Chapter 41

Alex took a step to follow Sephiroth, but Genesis's arm around her prevented her from going farther. Not that she could have anyway. Plus, Angeal was on her other side by that time, and Brian was not far behind.

Her brother's eyes widened as he took her from Genesis and noticed the blood that was already becoming a sticky mess on her shirt. The worry was evident in his voice as he said, "What happened? Why did Sephiroth run off? I heard you scream, and we all came running, but I didn't see anything."

Alex almost sighed in relief. At least she wouldn't have to fight with her brother about Sephiroth's innocence. Although that thought was tested when Genesis sneered and asked, "Did he do this to you? I thought I heard him ask what he had done before he ran off."

Alex tried not to glare at Genesis and instead focused on her brother as she said, "This was an accident. That's all. He ran like that because—"

She cut off because she wasn't sure what to tell them. She was 100% sure that Jenova was involved in this and that Genesis had been the target. Still, how could she tell them without both Genesis and her brother going after Sephiroth? The fact that he had run did not help.

She had been chewing the corner of her lip while she thought, but when Angeal turned her, so she was forced to face him, she sighed and said, "Do you remember when we stopped an hour or so ago?"

Angeal's brow lowered as he frowned. "Yes. What does that have to do with this?"

Alex sighed as she extricated herself from his grasp. She was finally steady enough to stand on her own, even if she was a little lightheaded. Not shocking with the amount of blood she had lost. At least the wound was almost healed.

She pushed her thoughts on it aside and turned back to face the others. She wasn't happy to see Brian standing nearby with his arms crossed. At least he wasn't glaring at them, but there was no getting out of him hearing this. She focused back on her brother as she said, "I know I said nothing was going on, but Sephiroth said he heard static or something like that. He assured me it was nothing more than an annoyance, but given what happened, I think Jenova's influence must have strengthened since we are so close to the reactor."

Genesis cursed as he took a few steps away and glared at the spot where Sephiroth disappeared. Angeal closed the distance and grabbed her arms again as he said, "Then he did attack you."

Alex gritted her teeth in frustration. She was more worried about where Sephiroth went and what he was likely to do. Still, she managed to answer, "No. I told you this was an accident. You and I both know he would never attack me. If anything, seeing me hurt pulled him back to himself."

Angeal let her go when she stepped back, but he was still frowning as he said, "I am not saying he attacked you on purpose, but if he was influenced by that thing, there is no telling when it could happen again. He could be a danger to others."

Alex noticed Brian take a sudden step forward, and Genesis returned to where the rest were standing. She barely spared them a glance before she made a sharp negating gesture and yelled, "No! You didn't see his eyes before he jumped, but I did. I am sure he left to make sure it didn't happen again. Plus, there is something important you are forgetting."

Angeal looked taken aback at the vehemence in her tone, but she didn't give him a chance to respond before she lowered her voice and continued, "Just because it was him this time doesn't mean that it couldn't have been any of us. What would you do if it had been you that did this?"

Even though that question caused a horrified expression to cross Angeal's face, Alex didn't stop. "What would you have done if it had been me that attacked you? Would you lock me up, or would you take me back down and try to figure out how to keep it from happening again?"

It was several seconds before the horrified expression on Angeal's face melted into a worried frown. He ran his hand down his face as though it could wipe away his troubled thoughts before he finally said, "There is no point in standing here talking about it. We should head back. We can search for Sephiroth once the sun is up tomorrow if he isn't back before then."

Alex almost argued that they needed to look for him now but bit her tongue when she saw the look Brian was giving them. She sighed as she realized the man would have a lot more questions now, and there was no way they could get out of telling him. Especially not if he believed they were all ticking time bombs. It was a precarious situation, but she still said, "Fine, we can head back."

She then turned to the mayor and said, "We can also sit down with you tomorrow and explain all of this. I made a promise and plan to keep it, but I understand that my word isn't enough. Not after what you just heard."

The man shuffled uncomfortably under her sincerity. His voice was far less gruff than she expected it would be when he said, "I understand enough to know this wasn't planned, nor is it something you have control of, but that doesn't make it simpler for me to accept. Come to my house tomorrow afternoon. I expect to hear it all before I decide whether I should ask you to leave or not."

