#I hold Edward Elric in my little hands I love him | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

awesomedurraworld · 9 months

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hi, I am about to speak my opinion about the most classic FMA patterns in fics.

Hello again, if you don't know me, I am sweet, I have been writing FMA since April 2022, and I have so far published 47 fics of this fandom, I am dusweet @ Ao3.

I’ve been in this fandom since late 2021 and finished Brotherhood in February 2022- ON ED’S BIRTHDAY WHICH I THINK ITS COOL.

Okay now we know basic dates, you can guess that I read too many FMA fics, and that means that I have been seeing a pattern in them. And It doesn't matter if the fic was published in 2002 or in 2023- they all share similar themes- or like, I would say headcanons??

so now I think it is time for me to talk about the things that are often written and I don't like, and One them I just reblogged a few hours ago and that's:

Roy Mustang and his paperwork.

Hold on, let's just think about it a little together. Roy Mustang, and a state alchemist, freaking Colonel at 26, Bridigal general at 30- the man is basically planning his own suicide- are you telling me THIS MAN WHO IS A SCIENTIST slacks in his job?

Like, the man wants to be Furher. The man has guilt complex, the man hates himself and is working to help his people.

It just doesn't add up in my opinion. It's funny sometimes, yes. But I just don't like how Riza keeps threatening him with a gun because he isn't doing his work when he is secretly doing it but acts as if he isn't because of the reputation he built.

You get what I mean, right?

Which brings me to point 2:

Riza Hawkeye and her gun.

Oftentimes, Riza is written in a way that she keeps threatening Roy or treating him less- again, funny at times- but the fact remains:

Riza is in this army because of Roy, and she loves him to the point that is clear if she shot him, she will shoot herself. I would say it is a case “ the man is the boss.” here because the fact is Roy is the boss. Not Riza ( even tho she is a girlboss.)

Roy is her commanding officer, she waits for his orders. Simple as that.

Again, I do see her threatening the boys with her gun, after all, she is the right-hand of Mustang, and the third higher rank on the team ( Ed being few ranks higher then her.)

Riza is a smart woman, and she chooses to follow a man she loves into hell. It's a huge thing. She is SMART. And I don't this she would have agreed to work under Roy if he was as slaking as people write him.

Point 3:

Edward Elric and the small nicknames.

I will say it and you will hate me for it- but that is called BULLYING.

“ oh but sweet- they joke with Hi-” no. No. No. No.

If they were joking with him- he wouldn't get angry after every time someone calls him small or short. Edward has a hard time as is, the stress and the guilt and the responsibility are too much, and to think someone ( like on Team Mustang who knows about his life.) goes on and dares to bully him- it freaking hurts.

Every time I see someone calling Ed “ shrimp” I get angry for him. I’ve been a victim of bullying myself, and it hurts when you get picked up over something you might be insecure about.

I called him once shrimp- in my first ever fic- and again, maybe funny at times, but after it hit me one day that Ed yelling means that he is angry. And if he gets angry and expresses that he doesn't want to be called short and people still call him that it means that they bully him. After that, I try to never do it again.

✨ headcanon here, Ed is short like that because as a kid, he didn't receive enough nutritions and enough food. Although it is known that Ed eats for himself and Al- I think even on post-promise day Ed will keep eating that way ( maybe less but the same way, because it is the way his body is surviving. Since it thinks it might go for a while without food so it wants to eat as much as it could.)

I like to think that Ed was Al’s parent and therefore he used to give Al his food since they were poor and did not have enough money or food.

Since I mentioned this headcanon, let me follow it by this:

Point 4:

Edward Elric is the one who raised Alphonse Elric and not the other way around.

I think that a lot of people go with the “ Al is more mature, Ed is childish.” mindset, which angers me.

As the oldest child, I relate to Edward in so many aspects ( besides the long hair in a braid deal.) For more than half of my day, I am in charge of my youngest siblings- feeding them, playing with them, teaching them, you get the idea. and according to my mom I started acting like a mother haha

Now that same thing should be applied to Edward. From just watching how they act and how they talk, many will judge right away and Say that Ed is the child one because he is impolite, loud and angry for nothing, and many would say that “Why can't you be just like your brother.”

i likes to think that Edward is loud and angry for these reasons:

He is protecting himself and Al from being abandoned all over again, he wants to be unloved in order not to get attached. He gets angry because anger to him is such an easy emotion to portray and be.

When he gets angry and frustrated and acts out- he is looking for attention. And that has been apparent ever since he was a child. Like, when he hits Al with the book on his head? Why? Because he wants his mother to yell at him. He tries to grasp her attention and time by acting out.

And that same tactic that he uses with Roy. If he was acting like he should be, Roy might see him for five minutes a day. But with acting out, he gets to have Roy’s attention as he yells at him.

Mature levels are different between the brothers, and it is clear how Ed has an understanding of things around them and works hard, I am not saying that Al isn't mature. It just... Ed raised Al. I think that explains everything.

Point 5:

Jean Havoc and how people write him as an idiot.

Listen, I love me some good Uncle Jean action. And I love how people write him like that- the uncle/older brother dynamic.

I think on the team he is the third oldest- Vato being the older one, then Roy, and then Jean, and so on- so say he is like, 27 (?) IT MEANS THAT HE IS A GROWN MAN, K? PEOPLE NEED TO STOP WRITING HIM AS A HORNY TEEN.

I also want to point out, that maybe Jean is looking for a woman and going out on dates as much as he could so he can find a WIFE so he can settle down with and marry and have kids.

But the fact is, Jean is smarter than he gives himself credit, and we can see that across the anime and the manga. Also, I am not sure if this fact is Canon- but one of my favorite things about this man is that he is the medic of the team.

✨My headcanon is that he was a paramedic before he joined the Army or something. I just think it suits him.

Also, if he was not smart or mature enough, Roy wouldn't have made him “ team’s officer “

I just adore him, maybe more than Hughes-

AND Speaking of Hughes

Here is Point 6:

Maes Hughes and his family obsession.

I know I know he just loves taking photos and talking about his wife and daughter- because he is just a proud man, and I love him for that. What I dislike is when someone writes him as if that is the only thing he does??

Like, have we forgotten that he is a detective? And the head of the inspection department? He has fun when he can but also he has his head leveled when needed, let's not forget that.

Think about Meas as if he is Superman ( Clark Kent.) because these two have so many similar traits.

Point 7:

Winry Rockbell and her anger issues.

I again, dislike how abusive people write winry. Abusive might be the wrong word to use here, but when someone keeps hitting you with her wrench because your prosthetic broke against your will and it gets to the point that you try to fix it instead of going to her to help you fix it-

I just think it isn't healthy. Not to mention that Winry is always written as if she does not understand the hardships that Ed and Al go through. And that might be the case - she is just a girl who sees the man she loves get injuries and she doesn't understand the whys. And I think that is why she acts the way she does. Personally, I adore Winry. I like her and her and she and Ed are cute and they are right for each other.

I just dislike how she is always written as if Ed getting injured is his fault, Y’know?

Point 8:

Izumi and how much she does not understand the things that the boys go through.

she is a wonderful woman, strong, and loves kids and her husband- my problem is how much she doesn't seem to understand Ed and Al's post they committed the taboo. She always comes at Ed and Al for joining the military without seeing the reason behind it.

That is why I found myself hating every time she comes in fics after Ed gets injured or something because she will always yell at him and acts as if it was his fault.

I only truly liked Izumi in one fic I read, which had her being Roy’s older sister- and I liked that. She was understanding while having her normal personality.

And yea, I think these are it! I just expressed my personal opinion towards things and I do have a few other ideas but these are what come to mind right now. I do enjoy reading fics even if these things were present in them- but the chances of me writing things like this are very minimal.

Tell me what you think. Do you agree or disagree with these and why? I would love to chat ❤️

#fmab #edward elric #roy mustang #fma #ao3 fanfic #Riza Hawkeye #Jean Havoc #Maes Hughes #Izumi Cruties #Winry Rockbell #Headcanons #Lots of people write these things and this is just my opinion

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x-chubby-reader · 4 years

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Edward Elric x Chubby Reader

A/n - I am so sorry that this is late, I never saw the request until I went into my notifications to see what order I should start the requests I have were and I thankfully spotted this.

Requested by @llajolla

Not prof read

Lower case intentional

Maybe some language? I don't know anymore

short baby boy

please make fun of him if he is shorter than you it gets him all mad and it's hilarious to watch

"you gotta drink your milk so you can grow big and strong and not stay the size of a prepubescent boy-"

"al... hold me back..."

what he gonna do? he cant reach you

but if he is taller than you, you will not hear the end of it omg

"what's it like down there y/n?"

