For Honor or Glory

Good News

Chapter 15 

As soon as Alex hit the 49th floor, she went straight to her brother's office. No matter how heavy her reason for being there, she was still thrilled that her hard work was already paying off, and she wanted to share. She knocked once and waited. When she didn't hear anything, she knocked again. She frowned at the door and wondered if he might still be at lunch. That thought was blown when she looked at a clock down the hall. It was after 13:00. There was no way Angeal would have stayed gone that long.

She sighed as she moved to Genesis's office. Perhaps they were there and talking. From what she understood, they all did it often enough if they had stuff to share. It was more convenient than sending messages back and forth.

When there was no response at Genesis's door either, Alex frowned. Surely they both couldn't have been sent off on such short notice. Plus, even though she had left early, Geal knew where she went. If he had to leave, she knew he would have at least sent a message up.

She stood in the hallway for several moments as she tried to figure out what to do next. That was when her eyes strayed to the last office—Sephiroth's. She almost turned without considering it. After all, she didn't want to interrupt him if he was busy. Still, she didn't need much of his time, right? Just enough to tell her where the other two had gone.

She was still hesitant when she reached the door, but her hand shot out to knock before she could reconsider. She was relieved when there was an almost immediate reply. However, she was shocked when she opened the door to a full room. Her brother was sitting in front of the desk with his hands behind his head and one foot propped on the other knee. Genesis was looking out the window, and the General was staring at her with curiosity.

Thankfully she was able to shake off her surprise before it became awkward. She stepped in and shut the door before she gave Sephiroth a smile. "I apologize if I am interrupting anything. I was looking for my brother and thought you might be able to point me in the right direction, but I suppose I got lucky."

Genesis spun with a frown as soon as he heard her voice. He took a step closer to her, but Sephiroth answered before the Commander could say anything. "It is no problem. We had just finished a meeting, and they were getting ready to leave."

Angeal stood by that point as well. His eyes were concerned as he said, "Is everything alright? Did something happen?"

Despite the location, Alex could not hold in her glee. She grinned at her twin as she answered. "Everything is perfect! I start on Monday, and Professor Rayleigh said I could have as many hours as I want. I'll even be given a paid position in ninety days."

It didn't take Angeal long to join her in grinning. He wrapped her in a tight hug before he let go and patted her arm. "I suppose congratulations are in order then."

Genesis finally made it to her side as well. He took her arm gently and turned her to face him. His frown was far less irritated and mostly confused. "You are coming to work for Shinra? In the science department?"

Alex was still too happy to let his expression bother her. "That's right. I start in a few days. It's the perfect opportunity for me to complete my thesis. With nearly unlimited access, I will have all the equipment I need to make it happen."

She was suddenly reminded that they weren't exactly in the best place for her to be losing it. At least the General didn't look upset when he stood. Though his words did shock her. "I had not expected you to go into a field so different from your brother's. Is this something you have been interested in for long?"

She blinked at him a few times as she tried to understand. She hadn't expected him to ask her a personal question since they didn't know each other. At least until she realized that it wasn't too shocking since he considered Angeal and Genesis friends. She managed to smile as she responded. "Yes, it has. I actually started studying genetics years ago because"-

Alex paused since she was sure he wasn't interested in hearing about the problems of strangers. Instead, she steered the conversation in a different direction. "Well, not that it matters. I am almost finished with my degree. The work I do here will help me."

She wasn't given a chance to say more as Genesis stepped in again. At least he was smiling this time. "I suppose I understand your absence this morning. It can be forgiven."

Alex frowned at his choice of words but didn't get to say anything. He brushed a knuckle across her cheek as he smirked down at her. "With news that good, I think celebrations are in order. How does dinner sound? Tomorrow night?"

No matter her worries, Alex did want to celebrate, but she had a caveat. "Only if Geal gets to go too."

A look passed through his eyes, but not long enough for Alex to figure out if he was irritated or not. He lowered his head in acquiescence as he answered. "It would only be fitting that your friends and family attend."

Alex rolled her eyes as she grinned at him. "You know right now that only consists of you and Geal. It's not like I've been here long enough to make more."

Genesis looked somewhere between chagrinned and smug, but Angeal spoke before he could formulate a response. "Unless Sephiroth wants to go too." He then turned to the General. "What do you think? It isn't often we have reasons to celebrate."

Sephiroth shook his head, but he was smiling. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't think my presence is warranted. Perhaps another time when it is not such an important event."

Alex was torn at his response. She didn't want him to feel left out, but she also knew they were strangers. It might be worse if he were to attend. Still, her upbringing could not allow him to think he would be unwelcome. He was a friend of her brother's after all. "It wouldn't be an inconvenience."

Sephiroth's smile widened just a hair. "I have a feeling you and your brother would be polite no matter who you spoke to but do not feel as though I am offended. If you are to live in Midgar, I am sure there will be opportunities again in the future."

Alex still didn't look convinced, but Genesis pulled lightly on her arm to lead her toward the door as he looked over with a smirk. "Why don't you come and tell me all about your morning. With as excited as you are, I'm sure it will be a fascinating tale."

Angeal followed them out after he waved goodbye to the General. The three of them then went into Genesis's office so Alex could share the rest of her good news.

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It had taken some cajoling on Alex's part to convince Genesis she would rather not go to some fancy restaurant where she would only feel out of place. It would be difficult to celebrate when she was too worried about making a fool of herself. Instead, he agreed to a nearby pub. It was understated, but the service was excellent, and the food was amazing.

Alex was more than thrilled to receive several toasts to a long and productive career from her brother and boyfriend. It was a little embarrassing when several of the waitstaff came and brought a complimentary dessert. She had a feeling that it wouldn't have happened had she been by herself. Not that she was going to turn it away. Who passed on chocolate?

All in all, by the time they left, Alex was a little tipsy, but she was grinning. Even though she knew this would be a dangerous endeavor in the back of her mind, it was more than just her dreams coming true. She only felt giddy about the accomplishment. At least for the moment. She could worry about the rest as she tried to figure out how to handle finding any and all material about the Jenova Project.

That was something she couldn't begin to do until she saw how her days would go. Until she found out if she really would have unlimited and unwatched access. If that wasn't the case, she would have to figure out how to make it happen. Although, for that night, she was content to let those thoughts fade away as Genesis walked back to headquarters with the two siblings wearing a bright smile and his arm through hers.