The Party is So Not Over

Chapter 14: Roryfest 2004!

Disclaimer: I don't own Gilmore Girls, that honor belongs to Amy Sherman-Palladino. Nor do I own anything else referenced that it clearly Not Mine! If you've heard of it, I unfortunately can't claim it. But what a world we'd live in if I did.

Spoilers: This story is my own ending of episode 5x08 The Party's Over. Anything before is canon, though everything after has been changed.

Please read and review. I live on feedback.

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"Oh my God! Mom, I can't believe you did this! How did you do this? What did Taylor say?" Rory stood in shock, staring with wide eyes at the town square which had been transformed into a birthday celebration focused on her. It closely resembled a town festival with booths and decorations everywhere. A huge banner on the gazebo wished her a Happy Birthday and she could hear music from Lane's band blaring through the air. What looked like the entire population of Stars Hollow was walking around enjoying the party. She felt her mom sling an arm around her shoulder.

"Well kiddo it took a lot of bargaining with Taylor and I'm now in charge of all costuming in Stars Hollow until, well until I die. But… I think it was worth it. Do you like it?"

"I love it. But where did you get the idea?" Lorelai grinned and explained as they started walking towards the gazebo.

"It was actually a progressive thing. First we were gonna have it at the house like we always do but I decided that was boring and overdone. So then we thought of the Dragonfly, but when I mentioned it at the town meeting to see who all was coming Babette suggested having it in the town square and it just grew from there with everyone adding their ideas. And so now, we have the Rory Gilmore Birthday Festival."

"They really did all this, for me?"

"I'm telling you this town likes you kid. You're their princess, and the proof is right in front of you; or on your head with the tiara and all." Like all of her previous birthday parties Rory was decked out in her usual crown and her pink, feather boa.

She hadn't wanted to leave her house in her ensemble, but upon the threat of no cake she'd acquiesced into taking a 'walk to Luke's for a pre-party coffee.' Of course, she still hadn't gotten her coffee, but the cotton candy now in her hand was definitely worth it. As they walked through the square they saw the different booths with games and various junk foods that would definitely warrant a lecture from Luke. Speaking of her mother's boyfriend, Rory was shocked to see the diner owner had his own booth selling the promised coffee.

"Luke! What are you doing here?" She watched him turn at her voice, and seeing the two Gilmore girls, he gave them a big smile.

"Your mother talked me into it. Uh, happy birthday. Coffee's on the house."

"What does that mean 'on the house'? Especially since we're not even indoors. Wouldn't it be 'on the booth', or-"

"Lorelai." Rory couldn't help but smile at his amused, yet warning voice. She was surprised when her mother listened to him.

"Okay fine, we'll talk about that some other time. Two coffees to go. Rory, what do you want?" She saw Luke roll his eyes, but he dutifully poured two large coffees handing one to each woman.

"Since it's your birthday I'll skip the lecture, but there is a limit."

"Aw, you're no fun." Her mother pouted. Rory walked leaned across the booth to give the diner owner an awkward hug.

"Thanks Luke."

"No problem, Rory. Happy Birthday. And, uh, there's something I gotta talk to you about later, so if you get a chance…" She smiled brightly.

"Don't worry, we'll be back."

"Good, that's good. Enjoy your party."

"You mean festival?"

"Yeah, your mom did good."

"Aww, why thank you kind sir!" Her mother answered in a southern drawl.

"Right, let's go before he packs up and takes the coffee with him."

"He wouldn't do that; he loves me!"

"That I do, but it's because I love you and want you around longer that I'll cut you off." Lorelai gave him a look.

"I thought we weren't going to get a lecture."

"Is it your birthday?"

"No."

"Then I'm free to lecture. Now get out of here; you're scaring away all my customers." The Gilmore girls looked around at the booth where there was no one waiting, at all.

"Are they invisible customers?" Luke just glared.

"Scoot. Go show your daughter a good time." Lorelai and Rory linked arms.

"Fine… we're going we're going. Kiss." Rory smiled as her mother leaned over and met Luke in a lip lock. She was surprised he allowed the public display. "Bye."

"See you later."

As they continued their walk, everyone they ran into offered Rory their best wishes. As they made their way to the stage to see Lane's band her mom began to question her.

"So when are your boy-toys getting here?" Her mother's voice was teasing.

"They're not my boy-toys, and I told Tristan seven. But they might not show up at all, so-"

"They'll be here."

"How do you know?"

"Because A) They're your friends, it's your birthday so of course they'll come to celebrate, B) Tristan is totally in love with you, which I've concluded based on everything you've told me, and C) because I got off the phone with your friend Richie Rich an hour ago to give him directions." Her tone was matter-of-fact.

"Richie Rich? You mean Logan?" She stopped walking, right in front of the gazebo.

"Yeah, your blond friend from the suicide society." Her mother had coined the term to describe the Life and Death Brigade after reading Rory's article. She hadn't believed Rory at first, that she'd done the stunt, but after providing photographic evidence she hadn't let her live it down. Rory knew her mother had no idea that her parents, and now her own daughter were members of the 'suicide society' because there was no way she would've been able to keep the secret or let her parents live it down. Rory knew that one day she'd inform her mother, but for now it was mainly jokes at Logan's expense.

