Reluctantly, Zack moved back a bit from his parents, smiling when his mother wiped away his tears. "I missed you both," Zack said.
"We missed you too, baby," Mrs. Fair smiled back through the tears.
"It's good to have you home," Mr. Fair added.
"I'm so sorry," Zack said, "I didn't mean to put you through all this."
"Not your fault, son," Mr. Fair said firmly.
"There's so much I need to tell you," Zack insisted.
"We have time," Mrs. Fair soothed, "Don't get so worked up. Now, why don't you introduce your friends and then we'll go inside and talk."
"Well, you've met Cloud, right?" Zack said.
"Of course," Mrs. Fair said, "It's good to see you again, dear."
Cloud smiled. "I'm glad I brought you good news this time."
"This is Reno," Zack pointed out the Turk.
"We've met," Reno said, "Nice to see ya again. It's been awhile."
"Have you been staying out of trouble, Reno?" Mrs. Fair asked with mock-severity.
"Of course," Reno grinned with over-done innocence.
"That smirk does not fill me with confidence," Mr. Fair chuckled.
"This is Kunsel," Zack continued, "He's a friend of mine from SOLDIER. We ran into each other when we stopped in Costa Del Sol on the way here."
"Nice to meet you," Kunsel nodded politely.
"That's Cid," Zack said, "He flew us here."
"That was very kind of you," Mr. Fair said.
"Don't sweat it," Cid shrugged, "Any friend of Cloud's is a friend of mine."
"And this is Callandra," Zack sucked in a breath as he waited for the standard reaction.
Mr. and Mrs. Fair smiled warmly. They'd never seen Sephiroth or his eyes. Callandra managed t timid smile in return.
"It's nice to meet you all," Mrs. Fair said, "Now come on in and I'll get you some of my Gongagan sun tea. And I hope you like cookies."
Herding them all inside, Mr. Fair, turned back to the group, "I hope you're not too tired. The village is having a bonfire tonight to celebrate Zack's homecoming."
"I'm always up for a party," Reno assured him.
Mr. Fair led them into the living room. It was a cozy room. A sofa, loveseat, and armchair graced the wooden floor arranged so that people could face each other while they talked. Flowers and various knick-knacks graced the tables and the mantle. Mrs. Fair bustled off towards the kitchen. Cissnei and Callandra followed.
"May we help you, Mrs. Fair?" Callandra offered shyly.
"Thank you dear," Mrs. Fair beamed, "Please take this tray of cookies in while Cissnei and I get the tea."
Following the sounds of voices, Callie returned to the living room and placed the cookies on the coffee table. She smirked as the male occupants reached for a cookie.
"You better grab one," Mr. Fair laughed, "Or there won't be any left."
"I can fend for myself," Callie grinned, snatching Reno's chocolate chip cookie from his hand and taking a bite.
Reno blinked several times, staring indignantly at his now empty hand. He pouted then grabbed another cookie off the plate while the others laughed.
Callandra took a seat next to Reno as Cissnei and Mrs. Fair hurried in carrying tall glasses of sun tea. Cloud took a seat on the floor and Cissnei eased down next to him while Cid leaned comfortably against the wall.
After everyone was munching on cookies and happily sipping tea, Mrs. Fair sat on the sofa next to her son. She took his hand. "Now, Zack, you can say whatever you want."
Glancing desperately at his friends, Zack didn't know where to start. Cloud smiled reassuringly at his friend then took a deep breath.
"I haven't been completely honest with you," Cloud admitted solemnly.
"Neither have I," Cissnei said, "I hope that when you hear the truth you'll forgive us."
"What are you talking about," Mr. Fair demanded.
"It started when I went on a mission to Wutai with my mentor Angeal," Zack began.
They told the story together, their voices weaving in and out when Zack's voice would falter or they could offer a perspective the others didn't have. Callandra listened, learning many things that had been hidden from her by the three men she'd loved most. Thus, the story flowed from the time of Angeal's disappearance to their arrival in Gongaga.
"Zack," Mrs. Fair whispered, "I never thought . . . my poor baby." She glanced at her husband who seemed to be in shock, gripping the arms of his chair with white knuckled fingers.
