I had about five minutes to spare today so I figured I'd use it to post this! Sorry for leaving you with a cliffhanger but I gotta keep you interested somehow right? ;) I will try and write more soon! Thanks everyone!


The following morning, Lorelai woke up in bed with what felt like a giant weight on her chest. She looked over to Luke's side of the bed and felt the tears begin to burn in her eyes when she saw that it was empty. Part of her had hoped somewhere in the middle of the night he would have come home...but after their fight she knew it was a long shot.

With a heavy sigh, she pulled herself up and tried to put a smile on her face for Rory. She had been able to get away with telling her that Luke was a way on business for the night. She hated lying to her daughter...it wasn't something she did. But until she could figure out what was going on and where she stood with Luke, she didn't want to worry Rory anymore than she needed too.

Walking down the stairs, she tried to give herself a pep talk before greeting her daughter. Rory was sitting at the table eating a poptart. Rory smiled and nodded towards the coffee pot, "I put the coffee on for you since Luke's not here."

She felt the lump grow bigger in her throat, "Thanks hon."

Rory got up and walked towards the fridge to get some juice, "You think Luke will be back tonight?"

Lorelai turned her back and reached for a coffee mug, "I'm sure."

Rory nodded, "Okay. Well Mrs. Kim is picking me up today. I'll see you after school?" She asked as she finished her juice.

Lorelai turned and smiled, "I'll be here."

Rory smiled and leaned up to kiss her Mother's cheek. Lorelai waited until Rory was gone to let the tears fall. All she could think about was the fact that she would be here...but she just wondered if Luke would be here too…


At the apartment, Luke rolled over in bed. This bed had been his for years; he should feel comfortable in it. And yet this morning he felt cold and alone…

He sat up slowly and felt the instant aching in his head. He knew it had more to do with the alcohol in his system than the recent injury. He rubbed a hand over his tired face and tried to think clearer. He was instantly filled with a sense of regret when he remembered how he had treated Lorelai the day before…

With a sigh, he got up and walked to the phone to make an important appointment.


Lorelai was sitting in her office trying to sort through a list of needed supplies. Her head was spinning and she kept making errors on the inventory sheet. Feeling frustrated, she tossed her pen across the room just as the door opened.

"Whoa." Mia said stepping back slightly, "What's your damage Heather?"

Lorelai sighed, "Sorry Mia."

Mia leaned down to pick up the pen and walked over to the desk, "Rough day in the office?"

Lorelai's eyes began to burn with tears, "No. I'm fine."

Mia pursed her lips and sat down on the couch by the window, "Uh huh...sure you are."

Lorelai shook her head and reached into her desk drawer to pull out her calendar, "Hey do you know if-"

"Lorelai…" Mia whispered, "Don't try and change the subject, I know something's wrong." Lorelai didn't answer and Mia sighed, "Let me guess...trouble with Luke?"

Lorelai put her head in her hands and nodded, "Uh huh…"

Mia was quiet for a moment before she stood up and walked towards Lorelai's desk, "How much do you know about Luke's father's death? How much has he told you?"

Lorelai looked up at her and frowned, "Not much...he doesn't like to talk about it."

Mia sighed and looked past Lorelai at the wall, "I probably should have warned you about this. But I guess part of me thought having you around would help…"

Lorelai started to panic slightly, "Warn me about what?"

The older woman smiled sadly and looked back at her, "Luke has…" She paused, "How do I put this? Well…" She shrugged, "He has a dark day every year on November 30th."

Lorelai shifted in her seat, "What do you mean a dark day?"

"It's the anniversary of his father's death." Mia said with a slight sniffle, "Every year he withdraws on that day...goes into hiding. He doesn't' see anyone, talk to anyone. Shuts down the Diner. He just stops…"

Lorelai sat up straighter and placed a hand over her heart, "Oh Luke…"

"Did he pull away yesterday?" Mia asked.

Lorelai pushed back her chair; "He's been acting weird since Thanksgiving when Liz didn't show up. And then yesterday he told me he had a business thing in Boston," She frowned, "When I went to the Diner for lunch I went upstairs to use the bathroom in his apartment and I found him in bed and drunk…"

"Oh Lucas…" Mia said with a sad shake of her head, "Honey, I'm sorry."

