.Chapter twenty-three.

The next few weeks were pretty much routine; Cloak and I had been with his parents and Zanner for a month now and I was only just informed at the beginning of the new cycle that it was close to Christmas.

"You guys celebrate Christmas?" I asked.

"Yep, doesn't everybody?" asked Mr. T, as he hung up a string of tinsel-like stuff above the window.

"I suppose so; I just didn't expect another species to celebrate it." Cloak and I had been roped into the decorating too; at the moment, Cloak was being used as a living foot stool by his mom so that she could reach the top of an old clock they had in the living room.

"Hold still, dear," she said, as Cloak shifted a bit under her.

"Sorry," he apologised; I could see that he wasn't enjoying being a living footstool.

"There, done." Mrs. T stepped down off of Cloak's back and he stood up a bit stiff.

He groaned a bit as he stretched his back. I walked over to him and rubbed his back to help make it feel better.

"Thanks, sweetheart," he smiled, as he looked at me.

"Think nothing of it," I smiled back.

"Hey, you two, look up," said Zanner.

Cloak and I looked at him; he was pointing at something above us. We looked up and saw a small piece of plant hanging above us. Cloak cringed and I… didn't get it.

"Yeah and?" I asked.

Zanner just looked at me.

"Cloak, explain the tradition to your girlfriend," he said.

"This isn't like our mistletoe tradition is it?" I asked before Cloak could open his mouth.

"Explain," said Cloak.

"If you're caught with someone under this plant that grows on earth you have to kiss them."
"Yeah, identical."
I rolled my eyes and gave Zanner a look.

"Well, come on you two; my arm's not gonna stay like this forever," said Zanner with a somewhat annoyed look on his face.

Cloak and I just looked at him.

"Aww, come on!" he groaned.

Cloak and I just chuckled.

"Oh, come on you two; just do it because of the tradition if you don't want to do it for Zanner," said Mrs. T.

Cloak and I just looked at each other.

"Well, I'm not doing it for Zanner and I'm definitely not doing it for the tradition," said Cloak.

Mr. T, Mrs. T and Zanner just looked at him.

"I'm only doing this 'cause it's a decent excuse to kiss her in public," he smiled, as he pulled me closer to him.

Mr. T, Mrs. T, and Zanner just shook their heads at Cloak while he quickly kissed me. Just then there was a knock at the front door.

"I'll go get that," said Mrs. T, as she turned to leave the room.

"Right, we'll just carry on decorating," smiled Mr. T.

"Right." With that she disappeared around the corner to the front door.

Cloak, Zanner and I were about to get onto our next tasks when our work was interrupted by an excited bark and my being flattened by something big and hairy.

"What the shell?!" I exclaimed.

"Bruno get offa 'er," reprimanded a familiar voice.

"Bruno?" Just then I was met by three panting heads, all belonging to the puppy that I had helped raise.

"Guys?!" I asked, as someone pulled Bruno off of me and I was able to sit up.

"Hey," greeted the Triceraton All-stars and Burn.

"Let me help you up," smiled Zap, as he held out a hand for me to take hold of.

I took his hand and he pulled me back onto my feet.

"Zap! Great to see you again," I smiled, as I gave him a hug.

"Ha! It's great to see you too, Cal," he smiled, as he hugged me back.

"So, you're sure you don't mind us pitching a tent in the front yard, Mrs. T?" asked Burn.

"Of course not, but one thing vexes me," replied Mrs. T.

"What?"

"Who invited you?"

"No one; the boys just thought that pitching a tent outside your house would be… a different experience."

"Burn, you're not a very good liar; spill, who was it?" I asked.

Burn just looked in Cloak's direction.

"You?" I asked.

"Yeah, I invited them 'round," smiled Cloak.

"Cloak, if you had told us that you had invited guests around we would have fixed up the barn for them," said Mrs. T.

"Nah, the guys had said previously that they wanted to have a real camping experience and so I suggested they come out here and camp in the front yard."

"Is that true boys?"

"Yes ma'am," chorused the All-stars.

