A/N: The soundtrack for the last section is 'Wait For Me' by Hylls. Enjoy!

Chapter 33

As soon as Sephiroth was out of the room, Alex sat down with a sigh. Her brother joined her and gave her a worried look as he asked, "You turned him down again? I thought you still loved him."

Alex grimaced as she shook her head. "I do, but life is not that simple or easy. You know it would end with both of us hurt all over again. This may be tearing me up right now, but I know it will get better. If he ever grows up, then we might even be able to salvage our friendship. That would never happen if we got back together."

Angeal patted her arm sympathetically, but it was a moment before he answered. He was almost hesitant as he asked, "I don't want to upset you again, but I need to ask if that is the only reason?"

Alex gave him a confused look as she said, "Is that not enough? Were you hoping for something else?"

Angeal's eyes flicked to the door, but they were back on hers as he said, "No, that's more than enough. I just want to make sure you will be all right."

Alex stiffened. She had the uncomfortable sensation that he was no longer talking about Genesis, but she wasn't going to ask. That was one topic she would rather avoid for now. One confusing male was enough to deal with at a time. "Yeah, I'll be fine. There's too much else to worry about for me to spend time moping."

Angeal managed a smile as he said, "Well, I'm glad to hear it, even if it is a little late. I was worried about this when you first got back to Midgar. Genesis isn't the same person we grew up with."

"You can say that ag—" She cut off mid-sentence and gave him a mock glare. "Wait a minute. If you knew this was a probability, why didn't you say something back then?"

Angeal's only response was to raise one brow in a look that screamed out, 'really?'

Alex sighed as she crossed her arms. "Fine, I admit it. I probably would have yelled at you for it anyway."

She rolled her eyes when her brother chuckled as she said, "Why am I so stubborn? You and mom aren't like that. At least not as bad, or maybe in a different way. People seem to think you're being nice or honorable when you get stubborn."

Angeal smirked as he said, "Well, aren't you full of self-realizations today?" Maybe you are finally growing up."

He chuckled as he dodged the hand she reached out to slap his arm with. Though they both knew it wouldn't have hurt. Alex was smiling when he stopped and looked back at her. His smile softened as he said, "I'm glad to see a real smile. It's been too long."

Alex's smile dimmed at his reminder, but she didn't lose it as she said, "Thanks, Geal. I promise it'll get better. We will both have a reason to smile all the time again if I have any say in it."

He pulled her into a hug at that point. When he let go, he pointed to one of the cots. "Why don't you get some more rest? If I know you at all, then as soon as they call you tomorrow, you'll disappear into a lab, and I won't see you again for days."

Alex couldn't hold back a chuckle, but she waved her brother off. "Fine, fine. I'm not tired, but I will at least lay down and read or something. You're probably right that I'll be busy soon enough."

Angeal waited until she was prone with a book in hand before he opened the door. He paused before he left and said, "I'll make sure you aren't disturbed for a little while. Get some rest."

She waved him out as she answered, "Thanks. Love you, Geal." His answering smile was all she saw as he closed the door behind him, and she tried to get into The Study of the Planet.

The next morning one of the young men that helped the elders came and asked Alex to follow him. The others were asked to wait for the time being. None of them were comfortable with the request, but Peter was the only one that objected. "Wait, if this is about the whole project stuff, I can help too."

Alex debated whether she should stand up for him or not. He did have skills that might help, but she didn't trust him. In the end, it wasn't her choice. The guide was quick to answer, "Perhaps that may be the case, but I have been asked to bring Miss Hewley alone. Anything else can be discussed later."

Peter looked like he would argue further, but the man ignored him as he led Alex out. She was surprised when he led her through some caverns and to a long ladder. He pointed up and said, "Elder Buganhgen's residence is at the top with his observatory. He has asked that you meet him there this morning."

Alex wanted to groan at the idea of climbing up there, but it wasn't worse than most of what she had been through in the last months. She nodded as the man stepped away and then headed up.

