Fic - Tangled Web ch 11-12
Apr. 14th, 2011 07:44 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 Eleven
“Thanks for sending a car for us, Roy. I can’t believe how much it’s snowed. Did we move to Briggs and I didn’t get the notice?” Gracia grinned, carrying her daughter into Roy’s house. Winry carried the girl’s overnight bag and the Elrics hauled in everything else. “The power didn’t seem to have plans on coming back on at home.”
“We still have power,” Riza said, heading down the hall.
“And if you lose it, you have a match.” Ed dropped his satchel and jerked a thumb at Roy.
“And you’ll be tinder for the fire,” Roy said sweetly, putting a book down on the coffee table. “Run the bags upstairs. We made up all the guest rooms. Pick whichever you want.” He swung off the couch and took the bag from Winry. “If it’s too damp, I can always get the bedroom fireplace going.”
“Let’s see what it’s like. There isn’t a fireplace in Elicia’s room at home so it might be distracting. I’ll use the heater unless the power goes out.” Gracia set Elicia down and took the groggy girl’s hand so she could lead her up the stairs.
“Not a problem.” Roy started up the steps. “Riza went to get the tea for us. Just go on down to the living room once you’re settled.”
Al didn’t bother searching for a room that appealed to him. Nothing did. It had been three days since he had confronted Snowdrop at the festival. He had seen her once more when the madam had called them to the bar to tell them that they had tracked the man more carefully based on Snow’s information but it was a row of mansions and no one could get close without noticing. They had hoped to figure out whose servant the man was, if he was a servant at all. The meeting had been horribly uncomfortable. Al had mostly ignored Snowdrop, speaking in cold, clipped tones he now regretted, even though he knew his current temperament was her fault.
He dumped his overnight bag on the bed, turned up the register a little against the chill then went back down to the living room. Everyone else was taking longer. Gracia was surely putting her daughter to bed and Roy was either talking to her or helping Riza. Ed and Winry might be planning on finding rooms close enough they could sneak across in the night. Al tossed himself on the couch, then, not seeing Hayate to distract him, leaned over and picked up the book Roy had in his hand when they‘d come in. Surprisingly, it was a photo album. The first picture was one of a dark haired lady sitting on a porch with a chubby Xingese baby in her hands.
Al snorted, a grin blooming. The baby looked angry with the world – or maybe contemplating evil. It was like looking at a dark haired, almond-eyed Edward. Al found it hard to think of the Flame Alchemist as an infant. The baby looked too innocent to really be Roy Mustang, whom Al was fairly sure was just as bad as his own brother and there was little innocence in Edward. He recognized the woman as Madam Christmas, thinner, younger and obviously happy to have an infant to care for.
“What do you have there, Al?” Ed asked, startling Al as he flopped on the couch next to his brother. Winry shoved Al into the middle, settling on his other side.
“Photo album. Guess Roy was looking at it.” Al frowned. “Probably thinking about his sister.”
“What a cute little baby,” Winry said, pointing at the photograph.
“I’m still a cute little baby, just ask Riza,” Roy said, coming down the stairs and heading for the kitchen. Ed made a gagging noise.
Al ignored them both. He was expert at it, after all. He flipped back a couple pages and saw a picture of a busty young woman in a racy dress. That had to be the madam when she was in her twenties. She was probably always a little wild. On the same page was a young Xingese girl and Al wondered if this was Roy’s actual mother. She looked like a child and that bothered him. He noticed neither Ed nor Winry seemed willing to look at that picture for long.
“The madam was really pretty back then,” Winry said.
“She got old and fat,” Ed replied bluntly.
“Granny would remind you it happens to us all,” Winry reached over and slapped his arm. “That smoking doesn’t help. I wish Granny wouldn’t but the one time she tried to stop was so scary, I was glad when she went and bought more tobacco.”
“We must have missed that,” Al said, flipping back the other way. He stopped on a page with the Madam washing Roy in a pail.
“Ugh, Al, keep turning.” Ed reached for a page and this time, Al swatted him. “I didn’t need to see the bastard’s dangle.”
“I’m three months old in that picture, Edward,” Roy said, carrying in a tray of cups and sugar bowl. Riza followed with the tea pot. “Unless you went digging for another album.”
“No one wants to know about that,” Ed said, an ‘oh hell no’ expression on his face.
“Granny has one just like this of you and another of Al,” Winry said. “All you can see in my picture is me covered with bubbles, even a pile on top my head.”
“What is it with parents and kids in a bath?” Ed sighed.
“It’s cute,” Gracia offered from the top of the stairs. “I’ve got Elicia down for the night. Here’s hoping she stays there. And I’m sure Maes had a whole roll of that sort of picture.”
“Maes had rolls of all sorts of pictures. Your husband was deranged.” Roy snorted.
“Truthfully, he sometimes sent you duplicates and pretended they were different because he knew it made you nuts.” Gracia patted Roy’s shoulders as she went around him to sit down.
“Yeah, I suspected that.”
“How did you even meet Mr. Hughes?” Ed asked. “He was too much fun to be your friend, bastard.”
“The bastard stole my quiche in the Academy.”
Al laughed. “What?”
“He stole my quiche in the cafeteria and I was going to make him pay for that. It became a competition to outdo each other. All it did was to propel us to the top of our class and we ended up friends.” Roy smiled softly. “But you never could trust that man not to steal your food.”
Gracia reached for a tea cup. “Again, because he knew it made you nuts. He was determined to lighten you up, Roy.”
“He usually succeeded,” Riza said, pouring the tea for the other woman.
“Yeah,” Roy said as Al flipped another page.
The pictures on this page were of Snowdrop. She looked somehow guarded in the photos with her adopted mother and with her brother. Their age difference was apparent. It reminded Al of Pitt back home. Pitt was a full eighteen years younger than his brother. It was like having a second father.
Al pointed to one of the pictures. “Is your sister really happy living with the madam?”
Roy nodded. “She is.”
“Even though she makes her do this dangerous work?” Al felt Winry’s hand touch his knee as if in warning to leave it alone.
“Chris doesn’t make her do it.” Roy took a sip of his tea. “Snowdrop was supposed to only be doing the research. Looking through deeds, old newspaper clippings, that sort of thing. I’m not sure why she got it in her head that she wanted to do something more. Probably because I didn’t want her to do it. Siblings are perverse that way.”
Al nodded knowingly as Ed said, “But she did it anyway.”
“I’m just a brother, Edward. I can’t control what my baby sister does.”
“Hear that Edward.” Al shot his brother a look.
“You’d be better off if he had,” Ed volleyed back and Al glowered.
“We have to be free to make our own mistakes, Edward,” Riza said. “Roy and I have made our share.”
“It’s hard for a parent to let that happen,” Gracia put in. “But you’re right. Mistakes teach us.”
“It was something I would have been happier not learning.” Al sighed, looking back at the pictures. He couldn’t imagine how anyone could hurt a girl like Snow. She would have been Elicia’s age when all those terrible things were happening to her.
“I know that feeling.” Roy sighed. “Shall we talk about something else? I have cards and board games.”
“You have board games?” Ed’s eyebrows rose.
“I prefer chess and go but those aren’t good games for a crowd. Games challenge the mind, Edward.”
“I could go for cards,” Gracia said. “Once I’m done with my tea.”
“I’ll go get a deck. You have to watch Edward. He cheats in poker,” Roy said.
“Go to hell, I do not.”
Al snorted and Ed leveled a glare at him. The phone rang before the burgeoning fight could get underway. Roy went to answer it.
“Hello…what’s wrong, Madam?” Roy’s face lost color. “I’ll be right there. What are the roads like at your end? Okay, it’ll take awhile to get there with this weather. Keep her as quiet as you can. Tell her I’m coming.”
“Roy, what’s wrong?” Riza got to her feet.
“My sister has been naturally distraught. Mom said she got hysterical tonight and locked herself in her room with a pair of scissors,” Roy rasped out.
Al went the grayish white of curdled milk as Winry gasped, covering her mouth. Ed swore, his hands clenching.
“Oh no, Roy,” Gracia said.
“I’ll go with you,” Riza put a hand on his arm and he nodded. “Gracia, you can watch over the house.”
“Of course.”
“I’m going, too,” Al said, getting to his feet.
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Roy said. “You’ve already done enough.”
“And I can undo it,” Al’s jaw jutted out. “You’re not leaving me behind.”
Roy nodded. “All right .”
“Winry and I are coming, too,” Ed said. “And before you say no, you know damn well we’re not going to let Al go on his own.” Winry nodded staunchly
Roy sighed. “Fine. I could use both your help if the roads need clearing. It’s been plowed near the bar.”
Al went upstairs to grab his coat but that would be utterly inadequate to combat the cold settling into his heart. What had he done?
XXX
Riza had driven them, more because she didn’t trust his state of mind than for the need of having a third alchemist to help melt away treacherous patches of snow. Even with all three of them, their progress was slow. The old hotel that made up the Madam’s home had a mostly empty lobby. A couple girls sat at the polished desk.
“They’re up on third, Roy,” one of them said. “The Madam wanted us to wait here.”
“Thanks Emily,” he said tightly. Roy didn’t bother with the rickety elevator, going up the steps two at a time. The thick floral carpeting ate all sounds for their footsteps. At the end of the hall by door 313, his mother and Vanessa, another of her girls, stood with Christmas leaning against the doorframe. She looked down the corridor at him, her eyebrow rising.
“They wouldn’t stay home,” Roy said, reading her mind.
“Fine.” She waved him closer. “Snowdrop, please open the door. Your brother is here.”
“I don't care,” Snowdrop’s voice sounded thin and reedy behind the stout wood.
“Sis, come on. Let me in. I want to talk to you and I can't do that through this door,” Roy said, pressing against the door jamb.
“Yes, you can.”
“No, I can't. I need to see you. We need to see you. Alphonse is here, too. He's worried about you,” Roy said, reaching over to grab Alphonse's wrist. He hauled the boy closer.
“Don't lie to me, Roy.”
Alphonse’s hand flattened against the door, fingers splaying over the brass room number. “He's not lying, Snow. I'm here and I am worried about you. Edward and Winry are with me. We all want to talk to you.”
Nothing echoed back from the other room and Roy’s stomach knotted. Finally, his sister said, “What is there let to talk about? It won't change the past. Now you know it all. How can you even want to talk to me?”
“We all make mistakes, Snowdrop. Believe me, Ed and I made some that make this look like nothing, but people didn't give up us. I'm always grateful for that,” Alphonse said. “Without them, we might have given up and let our sins drag us down. Your brother was a really big help. We owe him for that.”
“Listen to him, Snow. He and his brother definitely know what it's like to pay for what they've done and they know all about redemption,” Roy said, reaching out to touch Al’s shoulder.
“I don't care about the things Roy told me about your stepfather. That's not your fault.”
“Isn't it? I didn't run away. I didn’t tell anyone,” Snow said, her voice cracking.
“You were a child, Snow,” Christmas said, her brow pinching.
“And I really don't care. I wish you could see my face and see that's true. Please open the door, Snow,” Alphonse said, leaning his head against the door frame.
She didn't answer.
Roy knocked on it. “Please, Snow.” She still didn't respond. “You know I can open this door if I have to.”
Silence answered him. Alphonse glanced at Roy and the older alchemist nodded, clapping his hands together. It took very little to circumvent the lock. Alphonse opened the door to reveal Snowdrop seated at her vanity, her scissors snicketing quickly. Her long raven hair puddled at her feet as she sheared it away.
“Snow, what are you doing?” Roy rasped.
“It's the first thing they notice. It's always the first thing they notice, even when I was little.” She yanked up hanks of hair, sawing at it with the scissors. “They all like my hair.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Roy caught Alphonse’s expression and realized it was something the young man had made a big deal of. Raven Xingese hair was fairly exotic in Amestris. “Snow, please put the scissors down,” Roy said but she ignored him.
Al walked over to her and Roy heard Edward's servos whining. He must be tightening up, worrying those scissors could easily end up shoved into his brother if Snow snapped. Alphonse put a hand on her arm. “You can stop now, Snowdrop. You're still beautiful without the long hair.”
She looked up him, her eyes streaming.
“Give me the scissors, Snow, and we can talk.”
Snowdrop didn't fight him as he took the scissors out of her hands. He handed them back to Roy as Snow wrapped her arms around him, crying against Alphonse’s chest. He held her tight, his hand ruffling her unevenly shorn hair. Roy passed the scissors off to his mother then went over to Alphonse and Snowdrop.