"He was so angry." Lorelai said sadly, "I have never seen him like that...he scared me. I didn't know what to do...he didn't want me there so I just left but," She sniffled, "I feel like there is all these things I don't know about him. I want him to be able to open up to me...and I know it's hard but how can we make this work if he pulls away when things get hard like this?"

Mia sighed and reached for Lorelai's hand, "He's got a lot of demons from his past."

Lorelai nodded, "I know. I get it, I do. So do I," She sighed, "I just don't know what to do. It felt like he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. It felt like he resented me and wished we never got together in the first place."

"No." Mia said shaking her head, "You know that's not true. It was the alcohol talking and his pain."

Lorelai nodded, "Yeah. But what do I do now? What if he doesn't come home?"

"He will." She said softly, "You just...you need to let him come to you. I know he will. I know Luke…" She said with a smile, "I've known him since the day he was born. He's strong...and tough. He's been through a lot and doesn't always know how to handle those emotions. I will say that he's grown a lot just being with you…"

"Really?" Lorelai asked curiously.

Mia smiled, "Yes. He's been able to let go...enjoy things more. He's always been so afraid since his parents died." She sighed, "When his Mom died he still had William to focus on…" Her eyes welled up with tears, "But the day that William finally passed I saw the light leave Luke's eyes. It was like part of him died too." She turned towards Lorelai, "It wasn't until you that that light returned."

She swallowed hard and looked down, "I hate that he's hurting so much."

"I know you do." Mia said, "Just like I know that he will come to you when he's ready. Unfortunately...you're just going to have to be patient and wait it out."

Lorelai frowned, "Yeah...patience has never really been my strong suit."

"Really? I had no idea!" Mia said with an eye roll.

Lorelai laughed softly and leaned back in her chair, "Tell me more about Katherine and William."

Mia smiled, "Not a day goes by when I don't think of them...they were two of the greatest people I have ever known. It makes me incredibly sad that they didn't live long enough to see their son meet you."

Lorelai smiled sadly, "They had to be wonderful to create such a great son."

"William was tough. He told it like it is...didn't hold anything back. Wasn't afraid to hurt anyone's feelings. But at the same time he had a heart of gold...he'd do anything for anyone if they needed it." She smiled remembering her friend, "And Kat...she was my partner in crime. She could light up any room, the complete opposite of William." She said with a laugh, "And she adored her children...they meant everything to her. I promised her that when she died, I'd look after them all." She smiled sadly, "Not sure I've done such a great job. Especially with Liz...that poor girl is so lost."

Lorelai sighed, "I really thought she'd show up on Thanksgiving."

"I'm sure she meant too." Mia said with a shake of her head, "But, Liz faces her demons in her own ways."

"What do you mean?" Lorelai asked, "Like with drugs?"

"She has in the past…" Mia said nodding, "I don't know how she is now. But she's avoided home at all costs. Mostly I think she's afraid of facing the pain in Luke…"

"He loves her." Lorelai whispered, "I know that if she let him he'd be there for her."

"Of course he would. That's who Luke is. She knows that too...but you know better than other one that avoidance is much easier than facing our demons." She said honestly.

Lorelai huffed, "I can't argue with that."

"Listen," Mia said squeezing her arm, "I don't know what will happen with Liz...she needs to make her own choices. But I do know that Luke will come around. You'll see."

Lorelai smiled softly, "I love him Mia. I really do…"

"I have never doubted that for a second." Mia said honestly, "Just like I don't doubt that he loves you."

Lorelai watched her stand up and walk back towards the door, "Mia?"

She turned and smiled at her, "Yes?"

"I'm really going to miss you when you move…" She said in a pained voice, "More than I think I realized."

Mia smiled and put a hand over her heart, "I'll just be a phone call away dear. You'll never lose me."

Lorelai watched her go, leaned back in her chair and hoped that she could wait for Luke to come to her. The thought of him being out there feeling pain was too much to take…


Meanwhile, Luke walked into the familiar office and sat down across from the desk. Dr. Heintz walked around his desk and sat down in his chair pulling out Luke's folder.

"So, what's going on Luke?" He asked, "Your charts look good. I have to admit I was surprised to hear from you...mostly because it sounded pretty serious. You aren't having any memory issues, are you?"

