AN: I tried posting this yesterday, but apparently it never showed on my page. I don't know how or why, so I'm trying this again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Luke POV

"He looks at Rory how you look at Lorelai," Emily said, startling me.

I was stood in the doorway of Rory's room, watching her and Tristan talk to each other, their voices so quiet that I couldn't hear. He had come by with photocopied notes from all of her classes, but now they were just talking. He looked so in love with her, and he hadn't even questioned my presence. He just got on with it.

"I hate that," I told her in response, "While I want her to be with someone who loves her that much... I want better for her, you know? Maybe a prince; one that's in line for the throne rather than one that has to hope his siblings will die."

She laughed, "Richard used to say that about Lorelai."

I looked at her, surprised, and she smiled at me, "You're not the only devoted father in this world."

"When did he stop?" I asked curiously.

She thought for a moment, "After Rory's brain surgery. Instead, he said that you were no prince, but you'll do."

I smiled fondly, "He said something along those lines when I asked his permission to marry her. I didn't quite get it at the time, but now I do."

We fell into a comfortable silence, just watching the pair. I had to agree with Richard's sentiments; Tristan was no prince, but he would do. Tristan challenged her, he believed in her, he excited her, he had an ambition that'll definitely take him somewhere (which means he would understand her ambition) and he made her very happy.

Emily brought me out of my thoughts, "Luke, I am so sorry for all of this."

"You didn't have bad intentions; this isn't your fault," I told her, unsure if I believed myself. I didn't really blame her, but I can't stop wondering 'would she be here if Emily hadn't told him?', which led to a lot of anger.

"If I hadn't told him about Chilton, she might not have a tube sticking out of her chest, or a cast on each leg, or a black eye or needed surgery for internal bleeding. She might not be screaming the hospital down at night, and she might not have to see a therapist three times a week."

"He might have found out, anyway. It might have taken him longer, but this might have happened anyway. And while we don't know the full story because Rory's not ready to share, we know that the blame isn't on you. Not completely, anyway. And the screaming started years ago."

"I know the screaming technically started years ago; we dealt with it every night while you were on your honeymoon," She said, "But I was still here last night when it started, and I have never heard her scream like that."

She had a point. The way she screamed last night was different; it wasn't just fear driving those screams, it was pain. Pure agony. The screams weren't as loud as expected due to the punctured lung, but they were loud enough. And they hurt more than they usually did because those dreams had been turned into reality. The doctors drugged her in response, but I knew that we were going to be dealing with it for the next few months.

I collected her from the hospital a week later, her wheelchair in the bed of my truck. I knew that everyone was planning a massive party for her on the green, so I drove to the diner instead. When she looked out the window and saw everyone gathered, tears immediately starting to flow down her cheeks.

"Did you know?" She asked me, smiling through her tears.

I nodded, "It was your Mom's idea, but the whole town gathered to plan it."

I got out of the truck and got her out and settled in her chair, pushing her towards the crowd. Lorelai was stood right at the front, with Jess and Tristan on either side of her. Caesar was operating the grill, already getting some food started, and music started playing, courtesy of Taylor and Babette.

I watched as Tristan took over the wheelchair, taking her through the crowd and pointing out the attractions. People were talking and laughing, but they also had their eyes on her, watching her getting excited over candy floss. Lorelai wrapped her arm around my waist, and I could almost feel the happiness radiating off her body.

"She's going to be okay," She suddenly said, and I looked down at her, confused. She rolled her eyes, "I know you. You're worried about her because she's in a wheelchair and she can't go to school, which is covered between Tristan, Paris and Max Medina. Max is going to make regular visits to keep her caught up, bringing any worksheets she may need. Tristan and Paris put together are in all of her classes so they can bring her their notes."

"Paris doesn't even like her," I said, confused, "And when did you start using Mr Medina's first name?"

"They were getting friendly before this happened, and then she came to the hospital to speak to me; apparently, Rory is the only one who challenges her so she'll do everything possible to keep Rory on top of things. And I started using Max's first name when he came to see Rory in hospital at his request. And don't worry, there was no flirting."

"Right..." I had no idea what to say to all of that. Luckily, Emily and Richard arrived, approaching us.

"Seems like a good turn out," Richard said, "Is the whole town here?"

I nodded, "Pretty much. Only a few people are missing, but they'll probably show up at some point for the food and music."

"She's very well-loved, here," Emily said softly, almost sadly, "How is she?"

"I'm okay, Grandma," Rory said, coming up behind them and startling them. She looked a little tired, but she seemed very happy. Tristan smiled at the pair but didn't say anything, letting Rory take the lead, "I'm not mad at you. I might be sometimes, because I'm not going to forget this anytime soon, but I don't really blame you. You didn't make him do this."

While Rory had acknowledged her grandmother during her stay in the hospital, they hadn't really had a conversation. Rory had avoided it, and Emily happily stepped into the background, almost grateful she was allowed in the room.

Emily's smile almost split her face in two, and she stepped forward to hug her, but then hesitated. Rory nodded that it was okay, and put on her brakes, allowing her grandmother to hug her. Once that was done, Rory decided she wanted food, so Tristan rolled her way, happy to be her driver for the evening. Richard followed, wanting to eat, too.

Emily turned back to us, "I'm never going to forgive myself for this. I know you have and she has... but I will never forgive myself."

"Yes, you will," Lorelai said with certainty, "It'll take you by surprise, but you will forgive yourself. It took me two years to forgive myself after Rory went missing when she was 10, and I didn't know until the school called me. Rory had a particularly bad nightmare and screamed as usual, but that night, I didn't feel sick about it. I was frightened and obviously upset, but the guilt almost used to make me sick to my stomach, and it suddenly didn't."

"Did you ever feel guilty for not feeling guilty?" She asked curiously.

"Sometimes, and I still do. But that can be a vicious cycle. Why?"

"I was just wondering," She said, and decided to join Richard, who was enjoying his burger, which surprised me a little.

I kissed Lorelai's forehead, wrapping my other arm around her, "Do you feel guilty this time?"

"No," She said, "I know there was nothing we could have done to prevent this. The legal system and the school, yes, but we did everything right. But ask me again after she screams the house down because you can guarantee I'll feel differently then."

"Yeah, I don't think you're the only one. I felt so guilty last night when it started because even though I know that I could not have protected her from this, my brain is unreasonable in the middle of the night, and I'm pretty sure I cried with her."

"I wish I had been there," She said tearfully, "I know that we were alternating nights because of Jess, but she needs both of us. And yes, I do feel guilty for not being there last night, for not being able to hold her and being able to get to her within a second. I felt guilty every night I wasn't there, actually."

"If it helps, so did I," I admitted, "I hope Jess slept well last night because tonight is going to be rough; he's probably never had a 2 am wake up call."

Despite herself, she laughed, "That could be really funny."

AN: Let me know what you thought of this chapter, I really enjoyed writing it.