Chapter 34
It was nearly two hours later, and Alex was fighting hard to keep a calm expression as Sephiroth made his move. She was almost gleeful when he pulled his hand back. A giggle nearly escaped as she leaned in, as she was only a moment away from a checkmate. However, before she could put the piece in place, the door banged open with enough force that it startled her, and she dropped the knight where it hit the board and scattered the pieces.
She looked up with a glare to see Genesis glaring back. As soon as their eyes locked, he said, "I was told the two of you came in here hours ago. What is the meaning of this?"
Alex stood slowly and worked to keep her temper from showing as she said, "What does it look like? More importantly, why does it matter?"
By that point, Sephiroth stood as well. He looked between the two others before he stepped away from the table and said, "I will leave you to talk."
Alex immediately grabbed his arm. She fought to keep her frown back as she looked at Sephiroth since he wasn't the one she was angry with. "You don't have to leave. We were in the middle of a game."
The general managed a smile as he extricated himself and said, "As soon as you picked up that knight, I knew I had lost. If you are not opposed, we can play again when you have time, and I will work to redeem myself."
Despite the glare from the red-head across the room and her own lingering anger, Alex managed a smile as she said, "I will hold you to that." Sephiroth gave her a nod before he made his way out.
As soon as he was out of the room, Genesis closed the distance. Alex's eyes widened when he took her arm, but her anger came back in spades when he said, "I will admit that you have made yourself clear. I have vowed to myself to allow you space to grow, but I cannot stand idly by when I hear you have been in a room alone for hours with that man."
Alex pulled her arm from his grasp and put her hands on her hips as she said, "You do not get to tell me who I can spend time with. That was always your problem and never your right. You cannot control me. I am my own person."
Much to her shock, he didn't get angry. Instead, he lowered his voice as he said, "I have had time to consider your words. Please believe that I also hope to retain our friendship. I will not interfere if you decide to move on, even if it hurts. I would rather see you cheerfully embracing a new relationship than continue to see you miserable. However, I cannot stand to think of it being with that man."
Alex almost snapped back, but before the words formed, something else occurred to her. She couldn't deny that Genesis stilled cared, even if she had already decided it wouldn't work. She wanted him to let her go and move on, but she had to ask herself how she would feel if their situations were reversed. How would she take it if he wanted to be with a woman that she hated? Not that she believed Genesis did hate Sephiroth, but his jealousy had always been evident.
She sighed as she looked into his eyes and asked, "Why? Can you give me one good reason why you think it would be bad, other than your jealousy?"
A look of rage passed over his face, but he didn't yell. He took a few moments before he answered, but that didn't keep the fire from his voice as he said, "So you admit that there is something between you? How long has this been going on? Or should I ask if this is the real reason you will no longer give me a chance?"
Alex felt like he had slapped her. She couldn't believe that she had just been considering his feelings, and then he acted like a prick. She shouldn't have been surprised, but it still hurt. Her rage showed when she said, "That is enough. I have no need to stand here while you spout hurtful nonsense because you can't seem to pull your head out of your ass. Any relationship I have in the future is none of your business. If I decided that I wanted nothing more than to sleep with every man that caught my eye, you would have no input. Not like you would have room to say anything."
Genesis's eyes widened before his glare was back as he said, "I never slept with another woman when we were together!"
Alex questioned the validity of that statement since they both knew he had slept with countless women while she was still in Banora, but she didn't say that out loud. Besides, that wasn't the point. "I never said you did. We are talking about moving on, and in that regard, you have more than made up for not having me around."
Genesis looked like he was about to retort, but Alex turned to pick up the chess pieces that had been scattered as she said, "I don't blame you for that, nor do I have any right to say anything about it. We were separated, and you did what you wanted. That's the way it works. However, you can't come in here and tell me I don't have that right too."
Once she had them all secured, she turned to see Genesis was still frowning at her. She let out a soft sigh as she headed toward the door. She could already tell there was no getting through to him right now.
