Chapter 7
Hello Elric Brothers!
|-Andrea-|
I snuggled my nose closer into my soft pillow, sighing contently. Slowly, I opened my eyes half way. My vision was slightly blurred, but it came together quickly. I yawned in my pillow and turned to the other side. I spotted Sara sleeping soundly on my other pillow.
A smile graced my lips. Aw, she looks adorable! I squealed internally. Lazily, I sat up and yawned loudly. This also woke Sara up, who mewed awake and stretched her body.
I gave her a weak two finger salute. "Mornin'." I grumbled as I turned to the other side of my room where my mirror was. I saw how my hair was a frizzy mess and spotted some eye crusts on the edges. I noticed that I had a little drool on my face too.
But did I care?
No.
Since I was awake, I decided it was time I fixed my appearance before some hot guy comes in my bedroom. It might not happen, but it was the right motivation to get my arse out of bed.
I dragged my feet on the floor and grabbed some new clothes off my wardrobe. I took my towel and turned to Sara, who was curiously looking at me from the bed.
"I'm gonna shower." I slurred before yawning again. "You stay there."
Creepy, but Sara nodded and sat her butt on the pillow. I gave her an approving nod and headed straight in the bathroom.
I closed the door behind me and took off my night clothes and stepped in the shower. The moment the warm water hit my face, I relaxed and grin goofily. I proceeded to rinse myself and whilst doing so, sang softly in the bathroom.
So I sing in the bathroom. Don't judge me!
When I finished, I changed into my clothes, which was similar to my old clothes; a dark blue v-neck shirt with slightly long sleeves and some dark pants. I've grown used to wearing boots almost 90% of my days so I also wore them. Since my hair was still wet, I left it like that and walked out the bathroom.
I smiled and stretched my arms up in the air. "God, I'm alive!" I squealed as I slumped my form in a lazy stance.
I could almost imagine Sara giving me a WTF look.
With Sara being in my mind, a devilish grin curled up my face. I slowly inclined my head to the side and stared at Sara with stars for eyes.
"Sara…" I started.
"Time to take a bath~"
And that's when all hell broke loose.
|-Andrea-|
"You know, I'm starting to doubt my decision of taking you in."
Sara meowed and shook her body, ridding herself of the water around her. I sat on the bed, placing some bandages on my scratched up arms. Killer cats… Grrr…
I sat up, stretching my arms slowly so as not to open my wounds. I looked at the cat who gave me an innocent meow. I twitched my eye stuck out my tongue out at Sara.
Though I was irritated by how Sara freaked like ish when I gave her a bath, I still couldn't stay mad. I mean, she's a cat. Cats hate water for a reason, and that's because their fur isn't thick enough. The heat they trap in their bodies escape since water cools the body down and chills them to the bone.
In short, you throw water at a cat, the heat disappears, and the cat goes all 'I-will-fucking-kill-you' mode.
Honestly. I hate Killer Cat Mode.
I walked outside my room, Sara resting on my shoulder because she was light and small enough to fit. I spotted Marcoh sitting on the table, resting his chin nervously.
I was a bit puzzled by his behavior. But then I remembered what today was; today was the day Ed and Al would visit this part of Amestris and find out about the stone and Marcoh.
"Doctor?" I asked, snapping said man from his thoughts.
Marcoh turned to me and sigh. "I don't think I can face another military officer again." He said.
I frowned and walked up to him, sitting beside him. I took his rough hands in mine and offered a closed eye smile.
"Didn't I tell you Doctor?" I asked. "I won't let anything happen to the people I care about."
Though I said this, Marcoh seemed a bit unsure.
"Don't you trust me?" I asked with a wink.
With that said, he stared me with slightly wide eyes. After a few moments, a smile came up his lips. The tension on his shoulders relaxed. "Thank you Andrea." He said sincerely.
I grinned. "Don't thank me yet doctor; I haven't done anything that would save anyone."
