i need everyone reading this post to remember that writing is not "content." writing is art. you don't look at a painting of an ocean and say "eh, it's overdone." you look at it and think its beautiful, because it is, and y'all better start treating writing the same fucking way before you lose your favorite authors for good.
Art is not something to be capitalized on. Stop treating it like it is.
all the best lies are told with fingers tied (6780 words) by carmshiii
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist - All Media Types, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood & Manga
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Riza Hawkeye/Roy Mustang
Characters: Riza Hawkeye, Roy Mustang
Additional Tags: Light Angst, Grief/Mourning, Loss of Parent(s)
Summary:
Temperance
def.: control of your own behaviour, the habit or practice of avoiding extremes of behaviour. moderation.
Riza Hawkeye is confronted by unexpected feelings of loss and guilt, or lack thereof, and is presented with a choice.
“The youngest prince brought the magical bird to the King who is now very sick. He believes the bird will be the cure to his father’s illness. It was said to have a super magical song that would cure the mysterious sickness that the King has.” Riza recounted a story from her own childhood, watching two young faces staring back at her. Both of the kids are tucked in their beds and are now showing signs of sleepiness. William’s head keeps nodding off but he tries to keep himself awake. His adorable expression of determination is amusing to watch especially when he nods off every few minutes.
Charlotte, on the other hand, is her eager little pea. She is sitting on her bed, in the frilly purple pajamas that she insisted on buying, listening intently to Riza as she tells them their favorite bedtime story. She is thoroughly entertained by the voice changes Riza does, shifting from a young boy’s voice to an old man, depending on what the story demands.
The room is only lit up by their night light, casting a warm orange light around. Little trinkets littered the floor, clothes that didn’t make it to the hamper lay on the ground near it, the walls were taped with drawings and pictures and the windowsill displayed many house projects. Toys that are scattered across the floor will prove to be difficult not to be stepped on when Riza finally turns off the night light as soon as both of the kids are asleep.
Looking at her daughter is like looking at her younger self again. Same blonde hair, same brown eyes. Roy tells her that the way their daughter resembles her is frightening because he knows he will be fighting off suitors in a few more years. Riza never fails to remind him that Charlotte is three but that fell on deaf ears. She’d sometimes hear Roy murmur to Charlotte while he plays with her, “Why can’t you stay three, huh, sweetheart? Dad’s going to have a tough time with you if you grow up looking like your Momma.”
“When he arrived, the king was nearly dying. So he placed the bird by the bed and waited.” Riza looked over to the other bed where her son finally lost his battle and is now fast asleep. She turns to Charlotte and suddenly feels a sense of déjà vu. Rewind back a few decades and she was back in that house, listening to a woman with the same long blond hair, same brown eyes telling the same bedtime story.
Riza’s memories of her own mother are now fuzzy, as she died when she was very young. But she somehow remembers a time when things were happy inside that house. When Berthold Hawkeye would still smile at his wife as he watches her act the same story, complete with a blanket cape and a stick for a sword, telling the young Riza about the young prince’s adventure to look for this magical bird who turned his older brothers to stones and is the cure for the King’s mysterious illness. As time passed by, she wouldn’t be able to act on her bedtime stories. She would just sit at the foot of Riza’s bed but the story would still seem fascinating to her young mind. She was already on strict bedrest when autumn arrived and her illness went from bad to worse
Her mother is dying. This was a little too complicated for Riza’s young mind to comprehend then. Death is a concept she hasn’t understood yet. It doesn’t help that Berthold started to slip then. He threw himself on research to try to save his wife and forgot that his daughter existed. Riza wondered if she went to look for that magic bird, would it save her mother too? Would the song of the bird bring back her parents?
When winter came, no one is telling the stories anymore.
“Mommy?” a little voice jolted her out from the past back into the present. Charlotte was tugging on her sleeve, her brown eyes wide. “And then? Did the birdie sing for the King?” Riza stared back at her daughter, trying to get herself back together. “He did!” Roy swept into the room, in a cape, a ‘sword’ on one hand and holding a stuffed parrot toy on the other.
Riza huffed and shook her head in amusement, all thoughts of the past suddenly vanished as quickly as they came.
“The bird sang most beautifully and the King became cured of all sickness.” He went across the room, making it look like the bird was flying and sank beside their daughter’s bed. “And the King said, let the kingdom feast on blueberry pancakes tomorrow at breakfast because this little princess needs to go to sleep.” he said with an exaggerated flourish. Riza watched as her husband tickled Charlotte at the sides, causing the young girl to erupt into giggles. “That’s not how it goes, Daddy.” Charlotte shook her head. “The birdie sang and the King thanked the prince and they went to where his brothers are and they poured magic water from the well so they would turn to people back. And they lived happily ever after!” That last part was shouted in excitement.
“Hey, you’re kind of defeating the purpose of bedtime stories here.” Riza admonished him and he shot her a sheepish smile.
Roy put down the stuffed parrot beside Charlotte and she snuggled up to it. “That’s why she’s gonna sleep now and tomorrow, we’ll have blueberry pancakes just like in my story.”
“Daaad!” Charlotte’s voice complained. Roy chuckled. “Fine, fine. It’s your mom’s story anyway.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, turned to Riza and did the same, and left the room.
Riza reached over and smoothed down her daughter’s hair. “Dad spoiled the story, huh?”