Before she made it out, he gently grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. His voice was soft as he begged, "I know I have no right to ask, but I will anyway. Please consider any man but him."
Alex rubbed her temple to try and ward off the headache she could feel forming as she said, "No, you don't have the right to ask me that, but it doesn't matter. I am not looking to start anything with any man. So just leave it be." She then turned to leave and hoped he wouldn't try stopping her again. Thankfully, he let her go.
Once she was out of that room, she made a beeline for the one she used. She leaned against her closed door as soon as she was inside and tried to slow her whirling thoughts. She had too much to think about to be worried about either man, but that didn't keep her from doing so. It frustrated her to no end.
It took her a few minutes to calm, and hopefully for Genesis to be somewhere she wouldn't run into him. She sighed again as she placed the chess set on the table before she turned to leave. She could give it back when she went up there in the morning. For now, she planned to go find her brother. Even if they couldn't talk, she was confident that being around him would ease her mind. It usually did.
Thankfully, she knew just where to look, and she wasn't wrong. When she walked into the little room next to the infirmary, she was not shocked to see Angeal standing shoulder to shoulder with the girl that had caught his attention when Alex had still been bedridden.
The girl's name was Lorne, which Alex found odd for such a young person, but she wasn't going to say anything. The girl was nice, and Alex loved that her brother had someone to talk to that wouldn't stress him out.
When Alex realized they were both too engrossed in whatever they were reading together, she decided to have some fun. She stifled a giggle and tiptoed until she was right behind them both, then she flung her arms over both their shoulders as she nearly yelled, "So what is so interesting?"
Lorne nearly jumped out of her skin and couldn't quite hold in a screech. Angeal, on the other hand, turned to his sister with a frown. Alex could tell he was fighting not to smile when he heard her giggle. His voice held the 'lecture' tone when he finally said, "Alex, that was uncalled for. What if we had been working on something delicate?"
Alex let her grin go, but she was still smiling as she said, "I saw that you were reading. Had it been anything else, I wouldn't have."
She then turned to see Lorne was already smiling. Before she could apologize, the girl laughed as she said, "Goodness, I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for you if this is what you do to your brother all the time."
Alex stifled another giggle as Angeal shook his head and said, "Don't worry, she's not that immature most of the time."
Alex rolled her eyes at him before she gestured toward the paper still in Lorne's grasp. "I apologize for the fright, but I am actually here to see if you need any help. I was told I needed to rest more."
Angeal frowned at her as he took her by the arm and led her to a chair. He then crossed his arms and looked down sternly. "Helping here isn't resting. I know you always try to do it all, but you have to remember that you have more than yourself to worry about now."
Alex lost her smile at his pointed reminder. Not that she needed it. Now that she could eat regularly, she was already showing. Every day it got harder to ignore. That was probably another reason why Bugenhagen sent her off. Still, moping about it wasn't changing anything. Instead of glaring, she shrugged as she said, "Working here is far less stressful. I'll even promise to stay off my feet if you give me something to do."
Angeal looked uncomfortable, but Lorne got his attention before he could respond. She then turned to Alex with a smile, and her voice was soft as she said, "I'm sure we have something that will keep your mind occupied. Just stay there, and I'll see what I can figure out."
Alex frowned at how easily the girl had been able to see behind her motives, but she didn't say anything. Maybe it was more than the girl's bright cheeks and lovely smile that had grabbed her brother's attention. Even though she was sobered at the reminder of her situation, she was still smiling when Lorne brought back a rolling tray with ingredients.
She left it beside Alex as she said, "We need to make more potions, but we haven't had much time to spare. Could you prep these? Once that's done, it will take no time at all to finish them later."
Alex was glad for the busywork. She immediately picked up a knife before she smirked back at her brother and said, "Thank you, just let me know if my brother gets out of line. I'll be happy to help."
