Fic- Tangled Web
Dec. 24th, 2008 12:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessThis is the half beta'ed preliminary run of a longer story. This is chapter 1 & 2. I won't be posting it around yet since I don't want to do that until I get my other WIP finished. Still, a lot of my regular readers watch my LJ so enjoy.
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 for the foreseeable future
Time Line – future fic but contains spoilers right up to FMA 90
Summary – Father and Bradley were defeated but not everyone has gone quietly into that good night
Pairings – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win, Al/OC
Author’s Note- Written forevil_little_dog and mjules for the holidays. I thought they’d enjoy where this story will go eventually. Thanks to lyrangalia for the beta. Thanks to baka_gaijin for teaching me to do sparkly text.
XXX
Chapter One
“Thanks, Al, for coming with me,” Winry said, stepping into the newest Resembol clothing store. She tried to get the door shut before the autumn wind whipped in leaves. “I can’t believe your brother wouldn’t come. He’s such a…”
“Jerk? You can’t believe Ed didn’t want to shop?” Al’s gold eyes twinkled. “Are we talking about the same Ed?”
She snorted, shrugging out of her jacket. She handed it to Al. “I know he’s an idiot. This wasn’t just about shopping.”
Al shook his head. He knew the invitation had been a romantic overture but Ed was dense. Al had always thought that Ed had ignored the sensual, emotional aspects of life in order to concentrate fully on restoring their bodies but now that they had succeeded – at least for Al – Ed still didn’t seem to notice. Al found himself siding with Mustang; Ed was dumb as a stump about romance. “I know.”
“So I’ll treat you to lunch, Al,” Winry said, smiling softly.
“You don’t need to do that. I wanted to go for a good walk.” Al glanced at the stout cane he still needed to use as his muscles slowly strengthened. The handle was currently shaped like a dragon in flight. “I just wish Ed would quit alchemizing my cane.”
“I did notice you gave up on setting it back the way it should be.” Winry grinned.
“He just keeps changing it to the scary things in his head.” Al sighed. There were times, upon seeing Ed’s ‘art,’ that he really had to wonder about his older brother’s sanity or lack thereof.
“You can wait over there.” Winry pointed to the one chair near the dressing room. He always assumed that one lonely yet ubiquitous chair was reserved for the poor sot getting dragged along shopping to appease his girlfriend.
Al dutifully claimed it. He didn’t really even mind clothes shopping. Ed should have known better, really, instead of acting like Winry wanted to boil him in oil. It was fun seeing Winry in new outfits, and even more fun imagining her changing into them.
“You girlfriend looks like she’s enjoying my selection.”
Al startled at the sound of a feminine voice in his ear. He looked up into a set of very dark, almond-shaped eyes. The young woman smiled at him, her long, straight black hair flowing down to her very shapely hips. She was one of the most exotic and delicate women he had ever seen. She reminded him of Ran Fan or Mei, only shapelier. “Oh, Winry isn’t my girlfriend, more like a sister.” Al knew that Winry loved Ed and vice versa, even if they were both dense about it. Al cared for Winry but he didn’t love her like that. He could have maybe if not for his brother. This was one battle he’d gladly lose to Ed.
“Oh.” The shop keep’s eyes lit up. She gazed at him with such interest, Al blushed. “I’m Snowdrop Winthrop. I know, I know, my parents hated me.” She laughed. “You can call me Snow. I just moved here.”
“Alphonse Elric. You have a very nice shop.”
“Thank you.” She gestured to her stock. “I hope to get some of the locally woven wool sweaters to sell in Central, too. My sister has a shop there.”
“That’s a very good idea.” Al hoped he didn’t sound like an eager puppy but he wanted to talk to her. Pretty women didn’t usually talk to him but to be fair he had been nothing but empty armor for so long and that was oppressive.
Snow smiled at him. She had a very nice smile, Al decided. “I hope so. I’d better go help your friend.”
“Of course.” Al snuck a book out of the lightweight autumn jacket he wore. He had planned ahead for just this event. Winry could take her time and he wouldn’t be bored. He glanced up every so often when she called his name and Al would give his opinion on the outfit she was modeling while giving some thought on how said clothing had been drawn up over her skin. Ed didn’t know what he was missing.
“So, she’s not your girlfriend?” Snowdrop remarked, coming back over to him as Winry went to change back into her own clothes. She didn’t look like she believed him entirely. Had he watched Winry a little too closely?
“No.” Al shut his book, smiling up at her.
Snow rested her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe that of a cute guy like you.”
Al flushed. “Thanks. I don’t have a girlfriend period.”
“That’s even harder to believe,” Snowdrop said and Al’s face turned a deeper shade of ruby. “Would you like to go to lunch with me?”
Al’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that. His brain and mouth froze for a moment before he pried it open enough to say, “That would be nice though my brother doesn’t let me out of his sight much.” He frowned, realizing how weird that sounded. “I’ve been very ill so Ed’s a bit overprotective.”
To his surprise, Snow didn’t seem particularly put out by that confession. “I’m sorry to hear you were so sick.” Her dark eyes flicked to his cane as if wondering what role that might play. “I’ve a friend who works in town. Maybe he’d like her company.”
Al tried not to laugh at the idea of Ed out on a double date but it was such a ludicrous suggestion that he couldn’t help himself. He held up his hands, apologetically. “Somehow, I don’t see my brother doing that. Then again, I was lucky enough to escape with Winry. He could surprise me.” Al decided not to enlighten Snowdrop on how the lunch might go; them trying to eat and talk, Ed glaring and swearing. “I’d love to go regardless of what he does.”
“Can I call you after you talk to your brother?” She sounded like she really wanted to go.
Al couldn’t help beaming. “Sure. I’m staying with the Rockbells’. The operator can put you through. We’re living there right now with Winry and her grandmother.”
“Oh, aren’t you from Resembool?” Surprised splashed across her face.
Al shrugged. “Originally but our house burned down a few years ago. Not really sure where we’ll end up in the long run.”
“That’s very sad.” Snowdrop looked up, hearing the dressing room door open, her long hair swinging. Al liked how glossy it was. He wanted to touch it and see if it was as silky as it looked. “I think your friend is ready to buy.”
