Invisible Ink

Ah hah! Here’s the break in the prawns. I knew there was one somewhere. XD So we’re introducing a few new characters here in this chapter, a few of them familiar and a few of them OCs. :D Anyway, hopefully the family relationships are pretty clear, but if they’re not, shoot us a message and we’ll try to answer any questions.
~Cid

Chapter Fourteen

The rest of the week was essentially a blur as Cid fought to find time for the classes he didn’t sleep through, attempting to hang out with Tifa and spending the majority of the days and nights with Vincent. Once he had actually gotten a chance to step inside the apartment he hadn’t spent more than half a day total in, it seemed as though everything had come to an abrupt halt, throwing the contents of his head around into an unrecognizable mess. He realized that he needed a chance to just step back, maybe relax and figure out where he should be going with everything, but in order to do that, he knew he had to get out of town. The more he thought about it, the more he figured that it probably wouldn’t hurt to leave for the weekend.

Neither Tifa nor Vincent had been thrilled to hear he was leaving, though the girl had seemed less disappointed than Vincent. The idea of that only confused Cid’s mind more, lending to his reasons to get out of town. So there he sat, looking down at the partially filled duffel bag at his feet, wondering what he could have missed or what he might need for his little escape.

The sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the quiet apartment. Zack dropped his bag by the couch and stretched, groaning a little as he did so. Making his way down the hallway to his bedroom, he passed Cid’s open door and glanced in out of habit. It took him a minute, however, to skid to a halt and back up to look into Cid’s room again. His eyes widened and a bright smile appeared on his face. “Cid! Jesus, I haven’t seen you in like a week!” he said, bounding into the room and pouncing on the blond.

“Ah, fuck! What the fuck’s up with you?” Cid yelped as he was suddenly dragged into a hug. Pushing his roommate away, he gave Zack a rather firm glare. “Not like I’ve been gone forever or somethin’.”

Zack stumbled back a little, not losing his grin. “No, but it’s been a while! I thought you decided to move in with Tifa or something.”

Laughing, Cid stood. “Nah, didn’t move in. Think I woulda told ya if I had.” He glanced around, picking out a few more things and moving around his room to collect them. Tossing them into his bag, he looked over his shoulder. “So what’ve I missed since I’ve been gone so long?”

Zack leaned against the wall, wondering why Cid was packing. “Nothing, really. Reno’s been in and out to keep me company. You goin’ somewhere?”

“Yeah, gonna take a little break. Go home for the weekend.” Picking up a couple more items, Cid added them to his duffel. “Not gonna miss me too much while I’m gone again, are ya?” he asked with a smirk, settling himself on his bed again.

“Well, gee, I’ve gotten used to you not being here so I guess I can survive the weekend,” Zack said with a chuckle.

“Good. Wouldn’t wanna come back to another greetin’ like that one ya just gave me,” the blond retorted with a laugh. “I mean, hell, Ya coulda scared the shit outta me or broken somethin’ with your bouncin’ around. Fuckin’ lucky I’m still alive.” Glancing around once more, he decided he had about everything he would need. After all, he wasn’t going to be gone forever. Zipping up the duffel, he stood again and hefted it to his shoulder. “So my bus is leavin’ in an hour. Wanna go grab somethin’ to eat? ‘M kinda hungry.”

“Sure,” Zack said, pushing off the wall. “And I would not have broken anything.”

“Ya might’ve. An’ I meant ya coulda broken me. Ya practically launched yourself at me.” Settling the strap on his shoulder a little better, Cid stepped around his roommate and raised a brow. “Ya comin’? Or ya wanna stay in my room all weekend?”

Zack started out of the room. “Yeah, yeah,” he said, chuckling a little.

Closing his door, Cid started through the apartment and stopped at the front door to wait for Zack. He figured it was better to just take his things than try and run back and risk missing his bus. “So where ya wanna go?”

“No clue,” Zack said, putting his hands in his pockets. “I don’t care really. I eat anything. Except peas.”

“Well, I’m makin’ ya choose, so figure somethin’ out.” Pushing through the door and holding it open, Cid looked out over the street in front of the apartment. “Don’t really care either so long as it’s fast an’ not too expensive.”

Zack stepped outside. “Burgers?”

"Sure. That'll work." Closing the door and locking it, Cid started down the steps. "Got any certain place in mind or just wherever we end up?"

Zack shrugged, walking next to the blond. "Wherever we end up."

"Kay." Cid shifted the strap on his shoulder and stuffed his hands into his pockets. He wasn't exactly excited to get out of town, but it would give him the freedom to think about everything that had been plaguing his mind lately.

"So how come you're leaving?" Zack asked after a while.

"Eh, just to get out." The blond rolled his shoulders a little, popping one. "Give me some time to rest an' think." He gave a little smirk and a laugh. "I don't get much around here, that's for sure."

"Well yeah," Zack said, also laughing. "You never come home. Tifa must work you pretty hard." Zack grinned, giving Cid a little wink.

"You could say that." He grinned back. "I try an' go home, but then I get dragged back in. Startin' to think she likes me or somethin'."

Zack chuckled. "Well, gee. You're welcome."

"For what?"

"For introducing you to her. If it wasn't for me, you two would have never met."

"Yeah, yeah, all right." The blond reached over and patted Zack's shoulder. "Thanks then."

The younger man grinned. "I'm such a great match maker."

"Uh huh. Sure ya are." Cid's grin toned itself down to a small smile as he began briefly thinking about everything. The break would be good for him, but he didn't exactly want to leave. Things were just getting interesting with both Tifa and Vincent, especially in the way that both seemed to want to spend so much time with him. It wasn't a new concept, but it was one that he had never experienced with two people at once.

Zack stopped in front of a small restaurant, looking up at it and then glancing over his shoulder at Cid. "How about here?"

