Hi everyone! :) Ugh, I'm sorry my update time is pretty slow, I'm so packed with school stuff it's seriously unbelievable . Anyways, since writing is also a way for me to vent off (among doing a bit of sports) I can't ignore that stupid urge to write so here it is! :3 I hope everyone will enjoy this chapter too! I'm very happy about the positive reviews for the previous chapter! Thank you! ^_^
ANSWERS TO REVIEWS:
Cassey: T_T Nononononooo! Hell if there is someone to thank then its YOU and everyone else! (sniffs) I wouldn't have put the same amount of work (most probably) into this story if it weren't for wonderful readers like you who let me know what I'm doing wrong and encouraging me to do it right! .
Panic: (starts hyperventilating) Aw damn...I'm far too excited for reviews! . T_T (here comes the flood...) THANKS SO MUCH PANIC! (sobs) Alright...let me get this straight, I always wanted to write and maybe even publish a book (Ha...good one) ahem, this had been the first step to that far fetched dream and I'm really glad people actually enjoy reading my stuff ^^ No amount of well written words can express my gratitude :) Really, thank you for always reviewing my chapters and helping me work through some problems here and there T_T (sniff)
Pouda-P: T_T (bawls like a baby) damn...I need tissues...(sniffs) ...Really? It does? It means a lot to you? (wipes tear away) Thank you Pouda-P, this and all the other reviews mean a lot to me too :) I never would have guessed to write so much, much less get such awesome readers and reviews! All I can say is thank you so much for your support until now and for not having stopped reading even if it did get boring in some parts :) (gives you and all the other readers flowers) Hell...I promised not to cry! .
Please enjoy everyone! ;)
100 Things About You, Me & Us Part 2
Bite: "You think you can protect her?" Greed was mocking him, standing tall, appearance identical to his own one as he mocked him, berated him, looked down upon him. "You bastard..." Ling cursed, teeth grit. Greed scoffed, eyes harshly glinting in the moonlight, "What? Stop sulking around and start standing! I learned to eat dirt a while ago and I got stronger because of that too! Lan Fan lost her arm but that doesn't mean that you can look away from her like a kicked dog who lost its teeth! She's a strong woman, she can take care of herself, but the time when she can't, who can she rely on?" Ling froze. Greed wasn't fazed, "Huh? Who can she rely on piss ant? I can protect her better than you, you can't call yourself a warrior if you fail to recognize your weaknesses and overcome them. Lan Fan knows that, that's why she's never weak unlike you piss ant."
Ling lunged at Greed but he blocked the sloppy attack and head butted him, "Huh?! Answer me you stupid piss ant!" when he moved to punch Ling in the face again, the kneeling Xingese Emperor stopped his fist with his hand. Greed remained motionless, waiting for Ling's next move. "Fine...if you wanted to rile me up then mission accomplished," Ling suddenly shot forward and head butted Greed harshly, returning the favor before, "You said you never lie! But you just lied in protecting her better than me you stupid Homunculus!" Ling balled his fists, eyes shining with that fighting spirit Greed didn't see in the past several days of Ling's sulking. "So, what's it gonna be piss ant? You wanna fight?" Greed stood up, wiping his mouth. Ling made a hand motion, "Bring it," Greed grinned wickedly and moved in to attack. Lan Fan smiled, hiding behind the palace building as her Lord's words ignited the hope she thought she lost when she didn't see the fire in his eyes and didn't hear the bite in his words anymore.
Free: "Regardless of who I serve or where and how I live, if I do so by my own will, I'm free, right?" those words struck a chord within Greed, told by old man Fu. He was a wise ninja alright, wiser beyond his years. "Hm...free huh?" Greed looked down at his hands in thought. (A/N: Sentence in cursive is said by Yukimura Sanada from the anime Brave 10, episode 8).
Kami: She didn't know if the one called 'God' actually existed, at least Ed didn't like to think so, but in their world filled with alchemy, there actually was a deity, if you could call it that. It went by many names, one she learned was 'Truth'. Ed told her how it took on the form of whoever entered its realm and punished them for the sins they've committed by breaking the laws of equivalent exchange. She wasn't sure what to make of it, since it took Edward and Alphonse's bodies, but looking back on it now, she sort of understood it's reasons. Ed and Al had breached a law considered sacred and forbidden among alchemists, while it was for understandable reasons, it was still wrong and so they were punished for committing something they shouldn't have done. Winry learned that Truth wasn't evil, it wasn't exactly unfair either, it was just...Truth. It was there to teach naïve humans like them lessons that they needed in order to coexist with each-other and prevent war from threatening humanity's existence. Still, Winry never thought she would one day pray to Truth right before she grabbed Edward's hand tightly and the doctor before her spread legs told her to push. And then finally, after hours of exhaustion and what felt like physical torture, she heard the beautiful cry of a being she would forever hold in her heart and would give her life to protect, a being which, for her, was even above one called 'God'; her child.
