Chapter 7 – Blume

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Vato Falman

Attachment : Photo_107 .jpeg

Subject : Re: You know what these could mean, Vato?

Mr. Mustang,

I am sorry for not being able to reply to your message right after you sent it last night. But you must have known that I go to sleep at 8 p.m sharp, and not even Miles' 24 missed calls can wake me up before 4.15 a.m precise. I wanted to reply to you as soon as I open it, but I figured out that mailing someone before the sun rises can be considered rude.

From what I read in the school library a few months ago, I am positive that these are the names and their correct meanings for each flowers:

- Geraniums : Stupidity, folly

- Meadowsweet : Uselessness

- Orangelilies : Hatred

- Birdsfoottrefoil : Revenge

- Belvedere : 'I declare war against you'

- Sardony : Irony

- Pinkhyacinths : Feminine beauty

Do forgive my intrusiveness, but were you planning to dump somebody? Because that flower bouquet in the photo you attached, despite aesthetically pleasing, was not an appropriate choice if you decided to woo a woman…

Vato Falman

Teacher, History

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Alphonse Elric, Edward Elric

From : Van Hohenheim

Subject : To Edward and Alphonse

FORWARDED MESSAGE

From : Roy Mustang

To : Van Hohenheim

Original message

Mr. Van Hohenheim,

I am Roy Mustang, a teacher from East Amestris Senior High School, the school your sons attend. Pardon me for bothering you at this kind of hour, Sir. I was intending to give you a call but since we don't know each others yet, doing so might be rude. Hence, I send you a mail instead.

I'm writing this to let you know that I found your sons roaming around the downtown after I had my dinner (around 8.45 pm.) Which is kind of surprising, considering the school usually ends no later than 4.00 pm.

According to what your sons said, they had been too absorbed in playing games in their cellphone during the trainride, and before they knew it, their destination stop had been passed by several stations. They got no money in their pocket, and their phone batteries are dead, so calling home for a pick-up or getting in another trainride is out of question. Before they had the chance to report to the nearest police station, I spotted them in front of the train station's exit gate.

Letting the boys go home on their own that late could be dangerous, so after notifying their mother, I gave them a ride home.

I've told your wife everything, Sir, I'm only telling you this so that should you need to clarify something, you will have my words on it.

Thank you.

Roy Mustang

Teacher, Chemistry

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

Sent from mobile

END OF FORWARDED MESSAGE

Dear Sons,

Everytime a new trouble popped up in my inbox, why does it always you two?

Don't get me wrong, Sons, I am not being harsh on you guys. But next time, try not to worry you mother too much, okay? Oh, and please tell your teacher—Ron Mustard? Mustang?—my biggest gratitude. I would like to thank him in person, but I still don't know when I could come home yet. Oh, that is, if your old man doesn't forget to do so!

I'd like to hear your stories on it, Son, but the meeting will begin soon. You can drop something in my inbox and I will respond it later after I get my works done.

Good luck with your study. Please take good care of your mother.

Best regards,

Van Hohenheim

General Manager of Philosopher Nuclear Powerplant Division

Philosopher Corporation

07 Cranahr Avenue, West City

Phone +xxxxxxxxx707

Email publicrelation philosopher .org

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Miles

Subject : My deep condolences (2)

I'm sorry to hear your tragic date last night. If this made you feel better, I've catered to Mr. Grumman's request to sort things out with Ms. Olivier, no worry. Now you can just mourn for your dinner disaster.

I do not know what you had been telling her these past weeks, but she'd been predisposed to dislike you ever since the last accreditation (yes, she told me that.) And apparently, in only a short time, you managed to amplify her hatred for you to some extend… She did not even know that you did it for a bet (yes, Maes also told me that.)

Have my words, Roy, but you're lucky that she only did… that. Ms. Olivier holds a black belt in krav maga, and you won't be amused if she decided to let you know it the hard way.

