Happiest Birthday (Littletons, can be open)

[iamqueendiamond.livejournal.com]

Lavinia had been through a lot in her 77 years. She'd fallen in love. Three times to be exact. And each time it had ended in heart break, but she was always thankful for what she'd had before that end. Yes, even with Bernard Littleton who had left her high and dry with five children to take care of. That had been her biggest obstacle. Five children plus no money equaled big problems. But somehow, they'd always gotten through. Until Thomas had died. She'd lost a darling son and each of her children and herself had had to rebuild their lives from the trusses up. She'd been incredibly happy, and so sad she feared she would never function again. But she always had. Lavinia Littleton was a lion at heart, and nothing would keep her down. Through all of it, her children were always her treasures. Her gift. The thing she lived for and the thing she would die for if it was warranted.

And now her Thomas was back amoung them. It was priceless, and Lavinia was thankful for every moment spent with him. Which was reflected in the way she answered the door to her flat on her 77th birthday to see her youngest son standing there. "Thomas!" She cried, dragging him inside by the wrist into a nearly bone-crunching hug, which was an accomplishment as Thomas was very very large, and Lavinia was...not. "You're here!"

"Oof! Ha...happy birthday, Mums..." Thomas said, patting her back as she squished the death out of him. "Good to see you too! What are you doing?"

"Bullshitting!" Lavinia said, prancing back up the stairs as only Lavinia could do. Thomas shook his head as he noticed that his mother's bright pink track pants said 'You know you want in these babies' across the arse.

"Well, as engrossing as bullshit sounds, you're coming with me." Thomas said, following her up to her flat which was situation on top of a biker bar.

"Hot damn! Where to, sexy?" Lavinia asked, searching for her 'Vamp' purse.

"Do not question me, woman!" Thomas said with a laugh.

"Oh I see. Mysterious are you? I like intrigue!" Lavinia located her purse and she raised it in triumph. "Right. Ready?"

"As I'll ever be, Mums." Thomas led his mother down the stairs and he helped her into the car despite the fact that she needed no assistance. He was just being sweet.

As they pulled up to Peter's hospital, Lavinia turned to Thomas with a grin. "I knew it, you're puttin' me in a home!"

"As if they could ever control you." Thomas said with a chuckle. "You'd be running the place inside of a day." He helped her back out of the car and into the hospital. There, just outside Julian's room, was a rather relaxed looking Abby.

"Hello!" Lavinia said cheerfully.

"Happy Birthday, Mums!" Abby cried, hooting a little horn and then flouncing over to embrace her mother. "We figured Julian shouldn't miss this. Come on in."

Inside Julian's room, Ellie and Julian were on his bed, chattering away. Well mostly Ellie was chattering and Julian was listening. Jordan was in Joe's lap and he was looking wonderfully content. Stuart was leaning against the wall with a silly little grin on his face. As they entered, everyone looked up and chimed birthday wishes in unison. "Thank you!" Lavinia chimed back.

Slowly, Julian stood from his bed. He'd seen his grandmother since his rather dramatic return to their lives. But not in a celebratory capacity. This was different. He walked over to her and then he gave her a hug. "Happy Birthday, Grandma."

"Thanks, Kiddo. You're the best present I could have had."

Julian smiled shyly into her shoulder. But at the moment, surrounded by his family, it was easy to be okay. And, as Lavinia looked around at her children, she thought how lucky she was, and she found herself thinking the very same thing.