A/N: Foxx-shadow, at your service! I've been in love with FMA for a long time, but I've never really dabbled in fanfiction. And then, out it came: a ficlet. It's supposed to be a certain moment in the series, I wonder if you can guess? ;3
Steel Parts
Golden eyes, penetrating everything. Platinum blonde hair to match, back in a simple braid as usual. A red travel cloak draped over his common black clothing and his boots that make him seem taller. He smells of soot. Why?
His breath is...heavy and pained-sounding. Without warning, I step quickly forward and grab his arm. Underneath the soft cloth I can feel his cold steel, his unnatural limb. Only there because he insisted, because he wouldn't allow himself to become a cripple...
"Hey, is everything okay?" I ask.
For an instant his eyes grow wide and weary, ready to spill out the world. Then they're shrouded again. He shakes his head, pretending to be annoyed, glaring.
"I'd be a lot better off if you'd shut up once in a while, machine geek."
I've heard this insult a million times over, but this time it stings.
"Well, I'd be a lot better off if you weren't around!" The words flood out, just as I realize I don't mean them.
His gaze becomes harder, but he stares at his feet, his hands in his pockets. I keep up my act, for dignity's sake, and turn my back on him, going back to tinkering with machine parts.
From outside my workshop echoes his brother's voice. A little boy alone in a whole body of metal.
"Big brother..." he calls, in hushed tones. Without another word, the older brother turns on his heels and leaves me alone. I feel his absence. He's been such a huge presence, even if he's just a shrimp.
There's a bad taste in my mouth from our fight. I feel like I'm going to vomit, and tears burn my eyes. Because, though I don't know it, I won't see him again for such a long time.
And I care about him.
---
Well that's that Short but sweet, they say...R&R because I love you.
-FS