Fic - Sorrow's Dark Array FINALE
Apr. 28th, 2009 11:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessSorrow’s Dark Array
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.
Pairing – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win (eventually) Winry/OC, mentions of Maes/Gracia and Al/OC
Rating – will vary from chapter to chapter, mostly Pg-13 but will eventually contain well marked adult chapters.
Time Line – anime based, spoilers all the way through the anime and the movie and does have strong manga elements such as Armstrong’s older sister and the land of Xing
Summary – As Roy and Riza prepare for their wedding, while dodging assassins, Ed and Al try to find their way back home.
Author’s Note – THANK YOU, all of you who’ve been along for the long ride and welcome to anyone looking to read this in one big gulp. It’s been a bit of a journey and I truly appreciate all of your comments and insights along with way. Thanks toevil_little_dog and lyrangalia for the beta and all the help.
This was a very hard story to say goodbye to. I'll miss writing it.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter eight
Chapter nine
chapter ten
chapter eleven
chapter twelve
chapter thirteen
chapter fourteen
chapter fifteen
chapter sixteen
chapter seventeen
chapter eighteen
chapter nineteen
Chapter twenty
Chapter twenty-one
Chapter twenty-two
Chapter twenty-three
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter twenty-five
Chapter twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter thirty
Chapter thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-three
“Days of absence, sad and dreary, Clothed in sorrow's dark array, Days of absence, I am weary; She I love is far away.” – Shakespeare
Chapter Thirty-Four
That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is. The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks
“So no entourage,” Roy said as Aris wheeled Dev into the house.
“Just Mom.” Dev waved a hand over his shoulder at the woman who lugged a pack. Al went to take it from her. “Probably no one else could believe I’d be staying with the likes of you.”
Roy’s eye slotted. “Keep it up and you’ll be sleeping in the fish pond.”
“Ignore my son,” Hala said, patting Dev’s head a little too hard. “He’s very happy he doesn’t have to walk up those steps to his apartment. He’d be all alone there most of the day.” She glanced around. “I doubt he’ll have that problem here.”
“Hardly. Wheel yourself into the living room because no one here’s going to take pity on you and do it for you,” Roy said.
Hala nudged her son as he opened his mouth, red-faced. “I’m glad to see you’re doing all right, young man,” she added to Alphonse.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Al glanced at Ed while carrying the luggage toward the bedroom. “Now if Winry would only give Ed his arm back, so he’d stop whining and my headache would go away.”
“He’s almost ready,” Winry called from the living room.
“I’m more than ready,” Ed grumbled, looking down at his empty sleeve.
“She probably likes it better this way,” Dev said. “You’re probably less of a handful.”
“I’m going to help the bastard put you in the pond.” Ed glared.
“You’d need two hands for that,” Dev said sweetly.
“You really do bring this on yourself, Dev.” Aris shook his head. “Do you want to stay in the chair or would you like to transfer onto the couch?”
Dev nodded to one of the padded chairs. “That looks good. This thing isn’t comfortable.”
“Ms. Rockbell, would you help me?” Hala asked and Winry nodded. Together they shifted Dev to the chair and got the ottoman under his bandaged leg. A fine sheen of sweat broke out over his face. “You’re due for another pain pill, son.”
“I’ll get him some water,” Roy said.
‘Hear that, Edward?” Winry arched an eyebrow. “Someone takes pain pills when he’s supposed to.”
“I’m fine.” Ed flopped on the couch, sulking.
“Should have sent him with Havoc, then,” Al said, coming into the room. “He was muttering about needing help.”
“Only to keep him from making an even bigger fool of himself than he normally is,” Roy called from the kitchen.
“What’s he doing?” Dev looked in askance around the room.
“Finding booby bars,” Ed grumbled then, realizing, pulled a long face. “I should have gone.”
Winry slapped him on the back of the head.
“Ed needs that pain pill now.” Dev laughed.
“Dare I ask about the bars?” Aris backed away from the women.
“For my bachelor party,” Roy said, coming back with a glass in one hand and a bowl in the other. “I didn’t want to have it until Dev, Ed and Al were a little more mobile.”
“You are an interesting influence on my son.” Hala sighed then nodded to the bowl. “That smells good.”
“I made it for lunch. I saved a little for Dev…okay, a lot. Pretty much made it for you guys. Grandfather Hawkeye showed me how.” Roy presented Dev with the bowl of Ishbalan pasta, a fine cut, almost like grains of sand. Speckled with spice, it was dotted with bright orange bits.
“Is that what was smelling yummy? Why didn’t you tell me there was food to share?” Ed sat up, his nose twitching at the smell.
“Because I wanted some to be left.” Roy shrugged.
“You made mftoul?” Dev raised an eyebrow. “There’s nothing weird in this like a chicken uterus or testicles or something?”
“No, I saved that for the soup.” Roy grinned at Dev’s sharp-eyed glare. “Try it.”
Dev sampled it, letting out an involuntary ‘mmm.’ He handed the bowl to his mother then swallowed his pill. “That is very good. Almost as good as Mom’s.”
“This really is pretty good,” Hala said before handing her son back the bowl.
“I’m going to get some,” Ed announced, heading for the kitchen.
“Thanks for doing this for me, bastard,” Dev said as the front door opened. Hughes called out his hello before wandering in.
“Choke on an apricot,” Roy snorted.
Hala studied Roy then said. “I never though he’d stop hating you enough to get to this point.”
Roy shrugged. “We have a saying in Xing, ‘Hatred never ceases by hatred. Hatred only ceases by love.’ I think there’s something similar in your religion.”
She nodded. “There is but it’s easier said than done.”
“I know and that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing,” Roy said but Hughes interrupted before Hala could respond.
“It’s a go, Roy,” he said. “And Riza just went around back with you know what.”
“Great. Ed’s feeding his face so have a seat and relax a bit,” Roy replied. “Mrs. Jasso, Aris, would you like to sit down for a while?”
“We probably should be going,” Hala said.
“We were about to have tea and just relax,” Roy said, gesturing to the couches. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Aris shrugged. “A cup of tea won’t be bad,” he said as Ed came in with a heaping bowl of the mftoul.
“Planning on sharing, Edward?” Winry asked, nodding at his overflowing bowl.
“Go get your own ...” Ed flushed. “I mean, with you, yes.” He held the bowl out.
“Slowly learning, eh Ed?” Roy smirked, as Winry accepted it, taking Ed’s spoon and tasting the dish.
“Go to hell,” Ed grumbled around a mouthful of the tiny pasta.
“I make that with milk.” Roy pointed to the mftoul and Ed stopped chewing.
“Roy, don’t torment Ed,” Winry scowled. “Ed, keep eating. You like it in spite of the milk.”
“Hughes, help me bring in the tea tray,” Roy said then eyed Dev. “Are you okay? You look queasy.”
Dev rubbed his stomach. “The pills make me sick.”
“See, good reason to refuse the pain killers,” Ed mumbled, pointing at Dev with his spoon.
“You and Roy could deal with the nausea instead of being martyrs,” Winry glared. “You had major surgery.”
“I have reasons,” Roy said. “I’ll make a pot of mint tea, too, Dev.”
“Thanks,” Dev said, handing his lunch to his mother as he tried to get comfortable on the chair.
“You sure you don’t want to sit on the couch or go lie down?” Al asked.
“I’ll be okay here,” Dev replied as Riza came into the room. “The nausea passes fast then I’ll get dopey. You can toss me in the room then.” As Ed’s eyes lit up, he added, “Winry, you and Miao-Yin can help do that. Wouldn’t want Ed to pop a stitch.” He offered up a syrupy smile to Ed who answered with an obscene gesture.
“I think we’ll be safer if I help you now. The Ambassador and Alphonse can deal with you after that,” Hala said and her son pouted at her.
“That would ruin his naughty nurse fantasies,” Roy called from the other room.
Hala snorted. “I am a nurse and to this day I don’t quite get this pervasive fantasy.”
“Reminding me you’re a nurse helped kill it, Mother,” Dev replied unhappily.
“At least until he sees Miao-Yin again,” Winry said, sitting next to Edward. She handed back the mftoul bowl. “Did everything go okay, Riza?”
