CEM: The Moments In Between

Happy Birthday

Author's note: As requested: Join me in a simple little tale of happiness and joy as a family comes together to celebrate his day of birth, a special day indeed.

With a simple smile and a stolen kiss Avi celebrates his birthday with his family and closest friends in the most unique way he ever has.

Avi walked through the small shop with Kirstin by his side and hoped no one would notice they were gone. They didn't have much time, they never did anymore, so they slipped away from the group as much as possible. He looked over at Kirstin and smiled. It was always nice to have her by his side. She was quick with a laugh, handy with a smile and just generally fun to be around. It been so long since he had relaxed and let his guard down with her, it was refreshing to be able to do so. She picked up a distressed shirt and held it in front of her. He laughed and shook his head. The color was all wrong, and what did that say? No. No. Definitely not that one. Kirstin put it back on the sales rack and followed Avi deeper into the shop. She spotted another tee-shirt, this one a heather-grey with white lace sleeves and a whitewashed image of red roses on lattice. He still shook his head.

"Navy blue or dark green. No lace." Avi whispered and kept on moving. Kirstin wondered why he was whispering but followed him deeper into the shop. She found another shirt and called out to Avi again. He immediately scrunched his nose and pulled one corner of his mouth up. She was barely able to contain her laughter.

"Definitely a no!" Kirstin rolled her eyes. Since when was Avi so picky about clothes.

"Seriously? What is it with you these days?" She asked him bumping into his shoulder gently and looking up at him happily. "Sometimes I worry about you Babe. I think you've gone off the deep end. But, I still love you!" Kirstin laughed heartily. Avi shushed her as he looked at her wide eyed.

"I love you too. Just, hurry up and pick something, maybe just blue or that soft green, I like that a lot. We have to get back before they notice we've gone." Avi looked around, still hoping no one saw or recognized him. He moved towards Kirstin, placed a strong hand on her shoulder, looked into her eyes and smiled softly. "Please?" He looked around anxiously and slipped a small peck on her cheek before wandering off until he found a cute little teddy bear and picked it up. It was adorable. He had to have it. He spied some flowers that he liked for his mother and grabbed them too before heading to the check-out counter. He looked over at Kirstin and smiled, his love for her shone in his eyes. He just couldn't help that. She had finally picked up something and joined him at checkout to show him.

"It's perfect." He beamed. He put his hand gently on her back as they walked out of the shop. They chatted happily. Avi could not stop smiling. Kirstin could not hide her joy either as they walked side by side back to the room where the others waited.

"Is it time?" Scott asked excitedly ignoring his stupid suspicions at Avi and Kirstin showing up together again. He wasn't really that concerned over the amount of time they had been spending together lately. It wasn't that out of the ordinary for them to spend time together, laughing and joking about things that the rest of the band didn't understand. Mitch on the other hand, was uncomfortable with the whole affair. He looked at Avi with scorn and distaste, judgement in his dark brown eyes. Kevin smiled happily and pulled Avi away from Kirstin. His eyes were bright and clear. He was ready.

"Are you nervous?"

"Nah Bro." Avi lied and grabbed the hand Kevin proffered, pulled him to his chest and hugged him in their typical bro embrace. Avi's smile remained planted on his face. "I'll go see if everything is ready. Be right back." Avi started to move to the door when he saw Ester standing next to a grumpy Mitch. He looked at her and smiled a soft nervous smile. Avi lied. He was very nervous. Ester wrapped her brother in a warm and loving hug.

"I love you." They sang at each other in unison and laughed. Avi grabbed Mitch and pulled him into his strong arms.

"You know us both so much better than that!" He exclaimed as he rubbed Mitchel's back and kissed his cheek openly. "I love you Mitchie. I do my best to never disappoint you." He gave Mitch a pat on the back, another smile then turned for the door. One day Mitch would not be so skeptical.

He was nervous and very tired, it had been a long couple of days waiting for this day. A lot of planning had gone into making this day special. He was so happy, so proud, so tired. Just when he thought things couldn't get any better for them, they did. Today was going to be epic. His parents would be along soon, his brother was on his way. He was sure to have the most awesome birthday of his life. It was already the best. He knocked on the door.

"Hey, it's just me, Avi. Is anyone naked." She was so beautiful he almost cried. He walked over and kissed the top of Rayne's head.

"How are you feeling Love?" He whispered and smiled. "Do you feel up to company?" He questioned sweetly. Rayne laughed. His hair was down and it tickled her nose when he leaned in to kiss her head.

"It's your birthday." She smiled. "We should be doing something special for that." She stated plainly and tried not to glance around the room at all of the things that had been stashed for him.

"I know." He smiled and kissed her gently. He took her hand and pulled it to his lips. "You need this." He said as he slipped a simple gold band on her finger. "I hope it'll do until you can wear the other one again." The radiance of Rayne's smile matched Avi's. "This is already the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you. You always give me the greatest gifts." He smiled and kissed her gently again. "Can I get the other's? The band's all here. Kate and Ester too!" He was too happy to be as tired as he looked. "My parents and brother will meet your mom at the airport and join us later." He could not contain his smile when she looked at him her mouth gaping. She composed herself quickly.

"Give me a moment to get ready. Can you hand me my brush please?"

"Do you want your hair up or down?" Avi asked grabbing her hair brush.

"Up please." Rayne smiled, still wondering how she had gotten so lucky.

Everyone stopped talking when Avi returned to the room. He looked happily exhausted. They all smiled.

"Okay. Quietly. And only for a little while. She needs sleep, and so do I." Out of habit, Avi knocked on the door and paused before opening it and walking in. Rayne had turned the lights on and was sitting in the rocking chair with the most radiant smile on her face Avi had ever seen. All around her were green and silver balloons and several dark green gift bags.

"Happy Birthday Avi." They all said quietly so not to wake the baby still sleeping in Rayne's loving arms. Avi didn't bother with trying to hold back the tears of pure joy that ran down his face and into his beard.