"It's okay, Mama," Zack smiled gently, "All things considered, I'm pretty lucky," he looked around meaningfully at his friends old and new.
"We're sorry we didn't tell you everything," Cloud said.
"We just didn't want to cause you anymore pain," Cissnei added.
Zack's father seemed to shake himself. "You know I don't like lies, Cissnei," Mr. Fair said, "But I know your heart was in the right place."
"It's in the past anyway," Zack said, "I just want to focus on the future."
"That's right," Mrs. Fair smiled brightly, wiping away tears, "Now I bet you want to freshen up a bit before the bonfire. You think it's safe to have it?"
"I doubt Koyoto's men have managed to locate us so easily," Cloud said, "We're probably okay for a couple of days."
"You two seem to be handing this pretty well," Reno observed, "It's a lot to dump on you."
"We've had a few days to come to terms with it," Mr. Fair reminded them.
"Besides," Mrs. Fair added, "Zack's home Nothing else matters." She squeezed her son's hand.
"Come on," Cissnei said to Callandra, "You can change in my room."
"Your room?" Zack lifted an eyebrow.
"Cissnei was here so much that we gave her a room of her own," Mr. Fair explained, "She's been like a daughter to us for the last few years."
Cissnei glanced anxiously at Zack, fearful that he'd resent her place in his parent's lives. Instead, Zack only smiled, his eyes showing his gratitude for her looking after his parents when he couldn't.
"Now," Cissnei said, "Follow me."
"Thanks," Callie gave the other woman a tentative smiled. Her smiled widened when Cissnei returned it.
As she followed Cissnei out of the room, Callie grabbed her duffle, pausing to look over her shoulder at Zack. The ex-SOLDIER nodded reassuringly.
Silently, Callie followed the ex-Turk up the stairs until she stopped at one of the doors.
"This is my room," Cissnei opened the door, "Come in."
Inside, the women stared at each other for a long moment. Callandra braced herself for questions and accusations. She'd been aware of how often Cissnei's gaze had rested upon her.
"Thank you," Cissnei said.
"Excuse me?" Callie blinked in confusion.
"Thanks for helping Zack," Cissnei clarified, "If there's anything I can do . . ."
"I've been more than repaid," Callie said softly, "Zack is . . ."
Smiling in understanding, Cissnei said, "Zack's special. I've never known anyone else like him."
"You left the Turks because of him," Callie stated.
"Yes," Cissnei said, "I watched him die you know. I couldn't do anything but sit in that helicopter and watch. It was my fault because I was too late."
"No," Callie shook her head, "Just because you couldn't stop it doesn't make it your fault. You tried. That alone could have gotten you killed."
"I should have thought of something," Cissnei disagreed.
"Zack was unable to stop Angeal or Sephiroth. I failed as well," Callie whispered, "Does that mean that everything that happened is our fault?"
"Who are you?" Cissnei asked, gently.
"I'd rather not get into it," Callie's smile was sad, "It won't set the mood for a celebration. Ask me tomorrow or get the story from Reno. Tonight I just want to forget and enjoy myself."
Cissnei searched those jade eyes. In them, she saw a plea and a promise. "Well," she said, "We'd better start getting ready."
Digging through her duffle, Callie frowned. "I'm not sure what to wear. I didn't really go to many picnics."
"What's that?" Cissnei asked spying a light blue material.
"Just a skirt I bought in Costa del Sol," she shrugged, "I never wear them. It was silly. I should have left it on the ship."
Lifting it out of the bag, Cissnei held it up. "It's beautiful," she said, "You should wear it."
Callie looked doubtful and Cissnei smiled. Despite the twin swords on her back, Callie looked young and uncertain. The former Turk had also seen her look to Zack for reassurance and the gentle warmth with which he had responded. The red head was lonely and having grown up within Shinra, Cissnei understood loneliness.
"Come on. I've got one I'll wear too. I'll help you get ready," Cissnei said.
Surrendering, Callie let Cissnei guide her with gentle insistence.
