Author's Note:
Yes. It's been years. My college years haven't been exactly kind to me. I've changed in many aspects… And my interests flew to different fandoms… I got interested with Orochimaru from Naruto and Thranduil from The Hobbit. Weird tastes, I know.
But I am deeply sorry for updating this late, (or for updating at all). I once decided not to continue this story but I feel obligated. And as I re-watched FMA, my interest with this pairing came back. So, I am sorry again… if you want to continue reading, please do. I'll be forever thankful.
ORIGINALLY, this chapter has a LEMON part but I INTENTIONALLY removed it. :DDD Sorry for the lemon lovers there. I just thought it isn't the time for those yet. But IF YOU THINK that IT'S ALREADY TIME FOR A LEMON, just let me know and I'll grant your wish.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN FMA!
Olivier entered the bar with her usual frown. Although she didn't like the fact that she was going to a bar with Kimblee, she did want to loosen up. She expected quite a lot from this bar, judging by its appearance. It looks quite decent and cozy. The place was dimly lit, and she could clearly see that the bar was filled up by prostitutes lingering to find their clients. Tch. Forget about decent.
Kimblee soon emerged from the entrance and they were both escorted by a 'waitress' – who was almost not wearing anything – to a nearby table.
Kimblee liked the spot where they were brought to, quite private, away from the rest of the tables. They sat together on a comfortable couch that was positioned against the wall, so they have a clear view of what's going on in the bar. Olivier found Kimblee's eyes glued on the woman who just escorted them. He was smirking, not just his regular pissing-off smirk, but a crazy one. Olivier found herself disgusted at the man. Why was she allowing him to call her pet names again? Those 'Liv' and 'Livvy' nicknames? Hmph. She'd never allowed anyone – repeat – anyone, call her like that. No one else but Kimblee. Maybe because she knew he just did it to piss her off.
The almost-undressed woman came back to take their orders. Olivier just ignored the woman and so Kimblee ordered for the two of them. He even bothered to flirt with the waitress. As the woman walked away, Olivier began to speak angrily. "Just as I thought you're such a pervert."
"I'm just practicing my-"
"Fuck your manners." Olivier retorted, her face looking really pissed off.
Kimblee scowled and thought of something to make his CO get in the good mood. Earlier, she was just as satisfied as him, but why now…? He sighed, thinking why women are such emotional beings. Getting angry all of a sudden.
The beer arrived and they took a couple of shots. After several minutes Kimblee then decided to break the silence between them. "I'm sorry about today." Kimblee started, not really sure about what he's saying.
Olivier turned to him with flushed cheeks, thanks to the wine.
Kimblee found the urge to give an explanation. "I mean… I'm sorry if I acted like a jerk… or a pervert, or a stupid-"
"I'm used to it." Olivier snapped.
"I just don't want to ruin your day. I think I've pissed you off enough."
"I told you, I'm used to it." Olivier rolled her eyes. If Kimblee's doing this just to please her then she's not buying his apology.
Kimblee was quite hurt, for the reason that she looked like she was serious. "Yeah… I'm sorry about all of that, Colonel." With that, Kimblee looked at her straightly in the eye.
"Why are you telling me this now, of all times?" Olivier asked, not breaking contact with his eyes, her eyebrow raised.
"I just feel like saying it." For the first time, Kimblee's face lacked that usual smug look of his. "Besides, I think I'm bothering you too much with my attitude." He smirked a little.
Olivier narrowed her eyes. She didn't know why Kimblee became so serious all of a sudden. When Olivier couldn't take his piercing gaze anymore, she finally looked away. Kimblee was disappointed with the situation, where all they did was drink and drink until the atmosphere was too awkward to stay silent.
It was already late at night, Kimblee could tell. Some customers were going home already, only to be replaced by dangerous looking people. Those who still lurk around town even it was already midnight. He just enjoyed himself watching the prostitutes find a client. Good thing no one's inviting me. Or else, I wouldn't know what I should do. "Oh noes." He smirked to himself as a hooker approached her.