I stood up from my place and placed Sara down on the table. She meowed at me curiously and I nuzzled her small head. I placed my hands on my knees and leaned in.
"Stay here Sara. I have to go check on something." I said.
When Sara meowed again, I turned around and headed out the door. I said a quick 'see ya' to Marcoh and closed the door behind me. I walked down the stairs and proceeded to walk towards the train station.
Coincidentally, Rachel's husband whose name was Paul, worked on the train. Their house was also a few blocks away from the station so it was pretty convenient for the Williams, huh?
I soon arrived in Rachel's house. I opened the small gate and closed it behind me. I marched onto the front porch and knocked thrice. A few seconds later, the door opened and revealed the very same woman who had experienced childbirth a few weeks ago.
"Andrea!" Rachel exclaimed happily. "What are you doing here?"
I smiled at her. "Nothing really. I decided to stop by, you know, so I can check on baby Grace. That and I also have an obligation to make sure the little cutie is fine."
Okay, truth be told, Marcoh assigned me to Grace's a.k.a. the baby I was forced to watch come out of her mom's you-know-what's health. It wasn't an easy task, checking on Grace's health daily since she has a very, very weak immune system for an infant, which makes her more prone to diseases and ailments.
Rachel smiled at me. "Thank you so much Andrea. Grace is in the living room. She's sleeping, so I think you won't have much trouble giving her a check up. Oh! Walt is also there, but he's asleep so do be quiet."
I chuckled. "I will!"
I walked inside the room with Rachel following behind me. I reached the living room and found Walt sleeping on the couch, his head tilted back and him snoring loudly. Grace was in his arms, sleeping as well.
I was surprised that Grace could sleep through a heck of a noise, but I supposed they are babies. Sleeping is what they do best. Well, there's that, and pooping.
I knelt in front of grace and took out a wristband that held a stitched transmutation circle on it. Using the circle, I activated it and sent some energy into Grace's body, carefully analyzing her blood, her breathing, her heart status, and everything inside her.
I checked her temperature and nodded approvingly. I stood up from my place and wore my wrist band and turned to Rachel. "She's alright." I said to Rachel. "I'll give the results of this today to Doctor. Don't worry too much."
Rachel sigh and gave me a smile. "I really don't know how to thank you Andrea." She said. "You've been such a great help. And I know both Walt and my husband feel the same."
I smiled and felt a warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach. I've always liked receiving praises, especially after doing something for the people. Maybe that's why I like helping others!
I scratched my cheek and turned away. "Oh come on. Doctor Marcoh is the one who you should be thanking!"
Rachel laughed.
After chatting for a few minutes with Rachel, I left the house. I turned back and waved bye to Rachel, who wished me good luck. I sent her a smile and my gratitude before making my way to the train station.
Once I entered, I walked in and went towards the train stop. I looked to the sides, trying to find Paul, when I spotted him doing his work on a nearby window.
"Mr. Williams!" I called as I rushed towards him.
The said man paused from his work and looked up. Once he noticed me, his face broke out into a smile and he waved his arm at me.
"Andrea." He said as I walked in front of him. "Hello! Are you here for a ride?"
I shook my head. "Actually, I was just strolling around." I said with a light laugh. "Have you seen anybody strange lately around the station?"
Paul looked at me strangely. "No. Why do you ask?"
I shrugged. "I mean, have you seen a boy with gold hair and gold eyes, a huge suit of armor, and a bald man with a twirl of blonde hair?"
"If you're talking about the three that's coming here right now, then yes."
I blinked in confusion before realization set in. Before I could so much as turn around, I heard a familiar voice call out to me.
"IT'S YOU!"
Slowly, I turned and spotted Edward looking at me with shock… and wait, was he pointing to me with his auto-mail hand?!
What the eff?!
I thought Scar destroyed that arm after his fight with Ed!
I stood there, staring at his arm before I was snapped into reality. I managed a grin and waved my hand nonchalantly at Ed.