Al went up to the register with Winry so he could say goodbye to Snowdrop and promise to call her at the shop with when he’d be ready for lunch. After a brief argument with Winry about carrying her packages for her – he lost – they headed out. The wind blew briskly, kicking up multicolored leaves and tugged at their hair with angry fingers.
“You liked her,” Winry said lightly before they had gotten to the end of the block.
Al blushed. “Yeah, I did. She’s pretty. She wants me to go to lunch.”
Winry looked at him levelly. “You said yes I trust.”
“Sort of. You know Ed will fuss. That’s why I’ll be calling her.”
“Al, don’t tell your brother I said this, but you can do what you want.” The seriousness of Winry’s expression surprised Al. She nudged him with a shopping bag. “You don’t always have to listen to him.”
Al laughed. “I know but it’ll be less traumatic all around if I pretend he has some input in this.”
Winry shook her head but didn’t protest. She knew the truth. Al glanced back toward the store. His first real date, he couldn’t wait. Hopefully Ed wouldn’t be a real pain about this. At least their father was back in Central working with President Armstrong and Mr. Mustang. Al wasn’t sure he was ready to hear what his father might think of him dating.
X X X
Snowdrop headed into the small apartment above her store, a sharp contrast to the spacious place she grew up in. It reminded her more of the squalid places she lived in with her real mother and her horrible stepfather. She squeezed her eyes shut against the memories.
She didn’t want to take this apartment, let alone have to share the small space with someone but Resembool offered little in the way of housing. Apparently people didn’t move to this little place. You were born here and lived in your family house until you married or even after. Everyone knew everyone else. It was a shame the client couldn’t wait until the Elrics returned to Central. She and her companion, Belle, would have been less noticeable there.
Snowdrop didn’t know who or what had been in this apartment before her but they must have been a fan of color, too much of it, or maybe color-blind. The living room had once been an eye-searing yellow, now cracked and peeling in places. The cramped bathroom was the same pink as tincture of bismuth for sour stomachs. Her bedroom was orange and purple and Belle’s was more of the virulent yellow and hounds tooth wallpaper. Someone owed them both for putting up with this. She wouldn’t have expected such a place in a buttoned down little town. Snowdrop considered it was possible that this apartment had last been occupied but an artist who went mad.
Flopping on the couch, she picked up a book but didn’t try to read it yet. She wanted to relax a little first. Snowdrop wondered not for the first time if coming here was a mistake. Her brother always said she wasn’t made for this, that her strengths lay elsewhere. She had volunteered in part to prove her brother wrong and Snowdrop was proud to get the assignment. It could be a very important one, a little scary even.
She just wondered why she had unexpected misgivings about this. Someone could get hurt, that had been drilled into her since she was young but it was taking on more meaning now. She opened her book, trying to lose herself in the volume of Xingese alchemy her brother had given her. She didn’t have his skill with it but she enjoyed what she could do nonetheless.
The front door opened and Belle hurried in. The blonde shivered. “The temperature is dropping.” She sat down opposite Snowdrop. “How did it go at the shop?”
“Better than expected.” Snow sat upright. “Of all people to walk in, Alphonse Elric came with a friend, that Rockbell girl from the files. I didn’t even have to start investigating to find a way to get closer to him.”
Belle leaned forward, eager for more news. “Amazing. What’s he like? Do you think it will be hard to work your way closer to him?”
“Not hard at all. I have a date with Alphonse.” Snowdrop wrinkled her nose. “I think.”
Belle rolled her eyes. “How could you not know?”
“He’s been ill and his brother has him on a tight leash,” Snow set her book aside. “I’m trying to get them to go out with the both of us but Alphonse didn’t seem to think his brother would go for that.”
“Well, so far the older one hasn’t set foot in the bar I’m working at. Our client said Elric was smart but very odd, maybe from drinking. I’m thinking the client is wrong about the drinking.” Belle pried off her shoes, fanning her toes. Snowdrop figured her feet probably hurt from standing on them all day. “It does sound like he’s odd.”
“I haven’t got a good sense of him yet.” Snowdrop shrugged. “I guess we’ll see.”
“That is our job.” Belle offered up a flat smile.
Snowdrop nodded, trying not to smile. This was her first job like this. How could she not be excited?
Chapter Two
“I don’t like it,” Ed grumbled, unpacking his suitcase. More correctly, Winry decided, tossing clothes willy nilly and would probably leave them where they lay until Al or she put them away, or poor Mrs. Hughes when she saw what happened to her guest room.
Winry sat on the twin bed designated to be Al’s, running her finger over the large star pattern on the quilt. “Why not? I think it’s sweet that Al has a girlfriend. I like Snowdrop.”
“Yeah, well…Al’s too young for all this. You know what they do.” Ed slapped his metal hand into the growing pile of clothes.
“No, please enlighten me.” Winry rolled her eyes at Ed’s horrified expression. “Al obviously thinks he’s old enough for a lover.”
Ed set his empty suitcase down a little too hard. “And you don’t have a problem with that?”
“No.” Winry looked out the frosted window, wondering if it would snow for the Icicle Festival. Heavy clouds covered the sky, promising a good snow. “And you wouldn’t either if you tried it,” she muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Ed snapped, whipping around, his braid nearly slapping him in the eye.
“Nothing,” Winry sighed, the phrase, I’m in love with a weirdo, rolled through her brain.
Ed’s gold eyes narrowed. “I heard what you said.
She flung up her hands. “I can’t believe how prudish you are about all this.”
Ed loomed over her. “Winry, what you said about me…did you mean that? Mean us?”
She laughed, trying to smother it, especially seeing Ed’s hurt and irritated look. “Yes, Ed, I did.”
To her surprise, Ed grinned, leaning down to kiss her.
“Winry!” Elicia squealed before bounding in, shattering the moment into unreconstructable pieces. The little girl bounced on the bed, hugging Winry.
“Hey, Elicia, how are you?” Winry squeezed the little girl tight, trying not to look too disappointed about her missed kiss.
“It’s been forever since you visited.” The little girl pouted, snuggling against Winry.
