AN: Yet another challenge fic! (But my last for a while. I'll be focusing on my multi-chapter fics for the next month or two.) It's not long, but it gets the job done. This time the prompt was 'Sushi.' Enjoy!
Despite the early hour, the marketplace was already bustling with people of every hue and walk of life. Lords and ladies rubbed elbows with servants and housewives, squawking just as loudly as anyone else to draw the attention of the shopkeeper. Vivid scents assaulted his nose- the delicate sunshine tone of flowers, the heady undertone of spiced meat, the earthy base of human and animal- and colors bright enough to make his head spin pressed in from every direction.
Al took in a deep breath, grin stretching from ear to ear. Today was going to be amazing.
"Alphonse! At least be polite enough to look like you're trying!"
Al laughed and ruffled a hand through his sun-bleached hair, still marveling at the sensation after over a year of regaining his body.
"Sorry, Mei; I can't help it! This place is just so alive. It makes me want to- to- I don't know- do something!"
Mei huffed and shook her head, beads clacking together gently.
"Alphonse, if you want to be good at alkahestry you have to be able to read the Dragon's Pulse no matter what. You must be able to find your center- even in a place like this. Try again, please."
Al closed his eyes obediently, focusing on shutting out everything outside his body and finding his own pulse of life- his chi. It was even more difficult than usual. Al had never tried to meditate around so many people before; they usually practiced in Mei's personal estates- a gift from the newly ascended Emperor. So much chi pressing against his fledgling awareness was disorienting- and intoxicating. It was hard to resist the temptation to let go of himself and be swept into the swirling chaos of life, to separate him from them.
"Alphonse. You're getting distracted again."
Al blushed, shooting Mei an apologetic glance.
"Sorry; I really am trying. I just don't think I'm ready for this yet. There's too many people."
Mei fidgeted with her braids, Xiao-Mei perched quietly on her shoulder.
"Maybe you're right. You're learning so quickly- I was afraid that you were getting bored with our solo sessions. I didn't want to hold you back, so-"
Al's eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"Mei, the only reason I've been learning so quickly is because you're an excellent sensei. There's so much you can teach me about alkahestry and Xing and just everything. There's no way I could get bored- I have too much to learn!"
Mei cocked her head to the side, dark eyes searching his face suspiciously.
"Are you just saying that because you think it'll make me happy?"
"No. Why would I lie about something like that?"
Mei smiled and threaded her arm through his, tugging him off the crate he'd been sitting cross legged on for over an hour now.
"Come. Since I can't teach you alkahestry right now, I'll have to teach you more about our culture instead."
Mei weaved through the crowds expertly, pointing out craftsmen and traditional cuisine along the way.
Narezushi vendors with boldly flavored rice stuffed fish, potters selling beautifully glazed ceramics, old men playing go at alley openings while watching over laughing grandchildren-
And somehow, even though Risembool was hundreds of miles away, Alphonse felt like he was home.