer [his] feelings from one person to another." Luke tells Friedman he can take care of his own love life. Friedman remarks that he can "in the shower." Well, that's so much more preferable than this. Glynis walks by and Luke waves. Ugh.
So what do I find so wrong with this? Where should I start? How about with the fact that comparing your love life to a locked v. unlocked gate makes no sense. That's like saying you should sleep with the school slut, just because he/she would put out. The fact that you have no interest in this person or that God only knows where they've been... it just doesn't matter. Oh, yes, that's perfect logic. Plus, if you push hard enough, if you try enough approaches to pick the lock of that gate that's locked... it's going to open. And why, after months of trying, would you just abandon it? God, I'm talking about gates the way Luke talks about moose.
I wish the episode had ended here. But, no. Instead we have Luke and Friedman walking through school when they see Glynis sitting on the stairs Friedman tells Luke to go, but Luke says he has doubts. Friedman remarks that his doubts have no validity, since he was 'wrong' about Grace. Whoa, wait. Hold please. Did Grace come out and reject Luke? Did she tell him he was wrong? So how the hell does Friedman know whether Luke was right or wrong? In case you didn't catch this, I'm just putting off the inevitable. Luke approaches Glynis, tells her he just wanted to wish her luck on the debate. She says thanks and that it's awkward she's opposing Joan. Uh, hon? That would only be awkward if there were any relationship between you and her brother. Which there's not.
What ensues is the most awful, horribly written, overacted scene ever. Glynis asks Luke if he's okay, because his breathing's rapid and shallow. Yeah, I definitely didn't notice that. Lots of creepy eye contact. Luke tells her she must be "the best health teacher at the Y." Well, that's one hellishly romantic thing to say. Glynis makes some icky comment about having a "grasp of all the information" to teach, and Luke remarks that her breathing's also increasing. "It has to do with restricted capillaries and increased blood flow... you know." Now they're talking about the hypothalamus, but I'm not even going to get into the details. Let me just say that the hypothalamus also regulates salt cravings, sleep cycles, and bladder function. Not the most romantic part of the body, and that's what I'm going to think about. Anyway, Luke read the study and they share a lot of the same interests. Glynis says that if her heart rate continues to increase, she might get lightheaded (um, hon? A good kiss is supposed to do that for you). I kind of wish she would've fainted. Anyway, they kiss. It's this completely awkward, pecking kiss, that will forever cement my vision of Glynis as an ostrich. She looks like a bird. Anyway, she flees, pausing to look at him. I can't even decide what she reminds me of, but it's not human. An anteater, maybe. Luke watches her leave, and turns around. Let me point that after his kiss with Grace in "The Uncertainty Principle," it took him a few seconds to snap out of his gaze. Not so in this case. Anyway, he turns around and sees Grace standing outside a doorway. She offers him this small smile, that I think seems kind of sad, and does this half wink/slow blink thing, before ducking into the classroom. Luke's visibly upset as he heads off down the hall.
Then there's the debate where Grace bitches at Joan. I'm choosing to interpret this as a way for her to vent her hurt and anger about the Luke/Glynis kiss, since Glynis is also on the stage.
Night Without Stars
In AP Chem, Lishack's going on and on about molecules bumping into each other, heating up, etc. She asks Luke what happens when they can't stand it anymore. In this scene, I've got my twin sitting next to me, who rolls her eyes and replies 'orgasm.' Only Luke can't even come up with that kind of answer. He can't answer at all, in fact. Friedman's stunned, and so is Grace. "The smarter they are, the harder they fall," she says. It doesn't even come off as insulting; it's almost a stunned pity.
After class, Friedman, Luke, and Glynis leave the classroom just ahead of Joan, Grace, and Adam. Glynis is blaming herself for Luke's inability to answer, since she coughed before Lishack asked the question; she shoudl've been able to stop it. She won't shut her goddamn ostrich mouth, and Luke explodes. He didn't hear her "stupid cough" and just wants her to leave him alone. She runs off crying, and Grace remarks, "Stepping on the bunny, Girardi," which doesn't really makes sense to me. First of all, Luke likes bunnies, as evidenced in "Bringeth It On." The only thing Glynis has in common with that stuffed bunny is the squeak factor. But Grace has to find a way to comment, so Luke doesn't forget her, right? Not that he ever could.
