Author's Note : I do not own Gilmore Girls or Walt Disney world.
AN2 : All reviews will be welcomed. I know all chapters are not equals in my story and am OK with constructive criticism so please review.
Chap. 9 : Pre-birthday bash
Finn wanted to organize a birthday bash Rory would remember. He knew she would be in Florida around the 5th of October but did not have much more information. He needed to talk to Lorelei, Rory's mom. Now he just needed to find her number. He started to look for Inn's in Stars Hollow on the Internet and quickly found it. He started to dial the number.
« DragonFly Inn, Michel speaking, how may I help you? »
« Could I speak to Lorelei Gilmore please? »
Finn heard the man sigh loudly.
« She's busy right now can I help you? »
No, it's a personal matter, can I leave a message? »
« I am not her personal assistant... » Michel started to answers
« Michel, give me that phone! » Lorelei cut in.
« Lorelei Gilmore, may I help you? » Lorelei said as she put the phone to her hears.
« Lorelei, this is Finn Morgan, a friend of Rory. »
« Yes, the hot Aussie! I remember. How are you doing? »
« Well, doll, I can't help being sexy and exotic. » Finn said laughing.
« So what can I do for you? »
« Hmm, I know that Rory's birthday is coming up soon and that she will be in Florida at that time. I was planning surprising her to celebrate her 23rd birthday. »
« Oh! I love this thought! Would it be like a date? »
« Ehh! Rory and I are just friends... »
« Yeah, right! I saw the picture from your evening out... but so says Rory. I wish I had such a friend that would travel to spend a few hours with me on my birthday. »
« Could be arranged Love, let me know when is your birthday and I'll obliged » He said seriously
« Not sure I want my daughter to hate me and not certain how my boyfriend would appreciate you treating me to an evening, seeing how hot and sexy you are! » Lorelei said knowing Finn was playing along.
« Actually, I was thinking a few days for Rory's birthday so she wouldn't be jealous of an outing for you! But in the meantime, if you want to join us, I am sure she would love to have you there for her birthday. »
« Seriously? I'd love to. You really wouldn't mind me tagging along? »
« Note at all. Actually, I was also thinking of invited more people to part of it anyhow. »
« What is the plan then? »
« I was thinking of surprising her on the 6th of October at the event she is covering and then kidnapping her the next morning for a couple of days. I thought of bringing her to Walt Disney World on the 7th, then bringing her back to Miami for a supper and some night clubbing. »
« Good plan. I really think she is going to love it. Do you need my help for anything? »
« Yes, I need to know where she will be on the 6th and at what time. For the rest, I will pretty much cover Hotels, plane tickets etc. On the 7th, we'll be only the two or three of us and then everyone will join us at a restaurant in Miami in a private room for dinner. »
« So no alone time for you two? »
« Not that I wouldn't like it but it's about her. And I know she's been missing you so if you can, it will make it better. »
« OK, OK, not asking again but I'll say though, don't wait too long, I know she likes you even if she is not ready to see it. Anyhow, give me your number and I'll see all that I can get without seeming too nosey.»
« Great. I'll do the reservation and send you your flight information. »
Finn planned the trip. He himself was to arrive in Orlando, Florida on the 6th at noon. The conference Rory was going to attend was at the University of Central Florida at 2 pm. Lorelei would meet him at the airport. On the morning of October 6th, Finn felt nervous. He couldn't really explain why. He had talked to Rory everyday and he was pretty sure she did not have a clue of what was to come. As his place was late, Lorelei was already waiting for him at the airport. They needed to head toward the university right away if they wanted the plan to work without a glitch. He approached Lorelei when he saw her but she was on the phone. She signalled him not to talk.
« Sorry kid, can't talk right now, emergency, I'll call you later... » and she hung up the phone.
« Hey sexy exotic one. Is everything settled? »
« Mostly, Steph and Collin are meeting us in Miami tomorrow night, so will Lane, Rory's dad and Gigi and Paris with Doyle. Will Luke be able to come? »
« Yes, he'll be in Miami Airport at 3 pm probably with Lane. »
« OK, I'll just need to confirm our reservation later on. Now let's go to drop our stuff at the Hotel, I have reserved at the Bay Lake Tower Resort. We have two suites for the three of us. Both two bedroom. »
« So you want her to choose, will it be her mother who's been there her whole life or the sexy we're only friends gorgeous guy she might finally fall for? »
For the first time Finn did not know quite what to say... he then recovered and added... « If I had been so convinced, I would have taken a single room for yours! » And then burst out laughing. Not as I wanted adjoining rooms, this is what I got.
On this, they went their ways toward the car rental desk.
At the same time on UCF Campus.
« Rory, are you going to join us tomorrow? A few of us are heading early to Miami for some beach time. » Katherine asked.
