As soon as the man saw his wife crying, his brow furrowed, and he took a cautious step toward her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, but his eyes were on his son. "Genesis, why have you come here, unannounced? Moira called and said it was urgent that I return. She said you wanted to speak to both of us together."
His eyes flicked to Sherry, and she tried to give him a reassuring smile, but he frowned in return. She grimaced and began to wonder if Genesis' temper really was innate, or actually learned. When Genesis turned back around and saw the look on Sherry's face, his scowl deepened, and his hand found its way to her waist before he faced his parents, a fact that was not lost on his father. The man reevaluated the woman next to his son and wondered again at her presence.
He didn't get to ask before Genesis spoke up. "I will make this brief. I know you are not my birth parents. I have found the truth of what I am and have already taken action to mitigate it. My only question for the two of you, is if you had ever planned to tell me the truth? Did you ever love me, or was I simply a burden you bore willingly for Shinra all these years?"
Both of his parents wore open shock. They had not ever expected to hear that from Genesis and weren't really sure if he comprehended the full extent of everything, or just that he was adopted. That made the woman by his side that much more of a conundrum. Finally, it was his mother that stepped forward. If he did know and had married for love than the woman needed to know the truth as well. She looked between them for a moment. "Genesis, you say you know the truth, but how much do you really know? How much does your wife know?"
The only indication of surprise from his father that Sherry was Genesis' wife was a slight widening of his eyes before he rejoined his own wife. He kept his silence and waited for his son to respond, though they were all shocked when it was the woman that spoke for them. "Mrs. Rhapsodos, I know you love your son, but you don't have to worry that this knowledge will drive me from him. I have known for a long time what was done to him before he was even born. I know that Hollander is a sick man that is a pseudoscientist at best, playing with forces that he barely comprehends. You may not even know as much about what was done as we do at this point."
There was complete silence for several seconds as both of his parents tried to comprehend everything she said. Not only her words but also their delivery. She had been calm and confident, and in no way did she seem to be accusing them of anything, despite the glare that Genesis was leveling at them. The silence was finally broken by his father. "Who are you?"
Genesis nearly growled at the condescending tone the man used. "She is my wife, and you would do well to remember that. Now answer my question!"
His mother jumped when he yelled, but his father narrowed his eyes. He raised one brow when he noticed the girl he had just spoken down to trying to calm his son. That surprised him. He wondered why she wasn't just was angry. Still, he realized it was time for their reckoning. No matter the girl's presence, there was no denying the part they had to play in what had been done to Genesis. They may have come to regret it over the years, but it could not be denied. He sighed. "Enough. If you would like to speak about this, then calm yourself and sit down."
Genesis looked like he wanted to throw a fireball at his father's face, but Sherry grabbed his hand and pulled him to a loveseat. His parents sat across from them. It was an awkward few minutes of silence later that his mother finally spoke. "I understand that you are rightfully angry. We did keep the truth from you but know that we did not do so out of malice. Yes, in the beginning, we accepted the assignment because we were Shinra employees, and we were simply following orders, but that was not the case for long."
"You were always a lovely boy. It would have been impossible for anyone to not fall in love with you, and I am no exception. I know it may be selfish of me to ask this now, but if there is any way for you to see past this someday, I would at least like the opportunity to apologize for my part in this. You are my son in my heart. I love you."
Genesis stood abruptly and walked to the cold fireplace. The other three watched him. Sherry wished there was a way for her to make this easier. As for his father, he watched his son warily for a moment before his gaze turned back to the woman that was still sitting across from them. The open adoration and anguish for his son were easy to read. He wondered how such a bond could have formed between them without them ever knowing. Genesis' life wasn't exactly private, and no such news had been made public. They would have been the first to know, as they funded his fan clubs. It made no sense, but he could not refute his eyes.
He was pulled from his introspection when Genesis finally turned back and pinned him with a glare. "And what of you?"
He stood and looked his son in the eye. "Your hatred of us is understandable, but know we have done what we could to give you everything you needed. That includes a loving home. I may not deserve your forgiveness, but I would hope that someday you could find your way to at least consider it."
It was several seconds before Genesis responded with a shake of his head. "I do not know what to believe. Sherry has insisted from the beginning that I listen to you, but it is hard for me to believe that you care for me when I know you have lied to me my whole life."
Both of his parents once again turned to the girl with evaluating looks. Sherry stood to meet their gazes. She then turned and caught Genesis' eye. "Look, I know first-hand what family means. Both kinds. The one you're born into and the one you make and trust me when I say that the strength of those bonds isn't dependent on the blood that's in your veins. Genesis, you know that as well as I do. Kaylan should be proof enough."
