Fic - Tangled Web chapter 5-6
Apr. 14th, 2011 07:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessTitle - Tangled Web
Author-![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cornerofmadness
Disclaimer - not mine. All rights belong to Ms Arakawa
Rating Pg-13
genre action/adventure
Characters/Pairing Roy/Riza, Ed/Win, Al/OC
Timeline/Spoilers future fic and contains spoilers right up to the very end
Word Count 45,437
Warningviolence but no more than the manga,
Summary Father and Bradley were defeated but not everyone has gone quietly into that good night. Someone thinks Ed and Al were responsible for the death of General Raven and is out for revenge.
Chapter Five
“This is amazing!” Ed stood in the dragon’s mouth, taking it in. The gateway leading into the Justice estate was a large, stone dragon’s head, the teeth forming a portcullis and the iron gate back in the throat area.
Winry followed more sedately with Al and Snowdrop behind her. The mechanic stopped dead, her eyes surveying the frosty scene. Statues cropped up through the yard, dragons, gargoyles and other grotesqueries dancing through the snow. More monsters decorated the pillars and gables of the large house.
“I think a nightmare puked on this place,” Al muttered, watching Ed scale a Xingese dog to fondle its big teeth.
“I think Ed’s in love, Winry,” Snow cried gleefully.
Winry punched the girl’s arm.
Snowdrop rubbed the offended limb. “Ow! What was that for?”
“For telling Ed about this place. He’s going to want to do this to his place,” Winry cried. Searching for her boyfriend, she raised her voice. He had moved on to another dragon statue. “Ok, Ed, we’ve seen it. Are you done?”
“I haven’t even started.” Ed somersaulted off the statute and ran back to Snow. He thrust his arm out toward the foo lion. “Is that thing for sale?”
“That is a foo lion and yes, it is,” Snow said, her delight in Ed actually talking to her evident. She pulled a key out of her pocket. “I know the person selling the place. Want to go inside? This could all be yours if you want to live in Central.”
Eyes bright, Ed snatched the key up. “Thanks, Snowdrop!”
“Snow, if I have to visit Ed in this nightmare, I’m going to kill you.” Winry tapped her foot.
“But look how happy Ed is,” Snow protested.
“I am, hence the threats,” Winry replied grimly.
Al wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. “Congrats, Snow, you made my brother like you and now Winry wants you dead.”
Snow leaned against him. “Much as you predicted.”
They followed Ed into the rambling home. The first things that caught Winry’s eye were the monsters in ivy staircase rising up from the black and white marble floor to the mezzanine above. More statues dotted the foyer and the walls were hung with paintings equally surreal.
“He’s going to buy it,” Winry groaned, covering her face.
“I don’t think Ed wants to live in Central,” Al said. “But Ed can do this all with alchemy, well expect for the paintings. He’s somewhere in the house getting all inspired.” His grin was positively wicked.
“This is so unfair.” Winry sagged against the newel post.
“Hey guys!” Ed’s voice boomed through the house. “You have to see this. It’s so coo1.”
“That can’t be good,” Al grumbled and Winry punched his arm, too. “Ow! Hit Snow. It’s her fault.”
“Don’t listen to him.” Snow punched Al as well.
“Hurry up,” Ed called.
Ascending the stairs with the air of people going to their deaths, they found Ed in a bathroom. He stood next to a tub that resembled two giant hands, easily able to hold four people. The water filled the tub from the mouth of the horned man’s face on the wall.
“This is the best tub ever,” Ed declared, rubbing a hand over one horn.
“If you want to live inside a surrealistic freak show,” Al shot his brother a worried look.
He swept a hand around, indicating everything in the house. “How can you not love this?”
“Are you planning to take a bath, Ed?” Winry pointed to the running water, her eyebrows arching.
“Just checking it out.” Ed turned one of the horns, shutting off the flow. “I could live here and we’re not that close to the bastard if we did stay.”
Winry whimpered but that didn’t keep Ed from sailing past her, down the halls to what was presumably the bed rooms. “Confess, Al.” Winry gently shoved him. “You tripped him onto his head as kids.”
Al put up an exaggerated offended front. “I did not! However, I’ve lost track of how many times he’s been hit in the head.”
“I thought so.” Winry harrumphed, self-satisfied.
Al stabbed a finger against her shoulder. “By you.”
Winry wrinkled her nose at him. “You know I’ve never actually hit Ed in the head. He just likes calling the times I’ve chewed him out, getting hit with a wrench.”
“Does this happen a lot?” Snow asked.
“More than I care to remember,” Winry replied.
“The bedroom’s even cooler than that bath!” Ed’s voice boomed up the hall.
“If he thinks I’m sleeping in a monster’s mouth, he’s got another think coming,” Winry grumbled.
“Has he even realized that you want to share his bed?” Al asked.
“Yes, but he’s not sure what to do about it.” Winry sighed. “Of course, after today it might be a moot point. He’s insane.”
Snowdrop snorted. “You aren’t fooling anyone. You still love the little freak.”
“Did someone call me little?” Ed bellowed. “I’ve grown!”
“How did he hear that?” Snow asked, eyes wide in wonderment.
“He’s tuned to the very vibrations of that word.” Al laughed. Raising his voice, he bellowed back, “And no one was calling you little. We’re calling you a freak.”
“Just get in here.”
Winry flung her hands up and headed down the hall. Snowdrop and Al followed dutifully. The bedroom, however, surprised them all. The furniture was a dark walnut, all intricately carved, and each piece told a story.
“All right, this is neat,” Winry admitted. “You can have this if you want it.”
“I want everything in this house,” Ed said, sitting on the mattress. He gazed up at Winry, sadness dimming his golden eyes. “You hate this, don’t you?”
“It’s not that I hate it but it’s a little much to take in at once,” she hemmed.
Ed sighed. “I guess, maybe, but I do like it. Thanks for bringing me here, Snow. It was a nice day out even if you guys were probably bored.”
“Oh, watching you go nuts for this stuff was anything but boring.” Al chuckled.
“That’s right, laugh. Now I know I’m not alone in my love for these sorts of things.” Ed got up and patted Snow’s shoulder. “I owe you one.”
“Yes, thanks, Snow,” Winry grumbled, nudging the other girl.
“Consider it a unique challenge, Winry,” Snow replied.
Winry waved her off. “Oh, Ed gives me those aplenty.”
“If you’re done, Ed, I want to go check on the kitten,” Al said.
“Al, that fur bag is fine. It doesn’t need you hovering.” Ed snorted. “But yeah, let’s go. You’re going to make an over-attentive dad some day, Al.” He pushed his bangs back. “Guess it’s better than what we grew up with.”
“I’ll think you’ll be a good dad, Al,” Snow said and at the flicker of panic on Al’s face, she quickly added. “Down the road.”
“Thank you. Until then, I’m glad to be a cat daddy,” Al said, wrapping his arms around her.
“That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said.” Ed laughed until Winry elbowed him.
“That’s my brother, polite, sweet, sensitive.” Al rolled his eyes.
“I’ve noticed,” Snow said. “Lucky me, I got the real thing.” Slipping her arm around Al’s waist, she smiled up at him. “Let’s go home.”