Luke shook his head, "No. No memory issues just…" He sighed and shifted nervously in his seat, "I don't even know if coming here was right but I didn't know what else to do."

Dr. Heintz frowned and pushed Luke's paperwork away, "Okay. Well why don't you start from the beginning?"

Luke nodded once and adjusted his cap slightly trying to ignore the dull ache in his head, "You've probably dealt with a lot of these head injury things, right?"

The older gentlemen smiled, "A couple hundred or so…" He shrugged, "So, just a few."

Luke smiled nervously, "Okay, well is it normal for people to think a lot about death afterwards?"

He took a moment trying to think of how to respond, "Luke-"

"Because...it's been weighing heavy on my mind." Luke said quickly, "And I've also been thinking a lot about both my parents."

"Both of who passed on." Dr. Heintz said, Luke's eyes rose, "Lorelai and Tyler told us when they were trying to get permission to see you after the accident." He paused, "I'm very sorry for your loss."

Luke sighed and fidgeted nervously again, "Oh, well thanks. I just-"

"Luke…" Dr. Heintz said as he folded his hands over the desk, "What you went through was incredibly traumatic. It is totally normal to have questions and concerns about death after something like this. Especially for someone like you who has had a lot of experience with death at such a young age…"

He swallowed hard, "I don't think I ever thought my Father would die." He shook his head, "Even when he told me he was sick...I just thought he'd be fine."

Dr. Heintz smiled, "We all think our parents are superheroes and immune to all that is wrong with the world. It's a hard blow when that reality comes crashing down."

Luke leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, "I could have died?"

Dr. Heintz nodded slowly, "It was a very real possibility Luke, yes."

He let out a shaky breath, "Wow...I don't think I have let that sink in yet."

"You seem like the type of man that wants to just move on from tough situations. You don't like to dwell." He said, "Am I right?"

Luke nodded, "You could say that yes."

He smiled, "While I respect that Luke...it's not always the best course of action."

Luke stared at him for a moment, "Do you dabble in psychiatry by any chance? You're good at this."

Dr. Heintz chuckled, "No. But I've dealt with a lot of grieving families and conflicted patients. Plus I've had my own share of pain over the years that have made me become a little bit more in tune with life in general."

Luke frowned and looked down, "Yesterday was the anniversary of my Father's death. And since the accident, I've been thinking a lot about him and what it would be like if he was here. My relationship with my sister is strained and I get so angry when she disappoints me. But more than that I'm afraid of dying...or her dying and not fixing it."

"Luke all these feelings are normal." He said, "It's okay…"

Luke nodded, "Yeah but I'm not used to being weak. I'm always the strong one. I have to be."

"For who?" Dr. Heintz asked, "I got to know Lorelai pretty well during the last month...she can take care of herself when push comes to shove."

Luke frowned, "But-"

"Plus I can tell she really loves you." He said, "I'm pretty sure if we hadn't let her into your room when we did she would have scaled the building and broken in through the window just to see you."

Luke chuckled as the image of Lorelai trying to climb the hospital invaded his brain, "She probably would have."

Dr. Heintz smiled and leaned forward again, "Can I ask you something?"

Luke lifted his head and stared at him, "Okay."

"Is this more about being afraid of losing her?" He asked softly.

Luke shifted slightly, "What?"

"It seems to me that you've put up a wall since your parents died to make sure you never had to feel that pain again. But now that you have Lorelai and even Rory...the possibility of feeling that pain is all too real for you again." He said.

Luke's heart just started hammering in his chest, "The thought of a world without them doesn't seem plausible. The world would be so dark without them…"

He smiled at Luke, "That's what real love feels like Luke."

"Well why didn't anyone tell me how much it could hurt?" Luke said angrily.

"Because then no one would ever let themselves fall in love." Dr. Heintz said with a laugh.

Luke sighed and leaned back further in his chair, "Yeah well…"

"You woke up for a reason." Dr. Heintz said softly.

Luke cocked his head to the side, "What?"