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Winry tapped Elicia’s nose. “I’ll be here for at least a week.”
“Not long enough.” Elicia let her go and bounced over to Ed, squealing his name. She grabbed him, yanking him down to plant a clumsy kiss on his cheek.
“Hey, squirt.” Ed ruffled her hair, which was loose and getting long.
“Didn’t know you let girls kiss you, Ed,” Al said sourly as he walked into the room, carrying his cane more than using it. Ignoring his brother’s hostile look, he added, “Hey Elicia.” Al bent down for his own kiss.
“You came, too, Al! You look so little without your armor,” she lisped through missing front teeth.
Al laughed, patting her head. “It’s good to see you.”
“Al, you’re not going to be a jerk the whole time we’re here, are you?” Ed eyed his brother over Elicia’s head.
Al flashed Ed an innocent look. “Me?”
“Don’t you two start.” The steel in Winry’s voice brought the brothers up short. She nodded to Elicia who stared at the brothers curiously.
“Mommy is going to make pie for dinner. Wanna help, Winry?” Elicia let go of Al so she could grab Winry’s hand.
“Sure.” Winry shot the boys another hot look. They quailed.
“Uncle Roy is coming, too.” Elicia said, dragging Winry out of the room.
Ed’s shoulders sagged. “Great, the bastard, that’ll top the day off.”
“It’ll give you something to concentrate on instead of Snow,” Al said, the bitter edge still in his voice.
Ed winced. This was his fault. He had made Al so angry with his intolerance and he hated it. He wanted his brother back but he simply didn’t feel comfortable with Snowdrop for some reason. Maybe because she monopolized so much of Al’s time. He wished Hohenheim paid enough attention to intervene but his dad thought it was romantic. It could make Ed gag. “Yeah. You said Snowdrop is staying with her sister here in town for the festival.” He could at least pretend he was interested in what the girl was doing.
Al nodded. “With Belle, her friend, you know, the one that’s asked you out a couple of times.”
“She’s so aggressive.” Ed undid his braid, sitting on the bed among the piles of his clothing. He massaged his scalp, his glove keeping his hair out of the metal joints.
Snorting, Al flopped on his bed. “I guess she is.” Al’s golden eyes studied Ed. “Why don’t you like Snow, Brother? She is a very nice person. Winry likes her.”
“I know,” Ed said quietly, not wanting to have this conversation. “I don’t dislike her.” At his brother’s disparaging utterance, he added. “I don’t. I just think it’s all happening too fast.”
Al’s gaze slipped over to Ed. “Is this all about me doing something before you do?”
“No,” Ed grated out, utterly betraying himself.
“Then why did you let me?” Frustration laced through his voice. “You know Winry loves you, right? What are you waiting on?”
Ed settled his head on a pile of clothing. “I’m still in the military; President Armstrong said I still owe them. Hell, they even got you agreeing to be a civilian consultant in regards to Ling and Xing. What if they want us to go to Xing? We could be gone for months.”
“Ed, there will always be ‘what if’s.’ You can’t let that rule you. You want a steady job where you’ll never have to leave home, go get some sheep and a farm back home or open a store or teach or something. Do you think that’s your life?” Al’s voice held no heat, just honest concern.
Ed propped himself up on an elbow, trying to work up a proper glare. “Maybe teaching…later. I’m not sure I have the patience for it now.”
“You’re not our father, Ed.” Al put his finger right on Ed’s sorest spot. “And now that I’ve gotten to know Dad better, I understand a little about why he left.”
“Yeah,” Ed muttered, not looking at his brother.
“I know you want to be there for Winry. It’s a good thing but she doesn’t need as much taking care of as you seem to think.” Al loosened his ponytail and started smoothing his hair back, looking in the mirror. Al was so damn fussy, Ed thought. “What she needs is for you to be more open with her, preferably before she moves on without you.”
Ed’s chin sank to his chest. “I know that, too, Al. I’m trying but I have to change habits that took up half my life. It’s not easy. You’ve always been more open than me, Al.”
“I know but you still need to try.” Al sucked in his lower lip, thinking. “Take Winry somewhere nice while we’re here and stop being a total ass to Snow. I’d appreciate it.”
Ed sighed gustily. “I’ll try but there’s something about her that I don’t trust.”
Al threw up his hands. “It’s supposed to be the mom who doesn’t think the girl is good enough for her baby boy. Now that I think about it, you’ve tried to fill in for Mom my whole life. Beginning to think you’re secretly a girl, Edward.” A hint of a smile touched his lips.
Ed flashed him an obscene gesture. “Bite me, Al.”
Al rubbed his chin. “Hmm, I guess you did make like a fire hose on me an extraordinary amount of times back when Mom used to bathe us together.”
“Al!” Ed threw the pillow at him. “Can’t believe you remember that.”
“How could I not?” Al caught the pillow and jumped on the bed, intending to smother Ed.
The brothers wrestled around, clothes going everywhere until finally they fell off the bed. Ed’s limbs clanked loudly on the floorboards. The fall did nothing to end the battle and Ed found himself on his belly, Al on his back with a pair of pants wrapped around Ed’s neck.
A feminine giggle froze the war. Both brothers looked toward the door. “Alphonse, when you’re done killing your brother, please put the room to rights,” Gracia said. “We’ll be having dinner within the hour.”
Al dropped the pants. “Yes, ma’am.”
Gracia left it at that and Al rolled off Ed, laughing. Ed joined him before finally getting up, red-faced, to help his brother to his feet, happy that Al was strong enough now to do this sort of thing.
“Try not to torment General Mustang too much, Edward.” Al shook a finger at him.
Ed shoved Al lightly. “I make no promises.”
Al snorted. “And fair warning, I expect you and Winry to accompany me and Snow for part of the Icicle Festival.”
“I will.”
“And behave.”
“I will,” Ed repeated, knowing Al didn’t believe him. Smart, really since Ed rarely behaved. Now how to tackle the prospect of pretending to trust Snowdrop and more importantly, how to handle asking Winry out? Hard difficult could it be?
XXX
“Wonder who Madame Christmas has in her office?” Belle dangled her feet from the barstool.
“Someone important,” the bartender replied, a grin on her young face. “And handsome…exotic.”