"Fine with me." He moved to hold the door open for Zack, the scent of food overwhelming and appetizing at the same time. "Dunno if I've been here yet."

"I think I've been here before," Zack said, walking in. "Not in a long time, though."

"Any good?"

"Yeah, it was pretty good. I'm just not big on burgers, usually."

"Oh. Eh, I'm kinda partial to 'em. Ate 'em a lot back home." Cid gave the other a little smile. "Lily makes the best damn burgers in the world, I'm tellin' ya. Know I won't mind gettin' some of her cookin' again."

"Who's Lily?" Zack asked, getting in line. He turned and grinned at Cid, batting his eyes. "An old giiiiiiirlfriend?"

Cid stopped dead, giving Zack a cold look. "She's my step-mother. My dad's old girlfriend, not mine." Shaking his head a little, he fell in line behind Zack.

Zack chuckled a little. "Well how was I supposed to know that? You've never said a word about your family."

Shrugging a little, Cid looked over the menu. "Didn't think anyone'd wanna know anythin'. No point in just bustin' out about random family stuff."

"Well I'm curious." Stepping up to the register, Zack placed his order.

Waiting until the darker-haired man had finished and then he had placed his own order, Cid stepped over to the side while their food was being made. "Not much to be curious about. Just my dad, Lily, my brother an' me."

"You have a brother?"

"Yeah, he's a slacker though. Technically only my step-brother since he was kinda like the weddin' present when Dad an' Lily got married. Think he was... 8 or somethin' then? Dunno. He thinks just 'cause he's still a teenager that he can just kinda hang around an' do nothin'." The blond shrugged. "Guess he's not really all that bad, but still. Kinda annoyin'."

Zack chuckled. "What's his name?"

"Cloud." Cid gave a rough little laugh. "I think Lily was a hippie or somethin' when she had 'im. Dunno."

"Cloud?" Zack laughed. "That's, uh... special. Kinda cool though, I guess. Not much different from ‘Reno.’"

"Yeah, maybe." A call of Zack's name sounded and Cid nudged the younger man. "Think your order's up."

Zack turned to the counter, picking up his tray. "I'll meet you at a table."

"Sure." Grabbing his food when it was set out, Cid found the table Zack had picked out and slid himself into the booth.

Zack already had a huge mouthful of burger. He kicked the chair across from him out for Cid, grinning as much as he could with his mouth occupied.

Cid gave him a critical smirk, shaking his head again. "Might wanna think about breathin' there. Not sure ya can get much air outta a burger."

Zack swallowed his bite. "I know how to eat, thank you."

"Just makin' sure. Don't wanna come back to know I have to live with some jackass instead of you." Grinning a little, Cid bit into his food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything near what he remembered from home.

Zack batted his eyelashes. "Aww, you don't think I'm a jackass? That's so sweet!"

"Yeah, right." Covering Zack's face with a hand, Cid swallowed down a laugh. "I could care less, just so long as they're not a jackass. Hell, I'd even take someone gayer."

Zack laughed. "Yeah right. You'd be scared of anyone gayer than me."

Cid laughed again. "Yeah, I would. Actually, 'M kinda scared of you."

"Pfft. Why're you scared of me?"

"Why wouldn't I be? For all I know, I might catch it from ya, livin' with ya an' everythin'," Cid said with a smirk.

"Oh no, you might catch the gay!" Zack said, shaking his hands in mock fear. He laughed again. "Man, you need to come home more often. I get so bored by myself."

"Sorry," Cid said as he licked a spot of mayonnaise off of his lip. "I got a little distracted an' kept forgettin' about comin' home."

"Distracted," Zack said with a chuckle as he took another bite. "Sure."

"Well, I did," Cid replied with a smirk. "Why? Don't believe me?"

Zack shook his head, popping a fry into his mouth. "Nope, I believe you. Even I would be pretty distracted if I had Tifa's boobs bouncing around me all the time." He chuckled again, sitting back. "Does she even let you go to class?"

"Yeah, I go to class." Taking another bite, Cid tipped his head to the side. "Sometimes," he mumbled as he took a long drink.

"Well that's good, at least. Hey," Zack said, sitting forward again. "I haven't heard anything about Vincent lately. You must see him every day in class."

"What's to hear? I see him in class. End of story." The blond shrugged, quickly taking a long sip of his drink to keep from saying anything else.

"That's it? So what, did Tifa just suddenly cure you or something? You spent the first couple weeks doing nothing but talking about Vincent."

"I... I dunno. I guess I just got my priorities straight." Shrugging, Cid glanced away. He didn't want to be on the subject of the dark-haired teacher. "'Sides. He's my professor an' a guy. Better off now."

Zack tilted his head, observant eyes picking up on a signal he couldn't quite decipher. "You seem kinda upset about that."

"What's that 'sposed to mean?" The blond turned hard blue eyes on him. "I think you're just crazy."

"C'mon, you turned your head away and got all disappointed sounding when you started talking about him. Just saying."

"Yeah, an' I think you're just makin' up shit to keep your mind happy." Cid frowned a little. "Don't go fantasizin' about gettin' me an' Vince together. That's just stupid an' it's not gonna work."

"It's not stupid," Zack said, sitting back again. "But I get that you're with Tifa. She's a good friend so I'll stop pestering you about it. Was just curious."

Blue eyes flicked aside again. "Yeah, well, sometimes curiosity can get ya into some deep shit."

Zack lifted an eyebrow, deciding not to verbally try to decode Cid's body language. He really did seem like he regretted not doing anything with Vincent. It made Zack ponder, but he decided it would be better left unsaid. "I guess," he said.

The blond finished off his food in silence, pulling out his phone when he was done. "I should prob'ly get goin'. Better to be early than late." He took a few sips of his drink, looking around the restaurant and finally settling on Zack.