X X X
“Panicking yet, boss?” Havoc shifted on Mustang’s couch, trying to get his legs out of everyone’s way.
Mustang put a glass of wine down within the man’s reach then handed a glass to Falman and Breda. “If you had a chance to wake up next to Riza every day, would you panic?”
“Good point. I always assumed she was amazing in bed.” Havoc smirked.
“Don’t let her hear you say that,” Breda cautioned. “She’ll shoot you.”
“See, told you they’d be talking about sex,” Ed said to Al as they strolled in.
“I told Riza not to let you in, Edward,” Roy pouted and Ed lightly slapped the back of Roy’s head as he passed him.
“That’s for the kitten from hell, you bastard!” Ed flopped down next to Havoc on the couch. “Hey, guys.”
“Yes, thanks for Xiu, Mr. Mustang,” Al said, sitting down more sedately. “She’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome, Alphonse, and you can call me, Roy. I’ve told you that many times.”
“Just call him bastard,” Ed put in.
“But I should be happy you’re not as rude as your brother,” Roy said, settling on the love seat.
“I should hope not, sir,” Al replied. “One is enough.”
“Such loyalty my brother shows me,” Ed sniffed.
“Hey, I went to the horror house with you.”
“Horror house?” Falman shot Al a quizzical look.
“Mr. Justice’s house,” Ed said. “Al’s girlfriend thought I’d like it and she was right.”
“Ah, Justice did the gargoyles for this house,” Roy said.
“Ed has been eyeing those, too,” Al put in.
“They’re too cool for Mustang.” Ed glanced at the glass Havoc held, longing on his face.
“Forget it, Fullmetal. None for you until you actually start shaving,” Roy smirked.
“Look who’s talking. The man whose shaving consists of plucking the three lone hairs on his chin.”
Havoc nearly choked on his wine.
“Before my brother can get on a roll, why did you ask us over tonight, Roy?” Al glanced at the older alchemist curiously.
“Just thought you’d like to sit and chat with the rest of us.” Roy shrugged. “We all have time off for the festival so we’re just kicking back and relaxing.”
“And offering up suggestions for the wedding and married life,” Havoc said.
“And trying to suss out what to buy as wedding gifts,” Falman said.
“You are such a woman,” Havoc scoffed.
“No, he’s smart. Give Riza a crappy gift and she’ll probably shoot you,” Breda said.
“Hmm, point taken.” Havoc stroked his beard. “I’ll get Rebecca on that.”
“I have the perfect gift,” Ed said. “I’ll tie a train ticket to that damn kitten. That way she can run for her life and still have something cuddly to hold onto.” He beamed, obviously pleased with his idea.
“If you kill him, sir, we’ll back up your claims of justifiable homicide.” Al grinned.
“Don’t tempt me, Alphonse.” Roy wagged a finger at him.
“You’re getting so mean, Al.” Ed pouted.
“Studied at the foot of the master my whole life,” Al volleyed back and Ed made a face.
“See, Ed, I always told you your attitude would bite you in the ass,” Roy crowed.
“Die,” Ed squirmed. “Can I get some water or something?”
Roy nodded, getting up. “Anyone else want anything?”
“I’m good,” Havoc said. Breda waved him off while Falman shook his head.
“What do you think Riza would really like, Bastard?” Ed called after Roy. “Since you obviously have something on the poor woman so she can’t escape.”
“A muzzle for you?” Roy grinned as he poured water out of an icy decanter on the bar.
“No, that’s what you want, not Riza.” Ed smirked.
Roy turned to the other young alchemist. “Alphonse, are you still highly attached to him?”
The boy shrugged. “He is my blood.”
“Poor thing. Honestly gentlemen, I’m not entirely sure what Riza might want. I’ll find out. I want her to get what she actually wants and not what I think she might want,” Roy addressed all his companions.
“That’s sweet, sir,” Al said.
“Smart, Al. She rules him. If Riza’s not happy…” Havoc grinned.
“Be nice,” Roy waved a finger at him then turned back to the brothers. “You boy are going to the official engagement party, aren’t you?”
“Winry can’t wait to go,” Ed replied.
“Are we going to meet your mystery girl, Al?” Breda asked.
“Oh, yes.” Al nodded.
“She’s usually found attached to Al’s hip. Looking at him now, it’s like something is missing,” Ed added, squinting at his brother.
“My brother, the wit.” Al rolled his eyes. “Or the witless.”
“No one fights like brothers,” Roy said. “Leave it be, boys. We were going to play some poker and relax. Care to play?”
“A chance to beat the crap out of you?” Ed’s eyes gleamed like polished gold. “Absolutely.”
“Likewise. Havoc, need help transferring off the couch?” Roy asked.
“I can manage, boss, thanks. Just point the way to the game room.”
“Follow me,” Roy said gallantly.
Chapter Six
Ed stretched then rubbed his belly as it growled loudly. He glanced around the library, hoping no one had heard.
A chuckle echoed from the adjacent carrel and a young man with curly blond hair and bright green eyes peered over the wooden divider. “Your stomach sounds like how mine feels.”
“Sorry about that. Guess I got lost in my studies.” Ed rubbed the back of his head then scrubbed his fingers against his scalp. His braid felt a little too tight. Winry pulled at his hair exceptionally hard this morning. Ed wondered why then figured food was more important.
“I know how that goes. I’m studying to be a doctor and I forget to stop for food all the time. There’s a great deli across the street,” the young man said.
Ed nodded. “I eat there often.”
“I hate eating alone. Want to join me?” The curly-headed young man reached over the divider. “I’m James Ringhand.”
“Edward Elric.” Ed didn’t like shaking hands, letting people feel metal right off, but it would be rude not to. He had promised to be less rude. “I guess I should take a break from all this.” Ed didn’t really know why he agreed to go with this kid. He figured Winry and Al were to blame, always trying to make him socialize more. He followed Ringhand out of the library, thinking he already liked the young man if for no other reason than James was only a centimeter or two taller than him. Finally, someone who didn’t tower over him. He wasn’t feeding Al’s body any more. Should he be growing? It was so unfair. Al had shot right up while he only gained an inch.
Once they crossed the street to the deli, Ed got a huge sandwich and a hearty bowl of soup. He hadn’t lost his appetite now that he wasn’t supporting Al, either. Ringhand’s appetite wasn’t any less huge.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” James asked, tucking into his sandwich.
“I’m from all over, I guess.” Ed rolled his shoulders.
“That sounds exciting.”
“Sometimes,” Ed replied then changed the subject. He didn’t like talking about those travels. “Doctor, eh? My brother’s been thinking about that as a career.”
“Is he prepared to do nothing but study for a few years?” James took another big bite of sandwich.
Ed laughed. “We’re both alchemists. Studying makes us happy.”
James returned that laugh. “We have something in common, then. Is your brother anything like you?”
“Al’s smart enough to stop and eat, I suppose, and calmer, much calmer,” Ed replied, deciding to leave out it was hard to beat Al in a fight. That was knowledge best not shared and no mention that Al was taller, damn it. “Loves cats, so yeah we’re nothing alike.”
“So you’re a less smart, impatient non-cat lover?” James smirked.