"Yo! What's up?" I asked.
"DON'T 'YO WHAT'S UP' WITH ME!" Ed yelled at me.
I cringed at the tone of his voice. Yikes, banshee much?
"Andrea, what are you doing here?" Alphonse chimed in.
I turned towards the huge suit of armor. "Oh, I stay here. Well, only for a while. After I'm done with my Medical Training with Doctor, I'm going to hit the road. Or rail, since we use the train." I said.
It was then when I noticed Armstrong staring at me suspiciously. Don't get me wrong, the dude is awesome with his sparkles and all that, but seriously, when a guy with a twirl of hair and a moustache stares at you, it's hard not to get intimidated. Add some points to his huge height!
"Are you Andrea Jhones?" he asked.
I nodded in response and instantly did his shirt come off. And oh my gate, his muscles are HUGE. Does he shine them every other minute or something?! Cause I'm seeing too much sparkles!
"I'm pleased to meet the girl who is so determined the field of Medical Alchemy!" he said as he flexed his muscles. "Such a wonderful spirit! Come! Let me bless you with my wonderful muscles!"
As Armstrong went on and on about how great I am, I looked at Ed and made a motion and fake gagged. He looked at me with a small smile while I heard Alphonse chuckle.
"Tell me, Miss Jhones!" he said as he took my hand. "Your spirit must be a skill passed down by the Jhones family, isn't it?"
I sweat dropped. "Er… no, actually…"
With all the commotion going on, it's no wonder that some people started to stare and whisper around us. I gulped and cleared my throat before getting straight to the point.
"As great as it is to see you guys," I said. "How come you stopped here? I mean, this is another average town located in a rural area. There can't possibly be something useful to an alchemist's research."
Ed turned to me and grinned coyly. "Nope. There is one thing."
I raised an eyebrow. "There is? What?"
"You."
It took a few moments to process what Ed said. I looked at him with wide eyes and pointed to my chest. "Me?" I repeated, dumbfounded.
Ed nodded. "Yeah. I still remember our conversation back in Central. What you said about you learning Medical Alchemy in the countryside, being a fellow student under Teacher's guidance, and how you know about our secret and about the Philosopher's stone."
My eyes widened a bit before I decided to turn serious. I looked around us and found no one suspicious looking and grabbed Ed's auto-mail hand, walking from the station and down the stairs.
"H-hey! What are you doing?" Ed yelled.
I glanced at him over my shoulder. "To Doctor Marcoh." I said curtly.
I sensed Armstrong pause in his steps. "Doctor Marcoh?! You mean the Crystal Alchemist?! He's still alive?!" he exclaimed in shock.
I paused and swiftly turned around. "Listen, the topic of our conversation is dangerous for any eavesdroppers." I said lowly. "We have to go somewhere private. And I know the place. So follow me, and I'll answer all your questions."
Ed looked at me mysteriously. I gave an exasperated sigh.
"I promise."
With that said, Ed's shoulders relaxed. Though he relaxed, his eyes were still on me. "You better hold up to that promise." He warned.
I nodded.
|-Edward-|
The four ventured somewhere deep in town and ended up in a two story building. It looked neat enough to live in, but from the texture and exterior of the building, he would say that it was pretty old.
Edward didn't know why he decided to trust Andrea in the first place. Maybe it was because he wanted to know how to make the stone. Maybe it was because he wanted to know how she knew their secret.
Maybe it was because he found her rather intriguing.
Believe it or not, Edward couldn't get his mind off the brunette ever since she left Central. No, it's not as if he was in love with her, but he was really curious about her.
Compared to other girls, Andrea was someone he doesn't know how to respond to. She seems kind, but mischievous. She seems smart, but oblivious. She seems soft-hearted, yet he has the feeling that she could knock you out in two seconds flat.
Edward doesn't understand why he can't figure Andrea out. Seriously, it's as if he's an impossible puzzle! Why the hell can't girls be simpler?!