Zack was still trying to decipher Cid's actions, but he put it aside when Cid spoke. "Yeah. I can walk with you to the bus stop."

Nodding, Cid stood and bundled up his trash, tossing it when he found a trashcan. Stuffing a hand into his pocket, he ensured that he still had the tickets he had bought earlier and took a sip of his drink. "Thanks," he said absently, a little anxious about the fact that Zack had been trying to get him to talk about Vincent.

Zack stood and threw away his trash too, patting his pockets to make sure everything was where it should be. "No prob," he said as he headed for the door, opening it and waiting for Cid.

Sucking the last of his drink dry, Cid tossed his cup and headed out of the door. He wasn't looking forward to the long trip home, but it would be good for him. Glancing around once they were outside, he tipped his head toward the main road. "There an easier way to get there from here?"

"Yeah, just cut across the main green. It's on the other side of the English building." He started walking once Cid had caught up, sticking his hands in his pockets again. "So how long's your trip?"

Cid shifted a little uneasily at the mention of the English building, but he tried to hide it. "Few hours. Usually six or seven, dependin' on if everythin' goes all right."

"Ick, I'd hate to spend that long on a bus with a bunch of people I don't know." They crossed a street and walked through the gate to the main green. "Especially if it's one of those buses with the small seats. Those are the worst."

"It's not too bad. I mean, they're not as bad as city buses or shit like that." The blond shrugged. "They're meant for long travelin'."

"Yeah, I know. Still." Zack shrugged, staying quiet for most of the way across the green. He was still a little perplexed by Cid's behavior earlier, and most of his mind was occupied with that. They walked up a small hill and then down an access ramp, putting them in the small parking lot behind the English building. One of the doors opened, catching Zack's eye. He didn't expect to see anyone he knew, but he looked anyway. Lo and behold, who should be coming out but Vincent. A smile broke across Zack's face and he nudged Cid with his elbow, gesturing at the dark-haired professor. "Hey, look, it's Vincent! Hey, Vincent!" he called, waving his hand.

Vincent looked up at the sound of his name, smiling when he saw Zack. When his eyes landed on Cid, his smile grew and his stomach jumped a little. He pulled his bag a little higher on his shoulder and waved back, approaching them. "Hello, Zack. Cid."

Cid felt his stomach sink. It couldn't mean anything good if he met with Vincent while Zack was right there. If either of them let something slip, he was done for. But since he couldn't really say or do anything other than follow Zack somewhat reluctantly, Cid did so with only a long breath slipping from his lips.

Smile falling a little when Cid didn't smile back, Vincent adjusted his bag again, more for something to distract him. "Um... where are you guys headed?"

Cid moved his glance toward the ground. "Bus stop," he responded quietly. "I'm... just goin' home for the weekend." It felt a little strange telling Vincent his weekend intentions twice, but Zack didn't know that the professor had already been informed of the trip, not to mention that he had been informed that morning while he was still in bed with the blond.

Quickly catching on to Cid's intentions, Vincent played along, though with the way Cid looked at that moment, all he wanted to do was jump into his arms. "Ah, yes. It's... a good thing I didn't give any homework this weekend," Vincent said, chuckling a little. It sounded fake to him, and he hoped it didn't sound fake to Cid and Zack. Cid's lack of response, even with Zack right there, was making him uneasy.

Zack glanced back and forth between them. Vincent seemed to be acting strangely too. And Zack knew he could read Vincent. He wasn't so sure about Cid, but if he couldn't pick up on his moods after so many years of knowing the professor, he thought there might be something wrong with himself. "I'm just walking him over to the bus stop. He didn't know where it was."

The blond nodded in agreement. "Bus leaves in around fifteen minutes. Least I know where it is now." He gave a little laugh, not sure what else to do.

"Yes, the stop is just across the street. You'll have a little while," Vincent said, watching Cid without realizing it. He flashed back to the night before, and again just had the urge to drop everything where it was and let himself just cling to the blond. He glanced at Zack, almost wishing he wasn't with them, and then feeling guilty for thinking such a thing of one of his best friends.

Luckily, Vincent's wants were the same as Zack's, as the youngest of the three was still set on at least getting his counterparts to become good friends. "Hey, Cid," he said, nudging the blond's arm again. "I'm gonna head back. I got some stuff I gotta do. The bus stop is at the little café thing across the street from this building." He grinned. "I'm sure Vincent can point you in the right direction if you need it. Have a good weekend, buddy! I'll see you around, Vincent." With that, he turned and started walking back toward the apartment, leaving the other two men alone.

Cid waved half-heartedly, a little confused at Zack's sudden change. "Uh... bye," he said slowly as he watched the other leave, turning to face Vincent again. "So, uh... that was... awkward," he said quietly with a weak laugh.

Vincent smiled a little, glad to be alone with Cid. "Yes, a little." He tilted his head, smiling more. "How are you?"

The blond shrugged, a little more at ease now. "Ain't changed much since ya last saw me," he said with a little smirk.

Vincent smiled more, happy to see Cid relaxing. "Good," he said. He glanced at the building. "I think I just remembered something I left up in my office. Want to walk up with me? You said you had a few minutes."

Smiling a little more, Cid tipped his head to the side. "Ah, why not? Guess it's better 'n sittin' at the bus stop just waitin'."

The smile didn't leave Vincent's lips as he turned back towards the building, making sure Cid was following before walking in. "So you'll be back on Sunday night, then?"

Taking up a pace that let him stay right behind Vincent, Cid smiled a little more. "Yeah, Sunday at least. Not really sure what time it'll be, but it shouldn't be too late. Least I hope it ain't."