Roy put an arm around his sister and rested the other hand on Alphonse’s back. “Snow, why don’t you come downstairs and talk with us?”
“Don’t want everyone to stare,” she muttered, shaking her head, bits of hair floating free.
“All right, let’s go sit on the bed then. We can clean this up for you.” Roy toed a length of shorn hair.
Snowdrop nodded. Roy and Alphonse helped her up. She collapsed on the mattress, looking like a broken Xingese doll. Alphonse sat next to her hip, rubbing her back. Roy squatted down, getting almost eye level with her.
“Do you want me to stay here with you a while? Would you like to talk with Vanessa or Winry?” he asked and she shook her head. “How about Alphonse? Would you like him to stay?” He locked eyes with the young man who nodded.
She lifted her head to look at Alphonse. “Why would you stay?”
“Because you need me to.” A fragile smile wobbled across his face. “I won’t insult you by saying I’m not upset and hurt, but I still have feelings for you. If I can help by sitting with you a while, I’m happy to do it.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Do you mean that?”
“My brother’s the nicest most forgiving guy in the country,” Edward said, from the doorway. “He means it.
Snow winced then turned to Alphonse. “Okay, I wanted you to stay but I didn’t know how to ask.”
Alphonse squeezed her hand. “It’s all right. I’ll stay. You don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to.”
She just nodded, gathering her pillow up, burrowing her face into it.
“Snow, I’ll clean up the mess,” Vanessa offered.
“Are you all right, Snowdrop?” Christmas asked, waiting until she nodded. “May I borrow your brother then?”
“They need to know. Edward needs to go with you, too,” Snow said, twisting to look at Alphonse. “Do you want to hear what information she has?”
“No, Brother will tell me later.”
Roy stood up and patted his sister's arm. “Call me if you need me. We'll just be in the Madam's suite.”
Roy didn't really want to leave them alone but he trusted Alphonse. Hurt as he was, he'd take care of Snowdrop. The madam led the way to the ornate brass doors of the elevator. The trip up to the top floor suite was in awkward silence. Her suite's living room was stuffed with roomy soft leather couches and chairs. They filed into the room, except for Riza.
She paused at the doorway. “I'll call Gracia and let her know the crisis has passed,”
“Thank you,” Roy whispered, feeling the tension that held him upright fleeing him. He flopped onto the couch. “What did you find out, Mom?”
“Your sister went back to what she's good at. She found the house owners and there was a name on the list that got my attention. Edward, what does the name General Raven mean to you?”
“He was at Briggs when I was there, same time as Kimbley,” Edward said and Winry shivered at the memory. “I really don't know him, why?”
“His daughter, Evelyn, lives on that road and she's rumored to have a Xingese major domo,” Christmas said.
“Are we sure it's not me they want?” Roy scowled. “I made a mistake of trusting him and he betrayed me to the Fuhrer. He was in on the secret project to make the homunculus army for the promise of immortality once the Philosopher's Stone was made.”
“He disappeared,” Christmas said, shrugging.
“Roy would make a likely suspect in that,” Riza said, coming back from making her call.
“But they were following Al and Ed, not Roy. I mean, it wouldn't be hard to spy on Mr. Mustang. He's sort of noticeable,” Winry said.
“Maybe too noticeable,” Christmas replied. “It might be easier to get at Roy by using an underling.”
“I'm not an underling. I'm just stuck with him,” Edward pouted.
“You're a lower rank. I'm your commander. You're a lackey,” Roy said, waving him off.
“Bite the biggest part of my ass,” Edward shot back.
Roy chewed the air then said, “I think I know what this might be about. Edward, you and Alphonse were there around the time Raven died.”
Surprised, Edward asked. “He's dead?”
“I can't say who took him out but yes, he's dead. It's possible his kin believe you and your brother are responsible, Edward.” Roy scowled. Olivia should be the target, not the boys. He hated this.
Edward's gold eyes widened. “Me? What the hell?”
“Ed wouldn't just kill anyone,” Winry protested.
“I know that Winry, but I'm not sure that everyone else would be so easily convinced. He does carry the rank of State Alchemist. We're not exactly known for our mercy,” Roy replied bitterly
“So they think Al and I had something to do with Raven's disappearance. That would explain why they hired you to spy on us. They might have been hoping for a confession. Lovers might be brought into the secret,” Edward said, rubbing his chin.
“So why try to kill you?” Winry asked.
“The only information we learned was that the boys were planning to help with relations with Xing,” Christmas replied. “They could have lost patience with our inability to get to information that the client wanted.”
“So we have a clue, now what?” Edward asked,
“I can't exactly confront Miss Raven with my mother's handiwork. However, the assassin changes things. That's where we'll concentrate our search now. If we can tie her to hiring that assassin, we can easily put her away,” Roy said.
“Great, now we have a plan and in the meantime there's probably another assassin after me.” Edward slid down on the couch.
“And my sister is a danger to herself, yes this isn't going to end well.” Roy crossed his arms over his chest, pressing them hard against his muscles.
“It might end better for Snow,” Winry said. “I'm not sure Al has it in him to hate anyone. I'm not saying going they'll ever be back together but he'll probably forgive her.”
“That alone would help her,” Roy said. “And I was hoping Alphonse would be forgiving once he stopped being angry. I do know how nice he is.”
“So now what?” Edward asked again, obviously impatient with the discussion of feelings rather than villains.
“I go back down to my sister's room and see if she's okay, collect your brother and go home. We sleep and tackle this fresh in the morning,” Roy said.
“Great plan. I can see why you're the general and I’m the underling.” Edward rolled his eyes.
Roy curled his lip. “Explain to me why I just don't let the assassin get you?”
“Winry and Alphonse would cry,” Riza said.
“We would,” Winry assured him.
Roy sighed. “Well, I can’t have that. All right, Madam. I better get us home before the snow starts up again and you’re stuck with us.”
“That would be fine, too, you know, son.”
“I know, but I left someone back home with her little girl. I better go collect Alphonse,” he said, going for the door. They all followed him back to Snow’s. The door was still open and Alphonse and Snow hadn’t moved much. “Alphonse, we’re going back. Snowdrop, would you like to come stay with me for a few days? Right now Edward, Alphonse and Winry are there, too, because there is no power where they are.”
“I’m better here. It’s home,” Snow said, shifting on the mattress. Roy noticed his initial thought was wrong. She, or more likely Alphonse, had fetched the stuffed mohair dog he had bought for her when she first came to live with them. Muttley was a little worse for wear now but his sister kept him still.
“I can stay with you, if you want,” Alphonse said, surprising them. Edward took a step then stopped, his gaze dropping to his boots.
She touched Alphonse’s hand. “I’m okay, Alphonse, just very tired. I need to sleep. Go home with your brother. I have all my sisters here and Mom. It’ll be fine.”
“I’ll make sure nothing happens to her,” Christmas said. “We’ll get her fixed up tomorrow. It’ll be all right.”
“Ok.” Alphonse stroked Snowdrop’s shorn hair then leaned down, kissing her temple. “You rest. We can talk tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Alphonse got up and joined the others. Roy went over to his sister, murmuring a Xingese goodnight prayer in her ear. He had strong doubts about the existence of gods but he knew his sister took comfort in them. That was enough for him. Riza took his hand as they headed for the door. Even the cold outside wasn’t enough to brace him when they stepped out into it. Roy felt wrung out. He wanted his bed and to sleep for a week.
Chapter Twelve
Ed watched his brother pacing around the nearly empty bar. The lunch crowd has gone and it was hours before the place really got swinging before dinner. Tomorrow was the big party for the bastard’s engagement and Mustang seemed desperate to get a lot of this drama wrapped up before then. Noticing his brother had worn himself out to the point he was limping, Ed said, “Al, sit down.”
Al glared, his golden gaze fierce. An expression helped by the fact Al had his own long hair cut away earlier this morning. His face looked thin but determined. Ed hated that he hadn’t minded Al had slipped out on his own that morning – well, alone except for whatever guard Mustang had on them all – mostly because in the last two days since Snowdrop had her breakdown, Al had been acting so different. He stalked around Mrs. Hughes’s in a foul mood, often descending into self blame for Snowdrop’s pain. Ed found that misplaced to say the least. Ed hated that he wanted a large amount of space between him and his brother right now.
“I’m fine, Edward.”
“Al, come sit with me.” Winry said from her perch on a bar stool. Vanessa was on the other side of the bar and they both had steaming mugs filled from the madam’s chocolate pot.
His shoulders slumping, Al obeyed her. Vanessa poured him a mug of hot chocolate without Al asking. Ed decided he wanted some of that himself. If nothing else, the madam’s girls knew how to take care of them.
“Is she doing any better?” Al asked Vanessa.
She nodded. “She’s helping the madam with some research but I think mostly we’re waiting on Roy boy. I could go get Snow if you want me to.”
Al shook his head, his hand floating up as if his head felt wrong. Ed figured it had to feel weird to loose all that hair at once. “Let her work. I’m out of words. I don't know how to make things better.”
“She's resilient,” a voice said from the other end of the bar. James Ringhand came over to the bar with a polishing cloth and a jar of polish. “She just needs time.”
Al sipped his chocolate. “I guess you'd know Snowdrop well.”
“I know all my sisters well.” James grinned, handing the cleaning tools off to Vanessa who stowed them. “I offered four of them to your brother in exchange for you.”
Al's eyes sparked. “What for?”
“He said you were smart and peaceful. My sisters are not peaceful.” James laughed. “But he turned me down.”
“I hadn't seen what you meant by sis...” Ed paused when Winry gave him an arched look. He went red.
“And what would you do with four of these women, Edward?” Winry asked sweetly.
“I have some ideas,” Al snorted, a wicked expression flashing across his face. “It might have been worth the trade, Ed.”
“Al, would you like a beating?” Winry's honeyed tone continued.
“At this point, it would hurt less than anything else that’s happened this week.” Al sighed. “At least my brother didn’t trade me in.”
“I’m almost amazed at this point.” Winry nudged Ed, who was still not so subtly checking out Vanessa.
“Thanks, now I’m in trouble,” Ed glared at James.
“No problem, I’ll take you when she throws you out.” James beamed.
“No!” Ed said. “Your whole family is insane.”
“That’s not nice, Edward,” a long haired, Xingese man said coming into the bar.
Ed stared for a moment, realization coming over him. He left the bar, meeting the man halfway across the bar. “Mustang? What the hell?”
“They know Mustang’s face,” Roy said, sauntering past him. He claimed a bar stool and Vanessa poured him a drink. “I was raised in this family, Edward. I know a little about disguises.”
Winry touched his hair. “It feels real.”
“Kept my sister’s hair and transmuted it to the end of mine, a little weird but no one recognized me. Military Investigations has Yu now, but he’s not talking. Evelyn Raven wasn’t at home. She might suspect we’re looking into her. If she knows anything about Madam Christmas’s business, she would be wise to be taking up residence elsewhere.”
“I see a ‘but’ on your face, sir,” Al said.
“Some of the neighbors said she’s been erratic as of late. Well not to me,” he shrugged. “They’d think I was a Xingese laundryman roaming around in that neighborhood. But that’s what the madam told me. Miss Raven might not be stable any more, or at least obsessed on finding out where her father went.”
“Or punishing those she think did something to him,” Ed added.
“Yes, that, too.” Roy sighed and sipped his whiskey. “Vanessa, can you have the madam come out here, please.”
“Sure.”
Roy turned and eyed Al critically. “That’s a new look for you, Alphonse.”
Al looked away, running a hand through his greatly-shortened hair. “It was time. The long hair is more Ed and Dad’s look than mine.”
“I like it,” Winry ruffled his hair.
“And I don’t look like that old bastard!” Ed protested.
“You look just like your father, Edward,” Roy said and Ed felt like punching him just because it would probably feel good. “Alphonse, was this so Snowdrop would feel less self-conscious about her hair?”
Al looked down at the bar and Ed scowled. Why hadn’t he twigged onto that motive? “Maybe.”
“She’ll appreciate it.”
Al sighed. “I don’t even know what I’m doing any more.”
“That’s common when people break up,” Mustang agreed.
Al pushed his mug away. “I was supposed to bring a date to your party tomorrow. That didn’t exactly turn out so great for me last time, though I guess I’m glad I didn’t ruin your official party.”
“It’s not your fault, Al,” Winry said. “And Snowdrop wouldn’t have agreed to go to the official party.”