"Well, have fun, but if you want to move indoors just go through to the barn; there's some beds in there that you can use."

"Thanks ma'am." With that the All-stars and Burn started to head back out to the front yard to pitch their tent.

While Mr. T, Mrs. T, and Zanner were distracted by the All-stars and Burn leaving, Cloak took me by my hand, signalled for me to keep quiet and led me out the back.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once out of the backdoor, Cloak started to lead me towards the barn.

"Something wrong, Cloak?" I asked.

"No, I just wanted to show you something," he smiled, as he walked up to the barn door and opened it. He ushered me in, walked in behind me, and closed the door behind him.

"Well, what do you want to show me?"

"Just this." Cloak pulled a lever and suddenly a few training aids came out of the walls and pillars.

"O-kay."

"I used to train in here over the holidays when I was hiding from Zanner."

"Right."

"Also, I wanted to know if you would allow me to train you."

"Train me?"

"Yes." Cloak turned to me to face him and put his hands onto my shoulders.

"I'm not always going to be around to protect you, so I want you to be able to take care of yourself," he said.

"You're too sweet, Cloak," I smiled, as I gently put a hand onto his cheek.

He just smiled at the compliment.

"Am I disrupting something?" asked Zap, as he poked his head into the barn.

"No. I was just showing Cal where we'll be training," smiled Cloak, as he released my shoulders and I released his cheek.

Zap just smiled cheekily and nodded.

"You guys done with your tent yet?" asked Cloak, trying to change the subject.

"That's just it; we need help," said Zap, as a blush started to show on his face.

"Don't you have the instructions?"

"Well, we did, but then a certain member of our team got hold of them and we haven't been able to get them back."

"Who? Burn? Monza?"

"Close; Bruno."

I couldn't help but giggle at the comparison.

"Well, you're obviously not getting them back now," smiled Cloak.

"Yep," replied Zap.

"Head back inside, Cal; I'll be in in a moment." Cloak pushed me forward slightly.

"Right. See you then," I smiled, as I walked past Zap and towards the house.

"You sure I wasn't disturbing you?" I heard Zap ask.

"Of course not; had you disturbed us, I would have pushed you out and closed the door," replied Cloak, as he went around the other side of the house to help the All-stars with their tent.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once back inside, I was met by Zanner.

"So, where did you and Cloaky get to?" he asked with a sly look on his face.

"Cloak was just showing me where we'll be training," I smiled.

"'We' as in you and me or 'we' as in you and Cloak?"
"Cloak and I."

"Good."

I just smiled at him and started to make my way back towards the living room.

"So, what you going to get Cloaky for Christmas?" he asked.

"Uh, I hadn't given it much thought, actually," I replied simply, as I stopped and turn to look at him again.

"Well, if you want my opinion…"

"Yes?"

"How about you get him one of those 'love' necklaces?"

"What?"

"You know, those necklaces with the pendant that breaks in half to form two new pendants?"

"Oh, right. Would he like something like that?"

"Perhaps; I could ask him if you wanted me to."

"Would you?"

"You got it."

"Thanks Zanner." Then I did something I don't usually do; I hugged him.

"Don't let Cloaky catch us like this; I won't make it out alive," he smiled at me.

"Of course," I smiled back.

"You're not usually like this; what's gotten into you?"

I just shrugged.

"I don't really know," I said, as I released him.

"In coming!" came a voice from outside. Just then we heard something running through the living room and suddenly a very hairy creature came skidding into the kitchen.

"Bruno, come here you silly thing," I laughed, as I held out my arms for him to come to me. Bruno shook himself and then walked up to me. I knelt down and gave him a good scratching. Just then Cloak walked in with Bruno's lead in hand.

"Gotcha," he said, as he clipped the lead onto Bruno's collars.

Bruno whined at being caught.

"If you're going to run-a-muck, you're going to need to be controlled with your lead," said Cloak.

Bruno just snorted and then turned his attention back to me.

"I'm done helping the guys out in the front," said Cloak.

