Chapter 4:

Alphonse was quiet, a little too quiet.

"What's wrong?" Ed asked as he rolled over onto his stomach on the bed.

"It's nothing really it's just." Al made an indecisive sound and rubbed his helmet," do you think you should date this girl as Comet if she can't stand the real you. The ED you?" he asked.

"It will be fine. As long as I don't say something that the Ed me would obviously say," He rolled his eyes towards his brother as he said his name," she will never know. Besides we have a lot in common, I can't believe I didn't notice before…" he hummed the song he had sang softly and rolled over to get some sleep.

"What if your antenna pops up?" Al asked.

"I'll gel it down really well. Relax." he said without turning around.

Why do you have to steal my crush brother? Al thought to himself sadly. The dark room suddenly felt darker to the younger Elric brother. He settled his metal body down and prepared for a long night of thinking wile Ed snored from across the room.

Ali sighed deeply as her sister looked through yet another clothing rack. They had been there for an hour and the store would close soon. She looked down at the black leather pants and white tank tops that rested on her arm and sighed again.

"Maybe I shouldn't have told you about my date." she mumbled softly.

"What was that I think I just saw him!" Evie exclaimed as she pointed behind her sister who just rolled her eyes. Evie had been doing this all day.

"When did we suddenly switch roles?" she said with another sigh, slightly angry because her sister had really tricked her the first few times," you're acting like me. I don't think I like it." she crossed her arms and huffed loudly.

"Oh my." Evie threw her arms around her sister dramatically," You're growing up so fast!" she acted like she was wiping away tears as she let Ali go.

"Stop it!" Ali said as she turned around. She walked up to the checkout desk and slammed the clothes down. The lady behind the register looked at her with a raised eyebrow but one angry glare from Ali stopped the odd look.

"Will this be all?" she asked.

"Yes." Ali grumbled without looking at her sister who had stepped up beside her," hurry please I'm on a tight schedule." the woman promptly rang up her purchase and took the money that she offered. She did not look back at Evie even as she walked out of the store.

The air was crisp and clean outside of the restaurant where Ed sat. His golden hair glistened in the sunlight as he leaned forward to get a better look at the black haired beauty in black leather pants and a white tight tank top. He smiled to himself as he took a sip of tea. Alphonse had been wrong. She did show up for the date just on time. He stood and casually walked around to the alley where his duffle bag of clothes waited for him. It would be alright if he was a little late. He was a singer to her after all so he could just chalk it up to having a late gig somewhere else in town. He smiled as he alchemized his other persona. With a quick look around he changed into his own tight leather clothing. A long black and silver trench coat completed his look.

"If only I could make myself a little taller…" He mumbled as he buckled his kid skin boots. With a sigh he continued down the alley to circle around Brios. He smiled to his brother who waited for him at the other side of the establishment.

"Wish me luck." He said as he passed by.

"Do I have to?" Al asked glumly.

"Yeah your right," he smiled as he didn't take it the way Al meant," I got her in the bag." he waved off any further protest and exited the alley.

Ali stood against the wall of Brios. She had her arms crossed in front of her chest and was glaring at her feet. The way she was standing did not let anyone know she was waiting for someone and also did not invite anyone to speak to her. His heart dropped as he realized she had been stood up before.

"Hi," he said as he approached," sorry I'm a little late." he smiled at her as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Hmmm." she looked up at him in shock." Oh Comet! I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. My sister just pissed me off at the store today so I've been in a kinda bad mood." she explained slowly as she looked away from him.

"Well let's see if I can't cheer you up." he smiled as he held out his hand. She looked like she was about to make a dash for it for a split second but in the end she took his gloved hand in her own. He shot her another smile and led her away from the restaurant.

"I thought we were eating there," she said as she pointed behind them with her free hands thumb.

"Aww come on a cheap place like that for a first date isn't how I roll." he shrugged and glanced at her by tilting his head to the side," besides, you deserve the best for just looking this good." he smiled and she blushed.

"Th-thank you." she smiled at him, the heartwarming glowing smile she had used on Alphonse. It was her genuine smile, one rarely used on anyone but Evie. Ed's heart melted at that moment.

