For Honor or Glory

Good and Bad

Chapter 8

Thankfully, the elevator wasn't crowded when they got in. As soon as the doors closed, Angeal turned to Alex, still wearing a half-smile. "How was the trip? Did it take you long?"

Alex rolled her eyes as she answered. "Don't get me started. I have seen enough of unwashed people and smelly birds to last me a lifetime."

Angeal frowned slightly. He knew his sister was exaggerating somewhat, but he also knew there was more to the story. Unfortunately, he wasn't given a chance to answer as Zack pipped up. "Do you not like chocobos? That's crazy. They are the most awesome things ever!"

Alex shared a look with her brother, and he had to bite his tongue at the mirth shining in her eyes. Thankfully, she was at least tactful when she answered. "I never said I didn't like them. I will agree that they are soft, cuddly, and adorable. But they are also smelly. I think I would at least appreciate a break."

Zack nodded sagely in understanding, but before he could respond verbally, the elevator doors opened, and Angeal led them out. He looked once at the bags in Zack's hands before he turned to his sister. "Why don't we take your things to my office. We can leave them there until we figure everything out."

She gave him a nod and turned to follow him, though he stopped after only a couple of steps and gave her a worried look. "By the way, where are you staying?"

Alex instantly felt her face heat. Leave it to her brother to start with the hard questions. She had no idea where she was going to stay, as she didn't have much money left. She could already see Angeal's face taking on that look he used whenever he was going to give her a lecture, but neither of them was able to say anything before a new voice called out. "Alexandra?"

Alex froze. The voice was deeper than she remembered, but she would still be able to recognize it in her sleep. Plus, there was only one person that insisted on using her full name most of the time. She turned slowly to see the other person she had so badly wanted to see but was also hoping not to. Her wishes didn't matter as they both took a step toward each other.

Genesis stopped and stared for a few seconds before he took another step and reached out a hand to brush across her cheek. His voice was barely above a whisper. "Alex, is that really you? I'm not dreaming?"

Despite how upset she had been at his lack of communication, despite how hurt she was by all the stories of his social life, Alex still could not manage to speak past her grin and the lump in her throat. Instead, she just nodded.

That was all it took for Genesis to pull her into a crushing embrace. It was several seconds before Alex could finally find her voice. "It's good to see you, Gen."

Even after she greeted him, he held her like that for several moments before he pushed back and looked her over. She felt her skin warm under that stare in a way she previously had not been aware of—especially when his eyes landed back on hers, and she could see the appreciation in his gaze.

Genesis smirked as he finally spoke again. "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess. I despaired of ever seeing such beauty again. You look stunning."

Alex knew she was blushing, but that didn't stop her grin as she was about to return the compliment in kind. However, her attention was drawn behind Genesis by a loud, fake cough. Instantly the fire in her cheeks turned to ice as she saw a petite, buxom, blonde woman standing with her arms crossed and a glare aimed at both she and Genesis.

Alex's smile faltered, but she somehow managed to at least keep it from disappearing as she stepped back. "Why didn't you say you were headed out with someone. It would be no problem for us to catch up on another day."