Vincent walked up half a flight of stairs and entered the hallway near the classroom where he taught Cid's class, passing it in favor of the elevator. "I guess I'll see you Monday, then. You'll want Sunday night to get settled again, probably." He pushed the button to call the elevator, turning to face Cid and leaning against the wall.

Cid raised a shoulder in a shrug, his bag moving against his back. "Eh, I dunno. Depends on if anyone wants me to come over when I get back or somethin'," he replied with a smirk, folding his arms over his chest.

The elevator dinged and the door slid open. Vincent stepped inside and waited for Cid to come in as well. He smiled. "I wouldn't mind if you paid a visit," he said, pushing the button for the right floor when Cid was in. "But if you're busy, I suppose I can wait until Monday."

"I don't see why I'd be busy," Cid said as the door closed behind them and he stepped closer.

Immensely glad for the privacy, however brief, Vincent stepped closer as well, sliding his hands around the blond's waist and smiling as he drew nearer. "I can keep you busy..."

Cid grinned, his own hands finding places on Vincent's hips. "Sounds good to me."

Vincent pressed a slow but brief kiss against Cid's lips. "Just come find me, then. You know where I'll be." The elevator dinged again, forcing Vincent away from Cid.

The distance between them made Cid a little disappointed, but he just followed Vincent as the door opened. "Guess I'll have to do that then," he said, containing his smirk.

Vincent smirked a little to himself, walking down the hallway to his office. When they got there, he navigated his way through the maze of little grey cubicles, stopping at his and opening that door. Glad to see it empty, he stepped aside to let Cid in.

As he stepped into the office, blue eyes looked around. "So what was this thing ya forgot up here?" he asked absently as he kept looking around. It didn't seem any different, but he supposed it was something to keep his mind off of kissing Vincent again.

Vincent pushed the door closed, leaning closer to Cid and brushing his lips over the blond's. "A kiss goodbye," he mumbled, smiling.

Cid was a little surprised by the kiss, but he didn't dislike it. Instead, he found himself pressing forward to give Vincent his own kiss, disappointed that they would have to break it short soon. Deepening it more, Vincent slid his hands into Cid's hair, pressing against him.

As much as Cid wanted for them to just be able to stay there forever, he had to pull away. "I should go," he murmured over Vincent's lips, his tone giving away that he wasn't thrilled with leaving.

Vincent made a quiet noise of disappointment, pressing his mouth over Cid's again. He knew Cid shouldn't miss his bus, but he couldn't make himself step away. Allowing them to stay close a few moments more, Cid finally pushed himself away. "'M sorry," he said quietly. "I'll be back Sunday though if that helps." He gave a little smile.

Vincent chuckled, a little breathless. "What am I supposed to do until then?" he asked, staying close enough to touch Cid.

"Ah, I think you'll be fine," Cid said with a smirk, rubbing his hands against the professor's sides.

"I'll be ready for you to get back," Vincent replied softly, mirroring a little of Cid’s smirk.

"Be lookin' forward to it," Cid said with another smirk, turning to leave. "Ya gonna stay up here or go back down? Ya know, now that ya got what ya forgot."

"I'll walk with you to the bus stop. I don't have anywhere I need to be."

"Kay. I should really get goin' though." Glancing at his cell phone again, Cid laughed weakly. "Yeah, only got about ten minutes left. Hope they don't come early around here."

Sighing, Vincent leaned to open the door again, waiting for Cid to go first. "I think you'll be fine."

"Good. Don't wanna waste my money, not to mention have m' dad an' step-mom comin' up here to make sure I'm not dead." He gave a sour laugh. "It's the kinda thing they'd do."

The professor smiled, following him out. "That's kind of nice, though."

"I guess." Moving out of the offices and toward the elevator, Cid shifted his bag again.

Vincent pushed the button for the elevator, leaning on the wall and watching Cid. "So what will you do when you're home?"

The blond shrugged. "Dunno. Just visit, kinda kick back an' relax a little."

Smiling, Vincent straightened and stepped onto the elevator when the doors opened. "That sounds nice.”

"Yeah, should be pretty good. Been needin' to do it for a while."

"Too busy around here?"

"Nah, I just... I dunno. Be nice to go home. Little open space an' everythin'." Cid stepped inside and pressed another quick kiss to Vincent's lips. "Not used to bein' in a town this much."

Staying close and appreciating the kiss, Vincent smiled again. "What's your home like? Not like this?"

"Eh, kinda open. Closest town's a good drive away an' that's pretty damn small." Tipping his head a little, Cid shrugged. "It's kinda in the woods, but not really."

"It sounds nice."

"Yeah, I guess." Cid smiled a bit. "Maybe ya can see it some day."

Vincent smiled more, gently hugging Cid around the waist. "That would be amazing."

Cid smiled a little more, his head automatically resting against the shoulder next to it. It was a little strange that Vincent would seem so happy by just a vague offer to visit the blond's home, but he didn't question it. He was far from understanding the professor.

Vincent sighed, dark eyes watching as the numbers over the door got closer to one. "I'm going to be lonely this weekend," he said quietly, looking back down at Cid.

A little more of that odd feeling tingling in his mind, Cid glanced down. "Ah, you'll be fine. 'M sure ya can find somethin' to do to replace me for a couple days. Not like I'm all that great."

Vincent shook his head, reluctantly pulling away before the doors opened. "You are that great."

Cid laughed despite himself. "Yeah, sure. Dunno what sayin' shit like that's gonna get ya, but it ain't true." Glancing at his phone again, the blond stepped out of the elevator.

"It doesn't get me anything special. I'm just telling the truth as I see it." The professor followed Cid, holding back his desire to just try and convince Cid to spend the weekend at his house.

