-1FULLGAY ALCHEMIST
16th June 2006
Stigmeister's note: My name is Rei and I live in England with my sister Amy. I love to watch Topgear and Big Brother on TV whilst wearing hotpants, when it's sunny of course. My sister and I are striving to become gay men with prosthetic arms. Not gay with each other of course … INCEST! We are The Manicbash and The Stigmeister! Warning: Winry fluff eew … and on that bombshell …
Chapter four: Well I never knew
You were so much fun …
Lust stood alone on the flat roof of the building, the wind whipping her hair in fly away strands. She rested her hand against the cold railings feeling the condensation from the night before gracing her finger tips. The wind cut like icy blades. She couldn't feel it. It was getting late and darkness was approaching quickly, consuming the tiny buildings efficiently in it's stride. She sighed listening to the bustle die down until the city slept.
She mused to herself, Envy had been acting odd lately. He had been very short tempered, snapping at her whenever he had the opportunity. She found it highly frustrating, but then she knew she was easy to irritate. He had become a lot more dismissive; her mind couldn't help but venture back to the moment in the bathroom. He had been in such a state. She wrinkled her brow. What had he meant by? "A creepy premonition?"
He was pretty in an androgynous way, she thought. She loved to just watch him sometimes, when he was sparring. His lean body captured her making it difficult for her think about anything else not to mention his outfit. She wasn't named 'Lust' for nothing after all. As much as she loathed it, his arrogant expression entranced her, as if he knew he could have her if he wanted. Maybe he could? Maybe that was his 'premonition'. She sighed loudly, leaning against the bars feeling the damp of the railings soak into her dress. It was uncomfortable however she chose to ignore it, preferring to gaze out across the flickering lamps in the dark streets below her.
"Lust?" Gluttony joined her at her side, snatching her rudely from her thoughts. She bit her lip in disturbance looking sharply to her side, her fringe sweeping across her eye. "I don't think you'll believe what I just saw." He grunted, squatting on the floor.
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, "Why? What's going on?" Gluttony looked up at her as if he barely knew what he saw himself. "Spit it out." She snapped impatiently causing him to jump nervously to his feet.
"It's Envy and the runt …" He muttered. Lust quirked an eyebrow in inquiry. What the hell was he talking about? She continued to stare at him, demanding to bring forth an answer. He shifted from one foot to the other trying to think of a simple way to put it. "They're, umm … 'touching each other'." Gluttony exaggerated the phrase, giving it up as a bad job, failing to come up with a better explanation. Lust looked at him baffled, trying to make sense of his statement. It wasn't long before it set in.
"What?!" Lust screamed flinging herself away from the railing grabbing fistfuls of hair, her face etched in disgust. Gluttony almost fell backward in shock of the offence, grabbing out at the slippery rail in vain. He fell back down onto his rear heavily. "No, no, no." Lust shook her head violently, curls bouncing either side of her face.
"It's weird. I would never of thought he could like anyone other than himself." Gluttony reflected, thinking back to the old, egotistic Envy he had known for so long. The recently unearthed side to his personality seemed a greater contradiction.
"He can't!" Lust bellowed at the cowering creature. "Is this some kind of joke?" She roared glaring daggers right through him; so strong he could almost feel them plunging in.
"I know what I saw Lust." He retaliated, putting up his own defences. She held his gaze for a split second, turning on her heel.
"I'll kill that little slut!" She yelled storming across the length of the flat roof kicking up dirt and grit. Hollow echoes resonated from the clack of her heels in the room below. Gluttony considered remaining on the roof out of her way but the very notion of death was too alluring. He grinned hopefully, crawling after her like some hideous monster.
Envy snuck through the library soundlessly listening out for activity. He heard nothing. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief. 'They must be on the roof.' He cracked a small smile in event of his good fortune. The last thing he wanted was questions; questions he couldn't answer. He figured it would be better to let it blow over in due course. He checked the doorway. Still he heard nothing. He crept towards the great rising arch, soundlessly proceeding to pick his way through the maze of colossal, grand rooms…
Lust charged down the hallway, filling the surrounding rooms with the sound of her livid presence. Charging through an ornate archway through to another landing, red velvet curtains flared up either side of her fanning in the draft before fluttering back to the ground like shimmering sashes. Just ahead of her between sheets of vermillion fabric, a dark teen froze dead like a rabbit caught in head lights. She paused herself, stamping her feet to a stand still. Envy glanced at her sheepishly, grinning faintly.
"Envy." She smirked wickedly. He inspected her curiously; just over her shoulder he could see Gluttony lurking in the darkness, drooling like a scavenger. "Doing evening duties again are we?" She simpered resting her index finger on her chin. "How is the runt? Not too flustered I hope." Envy arched his eyebrows biting his lip frivolously. Lust quickly noted the dark swelling, permitting her expression to blacken. Her mind ran away with her leaving her nauseated.