"Right," I smiled.

"So, if you would like to come back out to the barn with me…"

"For what?"

"Just training; Monza and Daz will be joining us if it makes you feel better."
"Okay. Let's not keep them waiting." With that I stood up from my position on the floor and started to walk towards the back door.

"Take Bruno to Mixx please, Zanner," said Cloak, as he handed Bruno's lead to Zanner and started to follow me.

"Right," replied Zanner.

I had just reached the back door, but when I reached for the handle I discovered that Cloak had already grabbed hold of it. I looked up at him and he smiled at me.

"May I?" he asked.

"Sure," I smiled, as I backed up a step or so. Cloak nodded, opened the door, and then stepped aside to allow me to go out first.

"Thanks," I smiled, as I walked past him.

"Anytime," he smiled back, as he followed me out and closed the door behind him.

"You looking forward to this training session, Cloak?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I get to spend some quality time with my girl." Cloak caught up with me and put an arm around my shoulders.

I just smiled at him; it was kinda nice being called his girl.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After training, Cloak and I found a spot not too far from the house to relax.

"You're quite a good teacher, Cloak," I smiled, as I looked at him.

"Thanks; you're not a bad student," he smiled.

"Thanks."

"Cloak! Cal! Time to come in," called Mrs. T from the house.

"Coming," we replied in unison.

"Well, let's get going," I said, as I started to stand up.

"Right," smiled Cloak, as he stood up too.

I turned to head inside, but Cloak grabbed me by my wrist before I could take a step.

"Yes?" I asked, as I turned to face him.

"C'mere," he smiled cheekily, as he pulled me closer to him.

"What?" I had a good feeling as to what he was going to do, but I still wasn't entirely sure. Cloak quickly cleared the slight confusion up by kissing me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once our lips had parted, I just smiled at him.

"You don't know how tempting it was to kiss you when we were training," he smiled.

I just gave him a nudge and then started to walk back towards the house still holding his hand.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once inside, we found the All-stars helping in the kitchen.

"You look good in an apron, Monza," I smiled.

"Very funny," smiled Monza, as he moved a dish onto the table.

"Cal, mind if I talk to you?" asked Mrs. T.

"Sure," I replied, as I released Cloak's hand and started to follow her out of the kitchen.

"Mind keeping an eye on the All-stars, Cloak dear?"

"Course not, mom," smiled Cloak.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once out of the kitchen.

"Yes, Mrs. T?" I asked.

"I wanted to know if you would like to come Christmas shopping with me tomorrow," replied Mrs. T.

"Yeah, I would like that. Thanks."

"No problem; I thought you might want to find something for Cloak."

"Yeah, and who better to go with than his mom?"

Mrs. T just smiled at the comment.

"How much longer are you two going to be talking?" asked Cloak, as he poked his head into the room we were in.

"We're done; I was bringing her back now," smiled Mrs. T, as she started to walk back into the kitchen.

"What did my mom want?" asked Cloak, as he walked up to me.

"Nothing to worry about, Cloak," I smiled.

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Cloak just smiled.

"Come on, you two, time for dinner," said Zanner, as he poked his head into the room we were in.

"Coming," said Cloak, as he looked at Zanner over his shoulder.

Zanner gave Cloak a teasing look; Cloak just frowned at him and growled.

Zanner chuckled at his cousin and went back into the kitchen.

Cloak just growled a bit in frustration.

"Come on, let's get going," I smiled, as I took hold of his arm and started to lead him towards the kitchen.

"Why don't you get annoyed with him?" asked Cloak.

"I just ignore him."

"You'll have to teach me how to do that."

I just smiled at him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Mrs. T and I went out bright and early; we left a note for Mr. T, Cloak, and Zanner to let them know where we were so that they wouldn't worry. Mrs. T is a surprisingly efficient shopper; I had expected to stay out for several helates, but she had done a majority of her shopping in under one helate.

"Now, what were you thinking of getting?" asked Mrs. T.

"I'm not sure," I replied.

"Well, come on let's see what we can find."