Olivier, who was too dizzy to react, could only watch Kimblee flirt with the woman. Not that she cared though.
Kimblee noticed Olivier watching them interact. Based on Olivier's reaction, he knew her insides were growling with disgust, so he decided to stop this game.
"Oh come on hot guy, come play with me… please?"
"Sorry honey, I already have a girlfriend." Kimblee purposely emphasized the word 'girlfriend' and it obviously caught Olivier's attention.
"Ehhh… Is that right?" The woman still persuaded Kimblee but the latter ultimately refused. "Aaah… I envy your girlfriend for having such a man like you!" The woman pouted, putting a hand on Kimblee's chest.
Olivier's eyebrow twitched at the sight.
Kimblee removed the woman's hand. "Maybe next time."
"Aww… okay then. But if you changed your mind don't hesitate to come see me, eh?" The woman smiled lustfully.
"Sure thing." Kimblee smirked back and the woman finally left him.
"Hmph." Olivier snorted.
"Oh. You're awake Colonel." Kimblee turned to her, obviously with faked surprise.
"Tch. Who knew someone like you have a girlfriend?"
Kimblee chuckled. "Heh. Do you think I'm not worthy to have one?"
"Yes, you're an absolute jerk."
"What? I didn't accept the hooker's offer, did I?"
"Yeah, but you still entertained her, and flirted with her."
"Well…"
"Lumforth would be disgusted with you." Olivier didn't think twice about her words so she ended up carelessly talking about Rima. She's drunk after all.
"Are you assuming that Lumforth's my girlfriend?" Kimblee was quite amused on where this conversation was going.
"No, I just-"
Kimblee laughed loudly. "I'm just kidding with that girlfriend thing you know… Aside from Rima, I'd say I'm more engrossed with another woman, Colonel." Kimblee grinned at Olivier at the mention of 'another woman'. Olivier didn't get what he was trying to imply though.
"Then just get it over with and make that 'woman' your girlfriend." Olivier was drunk enough to say those words. She was even drunk enough to not notice Kimblee's expression of lust and amusement.
"Oh, if only I could do that Colonel…" Kimblee leaned in towards Olivier's flushed face. "If only I could…" He whispered in such a low voice that sent Olivier's spine shivering. Kimblee brushed her cheeks and moved to kiss her chastely on the lips. Unfortunately, Olivier wouldn't allow him to do so. She pulled back just before their lips collided.
The soldier sighed.
How come I couldn't even kiss her? I could make any woman love me easily, but why couldn't I with Olivier? Kimblee grew frustrated by the minute.
Kimblee remembered his plan: Olivier should beg him to touch her. Seems like my plan has gone to shit. Of course, she's the Ice Queen cold and harsh! Kimblee tried to organize his thoughts in his mind. It was his manly ego that kept him from letting go of the topic.
Well, I could just force her, right?
He bit his lip inanger. Fuck, what am I thinking, of course I can't do that.
He absolutely can't. Unlike any whore he'd played with, he cared for Olivier. He's not going to force her to do what she didn't want to. He has changed indeed… from that pervert who took advantage of a drunk Olivier in her apartment, to a patient lover waiting for his CO to accept his affection. Well, I'm still a pervert though. He grinned.
Moments later, Olivier fell asleep at the couch. Kimblee noticed her leaning back at the wall, with flushed cheeks and furrowed brows. She consumed three bottles all by herself, what do I expect? Kimblee finally finished his second bottle. He glimpsed at Olivier whose head was slowly falling to her side. He reached to make her lean on his shoulder instead of the wall for support. Olivier looked like she didn't notice, her eyes were still closed. Kimblee finally relaxed and have some sleep for himself.
Kimblee groaned as he came back to his senses. He found Olivier leaning on his chest. He didn't wake her up, for he liked the feeling of her against him. He just hoped things were just this… simple. But it's not like that. Kimblee always loved thrilling jobs that risks one's life and with that, life was never simple for him. He could die any moment.
His mind suddenly travelled to the future, where he thought of his life as a soldier. Would he still be under Olivier's command by then? I could only wish.