The blond raised a brow when he wasn't looking at Vincent. The professor seemed almost... attached to him. Not that it was a bad thing, but the fact that Vincent wanted to be so close after the short amount of time they had been together? It was a little unnerving to Cid. "Well, I guess ya just see things differently then or somethin'." Pushing the door outside open, he waited for Vincent to step out as well. A quick look over showed that the bus was indeed there, but at least it looked as though it had just arrived. "Guess that's my ride."

Vincent sighed, looking at the bus. He nodded, folding his arms over his chest. Smiling a little, he watched Cid step onto the lower step of the bus entrance. "Have a great time, then."

"Yeah. Try not to miss me too much," he joked, waving a little as he disappeared into the bus. Picking a seat next to window, he slid into it and glanced outside, still able to see the professor standing on the sidewalk.

Vincent smiled, glad Cid didn't know how much he took that statement to heart. Maybe a weekend away from the blond would do him a bit of good too. Up to this point, he had just been letting himself get swept up in the action and emotion of things without taking time to pick it apart. He needed time to get a hold of himself again.

The bus started pulling away, and Vincent waved, still smiling a little at the blond in the window.

When the bus moved enough that Vincent fell out of his sight, Cid sighed and leaned his head back against the seat. It almost hurt to see him standing there, his face giving away how saddened he was that the blond was leaving. It almost made him feel guilty, but then he thought that maybe he was thinking too hard about it. Letting out another sigh, he dumped his bag in the seat next to him and sorted out his headphones, popping them over his ears and drowning out the world in music. If he was going to be there for the next six hours, he was going to need it.

-----

It was dark when the bus finally rolled to its last stop. Cid roused himself from his attempted nap and glanced blearily out of the window, stretching with a yawn soon after. It would be good to get more than a five minute break to move, not to mention getting some real food. Draping his strap over his shoulder, the blond stood and stretched again, slowly making his way into the small terminal

The scents of coffee and fast food hit him as he stepped through the door and he smiled a little longingly. But he figured he could wait just a little longer. Looking around, he was surprised at the amount of people inside the terminal. Usually the tiny building was empty except for a few employees and maybe two passengers, but there was a good number of individuals just sitting around or leaving to board the next bus. He didn't recognize anyone right off hand, but he wasn't all that surprised. The stop was mostly used as an in-between one to switch buses or have a short rest.

It didn't take long for Cid to be recognized though. An excited gasp escaped from a girl about the same age and she immediately took off towards him. Another, older woman laughed to herself, waiting where she was. The younger of the two skidded to a halt in front of the blond, embracing him tightly. "Cid! I missed you!"

The blond was a little startled by the sudden arrival, but he quickly forgot about it in favor of reciprocating the embrace. "Aw, I wasn't gone that long, was I?" he asked with a laugh, ruffling her long hair lightly.

Shera kissed his cheek, smiling brightly. "You were! Five weeks is a long time to suddenly be without the one person who's been right next to me for pretty much my entire life." She stayed as she was, her arms around his neck. "What took you so long to come home?"

Keeping one arm wrapped around her, Cid shifted his duffel bag a little. "Ah, I got kinda wrapped up in a lotta stuff. School an' all that." He gave her another hug, tipping his cheek against her forehead. "So what's been goin' on around here while I was gone?"

"Oh, it's as boring as ever, especially without you." She stepped aside, also keeping one arm around him. It felt good to have her best friend back. "Your dad is going a little nuts," she said, chuckling. They started walking, going to meet the older woman still waiting for them.

"Like I make it all that better." Cid chuckled, smiling. "An' really. When's Dad not goin' crazy? Don't think I know of that ever happenin'."

Shera chuckled. "That's true." When they got close enough, she grinned at the other woman. "Lily! Look what I found!"

Lily smiled widely. "Well, well. Cid, I thought I'd never see you again." She reached out, hugging him from the side opposite Shera.

"Jeez, act like I'm some stray cat or somethin'. Thanks." Laughing, Cid gave the older woman a hug as well. "Good to see ya," he said with a smile. "Been doin' okay?"

"Oh, just fine. Cloud misses you, and of course Mitch doesn't know what to do with himself without his little boy around." She chuckled again and pulled out her keys. "Come on, it's late. Let's get you home."

"Little boy my ass," Cid said with a laugh. "If he's lookin' for someone to coddle, give him Cloud. He still acts like a kid." Releasing both women, Cid stretched his arms high above his head, his back arching.

Lily laughed. "Cloud's my baby. He gets enough coddling from me."

"Well, share with Dad every once in a while," Cid replied with another chuckle. "What's he gonna do if I move away for good an' only come visit on big holidays or somethin'?"

Shera nudged his side with her elbow. "You've already done that," she said, smiling.

Shifting away from her elbow, Cid grinned. "Nah, I'm just at school. That's not the same as if I went off to the other side of the country an' never came back until Christmas an' never called. Wouldn't that be worse?"

"Oh that would kill him," Lily said with another laugh. "Promise you won't do that."

"I'll try, but I can't say for sure." Grinning again, Cid lowered his arms, draping one over Shera's shoulders. It felt good to be back home even though he did miss his new connections back at school.

Shera leaned on him out of habit, waiting for Lily to unlock the car when they got to it. The blond tipped his head against hers, unable to hold back a yawn as they stood there. "Damn trips always wear me out," he mumbled through another muffled yawn.

She giggled quietly as his breath moved her hair against her skin, tickling. "You'll get to go to bed soon enough. You can keep your traveler's breath to yourself for now, though."

Lily laughed, helping to put Cid's bag in the car. "You two are just so cute."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Laughing softly, Cid let go of Shera and looked at the car. "So who's sittin' where?" he asked, holding in another yawn.

"You can sit in the front," Shera said, opening the door for the back seat on the passenger side. "Catch up with Lily a little."