Genesis's glare transferred to the man, and Angeal shuffled uncomfortably, but Alex had expected something along those lines. She gave him a nod before she turned back the way they had come. She was at least thankful that Sephiroth must have gained enough control to not do more damage. The wound was already healed, even if the blood was still slightly sticky. She was not looking forward to walking in the coated clothes for the three hours it would take them to get back.

Alex was more exhausted than she expected to be when they finally saw the rooftops of the village come into sight. Although, thoughts of how tired she was disappeared when they rounded the last corner and saw a small form huddled in an oversized coat sitting on a boulder and waiting.

She didn't get a chance to ask who it was before Brian stepped forward with a frown. "Tifa, why are you out here? It's already after dark. Even though we are near the village, monsters still could be out."

The girl jumped to her feet as she said, "I know, but I wanted to make sure you didn't need any help. I promise this is the farthest I've gone."

Brian sighed and shook his head. "It doesn't matter, but I want you in bed as soon as we get home. You have lessons early in the morning, and I don't want you sleeping over your work." The girl huffed but clamped her lips shut in the presence of the strangers.

Alex was once again reminded of her stubborn teenage years and almost smiled. However, something occurred to her as the two of them walked off. She called out before they got far. "One moment, can I ask something?"

They both turned, and Alex almost didn't ask when she saw the frown the mayor was wearing. Still, this was important. She swallowed once as she looked at Tifa and asked, "You've been here most of the afternoon?"

The girl gave her a curious look but answered, "Yeah. I finished the last of my chores about an hour after you all left. I've been here since."

Alex wasn't sure she wanted the answer to her next question, but she had already started. She ignored the mayor's growing frown as she asked, "Did anyone come back before us?"

The girl's confusion seemed to grow, but she looked around. It didn't take long before her eyes widened. Alex could see her curiosity, but thankfully, Tifa didn't ask. She jumped when her father put his hand on her shoulder, but she still answered. "No. No one has been through this way since you guys left."

Alex's shoulders slumped. It was the answer she had been expecting, but that didn't mean she liked it. Somehow, she managed a smile as she said, "Thanks."

It looked like Tifa had many more questions, but her father had already turned her back to the path toward town. He gave Alex one more unreadable look before he said, "Tomorrow then." It wasn't a question, but Alex nodded in acceptance anyway before the rest of the group turned toward the path to the mansion.

Angeal gave her shoulder a squeeze as she walked past and said, "I promise, we'll find him."

Alex nodded absently. She had no doubt that they would, but what state would they find him in? Would a fight break out? The way Genesis had been frowning the whole way back, she wasn't sure he had gotten her point like Angeal had. She wrapped her arms around herself as she tried not to let her worry overwhelm her.

Bugenhagen had not been as surprised to hear what happened as Alex had expected. Not that she was complaining. He had backed up her theory as soon as he heard the details. He also agreed that they needed to find the general before he took irrational action out of guilt.

Since that was agreed to, the group made a tentative plan for the following day. They would not be expected at the mayor's house until the afternoon, so they could all search for Sephiroth until noon. If he was still not found before then, Alex would return with Bugenhagen and Nanaki. Alex wasn't thrilled with the idea, but it was the best they could put together for the moment.

Everyone except Genesis had gone to bed hours ago. Despite Nanaki and Bugenhagen exploring most of the accessible rooms, they still decided to post a watch. Not that it made much difference to Alex.

She and Angeal were still sharing a room, but she was unable to sleep. It aggravated the hell out of her because she was exhausted. She wanted to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was the horrified look Sephiroth gave her before he jumped.

That went on for more than an hour before she sat up with a huff. She sat there silently while a plan started to form. She watched her brother's softly snoring form for several minutes before she slipped out of her bedroll and padded to where her coat and shoes were stored. This was a horrible idea, and she knew it, but she couldn't sit still and wait.

She slipped everything on as quietly as possible and paused for a few more minutes to make sure her brother was still sleeping. She felt terrible about leaving him, but she had penned a short letter to let him know what she was doing.

She paused at the door and cursed when she heard footsteps on the stairs. She had almost forgotten that Genesis was still out there. He was the last person she wanted to run into. He would lose it when he found out what she had planned.