"is that atmosphere different? i wouldn't know since I'm not short~"

the audacity of this lil midget istg

i don't know why but I feel like he would just be a back hugger for some reason

just something bout him

okay but a wee bit touch starved

his brother is in a suit and isn't the best to hug but he is trying his best okay?

if al doesn't like you, he ain't dating you

he uses his judgement because al somehow always finds the best people around

so bye bye if al is a bit iffy with you

smart boi

trying to figure something out? Give him an hour and he will figure it out in less

i don't feel like he would sugar coat things for you just saying

thigh guy

just stressed out baby boy laying his head on your thighs while you comb though his hair with your fingers

he will be out in the span of a minute

just please love on him

you've had to pull him out of situations where he decided to mouth off to a person of higher statue not a pun about his height but you know fuck it it is now

would end up in a little cell more often if you weren't there to level his head

winry and y'all are so close

she literally thanks god for you since you keep an eye on the hot headed boy when she isn't around

i mean so it the rest of the military police, please keep that little ratboy out of trouble

you don't mind his arm, and he don't mind your looks

hey looks can be a plus; but beauty fades, stupid is forever.

he wouldn't want to be stuck with someone who couldn't even do proper multiplication now would he?

would squeeze the shit out of your hand when he has to get his arm linked to his nervous system

good thing your hand is more padded, otherwise it would literally snap into two

but he claims that it doesn't hurt that much... Yeah right

you are his rock and he is so grateful for having you in his hectic life

depends on you so much homegirl

has tried to tell you to "go find someone better", no ♥️

lemme just say he won't compromise things with you though, he will fight and try to get his way

mostly looses though

how are you so good at this oml

feel like if you fell asleep at a table, he wouldn't wake you up but drape his red coat over you and give your head a lil kissy~

not saying he would BUT he would

literally he would deny it was him but the evidence is literally on you

like sir just admit that you care for y/n it ain't that hard oml

your already dating them, ed doesn't have to act all cool all of a sudden

but he dose love and appreciate you for sticking around

hey, he may even put a ring on it after dragging you around everywhere

#edward elric x reader #anime x chubby reader #fma x reader #fma x plus size reader #fma x chubby reader #Edward Elric x reader #edward elric x plus size reader #edward elric x chubby reader #anime x reader #anime x plus size #x plus size reader #x chubby reader #reader inserts #chubby reader insert #plus size reader insert #fma headcannon #edward elric headcannon #ed x reader

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im-just-a-simp-le-whore · 3 years

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Sgsgsgs idk what the fuck I'm doing but we're rocking with it ig-

Headcanons again yall

Edward Elric headcannons this time

Also he is 18+ because I am 18 and I feel weird liking a fifteen year old, so we're going with that everything in the fmab timeline happened way later because I said so 👈👈 ✨kachow✨

This isn't nsfw or anything, I just personally feel uncomfortable like someone 3 years younger than me

Also, I have a heart defect so I'm being self indulgent so it's an Edward elric x heart defect! reader

I also have anxiety and depression and I'm nonbinary

Tbh this just self indulgent sgsg

Also, what I'm talking about is with my specific case!!! Everyone is different, even with a same/similar diagnosis!!

Is an absolute fucking furnace 24/7

Doesnt fucking matter if it's -10 outside still and always a furnace

Has to snuggle when falling asleep, either that be a short nap or going to sleep for the night

All of the snuggles

Constant tiny bickering, but like "I love you and I'm not very good at expressing myself" bickering

Would never genuinely yell/scream at you unless you're in serious or immediate danger

Doesnt fold when both you and Alphonse beg to take stray cats home

We're just now getting to the heart defect aspect of this oop-

Overheated?? Will make you sit under shade

No shade?? He will make you some shade

Need water?? He has ALL the water

Heart doing wack shit and you're scared?? Will panic a bit but ultimately try to calm you down while holding your hand

*que alphonse trying to give reader a random ass cat he "forgot" was in his suit of armor*

Too tired from walking around too much??

Will begrudgingly carry your ass, whilst complaining the entire time acting like it is such a pain in the ass ✋🙄

Having a bad depressive episode and dont wanna get out of bed? To an extent he understands and will offer have you piggy back while on a walk just so you can get some fresh air

Anxiety tho.... not his strongest suit

He does try his hardest to understand and accommodate but it's hard, especially if you have a lot of niche little anxiety triggers that can be anything

Like.. weird fabric textures, weird textures period, too much skin-to-skin contact, light and heat sensitive, and sensory overloads to name a few (that I have!)

I think If you didnt initially tell him you have anxiety/depression he would just tell you to "deal with it"

Not in a mean way, but in a I'm frusterated that my s/o is upset about every day things

#fmab x reader #fmab edward #edward elric #edward elric x reader #fmab headcanon #a tiny mention of alphonse #also i firmly believe the boys still would've tried human transmutation even as adults #i dont think it would have occured to them at any age that what they were doing bad or wrong

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weirdoldmanhoho · 3 years

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do u have any fic recs?

Sorry it took me years to answer this! The truth was I really hadn't read many FMA fics (at least not since the FF days) and was waiting until I actually had some recs to give.

And now I have some! My list will surprise no one, I'm sure.

Soul Friends by KyberHearts

“They were not always, and simply, two minds in one body. Towards the latter part of their alliance, especially in the heat of battle and warmongering, their souls could not distinguish where the prince began and the sin ended.”

Ling Yao returns to Xing to seal his fate as the next Emperor and sets his plans for reunification and peace in motion.

Elsewhere, Alphonse Elric reconciles with the very Truth that stole his body.

I absolutely love the way this fic writes post-canon Alphonse and his relationship with Truth.

Damaged by xmypandabear

'"He's still in the hospital too, with the Lieutenant," Alphonse said dully. "Blood loss - someone slit her throat..." Ed stared up at the ceiling, remembered the scientist with the gold tooth, and shuddered at the image his brain conjured of the Lieutenant lying on the floor. "But Mei helped her! So, they're sharing a room - the Colonel and Hawkeye, I mean, not Mei, 'cause the Colonel can't use his hands yet, so she's helping him..."

"His hands?" Ed tried to remember.

"It's how they forced him to do it," Al whispered. "They pinned him down so he couldn't move."

Ed fought back nausea. The sense of wrong, wrong, wrong pervaded every sense of his being. How the fuck was any of that equivalent exchange?'

Love me a good post-promised day healing and processing fic. This one focuses a lot on how Al, Ed, Winry, and Roy are all doing immediately post-promised day and the relationships between all those characters.

Joining of Hands by ehmazing

If you're not breaking a couple of laws, is it really an Elric wedding?

Truly, the best thing about an AlMei wedding is all the hijinks and complications the come from foreign customs and marrying into royalty.

Legends by Elfpen

Alphonse Elric has been living and studying in Xing for a little more than a year and a half. Now, Ling has asked him - ordered him - to take on a new responsibility and fill the shoes vacated by Van Hohenheim four centuries ago. But what use are legends, really, when they're all frauds? The Son of Heaven and the Son of the Western Sage see it differently.

You ever find a fic that just feels completely catered to you and your interests? I love everything about this fic. Alphonse in Xing and the weird politics he has to maneuver as not only an incredibly skilled foreign alchemist but a close friend of the emperor's - all at a young age. His relationship with Hohenheim and the grief and confusion that comes from never really getting to KNOW Hohenheim and now having to come face to face with the lasting impact his father left on a foreign country. Ling scheming. It's all very, very good.

The Principle of Mentalism by The-Immortal-Moon (LunaKat)

There’s a woman with a wrench and a penchant for alcoholism, and what he doesn’t know is that she’s going to change everything.

Another fic that feels like it was written specifically for my interests. This one explores Pinako and Hohenheim's first meeting and how a rowdy mechanic from Resembool and a reserved guilt-written immortal from Xerxes ever became friends in the first place. Features Hohenheim and his one million soul friends and a young awkward Pinako who I want to give SUCH a big hug to. I love it so much.

We'll be Holding on Forever by zipadeea

"Hohenheim left them to save the world. But Dad loved them more than everything in the world."

AU where Alphonse gets his body back a little earlier on the Promised Day.

It changes nothing.

It changes everything.

Read this if you want to cry. It focuses on Ed and Hohenheim's relationship and it is full of pain but also healing and understanding. Great quick read.

ticket stubs and your diaries by nerdywriiterchild

Alphonse Elric is almost fifteen. He will never know Xerxes.

This one is short but packs a powerful emotional punch and a really interesting character study into only a few paragraphs. Explores the really interesting question: what is it like to mourn a culture you're a part of but will never really know?

Briding Her Time in Wait

The wedding date was set. Winry and Ling had screamed at one another for months during the preparation out of a mutual need for their childhood friend and half-sister to have the most incredible wedding in the history of either Amestris or Xing, and as a result the wedding canopy suffered from a unique blend of western and eastern traditions that left guests from both sides of the desert confused and requesting refills on drinks that didn’t exist. Still, the two wedding planners manipulated the day into running smoothly, Ling pulling his Emperor card when necessary, Winry pulling her, well, Winry card when necessary, while Ed and Lan Fan stood awkwardly around the food table making small talk that mostly consisted of complaints about automail. By the time the golden groom was ushered through a beautification process that left him requiring an escort to avoid the various women—and men—attempting to seduce him at the last minute, the guests were settled and the wedding was ready to roll.

Except no one knew where the hell the bride had gone.

I'm always a sucker for Scar and Mei's relationship.

One More Time, With Feeling

In the end the Elric brothers laughed over the irony: The traveller had settled to write books on alchemy while juggling two boisterous children blessed with Rockbell rockheadedness and Elric recklessness, and the settler had taken to travelling between Amestris and Xing for the remainder of his life. It came, really, with having two homes.

-------------------------------------------------------

A bird could love a fish, but where would they live?

This one explores Alphonse's relationship with Mei post-series and is VERY in line with how I picture it. Being in love with a foreign princess in line for the throne with a duty to her people and country would make for a very complicated and often strained relationship.

Magic and Mind by Preelikeswriting

Of all things Edward was prepared for as the day of reckoning grew near, being transported from one world on the edge of war to another was not one of them.

AKA: Edward gets accidentally summoned by Death Eaters, and neither party is happy.

(Pre-Promise Day, HP book 5)

Ok so preface: I rarely like crossover fics and I very rarely like HP crossover fics, but this one just works for me. I think what I like so much about it is that Edward doesn't just get thrown into the world of HP and join the golden trio / order and start fighting Voldemort. Oh no. He does not care about their fight at all. He just wants to get back home and will do anything he needs to to achieve that, even if it makes him look like he's working with Death Eaters or going against Harry and friends.

I think the fun of this fic is that it kind of plays around with the fact that the READER knows who the good guys are of each series and would expect them to join forces. Sure, Ed is the Good Guy of FMA and Harry and friends are the Good Guys of HP, but Ed's goals don't really align with Harry's goals and so they're not really working together, and Ed kind of comes off looking shady af to the HP characters despite the fact that the reader knows why he's doing what he's doing. It's a far more interesting take on Ed goes to HP world than "Ed immediately joins the fight against Voldemort."