“Oh yes. Just waiting on the boys to bring the tea.” Riza glanced back toward the kitchen. “I got the pictures from Fuery, Hughes.”
“Great.” Hughes came back in carrying a tray with the cups and one tea pot. Roy followed him with the other tea pot. Riza slipped a packet into Hughes’ jacket pocket.
“They’re not all of Elicia, are they?” Ed’s eyes narrowed then flung out his hand to Dev. “Show them to the captive audience.”
“They’re of the captive audience…and Al.” Hughes beamed, setting down the tray.
“When did you get pictures of me?” Dev blinked at the tall man.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Roy poured tea, mint perfuming the air. “For a price, we won’t show your mother or brother in Al’s case.”
“They’re both sitting right here,” Al grumbled. “How do you plan on not showing them?”
“Leave them where they’re hidden,” Hughes shrugged. “Unless the price isn’t paid.”
“I’ll find them,” Ed said, “even if that means trolling through the bastard’s underwear door with gloves on.”
“Just don’t take his condoms, he’ll have a heart attack,” Dev said, his speech slurring from the medicine.
“Take them. I don’t currently need them,” Roy replied loftily and Riza pinched the brow of her nose.
“ Yes, you do! “ Ed and Dev chorused.
“They don’t allow him to have children,” Aris said to Hala.
“I’m afraid to know how they plan on stopping him,” Hala replied.
“As am I,” Riza said, pink-cheeked. She narrowed her eyes at her fiancé. “Roy, why don’t you get on with your big surprise.”
“Surprise?” Al’s eyes lit up.
“A homecoming gift for you and your brother. I figure, I’ll take Hughes out later and get him roaring drunk for his.”
“You already have, hence the pictures,” Hughes reminded him and Roy waved him off.
“You got me a gift?” Ed’s golden eyes slotted. Winry elbowed him, hissing his name.
“As you know, Edward, you’ve been assigned back to me,” Roy lounged against the mantle of the fireplace, like a stretching cat. “However, I’ve spoken to Olivia and Hughes just finalized it this morning. While you will report to me, you’re on temporary duty in investigations with Hughes and Armstrong. I figure it suited your nosy personality and it will allow you to stay in Central and not travel. I thought you’d appreciate it. Of course, if I need your services, I’ll ask but, since I work as an ambassador, I can’t imagine when I’d need a tiny swearing machine.” Roy grinned wickedly.
Ed’s jaw tightened, obviously conflicted whether to rise to the bait or to be thankful. “I’ll be glad not to be traveling. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I figured you have traveled enough for a life time.” Roy nodded toward Winry. “Next time you plan a trip, it should be for fun.”
“That would make for a nice change,” Ed admitted, setting down his bowl before taking Winry’s hand.
“And Alphonse, we didn’t forget you,” Roy said. “Riza, would you do the honors?”
“Of course.”
Riza left then came back quickly carrying something. Ed’s ‘oh, hell no’ got cut short by Winry yanking him back onto the couch when he tried to get up. Smiling, Riza presented Al with the kitten. The long-haired smoky grey tabby reached out and put her paw on his face.
“She’s yours to name, Al,” Roy said. “The friend I got her from said this breed gets big, like nine or thirteen kilograms.”
Al hugged the kitten close. “She’s perfect, Roy, thank you. You, too, Riza. I love her.”
Riza patted his back. “We knew you would, Alphonse.”
“Did it have to be a cat?” Ed moaned, slumping on the couch.
“Do you hear Alphonse protesting your gift?” Roy arched his eyebrows.
“He might if you keep whining,” Hughes added.
“She’s adorable, Al.” Winry got up to go cuddle the kitten.
Roy went over to Hughes and dug in the man’s jacket pocket. Hughes slapped his hand then turned over the envelope. He pulled out a few pictures. “Another gift, Edward.” Roy handed a few more to Hala. “And for you, Mrs. Jasso. I’m feeling generous today.”
She looked at the pictures then rolled her eyes. “I would say you’re feeling ornery. Dev, who is this floozy you’re with?” Hala shoved the picture at her son’s face.
Dev’s jaw dropped. “I’ve never seen her in my life. They doctored the photos or something.”
“Now how could I do that?” Hughes asked innocently.
His face pinched. Dev waved his metal hand at Roy. “The bastard probably could with alchemy.”
“But why would I? You and Al didn’t need help looking this bad.” Roy laughed.
Ed shook his head. “Seriously Al, what is this?”
Al peered at the pictures in horror, accidentally squeezing his kitten too hard. The ball of fur squeaked. “I have no idea. Did this really happen?”
“It happened. Those two bar flies really wanted you two to take them home.” Roy smirked. “But Hughes and I were good enough to bring you home safely.”
“But not before photographing it first,” Winry said sourly.
“And without you, they wouldn’t have been so drunk as to allow a strange woman lick something off their chest. Al!” Ed stared at his brother as if he had never seen him before.
“I swear, I don’t remember!” Al cried.
“It was salt. I guess it makes that lighter fluid they drink in the desert taste better,” Hughes said.
“Son, for your own safety, don’t go to bars with this man any more,” Hala pointed to Roy. “You may not survive the night.”
Dev snorted at her. “But it’s usually fun.”
“Here give me those. I should have known better than to give them to Hughes.” Riza rounded up the pictures. “Enough taunting the boys for one day, Roy.”
Roy pouted at her then took the kitten from Al, stroking its fur. “Here Edward, show your brother you don’t judge him. Play nice with his new baby.” He dropped the kitten in Ed’s lap. Ed squawked, poorly defending himself one-handedly as the kitten went right after his braid.
“That’s a very nice thing you did, Mustang, welcoming the boys home that is. Not the pictures,” Aris said. “As is taking in Dev, though I don’t know how you plan on surviving him and Edward together.”
“Because I know how to handle them,” Roy shrugged. “And Riza and Winry will kill them if they get too out of hand.”
“I doubt he needs much handling right now,” Hala nodded to her son who was half asleep. “I should move him to his room.”
“Here, I’ll help you,” Roy said. “Give me a hand, Hughes.”
Aris got up. “I’ll help, Hughes. You’re still recovering yourself.”
“I can’t stay?” Dev slurred. “Don’t wanna be alone all day.”
“You won’t be. We’ll bring you something to read later,” Roy offered as Aris and Hughes helped Dev back into his wheelchair. “Romance or mystery?”
Dev sighed. “Mystery. I just need to recover quickly. I have a wedding to officiate. I bet the bastard cries halfway through it.”
“Nah, he won’t cry,” Ed said, foisting the kitten off on Winry. “He’d need a heart first to do that.”
“Want to bet?” Dev summoned up enough energy to smirk.
“You’re on. Fifty sen says the bastard is too arrogant to cry.” Ed echoed Dev’s smirk.
“I want a piece of this,” Hughes said. “I say he cries when he has to give the speech at the reception.”
“I bet he starts crying before the wedding even starts,” Al put in.
“Will you all stop?” Roy scowled. “Ed’s going to win, you know.”
“Doubt it,” Al replied, his smug expression eerily reminiscent of his brother’s.
“So do I,” Dev added.
“Go to bed, idiot.” Roy waved him off and Aris started pushing the wheelchair toward the guestroom.
“We’ll bring the kitten to play with you later,” Al promised.
“Just what he needs,” Ed said and Al glared at him.
Roy glanced over at the ladies. “Then again having those two together under my roof may have been the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.”
XXX
“So, do you like it?” Winry spun slowly around in what would be Edward’s living room.
He looked around the wood-paneled room. “It’s awfully big. Really, the barracks-”
“Brother, shut up now,” Al said, nudging Ed hard. “Shut it and think.”
Ed turned pink.
“You said the upstairs would be good for me, Winry? I’m going to go have a look. I love the place. The wood floors and the little fireplace make it look inviting.” Al bolted up the stairs.
Winry glared. “I told Riza you’d be dumb enough to want to stay in the barracks. Just what do you think would happen there with Al in the next bed?”
Ed shrugged, his still-empty sleeve flapping even though it had been pinned up. “I’m not used to thinking about us yet, I guess. I’ve been alone too long.” He peered past her down the hall. “Show me more.”