"Yeah, sit with me, Ciddy," Lily said, climbing into the driver's seat.

Cid raised a brow. "Ciddy? Where'd that come from?" he asked, sliding into the passenger seat and closing the door.

"Sheesh, you've been away for so long you've forgotten all your nicknames," Lily said as she started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

"Don't think I'd remember somethin' I never liked that much," Cid said with a little smirk, resting his head against the seat. It felt good to sit down in a comfortable seat, not the hard, partially padded seats in the commuter buses.

"Oh, you know you love it," she said, chuckling. She glanced at Shera in the rear view mirror, shaking her head as she looked back to the road. "You know, I just don't understand what happened between you two. We all thought you were going to get married. I mean, an eight year relationship is just so impressive for kids your age!"

Cid rolled his eyes, chuckling softly to himself as he mouthed the words silently. When she had stopped speaking, he turned to face her, a bemused look crossing his expression. "Yeah, we know. But it's still the same as the last time I told ya. We just decided we were too good of friends." Shrugging, Cid glanced out of the window. "It would've fallen apart sooner or later. Least this way we're still friends."

Shera smiled. "I think the bottom might fall out of my life if I didn't have him as a friend. But seriously... marrying him would be like marrying my brother." Laughing, she kicked the back of Cid's chair lightly.

Laughing, Cid looked over his shoulder. "Yeah, an' ya treat me like your brother too with all your pickin' on me. Ya should be nice. I just got off the bus-trip from hell." Reaching back, he grasped her ankle, smirking.

She squirmed out of his reach, laughing more. "Oh come on, I saw the inside of that thing. It looked pretty luxurious for a bus."

"Hey, can't blame a guy for tryin'. An' it wasn't really as comfortable as it looked. Let's see ya sit in those seats for six straight hours an' not be feelin' like ya never wanna sit down for another damn week."

Lily chuckled, shaking her head at their antics. She really was glad to have Shera around for Cid, even if they weren't going to get married. "You two should videotape yourselves sometime just to see how childish you are."

Cid stuck out his chin, frowning at her. "Yeah, well, I've been away an' actin' like an adult for weeks. This is my time off to act like a five year old if I want. Right, Shera?" His frown broke to a small grin as he leaned back in his seat again. "'Sides. Ya know you're entertained by us."

Lily shook her head again, smiling. "I gotta admit, I am."

Shera leaned forward, wrapping her arms around the chair to give Cid a bit of a hug. "I'm glad you came to visit."

Cid smiled softly, tipping his head back. "Ah, ya know I can't go too long without seein' all of ya. I'd get too homesick."

Lily smiled more. "Good. That means you like us."

"Nope, I hate y’all," he said with a grin, raising his hands to pat Shera's arms. "I just come back to torture myself an' all that shit."

"Masochist," Shera said, rubbing his shoulders a little and laughing.

Lily swung her hand out to smack him lightly on the arm, also laughing. "That's not a nice thing to tell your step-mother," she said, amused.

"Hey!" Laughing, Cid held his arm close to him, cradling it. "I'm gonna tell Dad about that," he said with a grin as he arched, incredibly appreciative of the miniature massage Shera was giving him.

Shera smiled, rubbing a little harder. Even as just a sister-figure, she could appreciate Cid's attractiveness. If he didn't seem so brotherly to her, she imagined they would have been married by now.

Lily laughed and kept driving. Even if Cid wasn't her biological son, she still thought of him as one of her children, and loved him as such. He was such a good person, just like his father, and she was incredibly happy with her family.

It didn't take them long to reach Cid's childhood home. The suburbs fell away to open fields and farmlands illuminated by the moon and the occasional street lamp. They turned onto what looked to be a dirt road but was actually their driveway. A few minutes later, they came to a stop in front of a decently sized house and Lily turned off the car. "Welcome home, Ciddy."

Cid sighed as he leaned forward, smiling a little. His shoulders felt better thanks to the massage and he gave Shera a little kiss on the cheek when they got out. "Thanks," he mumbled, ruffling her hair again. Stuffing his hands into his pocket, he went around to get his bag, hefting it onto his shoulder. "Looks the same," he commented briefly, looking around at what he could see in the darkness.

Lily chuckled, leading the parade inside. "Did you expect it to be different?"

"Nah, just thought I'd say somethin'." Shrugging, Cid followed her up the sidewalk. Looking around again as he stepped inside, he smiled. "Good to be home, at least for a little while," he said softly. In all actuality, he hadn't been home for a while since he had been living in an apartment in town before then. He had visited, but this would be the first time in a good four years or so that he had spent the entire weekend at home and stayed there.

Shera stepped inside behind him, following Lily into the kitchen. Lily busied herself with fixing a sandwich for Cid. "Mitch! Cloud!" she called as she spread a little bit of mayonnaise on some bread. "Cid's here!"

Cid settled himself on one of the kitchen stools, watching her tiredly. He really was ready for bed.

"Hooray, hooray, the wonder-boy's here," a somewhat sarcastic and quiet voice sounded, the owner rounding the corner into the kitchen. "So you're still alive, huh?" Leaning against the wall, the newcomer tipped his head back toward the rest of the house. "Dad's passed out in the study. Think he was almost drooling on whatever he was working on. Want me to go wake him up?"

Lily set the sandwich in front of Cid expectantly, chuckling. "Yes, Cloud, go wake him up."

"All right, but it's not my fault how he gets woken up if he doesn't cooperate." Pushing himself away from the wall, the newcomer disappeared back into the living room.

Cid chuckled a little. "See Cloud's still just as excitable as ever." Picking up the sandwich, he took an appreciative bite. "So what's the deal? Dad's not sleepin' good or somethin'? He usually manages to at least make it to the couch before he passes out."