“My sister was supposed to come to that party, actually.” Mustang drained his glass. “That’s when she told me she was dating someone. I knew I should have pressed her.”
“And do you think I would have told you anything?” Snowdrop asked, following Christmas and Vanessa into the bar.
“You’re not good at keeping secrets from me.” Roy shrugged then turned to his mother. “Have you found anything else out?”
“Just that the Ravens own homes in the west, south and east as well as here in Central, though that seems to be the main abode. And you?” Christmas asked.
“I had Yu taken into custody for questioning.”
“Do you think that was wise? Now she'll know you're on to her,” Christmas said.
“I think she already suspects it or is just too impatient to care any more. It was worth it. There are rumors floating around Little Xing that Yu was trying to locate an alchemist. I’m thinking he probably didn't need any repairs to the house or whatever else people think alchemists can do for them.”
“What? You think that he is going to send an alchemist out like an assassin?” Ed asked.
“What alchemist would do such a thing?” Vanessa asked.
“Any of the ones who used to be state alchemists and no longer are under the new regime,” Roy replied.
“I thought most of those are dead or ran off,” Al said.
“Mostly they are but there are surely a few who'd be more than glad to make a pain in the ass out of themselves.” Roy got to his feet. “I should probably get back out there.”
“Brother, what did you do to your hair?” Snowdrop eyed him critically.
“It was yours. I had Vanessa save it for a disguise.”
Snow made a face. “That is gross.”
Roy flipped his hands palm up. “It's not the worst thing I’ve ever done.”
“Do not tell us,” Ed said, jamming a finger at Roy. “Your brother can be despicable, Snow.” He flushed. Had he just initiated conversation with her? He hadn't hardly ever spoken to her and now he had resolved not to talk to the woman who had hurt his brother. Still, he hated to admit it, but he felt sorry for her, too. No one should have a childhood that rough.
“Oh, I know it. And he's strange but he's still my brother and I love him.” She smiled.
“Strange? Just how am I strange?” Roy pouted.
“We don't have all day, Roy boy,” Christmas said and Ed snorted. Maybe he could get to like Roy's family.
“Why did you even have us come here, anyhow?” Ed asked.
“To hear about what I found in Little Xing and to keep a close eye on you,” Roy said. “And I’m not strange.”
“Right.” Ed rolled his eyes. “How long do I have to stay at that party tomorrow?”
Roy narrowed his eyes. “The whole damn night, in black tie and for the dance afterward. Keep in mind reporters and photographers will be there.”
“I don’t even see why I need to go.” Ed thumped his cup down on the bar.
“Because you should,” Al said. “Roy’s done a lot for us and you like Miss Hawkeye and besides, you’ll get to take Winry someplace very nice.” He sighed, staring down at the bar top. “I’ll stay home, though.”
“Alphonse, I would like you to be there,” Roy said.
He shook his head. “I’ll stay home and Snowdrop can go.”
“Don’t be silly. Go with your brother,” Snowdrop said.
“No, Roy is your brother. You have to go to his engagement party. He doesn’t need me there. Ed can represent the Elrics.”
“In that case, Alphonse really does need to be there,” Roy snorted. “Look, this is in a huge ballroom. You two can be separated by a dozen tables. You never have to see each other if you don’t want to be. Snowdrop, you have to go, no argument. Alphonse, I want you there, too.”
“I don’t think so,” Al said, and Ed knew exactly where that stubborn streak came from. Of course he knew Mustang was stubborn, too.
“It would be nice to have a dance partner,” Winry said. “You know how Ed is.”
Ed glared at her but Al didn’t even raise his gaze from the bar.
“Riza would like you to be there, Alphonse,” Roy said and Ed knew that manipulative tone. He’d seen it work before.
Al’s chest heaved. “I’ll think about it.”
“Fine. I have to get back out there. Be very careful, especially you, Winry and you, too, Snowdrop. If they have hired an alchemist assassin, he’ll be good. Snow, you’re not in that class. Winry, just stay with the brothers,” Roy said.
“I will,” she assured him.
Roy dragged back out into the cold and Snowdrop disappeared back into the madam’s private rooms almost immediately. Ed looked over at his brother but Al still wouldn’t look at him. Ed sighed. This was going to be a long week.
XXX
Roy wondered how soon he could snag Riza and go up to the suite he had reserved rather than try to make their way home drunk in the snow. The very awkward dinner was nearly over, at least. They’d have to stay for a few dances then he planned on sneaking Riza to the top floor and playing out some of his naughtiest fantasies.
Apparently, all of Amestris had been invited to the engagement party. Roy feared knowing what would happen with his wedding. Would he even know anyone there? At the head table, which thankfully was long and not round, sat his family and honored guests. That meant Gracia, the Elrics and Miss Rockbell, Fuhrer Armstrong and her brother, the madam who came with two dates, General Grumman and Hohenheim, and of course, his sister. He naturally lied to Al and Snowdrop about not having to see the each other, but at least they could sit on either end of the table and pretend the other wasn't down on the other side. Poor Alphonse sat wedged in between Alex Louis and Winry while Snowdrop sat next to Grumman who pinched her bottom twice until his granddaughter glared. Snowdrop had been too terrified to speak.
Roy was fairly sure his belly was pushing out over the waist band of his black silk trousers. The dinner had been amazing. Individual cheese boards and a cold fish salads with lemon and bits of citrus for appetizers, warm hearty onion soup followed by thick rounds of salty, red, prime rib and a variety of roasted vegetables. The fried sugared dough rounds covered with chocolate and honey still sat in front of him, making him choose between his over-stuffed belly or satisfying his greedy taste buds.
Riza held up one of the dough balls to him and he lipped it away from her fingers. “You kept staring at them,” she said.
“I'm full but they looked too good,” he said, fishing up one for her. “And I think I know what the highlight of the night is so far, outside of the obvious answer of you.” He smiled as she took the offered dessert.
“Your sister and Alphonse not fighting?”
“No, I knew Alphonse at least would behave. Snowdrop is fairly retiring, too. No, keep your eyes on Edward. The formal wear is making him insane. I half expect him to jump up on the table, strip and go running off into the night.” Roy smirked.
Riza sighed. “You’re awful. If he thinks that is uncomfortable, he should be wearing my garter and stockings and heels.”
“I’ll gladly take those off of you,” Roy replied and she elbowed him discreetly.
Olivia got to her feet and clapped her hands together, creating the alchemy of a silent room. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate a momentous day for one of our country's heroes,” she said and Roy tried not to wince. “Though the wedding is a few months off, we're glad to see such a turn out for the engagement party. I am still getting to know the Flame Alchemist and Riza Hawkeye, who is joining my staff, so I’ll let my brother, the Strong Arm Alchemist, do the honors.”
Roy knew that was less to do with Alex Louis knowing him better and more to do with the fact Olivia hated speeches. She was terrible at them. Alex Louis, on the other hand, was just the person you wanted if you needed a flowery, enthusiastic, attention getter. Roy polished off his sparkling wine while Armstrong waxed poetic about Roy and Riza's virtues and love. He polished off his dough balls, too. Now he'd have to dance at least an hour to work it off before stealing away with his bride to be. He stole a look down the table and the longer Armstrong’s speech dragged on, the more it looked like Ed had ants down his pants. Roy grinned and Riza pinched him under the table as if reading his mind.
Finally, Alex Louis concluded his speech and the band struck up a slow dance. Roy led Riza out on the polished wooden floor. She was breathtaking in her black silk gown, covered with iridescent beads. It puddled at her feet in a small train which swirled about her as he glided across the floor with her. Other people joined them but Roy barely noticed. He was lost in the deep warm brown of Riza’s eyes.
It took at least two more songs before he let Riza go and went to find his mother to dance with. She was too busy with Hohenheim. Winry was sitting at the table still, looking perfectly demure in her shell pink dress with its floral lace over dress. He walked over to her, seeing neither Elric brother could be trusted to dance with her.
Winry smiled up at him. “They’ll be right back. Ed’s getting us something to drink and Al drank half the bottle of wine that was at his end of the table. I think he’s in the bathroom, hopefully not dying. Otherwise, I’d be glad to dance with you, sir,” she said, having taken mind-reading lessons from Riza.
“I’ll check on Al later.” Roy sighed.
“Your sister is over there alone.” Winry nodded to the back wall. “She looks really nervous.”
“Yes, she doesn’t like crowds. Thanks.”
Roy headed over to his sister. Her long black silk skirt was simple but her bodice was nothing more than a wide, beaded butterfly. Like Riza, the back of the dress was high, keeping their shameful secrets. Roy hated the necessity. He held a hand out to his sister. “Dance with me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you sure I can’t go home now, Roy? I made it through the dinner. Didn’t you see how miserable Al was and you lied to me. We had to see each other.” Snow’s hands fluttered with her agitation.
“Snowdrop, Alphonse works for me. You’ll see him around. You two need to learn how to deal with this. He is a good man but until then, please stay and dance with me.”
Sighing, she took his hand and he led her out onto the floor. Roy planned to pass her off to Fuery. He’d be nice and safe, just what his sister needed.
XXX
Alphonse watched his brother dancing with Winry. She was apparently not letting him go until one of them dropped. Granted, that looked like it might be soon for Edward. He’d eaten so much, Al didn’t know how his brother was moving in the first place. Ed’s tie had become so loose it would be completely untied if he made another fast revolution.
Al had wanted to dance but he kept thinking about Snowdrop, who looked as miserable as he felt. He did dance once with Gracia and once with Catherine Armstrong, who told him too bad he was so little because he was cute. Maybe he should just say his legs were tired and go home. Ed would buy he wasn’t feeling well and he had drank a bit too much wine. His head felt wobbly and big.
Turning to go for the coat check and have them call a cab, Al crashed into someone crossing behind him. He instinctively reached out, catching hold of an arm before the woman fell. When he got her steadied on her heels, Al realized it was Snowdrop. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were back there.”
Her cheeks went as pink as Winry’s dress. “I wasn’t following you. I was just shortcutting to the bar.”
“It’s all right. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“I’m fine,” Snow said, trying to extricate her hand, but he didn’t let go.
“Can we talk?” Al didn’t know why he asked that. This probably wasn’t the place.
He could see the war waged on her face before Snow asked, “Do you really mean that?”
“Yes.” Al looked around. There weren't any open tables other than the highly exposed head table. “There was supposed to be things to do outside. Let's get our jackets and go outside for a little while. It'll be more private.”
She hesitated for a moment and he wondered if Snow was afraid of what he might do to her in private. Al tried not to take offense, knowing what she'd been through. Snow nodded and they dressed for the winter's night. Behind the hotel was a small ice skating pond, a small maze of shrubs and ice sculptures and an outdoor bar serving alcohol and steaming cups of tea, coffee and chocolate.
“Do you want more wine?” She eyed him as if gauging how drunk he might already be.
“No, that was enough at dinner. I've never had wine before. I think I’ll just have tea,” Al replied, thinking he had very much liked the sweet bubbly wine.
“That sounds good. They're renting ice skates. You didn't want to skate, did you?”
“You're in a dress and I don't know how to skate.” Al glanced toward the pond, seeing women skating just fine in their skirts. “And my muscles probably aren't up to that. The whole conversation will be, 'Al, did you knock yourself out?’”
“Or 'Snow, did you break something?' I can't skate either.” She grinned weakly as she went up to the bar.
Al noticed she actually didn't order tea but rather something called a hot toddy. He also noticed a steaming bin next to the bar. “What's in there?”
Al glanced at Snowdrop’s silk stockinged legs and took a blanket along with his tea. He found a bench out of the wind and unfolded the blanket. Snowdrop sat next to him and they tucked the warm blanket over their legs. Her drink smelt of cinnamon and something very spicy, a little like Roy's whiskey.
“You don't have to talk to me, you know.”
“I know,” Al replied. “I want to.”
Snow looked at him. “Why?”
“Because...I don't know.” Al sipped his tea. The strong, earthy taste washed over his tongue. “I guess because the only way you could have hurt me this much is because I really do care about you. I'm not sure that I've stopped caring.”
She started to say something but closed her mouth. Looking away, Snowdrop raised her toddy to her lips.
“And I don't know what to do about that. I'm young, but not so naïve as people think, I know most relationships end with a break but usually not quite so spectacularly.” He sighed.