"I can always tell when I have a fighter on my hands." He said with a smile, "Your brain activity kept showing spikes whenever Lorelai was around. It made me think you could sense her there...that you wanted to wake up for her. And you did. She was your reason." He shook his head slowly, "Don't let that reason slip away just because you're afraid of what could happen. Because the truth is we are all going to die someday Luke...but how we fill that in between time is up to us."

Luke let his words sink in before answering in a raw pained voice, "There is no world without her...not for me."

"Then I think you found what you were looking for in coming here." Dr. Heintz said, "Whatever you're feeling, whatever you're afraid of," He shrugged, "None of it really matters if you know that she's what you want."

He took a deep breath, "She is."

"Then why are you still here?" He asked with a teasing voice.

A slow smile spread across Luke's face, "I don't know."

Dr. Heintz pushed himself away from his desk and stood up to walk around to Luke, "There are still going to be tough days down the road for you Luke. I won't lie about that. But I know you can do this."

Luke stood up slowly and nodded, "Thank you…" He cleared his throat, "For saving my life…" He shrugged, "And for talking some sense into me."

Dr. Heintz shook his head, "You chose to save your own life Luke. Now get out of here." He said cocking his head to the door.

Luke put his hand out and shook his Doctor's hand slowly. Dr. Heintz watched him go and smiled knowing that he would figure out what he needed to do next.


Once Luke got back into Stars Hollow, he went to the house knowing very well that neither Lorelai nor Rory would be there. He went into the garage and started going through boxes of his father's old tools and supplies after coming up with an idea on his way home. After he found what he needed, he threw everything in the back of the truck and drove back to the Diner. He was unloading his truck outback when a car pulled up beside him.

He smiled nervously when he saw who it was, "Hey Mia."

She closed the door behind her and smiled at Luke as she pulled her coat around her tighter, "I should have come to check on you yesterday."

Luke felt his heart constrict in his chest. She was the closest thing he had left to a parent and pretty soon she would be leaving him too. "You of all people know that there's no talking to me on November 30th." He paused and looked down at the ground sheepishly, "Did you talk to Lorelai?"

She leaned against the truck and nodded, "I did. She's very worried about you. She didn't quite know what to make of yesterday's behavior…"

Luke sighed, "It's all a bit of a blur, but I know I said some pretty terrible things to her. Things I can't take back." His voice was thick with regret and concern.

"Why didn't you just tell her what was going on?" Mia asked curiously, "You know she would have understood."

"I don't know." Luke said with a shrug, "Probably because I feel stupid that I react this way after all this time."

"Oh Lucas…" Mia said shaking her head sadly, "When are you going to realize that you're allowed to feel sad?"

Luke glanced over at her, "Does she hate me?"

"You know she doesn't." The older woman said shaking her head, "She's sad that you're feeling this way and don't feel comfortable enough to open up to her." She shrugged "You expect her to open up to you about things but you don't seem to be able to do the same thing."

Luke swallowed hard, "Mia-"

"I miss them too." She said in a raw voice, "Every single day. They were the closest thing I had to family and I promised to look after you once they were gone." Her voice cracked slightly, "If I let you walk away from her now I'll have let your parents down completely. She's the one Lucas. Don't push her away now."

He was quiet for a moment, "Did you know Mom's ring was in that box when you gave it to Lorelai?"

She smiled softly, "Of course I did. Your Father told me to keep it safe until the time was right."

He let out a shaky breath, "I know what I want. I can feel it...I can see it because it's right there. But I'm just…"

"You're scared." She finished for him; placing a gentle hand on his back she squeezed slightly, "You're scared of feeling the pain of losing her like when you lost your parents."

He nodded slowly, "Exactly."

She smiled sadly, "I understand and respect that Luke. But would you rather live by yourself for the rest of your life than at least try?"

He shook his head, "I can't go back now...not when I know what it's like to be with her."

"Then tell her that." Mia said softly, "Tell her how you are feeling. Tell her about your fears because I think you'll be surprised to learn that she's got the same exact ones."

"Mia…" He whispered again.

"I know you both inside and out and there is doubt in my mind that you two can make this work. Why do you think I've finally decided to sell the Inn and move down South?" She asked with a smile.

He frowned, "Huh?"

"You two have each other now Lucas. Neither of you need me anymore." She said honestly.

Luke shook his head, "We'll always need you Mia."

