Fic - Strands of Nightmare update
May. 27th, 2007 04:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessStrands of Nightmares
author-![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cornerofmadness
Disclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition. I don’t make a profit
Rating – PG-13
Pairing – Ed/Winry, Roy/Riza, Al/various
Time Line – manga based, future fic, based heavily on the dark future Riza predicted should Roy attain his goals. Spoilers for manga beyond #38.
Summary – It should have been a time of great happiness but fate is rarely kind
Warning – apparent character death
Author’s Note – Thanks toevil_little_dog for the beta.
You can find previous chapters here
Chapter Four
Winry curled up under the quilt, feeling so exhausted and yet happier than she had been in a long time. It felt like they were finally healing and moving forward after so many years. Joy at seeing Riza and Roy again was only part of it. The brothers seemed happier. Al was definitely beginning to branch out and live. Now she needed to get Ed to do the same.
It would have to be her move next. Waiting for Ed to realize what her feelings for him were – and his own for her if she wasn’t mistaken – was getting her nowhere. Maybe if she explained how she felt, Ed would do something, anything. Even if she knew he wasn’t interested then she could move on with her life.
Stretching, Winry felt a little guilty about sneaking a nap. It wasn’t very sociable of her. Before she could roll out of bed, someone knocked on the door. “Who’s there?”
“Ed and Al. Can we come in?” Ed peeked inside. “You forgot to lock the door.”
“Come in.” Winry brushed at her hair with her fingers, finding snarls then wondered why she bothered. This was Ed and he’d never notice anyhow. Maybe if her hair was on fire…no, probably still not. “I’m hungry, I guess we’re eating dinner here at the hotel, right?”
“Um, Winry, it’s time for breakfast,” Ed said sheepishly.
Her hands dropped to the mattress with a thud. “What?”
“You slept straight through ‘til morning,” Al said, sitting on the chest at the foot of the bed.
Winry glanced outside, realizing the sunset she thought she had been seeing was sunrise. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be. You obviously needed a good rest,” Al said, patting her foot.
“Still.” Winry stretched again, her blue nightie pulling but she missed the way the boys followed that. “Give me a few minutes to freshen up and change. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Sure,” Ed said and the brothers left.
Stunned, Winry raced through a shower and redressed. It had been a long time since she had been that exhausted. Emotions had everything to do with it, she had no doubts. Her belly growling, Winry headed downstairs. Patrons sat in the dining room; none of them the Elric brothers, however, so she peeked into the kitchen. In a private nook, she saw the boys sitting at a table with Qiang and an old Xing woman in a beautiful lilac silk high-collared jacket with delicate cherry blossoms on it. Gracia, Xue-Li and Eira were busy putting food on plates.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sleep so long. I’m a bad guest. Can I help?” Winry asked.
“Nonsense and please, just have a seat, Winry. You’re a guest,” Gracia said, coming over to the table to put out cinnamon rolls. “Sleep as long as you need. You’re on vacation. Al, you look beat, too.”
“That’s because Ed was yelling at me all night for something I didn’t do!” Al glared at his brother. Ed refused to look repentant.
“Oh? What?” Gracia seemed surprised to see the boy angry.
“He keeps telling everyone I’m sleeping with two women.” Al jabbed a finger at Qiang. “And I’m not!”
“Qiang!” Gracia scolded but he looked as unrepentant as Ed.
“I’m not one of those women, am I?” Xue-Li roared, dropping her spatula. Repentance didn’t sneak onto Qiang’s face but nervousness did. He eyed his sister warily.
“Yes,” Al snapped, switching his glare from Ed to Qiang.
“You die, brother!” Xue-Li stalked across the room.
Winry watched, bemused, as the old woman got up and pulled a bamboo and silk fan from her silky jacket pocket. She quickly beat Qiang around the shoulders with it. Xue-Li wrapped his braid around her fist and yanked back. Squalling, Qiang tried to push his sister off, while protecting his head from the old woman.
“Stop fighting back while I’m killing you!” Xue-Li yanked harder and Qiang grunted at her.
Al leaned over the table and grabbed Qiang’s wrists, pinning them to the wood top as the older man struggled against him. “How’s that, Xue-Li, Ying-Hua?”
“Much better,” the old woman said and slapped Qiang on the head with short, little strikes.
“Alphonse if you let her kill my husband, I’ll make you help raise the baby,” Eira said.
Al made an ‘eeping’ sound and let Qiang’s wrists go and the man, having been pulling hard against being restrained, toppled right out of the chair.
Xue-Li put a silk-slippered foot on Qiang’s head. “I’d crush you but I’m afraid of your wife.”
Eira came over and looked down at her husband. “You just keep causing problems, love.”
“It’s my forte.” Qiang slowly picked himself up off the floor. There wasn’t the slightest hint of chagrin in his tone as he dusted off his silks.