Belle and Snowdrop exchanged looks and cried out together, “Roy boy.”
“You know him?” The bartender asked. Snow thought her name was Kayla, one of Madame Christmas’ employees but not one of her ‘kids.’
“Oh, Roy is everyone’s favorite toy,” Belle said, running a finger through a wet ring on the bar.
Snowdrop kicked her ‘sister’s’ ankle. “Be nice.”
“I’ve heard that about him. Want more tea?” Kayla nodded to the empty porcelain cups in front of the women. “Or something stronger.”
“More tea please,” Snow said, wishing she were in a better mood. Mother would pick up on her melancholy. Snowdrop didn’t doubt that for a moment. She didn’t like this job any more. Alphonse was the best man Snow had ever known, nothing like the cruel users her real mom used to keep around; nothing like the cheating fools who populated Madame Christmas’ establishments.
Snowdrop was hopelessly in love and if she told Madame Christmas, she’d be in so much trouble but if she finished the job and Al found out, it would all be ruined. Why couldn’t he be more like his nasty-mouthed brother? Ed was loud and brash with a propensity for violence that was exactly the sort of man Snow was used to. Ed hadn’t hit anyone yet, that she knew of but Snowdrop knew it was just a matter of time. That’s how most men were. Al was different. She never expected to ever really love a man but she knew that unfortunately the unexpected happened.
She turned, hearing Madame Christmas’ door opening. Her foster mother shooed Roy out. He was grinning like an imp from the fairy tales Mom used to tell her but that’s what Roy was always like, a wicked smile and dancing eyes that belied the quick mind he possessed. She and Belle both swung off their stools and embraced him. “Roy!” they chirped in their best flirty voices lest someone guess they weren’t just more of Roy’s retinue of women. He draped his arms around them, grinning at a few jealous-looking patrons.
“When did you two get back into town?” Roy asked.
“Today. We need to talk to Madame Christmas but will we get to see you later?” Snow asked.
“Oh, I’m sure there’ll be time. I’m busy helping the president pull together a big celebration for the Icicle Festival. It’ll be different now.” Roy didn’t have to add now that their questionable fuehrer was dead.
“That sounds important,” Belle cooed for their boozy audience and Roy puffed up appropriately.
“As always.” He put his hat on and flipped his scarf over a shoulder as if needing to cut a dapper image before heading out into the cold.
Madame Christmas sat at her desk, looking at a notebook. To the casual observer, she seemed calm but her girls could see the tension in her eyes. She hadn’t looked this stressed since she had sent Snowdrop and her ‘sisters’ to Xing at Roy’s behest.
She lit up a cigarette and waved a hand at the chairs in front of the desk. When they were seated, Chris leveled a gaze at them. “You two haven’t been making much progress.”
“Al’s been ill. This is his first real trip to Central. So far the only thing he has done in regards to consulting with the Xingese emperor is to receive documents. I photographed them and sent them to you,” Snow replied, feeling bad she had even done that much.
“Mostly it was just Xingese history and culture, not too helpful,” Chris replied. “He seems to be familiarizing himself with the country’s culture.”
“I’ve asked him about what he’s doing but all he’s said is, he had a few friends who lived back in Xing now.” Snow shrugged. “He’s not very talkative about it. The brothers can keep secrets well apparently.”
Chris scowled. “And what about you, Belle?”
“I’m a waste in this mission,” the blond admitted, her nose wrinkling. “I can’t even get Ed to talk to me. About the only time he does is if I go to meet him and his brother with Snow. These are squandered on him.” She pointed to her breasts. “He never even looks at me, let alone agrees to a date. He ignores that pretty blond friend of theirs, too. A blind man could see she’s crazy for him and he never goes out with her either. I think Ed is gay.”
Chris lit up a fresh cigarette. “Are you sure? The client seemed to think two women would be good for this job.”
Belle dragged a hand through her hair. “No, but if he’s straight, blondes aren’t his thing, obviously. The client is going to end up disappointed at this rate.”
Chris took a long drag on her cigarette. “I’m not that fond of the secrecy around this client to begin with. If you don’t make progress by the end of the Icicle Festival, I’ll scrap the mission.”
Snow and Belle exchanged unhappy looks. Snow could only remember one time her mother had done that and that time the client had been working against Roy and his people. Mom had thought it worth the hit to her reputation to do that and, while she could probably easily weather another hit, Snow hated that she might be the cause. She was a failure in her first face to face mission. She would be put on bookwork research forever but, at this point, Snow wouldn’t mind that. Maybe her brother was right. Damn, Roy made the flirting for information look so easy.
“We’ll get you something,” Belle promised, sounded as frantic as Snow felt.
Their mother just nodded. “I’ll let you get back to it. Snow, can you stay for a moment?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
Chris waited until Belle was out of the room before turning her attention back to Snowdrop. “How are you doing with this?”
“It’s much harder than I thought,” Snow admitted. “Alphonse is a very nice young man. I don’t like that I could end up betraying his trust.” She shifted uncomfortably under her mother’s hard stare.
“You knew that going in.” Chris’ face softened as she rested her hand on Snow’s. “You can’t get too close. Tell me now if I have to arrange for alternative ways to this young man.”
She shook her head, her hair flying. “No, I’m close to him…it’s just that I don’t like this as much as I thought.”
Her mother nodded. “Roy might have been right. You’re better in research.”
“But I can do this. I just don’t like how it makes me feel.” Snow let her long hair veil her face. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. Everyone has different strengths. Don’t underestimate what research can do.”
Snow sighed, catching Chris’ sad look. She knew who her mother was thinking of. “Maes.”
”Yes.” Chris patted her hand. “You be careful.”
“I will.” Snow headed out to the bar, letting Belle talk her into a game of darts. She just wished it was sufficient distraction from her worries but it wasn’t.
