The Brat From Red Alley
Roy has a bit of a crush on the alchemist down the street. He's too old for Roy by at least 10 years. He's the rudest person Roy's ever met. He's a man, and Roy knows what to expect from men, knows what his sisters have gone through and what they would warn him of.
He knows, but he goes into Master Elric's shop whenever he can. He looks through the supplies in glass jars, the heavy books on the shelves, the gargoyle statues in every nook. He buys the cheepest nicknack he finds and leaves.
Years later, Ed is walking and reading. His foot slips while his mind is occupied. Before he can catch himself, a man in a military uniform is there with a hand at the small of his back. Ed doesn't recognize him (faces aren't his strong suit). He doesn't realize the man smiling that sharp smile at him is the nosey brat from red alley.
The possibility that I finish this for royed week 2023 is... slim.