She smiled, "What are you doing?" She asked looking in the back of the truck, "I figured you'd run to the Inn and grovel for forgiveness." She teased.

Luke smiled softly, "I think I may need to do something bigger to fix this one…" He paused, "Actually, think you can help me?"

She smiled, "Just tell me what you need."


Later that night, Lorelai, Rory and Mia sat in the living room watching Television. Rory had insisted on watching a Christmas movie because it was December 1st. Even though it was Lorelai's favorite season...her heart wasn't really in it. She hadn't heard from Luke at all during the day. She had considered calling or even dropping by the Diner but something stopped her every time.

When Mia showed up with dinner saying she wanted to spend the evening with her girls, Lorelai was happy to have the distraction. She was hoping that her presence would keep Rory from asking to many questions about her Mother's bizarre behavior and Luke's absence. Around 8:00 the phone rang and Mia insisted on answering it.

Rory took a sip of her hot chocolate, and then placed it down on the coffee table before turning to her Mother, "Hey mom?"

Lorelai's heart started pounding in her chest; she kept her eyes glued on the TV in hopes that her facial expressions wouldn't give her away. "Yeah?"

"I sort of thought Luke would be back tonight…" Rory whispered softly as she nibbled on a cookie, "Is he still in Boston?"

Lorelai shifted nervously, "Oh, uh yeah. He called to say he had to stay another night but he'll be back tomorrow for sure. Don't worry."

When her Mother refused to look at her, Rory knew that she was hiding something, "Is everything alright?"

Lorelai quickly grabbed for a cookie to keep from crying, "Everything's fine hon. He just had a lot to catch up on after being sick for a while. Really, nothing at all for you to worry about." She said patting her knee softly.

Rory was about to question her Mother further when Mia walked back into the room, "Lorelai?" She called.

Lorelai turned to look at her, "Yeah?"

"Can I speak to you for a moment?" Mia asked gesturing with her hand towards the kitchen.

Lorelai turned back to Rory and gave her a half smile, "Be right back hon."

Rory watched her Mother go and wondered what she was keeping from her. But more than that...she noted how quiet the house seemed without Luke in it.

In the kitchen, Lorelai pulled at her sweater and walked up to Mia, "You need to head out?"

Mia shook her head and smiled as she reached for Lorelai's coat, "No. But you do."

Lorelai frowned, "What do you mean I do? Where do I have to go?"

Mia slipped the coat over her arms and grabbed for a hat and a scarf, "You've got a date at the Dragonfly Inn."

Lorelai turned to look at her again, "What are you talking about? The Dragonfly? A date with who?"

Mia smiled and took Lorelai's hands in hers, "Do you trust me?"

Lorelai inhaled slowly, "Yes but-"

"If you really trust me...you'll go to the Dragonfly right now. I'll hang with Rory and soon you'll understand." Mia said, "But can you do me one favor?"

Lorelai sighed feeling frustrated and extremely tired, "Okay?"

"Just listen…" Mia whispered softly, "No matter what just listen."

"I don't understand." Lorelai said shaking her head, "Listen to what?"

"You'll know." Mia said handing her keys and turning her around to push her towards the back door, "I'll tell Rory where you've gone. Go ahead."

"But Mia-" Lorelai said trying one last time to understand what was happening.

"Trust me." The woman said again, "Just trust me…"

Mia waved to Lorelai and shut the back door leaving her on the back porch completely alone. Lorelai shivered when the cold December air blew through her hair. She pulled at her coat and reached into her pocket for her hat to push it down on her head. With a heavy sigh, she walked around the house and to the jeep before starting off on her destination.


When she pulled up in front of the abandoned property, an eerie feeling settled over her. She had been here many times before, but not at night and not alone. Mia had said she had a date...and while she assumed she meant Luke, at this moment she wasn't so sure. Climbing out of the car, she pulled at her coat tighter feeling small and afraid.

Her feet crunched the leaves on the ground as she walked up to the broken stairs. "Hello?" She called out nervously.

A soft rustle from her left made her jump, "Sorry…"

She placed a hand over her heart and took a breath, "God you scared me Luke. What are you doing? What am I doing here?"

He stepped out from the shadows and placed something on the ground that she couldn't see, "Sorry for the mystery...Mia was helping me out. Took longer than I expected though."