OOOOOOOOOO
Zack and Cloud had changed quickly. . Zack looked handsome but casual dressed in blue jeans and a green muscle shirt. Also, dressed in jeans, Cloud had chosen a comfortable black tee. They took a moment to debate on whether or not they should wear their swords.
"We could be wrong about them finding us," Cloud pointed out.
"Yeah, but I don't want to scare anybody," Zack said.
"Why don't you leave them just inside the door," Reno suggested, "I'll be packing and your weapons will be close if you need them."
"I'm keepin' mine with me," Cid said stubbornly, "The Venus Gospel ain't as intimidatin' as those hunks of metal ya'll carry but she does the job."
Zack and Cloud looked each other, deliberating. "I'm leaving mine here," Zack decided, "Hopefully, I won't regret it."
"I'll leave mine too," Cloud nodded, "Reno and Cid should be able to cover us long enough to get them if we need them. Cid's right. People won't be as afraid of his spear as they would be of our swords."
Kunsel hesitated then sighed. "Guess I'll leave mine too."
Setting their weapons against the wall just inside the door, the boys joined the villagers. Tables of food had been set up and laughter already filled the air. Children darted between the tables while some of the men and older boys prepared for the bonfire that would be lit at dusk.
"The bonfire is an important tradition here," Zack said quietly, "Every boy is taught how to properly build and light one."
Zack's neighbors quickly noted his presence and welcomed him home warmly.
"Still causing trouble," Mr. Plains said gruffly, though his eyes twinkled.
Mrs. White offered Zack and his friends freshly made muffins. "I'm so glad you're home," she smiled, patting Zack's arm.
The girls of the village flocked to Zack though they cast curious gazes at the others. Zack's parents joined the gathering their joy visible to all. Zack was speaking to his third grade teacher when Cloud tapped him on the shoulder.
"What is it, Spikey?" Zack asked after he excused himself.
"Take a look at what's coming out of your house," Cloud said eyes wide.
Turning, Zack felt his jaw drop. Cissnei emerged followed by a shyly reluctant Callandra. The former Turk was lovely in a denim mini skirt and black tank but Callandra caused Zack to suck in a sharp breath.
A sky blue skirt fell to her ankles, the slit soaring up the right leg to reveal smooth skin and a shapely, toned thigh. Delicate lace danced at the hem. A while camisole dipped low while white sandals graced her feet. It seemed that she had also chosen to leave her weapons in the house though Cissnei no doubt had a gun hidden somewhere on her person.
Zack's feet recovered before his brain, carrying him swiftly towards the women. Callie turned toward him causing now loose hair to sway in luxurious waves about her waist.
"Wow," Zack said, "You both look great." Offering both girls an arm, Zack grinned, "Shall we?"
Taking Zack's arm, Cissnei smirked at the jealous pouts on the faces of the ex-SOLDIER's admirers.
"Hey Fair," Reno called as he approached. The Turk had ditched his jacket and his shirt draped gracefully across his lanky frame. "No hogging both of the prettiest girls here."
"Not my fault you were too slow," Zack teased.
"Gotta leave something for the rest of us," Kunsel grinned as he joined them.
"You're assuming you have a chance," Cissnei said.
"I've been told I'm pretty charming," Kunsel smirked.
"Zack doesn't count," Cissnei fired back.
"Hey! Don't drag me into this," Zack laughed, holding up his hands.
Chuckling, Callie eyed the villagers. Though many of them seemed curious no one seemed hostile or unnerved by her unusual eyes. To them she was just a normal woman who happened to be friends with Zack.
"Why don't you take Callandra around and introduce her," Cissnei said, "Reno and I have some catching up to do."
"Sounds good," Zack agreed, though he cocked a brow curiously.
"I don't know," Callie said, starting to pull away.
"It's fine," Zack said, holding onto her hand, "I promise." He tugged gently and she allowed him to guide her away.
"Now," Cissnei turned to Reno, "Callandra said if I wanted to know about her to ask you. So spill."
"Let's walk," Reno sighed, "This isn't stuff just anybody needs to know." He glanced at Kunsel. "You might as well come along, yo. I hate repeating myself."