Tangled Web
Author –
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer – not mine. All rights belong to Ms Arakawa
Rating – Pg-13 for the foreseeable future
Time Line – future fic but contains spoilers right up to FMA 90
Summary – Father and Bradley were defeated but not everyone has gone quietly into that good night
Pairings – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win, Al/OC
Author’s Note- Written for
evil_little_dog and mjules for the holidays. I thought they’d enjoy where this story will go eventually. Thanks to lyrangalia for the beta. Thanks to baka_gaijin for teaching me to do sparkly text.XXX
Chapter One
“Thanks, Al, for coming with me,” Winry said, stepping into the newest Resembol clothing store. She tried to get the door shut before the autumn wind whipped in leaves. “I can’t believe your brother wouldn’t come. He’s such a…”
“Jerk? You can’t believe Ed didn’t want to shop?” Al’s gold eyes twinkled. “Are we talking about the same Ed?”
She snorted, shrugging out of her jacket. She handed it to Al. “I know he’s an idiot. This wasn’t just about shopping.”
Al shook his head. He knew the invitation had been a romantic overture but Ed was dense. Al had always thought that Ed had ignored the sensual, emotional aspects of life in order to concentrate fully on restoring their bodies but now that they had succeeded – at least for Al – Ed still didn’t seem to notice. Al found himself siding with Mustang; Ed was dumb as a stump about romance. “I know.”
“So I’ll treat you to lunch, Al,” Winry said, smiling softly.
“You don’t need to do that. I wanted to go for a good walk.” Al glanced at the stout cane he still needed to use as his muscles slowly strengthened. The handle was currently shaped like a dragon in flight. “I just wish Ed would quit alchemizing my cane.”
“I did notice you gave up on setting it back the way it should be.” Winry grinned.
“He just keeps changing it to the scary things in his head.” Al sighed. There were times, upon seeing Ed’s ‘art,’ that he really had to wonder about his older brother’s sanity or lack thereof.
“You can wait over there.” Winry pointed to the one chair near the dressing room. He always assumed that one lonely yet ubiquitous chair was reserved for the poor sot getting dragged along shopping to appease his girlfriend.
Al dutifully claimed it. He didn’t really even mind clothes shopping. Ed should have known better, really, instead of acting like Winry wanted to boil him in oil. It was fun seeing Winry in new outfits, and even more fun imagining her changing into them.
“You girlfriend looks like she’s enjoying my selection.”
Al startled at the sound of a feminine voice in his ear. He looked up into a set of very dark, almond-shaped eyes. The young woman smiled at him, her long, straight black hair flowing down to her very shapely hips. She was one of the most exotic and delicate women he had ever seen. She reminded him of Ran Fan or Mei, only shapelier. “Oh, Winry isn’t my girlfriend, more like a sister.” Al knew that Winry loved Ed and vice versa, even if they were both dense about it. Al cared for Winry but he didn’t love her like that. He could have maybe if not for his brother. This was one battle he’d gladly lose to Ed.
“Oh.” The shop keep’s eyes lit up. She gazed at him with such interest, Al blushed. “I’m Snowdrop Winthrop. I know, I know, my parents hated me.” She laughed. “You can call me Snow. I just moved here.”
“Alphonse Elric. You have a very nice shop.”
“Thank you.” She gestured to her stock. “I hope to get some of the locally woven wool sweaters to sell in Central, too. My sister has a shop there.”
“That’s a very good idea.” Al hoped he didn’t sound like an eager puppy but he wanted to talk to her. Pretty women didn’t usually talk to him but to be fair he had been nothing but empty armor for so long and that was oppressive.
Snow smiled at him. She had a very nice smile, Al decided. “I hope so. I’d better go help your friend.”
“Of course.” Al snuck a book out of the lightweight autumn jacket he wore. He had planned ahead for just this event. Winry could take her time and he wouldn’t be bored. He glanced up every so often when she called his name and Al would give his opinion on the outfit she was modeling while giving some thought on how said clothing had been drawn up over her skin. Ed didn’t know what he was missing.
“So, she’s not your girlfriend?” Snowdrop remarked, coming back over to him as Winry went to change back into her own clothes. She didn’t look like she believed him entirely. Had he watched Winry a little too closely?
“No.” Al shut his book, smiling up at her.
Snow rested her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe that of a cute guy like you.”
Al flushed. “Thanks. I don’t have a girlfriend period.”
“That’s even harder to believe,” Snowdrop said and Al’s face turned a deeper shade of ruby. “Would you like to go to lunch with me?”
Al’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that. His brain and mouth froze for a moment before he pried it open enough to say, “That would be nice though my brother doesn’t let me out of his sight much.” He frowned, realizing how weird that sounded. “I’ve been very ill so Ed’s a bit overprotective.”
To his surprise, Snow didn’t seem particularly put out by that confession. “I’m sorry to hear you were so sick.” Her dark eyes flicked to his cane as if wondering what role that might play. “I’ve a friend who works in town. Maybe he’d like her company.”
Al tried not to laugh at the idea of Ed out on a double date but it was such a ludicrous suggestion that he couldn’t help himself. He held up his hands, apologetically. “Somehow, I don’t see my brother doing that. Then again, I was lucky enough to escape with Winry. He could surprise me.” Al decided not to enlighten Snowdrop on how the lunch might go; them trying to eat and talk, Ed glaring and swearing. “I’d love to go regardless of what he does.”
“Can I call you after you talk to your brother?” She sounded like she really wanted to go.
Al couldn’t help beaming. “Sure. I’m staying with the Rockbells’. The operator can put you through. We’re living there right now with Winry and her grandmother.”
“Oh, aren’t you from Resembool?” Surprised splashed across her face.
Al shrugged. “Originally but our house burned down a few years ago. Not really sure where we’ll end up in the long run.”
“That’s very sad.” Snowdrop looked up, hearing the dressing room door open, her long hair swinging. Al liked how glossy it was. He wanted to touch it and see if it was as silky as it looked. “I think your friend is ready to buy.”
Al went up to the register with Winry so he could say goodbye to Snowdrop and promise to call her at the shop with when he’d be ready for lunch. After a brief argument with Winry about carrying her packages for her – he lost – they headed out. The wind blew briskly, kicking up multicolored leaves and tugged at their hair with angry fingers.
“You liked her,” Winry said lightly before they had gotten to the end of the block.
Al blushed. “Yeah, I did. She’s pretty. She wants me to go to lunch.”
