Author's Note: I'm just starting to get the hang of this site, so I apologize for the absence of a note and disclaimer from my first fanfic, "I'll Always Save You." I'll just pretend this applies for both. ;) Anyway, this one is dedicated to my very best friend, Johanna. Please read, enjoy, and review, but please don't criticize my writing style. It's just the way I write! Oh, and don't forget about my other fanfic!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, although I wish I owned Edward Elric.
The tension within the room was so heavy it couldn't have been broken using the strongest force in existence. Black clouds of smoke surrounded the young alchemist, creating an environment of greater anxiety. Ed brushed the back of his hand across his forehead, wiping away the salty perspiration from above his brow. His pupils of fixed concentration narrowed to shoot intense daggers at his rival.
The opponent's charcoal eyes focused upon Edward's hand gloved in satin as white as the first snow of winter. The charcoal eyes were firmly placed beneath the unruly hair just as dark. The features of black hue belonged to Ed's true rival.
This was the moment of truth to decide the fate of the two alchemists. This was to be a duel to the death.
"It seems you've grown distressed during the course of this battle, Fullmetal." "Well, to be honest I didn't really expect to break a sweat," Ed admitted as he stared down his opponent. "I guess that just means you have a little bit longer to live, Mustang," Ed taunted through tense, infuriated lips. "Please, spare me," Mustang laughed. His laughter faded, and he molded his facial expression into one of stern seriousness.
"So what's next, Elric?" Ed calmed his actions and firmly grasped one of the cards in his possession. He slowly discarded it and spoke in an absolute tone, "Uno." Roy's eyebrows raised in uneasiness. 'I have nearly been defeated,' Roy thought to himself while biting his bottom lip. Edward smirked showing his pride in his clever ways. Roy faced a dilemma… which card should he put down?
He could discard the blue five or the red four, but which one? His selective fingers hovered over the card of the crimson hue but nervously floated toward the sapphire option. His heart rate increased when he noticed the green eight he held from the beginning of the game. "Today!" Ed prompted. Mustang's breathing became hurried and doubtful.
Without further hesitation he placed the emerald card of the octave at the top of the discard deck. He then lifted his finger to loosen the collar of his shirt where frightened sweat gathered around his neck. Ed gazed down at Roy's decision as Mustang attempted to read Ed's face. He exhibited the perfect poker face: expressionless. Had Roy just aided in Ed's win, or did he prevent him from taking the victory?
"Do something!" Mustang ordered. "Well, Roy," Ed calmly said, free of any emotion. Mustang held his breath as he watched his rival's every move. "I BEAT YOU!" Ed yelled. He threw down a yellow eight over Mustang's eight and jumped joyously in victory. Mustang moved his defeated glance to the floor as Ed jumped onto the table to celebrate.
"Now pay up, loser!" Ed commanded. Roy slouched back into his seat and reached into his inner coat pocket. His hand emerged to reveal front row seat concert tickets. He regretfully placed his payment on the table in front of him. Edward quickly snatched the tickets, planting several kisses upon the printed black ink.
"Looks like I will be the one to see Celine Dion this weekend," Ed claimed victoriously. "And don't forget the rest of our deal, Mustang." Roy angrily rolled his eyes but was obligated to fulfill the agreement. "Don't worry," Ed reassured. "That dress will look lovely on you at HQ tomorrow. You know, pink really matches your skin tone."
"But I wanted to see Celine," Roy mumbled.