« Not sure yet. I haven't checked with Darren. »
« So you decided that you wanted to date him officially. »
« Don't know yet. We haven't really talked about it. We had 2 dates so far, nice and all but something's missing... not sure I feel it, you know. Maybe since Logan I am expecting too much. »
« Do you want it to be more than casual dating? »
« Not sure. I just have this weird feeling he's not all that I want. »
« For sure, after Prince Charming in New York! »
« Kat, Finn isn't interested in me this way, we're just friends »
« But you do wish it was more, don't you? »
« No! Argh... kind of yes. But he is one of Logan's best friend, One of the stooges... I don't know if I could handle this now. »
« Still, you have phone dates with the guy every night! Pretty sure he is more than just friend Rory. Yes, I know it's always him when I see you look at your cell phone, when you see his name on the display, your complete face lights up and you always leave us. »
« You're wrong, my mom, Lane and Paris always call too. Not everyday but in between them. »
« Yes, but Finn's call always makes you leave the table. When you talk to your mom or your friends, you stay with us. »
« Anyway, he is in New York And I don't want to ruin our friendship. And as I said Logan's friend! »
« So? He's still handsome and completely sexy. And the way he was looking at you in that picture... would have made me melt right there! » Kat added giggling.
« Kat, we need to focus now, we need to find where the conference is being held before it starts. »
As the speech is going on, someone touched Rory's shoulder and handed her a note. She quickly glance thinking it was Darren.
« To : Miss Gilmore,
Object : Please report to the administration office after the conference. »
She wondered why Darren would send her such a cryptic message. Even though they had had two nice dates, she still wasn't sure about him. Why would he pull something like this, he could just walk up to her later at the hotel... Anyway, he was not on duty today. Deep down, Rory knew it would not go anywhere with him. Still he was company while on the tour. She liked to have someone pay attention to her that way.
Once the conference was over she told Katherine that she needed to go to the administration so that she would call her later to let her know for Miami. She thought of calling Darren but decided against it. As she was getting close, she suddenly saw a familiar man, she couldn't quite believe it was really him. When she was certain, she just started to run his way and jumped in his arms.
« Hey Love, I thought I'd surprise you for your birthday. So how did I do? » Finn asks as he spun her around and hugged her. He had seen her walking towards him and couldn't help thinking how beautiful she was. Even though she did not dress up or wore make up, she was breathtaking.
« Finn! I didn't know you knew for my upcoming birthday! Thank you! I so was not expecting this. » Rory said as she hugged him again.
« But that's not all... someone will get jealous if you hug me a third time without glancing her way! » Finn said and put Rory back down as she heard
« Well, I never though my own daughter would overlook me. Can you believe it Finn, I gave birth to her and she does not even glance my way! She prefers a hot Aussie like you to her own mother! » Lorelei cut in with a mock insulted tone.
« Mom! What are you both doing here? My two favourite person! I am so glad to see you. How did you know where we were? »
« Well, Barack Obama's presidential campaign is quite public Love... not that hard to follow you around if we wanted to stalk you! And you kind of gave all we needed in between me and your mom! » Finn said.
« Still how did you arrange to come together? What are you planning. »
« This, kiddo, was all the hot Aussie's doing. So I'll let him share the plan »
Rory looked at Finn who was smiling as she didn't remember ever having seen him smiled. He was gorgeous, how had she missed it in College!
As he was not saying a word yet, she added « So? What is this plan of yours? »
« Do you really think I am going to tell you this easily? First we'll go for a quick supper then we leave you at your hotel where you'll finish your work and pack up your stuff. We'll pick you up tomorrow at 10 am sharp. I'll bring you back to Miami in time for you to get back to the trail. And don't worry, I'll provide enough coffee tomorrow morning for both you and your Mom... »
« Finn, I don't like not knowing where I am going. Mom do you know? »
« Oh I do! But I wouldn't dare tell you since I might not get invited if I ruin the surprise. But don't worry, I am joining so what is there to be afraid of? Can't you just trust us? » She asks with a devilish look in her eyes.
« Actually I do but deep down, I think if you and Finn are in this together it could be dangerous... Now if Luke was here it would be different... » She said.
« Rory, you hurt me... I'm your mother, I would never do anything to put you in any danger... And this sexy guy here, is just planning to entertain you so stop this right now and just enjoy! » Lorelei said
« So now, where are we off to for supper? » Rory asked as she was feeling hunger striking her.
« Yes right, Gilmore Girls needs food and coffee to function... Ladies, follow me! » Finn quickly added...
