Blossoms in Midgar

Written by Whimsical Symphony

My apologies for the late update, though I did end up starting a new story with my nasty story jumping habit. Also, I apologize for the made up names for Zack's parents - I don't believe they were ever mentioned in canon. If I am mistaken, feel free to correct me and I'll jump right on it. Hope you enjoy the chapter and will tell me what you think. Constructive criticism and comments are all appreciated. I always attempt to answer individually to each.

Chapter 11 – Horrible Misunderstandings

After the dinner, then handing in the reports to Tseng the next day, Tifa found herself in another helicopter headed for Gongaga along with Genesis, Sephiroth, Zack, Cloud and the two cadet friends of his she had met the other day. They, surprisingly, seemed to be in shock due to sitting next to the General, even Nexus, despite his calm, sophisticated foot he put forward. Sephiroth looked out the window coolly. Like that, it seemed as if he was untouchable, some higher entity that shouldn't even be talked about. Tifa could understand why Nexus was in awe, Lyon as well.

The mission entailed finding out the issue with the reactor; apparently it wasn't functioning correctly. They were entrusted with finding out the issue with it, which wasn't such a hassle. Tifa's main responsibility was to ensure she could fill out a report for this afterward, and write a detailed summary of what happened, so that she could hand it to Tseng. She learned Gongaga was Zack's hometown from Genesis. The male had been jittery, excited, because he hadn't gotten to see his parents in such a long time. He'd visited a few times since he started as a SOLDIER, but not often. He told her he always wanted to, but then jobs always came up over the times he planned to visit, leaving him dejected and gloomy for a week afterward, so much so that he said he was surprised he hadn't gotten killed while attempting his missions.

Tifa had, prepared, taken motion sickness pills before she had boarded the copter. She had no fear of vomiting now; the incident which had happened last time, just thinking about it, made her mortified. Genesis and Zack had seen her vomit – definitely embarrassing.

Almost as if sensing her discomfort, Genesis caressed her hair, brushing his fingers through it in a comforting manner. "You'll be just fine, Tifa. After all, you are prepared this time. "There is no hate, only joy, for you are beloved by the goddess…" he cooed, softly, soothingly. Tifa had always noticed the soft, buttery texture of his voice, silky almost. Even when she felt ill, listening to his voice had calmed her right down.

"What happened last time?" Cloud asked. It was much louder than he'd usually ask a question, but he'd rather ask it so that Genesis would, hopefully, remove his hands from Tifa's form. At times though, looking at Genesis made him dislike himself. At least he had no shame in letting Tifa know he cared for her, even if she hardly noticed. Cloud couldn't gather up the courage to actually shower her with the affection that Genesis did. Just to spite him though, Cloud grasped Tifa's hand tightly with his own and gazed into her eyes with worry. "Did you get sick?" Tifa felt herself touched by his concern, both of their concern really. It was incredible how caring all of them were to her, Zack as well last time who told her he didn't care that she had vomited, and Cissnei who cared for her like a mother.

"She vomited and has now realized she gets motion sickness on helicopters," Zack answered helpfully.

"Understandable, I mean, you haven't been on a mode of flying transportation until you came to Shinra…" Cloud mused. "Nibelheim is a small town and not many people travel outside there. The next town is extremely far…" He paused for a moment, reluctant to tell Tifa. "On the first helicopter I took, I vomited as well. Took a while, but I think I've gotten used to them."

"He's telling the truth. Right all over me, too!" Zack exclaimed. "Both he and Cissnei simultaneously, unfortunately. Apparently I work as a pretty good dartboard." Cloud chuckled in response.

"It is understandable for those coming from small towns where airships aren't common," Genesis added. Looking hesitant, he continued, also wanting to let Tifa know about his life. "It would have been the same for me as well. Banora is just a small town, Angeal and I grew up there. But due to him being my friend, aircrafts didn't truly affect him. Since I come from a wealthy family, landlords in Banora, we were privileged enough to visit different places in the world. I often went without my own father and mother though…" He didn't continue. Tifa remembered him changing the subject hastily when Cissnei had mentioned his parents once before. She assumed there was a landmine associated with that topic. When Tifa looked at Genesis, she could see a person who came from a wealthy person easily enough. Even if he attempted to blend in, his mannerisms were far to different to be that of a common person, far too flamboyant and extravagant. But, Genesis would never want to blend in, now that Tifa thought of it. He thoroughly enjoyed being the centre of attention. For such an eccentric, but a person who often exhibited exuberance, he looked solemn, his eyes gazing through her to some unknown area not visible to anyone else. For someone young, Tifa thought he seemed to have experienced a lot in his lifetime – he seemed much older.

