According to the calendar, it's November. Do you know what that means?
ONE MORE MONTH TILL DECEMBER! I'm so excited! Christmas is almost here!
–shouts out the window- One more month till Christmas!
Does anyone have a myspace? If you do, please add me! I mean if you want, you don't have to. The email address is MidnightBreeze15( the at sign)aol(dot)com. Stop by and say hi sometime.
A quick shout out to SJ Smith for the edit! Where would I be without you? –huggles-
Enough blabbering- onto the story!
"But it's so early…"
Ed mumbled, his voice muffled from behind the pillow he was using to shield himself against the wrath of light. It was a quarter to six, an early hour of the morning where waking up was hours away or a dream was dreamt in the consciousness of his mind.
Al rolled his eyes, showing no clemency as he threw aside the blankets on Ed's bed, a vain attempt to get his brother up.
"Gimme five minutes…" Ed flopped over, already drifting off to sleep.
"Get up!" Al yelled, hitting Ed with a nearby pillow. "Roy and Riza will be here any minute!"
"…M'kay, but wake me up when….zzzzzz…"
A groan rumbled from Al's throat. "Brother! Get your lazy ass out of the goddamn bed!"
As though boosted with a shock of energy, Ed sprang upright, gaping at his sibling incredulously. "Al, d-did… did you just say 'ass' and 'goddamn'… in the same sentence? But you rarely ever curse!"
Al huffed. "Yes, and I'll say it again. Get your lazy ass out of the goddamn bed!" Not wanting to hear more, Ed obediently did as he was told, scampering hastily out of the bedroom door.
"Brothers," Al shook his head, "honestly."
"I hate traffic," Roy grumbled from behind the steering wheel. They had left at exactly six-thirty, a good time, he thought, to hit the road without getting delayed by traffic congestion. Apparently, his idea wasn't original. Five minutes on the highway, they became trapped in the early commute, surrounded by the sea of other cars whose drivers shared the same theory as Roy.
"Riza," Roy whimpered, sounding weak and defenseless, "make the traffic go away."
Riza escaped out of the romantic novel she was immersed in to give Roy a soothing pat on the shoulder. "I wish I could but I can't."
"Dammit all," Roy honked the horn to channel out the frustration vent inside as he shrunk in his seat. "Traffic's evil…"
Meanwhile in the furthermost seat sat two individuals who were just around the corner from running into a sour mood and the lack of personal space was not helping at all. Ed and Winry were squished into their seats, being much too close for comfort. The van did not have enough room for the entire luggage, and because of this little factor, all leftover baggage were kept in the seat they were in.
"Oh sorry," Winry apologized as a whip of her hair found its way into Ed's eyes. Not only were they stuck with little space, they had no means of moving without accidentally bumping, hitting, or grazing each other.
"It's fine," Ed said, scowling at the driver who condemned them to the backseat in the first place. It wasn't that he didn't like sitting next to Winry, it was the close proximity he minded. He was so near to her with an unnerving revelation that if he turned his head all the way, he could-
"Brother," Al turned in his seat to face Ed. "Can you hand me my magazine? It's in the green bag next to you."
Out of irritation, Ed rolled his eyes, scavenging though the backpack to retrieve a glossy publication on household pets.
"Hey Al," he handed him the magazine. "Winry and I will switch you and Julia seats- come on, what do you say?"
Julia, who had established herself as a girl of little words, shook her head, politely refusing.
"No way," Al declined, forgetting about being kind and charitable as he began showing Julia an article on kittens.
A sigh escaped from Winry and Ed before asking one of the most overused questions in existence. "Are we there yet?"
"No!" Roy barked from the front. "We're not even on the sixty yet- we've got a long ways to go so sit tight."
"In case you haven't noticed, we already are," Ed retorted smartly. Roy snarled. Everyone else in the car prepared for the worst, seeing that a collision of two dour moods could spark something ferocious.
"All right, how some about music!" Riza suddenly exclaimed, trying to brighten up the fiery disposition as she turned on the radio. Ed and Roy glared at one another before averting their scowl elsewhere.
"I got you to hold my hand," a man's voice sung, followed by a woman's.
"I got you to understand." (A/N: Some Sonny and Cher for ya.)
"I got you to walk with me."
"I got you to talk with me."
Riza faced Roy with delight laced in her features. "Roy, this is-!"