Miles

Teacher, Physics

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : All contacts

From : Buccaneer

Subject : Intruder suspected

All teachers and staffs,

There has been raising suspicion regarding an intruder in this school. According to the report filed by Mr. Heymans Breda earlier, glimpses of shadow with a suspicious screeching sound had been spotted by Alphonse Elric lately on a tree branch which can be viewed directly from Mr. Breda's classroom.

All teachers are encouraged to stay on guard and protect the students from unwanted things. To prevent robbery and unexpected encounter with said intruder, it is highly recommended to lock all of the windows and keep the doors remain closed unless necessary until further notification is issued.

Thank you.

Buccaneer

Staff, Head of Security Personnels

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Buccaneer

From : Christopher Vinther

Subject : Re: Intruder suspected

Glad that my room is one of the safest in this entire schoolground. None of my money will fall into that douche's hands.

Christopher Vinther

Staff, Treasurer

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Buccaneer

From : Sig Curtis

Subject : Re: Intruder suspected

Maybe said intruder is the one responsible for our missing baked potato? My wife isn't amused with the fact that she baked 20 portions of them in one go, only to lose it five minutes later after she left it to mince some leeches.

Sig Curtis

Staff, School-managed Canteen

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Heymans Breda

Subject : I swear this is the first time I see Mr. Hughes eagerly running around the school to keep telling everyone a story that is not related to his wife or Elicia

So tell me again about how great you are with women, Mr. Casanova?

Heymans Breda

Teacher, Mathematics

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Jean Havoc

Subject : Breda told me and it was fckn hilarious

But how could Mr. Hughes started a bet without counting us in?! I would've wagered on your glorious defeat and won a lot of pennies by now!

Anw now that you lost it, what did he ask you as the payment?

Jean Havoc

Coach's Aide, Physical Education

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Sig Curtis

From : Buccaneer

Subject : Re: Re: Intruder suspected

No. We confirmed that it was Ling and Paninya. Good thing Ms. Hawkeye had personally asked us to pay additional attention to your kitchen… remember that pasta case?

Buccaneer

Staff, Head of Security Personnels

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Maes Hughes

Subject : Alex 'accidentally' blabbered everything about last night to me

HA! YOU FOOL! FRICKIN TOLD YOU THAT THIS BET IS MINE TO WIN!

I know there will come a time when this school's 'charming', flirtatious, most eligible bachelor would admit his defeat. But who'd expect that it would happen this way? No kidding tho, Olivier Mira Armstrong is definitely legendary.

Tell me, how did you feel when you arrived at your luxurious, expensively reserved table, in your exclusively-tailored suit, only to find that 'flower-bouquet of hatred' instead of the woman you're looking forward to see? And with a greeting card that said, what, 'fick dich'? Laughed my arse off at that.

Should you become a famous person, Roy Mustang, I'll volunteer to become the author of your biography and believe me, there would be a full chapter dedicated for this event only.

Precious lesson learned the hard way; not every lion(ess) can be tamed. So don't be so ahead of yourself—next time make sure your manhood-pride doesn't get insulted by pink hyacinths. (Feminine beauty? Pfft.)

Now pay up for your defeat—man the fck up and, for God's sake, just ask Riza out already. Don't be that arsehole who gives her false hopes by acting as if you've fallen head over heels for her but never give her the commitment she deserved.

Maes Hughes

Teacher, English Literature

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Denny Brosh, Heymans Breda, Jean Havoc, Knox, Maes Hughes, Miles, Vato Falman

From : Roy Mustang

Subject : Shut up

Alright, ALRIGHT. Now leave me alone.

Roy Mustang

Teacher, Chemistry

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Buccaneer, Knox

From : Heracle Poarma

Subject : Found the intruder

I caught this mole when she thought she was good enough to hide herself in the shrubs. I'm bringing her to your place. She's really quick—keep a good eye on her.