Tifa sat further back in her seat, feeling her stomach lurch uncomfortably when the aircraft began to life itself from the ground. She, like Nexus and Lyon, seemed to be in an uncomfortable spot, squished tightly in between Genesis and Cloud, both of whom kissed her hand, Genesis, and held her other hand tightly, Cloud, when they saw her discomfort with the moving aircraft. "If I vomit on you Zack, I sincerely apologize." Her reason for saying that might have been to change the subject, not make Genesis more forlorn than he already seemed.

"No problem," he said, grinning. "I'm an expert now at handling the junk. Feel free to vomit on me if you need to. I come from a small town, and like a large percentage of the population, I've never gotten motion sickness, but I know how it feels to be vomited on and welcome it with open arms." Despite the odd claim, Tifa smiled. Zack was truly a kind individual – she imagined this Aeris was an extremely lucky person to have him. He always came through when it counted the most, and was perhaps the most loyal friend she had ever witnessed, even going so far as to handle projectile vomit. Cloud was lucky as well to have him, she mused.

"Calm yourself, Tifa," Sephiroth had stated. "Cissnei's medicine is quite effective when it comes to preventing the bouts of nausea from causing vomit to travel outside your body. Because of her own issues with it, she made a request to Vice President Rufus indicating that it was affecting her job. As a result, he obtained the best motion sickness pills that Midgar has to offer. He has nothing much else to spend his money on," he said bluntly. "Vice President Rufus only truly buys anything for someone else when he is restless and unable to entertain himself. He enjoys trips to the store for such purposes."

Nexus and Lyon looked at him blankly. Lyon spoke up first. "General, he has no other work to do?"

Tifa looked curious as well. Sephiroth sighed. "In fact, he probably has much more work to handle than the majority of us. His father," he bit out with an awful lot of disrespect, "often pushes work on to him. It is precisely because of this reason that he attempts to spare time for normal frivolities."

From this, Tifa could discern that he didn't quite respect President Shinra quite so much as people would believe him to, and did hold the enigmatic Rufus Shinra in some high regard. She was curious on what this Rufus was like, though Elena and Rude had both warned her not to approach him, that he was some incorrigible womanizer. But, Sephiroth seemed to find some good in him, which meant, even slightly, he was worth approaching, for Tifa held Sephiroth in high regard.

"You don't respect President Shinra then, General?" Nexus whispered. Sephiroth looked at him and raised one eyebrow to approve the obvious answer.

"Seph, lighten up – we'll be there soon," Zack stated anxiously, sensing something about his best friend that Genesis seemed aware of, but not Cloud, Tifa, nor the two cadets. Sephiroth visibly calmed down, his stiff shoulders relaxing, his posture even, somewhat. Zack turned towards Tifa then, giving her a smile. "You should rest a bit, Tifa. You'll feel better in no time, and I can vouch for Seph on Cissnei's medication working. She never once vomited on me after the first time."

"Sleep soundly, Teef," Cloud whispered and wrapped his left arm around her shoulders. Her head came to a rest on his shoulder. This was much to the dismay of Genesis who was hoping to do just that, so he settled for just her hand instead, pressing the palm lightly with the thumb of his leather glove upon his hand.

Faded memories of Nibelheim filled her mind, and like the pages of a worn novel, she turned them, uncovering the mysteries written on each, enjoying the texture that writing could bring, how she could feel. She never understood how Cloud made her always smell and taste nostalgia in all its forms. She fell asleep all the while thinking that Zack was more skilled than he seemed at changing the subject.

They soon reached Gongaga, a small village which reminded Tifa vaguely of Nibelheim, from the dirt paved pathways to the small residences. Zack wasn't lying at all when he said he came from a small town, though his house was a little larger than the rest of them. He pointed to the far end of the village and told them his house was down on that end. So, they walked, enduring the curious glances of villagers.

"Hey, is that Zack?" one whispered. Zack waved to the groups of villagers, grinning widely. It was easy to see that Zack was relieved to be back. Even though he was a SOLDIER of exceptional ability, homesickness was a common illness for everyone. Midgar, though a large metropolis, could get lonelier than a small town. Tifa saw that now when she went to live there, and almost understood her father's resolution that she had to stay in Nibelheim, and even if she didn't, she would come crawling back on all fours. It would have ended that way, she was certain, if she hadn't found Cloud and hadn't met any of the people she did during her stay. Her father must have also suspected that she would have camped out in the slums, not admitted into Shinra. She remembered seeing their struggle living the first time she had arrived, and without Zack, she was certain she would have become one of them or left for home.

