Hector let out a breath at my side, hitching up his backpack on his shoulder as the light breeze sifted through his hoodie. His blue eyes twinkled especially brightly today, reflecting the cloudless sky as his chocolate curls dusted across his face. "You ready, partner?"

I gulped. "Probably never will be."

"Oh c'mon, you got this!"

"What am I supposed to say? I've been gone fifteen years and I show up out of the blue, alive?"

"You could probably start with 'Hi, Dad, I'm home! What's for dinner? Because my lovely boyfriend over here is freaking starving'."

I punched him in the chest in frustration as he chortled. "I'm serious!"

He shot me his signature, mischievous grin. "I can't take you seriously when you stomp your foot and do that huffy thing. It's adorable!"

Sighing, I pushed him away by his face and started down the old dirt road, lined with wide-spanning fences containing grazing cattle and horses. It didn't look too much different than before, the little blue farmhouse. Surrounded by a wraparound porch and some maples bending over to provide shade to the rickety chairs. A fresh pitcher of iced tea sat on the side table by the white rocker, with two cups set out. A little blue, rusted pickup truck was parked in the dusty driveway. My eyes landed on the tree on the left, which around it was wrapped the rope attached to my little tire swing. I stopped in my tracks.

"I don't know if I can do this."

But Hector's hand warmed by back, lightly pushing me forward. "Don't make him wait another day."

I breathed out. "You're right."

Before me and my somersaulting stomach knew it, I was up at the door, fist raised to knock.

"Go on," Hector whispered.

Closing my eyes tightly, I quickly rapped on the door three times.

I heard footsteps.

My breath hitched.

My fists clenched.

And a graying-haired, sad-eyed man appeared in the doorway. He was tall, gentle-looking, with smile lines etched into the corners of his eyes. He stared, throat working visibly. I knew there was truly nothing he could do to express his shock.

"C…C-Clio?"

"Um, hey," I choked quickly, not able to take my eyes from his and stumbling through my poorly planned speech. "So some godly stuff happened, and it's a long story, and I'll explain it, but, um, the main point is… I'm alive. And I'm home."

I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting as Hector stood off and out of sight in respect for privacy. It took a few moments, but soon I was wrapped in a massive hug with my dad's tears wetting my face. "Clio. Clio…"

Long story short, there was a tearful reunion on both sides, lots of hugging and not letting go, a very long explanation, dinner as Hector had begged for, a very protective father vs. boyfriend interrogation, and a much needed emotional break afterwards.

The day ended with my dad finally having an easy night's rest, knowing his daughter was home. It also ended with Hector and me lounging in the rocking chairs on the porch, staring up at the stars that we could start reaching for again. I reached for his hand before drifting off into a finally peaceful sleep.

And the next day, I woke to the sound of the birds and the gentle breeze rustling the trees, home at last, smiling, and feeling that I didn't need immortality to live in this moment forever.

Last goodbye to the story, lovelies.

Man, I'm gonna miss it. But I feel it ended well, and I can't wait to get on to writing more stuff. I'm really glad that so many people liked this little OC fanfiction, and I even made some new friends through writing it!

Hope this leaves you with a good feeling, and I hope you read my stories coming soon. Your support and reviews have made me happier than I can explain.

Last reviewer responses for this story:

WingDawn: WAAAAY TOO LONG SORRY

Thank you. :) I figured we needed some closure on that.

The Invisible Pretender: Eh, I can't help it. Too fun! Looks like you'll have to be gushy at least one more time.

Thanks!

TheRealEvanSG: Now you got it!

Why thank you! I'm pretty happy with it, myself. Haha, yeah, with Aquila, that was unavoidable for him. He was asking for it!

Here ya go!

Bye for now, beautifuls, and hope to see you reading my other stuff.

Mizpah,

~LoneStorm