Me again! Xd lol Yeah, once again, Happy New Year everyone! :D :) I hope you guys had a blast! Uh, (scratches head) yeah, well, I know authors usually don't do this stuff and all but allow me to just say this teensie bit, 2016 hadn't been the...best year for me, but writing stories helped a lot, definitely, writing has always been an outlet when I was incredibly stressed, feeling down or when the real world become too much and I found out many people felt the same. I have been pretty insecure about posting my stories, which of course like with any other author contain bits and pieces of themselves in as well, our thoughts, feelings and sometimes we portray them through the character we are writing about, while simultaneously trying to not write the character too OOC. Yeah...sorry for rambling, I'm kinda in a sentimental mood now I guess (clears throat) Eheh, yeah I'm awkward about such things ne? ^^ Anyway, since I rambled now, feel free to tell me how your 2016 looked like if you WANT. :)
ANSWERS TO REVIEWS:
Lily: Ohhh! Good idea! Don't worry, it's noted down and I'll update the requests chapter soon too! :3 Thanks for the awesome idea Lil'! :)
Penguin20: Aw thanks so much! :)
Bob: Thanks a lot Bob! :D
Enjoy everyone! :)
My Gift to You Part 2
Ling stuck his tongue out, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as his concentrated gaze roved over the rows and rows of robes. He sighed dramatically, placing one hand on his hip and flipping through the robes with the other, he frowned, "No, no, no, no...too flashy, too...ugh revealing bleh, too dark, too bright, too-oh! That's it!" he grinned, eyes alight with happiness as he clutched at the fabric tightly.
Right over his hand, there was another, who was clutching the robe as well, what the...
Ling looked to his right only to see some elderly woman, he called upon his patience to deal with this, "Um, excuse me miss but you see I-" the woman suddenly, roughly might he add, roughly, grabbed the fabric right out of his tight grip and scoffed.
"Yeah? Whatcha want kid?" her voice was gruff and angry and Ling swore he had found Greed's mom...or some other type of relative. Grandma? Yeah, maybe.
"Excuse me, but I grabbed it first," Ling's grip was back on the robe.
The woman's eyes narrowed, "Oh really? And who saw that? I didn't," with her nose turned up in the air, she ripped the fabric from his hands and made her slow way to the cashier.
Ling tried again, his patience running thin, "Excuse me-"
WHAM!
"Shut yer trap you annoying fly! I don't have time to deal with hormonal teenagers looking to play dress up! Now scram!" Ok, he took that back, not even Greed's mom could have been that nasty...maybe.
This time, Ling outright growled, "Alright, listen up you old hag! I saw that robe first and I grabbed it first! Now give me back my damn robe!" he held his hand out, royally pissed.
The old woman turned around, adjusting her sunglasses, who the hell wore sunglasses in winter?!
"You wanna fight pretty boy? Come at me!" the woman turned her bag into a weapon, swinging it with the grace of one of Ling's royal servants who were trained in the art of combat.
Patience and etiquette be damned.
Ooh, the game was on!
"Hm..." Ed's keen gaze moved over various assortments of jewelry and other pretty trinkets, but none seemed to catch his attention and it had already been an hour.
"Found something brother?" Al appeared beside Ed and the older male nearly jumped in surprise.
"A-Al, w-what are you doing here?" he looked around, searching for the smaller Xingese princess.
His brother scratched the back of his neck, smiling, "Ah, w-well you see, Mei and Winry went shopping and they dragged me along but I lost them in the crowd." He grinned sheepishly and Ed sighed.
"So that's how it is huh..." he turned back toward the jewelry, sighing in defeat. Al noticed.
"Didn't find anything?" he asked, a small smile on his face.
Ed shook his head, "Nah...I've searched for over an hour Al but I can't find anything. I don't even really know what she wants you know? I mean, she's more of a practical person, she only has dresses for formal occasions, she has weapons instead of jewelry and...well I don't know! I can't just gift her random stuff you would gift to any woman out there!" he ran a hand down his face, clueless.
Alphonse chuckled, resting a hand on his brother's shoulder, "Hm...have you tried subtly asking her?" he rose an eyebrow.
Ed mimicked his expression, "Subtly asking her?"
"Mhm, yeah. Starting a conversation and trying to talk about Christmas, what was it like for her before, what she got as presents and then you could just ask her what she would like or if she needed something. Well, you two aren't the best of friends so why not spend some time with her and figure it out?" he smiled, hopeful that his advice was good.
Ed hummed, running a hand through his hair, "Hey, we get along pretty well it's just...ah...yeah, I guess we just never really hang out that often. Either way that bastard is with her or we are with everyone else and we don't talk as much...you think that may work?" he was genuinely curious, since he considered her a dear friend and didn't want to gift her something disappointing on Christmas of all holidays.
Alphonse chuckled, "Well, it's worth a try. Last time I saw her, she was talking to Lan Fan about something, that was near the Xingese shop," Ed nodded his thanks and patted Al's shoulder before he moved within the sea of people, headed for the Xingese shop.
Sure enough, Lena was there, but alone, Lan Fan must have probably left already. Lena was leaning over what appeared to be necklaces or wristbands. Ed steeled himself as he approached her and gently touched her shoulder.
Lena almost jumped at the unexpected contact on her shoulder, thinking it was either Lan Fan or maybe even Greed, she turned around but instead of seeing either of the two, she saw a grinning Ed, who looked a bit sheepish.
"Sorry, did I uh, startle you?" he scratched the back of his neck.
Lena smiled, shaking her head, "Oh, Ed it's you. No, you didn't don't worry. I had just been expecting Lan Fan or maybe even Greed,"
Ed rose an eyebrow, looking around briefly for the Homunculus, "Ah, where is he?"
Lena rolled her eyes playfully, "He was muttering something about dog collars and piss-ant," she snorted, laughing when Ed started laughing too.
"Oh geez, I seriously pity Ling now," he shook his head, not too keen on finding out what Greed had in store for him.
Lena giggled, "Yeah, I'm just glad he didn't get me," she covered her eyes with her hand, releasing a relieved sigh.
Ed rose an eyebrow curiously, "Uh, why? He's your boyfriend ain't he?" now that got him curious.
Lena grinned, "Yeah, he is but sometimes he won't even show mercy on me...you don't wanna know what he gifted me as a prank gift last year," she shivered, as if visualizing the memory caused her physical illness.
"Speaking of gifts...uh, what did you usually get? You know for Christmas," he put his hands in his pockets casually, attempting to not act suspicious.