"Since Gongaga is really small, everyone knows each other. It was a big deal when I left to join SOLDIER," Zack explained to the rest of them. "I'm sure it's the same way in Banora and Nibelheim."

"It was the same way in Nibelheim, but all the nearly all the boys there left to join SOLDIER. It was a big deal, but not so much for the individual people," Tifa explained, glancing around at her surroundings. She was still surprised that the trip hadn't ended like it did to Icicle, wherein she vomited. Her stomach lurching this time might have been solely from the paranoia.

They reached the other end of the village in about twenty minutes. Zack took a deep breath, clearly not calm, before walking up the steps of his house and ringing his doorbell. Tifa could only imagine what face he would make when he saw his mother and father. Tifa then wondered what kind of expression she would display if she saw her own father again, still one filled with resentment, but she wondered if that had faded a little. Probably not, considering how the man had referred to both Cloud and Mrs. Strife. Both were kind people, both deserved to be treated better.

The door opened and a middle aged lady stood at the entrance. Her face looked relaxed, though there was considerable worry hidden under her smile. Upon seeing Zack, her relaxation turned to shock. "Zackary?" she whispered. "Is that you?" Her smile was wobbly and tears built up in her eyes. Tifa thought the woman reminded her very much of Mrs. Strife, her mannerisms, her extreme devotion to her son, how she would most likely pretend that nothing was wrong. That was why she discovered Mrs. Strife's problems too late, her depression that was so strong, even if she made sure that around Tifa, she always smiled.

"It's me, mom. I'm home," Zack said, smiling. He opened his arms and embraced his mother tightly. He buried his face in the crook of her neck.

"Zackary, you should have told me you were coming home," his mother said, voice quivering. "I haven't seen you in so long!" Reluctantly, she let go and turned around. She called, "George, look who's home! Zackary is here to see us!"

Another pair of footsteps rushed toward the door. Zack's father soon joined his mother. He, like Zack's mother, exuded a comfortable presence, his face pleasantly creased by smile lines, and tanned by working in the hot sun. He embraced Zack quickly, a strong hug, before the latter even had the chance to greet him. He let go then, his smile in place, attempting to look strong, though one could see that he was on the verge of tears. "Son, how've you been?"

"Good, dad," Zack answered him sheepishly. "Sorry that I haven't gotten much of a chance to visit you guys…" He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Jobs have been taking up my time, but then we have a job here now. I figured it would be a good chance to see you." He looked up to his parents' faces, judging their expressions, wondering if they were frustrated that his job seemed to be taking up much of his time.

"I'm proud of you, son," George said, arms crossed. "That means you're high up in the world now, I always knew you would be. I always hear so much about you now."

Zack flushed in embarrassment. "Well, you know," he mumbled lamely. He looked back at his companions. Genesis in particular seemed to be enjoying his situation, Cloud as well.

Zack's mother peered behind her son's form. She looked thoroughly flustered now. "Oh, we have Zackary's friends as guests too. I'm sorry; I must apologize for making you wait here. I haven't seen my son in so long that…" she trailed off. Her eyes locked on Sephiroth and Genesis. "Sephiroth, Genesis, is that you? I haven't seen you two in so long!" Her eyes then moved onto Cloud. "And you must be Cloud Strife! Zack always calls you his chocobo in the letters he sends to me." She laughed, and Tifa could only compare her attitude to Zack's, optimistic, good natured, and lovable.

"It has been a long time, yes?" Genesis said, a trademark smile coated in charm pasted on his face. "But you must remember: even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return… nor the puppy's return for that matter." He kissed her hand then. "It would do no good for you to worry like you have. Your health will suffer, Angela."

Tifa had to wonder the restraints that he had, even going so far as to kiss the hand of a woman who clearly already had a husband and refer to her by her first name. Though, he probably did so in jest; despite being a charmer, she couldn't visualize Genesis to be the 'other man' in a relationship between a wife and her husband. Genesis was flirty, but he was honourable. In any case, it did make her chuckle.

Angela chortled. "You're just as charming as ever, Genesis. I must thank you for taking care of Zackary. He gets himself into so much trouble."

"It is not a problem," Genesis replied, combing a hand through his hair. It was only natural that he would ensure that not a hair was out of place.