“I wanted to stop, long before it all went bad. I tried to get the assignment ended, but that wasn't going to happen – well, not until it involved my brother – and someone else would have been assigned to try and pick you up as a rebound relationship. I didn't want that either.” She sighed. Al felt her shudder. “I should have listened to my brother and just stuck with research. I'm not good at this. I wasn't cut out for it, not like him. You saw Roy in the last few days. He's a natural.”
“So was Mr. Hughes, you probably knew him.”
“Maes looked out for me when Roy was in the East. He was a very nice man, one of the few I've ever trusted.” She shifted her grip on her cup.
Al nodded. “I guess I never gave much thought to what his job might entail, or Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong’s for that matter. I guess he does what you usually do, the book research and probably the interrogations. He’s too noticeable to be a spy. Maybe this is what was meant to happen, not that I’m a big believer in fate.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“You would never have met me otherwise. I don't always get to Central and even if I did, I wouldn’t have gone into your mother's bar.”
“Wouldn't that have been a good thing? Then you wouldn't have all this pain,” Snow whispered.
“True but pain teaches a lesson. I learned what it was like to be with someone, to think of someone other than myself. It was nice being with you. I finally felt like an adult and there are still things you don't know about me, Snow, things that are worse than this situation, so I know what it is to pay for your sins.”
“But some lessons aren't worth the cost,” she protested.
“True,” Al rubbed his chest, reassuring himself it was solid, flesh and just a tad cold at this point. “And then you learned things, too. Mr. Hughes was like a dad...well, maybe not to you.” He eyed her, her short hair ruffling a bit in spite of their sheltered seat. “You're a little older.”
“He was like another big brother. He was one of the few men Roy ever introduced me to so I knew he had to be a safe person.”
Al nodded. “And now you got to know another safe man, at least I think so. Roy does, too.”
She stared into her toddy. “I’ve never known a man like you, Alphonse. You are so sweet and considerate and I guess I am very glad to have gotten to be with you, even if some of it was a lie. I usually think of your brother's sort when I think of men.”
“Ed's not so bad, Snow. He's loud and obnoxious, yes, but he's a good man. He is so much like your brother. I know Riza thinks so, too, though Roy is less loud but he's older. Ed was very upset when he heard about your past even though he was furious with you, too. You don't have to worry about him. He wouldn't hurt you or Winry. Believe me.”
Her gaze slipped down to her hands. “If you say so.” Snowdrop took a deeper drink of her toddy. “Not that it really matters.”
“Well, you might see him again. He is your brother's underling.” Al grinned. “I loved his reaction to that. Ed does like to be in control. Just don't call him short and you’ll be fine.”
“But he is short.”
“Yes, but it's a sore point, especially with our dad around. Dad is tall and broad and I'm already taking after him. Ed's still catching up or will be mom’s height or something.” Al laughed. “I guess, I’ve said what I needed to. I just wanted you to know I don't hate you, Snow, but I don't know how I feel about all this yet.”
“I'm content with you not hating me,” she replied, looking up over the rim of her mug.
“We should probably go back inside.” Al got up, sliding out of the cooled off blanket. “Would you like to dance? Seeing you having fun would make your brother happy.”
“I could dance with someone else. Its okay, Alphonse, you've done enough.” Snow got up, setting her drink down so she could fold the blanket up.
“I've never been to a dance,” Al said. “I don't want to ruin Winry's night with Ed. She's already danced with me once.”
“Never been to a dance?” Her eyes widened. “I guess I don't dance much, either.”
“Well, there was the school dance when I was seven, but David White pulled my pants down in public and I punched him and my mom had to come get me, and Ed and Winry since they helped me.” He laughed sheepishly.
“That's awful. No one would dare bully you tonight.” Snowdrop said, as Alphonse carried the blanket back to the bartender. “I was surprised your dad came with my mom.”
“His perception of the world is a bit odd so he probably sees all of this differently. I think he's joined up with her to find out who's out to hurt his kids.”
“That makes sense. Oh, here comes your brother.” Snowdrop nodded toward the hotel.
Al turned to see Winry and Edward, half lost in their coats, heading their way. “Hey, brother. We were just going back in.”
“We were coming to see where you went. It's cold out here, Al.” Ed searched his face, then glanced at Snow.
“Thanks for the news bulletin, Ed.” Al rolled his eyes. “There are things for the guests to do out here. Why don't you take Winry through the ice sculptures before you start whining about how cold you are?”
“Won't take long since I had to wear dress shoes instead of boots,” Ed grumbled.
“Try heels and stockings, Edward.” Winry nudged him. “Is everything all right, Al?”
“Yeah, we were just going back to the dance,” he replied, hoping Snowdrop would start walking.
“You sure?” Ed persisted.
“I'm pretty sure I know my own mind, brother,” Al replied as the sky rumbled. They all looked up. “What was that?”
Lightning forked across the sky and snow began to fall.
“Damn, thunder snow? Really? Just what we need. You probably should head home, Al,” Ed said.
Al nodded. “We should be okay inside.”
“I have a hotel room already. The madam didn't want any of us traveling in the snow,” Snowdrop said, heading back toward the hotel.
“I got one for me and Winry,” Ed said.
“Great, then maybe I should go or see if there are any rooms left or at least check on what Dad’s doing,” Al paused.
“He better not be staying with the madam, no offense,” Ed called after Snow. “It's him that's not allowed to ever have sex again.”
“Such class, Ed.” Al sighed.
A tingling sensation swept over Al and for a moment it felt like he was blind, his heart skipping a few beats. Weaving on his feet, Al realized the lightning had hit very close to them.
“Al, you okay?” Ed asked or what it Winry. Al couldn’t tell. His ears were ringing too much. A tingling sensation swept over Al and, for a moment, it felt like he was blind, his heart skipping a few beats. Weaving on his feet, Al realized the lightning had hit very close to them.
“Al, you okay?” Ed asked or was it Winry? Al couldn’t tell. His ears were ringing too much.
Al shook his head, trying to clear it before realizing that sent the wrong message. “I’m okay. Snow, are you…” the words dried up when he saw the black of her dress spread across the white snow. She looked like a plucked and dropped flower. “Snowdrop!”
Scrambling over to her, Al dropped to his knees in the snow. She didn’t move when he lifted her. He didn’t see any scorch marks but she was out cold.
“Al, is she breathing?” Winry asked.
“Yes,” Al said, smoothing Snow’s hair back. “Snow, sweetie, wake up. Please wake up,” he said as another bolt of lightning hit the hotel. Fire erupted on the roof.
“Damn it.” Ed raised his hands to clap but someone stepped out from the hedges.
“That’s the thing about lightning, it’s hard to direct. Oh well, I lucked out and you’re both out here. This time I will hit you,” the pale-haired man said, smirking at Ed.
“Let me guess, you’re the alchemist,” Ed said, stepping in front of Winry before nodding to her to get her to run. He flashed a feral grin at the other man. “Storm alchemy? Not bad. We’re better.”
“A little kid like you? You’re not much of a match for a State Alchemist.” The man waved Ed off.
Former State Alchemist if our sources are right,” Ed replied and Al wondered why his brother was waiting then it sunk in. He was giving Al time to make the man hurt the way he hurt Snowdrop.
Al clapped and the ground erupted, jerking the alchemist high into the air. Ed helped him enclose the man’s arms separately, figuring it was the easiest way to keep him from completing whatever circle he needed. Al wanted to crush him completely, started tightening the transmuted earth until Ed put a hand on his arm.
“What the hell? How are you doing that?” the man bellowed, struggling against his earthen bonds.
“The Elrics have talent. You were always more show-off than anything else, Storm.”
Al whipped around, hearing Roy’s voice. The older alchemist snapped his fingers at the roof and the flames died away under his control. “Roy, he hurt your sister!” he shouted.
Al watched a transformation take place, understood yet feared it. Suddenly standing across from him on the hotel grounds was the Flame Alchemist, the one who could so cruelly lay waste to whole towns.
“Tend to your sister, we'll deal with him.” Al hadn't seen Riza come out of the hotel but her words transmuted Roy back into someone human. He ran over to Al and Snowdrop while both Armstrongs and Roy’s men came outside.
“The former Storm Alchemist, we've been looking for you for some time,” Alex Louis boomed.
Al heard their attacker make a whimpering sound then the man blurted out, “She's here, the one who hired me. She's inside. If I’m going to prison, I’m not going alone.”
“Tell us what she looks like now,” Roy said, trying to pick his sister up. “Breda, Falman you make sure she doesn't get away. Ed, squeeze him if he doesn't comply.” He managed to get Snowdrop up and Al helped steady her.
“She's still breathing, sir,” Al said, following Roy's slow path back.
Breda and Falman ran past them, presumably armed with a description. Al jogged ahead to make sure the door was open so Roy could carry Snow inside. Surprisingly, Hohenheim met them with the Madam, just inside.
“Bring her over here, Roy. The outdoor bartender ran in and called for an ambulance,” Christmas said, sweeping her arm toward a table that had been cleared off.
Roy set Snowdrop's unconscious form down on it and Hohenheim put his hands on her shoulders, his gold eyes intent. Sometimes it was easy for Al to forget just what his father was, how much power he had. The knots in the man’s brow smoothed and Al caught the telltale signs of a transmutation.
“She should be just fine. The worst damage was perforated eardrums. That's common with lightning strikes,” Hohenheim said. “I fixed the ear drums, but she probably won't be feeling well for a few days.”
“Thank you,” Roy clapped a hand against Hohenheim's shoulder. “Alphonse, sit.”
Al dropped into a chair gratefully. His legs felt weak. He thought he'd been hiding that well. He took Snowdrop's cold hand in his. He heard a commotion but at this point, unless the ceiling was falling, Al wasn't sure he cared. A hand grazed his shoulder and Al jumped.
“Sorry,” Winry said, worried. “How is she?”
Al looked back at her and his brother. “Dad said she'll be okay in a few days. I just wish the ambulance would hurry up and get here.”
“Armstrong will take care of the guy who did this. He wouldn't shut up, about any of it,” Ed said as Riza came in, whispering a concerned question to her lover. “He should bottle his arrogance and sell it to people with no self-confidence.”
“Storm always was a syphilitic dick,” Roy muttered, glancing over in the direction of the commotion. “Surely I don't have to help them with this.”
Al saw Breda and Falman strong-arming a woman toward the door. It was like holding onto a whirlwind. She kept shrieking, tossing her weight backwards in an attempt to break free and trying to impale their feet with her high heels. The two soldiers had to be quick.
“Get your filthy hands off of me. Don't you know who I am?”
Al suddenly realized exactly who she was. He flung himself out of the chair, it nearly hitting Winry with it. Stomping over to the fighting woman, Al barely repressed the desire to throttle her. “You! You nearly killed me, my brother and our friends twice. What the hell is your problem? What did we ever do to you?”
He wanted to shake the answer out of her, but she composed herself, giving her now-tousled hair a regal fling back over her shoulders. She was going to take her moment in the spotlight. “You and your nasty little brother murdered my father!”
“We didn't,” Al protested. “We barely knew who he was.”
“We only saw him once or twice in Briggs,” Ed added, over Al’s shoulder. He stopped next to him, shrugging. “We left soon afterwards. We have no idea what happened to your father.”
“Liar. He was a great soldier and it would have taken an alchemist like you to destroy him,” Evelyn snarled.
Mocking laughter made Al turn back toward the door. Fuhrer Armstrong stood there, a cool curl on her mouth. “Your precious father wandered off into a blizzard after a Drachman spy. He was warned not to, but he was the ranking officer. We couldn't make him stay. The elements got him.” Armstrong grinned. “Or a bear. Investigations will be here momentarily to take her away. Why don't you get her outside before she makes the air in here even fouler?”
“You hateful bitch,” Evelyn Raven shrilled as Mustang’s men hauled her out.
Armstrong turned to Mustang. “You throw one hell of a party, Mustang. Can't wait to see what the wedding's like.”
Roy snorted. “I think I’ll be eloping in Xing.”
“Just don't maim the emperor in the process,” she said, turning on her heel to go outside and supervise.
Mustang turned to Al. “And I thought Edward was the volatile Elric.”
“Al has his moments.” Ed rolled his eyes and Al thumped his brother's back.
“She pissed me off,” Al said just as the paramedics arrived. He watched as they swiftly bustled Snowdrop away.
Riza put her arm on Al's shoulder. “Come on, let's all go to the hospital to make sure she's all right.”