Ed caught Winry looking at the older woman who sat back down with grace and decorum. “Winry, this is Qiang’s mother, Ying-Hua Lui, my new favorite person.” Ed beamed brightly, ignoring Qiang’s snort.
“Only because she tells you all the funny stuff from his childhood,” Al put in, rolling his eyes.
“You’re a good boy, Edward.” Ying-Hua patted Ed’s metal hand with her delicate one. “You remind me of my boy at that age.”
“I no longer like you.” Ed glared and Ying-Hua hit him with the bamboo fan.
Qiang chuckled. “Not being related to her won’t save you, Edward.”
Ignoring Ed’s rude gesture, Winry held out a hand to Ying-Hua. “I’m very pleased to meet you, ma’am. I’m Winry Rockbell.”
Ying-Hua bowed to her. “Edward and Alphonse have spoken highly of you. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Sadly, they kept everything hidden from me. I’m still reeling.” Winry sighed as Gracia slid pancakes in front of her.
“Syrup will make you better.” Ying-Hua grinned, pushing the bottle to Winry, who smiled back.
“Hmm, I never imagined you with family, sir,” Winry said to Qiang. “Not that I spent a whole lot of time thinking on it, I suppose. Still, I would have expected Ed to have used all the slurs available to him, including ones about your mother.”
Ed shrugged. “I just assumed he was created out of the ether by a deranged alchemist.”
Qiang curled his lip at the boy. “No one knew I had family, Winry. That was by design. When I saw how things were going in Ishbal, I realized that one day the alchemists might be called to answer for the slaughter. I think even then I might have realized that something was drastically wrong with the upper echelons of the military.”
“When he came back from the desert, my brother visited us,” Xue-Li said, her face extremely sober. “By then Father was dead.”
“When he moved to Amestris, my father had changed our name from Tang to Mustang to make it sound more Amestrian,” Qiang said. “But I thought that Tang was still too close if I needed to disappear. So I suggested Mother and Xue-Li pretend to move back to Xing.”
“Instead we came here and took my maiden name. Jian would have understood the name change and would have done anything to protect his only son,” Ying-Hua said, sipping tea from a delicate blue cup.
“And for that, we’re grateful,” Ed said and surprised eyes turned to him. “That he’s an only son,” he clarified with a shrug that said ‘his meaning should have been obvious.’
“Yes, apparently your mother saw your imperfection and tried for a better replacement immediately,” Roy shot back and Al pinched the bridge of his nose.
Winry sighed. “Mrs. Lui, are you sure that you’re not somehow related to the Elrics?”
The old woman looked at the brothers and laughed. “They’re far too pale but I think my son and your Edward share spirit.”
“Don’t say that, Mother.” Qiang slumped at the table. Xue-Li slapped him in the head. He glared up at her. “What was that for?”
She swatted him again. “For making Al out to be a womanizer, you brat.”
“I’m beginning to rethink being home with family is a good idea.” Qiang pouted, rubbing his head.
“Too late now,” Xue-Li said then turned to Winry. “So, Winry, what would you like to do today? I have some time if you’d like a guide around town. I think I can take a few minutes away from debauching poor Al.” She glared at her brother again.
“Yes, but would Al want you to?” Winry grinned.
Al slumped at the table. “Winry!”
“I was planning to show Winry the town,” Ed said, sounding more possessive than he probably realized. He turned wicked eyes on his brother. “Al could help if he ever decides to stop sleeping around.”
Al kicked him, making sure to hit the flesh ankle. Ed yelped. “Eira, are you sure you can’t raise that baby alone because I’m considering a murderous spree starting with your husband?”
“I can’t say as I blame you but I won’t be alone.” Eira smiled at him. “You’ll be helping me.”
Al shuddered. “Still, that might be the lesser of two evils.”
“Speaking of kids, where’s Elicia?” Winry asked brightly.
“Still asleep. So’s Havoc,” Gracia said.
“I only wish that were true,” Havoc said, stumbling into the room on his crutches. His hair stuck out at odd angles. In contract, Elicia looked composed in pinks and purples. “She decided we had to get up.”
“Winry!” Elicia cried, overriding anything her mother might have to say. She bounced over and nearly bumped the table aside, trying to toss herself into Winry’s lap.
Winry pushed her chair back so she could gather the child up. Elicia’s arms snaked around Winry’s neck and the mechanic hugged her tight. “It’s so good to see you,” Winry said, kissing Elicia’s check. “Look at how big you’re getting!”
“She really is.” Gracia patted her daughter’s head.
“I hear someone’s having a birthday soon,” Winry said, as Elicia sat back.
“Gonna be five!” Elicia said proudly, holding up five fingers.
“Wow, you’re practically a lady.” Winry grinned and Elicia giggled.
She looked up at her mother. “Can I go with Winry today?”