Lena thought for a moment, "Oh...um...well..." she frowned in concentration, "To tell you the truth, last time someone gifted me something was dad and that had been before I left for my journey...on my journey I sort of just spent it drinking hot chocolate and walking around and looking at the festivities, nothing special. And Greed always made sure I was never disappointed, when he would gift me something weird, it was usually a prank gift." She giggled, "Last year, he gave me a map, a compass and a piece of his Philosopher's Stone. He told me that I should mark the locations I've already traveled to on the map, whenever I would get lost somewhere I should put a part of his stone on the compass and it would lead me to him," she giggled, "It's a silly but sweet though, he can be a real cheesy romantic when he wants be,"
"Oh and the year before, he spent a small fortune on roses, a telescope to watch the stars and he bought me a nice big blanket for winter, I love sharing it with him when it's chilly and he's behaving like a stuck up girl that denies her crush," she giggled, grinning cheekily.
Ed blinked, amazed at all the things Greed had gifted her. How could he top that? Hm... "That sounds...really great. You know, I shouldn't actually tell you this but uh, Al lied when he said he got Mei as secret Santa. He actually got you and he doesn't know what to buy you," Ed scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, hoping Lena wouldn't be as perceptive as she usually was and believe his little white lie.
Lena rose an eyebrow, a small smile on her face, "Really? Aw, he's so cute! But, I don't want anything. To me, it's enough I got everyone with me safe and sound, presents are a secondary factor to great company, don't you think?" she smiled up at him. Ed blushed in embarrassment.
"Yeah, you're right. But still, he looked like he really wanted to buy you something nice for Christmas. You know how Al is," Ed rolled his eyes, hoping his poor lying skills had improved.
Lena observed him for a moment, before she wound her arm with his, which startled Ed beyond belief. Usually, Winry would do it and he was used to her impulsive actions, but this caught him entirely off guard. Redness spread over Ed's cheeks and he looked around, looking if his imminent death would soon fall upon him should somebody get the wrong idea.
"Tell you what Ed, why don't we look around and see if we can find something? If it gives Al a peace of mind then..." she smiled, grinning up at him.
Ed relaxed, grinning back at her, "How stupid can I get? Hell, we are just friends, maybe Win was right, I didn't spend a whole lot of time with girls to understand how some things work," Ed grinned devilishly and grabbed her hand, "Watcha waiting for? Let's go!"
She laughed in surprise when Ed dragged her along before she started running with him through the crowd, laughing like maniacs and letting the snowflakes fall on them.
A few hours later...
Greed carried a paper bag in his arm, whistling nonchalantly as he drank some hot chocolate from his cup, feeling the warm sweet liquid leaving a pleasant aftertaste in his mouth and warming him from the inside. He smiled and hummed, enjoying the feeling.
Well, his shopping for today was almost done, he might as well try and look where his girlfriend-
He violently tore the cup from his mouth and spit out the liquid with it when he spotted Lena and Edward standing close together at a stand, from his view, it looked like Ed bought her some hot chocolate to drink but she playfully hit his arm and seemed to protest at the idea, attempting to stuff a few coins in his jacket pockets with Ed blushing and shouting it was alright. (A/N: ...You know that moment when a friend wants to buy you something but you try to stuff the money back into their pockets or hands? No? Maybe I'm the only crazy one here...XD)
Greed realized a piece of the destroyed plastic cup still hung in his mouth and he spit it out, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at them, now he wasn't exactly the jealous type...
Oh who the hell was he kidding, he was the sin of greed for hell's sake! He desired everything there was to desire! Of course he was the possessive type! Damn it all!
"But why is she hanging around Ed? They're friends but..." he narrowed his eyes, "Maybe my avarice is playing tricks on me..." Greed shrugged, trying to ban the feeling into the back of his mind.
He saw how they talked about something, laughed about something, saw how Lena's cheeks reddened before she playfully hit the taller male and the blonde chuckled at her reaction.
Hm...
She was his damn it and he was hers! Not even Ed Fullmetal fucking Elric could steal her away! Besides, didn't he have the automail freak? Why was he suddenly hanging around her?! She was his badass lady with a big heart! Greed tried to calm down and think rationally, "Alright... maybe they're hanging out because it's Christmas and shit and they want to spend time together. They're friends, they can spend time together, no worries, yeah," his hand clenched around air as he looked down at the snow covered ground. Oh...yeah...he had accidentally destroyed his cup.
He scoffed, crossing his arms and turning his back like a insulted child, refusing to listen to his suspicions.
"Greed? Is that you?" he heard Lena's voice call out to him and he turned around then, quickly masking his annoyance when he saw Edward and Lena approaching him, both smiling with flushed cheeks. Greed's mood darkened and Ed picked up on it, looking briefly at Greed in confusion, raising a fair eyebrow.
Greed ignored him, "Hey sweets," Greed's frown softened into a warm smile and he hugged Lena briefly, she patted his shoulder affectionately and kissing his chin in greeting.
"Hey, I thought you were getting things for...you know who," Lena winked with a smirk.
The Homunculus grinned, "Yeah, I got everything I need," his annoyance returned when he looked at Ed.
"So...you met Ed huh?" Greed crossed him arms, for some reason feeling territorial.
Ed didn't show any signs of being uncomfortable or feeling intimidated at all, which only grated on Greed's pride and nerves, "Yeah, we met an hour ago when I had been searching for things to buy," he smiled an easy going smile.
Greed clicked his tongue, Lena noticed the snappish behavior and rose an eyebrow, "Greed are you-"
"Well, kids, I got an appointment! Gotta go look for that crazy piss-ant who doesn't know how to use doors," he rolled his eyes, whistling and turning on his heel in the opposite direction.
Lena stopped herself mid-sentence and sent Ed a semi-worried look, Ed shrugged down at her.
He leaned down slightly to whisper in her ear, conscious of Greed's good hearing, "I think he's just in a bad mood, we could try to cheer him up later right?" Ed smiled and chuckled.
Lena smiled and giggled, nodding, "Mhm, yeah, thanks Ed," she smiled at him.
Before Greed rounded a corner, he took one last look behind him to see if they already left. What he saw left him frozen stiff.
Ed, that prick, leaning too close to Lena and whispering something in her ear, making her giggle. They both laughed.
Greed's Ultimate Shield covered fingers dug into the side of the building he was behind.
Alphonse smiled, "Roy! How comes you're here?" he looked up at the shop Roy just walked out of, a mechanic shop.