Al nodded. This was going to be a long, horrible night.
onto chapter thirteen
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 Eleven
“Thanks for sending a car for us, Roy. I can’t believe how much it’s snowed. Did we move to Briggs and I didn’t get the notice?” Gracia grinned, carrying her daughter into Roy’s house. Winry carried the girl’s overnight bag and the Elrics hauled in everything else. “The power didn’t seem to have plans on coming back on at home.”
“We still have power,” Riza said, heading down the hall.
“And if you lose it, you have a match.” Ed dropped his satchel and jerked a thumb at Roy.
“And you’ll be tinder for the fire,” Roy said sweetly, putting a book down on the coffee table. “Run the bags upstairs. We made up all the guest rooms. Pick whichever you want.” He swung off the couch and took the bag from Winry. “If it’s too damp, I can always get the bedroom fireplace going.”
“Let’s see what it’s like. There isn’t a fireplace in Elicia’s room at home so it might be distracting. I’ll use the heater unless the power goes out.” Gracia set Elicia down and took the groggy girl’s hand so she could lead her up the stairs.
“Not a problem.” Roy started up the steps. “Riza went to get the tea for us. Just go on down to the living room once you’re settled.”
Al didn’t bother searching for a room that appealed to him. Nothing did. It had been three days since he had confronted Snowdrop at the festival. He had seen her once more when the madam had called them to the bar to tell them that they had tracked the man more carefully based on Snow’s information but it was a row of mansions and no one could get close without noticing. They had hoped to figure out whose servant the man was, if he was a servant at all. The meeting had been horribly uncomfortable. Al had mostly ignored Snowdrop, speaking in cold, clipped tones he now regretted, even though he knew his current temperament was her fault.
He dumped his overnight bag on the bed, turned up the register a little against the chill then went back down to the living room. Everyone else was taking longer. Gracia was surely putting her daughter to bed and Roy was either talking to her or helping Riza. Ed and Winry might be planning on finding rooms close enough they could sneak across in the night. Al tossed himself on the couch, then, not seeing Hayate to distract him, leaned over and picked up the book Roy had in his hand when they‘d come in. Surprisingly, it was a photo album. The first picture was one of a dark haired lady sitting on a porch with a chubby Xingese baby in her hands.
Al snorted, a grin blooming. The baby looked angry with the world – or maybe contemplating evil. It was like looking at a dark haired, almond-eyed Edward. Al found it hard to think of the Flame Alchemist as an infant. The baby looked too innocent to really be Roy Mustang, whom Al was fairly sure was just as bad as his own brother and there was little innocence in Edward. He recognized the woman as Madam Christmas, thinner, younger and obviously happy to have an infant to care for.
“What do you have there, Al?” Ed asked, startling Al as he flopped on the couch next to his brother. Winry shoved Al into the middle, settling on his other side.
“Photo album. Guess Roy was looking at it.” Al frowned. “Probably thinking about his sister.”
“What a cute little baby,” Winry said, pointing at the photograph.
“I’m still a cute little baby, just ask Riza,” Roy said, coming down the stairs and heading for the kitchen. Ed made a gagging noise.
Al ignored them both. He was expert at it, after all. He flipped back a couple pages and saw a picture of a busty young woman in a racy dress. That had to be the madam when she was in her twenties. She was probably always a little wild. On the same page was a young Xingese girl and Al wondered if this was Roy’s actual mother. She looked like a child and that bothered him. He noticed neither Ed nor Winry seemed willing to look at that picture for long.
“The madam was really pretty back then,” Winry said.
“She got old and fat,” Ed replied bluntly.
“Granny would remind you it happens to us all,” Winry reached over and slapped his arm. “That smoking doesn’t help. I wish Granny wouldn’t but the one time she tried to stop was so scary, I was glad when she went and bought more tobacco.”
“We must have missed that,” Al said, flipping back the other way. He stopped on a page with the Madam washing Roy in a pail.
“Ugh, Al, keep turning.” Ed reached for a page and this time, Al swatted him. “I didn’t need to see the bastard’s dangle.”
“I’m three months old in that picture, Edward,” Roy said, carrying in a tray of cups and sugar bowl. Riza followed with the tea pot. “Unless you went digging for another album.”
“No one wants to know about that,” Ed said, an ‘oh hell no’ expression on his face.
“Granny has one just like this of you and another of Al,” Winry said. “All you can see in my picture is me covered with bubbles, even a pile on top my head.”
“What is it with parents and kids in a bath?” Ed sighed.
“It’s cute,” Gracia offered from the top of the stairs. “I’ve got Elicia down for the night. Here’s hoping she stays there. And I’m sure Maes had a whole roll of that sort of picture.”
“Maes had rolls of all sorts of pictures. Your husband was deranged.” Roy snorted.
“Truthfully, he sometimes sent you duplicates and pretended they were different because he knew it made you nuts.” Gracia patted Roy’s shoulders as she went around him to sit down.
“Yeah, I suspected that.”
“How did you even meet Mr. Hughes?” Ed asked. “He was too much fun to be your friend, bastard.”
“The bastard stole my quiche in the Academy.”
Al laughed. “What?”
“He stole my quiche in the cafeteria and I was going to make him pay for that. It became a competition to outdo each other. All it did was to propel us to the top of our class and we ended up friends.” Roy smiled softly. “But you never could trust that man not to steal your food.”
Gracia reached for a tea cup. “Again, because he knew it made you nuts. He was determined to lighten you up, Roy.”
“He usually succeeded,” Riza said, pouring the tea for the other woman.
“Yeah,” Roy said as Al flipped another page.
The pictures on this page were of Snowdrop. She looked somehow guarded in the photos with her adopted mother and with her brother. Their age difference was apparent. It reminded Al of Pitt back home. Pitt was a full eighteen years younger than his brother. It was like having a second father.
Al pointed to one of the pictures. “Is your sister really happy living with the madam?”
Roy nodded. “She is.”
“Even though she makes her do this dangerous work?” Al felt Winry’s hand touch his knee as if in warning to leave it alone.
“Chris doesn’t make her do it.” Roy took a sip of his tea. “Snowdrop was supposed to only be doing the research. Looking through deeds, old newspaper clippings, that sort of thing. I’m not sure why she got it in her head that she wanted to do something more. Probably because I didn’t want her to do it. Siblings are perverse that way.”
Al nodded knowingly as Ed said, “But she did it anyway.”
“I’m just a brother, Edward. I can’t control what my baby sister does.”
“Hear that Edward.” Al shot his brother a look.
“You’d be better off if he had,” Ed volleyed back and Al glowered.
“We have to be free to make our own mistakes, Edward,” Riza said. “Roy and I have made our share.”
“It’s hard for a parent to let that happen,” Gracia put in. “But you’re right. Mistakes teach us.”
“It was something I would have been happier not learning.” Al sighed, looking back at the pictures. He couldn’t imagine how anyone could hurt a girl like Snow. She would have been Elicia’s age when all those terrible things were happening to her.
“I know that feeling.” Roy sighed. “Shall we talk about something else? I have cards and board games.”
“You have board games?” Ed’s eyebrows rose.
“I prefer chess and go but those aren’t good games for a crowd. Games challenge the mind, Edward.”
“I could go for cards,” Gracia said. “Once I’m done with my tea.”
“I’ll go get a deck. You have to watch Edward. He cheats in poker,” Roy said.
“Go to hell, I do not.”
Al snorted and Ed leveled a glare at him. The phone rang before the burgeoning fight could get underway. Roy went to answer it.
“Hello…what’s wrong, Madam?” Roy’s face lost color. “I’ll be right there. What are the roads like at your end? Okay, it’ll take awhile to get there with this weather. Keep her as quiet as you can. Tell her I’m coming.”
“Roy, what’s wrong?” Riza got to her feet.
“My sister has been naturally distraught. Mom said she got hysterical tonight and locked herself in her room with a pair of scissors,” Roy rasped out.
Al went the grayish white of curdled milk as Winry gasped, covering her mouth. Ed swore, his hands clenching.
“Oh no, Roy,” Gracia said.
“I’ll go with you,” Riza put a hand on his arm and he nodded. “Gracia, you can watch over the house.”
“Of course.”
“I’m going, too,” Al said, getting to his feet.
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Roy said. “You’ve already done enough.”
“And I can undo it,” Al’s jaw jutted out. “You’re not leaving me behind.”
Roy nodded. “All right .”
“Winry and I are coming, too,” Ed said. “And before you say no, you know damn well we’re not going to let Al go on his own.” Winry nodded staunchly
Roy sighed. “Fine. I could use both your help if the roads need clearing. It’s been plowed near the bar.”
Al went upstairs to grab his coat but that would be utterly inadequate to combat the cold settling into his heart. What had he done?
XXX
Riza had driven them, more because she didn’t trust his state of mind than for the need of having a third alchemist to help melt away treacherous patches of snow. Even with all three of them, their progress was slow. The old hotel that made up the Madam’s home had a mostly empty lobby. A couple girls sat at the polished desk.
“They’re up on third, Roy,” one of them said. “The Madam wanted us to wait here.”
“Thanks Emily,” he said tightly. Roy didn’t bother with the rickety elevator, going up the steps two at a time. The thick floral carpeting ate all sounds for their footsteps. At the end of the hall by door 313, his mother and Vanessa, another of her girls, stood with Christmas leaning against the doorframe. She looked down the corridor at him, her eyebrow rising.
“They wouldn’t stay home,” Roy said, reading her mind.
“Fine.” She waved him closer. “Snowdrop, please open the door. Your brother is here.”
“I don't care,” Snowdrop’s voice sounded thin and reedy behind the stout wood.
“Sis, come on. Let me in. I want to talk to you and I can't do that through this door,” Roy said, pressing against the door jamb.
“Yes, you can.”
“No, I can't. I need to see you. We need to see you. Alphonse is here, too. He's worried about you,” Roy said, reaching over to grab Alphonse's wrist. He hauled the boy closer.
“Don't lie to me, Roy.”
Alphonse’s hand flattened against the door, fingers splaying over the brass room number. “He's not lying, Snow. I'm here and I am worried about you. Edward and Winry are with me. We all want to talk to you.”
Nothing echoed back from the other room and Roy’s stomach knotted. Finally, his sister said, “What is there let to talk about? It won't change the past. Now you know it all. How can you even want to talk to me?”
“We all make mistakes, Snowdrop. Believe me, Ed and I made some that make this look like nothing, but people didn't give up us. I'm always grateful for that,” Alphonse said. “Without them, we might have given up and let our sins drag us down. Your brother was a really big help. We owe him for that.”
“Listen to him, Snow. He and his brother definitely know what it's like to pay for what they've done and they know all about redemption,” Roy said, reaching out to touch Al’s shoulder.
“I don't care about the things Roy told me about your stepfather. That's not your fault.”
“Isn't it? I didn't run away. I didn’t tell anyone,” Snow said, her voice cracking.
“You were a child, Snow,” Christmas said, her brow pinching.
“And I really don't care. I wish you could see my face and see that's true. Please open the door, Snow,” Alphonse said, leaning his head against the door frame.
She didn't answer.
Roy knocked on it. “Please, Snow.” She still didn't respond. “You know I can open this door if I have to.”
Silence answered him. Alphonse glanced at Roy and the older alchemist nodded, clapping his hands together. It took very little to circumvent the lock. Alphonse opened the door to reveal Snowdrop seated at her vanity, her scissors snicketing quickly. Her long raven hair puddled at her feet as she sheared it away.
“Snow, what are you doing?” Roy rasped.
“It's the first thing they notice. It's always the first thing they notice, even when I was little.” She yanked up hanks of hair, sawing at it with the scissors. “They all like my hair.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Roy caught Alphonse’s expression and realized it was something the young man had made a big deal of. Raven Xingese hair was fairly exotic in Amestris. “Snow, please put the scissors down,” Roy said but she ignored him.
Al walked over to her and Roy heard Edward's servos whining. He must be tightening up, worrying those scissors could easily end up shoved into his brother if Snow snapped. Alphonse put a hand on her arm. “You can stop now, Snowdrop. You're still beautiful without the long hair.”
She looked up him, her eyes streaming.
“Give me the scissors, Snow, and we can talk.”
Snowdrop didn't fight him as he took the scissors out of her hands. He handed them back to Roy as Snow wrapped her arms around him, crying against Alphonse’s chest. He held her tight, his hand ruffling her unevenly shorn hair. Roy passed the scissors off to his mother then went over to Alphonse and Snowdrop.
Roy put an arm around his sister and rested the other hand on Alphonse’s back. “Snow, why don’t you come downstairs and talk with us?”