The series has three works so far and I haven't finished it, but I really loved the first and what I've read of the second. It also eventually heads into Ed/Draco territory which is not a ship I would have initially read but.....kind of works for me here.

#fic rec #fanfic #van hohenheim #alphonse elric #ask

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ransprang · 3 years

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Hiya! This is my first time requesting a matchup from any blog! I'd love a romantic match up for Fullmetal Alchemist and OHSHC. I'm pan and Female.

I'm a Scorpio, but I'm not really big on star signs, though sometimes when i had to go through papers at my old job I'd look in the Horoscope section just to see if there were any joke ones.

I consider myself an ambivert. I'm a bit shy at first and I get shaky and quiet when ordering food. But once I'm friends with someone I tend to match their energy. I also start to cuss a lot when I feel comfortable around someone!

I love to cook and bake, a lot, there's no recipe I won't try! Literally just before sending this I made Russian tea cookies! Tomorrow imma try my hand at Baklava. I also love to draw, paint and read.

I'm currently in college and taking classes in humanities, I really like to learn about the history behind the arts. It's honestly very interesting to see how art, in all forms, changes throughout time. I'm also a huge science nerd, I love space, paleontology, and biology of all kids really. I also really enjoy rock climbing and hiking, I love nature and being outdoors in general.

(I highly recommend going to South Dakota at some point if you enjoy hiking and rocklimbing, the rocky mountains are gorgeous. The mica in the ground makes the dirt sparkle lol)

I don't really have a specific 'type' but a sense of humor is a must. I'm good with PDA. I don't want to have kids in the future, unless adopted or through a surrogate.

thanks for your request anon. Your match up is....

ADMIN SAN

just kidding!! she thinks you're super cool and wants to be eat Russian tea cookies with you. Anyways, we hope you like your actual matches!!

(fmab & ohshc match ups are under the cut)

Your FMAB match up is.................

EDWARD ELRIC

SFW

He would fully roast those horoscopes with you. Nothing gives him more joy than roasting astrology sluts when mercury is going into retrograde

You both have science is common so you could have cute library dates where y’all devour anything that piques your interest.

He’s pretty outdoorsy too since he s got to keep his body fit, especially since he s missing a few limbs here and there. He also yeets out of Resembool any chance he gets so y’all would have tons of fun travelling together

You both could also have fun camping, especially since he’ll be full of camping skills after his lil training arc as a kid! You guys would enjoy living intimately with nature, admiring it’s beauty, and of course eating ants while talking about how all is one and one is all

Ed has a decent sense of humor and you guys would have inside jokes and love roasting each other. He’s funny and knows how to have fun in his own way. Although you might wanna steer clear of the short jokes~

Ed exhibits classic fatherless behavior so in line with that, he wouldn’t want kids either (ignoring the anime)! especially after his rocky childhood

You and Ed would have wonderful cussing matches since neither of you are shy about your linguistic abilities and are happy to flaunt them ;)

PDA might be a bit hard on him, especially at first, and he would blush like a little bitch. But eventually he would get used to it and enjoy occasionally putting his cold metallic arm around you <3

Your OHSHC match up is................

Haruhi Fujioka

SFW

You guys would meet by chance at the library, since none of the rich kids would use it too often (they prefer the library at home) and start talking over the different books. Haruhi had already seen your name on the books she checks out so it just made sense to approach you.

You guys would start dating soon enough and then you would begin requesting her at the host club too, to make sure no one else gets her for too long. You could bring her cookies and whatever else you make, and she would love them!

She would help you with your social anxiety too, and be your biggest cheerleader whenever you overcome your fears. In turn, you hold her close on stormy nights <3

She would be super impressed with all the variety of cool things you know and you guys would have a great time learning from each other. Her being a law nerd and you with your science interests!

Although Haruhi is not the most physically active she would go with you on treks if you nagged her enough. It’s good to get some physical exercise anyway! But be prepared for the host club boys following you on helicopters to make sure you both manage alright out in the wilderness

In terms of sense of humor she’s managed to develop some version of a twisted, dry wit thanks to her trauma with the ouran boys even though she mostly plays the straight man. Regardless it’s a beautiful lesbian relationship so that means neither of you have to be the straight man :)

Your adopted kids,

admins san & sar

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pillow-anime-talk · 4 years

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mistletoe. {pt.1}

synopsis: A little joke on Giyuu, making gingerbread cookies with Edward and a date with Ryouta.

# tags: scenarios; christmas!au; current relationships; romance; fluff; sfw

includes: female reader ft. giyuu tomioka {kny} + edward elric {fma} + ryouta kise {knb}

part two {click}

author’s note: for @yvsevie, my precious smol baby. i love you.

— GIYUU

It was the first Christmas you spent as Pillar, as Giyuu’s girlfriend, and as teacher of your first and also last tsuguko. You didn’t mind spending Christmas like this; frankly, could anyone think of feasting at the moment when bloodthirsty demons and other strange creatures were running around each villages or towns? That’s why you spent your time training in your estate with a young boy who would replace your Ice Pillar position in a few next days, weeks, months or years.

“... We should take a short break, right?” You asked, seeing your successor breathing harder and harder. “I’ll go get something to drink and you can sit on the engawa.” You put your katana into its scabbard and then headed towards your home. However, when you entered the small kitchen, you chuckled at the sight of Giyuu who was sitting at the table, drinking his coffee as if he were at his own home. “Well, hello. Why didn’t you say ‘Hi’ to me earlier?” You asked, taking out two glasses.

“You were training, so I didn’t want to disturb both of you.” He replied calmly, setting the black mug on the wooden table. “Are you two finished yet?”

“We’re taking a break.” You poured cool water and then you stood in front of your dark-haired lover. “You would like to sit with us?”

“Yes, why not.” He smiled gently, then walked with you towards the entrance to the pretty, snowy garden.

When you got outside, however, your frowned as you determined that your heir wasn’t in the garden. Instead of his light blue haori and long blonde hair always pinned up in a ponytail, you noticed a little, white note. So, you picked it up quickly and read the content on the paper:

‘Sorry, sensei! I forgot that I had to help my mom bake a cake for Christmas! So see you tomorrow.

PS. Look up :D’

You frowned, and when you looked up at the wooden roof of your engawa, your cheeks automatically flushed a bit at the sight of a small sprig of mistletoe attached to a wooden beam with a thin string. Giyuu glanced at the same place, and seeing the little plant, he only smiled slightly under his breath.

“Your successor is quite funny, don’t you think?”

“Yes. It is true. He will replace me very well.” You giggled, letting your mouth taste the flavor of coffee and something sweet that you couldn’t identify at first.

Nevertheless, this little joke made you feel the magic of Christmas, despite the lack of a Christmas tree or gifts, and you were incredibly grateful to your beloved student for that.

— EDWARD

“... Edward! Stop throwing flour at me!” You looked imploringly at your fiancé, and he just giggled as he looked away at the huge, metal bowl in which he mixed hot water with powdered sugar to make frosting to decorate your cookies. You sighed softly under your breath, then returned to kneading another dough with your hands. After a while, however, you felt the white dust, commonly known as flour spread around you one more time. “E-Ed! Please!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

“Do it again and I swear you’ll sleep naked outside.” You spoke in a serious tone of voice, even though both of you knew you would never let him freeze to death, much less during the holidays, even more the first holidays that were supposed to be full of guests.

Alphonse and Mei with the smol panda were to appear! Also Roy with Rize and dear major Armstrong. Of course, Winry with her boyfriend, her grandmother and their cute dog were also invited. Gracia with Elicia cannot be forgotten. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis too and even Ling Yao with Lan Fan as well. There were supposed to be many of your loved ones, so you had to make just as many food, cakes and cookies. And Edward didn’t make it easy for you, because instead of helping you, he was throwing flour, sugar, cocoa and edible, colorful sprinkles or glitter at you.

Like for example now; once again you felt something hit your head and it turned out it was a handkerchief, rolled in a small but quite hard ball. So, your hands slowly backed away, then you wiped them on your red apron and you turned just as slowly towards your boyfriend, smiling at him as if you were telling him you were going to break his neck or crush his long legs. Edward, however, only chuckled and then walked closer to you with the same dumb smile he always had on his lips when he knew he had done something silly but funny.

“Sweetheart, don’t be upset. Christmas isn’t the time to fight! Better look up, my pretty angel.” His broad smirk made you sigh again loudly and loosen your tense arms. Nevertheless, you looked up and the first thing you saw was Edward’s hand holding a small twig of green mistletoe. You glanced at him again, laughing to yourself.

“How old are you to still play this?” You rolled your both eyes and was about to go back to your dark dough, but the blonde man grabbed your waist and pulled your body much closer to his more muscular one. He placed a tender, quite long kiss on your lips, and when the caress was over, Edward rested his forehead against yours.

“I’m old enough to still giving you stupid reasons to keep kissing me.”

— RYOUTA

“It’s... It’s so beautiful here.” You whispered under your breath as you looked around. “W-Woah. I...”

Kise took you for a ride in his car, however, two minutes ago he parked the car on the side of the road and then grabbed your smaller than his hand saying he had a little ‘surprise’ for you. Of course you went with him and it turned out to be a breathtaking view of the city, all lit up with colorful lights and sweet decorations. It was also snowing a bit so everything looked even more magical. You were incredibly surprised, of course most positively.

That’s why you turned to smile at the blonde-haired young man, and he only returned your facial expression, but then coughing delicately so that you would open the shiny eyes you closed a few seconds ago.

“You have a gorgeous smile and I love it the most in the world, but I think...” He started quietly, suddenly taking something green from his coat pocket. After a second it turned out to be mistletoe. You chuckled under your nose and your loved one looked at your flushed face again. “I think I deserve more, princess. All the more so because it’s Christmas day... You know.” He said in an amused, but still gentle and emotional voice, at which you only giggled again, standing on the tips of your toes or rather your shoes, to be able to reach his pretty face, and more precisely to his lips which tasted of coffee and chocolate-nut cake.