“It’s fine. You’ll still tell them tomorrow, right?” Charlotte asked hopefully. Over and over, until you grew tired of hearing it. “Of course. Maybe I’ll take a page out of your father’s handbook and do some acting, hmm? I’ll make you those pancakes tomorrow morning, does that sound good?” Her daughter nodded eagerly and suddenly sat up and hugged her. “I love you, Mommy.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.” Riza relished at the feeling of her daughter’s arms around her and held her tightly. “Okay, you have to sleep now. Or else, you’ll wake up late and Dad’s already eaten all the pancakes.”
Charlotte quickly sank back into bed and closed her eyes. Riza supped her cheeks and pressed a kiss on her forehead. Turning to the other bed where Will had already managed to kick the blankets off the bed, she covered him with it and did the same. “Sweet dreams, honey.” Turning off the night light, Riza managed to navigate her way to the door before gently closing it.
“Are you okay?” a deep voice inquired. Seems like Roy hadn’t gone into their bedroom yet and was waiting for her in the hall. Riza quickly assured him, “Everything’s fine. Just memories. I don’t know what happened but I remembered my mother because she used to tell me that story when I was a kid. I shouldn’t have spaced out.” Roy’s eyes turned somber.
“So? That doesn’t make you less of a mother. Sure, we all have bad days when the past haunts us.” He took one of her hands into his. “You’re a great mother. You’re here for the kids, you’re here for me. God knows where I’ll be without you. I would’ve been lost a long time ago. That’s why I’m here. We’re a team, remember? I’m gonna save you when you need it, which is like once in a blue moon because I still believe you are a superhero and you’ll save me like you always do because despite making General, I am a dumbass sometimes.”
“Sometimes?”
“Okay, fine. Like most of the time. Don’t you trust me?”
“I do.” He tugged her to him and Riza sank into his arms, it’s like finding comfort after a bad day. “I’m here. Every step of the way. I’m not going anywhere.”
Izumi Curtis has never experienced this level of exhaustion.
Considering the fact that she once got trapped in a collapsing mine (long story), wrestled a bear, and survived a month of the bitter cold wilderness up near Briggs, saying she was exhausted is really something.
But here she was, fatigue right into her very bones, looking out the view of her hospital window at the nearby ruins that were once the Central Headquarters. The once pristine front of the military base is now littered with missile holes, a tattered flag of Amestris hanging from a snapped pole. Izumi knew that the inside looked far worse, with an entire building almost gone because the monster, the one the homunculus called Father, had blasted off with the incredible power of God.
Right after Ed returns from the Gate of Truth, clutching the frail thin body of his younger brother Al, the officers that are present promptly get to work. They got Al, who upon coming back, immediately collapsed to the ground, possibly from exhaustion. Izumi remembers the way Hohenheim trembled at the sight of Al and despite the evident lack of strength to even support himself, he surged forward toward his sons.
The injured were immediately rushed to Central Hospital while the rest of the men went inside to try and capture those who were in it with Bradley’s plan. Most of them are high ranking officers that are arrested and are now in jail awaiting trial. Mustang’s team sent out a statement declaring that it was a coup instead of saying it was an all powered individual who almost sacrificed their souls for more power than he was capable of containing.
She leaned back in the hospital bed, turning her head to the side to loosen it up from being stiff. It has definitely been a while since she got into a battle, much less something as big and destructive as this one. Sure, she’s gone into some trouble before but since teaching those two boys, she hasn’t taken any more students and her alchemy is affecting her condition so she hasn’t done anything very tiring yet. That’s why when the battle was over and the adrenaline running through her body had worn off, Izumi wasn’t surprised when she started coughing up blood. Terrified, the officers around her immediately hauled her off to the hospital.
Sig came rushing in as soon as he heard, now the man was hunched over into himself, squeezing himself in that chair that was obviously too small for him. A smile slowly slipped into her lips as she looked at her husband. Despite everything they went through, he still stayed behind and left her to fight. That was one of the reasons why she fell in love with him in the first place. He doesn’t treat her like a fragile little thing, even before her condition, she wasn’t treated like a vase that is vulnerable to breaking. Sig knows she’s strong and he acknowledges that.
After getting a scolding from the doctor about overdoing it, she was confined to a week in the hospital for further observation and once she gets home, she has to be in bed rest and limited physical activities.
Izumi had just started to slip back to sleep when the creak of the door brought her back. Turning towards the sound, Edward’s head popped out the open door.
“Hey, Teacher. There’s someone who wanted to see you.” His blond head went back and he came back wheeling Alphonse in on a wheelchair. Ed pushed his brother at the side of her bed and for the first time since Alphonse finally got his body back that she studied him.
Gaunt cheeks, thin pale lips, his hospital gown is hanging on his body, a blanket was thrown around his shoulders. His arms and legs are almost to the bone. He honestly looked terrible but when Izumi looked into his eyes, she unexpectedly teared up.
Pure unadulterated joy, his golden eyes dancing with mirth with the feeling of having the only thing he has been working hard for all these years. Alphonse slowly lifted a thin hand from his lap and rested it on her knee. Despite the blanket covering her legs, she could feel the warmth from his bony hand.
That was the moment when Izumi, the housewife, started crying.