Knox, my arm was bitten by her screeching cat during my raid. Please get me some bandages. Do I need to get anti-rabies vaccination as well?

Heracle Poarma

Teacher, Cullinary Art

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Van Hohenheim

From : Edward Elric

Subject : Re: To my Sons

Whatever. At least Mustang had technically 'picked us up from school' more many times than you did since I started elementary school.

Also we always take care of Mom. No need for you to tell me, especially when you're not around to at least give us a proper example. Not that we need it, of course.

Edward Elric

Student, Class of 2016

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

Sent from mobile

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To : Riza Hawkeye

From : Roy Mustang

Subject : Care to have some words with me?

Riza,

Have you met Ed today? Did he tell you already? I found him and his little brother wandering around the downtown, and long story short, I drove them home (I thought that punk would refuse, but seems that he knew better.)

I have always known that that Pipsqueak is a bright kid, despite his obnoxious antics. I was wary we might insult each others back and forth in front of Alphonse during the ride. But surprisingly, he could be an enjoyable companion to talk about many things. I remember our discussion on various techniques for structure elucidation of atropine—one usually learns that particular topic once they major in organic chemistry in university! Maybe my suspicion was right—he is not interested in my classes and assignments simply because they are way too easy for him. Still doesn't mean he can justify his actions with that, though.

But even after that, he didn't look at me in… resentment? Didn't even call me names. No kidding, he should've been put under your watch since a long time ago. His behavior has changed rather drastically (in a positive sense,) and I hope the change will be permanent.

And from the subtle things he implied, it looks like that kid is very fond of his current homeroom teacher. Uh, a bit scared, too… But I believe it is also necessary. My, my, mind to tell us your secret? Maybe it would stop him from pulling a prank on us poor teachers he hates on a weekly basis!

That thing aside, I've got something important to tell you. It's not exactly work-related, thus I don't find discussing it over mails appropriate. Will you be free for the next period?

Roy Mustang

Teacher, Chemistry

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : All contacts

From : Buccaneer

Attachment : photo_943 .jpeg

Subject : Missing person announcement + intruder caught

All teachers, staffs, and students,

The aforementioned intruder had been caught thanks to Mr. Heracle Poarma a.k.a Scar. They had been taken into custody. Below is the description of the subject (photo attached in this email) :

- Female, around 9 years old

- Height around 130 cm

- Small sature

- Long, black hair

- Wearing Xing-Amestris Private Elementary School uniform

- Bringing a cat along with her

Subject had not been cooperative to answer our questions. King Bradley is expected to contact Xing-Amestris Private Elementary School immediately. Should anybody have any information regarding this kid, please reach one of our security personnels as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Buccaneer

Staff, Head of Security Personnels

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Roy Mustang

From : Riza Hawkeye

Subject : Re: Care to have some words with me?

Mr. Roy,

Please avoid labeling our students with negative connotations like that. Edward is an extraordinary kid, and he can also behave sweetly if we know some tricks to keep him on leash.

Yes, he did tell me this morning after class. He was helping me bringing some of my teaching materials back to the library, and during our walk in the hall, he just suddenly told me everything about last night. I'm happy that he can see you from a different light already.

Edward's academic records in science had been proven outstanding—his best is chemistry, but his math, biology, and physics are also above the average (can't say the same for Mr. Kimblee's art class, though, but then again everyone got their own weaknesses.) I think he only needed more attention and to be acknowledged—thus explaining his constant pranks. To you, especially. Now that you've known his capacity, have you considered to ask him to participate in the chemistry branch of National STEM Competition for High School Students next autumn? I bet he can do well.

There had never been any secret, Mr. Roy. Besides, you, of all people, would've known how diplomacy works, or am I wrong?

I know you are writing me this e-mail to avoid the works you have to submit to the Principal by noon, Mr. Roy. So although I will be free the next period, I'm afraid I can't let you leave your paperworks any sooner.