The kiss was slow, but very warm, and although your lips were cold due to the temperature outside, this peck gave the two of you a lot of heat on your hearts and cheeks. You even smirked during this wonderful caress, grabbing the boy by his soft, pale skin. The fabric of your wool gloves tickled Kise a little, but he didn’t pay much attention to it; instead, he kissed you once more, but this time on the nose that was red from the cold, and on the forehead, covered in the material of the cap, perfectly matching your gray gloves.

“... Thanks for showing me this, Ryouta. It’s really, really amazing.” You whispered, glancing once again at the colorful and white lights that decorated your whole city, including all the trees, buildings and houses. “I didn’t expect to see something like this in my life.”

“Then get used to it, because next year I’m going to take you to many other equally cool places.” The sincere tone of his smooth voice, and another short kiss on the cheek, made you cuddle closer to the side of his massive body.

In meantime, you still watched the magnificent sights and thought about where you both should go next time.

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aquietwritingcorner · 3 years

Text

Sicktember Day 27: Blankets Word Count: 1018 Author: aquietwritingcorner/realitybreakgirl Rating: G/K Characters: Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric Warning: Summary: Al is cold. Ed’s arm is cold. Al comes up with a solution. Notes: AO3 || ff.net

_______________________________________

Blankets

“Here you go, Al, I got you another one.”

“Thanks, Brother.” Alphonse looked up at Ed with a smile, glad that he could actually feel the muscles in his face smile. It was such a foreign feeling after five years without being able to feel a thing. It was such a wonderous feeling that he had found himself making all sorts of expressions just to be able to feel the muscles moving in response to what he wanted to do or how he felt.

“Al,” came Ed’s warning voice. “You’re doing it again.”

“Oh! Sorry, Brother. It’s just such a wonderful thing to be able to move my face again, to show expression.”

Ed paused, thinking about it, and then moved his face around a little. “Yeah. I suppose it is.” He left that thought behind, though, and draped the blanket he was carrying around Al’s shoulders, where it sat on top of the other four he already had wrapped around him. “I hope that’s enough for you. I think the nurses are getting concerned at the number of blankets I keep bringing in here.” He looked back at the door, a little suspiciously. “I think one of them is starting to keep count.”

Al laughed, marveling at all the sensations that went along with that and pulled the blankets closer around him. “Sorry. I’m just so cold.”

“Yeah, well, who’s surprised?” Ed put his hands on his hip and looked Al up and down. “You’re so thin there’s no way there’s any fat on you to keep you warm.”

“What about you?” Al asked, nodding his head towards Ed’s restored arm. “Isn’t your arm cold?”

Ed made a face. “It is. But do you know how hard it is to just wear one sleeve? They don’t make jackets like that, apparently, and Mustang threated me within an inch of his life if he caught me tearing up one of the uniforms like that.” A pause. “Not that he could tell,” Ed muttered. He cleared his throat and raised his voice again. “If they’ll let you out of here, maybe you should go sit with Lieutenant Hawkeye. She’s freezing too, because of the blood loss. You two could keep each other company.”

“Maybe so,” Al said, smiling again. He had been worried about everyone for a bit, but he was glad to hear that they were making their own recoveries. He watched as Ed rubbed his thin arm, it clearly colder than the rest of him. “There’s got to be something we can do to keep your arm warm,” he said.

“Yeah, but what?” Ed said. “I don’t know, maybe if I had a cape or something. Not practical, but it would do and look really cool…”

“I know,” Al said as an idea struck him. “Come here.”

Ed looked at him curiously, but did as his brother suggested.

“Sit here,” Al said, indicating the spot in front of him, near the opening of the blankets.

“Okay…” Ed said, sitting down.

“No, no,” Al said. “The other way. With your skinny arm facing me.”

Still curious, Ed did as he requested, switching sides.

“Scoot closer,” Al said. “As close as you can get.”

“What are you up to, Al?” Ed asked as he scooted closer.

“You’ll see. Just wait.” Al waited until Ed was as close as he could get, and then he reached out, pulling Ed’s arm to him, and burying it in his layers of blankets. “There we go!”

Ed blinked at him, and then smiled. “Yeah, hey. This might work.”

“For a little bit, anyway,” Al said. “And in the meantime, I get to hold on to you.”

Ed turned his arm so that he could give Al’s hand a squeeze. “And I get to hold on to you, Little Brother. It’s been a while.”

“Mm,” Al nodded. “It really has.”

“Hey—remember when we were little, and we used to beg mom to let us build a blanket fort?” Ed asked.

“Oh yeah! Every time she would let us, we’d cry and get upset when it had to come down.” Al said, thinking back.

“Yeah,” Ed said with a grin. “She threatened not to ever let us build another one if we kept putting up a fuss like that.”

“I remember,” Al said. “Remember when we did it at Teacher’s?”

“Do I!” Ed said. “Sig had seen us, and just walked on. But when Teacher came in, I was sure we were going to get in trouble.”

“I think that we might have been about to,” Al said, “If Sig hadn’t of walked back in at that moment with an arm full of blankets for us to expand our fort with.”

Ed laughed. “She can’t refuse him anything, can she?”

“No,” Al shook his head. “They’re too in love.”

Ed tilted his head back, looking at the ceiling. “Do you remember during the summers, when Granny and Mom would let you, me, and Winry lay out on blankets under the stars all night long?”

“I do,” Al said. “We’d lay there for hours and talk about all sorts of things, like what we wanted to do when we grew up.”

Ed rolled his head so he could look at Al. “It didn’t exactly turn out like we planned, did it?”

Al shook his head but smiled. “No, it didn’t.” He let the quiet settle over them for a moment. “Hey, Brother?”

“Yeah, Al?”

“When I’m better and they let me out of here, do you think we could go do that?”

“Do what?”

“Lay out under the stars on blankets. You, me, and Winry. Lay out there together and just… talk.”

Ed smiled at Al and squeezed his hand tighter. “Sure thing, Al. We can do anything you want to.”

“Good.” Al said and smiled at his brother once more and settling under the blankets.

Maybe the future was uncertain, and maybe there was no telling what might happen next. But for the moment, Alphonse would be happy to stay in this pile of blankets, as long as his brother was by his side.

#sicktember2021 #edward elric #Alphonse Elric #FMA #Fullmetal Alchemist #fma fanfic #fullmetal alchemist fan fiction

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lotusthekat · 3 years

Text

Yesterday came suddenly

Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist

Rating: G

Relationships: Edward & Alphonse

Characters: Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric

Summary: He has been... clingy lately. Post-canon. Could be after Conqueror of Shamballa or after the Promised Day.

Word count: 1.069

Quotev / Fanfiction

TRIGGER WARNING - past character death

DO NOT SHIP THE ELRIC BROTHERS.

He has been… clingy lately.

Edward has never been overly affectionate growing up, save for head pats and the occasional hugs he gave Al, Winry and Mom. It got worse after Mom died, though; Ed really couldn’t stay away from Al when they were home. But even then, Ed has never been the biggest hugger, while Al loves hugs.

But now that Al is back – not as a huge battle armor but the young boy he mentally is –, Ed has been hugging him a lot. And by a lot, he means a lot.

It’s always out of nowhere, every time they cross paths. Every time either of them comes home, even from something as simple as groceries or a walk. Ed hugs Al like he hasn’t seen him in years. Well, it is true that he hasn’t seen his little brother’s face for a long time, but he holds Al for half an hour, maybe more, before the younger Elric awkwardly pats him and says he should be doing his things.

He’s aware of Al’s touch deprivation while in the armor, so Al is more than welcoming with any kind of touch, but even that is too much. Ed hugs him more than ten times a day, nearly every single day. He’s probably crazy.

Al doesn’t say it, though – likely because he doesn’t want to upset Ed, but the latter knows.

Ed actually tries to give him some air after realizing. Al should be out there living his life, not stuck in Ed’s at times suffocating hugs. And Ed needs to get it together, too.

Until he wakes up in one hazy morning in the sluggish couch. He’s… tense. Whether he had a nightmare or not, he can’t remember. Ed looks through the empty living room, searching for a necessary presence.

…

He breaks free from the blanket trapping him, legs swinging everywhere. Ed subconsciously heads to the lit-up kitchen in the rising morning, the sun not yet making its appearance.

He smells… coffee?

Immediately, Ed goes after it and the distinguished, short blond hair – different from his but still gold, a treasure.

“Ack!”

Despite the protest, Ed doesn’t let go.

“Brother, you scared me!” Al complains, “I could’ve hit you for that!”

“… sorry.”

Al softens, “Are you okay?”

“Mmm-yeah.”

“Did I wake you up?”

“Mmm,” Ed shakes his head in Al’s shoulder.

The younger Elric relaxes his back, and Ed only sinks against his body. He’s only a few centimeters taller than Al. It might not be a huge difference to other people, but to them it means everything. Ed has grown a little after all this time.

One of Al’s hands reach Ed’s arm, while the other is likely holding his cup of coffee.

“… Are you okay?” Ed wonders.

“Yeah, I just couldn’t sleep anymore.”

“Hm.”

Despite Ed’s annoying, persistent clinging, Al doesn’t say anything. He simply lets Ed hug him like his life depends on it.

Please, don’t hurt him! He’s my little brother, please don’t take him away!

Ed sighs, “I’m being weird, aren’t I?”

Al ponders.

“… Yeah, kind of,” he admits.

“’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, brother.”

He wants to believe that. Ed really does. Especially now that he can feel Al’s heart beating against his.

But everyone, everything has tried to take Al away. Ed let him go and pulled him back in a daunting suit of armor. His life was in constant danger, because of Ed’s sins.

They’re finally home, together, but what if it happens again? What if Al disappears and Ed isn’t there to get him? What if nothing is really enough to get him back? What if? What if?