With that Mrs. T took the lead once again and we soon found something for each of the guys back home; I even found her something, but didn't tell her that.

"Now we just have to find something for Bruno and Cloak," I said, as I checked who we had shopped for.

"Okay, well what does Bruno like?" asked Mrs. T.

"Squeaky toys; he loves squeaky toys."

"Okay, and Cloak?"

"I have no idea."

"We'll come back to him then."

I nodded and started to follow Mrs. T as she started to lead the way again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After locating some decent squeaky toys for Bruno, Mrs. T took me into a little jewellery store to see if we could find anything to inspire an idea for Cloak's present.

"Ah, velcom ladies; vat can I do fer you today?" asked the sales man; he was a light brown Triceraton with a moustache.

"It's okay, we're just trying to find some inspiration for her boyfriend's present," replied Mrs. T.

"Ahhh, a boyfriend. Vat iz hiz name?"

"Cloak," I replied.

"Cloak; und your name?"

"Cal."

"Hmm, I zink I have just ze zing." The sales man disappeared behind the counter and came out with a necklace of sorts.

"Zis iz ze last 'Cal' haf hearts I have."

"A necklace?" asked Mrs. T.

"Yez; zo vat do you zink?" asked the sales man.

"Would Cloak wear something like this?"

"I don't know; Zanner said he would ask Cloak about something like this," I replied.

"Well,… Zanner hasn't been wrong about what to get Cloak yet."

I just nodded.

"Do you have a matching 'Cloak' half heart?" asked Mrs. T.

"Unfortunately, zat iz reserved," apologised the sales man.

"That's okay," I said.

"You sure, dear?" asked Mrs. T.

"Yeah."

"Okay. Do you mind gift wrapping it?"

"Course not," smiled the sales man.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After paying for the necklace, Mrs. T and I headed back home to find Cloak waiting on the porch for us.

"Morning, Cloak," I smiled, as I walked up to him.

"Morning," he smiled back, as he met me half way. I set down the bags I was carrying for Mrs. T and gave him a hug as soon as he got close enough.

"Don't disappear like that," he whispered into my ear just before kissing my cheek.

"We left a note," I said before kissing him on his cheek.

"I know, but… I like to see you in the morning." Cloak released me and I released him from our embrace.

"Come on, dear, let's get in before Zanner comes out," said Mrs. T.

"No worries about that, mom; Zanner disappeared shortly after we discovered your note," Cloak informed us.

"Really? That's not like Zanny."

Cloak just shrugged and turned his attention back to me.

"Want me to help carry those?" he asked with a smile.

"No, it okay; I got it," I smiled back; I could see that he was just being sneaky.

"Just because Zanner's not here to be a pest doesn't mean you have to act like him, Cloak dear," smiled Mrs. T, as we headed inside.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas day soon came and Zanner had us all up by five in the morning; if you think your average five year old is bad on Christmas morning, try Zanner some time and you'll be glad to have just the five year old.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After watching everyone, including Bruno, open their gifts, Cloak and I were the only two yet to open our gifts from each other.

"Come on you two; let's see how well you did," smiled Mrs. T.

Cloak and I looked at each other, the uneasiness of our choices showing in our eyes.

"Go at the same time," suggested Burn.

We just nodded and almost gingerly opened the boxes. When we finally got the lids off we were dumbfounded at what was inside.

"How did you…," we both started, as we pulled out the interlocking pieces of the necklace that I had bought for Cloak.

"Very vise sales person no?" asked Zanner, as he pulled out a fake moustache.

"You?" Cloak and I chorused again.

"Yes, I knew you two were a bit on edge about the whole gifts thing, hence why I suggested the necklace thing to both of you," he smiled.

Cloak and I just shook our heads at him.

"Right, now that everyone has opened their gifts could we please go back to bed?" asked Burn.

"Of course," smiled Mrs. T.

"See you folks later." With that Burn and the All stars started to head back out to their tent with Bruno following them with his new squeaky toys in his mouths.

