A/N: so, this is my first published story on this account. it's more of a drabble than anything else, and not even all that great of one. just kind of me trying to get back into writing for these guys. none the less, i would love it if you all review and let me know what you like or don't like about this story-thing!
Kain Fuery is weak.
This is a simple fact, an obvious one. He isn't physically strong, isn't the worlds best shot, isn't a fan of violance. In fact, he's rather adverse to it. The thought of taking someone's life, and the memories of those he has already taken, often causes his nights to be filled with bad dreams.
He would not make it on the front lines, be they the ones in Ishbal, Drachma, or for the fight against the Homonculi. The stress would get to him, even if the enemy didn't.
That's just how it is. Kain is weak.
At least, he's weak in the way that they, his team-mates and his family, are strong.
There is more than one type of strength, after all. When they return each day, tired and aching, wounded on the inside and out, it is Kain who unlocks the door to his apartment and lets them in. A plate of warm food is handed to them. A chair offered, or a bed or a couch or a shower, and he gives them a worried smile.
Are you still alive in there? Are you still the same person you were before?
Sometimes they are.
Sometimes, they aren't.
When Roy is afraid of the trust and responsibility he has taken on his shoulders, worried that maybe, just maybe, he has bitten off more than he can chew...It is Kain that he convides in.
When Riza fears that she is becoming just another face in the shadows - something that can feel nothing, care for nothing and save nothing...It is Kain who takes her in, offers her a hug and a home-made meal, and lets her know that he isn't afraid of her.
When Maes worries about what will become of his family should he fail, should he never come back from a mission one day...It is Kain who promises that they will always have a pay check coming, always have a home.
When Havok needs quite companionship, something different from the warm laughter that Breda normally offers or from the comforting feel of the bottle...It is Kain that he comes and the younger man's couch that he sits on.
When Falman cannot take the nightmares anymore, cannot stand the deathly silence that settles over his apartment...It is Kain who welcomes him in, settles down on the couch with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn, and turns the radio up just a little bit louder.
When Breda comes in late, tired and worn and slowly dieing inside...Kain already has the shower running for him, already has the water warm and the towel laid out, because he understands that the older man wants to wash away the hate.
When the Elric's return from a city, a town, a villiage, with their hands empty and no new knowledge gained...It is Kain who puts on a bright smile and offers a hand to shake, because he knows that they need something normal in their life.
Kain Fuery is weak.
His heart? That is strong.
His soul? Slowly shattering.