Smiling, Winry captured his solitary hand and took him down the hallway. “I thought this room would make a nice library for you boys and there’s the kitchen. There’s a small bathroom off the library. Upstairs, Al will have his own room and bath. Back here.” She pulled him into the room. “The master bedroom.”
Ed poked around the room. “It’s a little small but nice. I guess the bed won’t take up much…..oh, probably ought to get a bigger bed.” He shot her a sheepish look.
“I’ll take you shopping for it,” Winry replied, narrowing her eyes at him.
“Will Al have his own entrance?”
“No, but the bedroom is away from the living room and the door. You just concentrate on not making enough noise to wake up Al upstairs.” Winry grinned, tapping Ed on the nose.
“Me?” Ed went red. “I think that’s my line.”
“Do I need to find another apartment before we even move in?” Al peeked into the room.
“If you think you’re bringing that cat,” Ed started and Winry elbowed him.
“The cat is staying,” Al replied firmly, glancing at his watch. “Winry, it’s nearly two.”
She nodded. “Okay, I have to go for my last dress fitting for the wedding. Edward, you should go home and get some rest. If the port looks good, I’ll be giving you back your arm tomorrow.”
He sighed. “I’m fine, Winry. I don’t need to go home yet. I’ll go sign the papers to make sure we get the place and start looking for some furniture.”
At Winry’s distressed look, Al said, “I’ll go with him.”
“Stick to living room and library furniture. You and I will go shopping for the bed,” Winry said, wagging a finger at him.
Ed’s sigh was even louder this time. “Fine but I’m saying this here and now, no girlie curtains or bedspreads.”
“Fine, you can get what you want.” Winry threw up her hands.
“That’s all I ask,” Ed said, obviously pleased he’d gotten his way.
“But you will get something we both agree on,” Al insisted. “I’m not having people frightened away by your scary tastes.”
“I’m not dignifying that with a comment,” Ed sniffed then turned to Winry. “Go ahead, get your dress. I won’t do anything until you can go with me, promise.” With an askance look, he added, “Don’t give me that look, Al.”
“What look?” Al’s face was the model of innocence.
“The one that says I’m hopeless where Winry’s concerned.”
“It’s okay, Edward. We all already know that.” Winry kissed his cheek. “Keep him reined in, Al.”
“Will do.”
“I don’t need a sitter.”
Winry left the brothers to squabble. It was so good to hear that again that it was more like music than arguing. She had missed it. Hearing it, made it really feel like they were truly home.
XXX
Roy wished his legs would stop shaking. Sooner or later Edward and Dev would notice, especially the way it made the dragons around the hem of his robe seem to undulate. There couldn’t be a more perfect day, the sky crystalline blue with nary a cloud. The sun was warm but a light breeze kept it from being stifling. Alphonse and Alex Louis had picked the picture perfect place for the ceremony; trees around them, the lake in view. What an amazing estate the Armstrongs had.
Hua had set up a flower-decked altar between two immense oaks. She and Dev were murmuring to each other, either last minute arrangements or mocking him, he couldn’t be sure. At least he had gotten out of wearing that stupid hat that went with his dragon robe.
“You’re not going to run, are you?” Hughes grinned, looking peculiar in his Xingese silk. They had gone with black jackets and baggy silk trousers. A red dragon arched up the back of the jacket. Roy was pretty sure Ed was in love with it.
“Don’t be asinine,” Roy hissed and the tall man chuckled.
“When is this getting started?” Ed asked, tugging on the wide, red silk cuffs.
“Aren’t all of you supposed to be back with the bridesmaids?” Roy growled.
“Not me, I’m the best man,” Hughes protested, draping an arm around Roy’s shoulders.
“And Al and I want to make sure you don’t sneak off into the woods,” Ed said and Al rolled his eyes, looking as odd as Ed and Hughes in his Xingese garb.
Well, at least they didn’t look as outrageous as poor Alex Louis did. The tailor had almost cried when Roy brought the man in.
“I want to get married,” Roy said, his voice cracking. Ed snickered at him.
“Hey, Mustang,” Dev called, hobbling over on his cane, looking like a colorful bird in his bright priest’s robes. He pointed down the aisle made up of an ungodly amount of chairs in the clearing for the people important enough to warrant seating for his out of control nuptials. “Have a look at that beautiful woman.”
Roy glanced back at Riza who stood with his sisters, Gracia and Winry. The bridesmaids all wore red silk embroidered with silver cherry blossoms. Riza’s dress rose in an imperial collar, fitting over her athletic form like a red silk sheath. Twogolden dragons soared above two multi-colored
embroidered phoenixes who roosted on chrysanthemums over the bodice, each symbol rich with beauty. Riza wore her hair down and curled, sweeping over her shoulders. Her beauty suddenly blurred and he wiped his eyes quickly.
“Damn it, Al wins the bet.” Ed stomped his slippered foot.
“Easy brother, you’ll tear through that footwear before we even get to the reception,” Al scolded.
“And yes, I thought you’d at least get into the ceremony before you started bawling,” Hughes said, giving Roy a disillusioned look.
“You are so disappointing,” Dev said.
“You all go to hell,” Roy said, scrubbing at his eyes again.
“You boys need to get back with your bridesmaids.” Hua flicked her hand at the brothers who headed back to partner Winry and Miao-Yin.
The band Olivia hired began to play and Roy couldn’t stop the whole body shakes that crept on him. Hua patted his arm then went back to fussing with the wine for the ceremony.
“Roy,” Hughes said softly.
Turning tearing eyes to his friend, Roy suddenly found himself face to face with a snapping camera. “Must I start this wedding with a murder?”
Hughes just laughed, slipping the camera back into his pocket. “Just smile, Roy. You’re marrying the love of your life. This day is going to be perfect.”
Roy glanced back down the aisle, seeing Li-Ying moving up it, arm locked with Armstrong’s who blocked all view of Riza. His voice refused to work so he bobbed his head then let Dev get his attention, moving him to the center space in front of the altar. A perfect day, yes it was.
XXX
“I’m having such a good time,” Winry slurred as she clung to Roy during the congratulatory dance. Over the inebriated young lady’s shoulder, he could see Al stumbling around with Riza. “You be good to her, Roy, or you answer to me.”
“Don’t worry, dear.” Roy nearly stepped on her feet, which seemed to be everywhere.
“You’re really cute, do you know that?” Winry giggled. “Don’t tell Ed I said that.” She groped him before swinging him into Gracia who was next in line to dance with the groom.
Gracia seemed to be like him, semi-sober, something he had promised Riza he would be. “Did Winry grab your butt?” she laughed.
“It’s a secret,” Roy assured her, dancing her to the slow beat.
“You look so handsome,” Gracia said.
“You mean after I stopped blubbering like an idiot.”
“Well, Maes did his best to mirror you. He’s such a romantic.”
“That’s a word for it. I’d have said idiotic sap.” Roy hugged her closer. “I’m glad we have him back.”
Her eyes glistened. “We needed him.” She shook her hair back, stepping away from him. “I believe our president wishes to dance.” Gracia nodded to the line.
“I might need you to protect me.” Roy grinned. Gracia kissed him then danced him in position to be dwarfed by the president who wore a beautifully cut dress and heels she didn’t need. He smiled rakishly at Olivia who curled her lip at him.
She took his hand roughly. “Let’s get this over with.”
“You wound me.”
“Keep it up and I will.”
Roy pulled her close, spinning her in the waltz. She was solid muscle, except for two very giving parts of her. “Thank you for allowing us to have our wedding here, Olivia. It was perfect. Riza is so happy.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t run when she realized she was marrying a weeping idiot,” Olivia sniffed. “You’re far too much like Alex Louis. Speaking of which, my brother is exceedingly drunk.”
“There was enough alcohol for that?” Roy gaped and Olivia actually laughed. “We’d better corral him before he falls on someone and kills them.”
“What a headline that will be. Of course, it’ll go right next to the headline reading alchemists drunkenly destroy a storied estate.” Olivia pointed over Roy’s shoulder.
He turned his head to see Ed and Al trying to get a group of Roy’s men to dance on the bar top. “Drunken Elrics, that can’t be good. I’d usually send Winry to deal with them but she’s glassy-eyed. Wonders if Hughes is up to it?”