So, Luke's in the kitchen with Kevin and Helen, and Kevin's telling him that if he wants any pointers on relationships, he can ask. Luke's response? "I have an extremely satisfying relationship with someone, both intellectually as well as physically." Let me point out Luke has never had a relationship before, so 'extremely' satisfying... what the hell does he have to compare it to? His right hand. And that would go further than Glynis. But that's beside the point. Helen's stunned, whatever. I don't care about her reaction. I want to know what Grace would've thought if she'd heard that.
Double Dutch
Grace and Joan are walking back from the library. Joan's complaining about Adam and Iris and mentions Luke and Glynis in passing. Grace's face basically falls and she looks extremely uncomfortable. There's a parallel between Adam and Iris and Luke and Glynis that a blind five year old could see, so as Grace remarks that Adam and Iris "won't last," I'm wondering whether she's really talking about them or Luke and Glynis. Because both Adam and Luke? Are desperately in love with someone other than their girlfriends.
Grace is walking down the hallway at school when Luke and Glynis walk by, all smiley and kissing. Grace, who easily could've taken one step to her right and walked by them, instead walks right in front of them and barely misses slamming into Glynis' shoulder. Angry much?
The next night, Will and Luke are talking and Will asks Luke if he really likes Glynis. Luke kind of laughs, looks down, and then says yeah. There's a bit of hesitation there that gave me hope when I first saw this. To me the 'yeah,' was of the "I like her enough to pass time by as I wait for the girl I like more."
Requiem for a Third Grade Ashtray
Grace, Joan, Adam and Iris are shopping as they stress over upcoming tests. Grace casually mentions they shouldn't stress over the chem test, as she has Luke's lab notebook, telling Grace she still has "pull." Grace gets a call on her cell and wanders off to the back of the store to talk. We don't hear from her until we really hear from her, when she starts screaming at whoever is at the other end. I'm going to believe that at least part of that anger has to do with seeing Luke and Glynis hooking up.
So this pull... Apparently Luke didn't remember lending it to her. I can't decide whether I find it more endearing to think she stole it or that Luke really did just forget. Huh. I wish Luke were the journal type, though, because I can't picture anything particularly interesting for Grace to read in a Chem notebook.
Just a side note: When Joan tells Grace that Luke has the flu, Grace looks mildly worried about him.
Do The Math
When Luke refuses to help Joan figure out who Richard is and locate him, Joan tells Luke she'll tell their mother that he and Glynis are "knocking boots." Luke quickly responds, that "that would be spurious, manipulative fiction." Well, at least we've got reassurance on that, not that I ever doubted it. Not even TPTB would scar our minds to that degree.
Anonymous
As Joan vents about not being sure why Adam likes her, Grace says, "Oh, see, this is why I'm not getting sucked into the whole dating ritual. You got what you wanted, and you're more of a mess than you were before." This is just further proof that it isn't that she's not interested in Luke, but that she isn't interested in relationships at this point. It will take one hell of a guy to convince her not all relationships are bad. Any ideas???
As Grace noticed Luke and Glynis at his locker, she remarks, "Luke and the ostrich seem pretty happy though." She watches them, a bit upset by the sight and remarks she didn't think "they'd last" this long. Joan asks if she cares. A shocked Grace says, "Have I ever?" and makes her getaway. My question's this. Is Grace shocked that Joan asked that, or because she realized she does?
So, this 'physically satisfying' relationship of Luke's? Isn't nearly as perfect as it seems. As Friedman tells Luke about his made up girlfriend from a Catholic school, Luke's entranced by visions of pleated skirts and unhooking bras.
Luke and Glynis have a date in the park, but Luke would rather play House of the Dead at the arcade. Glynis gets all chilly and says "Fine," but she isn't happy. Luke gives in and says he'll go to the park. They walk away together, neither looking particularly happy.
At the arcade, Luke complains about Glynis to Friedman. Friedman acts if there's trouble in paradise. Luke says no, it's just that something he feels pressure like "someone puts a pillow over your face and you can't breathe." Just sometimes, though...
Vanity, Thy Name is Human
As Luke and Joan walk to school, Luke tells Joan that he forgot to call Glynis until late the previous night, and he got 'the wall of silence... sniffles, even.' Girl, calm down. The boy has a life outside of you. You know, like Grace. He complains that he's unable to relax in the relationship.
In AP Chem, Luke tells Glynis there has to be a balance between her and M-Brane theory, to which she does not respond kindly. When Lishack asks who's interested in a cosmetics class, Glynis raises her hand, giving Luke a look.