Gracia shook her head. “Sorry, sweetie, Winry’s busy today but if she doesn’t mind, you can go with her tomorrow.”
“I’d love to spend tomorrow with you, Elicia,” Winry said, hugging the girl.
“Good, because tomorrow we have to meet with the Xing traders,” Ed said then looked sourly at his brother. “Right, Al?”
Al sighed. “You aren’t going to start again, are you, Ed? I will punch you, I swear.”
“I’m being serious,” Ed said. “You told me you wanted to talk to Ran Fan.”
Looking mollified, Al nodded. “Yes, I did. But I’ll worry about that later. I want to help show Winry around town.”
“Sounds like fun,” she said before the brothers could start fighting. She was determined to have a nice day even if she had to beat up an Elric to do it.
X X X
“So, tell me the truth, you enjoy it when Edward comes to visit.” Eira tugged Qiang’s braid as he leaned on a counter in his shop, a scale, herbs and containers ringed around him.
He snorted. “He’s fun.”
“To torment and poor Alphonse.” The pregnant woman eyed her husband sourly. “If you don’t watch it, he and Edward will join forces with your sister.”
Qiang weighed out a fine dried powder and put it into a little medicine pot mechanically as he restocked his fever medicine shelf. “You mean they haven’t already?”
“Not as badly as they could and, if that happens, I’ll not save you,” she informed him loftily.
He cocked an eyebrow up at her. “Really? You always do.”
“From real dangers.” She put her arms around him, kissing his crown. “From danger you find for yourself, you’re on your own, Alchemist.” Eira wagged her head. “Father always warned me against getting involved with your kind. He said you could make me crazy. How right he was. You, Edward, Alphonse, you’re all equally bad.”
Qiang turned in her arms, surprise in his onyx eyes. “Even Al?”
“Oh, I’m sure he can be. He might not be of your and Ed’s caliber yet but how long can he resist your influence?” She tapped his nose.
“Not long if he plans on dating two women at once. Boy, that takes me back.” Qiang smirked.
“Will you stop?” She yanked his braid again. “And just when did you ever date two women at once?”
“Oh, the things from my Academy days that you know nothing about.” He laughed. “Maes and I could be so much trouble.”
“I have no doubt of that.” Her laugh mirrored his then Eira noticed her lover had quieted. She looked at him, seeing melancholy radiating from his eyes then he turned in her arms, not looking at her. “It’s okay, Roy,” she whispered his true name so softly he barely heard it. Eria rested against his back. “I know you miss him, love.”
“So much,” he whispered, grinding the tattooed skin of his hands against his eyes. “I know I could have lost so much more, that I’m very lucky to only have lost Maes but…” His throat convulsed.
“He was your best friend. You’re allowed to miss him.” Eira kissed Qiang’s neck as she pressed against his back.
“I can feel the baby kicking me in the kidneys,” he said, trying to change the subject.
She pressed against him more tightly. “Why should I suffer alone?”
He turned in her arms, resting a hand on her belly. “Maes would have been so thrilled with this turn of events.”
“He would have been positively silly about it.” Eira massaged Qiang’s scalp and he leaned into her touch.
He snorted. “I would have had to smoke him a time or two just to settle him down.”
“I could have sobered Maes up more easily. All I would have had to have done was point out you’re teaching his precious little girl alchemy.” Eria grinned, letting him go. She went and lit fresh incense sticks, planting them in a decorative dish filled with sand.
He wrinkled his nose at her. “Not my fault. Gracia saw Elicia sketching chalk arrays on the sidewalks. The girl’s a prodigy and you’ve seen how well that turns out if left unsupervised, like the Elrics.”
“I saw long before that. You weren’t my father’s only student.” Eira put her hand over his tattooed one. “Promise me something.”
“I’ll be good to Elicia. I was even thinking of sending her to see Alphonse once she was old enough to be a full time student. He’d be an excellent teacher,” Qiang replied, obviously having put some thought into it.
“I agree but I wasn’t going to ask about her. I was going to ask that you not get as overbearing as Maes once the baby’s born.” She smiled at him.
Qiang scowled. “I promise that if I do, you can feel free to shoot me as many times as necessary.”
“I will.” She sat on his lap, kissing him hard.
Qiang’s arms encircled her waist as he deepened the kiss.
“Ewww, are you trying to scare off customers?” Ed asked over the jingle of the door’s bells.
“Just demonstrating the efficacy of my aphrodisiacs.” Qiang pointed to the display of herbs. “As if we need them with all those pregnancy hormones doing the job naturally.” Eria popped him on the head and slid off his lap.
“Too much information. I might accidentally picture that. Argh, too late.” Ed clamped his hands over his eyes melodramatically. “Got an herb to help flush my brain?”
“Yes, go to the hotel and tell Havoc to give you whiskey until you don’t see the images any more,” Qiang replied, grinning wickedly.