She sighed and shivered again wrapping her coat around her, "Luke what's going on?"

He sighed and walked all the way up to her; he rubbed his hands together to warm up, "Lorelai I am so incredibly sorry about what happened yesterday. I sort of lost myself...and I hate that I did that to you. That I said those terrible things. That I made you think that I didn't want you…"

She huddled her arms closer to herself and reached up to push a strand of hair out of her face, the wind was growing harsher, "Mia told me what yesterday was."

He swallowed the lump in his throat, "I should have told you."

"Why didn't you?" She asked with a soft, sad voice. "You know I would have understood."

He sighed and looked back up at her, "I think I was worried about what you would think. I mean I'm a grown man...I shouldn't react that way to this anymore."

"God Luke…" She said reaching for his hand, "How many times do I have to tell you that there is nothing you could do to make me think you are weak? You're the strongest man I know."

He frowned, "Yeah well," He shook his head, "I don't feel so strong right now. I'm feeling a little lost…"

"I kind of picked up on that." She whispered stepping into him, "Things have been off since the accident, but mostly since Thanksgiving."

Luke nodded, "I think a lot just happened and I wasn't sure how to process it. I've always just pushed those feelings and fears away...but lately they've been just on the surface and yesterday they just kind of exploded."

Lorelai shivered again, "Luke, you know I love you right?"

He inhaled sharply and nodded, "I do know that."

Lifting her hand, she placed it on his cheek and he instantly leaned into her touch, "Talk to me sad boy…"

He closed his eyes for a moment and reveled in her touch, despite the cold her hands still warmed him, "The day my Dad died I think part of me just shut off. I didn't want to think...didn't want to feel anything ever again. I've buried those feelings so deep inside of me and locked them away that I figured they'd never have a chance to get out again."

She nodded and pulled her hand back only to rest it on his arm, "But they did…"

His eyes opened and he looked at her, "They did…" He sighed and pushed on, "This whole accident stirred up all that stuff from the past. I didn't let myself think about how serious it really was or how much worse it could have been. I mean when I saw Rory take off it was like something in my snapped." He shivered slightly, but it had nothing to do with the cold, "If something had happened to her...if she had di-" His voice cracked and he looked down.

"Hey…" Lorelai whispered lifting his face again with her hand, "It's alright. I'm right here."

He took a moment to compose himself before pushing on, "If she had died I don't know what i would have done."

"You love her." Lorelai whispered, "I know that, and she knows that."

He frowned sadly, "But that scares me...and the thought of you dying scares me even more."

"Oh Luke-" She tried to interrupt but he wouldn't let her.

"I went to see Dr. Heintz today because all I have been able to think about is death lately. It's haunting me...and I realized why I stayed away from people for so long after my Dad died. I didn't want to get attached to anyone or anything again because I knew that eventually they'd leave me like he and my Mom did." He said sadly.

"Luke we all have to die sometime…" She said in a pained voice, "No one wants to think about it but it's part of life."

He sniffled slightly and looked around, "Yeah, I know…" He huffed again, "But the thing is," He turned back to her, "There used to be this giant hole in me…" He lifted her hand and placed it over his heart, "Right here. It was like the second those machines stopped beeping when my Dad died I hollowed out...there was nothing left of me." His fingers curled around hers and held on tightly, "But now with you...that hole has been filled in and it feels so damn good to be able to breath again. It feels good to live," He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers, "But at the same time it makes the fear of loss even worse."

She breathed him in and used her other hand to grip his arm tightly, "I know."

"I should have told you about my…" He frowned, "About yesterday."

She shook her head, "You're telling me now."

He pulled away, "But the way I treated you was so wrong Lorelai. The way I've been treating you for days. It's like I've been looking for an excuse to push you away but the ridiculous thing is that I need you now more than ever."

"I'm right here." She said cupping his face in her hand again, "I haven't gone anywhere."

He sighed, "I know. I'm so incredibly sorry…"

"Luke you and I aren't so different when you think about it." She said softly, "We've both had a lot of past demons that have made us who we are. No one said it was going to be easy to make this thing between us work but I think I can speak for both of us when I say it's been worth it. Am I right?"

He nodded, "Of course."