She was gratified to see him blush lightly under the scowl he shot her. She grinned back, and thankfully, Lorne had not gotten the meaning behind her words. The girl was practically glowing as she waved off the statement and said, "Oh, no, Mr. Hewley is quite helpful. There is no need to worry."
Alex chuckled again, but she merely nodded as she said, "As long as he's helpful."
The girl must have finally figured out there was more to Alex's words than what she thought, as her expression turned confused. Thankfully, Angeal caught her attention before any more questions could be asked, and they both went to find something in one of the other rooms. Alex wasn't too disappointed that they didn't stick around. Seeing her brother smiling like that was enough.
The group of five ex-Shinra employees had been in Cosmo Canyon for more than a month and a half and were still no closer to an answer than they were when they first arrived. That led to many frayed nerves and near fights—mostly from Genesis and Peter. Though Alex was starting to have days where she would rather not deal with anyone.
The men all tried to remember that her crankiness was likely to do with her advancing pregnancy. Angeal had even asked if she thought it might be twins, with as much as she started to show. That had not made Alex any happier, and the resultant glare he got kept any of the others from bringing it up again.
The only thing that seemed to keep her temper at bay was the daily chess match she had with Sephiroth. After their first match, Bugenhagen had allowed her to keep the set while they were there. Though the two of them switched to playing in the local café/pub instead of behind closed doors.
It had only taken a few matches before the two of them became the center of a daily ruckus. They both ignored the people that would come in to watch, but sometimes it was difficult. It had started out as lively debates about which player was the better strategist and who might win, and why. However, that didn't last long. Money started being placed on their matches, which Alex found humorous. Sephiroth was confused about the whole thing, but he didn't complain either.
The one good thing to come from all of that was that it became much simpler between Alex and Sephiroth. They both smiled more often when they were together, and the general was less awkward when they were alone. Not that it happened often.
Angeal didn't say anything, but Alex could tell he wanted to. She was glad he didn't. She wished that Genesis would have followed suit. He never asked her to stop playing chess, but any time he was near while they played, the whole group immediately calmed, and tense silence followed. Thankfully, he wasn't around often. She was just glad that he decided to keep his opinions to himself. Even if that meant the rift grew between them. Alex hated it, but Genesis pretty much quit talking to them all unless he had to. It felt like déjà vu.
Alex had been so caught up in trying to find a solution that she only faintly knew how much time had passed. It was edging closer to two months, and she still had no answers. She could tell the elders were close to telling their group that there was no solution to be found. At least not in this village. However, this was the first morning she didn't at least try.
She woke up feeling nauseous for the first time in weeks. She still tried to go, but she barely made it to breakfast. She was thankful that the café was empty when she jumped up from her oatmeal and dashed out. Thankfully, she kept it down, but she groaned with embarrassment when Sephiroth was the one to find her leaning against a wall nearby.
His eyes held nothing but concern as he helped her stand straight. She wasn't too upset that he didn't let go either. Before he could ask, she managed a smile and said, "Sorry, I just felt a little ill. I'm sure it's nothing, but I'm going to lay down. If you see Geal, would you please ask him to let Bugenhagen know?"
His frown only increased as he said, "Let me take you back to your room. Afterward, I will let the elder know myself."
Alex thought about declining his offer, but she felt her stomach twisting again and knew now wasn't the time to argue. She was curled up in bed before Sephiroth was even out of the room. It was not much longer before she dozed off.
Throughout the morning, Sephiroth thought about checking on Alex several times, but each time he stopped himself. She had looked pale and tired, so she was probably sleeping, and he didn't want to disturb her.
He was almost thankful to see Angeal walking out of one of the caves. He might not feel comfortable disturbing Alex to check on her, but her brother would have no such issues. However, he did not get to ask. As soon as Angeal got close, he smiled and asked, "Have you seen Alex? I checked upstairs, but Bugenhagen said she didn't come in. I want to make sure she's busy."
Sephiroth managed to keep his frown off as he answered. "She took the day to rest. She seemed to be suffering from another bought of nausea."