“Do you really want to add that to the mix?”
Roy snorted. “Say goodbye to your family home, Olivia.”
“You’ll pay. Before I let you go, Mustang, there’s one last thing you can do for me, starting now.”
He frowned at Olivia. “Honeymoon starts now. You wait.”
“The Xingese ambassador was interested in working with you here,” she said, rolling right past him. “But said they would be more comfortable if you had a proper queue.”
“You want me to grow my hair?” Roy cocked up an eyebrow.
“You’re easier to deal with if you come with a handle,” she replied.
Roy laughed then snuck a kiss before exchanging her for the next lady in line. It seemed like forever before he was finally in Riza’s orbit again.
She held up a few bills. “Havoc tucked them into my bodice.”
“Probably thought it was his last chance to see your boobs.”
Riza rolled her eyes and Roy pocketed the money. “Drunken idiot.”
“Speaking of which, the Elrics are on a tear. Do you see Hughes around?” Roy glanced around the ballroom.
“No Winry?”
“She’s so drunk she was helping herself to a handful of my butt probably about the time Havoc was tipping you.” Roy grinned and Riza shook her head. “Poor kids, can’t handle their alcohol.”
“I did notice our priest seemed to be drunker than a soldier on leave.” Riza smiled back. “And there’s Hughes over there by the buffet.”
Taking her hand, Roy led her over to his friend. “Hughes.”
He whipped around, nearly losing his balance. A goofy grin split his long, lean face. “You know how to throw a party, my friend.” Hughes looped an arm around Roy’s shoulder. “I’m having a great time.”
“Great. I was hoping you could distract Ed and Al…hell, Winry and Dev, too, from the open bar for a little while before they all pass out,” Roy said.
Hughes shrugged. “Get them out there dancing with some pretty young thing.” His brow knitted. “You know what I mean.”
“Ed usually does need prodding to get moving where Winry is concerned.” Roy waded back through the crowds. Hughes staggered after him and Riza went along, probably to keep things under control, Roy thought. He caught Ed’s new metal arm. His hand, and presumably the rest of the arm was all done up with dragons for the occasion, and dragged him away from the bar. “Ed, Winry wants to dance with you.”
Big gold eyes blinked slowly then the scariest grin Roy had ever seen bloomed. “I bet she does.” Ed started to swagger off then he stopped. “Uh, where is she?”
“Over there with my little flower.” Hughes gestured to a table where Winry sat with Gracia. “Let’s go get them.”
“You’re stupid when you’re drunk,” Ed pronounced but followed Hughes anyhow.
Noticing Al was absent, he looked at Dev who was using the bar railing to hold himself in his stool and asked, “Did Al pass out?”
“Nah.” He flailed with his metal hand. “Out there drooling on your niece.” Dev glanced down at his leg. “Still hurts too much to dansh,” he slurred.
“Good point. Well, try not to fall off the stool and bust your head open. Maybe I can steer some lovely young lady over here to talk with you,” Roy offered.
“Jackass. Don’t needs your handy...hand-me downs.” Dev’s eyes barely focused on Riza. “Too late for you to run now, Risha. I already said all the husband and wife stuff.”
Riza laughed then kissed his cheek. “That’s all right, Dev. I don’t want to. I see Mera over there. I bet she could use someone to talk to.”
Roy watched Riza round up his ex. As both part of his team and Uzziel’s granddaughter, Mera had been invited. He hadn’t thought she would have the heart to attend the wedding but she had. He wondered if she really meant it about being just his friend or did this hurt? She and Dev knew how to trade insults well with one another, making each other laugh. Riza was a gem for thinking of this. It might be his wedding but Roy wanted his friends to have the best time even if they might not remember it.
Good deed done, Roy took Riza in his arms, whirling back out with her onto the dance floor. Eventually Huang cut in, dancing off with his new granddaughter-in-law while Roy danced with his grandmother. Later, Li-Ying talked him into leading an all-male dance to the song of Riza’s choice. His new bride wasn’t kind to him, leaving him in fear of being trampled by what was left standing of his men. Roy knew that Fuery’s friend who arranged to get moving film pictures of this surely had to capture him being whirled around the floor first by Alex Louis then Hughes. The dance disintegrated into a raucous sing-along led loudly by Alphonse.
Making good his escape, Roy caught Riza’s hand, pulling her to him. “I think it’s time for us to leave, Mrs. Mustang. We won’t survive if we try to outlast our guests.”
Riza grinned. “Then we’d better say our goodbyes.”
Linking arms with her, Roy got the band leader to give over the microphone. “Thank you everyone for coming,” he said then waited for them to settle. “We’ve been as well behaved as long as we can but it’s time for Riza and I to go.” He took her pinch to the side with good grace. “The band is playing for another two hours. Enjoy and be sure to thank the Armstrongs for their generosity.”
“Thank you for making our day perfect,” Riza said then waved to the crowd.
Roy swept her up in his arms, carrying her to the door. He never noticed the drunkenness drain from Hughes’ eyes nor the evil grin that graced the man’s lips. Roy let Riza down and opened the door of the awaiting car. “To the Grand Hotel,” he told the driver.
“Of course, sir.”
Riza’s eyebrows arched. “Oh?”
“Do you think I wanted to go home to that overcrowded house of mine tonight? For the next two days we have the suite at the Grand to ourselves. Peace and quiet and room service.” Roy grinned.
Riza pulled him in for an enthusiastic kiss. “You are a wonderful man.”
“And when all the houseguests sort themselves out and go home, you and I are going on a proper honeymoon. Where ever you want. Alone, just you and me. How long has it been since we’ve been alone?”
“Far too long.” Riza pulled him into the car with her, a hungry grin on her face. Roy followed happily.
XXX
Riza tried to reach for her gun the moment the noise startled her awake but she and Roy’s earlier activities had so enmeshed them in the bedding and each other’s limbs, she couldn’t move.
Roy’s head popped up off the pillow. “What the hell?”
More or less awake now, Riza realized the noise wasn’t a threat but rather raucous singing and people banging on something metallic. “Are those your idiot friends?”
“Aww fuck, Hughes wasn’t as drunk as he looked.” Roy thrashed his way out of the covering. “He was talking about some Earth tradition called a chivaree where they beat pots and act like morons all night long.”
Riza slapped Roy’s back lightly. “This can’t go on all night. Listen to how loud Edward is.”
“I’m more concerned with that set of lungs Alex Louis has.” Roy swung out of bed. The only piece of clothing he pulled on was his glove.
Riza chuckled to herself as he stepped out naked onto the balcony. Flames blazed but their drunken friends only howled louder. Untangling herself from the sheets, Riza grabbed the gun off the night stand. She and Roy had both been prepared in case someone decided to choose their wedding night to make a political statement. She watched her husband whipping flames teasingly at their friends. He was terrifyingly beautiful some days and now he was all hers. Grinning wildly, she joined him on the balcony, more naked than Roy was, and she took aim.
finis
Author’s Note #1 – Thank you again for making it this far. You have, in fact, now read an FMA novel. The total word count was 178,743. Thanks again for all the comments. Roy’s dragon robes are based off traditional Chinese wedding attire (having used Chinese culture as a springboard for Xingese throughout this) as is Riza’s wedding gown which was based off a qun kwa (which I found particularly beautiful)
Author’s Note #2 – Mftoul is another name for couscous, this one with a Moroccan twist (since I was using Moroccan culture for Ishbalan). And since food was such a big important part of this story throughout, I thought I’d pass along one of the recipes.
Spiced Apricot Couscous
1 ½ cups low-fat milk
2/3 cup dried whole wheat couscous (4 oz)
1/3 cup refrigerated/frozen egg product or 1 egg plus 1 egg white lightly beaten
¼ cup coarsely snipped dried apricots
1 Tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground ginger
Pinch ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped pecans
in a small saucepan, whisk together milk, couscous, egg, apricots, honey, cinnamon, salt, ginger and the nutmeg. Cook and stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until couscous is very tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in pecans just before serving.
Author -
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition.