Ed scowled. “Plenty smart, just less common sense. No wait…dammit!” This was why he never socialized. His tongue moved faster than his brain.
James’s smirk grew. “Trade you Al for four of my sisters. I could use calm.”
“No deal.” Ed held up his hands. “I grew up with the neighbor girl who was close as a sister. Women make you nuts.”
“Tell me about it.” James sighed. “Okay, I’ll give Al the sisters and keep you.”
“I like my brother too much to agree to that,” Ed protested, watching the young man shift around on his chair, a strange, bewildered expression coming over James’s face.
“Too bad,” James said, settling back. “So what is there to do that’s fun around here? I can’t study all the time.”
“I’m the wrong person to ask,” Ed admitted, wishing he had paid attention to Mustang at least once. The General would have a laundry list of things to do. “I don’t get out much.”
“We should change that. Come out with me some time. There has to be fun bars or something.”
“You’re the one who lives in Central, you should know,” Ed countered, thinking James was a lot like Maes in the way he chattered nonstop and was so overly friendly. Hell, the kid had barely touched his food, he was talking so much. He was a human Den, a big friendly dog.
“Yeah, but I hate to go alone,” James replied, making a face at the idea.
“Guess that would be no fun.” Ed hadn’t thought about that. Most of his life, Al had been with him but now his brother was busy making new friends and having sex with them. Last night had been fun playing cards with the guys. It was time to do what Al was doing; make new friends and see if Winry might want to sleep with him. “I might be able to find time to go out some night,” Ed offered, wondering if James was legal to drink. Ed was still a year shy of that and with his size, it would be another ten years before anyone believed he was old enough, damn it.
“Great, maybe a dance hall would be fun,” James said and Ed jumped. Did the man’s foot just touch his thigh? Couldn’t the wannabe doctor just sit still? “But you might be barred from the side of the hall that serves drinks.”
“What?” Ed blushed, wide-eyed. “I’ve never had time for dancing. Usually, I hit the towns, see the library, maybe a museum to see if they have any old alchemy stuff on display then move on.”
“Museums?” James’ nose wrinkled. “Well, if you like that, Central has several. My favorite is the museum of world culture. We could go there,” James suggested.
“I’d like that,” Ed replied. He’d show Al and Winry. He could socialize and make new friends when he wanted to.
“Good.” James shifted on the chair again and there was no mistaking the way James’s foot caressed Ed’s crotch.
Ed shoved his chair back. “What the hell? What are you doing?”
James half stood up. “Just showing my appreciation.”
Before Ed knew what the other young man was doing, James leaned across the table and kissed Ed’s open mouth, hard. Ed felt James’s tongue smoothing along the inside of his mouth before he could push the student back. Ed felt the heat rise in his face, realizing other patrons were staring, watching a man kiss him and kiss him amazingly well. Ed wanted to scream and flail. In his mind he was, but his body seemed unable to move.
“Something wrong, Ed?” James cocked his head to the side.
“Yes! What the hell are you doing?”
“I thought that was apparent.” James licked his lips, reaching for Ed again.
Ed swatted his hand away. “Why the hell did you do that?”
A hurt expression pulled James’s features down. “I thought you liked me. We made a date.”
“A date? I was just looking for a friend to do stuff with. I like girls!”
James’s eyes widened. “You do?”
“Yes, I have a girlfriend, damn it.” Who was going to laugh herself sick if she ever found out about this. Ed pushed back from the table and stomped away, leaving his half eaten lunch. No one could know about this. He’d never hear the end of it. The only problem was Ed wasn’t sure he could keep it all in. Worse, it had been in public. Everyone in the diner had seen. Disconcerted, Ed slunk back to the library to hide in a pile of books.
X X X
“The quality of dinner guests is declining, Mrs. Hughes,” Ed called out, setting the table as Roy walked into Gracia’s dining room with Riza right behind him. “Though I supposed Riza does make up for having to put up with Mustang.” Ed rolled Riza’s name around with his tongue. He still wasn’t used to calling the lieutenant by name and he had just forgotten to call Gracia by hers.
“Riza, did I tell you Edward’s proposed wedding gift was a single train ticket so you could run away before we’re married?” Roy put a bottle of wine on the table.
“I have the feeling that by the end of this evening, I’ll be wanting that ticket,” Riza replied, carrying a covered dish into the kitchen.
“I’m not that easy to escape,” Roy called after her.
“I’ll make sure he’s imprisoned,” Ed said and suddenly a towel lashed against his butt. Ed whipped around. “Win…oh, Gracia! That’s even worse than Winry hitting me.”
“You two boy had better behave. I’d turn you over my knee but that might just make things worse.” Gracia shook the towel at him.
“No mights about it,” Riza confirmed from the kitchen.
“Roy, it’s freezing out there tonight. Could you start a fire, please?” Gracia gave him a shove toward the living room with its large fireplace.
Roy obeyed. Ed wished he knew the trick of making Mustang obedient. He suspected he was entirely the wrong sex. He needed to learn how to use Gracia and Riza especially to get what he wanted from the bastard. Now only if he knew what he wanted.
Everyone helped Gracia get the meal on the table. A meal this good made Ed want to live in this house forever. Gracia’s pot roast melted on the tongue in a burst of spice. Riza brought a Xingese vegetable dish so aromatic, it made his mouth water from the moment she removed the cover. Winry had made a dessert he couldn't wait to taste.
Ed didn't like to admit it, but being here with everyone made him feel like he did when his mom was alive. If Mustang had a clue, he could make Ed feel like he had an extended family again, he'd never hear the end of it.
“This is a delicious meal,” Al said. “Gracia, you really should let me and Ed help more with the dinners.”
“Nonsense, Al, you're guests.”
“You let Winry help,” Al pointed out.
“You and Ed can help wash up. How's that?” she offered, chivvying Elicia into the kitchen since the girl loved to help her mom.
“Why does the cleaning up seem harder than the creating?” Ed asked.
Mustang set down his utensils and leaned his chin on his fist. “Edward, I heard tell about the naughtiness you got up to down by the library today.”
Ed froze. “What?”
“Ed? Naughty?” Al set down his fork, turning away from his pie. “Ed's not naughty, not in the way you mean, Roy.”
A shit-eating grin slithered across Mustang’s face. “Normally you would be right, Alphonse but I have it on good authority that Ed was.”
“Shut up,” Ed snarled, his mind whirling. Mustang couldn't possible know. Of course, he could; the man had sources everywhere.
“In fact, he was kissing someone in the corner deli by the library,” Roy said, pitching his voice louder than Ed's.
“I mean it, Mustang!” Ed yelled. How did this bastard know? Ed felt certain his hair was about to catch fire and Winry's baffled expression made him cringe.
“A young man,” Roy cried triumphantly and with such perverse joy, Ed wondered how the man made it through dinner without exploding.
Ed slumped, slithering half under the table.
“Ed?” Winry's eyes were the size of marbles.
“It wasn't my idea. I was listening to you and Al. I was being social!” He hid behind his bangs.
“I didn’t mean start kissing men in public.” Al squeezed a hand over his mouth, trying to hold in a laugh.
“I didn’t plan on that.” Ed slapped a hand down on the table. “He came across the table at me. I told him I had a girlfriend.” Ed slumped down further as said girlfriend giggled uncontrollably.