After Joan and Glynis have been all made up, they're in the school bathroom primping. Glynis tells Joan she's worried about her relationship with Luke because she can't compete with M-Brane theory, his true love. The only compliment he's ever given her is that her "dermis was pleasantly exothermic." She's afraid Luke only loves her for her mind. First of all, when did Luke tell Glynis he loves her? I'm never going to understand girls who assume that their boyfriend loves them since he dates them and kisses them. Not until you've heard the words, or seen them displayed, do you know. Plus, his first love is not M-Brane theory. It's Grace.
Grace and Joan are sitting on the stairs when Luke and Glynis approach. Grace and Luke catch each other's gaze, and neither looks particularly happy. Joan goes on another rant before getting up and leaving, pushing her way between Luke and Glynis. Grace follows her, also pushing between them. Well, we all know she's what came between them anyway.
Luke breaks up with Glynis, basically saying she's changed since she got made over. They're relationship was based on their intellectual similarities, and that's not enough anymore. He wants her to be happy, and needs to get out of her way. Glynis is mature throughout the breakup, but takes off in tears.
The Gift
In P.E., the kids are doing something oddly like the walk/jog, and therefore I hate it just watching. Joan and Grace are running a good distance in front of Luke and Glynis, who aren't getting along well at all. Glynis is nagging Luke, asking what she did wrong. Luke tells her there's equations where no definitive solution exists. He and Glynis are "such an equation." Glynis calls Luke a "cold and heartless determinist." At his first chance, Luke runs to catch up with Grace and Joan. He tells them that Glynis is too intense; he wants to switch study groups. Grace remarks that she's starting to understand women who live with cats. Joan doesn't want to see more of Luke, but when Grace makes sure they'll get his lab notes, she overrules Joan. He's in. Joan shoos him away, but it's already been decided. Interesting how quickly Grace agreed to hang out with her friend's little brother, huh?
In school, Luke and Helen are walking down the hallway, toward Helen's classroom. Helen's trying to be nice, but Luke blows up when she won't leave him alone. He apologizes, telling her he has a lot going on with finals and keeping his GPA up. Let me point out I have a 4.0 and I never flipped out on my mother like that. Helen calls him on it, saying he can deal with finals- is it Glynis? Luke quickly but not too quickly answers no. Helen says he's been a "jumble of feelings" lately, and they're feelings he doesn't want to look at. Luke says "feelings are ephemeral... and as such, cannot be reliable scientific determinents." Helen points out that they affect behavior, which affects perceptions, which, "as Heisenberg taught us, affects reality." Luke's surprised she listens to him. He opens up to her, telling her that he and Glynis made sense and he feels guilty and sad and angry. Helen remarks that relationships that work don't always make sense. Interesting. She's implying his relationship with Glynis wouldn't have worked anyway. And he and Grace... don't make any sense, at least not at first glance. According to Luke, that's great, but what's he supposed to do with all these feelings that he knows will just make him look like a fool? He needs a logical explanation for "why, against all reason, I bought this-" He pulls out a geode and shows it to his mom. Helen's like, "It's beautiful. For Glynis?" He gives her this look, this 'Now that I would understand' look, and says, "For Grace." He takes off.
Now I'll go into the observation so many people have made, about how a geode's the perfect gift for Grace. For those of you who aren't familiar with what a geode is, it's basically a hollow rock, with crystals lining the inside wall. You can see pictures of the one Luke bought in the gallery. But it's rough on the outside, yet beautiful on the inside. Grace has a rough exterior, but with all her talk, her leather jacket, and her 'anti' status, she's still beautiful on the inside. She writes gorgeous poetry, is a wonderful friend, and very smart. There's plenty we haven't learned about her yet, either.
And there's a scene where Luke and Grace talk! Together! They're walking to Luke's locker, and Grace is telling him that the whole 'gift giving thing' is a ploy to keep the capitalist machine oiled. Luke awkwardly says "I don't know," and it's pretty clear he doesn't agree with her. Grace is surprised. She assumes he got Glynis something, and they were together "what, three weeks?"
Time out. I'm so confused by these references. Luke and Glynis kissed in 1x14, got together sometime around 1x15, and didn't break up until 1x21. I thought each episode spanned about a week, to keep it in 'real time?' So that makes it six or seven weeks, minimum. And it felt like a hell of a lot longer. Maybe I was wrong about the way they do things, or maybe it's just Grace trying to act casual, act as if she has no idea how long Luke and Glynis were actually together.