Twin expressions of disbelief stared at her as she hastily brushed the tears away and tried to reel in her emotions. These two boys who had their years robbed away, who had to become adults to correct the mistake they made, after all the tragedy that is their life, as she stared at Al’s hand on her knee and Ed’s arm resting over the back of his brother’s wheelchair, they finally have what they wanted the most.
Izumi lets out an embarrassed laugh, “Sorry. It must’ve been a surprise to see your amazing master suddenly cry.” She smiled at them. “It’s so nice to see you, Alphonse. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
“I told him he needed to rest but he insisted on visiting you first.” Ed’s words warmed her heart. She chuckled slightly, “I’m going to be here for a week. Doctor’s orders. You can visit me anytime you want while I’m here.”
“I wanted to pay everyone a visit first. Besides, the sun’s down and I’ve just woken up. The doctors said that my body was just catching up with time and needed more rest from time to time.” Al grinned, “I haven’t been able to sleep for a while so I’m still getting used to the idea again.”
While Ed has a very explosive type of personality, Izumi would say that Al is like a lamp, steady and stable. He’s very quiet but he wears his heart on his sleeve. When the boys visited her back home and Izumi realized what had happened, she laid down on her bed that night and cried. She doesn’t show emotions around the two before but what they went through is a very familiar feeling. The sense of longing and loss, doing anything to bring back what was gone and suddenly having something taken away from you for the taboo you committed is a feeling she knows all too well. And for a moment, she blamed herself for now seeing the signs. Maybe she could’ve changed both of their minds. But in the end, she knows no amount of explanation could change a determined alchemist.
Sig has tried to warn her about going too far but the guilt is way too strong, too loud enough to drown out the voice of reason in her mind. Now years later, she still pays for that mistake.
When she received that call from Ed, confirming that the thing she brought back that fateful night was not her unborn child, she felt no regret, like Sig had expected, but joy. That her child did not suffer more than she thought. However, despite having a huge weight off her chest, she couldn’t shake the fact that she still needs to do something for the two orphans she took in.
She has been around Al when he was still attached to the armor and while a lot of people coveted the ability to be almost indestructible, she knows Alphonse. Despite this power, the only thing he wants is the simplest things, to be able to eat, sleep, and feel much like any other human being. The way he craved his mother.
Seeing him now with a smile on his face, his voice warm and giddy, and his eyes bright and laughing at something his brother said, Izumi could help but feel that last weight is gone. She had done what she could and left the rest for the Elrics to do their part to get what they wanted at the end. Normalcy.
“Why do you want to visit that bastard anyway? He’s just a big baby.” Ed pouted. Al frowned, “That’s not very nice, brother. Colonel lost his eyesight too.” Both of them went silent for a few minutes.
Ed grumbled, “I guess we can spare some time. I wanted to visit Lieutenant Hawkeye too and I am very sure that Colonel Bastard pulled some strings to be put in the same room. I swear he’s very clingy at Hawkeye. It’s like a little kid clutching his momma’s skirt.” Al simply smiled at his brother’s antics.
It is hilarious how these two, just hours earlier, were one of the youngest alchemists who fought an immortal being, survived the battle, and won.
“You two should go rest, especially you, Al. Make sure to eat a lot. I’ll make a brisket when you visit me back in-" A coughing fit interrupted her, she pressed her handkerchief against her mouth. When she drew it away, the white cloth was stained with blood. “Izumi-" Sig began to stand, but she waved him away, saying he’s fine without words. Her husband sat back down, still worried.
Ed rushed towards the table beside her to pour water from a pitcher. He handed it to her. “You’re the one who should be resting.” Alphonse admonished her. “You should push yourself too hard.” She took the cup and drank the entire thing.
“Al’s right. The battle took a toll on you, I can see it. I know you wanted to sleep, your eyes are drooping. We’ll leave now and visit some other time.” Ed decided and waved to Sig, who waved back with a smile.
The older Elric grabbed the wheelchair handles and pulled his brother away from the bed.
Al promised to come back tomorrow morning for lunch and the two brothers left and closed the door with a click.
Sig finally stood up and rubbed her back, “Are you sure, you’re fine?” his huge hands lightly cupping her shoulders. She rested her hand over one of his and smiled back. “I’m fine. It helped that those two rascals came to visit too. Made my day seem normal with the two of them bickering in here. I forgot I just fought a homunculus and unleashed everything I had on a being that had the power of God.” Izumi snickered at the thought. “Those two grew surrounded by the weirdest things, they were able to still act like their normal selves after what had just happened.”
“You’re a good mother, Izumi.” Sig’s deep voice declared.
She looked up and he was staring at her with eyes filled with love and dedication. “What?”
Sig sank down to sit by her side and said, “You’re a good mom. I know those two didn’t come from you and I know they annoy you to hell sometimes but still, you treat them as if they’re ours. And even back then when you told me you’re relieved that it wasn’t our baby the one you brought back, I know you didn’t want them to suffer. If not wanting your children to suffer, putting their needs and emotions before yourself isn’t being a parent, then I don’t know what is.”
“There’s more to being a parent than that, Sig.” Izumi said. “I know,” he replied. “But you have all those. You just have to see it for yourself.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my husband?” Izumi jokes, trying to lighten up the mood. Sig has always been steadfast and quiet. It’s not common for him to be saying things like this. “Why are you going sappy on me?” she asked.