Soft: Her bare feet were soft thuds against the polished wooden floor and his keen ears picked up on their movement before she even neared the kitchen area. "Ohayo," she greeted with a warm, melodious voice that was pleasant to his ears and made him feel content. Her voice was soft but slightly sleepy, suggesting she just got out of bed. He smiled when she swung her long legs over his and gently settled herself on top of him, curling against him like a big cat seeking warmth. He chuckled and gently stroked her hair, "Ohayo," his voice was a warm, deep rumble against the soft skin of her forehead, a warm loving kiss planted on the spot in greeting. She smiled, her mood brightening indefinitely at the sweet gesture as she kissed the hollow of his throat in turn.
They stayed in silence like that, basking in the other's presence and the quietness of their home. "Sleep well?" his question was answered by a soft sound akin to a yawn and the feeling of her rubbing the side of her face against his chest, "I missed my furnace," she gently stroked his chest and he smirked softly, "You've kicked me off the bed first you know..." her reply was sleepy, "That's not the point, I missed you stupid alchemy freak," he thought her pout too adorable to combat the age old insult, it had become more of a endearment rather than an insult whenever they called each-other "alchemy freak" or "gear head". He couldn't resist pinching her cheeks softly, his grin widened in response when she puffed her cheeks with air in annoyance at the action. He grinned in delight, knowing exactly how much she enjoyed the sweet gesture and the attention. She giggled and turned her head, taking his hand and kissing the calloused inside of it lovingly. He smiled and leaned his forehead against hers, nuzzling gently, "I don't want to go outside," he admitted softly, a small smile lining his handsome features. Blue eyes softened in understanding, "Me neither," there was a minute of silence before her husband smirked, "Pancakes and morning coffee?" Winry grinned in delight, "Pancakes and morning coffee!" Ed and her snickered softly before jumping off the couch and running toward the refrigerator.
History: "History remembers kings, not soldiers," the words of General Grumman echoed in his mind as he moved his rook to the next field, dark eyes momentarily losing their sharp focus on the chess board to reflect on the words spoken long ago. Mustang narrowed his eyes, thinking, "Was this what you were talking about? Sooner or later, once I die, nobody will remember me but a murderer that fought in the Ishvalan War, used as a tool for destruction but..." Mustang's gaze fell on the black king, "Not even kings can be honored in memory if they sent their people to peril..." "Check mate, sir," he was ripped out of his thoughts at the familiar voice of his Lieutenant and the fallen figure on the chess board, it was his figure. The white king. Mustang smiled and looked at her, "Well...that's not entirely true...the world may not remember me once I die but...she..." he closed his eyes and smiled. "Is something wrong?" her voice was laced with mild concern for his stillness. Mustang shook his head lightly, "Everything is fine, Riza," she smiled softly. "...she will...I'm sure of it...I don't need the world to remember me who I was, as long as I have her, I have all I need," His gaze met hers, "Yes...check mate indeed..."
Broken Promise: "Looks like this is the end for me Roy...I'm sorry...I couldn't keep...our promise," Hughes green eyes slowly started to dull, the characteristic light and kind glint in them disappearing, the body littered with numerous wounds, torn flesh, uniform soaked in blood and the picture of his family peeking out from his breast pocket. Roy's eyes widened in terror, "No...n-no...H-Hughes!" with a trembling and sweaty hand, Roy touched the soft spot of skin beneath his best friend's jaw, where there should be a strong pulse, there was... "...nothing..." Roy whispered brokenly, eyes darkening and glistening with tears as his fists coiled so tightly blood started seeping into the white material of his gloves. "H-Hughes..." with a broken cry, Roy lifted his head toward the dark sky and released a torn scream, shouting his pain, his misery, his loss. This wasn't just another soldier that died on the battlefield, that was his best friend and brother that fell victim to the state's corrupt mind and Roy was unable to do anything but kneel over his best friend's corpse and weep.