“The problem is, Edward, no one knows you like Winry. You go out in public and it’s like you’re brother and sister. No wonder people assume you’re either unattached or interested in men. I’m not surprised men are throwing themselves at you,” Roy said, pouring himself more wine. “Was he a good kisser?”
“Go to…” Ed bit off his sentence, knowing Elicia was in the next room. “How would a stranger know anything about Winry any how?”
“Don’t assume he was a stranger. He may have been watching you.”
“That’s not comforting,” Ed grumbled. “This is all your fault, Al, making me act nice and social.”
“I’m both ignoring you and laughing at you.” Al’s smile was Ed’s normal evil one.
Ed didn’t like that smile on his brother’s face. “I’m not sure that roaming around, randomly kissing Winry for public consumption is…” He turned toward Winry, his face even more red. “It isn’t a bad thing but I’m not sure it’ll help this …problem. I mean, I don’t see Mustang kissing Hawkeye in public.”
“There were reasons,” Winry reminded him.
“And all anyone has to do is look at Roy and know he’s ridiculously in love,” Gracia added and Roy flashed her a soft smile.
“At least you tried to save yourself there, Edward,” Roy said.
“And I’m going to hold him to it,” Winry assured everyone.
“I’m looking forward to it, actually,” Ed replied, his blush moving somewhere north of his hairline.
“Wow, that must have been one hell of a kiss today to kick start you.” Roy laughed.
“Oh shut up.” Ed got up from the table, taking his plate. Maybe helping Gracia clean like he was supposed to be doing anyhow would end the conversation.
“You’ll have to show Ed better kisses exist, Winry,” Al crowed, dashing Ed’s hopes.
“Not a problem.” Winry flashed a huge grin.
X X X
“I wish Mustang would do his own damn dirty work.” Ed’s foot skidded on the snowy sidewalk. “Or that it would at least stop snowing.”
“I doubt either will happen.” Al’s amusement only served to irritate Ed further.
“No chance of it,” Ed conceded, glancing over at his brother and Winry. “Why are you two here anyhow? You didn’t have to come. Are you hoping Mr. Wu is going to give you another damn cat, Al?”
“No, I can find cats anywhere. I wanted to look at some of his herbal medicines. Roy gave me a book on the subject. It sounded interesting. We might be able to use some of the alchemy Mei taught us in conjunction with it or at least I’m hoping.”
“And here I thought you might be interested in those herbal aphrodisiacs Mustang keeps saying the Xingese have mastered,” Ed snorted.
“I don’t need those.” Al rapped his knuckles on his chest. “You, on the other hand.”
“Don’t you two start.” Winry nudged Al lightly so not to unbalance him on the slick sidewalk.
“I do not,” Ed said, ignoring her.
“I suppose some men find you virile.” Al smirked.
Winry sighed then turned, seeing someone out of the corner of her eye. “Al, was that Snowdrop?” She pointed to the bar across the street.
“I didn’t see her but that’s the same bar I thought I saw her coming out of the last time.” Al glanced up and down the street before darting across.
“Al, what are you doing?” Ed followed his brother.
“I have to see if it’s Snow.”
“I have to get that package from Mr. Wu,” Ed argued.
“This will only take a moment. You don’t have to follow me.”
Ed trailed after him across the street, Winry sighing and following them both. “I’m not letting you go into a brothel alone.”
“It’s a bar and I’m not ten any more.” Al pushed open the door.
Inside, it was warm, making the snow clinging to him begin to melt. Several people looked up at the trio but no one looked unfriendly. Al spotted several officers in the bar. Off to one side, there was an immense fireplace, pumping out sweetly scented heat, and fragrant food cluttered a couple of nearby tables where the patrons ate dinner. Al could hear the unmistakable sounds of pool being played in one of the rooms jutting off of the main bar. Shelves of liquor, set off by leaded glass panels and rows of glasses, dominated the bar area.
“Aren’t you a little young to be hanging out in bars?” a voice kissed with smoke and whiskey asked, drawing the trio’s attention to a stout woman with an oddly commanding air about her.
Ed puffed up. “I’m older than I look.”
She smiled at him then pulled out a silver cigarette case from a pocket in her voluminous red skirt. “You could scarcely be younger.”
“We were just looking for someone,” Al said before Ed could get on a roll. “I thought she came in here, a young Xingese girl.”
“Well, we have a few who work here, this place being close to the Xingese quarter. Have a look around if you’d like,” the woman invited.
“That’s all right. I don’t see her. We should go.”
“Sorry we couldn’t help you,” she said. “Feel free to stop back and sample the soup. It’s cold out there.” She eye Edward as if deciding if it was illegal to even let him in for dinner.
“Thanks,” Al said, hustling his brother out before Ed could take offense. Winry followed in their wake.
“Why does everyone look at me like I’m the younger brother?” Ed grumbled once they were back out on the snowy sidewalk.
“Maybe because you won’t drink your milk and grow,” Al replied, sweet as honey.
“I’d rather stay short.” Ed stomped off then paused for a moment before letting his shoulders slump. “I just called myself short!”
“Not as short as you were this time last year,” Winry said, fighting back a grin.
Ed huffed and tromped toward Mr. Wu’s and Winry and Al followed more sedately only to find Ed acting like a log jam in the doorway to the apothecary.
“What’s wrong? I want to get out of the wind, Ed.” Al prodded his brother.
Ed moved aside so Winry and Al could get through the door. Sitting at the counter, having tea with Mr. Wu was Hohenheim. The man smiled broadly at his sons. Without the beard – his beard and hair had been scorched off by accident in the fight with Father – that smile looked very much like Ed’s. Hohenheim had decided to stay clean shaven, at least for a while, and his golden hair hand only begun to grow out. The look erased years off his life but it wasn’t as if he had ever looked his age.
“Sons, Winry, what a pleasant surprise,” Hohenheim said. “Join us.”
Al planted his cane on Ed’s toe in warning. Sighing dramatically, Ed acquiesced.
X X X
“This isn’t working,” Evelyn said to Yu. “This isn’t getting me any closer to my goals. We’ve learned very little information on the Elrics. Surely I know enough. We need another alchemist who is willing to take the Elrics out.”
“That could be arranged,” her servant replied. “There are still those who are not pleased with the new regime, though many of them scattered to other countries. It won’t be easy to find them. Wouldn’t a sharp shooter work just as well?”
Evelyn stroked her chin. “Yes, hard to prepare for an attack, alchemist or not, if you don’t know there’s a sniper sitting atop a roof. When do you think we could arrange this?”
“With the Ice Festival going on? Just about any time. There would be plenty of places for a sniper to hide.”
Evelyn smiled. “Then let’s get to work on that.”
“As you wish, madam.”
onto chapter Seven & Eight
Author-
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer - not mine. All rights belong to Ms Arakawa
Rating Pg-13
genre action/adventure
Characters/Pairing Roy/Riza, Ed/Win, Al/OC
Timeline/Spoilers future fic and contains spoilers right up to the very end
Word Count 45,437
Warningviolence but no more than the manga,
Summary Father and Bradley were defeated but not everyone has gone quietly into that good night. Someone thinks Ed and Al were responsible for the death of General Raven and is out for revenge.
