Chapter 7 – Brotherly Love

Alex ended up spending more time than she had anticipated eating lunch with Genesis. Despite her continued unease, she had to admit it was nice. Beyond all their issues, they had been best friends for years. It was hard to ignore that.

It was even more difficult to ignore when they stood to leave, and he had placed a soft kiss on her lips. He had taken her by surprise, so by the time she had thought to stop him, he had already pulled away. She started to reprimand him, but he had spouted off some nonsense Loveless quote and bowed before he took the basket and begged off for work. She ended up standing there, glaring until he was around the corner. At least until a clock nearby reminded her that she had places to be.

Thankfully, the Midgar branch of the University was not far from the Shinra headquarters. She was pleased that she had actually been able to meet her teacher in person. It was the first time, and even though she was nearly done with her classes, she still had a thesis to write. She was a long way from seeing the last of the man. At least he had been understanding. It helped that her mom had called the school the day after she left Banora and let them know the address was changing and there would be a delay.

None of that meant she had time to waste. She was still unclear about how to handle her problems, but until she did, she couldn't up and quit everything. She had to at least pretend her life was normal. Not that it was a simple prospect. However, it got easier when she finally got back to Angeal's apartment. Despite having been given a reprieve, her professor still expected her to finish as quickly as possible.

She was still pouring over a thick textbook when Angeal arrived for the evening. She hadn't noticed until he called out as he walked into the kitchen. "Glad to see you are in one piece. Since Genesis was too, I suppose the talk went well?"

Alex wasn't sure if she wanted to smile or grimace as she looked up at her brother. She settled for shrugging. Her voice was hesitant. "I suppose. I can't say everything is back to the way it was, but we have agreed to talk it out."

She didn't miss the way her brother's shoulders relaxed. The sight of it made her worry, but she didn't bring it up. She already felt guilty because he was in the middle of something he shouldn't have to deal with. She was glad when he changed the subject.

"Are those your school books? Is that why dinner isn't made?"

Alex suddenly forgot her worry as she jumped up. "I am so sorry! I lost track of time and didn't even think about cooking. If you want to go get cleaned up, I'll take care of it now."

Angeal chuckled as he patted her shoulder. "Calm down, I was only teasing. I don't expect you to handle everything just because you are staying here rent-free."

Alex groaned as she put her face in her hands. "You know that doesn't make me feel any better."

She looked up just in time to see his grin as he turned away. "I know. Why don't you clean that mess up, and then we can cook together." Alex glared at her brother's back for a moment before she rolled her eyes. No matter the circumstances, she was glad to be able to see that little smirk.

By the time Angeal made it back into the kitchen, Alex had already cleaned the table and gotten out the ingredients for dinner. She was busy prepping the vegetables while Angeal washed his hands and then started cubing the meat. Even though it had been years, they had cooked together enough that the only time they needed to speak was when they asked for something to be passed over. At least until Angeal caught sight of the last thing he ever expected.

He didn't give Alex any warning before he set the pan down and grabbed her hand. He stood there, staring at her fingers for several seconds before he looked up with wide eyes. "I thought you said things weren't back to the way they were. That you were taking your time! What is this?"

Alex could not stop her blush when she realized what he was talking about. Nor could she stop a smile from forming as she answered. "It isn't an engagement band if that's what you're worried about. It's a promise ring. He said he bought it for me last year when the two of you were promoted."

Angeal finally let her hand drop when he heard the pan sizzling. He grunted in annoyance as he spun to try and salvage their meal. That didn't mean he didn't have anything to say. He looked back over his shoulder with a frown as soon as he was sure it wasn't burnt. "What exactly does that mean? What promise did you make with each other?"

Alex felt her cheeks heating again, but she did her best to answer. "Before you two left, he promised to not care about anyone but me, and I promised to wait for him. This is supposed to renew those vows, that's all."

Angeal sighed as he removed the pan from the heat and turned to his sister. He put both hands on her shoulders and gave her a somber look. "I won't tell you what to do, but I will ask that you be careful. He may be my best friend, but I don't want you to get hurt. I'd hate to have to kill him after all these years."

No matter how serious her brother was trying to be, Alex could not hold back a laugh. She gave him a quick hug before she stepped back and shook her head. "If you ever do find a reason or way to do that, let me know. I sure hope it won't be because of me, though. I can take care of my own problems."