Pairing – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win (eventually) Winry/OC, mentions of Maes/Gracia and Al/OC
Rating – will vary from chapter to chapter, mostly Pg-13 but will eventually contain well marked adult chapters.
Time Line – anime based, spoilers all the way through the anime and the movie and does have strong manga elements such as Armstrong’s older sister and the land of Xing
Summary – As Roy and Riza prepare for their wedding, while dodging assassins, Ed and Al try to find their way back home.
Author’s Note – THANK YOU, all of you who’ve been along for the long ride and welcome to anyone looking to read this in one big gulp. It’s been a bit of a journey and I truly appreciate all of your comments and insights along with way. Thanks to
evil_little_dog and lyrangalia for the beta and all the help.This was a very hard story to say goodbye to. I'll miss writing it.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter eight
Chapter nine
chapter ten
chapter eleven
chapter twelve
chapter thirteen
chapter fourteen
chapter fifteen
chapter sixteen
chapter seventeen
chapter eighteen
chapter nineteen
Chapter twenty
Chapter twenty-one
Chapter twenty-two
Chapter twenty-three
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter twenty-five
Chapter twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter thirty
Chapter thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-three
“Days of absence, sad and dreary, Clothed in sorrow's dark array, Days of absence, I am weary; She I love is far away.” – Shakespeare
Chapter Thirty-Four
That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is. The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks
“So no entourage,” Roy said as Aris wheeled Dev into the house.
“Just Mom.” Dev waved a hand over his shoulder at the woman who lugged a pack. Al went to take it from her. “Probably no one else could believe I’d be staying with the likes of you.”
Roy’s eye slotted. “Keep it up and you’ll be sleeping in the fish pond.”
“Ignore my son,” Hala said, patting Dev’s head a little too hard. “He’s very happy he doesn’t have to walk up those steps to his apartment. He’d be all alone there most of the day.” She glanced around. “I doubt he’ll have that problem here.”
“Hardly. Wheel yourself into the living room because no one here’s going to take pity on you and do it for you,” Roy said.
Hala nudged her son as he opened his mouth, red-faced. “I’m glad to see you’re doing all right, young man,” she added to Alphonse.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Al glanced at Ed while carrying the luggage toward the bedroom. “Now if Winry would only give Ed his arm back, so he’d stop whining and my headache would go away.”
“He’s almost ready,” Winry called from the living room.
“I’m more than ready,” Ed grumbled, looking down at his empty sleeve.
“She probably likes it better this way,” Dev said. “You’re probably less of a handful.”
“I’m going to help the bastard put you in the pond.” Ed glared.
“You’d need two hands for that,” Dev said sweetly.
“You really do bring this on yourself, Dev.” Aris shook his head. “Do you want to stay in the chair or would you like to transfer onto the couch?”
Dev nodded to one of the padded chairs. “That looks good. This thing isn’t comfortable.”
“Ms. Rockbell, would you help me?” Hala asked and Winry nodded. Together they shifted Dev to the chair and got the ottoman under his bandaged leg. A fine sheen of sweat broke out over his face. “You’re due for another pain pill, son.”
“I’ll get him some water,” Roy said.
‘Hear that, Edward?” Winry arched an eyebrow. “Someone takes pain pills when he’s supposed to.”
“I’m fine.” Ed flopped on the couch, sulking.
“Should have sent him with Havoc, then,” Al said, coming into the room. “He was muttering about needing help.”
“Only to keep him from making an even bigger fool of himself than he normally is,” Roy called from the kitchen.
“What’s he doing?” Dev looked in askance around the room.
“Finding booby bars,” Ed grumbled then, realizing, pulled a long face. “I should have gone.”
Winry slapped him on the back of the head.
“Ed needs that pain pill now.” Dev laughed.
“Dare I ask about the bars?” Aris backed away from the women.
“For my bachelor party,” Roy said, coming back with a glass in one hand and a bowl in the other. “I didn’t want to have it until Dev, Ed and Al were a little more mobile.”
“You are an interesting influence on my son.” Hala sighed then nodded to the bowl. “That smells good.”
“I made it for lunch. I saved a little for Dev…okay, a lot. Pretty much made it for you guys. Grandfather Hawkeye showed me how.” Roy presented Dev with the bowl of Ishbalan pasta, a fine cut, almost like grains of sand. Speckled with spice, it was dotted with bright orange bits.
“Is that what was smelling yummy? Why didn’t you tell me there was food to share?” Ed sat up, his nose twitching at the smell.
“Because I wanted some to be left.” Roy shrugged.
“You made mftoul?” Dev raised an eyebrow. “There’s nothing weird in this like a chicken uterus or testicles or something?”
“No, I saved that for the soup.” Roy grinned at Dev’s sharp-eyed glare. “Try it.”
Dev sampled it, letting out an involuntary ‘mmm.’ He handed the bowl to his mother then swallowed his pill. “That is very good. Almost as good as Mom’s.”
“This really is pretty good,” Hala said before handing her son back the bowl.
“I’m going to get some,” Ed announced, heading for the kitchen.
“Thanks for doing this for me, bastard,” Dev said as the front door opened. Hughes called out his hello before wandering in.
“Choke on an apricot,” Roy snorted.
Hala studied Roy then said. “I never though he’d stop hating you enough to get to this point.”
Roy shrugged. “We have a saying in Xing, ‘Hatred never ceases by hatred. Hatred only ceases by love.’ I think there’s something similar in your religion.”
She nodded. “There is but it’s easier said than done.”
“I know and that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing,” Roy said but Hughes interrupted before Hala could respond.
“It’s a go, Roy,” he said. “And Riza just went around back with you know what.”
“Great. Ed’s feeding his face so have a seat and relax a bit,” Roy replied. “Mrs. Jasso, Aris, would you like to sit down for a while?”
“We probably should be going,” Hala said.
“We were about to have tea and just relax,” Roy said, gesturing to the couches. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Aris shrugged. “A cup of tea won’t be bad,” he said as Ed came in with a heaping bowl of the mftoul.
“Planning on sharing, Edward?” Winry asked, nodding at his overflowing bowl.
“Go get your own ...” Ed flushed. “I mean, with you, yes.” He held the bowl out.
“Slowly learning, eh Ed?” Roy smirked, as Winry accepted it, taking Ed’s spoon and tasting the dish.
“Go to hell,” Ed grumbled around a mouthful of the tiny pasta.
“I make that with milk.” Roy pointed to the mftoul and Ed stopped chewing.
“Roy, don’t torment Ed,” Winry scowled. “Ed, keep eating. You like it in spite of the milk.”
“Hughes, help me bring in the tea tray,” Roy said then eyed Dev. “Are you okay? You look queasy.”
Dev rubbed his stomach. “The pills make me sick.”
“See, good reason to refuse the pain killers,” Ed mumbled, pointing at Dev with his spoon.
“You and Roy could deal with the nausea instead of being martyrs,” Winry glared. “You had major surgery.”
“I have reasons,” Roy said. “I’ll make a pot of mint tea, too, Dev.”
“Thanks,” Dev said, handing his lunch to his mother as he tried to get comfortable on the chair.
“You sure you don’t want to sit on the couch or go lie down?” Al asked.
“I’ll be okay here,” Dev replied as Riza came into the room. “The nausea passes fast then I’ll get dopey. You can toss me in the room then.” As Ed’s eyes lit up, he added, “Winry, you and Miao-Yin can help do that. Wouldn’t want Ed to pop a stitch.” He offered up a syrupy smile to Ed who answered with an obscene gesture.
“I think we’ll be safer if I help you now. The Ambassador and Alphonse can deal with you after that,” Hala said and her son pouted at her.
“That would ruin his naughty nurse fantasies,” Roy called from the other room.
Hala snorted. “I am a nurse and to this day I don’t quite get this pervasive fantasy.”
“Reminding me you’re a nurse helped kill it, Mother,” Dev replied unhappily.
“At least until he sees Miao-Yin again,” Winry said, sitting next to Edward. She handed back the mftoul bowl. “Did everything go okay, Riza?”
“Oh yes. Just waiting on the boys to bring the tea.” Riza glanced back toward the kitchen. “I got the pictures from Fuery, Hughes.”