Alternatively, my last teaching schedule today will be finished one hour before the school ends, so if you are already done with your said works by that time, we can talk. Or maybe we can have some words after school—I think Beck won't mind waiting for me a little before we head home.

Thank you.

Riza Hawkeye

Teacher, Biology

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Riza Hawkeye

From : Rebecca Catalina

Subject : Postponed girls night out

Y'know Ri I'm almost glad that Jean failed our plan two days ago—just found out that the movie tickets for The Heat's Jewel will be 30% off this Saturday night! I'm gonna book two tickets for us—which seating positions do you prefer?

Rebecca Catalina

Staff, Principal's Secretary

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Buccaneer

From : Lan Fan

Subject : Re: Intruder suspected

Mr. Buccaneer,

That is not an intruder. That is Ling Yao's little sister May Chang. May is good at climbing trees. She likes Alphonse Elric. May sees him when she comes to this school with Grandpa Fu. Grandpa Fu always picks us up from school. May likes to run away from Grandpa Fu to see Alphonse Elric. The screeching sound is not a suspicious. It is Xiao Mei, May's pet panda. Panda is not cat.

Thank you very much.

Lan Fan

Student, Class of 2016

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : King Bradley

From : Sciezka

Attachment : List_of_Webpages_on_Flower_Languages .txt

Subject : Re: Book request

Mr. Bradley,

We regret to inform you that the book The Laguages of Flowers Dictionary you requested is unavailable since it is currently being borrowed by another library member. We apologize for this slight inconvenience.

Ummm, I'm sorry, Mr. Bradley… But only yesterday morning, Ms. Armstrong threw the library door open, slammed her palm on my front desk and asked, "How do I say 'fuck you' in flower?!" I was too startled and flustered to recite what I've read in accordance to her question, and before I knew it, I handed her the said book without any second thought. She stormed away just as abrupt as her sudden presence was. Even I hadn't signed her library membership card for that book she… 'borrowed'.

I can always dictate you the whole contents of the book if you want it, Mr. Bradley! But by the time I'm done, Mrs. Bradley's birthday would have been passed already. I'm sorry…

There are several webpages I could recommend that provides an adequate amount of information regarding what you might need, though. You can find them in the .txt I attached. Feel free to ask should you have any inquiry!

Best regards,

Sciezka

Staff, Head of Library and Information Services

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Rebecca Catalina

From : Riza Hawkeye

Subject : Re: Postponed girls night out

Sorry to tell you this, Lady Catalina, but seems that this time I would be joining Jean's side since I, too, am about to fail your plan.

Don't be mad, okay? But only fifteen minutes ago, I agreed to have some agenda with a certain someone this Saturday night. (Although, frankly speaking, had you told me earlier, I would still have chosen the said agenda over the movie… You know Aaron Dawson's works had never been my favorite.)

And I think I'm needing some new outfit for the occasion. Mind if you join me for cloth-shopping this Friday after work? Maybe I could buy you some apparels as an apology—but no more bracelets, Beck, you've had enough of them already.

Riza Hawkeye

Teacher, Biology

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

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To : Van Hohenheim

From : Alphonse Elric

Subject : Re: To my Sons

Dad, glad that you've got time to reply to the mail!

'Everytime a new trouble popped up in my inbox, why does it always you two?' is it? Believe me, I have been questioning the same thing.

I had told Brother to stop using my phone for gaming (his phone had been long dead after he battled his friends during the lunchbreak) before we're arrived at home, but he just didn't listen. So I gave up and tried to enjoy watching him played. At some point I fell asleep, and he only woke me up after my phone battery went dead—by that time, of course, we had passed our usual station hours ago.

We had spent our pocket money that day to buy tacos before getting into the train (whoops—I'm also at fault in this…) so no way we can buy another ticket. I watched Brother arguing with one of the officers about how it was their fault and demanded a free ride back (of course the officer won't take it) before I decided to interfere.