"- the song that played when we had out first kiss together," Roy finished, thoughts of the memory fresh as though it had happened just yesterday. Becoming oblivious to the snickering and "aww" coming from the group behind them, Roy and Riza gave each other their own performance and sang in sync.
"I got you babe," the pointed to each other. "I got you babe."
"Adults," Al shook his head, chuckling, "honestly."
Boredom. It affects everyone like some contagious disease; its only cure is an escape with something interesting to do. In Winry's case, there was no panacea to alleviate the dullness. Everyone else had no symptoms of boredom; Roy and Riza were still singing each other songs, Al was showing Julia something on his game console, while Ed, was well… snoring.
Exhausted from sleep deprivation, he had dozed off some time ago, mouth hanging wide, a trail of saliva treading its way down his chin. As unattractive he might have seemed to anyone at that moment, Winry had never seen him so tranquil, a hidden mask secret to the world until now. She smiled to herself, wishing she could get her camera but she cursed with mounds of luggage surrounding her.
Winry yawned, suddenly feeling drained of energy. Without giving it a second thought she rested her head on Ed's shoulder. Well, this is the only comfortable way I can take a nap, she assured herself with a reason. Her accusation was right, the piles of baggage was anything but cozy. I'm sure Ed won't mind… Leaning against Ed's warm shoulder, Winry succumbed to sleep, drifting into her dreams.
"Bastard!" Roy yelled out the window to the driver stealing the spot he wanted.
The driver, wearing a black leather coat with fur around the neckline, parked his red Ferrari as he pointed to his license plate reading the word 'GREEDY.' Roy fumed, throwing the man a rude gesture before speeding off to find a better spot.
"Roy!" Riza scolded. "That was horrible!"
"So?" Roy's tone was anything but concerned. "He stole my parking spot!"
"But you didn't have to flip him off! My God, Roy- be more civil with the little things, ok?"
"But he wasn't being civil either!"
"Are we there yet?" Al interrupted curiously, extinguishing the blazing argument.
"Yes," Riza and Roy replied before going on about the differences between being courteous and uncivil.
"Finally," Al let out a sigh of relief as Julia did the same. He turned around, asking, "Ed did you hear?" but broke off at the site. There was Ed was snoring away, Winry's head on his shoulder and their arms tangled together.
Julia looked at him as though saying 'They're going to have to wake up sometime.'
"I know," Al sadly said as though reading her mind. "But I hate to ruin such a Kodak moment."
The van abruptly came to a screeching halt, jolting Ed out of his slumber. He blinked once, twice, remembering he was in the car as he rubbed the weariness from his eyes.
"Hi brother," Al grinned cheekily.
"Hi," answered Ed, glancing out of the windows to the sunset splashed sky. "What time is it?"
"Almost seven," Al replied, checking his watch to see if he was precise.
"Seven?" Ed gaped. "But it was six-thirty when we left- so we've been in this car for over twelve hours?"
"Uh huh," Al said casually. "The traffic was a bummer since that took us at least three hours to get out of. We stopped at a restaurant for lunch, and I tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't budge, so don't blame me for anything. Then we hit the road again, but Roy got on the wrong ramp, so we had to exit. He got us lost and we just kept going around and around in circles, you know, until Riza forced him to stop for directions. Once we got the directions, we found the right freeway, but there was traffic and we were running out of gas and freaking out. But here we are, at the cabin after all that turmoil. It's very exciting."
"Oh," was all Ed had to say, wondering how he had slept through the whole adventure. Al shook his head as he and Julia got out of the car. Ed's stomach ached with hunger, and there was a heavy feeling on his shoulder, as if there was something on it.
He looked down and saw Winry, dozed off with her nose buried in his shirt collar. He didn't try to wake her up, just stared at her with a nameless feeling overcast in the atmosphere.
Maybe the close proximity isn't so bad after all.
Or at least that's what his mind thought. What came out of his mouth was completely different. When Roy and Riza slid open the van doors, Winry stirred awake, chaos ensued.
"What the hell are you doing sleeping on my shoulder?" Ed interrogated although he didn't have a purpose in doing so.
Winry blinked. Oh great. It looks like he did mind. "I got tired!" she shot back, jerking her tangled arm away from Ed's. "What the hell are you getting so worked on about?"
"Hey hey!" Roy popped his head in. "Are you guys coming or not?"