“Ed,” Al whispers, “it’s okay.”

Ed holds on tighter.

“I don’t wanna lose you again,” he mumbles. Is he shaking?

Al sighs again – not in annoyance – and turns to hug his brother back.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Ed hasn’t cried in years, but the pain in his throat is too much for his brave face.

“Brother, I’m not going away,” Al insists, “I promise.”

“I- I failed you, Al. Y-You were gone because of me.”

“That’s not true. You didn’t fail me.” Al squeezes him back. “I’m here because you saved me, remember?”

Ed’s hand reaches the back of his neck, trembling fingers touching the baby blond strands. His eyebrows twitch against his little brother’s sweater.

Al rubs his back in support. “I’m right here. I’m not leaving.”

Ed clutches the soft fabric. “I want you to live your life, Al, I swear. B-But I’m… I’m a coward”— he swallows a lump —“I’m so scared you’re going to disappear again.”

Al is the one that smooths his hair now.

“I know. It’s okay to be scared,” Al tells him. “Sometimes I get scared, too.”

Ed frowns. “Really?”

The other nods. “But every time I do, I remember my big brother is there, doing his best to look after me and the world despite his fear.” He hears Alphonse smiling. “So I don’t have to be scared on my own.”

Whatever is holding him back falls apart at the words.

“Al…” he sniffs, “you know I love you, right?”

“Of course, brother.”

“I-I love you so much.”

“I know. I love you, too.”

Ed sobs, helpless. Al mumbles things in his ear, nonsense that is way too reassuring. Ed is supposed to be the older brother, but he’s the one needing the comfort the most. Al has always looked out for him, even if Ed doesn’t want to admit it.

Even after all this, his golden eyes don’t shed much if not for two tears. But that is something given he’s hardened like a rock, like metal.

Ed is not suffocating – neither Al nor himself –, so their hug is really just to make sure they’re not falling apart.

“Do you want coffee?” Al suggests.

“That’d be good.”

With one arm, Al takes an empty cup and fills it with the dark scent. When he finishes, Ed squeezes his little brother one last time before, finally, letting go.

“I think it might be cold at this point,” Al points out.

“Nah, that’s okay. I like it cold.”

“You’re so weird, brother.”

Ed smirks, “Whatever.”

Al reads the newspaper with no difficulties, despite the huge texts in a language he’s not yet familiar with. At least now Ed doesn’t need to be glued to Al to know he’s staying.

#fullmetal alchemist #fma 03 #edward elric #alphonse elric #death mention tw #fanfiction

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that-crazy-five-foot-two-chick · 3 years

Text

Rated G for Gosh Dang Near Everyone except people who don't like hurt/comfort sickfics

Word count: 1373

Summary: Winry insists on getting her covid shot as soon as Central offers it. Ed worries for her, even though she's fine. Until she's not.

A/N: written for @darkpersonapeace several days ago when she was recovering from her covid shot day-after yuckiness. Disclaimer though, I am not a medical professional, nor is this meant to be a realistic depiction of the typical side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. This scenario is simply based on what my roommate experienced, and my side effects were far tamer. Let's kick covid in the butt, guys!

When the first COVID-19 vaccines made their way to Central City, Ed knew that Winry would want to be one of the first in line. Because that's how she was, after all. She always prioritized the needs and safety of others over the possible risks to her own well-being, especially when her automail patients were involved. It was one of the many reasons he'd married her.

However, Edward worried that she might develop some of the more drastic side effects, so he decided to accompany Winry on the train ride from Rush Valley to Central. After all, who knew what could happen if she was on her own, stranded hours away from help?

"Now, Winry, you know you can change your mind at any time, right? I'm not going to try to steer you away from this if it's what you're set on, but you know your patients and I would still respect your decision if you wanted to wait to make sure the vaccine doesn't cause any long-term damage to you, right?"

"Edward Rockbell," she frowned with her hands on her hips, doing nothing to diminish his pride in the name, "I could care less about some hypothetical damage if I even have half a chance at keeping my patients healthy and you know it. And besides, you never had such a high opinion of possible damage when you were involved." She raised an eyebrow.

"When I was involved, sure, but never when it was you, gearhead," he said softly, pulling her in for a hug. His hand held her head and ran down the length of her hair.

"Well, I'm doing it, Ed," Winry said into his shoulder. "Like it or not, I'm trying to protect you, too, even if I have to wait hours in line to do it."

"I could barely figure out what the heck you said between the mask and my shoulder, but with the way the line's going, I don't think you're gonna have to wait very long."

"Hm, I guess not."

"Now, I've researched this. You know you have to stay in the monitoring area for fifteen minutes afterwards, right? You know to stretch your arm so it doesn't get so sore, right? You know to keep your vaccination card…"

*****

Much to Edward's relief, Winry showed no signs of any negative side effects. They went out to dinner (unfortunately, at one of the restaurants the Colonel had recommended), and the train ride back to Rush Valley would have been almost boring if Ed hadn't entertained a child by drawing a transmutation circle that made a loud, garish toy when the child activated it.

And then they got in the car.

Winry cranked the car and made a stop at the nearest gas station while they took turns going to the bathroom. Two minutes down the road, however, the blood began to drain from Winry's face.

"Winry, are you doing alright?"

"I'm fine, Ed. It's not like I can't drive or anything." Several seconds later, Ed spoke again.

"Are you sure? Because you look like you're about to throw up."

"I'm—" she blanched.

"Winry Rockbell, pull over or I'll pull over for you!"

Thankfully, she obeyed and put the car in park.

"Now, don't move. I'll come around and get you."

"Ed, I'm not that bad."

He opened her door and pulled her out. "Get some fresh air, Winry. I'm gonna help you to the passenger's side, okay? This is why I came with you."

"I don't need—" she stumbled, cutting off the rest of her sentence.

"You were saying?" Ed chuckled after catching her with the arm that was already around her.

"Oh, just drop me in the car, will you?"

Fortunately, it was only a half hour drive to the other side of the city, but Ed feared that Winry's condition might worsen drastically in even that short a time frame.

First, he noticed her breaths get shorter and faster.

"Winry, do you need me to roll the window down? I'd help you on your side if I could."

"Y-yeah, maybe."

A few minutes later, he heard her whimpering quietly. He laid a comforting hand on her thigh. "What's happening? Is there anything I can do?"

"I don't know. I should have known this would happen. Even a normal flu shot wipes me out the whole next day, plus I hear it's worse if you've had covid before, and who knows, maybe I did, and—" he squeezed her leg, and she added in a small voice, "Maybe you could hold my hand?"

"Of course I'll hold your hand, hon," he smiled for her sake, adding under his breath, "and maybe speed a bit so we can get you home faster."

A few more minutes, and her whimpers grew louder. Winry's hand gripped his like a lifeline.

"Ed, I can't do this," she panted.

"You're so freaking strong, Winry. Just hold on a little longer. Squeeze my hand as tight as you want."

Her bone-crushing grip renewed his sense of urgency.

"Help me," she pleaded.

"What can I do, baby?"

"Help me," she echoed. "It hurts. It hurts so much."

"I'm getting you home as fast as I can. You're amazing, Winry."

She only moaned in response.

"I wanna die, I wanna die, I wanna die," she wept.

"Shh, I love you too much for that. You're my wife. You're my strong, brilliant, amazing wife, and I'd give up my entire body before I'd let you die. You hear me?"

"Mhm."

"Hey, do you remember when I said your hands are meant to give life?"

"Mhm."

"Well, keep holding my hand so that my hand give you life. We're so close. Just hang in there."

"I still wanna die," she sniffed.

"I'm gonna do what I can, okay, baby?"

Ed did his best to keep his hands from trembling. He had to stay strong for Winry. But what if this was a rare side effect? What if she actually was dying? No. No. It was just a vaccine. It'd be ridiculous if she was actually dying, but it didn't keep him from wondering if she needed to see a doctor. But please, he prayed to any deity that would listen, please let me do something for Winry.

So he sang. He sang her the lullabies of Trisha Elric. He sang her the old, cheesy love songs she had a soft spot for. When he ran out of those, he sang an oddly gentle version of some pop punk songs he listened to. He sang anything he could think of, from classic musicals to popular songs that Winry danced to, even if he thought they were trash.

Although her moans and whimpers didn't grow any quieter, she mewled, "You sing really pretty, Ed. Why don't you do it more?"

"If you make it through this, I'll sing for you whenever you want, Mrs. Rockbell. What song do you want next? We're almost home, and then you can lie down and I'll get you whatever you want. Does that sound okay?" He pressed a kiss to her hand, keeping his eyes on the road. He'd probably regret his promises to sing, but right then, he couldn't care less.

Ed took her song request and parked in front of their home shortly after. Walking over to the passenger side, he carefully pulled Winry out and carried her up the stairs past her shop to their apartment above it. She curled into his chest until he laid her on their bed.

"Equivalent exchange," he kissed her burning forehead. "You've taken care of me when you and Granny had to give me life-saving surgery after I lost my arm and leg. Now I get to look after you when you need me."

Winry smacked him weakly. "Alchemy freak."

"Gearhead," he laughed softly. "Try to sleep, if you can. I'll be right here the whole time if you need my hand again. Just tell me if you need anything, and I'll get it."

She smiled, then crumpled with a moan. After several seconds, she turned her head to look at Edward.

"Even if I want a purple polka dotted hippopotamus?"

Ed laughed. "Even if you want a purple polka dotted hippopotamus."

#my fic #my writing #hurt/comfort #edwin #fma #fma fic #edward elric #winry rockbell

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fullmetalscullyy · 4 years

Text

the way it was - chapter 39

summary: what if riza never went to war? riza hawkeye has just married the man she loves. six months into their marriage, an unexpected surprise stops her from following roy to the military. a canon divergence au that explores what might have happened had riza been unable to join the military. there will be plenty of family fluff, angst, and royai.

rated: m | warnings: graphic depictions of violence (updated)

read on ao3

1915

so keep breathing

'cause i'm not leaving you anymore

believe it

hold on to me and never let me go

Riza was drifting away from the brown brick room as her husband’s arms rocked her from side to side. His desperate, anguished demands for her to return to him immediately were fading as darkness encroached on her mind and a heavy weight settled upon her limbs.