Glancing uneasily at each other, Cissnei and Kunsel followed Reno towards the woods.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mrs. Fair watched subtly as Zack guided Callandra from group to group. The girl seemed shy but relaxed bit by bit. Her son stayed close to the redhead, managing to her Callandra a part of the conversation. Several times Callandra laughed, no doubt at some tale from Zack's rambunctious childhood. When Zack excused himself and left Callie alone by the punch, Mrs. Fair made her way past smiling neighbors to join her.
"Enjoying yourself, dear?" Mrs. Fair asked, filling a cup with orange liquid.
"Yes, thank you," Callie said, smiling politely.
"I hope Zack didn't abandon you," Mrs. Fair frowned.
"No, no," Callie assured hastily, "He said he'd be back in a few minutes. I'm fine, really."
"I wanted to thank you for helping my boy," Mrs. Fair said, "The others have known Zack for years and my husband and I are grateful to them but Zack was a stranger to you."
"Not a stranger," Callie corrected, "Not really."
"What do you mean? I thought you didn't meet until," Mrs. Fair paused and took a breath, "He . . . came back."
"you remember Zack's mentor Angeal?" Callie asked. When theolder woman nodded she said, "Well, Angeal was family to me. Zack and I never met back then but Angeal loved Zack like a little brother or maybe a son." She smiled sadly. "That makes Zack family too."
Mrs. Fair listened to what Callie said but also understood that she held back a lot as well.
"You have a lot of secrets, don't you honey?" When Callanda's eyes widened in panic, Mrs. Fair smiled and patted her hand. "You don't have to tell me. You've been good to my son and that's all I need to know." She gave the girl a brief hug before walking away.
Callie stared after her in bemusement.
"Everything okay?" Zack asked as he rejoined her.
"Yeah," she said, "It's fine."
The more Callie mingled with the townsfolk, the more she relaxed. Soon, she found herself alone and speaking easily with people her own age.
When it was dark and the tables had been cleared, Mr. Fair and Zack were given the honor of lighting the bonfire as the villagers cheered. Mrs. Fair wiped a tear from her eye.
Zack lounged in the grass with his friends as the light flicked across their faces.
"Having fun, guys?" Zack asked, leaning back on his elbows.
"Your folks are pretty cool," Reno said as the others nodded.
"It's a bit hot," Kunsel grinned, "But other than that not too bad."
"It's always like that," Zack shrugged, "That's why we celebrate at night. What about you, Callie?"
Lifting her eyes from the flames, she smiled. "Your home is beautiful and the people are very kind."
Pleased by her answer, Zack sighed. "I was worried about what I would be like since the reactor exploded but I should have known better. We Gongagans are tough."
Someone started to play a guitar and Zack recognized the song. "That's a tradition tune," Zack said, "The elders pass them down along with the folklore through the generations."
"People still like to dance to them," Cissnei added as several couples began moving around the fire.
"Kinda primitive," Reno said doubtfully.
"Reno!" Callie lashed out with her foot, catching the Turk in the thigh.
"Ow!"' Reno glared, rubbing his leg.
"It's not primitive," Zack defended, "It's part of who we are."
"It's just a dance, man," Kunsel said, "In fact," he held his hand out to Cissnie, "Let's go."
"Why not," Cissnei shrugged and took Kunsel hand allowing him to pull her to her feet.
Cloud smirked. "I think you stuck your foot in it, Reno."
"Geez," he held up his hands, "Sorry."
"You should be," Zack grinned crookedly. He sprang up and extended a hand to Callandra. "C'mon. I'll teach you."
Callie hesitated until she heard Reno's low snicker. She slid her hand into Zack's. "Hope you aren't too attached to your toes."
Rolling his eyes, Zack tugged her up then waited as she kicked off her shoes.
Smiling, Callie let Zack swing her into the dance. Her natural grace served her well and she quickly picked up the steps.
Zack grabbed her waist, strong hands lifting her into the air with the dance. As she laughed, he noted how delicate she felt despite the strength he knew she held. As he set her back on her feet, she smiled, cheeks rosy with carefree joy.
Cloud and Reno watched their friends in amusement.
"So what do ya think, Strife?" Reno jerked his head towards Zack and Callie.