“Don’t want everyone to stare,” she muttered, shaking her head, bits of hair floating free.
“All right, let’s go sit on the bed then. We can clean this up for you.” Roy toed a length of shorn hair.
Snowdrop nodded. Roy and Alphonse helped her up. She collapsed on the mattress, looking like a broken Xingese doll. Alphonse sat next to her hip, rubbing her back. Roy squatted down, getting almost eye level with her.
“Do you want me to stay here with you a while? Would you like to talk with Vanessa or Winry?” he asked and she shook her head. “How about Alphonse? Would you like him to stay?” He locked eyes with the young man who nodded.
She lifted her head to look at Alphonse. “Why would you stay?”
“Because you need me to.” A fragile smile wobbled across his face. “I won’t insult you by saying I’m not upset and hurt, but I still have feelings for you. If I can help by sitting with you a while, I’m happy to do it.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Do you mean that?”
“My brother’s the nicest most forgiving guy in the country,” Edward said, from the doorway. “He means it.
Snow winced then turned to Alphonse. “Okay, I wanted you to stay but I didn’t know how to ask.”
Alphonse squeezed her hand. “It’s all right. I’ll stay. You don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to.”
She just nodded, gathering her pillow up, burrowing her face into it.
“Snow, I’ll clean up the mess,” Vanessa offered.
“Are you all right, Snowdrop?” Christmas asked, waiting until she nodded. “May I borrow your brother then?”
“They need to know. Edward needs to go with you, too,” Snow said, twisting to look at Alphonse. “Do you want to hear what information she has?”
“No, Brother will tell me later.”
Roy stood up and patted his sister's arm. “Call me if you need me. We'll just be in the Madam's suite.”
Roy didn't really want to leave them alone but he trusted Alphonse. Hurt as he was, he'd take care of Snowdrop. The madam led the way to the ornate brass doors of the elevator. The trip up to the top floor suite was in awkward silence. Her suite's living room was stuffed with roomy soft leather couches and chairs. They filed into the room, except for Riza.
She paused at the doorway. “I'll call Gracia and let her know the crisis has passed,”
“Thank you,” Roy whispered, feeling the tension that held him upright fleeing him. He flopped onto the couch. “What did you find out, Mom?”
“Your sister went back to what she's good at. She found the house owners and there was a name on the list that got my attention. Edward, what does the name General Raven mean to you?”
“He was at Briggs when I was there, same time as Kimbley,” Edward said and Winry shivered at the memory. “I really don't know him, why?”
“His daughter, Evelyn, lives on that road and she's rumored to have a Xingese major domo,” Christmas said.
“Are we sure it's not me they want?” Roy scowled. “I made a mistake of trusting him and he betrayed me to the Fuhrer. He was in on the secret project to make the homunculus army for the promise of immortality once the Philosopher's Stone was made.”
“He disappeared,” Christmas said, shrugging.
“Roy would make a likely suspect in that,” Riza said, coming back from making her call.
“But they were following Al and Ed, not Roy. I mean, it wouldn't be hard to spy on Mr. Mustang. He's sort of noticeable,” Winry said.
“Maybe too noticeable,” Christmas replied. “It might be easier to get at Roy by using an underling.”
“I'm not an underling. I'm just stuck with him,” Edward pouted.
“You're a lower rank. I'm your commander. You're a lackey,” Roy said, waving him off.
“Bite the biggest part of my ass,” Edward shot back.
Roy chewed the air then said, “I think I know what this might be about. Edward, you and Alphonse were there around the time Raven died.”
Surprised, Edward asked. “He's dead?”
“I can't say who took him out but yes, he's dead. It's possible his kin believe you and your brother are responsible, Edward.” Roy scowled. Olivia should be the target, not the boys. He hated this.
Edward's gold eyes widened. “Me? What the hell?”
“Ed wouldn't just kill anyone,” Winry protested.
“I know that Winry, but I'm not sure that everyone else would be so easily convinced. He does carry the rank of State Alchemist. We're not exactly known for our mercy,” Roy replied bitterly
“So they think Al and I had something to do with Raven's disappearance. That would explain why they hired you to spy on us. They might have been hoping for a confession. Lovers might be brought into the secret,” Edward said, rubbing his chin.
“So why try to kill you?” Winry asked.
“The only information we learned was that the boys were planning to help with relations with Xing,” Christmas replied. “They could have lost patience with our inability to get to information that the client wanted.”
“So we have a clue, now what?” Edward asked,
“I can't exactly confront Miss Raven with my mother's handiwork. However, the assassin changes things. That's where we'll concentrate our search now. If we can tie her to hiring that assassin, we can easily put her away,” Roy said.
“Great, now we have a plan and in the meantime there's probably another assassin after me.” Edward slid down on the couch.
“And my sister is a danger to herself, yes this isn't going to end well.” Roy crossed his arms over his chest, pressing them hard against his muscles.
“It might end better for Snow,” Winry said. “I'm not sure Al has it in him to hate anyone. I'm not saying going they'll ever be back together but he'll probably forgive her.”
“That alone would help her,” Roy said. “And I was hoping Alphonse would be forgiving once he stopped being angry. I do know how nice he is.”
“So now what?” Edward asked again, obviously impatient with the discussion of feelings rather than villains.
“I go back down to my sister's room and see if she's okay, collect your brother and go home. We sleep and tackle this fresh in the morning,” Roy said.
“Great plan. I can see why you're the general and I’m the underling.” Edward rolled his eyes.
Roy curled his lip. “Explain to me why I just don't let the assassin get you?”
“Winry and Alphonse would cry,” Riza said.
“We would,” Winry assured him.
Roy sighed. “Well, I can’t have that. All right, Madam. I better get us home before the snow starts up again and you’re stuck with us.”
“That would be fine, too, you know, son.”
“I know, but I left someone back home with her little girl. I better go collect Alphonse,” he said, going for the door. They all followed him back to Snow’s. The door was still open and Alphonse and Snow hadn’t moved much. “Alphonse, we’re going back. Snowdrop, would you like to come stay with me for a few days? Right now Edward, Alphonse and Winry are there, too, because there is no power where they are.”
“I’m better here. It’s home,” Snow said, shifting on the mattress. Roy noticed his initial thought was wrong. She, or more likely Alphonse, had fetched the stuffed mohair dog he had bought for her when she first came to live with them. Muttley was a little worse for wear now but his sister kept him still.
“I can stay with you, if you want,” Alphonse said, surprising them. Edward took a step then stopped, his gaze dropping to his boots.
She touched Alphonse’s hand. “I’m okay, Alphonse, just very tired. I need to sleep. Go home with your brother. I have all my sisters here and Mom. It’ll be fine.”
“I’ll make sure nothing happens to her,” Christmas said. “We’ll get her fixed up tomorrow. It’ll be all right.”
“Ok.” Alphonse stroked Snowdrop’s shorn hair then leaned down, kissing her temple. “You rest. We can talk tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Alphonse got up and joined the others. Roy went over to his sister, murmuring a Xingese goodnight prayer in her ear. He had strong doubts about the existence of gods but he knew his sister took comfort in them. That was enough for him. Riza took his hand as they headed for the door. Even the cold outside wasn’t enough to brace him when they stepped out into it. Roy felt wrung out. He wanted his bed and to sleep for a week.
Chapter Twelve
Ed watched his brother pacing around the nearly empty bar. The lunch crowd has gone and it was hours before the place really got swinging before dinner. Tomorrow was the big party for the bastard’s engagement and Mustang seemed desperate to get a lot of this drama wrapped up before then. Noticing his brother had worn himself out to the point he was limping, Ed said, “Al, sit down.”
Al glared, his golden gaze fierce. An expression helped by the fact Al had his own long hair cut away earlier this morning. His face looked thin but determined. Ed hated that he hadn’t minded Al had slipped out on his own that morning – well, alone except for whatever guard Mustang had on them all – mostly because in the last two days since Snowdrop had her breakdown, Al had been acting so different. He stalked around Mrs. Hughes’s in a foul mood, often descending into self blame for Snowdrop’s pain. Ed found that misplaced to say the least. Ed hated that he wanted a large amount of space between him and his brother right now.
“I’m fine, Edward.”
“Al, come sit with me.” Winry said from her perch on a bar stool. Vanessa was on the other side of the bar and they both had steaming mugs filled from the madam’s chocolate pot.
His shoulders slumping, Al obeyed her. Vanessa poured him a mug of hot chocolate without Al asking. Ed decided he wanted some of that himself. If nothing else, the madam’s girls knew how to take care of them.
“Is she doing any better?” Al asked Vanessa.
She nodded. “She’s helping the madam with some research but I think mostly we’re waiting on Roy boy. I could go get Snow if you want me to.”
Al shook his head, his hand floating up as if his head felt wrong. Ed figured it had to feel weird to loose all that hair at once. “Let her work. I’m out of words. I don't know how to make things better.”
“She's resilient,” a voice said from the other end of the bar. James Ringhand came over to the bar with a polishing cloth and a jar of polish. “She just needs time.”
Al sipped his chocolate. “I guess you'd know Snowdrop well.”
“I know all my sisters well.” James grinned, handing the cleaning tools off to Vanessa who stowed them. “I offered four of them to your brother in exchange for you.”
Al's eyes sparked. “What for?”
“He said you were smart and peaceful. My sisters are not peaceful.” James laughed. “But he turned me down.”
“I hadn't seen what you meant by sis...” Ed paused when Winry gave him an arched look. He went red.
“And what would you do with four of these women, Edward?” Winry asked sweetly.
“I have some ideas,” Al snorted, a wicked expression flashing across his face. “It might have been worth the trade, Ed.”
“Al, would you like a beating?” Winry's honeyed tone continued.
“At this point, it would hurt less than anything else that’s happened this week.” Al sighed. “At least my brother didn’t trade me in.”
“I’m almost amazed at this point.” Winry nudged Ed, who was still not so subtly checking out Vanessa.
“Thanks, now I’m in trouble,” Ed glared at James.
“No problem, I’ll take you when she throws you out.” James beamed.
“No!” Ed said. “Your whole family is insane.”
“That’s not nice, Edward,” a long haired, Xingese man said coming into the bar.
Ed stared for a moment, realization coming over him. He left the bar, meeting the man halfway across the bar. “Mustang? What the hell?”
“They know Mustang’s face,” Roy said, sauntering past him. He claimed a bar stool and Vanessa poured him a drink. “I was raised in this family, Edward. I know a little about disguises.”
Winry touched his hair. “It feels real.”
“Kept my sister’s hair and transmuted it to the end of mine, a little weird but no one recognized me. Military Investigations has Yu now, but he’s not talking. Evelyn Raven wasn’t at home. She might suspect we’re looking into her. If she knows anything about Madam Christmas’s business, she would be wise to be taking up residence elsewhere.”
“I see a ‘but’ on your face, sir,” Al said.
“Some of the neighbors said she’s been erratic as of late. Well not to me,” he shrugged. “They’d think I was a Xingese laundryman roaming around in that neighborhood. But that’s what the madam told me. Miss Raven might not be stable any more, or at least obsessed on finding out where her father went.”
“Or punishing those she think did something to him,” Ed added.
“Yes, that, too.” Roy sighed and sipped his whiskey. “Vanessa, can you have the madam come out here, please.”
“Sure.”
Roy turned and eyed Al critically. “That’s a new look for you, Alphonse.”
Al looked away, running a hand through his greatly-shortened hair. “It was time. The long hair is more Ed and Dad’s look than mine.”
“I like it,” Winry ruffled his hair.
“And I don’t look like that old bastard!” Ed protested.
“You look just like your father, Edward,” Roy said and Ed felt like punching him just because it would probably feel good. “Alphonse, was this so Snowdrop would feel less self-conscious about her hair?”
Al looked down at the bar and Ed scowled. Why hadn’t he twigged onto that motive? “Maybe.”
“She’ll appreciate it.”
Al sighed. “I don’t even know what I’m doing any more.”
“That’s common when people break up,” Mustang agreed.
Al pushed his mug away. “I was supposed to bring a date to your party tomorrow. That didn’t exactly turn out so great for me last time, though I guess I’m glad I didn’t ruin your official party.”
“It’s not your fault, Al,” Winry said. “And Snowdrop wouldn’t have agreed to go to the official party.”
“My sister was supposed to come to that party, actually.” Mustang drained his glass. “That’s when she told me she was dating someone. I knew I should have pressed her.”
