For Honor or Glory

Reunited

Chapter 7

Alex was sitting on the train, trying to ignore the many looks she was getting. She wasn't even paying as much attention to the city outside as she had planned. No, what she was doing was fretting over what she could possibly say to get into the building, as well as lamenting the fact that she hadn't thought to leave her bags behind to go back and get later. She had no doubt that it would look strange for her to come in with a suitcase and backpack, even if they weren't large.

No matter her worries, the last stop came, and it was time for her to face the music. She was one of many people pouring out of the doors before they closed again. She stood on the platform, staring up at the imposing Shinra headquarters for several moments and letting the wave of people pass her as though she were a rock in the sand.

It wasn't until a young man in a suit and tie stopped to speak to her that she pulled herself together. She turned to him with a smile that never reached her eyes. "I apologize, was I in your way?"

The young man grinned at her as he shook his head. "Not at all. I only wanted to see if there was some way I could help. You look a little lost."

Alex felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment but still shook her head. "No, thank you. I know where I'm going, but I thought I would enjoy the sight for a moment first."

Surprisingly, her rebuff didn't seem to faze the man. Instead, he pointed to the building rising above them. "Well, if you are going to the Shinra building, I would be happy to walk with you. I am headed to work myself."

Alex had to fight not to grimace. She couldn't see any way to say no without it being weird. Especially as they were headed in the same direction. Instead, she shrugged. "I don't see what it would hurt. That is where I am going as well." Thankfully, he didn't say anything else as they fell into step with each other and headed toward the looming skyscraper.

Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way. They had barely exited the train station before he looked over again. "I could help carry your bags if you'd like."

Alex tried to give him an appreciative look, but it fell short when she answered. "That's okay. It isn't far, and I'm used to them."

It was a second before he nodded in acquiescence, but that didn't keep him from speaking again. "By the way, my name is Maur. What's yours?"

Alex had to bite back a sigh. She was trying to focus, and this man wasn't helping. Still, she knew she couldn't be rude. She gave him another of those not-smiles as she answered. "I'm Alexandra. Nice to meet you."

By that time, they had made it to the top of the steps. Alex was more than glad that he finally seemed to be going away as he gave her another grin. "Well, this is where I have to go. I hope I see you around again, Alexandra."

Politeness had been engrained into Alex since she was young, so she gave him a nod as she answered. "Thanks, I hope so too."

She was thankful when he walked away with a wave. As soon as he was turned, she faced the front desk. Though, she had to grin when she realized the man's presence had gotten her into the building without her nerves causing her to do something stupid. It helped her smile look less strained when she finally made it to the front of the line.

The woman behind the desk looked up with a polite smile as she spoke. "Hello, welcome to Shinra Headquarters. What may I help you with today?"

Alex suddenly felt her mouth grow dry and had to swallow before she could respond. "I am here to see Commander Angeal Hewley. Could you please point me to his office?"

The woman raised a brow, but she didn't lose her polite smile. "And do you have an appointment?"

Alex once again cursed her lack of foresight. Of course, they would want her to have an appointment. Still, she was too close to give up. "No. I am his sister and wanted to surprise him."