They headed out towards Finn's rental car while Rory called to let Kat know she won't be joining them to Miami. During supper Rory is quite pleased of how her mom and Finn seem to get along. They were quite alike on so many aspects. As they talk and share stories she completely forgot to call Darren who was expecting a call from her after the conference. Her cell phone did ring but they were talking so animatedly that no one heard it. Finn and Lorelei dropped her off to her room so that she could write her article and pack her suitcase. She realized that she had completely forgot to call Darren late in the night. She sends him a text message excusing herself and saying she is sorry but that her mother showed up and that she just got caught up in the surprise. She then decides to call him before leaving the next morning.
When she got up she was so excited about the day ahead. It was already 9h30 so she barely had time to get ready and leave. She was really glad that she had Finn now in her life. Who else could travel miles just for a friend's birthday and bringing their mother. When she thought about it, it now felt as if he had always known her, always been there. Once again, in all her excitement, she completely forgot about Darren. She checked out of the hotel and waited in the Lobby drinking her coffee and eating a muffin. 5 minutes later she heard someone walking towards her.
« Love, you're ready for a complete 48 hours with the most sexy Aussie in America? » Finn said with a straight face.
Rory laughed and said « Not sure I can handle it now. You alone is a handful and so is my Mother, together, it's frightening. »
« Well, I'll save you from your mom if need be! » He said laughing « But all I can say, is that unless you try us, you'll never know if you can handle us, but without us, I can tell you it will be boring! »
On that note, Rory gets up and take the hand Finn offers. With his other hand he picked up her luggage and they leave toward the car. Finn's plan included a gargantuan breakfast in a small dinner that he had went to once when he was on Spring break. Lorelei and Rory couldn't believe how much it felt like Luke's but did not look the same. The coffee was almost as good though.
Afterwards, they headed toward their first official destination.
« You're bringing me to Walt Disney Magic Kingdom? Oh! This is good... really good... almost beats my 8th birthday mom! Can you believe it Mom, we're finally going to meet Mickey Mouse! » Rory said excited of the day ahead...
« Yes Kiddo, your first love. Finn don't be jealous now, first loves are had to get over! »
Finn laughed and added...
« I know mine was Ariel so I guess we're even... And I might also get to meet her although I already have if I am honest... »
« This so explain the red head obsession now! »
The three of them spend the day at the theme park. Most of the day Finn and Rory were either holding hand or touching in a way or another. They did not even realize it. They were like magnets one toward the other. Although in the attraction Finn always made sure the girls never were alone so when it was two by two, he would make sure Lorelei and Rory were together and he got to sit with strangers or sitting alone. They had a wonderful day, playing like kids and teasing each other. After their supper, they did a bit of shopping and after a while, Lorelei decided to give Rory and Finn some time alone.
« Rory, I think I am going to head back to the hotel now. I need my beauty rest, I am not twenty anymore. » Lorelei said while she was alone with Rory, Finn had gone back to a store alone while the two girls were eating ice creams.
As she was saying so, Rory's phone rang and she looked at the screen... « Who is it? » Lorelei asked hoping no one would sell her tomorrow's surprise.
« Oh it's Darren. Fuck! I forgot to call him this morning! He completely slipped my mind today and last night. I was supposed to call him since yesterday. »
« Wow that says so much on how you care for him! » Lorelei said looking straight at Rory.
« What do you mean? » Rory said hurt at her mother's tone.
« Well, did you think about him once since you saw Finn yesterday? »
« Oh, God! You're right... God I am such a bad person. » Rory said looking down.
« Rory, you did not lead him on... you just had not realized yet about Finn! »
« No I had, I just don't think it is mutual. »
« So now you're ready to admit it? » Rory nodded a yes « So now that you are ready to embrace the fact that you have it really bad for the sexy Exotic man that organized and payed for this birthday extravaganza, what are you going to do about it. »
« Mom, Finn does not see me like this. I am just a friend for him, just like Daphnee. »
« Come on Rory, you're not that oblivious, are you? Keep telling yourself this but let me tell you I never had a friend do all that for my birthday! »
« Yeah but mom. It's Finn! »
« Yes, It's me. What did I miss? » Finn said looking at the two Gilmore Girls...
« I was just on my way to the hotel guys. Thanks Finn for the day, and for the T-Shirt. »
« Are you sure you want to go? »
« Yes, I need my beauty rest for tomorrow! » Lorelei added « So I'll leave you kids to a night of debauchery! » she said looking straight at Rory who was staring the ground.
« OK, then, do you want for all of us to meet for brunch tomorrow? We could order in one of our suites and enjoy the view a bit longer? »
« At what time do we need to leave? »Lorelei asked
« We're leaving at noon but I could join you two in your suite at 11 for breakfast? »
« Perfect, I'll see you then!Thank you again Finn for everything, and Goodnight kids » Lorelei added with a wink at Finn.
