Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews and I wish you all a happy new year. Let's hope 2007 is an l/l year. :)

Thanks to Kirsteen.

The first visits are short and awkward. They don't talk much, but Lorelai wants to be there for him, even though it's difficult to see him like that.

One afternoon she walks inside the room to find Luke asleep with a nurse by his side checking his IV. Not wanting to interrupt his much needed rest, she follows the nurse outside.

"How is he doing?"

"Well, he is sleeping a lot more these days but that's normal because his body is weak."

"Is it normal that he has lost so much weight?"

"Well I'm no expert but people who are going through chemo usually lose weight."

"Do you know when his next chemo session is scheduled?"

"I don't know the details but you can ask his doctor. He is in reception as we speak."

"Thanks."

Lorelai turns and spots the doctor talking with a patient. As soon as he finishes his conversation Lorelai approaches him

"Hi, I'm friend of Luke Danes and I'd like to know how he is doing."

"Well, considering that he started the chemo only last week, it's too soon to tell if his body will respond to it."

Lorelai nods and lets the doctor continue.

"We will perform some new tests after the first three sessions that will give us a more clear view of the situation. Your presence here is important to him though. I know I'm not supposed to tell you this, but his first reaction when he found out was to refuse surgery."

"What?" Lorelai is now shocked.

"Well, he didn't want to receive any treatment in the first place and after that, when we performed the operation, he was really depressed and alone. Since you started visiting things have changed. Well, not too much, but his mindset is better now and that is important for the healing procedure."

His pager sounded that moment and the doctor excused himself, leaving Lorelai to process the information she had been given.

She went back to Luke's room, but he was still asleep. Seeing him so vulnerable made her heart ache as she approached him. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and caressed his cheek. She pulled her hand away quickly, afraid that Luke might wake up any second. It was the first time since the break- up that she had touched him. During her visits she kept her distance, sitting in the nearby chair being very careful not to touch him. She left a note on his nightstand informing him that she had dropped by.

Once the door closed, Luke opened his eyes and sighed heavily. He had been awake but had kept his eyes shut. When he felt her lean close it took all he had not to wrap his arms around her. He needed her, but he couldn't admit it.

His next chemo session was scheduled for next week, and it was something he didn't look forward to. Last time he felt sick for several days and he knew that with every treatment the side effects would get stronger.

The day before chemo session, Lorelai came in with Rory in an attempt to cheer him up. Rory hadn't seen Luke since that first time and was really shocked by the sight before her. She kept up a brave face inside the room, having a typical conversation with him about her life at Yale and her relationship with Logan. Once outside the room, Rory collapsed in her mother's arms, crying.

Lorelai went back inside to find Luke deep in thought.

"It's going to be ok you know," she said suddenly.

Luke looked at her, confused by the meaning behind her words. She just smiled in return. She started to leave but before she got to the door, she took an object out of her purse and placed it in the nightstand.

"We have a big event coming up at the inn and I'm not sure when I will be able to visit, so if you need anything call me."

"Take care of yourself and your guests. I'll be fine."

"I know you will, but call ok?"

"Ok."

The side effects were stronger this time. Not only did he throw up frequently, but he couldn't keep any food down. This time he was also in great pain.

Lorelai was caught up at the inn and didn't have the chance to visit Luke. She would think of him every moment of her spare time, wondering how he was doing. Usually she returned home late and didn't call him because she knew he would be sleeping.

The next day, during a fight with Michel she heard her cell ring. Without checking at the caller ID she picks up.

"Hello?"

"Hey," comes his gruff voice

"Luke?"

"Yeah it's me."

"Is something wrong? Are you all right?"

Hearing the concern in her voice he stops her.

"Yes, well, kind of, I just haven't talked to anyone for days and… sorry you must have been busy and I'm interrupting. I'll hang up now."

Before she has a chance to respond, the line is dead. She redials but all she gets is voicemail.

She is rushing to the kitchen and takes Sookie by the hand leading her to the yard outside the kitchen.

"Lorelai. Slow down! What is going on?"

"You might hate me for what I'll say but I really, really have to go."

"What's going on?"

"Please Sookie I'll explain later. Can you and Michel handle the situation for a couple of hours?"

"Sure honey. Is everything ok?"

"No, but I can't talk right now. Thanks Sook."

With these words Lorelai rushes to her office gets her stuff and is on her way to the hospital.