Despite how much she tried, a few tears slipped down her cheeks. Genesis cursed as soon as he saw them. He had her enveloped in a hug almost immediately, but he also sighed. "I understand." He looked over her head and to his parents. "I cannot say that this will be easy, but I will hear what you have to say."
They both looked at the couple before his father finally responded. "Why don't we start with a proper introduction. If we are to welcome a new member into our family, then I would like to know her name and how you came to meet."
Sherry turned and wiped away the last of her tears. She took a deep breath as she tried to recompose herself while Genesis kept his hand in the small of her back for support while he introduced her. "Mother, Father, please meet my wife, Sherry Rhapsodos. As for how we met, that is a twisted tale that would be difficult for you to believe, but I would be willing to share since that seems to be the word of the day."
Neither of them was sure how to respond. They had expected this day to come, someday, but not like this. Still, Genesis had a point. It seemed they all had a lot to share. His father gestured back to the loveseat. "That sounds like it will be an interesting tale. Why don't we take a seat? I can have Moira bring in the tea tray."
It was several hours later that the couples made their way to where the rest of the group were waiting in the large dining room, minus Aerith. Moira had let them know the girl had been given room to rest while everyone else waited. There was still tenseness between them, as his parents were not quite sure what to think of the story their son shared, and Genesis was still upset they had lied for years, but there was a truce. They all wanted things to be better, so they agreed to work toward that goal. It was a start.
It was with that thought in mind that his parents left them both with a genial smile and told them they would see them at breakfast. Sherry and Genesis knew they still had to speak to Angeal, Sephiroth, and Zack, so they were far from done. Once his parents were gone, Genesis turned to them with a grimace that Angeal answered with a hopeful smile. "It was good to see you spent some talking to them at least. I convinced Sephiroth it was necessary."
Sephiroth gave him a longsuffering look and shook his head. "I understood well enough the necessity. Nonetheless, it is good you came back tonight. While you were busy, we have been discussing alternatives. We have decided that it would probably be prudent to try to travel south to Mideel tomorrow and see if we can convince someone there to take us to Wutai. I am sure we can find someone in the southern encampment to take us across to the Western Continent. It is not much faster, but it will hopefully throw off our pursuit long enough to do what is necessary."
Genesis raised a brow, and Sherry gave him a tired nod. It was the Commander that spoke. "I will concur. The accommodations are likely to be atrocious, but it would be better than whatever the Turks would have waiting."
Once that was settled, Sephiroth and Zack both headed out and to the rooms they had been assigned. Angeal paused long enough to place a hand on Genesis' shoulder. "How are you holding up?"
Genesis didn't speak right away. Sherry had walked away to give them privacy, but his eyes were still on her figure as she sat down tiredly. The meeting with his parents had been hard for her, as they had wanted to know all about her. He knew it had to hurt, bringing up all those memories of people she would never see again. The thought left a pit in his stomach when he thought about his own parents and his motivation for wanting to speak with them in the first place. Despite what his wife thought, he had a good idea of what was in store for them both, and he wanted them to make the most of the time they had left.
He sighed and shook his head as he answered. "Probably as well as you are. Do not think I missed the circles under your eyes this morning. Did you sleep at all last night?"
Angeal chuckled dryly. "Not a wink. But I think we're better for it. At least now I know the truth, and, as hard as it was to hear it all, I think we were both able to let go of a lot of anger and guilt. It helps that someone told me that I'm only a monster if I let myself become one. When I passed that on, she actually cried. She told me to thank you."
Genesis felt one corner of his lips lift despite his mood, and he looked to his wife again. "Tell her I will pass her thanks on to the person responsible." He sighed again and gave Angeal a nod. "Try to get some rest tonight. I doubt we will be able to get much while we travel."
Angeal gave him a nod. "You too." He looked over at Sherry and caught her eye. "Don't let this guy keep you up too late. Dawn comes early, and I know Seph will be beating on your door if you aren't up."
She tried to grin at his teasing but knew it fell a little short. Still, the effort was enough, and he nodded again before he turned and left them alone. Once he was gone, Genesis pulled her from her seat and led her into the hall. She thought he was leading her to his room, but was shocked when he led her into a large open room with a chandelier. She raised a brow as she turned to him. "What is this?"
He matched her expression. "The ballroom. What did you think it was."
She gave him an exasperated look and flicked his arm before she looked around. It was a gorgeous room, and she had to admit that when he turned the overhead lights on, the way the crystal reflected off the walls was mesmerizing. She turned back to him with a curious smile. "I suppose the more relevant question would be, why are we here?"