Shera chose the stool next to Cid, leaning her cheek on her hand delicately. "He works a lot, now. Says it keeps him occupied without you helping him out at the garage."

"Jeez. Didn't think me bein' gone would really affect that much shit," the blond mumbled, taking another bite.

Lily set a glass of water in front of Cid as well and then sat on the other side of him. "Oh he's just being overdramatic. Drama queen," she mumbled, chuckling.

"Oh. Well, that I already knew." Taking a sip and nodding his head in thanks, Cid took another bite of his sandwich. He was licking crumbs and excess mayonnaise off of his fingers when the voice from before piped up again.

"Uh, he's pretty much out like a light. Tried poking him with a pencil, but that didn't work." Taking the seat next to Shera, Cloud crossed his arms on the table. "He mumbled something, but I didn't really catch it. Sounded like he was talking about barbequed papayas or something. I think he's sick."

Lily sighed, looking up at the ceiling like she was saying an annoyed prayer. She stood and disappeared from the room, intent on waking her husband up. Cid chuckled a little, taking another drink of water. When he had swallowed half of the glass down, he looked over at Cloud. "So what's been goin' on? Still bein' a slacker?" he joked with a grin.

"Hey, I'm not a slacker. I'm a teenager." The younger boy leaned against the table. "So therefore I have certain things I need to do. Like requirements or something of that sort."

Shera chuckled. "You're required to sit in your room all day and do nothing?"

"Yeah, why not?" Cloud tipped his head, resting it on his arms. "What else should I be doing?"

Cid raised a brow. "Get a job?"

"I can't. That would interfere with my plans for the future and my dream, which, by the way, Dad refuses to accept." Cloud closed his eyes and huffed. "It's pretty annoying. He acknowledged your dream, but says mine is ridiculous and I should find a better way to spend my time."

Shera leaned to pick little pieces off Cid's sandwich to nibble on. "Cloud, your dream is to be a porn star."

Cid nearly choked on his water. "A what?" he laughed out, trying at the same time to catch his breath and failing horribly. "You're fuckin' kiddin' me!"

The younger blond's eyes narrowed. "That's how Dad acted when I told him. Can't get a break with you people, can I?" Huffing a little more, Cloud shook his head. "Being a porn star is a very illustrious occupation, I'll have you know."

Shera snorted. "Yeah, having sex for a living is real illustrious."

"Hey, we all have different ideas of what's good and what's not, all right?" Shrugging, Cloud slid off of his stool. "Look. If you're gonna just criticize me, then I'm going to bed. Was gonna do it anyway, but Mom was all like 'No, Cid's coming home and you have to say hi'." Yawning, the younger blond waved a little. "There. Said hi and now I'm going to bed." Turning to give another wave over his shoulder as he left, Cloud made his way out of the kitchen. "Talk to you in the morning."

Cid began to respond, but a sudden picture popped into his head and he stopped, his expression twisting into something between surprise and pure confusion. "That... was pretty damn creepy," he muttered as he downed the rest of his water, shaking his head afterward.

Shera chuckled. "You should have been here when he first came up with the idea."

"I'm not sure I woulda wanted to be." Shaking his head more, Cid ran a hand through his hair. "Where the hell did he get a fucked up idea like bein' a porn star?"

"I have no clue," Shera said, chuckling as she stole a bit more of his sandwich.

Glancing down and finally figuring out what she was doing, Cid grinned. "Hey. That's mine."

Shera grinned back. "You can share."

"I guess. Might go hungry though..." Propping his head up with his hand, the blond gave a dramatic huff. "Just hope you'll come see me at my funeral when I've died of starvation."

"Oh come on," she laughed. "I took like, three crumbs. Jeez, you and Mitch. Drama queen and princess, I tell you."

"Hey, if anyone's a damn princess around here, it's Cloud." A bright smile showed on Cid's face. "I'm a prince, thank ya very much."

"Uh huh," Shera said, laughing again.

His smile toning itself down a little, Cid looked around. "It's kinda weird to be home," he said softly. "Know I shouldn't, but I kinda feel like a stranger." He gave a little laugh, tapping a finger on the table.

Shera's smile softened too. "You're not a stranger." She leaned over, hugging him sideways and laying her head on his shoulder. "You belong here just as much as everyone else."

"Yeah, but I mean... it'd feel weird if I just kinda got up and wandered around like I used to. 'S not like I've been gone that long." Cid shrugged. "Maybe it's just from bein' somewhere different the whole time." Tipping his head to rest it against Shera's, he gave a little sigh.

She smiled more. "You'll just get used to it again. Your dad's been so excited that you were coming to visit."

"Hmm…" Falling silent, Cid just sat there and let his gaze drift over the kitchen. It didn't feel uncomfortable for him to be there, just a little awkward since he had come to think of temporary apartments as home for a while. "So what're ya gonna do? Go on home tonight or stick around?" he asked absently, just to have something to talk about.

"I could do either. Depends on what you want to do, 'cause I'll gladly stick around if you want some company. But I'm pretty sure your dad wanted to steal you for the night."

Shrugging, the blond shifted a little. "I'm hopin' he lets me sleep some. Didn't really get too much since there was this annoyin' kid was behind me for almost the entire damn ride, talkin' an' kickin' my seat an' all that shit. Only got about an hour's sleep an' the night before sure wasn't a snooze-fest."

"Why not?" she asked, tilting her head to look up at him without lifting it from his shoulder.

Shrugging again, Cid looked up at nothing in particular. "Just wasn't. Didn't sleep all that much an' then I had early classes."

"No reason you didn't sleep?"

"Nope. Just didn't."

"Hmm," she said thoughtfully. She knew him well enough to be able to see that he was avoiding something, but she also knew him well enough to know when he didn't want to talk about it. Figuring he'd open up to her when he was ready, she let it drop.