He sighed, but she had already grabbed the plates, so he let it drop. He knew there were many valid reasons not to get into the middle of whatever was going on, but it wasn't in his nature to not worry. For now, he would keep it to himself and hope that his friend managed to find the sense he had lost when they first came to Midgar.

It was only a short while after they sat that Angeal spoke again. "So, you said you only have one class left, right? Do you know what you are planning to do afterward?"

Alex swallowed before she answered. "I still don't know. I mean, yes, once I finish this class, I'm done with the training, but I still have to figure out a way to complete the practical research for my thesis."

Angeal's eyes lit up as something occurred to him. "You went into some sort of science, right?"

She eyed his smile with a little trepidation, but she still nodded. As soon as he got her confirmation, he was speaking again. "I'm sure I could put a word in with Professor Hollander to get you into the Science Department."

Alex's reaction was sudden and violent. She shoved away from the table and was on her feet within seconds. Her voice was vehement. "Absolutely not!"

Angeal gave her a concerned look as he stood slowly. He held up both hands as he tried to calm her. "What was that about? I thought you had planned to intern there if you could. That's what mom said, anyway."

Alex had to force herself to calm. She knew her reaction was unfounded, as far as her brother was concerned, but just the thought of working directly with Hollander made her sick. She took a couple of deep breaths and somehow managed a shaky smile. "Sorry, yes, I did plan on that, but I don't want you to go out of your way for me. I'll figure it out."

Despite her attempts to diffuse the situation, Angeal wasn't convinced. "You know that is what siblings do. I don't mind."

Alex almost shot him down again, but she paused. She had already decided to act like nothing had happened, and she had planned to go to work for Shinra before she found everything out. Working in the Science Department might also be exactly what she needed to uncover the truth. Still, the idea of it made her half-finished meal threaten to come up.

She shook her head again, but this time her smile was closer to genuine. "I know, and I appreciate it, but I want to do this myself. If you want to check and see if there are any intern positions, then I would be happy to apply, but I won't use my connection with you to get the job."

Angeal was still frowning, but he pointed to her seat. "Alright, I won't ask on your behalf, but I will say they are always looking for new interns. I swear that department gets more funding than any of the others." He then gave her a wry smile when she finally sat. "Although it shouldn't surprise me that you want to do it on your own. There is honor in making your own way."

Alex couldn't repress a giggle. However, she only smiled sweetly when he shot her a side-eyed glare. She finally responded when he shook his head and tried to hide a smile of his own. "Don't worry, Geal. I promise that I will go tomorrow and apply for an intern position. I have faith that my resume will speak for itself." Angeal nodded before they both got back to their meal. Alex was just glad that her brother didn't notice hers remained half-eaten.

The next morning, Alex was up and out of the apartment early. The previous night Angeal had mentioned that Genesis wanted to take them both to breakfast before the day got started, so she wanted to make sure she missed him. It wasn't that she wouldn't have enjoyed the meal, but she had plenty of things to do that morning. She needed to be focused when she went to the Science Department, and the last thing she needed was to be distracted by thoughts of her complicated relationship.

She knew Genesis was likely to be pissed, but she also knew she could make it up to him later. He did still have a soft spot for the sugar bombs he called lattes, and she had made sure to ask where she could get one before she ran out the door. Her brother had given her a knowing frown but hadn't tried to stop her. Thankfully.

Alex was aware that it was too early to go to the office to turn in her resume, but that wasn't an issue. She headed to the employee lounge upstairs to take a little time to make sure everything was in order, especially all the information on her thesis. She had put it together before she ever left Banora. She might have been hesitant to leave before the 'accident,' but that didn't mean she was clueless. Midgar and Shinra were the only places she would be able to finish her thesis. She doubted she would get an interview the same day she submitted her paperwork, but it was better to be safe.

That thought left a bitter taste in her mouth now, but ironically enough, it would be the one thing to help her figure everything out. If she had any chance of finding the records around their birth and exactly what was done, then the hell-hole of Shinra would be the place to do it.

She was pulled from her contemplation of what she might be facing when an exuberant voice called her name. She looked up and around with a frown until her eyes landed on three men in dark suits headed her way. They all looked familiar, but she couldn't place where she might have seen them before.

Thankfully, her confusion cleared when the one in front spoke as soon as they reached her table. "Look who it is. The famous Alexandra Hewley."