Everything: "Why?" Mustang's voice was cold and threatening, blue electric currents dancing around the white gloved hands of destruction. Envy bit his lips, body trembling with an emotion Envy hadn't had the pleasure of feeling often with the sole exception of facing Father's wrath; fear. He fought the fear down, his head down, lips parted and teeth bared like a dog refusing to submit to a superior breed. Envy had never given him an answer, but in his last miserable moments, he didn't need to. Mustang knew, had known all along since the incident happened. Envy had nothing, so he killed a man who had everything. Jealousy was an ugly thing, indeed...
Scorn and Love: He looked at her and a small, sardonic smile grew on his handsome face. He surveyed the scene with disdain flashing in his eyes and teeth bared in a mocking, short laugh. Her look was one of defiance, unbreakable determination and an iron will that threatened to strike him down where he stood. His smile remained, combating her own furious one, "I wonder...why you're so angry with me?" he made a move to caress her face but she defiantly lifted her chin, eyes burning and daring him to touch her. He recoiled and she opened her mouth to speak, "I'm sick and tired of it all Kimblee! You've been like this ever since our last battle with that Elric boy! What in the world is the matter with you?!" her chest rose and fell with her harsh breathing and Kimblee felt his calm, passive anger rise. "Perhaps it appears so..." she didn't relent, hazel eyes burning brightly with anger and concern, "I-I almost lost you that day Solf! Can't you understand how I feel?! How would you feel knowing I escaped death by a hair's breath? Imagine if I hadn't found you when I had after you've been expelled from Pride's body you would-" Kimblee interrupted her with a even gaze, "But I didn't," silence filled the room and she stopped.
His tall form towered over her slightly, trying to intimidate her, his blood was singing and his ears longed to hear the delightful bangs of his explosions, but his heart was crying in pain. Conflicted feelings battled within him as he tried accessing the situation and the woman standing before him, her emotions in disarray as well. Her eyes softened for a fraction, "You still need to recover, if anyone finds out you're alive we will need to escape," her gaze moved to the windows. Kimblee's gaze remained trained on her, "I will have to flee, I'll make sure the authorities don't know your allegiance to me," his cool eyes betrayed the slightest bits of sorrow. Her burning passion resurfaced at his words, "How can you say that?! After all we've been through you are willing to throw it all away for the sake of trying to keep me safe?! I'll only be safe if I'm with you Solf and I think the feeling is mutual, wouldn't you agree?" he turned his head to the side in silence. She boldly approached him, her long dress a stark contrast to his white suit as soft fingers traced the soft skin and bone of his face, "You may act hostile and cold, but you aren't like that Solf. You may love to hear the sound of explosions, but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. You may have participated in the Ishvalan War, but it's not too late to atone for it." A small smile grew on her pretty face, Kimblee's façade cracked and he gently took her hand and held it in his own for a while, caressing the bruised skin of her knuckles gently before letting go when she hissed softly. "I have brought you nothing but pain..." he turned his broad back to her, reaching for his coat, "The kind of man you deserve is not me and never will be me. It would be more than a tragedy if my darkness came to taint your light." She was stunned, standing there in her burgundy dress. "Solf..." she moved toward his back and pressed her hand gently between his shoulder blades, sighing softly, "You're a stubborn man for someone of your intellect...but you're also a stupid man," he froze, eyes widening. She smiled, "Your knowledge of the world and everything within it can be as vast as possible, but if you lack any knowledge of people with all their flaws and ticks, than you might as well be a simple fool," he turned back around, regarded her with curiosity. "What do you mean?" his question was laced with heavy confusion but she smiled and leaned her face against his chest. "I mean... you can be the smartest man in the world, but if you don't understand my heart, then you're an idiot to me." She grinned up at him, "See? That's what I meant, I love your intellect but you still have to learn some things concerning the heart," her smile turned warm and the whole room brightened with that action. Kimblee's eyes widened, ice blue eyes losing their normal edge, "The heart?" she nodded, resting a hand radiating warmth and comfort on his chest, over his beating heart.