What if he died? Not that he cared though. He just wondered what would be Olivier's reaction when she saw him on the ground, lifeless. Not much of an expression, I think.
He remembered a manuscript he read about alchemy… One is All, All is One.
Alchemy is life itself, deconstruction and reconstruction. If I died, the world would just continue to move as if nothing had happened. I am just a part of a large stream that may be called the universe or the world. "Death is part of that flow, accept it entirely." He found himself saying those words. Liv would just shrug off my death... He smiled. That's what I like about her.
Seconds later, he felt Olivier move under him. She opened her eyes but didn't move away from her position. She had to admit it was nice to sleep on Kimblee's chest. It was quite comfortable and she didn't want to pull away. Kimblee smirked sleepily as Olivier chanced to glance up at him. He stared at her momentarily, their eyes locked again.
"Good evening…" Kimblee smirked.
Olivier just stood up and prepared to leave while Kimblee straightened his jacket and paid the bills. They were both silent when they did all of that, and even when they exited the bar.
As they stepped out of the area, Kimblee broke the silence. "I'll walk you home." He turned to Olivier who was looking dizzy. "Hey, you okay?" He asked lending her a hand before she could fall down. Olivier leaned on the wall instead of his arm. "I'm fine." She lied. She started walking again but only to be tripped by her own wobbly feet.
"I'll just carry you." Kimblee approached her but Olivier glared at her seriously. She straightened her back and prepared to walk down the streets.
Kimblee sighed. He shouldn't forget: This is Colonel Armstrong. Not any ordinary woman who needs his protection. But still, Kimblee readied himself for any assistance that Olivier might need on their way home.
It was already late at night, and the streets were dangerous. Suspicious looking men were gathered at either side of the road, and the two both know that they were up to something illegal. They both sped up their pace. Kimblee stepped closer to Olivier, while watching the suspicious men at the corner of his eye.
They both relaxed when they turned right at the corner, where the street was safer with all the streetlights illuminating the area.
"Oh, now that I thought of it… why are you walking me home?" Olivier turned her head slowly to Kimblee.
"My apartment is a few meters away from yours. Funny how you asked me that when we're halfway to your quarters."Kimblee smiled sheepishly.
"I see… How the hell did you know we're halfway? It's the first time you're walking me home…" Olivier's voice was weak and husky.
"I've got a good memory 'Liv." Kimblee pointed at his head. "Remember when I went to your apartment in the last few months? The directions were engraved in my head ever since." He chuckled.
"Mmm." Olivier found it hard to speak anymore.
"Ho, ho. We've been together for months now, eh? Heh, I didn't even notice it."
"Yes. You've been my subordinate for a long time now. Honestly, I'm getting tired of you." Olivier sneered.
"Whatever, that's not true anyway."
"And who said that? I'm serious. I'm fed up with seeing you every morning." Olivier smirked smugly at Kimblee.
Kimblee just chuckled at her. "So… do you like cats?" Kimblee absentmindedly said.
"Where did that question come from?"
"I don't know, the idea just suddenly popped in my head. I'm a really random guy you know."
"Hmph. No, I don't like cats. They're always demanding for attention. I like dogs more."
Kimblee patted her shoulder. "Indeed. Judging from your attitude, dogs really fit you."
"Peh. How about you?" Olivier asked boringly.
"Dogs or cats… I love them both." Kimblee smirked and walked towards a stray cat passing by the road. He kneeled down and started pulling the black and gray cat gently towards him.
Olivier stopped and looked at Kimblee who was stroking the cat's fur. The cat in turn brushed its face against Kimblee's palm. Olivier crossed her arms as he watched Kimblee. She just stated a while ago that she didn't like cats but she couldn't help but admire the soldier's attitude.
What's that saying again, "The true heart of a man could be seen by his treatment of animals…" Is that right? Olivier smiled, thinking how Kimblee continued to stroke the cat even though it's as dirty as garbage.
"I didn't know you're a stray cat lover." Olivier walked closer to him.