"I dunno," Cloud said, thoughtfully, "It's a bit soon to think much of anything isn't it?"
"Maybe," Reno shrugged uncomfortably, "It's just I've never seen her like this."
"Like what?" Cid demanded, lighting a cigarette.
"Free."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
As the evening drifted on people began to slip back to their homes. Zack and his friends were the last ones sitting around the fire.
"Thanks guys," Zack said quietly.
Cloud laid a hand on his shoulder, "That's what friends are for, right?"
"Yeah," Zack smiled, "Thanks, Spike. So, did everyone have a good time?"
"This is a nice town," Cid said, "Hotter than hell but nice."
Mrs. Fair appeared at the doorway of her house. "Time to come in, kids. Put out that fire."
Sharing a grin, the group stood and set about putting the fire. As the others drifted towards the house, Callandra hung back, eyes locked on the star-sprinkled sky.
Today had been special. Though danger loomed over them, Callandra had been able to forget everything. Zack's neighbors had accepted her freely. She had never been this comfortable amongst strangers she was trying to kill before.
Noticing Callie's hesitation, Zack murmured to Cloud, "Go ahead in, Cloud. Tell Mom I'll be in soon."
"Sure," Cloud agreed, dropping his head to hide his grin.
Zack watched Callie for a moment as the moonlight played with the highlights in her hair.
"You okay?" Zack asked, coming to stand beside her.
"Yeah," Callie nodded, "I guess I'm just not ready for the night to end."
"Hey," Zack's eyes lit up, "I wanna show you something. Just hold up a minute."
Jogging to his house, Zack disappeared inside before emerging several minutes later with the Buster Sword and her gunblades. They both took a moment to slip in the straps securing the magnetic sheaths on their back.
Zack grinned. "C'mon."
Bemused, Callandra followed the ex-SOLDIER up a hill and into the woods. She followed in easily, lifting her skirt a bit to keep it from snagging.
Pausing at a stream, Zack said, "We're almost there. I'll carry you across so you don't get wet."
"Thanks, but that's not necessary." Giving Zack an impish grin, Callie backed up three steps before sprinting towards the riverbank. Just before the edge, she leaped, laughing as she soared across. Her feet impacted gently and she turned back to Zack with a raised brow.
Laughing, Zack said, "Guess I shoulda known better. Hold up a second." Easily mimicking the woman's actions, Zack joined her on the other side. "Just a little further."
Walking up the path after Zack, Callandra found herself at the edge of a cliff looking out over the valley below. "Whoa," she breathed.
Starlight flitted gently over Gongaga and the surrounding forest.
"The last time I was here was when Cloud and I were running. Not the best of times," Zack sighed and looked up at the sky, "Before that, when I was a kid, it was my favorite place to come when I needed some space."
"It's beautiful," Callie chuckled, "Actually, beautiful doesn't cover it." She took Zack's hand. "Thank you for sharing this with me."
"You're welcome." Zack brushed a few strands of hair from her eyes.
Neither ever knew who leaned forward first, but their lips met in a sweet but tentative kiss. Zack wrapped a strong arm around her waist while Callie slid slender fingers into his hair.
Separating slowly, they looked at each other for several heavy seconds. Shaking her head, numbly, Callie said, "I can't. I can't do this, Zack." She backed away stepping out of their embrace. "Gaia, what am I doing? I'm so sorry, Zack. I just can't." The last came out as a whisper. Tears glittered on her lashes. She spun and sprinted down the path.
Heart pounding, images of Aerith throbbing behind his eyes, but Callie's taste on his lips, Zack let her go.
Well, there you go guys. Finally an update. I'm working a lot more now so things might go more slowly than I like but I'll get there. Thanks for sticking with me!
iSnuffles: :-D
Shade the Bat: Glad you liked it!
Oodball167: I'm glad you liked their interaction. Sephiroth is of course awesome and I'm very fond of Cissnei. Callie like's Zack and is good to him and that goes a long way with Cissnei.
TigerRaiken: Well, no flash backs this time but there will most likely be more. I think in a situation like this its necessary. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much and I look forward to future reviews.