“And do you think I would have told you anything?” Snowdrop asked, following Christmas and Vanessa into the bar.
“You’re not good at keeping secrets from me.” Roy shrugged then turned to his mother. “Have you found anything else out?”
“Just that the Ravens own homes in the west, south and east as well as here in Central, though that seems to be the main abode. And you?” Christmas asked.
“I had Yu taken into custody for questioning.”
“Do you think that was wise? Now she'll know you're on to her,” Christmas said.
“I think she already suspects it or is just too impatient to care any more. It was worth it. There are rumors floating around Little Xing that Yu was trying to locate an alchemist. I’m thinking he probably didn't need any repairs to the house or whatever else people think alchemists can do for them.”
“What? You think that he is going to send an alchemist out like an assassin?” Ed asked.
“What alchemist would do such a thing?” Vanessa asked.
“Any of the ones who used to be state alchemists and no longer are under the new regime,” Roy replied.
“I thought most of those are dead or ran off,” Al said.
“Mostly they are but there are surely a few who'd be more than glad to make a pain in the ass out of themselves.” Roy got to his feet. “I should probably get back out there.”
“Brother, what did you do to your hair?” Snowdrop eyed him critically.
“It was yours. I had Vanessa save it for a disguise.”
Snow made a face. “That is gross.”
Roy flipped his hands palm up. “It's not the worst thing I’ve ever done.”
“Do not tell us,” Ed said, jamming a finger at Roy. “Your brother can be despicable, Snow.” He flushed. Had he just initiated conversation with her? He hadn't hardly ever spoken to her and now he had resolved not to talk to the woman who had hurt his brother. Still, he hated to admit it, but he felt sorry for her, too. No one should have a childhood that rough.
“Oh, I know it. And he's strange but he's still my brother and I love him.” She smiled.
“Strange? Just how am I strange?” Roy pouted.
“We don't have all day, Roy boy,” Christmas said and Ed snorted. Maybe he could get to like Roy's family.
“Why did you even have us come here, anyhow?” Ed asked.
“To hear about what I found in Little Xing and to keep a close eye on you,” Roy said. “And I’m not strange.”
“Right.” Ed rolled his eyes. “How long do I have to stay at that party tomorrow?”
Roy narrowed his eyes. “The whole damn night, in black tie and for the dance afterward. Keep in mind reporters and photographers will be there.”
“I don’t even see why I need to go.” Ed thumped his cup down on the bar.
“Because you should,” Al said. “Roy’s done a lot for us and you like Miss Hawkeye and besides, you’ll get to take Winry someplace very nice.” He sighed, staring down at the bar top. “I’ll stay home, though.”
“Alphonse, I would like you to be there,” Roy said.
He shook his head. “I’ll stay home and Snowdrop can go.”
“Don’t be silly. Go with your brother,” Snowdrop said.
“No, Roy is your brother. You have to go to his engagement party. He doesn’t need me there. Ed can represent the Elrics.”
“In that case, Alphonse really does need to be there,” Roy snorted. “Look, this is in a huge ballroom. You two can be separated by a dozen tables. You never have to see each other if you don’t want to be. Snowdrop, you have to go, no argument. Alphonse, I want you there, too.”
“I don’t think so,” Al said, and Ed knew exactly where that stubborn streak came from. Of course he knew Mustang was stubborn, too.
“It would be nice to have a dance partner,” Winry said. “You know how Ed is.”
Ed glared at her but Al didn’t even raise his gaze from the bar.
“Riza would like you to be there, Alphonse,” Roy said and Ed knew that manipulative tone. He’d seen it work before.
Al’s chest heaved. “I’ll think about it.”
“Fine. I have to get back out there. Be very careful, especially you, Winry and you, too, Snowdrop. If they have hired an alchemist assassin, he’ll be good. Snow, you’re not in that class. Winry, just stay with the brothers,” Roy said.
“I will,” she assured him.
Roy dragged back out into the cold and Snowdrop disappeared back into the madam’s private rooms almost immediately. Ed looked over at his brother but Al still wouldn’t look at him. Ed sighed. This was going to be a long week.
XXX
Roy wondered how soon he could snag Riza and go up to the suite he had reserved rather than try to make their way home drunk in the snow. The very awkward dinner was nearly over, at least. They’d have to stay for a few dances then he planned on sneaking Riza to the top floor and playing out some of his naughtiest fantasies.
Apparently, all of Amestris had been invited to the engagement party. Roy feared knowing what would happen with his wedding. Would he even know anyone there? At the head table, which thankfully was long and not round, sat his family and honored guests. That meant Gracia, the Elrics and Miss Rockbell, Fuhrer Armstrong and her brother, the madam who came with two dates, General Grumman and Hohenheim, and of course, his sister. He naturally lied to Al and Snowdrop about not having to see the each other, but at least they could sit on either end of the table and pretend the other wasn't down on the other side. Poor Alphonse sat wedged in between Alex Louis and Winry while Snowdrop sat next to Grumman who pinched her bottom twice until his granddaughter glared. Snowdrop had been too terrified to speak.
Roy was fairly sure his belly was pushing out over the waist band of his black silk trousers. The dinner had been amazing. Individual cheese boards and a cold fish salads with lemon and bits of citrus for appetizers, warm hearty onion soup followed by thick rounds of salty, red, prime rib and a variety of roasted vegetables. The fried sugared dough rounds covered with chocolate and honey still sat in front of him, making him choose between his over-stuffed belly or satisfying his greedy taste buds.
Riza held up one of the dough balls to him and he lipped it away from her fingers. “You kept staring at them,” she said.
“I'm full but they looked too good,” he said, fishing up one for her. “And I think I know what the highlight of the night is so far, outside of the obvious answer of you.” He smiled as she took the offered dessert.
“Your sister and Alphonse not fighting?”
“No, I knew Alphonse at least would behave. Snowdrop is fairly retiring, too. No, keep your eyes on Edward. The formal wear is making him insane. I half expect him to jump up on the table, strip and go running off into the night.” Roy smirked.
Riza sighed. “You’re awful. If he thinks that is uncomfortable, he should be wearing my garter and stockings and heels.”
“I’ll gladly take those off of you,” Roy replied and she elbowed him discreetly.
Olivia got to her feet and clapped her hands together, creating the alchemy of a silent room. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate a momentous day for one of our country's heroes,” she said and Roy tried not to wince. “Though the wedding is a few months off, we're glad to see such a turn out for the engagement party. I am still getting to know the Flame Alchemist and Riza Hawkeye, who is joining my staff, so I’ll let my brother, the Strong Arm Alchemist, do the honors.”
Roy knew that was less to do with Alex Louis knowing him better and more to do with the fact Olivia hated speeches. She was terrible at them. Alex Louis, on the other hand, was just the person you wanted if you needed a flowery, enthusiastic, attention getter. Roy polished off his sparkling wine while Armstrong waxed poetic about Roy and Riza's virtues and love. He polished off his dough balls, too. Now he'd have to dance at least an hour to work it off before stealing away with his bride to be. He stole a look down the table and the longer Armstrong’s speech dragged on, the more it looked like Ed had ants down his pants. Roy grinned and Riza pinched him under the table as if reading his mind.
Finally, Alex Louis concluded his speech and the band struck up a slow dance. Roy led Riza out on the polished wooden floor. She was breathtaking in her black silk gown, covered with iridescent beads. It puddled at her feet in a small train which swirled about her as he glided across the floor with her. Other people joined them but Roy barely noticed. He was lost in the deep warm brown of Riza’s eyes.
It took at least two more songs before he let Riza go and went to find his mother to dance with. She was too busy with Hohenheim. Winry was sitting at the table still, looking perfectly demure in her shell pink dress with its floral lace over dress. He walked over to her, seeing neither Elric brother could be trusted to dance with her.
Winry smiled up at him. “They’ll be right back. Ed’s getting us something to drink and Al drank half the bottle of wine that was at his end of the table. I think he’s in the bathroom, hopefully not dying. Otherwise, I’d be glad to dance with you, sir,” she said, having taken mind-reading lessons from Riza.
“I’ll check on Al later.” Roy sighed.
“Your sister is over there alone.” Winry nodded to the back wall. “She looks really nervous.”
“Yes, she doesn’t like crowds. Thanks.”
Roy headed over to his sister. Her long black silk skirt was simple but her bodice was nothing more than a wide, beaded butterfly. Like Riza, the back of the dress was high, keeping their shameful secrets. Roy hated the necessity. He held a hand out to his sister. “Dance with me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you sure I can’t go home now, Roy? I made it through the dinner. Didn’t you see how miserable Al was and you lied to me. We had to see each other.” Snow’s hands fluttered with her agitation.
“Snowdrop, Alphonse works for me. You’ll see him around. You two need to learn how to deal with this. He is a good man but until then, please stay and dance with me.”
Sighing, she took his hand and he led her out onto the floor. Roy planned to pass her off to Fuery. He’d be nice and safe, just what his sister needed.
XXX
Alphonse watched his brother dancing with Winry. She was apparently not letting him go until one of them dropped. Granted, that looked like it might be soon for Edward. He’d eaten so much, Al didn’t know how his brother was moving in the first place. Ed’s tie had become so loose it would be completely untied if he made another fast revolution.
Al had wanted to dance but he kept thinking about Snowdrop, who looked as miserable as he felt. He did dance once with Gracia and once with Catherine Armstrong, who told him too bad he was so little because he was cute. Maybe he should just say his legs were tired and go home. Ed would buy he wasn’t feeling well and he had drank a bit too much wine. His head felt wobbly and big.
Turning to go for the coat check and have them call a cab, Al crashed into someone crossing behind him. He instinctively reached out, catching hold of an arm before the woman fell. When he got her steadied on her heels, Al realized it was Snowdrop. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were back there.”
Her cheeks went as pink as Winry’s dress. “I wasn’t following you. I was just shortcutting to the bar.”
“It’s all right. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“I’m fine,” Snow said, trying to extricate her hand, but he didn’t let go.
“Can we talk?” Al didn’t know why he asked that. This probably wasn’t the place.
He could see the war waged on her face before Snow asked, “Do you really mean that?”
“Yes.” Al looked around. There weren't any open tables other than the highly exposed head table. “There was supposed to be things to do outside. Let's get our jackets and go outside for a little while. It'll be more private.”
She hesitated for a moment and he wondered if Snow was afraid of what he might do to her in private. Al tried not to take offense, knowing what she'd been through. Snow nodded and they dressed for the winter's night. Behind the hotel was a small ice skating pond, a small maze of shrubs and ice sculptures and an outdoor bar serving alcohol and steaming cups of tea, coffee and chocolate.
“Do you want more wine?” She eyed him as if gauging how drunk he might already be.
“No, that was enough at dinner. I've never had wine before. I think I’ll just have tea,” Al replied, thinking he had very much liked the sweet bubbly wine.
“That sounds good. They're renting ice skates. You didn't want to skate, did you?”
“You're in a dress and I don't know how to skate.” Al glanced toward the pond, seeing women skating just fine in their skirts. “And my muscles probably aren't up to that. The whole conversation will be, 'Al, did you knock yourself out?’”
“Or 'Snow, did you break something?' I can't skate either.” She grinned weakly as she went up to the bar.
Al noticed she actually didn't order tea but rather something called a hot toddy. He also noticed a steaming bin next to the bar. “What's in there?”
Al glanced at Snowdrop’s silk stockinged legs and took a blanket along with his tea. He found a bench out of the wind and unfolded the blanket. Snowdrop sat next to him and they tucked the warm blanket over their legs. Her drink smelt of cinnamon and something very spicy, a little like Roy's whiskey.
“You don't have to talk to me, you know.”
“I know,” Al replied. “I want to.”
Snow looked at him. “Why?”
“Because...I don't know.” Al sipped his tea. The strong, earthy taste washed over his tongue. “I guess because the only way you could have hurt me this much is because I really do care about you. I'm not sure that I've stopped caring.”
She started to say something but closed her mouth. Looking away, Snowdrop raised her toddy to her lips.
“And I don't know what to do about that. I'm young, but not so naïve as people think, I know most relationships end with a break but usually not quite so spectacularly.” He sighed.
“I wanted to stop, long before it all went bad. I tried to get the assignment ended, but that wasn't going to happen – well, not until it involved my brother – and someone else would have been assigned to try and pick you up as a rebound relationship. I didn't want that either.” She sighed. Al felt her shudder. “I should have listened to my brother and just stuck with research. I'm not good at this. I wasn't cut out for it, not like him. You saw Roy in the last few days. He's a natural.”