“Because I’ve seen the way you look after those two.” He jerked a thumb towards the door, indicating the brothers. “You don’t show it, but you hover over them. It’s really amusing to watch. Trying tough love when you’re really a softie inside.” Sig chuckled when Izumi lightly slapped his hand. “But seriously, Izumi. You would’ve been a great mom.”
She felt the tears well up when she said, “You would’ve been the best father too.”
Trisha Elric hated scolding the kids. It is fortunate for her to be given two sons that are mostly well behaved. Although her older one is a bit short-tempered and would throw some tantrums every now and then. But that’s common with kids and it’s nothing she couldn’t handle. Most of the townsfolk often admire her sons for being so mild-mannered compared to other more rambunctious kids.
However, this is clearly a different scenario.
He punched another kid and broke his nose? Trisha stared at the piece of note asking her to come to school tomorrow and explaining the reason why.
Ed couldn’t do that. Well, he easily gets angry, especially when teased but she has never seen him get at least a bit violent. But now, she really needs to know the truth straight from her son. Trisha crouched, brought her eye level to Ed and stared at her eldest in the eyes, and asked, “Did you really punch him?”
Ed looked down at his shoes then to the side, literally looking anywhere else other than back at her and her heart sank. He always does when he does something wrong. She got her confirmation a few seconds later with a small “Yes.” She sighed in disappointment. What is happening?
Ed spoke up, “But Mom, they were taking Al’s lunch yesterday, I saw it happen.” Trisha’s eyes went wide and her head went flying towards her younger son, Al, who was silently sitting by the kitchen. “Al, honey, come here.” With slow steps, Al shuffled to her side. He is chewing on his bottom lip and burning a hole on the floor. She asked it if it was true and for the second time, her heart sits in the pits of her stomach as Al quietly nods his head.
“For how long?” Trisha quietly asked Al. She knew between the two boys, Al was the more soft-hearted one. He gives tiny pieces of bread to pigeons in the backyard and sneaks little kittens into his room. She was afraid that this personality of his might make him a target at school.
She reached out and smoothed his head to comfort the boy. Trisha sighed and sank down the chair and faced her two boys. “Al, the next time that happens, I want you to go talk to your teachers. If not, you talk to me okay? I don’t want you to be taken advantage of in school or anywhere. It is never wrong to tell someone if you’re not comfortable in a situation. Understood?”
Al nodded and several strands of blond hair fell down his forehead, as his eyes filled up with unshed tears. He needs a haircut soon, Trisha thought.
Now, turning to her oldest, “Edward,” she began and Ed slightly flinched. “You know it’s not good for you or anyone for that matter to hit other people. Even if they hurt someone you love. If someone tries to hurt the people you protect, find another way to protect them. Violence is never the answer. Remember that.”
Ed sullenly nodded his head. “I know you love your brother. But sometimes you’ve got to take the high road and forgive. Find a way to get out of that situation without hurting anyone. You’re smart. You’re the smartest kid I know. You’ll find a way.”
Ed suddenly rushes into her arms and whispers “Sorry, Mom.” in a broken voice, almost crying.
Trisha is taken aback. Ed never cries, he’s usually not comfortable showing emotions, unlike Al who wears his heart on his sleeves. She reaches out to Al, inviting him in their little circle and Al runs and throws his little limbs around them both.
They’re going to be okay.
Trisha pulls away, “Now, I want you both to know that things like these have consequences. No alchemy for a week. You boys go outside and play with other kids or go to the Rockbells. Starting today.” Both boys’ jaws dropped open. It’s hilarious how some parents have to take away toys or make them stay inside during punishments like this. But with two aspiring alchemists under her roof, both boys kind of forget how much time passes when they’re inside their father’s library. She had to sometimes fetch them because they forget to come down during lunch. It’s amazing how much they are similar to Van when it comes to these little things.
Van, look at our boys, they’re getting bigger every day. I just hope you were here to see it.
“If I see anyone sneaking around and doing alchemy, it will be extended for a day for both of you. Understood?” They both nod, shoulders dropped, and their faces dejected.
Trisha stands up, “Now you two, come help me set the table for dinner. Just because you’re grounded, doesn’t mean you don’t get pie for dessert.” Suddenly the twin faces of dejection turn to two bright smiles and arguing over who gets to set the table better. Trisha looks at the brothers and permits her lips for a soft smile.
The next day, Trisha sorted out Ed’s situation at school. Obviously, the other boy’s mother displayed annoyance as she apologized for Ed’s behavior. She told the headmistress about Ed's reason and agreed that it did not (and never will be) justify Ed's actions. With this new information, the other parent’s eyes went wide and directed a glare to her own son, who suddenly became interested in the fraying hem of his coat. At the end of the meeting, the other was alternating between apologizing profusely to Trisha and shooting looks at her son. Trisha assured her that it would be okay and that Ed swears it won’t happen again.
When Trisha was on her way home, she passed by Pinako with little Winry in tow.
“Trisha! How was the school meeting?” Pinako asked as a way of greeting. She was wearing a traveling coat and had a small briefcase with her.
Trisha smiled. “Nothing new. I’m just glad Ed’s not getting suspended or something. He just had to do extra work at school for the teacher along with the boy he punched.” She quickly explained the situation to which Pinako hummed her agreement.