“Great.” Hughes came back in carrying a tray with the cups and one tea pot. Roy followed him with the other tea pot. Riza slipped a packet into Hughes’ jacket pocket.
“They’re not all of Elicia, are they?” Ed’s eyes narrowed then flung out his hand to Dev. “Show them to the captive audience.”
“They’re of the captive audience…and Al.” Hughes beamed, setting down the tray.
“When did you get pictures of me?” Dev blinked at the tall man.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Roy poured tea, mint perfuming the air. “For a price, we won’t show your mother or brother in Al’s case.”
“They’re both sitting right here,” Al grumbled. “How do you plan on not showing them?”
“Leave them where they’re hidden,” Hughes shrugged. “Unless the price isn’t paid.”
“I’ll find them,” Ed said, “even if that means trolling through the bastard’s underwear door with gloves on.”
“Just don’t take his condoms, he’ll have a heart attack,” Dev said, his speech slurring from the medicine.
“Take them. I don’t currently need them,” Roy replied loftily and Riza pinched the brow of her nose.
“ Yes, you do! “ Ed and Dev chorused.
“They don’t allow him to have children,” Aris said to Hala.
“I’m afraid to know how they plan on stopping him,” Hala replied.
“As am I,” Riza said, pink-cheeked. She narrowed her eyes at her fiancé. “Roy, why don’t you get on with your big surprise.”
“Surprise?” Al’s eyes lit up.
“A homecoming gift for you and your brother. I figure, I’ll take Hughes out later and get him roaring drunk for his.”
“You already have, hence the pictures,” Hughes reminded him and Roy waved him off.
“You got me a gift?” Ed’s golden eyes slotted. Winry elbowed him, hissing his name.
“As you know, Edward, you’ve been assigned back to me,” Roy lounged against the mantle of the fireplace, like a stretching cat. “However, I’ve spoken to Olivia and Hughes just finalized it this morning. While you will report to me, you’re on temporary duty in investigations with Hughes and Armstrong. I figure it suited your nosy personality and it will allow you to stay in Central and not travel. I thought you’d appreciate it. Of course, if I need your services, I’ll ask but, since I work as an ambassador, I can’t imagine when I’d need a tiny swearing machine.” Roy grinned wickedly.
Ed’s jaw tightened, obviously conflicted whether to rise to the bait or to be thankful. “I’ll be glad not to be traveling. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I figured you have traveled enough for a life time.” Roy nodded toward Winry. “Next time you plan a trip, it should be for fun.”
“That would make for a nice change,” Ed admitted, setting down his bowl before taking Winry’s hand.
“And Alphonse, we didn’t forget you,” Roy said. “Riza, would you do the honors?”
“Of course.”
Riza left then came back quickly carrying something. Ed’s ‘oh, hell no’ got cut short by Winry yanking him back onto the couch when he tried to get up. Smiling, Riza presented Al with the kitten. The long-haired smoky grey tabby reached out and put her paw on his face.
“She’s yours to name, Al,” Roy said. “The friend I got her from said this breed gets big, like nine or thirteen kilograms.”
Al hugged the kitten close. “She’s perfect, Roy, thank you. You, too, Riza. I love her.”
Riza patted his back. “We knew you would, Alphonse.”
“Did it have to be a cat?” Ed moaned, slumping on the couch.
“Do you hear Alphonse protesting your gift?” Roy arched his eyebrows.
“He might if you keep whining,” Hughes added.
“She’s adorable, Al.” Winry got up to go cuddle the kitten.
Roy went over to Hughes and dug in the man’s jacket pocket. Hughes slapped his hand then turned over the envelope. He pulled out a few pictures. “Another gift, Edward.” Roy handed a few more to Hala. “And for you, Mrs. Jasso. I’m feeling generous today.”
She looked at the pictures then rolled her eyes. “I would say you’re feeling ornery. Dev, who is this floozy you’re with?” Hala shoved the picture at her son’s face.
Dev’s jaw dropped. “I’ve never seen her in my life. They doctored the photos or something.”
“Now how could I do that?” Hughes asked innocently.
His face pinched. Dev waved his metal hand at Roy. “The bastard probably could with alchemy.”
“But why would I? You and Al didn’t need help looking this bad.” Roy laughed.
Ed shook his head. “Seriously Al, what is this?”
Al peered at the pictures in horror, accidentally squeezing his kitten too hard. The ball of fur squeaked. “I have no idea. Did this really happen?”
“It happened. Those two bar flies really wanted you two to take them home.” Roy smirked. “But Hughes and I were good enough to bring you home safely.”
“But not before photographing it first,” Winry said sourly.
“And without you, they wouldn’t have been so drunk as to allow a strange woman lick something off their chest. Al!” Ed stared at his brother as if he had never seen him before.
“I swear, I don’t remember!” Al cried.
“It was salt. I guess it makes that lighter fluid they drink in the desert taste better,” Hughes said.
“Son, for your own safety, don’t go to bars with this man any more,” Hala pointed to Roy. “You may not survive the night.”
Dev snorted at her. “But it’s usually fun.”
“Here give me those. I should have known better than to give them to Hughes.” Riza rounded up the pictures. “Enough taunting the boys for one day, Roy.”
Roy pouted at her then took the kitten from Al, stroking its fur. “Here Edward, show your brother you don’t judge him. Play nice with his new baby.” He dropped the kitten in Ed’s lap. Ed squawked, poorly defending himself one-handedly as the kitten went right after his braid.
“That’s a very nice thing you did, Mustang, welcoming the boys home that is. Not the pictures,” Aris said. “As is taking in Dev, though I don’t know how you plan on surviving him and Edward together.”
“Because I know how to handle them,” Roy shrugged. “And Riza and Winry will kill them if they get too out of hand.”
“I doubt he needs much handling right now,” Hala nodded to her son who was half asleep. “I should move him to his room.”
“Here, I’ll help you,” Roy said. “Give me a hand, Hughes.”
Aris got up. “I’ll help, Hughes. You’re still recovering yourself.”
“I can’t stay?” Dev slurred. “Don’t wanna be alone all day.”
“You won’t be. We’ll bring you something to read later,” Roy offered as Aris and Hughes helped Dev back into his wheelchair. “Romance or mystery?”
Dev sighed. “Mystery. I just need to recover quickly. I have a wedding to officiate. I bet the bastard cries halfway through it.”
“Nah, he won’t cry,” Ed said, foisting the kitten off on Winry. “He’d need a heart first to do that.”
“Want to bet?” Dev summoned up enough energy to smirk.
“You’re on. Fifty sen says the bastard is too arrogant to cry.” Ed echoed Dev’s smirk.
“I want a piece of this,” Hughes said. “I say he cries when he has to give the speech at the reception.”
“I bet he starts crying before the wedding even starts,” Al put in.
“Will you all stop?” Roy scowled. “Ed’s going to win, you know.”
“Doubt it,” Al replied, his smug expression eerily reminiscent of his brother’s.
“So do I,” Dev added.
“Go to bed, idiot.” Roy waved him off and Aris started pushing the wheelchair toward the guestroom.
“We’ll bring the kitten to play with you later,” Al promised.
“Just what he needs,” Ed said and Al glared at him.
Roy glanced over at the ladies. “Then again having those two together under my roof may have been the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.”
XXX
“So, do you like it?” Winry spun slowly around in what would be Edward’s living room.
He looked around the wood-paneled room. “It’s awfully big. Really, the barracks-”
“Brother, shut up now,” Al said, nudging Ed hard. “Shut it and think.”
Ed turned pink.
“You said the upstairs would be good for me, Winry? I’m going to go have a look. I love the place. The wood floors and the little fireplace make it look inviting.” Al bolted up the stairs.
Winry glared. “I told Riza you’d be dumb enough to want to stay in the barracks. Just what do you think would happen there with Al in the next bed?”
Ed shrugged, his still-empty sleeve flapping even though it had been pinned up. “I’m not used to thinking about us yet, I guess. I’ve been alone too long.” He peered past her down the hall. “Show me more.”
Smiling, Winry captured his solitary hand and took him down the hallway. “I thought this room would make a nice library for you boys and there’s the kitchen. There’s a small bathroom off the library. Upstairs, Al will have his own room and bath. Back here.” She pulled him into the room. “The master bedroom.”