Once she was at the top, she had to stop and stare at the humongous telescope that extended from the top of the building in front of her—what she could see of it anyway. The building itself wasn't exactly small, and she could barely see more than the last few yards of the extension.

A voice nearby caught her attention, and she looked back down to see Bugenhagen standing in the doorway with one of the cat-like beings standing behind him and peaking his head around. That was a familiar face that had those fuzzy memories swirling again.

Her resulting grimace must not have been missed as the elder said, "I must apologize. I had not thought about what climbing the ladder might be like for someone in your condition. I doubt we can get the equipment downstairs, but we should be able to make a temporary lift easily enough."

Alex gave him a confused look as she said, "My condition? I am already much better, thank you, though. I just needed rest."

"Ho, ho, my apologies, I was not speaking of your recent illness. However, I suppose now is not the time to discuss that. Instead, please meet Nanaki. He will not be working with us, but he does live here, so you may see him often."

Alex felt an uncomfortable squirming in her gut when she realized the older man had been speaking of her pregnancy. He wasn't wrong about it either, but she had been so focused on not thinking about it that the idea made her even more nauseous than she was already.

Thankfully, he also gave her an out. She was able to focus on the young being behind him with a strained smile as she said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nanaki."

Nanaki inclined his head in acknowledgment as he said, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Grandfather has told me that you used to work for Shinra, is that correct?"

Alex barely caught another grimace, but she answered, "Yes. As did my brother and even my mother at one time. I am pretty sure I can safely say that we all believe that is a mistake we won't be repeating."

Nanaki looked up for a moment before he turned his gaze back to her and said, "Grandfather was also an employee of Shinra, but that was many years ago."

Alex raised a brow at that information, but she didn't get to ask. Bugenhagen chuckled as he said, "Yes, that was quite some time ago, but there is no point in reminiscing."

He then moved out of the door and gestured to the opening as he continued, "Miss Hewley, if you would please come in and tell me everything you have tried so far, as well as all the information you have managed to gather about what was done."

Alex swallowed to keep her nausea from getting the better of her before nodding and following him in. She spent the rest of the morning explaining all her tests, how she gathered the data on which portions were Jenova cells, and the basics of the experiments done while they were all in the womb.

By the time she was finished, the elder looked grim, but his voice held only concern when he said, "While the equipment I have was never designed for this work, I do have some pieces that might allow us to try. We cannot manipulate the DNA, but that does not mean there are no alternatives.

"First, we will complete spectral analysis of a sample from each of you and confirm your findings. Then, we will work to see if there are any alternative methods to reduce the risk of mutation."

Alex wasn't sure if she was relieved that he planned to help or disappointed that the options were no better than what she had previously. At least there would be more eyes on it than hers, and that could only prove beneficial. She gave the elder a nod as she stood. "When will we start?"

Bugenhagen chuckled as he said, "Why don't you rest a bit more today. By tomorrow I will have someone help set up the equipment we need, and then we can gather samples. By that time, we should also be able to get a lift installed."

Alex looked away at the reminder, but she wasn't going to complain. She had a feeling she was going to be coming up to the observatory often over the next several weeks. She thanked him for his thoughtfulness before she turned and headed to find the others. They deserved a heads up that samples would be needed. She just hoped asking Genesis would not be too awkward.

It turned out that Alex was able to find her brother, Genesis, and Sephiroth in the room they shared later that night and was able to ask them all together. None of them were pleased with the news, but they also knew it was the only way they would get answers. Even Genesis was calm about it, which shocked her.

She only hoped it didn't mean Angeal had talked to the man. She didn't want it to get any more awkward. Though, she had to admit that Genesis was professional about it all. Maybe it meant that he had thought about what she said and was trying to get back to where they could be friends. It was a long-shot, but she could hope. At least things were set to get started the following day.