Chapter Five
“This is amazing!” Ed stood in the dragon’s mouth, taking it in. The gateway leading into the Justice estate was a large, stone dragon’s head, the teeth forming a portcullis and the iron gate back in the throat area.
Winry followed more sedately with Al and Snowdrop behind her. The mechanic stopped dead, her eyes surveying the frosty scene. Statues cropped up through the yard, dragons, gargoyles and other grotesqueries dancing through the snow. More monsters decorated the pillars and gables of the large house.
“I think a nightmare puked on this place,” Al muttered, watching Ed scale a Xingese dog to fondle its big teeth.
“I think Ed’s in love, Winry,” Snow cried gleefully.
Winry punched the girl’s arm.
Snowdrop rubbed the offended limb. “Ow! What was that for?”
“For telling Ed about this place. He’s going to want to do this to his place,” Winry cried. Searching for her boyfriend, she raised her voice. He had moved on to another dragon statue. “Ok, Ed, we’ve seen it. Are you done?”
“I haven’t even started.” Ed somersaulted off the statute and ran back to Snow. He thrust his arm out toward the foo lion. “Is that thing for sale?”
“That is a foo lion and yes, it is,” Snow said, her delight in Ed actually talking to her evident. She pulled a key out of her pocket. “I know the person selling the place. Want to go inside? This could all be yours if you want to live in Central.”
Eyes bright, Ed snatched the key up. “Thanks, Snowdrop!”
“Snow, if I have to visit Ed in this nightmare, I’m going to kill you.” Winry tapped her foot.
“But look how happy Ed is,” Snow protested.
“I am, hence the threats,” Winry replied grimly.
Al wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. “Congrats, Snow, you made my brother like you and now Winry wants you dead.”
Snow leaned against him. “Much as you predicted.”
They followed Ed into the rambling home. The first things that caught Winry’s eye were the monsters in ivy staircase rising up from the black and white marble floor to the mezzanine above. More statues dotted the foyer and the walls were hung with paintings equally surreal.
“He’s going to buy it,” Winry groaned, covering her face.
“I don’t think Ed wants to live in Central,” Al said. “But Ed can do this all with alchemy, well expect for the paintings. He’s somewhere in the house getting all inspired.” His grin was positively wicked.
“This is so unfair.” Winry sagged against the newel post.
“Hey guys!” Ed’s voice boomed through the house. “You have to see this. It’s so coo1.”
“That can’t be good,” Al grumbled and Winry punched his arm, too. “Ow! Hit Snow. It’s her fault.”
“Don’t listen to him.” Snow punched Al as well.
“Hurry up,” Ed called.
Ascending the stairs with the air of people going to their deaths, they found Ed in a bathroom. He stood next to a tub that resembled two giant hands, easily able to hold four people. The water filled the tub from the mouth of the horned man’s face on the wall.
“This is the best tub ever,” Ed declared, rubbing a hand over one horn.
“If you want to live inside a surrealistic freak show,” Al shot his brother a worried look.
He swept a hand around, indicating everything in the house. “How can you not love this?”
“Are you planning to take a bath, Ed?” Winry pointed to the running water, her eyebrows arching.
“Just checking it out.” Ed turned one of the horns, shutting off the flow. “I could live here and we’re not that close to the bastard if we did stay.”
Winry whimpered but that didn’t keep Ed from sailing past her, down the halls to what was presumably the bed rooms. “Confess, Al.” Winry gently shoved him. “You tripped him onto his head as kids.”
Al put up an exaggerated offended front. “I did not! However, I’ve lost track of how many times he’s been hit in the head.”
“I thought so.” Winry harrumphed, self-satisfied.
Al stabbed a finger against her shoulder. “By you.”
Winry wrinkled her nose at him. “You know I’ve never actually hit Ed in the head. He just likes calling the times I’ve chewed him out, getting hit with a wrench.”
“Does this happen a lot?” Snow asked.
“More than I care to remember,” Winry replied.
“The bedroom’s even cooler than that bath!” Ed’s voice boomed up the hall.
“If he thinks I’m sleeping in a monster’s mouth, he’s got another think coming,” Winry grumbled.
“Has he even realized that you want to share his bed?” Al asked.
“Yes, but he’s not sure what to do about it.” Winry sighed. “Of course, after today it might be a moot point. He’s insane.”
Snowdrop snorted. “You aren’t fooling anyone. You still love the little freak.”
“Did someone call me little?” Ed bellowed. “I’ve grown!”
“How did he hear that?” Snow asked, eyes wide in wonderment.
“He’s tuned to the very vibrations of that word.” Al laughed. Raising his voice, he bellowed back, “And no one was calling you little. We’re calling you a freak.”
“Just get in here.”
Winry flung her hands up and headed down the hall. Snowdrop and Al followed dutifully. The bedroom, however, surprised them all. The furniture was a dark walnut, all intricately carved, and each piece told a story.
“All right, this is neat,” Winry admitted. “You can have this if you want it.”
“I want everything in this house,” Ed said, sitting on the mattress. He gazed up at Winry, sadness dimming his golden eyes. “You hate this, don’t you?”
“It’s not that I hate it but it’s a little much to take in at once,” she hemmed.
Ed sighed. “I guess, maybe, but I do like it. Thanks for bringing me here, Snow. It was a nice day out even if you guys were probably bored.”
“Oh, watching you go nuts for this stuff was anything but boring.” Al chuckled.
“That’s right, laugh. Now I know I’m not alone in my love for these sorts of things.” Ed got up and patted Snow’s shoulder. “I owe you one.”
“Yes, thanks, Snow,” Winry grumbled, nudging the other girl.
“Consider it a unique challenge, Winry,” Snow replied.
Winry waved her off. “Oh, Ed gives me those aplenty.”
“If you’re done, Ed, I want to go check on the kitten,” Al said.
“Al, that fur bag is fine. It doesn’t need you hovering.” Ed snorted. “But yeah, let’s go. You’re going to make an over-attentive dad some day, Al.” He pushed his bangs back. “Guess it’s better than what we grew up with.”
“I’ll think you’ll be a good dad, Al,” Snow said and at the flicker of panic on Al’s face, she quickly added. “Down the road.”
“Thank you. Until then, I’m glad to be a cat daddy,” Al said, wrapping his arms around her.
“That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said.” Ed laughed until Winry elbowed him.
“That’s my brother, polite, sweet, sensitive.” Al rolled his eyes.
“I’ve noticed,” Snow said. “Lucky me, I got the real thing.” Slipping her arm around Al’s waist, she smiled up at him. “Let’s go home.”
X X X
“Panicking yet, boss?” Havoc shifted on Mustang’s couch, trying to get his legs out of everyone’s way.
Mustang put a glass of wine down within the man’s reach then handed a glass to Falman and Breda. “If you had a chance to wake up next to Riza every day, would you panic?”
“Good point. I always assumed she was amazing in bed.” Havoc smirked.
“Don’t let her hear you say that,” Breda cautioned. “She’ll shoot you.”
“See, told you they’d be talking about sex,” Ed said to Al as they strolled in.
“I told Riza not to let you in, Edward,” Roy pouted and Ed lightly slapped the back of Roy’s head as he passed him.