Winry looked at him levelly. “You said yes I trust.”
“Sort of. You know Ed will fuss. That’s why I’ll be calling her.”
“Al, don’t tell your brother I said this, but you can do what you want.” The seriousness of Winry’s expression surprised Al. She nudged him with a shopping bag. “You don’t always have to listen to him.”
Al laughed. “I know but it’ll be less traumatic all around if I pretend he has some input in this.”
Winry shook her head but didn’t protest. She knew the truth. Al glanced back toward the store. His first real date, he couldn’t wait. Hopefully Ed wouldn’t be a real pain about this. At least their father was back in Central working with President Armstrong and Mr. Mustang. Al wasn’t sure he was ready to hear what his father might think of him dating.
X X X
Snowdrop headed into the small apartment above her store, a sharp contrast to the spacious place she grew up in. It reminded her more of the squalid places she lived in with her real mother and her horrible stepfather. She squeezed her eyes shut against the memories.
She didn’t want to take this apartment, let alone have to share the small space with someone but Resembool offered little in the way of housing. Apparently people didn’t move to this little place. You were born here and lived in your family house until you married or even after. Everyone knew everyone else. It was a shame the client couldn’t wait until the Elrics returned to Central. She and her companion, Belle, would have been less noticeable there.
Snowdrop didn’t know who or what had been in this apartment before her but they must have been a fan of color, too much of it, or maybe color-blind. The living room had once been an eye-searing yellow, now cracked and peeling in places. The cramped bathroom was the same pink as tincture of bismuth for sour stomachs. Her bedroom was orange and purple and Belle’s was more of the virulent yellow and hounds tooth wallpaper. Someone owed them both for putting up with this. She wouldn’t have expected such a place in a buttoned down little town. Snowdrop considered it was possible that this apartment had last been occupied but an artist who went mad.
Flopping on the couch, she picked up a book but didn’t try to read it yet. She wanted to relax a little first. Snowdrop wondered not for the first time if coming here was a mistake. Her brother always said she wasn’t made for this, that her strengths lay elsewhere. She had volunteered in part to prove her brother wrong and Snowdrop was proud to get the assignment. It could be a very important one, a little scary even.
She just wondered why she had unexpected misgivings about this. Someone could get hurt, that had been drilled into her since she was young but it was taking on more meaning now. She opened her book, trying to lose herself in the volume of Xingese alchemy her brother had given her. She didn’t have his skill with it but she enjoyed what she could do nonetheless.
The front door opened and Belle hurried in. The blonde shivered. “The temperature is dropping.” She sat down opposite Snowdrop. “How did it go at the shop?”
“Better than expected.” Snow sat upright. “Of all people to walk in, Alphonse Elric came with a friend, that Rockbell girl from the files. I didn’t even have to start investigating to find a way to get closer to him.”
Belle leaned forward, eager for more news. “Amazing. What’s he like? Do you think it will be hard to work your way closer to him?”
“Not hard at all. I have a date with Alphonse.” Snowdrop wrinkled her nose. “I think.”
Belle rolled her eyes. “How could you not know?”
“He’s been ill and his brother has him on a tight leash,” Snow set her book aside. “I’m trying to get them to go out with the both of us but Alphonse didn’t seem to think his brother would go for that.”
“Well, so far the older one hasn’t set foot in the bar I’m working at. Our client said Elric was smart but very odd, maybe from drinking. I’m thinking the client is wrong about the drinking.” Belle pried off her shoes, fanning her toes. Snowdrop figured her feet probably hurt from standing on them all day. “It does sound like he’s odd.”
“I haven’t got a good sense of him yet.” Snowdrop shrugged. “I guess we’ll see.”
“That is our job.” Belle offered up a flat smile.
Snowdrop nodded, trying not to smile. This was her first job like this. How could she not be excited?
Chapter Two
“I don’t like it,” Ed grumbled, unpacking his suitcase. More correctly, Winry decided, tossing clothes willy nilly and would probably leave them where they lay until Al or she put them away, or poor Mrs. Hughes when she saw what happened to her guest room.
Winry sat on the twin bed designated to be Al’s, running her finger over the large star pattern on the quilt. “Why not? I think it’s sweet that Al has a girlfriend. I like Snowdrop.”
“Yeah, well…Al’s too young for all this. You know what they do.” Ed slapped his metal hand into the growing pile of clothes.
“No, please enlighten me.” Winry rolled her eyes at Ed’s horrified expression. “Al obviously thinks he’s old enough for a lover.”
Ed set his empty suitcase down a little too hard. “And you don’t have a problem with that?”
“No.” Winry looked out the frosted window, wondering if it would snow for the Icicle Festival. Heavy clouds covered the sky, promising a good snow. “And you wouldn’t either if you tried it,” she muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Ed snapped, whipping around, his braid nearly slapping him in the eye.
“Nothing,” Winry sighed, the phrase, I’m in love with a weirdo, rolled through her brain.
Ed’s gold eyes narrowed. “I heard what you said.
She flung up her hands. “I can’t believe how prudish you are about all this.”
Ed loomed over her. “Winry, what you said about me…did you mean that? Mean us?”
She laughed, trying to smother it, especially seeing Ed’s hurt and irritated look. “Yes, Ed, I did.”
To her surprise, Ed grinned, leaning down to kiss her.
“Winry!” Elicia squealed before bounding in, shattering the moment into unreconstructable pieces. The little girl bounced on the bed, hugging Winry.
“Hey, Elicia, how are you?” Winry squeezed the little girl tight, trying not to look too disappointed about her missed kiss.
“It’s been forever since you visited.” The little girl pouted, snuggling against Winry.
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Winry tapped Elicia’s nose. “I’ll be here for at least a week.”
“Not long enough.” Elicia let her go and bounced over to Ed, squealing his name. She grabbed him, yanking him down to plant a clumsy kiss on his cheek.
“Hey, squirt.” Ed ruffled her hair, which was loose and getting long.
“Didn’t know you let girls kiss you, Ed,” Al said sourly as he walked into the room, carrying his cane more than using it. Ignoring his brother’s hostile look, he added, “Hey Elicia.” Al bent down for his own kiss.