"Genesis, it is good to see you, my boy," George greeted, "even if you find it necessary to try to sweep my wife off of her feet." The serious expression he tried to maintain faltered, and then he was cracking up into full blown laughter.

"You know I mean well," Genesis told him, finally ceasing his self-grooming, satisfied with his appearance. "After all, there is another woman who I believe my romantic intentions would be better aimed toward." He shot a sideward glance at Tifa, who didn't at all notice his firm declaration. He was certain another chocobo did though, and Zack, Sephiroth, and the two cadet friends of Cloud's. He only wondered what misfortune had befallen him when even his most obvious attempts at flirtation couldn't even gain a reaction from his chosen maiden.

"It is good to see you again, Mrs. Fair, Mr. Fair," Sephiroth said stiffly, not quite used to the pleasantries of regular conversation. He was still quite a social recluse, even if he was somewhat more social during the dinner when Tifa had joined them. She imagined it was because he always had to keep up a fearsome attitude around his subordinates, and that Sephiroth didn't know anywhere but Shinra. She had learned it was a taboo subject to encroach upon, but Cissnei had told her that he had grown up in Shinra and hadn't had much contact with the outside world unless it was required of him because of missions. Apparently Genesis and Angeal had become his first close friends, Zack followed soon after. He was a SOLDIER through and through.

"You as well, Sephiroth. Thank you for always taking care of Zackary. I know I can always trust him with you, one of the most responsible men I know," Angela told him, smiling, quite used to his reserved nature. Zack looked humiliated that his mother was thanking everyone for taking care of him, like a child.

George nodded in acknowledgement. "Good to see you, Sephiroth. I missed you helping out with the housework."

Sephiroth nodded, serious. "I will ensure to assist you again." Tifa was surprised that Sephiroth, a feared General, would assist with chores as menial as housework. It added a very human touch to him.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Fair," Cloud said nervously. His hands became clammy and he twiddled his thumbs in a completely unnatural manner. "I'm honoured that Zack has talked about me to you." And indeed he was. Although he was Zack's best friend, he never once assumed that the other would have referred to him at all to his parents. He assumed he cared for Zack more than Zac did for him. In fact, it seemed the opposite was true, considering that in not even the most recent letter to his mother, did he refer to Zack in it. Suddenly, shame welled up from within him.

"I can see he has a wonderful friend in you," Angela replied. George silently agreed after giving him a look over, an appraisal of sorts. Angela turned to Nexus and Lyon. "Who are you two?" she asked curiously.

"I am Nexus," the dark haired one replied, then pointed to his stunned companion, "and this is Lyon. We study alongside Cloud as cadets hoping to reach the SOLDIER program."

"I see," George said gruffly. "I hope you do well. I remember Zack here telling me all about the SOLDIER cadet program back when he was one. You'll do well if you work hard; I have faith in you two."

"We're honoured to receive such compliments from the father of a SOLDIER so great as Zack," Lyon said, voice wavering. He looked down at the floor, completely losing his composure from being in the presence of Zack's father and mother.

Angela then looked at Tifa, who hastily introduced herself, standing tall, making her posture was acceptable. "I am Tifa Lockhart, a Turk in training, and friend of your son and his companions." It surprised Tifa how formal she sounded.

"No need to sound so stiff, Tifa," Angela said, laughing. Tifa's cheeks pooled with heat, turning a nice shade of pink. "We approve of you, don't worry! I can see you're a very beautiful and kind woman!" Angela looked at her slyly. Poor Tifa couldn't understand what she meant.

"Pardon?" she questioned lamely, crossing her arms almost defensively, still looking quite embarrassed. Looking at Zack, she saw him slap his forehead in disbelief.

"Yes, I approve of her too, Angela, son," George said, looking back and forth between the two individuals. Genesis and Cloud were starting to feel negative feelings bubble up in their stomach. "I wouldn't understand why Zack would be embarrassed to tell us, you know, and why Tifa would tell us they're 'friends'. She seems like a wonderful lady."

"What do you mean?" Tifa questioned again, still not understanding. They seemed to be talking about her as if she wasn't there, and although compliments were showered upon her, there was clearly a situation she was missing.

"Well, of course we mean we're happy to have you as our son's girlfriend!" Angela replied knowingly, then embraced the thoroughly stunned Tifa to her chest. "We're happy to welcome you into our family."

Utter shock travelled through the group as quick as lightning and the temperature which was pleasantly warm transformed into a frigid chill. Sephiroth was the only one who was skilled enough to remain visibly passive and conceal his shock.

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