Alex stood to greet them, but she couldn't entirely erase her frown as she answered. "Maur, right? It's a pleasure to see you again, but don't you think famous is a little bit of an exaggeration?"

The man chuckled when he shook her hand. He then winked at her with a grin. "Not at all. I was there when you came in after all. Have you seen the news all over about you? The beautiful Amazon that is related to one Commander Angeal Hewley."

Alex groaned as she covered her face. She hadn't even considered the consequences of that yet. Unfortunately, she wasn't given long to worry about it as the red-head next to Maur butted in.

"Since it seems that Martial Arts here ain't gonna do it, lemme introduce the rest of us. The name's Reno, and this here's my partner, Rude, yo."

A shaft of pain punched through Alex's head as she recognized those names. Thankfully she was able to keep it to a wince. It was no wonder she recognized these other two as well. She shook Reno's hand absently as she looked at all three. The fact that they were all together meant that Maur must be a Turk as well. Even though she didn't recognize him. Not that it mattered other than she would have to be wary around them all.

She was pulled from her internal musings when Reno continued. "Ya know, I didn't believe ya could live up to what everyone's sayin', but I see I was wrong."

It took her a second to realize what he meant. When she did, she chuckled and shook her head. "Thanks for the flattery, but I need to get going. I believe the offices should be open now, so I can submit my resume."

Maur helped her gather her papers without being asked as he spoke again. "You're coming to work for Shinra?"

Alex's hand darted out to take the papers from him since it had taken some time to organize them. Still, she hoped her apologetic smile was enough to keep the gesture from being rude as she answered. "That is my hope. I'm not sure if I will be able to see anyone in the Science Department today, but we'll see."

Reno gave her a confused look. "You don't look like the egghead type. What's there for ya?"

No matter how hard she tried, Alex was unable to keep from rolling her eyes. She still managed a grin. "You should never judge a book by its cover." She then put the last of her things in the tiny briefcase she carried and waved. "Sorry I need to go."

Maur held out a hand to stop her. "Wait, would you at least have lunch with me later? I can meet you here."

Alex wasn't sure if she was irritated or complimented by the man's insistence. Not that it changed her answer either way. "I can't. I'm sure my-" She stumbled and blushed when she considered the implication of her next words, but she still said them. "My boyfriend will likely want to have lunch to make up for the breakfast I missed. Another time, maybe."

All three men gave her disbelieving looks. It was Reno that said what they were all thinking. "You've only been here three days and got a boyfriend already?"

Alex chuckled at the looks. "We were childhood sweethearts. I wouldn't be so shocked by it. Anyway, I'll see you around." She didn't wait for any further delays.

Had she bothered to listen, she might have had a good laugh. A few seconds passed before Reno turned to Maur with a horrified expression. "Wait, if she's Hewley's sister, does that mean she's datin' Commander Cranky?" All three men shared a shocked look as two of them shuddered.

The process of submitting an application for an intern was easier than Alex had expected. Everything was computerized. She only had to give the woman behind the desk her information as well as her temporary ID. She missed the curious look the woman gave her as she handed the ID back.

She was putting everything away to leave when the woman called out. "A moment, please, Miss Hewley. It seems that there is an available opportunity to speak to the Professor in charge in an hour. Would you like to take it?"

Alex froze in shock, but not for long. She knew Genesis was likely to be even more miffed that she didn't show up for lunch either, but she couldn't pass up this opportunity. "Of course! Where do I need to go?"

The woman gave her a brisk nod as she reached into her desk and pulled out a card. She ran it through a machine before she handed it to Alex. "This will get you to the 66th floor, but it is only good for three hours. Please make your way to the front desk there, and the receptionist will guide you where you need to go. I have already added it to her calendar, so you will be expected."

Alex raised a brow at the word 'her' but shrugged it off. She only knew of two of the professors, and there had to be many more. It wasn't shocking that at least one of them was a she. She took the card with thanks before she turned to the closest restroom to freshen up. She briefly considered heading down to tell Angeal what was going on, but she didn't want to get caught up with Genesis and be late. She sighed at the idea of what he might say when she finally got back, but it wasn't enough for her to rethink her decision. Some things were just more important.

She pushed all those thoughts aside as she headed upstairs. Despite her confidence that she would get the position, she still had to wipe her palms on her pants legs before she stepped off the elevator. As soon as she was on the floor, a young man looked up from behind a nearby desk. He raised one brow as she approached but only nodded when she explained why she was there. It was a matter of minutes later that he was leading her deeper into the warren of offices and labs.