As he mused over his thoughts, he didn't notice that Andrea started walking up the stairs on the side of the building. The trio looked at each other and shrugged, following Andrea behind her.
They arrived at the door. She knocked three times and it opened, revealing a middle-aged man. It took a moment for Edward to figure out who this man was.
"Doctor, it's the military." Andrea said as she walked inside and stepped beside him.
The man seemed shocked but swallowed down his fear. Edward looked at him strangely. Was he afraid of the military?
"Dr. Marcoh…" Armstrong murmured in disbelief.
Marcoh looked up and smiled wryly. "Hello Major. It's been a while."
Armstrong lowered his head and nodded. "Yes, it has been quite some time." He agreed.
Edward was growing twitchy. This isn't the time for reunions! There was a reason why they came here in the first place!
"Dr. Marcoh," Edward started, catching everyone's attention. "We need to talk."
He saw the said Crystal Alchemist swallow. Marcoh nodded and turned to Andrea, who gave him a supportive nod and a small smile.
"I guess I must start from the beginning then."
|-Andrea-|
All five of us sat down on the chairs that surrounded the wooden table. I turned to Marcoh, who seemed very antsy. He turned to me for support, and I sent him a gentle smile. I gestured my head towards the three in front of me and nudged his elbow.
Marcoh gave a sigh. He closed his eyes and clenched his hands. "It was the worst decision I had ever did in my entire life." He started. "It was like taking a glimpse through hell— that research. It was cruel to even remember it. With all the lives of the people and the Ishvalan war that was taken because of it, I'm wondering whether I'm still sane or not."
A frown tugged at my lips. Ed and Al leaned in to hear more while Armstrong looked down at the floor. He must've been reminiscing the past when they were still fighting against the Ishvalians.
"Dr. Marcoh," Ed said. "I need the research data of the Philosopher's Stone."
Marcoh's sullen look grew dark. "You… I have heard about you. Genius alchemy skills that doesn't need a transmutation circle and an auto-mail for a right arm. And then…" Marcoh turned to Al, who moved in surprise.
"Performing human transmutation at the mere age of 11 as well as attaching a soul to a suit of armor. I must say, I would never expect kids your age to have gotten this far." Marcoh said.
Though it was great praise, Ed and Al looked down in shame.
"I guess prodigies do exist." Marcoh sigh and gave me a glance.
I looked at him in confusion. Me? A prodigy? What the eff?! I could barely answer a simple algebra equation or get a 40/80 in my Math finals!
We lapsed into silence. I fidgeted uncomfortably in my chair because of 1) the tension in the air was thick and 2) Ed was staring at me and Marcoh intensely.
It was one thing for him to be glaring, but staring at me as if I'm some sort of alien was freaking me out.
"I need the data." Ed stated seriously.
Marcoh looked at Ed. "Why? Why would you need it? For what purpose?"
"To get me and Al's bodies back!" Ed cried.
"And what if you don't fancy the truth behind my data? What shall you do then? What shall you do if my research turns out to be a fraud or a dead link?" Marcoh challenged.
I gulped. Doctor, don't get like this! Edward Elric isn't exactly Mr. I-forgive-you-a-lot you know!
"Then we'll keep moving forward!" Ed cried as he slammed his auto-mail hand on the table. "Whether it would take us months, years, decades, or even centuries! I will get our bodies back! I promised ourselves that we will never go back on our word and damn it, I am not breaking my promise to Al!"
I froze. He's… Ed is acting just like me whenever I make a serious promise! My heart clenched when I saw the fire set in his golden eyes. He wasn't backing down without a fight. And he wasn't letting this go either.
It took me a moment to realize I was staring at him. I snapped my head away and fanned myself to keep my fangirl-like blush from being too obvious.
Alphonse's metal head clanked. "Please Dr. Marcoh. We need to get our bodies back. I… I don't want to be like this forever."