Then we started arguing after exiting the station. Brother won't admit his mistake, Dad, and he also insisted that we should not go see a police, telling me that doing so could bring shame to us two. Shame? Well, he had just said not-so-nice words to a station officer not too long ago! That was when Mr. Mustang spotted us and offered to drive us home.

Unlike what Brother had been telling me before I entered highschool, Mr. Mustang is so kind. He let us call Mom using his phone, and drove us all the way home—you do know how far our house is from the downtown, right? I thought Brother would reject, but he accepted nevertheless—although with a petty scowl on his face.

Besides, he was so cool—he was almost as smart as you, Dad! I thought the ride would be awkward, considering Brother's not-so-good relationship with him, and that I don't know him that well yet. But turned out we (well, mostly Brother and him, I just gave my occasional remarks) had a pleasant conversation. Brother is really good at chemistry, and since Mr. Mustang is a chemistry teacher, it would be normal if they clicked so easily.

Don't tell him I said this, Dad, but somehow Brother had been disliking him since his first year, even went as far as drenching him in water before the class started! So seeing him actually listened to, and agreed with Mr. Mustang was really nice!

Dad, you must be really busy… Oh! But Mom's birthday is a few weeks ahead and I, Brother, Winry and Granny Pinako is planning to throw her a birthday party this year, now that she'd been discharged from the hospital for quite a while! So, umm, can you make it? We understand if you couldn't, but… uh, it would be nice if you're here with us!

You too good luck with your work, Dad. We hope to hear from you soon!

Warmth,

Alphonse Elric

Student, Class of 2017

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

Sent from mobile

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To : Heymans Breda, Jean Havoc, Maria Ross

From : Rebecca Catalina

Subject : YOU GUYS PAY UP FOR YOUR LOSS!

I already smelled something fishy when Ri basically asked me to accompany her for cloth-shopping this Friday. I mean Riza Hawkeye? Initiating a cloth-shopping? Is it starting to rain in the Atacama Desert?

But thanks to my exceptional interrogation skill, she eventually admitted it (much to her dismay, and blushing face, and 'it doesn't necessarily have to be a date', yadda yadda) and I can now officially announce this:

ROY FCKN MUSTANG HAD JUST ASKED RIZA HAWKEYE OUT FOR A DATE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT. AND SHE AGREED.

I frickin know it that this will happen eventually!

Breda, you wagered that Roy won't ever have the gut to ask her out or that Ri would be the one asking him out instead, so, pay up.

Jean, you said that Rizzie will play hard-to-get and won't bother to say yes should he actually make a move. First off, I'm with her for almost 24/7. I know that she lowkey has a hot for Mustang all this time. Second, us women don't 'play hard-to-get'—it's called 'foreplay', something you men have no idea about. Now stop speaking as if you know everything and pay up, Walking Ashtray.

Ross—well you didn't bet for anything, but you were there when we started the pool, so for goodness' sake, don't tell Ri that I am involved in a gamble on her love life, okay?

Totally going to buy that cerulean kitten-heel I've been eyeing for weeks,

Rebecca Catalina

Staff, Principal's Secretary

East Amestris Senior High School | 75 Sycamore Lane, East City

Sent from mobile

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To be continued


Blume : Flower

Fick dich : Fuck you

Well… finally caught up. I still haven't write the materials for chapter 8. Hope that I can catch up soon, considering I'm entering my last exam week, but I'm saying this to notify you guys beforehand should I fail to do so. Thanks for your understanding :")

Of course it would be wayyyy easier for Roy to ask Riza out instead of Olivier—if only he was brave enough to do it from the start.

It was heartbreaking to write Alphonse's email to his dad ugh I can't…

I'd like to talk more but my IRL duties are calling TAT you can always tell me what you think! I'll try to reply to every reviews :)

P.s the pink hyacinths were a canon reference. Remember when Roy congratulate Olivier for being the head of the Armstrong family? Well let's just say she got to revenge him now XD