Roy seemed surprise to encounter Alphonse just across the street and he smiled, "Oh, hello Alphonse. Just running a delivery really, what about yourself?" Roy tried playing it cool, he was Führer damn it, he needed to keep a cool head, be focused...
"You're buying a present for him aren't you?" Al flatly asked, a small smirk on his face. He laughed out loud when Roy jumped and frantically looked around as if the person he was the secret Santa of himself was somewhere in the vicinity and spying on them this very second.
"Not so loud Alphonse! The little twerp may be here somewhere!" Roy sent suspicious looks every person that passing, earning odd looks in return.
Al laughed and scratched the back of his neck, "Oh no, don't worry, he actually went a little while ago somewhere with Lena."
Roy sighed in relief then perked up, "Lena huh? Odd, I just saw Greed pass me by, I think he didn't see me. He looked...livid for some reason. Pretty annoyed I would say," he rubbed his chin, humming thoughtfully.
Al's eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Wait, what? You saw Greed? Why was he annoyed?"
Mustang shrugged, "I don't know, I thought he had gotten into a dispute with the tiny pipsqueak or something," he pouted and for some reason, he reminded Al of a disappointed puppy.
"Well, brother's not tiny anymore," Al smiled nervously, "It's weird...even if he did fight with brother, it couldn't be because Lena is with him,"
Both men thought for a while, before Roy nearly head butted Al by jumping when he figured out what the possible reason for Greed's anger may be.
"I know! Maybe he was jealous!" Roy pointed a finger at Al, who looked completely lost and confused.
"What? Greed being jealous over brother? Now that's something you don't hear every day..." Al rose an eyebrow, "No, I don't think so. Well, either way, there's no reason for him to be jealous. Brother is married to Winry and he is Lena's boyfriend, they would never cheat that's for sure," Alphonse looked out at the passing people, not understanding the situation.
Roy smirked, rubbing his chin, "Hm...perhaps so, Alphonse, perhaps so. However, there comes a time in a man's life where he may choose a different route to his usual comfortable life and seek something different? Some men decide that the domestic life isn't something for them and they leave it behind in order to pursue a more...risqué lifestyle." Mustang smirked, probably thinking of Riza in a mini skirt again.
Al froze, his eyes wide when he grabbed Roy by his shoulders and shook him violently, "No, no, no! Brother would never do that! You're wrong!"
Roy blinked, "W-wait a minute Alphonse, I didn't mean it happened to him! I'm just saying men that very much love to travel, may have perverted tendencies or thoughts, get bored easily and are at times childish tend to do such things," Roy scratched his head.
Alphonse froze as stiff as a board.
"Brother loves to travel!" Alphonse's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"Brother is sometimes perverted!" Al covered his mouth in shock.
"Brother does get bored easily!" Oh no...no...
"BROTHER IS CHILDISH!" Al jumped, nearly hitting Roy in the face when he frantically flailed with his arms.
"MY BROTHER IS A MORON!" Al's gaze shot to Roy's flabbergasted one.
"...Alphonse, we know that already, what are you-" he was interrupted by Al.
"T-t-t-that all points to brother!" waterfall tears were running down his face, imagining a demonical version of his brother holding Lena in his arms and laughing evilly and crazily, saying stuff like, 'Hahaha! HA HA! NOW I'LL GO ON AN ADVENTURE! WITHOUT MILK OR WINRY! HA HA! HAHAA!"
"Nooooo!" Alphonse looked like his soul was about to leave his body...
"Listen Alphonse, I highly doubt Edward, as much a moron as he is, would do anything like that. I'm sure you know too," Roy smiled.
He smiled nervously, "Then again...he is a moron..." both men looked at each-other.
"FULLMETAL/BROTHER!" both sprinted in the direction of the marketplace, trying to squeeze in through the crowd.
"Hm, so he sings in the shower huh?" Ed chuckled, taking a sip of his hot chocolate as he listened to Lena telling embarrassing stuff about Greed.
"Oh yeah, he does, but then again I do too. We make each-others ears bleed," she shrugged, giggling.
"Heh, you'd have to hear Winry yell at me when I refuse to drink my milk...jeez that will make your ears bleed," he grinned, chuckling softly.
Lena smiled, "Naw, look who's all acting dreamy about his lovely wife," Lena winked, smirking smugly.
Ed blushed, nearly spilling the hot liquid all over himself as he tried to steady himself and his hot chocolate, "Ugh...Lenaaa," he groaned like a child.
Lena laughed, patting him on the back, "Yeah, yeah, you don't fool me Elric." She winked, grinning, "Anyway, who did you get in the game?" she rose an eyebrow curiously and titled her head.
Ed broke out in a sweat, he absolutely sucked at lying, "Uh, I got um, Winry," he coughed into his hand, distracting himself by drinking.
Lena narrowed her eyes in confusion, "Huh? Oh really? Are you sure about that?" she smirked.
Ed rose an eyebrow, "Y-yeah, why?" he shot her a half confused, half scared look.
"Because I have her!" Lena stuck her tongue out and grabbed Ed's cheek, pulling it relentlessly, "Now tell me Elric! Who did you get huh?! Teell meeee! Tell me! Tell me!" Lena childishly pulled Ed's cheeks apart and made funny faces, standing on her tip toes to reach him properly.
"I-I'm not telling!" Ed managed to shout out between her prying fingers.
"Tell me!" Lena scoffed, pouting in disappointment.
"Nu-uh!" Ed shook his head stubbornly.
"Ed!"
"No!"
"Come on!"
"Go home!" Ed's cheeks were red from all the pulling and pinching and he rubbed them soothingly, "Ouch..."
"Suits you right for not telling me!" she pouted. He muttered something under his breath, "Definitely Greed's girlfriend..."
"What did you say?" Lena looked at him suspiciously.
"Nothing ma'am, nothing!" Ed raised his hands in surrender, a nervous grin on his face.
They stayed like that for a few seconds, before they burst out laughing, Lena's hand on Ed's shoulder and his own on her shoulder.
"What's the report?" Mustang asked suspiciously, whispering quietly while he watched the scene unfold before him.
Al looked incredulously at the General and hissed lowly, "Why do you need a report?! You're seeing what's happening!" Al couldn't believe it.
Why were they so close together? And laughing? And their hands were on each-other's shoulders?!
"Are you seeing this Elric?" Roy asked, dark eyes focused on the two friends.
Al nodded, tears running down his eyes comically, "Y-yes and I can't believe it! Oh brother!" Roy quickly covered his mouth when he saw the older Elric brother lift his head and look around.