"You think I don't get scared still too?" She asked cocking her head to the side, "I mean Jesus Luke you had to tell me a million times when we first got together that you'd never leave me. You're not the only insecure and scared one in this relationship."

He laughed sadly, "Lorelai…"

"And seeing you in that hospital bed," She closed her eyes tightly and swallowed the pain down, "It was so scary. Those machines and all the things the Doctors were saying, trying to prepare me for the worst. I can't imagine going through all that alone like you did with your parents."

"Someday we might be there again...one of us may get sick." He said sadly.

She nodded slowly, "It's a definite possibility, yes. But we also can't sit around and wait for it to happen Luke."

"No we can't." He said in agreement, "We'd miss out on all the good stuff that can and will happen for us."

She smiled warmly at him, "This thing between you and me…" He said pointing her finger back and forth between them, "It's real Luke. It's not going to change. I'm in this. But I can only be in this if you're in it too. We have to really try and be open with each other even about the hard stuff. It's the only way this will work. Seeing you like that yesterday…" She frowned, "It broke my heart to know you were hurting and there wasn't anything I could do to help."

He grimaced, "Yeah...I'm afraid you met my Evil Twin Duke. He's kind of a jackass."

She laughed and leaned into him, "Well you tell Duke that I much prefer his brother Luke despite the fact that Rory and I may have called you Duke for the first year of knowing you."

He laughed and pulled her close, "I'll tell him." He paused and bent his knees slowly so he could look her in the eye, "Do you think you can forgive me?"

"Already have." She said squeezing his waist gently, "The real question is, can you forgive yourself?"

Luke sighed, "That's a harder one…"

"Trust me I know." She said with a sad smile, "But you're human Luke. You're allowed to screw up. You have to remember that the last month has been a pretty stressful for all of us. Between the accident and things with your sister...it's no wonder you started to have all these feelings show up."

He nodded and shifted nervously in his place, "Yeah I guess."

She was quiet for a moment before pressing on, "Speaking of your sister…" He sighed and she pushed on, "At some point she's probably going to show up again. What are you really feeling?"

Luke looked up at the dark night sky, "I think I'm torn on what to do. I'm also afraid…"

"Afraid of what?" She asked rubbing his arms to encourage him to keep talking.

"What if I had died?" He asked quickly, he saw the color drain from her face and he squeezed her waist, "I mean...we are in such a weird place and that bothers me. There would be no resolution for us and what would that mean?"

She frowned, "Luke…"

"I'm afraid that there's always going to be this awkwardness and tension between us." He said, "I don't know what to say to her or how to get through to her. I get angry at her behavior but it also breaks my heart that we're so distant. I hate that she doesn't' feel like she can talk to me but I don't know how to talk to her either."

"I'm sorry." She whispered, "I just don't know what to say."

He nodded, "There's nothing really for you to say."

She sighed and moved in closer to him, "You know that whatever you want to do when it comes to her that I support you, right?"

He nodded, "I do know that."

"You have had my back with everything concerning my parents and even Christopher." She said softly, "You've always let me figure it out on my own but you've also been right there beside me. You can count on me babe. You want to rant about it? I'm all ears. You feeling sad? Tell me. You want to go see her? Then I'll either be with you or give you your space if you need it." She squeezed his hips, "Just don't push me away like you did yesterday. Don't keep those feelings from me and don't turn to alcohol to solve your problems. It really scared me…"

The pain on her face and in her voice was evident; he leaned his forehead against hers and exhaled softly, "Okay. I hear you. I'll try."

"Promise?" She asked nudging him with her hips.

"I promise." He said nodding his head as he pulled away slightly, "I won't put you through that again."

She nodded slowly before whispering, "What about next year on November 30th?"

He frowned, "I don't know."

She sighed and ran a hand up his chest, "How about this, why don't we cross that bridge when we get closer to it. But agree that if you need your space you can have it...just don't lie to me about it or where you're going. Okay?"

"I think that's fair." He said softly.

Leaning up on her tiptoes, she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, "You aren't alone anymore Luke Danes."

He smiled and let her words sink in, "No. I guess I'm not."

"You have me. And you have Rory." She said with a smile, "And we would do anything to make you happy babe. You've done so much for us and we want to be there for you too."