The following morning, Alex led the three Soldiers to the ladder where they would need to ascend. Genesis was not the only one to frown at her when she said she had climbed up the day before. Angeal was the one to say something. "That was dangerous. Don't tell me you are planning to climb this every day. There is no way that can be good for you."

Alex gave her brother a chagrinned look. "I know, don't worry. Bugenhagen told me they would have a lift installed sometime today."

As if right on cue, a voice cut in from above them, "Ho, ho, ho, it looks as though you are early."

Bugenhagen floated down to join them as he gestured to two men that were still at the top of the ladder working on something. "They are almost complete. It is a simple solution, but it will be effective."

All four newcomers looked up to see the men running a rope through a pulley system. They then pressed a button, and the rope went up and then back down. Once they were assured it would work, they installed a small platform in the ropes and lowered it before they climbed down.

The taller of the two nodded at the elder as he said, "We should probably weight test it, but otherwise, it looks like it will work."

Before anything else could be said, Sephiroth stepped forward. "I believe if it would hold my weight, then it should be safe. Allow me."

Both men looked a little intimidated, but the one that had spoken gestured to the platform and said, "Go ahead. There are handholds, and the buttons are next to the right one."

The general stepped onto the platform. He was up and back down in less than a minute. When he stepped off, he gave the two men a satisfied nod. After that was concluded, Bugenhagen gestured for them all to follow him back up. "Don't worry, gentlemen, your part in this will not take long."

Thankfully, he was not wrong. With Alex's help, they gathered all the needed samples in less than an hour. Once that was done, Alex shooed the three men out and told them she would see them later. Her brother was the only one to stop. He pulled her to the side before he said, "Don't overdo it and don't worry about the rest of us. We'll figure out how to stay busy. Don't stress about this either. I have faith that you'll figure it out."

Alex took a deep breath before she smiled. "Thanks. I'll try to remember all that."

Angeal grinned at the sarcasm she tried to hide, but he was satisfied that she still meant it. He turned to follow the others out but paused once more. "Also, don't worry about Peter. I know he wants to help, but if it makes you feel better, we'll find him something else to do."

Alex couldn't hide her relief as she said, "Thanks, Geal. I know he helped us, but—"

Her brother put a hand on her arm in reassurance. Neither of them needed to say anything, so he squeezed gently before he waved, and the three Soldiers disappeared down the ladder.

Over the next two weeks, Alex spent most of each day in the observatory. She refused to talk about any of it when she would come down at night. That made Angeal nervous since he was worried about how she was handling everything. However, the one time he did take her aside and ask, she told him she needed to try and push it aside at night, or she would never be able to sleep. He didn't like it, but he accepted it.

The Soldiers liked the situation even less when the villagers allowed her to take a room of her own so she would not have to share with four men. They had done it the whole time they traveled, but Alex wasn't going to complain. Not that she minded their company, but with everything, she was glad for the space.

That didn't keep her from getting aggravated during the day. Bugenhagen hadn't exaggerated when he said he didn't have the equipment she was used to. It was better than she expected, but it was frustrating every time they ran into a wall they might have been able to be overcome with better tools. Not that she ever said anything.

It was the start of their third week in the canyon when they had a particularly harrowing experience. They had taken a small sample and tried to see if exposure to certain materia could keep the mutation from happening under the same circumstances that it typically would have.

None of them were prepared when the sample reacted by mutating at an accelerated rate. Alex almost panicked. Thankfully, Nanaki was nearby and jumped in to help carry the sample to the incinerator before things got out of hand.

As soon as it was disposed of, Bugenhagen turned to Alex. "Do not let this disappoint you. We have many more things to try."

Alex took a deep breath to calm, but she was still frowning when she said, "I know. That doesn't make this any easier to deal with."

Instead of trying to reassure her again, Bugenhagen gestured toward the door. "I have noticed the days are getting harder for you. Why don't you leave a little early and get some rest?"