"Hey, did you hear Al calling me?" Ed scratched his head, looking around suspiciously.
Lena too looked around, "Yeah, I thought I did anyway," they both looked around for a minute before deciding they may have heard wrong.
Roy and Al quickly dived down behind the wall when they saw Lena's gaze roving over their general direction, "You think she saw us?" Al quietly asked, eyes darting left and right.
"No, we are safe," Roy muttered, sighing in relief.
"What are you two doing?" Lena bluntly asked as Ed and her stood right behind the two spying idiots, who jumped in the air in shock and released very unmanly screams at being caught red handed.
"Have you guys been spying on us? Huh, so I didn't imagine your voice, brother," Ed tilted his head, eyes suspicious.
"U-uh, I-I can explain everything b-brother!" Al flailed with his arms around before nearly hitting Mustang's face with one hand as he pointed at him, "It was his idea!"
Mustang in turn childishly pointed to Al, "He called you a manwhore!" Ed and Lena's eyes widened.
"What?!"
"AHA! I knew it! Elric you're dead!" Greed jumped out from nowhere and already had his shield up, prepared to launch a fist straight for Ed's face.
Lena quickly sprinted toward her boyfriend and kicked his face hard, making the Homunculus fall heavily to the ground, his healing abilities kicking in to heal his broken jaw and cheek bones, "What the hell Lena?! You're supposed to be on my side!" Greed gingerly touched the side of his face.
"Oh shut up! You'll heal!" she crossed her arms, looking truly livid.
"Alright! What the hell is going on here?! And why am I a manwhore?!" Ed's head whipped back and forth between Greed and his brother and the nosy general.
"Um...well you see..." Al tried to choose his words carefully.
"I saw you being touchy feely with my lady!" Greed pointed an accusing finger at Ed, who blinked owlishly at him.
Lena's eye twitched, "What?" she sighed heavily, "Greed! You idiot! Ed wasn't being "touchy feely" with me at all!" she growled.
Ed crossed his arms, "Yeah! Besides, I've got Winry ya know?! Though I admit, Lena could do better-"
"Say that again pipsqueak!" Greed's ultimate shield covered claws glinted harshly in the light.
"Who are you calling a microscopic, little midget that can only be seen-"
"SHUT THE HELL UP! Both of you!" Lena's authoritative voice boomed and sent chills down their spins, her eyes were burning, "You," she poked Greed's chest harshly, "Stop acting so damn jealous! I don't try to rip any woman's throat out when I see them flirting with you mister because I trust you! So stop acting like a territorial dog and man up!"
She turned toward the two cowering forms of one Alphonse and Roy, "And you," she glared at them, "I'll tell each of your wives what you've done today and you can count on sleeping in Den's house tonight!"
"W-what?! B-but Lenaaa-" she shushed them with a glare.
Ed snickered, grinning madly when he saw just how much of a powerhouse Lena could be. But suddenly she turned toward him and he blanched, sweat running down his forehead, uh...
"And you," Lena's livid gaze remained for a minute before it broke into a sunny grin, "Next time, we beat them up when they make stuff up again, ne?" Ed grinned, fist bumping Lena with a smug smirk.
The young woman sighed, shaking her head, "What even drove you guys to think such absurd things...god," Lena shook her head.
Greed scowled like a child being denied cookies, "I saw you at the stand...you were giggling and blushing! And he was paying drinks for you," Greed shot Edward a dirty look.
"I think I'm allowed to laugh with whomever I want! It's cold Greed! Of course my cheeks would be red! And Ed was just being a gentleman and buying me some hot chocolate!" she snarled at her boyfriend, who looked like a kicked puppy.
"W-well, we saw you and brother being really close a minute ago and you were touching each-other!" Al accused, Roy gasping out loud to add for dramatic effect.
Ed face palmed, "What you call touching I call leaning on each-other to not fall on the ground while laughing! Seriously, what's with you people?! We are just good friends!" Ed rolled his eyes.
Lena nodded vigorously, "Besides, you all know we both would never consider cheating. Despite that I still consider Ed good-looking, as a friend," she smirked.
Ed examined his nails, smirking, "And you're a lovely lady too," he grinned when Lena smirked back and fist bumped with him.
"Oh thank you bestie," Ed chuckled.
"See? Just friends joking with each-other, nothing much to it," Ed smiled and Lena nodded, feeling more relaxed now.
"...We're sorry..." Al and Roy finished lamely, hanging their heads down. Ed rolled his eyes.
Ed and Lena fixed Greed with a stare, the Homunculus glared back, "...Don't expect me to go being all sappy with you..." he turned his head, scoffing.
Lena rolled her eyes and turned her back to him, "Right, now that this is settled...did you all buy presents?" she looked at each of the males.
Roy scratched his cheek, "Uh, well only half of it..."
Al rubbed his cold nose, "Yeah,"
Greed snickered, "Uh-huh," Lena didn't even want to know what he bought.
"Uhh...I'm still searching," Ed grinned widely in embarrassment.
Lena sighed, "Alright...well, I'm off to pick up my present, see you guys in a bit," when she walked off past Alphonse and Mustang, she turned back around briefly, "You coming or not you mangy Homunculus?" her tone was playful.
Greed's head shot up and a toothy grin spread over his face, he shot up to his feet and was beside Lena in a dash, his arm around her shoulders, "Right there my lady!"
Ed couldn't help but shake his head.
"So, what do we do now..." Roy asked after moments of silence.
Ed rolled his eyes and kicked the General into a pile of snow.
"You think he will like it?" Lan Fan's question made Mei smile.
"Mhm, I'm sure Lan Fan! It's a great present!" she jumped happily, waiting patiently for her friend to finish paying for the present and having it gift wrapped nicely.
"I hope so," Lan Fan smiled, holding the medium sized box in her hands.
Mei grinned happily.
"Thank you so much Garfiel!" Winry smiled, "Are you sure you don't want to spend Christmas with us? We'd love it if you would come!" she smiled up at the flamboyant man.
Garfiel blushed happily and smiled, "Oh Winry dear thank you so much! But I must refuse your offer, you see, I have my own handsome hunk to celebrate with," he winked at her.
Winry looked behind Garfiel to see...wait a little second...is that..?
"Greed?!" her jaw dropped, blue eyes wide when she saw Garfiel looking smug.
Greed perked up at hearing his name and looked over at Winry, he spotted her and grinned, walking over toward them.
"Greed is your uh...wait, what?!" Winry couldn't believe this, Lena will have Garfiel's head!