Housewife: Ed trembled in unadulterated fear when she stepped into his house, armed with a overly sized sleeping bag, her usual attire and of course, food stuffed into her mouth. Winry warmly welcomed the middle aged woman, both of them hugging each-other in greeting and chatting idly about this and that. Edward wasn't really paying attention, he gripped his young son's shoulder tighter, the youth of course, immediately noticed his father's unease. He rose an eyebrow, "Dad? What's wrong?" he blinked, the blue eyes of his mother blinking up in confusion. Ed continued to shake, a wobbly smile on his face, "A-a-ah...w-where's your sister huh?" Hohen blinked again, "She's upstairs, why?" Ed felt a rush of relief, "G-g-go upstairs, lock the door and don't come down until I tell-yaaahhaa!" Ed yelped in pain and fear when his old teacher suddenly wrapped an arm around his neck, looking far too painful to be considered as 'friendly'. "Edward! My you have grown again! It sure is nice to be tall isn't it?" Izumi grinned widely before looking down at Hohen, who had grown a bit since the last time she visited the Elrics. "Hohen, you've grown too, far faster than your old man has your age anyway," Izumi snickered with a wicked grin, Ed's eye twitched in annoyance, biting his tongue. Hohen tilted his head, "Auntie Izumi...why is papa so scared of you?" Izumi blinked in surprise before she burst out laughing, Ed frantically flailing with his arms to silence his son and his laughing wife, "S-S-s-shhh! I-I thought that was between us Hohen!" Ed shrieked a very unmanly shriek when Izumi calmed down from her laughing fit and turned to look Ed dead in the eye, evil grin in place as she roughly patted his head, "Because my boy, I'm a housewife!" she grinned and winked, sparkles dancing around flashing teeth and a thumbs up which Hohen started fawning over, much to his father's dismay. "Daddy! I wanna be a housewife too!" Hohen grinned up at his father, who blanched in shock and suddenly screamed.
Experiment: Bradley snorted, blinking back the blood that trickled in a uneven line down his face, he ignored the burning sting of his wounds, the warm feeling of his blood seeping from his wounds and instead focused on the sky. The clouds were gray, but there was a sliver of light where the sun broke through, similar to his life in some way, he supposed. He had been an experiment from the beginning, trained his whole life in order to become Führer and fulfill his Father's wish into becoming God. There wasn't supposed to be anything aside from achieving that goal, but fortunately for him, there was. His wife. And while he would rather get stabbed by his own sword than admit it out loud, to a degree, his son, Selim, ignoring the fact that it was actually Pride. He wasn't supposed to fall in love with a woman that slapped him on their first meeting, he wasn't supposed to tightly wound her in his heart that he never wanted to let go, it was never supposed to happen that he had felt sadness at being unable to gift her a child due to his Homunculi blood, Pride shouldn't have stepped in as Selim, they shouldn't have been a content family, yet in some twisted way, they had been. For all acts and appearances, even Wrath knew, Pride had actually enjoyed playing the son, far more than he should have. He enjoyed having a loving family to call his own and Bradley did the same, it was all because of that woman after all. And as he sat there, slowly dying from his numerous wounds and looking up at the sky and that small sliver of light, he could see her face in the sun's rays, alongside Selim's own one and he smiled. He may have lived the life of a experimental test subject, but the last few years of it weren't so bad after all...
Lady: "My Lady," Ling bowed his head in respect, arm to his stomach as he bowed before his Lady. Lan Fan's eyes widened, her head whipping this way and that to see if there were any weird cameras filming all of this and Greed was playing a prank on them. When she found none, her eyes shifted back to Ling, who looked at her expectantly. "M-M-My Lord?" Lan Fan tilted her head, confused beyond belief. Ling blinked in confusion, "Lord? My Lady are you sure you are well?" Ling carefully touched her forehead before touching his own, deducing she didn't have any fever. When he realized his bold actions, Ling quickly bowed again, "My apologies my Lady! I shall tend to your bath," Lan Fan's head was steaming and the gears in her head were turning rapidly when Ling mentioned bath and him tending to it. Was this another fantasy of hers?! Why did she have to have these dreams?! "B-b-b-b-b-bath," Lan Fan stuttered, hands cupping her salivating mouth when she heard Ling whistling lowly in the bathroom. "E-e-e-ehh?!" Lan Fan squeaked, covering her burning face shyly.