But anyway, Luke tells Grace he thought about getting Glynis a gift, Richard Feynman's "Lectures on Physics," but it just seemed so... "Lame?" Grace helpfully puts in. Luke answers in the affirmative. So wait. He never got his girlfriend a gift, but a week (or maybe less) after he broke up with her, he's bought Grace a gift? To me, this is just more proof he was never "about Glynis," as Joan earlier put, but always liked Grace.
Luke and Grace walk toward the library, Grace thoroughly amused by Luke's ramblings about how a gift should just "happen." He trails off when it gets to awkward, ducking into the library. Grace follows him and tells him he was "getting all poetic" there. Luke asks if she's ever walked by something and just had "this feeling that someone you knew would absolutely love it?" Well, Luke, in order for that to happen, I'm pretty damn sure the person's got to be on your mind, unless it's some truly weird, private joke kind of gift. Grace is shocked. "Are you interested in somebody else already?" Luke gets flustered and backs off quickly, telling her it's just a theoretical conversation. Grace realizes there is somebody, and remarks that guys should be sprayed down with cold water every hour. Luke tries to change the topic, and Adam and Joan come up. Bah blah blah. Eventually Luke pulls out the geode; there isn't much of a precursor to this. He holds it out for Grace and she looks at it suspiciously than up at him. She takes it hesitantly and studies it, but the awkwardness of the situation's too much for her to deal with. She tells him "this is weird" and he tells her he knows but he doesn't care without making eye contact. For someone so uncomfortable with the idea of a relationship, she's awfully smiley through all of this. An awkward silence ensues, but Grace guides them back to schoolwork.
Silence
Lauren Hart's "One Last Time" is playing as Grace and Luke walk home from the hospital. Grace tells Luke he didn't have to walk her; he could've gone home with Kevin. "It seemed ungentelmanly." Grace relies on grammar correction, telling him that's not a word. Luke remarks he likes walking... "although this is a lot of walking." Walking's how Grace does her thinking. Luke tells her that that's why she's so smart. Grace takes offense to that, saying she's not smart. Luke backpedals, saying he meant intelligent; "they're not he same." Grace likes the quiet when she walks. Luke seems nervous as he tells her she's probably missing that right now. But for some reason, he's unable to shut his mouth. Instead, he starts rambling on about stars, even after Grace tells him not to.
Suddenly Grace turns around; something's been on her mind. "Why did you give me that rock?" Talk about a sudden outburst. Luke pauses and tells her it's a geode. To Grace it's a rock. Luke tells her it was a gesture of friendship, "possibly courtship." This throws Grace, so once again she resorts to insulting his choice of words, saying it "went out." Luke says he doesn't follow trends, but not in some self-absorbed, cocky way. Grace asks if he broke up with Glynis because of her, which we all know was at least part of the reason. He shrugs it off. "Of course not; don't be ridiculous." Grace responds "that would be ridiculous. So lets not go there." She starts to walk away, and only stops when Luke asks why that would be ridiculous
Grace turns around, and each point she makes Luke shoots down. "I'm friends with your sister." Right. "I'm older than you." A year- eight months, actually. "I have a repuation. I've worked hard to build it. Do you know what my reputation is?" As she speaks she's coming nearer to him. "That you hate me?" Luke half-jokes/half-asks. "I'm anti." Okay. Anti-what?" Grace holds out her arms. "What have you got?" So you're never going to fall in love? Oh, Luke, if you only knew... "I'm never even gonna fall in like." And she's not going to be courted by some "rocket-head geek." If people at school found out he was giving her things... She's getting all worked up, and Luke interrupts. What does she care what people think, if she's so anti. Shouldn't she like the idea of them together? She's not that anti. Luke calls her on this. "Oh, so you're moderately anti?" And then Luke uses the word love. I swear he won this argument right here. Because really, I think all Grace needs is someone to love her for her, someone to love her who doens't have to. She continues to try to argue, but half-heartedly. After he's done, she loudly tells him "Look, I am not into you, got it?" Luke: "Yeah." Serious eye contact ensues. Grace's eyes dart back and forth as she 'contemplates' her next move. But hte path's already been set in motion. She initiates a kiss, which is a pretty bold thing for someone 'not into' Luke to do. Before she's even reached him, though, his arms are already coming out to wrap around her. The timing's perfect, and if the kiss had been initiated a fraction of a second later, then it would've been impossible to decide who initiated it. But that's not important. Because after a season of dancing around each other, of going through other gates, of 'not going there,' they have. The kiss is passionate yet sweet, rushed yet drawn out, desperate yet relaxed. It's perfect.