“That’s for the kitten from hell, you bastard!” Ed flopped down next to Havoc on the couch. “Hey, guys.”
“Yes, thanks for Xiu, Mr. Mustang,” Al said, sitting down more sedately. “She’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome, Alphonse, and you can call me, Roy. I’ve told you that many times.”
“Just call him bastard,” Ed put in.
“But I should be happy you’re not as rude as your brother,” Roy said, settling on the love seat.
“I should hope not, sir,” Al replied. “One is enough.”
“Such loyalty my brother shows me,” Ed sniffed.
“Hey, I went to the horror house with you.”
“Horror house?” Falman shot Al a quizzical look.
“Mr. Justice’s house,” Ed said. “Al’s girlfriend thought I’d like it and she was right.”
“Ah, Justice did the gargoyles for this house,” Roy said.
“Ed has been eyeing those, too,” Al put in.
“They’re too cool for Mustang.” Ed glanced at the glass Havoc held, longing on his face.
“Forget it, Fullmetal. None for you until you actually start shaving,” Roy smirked.
“Look who’s talking. The man whose shaving consists of plucking the three lone hairs on his chin.”
Havoc nearly choked on his wine.
“Before my brother can get on a roll, why did you ask us over tonight, Roy?” Al glanced at the older alchemist curiously.
“Just thought you’d like to sit and chat with the rest of us.” Roy shrugged. “We all have time off for the festival so we’re just kicking back and relaxing.”
“And offering up suggestions for the wedding and married life,” Havoc said.
“And trying to suss out what to buy as wedding gifts,” Falman said.
“You are such a woman,” Havoc scoffed.
“No, he’s smart. Give Riza a crappy gift and she’ll probably shoot you,” Breda said.
“Hmm, point taken.” Havoc stroked his beard. “I’ll get Rebecca on that.”
“I have the perfect gift,” Ed said. “I’ll tie a train ticket to that damn kitten. That way she can run for her life and still have something cuddly to hold onto.” He beamed, obviously pleased with his idea.
“If you kill him, sir, we’ll back up your claims of justifiable homicide.” Al grinned.
“Don’t tempt me, Alphonse.” Roy wagged a finger at him.
“You’re getting so mean, Al.” Ed pouted.
“Studied at the foot of the master my whole life,” Al volleyed back and Ed made a face.
“See, Ed, I always told you your attitude would bite you in the ass,” Roy crowed.
“Die,” Ed squirmed. “Can I get some water or something?”
Roy nodded, getting up. “Anyone else want anything?”
“I’m good,” Havoc said. Breda waved him off while Falman shook his head.
“What do you think Riza would really like, Bastard?” Ed called after Roy. “Since you obviously have something on the poor woman so she can’t escape.”
“A muzzle for you?” Roy grinned as he poured water out of an icy decanter on the bar.
“No, that’s what you want, not Riza.” Ed smirked.
Roy turned to the other young alchemist. “Alphonse, are you still highly attached to him?”
The boy shrugged. “He is my blood.”
“Poor thing. Honestly gentlemen, I’m not entirely sure what Riza might want. I’ll find out. I want her to get what she actually wants and not what I think she might want,” Roy addressed all his companions.
“That’s sweet, sir,” Al said.
“Smart, Al. She rules him. If Riza’s not happy…” Havoc grinned.
“Be nice,” Roy waved a finger at him then turned back to the brothers. “You boy are going to the official engagement party, aren’t you?”
“Winry can’t wait to go,” Ed replied.
“Are we going to meet your mystery girl, Al?” Breda asked.
“Oh, yes.” Al nodded.
“She’s usually found attached to Al’s hip. Looking at him now, it’s like something is missing,” Ed added, squinting at his brother.
“My brother, the wit.” Al rolled his eyes. “Or the witless.”
“No one fights like brothers,” Roy said. “Leave it be, boys. We were going to play some poker and relax. Care to play?”
“A chance to beat the crap out of you?” Ed’s eyes gleamed like polished gold. “Absolutely.”
“Likewise. Havoc, need help transferring off the couch?” Roy asked.
“I can manage, boss, thanks. Just point the way to the game room.”
“Follow me,” Roy said gallantly.
Chapter Six
Ed stretched then rubbed his belly as it growled loudly. He glanced around the library, hoping no one had heard.
A chuckle echoed from the adjacent carrel and a young man with curly blond hair and bright green eyes peered over the wooden divider. “Your stomach sounds like how mine feels.”
“Sorry about that. Guess I got lost in my studies.” Ed rubbed the back of his head then scrubbed his fingers against his scalp. His braid felt a little too tight. Winry pulled at his hair exceptionally hard this morning. Ed wondered why then figured food was more important.
“I know how that goes. I’m studying to be a doctor and I forget to stop for food all the time. There’s a great deli across the street,” the young man said.
Ed nodded. “I eat there often.”
“I hate eating alone. Want to join me?” The curly-headed young man reached over the divider. “I’m James Ringhand.”
“Edward Elric.” Ed didn’t like shaking hands, letting people feel metal right off, but it would be rude not to. He had promised to be less rude. “I guess I should take a break from all this.” Ed didn’t really know why he agreed to go with this kid. He figured Winry and Al were to blame, always trying to make him socialize more. He followed Ringhand out of the library, thinking he already liked the young man if for no other reason than James was only a centimeter or two taller than him. Finally, someone who didn’t tower over him. He wasn’t feeding Al’s body any more. Should he be growing? It was so unfair. Al had shot right up while he only gained an inch.
Once they crossed the street to the deli, Ed got a huge sandwich and a hearty bowl of soup. He hadn’t lost his appetite now that he wasn’t supporting Al, either. Ringhand’s appetite wasn’t any less huge.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” James asked, tucking into his sandwich.
“I’m from all over, I guess.” Ed rolled his shoulders.
“That sounds exciting.”
“Sometimes,” Ed replied then changed the subject. He didn’t like talking about those travels. “Doctor, eh? My brother’s been thinking about that as a career.”
“Is he prepared to do nothing but study for a few years?” James took another big bite of sandwich.
Ed laughed. “We’re both alchemists. Studying makes us happy.”
James returned that laugh. “We have something in common, then. Is your brother anything like you?”
“Al’s smart enough to stop and eat, I suppose, and calmer, much calmer,” Ed replied, deciding to leave out it was hard to beat Al in a fight. That was knowledge best not shared and no mention that Al was taller, damn it. “Loves cats, so yeah we’re nothing alike.”
“So you’re a less smart, impatient non-cat lover?” James smirked.
Ed scowled. “Plenty smart, just less common sense. No wait…dammit!” This was why he never socialized. His tongue moved faster than his brain.
James’s smirk grew. “Trade you Al for four of my sisters. I could use calm.”
“No deal.” Ed held up his hands. “I grew up with the neighbor girl who was close as a sister. Women make you nuts.”
“Tell me about it.” James sighed. “Okay, I’ll give Al the sisters and keep you.”
“I like my brother too much to agree to that,” Ed protested, watching the young man shift around on his chair, a strange, bewildered expression coming over James’s face.
“Too bad,” James said, settling back. “So what is there to do that’s fun around here? I can’t study all the time.”