Ed poked around the room. “It’s a little small but nice. I guess the bed won’t take up much…..oh, probably ought to get a bigger bed.” He shot her a sheepish look.
“I’ll take you shopping for it,” Winry replied, narrowing her eyes at him.
“Will Al have his own entrance?”
“No, but the bedroom is away from the living room and the door. You just concentrate on not making enough noise to wake up Al upstairs.” Winry grinned, tapping Ed on the nose.
“Me?” Ed went red. “I think that’s my line.”
“Do I need to find another apartment before we even move in?” Al peeked into the room.
“If you think you’re bringing that cat,” Ed started and Winry elbowed him.
“The cat is staying,” Al replied firmly, glancing at his watch. “Winry, it’s nearly two.”
She nodded. “Okay, I have to go for my last dress fitting for the wedding. Edward, you should go home and get some rest. If the port looks good, I’ll be giving you back your arm tomorrow.”
He sighed. “I’m fine, Winry. I don’t need to go home yet. I’ll go sign the papers to make sure we get the place and start looking for some furniture.”
At Winry’s distressed look, Al said, “I’ll go with him.”
“Stick to living room and library furniture. You and I will go shopping for the bed,” Winry said, wagging a finger at him.
Ed’s sigh was even louder this time. “Fine but I’m saying this here and now, no girlie curtains or bedspreads.”
“Fine, you can get what you want.” Winry threw up her hands.
“That’s all I ask,” Ed said, obviously pleased he’d gotten his way.
“But you will get something we both agree on,” Al insisted. “I’m not having people frightened away by your scary tastes.”
“I’m not dignifying that with a comment,” Ed sniffed then turned to Winry. “Go ahead, get your dress. I won’t do anything until you can go with me, promise.” With an askance look, he added, “Don’t give me that look, Al.”
“What look?” Al’s face was the model of innocence.
“The one that says I’m hopeless where Winry’s concerned.”
“It’s okay, Edward. We all already know that.” Winry kissed his cheek. “Keep him reined in, Al.”
“Will do.”
“I don’t need a sitter.”
Winry left the brothers to squabble. It was so good to hear that again that it was more like music than arguing. She had missed it. Hearing it, made it really feel like they were truly home.
XXX
Roy wished his legs would stop shaking. Sooner or later Edward and Dev would notice, especially the way it made the dragons around the hem of his robe seem to undulate. There couldn’t be a more perfect day, the sky crystalline blue with nary a cloud. The sun was warm but a light breeze kept it from being stifling. Alphonse and Alex Louis had picked the picture perfect place for the ceremony; trees around them, the lake in view. What an amazing estate the Armstrongs had.
Hua had set up a flower-decked altar between two immense oaks. She and Dev were murmuring to each other, either last minute arrangements or mocking him, he couldn’t be sure. At least he had gotten out of wearing that stupid hat that went with his dragon robe.
“You’re not going to run, are you?” Hughes grinned, looking peculiar in his Xingese silk. They had gone with black jackets and baggy silk trousers. A red dragon arched up the back of the jacket. Roy was pretty sure Ed was in love with it.
“Don’t be asinine,” Roy hissed and the tall man chuckled.
“When is this getting started?” Ed asked, tugging on the wide, red silk cuffs.
“Aren’t all of you supposed to be back with the bridesmaids?” Roy growled.
“Not me, I’m the best man,” Hughes protested, draping an arm around Roy’s shoulders.
“And Al and I want to make sure you don’t sneak off into the woods,” Ed said and Al rolled his eyes, looking as odd as Ed and Hughes in his Xingese garb.
Well, at least they didn’t look as outrageous as poor Alex Louis did. The tailor had almost cried when Roy brought the man in.
“I want to get married,” Roy said, his voice cracking. Ed snickered at him.
“Hey, Mustang,” Dev called, hobbling over on his cane, looking like a colorful bird in his bright priest’s robes. He pointed down the aisle made up of an ungodly amount of chairs in the clearing for the people important enough to warrant seating for his out of control nuptials. “Have a look at that beautiful woman.”
Roy glanced back at Riza who stood with his sisters, Gracia and Winry. The bridesmaids all wore red silk embroidered with silver cherry blossoms. Riza’s dress rose in an imperial collar, fitting over her athletic form like a red silk sheath. Twogolden dragons soared above two multi-colored
embroidered phoenixes who roosted on chrysanthemums over the bodice, each symbol rich with beauty. Riza wore her hair down and curled, sweeping over her shoulders. Her beauty suddenly blurred and he wiped his eyes quickly.
“Damn it, Al wins the bet.” Ed stomped his slippered foot.
“Easy brother, you’ll tear through that footwear before we even get to the reception,” Al scolded.
“And yes, I thought you’d at least get into the ceremony before you started bawling,” Hughes said, giving Roy a disillusioned look.
“You are so disappointing,” Dev said.
“You all go to hell,” Roy said, scrubbing at his eyes again.
“You boys need to get back with your bridesmaids.” Hua flicked her hand at the brothers who headed back to partner Winry and Miao-Yin.
The band Olivia hired began to play and Roy couldn’t stop the whole body shakes that crept on him. Hua patted his arm then went back to fussing with the wine for the ceremony.
“Roy,” Hughes said softly.
Turning tearing eyes to his friend, Roy suddenly found himself face to face with a snapping camera. “Must I start this wedding with a murder?”
Hughes just laughed, slipping the camera back into his pocket. “Just smile, Roy. You’re marrying the love of your life. This day is going to be perfect.”
Roy glanced back down the aisle, seeing Li-Ying moving up it, arm locked with Armstrong’s who blocked all view of Riza. His voice refused to work so he bobbed his head then let Dev get his attention, moving him to the center space in front of the altar. A perfect day, yes it was.
XXX
“I’m having such a good time,” Winry slurred as she clung to Roy during the congratulatory dance. Over the inebriated young lady’s shoulder, he could see Al stumbling around with Riza. “You be good to her, Roy, or you answer to me.”
“Don’t worry, dear.” Roy nearly stepped on her feet, which seemed to be everywhere.
“You’re really cute, do you know that?” Winry giggled. “Don’t tell Ed I said that.” She groped him before swinging him into Gracia who was next in line to dance with the groom.
Gracia seemed to be like him, semi-sober, something he had promised Riza he would be. “Did Winry grab your butt?” she laughed.
“It’s a secret,” Roy assured her, dancing her to the slow beat.
“You look so handsome,” Gracia said.
“You mean after I stopped blubbering like an idiot.”
“Well, Maes did his best to mirror you. He’s such a romantic.”
“That’s a word for it. I’d have said idiotic sap.” Roy hugged her closer. “I’m glad we have him back.”
Her eyes glistened. “We needed him.” She shook her hair back, stepping away from him. “I believe our president wishes to dance.” Gracia nodded to the line.
“I might need you to protect me.” Roy grinned. Gracia kissed him then danced him in position to be dwarfed by the president who wore a beautifully cut dress and heels she didn’t need. He smiled rakishly at Olivia who curled her lip at him.
She took his hand roughly. “Let’s get this over with.”
“You wound me.”
“Keep it up and I will.”
Roy pulled her close, spinning her in the waltz. She was solid muscle, except for two very giving parts of her. “Thank you for allowing us to have our wedding here, Olivia. It was perfect. Riza is so happy.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t run when she realized she was marrying a weeping idiot,” Olivia sniffed. “You’re far too much like Alex Louis. Speaking of which, my brother is exceedingly drunk.”
“There was enough alcohol for that?” Roy gaped and Olivia actually laughed. “We’d better corral him before he falls on someone and kills them.”
“What a headline that will be. Of course, it’ll go right next to the headline reading alchemists drunkenly destroy a storied estate.” Olivia pointed over Roy’s shoulder.
He turned his head to see Ed and Al trying to get a group of Roy’s men to dance on the bar top. “Drunken Elrics, that can’t be good. I’d usually send Winry to deal with them but she’s glassy-eyed. Wonders if Hughes is up to it?”
“Do you really want to add that to the mix?”