“You’ll be holding his hair back if he pukes, sir,” Winry informed him.
“I believe you mean that.” Qiang smirked. “How is your tour going, Winry?”
“I like it here,” Winry said decisively, going over to look at the fish tank Qiang had in the corner. Bright gold fish swam lazily like sunbeams in summer. “It’s so pretty.”
“And doesn’t smell like sheep,” Ed added. “A plus.”
“I did note the wooly scent Resembool had,” Qiang replied, going back to his measuring out fever powder.
“Winry wanted to drop by and see when would be a good time to talk to you about herbs for her patients,” Al said, eyeing the aisle of prophylactics and aphrodisiacs as if he wanted to browse but was too embarrassed.
“Oh, any time. Whenever the boys are ready to let you go. If it’s busy in here, usually my student handles things well,” Qiang replied. “It’s usually quiet in the afternoon.”
“Oh good, I think we’re getting near to being done since I wanted to go shopping and they have looks of fear at the idea,” Winry said, eyeing the brothers sourly.
“Clothes shopping! That’s even worse than shopping for automail parts,” Ed moaned.
“Oh the horrors,” Qiang laughed. “Just imagine them slipping into and out of whatever they’re trying on, Edward. It’s a great way to pass the time while you’re waiting…and holding their purse like a fool.”
Eria slapped him on the back of the head. “I could go with you, Winry. I could use some new clothes. Everything is too tight,” she said ruefully.
“It’s a good thing, love,” Qiang assured her, rubbing his abused head.
“Let’s see if you say that when I’m so big, there’s no room for you in the bed,” Eira replied and he pouted.
“Will you be okay to do all that walking?” Winry fretted, eyeing Eira’s belly.
“It’s not that far and the exercise will do me good,” Eria assured her. She turned to the men. “Try not to destroy the store while we’re gone. Alphonse, you’re in charge.”
“It’s my store!” Qiang shot her a grumpy look.
“Alphonse?” Eria eyed the boy.
“Yes, ma’am, give me all the hard jobs.” He grinned brightly.
“Because I have faith in you,” Eira assured him and he laughed.
“We’ll see you later.” Winry waved to them.
Al looked at the two other alchemists. “You will behave, right?”
“Bite me,” Qiang replied freely, reminding Al of Hughes’ comment about rude bastards living forever and Ed and Roy’s chances at immortality.
“Exactly,” Ed added.
“I think I liked it better when you were overly protective of me, Brother.” Al sighed. “Fine. I’ll just tell Winry and Eira you were bad and let them handle it.”
“That’s dirty,” Ed growled, his gold eyes gleaming dangerously.
“I think it like it. So, Edward.” Qiang smirked. “Need any condoms yet or more aphrodisiacs?”
Al simply abandoned them.
X X X
“It almost feels like a family reunion,” Havoc said, mopping up the bar’s dark wood after the lunch rush.
“I know,” Gracia said, straightening up all the table settings. “Elicia’s making friends and it’s good to see Winry again. Elicia just loves her.”
Havoc hobbled out from behind the bar and put his hands around her. “I know. Too bad the Elrics won’t stay here. It’d be nice to have them around.”
“Show some pity for Winry and Eria.” Gracia laughed. “Qiang and Ed together are always volatile.”
“Fun stuff, if you’re just watching,” Havoc countered, a devilish look in his eyes.
Gracia shot him a look. “You’re bad, Jean.” She sat on a bar stool. “But maybe Alphonse will stay.”
“If he does like Xue-Li, he might.” Havoc fished his cigarettes out but a look from Gracia froze him. “Aww, come on. Can’t I have just one? Elicia’s not around.”
“You’re supposed to be quitting but all right,” she conceded. “I think Al getting out from under Ed’s shadow will be good for him. It would probably let both brothers grow a little.”
“Or result in a funeral when Ed really realizes what Al dating Xue-Li means.” Havoc lit up, looking as if he’d discovered heaven.
Gracia shook her head. “And Qiang will be sure to torment Edward with the ramifications.”
“It is catnip to him.”
She laughed. “I know. Of course if Ed realizes that Al will be up to something out of his sight, he might just die. Edward needs to be in control.”
“He needs to learn a little about the art of wooing,” Havoc decided. “That would take his mind off his brother.”
“Why do I have this horrible image of you and Qiang trying to tutor Edward?” Gracia shuddered.
“It’ll be a challenge,” Havoc said with a laugh.
“I’m frightened.” Gracia kissed his cheek since his lips were busy with the cigarette. “I think I’ll take some wild flowers up to Winry’s room. Maybe it’ll give the boy some ideas.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Havoc said, watching her head out into the garden. He smiled happily. He might be miles from where he grew up but this felt like home.
on to chapter five
author-
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition. I don’t make a profit
Rating – PG-13
Pairing – Ed/Winry, Roy/Riza, Al/various
Time Line – manga based, future fic, based heavily on the dark future Riza predicted should Roy attain his goals. Spoilers for manga beyond #38.