"My Lady?" Lan Fan slowly turned around and froze on the spot. "Your bath will be ready, my lady," Lan Fan blinked, Ling suddenly leaning against the sliding door, shirtless, grinning at her in such a way that made her knees shake and threaten to give out- "MY LORD!" Lan Fan shot up in bed, sweat covering her body in a thin sheen as Ling suddenly burst open the doors, slicing the paper thin material with his sword and doing a double roll on the ground, sword in the air, poised and ready, eyes blinking and wide awake, "Lan Fan! What happened?! I heard you screaming!" Ling's dark eyes zeroed in on the flushed woman on her futon and he found himself blushing slightly. Lan Fan quickly covered her bandaged chest with the blanket, shaking her head furiously, "I-I-I apologize m-m-m-my Lord I-I just had a bad dream," Lan Fan bowed repeatedly and Ling slowly lowered his sword, sighing in relief. "Would you like to-" Lan Fan quickly cut him off, "No!" Ling was taken aback at his subject's sudden sharp tone, her face turning interesting shades of red. He excused himself, sliding the now ruined sliding door closed, heading back toward his room. A small, secretive smirk grew on Ling's lips and he whispered into the quiet area of his home, "My lady..." he shook his head in amusement. Greed rolled his eyes, hiding behind a wall as he watched the cocky piss ant return to his own chambers with that lovesick expression on his face. "Perverts, both of 'em," he commented lowly, shaking his head and going back to bed.
Fools: "No matter how many times it happens they never learn. The human race is made up of violent, miserable fools," the words uttered by his sister Lust still echoed in his mind as he patrolled the city at night, hands buried in his pockets, an almost tranquil expression on his face. "What are you thinking?" Ling asked quietly, for once, the roaring souls inside of Greed seemed to be just a little bit calmer than normally. Ling didn't take it as a good sign, "Hm...nothing, it doesn't matter anyhow," Greed muttered quietly into the night, violet eyes reflecting the moons bright beauty as it shone upon him. "...I said I wanna rule the whole world..." he raised his arm and enclosed his hand around the shape of the moon into a fist, eyes saddened, "But somehow..." the wind rustles his hair and coat, his words carried by the breeze, "...I can't see it anymore..." perhaps it was him that was foolish, violent and miserable. Perhaps it were all the Homunculi, why? Because they didn't posses what humans did; a heart.
Endlessly: There's a shop down the street, where they sell plastic rings, for a quarter a piece, I swear it. Ed stared at the small shop, wide innocent gold eyes fixated on it. It was simple in appearance, made majorly from wood and glass, the window pane decorated nicely with warm colors, children's toys and trinkets. And there, nestled between lovely decorations and small wristbands laid a ring. Yeah, I know that it's cheap and not like gold in your dreams. Ed couldn't help but look at it in awe, it was simple, really, made from plastic with a nice diamond-like jewel in the middle that reminded him of someone's beautiful blue eyes. He pressed his little hands against the window, staring at it adoringly and thinking absentmindedly how the ring would complement the gear heads eyes. But I hope that you'll still wear it. And the ink may stain my skin and my jeans may all be ripped. Ed dug in his pockets, tongue slightly sticking out of his mouth as a wide smile brightened his face, pulling out a few coins. He counted them and looked at the small price tag, biting his lip worriedly. I'm not perfect, but I swear I'm perfect for you. With renewed determination, Ed fisted what little money he had and ran inside the shop, bypassing a older woman who got nearly knocked over by the youngster's enthusiasm.
"Excuse me!" the elder shopkeeper leaned over the countertop and looked down at the golden haired boy in surprise, "Could you give me that plastic ring over at the window please?" doing as he was told, the elderly man retrieved the small item from the place at the window display and held it up for the boy to see. Ed nodded, placing the few coins on the countertop, but before the shopkeeper could say anything, Ed vigorously shook his head, "Don't worry mister, I'll work for it! I don't have enough money but I'll work for it!" the shopkeeper was taken aback, "There's no need young one, you can take it-" Ed stomped his foot, "No! I'm not taking it without paying!" seeing the stubborn determination burning fiercely in the young one's golden eyes, the ma sighed reluctantly. "Hmm...how about you help me decorating?" Ed smiled and nodded, gold innocent eyes widening in excitement and delight. The old man laughed and beckoned Ed forward. There's not guarantee, that this will be easy. Ed worked hard and quick, making sure to put everything back where it was and neatly organizing the toys and trinkets within the shop, his mind all the while focused on the ring and her eyes. It's not a miracle you need, believe me. Yeah, I'm no angel, I'm just me, but I'll love you endlessly. Wings aren't what you need, you need me. Ed cleaned the floor, the windows and polished the woodsy textures of little figures the man himself made, it didn't matter that the man insisted Ed didn't have to do all these things, he wanted to, because he didn't want to be gifted that ring. Because...just like for her affections, Ed will work for it. Yeah, you need me (I know you need me),you need me (I know you need me), you need me (I know you need me).