“No,” he choked out, so close to her ear, but so out of reach. “Riza, please.”

It was killing her to leave him like this. She didn’t want to, but that decision had been made for her by someone else. Riza hated it. She had so much more to give in the world, so much more to experience with her family, and now it had all been ripped away. Roy would be left with their children all alone, and she’d never get to see them again. If she could feel anything, or react in any way, Riza would have burst into tears.

“I love you.” Those three words were filled with such defeat and grief. “From the bottom of my heart.”

It was like he was saying goodbye.

Behind closed eyelids there was a spark of light, reminiscent of a candle flickering out in a breeze. It was brief but whatever it was made every sensation and feeling come crashing back into Riza. It slammed into her roughly, almost making her gasp. If her body hadn’t been so sluggish, she would have.

Where sound had been muted and muffled before, it was loud and clear. She heard someone gasp and crackles of alchemic energy. Blue light flashed beyond her closed lids, brighter than before, as the sounds of fighting surrounded her. With eyes squeezed tightly closed, Riza returned to a painful reality. Her features twisted into a grimace, however, what was once a breath-taking agony was now just a dull ache, an occasional throb, accompanying every beat of her heart. It felt like Riza could feel every rush of blood through her veins in the injured skin of her neck.

Before she could even open her eyes, arms lifted and pulled her into a tight embrace. The pressure was intense as Riza struggled to get her bearings, causing another pulse of pain to flare unexpectedly in her neck.

“Oh, thank God.”

Although disorientated, she recognised Roy’s voice. He was by her ear as he pressed his face into her hair. A kiss was pressed against her head as relief flooded through Riza’s body.

“Careful!” a voice scolded suddenly. “If you squeeze too tight, you’ll reopen that wound!”

The arms around her loosened immediately. Riza blinked a few times to clear her vision and saw Roy looking down at her neck in horror. However, as soon as her head tipped to get a better view of him, Roy’s eyes jerked to hers. Despite his red and puffy eyes, a choked laugh left him before a wobbly smile spread across his face. Riza returned his smile with a tiny, tired one of her own and it caused all of the tension in his body to visibly fizzle out.

Slowly, and more gently, Roy embraced her, holding her body close to his. Riza relished in the comfort he always brought her as her eyelids fluttered closed. Her fingers twitched, wishing to grasp onto him in some way, but wouldn’t cooperate just yet.

“Thank you.” Roy’s voice was sincere and hoarse as he spoke to someone nearby. “I owe you one.”

A young girl smiled at him as Riza opened her eyes. She was the same girl who’d been with Scar earlier, during the initial standoff with Envy.

“Don’t mention it,” she replied with determination.

The girl’s voice sounded slightly familiar, but Riza couldn’t place it…

“Mei Chang,” she greeted cheerily. “Nice to meet you properly!”

“Hello,” Riza replied in a raspy voice. Clearing her throat didn’t shift it completely, but it did assist a little. “Thank you for your help.”

She nodded, her smile bright and happy. “It’s good to see you escaped from Envy relatively unharmed.”

Riza paused.

“From Envy?” Roy voiced the question that was floating around Riza’s mind.

Mei nodded. “In Central, in the car. I saw you run after I made them stop.”

Roy exhaled loudly and sharply at the reminder.

Her head dipped, her smile falling from her face as sorrow took over. “Envy tricked me, and I let them go.” When she lifted her head, Mei’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. “That almost cost you earlier. I’m so sorry.” Her head bowed sharply in apology.

Riza could place Mei’s voice now. She’d been the one to call out to Envy while they were all in the car, before Riza made a run for it.

“Mei?” The girl lifted her head slowly and regretfully. “It’s okay,” Riza reassured her. “I’m here, aren’t I? I’m all right.”

“But you’re not. You were hurt!”

“And you helped bring me back,” she reminded her kindly. “I’ll be forever grateful to you for that.”

“Me too,” Roy interjected. “Thank you for saving her life.”

Still looking conflicted, Mei nodded and blinked away a few stray tears. “I’m just glad you’re okay. Make sure you’re careful with her!” she commanded Roy.

“I will,” Roy vowed. “I promise.” His grip tightened just a fraction as his head turned to look back down at Riza. Relief was palpable within him. It shook his arms as he cradled Riza’s body close.

“You got my signal,” she smiled tiredly.

“Of course I did.” His lips lowered to press against her forehead lightly. “We’ve been together for so long, and I’ve become quite attuned to you, remember?” His quip caused a smile to appear as Riza remembered him saying the same thing at Mia’s birthday party. He caressed the skin of her face lovingly. His thumb ran from her temple down to her chin before his hand latched on to support her weight once more. “Plus, I knew you really would kill me if I tried to perform human transmutation.”

Riza let out a quiet snort. “You bet your ass I would have.”

With tears in his eyes, Roy barked a laugh before lowering his lips to hers. He pressed hard enough to convey his relief, but gentle enough to be mindful of her injuries. After another quick peck, he pulled away. His smile wavered with his emotions, but Roy still stared down at her with adoration. The backs of his knuckles caressed Riza's cheekbone lightly, and his loving affection caused her to relax further into his arms.

“I love you, Riza.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek before hugging her tightly once more, yet still being mindful of her condition. “God, I love you," he breathed in a hoarse voice.

He couldn’t seem to let her go, but Riza didn’t mind one bit. It was what they both needed, and was long overdue after the day they'd experienced. She let out a quiet sigh as her eyelids drooped closed and her stomach fluttered. Riza took a moment to rest and get her breath back while Roy curled his body protectively around hers. It felt like she was home, lying there in the warmth of his embrace. Although it was impossible given the circumstances, she never wanted to leave that moment.

Roy's breathing evened out, the action seemingly becoming easier for him as more time progressed. Finally, he let loose a long sigh and pulled away.

“What now?” She didn’t want to be the one to break the little bubble they’d fallen into, but regretfully, the day was not over, nor was the fight.

Roy let out another breath in a rush. “We’re regrouping. We’ve got a little time.”

Slowly and painfully she was assisted into a seated position.

“Easy,” Roy murmured, hovering over her. His grip was encouraging and strong, essentially keeping her upright, however his hands trembled and shifted in place, trying to find the best way to support her further as he fretted.

“I’m okay. I’m good.” Riza sighed, feeling neck twinge as her shoulders rolled. “Any news on Edward?”

Roy’s lips pursed and he shook his head. “Nothing.”

Riza’s stomach lurched at the thought of them not knowing where he’d disappeared to. The word “sacrifice” made her shudder, and she did not like when it was applied to Edward Elric.

She squeezed his hand in comfort. “Then we look for him.”

Roy nodded, but Riza picked up on his swallow and how he averted his eyes to the ground.

“What’s wrong?” Her blood ran cold, thinking the worst.

“It’s –” Roy sighed heavily. On the exhale, his eyes were filled with grief. “I almost lost you today. I watched you die,” Roy choked out.

Riza’s heart thudded inside her chest. Memories of Roy screaming her name, cursing those who’d hurt her, and claiming that he would kill them all for what they did, flooded her mind. He’d watched her slip away, been restrained, and unable to help or hold her close. It had broken him. She’d heard his agony, filling her ears as she slipped away from reality.

“I can’t have you being used against me.” He pressed his lips against her hairline, kissing her fiercely. Riza’s eyes fluttered closed in response. “I won’t let them,” he whispered against her skin as his voice hitched.

He'd never wanted Riza to get involved in any of this. It was highly likely he'd want to get her somewhere safe, away from the forefront of the battle –

“I almost watched you die –” Roy choked on his own words, cutting himself off with a strangled gasp. Riza could feel his hands beginning to shake as they held onto her even tighter.

The full weight of what had transpired was finally hitting him.

“Roy?”

He didn’t seem to hear her.

“Roy,” she called louder. She lifted a shaky hand to press it against his cheek. He jumped, turning his head to face her, tears close to falling.

“I’m right here,” she reminded him. “I’m not going to die on you. I’ve got two kids waiting for me to come home. So do you.”

Roy sucked in a sharp breath.

“We’ll go home to them together,” she affirmed.

She was bundled up in his arms once more. Riza clutched at his back desperately. She clung to him, burying her face in his jacket. She never wanted to let him go. Riza needed only a comfort he could bring her.

As she moved to pull away, Roy restricted her gently.

“Pl – Please. Not just yet,” he whispered against her shoulder. His hand made its way to the back of her head, holding her tight in place. Roy's fingers tangled in her hair and it made Riza hold on even tighter. “I… I just need a minute.”

“I can give you a minute,” she breathed, swallowing the lump in her throat. Riza buried her face in the fabric of his black coat. “Take all the time you need.”

“I feel like this is your line,” Roy chuckled humourlessly. It held a bitterness that made Riza’s heart ache. Her fingers increased their pressure on his back. “But thank you for coming back to me,” he whispered into her ear.

“Always, Roy."

Shifting in place, he moved so their foreheads could bow together.

“I love you.” It was whispered like a prayer as Roy’s breath mingled and entwined with her own.

“Love you too. Thank you for trusting me.”

“Always,” Roy repeated back to her. He placed a quick kiss against her hairline, his hand cupping her cheek, before his head moved to rest against hers once more.

Returning to the present, Roy lifted his head to look around the room and assess where they were at. Riza followed suit, eyes wandering to see if everyone was accounted for.

The first thing she spied was the trail of blood leading from the circle. Her blood. She had images of Roy dragging her fading form out of the circle, leaving a streak of red in his wake. Riza shuddered.