Alex wanted to snap at the man, but she somehow managed to curb the urge. Not only would that have been rude, but she reminded herself that he was only concerned. The idea chafed since everyone seemed worried about her these days, and she was tired of the reminder of something she wished she could forget.

Instead of arguing, she stood and gave him a nod. "Perhaps that would be a good idea." She turned to leave, but before she made it to the door, she saw a small chess set that the elder kept on a side table. An idea came to her then that could help her get her mind off everything.

She turned back to see Bugenhagen had already turned to the equipment, but he stopped as soon as she called out. "Yes? Was there something we forgot?"

Alex shook her head. She felt a little awkward about asking, but she still said, "Not at all. Actually, I wanted to ask if I could borrow your chess set. Unless you know where there is another one I could use."

Bugenhagen chuckled at her question. "Ho, ho, ho, of course. I didn't know you played chess but feel free to take it if it would help you. I'm sure you will bring it back."

Alex felt a real smile tugging her lips as she thanked him and took the set with her as she descended. Now the hard part would be finding her preferred partner. Or even asking him. She had barely spoken to anyone except her brother and the elders since they started working on finding a solution.

Thankfully, it was not difficult to find Sephiroth. He was walking around the village common. He nodded in greeting as soon as he saw her. "Is everything all right? It is early to see you down here."

Alex shook her head. "Yeah, it's fine. Nothing has changed, but I was told I should take a little more rest." She then paused and held up the folded chess board and gave him a smile. "I was hoping you might be able to help me do that. If you're interested, that is."

Sephiroth's eyes widened for a moment when he realized what she held. That only lasted for a moment before the edges of his lips tilted up as he nodded. "I believe the room is unoccupied right now if that is acceptable."

Alex's smile turned to a grin. "Lead the way."

It did not take the two of them long to get the board set up. Alex felt an almost nostalgic twist in her chest when they both sat and looked down. She found that she had missed this—something so simple. She amended that last thought when Sephiroth made his first move. Perhaps simple wasn't the word, but it was still something she enjoyed.

It did not take the two of them long to get lost in the moves on the board and their separate strategies. After half an hour, Alex was pulled from her concentration when Sephiroth spoke for the first time since they started playing. "Alex, I hesitate to bring this up, but there is cause."

She looked over to see a familiar furrow between his brows. All thoughts of her next move vanished as she asked, "What is it?"

He looked away from her face as he continued. "Please forgive my bluntness, but where you assaulted while Hojo held you?"

Alex was suddenly fumbling for words. That question brought a deluge of dark memories with it. Of course she had been assaulted. They all heard Weiss when he bragged about breaking her arm. Then it hit her that wasn't the kind of assault he was asking about.

She suddenly felt queasy at the thought. It was one she had already considered but still didn't want to acknowledge. When she looked up and saw the worried expression on Sephiroth's face, she knew she couldn't remain silent. She wrapped her arms around herself as she stuttered out, "I-I honestly don't know."

Sephiroth's voice held shock and anger when he said, "What?"

Alex managed to look into his eyes as she tried to explain. "After the first boosters, I figured out I was stronger and faster. I kept trying to escape, and I guess that psychopath got tired of it. He started gassing my cell, so I was out cold by the time the scientists came in. I didn't wake up until it was all over. I have—there's no telling what happened while I was out."

Her explanation did not seem to ease his mind. "While that does not surprise me, it does disturb me."

Alex nearly rolled her eyes. Disturbed was how she felt all the time anymore. Still, she didn't say anything, and Sephiroth continued. Though he was much more hesitant this time. "Given that information, I must ask, is there any chance that child could be mine?"

Alex's eyes shot up to meet his. It was her turn to sound angry and confused. "What?"

He looked away from her burning gaze, but he still answered. "I only ask because of the reason Hojo said he took you. You said it was due to our conversation. It would make sense if he did something of that nature."