Garfiel looked at Greed and sighed sadly, "No...sadly not..oh what I would have given to have this handsome stallion in my shed!" he winked at Greed, who froze and inched closer toward Winry, as if seeking protection from the man.
"Uh, but t-then who did you-" Winry weakly lifted a finger, trying to make sense of the situation.
Garfiel pointed to the back, in the direction where Greed had been standing was another man, grinning widely, waving.
"Greed...is it possible that you have a twin?" Winry set the Homunculus a wry look.
"Uh..." he was at a loss for words, scratching the top of his head.
When the man came closer though, Winry saw it. He may be dressed like Greed, have the same hair style and similar facial features but this man had yellow eyes instead of violet ones and slightly larger eyes too, but still slanted. He also sported some sort of brown feather hanging by his ear.
"Hi there," his voice was like silk, nothing like Greed's gravel voice. Winry looked at the Greed-lookalike in awe.
Garfiel smirked, "Isn't he just drool worthy?" he pinched Greed-twins cheek who grinned wolfishly in return.
"Somebody punch me..." Greed muttered, looking sick to his stomach.
Greed-twins eyes moved over to the Homunculus, "Oh hello you," he moved closer to Greed, who looked scared shitless.
His mouth gaped like a fish when Greed-twin grinned at him.
"Greed?" Greed froze like ice when he heard that voice. Oh shit...
"Win? Garfiel? Care to explain why I'm seeing double now?" Lena rose an eyebrow in confusion, switching back and forth between Greed and Greed-twin.
Greed-twin smirked wolfishly at Lena and suddenly went on one knee in front of her, taking her hand and lightly kissing it, "Why hello young lady, I've never been graced with a more ethereal being in my presence before,"
Something inside Garfiel cracked and Winry found herself comforting a big, crying crossdressing man in the middle of the street, "Oh I knew it! I should have known! He is a playboy after all!"
"Shh, there, there, there are plenty of men out there," she comfortingly patted his broad back.
Lena flushed, one hand covering her blazing cheek and the other still being held by Greed-twin, "U-u-uh, h-hi there," she swooned at the saucy smirk he shot her.
Greed, while still scared shitless, shakily came up to his woman's defense, "H-h-hey! H-hands off!" Greed-twin's eyes moved to Greed, who squeaked like a mouse.
"I don't know who's cuter, you or your hunk there, nice catch by the way," Greed-twin smirked.
Lena nearly fainted at the toothy smirk and silky voice, "T-t-t-thanks," steam rushed out of her ears.
"H-h-hey, w-wait a damn m-minute I thought you were-" Greed interrupted himself stupidly.
"Interested in men? You're right about that, but I swing both ways love," the Greed-lookalike grinned and winked.
"W-w-w-well s-s-she's off limits," Greed tried hard not to quake in fear.
Greed-twin looked between Lena and Greed and licked his lips, "But I don't mind going in pairs...or threes," he smirked.
Lena nearly fainted, "R-r-r-r-really?" she looked a bit too dazed.
"W-w-well, b-back off that's not our style!" Greed felt fear and horror rise in him.
"R-r-r-really?" Lena looked at Greed in half confusion and dizziness.
Greed deadpanned, "Really!" he wrapped his arms around Lena protectively.
Greed-twin sighed in disappointment, "Well...whatever rolls your boat right? Well, just ring me up if you change your mind sweets!" he grinned like a wolf.
"L-Lena! Hey wake the hell up!" Lena was out cold, limp in Greed's arms with a blazing red face.
"Stop using my lines to make my girl swoon! Stupid wannabe hottie!" Greed barked after the smug male, feeling relieved he went away.
"Oh admit it Greed-chan, you like him too!" Garfiel fanned himself with his hand rapidly, a rosy blush painting his cheeks.
"Stop calling me that! And no!" Greed sighed, shaking his head.
"Oi...wake up," he poked Lena's cheek, who had a dreamy look on her face.
"H-hey...where is the other Greed?" she pouted in disappointment, Winry giggled.
"The other Greed is gone, now shut up and love me!" Greed gently pinched her cheeks when she puffed out her cheeks like a hamster.
"Nooooo!" Lena shook her head playfully, the cute scene making Winry smile.
"Ah, I almost forgot, merry Christmas," suddenly, Greed-twin popped up out of nowhere and gave Lena and Winry a rose, smiling and winking at Lena.
Both women sighed dreamily, Winry more out of the sweet act and Lena because...well...hell he looked like her hot boyfriend, sue her.
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Greed growled, going in front of his dazed girlfriend to protect her.
"Don't worry I didn't forget you sweets," Greed-twin playfully threw a rose on top of Greed's head, who violently, with a red face, ripped it off his head and threw it to the ground, stomping on it repeatedly and yelling:" Die! Die! Die! Die!"
"Well...he seemed cute," Lena giggled.
"No he wasn't!" Greed barked in severe annoyance.
"Alright...do we all have the presents?" Ed looked between all his friends who gathered again back in the Rockbell home, gifts of all sizes each held in their hands.
"Good. One, two...three!" when Ed shouted the last mark everyone placed their gifts on the kitchen table and took three large steps back.
Winry grinned, "Alright! Let's open them up shall we?" she took one medium sized box and looked at who it was addressed to, "Oh, this ones from...Riza to Roy! How sweet," she smiled as she handed Roy the gift.
Roy looked happily at his wife, who smirked at her husband's happy-go-lucky reaction, "Ohh I knew you loved me!" he exclaimed before violently ripping the gift-wrap apart.
Roy froze when he took a good look at what was inside, he picked up one gift from the pile and robotically turned his head to look at a smug Riza, "Uh...waterproof ignition gloves?" he tilted his head.
"You're useless when you're wet," the former sharpshooter said it short and painlessly, her arms crossed over her chest.
Roy made a sound in the back of his throat like a kicked dog, hanging his head down pathetically. Slowly, he placed the ignition gloves to the side, before going to the next one.
This time, he was surprised. It was a chess board. Roy sent his wife a quizzical look but she just nodded for him to open it.
He sighed, feeling wary for some reason, before he opened the antique looking chess board and revealing its figures to everyone.
Ed started to laugh like a maniac and Riza smirked in satisfaction.
"Ah..." Roy's blank gaze rooted itself to one key figure of the entire game, the king.
Instead of, like he expected, to be greeted from his lookalike, there was a small round ball with a stuck out tongue, glaring eyes and a familiar blond braid at the back-
"FULLMETAL!" Roy hurled the figure at the laughing male, making him yelp in pain when the wooden figure hit his forehead.