“I am sorry, dear. But I had to leave for Rush Valley immediately.” Pinako explained when Trisha asked where she was going. Apparently, one of her local clients had called for her to fix his automail while he’s in Rush Valley as he’s in no condition to travel to Resembool to get it fixed.
Pinako clasped her hands together, “Would it be too much of a bother to leave Winry with you for at least two days? I can’t bring her with me right now as she just got better from having the flu.”
Trisha didn’t even hesitate to say yes. “It’ll be refreshing having another girl in the house. It’ll be better since both boys are grounded. They have to find something else to do.” Trisha smiled at the little girl, who she just noticed was silently crying. She turned to look at Pinako and the older woman explained, “She wanted to come along but I really couldn’t take her. It’ll be more difficult for both of us if she gets sick again.”
Trisha nodded and then turned to the little girl and said, “You know, I have some extra apples at home. Would you like to help me make a pie? I’d like a little helper with me because Ed just likes to eat and Al makes too much of a mess because he’s still a little boy. You’re a big girl now, right?” Almost immediately, Winry stopped crying and stared at her with watery eyes. “I am a big girl now.” she hiccupped in the most adorable way and smiled. “I’ll help you!” The girl took off to the direction of her house yelling out that she’s going to have pie for dinner.
Pinako looked after her with a small smile on her face. “She is so full of energy, I can barely keep up. Her parents sent her a letter this morning. She ran around the house almost tearing the letter up.” Pinako’s son and his wife are doctors shipped to the military and left Winry in the care of her grandmother who owns an automail shop. The couple barely had the chance to bid them farewell before both were shipped to the war front.
“Don’t worry, Pinako. I’ll look after her while you’re gone.” Trisha said, resting her hand on Pinako’s shoulder to reassure the older woman.
Pinako smiled, a small weight lifted off her chest. She put her wrinkled hand on top of her hand. “I sent you a batch of stew I made this morning because I didn’t know I would leave. So you won’t have to cook dinner. It’s the least I could do for you. Tell Winry I’ll see her in a couple of days.” With that, Pinako set off to walk towards the train station towards Rush Valley.
When Trisha reached the house, she found the boys had already washed up for dinner. Winry was standing on top of the stool in front of the sink and washing the freshly picked apples. A pot was sitting on top of the table, the stew Pinako was talking about. Together, the four of them tried to make a pie, in this case Winry helped measure the ingredients while the two boys kept getting flour everywhere and settled with wiping the counters instead.
While enjoying Pinako’s beef stew, Trisha listened to the antics the small children got into during dinner. It feels carefree to live as a child again. She was subjected to the stories of who hides the best during hide and seek, which kid scraped their knee at lunch, how the teacher asked them what pet they would have if they don’t have one.
“I’d want a kitty.” Al turned to her with pleading golden eyes. Trisha returned that look while saying “I haven’t forgotten the mess of the last time we had a cat in this house.” Al sheepishly shot her a smile as he proceeded to devour his plate of stew.
Eventually, Trisha went to prepare the spare bedroom for Winry while the kids played downstairs. Just as she was changing the sheets, she heard the door creak open
“Mom?” Ed said by the door. He was pushed further into the room by Al. Both boys had their hands behind their backs. When they got in front of her, they looked at each other first then held out their hands.
In Ed’s hands is a tiny flower, almost as big as her thumb and obviously made with alchemy, the curves of the flowers are too smooth to be handcrafted. “For me?” When Ed nodded, she took the flower from his hands, her heart warm. “We made it last week, so we didn’t do alchemy after you grounded us. I wanted to do a rose or tulip but it was too complicated so I went with a simple wildflower like the ones growing on the street.”
Trisha smiled but before she can even speak, Al holds out his hands. This time, it was a tiny kitten curled in a ball, no bigger than the flower his brother made. “Brother helped me out since it was too hard so I guess we both made it but I wanted the kitty.” Al proudly declared, his smile wide across his face. “Sorry, Mom. I never should’ve done that. I won’t do that again.” Ed threw his hands around her waist and Al followed suit. Looking down at both of their blond heads, she set down the two gifts and smoothed both of their hair back.
See, Van? I told you. We’re going to be fine. The three of us. Don’t worry.
Two updates in a day after being inactive? Shocking, I know.
Day 2 of Moms Made Fullmetal Week 2020.
Prompt: Growth or School or First Steps
AO3 link here.
Enjoy reading!
The train station is full of people this Thursday noon. It was stupid to think that the station would be emptier because it is in the middle of the day on a Thursday but Chris completely forgot about the launch of two new steam trains in Central Station. The entire platform is filled with people, both here for the launch and traveling to God knows where.
“I told you we should’ve left earlier, hurry up, you slowpoke. Don’t let your tardiness be the reason your alchemy teacher sends you back here next week.” She wasn’t supposed to be the one to send him off, but Annika had a family emergency and the rest of the girls are on their day jobs and day-offs and Chris couldn’t bear to disturb them on their rest day. Chris turned to her nephew, Roy, who was stretching on his tiptoes to look over the mass of people and she noticed that his pant leg is now a bit short. The boy hit another growth spurt. That’s twice in a week. He’ll get even taller and soon be taller than her.
“Well, it wasn’t my fault that the train ticket was moved from the shelf I was keeping it in,” Roy grumbles about how people should just leave his stuff where it is because that’s exactly where he’s going to look for it. But living with women who like to fuss over him and clean after him, that would be impossible.