"Logan called you? How'd he get your number?"

"Technically it was the Australian who called, can't wait to meet him by the way and I can't believe you never told Mommy about your exotic friend. But…after our flirting got too intense Blondie took over the phone, all apologetic in case I'd been offended. I have no clue how they got the number, but they're rich so they must have connections."

"They're rich, not in the mob, mom."

"I never said they were, but that would be cool wouldn't it? Just like in the Godfather. Maybe you can get somebody whacked with a cannoli? You should ask." Rory ignored her mother's sense of humor.

"So they're definitely coming? What about Tristan?"

"We-ll. I didn't speak to him, but I haven't heard anything to the contrary so I'm assuming he'll be here." Lorelai stopped in between Gypsy's lemonade booth and Babette and Morey's salty nut booth. She placed a hand on her stressed daughter's shoulder. "Relax Babe, eat a corndog. We have all this food and so little time to eat. Plus we get everything free, so I hope you brought your appetite."

"Free? How'd you manage that?" She knew Luke had given them free coffee, but since he did that regularly it wasn't as big a deal.

"Well it's your birthday; this entire festival's all about you."

"Then why do you eat free?"

"Because I gave birth to you; I'm the Momma. Do we have to go over this again? Because I've been working on another interpretation of the story and-"

"No! Once was enough. So is there anything else planned, or is it just the festival?" She had a feeling there was more; when Lorelai Gilmore goes all out, she goes all out.

"Whoa, greedy child! A freaking town festival isn't good enough for you?"

"Mom!"

"What, I'm just saying." She pouted. "Fine, I managed to talk Miss Patty out of giving an impromptu recital, something you should thank me for because it involved someone jumping out of a cake. I got Kirk to resist having his debut for what I don't know by convincing him he'd rather have his own special day so he wouldn't steal your thunder. But… we will be having a showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at nine on the big screen. Who's da' man?"

"How did you-?" Lorelai made a face and they started walking again.

"You can actually thank your grandparents for that. When I was telling them my idea, which they thought was 'childish' by the way; they reluctantly offered to pitch in. I figured it's about time Stars Hollow gets a break from The Yearling, so I sold my soul and asked them. Your grandfather suggested we show the movie Aladdin or something, so I had to explain you were turning 20, not ten. They should be here if their interest was any indication. But if we happen to keep missing them, well it's a big party."

"Mom! That was nice of them."

"Yes, real nice. I have a feeling I'll be attending Friday night dinners until you graduate with your masters. But it was oompah loompas, so it's a semi fair trade." Rory giggled.

"Well, I'll be sure to let them know they've helped your obsession with little orange men."

"Ohh! Can I be there when you tell Emily?" Rory opened her mouth to answer, but was cut off by a voice behind her.

"Tell Emily what?" The two younger Gilmores froze and then turned around.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" "Hey mom."

"Tell Emily what, Lorelai?" the girls shared a look, communicating with their eyes.

"Uh, how much we appreciate getting us the movie. It's one of my favorites. Thank you so much." Emily raised an eyebrow in disbelief, but dropped the matter.

"Well your very welcome, Rory. Are any of your friends from Yale attending this… spectacle?"

"Well, I invited all of her professors, but they just turned me down. Apparently partying with students is so last year."

"Really Lorelai." Emily shook her head in shame and turned to her granddaughter. "Rory?"

"Yes, grandma, at least I think. Logan, Colin, Finn, and Tristan mentioned they might come."

"They'll be here Rory; it's only now seven."

"How is Mr. DuGrey? Last night you mentioned you've become close friends?" Her grandfather's voice was suggestive. Both of her grandparents had started badgering her about her 'relationship' with Tristan, but luckily they couldn't mention the kiss in front of her mother or they'd have to explain their association to the LDB. That didn't stop the comments though.

"He's doing fine, grandpa. You can probably even ask him yourself."

"I think I might do that. Now Rory, do you want your present now or-?"

"Grandpa! I thought the movie was my present?"

"Heavens no, you're turning 20 years old.We got you more then a children's movie." Her grandmother seemed offended at the thought.

"Oh, well I guess I can't say no to presents."

"Good. So then your gift?" He held up the wrapped package.

"You can put it on the gift table with the others, Dad. It's past the gazebo."

"All right. We'll see you ladies later, then?"

"Yes, Grandpa." "Yeah, Dad."

"Very well. Happy Birthday Rory." And then it was once again her and her mom. They finally made it to the stage, but Lane was in the middle of a set so they could only wave 'hi'. Lorelai noticed Rory getting more and more nervous, checking her watch and looking around at all the people.

"Rory, they'll be here." Blue eyes met guilty blue.

"I know, I just…"

"Miss them? Or miss Tristan? Because even my parents are picking up a vibe and I gotta tell you, they aren't the most observant people on the planet."

"Mom!" She was now a bright red.

"Hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em."

"Ugh. I want a snow cone."