Scowling like a pair of children, Ed and Winry hopped out of the van, the snow crunching beneath them. Evergreen trees frosted with snow could be seen in every direction; the cool, crisp scent of pine lingering in the winter air. Rows of cabins, smoke drifting from chimneys showing that they were occupied, wound down the soft slopes and into the distance. Everything looked like it could be put into a snow globe, stored and shaken to be left as the perfect winter wonderland.
Entranced by their surroundings, Winry and Ed followed Roy inside a cabin a story taller than the rest. A genial breeze of warmth welcomed them as they walked into the living room, the roar of a fire burning in the fireplace inviting them to come and stay. A staircase climbed upstairs, already decorated with red and green tinsel, leading to three dormant rooms.
"Oo, I like this," Ed whistled, looking upwards to the sparkling chandelier above. "Damn nice place you got here, Mustang." Winry, Al and Julia shook their heads in agreement.
Roy nodded in gratitude, setting aside some of the luggage as the others pitched in to carry the remaining baggage. It took some time to unload the van, but once everyone got settled, Al, Winry, Julia and Ed went back to gaping and gazing at the mansion of a cabin.
"God, I'm tired," Roy yawned. "Driving for so long can seriously wear you out."
"I'm hungry," Ed clutched his growling stomach. "Do you have any food?"
"The kitchen's down the hall, to your left," Riza informed. Like an animal chasing its prey, Ed sped down the hardwood floors, disappearing around a corner.
"So, where are the bedrooms?" Al asked, eyes wandering up the second level.
"Upstairs," replied Roy. "Thing is, there are only three rooms."
"Three rooms?" Al and Winry repeated incredulously, Julia's hazel eyes wide in shock.
"Yes, and according to the plan, there are to be two in each room," Riza said, emphasizing on the word 'plan' to give Al a hint as to what she was really talking about.
"Oh! The Secr- yes, ok I see," he got the message. "So just two in each room?"
"Yes, just two," Roy responded as he held up two fingers. Winry frowned, wondering why on earth they were making such a big deal about two people occupying the same room. She thought it didn't need much negotiating; she would just simply share a room with-
"Julia," said Riza suddenly, "you can share a room with Al, since he's basically the only who knows you the best, and I don't think you'd want to be put in an awkward situation with someone you aren't really acquainted with." Julia squeaked out a small, "Ok" and Al nodded in understanding.
"And I'll share a room with Riza," Roy added, trying his best not to reveal a knowing smile. "So Winry, that leaves you a room with Ed."
"Say what?" Ed appeared in the room, holding a bag of chips and a soda. "Did I miss anything?"
"We decided who's sharing a room with whom," Roy said, snatching his favorite chips back from Ed's grasp. "And you're sharing a room with Winry."
"Huh?" Ed almost choked on his soda, thinking he heard wrong. "I'm what?"
"Sharing a room with me," Winry shot back, offended by his reaction. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't want to share a room with you either."
"No, it's not that!" Ed waved his arms around apologetically. "It's just… Al, who are you bunking with?"
"Julia," responded Al, seeing a questioning and bemused expression creep its way onto his brother's face. "Look, we're not going to do anything!"
"I never said that!" Ed remarked although the very idea had crossed his mind.
"Well, now that we have everything settled," Roy yawned again as he headed upstairs. "Goodnight."
"Wait a minute, Mustang!" Ed called as he blocked his path.
Roy exasperatedly sighed, wishing the boy wasn't so persistent. "Whaddya want?"
"Winry and I get the biggest room then… since we had the least room in the car" Ed glanced at Winry, who nodded. "Yeah, how about it? It seems like a reasonable trade."
"Fine," Mustang shrugged, not wanting to start a scene. "Suit yourselves. The room you want is the last one down the hall."
Stunned from Roy's lack of argument, Ed watched as the others dispersed upstairs, settling into their rooms with biddings of goodnight. The reverberation of doors clicking shut sounded twice before the cackling of the dying fire occupied the space of silence.
"We should go to sleep now, you know," said Winry although she was anything but tired. Ed, who was as alert and awake as she was, agreed and the two of them walked upstairs to the door at the end of the hall. Winry twisted the knob, pushing open the door to reveal the room and all its glamour.
"Whoa…" they said in unison, taking in the huge expansion with hungry eyes.