"Lust." He stammered grinning again awkwardly, waving limply. Lust placed her hands on her hips, scowling. He had no idea she'd be this angry. He had suspected to be ridiculed but hadn't imagined there to be any hostility involved. "He seems to be … mentally unstable." Envy continued glancing back at her. She grimaced.
"I bet he is." She narrowed her eyes. "What the hell did you think you were doing? Are you really that stupid? Do you have any idea how serious this is?" She went on. "You're playing with fire you know?"
Envy smiled faintly at the statement, "It really fucks with his head." Envy stated in his defence, maintaining eye contact. "I think, he's hot." Envy smirked stroking his neck, sensing where Edward had not long touched him in icy trails of ember. He gazed at her, entertained. 'Envious?' Her eyes flashed blood red.
"I'll kill him!" Lust growled, stamping back down towards the library in lengthy strides. Envy looked over his shoulder at her retreating figure in bewilderment. Her dress blew around her legs faintly in the draft as she went charging through the archway, unsheathing her long, black claws. He heard a scuffling sound, glancing as Gluttony attempted to follow her.
"Do me a favour and tell me what's going on." Envy huffed attempting to look Gluttony in the eye although it was obvious his mind was fixed on other important matters. His stomach growled loudly causing Envy to stare at him momentary amazement. Gluttony grinned widely producing to rows of large grinding teeth sending spittle oozing to the floor.
"I get food tonight."
Envy flashed back to his fantasy. How he longed to see the Fullmetal alchemist choking on his own blood. Rivers of crimson sliding soundlessly down his chin and neck, running down his chest and lower. Envy licked his lips feeling oddly aroused by the thought. "Mind if I join you?" He grinned innocently at the other sin nipping the tip of his finger lightly, tasting the salty liquid in his mouth.
Alphonse wandered the streets again in the dark. No one knew he was out, not even the military. He did not feel the need to search relentlessly anymore now that he knew and understood the situation. He liked to walk at night to ease his mind, allowing him to let his worries slip away with the wind into the night.
There were still some guards out in the great memorial park lighting lanterns along the walkways. He could hear the fizzle of lit matches as they ignited with the gas in their rounded glass bowls. He deeply appreciated the light guiding him along the winding path, dissipating his troubles with their warm glow. The tiny flames reflected back off the pond, like the stars at night pollution had long hidden away. He often longed to see the stars again like back in the countryside.
The park seemed natural to him as if part of the true earth despite it's landscaping and manmade ornamental sculptures. One incorporated a continuous circle carved in marble with legendry figures and deities deriving from folk law and myth. He didn't understand what it symbolised although it was clear to anybody who observed the different statues that they all had underlying messages and significances, some more simple to comprehend than others.
He continued onwards, ducking through a trellis archway iced in huge, mysterious white roses like glistening saucers against the inky black sky. Heavy scent leaked from the furled centres, pooling around him like strong perfume. He didn't care much for the smell, proceeding up the pathway. It sloped upwards gently, leading on to plateau at the top. Wind blew the long feathered grasses fringing the boarders rustling, sending seeds bursting forth into the dank air finally falling.
The dust settled on a figure crouching in the centre, panting heavily. His hair and clothes were tattered, hanging in shreds crusted in dry blood. Expanses of visible skin were stained crimson, beading with sweat. He outstretched his arm towards Al, reaching out. Exhaustion was marked across his face in a rush of blood tinting his skin, his pupils dilated.
"Big brother? What happened to you?"
Edward grinned, flicking the key in his fingers. Alphonse remained still amongst the rusting grasses as if rooted. He watched as the fallen boy exhaled coughing harshly, getting unsteadily to his feet. He tossed the key over his shoulder sharply hearing it splash into a shallow pool behind him. The water rippled under contact sending minor waves gliding cyclically over the surface, glinting silver. He swept his eyes shut in relief.
"We need to leave. Now." He reopened his eyes, connecting with Al's of whom remained hesitant. "Trust me … please." He sighed glancing to the floor, trudging steadily towards the slope.
"But big brother?"
"Please Al. We have to go, now." Edward paused, looking over his shoulder. "We can go and stay with Winry in Rush Valley. It's just not safe here and …" He stalled, gazing at the overcast sky. "I don't ever want to go back." He whispered.
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"Hey Ed! Al!" Winry smiled waving from the doorway of a small shack. The wind lashed the hair from her face barely constricted by her frosty pink bandana, sending golden strands fanning out in the breeze glowing in the sun like honey.