"Casa de lamed dodo…" Ali giggled as she tried in vain to pronounce the name of the restaurant. Ed smiled as he looked up at the fancy looking sign.

"Casacadeddoodoo" He laughed at his own pronunciation of the name. Ali stuck out her tongue and smiled.

"Well it sounds expensive." She shrugged.

"I bet the foods gross." Ed offered.

"I bet they put milk in everything. Ick!" Ali laughed.

"Agreed, Ick." Ed smiled.

"Hey Comet."

"Hmm?" he turned to look at her; it was a nice change from the sign.

"I saw a hot dog stand as we were walking and that sounds good to me right now. How 'bout you?" she smiled sweetly and pointed behind her with her thumb. He smiled back because how could he not? This Ali was different from the stubborn girl he had met weeks ago. She was sweeter and shyer. He liked this side of her.

Just like she likes this side of me…

"I think a hot dog and a pretzel is the perfect example of a balanced diet." he smiled.

"If that pretzel comes smothered in mustard then you got a deal." she giggled lightly.

"Then I guess we should get a move on." he laughed and grabbed her wrist. She allowed him to pull her playfully back the way they came from. She laughed as they ran. She felt comfortable around him. He was familiar and mysterious at the same time. She liked the way she felt around him and the way she could be easygoing with him around.

"Two chili dogs with tomato and olives!" Ed announced as he stood over her. She smiled from her position on the park bench.

"Oh my Damn you're my hero!" she exclaimed as she took hers eagerly from him. He smiled and took his place beside her on the bench.

"You're welcome Alichia." he said with a chuckle.

"You know you can call me Ali." she stated after she swallowed her first bite," Everyone does, it's just easier and I don't really like my full name anyway." she shrugged. He thought for a moment and gave her a shrug of his own.

"Well, I kind of like Alichia better. I like the way it flows off my tongue." he smiled at her with a wink.

"Watch out." she smiled at him mischievously," if you keep talking like that I may just have to kiss you." she blushed as she realized what she said.

"Watch out." He said as he placed his arm behind her," if you keep threatening a kiss I just might kiss you instead." He leaned in then and brushed her hair out of her face. He slowly closed his eyes as his lips pressed lightly against hers. After a moment of confusion her lips softened against his and she leaned into his kiss. He moved his lips against hers and she responded magically to him, she even parted her own lips to allow his tongue entrance. He explored her mouth and all the flavors that came with it. She toyed with his tongue using her own for a bit and he smiled. They only broke apart when the need for air was urgent. He looked deeply into her silver eyes as she took a deep breath. She blushed at the smile on his face.

"Did you know you're a great kisser?" he asked and laughed lightly as her face grew the color of his favorite trench coat. She looked at him in shock for a moment before she giggled herself.

"No one said it with a goofy grin on their face before." she laughed.

"Good, at least I'm a first." he winked and leaned back against the bench. She sat there awkwardly for a moment before leaning on his shoulder. He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and looked up at the sky. It was growing darker and he would look bad if he didn't offer to take her home.

"Well, I better go. My crazy sister will worry if I don't show up to do my chores." she said as she stood to go.

"I'll walk you. This town could be pretty dangerous at night." he said as he followed her lead. She smiled at him sweetly and shook her head.

"I'm a big girl." she said with a shrug.

"Please." was all he could think to say. She thought for a moment and shrugged.

"If you insist." she grinned as he grabbed her hand. They walked in silence for the most part. Enjoying the night and each other's company. She led him down the street leading to Hughes home but to his relief she did not stop there. Instead she led him to an apartment complex that could use some major remodeling.

"This is my place, 2B." She shrugged at the top of the stairs.

"Well I guess this is goodbye for now." He stated before kissing her again sweetly. She melted into him for a moment before pulling away.

"I'll see you later Comet." She said as she opened the door to the building.

"Goodnight, Alichia." he smiled and turned to leave.

"'Night!" she called to his retreating back.

(so the awkward date is out of the way, what do you think this means for Ed and Ali, and will the relationship between the brothers ever be the same? Please review!)