She swallowed a sigh and looked back at the window. It seemed to be in good condition, but it was still old. There was no telling the last time it was opened. She had a fifty/fifty shot of being able to open it without waking everyone. Still, it was better than running into Genesis. Worst case, she could claim she wanted fresh air.

Alex tiptoed back across the room and checked the lock. She was thankful when it slipped open without a sound. Maybe the money put into building this place was well spent. She still waited a moment before she tried to lift the frame. It ended up opening so quickly that it almost banged against the top. It took all Alex's newfound reflexes to stop it from making noise.

She froze with her hands on the bottom of the frame and took a few seconds to get her breathing back to normal. She looked back nervously. Thankfully, Angeal was on the far side of the room near the door and didn't seem to have been bothered. She let out a long breath before she turned back to the window.

She looked out to verify how long of a drop it was. She was on the second floor, but thankfully it didn't seem to be more than that. It was a shorter jump than the one when she was trying to escape.

That thought made her shiver, but she pushed it back as she climbed out as silently as possible. She held herself up long enough to ensure Angeal hadn't moved and then dropped to the ground. She clamped her teeth shut against a twinge in her ankle. At least it didn't seem to be a problem as she was immediately on her feet and running toward the path. She didn't stop until she was around the corner that blocked the mansion from view.

She paused for a moment to listen for any pursuit. When she didn't hear anything, she turned back up the path. She wasn't looking forward to walking all the way back to the bridge to look for clues, but at least the moon was nearly full, and the night was clear. She only hoped her walk would be as uneventful as the one that morning had been. She hadn't really been thinking about monsters when she left, but they were in the forefront of her mind as she looked at every shadow she passed.

She felt vulnerable and less than intelligent for not thinking of the possibility before leaving, but she wasn't going to turn back now. At least she made it to the first split in the path without being accosted. That was where she paused. Brian had mentioned that the mountains were riddled with caves, and most of the forks went to those. It was a long shot, but surely it wouldn't hurt to at least poke her head in and see if Sephiroth might be in one for the night.

With that thought in mind, she took the right path. It curved around the mountain for longer than she anticipated, but it was only about fifteen minutes before she came around the last corner and the cave came into view. However, she stopped in her tracks when she noticed a faint light flickering against the rocks. She wasn't even aware that she had spoken out loud. "There's no way. My luck can't be that good, can it?"

Even with that thought, she knew there was only one way to find out. She did her best to stay silent as she closed the distance. She didn't even enter the cave. Instead, she poked her head around the edge. However, what she saw had her body quickly following.

Sephiroth was standing between her and a small fire. He had removed his duster and gloves, but he still had the Masamune in his left hand. She couldn't see his face, but his body language spoke volumes. His shock was evident in his voice as well. "Alex? Why are you here? You should leave before—"

He turned his face away, and Alex could just make out a frown from his profile. He had also allowed his sword to disappear. Alex ignored his question and his suggestion as she took a step forward and said, "I came to look for you. You shouldn't be isolating yourself over earlier. I don't blame you for anything."

His voice was still hard as he said, "I am dangerous. You should not have sought me out." He paused to look up, and she assumed it was at her since she still couldn't see his face well. "Where are the others?"

His last question made Alex fidget, but she still answered, "Actually, they are still back at the mansion. The plan was to wait for morning, but I couldn't sleep."

Alex was shocked when Sephiroth suddenly closed the distance. He started to reach for her but stopped just short of grabbing her arms. His voice held a tinge of frustration when he said, "What were you thinking? We may not have seen any monsters this morning, but they are all over out there. You don't even have a weapon. You could have been killed!"

Alex looked down at his reprimand. He wasn't wrong, but she wasn't going to apologize. Thankfully, she didn't need to. Instead, Sephiroth let out a long breath before he stepped back and gestured toward the fire. "Come and sit. There is no way I plan to let you back out there while it is still dark. The monsters are more active at night."

She was shocked at his sudden change of mind, but she wasn't going to complain. Instead, she followed him to the tiny fire. He made a point of sitting on the opposite side, but Alex ignored that as she said, "Look, I understand why you feel responsible, but this wasn't your fault. Remember, I told you we could all possibly be susceptible. You can't blame yourself."