Summary – It should have been a time of great happiness but fate is rarely kind
Warning – apparent character death
Author’s Note – Thanks to
evil_little_dog for the beta. You can find previous chapters here
Chapter Four
Winry curled up under the quilt, feeling so exhausted and yet happier than she had been in a long time. It felt like they were finally healing and moving forward after so many years. Joy at seeing Riza and Roy again was only part of it. The brothers seemed happier. Al was definitely beginning to branch out and live. Now she needed to get Ed to do the same.
It would have to be her move next. Waiting for Ed to realize what her feelings for him were – and his own for her if she wasn’t mistaken – was getting her nowhere. Maybe if she explained how she felt, Ed would do something, anything. Even if she knew he wasn’t interested then she could move on with her life.
Stretching, Winry felt a little guilty about sneaking a nap. It wasn’t very sociable of her. Before she could roll out of bed, someone knocked on the door. “Who’s there?”
“Ed and Al. Can we come in?” Ed peeked inside. “You forgot to lock the door.”
“Come in.” Winry brushed at her hair with her fingers, finding snarls then wondered why she bothered. This was Ed and he’d never notice anyhow. Maybe if her hair was on fire…no, probably still not. “I’m hungry, I guess we’re eating dinner here at the hotel, right?”
“Um, Winry, it’s time for breakfast,” Ed said sheepishly.
Her hands dropped to the mattress with a thud. “What?”
“You slept straight through ‘til morning,” Al said, sitting on the chest at the foot of the bed.
Winry glanced outside, realizing the sunset she thought she had been seeing was sunrise. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be. You obviously needed a good rest,” Al said, patting her foot.
“Still.” Winry stretched again, her blue nightie pulling but she missed the way the boys followed that. “Give me a few minutes to freshen up and change. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Sure,” Ed said and the brothers left.
Stunned, Winry raced through a shower and redressed. It had been a long time since she had been that exhausted. Emotions had everything to do with it, she had no doubts. Her belly growling, Winry headed downstairs. Patrons sat in the dining room; none of them the Elric brothers, however, so she peeked into the kitchen. In a private nook, she saw the boys sitting at a table with Qiang and an old Xing woman in a beautiful lilac silk high-collared jacket with delicate cherry blossoms on it. Gracia, Xue-Li and Eira were busy putting food on plates.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sleep so long. I’m a bad guest. Can I help?” Winry asked.
“Nonsense and please, just have a seat, Winry. You’re a guest,” Gracia said, coming over to the table to put out cinnamon rolls. “Sleep as long as you need. You’re on vacation. Al, you look beat, too.”
“That’s because Ed was yelling at me all night for something I didn’t do!” Al glared at his brother. Ed refused to look repentant.
“Oh? What?” Gracia seemed surprised to see the boy angry.
“He keeps telling everyone I’m sleeping with two women.” Al jabbed a finger at Qiang. “And I’m not!”
“Qiang!” Gracia scolded but he looked as unrepentant as Ed.
“I’m not one of those women, am I?” Xue-Li roared, dropping her spatula. Repentance didn’t sneak onto Qiang’s face but nervousness did. He eyed his sister warily.
“Yes,” Al snapped, switching his glare from Ed to Qiang.
“You die, brother!” Xue-Li stalked across the room.
Winry watched, bemused, as the old woman got up and pulled a bamboo and silk fan from her silky jacket pocket. She quickly beat Qiang around the shoulders with it. Xue-Li wrapped his braid around her fist and yanked back. Squalling, Qiang tried to push his sister off, while protecting his head from the old woman.
“Stop fighting back while I’m killing you!” Xue-Li yanked harder and Qiang grunted at her.
Al leaned over the table and grabbed Qiang’s wrists, pinning them to the wood top as the older man struggled against him. “How’s that, Xue-Li, Ying-Hua?”
“Much better,” the old woman said and slapped Qiang on the head with short, little strikes.
“Alphonse if you let her kill my husband, I’ll make you help raise the baby,” Eira said.
Al made an ‘eeping’ sound and let Qiang’s wrists go and the man, having been pulling hard against being restrained, toppled right out of the chair.
Xue-Li put a silk-slippered foot on Qiang’s head. “I’d crush you but I’m afraid of your wife.”
Eira came over and looked down at her husband. “You just keep causing problems, love.”
“It’s my forte.” Qiang slowly picked himself up off the floor. There wasn’t the slightest hint of chagrin in his tone as he dusted off his silks.
Ed caught Winry looking at the older woman who sat back down with grace and decorum. “Winry, this is Qiang’s mother, Ying-Hua Lui, my new favorite person.” Ed beamed brightly, ignoring Qiang’s snort.