"Winry!" Ed and Al answered cheerfully in chorus. She hurriedly rubbed oil stains down the front of her hot fuchsia tank top and scruffy jeans, running to meet them. She was too much of tomboy to care for the state she was in. She noted the knee ripped out of her jeans along with various scuffs and stains flippantly. She chose to disregard it, noticing Edward was in a far worse state himself. The excitement was welling up within her; it had been so long. Her eyes were shining with emotion. It had seemed a life time since she had seen the Elric brothers, her childhood friends.
"Ed! Your auto-mail!" She tugged it in disbelief, half expecting his arm to fall off. "It's intact!" Her jaw dropped, she couldn't remember ever seeing Ed turn up in no need of repairs. She tugged it harder in case.
"Pretty impressive huh?" He laughed weakly tugging his arm back off her, hiding it behind his back. Winry beamed, clasping her hands tightly in front of her.
"You must be taking it easy like I said." She glanced down to the floor. "I'm glad." She hesitated, "I was starting to worry about you."
Al glanced confused at the state Ed was in. 'Taking it easy?' He blinked a few times. He had managed to scrub off the worst of the blood stains during the train journey and bandage the more fatal of wounds. Despite his attempts to tidy himself up, Ed's clothes were ripped too shreds not too mention the lacerations disfiguring his skin. Surely that wasn't taking it easy. He considered, Winry had been an auto-mail mechanic all her life. It must be difficult for her to see past the bolts and wires to the person below sometimes, if it was all she ever knew. "It's great to see you again." Al added, bowing politely.
Winry smiled brightly, "You too Al." Her bottom lip trembled slightly, "I've missed you so much." Tears welled up in the corners of her glassy eyes, glistening like diamonds spilling down her cheeks.
"Don't cry Winry." Al sympathized in a soothing tone.
"Always the cry baby." Edward joked affectionately. Winry threw her arms round his neck holding him tight. The sudden display of emotion took him aback, stalling his reaction. He could feel her warmth and security carrying his troubles away with the tide. Closing his eyes he allowed her continuity to overcome him, wrapping his own arms around her waist. He thought back; how he had always wanted to hold her this way, smiling faintly. For a moment he forgot, lost in the memories of his past. Days when he and Al fought for Winry's heart ultimately boiling down to the winner. What did it mean to him now?
"Winry!" He heard a rugged voice bark from the doorway of a shack not far from their location. Winry leapt out of her skin almost knocking Edward over in the process, standing to attention "Get back to work wench! What do you think I'm paying you for?! Certainly not to be canoodling with these young strangers!"
"Yes Sir!" Winry responded obediently, standing as straight as she could muster. Edward raised an eyebrow at Alphonse questionably. 'Canoodling?'
"You're a good girl." The man praised, smiling at her enthusiasm. He seemed fairly old. His face creased in deep lines as he smiled, gathering in the corners of his eyes like crows feet. His face was broad and stiff causing him to appear coarse although odd displays of emotion proved initial judgements wrong.
Winry shone again, "Sir, these are the boys I was telling you about. The Elric brothers." she watched him expectantly as he searched his mind, scratching his head in deep recollection.
"Ahh yes." He finally added, regarding them with wonder. He turned to Edward. "And so you must be the 'Fullmetal Alchemist'. The boy with the auto-mail arm and leg." He stated the obvious, admiring Winry's work in pride.
"Yes!" Edward stated boldly, head inflating.
Al stared in mild fascination, "He got it the right way round …"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Edward hissed, turning on him viciously. "Not you too, Al?" He moaned in despair preparing for the doom to set in. Was he really so insignificant looking?
"I'm sorry big brother but … nobody ever realises it's you." He was cut short by the old mans guffaw of horse laughter. All three stared wide eyed as he gasped for air, slapping Edward on the back sharply almost winding him.
"Young whippersnappers such as your self should be drinking plenty of milk to grow big and strong." Edward regained composure, retrieving lost breath. He grumbled under his breath.
"I hate milk," he muttered stubbornly with a face like death. "And I'm not a whippersnapper!" He argued, challenging the older man who persisted to laugh intrusively in his face, hacking up phlegm he spat into the dust. The blonde growled disapprovingly under his breath, biting back his irrational fury.
"Are you young'uns looking for a bed for the night then? Winry did mention having some friends stay." He pulled at his straggly beard for a moment, seemingly staring into space before he continued. "Of course she was pushing it a bit steep so I made her work twice as hard to pay it off." He continued to laugh at them recklessly almost choking on his own tongue, flaunting his true immorality. Al glanced at Winry, 'All nighters?' She nodded solemnly. "Well you'd better come on in then." He motioned towards his shack. "And don't you dare think for a moment you can lay off the job!" He barked at Winry, hiding his soft side once more. She squealed, scuttling back to her business.