"Ouch! Hey! What gives! It's great! Look what figure you are!" he grinned wickedly, snickering alongside Ling, who barely held in his laughter.
He was...the pawn. Among the many unknown pawns with no faces, he was the pawn.
Roy's fists shook in anger, "Fullmetal..." he froze when he heard a click sound.
"Sir?" Riza's tone turned low and threatening, her gun cocked at the ready by her side.
"T-t-thank you for the gift ma'am!" Roy smiled sweetly and kissed Riza's cheek, "Good boy," she gently scratched his chin.
"O-okay...um, following up is, uh, oh! Lan Fan's gift to...Al!" Winry happily held out the neatly wrapped gift to the stunned Elric.
"W-what? Lan Fan got me? But I thought Mei got me," he looked quizzically at his girlfriend, who beamed up at him.
"Nope! I fooled you so Lan Fan would have it easier to buy her gift for you!" she winked, grinning.
Al turned toward Lan Fan, who smiled timidly, "Oh I see. Thank you very much Lan Fan!" he smiled and Lan Fan nodded.
"I hope you'll like it Alphonse," she smiled.
Al carefully unwrapped the neatly wrapped present, a look of surprise crossed his face when he took the time to look at what Lan Fan had went out of her way to gift him.
"This is..." Al held up the two pieces of what meant to be one necklace in front of his face.
Lan Fan nodded, "Y-yes, I thought it would suit both you and Mei nicely as yin and yang. You reminded me of the calm and pure attributes of the Yang symbol, the Yang is believed to stand for masculinity, pureness, the sun, a calmness and a radiating warmth." She smiled timidly, her hands held in front of her.
Alphonse smiled at her kindly and put the white yang symbol around his neck while he gave the other one to Mei.
"That was very thoughtful of you Lan Fan, thank you," he grinned brightly before picking out the next item.
"It's a kimono!" Ling said with no small amount of joy, marveling at its fine craftsmanship.
Al took in the simple yet silken texture, the obi was rather simple compared to traditional Xingese kimonos women wear, it was a dark green with a white inner kimono. He found a small set of kunais neatly tucked underneath the fabric.
There was another set of clothing, though this one was different.
This time Ling explained it with a grin, "Ah, that's a haori and hakama, traditionally worn on formal or informal occasions. They are pretty loose fitting and look nice for any occasion,"
The ornamental touch made it all the more lovelier, what Al noticed however made him adopt a warmer, fonder smile. Sewn onto the front where his heart would be, was the flamel symbol.
Moved by his friends thoughtfulness, Al stood up and hugged the surprised bodyguard, a bright smile on his face, "Thank you Lan Fan, I love it," Lan Fan smiled and hugged her friend back.
"That's good to hear, I hope the clothes fit you, I asked Mei for your measurements," Alphonse blushed and scratched the back of his neck while Mei launched herself on his arm.
"Mei you're up next!" the shorter Xingese woman immediately launched herself at the large gift box, ripping off the beautiful wrapping and opening the lid of the box.
Inside was a medium sized bouquet of roses and tiger lilies, a large book about alchemy and Alkahestry and...another box. A smaller one.
Curiously, Mei looked up at her boyfriend, who had a red face and nodded in encouragement, confused, she turned back toward her present and reached for the little box.
It was a bit smaller than her palm, it's texture was made from fine, rich fabric, dark blue in color. When she opened it, nothing could have possibly prepared her for what lay inside, resting in a plush, burgundy pillow.
A ring.
"A-A-A-A-Alphonse!" Mei's eyes were wide, tears already glistening in them. Greed whistled lowly when he saw the ring, it was nothing special, simple but very beautiful. A small white diamond.
Alphonse blushed, "Mei," he joined her on the floor, falling down to one knee and looking seriously into her eyes with a loving look on his face, "Would you do me the honor of...marrying m-me? I-If you want of course!" he blushed a darker shade of red, his nervousness getting the better of him.
While Mei happily and tearfully exclaimed her agreement to his proposal, in the background, Winry was slapping the life out of Ed, "Why wasn't your proposal so sweet?! Stupid alchemy freak! I should've only given you 20 % of my life!"
Lena pouted, crossing her arms, Greed tried very hard to ignore it. Lena deadpanned, "So..."
Greed pretended to look around, "Where the hell is my psychotic transsexual twin when ya need him?!"
Lena guffawed, "Huh?! He wasn't transsexual! He was...just very open with his love life!" she crossed her arms, muttering under her breath, "Maybe I picked the wrong twin..."
Greed's face loomed over her, "What was that?" Lena smiled sweetly, kissing his cheek, "Oh nothing sweetheart," Greed's eye twitched before he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, making her squeak in surprise.
She looked up at him and Greed had a serious look on his face, gaze directed at the lovely scene of Al putting the ring on Mei's finger, "Tch, this is lame," Lena was about to reprimand him for the rude comment before he added in a softer tone, "I'll get you something even nicer and better,"
She blinked before his words sunk in, she leaned her head on his chest and sighed, smiling.
"I love you Greed-twin," she joked playfully.
Greed hollered outraged, "Don't call me that!"
Winry wiped a tear away before she read the next name, "A-a-alright, n-next one is... m-me?" the blonde mechanic looked at her secret Santa's name, "L-Lena?"
Said woman strolled up to her with a beaming smile, "C'mon open up!" her dark brown eyes shone with excitement and Winry mirrored her expression, quickly but methodically unwrapping the rather large gift.
"I-I-I-t's...It's..." Winry covered her mouth, eyes shining.
"Y-yeah, I'm not sure if it's the best out there, the salesman and another mechanic assured me it was top quality but I'm not that-ooff!" Lena got startled when Winry jumped on her and embraced her in a bear hug, crying happy tears on her shoulder.
"Oh you! This must have cost a fortune!" Winry hugged her tightly, nuzzling into her shoulder and Lena giggled, hugging her friend back.
"Hey, I don't want to hear anything concerning money!" Lena chided playfully, smiling.
Winry broke apart to properly inspect her gift, a whole new set of stainless steel equipment the latest tools out there, a special oil to coat her automail in to spot it from rusting, getting damaged as easily or cracking and a bracelet with automail parts, screws and wrenches attached to it.
"Aw!I love it! I love you!" Winry hugged Lena again and Lena laughed, happy she liked her gift.
Greed rolled his eyes, "Just how many people are going to hit on my girl today..." he grumbled.
"Why don't I take over? It looks like you're a bit preoccupied," it seemed like Winry didn't hear Lena at all, she was too busy fawning over her brand new equipment, nuzzling her face against it and drooling all over it.