"We'll see you kids later," smiled Mrs. T, as she and Mr. T headed back to bed too.

"Okay," chorused Cloak and I.

"You two really need to stop doing that," said Zanner, as he looked at us; he looked quite funny with his new fake moustache on that Mrs. T had given him, it was one of those curly Captain Hook types.
"Right. Uh,… Zanner," said Cloak.

"Hmm?"

"Mind uh…" Cloak nodded his head towards the door.

Zanner smiled mischievously and nodded.

"You bet," he smiled with a wink, as he gathered up his loot and disappeared back to his room.

"Why was he smiling like that?" I asked.

"He knew that I wanted a moment alone with you is all," smiled Cloak.

I just smiled back.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the day kinda past by like any other except for that evening where Cloak took me aside to talk to me.

"Think we could get away for a bit tonight?" he asked with a smile.

"Sure," I smiled.

"You look good with that on." He was referring to the necklace he had bought me.

"Right back at yah."

Cloak just smiled and looked down at his half that I had bought him.

"When do you want me to meet up with you?" I asked.

"When the others head off to town to watch the fireworks. I know of a little vantage point not too far from here that we can watch the fireworks from by ourselves," he replied, as he took my hand into his own to emphasise the 'by ourselves' bit; we hadn't been alone together for a long time now.

"Okay, see you then."

"I'm looking forward to this."

I gave him a friendly nudge and then went off to help Mrs. T in the kitchen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that evening, we set off with the others when they started to walk down to town, but Cloak made sure we walked at the back and then, when no one was looking, he pulled me to the side and we snuck off on our own.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once we were far enough away, I looked up at Cloak.

"What's with the secrecy?" I asked in a whisper.

"Just so that no one knows where we've gotten off to," he replied.

"Why?"

"Melody has a way of getting things out of people and so long as no one knows where we are…"

"They can't tell where we are. Clever."

"That's why you started dating me, ain't it?" Cloak put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him.

I just smiled and gave him a nudge with my hip as we continued to walk towards this spot that he knew of.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We soon arrived at a quiet little spot under a tree that was on a hill over looking the village.

"Looks like they're about to start," commented Cloak, as we sat down next to each other on the grass.

"Yeah," I agreed.

Just before the first firework went up, Cloak put his arm around my shoulders and used his other hand to turn my head towards him; he smiled and kissed me just as the first firework went up.

"Some people 'hear' fireworks when they kiss, but I wanted us to actually hear them," he smiled once our lips had parted.

"(Giggle) You're a real romantic, you know that," I smiled, as I leaned against him.

"Thanks." Cloak tightened his grip on my shoulders, pulling me closer, and we spent the next few hours just watching the fireworks going up. When we got back to the house we were informed that Melody had indeed come looking for Cloak; Cloak was glad that his plan had worked and so was I, I'm not entirely comfortable with some other girl trying her luck with my fella.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not much happened in the next week, but Cloak and I did continue our training along side some of the All-stars; Cloak seemed to feel better when they were around. Mr. and Mrs. T, Cloak, Zanner, the All-stars, Bruno, Burn, and I were just relaxing outside when a loud buzzing sound was heard from inside.

"I'll be right back," smiled Cloak, as he patted me on the shoulder and then disappeared inside.

It wasn't long before he re-emerged with a serious look on his face.

"Something wrong, Cloak?" I asked.

"(Sighs) I'll be leaving sooner than I thought," he replied, as he looked at his parents.

"Something come up?" asked Mr. T.

"Yeah, the Federation has decided to launch an attack on the home world."

"Oh, right."

"And I'll be needed to help defend it."

We all just nodded.

"Cal, mind if I have a word with you… alone?" he asked, as he held out his hand for me to take.

"Sure," I replied, as I got up, took his hand and allowed him to lead me off to behind the house.

"What's up?" I asked, as he stopped.

Before saying anything, Cloak quickly kissed me.

"Cloak?" I asked once our lips had parted.

"I'm surprised that you're taking this so well," he said, as he cupped my cheek in his hand and gently stroked my cheek with his thumb.