“You came, too, Al! You look so little without your armor,” she lisped through missing front teeth.
Al laughed, patting her head. “It’s good to see you.”
“Al, you’re not going to be a jerk the whole time we’re here, are you?” Ed eyed his brother over Elicia’s head.
Al flashed Ed an innocent look. “Me?”
“Don’t you two start.” The steel in Winry’s voice brought the brothers up short. She nodded to Elicia who stared at the brothers curiously.
“Mommy is going to make pie for dinner. Wanna help, Winry?” Elicia let go of Al so she could grab Winry’s hand.
“Sure.” Winry shot the boys another hot look. They quailed.
“Uncle Roy is coming, too.” Elicia said, dragging Winry out of the room.
Ed’s shoulders sagged. “Great, the bastard, that’ll top the day off.”
“It’ll give you something to concentrate on instead of Snow,” Al said, the bitter edge still in his voice.
Ed winced. This was his fault. He had made Al so angry with his intolerance and he hated it. He wanted his brother back but he simply didn’t feel comfortable with Snowdrop for some reason. Maybe because she monopolized so much of Al’s time. He wished Hohenheim paid enough attention to intervene but his dad thought it was romantic. It could make Ed gag. “Yeah. You said Snowdrop is staying with her sister here in town for the festival.” He could at least pretend he was interested in what the girl was doing.
Al nodded. “With Belle, her friend, you know, the one that’s asked you out a couple of times.”
“She’s so aggressive.” Ed undid his braid, sitting on the bed among the piles of his clothing. He massaged his scalp, his glove keeping his hair out of the metal joints.
Snorting, Al flopped on his bed. “I guess she is.” Al’s golden eyes studied Ed. “Why don’t you like Snow, Brother? She is a very nice person. Winry likes her.”
“I know,” Ed said quietly, not wanting to have this conversation. “I don’t dislike her.” At his brother’s disparaging utterance, he added. “I don’t. I just think it’s all happening too fast.”
Al’s gaze slipped over to Ed. “Is this all about me doing something before you do?”
“No,” Ed grated out, utterly betraying himself.
“Then why did you let me?” Frustration laced through his voice. “You know Winry loves you, right? What are you waiting on?”
Ed settled his head on a pile of clothing. “I’m still in the military; President Armstrong said I still owe them. Hell, they even got you agreeing to be a civilian consultant in regards to Ling and Xing. What if they want us to go to Xing? We could be gone for months.”
“Ed, there will always be ‘what if’s.’ You can’t let that rule you. You want a steady job where you’ll never have to leave home, go get some sheep and a farm back home or open a store or teach or something. Do you think that’s your life?” Al’s voice held no heat, just honest concern.
Ed propped himself up on an elbow, trying to work up a proper glare. “Maybe teaching…later. I’m not sure I have the patience for it now.”
“You’re not our father, Ed.” Al put his finger right on Ed’s sorest spot. “And now that I’ve gotten to know Dad better, I understand a little about why he left.”
“Yeah,” Ed muttered, not looking at his brother.
“I know you want to be there for Winry. It’s a good thing but she doesn’t need as much taking care of as you seem to think.” Al loosened his ponytail and started smoothing his hair back, looking in the mirror. Al was so damn fussy, Ed thought. “What she needs is for you to be more open with her, preferably before she moves on without you.”
Ed’s chin sank to his chest. “I know that, too, Al. I’m trying but I have to change habits that took up half my life. It’s not easy. You’ve always been more open than me, Al.”
“I know but you still need to try.” Al sucked in his lower lip, thinking. “Take Winry somewhere nice while we’re here and stop being a total ass to Snow. I’d appreciate it.”
Ed sighed gustily. “I’ll try but there’s something about her that I don’t trust.”
Al threw up his hands. “It’s supposed to be the mom who doesn’t think the girl is good enough for her baby boy. Now that I think about it, you’ve tried to fill in for Mom my whole life. Beginning to think you’re secretly a girl, Edward.” A hint of a smile touched his lips.
Ed flashed him an obscene gesture. “Bite me, Al.”
Al rubbed his chin. “Hmm, I guess you did make like a fire hose on me an extraordinary amount of times back when Mom used to bathe us together.”
“Al!” Ed threw the pillow at him. “Can’t believe you remember that.”
“How could I not?” Al caught the pillow and jumped on the bed, intending to smother Ed.
The brothers wrestled around, clothes going everywhere until finally they fell off the bed. Ed’s limbs clanked loudly on the floorboards. The fall did nothing to end the battle and Ed found himself on his belly, Al on his back with a pair of pants wrapped around Ed’s neck.
A feminine giggle froze the war. Both brothers looked toward the door. “Alphonse, when you’re done killing your brother, please put the room to rights,” Gracia said. “We’ll be having dinner within the hour.”
Al dropped the pants. “Yes, ma’am.”
Gracia left it at that and Al rolled off Ed, laughing. Ed joined him before finally getting up, red-faced, to help his brother to his feet, happy that Al was strong enough now to do this sort of thing.
“Try not to torment General Mustang too much, Edward.” Al shook a finger at him.
Ed shoved Al lightly. “I make no promises.”
Al snorted. “And fair warning, I expect you and Winry to accompany me and Snow for part of the Icicle Festival.”
“I will.”
“And behave.”
“I will,” Ed repeated, knowing Al didn’t believe him. Smart, really since Ed rarely behaved. Now how to tackle the prospect of pretending to trust Snowdrop and more importantly, how to handle asking Winry out? Hard difficult could it be?
XXX
“Wonder who Madame Christmas has in her office?” Belle dangled her feet from the barstool.
“Someone important,” the bartender replied, a grin on her young face. “And handsome…exotic.”
Belle and Snowdrop exchanged looks and cried out together, “Roy boy.”
“You know him?” The bartender asked. Snow thought her name was Kayla, one of Madame Christmas’ employees but not one of her ‘kids.’
“Oh, Roy is everyone’s favorite toy,” Belle said, running a finger through a wet ring on the bar.
Snowdrop kicked her ‘sister’s’ ankle. “Be nice.”
“I’ve heard that about him. Want more tea?” Kayla nodded to the empty porcelain cups in front of the women. “Or something stronger.”