“I’m the wrong person to ask,” Ed admitted, wishing he had paid attention to Mustang at least once. The General would have a laundry list of things to do. “I don’t get out much.”
“We should change that. Come out with me some time. There has to be fun bars or something.”
“You’re the one who lives in Central, you should know,” Ed countered, thinking James was a lot like Maes in the way he chattered nonstop and was so overly friendly. Hell, the kid had barely touched his food, he was talking so much. He was a human Den, a big friendly dog.
“Yeah, but I hate to go alone,” James replied, making a face at the idea.
“Guess that would be no fun.” Ed hadn’t thought about that. Most of his life, Al had been with him but now his brother was busy making new friends and having sex with them. Last night had been fun playing cards with the guys. It was time to do what Al was doing; make new friends and see if Winry might want to sleep with him. “I might be able to find time to go out some night,” Ed offered, wondering if James was legal to drink. Ed was still a year shy of that and with his size, it would be another ten years before anyone believed he was old enough, damn it.
“Great, maybe a dance hall would be fun,” James said and Ed jumped. Did the man’s foot just touch his thigh? Couldn’t the wannabe doctor just sit still? “But you might be barred from the side of the hall that serves drinks.”
“What?” Ed blushed, wide-eyed. “I’ve never had time for dancing. Usually, I hit the towns, see the library, maybe a museum to see if they have any old alchemy stuff on display then move on.”
“Museums?” James’ nose wrinkled. “Well, if you like that, Central has several. My favorite is the museum of world culture. We could go there,” James suggested.
“I’d like that,” Ed replied. He’d show Al and Winry. He could socialize and make new friends when he wanted to.
“Good.” James shifted on the chair again and there was no mistaking the way James’s foot caressed Ed’s crotch.
Ed shoved his chair back. “What the hell? What are you doing?”
James half stood up. “Just showing my appreciation.”
Before Ed knew what the other young man was doing, James leaned across the table and kissed Ed’s open mouth, hard. Ed felt James’s tongue smoothing along the inside of his mouth before he could push the student back. Ed felt the heat rise in his face, realizing other patrons were staring, watching a man kiss him and kiss him amazingly well. Ed wanted to scream and flail. In his mind he was, but his body seemed unable to move.
“Something wrong, Ed?” James cocked his head to the side.
“Yes! What the hell are you doing?”
“I thought that was apparent.” James licked his lips, reaching for Ed again.
Ed swatted his hand away. “Why the hell did you do that?”
A hurt expression pulled James’s features down. “I thought you liked me. We made a date.”
“A date? I was just looking for a friend to do stuff with. I like girls!”
James’s eyes widened. “You do?”
“Yes, I have a girlfriend, damn it.” Who was going to laugh herself sick if she ever found out about this. Ed pushed back from the table and stomped away, leaving his half eaten lunch. No one could know about this. He’d never hear the end of it. The only problem was Ed wasn’t sure he could keep it all in. Worse, it had been in public. Everyone in the diner had seen. Disconcerted, Ed slunk back to the library to hide in a pile of books.
X X X
“The quality of dinner guests is declining, Mrs. Hughes,” Ed called out, setting the table as Roy walked into Gracia’s dining room with Riza right behind him. “Though I supposed Riza does make up for having to put up with Mustang.” Ed rolled Riza’s name around with his tongue. He still wasn’t used to calling the lieutenant by name and he had just forgotten to call Gracia by hers.
“Riza, did I tell you Edward’s proposed wedding gift was a single train ticket so you could run away before we’re married?” Roy put a bottle of wine on the table.
“I have the feeling that by the end of this evening, I’ll be wanting that ticket,” Riza replied, carrying a covered dish into the kitchen.
“I’m not that easy to escape,” Roy called after her.
“I’ll make sure he’s imprisoned,” Ed said and suddenly a towel lashed against his butt. Ed whipped around. “Win…oh, Gracia! That’s even worse than Winry hitting me.”
“You two boy had better behave. I’d turn you over my knee but that might just make things worse.” Gracia shook the towel at him.
“No mights about it,” Riza confirmed from the kitchen.
“Roy, it’s freezing out there tonight. Could you start a fire, please?” Gracia gave him a shove toward the living room with its large fireplace.
Roy obeyed. Ed wished he knew the trick of making Mustang obedient. He suspected he was entirely the wrong sex. He needed to learn how to use Gracia and Riza especially to get what he wanted from the bastard. Now only if he knew what he wanted.
Everyone helped Gracia get the meal on the table. A meal this good made Ed want to live in this house forever. Gracia’s pot roast melted on the tongue in a burst of spice. Riza brought a Xingese vegetable dish so aromatic, it made his mouth water from the moment she removed the cover. Winry had made a dessert he couldn't wait to taste.
Ed didn't like to admit it, but being here with everyone made him feel like he did when his mom was alive. If Mustang had a clue, he could make Ed feel like he had an extended family again, he'd never hear the end of it.
“This is a delicious meal,” Al said. “Gracia, you really should let me and Ed help more with the dinners.”
“Nonsense, Al, you're guests.”
“You let Winry help,” Al pointed out.
“You and Ed can help wash up. How's that?” she offered, chivvying Elicia into the kitchen since the girl loved to help her mom.
“Why does the cleaning up seem harder than the creating?” Ed asked.
Mustang set down his utensils and leaned his chin on his fist. “Edward, I heard tell about the naughtiness you got up to down by the library today.”
Ed froze. “What?”
“Ed? Naughty?” Al set down his fork, turning away from his pie. “Ed's not naughty, not in the way you mean, Roy.”
A shit-eating grin slithered across Mustang’s face. “Normally you would be right, Alphonse but I have it on good authority that Ed was.”
“Shut up,” Ed snarled, his mind whirling. Mustang couldn't possible know. Of course, he could; the man had sources everywhere.
“In fact, he was kissing someone in the corner deli by the library,” Roy said, pitching his voice louder than Ed's.
“I mean it, Mustang!” Ed yelled. How did this bastard know? Ed felt certain his hair was about to catch fire and Winry's baffled expression made him cringe.
“A young man,” Roy cried triumphantly and with such perverse joy, Ed wondered how the man made it through dinner without exploding.
Ed slumped, slithering half under the table.
“Ed?” Winry's eyes were the size of marbles.
“It wasn't my idea. I was listening to you and Al. I was being social!” He hid behind his bangs.
“I didn’t mean start kissing men in public.” Al squeezed a hand over his mouth, trying to hold in a laugh.
“I didn’t plan on that.” Ed slapped a hand down on the table. “He came across the table at me. I told him I had a girlfriend.” Ed slumped down further as said girlfriend giggled uncontrollably.
“The problem is, Edward, no one knows you like Winry. You go out in public and it’s like you’re brother and sister. No wonder people assume you’re either unattached or interested in men. I’m not surprised men are throwing themselves at you,” Roy said, pouring himself more wine. “Was he a good kisser?”
“Go to…” Ed bit off his sentence, knowing Elicia was in the next room. “How would a stranger know anything about Winry any how?”
“Don’t assume he was a stranger. He may have been watching you.”
“That’s not comforting,” Ed grumbled. “This is all your fault, Al, making me act nice and social.”
