Disclaimer: I don't own Fullmetal alchemist. I do own the characters I made up though. Namely the bartender and Jun Shi.
ONE
He hated this place already. He was dead sure already.
The Knox family had taken a tiny vacation to Xing in order to see if they could strengthen their knowledge of medicine. The younger Knox almost believed them, almost. It was plain as day that his parents just didn't want a vacation here nor did they was to learn something about medicinal alchemy. Hell they didn't give a shit about alchemy in any country! His mom and dad were sinners!
His eyes wandered after ten minutes of hearing his father telling him that it wasn't going to be bad and that he should 'suck it up'. He didn't care. They were still forcing him to get married next year anyways. He would be twenty then. Even though he didn't show a single form of interest in the girl in question, his parents thought it was a good idea for him.
Her name was Cynthia.
He guessed that he could get used to it. He was going into medicine like his parents but he decided he would be someone different. He was already proving to be a renowned pathologist and was making his way on his own as well. He didn't need love either was something his parents were showing him as well. He just thanked god that Cynthia wasn't ugly.
"Son, we're going to be at a party later today. I know you didn't want to go so don't be out too much longer. I don't want those Xingese prostitutes to flirt with you. You're a taken man and don't ever forget that."
His mom was a hypocrite. Anyone could see that she was in a loveless marriage. He even went as far to say that she didn't love him, but it did seem that way at times. He sighed and took out a pack of smokes. In a month he would be gone from this country and never see this place again so as long as they didn't catch him, a fling or two would be nice.
He was minding his own business and really, not doing a damn thing. It was then that he just happened to land his eyes and the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on. He ogled the person before quickly smacking sense into his self. You are a self-proclaimed doctor and she is a whore, he told his self. It didn't stop him from checking her out. She had so many nice curves, it made him go weak. He also wanted to run his hands through her long raven locks and her face was pretty as well. Oh God, why make her so beautiful?
It seemed as though she noticed the stares as her eyes narrowed. Her onyx eyes held a fire to them that even years later, a drunken Knox would reminiscence and could never figure out where the passion came from. Sighing he dropped his pack and exhaled a large sigh before pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The bar tender seemed to notice and smirked.
"That is Jun Shi. Ain't she a looker?"
At Knox's silent nod the bartender continued.
"Yeah, she has been here since she was fourteen. Some say she was disowned because the family found out she couldn't have any kids of her own. Says that it was a big deal to the family. The poor gal. I would love to make her my wife. Too bad she's half my age and I'm married."
Knox just emitted a snort.
"You do realize that she whores herself for money?"
"Hey, I'm just dreaming. I already told you that she was off limits. I'm old enough to be her daddy."
Knox exhaled before nodding.
"She's not my type either. I prefer Amestrians."
The bartender nodded.
"You sure are lucky there's some that know that language buddy. If you didn't, I'm sure your people would be lost to this magnificent country."
"Sure bud, keep telling yourself that. I hate this place."
The bartender smirked.
"Keep telling yourself, maybe one time you'll admit it."
Knox didn't want to admit it then, but it was definitely love at first sight. Years from now, Knox would be wondering why he ever hesitated to get to know her. If he spent all that time staring into the depths of her beauty, he should have at least tried to get to know the words.
"Oh you're back again."
"Don't start things. How do you say hello in Xingese?"
"Ni Hao."
Knox gulped before reaching over to the girl and reciting what he was told. She seemed to lighten in her expression, almost but she certainly wasn't growling at him anymore. She yelled out a couple of strings of the strange language he had yet even bothered to listen to before punching him in the face.
He only sighed more when he heard the other man laugh.
"What did she say?"
"She said I hate crazy men like you who always think that they can get a girl by being so full of themselves. Makes you want to prove her wrong do ya?"
"You are some crazy guy to set me loose on some pretty girl that deserves more."
The bartender frowned.
"This is the most fun she had in a while. She may not be innocent but she is showing more color than she has in a long time. Please don't hesitate to rumple her feathers a bit more while you're here."
This is why he hated the country, pushy people like this guy and he didn't even know his name.
"I guess."
"Jun Ni Hao."
He decided to try to write to her this time. She smiled a little and he found his self warming up to it. This was the first time he would do this and it wasn't even forced. Now he just felt bad for his parents. If they ever knew a love like this, they would be bitching for eternity about who they were with now.
"Ni Hao," she replied back.
He smirked.
She started writing and even though he couldn't make it out, he smiled at the effort on her part for trying. He pointed to his self.
"Knox."
She didn't seem to get it. He quickly kept his patience and continued. Hopefully this woman would eventually come to the conclusion. He felt the same guy smug in his corner and tried not to roll his eyes either. He didn't need him saying all those I told you so antics either.
"I Jun Shi."
"I am Knox."
"I am Jun Shi."
She smiled proudly at her own accomplishment and Knox his self found his self graced with a tiny smile. This Jun Shi really loved to learn. He was surprised that she was this smart with the way the people went on about her. In fact the other day, he saw one of the inn keepers pulling her by the hair and scolding her. The bartender just told him that they called her a dirty whore and that she didn't make them enough money. Knox was slightly saddened by that. He didn't know why but he did want to comfort her.
He laid a hand on her shoulder before lightly running his hand through her hair. When she didn't do anything, he lightly grazed the bruise on her right eye trying to get the meaning across. Who knew he had the patience for this, he didn't. He was glad that he got a room and offered her the chance to come in away from prying eyes.
He learned two things that night; never pity Jun Shi and she definitely knew what she was doing in bed.
"I love."
"I love you."
Jun Shi crinkled her eye brows before attacking him with a bunch of kisses. Normally he wouldn't mind but he doubted that the market place was a place to be showing affection. He already saw a bunch of people glaring at them. Either it was because of this or the fact that he was Amestrian but he had to go with this revenue. Nobody seemed to mixed here and he didn't see any in Amestris.
"I love you," she finally said.
He smirked.
She had smooth skin and even when she wasn't looking her best she was pretty. He frowned remembering what his dad had told him the other night. They were leaving in just a week's time and he probably wouldn't get to see her ever again after this. He had to make it count, right. She must've noticed his demeanor for she stomped on his foot and turned away before leaving in a huffy.
He sighed.
What would he do with that girl?
"Dad, why are we leaving again?"
"You know why son, because your mom and I are done here. Come on, do you really want to be here longer than necessary? I know you hated this place a couple of weeks ago."
Knox wanted to say he had said that, but now he didn't want to leave the person he learnt made him happy. He didn't even know Cynthia so how could that woman make him happy? He sighed and got his bags packed. Soon he would be out like he had wanted to in the beginning but now it would be with a heavy heart.
He paused when he reached the car. The pitter patter of bare feet caught his ears and before he could turn around, long thin arms were around his middle.
"I miss you. Don' go. I miss you!"
Knox turned around. He hated what he was doing and he hoped she didn't break when he left but he couldn't change fate and he really did love her.
"Farewell Jun Shi."
He pulled her in for a searing kiss and then he was gone, thought to have never come back until many years later.
Author's note: I didn't know Dr. Knox's first name so I didn't use one.