Sephiroth refused to look into her eyes as he responded, "Yet none of you heard the buzzing."

Alex sighed, but she still said, "I know, but that doesn't mean it was just you. It could have been because of any number of reasons. I have no doubt that if we had continued, all of us would have been affected, which is why we left."

Neither of them spoke right away. Alex could tell that Sephiroth refused to believe her, and she doubted he would be swayed by the same argument she used on her brother. She decided that more drastic measures would need to be taken.

She didn't say a word as she got to her feet and headed toward the other side of the fire. Sephiroth looked like he was going to stand to get away, but Alex rushed the last few feet and put her hand on his shoulder to prevent it.

He eyed her warily but quit trying to move. Once she was assured he would not run, she knelt beside him with a soft smile. She ignored the way he leaned away from her and reached out to take one of his hands.

For a moment, she marveled at how soft his skin was without his gloves. It made sense. They were made to keep him from getting callouses after all. When she felt his fingers tighten, she shook those useless thoughts off and instead worked to unfurl his fingers until she could place her palm against his.

She then looked into his eyes. She was gratified to see the wariness was gone, but he was still frowning as he stared at their joined hands. She smiled and resolutely said, "Sephiroth, you are no more a monster than I am, and I trust that you would never kill me. I trust that no matter what, you would not let anything influence you for long. Not when you know people depend on you."

When Sephiroth started to pull his hand away, Alex grabbed it with her other one. She made sure to hold his gaze as she lifted her shirt just enough to expose where she had been injured earlier. She then pulled his hand forward and placed it on her stomach. His eyes widened, but she ignored that too as she said, "See, I am not injured. I told you I am tougher than I look. Plus, I know you stopped before it was bad. Don't blame yourself."

She had to pause for a moment, as she hadn't anticipated how her body would react to the feel of his warm fingers splayed across her skin. Somehow, she was still able to continue, "We both know you have no desire to hurt anyone—to hurt me."

It was several seconds before Sephiroth said anything. Finally, his eyes lifted from where they had been pinned to where his hand was. He held her gaze as he turned his hand and then slipped it to her waist. It took all Alex had not to shiver at the feeling of his fingers sliding across her skin.

Sephiroth's voice was nearly an octave lower and barely above a whisper when he said, "Hurting you is the last thing on my mind."

This outcome had not even occurred to Alex when she decided to take a more hands-on approach. She had hoped to shock him into shaking off his self-loathing. However, when he tentatively and gently pulled on her waist, as though to ask for permission instead of demanding, she was beyond caring.

She leaned toward him and allowed him to practically pull her into his lap as he kissed her. It was hesitant at first, much like the one time he had kissed her before. However, Alex didn't want that. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a little closer. When she did, he wrapped both arms around her waist as he deepened the kiss.

Alex hadn't been sure what to expect, but his lips were soft on hers and yet still insistent. She was losing it, and it was just a kiss. However, it was only a few moments before he pulled back far enough for her to see that damned furrow between his brows. His voice was almost hesitant as he said, "Alex, I do not think we should do this."

One of Alex's eyebrows rose as she scoffed. She wasn't sure if he was saying it because he was still afraid he might hurt her or if it was because of the shadow of her previous relationship that had been between them before. Either way, she was done caring. Instead of answering or moving away, she shifted closer and straddled his legs so that they were facing each other, and she was more comfortable.

His eyes were so wide that she almost felt like chuckling. Instead, she pulled herself closer until their faces were only inches apart as she said, "I know I told you I needed time, but I am done trying to deny the fact that I care about you—a great deal, in fact. Please don't stop now."

Sephiroth's hands went to her waist again, but they were even more hesitant. His eyes held confusion and perhaps a bit of trepidation as he said, "I do not understand why you are saying this now. You have every reason to leave me far behind."

Alex's jaw clenched for a moment before she took a deep breath and said, "No. I've already told you this is something we need to face together. You aren't going to be able to handle it alone, and I need you too. Don't—please don't push me away."

Sephiroth still looked uncertain, but Alex was done arguing over something she felt was trivial. They needed to stick together, and that was that. So, instead of letting him speak again, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

Even though he didn't respond right away, Alex gently persisted. A few seconds later, she was gratified when he wrapped his arms around her. When he deepened the kiss, she ran her hands down his chest before she wrapped her arms around him. The feel of the way his muscles shifted like silk under his skin made her shiver every time he moved.