Roy snorted. “Say goodbye to your family home, Olivia.”
“You’ll pay. Before I let you go, Mustang, there’s one last thing you can do for me, starting now.”
He frowned at Olivia. “Honeymoon starts now. You wait.”
“The Xingese ambassador was interested in working with you here,” she said, rolling right past him. “But said they would be more comfortable if you had a proper queue.”
“You want me to grow my hair?” Roy cocked up an eyebrow.
“You’re easier to deal with if you come with a handle,” she replied.
Roy laughed then snuck a kiss before exchanging her for the next lady in line. It seemed like forever before he was finally in Riza’s orbit again.
She held up a few bills. “Havoc tucked them into my bodice.”
“Probably thought it was his last chance to see your boobs.”
Riza rolled her eyes and Roy pocketed the money. “Drunken idiot.”
“Speaking of which, the Elrics are on a tear. Do you see Hughes around?” Roy glanced around the ballroom.
“No Winry?”
“She’s so drunk she was helping herself to a handful of my butt probably about the time Havoc was tipping you.” Roy grinned and Riza shook her head. “Poor kids, can’t handle their alcohol.”
“I did notice our priest seemed to be drunker than a soldier on leave.” Riza smiled back. “And there’s Hughes over there by the buffet.”
Taking her hand, Roy led her over to his friend. “Hughes.”
He whipped around, nearly losing his balance. A goofy grin split his long, lean face. “You know how to throw a party, my friend.” Hughes looped an arm around Roy’s shoulder. “I’m having a great time.”
“Great. I was hoping you could distract Ed and Al…hell, Winry and Dev, too, from the open bar for a little while before they all pass out,” Roy said.
Hughes shrugged. “Get them out there dancing with some pretty young thing.” His brow knitted. “You know what I mean.”
“Ed usually does need prodding to get moving where Winry is concerned.” Roy waded back through the crowds. Hughes staggered after him and Riza went along, probably to keep things under control, Roy thought. He caught Ed’s new metal arm. His hand, and presumably the rest of the arm was all done up with dragons for the occasion, and dragged him away from the bar. “Ed, Winry wants to dance with you.”
Big gold eyes blinked slowly then the scariest grin Roy had ever seen bloomed. “I bet she does.” Ed started to swagger off then he stopped. “Uh, where is she?”
“Over there with my little flower.” Hughes gestured to a table where Winry sat with Gracia. “Let’s go get them.”
“You’re stupid when you’re drunk,” Ed pronounced but followed Hughes anyhow.
Noticing Al was absent, he looked at Dev who was using the bar railing to hold himself in his stool and asked, “Did Al pass out?”
“Nah.” He flailed with his metal hand. “Out there drooling on your niece.” Dev glanced down at his leg. “Still hurts too much to dansh,” he slurred.
“Good point. Well, try not to fall off the stool and bust your head open. Maybe I can steer some lovely young lady over here to talk with you,” Roy offered.
“Jackass. Don’t needs your handy...hand-me downs.” Dev’s eyes barely focused on Riza. “Too late for you to run now, Risha. I already said all the husband and wife stuff.”
Riza laughed then kissed his cheek. “That’s all right, Dev. I don’t want to. I see Mera over there. I bet she could use someone to talk to.”
Roy watched Riza round up his ex. As both part of his team and Uzziel’s granddaughter, Mera had been invited. He hadn’t thought she would have the heart to attend the wedding but she had. He wondered if she really meant it about being just his friend or did this hurt? She and Dev knew how to trade insults well with one another, making each other laugh. Riza was a gem for thinking of this. It might be his wedding but Roy wanted his friends to have the best time even if they might not remember it.
Good deed done, Roy took Riza in his arms, whirling back out with her onto the dance floor. Eventually Huang cut in, dancing off with his new granddaughter-in-law while Roy danced with his grandmother. Later, Li-Ying talked him into leading an all-male dance to the song of Riza’s choice. His new bride wasn’t kind to him, leaving him in fear of being trampled by what was left standing of his men. Roy knew that Fuery’s friend who arranged to get moving film pictures of this surely had to capture him being whirled around the floor first by Alex Louis then Hughes. The dance disintegrated into a raucous sing-along led loudly by Alphonse.
Making good his escape, Roy caught Riza’s hand, pulling her to him. “I think it’s time for us to leave, Mrs. Mustang. We won’t survive if we try to outlast our guests.”
Riza grinned. “Then we’d better say our goodbyes.”
Linking arms with her, Roy got the band leader to give over the microphone. “Thank you everyone for coming,” he said then waited for them to settle. “We’ve been as well behaved as long as we can but it’s time for Riza and I to go.” He took her pinch to the side with good grace. “The band is playing for another two hours. Enjoy and be sure to thank the Armstrongs for their generosity.”
“Thank you for making our day perfect,” Riza said then waved to the crowd.
Roy swept her up in his arms, carrying her to the door. He never noticed the drunkenness drain from Hughes’ eyes nor the evil grin that graced the man’s lips. Roy let Riza down and opened the door of the awaiting car. “To the Grand Hotel,” he told the driver.
“Of course, sir.”
Riza’s eyebrows arched. “Oh?”
“Do you think I wanted to go home to that overcrowded house of mine tonight? For the next two days we have the suite at the Grand to ourselves. Peace and quiet and room service.” Roy grinned.
Riza pulled him in for an enthusiastic kiss. “You are a wonderful man.”
“And when all the houseguests sort themselves out and go home, you and I are going on a proper honeymoon. Where ever you want. Alone, just you and me. How long has it been since we’ve been alone?”
“Far too long.” Riza pulled him into the car with her, a hungry grin on her face. Roy followed happily.
XXX
Riza tried to reach for her gun the moment the noise startled her awake but she and Roy’s earlier activities had so enmeshed them in the bedding and each other’s limbs, she couldn’t move.
Roy’s head popped up off the pillow. “What the hell?”
More or less awake now, Riza realized the noise wasn’t a threat but rather raucous singing and people banging on something metallic. “Are those your idiot friends?”
“Aww fuck, Hughes wasn’t as drunk as he looked.” Roy thrashed his way out of the covering. “He was talking about some Earth tradition called a chivaree where they beat pots and act like morons all night long.”
Riza slapped Roy’s back lightly. “This can’t go on all night. Listen to how loud Edward is.”
“I’m more concerned with that set of lungs Alex Louis has.” Roy swung out of bed. The only piece of clothing he pulled on was his glove.
Riza chuckled to herself as he stepped out naked onto the balcony. Flames blazed but their drunken friends only howled louder. Untangling herself from the sheets, Riza grabbed the gun off the night stand. She and Roy had both been prepared in case someone decided to choose their wedding night to make a political statement. She watched her husband whipping flames teasingly at their friends. He was terrifyingly beautiful some days and now he was all hers. Grinning wildly, she joined him on the balcony, more naked than Roy was, and she took aim.
finis
Author’s Note #1 – Thank you again for making it this far. You have, in fact, now read an FMA novel. The total word count was 178,743. Thanks again for all the comments. Roy’s dragon robes are based off traditional Chinese wedding attire (having used Chinese culture as a springboard for Xingese throughout this) as is Riza’s wedding gown which was based off a qun kwa (which I found particularly beautiful)
Author’s Note #2 – Mftoul is another name for couscous, this one with a Moroccan twist (since I was using Moroccan culture for Ishbalan). And since food was such a big important part of this story throughout, I thought I’d pass along one of the recipes.
Spiced Apricot Couscous
1 ½ cups low-fat milk
2/3 cup dried whole wheat couscous (4 oz)
1/3 cup refrigerated/frozen egg product or 1 egg plus 1 egg white lightly beaten
¼ cup coarsely snipped dried apricots
1 Tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground ginger
Pinch ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped pecans
in a small saucepan, whisk together milk, couscous, egg, apricots, honey, cinnamon, salt, ginger and the nutmeg. Cook and stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until couscous is very tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in pecans just before serving.
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Date: 2009-04-29 03:56 pm (UTC)and ask if you were planning a sequel.One reason I love living in another continent is you can't hit me from all the way over there. *grins*
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Date: 2009-04-30 01:27 am (UTC)But do read it