Ed's expression softened. "Al…"
Alphonse looked down, his red glowing eyes half-lidded. "This body… I can't feel anything. I can't feel pain, happiness, or do anything a normal human being should. I can't eat, sleep, breathe, or even feel simple things. The only thing I can feel is the hollowness inside me. It's… depressing."
His hands were clenched tightly, and I couldn't help but wipe away a silent tear from his heartfelt statement. What? He said something so sincere! I have a heart too, you know.
My heart literally broke at this point. I turned to Marcoh. "Doctor, perhaps you should…" I suggested.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Ed's face turn hopeful.
Marcoh turned to me. I gave him a determined expression. A few moments passed before finally, he sigh and gave a reluctant nod.
"I… I will tell you where I hid the data." He said.
Ed grinned in victory. Al nodded his head. "Thank you!" the suit of armor said.
"But," Marcoh cut off. The two of them were silenced with the hanging sentence. ", you will not reveal my research to anyone else. Also, Andrea will accompany you because if by any chance you should ever use this information for the bad, I will tell her to burn the data."
Ed did a silent gasp in shock as Al's armor bristled.
"Do you agree to my terms?" Marcoh asked, his eyes searching for any signs of a fight.
Ed stared at Marcoh. He then turned his head to me, analyzing me carefully. I stared at him evenly, not willing to back down.
Finally, Ed sigh. "Yeah. I guess having one extra companion won't hurt." He muttered.
I smiled and stood up from the table.
"So, what are we waiting for?"
|-Andrea-|
I sat on the bench beside Alphonse, whose armor was making weird sounds as he moved an inch. Ed was complaining about how long the train was taking, and Armstrong was asking Paul about the schedule.
I heard Alphonse's head shift. "Um, Andrea?" he asked shyly.
I turned to him. "Yeah?"
He shifted his head again. "I was wondering… have you learned anything about the transmutation of living organisms?"
I hummed. "Well, it depends on a specific question really. I know how a few things and get the gist of the organisms and cell production, but if you ask something like duplicating cells and creating a clone of yourself, then son Imma die."
Al gave me a curious look (of course I noted this metaphorically. He's a suit of armor) and tilted his head. "Alright?" he asked, unsure of what he should respond to my statement.
"Er, what I meant was, it depends on what type of field you want me to explain."
"A field?" I heard Ed pipe in. He sat properly and looked at me curiously. "What do you mean?"
"Well, in Medical Alchemy, there's a specific field." I explained as I raised my hands. "One is the anatomy. You know, you're using Medical Alchemy to analyze the human structure from the inside."
"Oh! So it's like we send the energy from the ground then understand the components of the human body ourselves?" Al asked.
I nodded. "Yup! Though it takes a lot of skill and control. Sometimes the energy in Alchemic reactions go haywire and bites you in the butt."
Ed placed his fingers on his chin. "True that. When I did my first transmutation, the reaction was wild and all over the place since I didn't understand the concept all that clearly."
"It's natural, since Alchemy is really hard to understand at first." I said in agreement before looking on the ground embarrassingly. "Even I have trouble doing certain transmutations."
Ed raised in eyebrow. "You do? But aren't you considered a master since you've already done Medical Alchemy?"
I shook my head. "No. I have a hard time analyzing and understanding the components of certain materials. Such as granite! I have no idea what the hell it's composed off. Or dynamite. Or even wooden tables."
Then I ducked my head in shame. "I'm a great Medical Alchemist and yet I can't even complete the basics of simple Alchemy…" I moaned sadly before tears sprang from my eyes. "I'M A WORLD CLASS FAILURE!"
Ed seemed shock from my sudden outburst. He tried to calm me down, and so did Al.
"You're not a failure Andrea!"
"I am, Alphonse! I am!" I wailed.
"A-al is right! Come on! I'll help you with the basics of Alchemy!"
I froze in place and turned to Ed. "You would do that?" I asked hopefully.
