Chapter Seven

Totally unaware of the commotion at home, Kairi was staying after school to finish an English project. She hated English. It was a useless subject to her. Who wants to write papers about nothing all day? Sure, she loved reading, but she had no time for that. Every ounce of her free time was spent working at the restaurant with Tifa and sometimes, Cloud. Kairi was busy with homework and work. Why did she have to worry about a stupid paper? She had enough things to worry about.

Kairi was completely unaware of all the stares that she was getting. She didn't know that Roxas had come in and blatantly kissed the English teacher on the lips. Kairi, doing her homework, did not know anything about it. Then, all the gossip started.

Sora was out in the picnic area having a grand old time with Hayner, Olette and Riku. Yuffie came skidding to a halt in front of them. She leaned on her knees, catching her breath. When she did, she brought herself to a standing position and looked at Sora.

"Your brother just kissed that English teacher in the library. Kairi was there—" she was cut off by Sora's sudden movement. He ran toward the door near the English hall.

"Wait!" Yuffie yelled. Sora halted and looked back for a minute. "She didn't see anything!" Sora just looked at her in disbelief.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" he asked. Yuffie explained the situation to him quickly. He nodded and then started to look thoughtful. He looked at Riku.

"No," Riku said. He was shaking his head fast and hard. Sora smiled and nodded. He ran toward the direction of the library.

Kairi was reading a book and doing a report when she heard someone sit down beside her. She glanced up to find Sora sitting next to her. He was grinning at her.

"Hey, what are you doing this Friday?" he asked loudly. She flushed bright pink.

"I have a boyfriend," she said impatiently. Sora gave her a crooked grin. She put her book and pencil down and sighed.

"What do you want, Sora?" she asked. He looked hurt at her for a minute. Then, he started to look cheery.

"I want to ask you if the boyfriend wants to come over for dinner Friday night," he said. Kairi nodded and beamed. Sora just smiled softly. He looked behind him where Roxas was glaring at him.

After Kairi got her work done, she rode home with Olette. Olette begged to come in, so Kairi let her. They had been close friends once, until Kairi had become isolated from everyone. Kairi never told anyone the reason for that, not even her brother.

They were chatting when Kairi heard a scream. Kairi rushed to open the door when she saw Tifa screaming at Aerith's belly. Aerith was six months along with Cloud's baby. She radiated from her pregnancy. Kairi smiled as she came in. she set stuff down on one of the tables. Then, she saw everyone.

"Zack!" she cried. She ran to him and hugged him. He had been like an older brother to her when she was younger. She hugged him tightly and he laughed and hugged her protectively. Then, she glanced around. She saw Cloud standing near Aerith. She went and hugged him to. They had a silent conversation, because that was what they did, before she turned to Axel.

He stood there in jeans and a rock band t-shirt. He put a hand through his long red hair and smiled his brotherly smile. Kairi smiled and tears came down her cheeks. They hugged forever. He whispered everything that he did abroad in her ear. She laughed when she wanted to and continued hugging him.

"Guys, what are we going to have for dinner?" a very hungry Aerith asked. Tifa laughed and then went to the kitchen. Zack followed her. That was what he did. When she didn't lead, he would. They were each other's support system. It had been like that for so long tat no one questioned it now. No one ever thought about his or her relationship in a bad way.

Sora came walking in a couple of minutes later with Riku. Axel broke off from Kairi and high-fived Sora. Sora laughed and then Cloud came over to give him a noogie. Aerith hovered like a protective sister, but kept her distance. Kairi laughed silently at the image it made.

A couple of minutes later, a very pissed Tifa came out of the kitchen. She glared at everyone then turned toward Zack.

"What do you mean that you can't stay?" she yelled at him. He sighed and spoke to her calmly.

"I have to go back," he said. "My tour isn't over yet."

"I can't deal with this. You've been gone for two years! I'm not allowing it!" Tifa yelled. Zack growled his answer at her.

"I am not giving up my job!"

"Yes you are! I need you here!"

"I want to be here, but I have responsibilities! I can't run from them! I'm not your father!" that hit a tender spot. Tifa's eyes glowed silver and her cheeks became ruby red.

"My father has nothing to do with this! I can't go on like this! It's either me or the highway!" she yelled. Then they all heard a tsking from the other side of the room.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Tifa, you are so much like your mother," a well-dressed woman chided as she came in the front door. She wore a sapphire colored suit. Her brown hair was held in a bun and her blue eyes glowed. She smiled at Tifa. Then she turned toward Sora.

He had frozen completely. He had been laughing when Tifa and Zack were arguing because it was normal. They would argue, make up and then argue all over again. He stared at the woman before them. Then, he took a step and another hesitantly. He stood before her and touched her cheek. He checked to see if she was real or not. Then, he collapsed and took her waist and held it to him. He cried into her waist. She bent down and held his head to her cheek.

"Hi, baby," she said. He held her closely. She smiled down at him. Tifa wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Hi, Aceline," she said. The woman smiled.

A/N: How do you like them apples? Review and tell me what you think because I'm not updating until I see 5 reviews. I don't mean to be mean, but I would like the reviews. Anyways… see that button that you want to push? Push it!

'Til next time!