Ed grinned in triumph, waving at the elderly man before running straight out of the shop, the shopkeeper smiled warmly and waved back, wishing the little boy all the best of luck. There's a shop down the street, where they sell plastic rings, for a quarter a piece, I swear it. With labored breath, Edward ran towards the very familiar house. It seemed like years passed, his dark boots kicking dirt behind him as he increased his speed, a small, metallic object clutched tightly in his hand. Yeah, I know that it's cheap, not like gold in your dreams. He finally reached the house, grinning from ear to ear as he nearly slammed himself straight through the door and into the house, panting like a dog. He didn't even bother shrugging off his coat, he met Winry in the kitchen and she seemed startled to see Edward so out of breath. "Ed? What happened? Did you run?" Winry worriedly looked at her boyfriend, but he just grinned and shook his head, his eyes alight with happiness and excitement and nervousness. "I got ya something, Winry," with a deep breath, Ed opened his palm he had been clutching tightly closed till now and revealed the precious object inside of it. Winry gasped, a smile automatically making its way to her face. It was a ring. But I hope that you'll still wear it. Both adults had tears in their eyes as Ed put the ring on her ring finger, right next to the old, plastic one he had gotten her all those years ago. The rings matched each-other and her eyes, both were blue.
Zanbato or Hsu Quandao: Lena rubbed her chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowing critically, eyeing the assorted items with interest and sharp critique. Greed leaned casually against a wooden beam supporting the shop his girlfriend was currently staring into, the shopkeeper slowly inched closer to him and whispered with his hand covering his mouth, "Um...how long will she think of choosing a weapon if I may ask?" Greed gave a roguish grin, "That could take a while old man, I'd say if you're lucky about half a day," the shopkeeper stared wide eyed at Greeds carefree expression, "H-h-half a day!? B-b-but I have other customers!" the Homunculus smirked, "Oh no, that woman will take your whole attention, trust me,". "Aha!" it seemed like Lena actually found something of interest and the shopkeeper immediately appeared by her side, eager to see if she finally chose a weapon to her liking and would finally leave. Lena inspected the weapon closely, "Hmm...excuse me but from where did you get this?" she shot the shopkeeper a suspicious look and the man felt sweat moistening his hair, "I-I bought it f-from a tradesman f-from Xing," he fidgeted nervously, scared to death she didn't like it. Lena ignored the nervous man and turned toward Greed, "Hmm...what do you think?" Lena slammed the sword down on Greed, who effortlessly put his shield up and stretched his arm out to test its durability. It broke in thousands of pieces, the shopkeeper was mortified and Lena was disappointed, holding the broken blade with a sad pout, "Aw man, it broke," she whined, glaring at the owner. The poor man was at a loss for words, "W-w-w-what are you doing?! You have to pay for that! That had been one of my finer swords!" he was freaking out about the fact that the blade didn't even harm the man and that said man managed to destroy it without so much as batting an eye. Lena shrugged, "Sorry, but I need something that's strong enough to be on par with my boyfriends shield," she nodded, fist bumping with Greed, who smirked cockily.
The blacksmith covered his face in exasperation before an idea hit him, "Um...I think there may be something to your liking," he quickly disappeared at the back, rummaging through some boxes until he found what he was looking for. When he reappeared, he carried two weapons with him. One was a long, sturdy looking Hsu Quandao, a spear lacking a counterbalance iron ball at the end. The second weapon was something unique, it looked like a overly large Zanbato, but it was shaped like a kunai the Xingese people wielded, it actually looked like a oversized kunai itself. "W-well?" he bit his tongue, nearly drawing blood when Lena took the Hsu Quandao. Testing the weight in her hands, she ran a finger down its steel length, eyeing the sharp blade with a critical eye, eyes lighting with interest at seeing the ancient looking Xingese words engraved onto the blade. Without warning, she slammed the blade against Greeds shoulder, the Homunculus had the common sense to keep his shield up at all times whenever his wonderful girlfriend was in close proximity to any sort of weapons. Good for him anyway. Lena let out a thoughtful hum at the blade's durability, undeterred by the shocked and panicked expression of the shopkeeper, "...How much for both of them?" Greed rose an eyebrow, already taking out his wallet and fearing it's life was about to end a tragic death by starvation. The shopkeeper was sweating buckets, swallowing loudly and shakily holding out a hand, meekly saying the price for both weapons. Lena's wallet was already out, but Greed resolutely stepped up and pushed his girlfriend aside. Lena, annoyed, whacked Greed with her new weapon on the back of his head, he was unfazed, shooting her a brief glare before paying the poor, hyperventilating shopkeeper before he fainted from a heart attack. After they were headed back home, Greed rubbed at the back of his head, "That hurt," he pouted. Lena grinned, "Good, that means these babies are good quality," Greed smirked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, "You sure know how to pick them," Lena smirked back, "I sure know how to pick my men too," she leaned up to kiss Greed's cheek, he grinned. "Heh, can't argue there," she laughed and playfully elbowed him, Greed just chuckled.