“Those are train tickets. It’ll be even worse if you lost it by leaving it everywhere, you know. Besides, it wasn’t even about the tickets. Who was it that was so excited about leaving, he couldn’t sleep and took a tiny nap in the bathroom that lasted two hours? Everyone thought you were already in your room getting ready already.” Chris rolled her eyes. Her nephew had the ability to sleep in the oddest places like a cat.
Chris remembered how two members of the military police entered her small bar seven years ago bearing the news that her brother and his wife perished in a car accident and her three-year-old nephew was hurt but is alive and resting in the nearest hospital. She kept up a correspondence with her brother who decided to live in the country in a small family house with his wife and son. Chris would often open his letters and would find several photos of him and his family, his new radiant wife and baby boy standing in front of a white porch, looking positively happy.
She planned to visit but instead of using the money for train tickets, she had been saving up to purchase the bar in which she was working as a bartender for years. The owner is planning to retire and had promised her that once she got the payment and the bar is hers. A year later, she sent her brother a photo of her grinning behind the bar with a little sign that says, “Mustang’s”.
Chris only saw her nephew in photos and he only saw her photos. And as the last remaining relative, she was given the choice to take in the child, or else he would be entered into the orphanage. Without hesitation, she took in Roy.
Looking at her nephew now, it was very different when she saw him standing behind her bedroom door, tousled black hair and tear-filled dark eyes, clutching a tiny bear and asking if she could “shoo the monsters in his room” because his father used to do that when he’s scared. The poor boy is missing his parents. Chris caved in that night and asked if he’d like to sleep in hers now because monsters are afraid of her and wouldn’t bother him if he slept here. She woke up that morning with drool on her arm and a four-year-old boy snuggled against her side.
Chris made a mental note to send one of the girls to go and buy more clothes for Roy because given the rate that he’s growing, he’s going to need more.
A train whistle interrupted her as Roy took her wrist and dragged her over to the waiting area, his beat-up brown luggage hitting several people in the shins. Chris quietly apologized to them and let her nephew drag her to a bench. The train Roy needs to take is arriving in 10 minutes and she couldn’t help but notice that Roy gets more fidgety as the clock slowly crawls overhead. He smooths back his hair, picks lint off his trousers and fixes his collar in an effort to contain his nerves
Roy glances at the clock, his eyes widen and he mutters, “Eight minutes.” before his knee goes bouncing up and down again, clearly agitated.
Chris sighs and patted the young boy’s knee. “You’ll do fine. Don’t worry about it. He’s not going to eat you.”
She found out about this Hawkeye person from one of the girls who learned from an officer that this man was a very talented alchemist who refuses to join their ranks due to some unknown reason. Apparently he has taken in some students for a fee, so Chris wrote him a letter to ask him and in a week, she received his approval and she was told to send her nephew the next month.
“What if he’s scary? What if he thinks I’m just a city boy who just wanted to experience country life to look cool for my friends?” Roy rambles.
She chuckled under her breath. “So? You prove him wrong. You show him you deserve to learn. Make him see that you’re worth his time. I told you before right? Who cares what other people think?” Chris turned to him. “People take things at a face value, they are quick to judge. Use that. Surprise him and show him what you’re capable of.” Chris stared at the face very much like her brother’s, that same gleam in their eyes. Like him, Roy is very persistent. So persistent to the point of annoyance.
His knee stops bouncing, a small smile slips into his face with a hint of mischief. “You think so?”
She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I know so. You’re like someone I knew. He wanted to travel the world, to see things he’s never seen before.” Chris leans back as the memory takes her again.
“That’s my father, right?” the boy asks, the same small smile on his face. Chris nodded, “We came from a poor family. My parents worked hard but not enough. I decided against college and went to work in a small store in town. But my brother was smart enough to go to college. They said he couldn’t do it and have been waiting for his return to town after the ‘tragic college attempt’. Wouldn’t you know, he became involved with the peace treaties in Xing and they were invited there for possible negotiation.” Chris beamed with pride as she remembered the shock of the town that the would-be-college reject was now one of the ambassadors of Amestris to Xing.
Roy hummed. “That’s where he met my mom, right?”
Once again, she nodded. Her brother had everything. The house, the career, and a family. Until it was all gone in a flash.
Chris cleared her throat. “My point is, if he turns out to be judgmental, let him. Sometimes, being underestimated is a good thing.” She flashed him a wink, and Roy laughed out loud.
His laugh was cut short by a train whistle, as emerging from the smoke, Roy’s train arrives. It slowly crawls to a stop and slowly opens its doors and the bustle of people get on.
Both of them rose up and walked towards the doors. “Now remember, it’s the country. People are not going to do stuff for you. You have to pull your own weight, okay. You have to wake up at dawn, don’t let them even wake you up. Help around the house and show them that you are raised in a house that expects cleanliness. For God’s sake, don’t leave your stuff everywhere.”
“Aunt Chris, I’m going to be fine,” Roy reassures her. “I’m going to leave all my horrible traits here. Once they let me live there, they’ll be so impressed, they won’t let me leave. I mean I’m awesome, who can resist me?”
“Brat.” Chris reaches out and ruffles the boy’s hair while he tries to swat her hands away. “You write, okay? The girls will be sad if we don’t hear from you in a month. If you don’t I’m personally coming down there to whoop your butt.”
