Across the Divide and Through Valhalla

Recognition Without Knowing

She wasn't shocked when Sephiroth spoke as soon as they were out of earshot. "It seems as though you did not exaggerate. Recognition, without knowing." She gave him a sad look, but the one he returned was only evaluating. "But it seems that is not the case for you."

She felt her cheeks heat, and she looked away quickly. "Well, I doubt most people would recognize me on sight like that. My picture is on the back cover, but it's not like I'm some Hollywood star."

Genesis cut in with an acerbic tone. "And yet, still more recognizable than I."

Sherry had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at his frown. "Had they not been so all over the place, I am sure they would have recognized you too. They seemed to be fans of the series, so don't worry."

When Sephiroth sighed, she had to look away to keep Genesis from seeing her smile. Thankfully, the place she had hoped to find was not far, and she pointed to it. "There is the restaurant. Let's go."

She was thankful that Genesis didn't say anything else as they followed. She was even more grateful as his eyes widened as they entered, and he turned to her with a smile. "There is Wutainese here!"

She shook her head. "No, it's Japanese, but I thought it might be close. Why don't we get a table?" She was happy to see his mood significantly improved as they were led to a table, and menus were brought. It was a quiet meal, but it was nice after the long day. At least she knew the three of them would be prepared for the chaos they could run into while she was busy for the next few weeks.

There was a little bit of argument when they got back to the hotel, as they had not yet discussed how the sleeping arrangements were to be made. Each room had a separate bedroom and a pullout bed, but that still meant one of the men had to stay with Sherry. Even though the door between the rooms was opened, so it was more like they were all sharing, she made them draw straws. At least that way, she felt better about not having to decide.

She wasn't sure what she thought about the fact that it was Caius that ended with the longest straw. Not that any of the three men would be particularly easy to room with. Caius was the one she had the easiest time talking to, but hopefully, they wouldn't be spending much time alone. At least they all agreed she could have the bedroom. She took full advantage of that after her shower and bade them all goodnight. She had a long day waiting for her.

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The next morning, Sherry allowed Caius to clean up first. She gathered up the things she would need and reminded them they would be checking out and going to the next site as soon as she was done with the signing, so they needed to take their stuff when they left. At least Genesis and Sephiroth were used to traveling light, and all that entailed.

As soon as Caius exited the bathroom, she slipped past him. She barely paused to let him know to not wait for her. She was going to be longer than usual and planned to meet them downstairs for breakfast. The guardian gave her a confused look but didn't get to ask. He passed her message along, and the men headed down to wait for her once they were packed.

It was nearly forty-five minutes later, and all three men were wondering if they should go check on their hostess. She had never taken more than half an hour to shower and get ready, ever. And that usually included washing her hair. Caius was getting prepared to do just that, as he was the one with the key to their room when he noticed both of the other men look up. It was only odd that Genesis looked like he had just been run over.

The guardian followed their gazes and suddenly realized why the redhead was so shocked. Sherry had been kneeling and picking up some papers she must have dropped. Both the man that had obviously run into her and the manager were helping her straighten them as she stood and accepted their help with a smile. That wasn't unusual, as her kindness was a given. No, the fact that she looked like an entirely different person was what had them all staring.

Genesis was the first to move. He stood as she put the papers away in the bag she carried and straightened her shirt. He had known that she was pretty. Once they had settled into this new reality, it was a fact that was hard to miss, especially after having seen her in a bikini, but this was new. Her hair was softly curled and partially pinned, so they fell across her shoulders. The shirt she wore had a mock turtleneck, but it clung to her. Not enough to be lewd, and yet still clearly showed off her femininity. The skirt went to just past her knees, where it ended in a slight flare that swirled when she walked. It was topped with a pair of black heels that she seemed to have no trouble walking in.

He had not moved once he stood, and his eyes caught hers as she walked to them. He was pleased to see a hint of color in her cheeks. Her eyes slid away from his as she got to his side. His grin widened as he could tell that even though she was looking past him, she was far from ignoring him.

"Ah, sorry for making you all wait. I don't need to be there until 10:00, but it might be best if I can get there a little early. I'll grab something to eat, and then we can head out. I'll get some cash on the way. There should be plenty for you to do around the area if you don't want to stick around the book store. There is a mall closeby, I believe, so you might even be able to get some clothes. All I ask is that you be back by 15:00. I'll be done by then, and we'll have to leave as soon as possible. It'll be about a three-hour drive to the next city."

Sephiroth had been just as shocked as the others by the transformation of the woman that had taken them in. Although his reaction was much more professional. He stood with a frown at her announcement. "That does not leave you with much time to rest."

She laughed and shook her head. "There are a few days that will be worse, so don't worry about it. It's only a few weeks. It's not the first time I've had to do something like this. It sucks, but I can handle it." She took a step back and noticed that Genesis was still staring. Her cheeks heated again, but she ignored the look as she turned. "Let me get breakfast."

She didn't wait for a response as she turned. Genesis frowned slightly as the manager stepped over to talk to her almost as soon as she grabbed a plate, but he was stopped from heading over when Sephiroth spoke up at his side. "Will you be staying with her today?"

Genesis looked over to his side with a raised brow. "Do you really need to ask?"

Sephiroth sighed. He had seen that look before and did not like where this was headed. He did not know all the details yet, but what he had heard exchanged between Caius and Sherry was enough for him to know there was something monumental that had not been shared with the two from Gaia yet. Even if Genesis' interest was purely physical, that could be worse. He gave his friend a hard look. "Do not act without thinking of the consequences." Genesis scoffed but didn't get to respond further as Sherry had rejoined them.