Kimblee turned to her partially, but not diverting his attention to the cat. "Yeah. They're homeless but not worthless. I prefer to keep stray cats rather than domesticated ones." Kimblee found a surprised look at Olivier's face.
He smirked at the cat and stood up. "Indeed I love tearing the flesh of our enemies in battle. But I'd rather kill people than do horrible things to these innocent creatures." He smirked widely; his eyes became dangerous and frightening.
Olivier could only laugh at him. "What the hell is that twisted logic of yours…"
Kimblee just ignored her and they continued to walk. The soldier's eyes didn't leave the cat until they were meters away from it. He turned back to Olivier.
"What would you do if I was killed in battle?" He smirked again at Olivier's surprised look.
"Your being random irritates me, really."
"Sorry… I couldn't help but ask it." His eyes fell down.
"Hmm… Maybe I'll just ignore it and continue with my life as if nothing had happened."
"How harsh. Although that's the answer I expected from you."
"From the moment we became soldiers, death has always been a comrade. We shouldn't be surprised if one day it will finally take our lives. That's what you told me right? 'Having regret for the dead is pointless; we strive to keep them alive.' " Olivier restated exactly what Kimblee told her months ago.
"Indeed." Kimblee couldn't admire her more for her attitude. "I'm glad you understand. Most people would probably be scared in just talking about death. Your character is really admirable."
"You don't really hesitate in flattering me, do you?"
"Of course, I'm straightforward, just like you." He smirked at her.
"Whatever."
"Oh, we're here." Kimblee escorted Olivier at the doorstep of her quarters. She started opening the door with her keys when Kimblee called her attention.
" 'Liv… " He called her gently by that nick name.
Olivier turned and saw Kimblee searching something in his pockets. "What?"
"Umm…" He pulled out a bronze pocket watch and tossed it towards Olivier.
Olivier caught it in mid-air and gazed at it intriguingly. It has some kind of transmutation circle embossed on it. "What the hell is this?" She asked, looking back at Kimblee.
"That's a pocket watch."
"Fuck, I know that Kimblee. And what do you want me to do with this?"
"Well I'm not really sentimental about things. But I just want to give you that. I don't want to claim it as a birthday gift…. rather a token of appreciation. I figured I should give you something useful, otherwise you would just throw it away." Kimblee grinned.
Olivier seemed to understand it a little. "Good thing you know."
"Thank you for bearing with me all this time… hehe…" He chuckled nervously.
Olivier looked at him with amusement. "Hmmm… I don't need a bribe you know." She snorted.
"Happy Birthday, Colonel."
Olivier tucked the watch inside her pockets and proceeded to enter her quarters. When she twisted the doorknob, she suddenly stopped. Kimblee stared at her questioningly.
"Kimblee."
"Yes?"
"What would you do if I was… killed?" She kept her stance, facing away from Kimblee to hide her embarrassment in asking the question.
Kimblee tried not to snort. He just smiled while saying, "That won't do, 'Liv. Either you'll kill them before they kill you, or I'll just beat the crap out of whomever fucker who would dare to."
Olivier turned her head partly, giving him an intriguing glance. "You mean I have a long life ahead of me huh?"
"Hell yeah." They both laughed quietly though the sound echoed in the corridor.
Kimblee made his way behind Olivier, turned her around and slowly pulled her into a hug. He waited if Olivier would resist, but when she didn't do anything, he held her closer against him. He smiled and then placed a lasting kiss on her forehead. Olivier allowed herself to relax in Kimblee's tight embrace.
He deserves this for even once in a while. She thought, smiling faintly to herself.
Just remember that this happened before the manga storyline. Their characters are not yet *that* developed. Kimblee is not yet *that* apathetic, and Oivier's not yet *that* emotionless, grumpy, harsh, cold and stuff. But in the sequel I'm going to write, (although I'm not really sure if I could do it…) they're going to be just like their manga selves.
By the way, I have edited the past chapters. It's only a minor editing though (like changing the names of Harry and James to Locke and Miller – their surnames respectively).
Read and review, if you still want to. Thank you. :)