He smiled softly down at her before he took one hand and put the other on her waist. She raised one brow as he paused as though he was thinking. It was a few seconds before he spoke. "What was that song Kaylan sang?"
Sherry's heart lurched at the memory he dredged up, but it was bittersweet. Despite the sheen of tears in her eyes, she smiled up at him as she started to sing. "I've never seen you've looking so lovely as you did tonight."
By the second line, Genesis had joined in and started to lead her in a slow waltz across the floor. Sherry remembered most of the words, but for the ones she missed, he was there with her. Between the two of them, they finished the song together. By the time they were done, Sherry wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. Instead, she buried her face in his chest and stood there for a moment.
When she pulled back, he wiped at the stray tear that made it passed her defenses before he pulled a remote from his pocket. She eyed it warily but closed her eyes when a soft waltz started playing. Angeal's warning to get to bed early was a distant warning as Genesis pulled her a little closer and began another dance.
Both were too lost in each other to notice they were being watched. They each knew their days on Gaia were numbered and were making as many memories as they could, without saying as much. Although, to Genesis' parents, it merely looked like two newlyweds who still could not get enough of each other's company. They had been drawn by the sound of voices and smiled when they saw the two of them singing to each other. There was no doubt that no matter how strange their tale, the dancing couple was very much in love. When the music started, his parents quietly closed the door and left them to enjoy the rest of the evening in peace.
The next morning came just as early as Angeal had warned. Sherry was still groaning as Genesis helped her pack the last of her things. She almost felt like cursing his enhancements. It wasn't fair that he looked perfect and perky while she felt like she needed a gallon of coffee before she could face the world. At least the worst he had done was chuckle at her grumbling before he offered to assist. Thank god he knew better than to tease her before she had caffeine.
When they made their way downstairs, Sherry was at least gratified to see that Aerith appeared much better than she had the day before. The girl was sitting on the far side of the table, chatting with Zack. They both looked disgustingly chipper. Sephiroth was sitting quietly near the door. He nodded when they came in and addressed Genesis. "Angeal messaged me earlier. He will meet us on the way out of town."
Genesis nodded in acknowledgment before he guided Sherry to sit next to his parents. To her shock, they both smiled as she sat. She tentatively returned the gesture. "Good morning."
His mother gestured Moira over. "What would you like for breakfast?"
Sherry wasn't used to the formal setting, but she managed to smile up at the girl. "To start with, I just need coffee, please. After that, I'm not picky. I'll take whatever is easiest or whatever everyone is having."
She heard Genesis huff a quiet laugh beside her and shot him a glare. He grinned at her before he turned to the girl. "Moira, would you please bring us both poached eggs and toast. Double mine, and please make sure Sherry's are done easy." The maid gave him a curtsy and hurried off to give his order to the chef.
The rest of the breakfast went quickly and amicably. Despite the newfound truce in the Rhapsodos family, they still did not have time to waste. It was a short time later they stood to leave. Genesis gave his mother a hug, much to everyone's surprise. She had a hard time holding in tears as she began to wonder if there was more to his actions, especially when his wife gave him a pained smile at the act. She was not given a chance to ask as her husband stepped forward to shake their son's hand.
"I must say, none of this went the way I expected. I will also say I never expected you to find a woman like the one by your side. I have only seen a few interactions between you, but the ones I have seen are enough for me to know what you mean to each other. No matter station, wealth, or I suppose planet, in this case, I'm just glad you found happiness."
Genesis gave him a curt nod. Nothing else was said, not that it was needed. Long goodbyes would only make it harder. Both Zack and Aerith also thanked them for their hospitality before they joined Sephiroth, and they all followed Genesis out.
They did not get to make it to the front door before a girl's scream rang out. None of them hesitated before they ran to investigate. When they reached the foyer, they were greeted by the sight of Moira cowering in the corner and a scowling Angeal trying to assure her he was fine while he had at least four guns pointed at him. There were no less than eight people in dark suits that turned to look at the newcomers with glares both inside and outside the room.
Genesis and Sephiroth had been in front, but Sherry pushed around her husband to face the man that was in front of the others. His scowl deepened when his gaze fell on her and only got worse when she spoke. "Hello Veld, I would say it's nice to meet you finally, but given this situation, those words don't really fit now, do they?"
A/N: I know, another cliffhanger. I promise I'm really not doing it on purpose. It's just the way the dialogue ends up working out. Gah! That being said, I have done calculating, and now that we are closer to the end, I think I can (mostly) accurately say that we now have four chapters left. That is exciting! These last ones will all be moving and exciting and I hope you are looking forward to them as much as me. Thanks for reading!