Roy smiles at her. “Take care, Aunt Chris. I’ll see you soon.” Chris just smiles in return as Roy turns away and disappears into the train.
She stays on the platform to watch the train go. A week later Roy sends his first letter, filled with how his alchemy lessons are (she honestly glossed over those as it was filled with a lot of scientific terms, she can barely keep up). He went on about his alchemy master, who is incredibly smart but is somewhat a recluse so he leaves him alone after lessons. Chris breathes a sigh of relief when Roy tells of another child, the master’s daughter, Riza, and how she taught him how to plant tomatoes in the yard and various chores around the house. So he isn’t exactly alone there.
Until now, years later, Christmas still keeps that letter and all the letters from Roy in a box under her bed, along with her brother’s old things.
Riza was pulled from her deep slumber by something tugging on her hair. She groaned and turned to the other side, willing for sleep to come back. Still, the tugging continued. Riza groaned and turned her head towards the bedside table at the clock sitting there: ten in the morning.
As a soldier, it was drilled into every one to be a morning person. This proved to be a huge problem for Rebecca who still had to set three consecutive alarms, all within 5 minutes of each other, just to be able to get up. Riza, however, is a morning person, ever since she was a child. So during their time in the military, she was usually the one to wake Rebecca up instead of suffering through the shrill noise of all her alarms.
It was rare enough for her to be home during a weekday, much less for her to be sleeping in. Usually, off days are spent by doing the extra chores around the house, paying bills, or doing laundry. But a particular nightmare kept her up during the night until Roy found her sleeping and curled up on the chair in the living room, an open book on her lap. She must’ve gone back to bed in the early morning hours and was not even aware of it.
As she started to rub the sleep from her eyes, something tugged on her hair again.
At first, she thought it was Hayate. Usually, her dog is well mannered but if he wants something, like his breakfast, for example, he climbs up the bed and snuggles with her. Riza thinks this behavior started to happen when Roy moved in and he lets Hayate up the furniture and even on the bed. His complaints of inhaling dog fur became nonexistent when Riza said that if he doesn’t want dog fur to get everywhere, he has to let Hayate sleep on his bed by the door. Still, she finds the dog curled up by their feet every night.
She turned around, with every intention of scolding Hayate for climbing up the bed again and chewing her hair but instead of a black wet snout, it was something else.
William. Her son.
It seemed surreal to even say that. Now even months later, she found the idea of becoming a mother and a wife seem more like a dream than her actual reality. But here she was, in bed at 9 am on a Tuesday, in a beautiful family house near the city, with her son.
Will’s chubby fingers are wrapped around a fistful of her hair, giggling and laughing. His eyes, very much like his father’s, are shining with delight. He released his grip and flapped his arms up and down, delighted to see her awake. With her reputation as a veteran in the war, especially with the title “Hawk’s Eye”, people tend to look at her and see a ruthless soldier. Detached and cold, only serving the country to fulfill her duty. Some see a hero, some see a murderer. Others who know more of her look at her and see a friend, a colleague, a confidant. Yet, now, nothing else matters because this boy in her arms only sees someone he loves, someone who is his mother.
Riza sat up, a smile etched on her face. She took the boy into her arms and said, “Why are you here, how did you get here?” Her question was answered by a piece of note she found by the bedside table.
He woke up at 6 this morning, so I took him to his crib but he started crying and just stopped as soon as I placed him down beside you. Was out like a lamp within minutes after lying down. Guess he also sleeps better besides you too. I sent Kathy to do all your chores for today so you can stay at home for once. She’ll probably be back before noon.
Just take it easy today. -R
Damn, that man is late for work again. This statement comforted her, the thought of the baby being left alone with her sleeping made her feel uneasy. It was tough during the first few months but she was getting better at leaving him from time to time. It also eased her mind to find something who they trusted to look after their son while both of them are at work. Fuery suggested one of his younger sisters as a temporary nanny. This helped the young girl too as she was going to the city for university and needed extra income. Fuery vouched for her and she trusts him. Having Kathy around the house is a godsend. Also, the fact that the baby likes her is another good thing.
She smiled. “You were crying this morning? Are you hungry? Do you miss Momma?”
Will’s answering laughter is the most beautiful sound she has ever heard. With everything that happened in her life, all the ups and downs, the countless times she came close to dying and losing everything, it was all worth it because of him.
She knows she did not deserve anything she has today. Not the doting husband, the beautiful son, not even the freedom she received. Not when she robbed the people she killed in Ishval.
Still, she would give everything up for her son. Everything.
Riza felt him tugging on her hair again, this time he was chewing on the blond strands.
“You like my hair, do you? Hmmm.” She swayed him slightly from side to side, the way he likes.
After the Promised Day, she decided that she was done with the long hair and got her hair cut up the way she had when she was younger. Partly in preparation for Ishval as scorching hot weather will surely be irritating while having long hair. Also, she welcomed the thought of something new in her now monotonous life, devoid of dealing with immortal super-powered creatures who wanted to take over the power of God.
Now almost a year after her last haircut, it just fell back behind her, brushing against the top of her tattoo.
Her son suddenly became quiet. Leaning over to him, she found him snuggled against the crook of her neck with one fist around her hair and the other inside his mouth.