Scar and the chimeras were standing over the downed candidates, speaking lowly. Riza’s eyes roved over the bodies but came to a jarring halt when they settled upon the man she’d killed. Her stomach twisted and horror flushed through her body.

“How are you feeling?”

Roy’s question distracted her, and Riza felt selfish and cruel enough to be thankful for it.

You killed him.

“Sore,” she admitted after clearing her throat. Her eyes were torn away from her kill, but Roy noticed her body stiffen and the jerky movement. Of course he did.

A gloved hand cupped Riza’s cheek lightly to angle her head, so she was facing him. “You saved my life.” His eyes held no revulsion or apprehension in them, just sympathy and unfortunate understanding.

“I killed him,” she whispered. The words got caught in her throat and almost choked her.

“I know.” His tone was sombre, but he didn’t flinch away from her gaze filled with shame and disgust. “I know, and I’m so sorry it came to that –”

“Colonel?” One of the chimeras called over to them – Darius, Riza remembered. “You all right?”

Roy nodded and returned his attention to her. “We’ll discuss this.” His lips pressed against her temple. “I promise. You won’t have to deal with this alone.”

Riza winced multiple times as Roy helped her to her feet. His arm circled around her back and pulled her body close to his, taking most of her weight. With an arm braced on the shoulder of her uninjured side, they started to walk towards the group.

“Everyone, thank you for all of your help.”

“No problem,” Darius reassured. He angled his head to look around Roy, eyeing Riza to assess her condition.

Mei had disappeared from their side as she and Roy spoke, but now she skipped over to the group. “Oh wait –” She halted suddenly, looking around the floor of the room. “The stone!”

Lying among the candidates was a clear vial, filled with red liquid. However, before anyone could move, the darkness shifted.

Fuhrer Bradley.

He emerged from the shadows and bent at the waist, his movements calm and controlled, picking up the vial that Mei had been searching for.

“King Bradley,” Roy greeted, hostility clouding his tone. “His wounds aren’t regenerating,” he realised, almost speaking to himself. Riza glanced to Bradley’s arm, noticing the trail of blood.

“It’s been quite some time hasn’t it, Colonel Mustang?”

“Indeed it has, sir. I’m afraid I’d be lying if I said you were looking as good as ever.”

Riza was close to elbowing Roy to tell him to knock it off. He didn’t need to provoke Bradley further.

The Fuhrer’s eye shifted away from Roy and settled on Riza. It narrowed dangerously and she felt the sudden urge to take a step back. His stare pinned her in place, like he’d done before, and it made the hairs on the back of Riza’s neck stand on end. Roy noticed too. She was pulled tighter into his body protectively.

“Knowing that weakling heart of yours, I thought the imminent threat to your wife’s life would have made you perform human transmutation, Mustang. I would’ve thought you’d do anything to save her, but it appears that isn’t the case.”

“I would do whatever it takes to ensure her safety, and my family’s,” Roy fired back, irritated by the insinuation that he wouldn’t. Indignation flared in Riza’s chest too. “However, I made a promise and intended to keep it. I may have been reckless enough at one point, but luckily I have people behind me to keep me on the right path. I trust them,” he gave her upper arm a squeeze, “and I wasn’t about to let them down.”

Bradley continued to talk as a wave of light-headedness overcame Riza. She blinked as she tried to focus on the conversation, but it faded. The world around her was muted for a brief second.

Keep it together, Riza.

It was hard. Her knees shook but were quickly locked so she didn’t fall. Her thighs quivered with overexertion and her injuries, but she held firm. She had to.

Blinking heavily, Riza felt her body pitch forward against her will. Her arm lifted to grip onto something connected to Roy to help her remain upright, but she needn’t have worried. Roy had already caught her with a hand to the shoulder closest to him. Eyes wide, he silently asked if she was all right. Riza gripped his forearm tightly for support, giving him a tiny nod. With a shifted stance, he pulled her closer to his body and turned back towards Bradley.

“No!” There was a sudden cry from the doctor in the pipes above. Riza had forgotten he was there. “I won’t let you interfere with him!”

“Give it up Doctor,” Jerso scoffed. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Suddenly, Mei gasped from behind Riza. There was a splash as blood reigned from the ceiling, spreading out into the stone, and mingling with her own blood. Jerso fell and crashed hard onto the floor while she turned in place to see what the sudden commotion was, and the doctor followed suit. Both grunted in pain, rolling away from the centre of the room.

“Jerso!” Zampano called to his friend, urging him to stand.

“Run! Get out of here!” Jerso’s warning made Riza’s heart leap into her throat.

“This is bad.” Darius ran over to Jerso, helping him stand so he and Zampano could move their injured friend somewhere safe.

“He’s right,” Mei agreed. “Something’s coming. Something awful.”

Riza waited with bated breath, wondering what new thing was approaching. She didn’t know if she could survive another fight; not in her current condition.

Long, black tendrils descended from the ceiling. Eyes opened once the shapes finally landed on the ground, peering into the room, with a small boy standing in the centre.

“Pride,” Riza whispered.

“Please,” Roy requested, talking over her head. She was pressed into the arms of Darius. Her head started to turn, but it was on her injured side. It didn’t move very far, and instead she had to close her eyes tightly against the sudden wave of pain. “Look after her for now.”

She mourned the loss of Roy's touch and his support, but Darius gracefully swept her up with his own strength.

There was a burst of movement but Riza barely had a chance to open her eyes to comprehend what was happening properly. Bradley was charging at Roy, who’d sprang away from them and sent a ball of flame at the Fuhrer. But Bradley was too fast. He’d leaped into the air and dodged Roy’s retaliation all together.

Riza watched in terror as Bradley’s feet connected with Roy’s torso. With the force of his jump, Bradley sent him crashing backwards onto the hard stone, Roy’s body skidding along it with the momentum. He grunted loudly in pain. Bradley’s swords came crashing down into the palm of Roy’s hands, piercing through his flesh, and pinning him in place. He let out a muffled scream, his jaw clenched tight as his eyes widened. They were fraught with suffering and pain.

“Roy!” The cry was ripped from Riza’s throat before she could think. Her whole body tensed. Everything locked in place as she watched, unable to tear her eyes away from Roy’s hands. She saw the sword poking through the back of his palms as his body heaved with pained breaths. Riza immediately felt like she wanted to vomit, but her body wouldn’t move or react.

A shadow lashed out at her, causing Darius to lift Riza off her feet so they could both jump backwards. More distance was put between them and that was the opposite of what Riza wanted.

Now she knew how Roy had felt just a few minutes ago.

Her legs and feet weren’t cooperating. She wanted to run to him, to shoot the bastard pinning him to the ground through the palms of his hands. Even if she could get her legs to work, Darius would never let her go. His grip on her upper arms was too strong.

Pride stabbed the doctor through the chest. The sudden cry of disbelief and pain managed to pierce through the fog inside Riza’s mind. Inky black tendrils wrapped around the doctor, covering his mouth to silence him. As Pride did so, at the same time underneath Roy, a circle formed.

A transmutation circle.

“Well, Colonel Mustang, it looks like you are our fifth.”

“That’s right,” Bradley added, “the last one.”

Pride smirked to himself as he watched the doctor squirm, but his expression quickly turned back to cold and calculating. He was nothing like the young boy she’d spoken to in the university, months prior, who’d been so excited to meet the wife of the Flame Alchemist. When Riza had first met Pride, not Selim, she’d never seen him, only felt the threatening presence of his black tendrils around her throat. It was unsettling to know this homunculus had been hiding beneath the surface of that innocence, performing so perfectly with the face and personality of a young boy all this time.

Roy’s eyes widened in fear as blue light filled the circle, reaching high into the air above him. The doctor, wrapped up in Pride’s tendrils, was moved above Roy as he writhed inside them, his cries muffled.

“I was really hoping we wouldn’t have to resort to this but there is no choice. We’ve run out of time now,” Pride announced coldly.

“Whether you like it or not, we’re going to force you to open the portal, Mustang. Prepare yourself.”

“No, I won’t do it!” Roy grit his teeth together as his jaw clenched tightly in pain. His eyes briefly squeezed closed as Bradley leaned over him further and put more pressure on the blades. He must have shifted them a fraction.

“As I said,” Bradley replied coolly, “it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to. Pride has just assimilated an alchemist who possesses knowledge of human transmutation. He has the necessary formula.”

Pride’s tendrils lifted from the ground wrapped around Roy’s neck. He grunted as they secured themselves and Riza inhaled sharply as she watched, remembering how they’d felt on her skin months ago. The blue light was getting brighter and another wrapped around each of Roy’s ankles and across his stomach, securing him in place for their plan.

“He’s safely pinned, move back, Wrath. Now.”

Bradley stood and walked calmly away, as if he were taking a stroll down the street, not condemning a man to an unknown fate.

Riza stared at her husband lying in the middle of the transmutation circle. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. They were forcing him to open the gate against his will.

The bastards.

He was stuck. The tables had been turned on them completely, and now she was the one who was unable to help him, as he was trapped and about to be harmed.

Roy’s chest heaved as he breathed. His hands shook against his restraints, fighting it, but Riza knew all too well how futile that fight was. He wouldn’t escape from Pride’s hold.

The muscles in her neck shook as her head turned due to her distress. It felt as though they were creaking as she did so. Riza’s eyes moved to Roy’s and they met for a brief second. He inhaled and they widened, his eyebrows turning upwards helplessly.

His eyes were filled with terror.

“No…” she whispered, not removing her gaze from his. She couldn’t.

Bradley coughed twice, lifting a hand to his mouth as he partially turned back to look at Roy.

“I wonder… What will be taken from you in exchange, Colonel Mustang?”

The bastard almost smirked.

The light grew to a crescendo and Riza had never felt more helpless in her life as Roy screamed. It was nothing like Riza had ever heard before, or ever wanted to hear again. It cut right through her, leaving her winded. It shook Riza to her core.