Angeal finally frowned at that. "Do we need to take her to the infirmary? She doesn't take off unless it's bad."
Sephiroth wasn't sure how to respond. If it were up to him, she would check in there every day since her pregnancy was not normal, but he kept that opinion to himself. Instead, he said, "She was already half-asleep when I left her, and I didn't want to disturb her."
Angeal let out a soft sigh as he ran his hand down his face. His voice was troubled as he said, "Of all days too. Lorne will be disappointed."
Sephiroth felt nothing but confusion, but he managed to say, "What is the problem? Is there something I can assist with?"
Angeal managed a weak smile as he waved off the request. "Oh, it's no big deal. Today is our birthday. When I let it slip, Lorne decided that she was going to throw us a party. Nothing big, but that will have to wait."
Sephiroth could not hide his shock. He had not thought about birthdays in some time, but he knew it was something to celebrate. He wasn't given a chance to say anything before Angeal said, "Tell you what, would you mind going and checking on her? I'll go tell Lorne, and we can reschedule for when Alex is feeling better. Let me know if she needs anything."
Sephiroth was taken aback at the request, but he still nodded. "Of course. I will find you as soon as I verify she is resting peacefully."
Angeal turned and waved as he took off back toward the infirmary. Sephiroth didn't hesitate to head inside as well. Now that he had been asked by her brother, he no longer felt awkward about checking on her.
He knocked on her door twice, but when she didn't respond, he called out to let her know he was coming in before opening the door. He froze as soon as the open door exposed Alex. It looked like she had gotten up to try and leave but had collapsed before she made it to the door. However, that was not what made the general suddenly feel clammy all over.
As a warrior, he had seen blood many times. He had even seen his own often enough in the labs. Never before had he felt that level of panic rising at the sight of the red liquid pooling underneath Alex.
Thankfully, years of training allowed him to shove the feeling down as he rushed forward. He gently turned Alex so that she was facing him and verified she had a pulse. Despite the blood, he was thankful when he felt it beat steadily against his fingertips. He then tried to see if she would wake. "Alex, Alex, please wake up. Can you hear me?"
He released a held breath when her eyelids fluttered, and she mumbled, "Sephiroth? What? Why?"
The relief he felt was profound as he placed one arm under her knees and the other under her shoulders. He made sure he didn't jostle her as he lifted, but he barely managed to keep his voice even as he said, "Alex, I'm taking you to the infirmary, but I need you to stay awake. Talk to me."
Sephiroth was grateful to feel her stirring, but his fear was not helped when her only response was an unintelligible murmur. He barely noticed how fast he was going as he tried to keep her from passing out again. With the amount of blood loss she suffered, he would not be surprised if she went into shock—or stopped breathing. The thought made his gut clench and a pain seared through his chest. He gasped at the intensity of it, but now wasn't the time to lose focus.
Thankfully, it was not long until they made it. Sephiroth was grateful to see Angeal and Lorne still there. He understood why the other man's face paled as soon as he caught sight of his sister.
Thankfully, Lorne seemed to be the type to not let these things faze her. She pointed to one of the back rooms as she said, "Get her in there and cover her up. Keep her warm until I can get the things we'll need."
Sephiroth immediately moved to do as told. He barely even registered when the girl then turned to Angeal and snapped him out of his horrified stare with a gentle hand on his arm. Her voice was hardly above a whisper when she said, "I need you to go and get Elder Bugenhagen. I can get started, but I'm going to need help. Hurry."
Angeal didn't need to be told twice. He was racing out of the room and up to the observatory as quickly as his Soldier strength and the narrow halls would allow.
A/N: Well, I had hoped to get to the reveal of the father in this chapter, but I can assure you it will be front and center in the next one. I know this was a rough chapter, and all I can ask is that you give me a chance to make it better for all these characters. They all need a little love and understanding, and it is my goal to make it happen, even if they go through hell to get there. I hope you are looking forward to what is coming! Thanks for reading.