For Honor or Glory

Chatting Over Lunch

Chapter 12 

When Genesis rejoined Alex in the hall, she eyed the basket curiously. "So, a picnic? Where?"

He smirked before he answered. "I have a place in mind that I am sure you will appreciate."

She sighed as she crossed her arms. "That means you aren't telling me before we leave, doesn't it?"

His smirk only widened. "It isn't far, and I would like for it to be a surprise. Indulge me."

Alex had to clench her jaw to keep from saying something sharp. It was several seconds before she sighed and shrugged. It wasn't like she didn't already know this was typical behavior for him. "Fine. I do have things to do this afternoon, so I can't stand around out here all day."

Genesis frowned at her abruptness but didn't say anything. Instead, he held out a hand. "Follow me."

She didn't take his outstretched hand, but she did fall into step next to him. She was shocked when they only went a few halls over, and he opened a large set of double doors. She followed him into the vast open room and stood there for a moment before she turned to him with a frown. "What is this supposed to be?"

Genesis turned to her with a smirk once more. He handed her the basket as he spoke. "Hold this and close your eyes. I give my word that it will be worth it."

Even though Alex was glaring at him, his expression didn't change until she gave in and took the basket. His smile widened as she did so. "Now close your eyes."

She was ready to be done with this, even though part of her was feeling extremely nostalgic with the way he was treating her. She tried to bury that part as she closed her eyes. It was less than a minute later that he shocked her when he took the basket from her hands. She was so surprised by his nearness that her eyes popped open, even though he hadn't asked her to. When they did, she looked around in shock at the orchard of dumbapple trees that surrounded them. Even the wind blowing gently through her hair reminded her of home.

She finally looked back over at Genesis with wide eyes. "What? How are we back in Banora?"

He gently took her hand, and this time she was too stupefied to stop him. He led her a short distance before he put the basket down and turned to take her other hand as well. She looked up into his smiling eyes as he finally answered her question. "I wish I could say it is real. Unfortunately, this is as close to home as I have been able to get since I left. They created this program for Angeal and me. Although, I do believe they had an alternative motive in mind when they did so."

Alex was still too awed. She knew she wasn't really back home, but it was an exact replica. Even the trees looked like the ones that they all used to play on when they were younger. It was too much, and despite trying not to, Alex found tears in her eyes.

As soon as they sprang up, Genesis pulled her into a tight embrace. She was so overwhelmed by everything that she let him without complaint. She even let it go in for several moments. When she finally pulled back, she looked up at Genesis and gave him a tentative smile. "Thanks. I do appreciate it."

Genesis squeezed her sides slightly before he let go. He then turned to open the basket and pulled out a thin blanket. "Why don't we get comfortable."

His actions finally reminded Alex why they were there, and she was suddenly even more conflicted than she had been. This was the Genesis she knew. Thoughtful and kind with those that mattered to him. He always had an eye for details, plus he would go out of his way to wow when he wanted to. She was sure it was a side of him that not many people knew, and it nearly made her want to start crying again. How could she brush him off when he was doing stuff like this?