Disclaimer: I owe nothing

Author's Note: Thanks to Kirsteen and Katrin.

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The next day Lorelai walks through the hospital corridors with a huge smile on her face. She enters the room and sees Luke with a similar smile plastered on his.

"Good morning. It's a lovely day outside so get up and get dressed! Go, go!!"

"Dressed? What for? It's not like we're going anywhere."

"Well I wouldn't put a bet on that."

"I don't think the doctors will let me go anywhere."

"For your information, the doctors are perfectly fine with my plan. As a matter of fact, they don't even think it was necessary for you to stay here this long. You could be home and only coming back for your chemo," she informs him.

"Yeah, I knew that, I just preferred staying here."

"I know. Now get up and dressed."

"Do you think it's a good idea?"

"Oh come on Mr. Grumpy. You've been in the hospital for what? 2 months now? I would have thought you've missed the outside world."

"…"

"Come on, hurry."

"Ok, ok jeez!"

After a while Luke was ready and looking at himself in the mirror. His jeans and shirt were now oversized and he didn't feel comfortable. It was obvious. Just then Lorelai enters the room and notices the sad expression on his face.

"The worst part is almost over. Those clothes will fit again in no time."

Luke gave her a sad smile.

"So, are you ready?"

"Yep, lead the way."

"Do you want me to bring a wheelchair or something to help you?"

"No, I'll manage walking."

Lorelai was holding Luke by the elbow since he was still pretty weak and his legs shaky. Slowly they made it to the Jeep.

As soon as Luke sat, he spoke:

"So, where are we going?"

"You'll see," she said, smiling.

The drive was not long as she took him to a park near the hospital.

"Here we are."

She saw him looking around.

"Are you feeling sick?"

No answer.

"Luke tell me. We can go back anytime."

"It's just that this place is so crowded and I don't look too good. I don't want any pity looks." He lets out a sigh and continues, "I'm so stupid. Here you are leaving everything behind to take me out and I'm complaining." He puts his head in his hands.

"No, its ok. I understand, just tell me what you want me to do."

Luke continued to sit with his head in his hands.

"Would it make you feel better if I try and find a more isolated area?" she asked, placing her hand on his back.

"That would be great."

They drove around for a while, until they found a spot with just one other family sitting there enjoying the day.

Lorelai took the blanket and the picnic basket from the back seat and headed to the park.

"I hope this basket contains something more than two stale Pop Tarts and a Slim Jim."

"Hey, you spent fifty-two bucks for that one mister, so don't mock it. And just so you know, there is actual food in here."

Lorelai spread the blanket on the ground and they sit.

"I'm afraid we'll be going to the hospital sooner than expected."

"What? Why?" Lorelai was terrified.

Luke grinned while he spoke. "Well if you cooked what's in there" he said, gesturing to the basket.

Lorelai smacked his arm.

"You scared me! And no, of course I didn't cook. What made you think that? It's all from our lovely chef Sookie St James."

Luke let out a sigh of relief while smiling.

"Keep teasing me and I'll eat it all, mister."

She couldn't manage to keep a straight face, her smile gave her away. They continued to smile at each other until Luke averted his gaze to look around.

"This is nice. I missed being outside."

He reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

It was a nice warm day, so their stay was pleasant. They kept the conversation light. Lorelai informed him about the latest Stars Hollow news and about the big events that she had organized at the inn. She told him about Rory's progress at Yale and Sookie's latest addition to the menu ("we only had to take her to the hospital twice before she claimed the dish was ready to be served"). Luke, on the other hand, was mostly quiet, taking in his surroundings and enjoying Lorelai's chatter.

When Lorelai's cell started to ring she glanced at the caller ID but didn't make a move to pick it up.

"Aren't you going to answer it?"

"Nah, it's my mother. She's organizing this fancy event for the DAR and keeps calling every hour."

"Ok." Luke can sense that she is not telling the truth, but decides to let it drop.

They fall silent and Lorelai began to look nervous.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"You look…" Before he can finish, Lorelai was on her feet.

"You know I forgot our dessert in the car. I'll be right back."

"Lorelai, there is a whole tiramisu in here. Where are you going?"

"Uh, well, Sookie made this… this cheesecake and I forgot I left it in the car."

Lorelai started walking away rapidly, not leaving Luke a chance to question her.

The truth was that she was really nervous about her next surprise. She was sure that Luke would want to see her, but she was also afraid that he might not want to be seen when he was still so weak.

As Lorelai approached her car, she saw them standing there, scanning the crowd.

"Hey, I'm glad you came."

"Where is he?"

"Anna calm down. He's here but I'm only going to take April to see him."

"No, you won't. He's been gone for over two months now, with just a few phone calls and you expect me to let him off the hook that easily?"

"As I explained over the phone, it's complicated. Trust me on this one and let me take April. Please."

Anna was ready for another round of battle, but April's expression told her to drop it.

"I'll be waiting right here."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Thanks, Anna."

Lorelai took April's hand and started leading her to their picnic area. Just before Luke became visible, she turned April to face her.

"Listen sweetie, your dad is not in the best shape right now, but he will be perfectly healthy again. It will just take time. Now come on."

"Wait. What is wrong with him because I know he wouldn't be absent for so long unless it was something really serious."

Lorelai is not sure if she should tell her the truth or let Luke do it. She decides the former.

"You are right. It is pretty serious, but the doctors told us that in a while he will be perfectly healthy."

"So?"

Lorelai lets out a breath before she speaks again

"He has lung cancer. He had a successful surgery and he is now undergoing chemotherapy. He didn't want to be seen weak so he told no one"

April is on the verge of tears.

"Everything is going to be all right though. Don't cry. You don't want to upset your dad."

She lets April compose herself before they continue their walk towards Luke.

As they approach him, Lorelai grew more nervous. How would Luke react? Would he be happy or mad?