“I’m both ignoring you and laughing at you.” Al’s smile was Ed’s normal evil one.
Ed didn’t like that smile on his brother’s face. “I’m not sure that roaming around, randomly kissing Winry for public consumption is…” He turned toward Winry, his face even more red. “It isn’t a bad thing but I’m not sure it’ll help this …problem. I mean, I don’t see Mustang kissing Hawkeye in public.”
“There were reasons,” Winry reminded him.
“And all anyone has to do is look at Roy and know he’s ridiculously in love,” Gracia added and Roy flashed her a soft smile.
“At least you tried to save yourself there, Edward,” Roy said.
“And I’m going to hold him to it,” Winry assured everyone.
“I’m looking forward to it, actually,” Ed replied, his blush moving somewhere north of his hairline.
“Wow, that must have been one hell of a kiss today to kick start you.” Roy laughed.
“Oh shut up.” Ed got up from the table, taking his plate. Maybe helping Gracia clean like he was supposed to be doing anyhow would end the conversation.
“You’ll have to show Ed better kisses exist, Winry,” Al crowed, dashing Ed’s hopes.
“Not a problem.” Winry flashed a huge grin.
X X X
“I wish Mustang would do his own damn dirty work.” Ed’s foot skidded on the snowy sidewalk. “Or that it would at least stop snowing.”
“I doubt either will happen.” Al’s amusement only served to irritate Ed further.
“No chance of it,” Ed conceded, glancing over at his brother and Winry. “Why are you two here anyhow? You didn’t have to come. Are you hoping Mr. Wu is going to give you another damn cat, Al?”
“No, I can find cats anywhere. I wanted to look at some of his herbal medicines. Roy gave me a book on the subject. It sounded interesting. We might be able to use some of the alchemy Mei taught us in conjunction with it or at least I’m hoping.”
“And here I thought you might be interested in those herbal aphrodisiacs Mustang keeps saying the Xingese have mastered,” Ed snorted.
“I don’t need those.” Al rapped his knuckles on his chest. “You, on the other hand.”
“Don’t you two start.” Winry nudged Al lightly so not to unbalance him on the slick sidewalk.
“I do not,” Ed said, ignoring her.
“I suppose some men find you virile.” Al smirked.
Winry sighed then turned, seeing someone out of the corner of her eye. “Al, was that Snowdrop?” She pointed to the bar across the street.
“I didn’t see her but that’s the same bar I thought I saw her coming out of the last time.” Al glanced up and down the street before darting across.
“Al, what are you doing?” Ed followed his brother.
“I have to see if it’s Snow.”
“I have to get that package from Mr. Wu,” Ed argued.
“This will only take a moment. You don’t have to follow me.”
Ed trailed after him across the street, Winry sighing and following them both. “I’m not letting you go into a brothel alone.”
“It’s a bar and I’m not ten any more.” Al pushed open the door.
Inside, it was warm, making the snow clinging to him begin to melt. Several people looked up at the trio but no one looked unfriendly. Al spotted several officers in the bar. Off to one side, there was an immense fireplace, pumping out sweetly scented heat, and fragrant food cluttered a couple of nearby tables where the patrons ate dinner. Al could hear the unmistakable sounds of pool being played in one of the rooms jutting off of the main bar. Shelves of liquor, set off by leaded glass panels and rows of glasses, dominated the bar area.
“Aren’t you a little young to be hanging out in bars?” a voice kissed with smoke and whiskey asked, drawing the trio’s attention to a stout woman with an oddly commanding air about her.
Ed puffed up. “I’m older than I look.”
She smiled at him then pulled out a silver cigarette case from a pocket in her voluminous red skirt. “You could scarcely be younger.”
“We were just looking for someone,” Al said before Ed could get on a roll. “I thought she came in here, a young Xingese girl.”
“Well, we have a few who work here, this place being close to the Xingese quarter. Have a look around if you’d like,” the woman invited.
“That’s all right. I don’t see her. We should go.”
“Sorry we couldn’t help you,” she said. “Feel free to stop back and sample the soup. It’s cold out there.” She eye Edward as if deciding if it was illegal to even let him in for dinner.
“Thanks,” Al said, hustling his brother out before Ed could take offense. Winry followed in their wake.
“Why does everyone look at me like I’m the younger brother?” Ed grumbled once they were back out on the snowy sidewalk.
“Maybe because you won’t drink your milk and grow,” Al replied, sweet as honey.
“I’d rather stay short.” Ed stomped off then paused for a moment before letting his shoulders slump. “I just called myself short!”
“Not as short as you were this time last year,” Winry said, fighting back a grin.
Ed huffed and tromped toward Mr. Wu’s and Winry and Al followed more sedately only to find Ed acting like a log jam in the doorway to the apothecary.
“What’s wrong? I want to get out of the wind, Ed.” Al prodded his brother.
Ed moved aside so Winry and Al could get through the door. Sitting at the counter, having tea with Mr. Wu was Hohenheim. The man smiled broadly at his sons. Without the beard – his beard and hair had been scorched off by accident in the fight with Father – that smile looked very much like Ed’s. Hohenheim had decided to stay clean shaven, at least for a while, and his golden hair hand only begun to grow out. The look erased years off his life but it wasn’t as if he had ever looked his age.
“Sons, Winry, what a pleasant surprise,” Hohenheim said. “Join us.”
Al planted his cane on Ed’s toe in warning. Sighing dramatically, Ed acquiesced.
X X X
“This isn’t working,” Evelyn said to Yu. “This isn’t getting me any closer to my goals. We’ve learned very little information on the Elrics. Surely I know enough. We need another alchemist who is willing to take the Elrics out.”
“That could be arranged,” her servant replied. “There are still those who are not pleased with the new regime, though many of them scattered to other countries. It won’t be easy to find them. Wouldn’t a sharp shooter work just as well?”
Evelyn stroked her chin. “Yes, hard to prepare for an attack, alchemist or not, if you don’t know there’s a sniper sitting atop a roof. When do you think we could arrange this?”
“With the Ice Festival going on? Just about any time. There would be plenty of places for a sniper to hide.”
Evelyn smiled. “Then let’s get to work on that.”
“As you wish, madam.”
onto chapter Seven & Eight
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no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 01:30 pm (UTC)On that note, this line rocked:
Most of his life, Al had been with him but now his brother was busy making new friends and having sex with them.
And you know I loved Ed's brain exploding from the kiss.
Caught another typo:
“But Ed can do this all with alchemy, well except for the paintings."
no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 01:39 pm (UTC)Justice's house is based on Bormarzo park (bosco dei monstri) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_of_the_Monsters
I knew he'd like it.
Ed is totally freaked out by James
thanks. i'll fix that
no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 01:43 pm (UTC)OMG, I know where I'm going on holiday next now.
Freaking out Ed is fun.
no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 03:07 pm (UTC)I will be SO jealous if you do
Oh freaking out Ed is a blast
no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 03:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-04-27 03:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 03:20 am (UTC)"except" rather than "expect"
You two boy had better behave. "BOYS"
Earlier, you referred to it as the Icicle Festival, but this last paragraph, it's the Ice Festival.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 03:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 03:28 am (UTC)