"I'm just not used to needing people the way I need you two." He said honestly. "I'm still learning."

"So are we. But we can do this." She said with a smile, "I know we can Luke."

He nodded and stepped aside, "Yes we can."

Lorelai breathed in deeply and the smile grew on her face, "It smells like snow."

He frowned and then laughed slightly to himself, "What exactly does snow smell like?"

She giggled, "You don't know about my ability to smell snow? It's legendary and I'm never wrong."

His eyebrow raised in disbelief, "Never wrong?"

She shook her head and looked up into the sky, "Nope. Never."

Luke watched her and felt his heart leap in his chest. She was always beautiful. But tonight in her pink hat and coat she looked breathtaking. He had been so afraid he had ruined everything that his love for her seemed to grow even more in this moment. She was smiling as her curls danced around her face in the wind; her sparkling blue eyes stared up hopefully at the sky. He was mesmerized and almost didn't realize that it was in fact snowing.

Her laugh stirred him from his thoughts, "See! I was right!"

Luke blinked as a few snowflakes settled in his eyelashes, "Whoa…"

She giggled again and started to twirl as the flakes came down faster, "First snow of the year!"

He let out a ragged breath as he watched her, "Lorelai…"

She ignored him and kept twirling, "We have to go home! Rory will be so excited it's snowing!"

"Okay." He whispered, "But just wait a second, I have something for you."

Lorelai stopped dancing and pushed her hair out of her face, "Does it have something to do with why you asked me to meet you here?"

He nodded, "It does."

"Is it a present?" She asked walking closer to him, "I love presents."

Luke laughed and walked towards where he had walked in earlier and left something on the ground. Leaning down, he picked up something that appeared to be very large. Lorelai watched him curiously as he placed it against the broken stairs of the porch. He held his finger up for her to wait and then walked back to his truck, turned on the engine and made sure the lights were pointing towards the entrance.

Lorelai had a puzzled look on her face; she turned and looked down at what he had placed on the stairs. She gasped and knelt down to run her finger across the wood sign in front of her. It was a large slat of deep mahogany wood with the words The Dragonfly Inn carved into it. Beside it a smaller dragonfly was carved and painted too.

"Oh my God…" Lorelai whispered as she heard Luke walk up behind her, "Did you make this?" She asked as tears welled up in her eyes.

He stood behind her nervously, "I thought I might need a little something extra to soften the mood…"

She traced each letter slowly and felt warmth spread from her toes and up her spine, "It's beautiful."

He cleared his throat and whispered, "Lorelai…"

She stood up and turned back towards him, "Why did you make this for me?"

He smiled and took her hands in his, "Because I know you are still hesitant to take this next step, but I know you can do this. I believe in you Lorelai." He nudged her and glanced up at the old building, "This place will be amazing once you get your hands on it."

She bit her lip and stared up at it in the light of the truck. The snow continued to fall freely and her mind filled with visions of her Inn blanketed in snow as guests filled the rooms. The roaring fireplace, Sookie cooking up a Pot Roast for Dinner, Rory doing homework in the Library. She shivered slightly and leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.

"I am scared." She whispered into the night, "I don't want to fail."

"You won't." He said giving her arm, when she went to protest he kept talking, "And if by some small mishap you do…" He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, "I'll be right here to catch you."

Lorelai licked her lips and turned in his embrace, "You really think I can do this?"

He nodded, "Yes. I do."

She smiled and reached her hand up to touch his cheek, "And you think that WE can do this?"

He smiled and leaned into her touch, "We have too. You're the only thing that helps keep me from falling into that dark place again. I need you Lorelai. I need you more than I thought it was possible to need someone."

She shivered, "Don't run from me anymore. I need you just as much as you need me." She pressed her lips to his and pulled back, "Come home…"

He held her close, "No where else I'd rather be."

As the snow fell around them, Lorelai melted into his embrace. She knew there would be more bumps in the road but she felt confident that they could work through them now more than ever. Both of their extended families were complicated and she didn't see that changing anytime soon. But she knew that as long as they dealt with it together, they'd figure it all out. And as for the Dragonfly...she was starting to believe it was possible for it to be more than just a dream.


More to come soon! Hoping I can find some time to write tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed. :)