“More tea please,” Snow said, wishing she were in a better mood. Mother would pick up on her melancholy. Snowdrop didn’t doubt that for a moment. She didn’t like this job any more. Alphonse was the best man Snow had ever known, nothing like the cruel users her real mom used to keep around; nothing like the cheating fools who populated Madame Christmas’ establishments.
Snowdrop was hopelessly in love and if she told Madame Christmas, she’d be in so much trouble but if she finished the job and Al found out, it would all be ruined. Why couldn’t he be more like his nasty-mouthed brother? Ed was loud and brash with a propensity for violence that was exactly the sort of man Snow was used to. Ed hadn’t hit anyone yet, that she knew of but Snowdrop knew it was just a matter of time. That’s how most men were. Al was different. She never expected to ever really love a man but she knew that unfortunately the unexpected happened.
She turned, hearing Madame Christmas’ door opening. Her foster mother shooed Roy out. He was grinning like an imp from the fairy tales Mom used to tell her but that’s what Roy was always like, a wicked smile and dancing eyes that belied the quick mind he possessed. She and Belle both swung off their stools and embraced him. “Roy!” they chirped in their best flirty voices lest someone guess they weren’t just more of Roy’s retinue of women. He draped his arms around them, grinning at a few jealous-looking patrons.
“When did you two get back into town?” Roy asked.
“Today. We need to talk to Madame Christmas but will we get to see you later?” Snow asked.
“Oh, I’m sure there’ll be time. I’m busy helping the president pull together a big celebration for the Icicle Festival. It’ll be different now.” Roy didn’t have to add now that their questionable fuehrer was dead.
“That sounds important,” Belle cooed for their boozy audience and Roy puffed up appropriately.
“As always.” He put his hat on and flipped his scarf over a shoulder as if needing to cut a dapper image before heading out into the cold.
Madame Christmas sat at her desk, looking at a notebook. To the casual observer, she seemed calm but her girls could see the tension in her eyes. She hadn’t looked this stressed since she had sent Snowdrop and her ‘sisters’ to Xing at Roy’s behest.
She lit up a cigarette and waved a hand at the chairs in front of the desk. When they were seated, Chris leveled a gaze at them. “You two haven’t been making much progress.”
“Al’s been ill. This is his first real trip to Central. So far the only thing he has done in regards to consulting with the Xingese emperor is to receive documents. I photographed them and sent them to you,” Snow replied, feeling bad she had even done that much.
“Mostly it was just Xingese history and culture, not too helpful,” Chris replied. “He seems to be familiarizing himself with the country’s culture.”
“I’ve asked him about what he’s doing but all he’s said is, he had a few friends who lived back in Xing now.” Snow shrugged. “He’s not very talkative about it. The brothers can keep secrets well apparently.”
Chris scowled. “And what about you, Belle?”
“I’m a waste in this mission,” the blond admitted, her nose wrinkling. “I can’t even get Ed to talk to me. About the only time he does is if I go to meet him and his brother with Snow. These are squandered on him.” She pointed to her breasts. “He never even looks at me, let alone agrees to a date. He ignores that pretty blond friend of theirs, too. A blind man could see she’s crazy for him and he never goes out with her either. I think Ed is gay.”
Chris lit up a fresh cigarette. “Are you sure? The client seemed to think two women would be good for this job.”
Belle dragged a hand through her hair. “No, but if he’s straight, blondes aren’t his thing, obviously. The client is going to end up disappointed at this rate.”
Chris took a long drag on her cigarette. “I’m not that fond of the secrecy around this client to begin with. If you don’t make progress by the end of the Icicle Festival, I’ll scrap the mission.”
Snow and Belle exchanged unhappy looks. Snow could only remember one time her mother had done that and that time the client had been working against Roy and his people. Mom had thought it worth the hit to her reputation to do that and, while she could probably easily weather another hit, Snow hated that she might be the cause. She was a failure in her first face to face mission. She would be put on bookwork research forever but, at this point, Snow wouldn’t mind that. Maybe her brother was right. Damn, Roy made the flirting for information look so easy.
“We’ll get you something,” Belle promised, sounded as frantic as Snow felt.
Their mother just nodded. “I’ll let you get back to it. Snow, can you stay for a moment?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
Chris waited until Belle was out of the room before turning her attention back to Snowdrop. “How are you doing with this?”
“It’s much harder than I thought,” Snow admitted. “Alphonse is a very nice young man. I don’t like that I could end up betraying his trust.” She shifted uncomfortably under her mother’s hard stare.
“You knew that going in.” Chris’ face softened as she rested her hand on Snow’s. “You can’t get too close. Tell me now if I have to arrange for alternative ways to this young man.”
She shook her head, her hair flying. “No, I’m close to him…it’s just that I don’t like this as much as I thought.”
Her mother nodded. “Roy might have been right. You’re better in research.”
“But I can do this. I just don’t like how it makes me feel.” Snow let her long hair veil her face. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. Everyone has different strengths. Don’t underestimate what research can do.”
Snow sighed, catching Chris’ sad look. She knew who her mother was thinking of. “Maes.”
”Yes.” Chris patted her hand. “You be careful.”
“I will.” Snow headed out to the bar, letting Belle talk her into a game of darts. She just wished it was sufficient distraction from her worries but it wasn’t.
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no subject
Date: 2008-12-24 05:42 am (UTC)Enjoying this. Wants more. *grins*
no subject
Date: 2008-12-24 05:44 am (UTC)More will come...eventually
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Date: 2008-12-24 04:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-24 06:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-25 03:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-25 03:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-25 03:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-26 02:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-26 04:26 am (UTC)Your icon has one of my favorite carols
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Date: 2008-12-26 03:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-26 03:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 09:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 01:51 am (UTC)Once i kill the leviathian known as SOrrow's Dark Array i'll work this one full force
glad you like it
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Date: 2009-04-15 02:16 am (UTC)Chapter 3? I don't think I saw Chapter 3... all that was where I read was chapters 1 and 2... did I click a link that took ms somewhere besides the current chapter? hahah that would be typical of me.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 02:48 am (UTC)glad you like sorrow