Everyone turned away from the transmutation, the light too bright for their eyes to handle, but not Riza. She couldn’t. Her husband was being forced through the gate, into the unknown, against his own will. Edward and Alphonse flashed into her mind. Edward, losing an arm and a leg to this same transmutation. Alphonse, losing his entire body.

What would Roy lose?

“Roy!” His name was torn from her throat as the transmutation reached its peak, the sudden brightness blinking out in a flash. It left a ringing in her ears, along with the echo of his screams, but Riza didn’t even notice. Her eyes were impossibly wide, tears springing to her lids, because Roy was no longer in the centre of the circle.

He was gone.

Riza’s mouth never closed. She wanted to vomit, could feel it stirring up inside her stomach and begging to be let loose onto the floor below, but it didn’t. Completely frozen, her mind didn’t want to comprehend what she was seeing. He couldn’t be gone. He couldn’t disappear.

But he had.

* * *

Darius had lowered Riza to the ground gently and remained close by as everyone involved in the coup regrouped. He was obviously worried about her mental state but Riza didn’t have it in her to reassure him, or anyone else. She was exhausted. She was completely uneasy, not knowing what had happened to Roy or if he was okay. Bradley had assured he was alive, but at what cost? It made her heart ache the more she thought about it.

What would he lose?

She was supposed to have been watching his back, but he’d been hurt. He’d been taken. Riza knew she was no match against a homunculus, never mind two, but still… She’d made a promise to look out for him. As worn down as she was, that tiny detail was weighing on her most. She should have fought more. She should have pulled out her gun and shot Bradley like she’d so desperately wanted to -

Her eyelids fluttered closed. A single tear threatened to escape and fall down her cheek. Riza ignored it. Anxiety and terror were creating a dangerous cocktail of emotions within her, alongside her overall fatigue, and refused to let up. Riza knew they wouldn’t until there was some news. She’d take any news at this point. Whatever Roy had paid as a toll, they’d work through it. So long as he was alive, that was enough for Riza at the moment.

Riza felt numb right up until there was the sound of shaking beneath her. A deep rumble filled the air, cutting through her chest uncomfortably, as loose stones shook with the vibrations beside her. Riza was shielded from debris as a young man burst forth from the ground, continuing his journey up towards the surface, unbothered by those beneath him. Riza had watched on, hopeful for news about Roy, Edward, about anyone who’d been taken as a sacrifice. Her heart leapt into her throat as she watched the newcomer ascend through the gap in Darius’ arms, but no news arrived.

Once it had stopped, there was silence, and it settled heavily on Riza’s heart once more.

“Are you okay?”

Riza glanced up at Darius and gave him a tired nod. He was unconvinced, but he reassured he’d be right back after checking on everyone else. The ground was still trembling, causing Darius to lose his balance twice as he quickly approached the group to find out what was happening.

“Izumi!”

Startled out of her reverie, Riza glanced over to see Sig Curtis embrace his wife, who was standing on a tower of stone in the shape of a hand. Behind her, sat –

Roy.

He was on his knees, staring at the ground. He looked… Riza couldn’t tell. Sig blocked her view before she could determine his expression. Riza’s posture straightened as she tried to lean around them, but it was futile. Her neck protested painfully at the sudden jerky movement.

Izumi asked her husband to look after Roy, and Riza watched as Roy’s brow furrowed in concentration while Sig helped him stand. Upon first glance he was fine physically. There were no lost limbs or visible injuries on his body, apart from a few scrapes on his face. Riza let out a shaky breath of relief.

“Roy!”

“Riza?” Roy’s head perked up immediately and turned in her direction.

Sig murmured lowly, indicating he should step down onto the ground. Roy’s steps were hesitant and clumsy. Did something happen to his legs? Why was he –?

Realising what was wrong, her elation faltered. His eyes… They were no longer that rich, dark colour she loved so much; the same eyes he shared with their daughter. They were muted in colour, almost grey.

“Are you there?” Roy’s head swung from side to side, searching for her agitatedly, but his eyes were unfocussed… unseeing…

Why couldn’t he see her?

“Over here, Colonel,” Sig answered.

Sig lowered him to the ground gently before Riza, who promptly threw her arms around his neck. She felt him jump in fright, but Roy relaxed immediately when he realised who it was. His hands lifted to wrap around her torso as his face was buried in the crook of her neck, on her good side. Riza heard him take a deep breath as she clutched at the back of his head, holding him as close as she could. The exhale tickled her skin, warming it, and Riza was thankful to be able to feel such a thing.

“You’re okay,” she gasped in elation. She pressed her face into his shoulder, grateful for that fact. With every trip to the gate a toll must be paid, Riza knew this, but for now, it was enough to see him walking, talking and visibly unharmed. He was alive. Whatever had been taken, they’d work through it together.

“I’m all right,” Roy reassured quietly, giving her a tight squeeze in their embrace.

“What happened?” Her lips were right by his ear, so she spoke softly enough for only him to hear.

Roy stiffened underneath her touch and she felt another sigh against her skin.

“I went through the gate.” It was mumbled against her skin, the vibrations tickling her. “I saw Truth. I…”

“What is it?” Her urging was gentle, but anxiety and fear were churning up inside her stomach painfully as anticipation lifted the hair on her arms.

“I lost my eyesight. I’m blind.”

Riza pulled away in shock, blinking at him, and resting her hands upon his shoulders. Roy's head tilted downwards, his fringe falling over his eyes. When it lifted, his expression was one of determination.

“Blind?”

“Riza, what is the extent of your injuries?”

She blinked at him, then her expression crumpled with the weight of everything they'd been through. “What is the extent of yours? Please, just worry about yourself for once in your life –!”

“Riza.” His command cut her off, but it was not harsh. “Are you okay? Can you still fight?”

Being caught off guard by his question made Riza pause. The only indication of his anxiety about her answer was the tightening of pressure on her forearms. He’d rested his battered palms there, but Riza started to feel the trembling of his fingers as his concern grew.

“I’m fine,” she replied.

As an afterthought, it didn’t occur to her that he was so worried because he couldn’t see for himself how she was doing physically. He was already on high alert, having her here in the first place, but now, rendered blind and unable to watch her back, he was no doubt feeling increasingly uneasy.

“Can you help me fight?” He softened his tone for her, asking for her assistance. “Can you be my eyes for me?”

“Always,” Riza nodded, ignoring the ache in her neck as the muscles were agitated. “Of course I can. I’ll watch your back,” she affirmed, pressing her palm against his cheek.

“Now, hold on a sec,” a male voice interrupted from above them. “You two are injured. You need to stay down here and out of the way,” Greed argued.

Riza grasped Roy’s wrist tightly as well as his elbow, lifting him from the ground to stand. Once upright, he rolled his shoulders and turned in the direction of the homunculus, Greed. His eyes closed as he spoke, and it made Riza’s heart ache as she watched.

Her feelings regarding his newfound blindness were a mess, a cocktail of dangerous things barrelling around inside of her chest and stomach. She still didn’t even know how he felt about it. But, they still had a fight to finish. They had to win. For the country’s sake and for their children’s future, they must step up. Emotionally dealing with her husband’s new condition could be compacted neatly into a box and shelved for later once she knew they were safe.

“I need her help to control the flames so I can burn up Father’s philosopher’s stone,” Roy argued, his tone absolute. He was not going to give in, and Riza wouldn’t either. “We’re a unit and we’ll deal with this,” he waved a hand at his face haphazardly, “together.”

Greed glared at him, and Riza dared the homunculus to argue with them, but eventually he scoffed and backed down.

“Suit yourself,” he muttered petulantly with a wave of his hand, walking off.

Roy’s shoulders, that had been tensed, relaxed downwards by a considerable amount. A breath was let loose and Riza watched closely, noting how exhausted he looked. The grazes on his face hadn’t broken the skin enough to draw blood, but they still looked like they’d been painful. Roy’s head tipped downwards to the floor as he took a quiet moment to recentre himself.

Stepping up, Riza gently looped her fingers around his wrist. Ideally she would have gripped his hand hard and not let go, but not with those injuries. Roy jumped at the initial contact again, Riza noted forlornly, and he recoiled away from her touch in unease. He turned towards her, eyes open and searching.

“Sorry,” she apologised quietly, retracting her hand.

“Riza?”

Forgetting herself, she nodded as an automatic response. “It’s me,” left her lips in a hurry, amending herself.

Relief settled upon his shoulders, dragging them downwards once more and Roy cracked a smile. His eyes closed as his hand lowered to his side and extended outwards slightly, towards her. Taking that as an invitation, she circled her fingers around his wrist.

“I’m sorry,” Roy replied. “This will take some getting used to.”

“There’s nothing to apologise for,” she reassured, “and I’ll be right by your side.”

“Thank you.” His smile broadened and his expression softened completely.

“Ready?”

Chest heaving with a sigh, Roy nodded as he let it loose. Determination settled in and she couldn’t have been prouder. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s go,” she whispered, giving his wrist an encouraging squeeze.

One of Roy’s hands found her hip. The other lifted into the air with hesitation, ending up hovering in empty space. Realising his intention, Riza guided his hand over to her cheek, and Roy smiled his gratitude. His thumb stroked the skin of her face gently, making sure he avoided touching her with his bloody palm. Slowly, he tried to gauge the distance between them and moved forward to kiss her forehead. Riza’s eyes fluttered closed as he did so. He ended up slightly off centre and almost bumped into her, but Riza didn’t care. None of that mattered.

It would take some getting used to, but they’d do it, just like they did with everything in their lives. Together.

“Let’s finish this,” he breathed against her skin.

#royai #royai fic #royai fanfic #royai au #the way it was #emma writes #now that this is posted its time to nap dfsg #ive been picking away at this when i can and its been s l o w but we did it team the moment is finally here #yes that is a nickelback song bc it slaps and i thot it was v apt for this chapter :)))#sorry for the month long absence too but it was warranted

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