“Only because she tells you all the funny stuff from his childhood,” Al put in, rolling his eyes.
“You’re a good boy, Edward.” Ying-Hua patted Ed’s metal hand with her delicate one. “You remind me of my boy at that age.”
“I no longer like you.” Ed glared and Ying-Hua hit him with the bamboo fan.
Qiang chuckled. “Not being related to her won’t save you, Edward.”
Ignoring Ed’s rude gesture, Winry held out a hand to Ying-Hua. “I’m very pleased to meet you, ma’am. I’m Winry Rockbell.”
Ying-Hua bowed to her. “Edward and Alphonse have spoken highly of you. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Sadly, they kept everything hidden from me. I’m still reeling.” Winry sighed as Gracia slid pancakes in front of her.
“Syrup will make you better.” Ying-Hua grinned, pushing the bottle to Winry, who smiled back.
“Hmm, I never imagined you with family, sir,” Winry said to Qiang. “Not that I spent a whole lot of time thinking on it, I suppose. Still, I would have expected Ed to have used all the slurs available to him, including ones about your mother.”
Ed shrugged. “I just assumed he was created out of the ether by a deranged alchemist.”
Qiang curled his lip at the boy. “No one knew I had family, Winry. That was by design. When I saw how things were going in Ishbal, I realized that one day the alchemists might be called to answer for the slaughter. I think even then I might have realized that something was drastically wrong with the upper echelons of the military.”
“When he came back from the desert, my brother visited us,” Xue-Li said, her face extremely sober. “By then Father was dead.”
“When he moved to Amestris, my father had changed our name from Tang to Mustang to make it sound more Amestrian,” Qiang said. “But I thought that Tang was still too close if I needed to disappear. So I suggested Mother and Xue-Li pretend to move back to Xing.”
“Instead we came here and took my maiden name. Jian would have understood the name change and would have done anything to protect his only son,” Ying-Hua said, sipping tea from a delicate blue cup.
“And for that, we’re grateful,” Ed said and surprised eyes turned to him. “That he’s an only son,” he clarified with a shrug that said ‘his meaning should have been obvious.’
“Yes, apparently your mother saw your imperfection and tried for a better replacement immediately,” Roy shot back and Al pinched the bridge of his nose.
Winry sighed. “Mrs. Lui, are you sure that you’re not somehow related to the Elrics?”
The old woman looked at the brothers and laughed. “They’re far too pale but I think my son and your Edward share spirit.”
“Don’t say that, Mother.” Qiang slumped at the table. Xue-Li slapped him in the head. He glared up at her. “What was that for?”
She swatted him again. “For making Al out to be a womanizer, you brat.”
“I’m beginning to rethink being home with family is a good idea.” Qiang pouted, rubbing his head.
“Too late now,” Xue-Li said then turned to Winry. “So, Winry, what would you like to do today? I have some time if you’d like a guide around town. I think I can take a few minutes away from debauching poor Al.” She glared at her brother again.
“Yes, but would Al want you to?” Winry grinned.
Al slumped at the table. “Winry!”
“I was planning to show Winry the town,” Ed said, sounding more possessive than he probably realized. He turned wicked eyes on his brother. “Al could help if he ever decides to stop sleeping around.”
Al kicked him, making sure to hit the flesh ankle. Ed yelped. “Eira, are you sure you can’t raise that baby alone because I’m considering a murderous spree starting with your husband?”
“I can’t say as I blame you but I won’t be alone.” Eira smiled at him. “You’ll be helping me.”
Al shuddered. “Still, that might be the lesser of two evils.”
“Speaking of kids, where’s Elicia?” Winry asked brightly.
“Still asleep. So’s Havoc,” Gracia said.
“I only wish that were true,” Havoc said, stumbling into the room on his crutches. His hair stuck out at odd angles. In contract, Elicia looked composed in pinks and purples. “She decided we had to get up.”
“Winry!” Elicia cried, overriding anything her mother might have to say. She bounced over and nearly bumped the table aside, trying to toss herself into Winry’s lap.
Winry pushed her chair back so she could gather the child up. Elicia’s arms snaked around Winry’s neck and the mechanic hugged her tight. “It’s so good to see you,” Winry said, kissing Elicia’s check. “Look at how big you’re getting!”
“She really is.” Gracia patted her daughter’s head.
“I hear someone’s having a birthday soon,” Winry said, as Elicia sat back.
“Gonna be five!” Elicia said proudly, holding up five fingers.
“Wow, you’re practically a lady.” Winry grinned and Elicia giggled.
She looked up at her mother. “Can I go with Winry today?”
Gracia shook her head. “Sorry, sweetie, Winry’s busy today but if she doesn’t mind, you can go with her tomorrow.”
“I’d love to spend tomorrow with you, Elicia,” Winry said, hugging the girl.