"Hey, you're a pilot in the army; I had to anticipate this." I put my hand onto his and gave him a reassuring smile.

Cloak just smiled and rested his head against mine.

"I'm glad you understand," he smiled.

"I'm going to miss you though," I said, as I looked into his eyes trying to memorise everything I could about him before he left.

His smile disappeared and his eyes showed his uneasiness about leaving me.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't want you to worry about me," he replied, as he removed his head from mine, pulled me closer in an embrace, and gently put his head over my shoulder.

"I won't."

"Problem is I know you too well; you worry too much."

"I worry just the right amount."
"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

Cloak pushed me up against the wall and pinned me there.

"Don't argue with me," he chuckled.

"If you stop squashing me I will," I giggled back.

He just chuckled again as he released me a bit and stood up to his usual height.

"I'm going to miss you, baby," he smiled.

"We'll be together again soon right?" I asked.

His face lost its smile yet again and a look of uneasiness took over again.

"Soonish then," I smiled, trying to get him to smile again.

"I don't know, but I do know that the first thing I'm going to do once I'm allowed to leave is come back to you," he said with a gentle smile.

I couldn't think of anything decent to say in response to that so I did what I thought would convey the message as clearly as possible; I kissed him. This was the first time I had kissed him and he seemed to be a bit surprised by it, but it didn't seem to keep him from kissing me back.

Unfortunately, we were interrupted by Zanner coming 'round the corner to check up on us.

"Oh! Am I interrupting something?" he asked with that silly grin of his on his face.

Cloak and I gently broke apart; we had become quite used to this, and just glared at him.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Leave. Now," said Cloak.

"Okay, okay, I'll just tell the guys 'round front…"

"We'll be there in a minute."

Zanner just smiled at us and then left us in peace.

"Should we get going?" I sighed, as I gently stroked Cloak's cheek; he leaned his head into my hand.

"Yeah, before he tells anyone else," smiled Cloak, as he pulled me closer and kissed my forehead gently before leading the way back to the front.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apparently, Cloak had to leave tomorrow morning so I helped him with his packing.

"I didn't expect to be sat on a stool in the corner when you asked me to help with your packing, Cloak," I said, as I watched him pack.

"Hey, I want to spend every moment I have left here with you. We may not see each other for a while; besides, you are helping," replied Cloak, as he walked over to a shelf just next to me to fetch something.

"How?"

"You're keeping me company."

"Whatever." Just then I felt something wrap around my midsection. I looked down and smiled when I saw that it was Cloak's tail; this was one of his newer ways of showing affection when a) he didn't want anyone to really notice and b) when his hands were full.

"Just don't pull me off of here, Cloak," I said, as I patted his tail.

Just to freak me out a bit he tugged gently on his tail.

"Cloak!" I reprimanded, as I put a hand onto his side to stabilise myself.

He just chuckled and squeezed me slightly with his tail; I just shook my head and tried to make sure I could keep my balance. The rest of the day was quite quiet; everyone seemed to be sobered by the news of Cloak's leaving.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, we all stood outside with Cloak while he waited for the transport ship that was going to pick him up.

"You'll take Cal straight to Augie's when you leave right?" I heard Cloak whisper to Monza.

"You bet. You told her yet?" asked Monza.

"No."

"Cloak!"

"Look, you're better at explaining things than me."

"To your girlfriend?"

"Yeah."

Monza just gave Cloak a look.

I was about to ask what was going on, but my attention was called elsewhere by the sound of a transport ship descending.

"Your ride's here," commented Zanner, as he shielded his eyes from the sun and watched the ship land.

"Yeah. Take care everyone," said Cloak.

"We will," we chorused.

"And you… wait for me." Cloak turned to me and put his head against mine.

"You bet," I smiled back.

Cloak kissed me gently, picked up his bag and then took his leave. Before leaving us completely he looked back and waved to us; we waved back all trying to be strong and not show our sadness at his leaving. Soon the ship took off and we all began to head back inside.