By the time he stopped outside of a nondescript office, Alex was nearly lost. She could probably make her way back out again, but she couldn't swear she could do it without taking at least one wrong turn first. It didn't help that a lot of the hallways looked the same.

She pushed those thoughts aside as the young man motioned her in, and the woman behind the desk stood to shake her hand. "Good morning Miss Hewley. I am Professor Rayleigh. Why don't you have a seat, and we can get started."

Alex took the seat but kept her case in her lap. The professor turned to her computer and clicked a few things before she turned back to face Alex. "I see that you have nearly finished your classes in genetics. All you lack is your thesis, is that correct?"

Alex already had her paperwork ready, so she pulled out a packet of papers and handed it over as she spoke. "Actually, I still have a few weeks left of my last class along with my thesis. As you can see here, I have all of the theory behind it laid out, but I need applied research to finish. I had hoped to work here to both get practical experience and to finish the last of my research."

Rayleigh took the packet and thumbed through the contents. She stopped a few pages in and read a little more slowly before she looked up with surprise. "Your thesis is on inherited genetic disorders and possible ways to mitigate them?"

Alex almost cringed when that was read out loud. It was something she had decided to research when a couple of children in Banora were born with congenital heart defects. The irony that it could well apply to her and her brother was not lost on her. Still, she managed to hold it back and nod. "Yes, I am not sure if we can mitigate the issue in people who are already affected, but I hoped to find a way to alter DNA that is passed on to prevent it in future generations. Although, I am still far from proving it is viable or any possible side-effects once it is done."

"Hmm." That was the professor's only response before she started reading again. The pages turning was the only sound in the room for the next several minutes. Alex was getting more nervous by the second. So much so that she nearly jumped when Rayleigh spoke again. "The theory behind this is solid. Shinra has already implemented some of the most advanced genetic innovations in the world. If you were to complete your work, this would be the place to be."

Alex felt a sick-making mix of elation and dread as she sat forward. "Does that mean you think I would be a good fit? Do you have any questions for me?"

Rayleigh smirked as she handed the folder back. "If this is the kind of work we can expect from you, then I don't have any other questions. All I ask is that you bring a copy with you Monday morning so that I can put it in your file. I expect you to update your notes as they change. Typically an internship lasts until you can prove your worth. However, if you can keep up this caliber when you work with me, then I will switch you to full time at ninety days. Is all of that acceptable?"

Alex was stunned. No matter how advanced her research topic was, she hadn't expected it to be that easy. She had hoped it would be something to be proud of, especially when her mother was thrilled when she found out. Thinking back on that, it made her wonder what her mom really thought. Still, now wasn't the time to get lost in memories. She stood and held out her hand with a smile. "That sounds great, ma'am. Will we discuss my hours on Monday?"

Rayleigh shook her head. "I'll take as many hours as you can spare. Though I will ask that you are here a minimum of four hours a day through the week. You'll even have access to most of the labs. The only ones off limits will be the ones that belong to Professors Hojo and Hollander."

They shook at that point, and Alex put her things back in her briefcase. Despite her worry, she was still thrilled that she had gotten in—for more than one reason. Before she could head out, Rayleigh called out once more. "By the way, you will need to stop at reception downstairs to get a temporary keycard on Monday, but a semi-permanent one will be waiting for you when you get here."

Alex gave her another nod but paused. She wasn't sure if she should bring it up now, but she decided it was now or never. "I do have one request if that would be alright?"

Rayleigh responded with a raised brow, but Alex took it as permission to continue. "I am aware that my brother has made a name for himself, but I do not want to use that to my advantage. Would it be alright if my nametag was just Alex?"

The older woman shocked her with a bright smile. "Absolutely. I'm glad to hear it. Things work differently here, but we do see the Soldiers often enough. If you would rather keep that private, then it will probably be for the best."

Alex nearly sighed in relief. There was more than one reason for her request, but even if that hadn't been the case, she wanted to do this on her own merit. That much hadn't been a lie. She gave Rayleigh one more smile before she turned to head back down. Hopefully, her good news would mitigate a certain red-head's temper.

A/N: Hey! I know it has been a while for anything, but I have been crazy busy. I have a little more time for the next couple of weeks, so I am going to try and take advantage of it while it lasts. I hope you enjoy! Thanks!