For Honor or Glory

Celebration

Chapter 34

The next Saturday found a thrilled Alex waiting in a cab with her brother and her lover. Both Angeal and Genesis had insisted on celebrating, even though she would not officially be Professor Hewley until the following Monday. Professor Rayleigh had been thrilled with the community response to Alex's thesis, even though it had only been out for a few days. It was no issue for the woman to secure the position and title before the week was even out. Alex had signed the official contract on Thursday.

To make the event even better, Alex had managed to convince both Peter and Sephiroth to meet them at the restaurant where Genesis wanted to take her. She didn't have many friends, but this group was the closest she had, and she owed them all, even if some were just for emotional support.

When they all gathered, the first part of the meal was a bit awkward, as Peter wasn't sure how to act around the Soldiers, but thankfully, Angeal was quick to notice and do his best to put the man at ease. That was a good thing because Genesis was frowning at anyone other than Angeal that tried to speak to Alex. Especially Sephiroth. He had been less than thrilled that she had invited the general, but she had politely told him to get over it since it was her celebration, and she wanted her friends there.

Although, when she noticed that Sephiroth seemed uncomfortable as well, she almost wished she hadn't. She only wanted to share her excitement, but not at the expense of his comfort. When she glanced his way again and noticed that he was still looking into his empty glass, she sighed. She then scooted a little closer to him and lowered her voice as she called out. "Hey, Sephiroth."

She waited until he looked up. That blasted furrow was between his brows, and it made her worry, but it was erased almost immediately as he tried to give her a polite smile and said, "Ah, Alex, I hope you are enjoying your dinner. You deserve the recognition."

His efforts to put on a front were obvious and made her even more worried. She tried not to frown as she whispered. "Look, I really appreciate you agreeing to come; it means a lot. But you don't have to stick around if you don't want to be here. It's not going to offend me. I promise."

His expression became unreadable for a moment as he just looked at her. However, he was not allowed a chance to respond. Genesis spoke a little too loudly from her other side. "Could you not even wait until I wasn't around to whisper sweet nothings to each other?"

Alex stiffened in her seat and turned to face his sneer. He wasn't looking at her but past her to where the general was sitting. She felt her blood boil, but she kept her voice low. "Excuse me?"

His eyes flicked down to hers, and he faltered for a moment. His sneer turned to a scowl as he answered, "What is so important that it must be kept secret from the rest of us. Do you have something to hide?"

Alex felt her hands shaking, but she somehow managed to keep her voice even. "The only thing I was trying to do was reassure a friend. However, I see that he was right to want to leave. I think I'm going to follow that example."

She then turned to see a wide-eyed Sephiroth still sitting there and blocking her path out. Her voice was stern, but she couldn't stop it. "Let me out."

Genesis grabbed her arm to stop her, but she yanked it from his grasp and glared at the general. "I said. Let. Me. Out."

Sephiroth stood immediately and stepped to the side so Alex could stand. She paused long enough to look at the rest of the people. She even tried to give Sephiroth an apologetic look as she said, "I apologize for cutting the night short, but I think I have had enough. Please excuse me."

She didn't wait for any response before she stormed off. Genesis was already on his feet to head after her, but he was jerked to a halt by a frowning Angeal. The man's voice was calm, but there was a note of censure underneath. "Genesis, that was way out of line."