“So was Mr. Hughes, you probably knew him.”
“Maes looked out for me when Roy was in the East. He was a very nice man, one of the few I've ever trusted.” She shifted her grip on her cup.
Al nodded. “I guess I never gave much thought to what his job might entail, or Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong’s for that matter. I guess he does what you usually do, the book research and probably the interrogations. He’s too noticeable to be a spy. Maybe this is what was meant to happen, not that I’m a big believer in fate.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“You would never have met me otherwise. I don't always get to Central and even if I did, I wouldn’t have gone into your mother's bar.”
“Wouldn't that have been a good thing? Then you wouldn't have all this pain,” Snow whispered.
“True but pain teaches a lesson. I learned what it was like to be with someone, to think of someone other than myself. It was nice being with you. I finally felt like an adult and there are still things you don't know about me, Snow, things that are worse than this situation, so I know what it is to pay for your sins.”
“But some lessons aren't worth the cost,” she protested.
“True,” Al rubbed his chest, reassuring himself it was solid, flesh and just a tad cold at this point. “And then you learned things, too. Mr. Hughes was like a dad...well, maybe not to you.” He eyed her, her short hair ruffling a bit in spite of their sheltered seat. “You're a little older.”
“He was like another big brother. He was one of the few men Roy ever introduced me to so I knew he had to be a safe person.”
Al nodded. “And now you got to know another safe man, at least I think so. Roy does, too.”
She stared into her toddy. “I’ve never known a man like you, Alphonse. You are so sweet and considerate and I guess I am very glad to have gotten to be with you, even if some of it was a lie. I usually think of your brother's sort when I think of men.”
“Ed's not so bad, Snow. He's loud and obnoxious, yes, but he's a good man. He is so much like your brother. I know Riza thinks so, too, though Roy is less loud but he's older. Ed was very upset when he heard about your past even though he was furious with you, too. You don't have to worry about him. He wouldn't hurt you or Winry. Believe me.”
Her gaze slipped down to her hands. “If you say so.” Snowdrop took a deeper drink of her toddy. “Not that it really matters.”
“Well, you might see him again. He is your brother's underling.” Al grinned. “I loved his reaction to that. Ed does like to be in control. Just don't call him short and you’ll be fine.”
“But he is short.”
“Yes, but it's a sore point, especially with our dad around. Dad is tall and broad and I'm already taking after him. Ed's still catching up or will be mom’s height or something.” Al laughed. “I guess, I’ve said what I needed to. I just wanted you to know I don't hate you, Snow, but I don't know how I feel about all this yet.”
“I'm content with you not hating me,” she replied, looking up over the rim of her mug.
“We should probably go back inside.” Al got up, sliding out of the cooled off blanket. “Would you like to dance? Seeing you having fun would make your brother happy.”
“I could dance with someone else. Its okay, Alphonse, you've done enough.” Snow got up, setting her drink down so she could fold the blanket up.
“I've never been to a dance,” Al said. “I don't want to ruin Winry's night with Ed. She's already danced with me once.”
“Never been to a dance?” Her eyes widened. “I guess I don't dance much, either.”
“Well, there was the school dance when I was seven, but David White pulled my pants down in public and I punched him and my mom had to come get me, and Ed and Winry since they helped me.” He laughed sheepishly.
“That's awful. No one would dare bully you tonight.” Snowdrop said, as Alphonse carried the blanket back to the bartender. “I was surprised your dad came with my mom.”
“His perception of the world is a bit odd so he probably sees all of this differently. I think he's joined up with her to find out who's out to hurt his kids.”
“That makes sense. Oh, here comes your brother.” Snowdrop nodded toward the hotel.
Al turned to see Winry and Edward, half lost in their coats, heading their way. “Hey, brother. We were just going back in.”
“We were coming to see where you went. It's cold out here, Al.” Ed searched his face, then glanced at Snow.
“Thanks for the news bulletin, Ed.” Al rolled his eyes. “There are things for the guests to do out here. Why don't you take Winry through the ice sculptures before you start whining about how cold you are?”
“Won't take long since I had to wear dress shoes instead of boots,” Ed grumbled.
“Try heels and stockings, Edward.” Winry nudged him. “Is everything all right, Al?”
“Yeah, we were just going back to the dance,” he replied, hoping Snowdrop would start walking.
“You sure?” Ed persisted.
“I'm pretty sure I know my own mind, brother,” Al replied as the sky rumbled. They all looked up. “What was that?”
Lightning forked across the sky and snow began to fall.
“Damn, thunder snow? Really? Just what we need. You probably should head home, Al,” Ed said.
Al nodded. “We should be okay inside.”
“I have a hotel room already. The madam didn't want any of us traveling in the snow,” Snowdrop said, heading back toward the hotel.
“I got one for me and Winry,” Ed said.
“Great, then maybe I should go or see if there are any rooms left or at least check on what Dad’s doing,” Al paused.
“He better not be staying with the madam, no offense,” Ed called after Snow. “It's him that's not allowed to ever have sex again.”
“Such class, Ed.” Al sighed.
A tingling sensation swept over Al and for a moment it felt like he was blind, his heart skipping a few beats. Weaving on his feet, Al realized the lightning had hit very close to them.
“Al, you okay?” Ed asked or what it Winry. Al couldn’t tell. His ears were ringing too much. A tingling sensation swept over Al and, for a moment, it felt like he was blind, his heart skipping a few beats. Weaving on his feet, Al realized the lightning had hit very close to them.
“Al, you okay?” Ed asked or was it Winry? Al couldn’t tell. His ears were ringing too much.
Al shook his head, trying to clear it before realizing that sent the wrong message. “I’m okay. Snow, are you…” the words dried up when he saw the black of her dress spread across the white snow. She looked like a plucked and dropped flower. “Snowdrop!”
Scrambling over to her, Al dropped to his knees in the snow. She didn’t move when he lifted her. He didn’t see any scorch marks but she was out cold.
“Al, is she breathing?” Winry asked.
“Yes,” Al said, smoothing Snow’s hair back. “Snow, sweetie, wake up. Please wake up,” he said as another bolt of lightning hit the hotel. Fire erupted on the roof.
“Damn it.” Ed raised his hands to clap but someone stepped out from the hedges.
“That’s the thing about lightning, it’s hard to direct. Oh well, I lucked out and you’re both out here. This time I will hit you,” the pale-haired man said, smirking at Ed.
“Let me guess, you’re the alchemist,” Ed said, stepping in front of Winry before nodding to her to get her to run. He flashed a feral grin at the other man. “Storm alchemy? Not bad. We’re better.”
“A little kid like you? You’re not much of a match for a State Alchemist.” The man waved Ed off.
Former State Alchemist if our sources are right,” Ed replied and Al wondered why his brother was waiting then it sunk in. He was giving Al time to make the man hurt the way he hurt Snowdrop.
Al clapped and the ground erupted, jerking the alchemist high into the air. Ed helped him enclose the man’s arms separately, figuring it was the easiest way to keep him from completing whatever circle he needed. Al wanted to crush him completely, started tightening the transmuted earth until Ed put a hand on his arm.
“What the hell? How are you doing that?” the man bellowed, struggling against his earthen bonds.
“The Elrics have talent. You were always more show-off than anything else, Storm.”
Al whipped around, hearing Roy’s voice. The older alchemist snapped his fingers at the roof and the flames died away under his control. “Roy, he hurt your sister!” he shouted.
Al watched a transformation take place, understood yet feared it. Suddenly standing across from him on the hotel grounds was the Flame Alchemist, the one who could so cruelly lay waste to whole towns.
“Tend to your sister, we'll deal with him.” Al hadn't seen Riza come out of the hotel but her words transmuted Roy back into someone human. He ran over to Al and Snowdrop while both Armstrongs and Roy’s men came outside.
“The former Storm Alchemist, we've been looking for you for some time,” Alex Louis boomed.
Al heard their attacker make a whimpering sound then the man blurted out, “She's here, the one who hired me. She's inside. If I’m going to prison, I’m not going alone.”
“Tell us what she looks like now,” Roy said, trying to pick his sister up. “Breda, Falman you make sure she doesn't get away. Ed, squeeze him if he doesn't comply.” He managed to get Snowdrop up and Al helped steady her.
“She's still breathing, sir,” Al said, following Roy's slow path back.
Breda and Falman ran past them, presumably armed with a description. Al jogged ahead to make sure the door was open so Roy could carry Snow inside. Surprisingly, Hohenheim met them with the Madam, just inside.
“Bring her over here, Roy. The outdoor bartender ran in and called for an ambulance,” Christmas said, sweeping her arm toward a table that had been cleared off.
Roy set Snowdrop's unconscious form down on it and Hohenheim put his hands on her shoulders, his gold eyes intent. Sometimes it was easy for Al to forget just what his father was, how much power he had. The knots in the man’s brow smoothed and Al caught the telltale signs of a transmutation.
“She should be just fine. The worst damage was perforated eardrums. That's common with lightning strikes,” Hohenheim said. “I fixed the ear drums, but she probably won't be feeling well for a few days.”
“Thank you,” Roy clapped a hand against Hohenheim's shoulder. “Alphonse, sit.”
Al dropped into a chair gratefully. His legs felt weak. He thought he'd been hiding that well. He took Snowdrop's cold hand in his. He heard a commotion but at this point, unless the ceiling was falling, Al wasn't sure he cared. A hand grazed his shoulder and Al jumped.
“Sorry,” Winry said, worried. “How is she?”
Al looked back at her and his brother. “Dad said she'll be okay in a few days. I just wish the ambulance would hurry up and get here.”
“Armstrong will take care of the guy who did this. He wouldn't shut up, about any of it,” Ed said as Riza came in, whispering a concerned question to her lover. “He should bottle his arrogance and sell it to people with no self-confidence.”
“Storm always was a syphilitic dick,” Roy muttered, glancing over in the direction of the commotion. “Surely I don't have to help them with this.”
Al saw Breda and Falman strong-arming a woman toward the door. It was like holding onto a whirlwind. She kept shrieking, tossing her weight backwards in an attempt to break free and trying to impale their feet with her high heels. The two soldiers had to be quick.
“Get your filthy hands off of me. Don't you know who I am?”
Al suddenly realized exactly who she was. He flung himself out of the chair, it nearly hitting Winry with it. Stomping over to the fighting woman, Al barely repressed the desire to throttle her. “You! You nearly killed me, my brother and our friends twice. What the hell is your problem? What did we ever do to you?”
He wanted to shake the answer out of her, but she composed herself, giving her now-tousled hair a regal fling back over her shoulders. She was going to take her moment in the spotlight. “You and your nasty little brother murdered my father!”
“We didn't,” Al protested. “We barely knew who he was.”
“We only saw him once or twice in Briggs,” Ed added, over Al’s shoulder. He stopped next to him, shrugging. “We left soon afterwards. We have no idea what happened to your father.”
“Liar. He was a great soldier and it would have taken an alchemist like you to destroy him,” Evelyn snarled.
Mocking laughter made Al turn back toward the door. Fuhrer Armstrong stood there, a cool curl on her mouth. “Your precious father wandered off into a blizzard after a Drachman spy. He was warned not to, but he was the ranking officer. We couldn't make him stay. The elements got him.” Armstrong grinned. “Or a bear. Investigations will be here momentarily to take her away. Why don't you get her outside before she makes the air in here even fouler?”
“You hateful bitch,” Evelyn Raven shrilled as Mustang’s men hauled her out.
Armstrong turned to Mustang. “You throw one hell of a party, Mustang. Can't wait to see what the wedding's like.”
Roy snorted. “I think I’ll be eloping in Xing.”
“Just don't maim the emperor in the process,” she said, turning on her heel to go outside and supervise.
Mustang turned to Al. “And I thought Edward was the volatile Elric.”
“Al has his moments.” Ed rolled his eyes and Al thumped his brother's back.
“She pissed me off,” Al said just as the paramedics arrived. He watched as they swiftly bustled Snowdrop away.
Riza put her arm on Al's shoulder. “Come on, let's all go to the hospital to make sure she's all right.”
Al nodded. This was going to be a long, horrible night.
onto chapter thirteen
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no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 05:13 am (UTC)Needs an open quote.
He flung himself out of the chair, it nearly hitting Winry with it.
Take out that first "it"
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Date: 2012-01-12 05:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 05:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 09:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-12 10:50 pm (UTC)