Four times bigger than either of their bedrooms back at home, they were sure the space was suited to fit more than just two people. Glass windows, draped with red velvet and laced with trim, were imprinted with frost. Another curtain showered over a door which led to the getaway of the balcony. A bookshelf was placed randomly in a corner, while an expensive-looking globe sat next to it for decoration. There was even a flat screen TV was conveniently placed in a good viewing distance.
But even rooms have flaws. After gazing and gaping at such luxury, one little fact shattered the lavishness and the fantasy room crumbled.
There was only a single bed which was meant for a single person.
"You have got to be kidding me," Ed said as he ran a hand through his bangs.
"How are we going to fit on that?" Winry pointed, Ed shaking his head without a clue.
It was certainly going to be a long night.
I'm going to be evil and stop it there. But first, let me clarify one little thing. Just 'cause there's only one bed that they're going to have to most likely share it, and sleep in it, doesn't mean they're going to do stuff in it. This fic isn't going to turn into a lemon, nor will I make it one because if I do, it might loose its Christmas theme all together.
But I have a big feeling this story's going to be longer than just 12 chapters. I hope you don't mind.
Anyway, is anyone a Harry Potter fan? The movie comes out in soon! I'm excited for that too! –does a jig and waves a fake wand around- Yeah, I know I'm a dork. –toothy grin-
Some love to my reviewers. You guys are seriously awesome! You're the ones who keep me going:
EdWaRd E WoRsHiPpEr: Lol, but that's what makes Al so loveable. –laughs- YMCA! Haha, anyways, thanks a bunch cherry punch for the sweet review!
Terrasina Dragonwagon: Yeah, Aaron's only 12-13ish. Wow, he's young enough to be my little brother! He does a stupendous job at Al, kudos to him! Thanks for the awesome review! –smile-
WildfireDreams: I'm on it! –grabs notebook and pen and starts writing- Muchas gracias for the lovely review!
MetalWing Alchemist: You're too kind! I'm blown away by your awesome kindness. Yep, January. That means one step closer until its released over here in the states. Yesss! Lol, I love Aaron! "Yeah, it's my bowl." XDD I hope they'll another commentary on the next disc with other VAs. Anyhoo, thanks so very very much for the review!
NekoRaven: I love commentaries too! It's fun to hear what the people have to say. Many millions of thank yous for the neato review!
-secret-destination- Yay, glad to hear that this is one of your favorite stories! I'm happy! Thanks for the awesomely awesome review!
MastahChibeh: I was thinking about that blizzard idea thing too! Great minds think alike, eh? I'm not sure if I'll add it in here though… hmm, we'll see. Aw, thanks for the encouragement! Another mouthful of thanks for the superbly awesome review!
RobinRox13: Lol, I'm so mean to put Ed and Winry in that situation –rubs hands together and cackles maliciously- mwahaha! Thanks for the wickedly cool review!
Eighth Deadly Sin: -smirk- Ed and Winry have to share the same bed. Sucks for them… or does it? Hmmm! But I swear this won't turn into a lemon or anything! Anyways, many many thanks yous for the coolly cool review!
Sanowaeca: The fifth DVD's commentary was awesome! I liked the 4th DVD too since it had a L'ArcenCiel music video, and I loooveee them. Aw, thanks for the superly super review! Lol, Vic and Aaron are awesome! They're my idols.
Inu-KagomeFan: Omg, I'm sorry to hear that Hurricane Wilma came to where you live! Are you ok? Was there any major damage to your home or anything precious to you? I hope you're ok! My heart goes out to you and anyone else whose paths have been crossed with a hurricane. Thanks sooo much for taking the time after the hurricane to leave a review! You're awesome beyond words!
matthias208: Hiya! Yeah, Pokemon's got it made over in Japan. I remember when I used to like Pokemon! What season are they in now anyways? Yay! Glad to hear that you love the story! –does some tap dance thing- Lol, you're stupendously stupendous for leaving such a stupendously stupendous review! Thanks a million!
Degan: -smile- Thanks for the wickedly sweet review! I hope you keep reading!
no1 important: Hola! No need to apologize, so don't worry about it! Arigato for the lovely review!
S J Smith: Hey! No problem for the review! Thanks sooooooo ubberly much for the edit! You're spectacularly awesome! You deserve a cookie. A gazillion thanks for the edit and some more thanks for the review!
Stay tuned for the next chapter: A day of skiing, and plotting galore. Wait a minute, what's Lust doing with Scar?
Until a later time- see ya!
--WaitingWishing