“Good, because tomorrow we have to meet with the Xing traders,” Ed said then looked sourly at his brother. “Right, Al?”
Al sighed. “You aren’t going to start again, are you, Ed? I will punch you, I swear.”
“I’m being serious,” Ed said. “You told me you wanted to talk to Ran Fan.”
Looking mollified, Al nodded. “Yes, I did. But I’ll worry about that later. I want to help show Winry around town.”
“Sounds like fun,” she said before the brothers could start fighting. She was determined to have a nice day even if she had to beat up an Elric to do it.
X X X
“So, tell me the truth, you enjoy it when Edward comes to visit.” Eira tugged Qiang’s braid as he leaned on a counter in his shop, a scale, herbs and containers ringed around him.
He snorted. “He’s fun.”
“To torment and poor Alphonse.” The pregnant woman eyed her husband sourly. “If you don’t watch it, he and Edward will join forces with your sister.”
Qiang weighed out a fine dried powder and put it into a little medicine pot mechanically as he restocked his fever medicine shelf. “You mean they haven’t already?”
“Not as badly as they could and, if that happens, I’ll not save you,” she informed him loftily.
He cocked an eyebrow up at her. “Really? You always do.”
“From real dangers.” She put her arms around him, kissing his crown. “From danger you find for yourself, you’re on your own, Alchemist.” Eira wagged her head. “Father always warned me against getting involved with your kind. He said you could make me crazy. How right he was. You, Edward, Alphonse, you’re all equally bad.”
Qiang turned in her arms, surprise in his onyx eyes. “Even Al?”
“Oh, I’m sure he can be. He might not be of your and Ed’s caliber yet but how long can he resist your influence?” She tapped his nose.
“Not long if he plans on dating two women at once. Boy, that takes me back.” Qiang smirked.
“Will you stop?” She yanked his braid again. “And just when did you ever date two women at once?”
“Oh, the things from my Academy days that you know nothing about.” He laughed. “Maes and I could be so much trouble.”
“I have no doubt of that.” Her laugh mirrored his then Eira noticed her lover had quieted. She looked at him, seeing melancholy radiating from his eyes then he turned in her arms, not looking at her. “It’s okay, Roy,” she whispered his true name so softly he barely heard it. Eria rested against his back. “I know you miss him, love.”
“So much,” he whispered, grinding the tattooed skin of his hands against his eyes. “I know I could have lost so much more, that I’m very lucky to only have lost Maes but…” His throat convulsed.
“He was your best friend. You’re allowed to miss him.” Eira kissed Qiang’s neck as she pressed against his back.
“I can feel the baby kicking me in the kidneys,” he said, trying to change the subject.
She pressed against him more tightly. “Why should I suffer alone?”
He turned in her arms, resting a hand on her belly. “Maes would have been so thrilled with this turn of events.”
“He would have been positively silly about it.” Eira massaged Qiang’s scalp and he leaned into her touch.
He snorted. “I would have had to smoke him a time or two just to settle him down.”
“I could have sobered Maes up more easily. All I would have had to have done was point out you’re teaching his precious little girl alchemy.” Eria grinned, letting him go. She went and lit fresh incense sticks, planting them in a decorative dish filled with sand.
He wrinkled his nose at her. “Not my fault. Gracia saw Elicia sketching chalk arrays on the sidewalks. The girl’s a prodigy and you’ve seen how well that turns out if left unsupervised, like the Elrics.”
“I saw long before that. You weren’t my father’s only student.” Eira put her hand over his tattooed one. “Promise me something.”
“I’ll be good to Elicia. I was even thinking of sending her to see Alphonse once she was old enough to be a full time student. He’d be an excellent teacher,” Qiang replied, obviously having put some thought into it.
“I agree but I wasn’t going to ask about her. I was going to ask that you not get as overbearing as Maes once the baby’s born.” She smiled at him.
Qiang scowled. “I promise that if I do, you can feel free to shoot me as many times as necessary.”
“I will.” She sat on his lap, kissing him hard.
Qiang’s arms encircled her waist as he deepened the kiss.
“Ewww, are you trying to scare off customers?” Ed asked over the jingle of the door’s bells.
“Just demonstrating the efficacy of my aphrodisiacs.” Qiang pointed to the display of herbs. “As if we need them with all those pregnancy hormones doing the job naturally.” Eria popped him on the head and slid off his lap.
“Too much information. I might accidentally picture that. Argh, too late.” Ed clamped his hands over his eyes melodramatically. “Got an herb to help flush my brain?”
“Yes, go to the hotel and tell Havoc to give you whiskey until you don’t see the images any more,” Qiang replied, grinning wickedly.
“You’ll be holding his hair back if he pukes, sir,” Winry informed him.
“I believe you mean that.” Qiang smirked. “How is your tour going, Winry?”