Alex felt the blood leave her face. He wasn't wrong. The child she carried could be Sephiroth's. What would that mean for them all? She had to admit that the thought eased her mind in some ways. It would be better than some monster experiment by the madman. Still, things were already awkward enough between the two of them.

She wasn't stupid. The general had given several indications that he liked her. She had to admit that the idea didn't displease her, but there was no way she could deal with it right now. Too much had happened, and she was still nursing a broken heart. Add a child to that mix, and it would not end well.

She looked up to see he was still watching her closely, expecting an answer. She sighed and wrapped her arms tighter around herself. She closed her eyes to not see his response as she said, "I don't know that any more than I do the rest, but it is a possibility."

She felt a tear escape her closed lids as she thought of all the complications this might cause. However, she was shocked when she felt a pair of warm arms wrap around her. She didn't know what to think when she saw Sephiroth kneeling at her side, but she wasn't going to ask. She leaned into him and let his sturdy embrace calm her.

When she sat back after a few moments, Sephiroth said, "I have noticed this seems to calm you."

She chuckled wetly at his explanation. "Thank you. It does." She then looked away as she tried to explain. "Sephiroth, no matter whose this child may be, I don't expect anything from you. This was not our choice."

There was a slight pause before she was surprised again when he gently cupped her chin and turned her to face him once more. The furrow was still between his brows, but his voice was steady. "I have noticed that you rarely ask for assistance—not even from your brother, but that does not mean others would not be willing to help. This may not be an ideal situation, but do not fear abandonment."

Alex wasn't sure if she felt happy that the situation wasn't so awkward that it pushed him away or upset because his answer definitely didn't help her ongoing confusion. However, she was not given long to think about it. In the next moment, her breath was stolen when Sephiroth closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers.

The touch was feather-lite, but she still froze. Her mind scrambled to try and make sense of what was happening. Before she could even comprehend and try to form some sort of response, Sephiroth pulled back. She could tell he was fighting a frown as he said, "Please forgive me. I should not have done that."

Alex was still trying to make sense of the last few moments, but she grabbed his hand when he moved to stand. He looked down at her with open confusion. She had to swallow once, but she still managed to say, "Wait, please don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong."

Her answer seemed to cause him more confusion, so she shook her head and tried to explain. "Look, I don't know what to think about all of this, but it isn't because of anything you have done. I'm just not in a great place to be thinking about any of this right now."

His confusion cleared, and his mask was back in place as he gently took his hand from hers and said, "That is all the more reason for me to apologize for my behavior."

Alex ignored it and stood. She faced him with her hands on her hips as she said, "No. Let me make this clear for you. I'm hesitant right now because I don't want to hurt you, not because you might hurt me. If I decide to pursue anything with anyone, I need to make sure I am not doing so to make myself feel better. That would lead to disaster. Instead, I need time, not distance, to figure this all out."

His confusion was back, but before he could say anything else, Alex lowered her arms and her voice as she said, "Instead of apologizing, would you agree to finish this game with me? Right now, I could use a friend, and I've considered you a good one for some time."

Sephiroth's confusion was wiped away at her words. He nodded as he retook his seat. She smiled as she took hers as well. She leaned over to pick up the bishop she had almost forgotten about before she looked up and said, "Thank you." She then placed the piece in line with his knight.

He frowned at the move but only for a moment before he looked up with a smirk. "You seem to be rather insistent on taking my queen."

Alex could not hold back her chuckle as she said, "If you don't want me to, then make sure you protect her well." He shook his head at her remark, but he was still smiling as he didn't take the move offered, and they both got caught up in the game once more.

A/N: OMG, see? I told you it would be huge! 120k word in and we finally have our first kiss lmao. Don't worry, I know she used the f word again, but it had a lot less 'push you away' in it this time. There are several more huge things to come in the next few chapters, and not all of them are going to be as awww inducing as this one, so I hope you are prepared. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this, and let me know what you thought of this first between them! Thanks for reading and cheers!