The wooden shack was not impressive to behold. It's creaking steel frame work was all that kept it from tumbling to pieces, loosely knocked together with untreated planks of ash wood. The frame creaked uncomfortably as they stepped through, swinging the door open to crash into a cupboard behind it causing crockery to clatter loudly in its pine prison. Ed winced, visualising himself trapped inside the collapsed shed. The ceilings were fairly low and cramped with awkward beams that jutted out from the ceiling and walls. Every available flat surface was littered in auto-mail parts leaving Ed no room to balance his glass of water. He reluctantly held it in his hand feeling agitated at the urge to set it down.
"So!" The man said gruffly, leaning towards the boys in interest. "What brings such renowned young lads to a place like this, 'ay?"
Alphonse glanced at Edward in interest. He realised he had not yet found the reason for their rapid departure. Edward glared, furrowing his brow in frustration. "None of your business." He snapped turning away from them, wishing the horrific memories away.
"But big brother …" Al responded automatically, cut short by Ed.
"Leave it Al!" Edward retorted getting to his feet. "It's nothing worth talking about. It's done." He stood glumly amongst the dumb silence before he tired of the atmosphere. "I'm going to go find Winry." He stated, turning on his heel to leave.
"Big brother! Wait!" Alphonse went to follow him, getting swiftly to his feet.
"No!" The old man held him back with a stern hand on his shoulder. "He's a big lad who can take care of himself. Let him go. Sometimes, we just need a little time to ourselves." Alphonse glanced down at his feet, sitting himself back down. If only Ed could have heard that; the first time he'd ever be called big. He knew.
"I guess you're right … but. I just get so worried."
It was easy to understand Alphonse's misplacement, after all the bond with his brother was strong. It was tough to let his older brother go discover things for himself after the years they'd spent looking out for each other. It was time for fresh mistakes and revelations. He knew to leave him be. The old man was right. He would just have to wait, to be there if he ever fell down.
Edward glanced through the crack in the door as Winry hunched over diminutive piles of nuts and bolts. He had never felt so confused in all his life. He had admired Winry since he was young, hoping that he may one day have the courage to ask her out. He had felt sure this was what he wanted but previous experimentation had left him perplexed. He took a moment to drink in her sheer beauty; maybe he still liked her. She was still attractive. She had the same silky blonde hair and porcelain skin. What had changed? "Nothing." He lent against the doorframe emitting an audible tap.
Winry squeaked in surprise almost toppling off her chair. She straightened herself out hurriedly, turning to meet her visitor. "Oh Ed." She sighed, "It's just you." She sighed, blushing faintly at the embarrassment of almost falling. Ed smiled to himself, seeing the humour in her cuteness. This injected further crimson to her pink tinted cheeks. She was cute. "What, are you doing here?" She smiled meekly, feeling marginally guilty to be leaving her work.
"I don't know." Edward sighed flopping next to her on the floor, leaning against her chair. "I." He paused, turning his head to gage her reaction. Her expression was, as always, full of concern and care. "I feel so constricted." He sighed. "Sometimes things just become too much for me to handle on my own."
Silence lingered in the air although he didn't find it uncomfortable; it soothed him. He felt willowy fingers touch his shoulder reassuringly. His worries seemed to melt away with his thoughts flowing like water from his mind. He sighed contently, resting his head gently against her leg sweeping his eyes shut. "I know Ed." She whimpered slightly. He felt salty liquid sprinkle his neck causing an uncomfortable damp sensation. He glanced up cracking an eye open. Winry stared down at him glassy eyed, snatching at her tears.
"Not again." He joked, pushing her leg playfully. She smiled, tears persisting to slide down her cheeks. She buried her face in her hands. "Come here." He sympathized, standing to wrap his arms around her. She hugged him back burying her head in the crook of his neck. 'She cares about me.' He rubbed her back gently, easing her tears.
"Edward." She mumbled into his shoulder. He petted her back to signalise he was listening. "I never wanted you to get hurt." She paused to think, feeling her underlying grief. "I … I never wanted you to leave." She pulled away from his embrace gazing innocently into his eyes. "Why?"
Edward sighed, "There's no going back. I promised Al. I'll never back down on that." Winry sniffed, throwing her arms around Edwards neck. She kissed him lightly on the cheek, soft as feathers. He felt so much security from such a simple gesture. He gazed deep into her crystal orbs sensing safety and security he hadn't experienced since his mother had died. He pressed his lips softly against hers feeling just a heat filling a void. His mind shrouded over in a flurry of blonde darkening green, crystal blue merging with vivid violet.
Stigmeister's note: Ugh! shudder I really dislike Winry. As a result I have some extra special disturbances lined up for her. Just how far can I push her? Well. All the way to breaking point as it turns out. I also have a few various unpleasantries planned for Eddy. Got to love Elric's fantasies!!!