"Ahem...right! So, this next lovely present is...oho! It's from good ol' Mustang to Ed!" Lena grinned, handing Ed the little box.
Ed and Roy locked gazes, Ed's suspicious one with Roy's smug one.
"I'm warning you if this is poison..." Ed threatened, gaze suspiciously inspecting the little, seemingly innocent box.
Roy grinned, "Why I have no idea what you mean Edward," he smiled innocently.
Ed huffed, undoing the neatly made knot and cautiously opening the box. His eyes widened in shock what was inside and the lid fell with a small 'thud' to the floor near his feet.
The box in his grip shook slightly.
There, shiny and polished just like the first time he had received it, lay his State Alchemist pocket watch.
It took Ed a few moments to collect his thoughts, Roy's expression morphed into one of understanding and warmth when he saw Ed slowly take the watch out.
Memories of the past flashed in his mind's eye before he swallowed the lump in his throat and slowly opened his old watch.
He had expected the age old date to be written in there, one he himself had written and made his life goal to remember and not repeat the same mistakes twice.
But instead, written there in neat writing was this,
Don't forget your family
The watch shook in his grip and Ed fought against the onslaught of tears that threatened to overtake him. 'Don't forget your family,' it said.
Roy's gaze softened when Ed stormed up to him and growled, "You stupid flame thrower! Stop being so damn cheesy and makin' me bawl here like some kid! Damn it!" Roy chuckled softly and patted Ed's shoulder almost fatherly, Ed smiled and squeezed the general's shoulder in return, composing himself before looking at his friend and whispering, "Thanks Mustang,"
Roy nodded, "Anytime Fullmetal," Ed nodded, safely pocketing his new pocket watch.
Lena wiped a tear out of her eye," R-right! L-Lan Fan this is for you! From Mei!" she smiled and handed Lan Fan her gift.
Lan Fan looked at Mei, the other Xingese woman smiled at her and nodded. Lan Fan smiled when she saw it was a beautiful red silken kimono, floral designs lining it's surface that was when she spotted the extra layer of cloth underneath it, equipped with what appeared to be holsters she rose an eyebrow.
"Oh, that's for your weapons in case you should ever need them," Mei smiled.
There was a hairpin there too, a beautiful one, with a white lily surrounded by floral designs on top of it.
"T-thank you Mei," Lan Fan hugged the younger girl tightly, "thank you so much! It's so beautiful!" Mei giggled and nodded, hugging her tightly back.
Ling smiled at the scene, seeing Lan Fan so happy.
Lena smirked when she read the next one, "Well, boys and girls who would have thought. It's for Riza from Winry!" Winry tore herself away from her precious gift to grin at Riza, the older woman smiled and took the gift from Lena.
It was a small box made of velvet and Riza opened it carefully. Her eyes widened when she saw what lay there, a pair of beautiful but simple earrings.
Winry moved her own hair out of the way so it exposed her ear and Riza looked at her in surprise, "I got the idea when I remembered our first meeting. That time, I got inspired when I saw you wearing earrings despite being a soldier. That's what also drove me to change but still remain true to myself. I thought you wanted something a bit nicer," the earrings were tear dropped crystals, light blue in color.
Riza smiled warmly and hugged the younger woman, "Thank you Winry, it's beautiful," Riza immediately exchanged her old ones for the new ones and winked, "So, how do I look?" Winry giggled.
"You look like the hottest sharpshooter out there!" Winry laughed and Riza followed.
"Can't argue with that," Roy wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and Riza pushed his face away with her hand.
"Roy, stay down," she ordered firmly, slightly flushed.
"...Yes, ma'am," he deflated but perked up when she kissed his cheek.
"Ling! This one's for you here! From Greed," Lena winked, smiling when Ling nodded at her and smiled.
"Let's see what big bad Greed came up with this time," Ling was half afraid to even open his present but bit his tongue and did anyway.
He wasn't disappointed at all, Greed threw an arm around the stunned emperor, "HA! See? Look! I even engraved it buddy!" Greed held up the spiky dog collar, 'Piss-ant' written in gold letters, "See? Even in gold baby!" Greed laughed.
Ling sighed, shaking his head, "I knew this day would come..."
"Look! Look! There's more!" Greed snickered.
Ling's face was blank as he lifted up a dark trench coat, sunglasses and a hat, Greed grinned widely, "Hell, we will look like the coolest twins ever!" Ling perked up at that and sighed, smiling.
"Thanks you stupid Homunculus," Ling harshly patted Greed's head, adding a bit more force than necessary behind it.
"Hey, that wasn't the last thing!" Greed himself reached inside under the wrappings to reveal one other present. It was a brand new sword, but it looked darker in color. Ling inspected it curiously, at the hilt, there was a dark dragon, his muzzle pointing toward the shaft of the sword.
"That's none of your fancy pansy swords! I searched out the best blacksmith to forge it. And I coated it with my shield so it's unbreakable in case someone's after your hide except for me," Greed smiled.
Ling's expression remained unreadable for a moment, before he smiled tenderly down at the sword and wrapped one arm around Greed, "Thanks Greed..." he smiled and Greed grinned.
"Ah yeah, my present's the best right?" he elbowed Ling softly and the emperor chuckled, "Of course it is," they both snickered.
Lena smiled and shook her head, picking up the next present, "Oh, oh, I just know this will be hilarious. Oh Greed, ma sweetheart, this one is for you," she grinned.
It was a rather large box and Greed narrowed his eyes suspiciously when he saw the name.
From: Ling ^_^ ;-)
When Greed cleanly ripped the lid off the box his eyes were nearly blinded by how freaking colorful his gift was!
"What the-" Greed's eyes nearly bulged out of his head when he saw just what that crazy psycho bought him.
There were several new colorful robes inside of it, all shiny, outlined with gold and most of all, bursting with color. There was a sleek, black hat too which suited more Greed's current style. Oh shit...there was a fedora in there too. A pair of nice, black simple yet elegant shoes. And...
A shadow fell over Greed's face, there was a book in it. "How to please your girlfriend, Volume I" he saw two other books, "Ready, Steady, Cum! How to make your girl sing in 5 easy steps!" and "Unlocking the box of Pandora, 12 Signs You are Aging".
"PISS ANT!" Greed hollered and jumped on top of the stunned emperor, wrestling with him on the floor as he tried choking the life out of him.