Den: "Please don't be annoyed when I jump all over you the second you walk through the door. I have a lot less time on this earth and I'm happiest when I get to spend it with you." Winry smiled, lovingly scratching Den behind her ears and petting the top of her head and snout, Den barked happily, nuzzling into his owner's hand and licking her cheek affectionately. "Talk to me. We may not speak the same language, but just the sound of your voice always brightens my day," Winry laughed, throwing the stick into the air, "C'mon Den fetch! That's a good girl!" Den barked and jumped up, catching the piece of wood in her mouth and wagging happily with her tail when Winry cheered. "Comfort me when I'm scared. I'm not used to a lot of noise or new things and you make me feel safe," Winry smiled softly and gently cradled Den closer to her, shielding her shivering form with the blanket and the comfort of the fire burning behind them, "Shhh, it's alright Den, it's just a storm," her owner's soothing tone entered her ears and Den's shivering got less violent than before, burying her snout in Winry's soft bosom and inhaling the familiar scent of her master and friend that always gave her a sense of security.
"Give me time to understand what you want from me. I promise I'll do my best," Den tilted her head to the side, not understand what Winry wanted even when she frantically pointed from the kitchen to the floor, where a rag laid. Did she want her to pick it up? Eat it? Chew on it? She already chewed on it but decided the taste was awful and left it in the living room. "Please don't stay mad at me for too long. You have your family and friends to make you happy, I only have you," Den's ears flattened on her head when she saw Winry laughing and being happy when her mate said something and his brother laughed at his joke as well, her master seemed happy. Winry noticed Den looking gloomy in the corner, so she briefly abandoned her mate and friend and rushed to kneel in front of her, holding her face in her hands, blue eyes apologetic, "Hey there girl, let's not fight anymore alright?" Den barked once in agreement, immediately pressing her forepaws against Winry's shoulders and licking her whole face to show her happiness. Winry just laughed.
"Give me the freedom to be a bit wild and dirty, it makes me happy to be able to be outside with you," Winry laughed as she and Den rolled around in the grass, mud staining their clothes and fur, but they didn't care. Den ran around her owner, barking and wagging her tail, before jumping in a puddle of mud and splattering some on Winry's face, making her laugh harder. "Show me that humans can be loving and not full of hate," Winry slammed her wrench against the side of the man's head, immediately sending him flying into a unconscious state as she dropped her wrench and kneeled down on the ground, cradling Den close to her and soothingly rubbing her fur, redness smudging the spot on her face where white fur was a stark contrast to black. "Hey girl, don't worry, he won't hurt you anymore," Den whimpered, licking away the blood that gathered at the edges of her mouth and burying her head into Winry, the feeling of relief washing over her tired body. "If you treat me well, I promise I'll be your best friend, forever," Winry grinned widely, running around and Den chasing after her, barking and wagging her tail happily. "I love when you teach me new tricks, it gives me the chance to impress you and I love it when you're proud of me," "You go Den! See that dog over there? That's my girl!" Winry cheered the loudest of the crowd as Den did a back flip mid air successfully, the first one from the rest of the village dogs. And when Winry ran up from her position on her seat to run down and hug her dog, who had a medal around her neck, Den felt like the luckiest dog in the world.