When Shera became silent, Cid glanced down at her. It was good to have someone to talk to again that he knew he could trust. That set him to thinking. He could trust Shera and he had something that he needed to talk about. He needed someone's advice, someone who had an outside opinion. But now wasn't the time to ask her about his situation. Then again, he would have the entire weekend to figure out how to approach her about it.

"Cid," Lily said as she walked into the room, hands on her hips. "You go wake your father. He won't listen to a damn word I say."

The blond rolled his eyes, groaning. "Fine, but I doubt I'll get him up either." Glancing down at Shera, he tipped his head to the side. "Wanna come help me? Dunno how easy this is gonna be."

Shera laughed. "Sure."

Standing, Cid stretched and started out of the kitchen. He felt lucky that he remembered the way to the study, but almost thankful when he realized he wouldn't need that knowledge as a tired-looking man was wandering through the main room with a yawn. Raising a brow, Cid laughed. "Shit, Dad. Ya look like hell."

The man looked up, his blue eyes widening along with a smile on his face. "Cid! Ya are alive!" Brushing back the mess of mussed shoulder-length hair, he moved forward quickly and grabbed Cid, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Good to see ya," he said with a grin.

Shera stood back, hands clasped in front of her. Mitch loved his son so much, and it was always good to see them together again.

Cid laughed the best he could, trying to push himself out of his father's embrace. "Dammit, Dad, you're gonna fuckin' suffocate me!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Mitch said with a completely straight face. "I'm just huggin' ya, not tryin' to kill ya." Suddenly grinning widely, Mitch swung Cid around a little, almost knocking him off balance. "Good to have my little boy back. Do ya even know how hard it is to get Cloud to be a substitute you? It's damn near impossible!"

Cid snorted, trying to get out of the older man's grasp. "Shera! Lily! Help!" he yelped with a little laugh, waving his hand around.

"You're on your own, boy," Lily called from the kitchen, laughing. Shera laughed too, shaking her head.

"Nn… lemme go!" Finally managing to get out of Mitch's grasp, Cid gave him a stern look. "Sheesh. I just got home. Lemme live for a moment, why doncha?"

Mitch grinned. "Aw, that's nothin'. I'm just glad to see ya," he said, reaching over to ruffle his son's hair affectionately. "'Course ya had to come home late, didn't ya? Couldn't catch an earlier bus or anythin'?"

Lily came into the room wiping her hands on her pants. "Oh leave the boy alone, Mitch. He's had a long day," she said, chuckling.

"But... I missed him," Mitch complained, a bit of a pout on his face. But he relented and just stood back. "I guess I can give ya a break for now. But tomorrow I'm hearin' everythin' an' anythin', ya hear me?" he added with a grin.

Cid glanced over to Lily, giving her a silent smile of thanks. He loved his father, but sometimes the man just got too excited for his or others' own good. "Sure, fine. I'll tell ya whatever ya wanna hear tomorrow." He made a mental apology for lying already since he wouldn't be telling his father or Lily everything that had happened since he had started school.

Lily put a hand on her hip. "Hey, I better be getting to hear this story too." She grinned, gesturing to the stairs. "Why don't you get some sleep, though? It's pretty late."

The younger blond nodded. "Yeah, we'll have story time or somethin' tomorrow. How's that?" Stretching his arms up, he shrugged a little.

Mitch sighed, nodding. "I guess I can wait. 'Sides. Ya prob'ly wanna get some sleep soon." Arching his back, Cid's father laughed. "An' I should prob'ly think about sleepin' in a bed. Gonna have to redo that order sheet 'cause it got wet." He paused, thinking. "Oh. Shera. Ya want me to drive ya back home or d'ya wanna stay the night? 'Cause I'm sure we can find somewhere if ya wanna do that."

Shera smiled. "I don't want to put you out of your way..."

Lily shook her head. "Oh nonsense, child. You know you're always welcome here."

A smile overcame Mitch's face. "Yeah. I mean, Cid's gonna be takin' the guest bedroom, but that bed's pretty big. Not like you two never shared a bed before." He smirked. "Just don't let me hear anythin' I wouldn't wanna hear."

"Dad, shut the hell up." Cid shook his head. "Ya know we're not gonna get back together so stop tryin'."

Shera chuckled, moving to take Cid's hand. "He probably has some hot girlfriend back at school anyway."

Cid raised a brow. "Hey. Didn't I say ya'll would get the story tomorrow?" he said with a little smirk. His fingers automatically laced with Shera's and he set his jaw firmly as he just stood there.

"So ya do! Damn, didn't take ya long, did it?" Mitch asked with a grin. "Gonna show us a picture? Or she stuffed in your bag over there?"

The younger blond laughed. "I thought I said I'd spill it tomorrow? Tonight I just wanna sleep, all right?"

"Oooooh," Shera cooed, grinning and giving his hand a little squeeze. "You at least have to tell me about her when we get upstairs. I want the dirt."

Cid raised a brow and snorted. "Only if ya force it outta me. I mean, why should I favor ya over them?" he asked with a smile.

Shera kept grinning. "'Cause you almost married me."

"Oh yeah." Chuckling, Cid tipped his head toward the stairs. "Well, maybe I'll let ya know a little when we get up there."

"Hey, no fair!" Mitch yelped, though his smile gave away that he really didn't care when he heard, just so long as he heard before Cid left. "Just don't give away too much."

Shera stuck her tongue out at Mitch as she started pulling Cid up the stairs, giggling.

"Remember! I don't wanna hear anythin'!" Sticking his own tongue out, Mitch moved over to wrap an arm around Lily's waist, pulling her close.

"Same goes for you," Cid answered back as he followed Shera up the stairs, trying not to laugh. At least his unease seemed to be passing if not completely gone and he felt a little better about being there.