“I like it here,” Winry said decisively, going over to look at the fish tank Qiang had in the corner. Bright gold fish swam lazily like sunbeams in summer. “It’s so pretty.”
“And doesn’t smell like sheep,” Ed added. “A plus.”
“I did note the wooly scent Resembool had,” Qiang replied, going back to his measuring out fever powder.
“Winry wanted to drop by and see when would be a good time to talk to you about herbs for her patients,” Al said, eyeing the aisle of prophylactics and aphrodisiacs as if he wanted to browse but was too embarrassed.
“Oh, any time. Whenever the boys are ready to let you go. If it’s busy in here, usually my student handles things well,” Qiang replied. “It’s usually quiet in the afternoon.”
“Oh good, I think we’re getting near to being done since I wanted to go shopping and they have looks of fear at the idea,” Winry said, eyeing the brothers sourly.
“Clothes shopping! That’s even worse than shopping for automail parts,” Ed moaned.
“Oh the horrors,” Qiang laughed. “Just imagine them slipping into and out of whatever they’re trying on, Edward. It’s a great way to pass the time while you’re waiting…and holding their purse like a fool.”
Eria slapped him on the back of the head. “I could go with you, Winry. I could use some new clothes. Everything is too tight,” she said ruefully.
“It’s a good thing, love,” Qiang assured her, rubbing his abused head.
“Let’s see if you say that when I’m so big, there’s no room for you in the bed,” Eira replied and he pouted.
“Will you be okay to do all that walking?” Winry fretted, eyeing Eira’s belly.
“It’s not that far and the exercise will do me good,” Eria assured her. She turned to the men. “Try not to destroy the store while we’re gone. Alphonse, you’re in charge.”
“It’s my store!” Qiang shot her a grumpy look.
“Alphonse?” Eria eyed the boy.
“Yes, ma’am, give me all the hard jobs.” He grinned brightly.
“Because I have faith in you,” Eira assured him and he laughed.
“We’ll see you later.” Winry waved to them.
Al looked at the two other alchemists. “You will behave, right?”
“Bite me,” Qiang replied freely, reminding Al of Hughes’ comment about rude bastards living forever and Ed and Roy’s chances at immortality.
“Exactly,” Ed added.
“I think I liked it better when you were overly protective of me, Brother.” Al sighed. “Fine. I’ll just tell Winry and Eira you were bad and let them handle it.”
“That’s dirty,” Ed growled, his gold eyes gleaming dangerously.
“I think it like it. So, Edward.” Qiang smirked. “Need any condoms yet or more aphrodisiacs?”
Al simply abandoned them.
X X X
“It almost feels like a family reunion,” Havoc said, mopping up the bar’s dark wood after the lunch rush.
“I know,” Gracia said, straightening up all the table settings. “Elicia’s making friends and it’s good to see Winry again. Elicia just loves her.”
Havoc hobbled out from behind the bar and put his hands around her. “I know. Too bad the Elrics won’t stay here. It’d be nice to have them around.”
“Show some pity for Winry and Eria.” Gracia laughed. “Qiang and Ed together are always volatile.”
“Fun stuff, if you’re just watching,” Havoc countered, a devilish look in his eyes.
Gracia shot him a look. “You’re bad, Jean.” She sat on a bar stool. “But maybe Alphonse will stay.”
“If he does like Xue-Li, he might.” Havoc fished his cigarettes out but a look from Gracia froze him. “Aww, come on. Can’t I have just one? Elicia’s not around.”
“You’re supposed to be quitting but all right,” she conceded. “I think Al getting out from under Ed’s shadow will be good for him. It would probably let both brothers grow a little.”
“Or result in a funeral when Ed really realizes what Al dating Xue-Li means.” Havoc lit up, looking as if he’d discovered heaven.
Gracia shook her head. “And Qiang will be sure to torment Edward with the ramifications.”
“It is catnip to him.”
She laughed. “I know. Of course if Ed realizes that Al will be up to something out of his sight, he might just die. Edward needs to be in control.”
“He needs to learn a little about the art of wooing,” Havoc decided. “That would take his mind off his brother.”
“Why do I have this horrible image of you and Qiang trying to tutor Edward?” Gracia shuddered.
“It’ll be a challenge,” Havoc said with a laugh.
“I’m frightened.” Gracia kissed his cheek since his lips were busy with the cigarette. “I think I’ll take some wild flowers up to Winry’s room. Maybe it’ll give the boy some ideas.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Havoc said, watching her head out into the garden. He smiled happily. He might be miles from where he grew up but this felt like home.
on to chapter five
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Date: 2007-09-15 10:38 pm (UTC)I love the relaxation and the conversations in this chapter. It's all so...normal, and fun. I love the thought of Roy getting to live a normal life in the end. I especially love the idea of his being able to revert back to at least some of his earlier happiness, if not innocence and idealism.
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Date: 2007-09-16 01:28 am (UTC)