Meanwhile, Lena was skipping through some pages of the first book, the one about pleasing your girlfriend and read one sentence to herself, "Hmm... 'If your girlfriend expresses feelings of distress, the cause may lead to past unresolved problems or desires still undiscovered' oh my..." Lena stared weirdly at the book, "Aha... 'If your love life isn't going as smoothly try experimenting and using methods that suit both of your needs, be open to each-other and be willing to explore-"
The book was suddenly ripped out of her hands, "Hey! I was reading that!" she grinned sheepishly when she saw a half beaten up Greed scowling at her.
"No you weren't! We don't need that shit!" Greed tossed the book on Ling's head, who looked worse for wear.
But there was one thing Greed hadn't yet seen. The last item.
With a wary look directed toward Ling, Greed opened the simple box. He froze when he saw the gift inside of it.
It was a Philosopher's Stone, a shard of it anyway.
"Where did you...where did you get this?" Greed stood stunned there, his annoyance completely forgotten as he stared at the blood red shard.
Ling stood up and dusted himself off, walking over toward his best friend, "I found it after our last battle and I thought you may like it, I have no use for it anyway," Ling smiled.
The box shook in Greed's grip, before it fell to the floor and Ling found himself being strangled. No wait...he wasn't being strangled! He was being hugged! By Greed!
"G-Greed?" Ling asked worriedly, fearing Greed had gone delusional or had a high fever.
Violet eyes were filled with warmth and a tone of sadness, "Ya stupid, crazy prince..." Ling smiled and hugged him back, "What the heck do I need a stupid shard for if I have lunatics like you to worry about," he forced himself not to cry.
Ling however, had no such inhibitions, "Oh Greed! My brother!" Ling bawled over Greed's shoulder, hugging him tightly and for once, the Homunculus allowed it, sighing heavily and hugging the crying man.
Lena smiled, wiping a stray tear from her eyes and looking at the last gift, "This must be for me..." it was rectangular and looked like a book.
Carefully, she lifted it up and grabbed the small card attached to it.
To: Lena
From: Ed
Her eyes widened and she jumped when she noticed Ed standing close to her, a warm smile on his face, "Uh...I'm sorry if it isn't what you wanted, I uh..." he scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.
Lena smiled softly, "Hey, I'm sure it's great Ed," she carefully unwrapped her present and what she saw made her pause.
It was an album.
"Fullmetal Heart" was written in cursive on top of its dark brown leather surface and she looked up at Ed, who only chuckled and nodded for her to open it.
Slowly, she opened it to the first page and froze.
It was the first picture she remembered taking when she first traveled to her first destination after running away from home at thirteen. That had been in Rush Valley, she could see Garfiel's shop on the other side of the street, a small coffee shop she had visited after and many people passing by. She turned to the next page.
It was her at Leore, a few photos of the towns facilities.
Then at Drachma, where she accidentally wondered off to after aimlessly walking around and losing her map. The next page showed her back in Amestris, in Central.
On the next page was Lena with Winry, both smiling and grinning at the camera. Lena had looked more nervously in the camera and she smiled fondly, remembering how hesitant and nervous she had been meeting so many new, amazing people.
The next picture showed Greed's beaten form on the ground and Lena's foot on top of his head, standing victorious. That had been after fighting Greed when he had come to seek her out at the Rockbell's place, she couldn't remember anyone even taking a picture of that. Underneath it was written "The Slain Homunculus, Part 1" Lena found out there were two other similar photos of her beating up Greed, oh jeez.
There was one where Ed had been teaching her about alchemy through books, she was sitting on the floor next to him, smiling brightly and listening while Ed had gestured something with his hands, a transmutation circle drawn with a chalk on the floor boards.
Another picture showed her with Al, carrying grocery bags and being jumped on by a happy Den at their arrival.
Tears started gathering in her eyes the more pictures she saw and when she turned to the next page it was empty but one sticky note attached to it, "The adventure never ends,"
Tearfully, she closed the book and placed it on the table, she looked up at Edward, who grinned at her nervously, "I-I wasn't so sure if it would be a good idea, I had to fight with Greed over the pictures so I could get all of them in. A-and I uh asked Win about a few other pictures too, then I kept running around everywhere to find a good album and I fought with some stupid jerk at the shop because he wanted to buy the same book and they only had one left-"
He nearly choked when Lena threw herself on him, her arms wrapping around his neck. She was silent but for the quiet sobs shaking her body as she held her friend close to her, her face buried in his warm sweater.
Ed remained frozen for a minute, feeling her tears soak through his sweater before he smiled warmly and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, hugging her back.
She sobbed, gripping at his sweater, "T-t-thank you E-Ed...thank you s-s-so much..." the tears continued to come and Ed soothingly rubbed her back.
"Anytime, Lena, anytime," he smiled and rested his chin on top of her head, feeling content he didn't screw up his present after all. Winry smiled at the scene, glad it worked.
Greed observed how she cried in Ed's arms and sighed, smiling at the scene too, Ling grinned wickedly, "You're jealouuusss," he drew out the last part and Greed slammed his fist in his face.
"Shut the hell up piss-ant, he's her friend," he smiled and sighed, "I've been a damn moron to think otherwise," his gaze softened.
Ling smiled and nodded.
"You ok down there?" Ed whispered playfully when he sensed her crying ceased.
With a hoarse voice from crying Lena whispered back, "Don't act so smug just because y-your taller," he chuckled and shook his head.
Lena smiled and patted his back, "Thanks Ed...I love it," Ed smiled and blushed, scratching the back of his neck.
"You're such a dork," Ed frowned and Lena laughed at his insulted face.
"Oooh! Look who's standing under a mistletoe!" Winry suddenly shouted out and all eyes fell on...
Oh, oh.
"No..." Greed's horrified gaze moved up toward the herbs dangling above his head, "Hell no!"
Ling grinned, "Greed-chan!" he spread his arms out, "Come here brother!"
Greed's eyes widened, ripping the door open and fleeing out into the snow, "I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE STRANGLED THAT IDIOT WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE! DAMN IT ALL!"
Everyone started laughing when they saw Den chasing after Greed, barking at him with Ling comically running after them to try and catch the runaway Homunculus.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" Alphonse announced happily, laughing along.
"Yeah, merry Christmas!" Ed hollered into the night, the soft snow of Resembool covering the roof of their home, the lights inside the house giving it a lively, more warm appearance.
The Rockbell house felt finally what it hadn't felt like in years.
A home.
Uh...I'm SO SORRY for the delay! I really hope I didn't screw it up! Reviews are very much appreciated! :) Thanks for reading!