"When I get old, please love me as much as you did when I was young," Winry soothingly stroked Den's fur at her back, "You're feeling those old bones too huh old girl?" Den sighed sleepily, nuzzling her snout against Winry's thigh as she enjoyed the ministrations done to her. She licked Winry's thigh in gratitude and the older woman giggled, scratching gently behind Den's ear. "I may not be a sweet little puppy anymore, but I love you just as much as I did back then," Den dropped the newspaper on her owner's lap and Winry smiled softly, patting her head, "Hey, you didn't have to bring me the newspaper, you know," Den licked her fingers, settling down beside her on the veranda and looking out at the setting sun, "It's a beautiful sight, isn't it?" Den could only agree. "Please be at my side when I take my final breath," Den coughed repeatedly and Winry's worry increased, immediately she gripped Ed's arm, "Ed," the tall blonde nodded, understanding her gaze, immediately Ed carefully lifted Den into his arms and carried her into the house, Pinako waiting worriedly at the desk in order to check on her dog. "I know it won't be easy but I need you when my time on this earth ends," tears flooded Winry's blue eyes when Pinako shook her head solemnly, the old woman herself had tears in her eyes as she caressed her dog's head affectionately and slowly. Den's eyes were shifting in and out of focus, breathing got heavier somehow, she didn't know why, it just did. "I'll be scared, but you're the one person I can trust to be with me," Winry stepped forward, gently gripping Den's forepaw, squeezing gently and attempting to soothe her ache by rubbing slow circles on the limb.
"When I'm gone, please remember these words..." Winry released a cry when Pinako shook her head for a final time after checking Den's heart rate. "People are born to learn how to lead a good life and be a good person every day. Dogs already know how to do that, that's why they don't need to live so long," Ed gently rubbed her back and held her to him, tears of his own in his eyes, looking at the now lifeless form of Den. Winry cried and cried, holding Ed and Pinako in her arms. Den had been one of the closest friends she ever had, it didn't matter that she wasn't human, all it mattered was her heart and Winry knew, Den had the biggest heart of all.
Complete: "You complete me," he said sincerely, eyes warm and loving. She smiled and kissed him, pushing back her long blonde hair, "No..I accept you completely," and with a certain, familiar twinkle in his eyes and a happy grin, he agreed.
Price of Peace: "Tell me, little human, do you believe in god?" glowing red eyes burned through Ed's very soul, his throat constricted and he felt like he couldn't breathe. The deity didn't give him any time to answer, "Of course you do, everyone believes in death, everyone knows it's inevitable. And yet you choose to live despite knowing you'll die. I wonder...why are humans so foolish?" Ed's eyes widened, "They say in order to attain freedom and create the perfect world, all evil must be cleansed from it. And how do they get rid of it?" sharp teeth stretched into a smirk, "They eliminate it," Ed stepped back, eyes wide in fear, "W-who the hell are you?" the creature smiled, "I'm the god of death, Shinigami," the scenery changed and the god was in his own dark realm, he chuckled, "The price of peace...is death, little human," he watched as Edward's lifespan fell to zero. (A/N: inspired by the anime "Death Note")
Lost: You don't know what you have until its gone. I lost her. But the truth is... She's gone. You knew what you had... She was my whole world... ...but you never thought you would lose it. She was supposed to be beside me... He knelt down by the piece of stone and disturbed earth, laying the pretty white lilies on the ground. With a small, sad smile tugging at his lips he whispered softly, "Hey there, Win..."
It wasn't Him: It wasn't God that took her away. It was the illness. It wasn't Him that gave her the news. It was the doctor. It wasn't Gods plan to let her suffer. It just happened. Greed slowly walked forward, his hands in his pockets, shadows dancing across his face as the stillness of the darkness around him became too much and he needed to speak, "Tch...God huh? Where is your god now?" he sighed, shaking his head solemnly. "Truth is kids...there were never things like gods or demons, or fairies and angels...those were children's bedtime stories." He paused, smirking ruefully, "No..." he smirked, "Things were never like that..." Greed lifted his head to look directly at the camera, "The truth...the real truth is...God is just someone people put the blame on when they don't know any other way. It's nobody's fault someone suddenly dies because the plague came over the country. It was nobody's fault when someone was unhappy with their life and ended it for the sake of their own happiness. But..." he looked to the side, turning around, the light fading with his retreating form, "...it hadn't been her fault either..." the whispered words were left with the fall of a picture on the ground. The woman in the picture was laughing and smiling, Greed beside her with a big grin and a little rattle, bought for their future child that never was.
UGH! THE FUCKING FEELS! ...Excuse my language (coughs) right, after a long time of not updating, here I am. ^^ BTW: I updated my Instagram account and added a few photos and quotes, most of (my own made up lol) quotes I'll be using here too so check them out and tell me what you think! ;)