So he has a fascination with her hair too. Like father, like son then. Maybe she should take a rain check on getting that haircut appointment?
“Honey, don’t.” Riza carefully pried her son’s chubby fingers away from her hair. She stood up, Will in her arms, and headed into the kitchen. Someone, probably Roy made eggs and coffee for her before they left. She lowered the baby down the bassinet they had set up in the living room and fixed herself a plate and much-needed coffee.
She loved lazy mornings like this as she rarely got them. Just her and the baby in the house. Riza quietly watched him in the bassinet, clutching a wooden toy soldier painted with a blue Amestris uniform. Ed has said it seemed fitting when he saw it at an antique store during one of his travels. He figured he’d give it to him when he dropped by shortly after the baby had been born.
She leaned over and stared at him. Will stared back with wide eyes that brought a soft smile to her face. He giggled and reached out his arms, wanting to be carried.
Riza reached down and took him into her arms. She put her feet up the coffee table and settled the baby on her lap. Once again, she found him with a tendril of hair between his fingers.
“Aw, you really love my hair, do you? Is it just the hair or is it me? What do you think?” She playfully moved her thighs up and down, rocking Will slightly, making him burst into adorable giggles again. “Should I just make a wig or something and leave it with you at night, huh? That’s disturbing, so no but what do you think? Should mommy cut her hair again? Hmmm, say Mama. Come on, honey, say Mama? I won’t cut my hair if you say Mama, sweetheart.”
“I don’t even have a say in it?” a voice spoke up.
Looking up, Roy was taking off his jacket and hanging it on the back of the armchair. He strode over them and kissed the top of her head and then the Will’s, and sank down beside her on the sofa. Noticing the empty plate and cup on the coffee table, “You just got up?” he asked.
“First off, you never had any say in it. It’ll always be this little guy’s opinion. Second, why are you here? It’s barely noon?” Usually, during weekends, when Roy has to leave for work, he usually gets home until after lunch, but it’s barely 11 and he’s already here.
Roy leaned back and sighed, putting up his boot on top of the coffee table next to hers. “They just needed me to attend a couple of meetings and go over some paperwork, which I finished,” he added that last part as an answer to Riza’s questioning gaze. “So once all that was done, I got up and went home. Already missed your lazy morning with the little guy. I don’t wanna miss lazy afternoons too.” He had his arm resting across her shoulder, a finger absentmindedly twirling a tendril of hair.
See? Like father, like son.
Riza rested her head against his shoulder and both of them watched in awe of their son babble unintelligible words like he was making a speech for the entire nation. She sighed.
“What?” Roy looked down at her. She shook her head. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
“Okay, now I am scared.” Roy muttered which earned him an elbow to the ribs.
Looking at their small apartment, at the dirty dishes on the sink, clutter on the counter, and then to the little human on her lap. “I just didn’t think we’d end up here.” she confessed. “With everything that happened in the past few years, I can’t imagine, not in my wildest dreams, that I’d actually be here, married and a mom, being all domestic. That was the last thing I ever imagined. I mean, we were all too busy trying to stay alive and not get caught arranging a coup.
Roy chuckled. “Are you reminiscing?” Riza snorted then rolled her eyes. “No, I’m just happy.”
Her husband looked down at her with this look in his eyes and pressed his lips against her temple and tugged her closer to his side. “So, the scary Hawk’s Eye baby talks, huh? Roy teased. Riza aimed another well-placed dig into his ribs and leaned away, rocking Will a little, her hands splayed across his back. Beside her, Roy is doubled over, arms across his stomach, fake betrayal etched across his face.
“Oh, stop being a baby. We already have one.” Riza rolled her eyes. Of course, she remembered aside from a baby, she also has a man-child husband too. “And if you ever let that out, I will drag you to the range to keep your ego in check.”
Roy leaned back in and tugged her back to his side, “Don’t worry Mustang. Your secret’s safe with me.”
She made him remember those words when Rebecca made it slip that everyone in the team knows about the baby talk the week after.
Hohenheim is one of Brotherhood’s most fascinating characters. When we first learn about him, he seems like the typical deadbeat dad, a source of angst for our brothers to be troubled by along their journey. But then we see his doppleganger in episode 14, and we start thinking, “holy shit, is he going to be the big bad?” There’s a constant air of mystery around him and his motives; he’s terrifying and enigmatic and seemingly beyond our comprehension, and every time he’s on screen becomes the tensest encounter of that episode. But then, we get episode 36, which opens to our first real flashback to his life. And this time, we see things from his perspective: Ed’s memory of staring at his dad furiously working in the study with no time for his kids? He was trying to unravel Father’s schemes. That image he has of Hohenheim’s stone cold, cruel eyes as he walked out the door and out of their lives? He was actually on the verge of tears and desperately hid it for his sons’ sake. Suddenly, we realize that this enigmatic terror we’ve been so scared of is actually on our side.
And to symbolize that, we finally unmask the mystery of the family photo they took. Throughout the show, Hohenheim’s face in that photo is always hiding, building up a massive air of mystery. What lies under the corner of the other photo covering it? What darkness lies written on the visage of Von Hohenheim? Well, the truth was, all this time, the face we were so scared of was just the face of a sad, broken man contemplating his own failures and regrets
All he was doing was crying.
What a powerful moment. What a fantastic reveal. And Hohenheim’s story only grows in potency from here.