« Bye Mom. I'll be in later.»
« Bye Sweets. » And with this Lorelei goes on her way toward the exit while Finn sits down with Rory who had not finished her ice cream.
Finn and Rory stayed later and were talking non stop. They decided to look at the fireworks before going for a drink at the hotel. As they found a perfect spot to watch they decided to stay there and continued talking while people were joining around them. Rory mentioned she was tired so Finn offered her to lean on him and he circled her with his arms holding her up. They watched the fireworks without moving. Both absorbed by the celestial show and by how good they felt with their proximity. After the fireworks, neither of them wanted to move. They stayed like that talking until people started to move around them. As Rory started to move, Finn sighed and he was about to let her go when Rory turned around to face him. She looked up into his eyes. Finn's hand were now on her hips. He did not want to let go. Getting lost in his eyes, she suddenly realized that she was exactly where she wanted to be. She instantly knew, she wanted so much more than friendship.
When Rory looked up into his eyes, Finn locked eyes with Rory. He knew his feeling for her had evolved. To be honest, he knew since her visit to New York, but he only faced it when she said she was starting to date again. Now, the way she looked back at him, he decided to act. He leaned his head slowly giving her time to stop him. She didn't. If he had been able to leave her eyes, he would shave seen the sweet smile that made it's way to her lips just before he brushed his lips against hers sweetly. He kissed her slowly and she responded in the same way. She kissed back and as her hand made their way to the back of his neck, his hands softly pushed her closer to him. She felt his tongue on her lower lip and she allowed the kiss to deepened. They kissed slowly and tenderly just discovering each others taste and smells. After a while, they stopped as they heard the park was closing soon.
As their lips had parted, they had hugged and kept their eyes close for a few more seconds trying to memorize the moment. They looked once again at each other, they smiled and Finn took Rory's hand interlacing their fingers and they started their way toward the exit in silence. Both their pulse was going faster and their hearts felt like it had doubled in size. Butterflies were flying in both their stomach. The fireworks after the fireworks was so much more intense!
As they arrived to the car, Finn pulled Rory into an embrace. He kissed her head and broke the silence.
« Love, I hope you enjoyed this first part of your birthday celebration. And I just wanted to give you a small gift, be the first one. »
« Finn this whole day was like a dream. And this day's ending! Finn, you've already given me the most precious gift with that kiss. To make it better, all I would need is for you to kiss me again. » Rory said softly.
« Well, Love, I am more than happy to do so » And Finn leaned to kiss Rory once again, sweetly, softly, until Rory deepened it. They stopped kissing whey they both needed to breath once again. Their lips swollen but eyes bright as could be. A thousand stars wouldn't have made them brighter.
« So does this mean I can return this » and Finn produced a small box wrapped with a blue bow.
« Never » Rory quickly said laughing.
She opened the box to find a small white gold necklace with a Mickey Mouse pendant. In the back, it was engraved « To Rory, with Love, Finn »
« Oh! Thank you Finn! I love it. You didn't have too! »
« I was happy to love. Now if I had known the evening would have ended on such a note, I would have had something more engraved though... Now let's head to the hotel »
Once there, They went to their level and suddenly Rory got nervous.
« Finn » She said tentatively « I'm really happy that we both want more than friendship but I'm not ready for us to take it further right now... » blushing as she said so...
« I know love, don't worry, I did not expect otherwise. I would lie to say I don't wish though... because I want you Rory. » Finn said looking straight into her eyes and she could feel the desire in his eyes.
« Finn...Mom's already in the room, I don't have the key »
« Don't worry. I have a copy of the key for your mother's suite. Here you go. » He said giving her the card. « But I do need another kiss goodnight. » He said with a smirk.
« You don't need to ask » She said and kissed him once more. This time though the kiss quickly became passionate as Finn was holding Rory by the hips. He pushed her to the wall where they kissed for a while until both realized if they continued, they wouldn't be able to stop. They were breathless and both their eyes for full of lust and hope.
« Oh god, it's hard to stop... » Rory said blushing
« You tell me » Finn said as he smiled at her blushing and thinking how sweet it was. They hugged and he kissed the top of her head. He then sighed and added « Now go in otherwise I'll kidnap you. »
« OK then... good night Finn. I'll see you tomorrow. »
« That you will Love! Goodnight Miss Gilmore! » he said and smiled at her.
He entered his room and couldn't help but smile. He couldn't remember having felt like this with any other woman. He felt like he had found home. It was a pity it was way to late to call his sister... She would have loved to hear what happened. Still he did send her a text message saying : « Lyl, I kissed her. Ttyl Finn » He knew his whole family would know quickly the next day... And suddenly it hitted him. He also needed to talk to Logan.
Please review and any suggestion on the storyline are welcomed.