It was not long before Alex was swept up in the feel of him pressed against her. When he moved from her mouth and started peppering kisses along the corner of her mouth and down her jaw, she had to bite her lip to keep from making wanton noises. His hand under her shirt did not help. His warm fingers slid across her skin and up to her ribcage as he pulled her closer.

She was so caught up in the feel of him that she was more than a bit surprised when he leaned back. She almost pouted but wasn't given long to worry before he pulled her shirt off. When he then pulled her closer again, she reveled in the sparks produced when their skin touched.

After that, she lost herself in the feel of his kisses. She enjoyed them so much that she barely noticed when he lifted her enough so that he could turn and lay her down on his duster that was already laid out. Her desire-addled mind only noted it when he hovered over her with hesitation in his eyes, almost as though he was asking for permission. Her only response was to run a hand up his chest to cup his neck and pull herself close enough for a kiss.

After that, he closed the distance. One of his hands moved up her side to where his thumb brushed the side of her breast. He smiled at the sound the action evoked but did not comment. Instead, he moved to start trailing kisses down her collarbone and to the valley between her breasts.

Alex did moan when he caught one nipple between his teeth. It was not enough to hurt, but her whole body was already sensitive. When he let go, she grabbed his shoulder to let him know she wasn't happy, but he didn't give her a chance to say anything before he pulled the gently abused nipple into his mouth.

Alex forgot all about complaints as her grip on his shoulder shifted to run down his arm. She marveled at the feel of his soft hair as it trailed down her side the further down he went. Between that and his hot kisses, she was in sensory overload. She arched into his touch when his lips landed right above her belly button, and his hands went to her hips.

Unfortunately, he paused then. She barely even noticed at first until he was hovering over her once more. One of his hands was still on her waist, but his eyes held reservation along with the residual lust. It was several seconds before he could speak. "As much as it pains me to say this, perhaps we should stop. Please do not believe that I do not want to continue, but I feel this is neither the time nor the place."

Alex had to take a few deep breaths to calm herself enough that she could answer. She cupped his cheek as she smiled up at him and said, "I understand. Though, I insist that we revisit this as soon as we get a chance."

He smiled at the suggestion in her words but still sat back and helped her up as well. Once they were both seated, Alex began to feel a little self-conscious. It was one thing to be half-naked in Sephiroth's arms and quite another to sit there exposed while they both tried to figure out what to do or say next. The whole thing had been unexpected, if not unappreciated. Though, she was grateful when he handed her the shirt he had discarded earlier.

Once she had it on, she gestured back toward the cave entrance. "It might be best if we head back. I don't want anyone to worry."

Instead of answering, Sephiroth raised one brow as he asked, "You didn't tell anyone where you were going?"

Alex felt the heat creep up into her cheeks and turned away. She still managed to shake her head as she said, "I did leave a note."

After a few seconds, Sephiroth let out a soft sigh and said, "It would be best if we leave at first light. There are dragons on this mountain. I would be able to handle them, but I do not want to risk anything happening to you."

Alex thought about arguing for a moment, but he had a point. He would be less likely to be as vigilant if his worry for her kept him distracted. When she nodded, he pointed to the duster he had laid out like a bedroll. "We should sleep for now." Alex felt her cheeks heating once more but hid it by grabbing the coat she had discarded earlier. They could at least cover with it.

It was not long before the two of them were laid down, and Alex cuddled as close to Sephiroth as she could get. The heat of his skin and his hand on her waist were more than enough to remind her of earlier, but she clamped down on it for now. There was no point in making things awkward. The hard ground would not be easy to sleep on, even with his leather beneath them, but the smell of his skin and the comfort of his arm around her quickly ushered her into sleep.

A/N: See, I told you it would be worth it! I hope you all enjoyed that shattering of the last of the ice between them. Though, it will definitely change the group dynamic. The next few chapters are all so much rollercoaster that it isn't funny, but I hope you enjoy it anyway! I'm don't know about you, but I am so ready to see their relationship take off-awkwardness and all. 😍💖😂 Anyway, thanks for reading and cheers!