Ed shrugged. "Why not? And you said that you trained 5 months with Teacher, right? She'll kill you if she finds out you haven't learned much from her tutela— Dear gate, you're sulking again?!"
I hugged my knees together and rocked back and forth. "Oh my gate, you're right… Teacher's going to flay me alive… like a pig in her butcher shop… oh please… Ed, kill me now… End my suffering…"
Ed slapped his forehead and shook his head. "Geez, you get depressed easily."
"Don't be like that brother! Andrea has every right to be scared of Teacher!" Al said with a squeak of fright.
I saw Ed's body stiffen and he also joined me, rocking back and forth while hugging our knees close to our chests, murmuring mantras and how our life should end before we could set foot in Dublith.
Alphonse sweat dropped.
|-Andrea-|
We entered the train, walking on the hollow hallway and settling on some seats nearby. Since Armstrong was a bit too large to fit, he suggested that he'll sit a few spaces back. I was sort of glad about that.
Don't get me wrong, Armstrong is cool. He's like awesome sauce! But sometimes, I feel very tiny compared to his huge height. It's… intimidating.
As excited as I am to go back to Central, I didn't fancy the idea of having to sit on the wooden bench for a day. But if having to become a great alchemist by having my ass flattened… then I can do this!
… Is what I thought but I was bored out of my mind.
Ed was watching the scenery pass by, with his shoulder hanging on the window and his chin resting on his auto-mail palm. Alphonse was just sitting there quietly while I had nothing to do.
I released a sigh.
"That's the fifth time you sigh ever since you boarded the train." Ed deadpanned.
I quirked an eyebrow. "You count how many times I sigh?" I asked dubiously.
Ed shrugged.
"You know, that's a bit creepy." I stated
With that, the silence was broken. Ed stared at me with an annoyed expression while Al looked between the two of us. He must've been worried about a fight breaking out.
"I am not creepy!" Ed protested.
"You were counting my sighs."
"I was bored!"
"So was I. But counting someone's sighs is counted as level; stalker."
"How can counting someone's sighs be considered an act of stalking?!"
"Uh, guys? Stop fighting…"
"Ed, you only notice little things of other people if you're interested in them. And I can tell you're interested in me."
"Am not! I had nothing else to do!"
"So you decided to become a creeper?"
"What?! I didn't— who said— I am not a— GAH!"
I smirked. "Haha! I won, Mr. Shorty!"
"WHO ARE CALLING SO SHORT HE CAN RIDE ON THE BACK OF A HARE?!"
"Calm down brother!"
I chuckled as Al held his brother tightly, preventing him from trying to smack my face.
I turned to Ed. "Ed, I've said this once and I'll say it again; your rants are adorable!"
Ed froze before I saw pink dust his cheeks. Al was a bit surprised Ed stopped thrashing about and settled him down on his seat.
I smiled and switched seats, sitting beside Ed instead of Al. He seemed surprised by this and half-glared.
"What are you doing?" he grumbled.
I shrugged. "I might fall asleep on the train, so I figured I might accidentally crash my head either against Al or the wall. Better the wall, but I'm not taking any chances." I said before turning to Alphonse. "No offense though!"
Al chuckled. "None taken."
"I am not a pillow either." Ed muttered.
I patted his head. "I beg to differ, Ed."
He twitched his eye at me. "Stop it Andrea!"
I laughed before settling myself against the train wall on my side. I yawned, and it was only then when I realized I really was getting tired and sleepy.
"Maybe you should rest Andrea." Al suggested. "It's a long ride to Central anyway."
I nodded sleepily. "Yeah… I guess… I'll slee…"
I wasn't able to finish my sentence, because soon after I fell asleep.
|-Edward-|
When he was sure the brunette was fast asleep, he sat properly and stared at her features.
This was becoming a bad habit, Ed thought. Stupid curiosity!
Ed looked at Andrea's face. Her face has a nice shape, and her wavy brown hair seemed to compliment her slightly tanned skin. The way he saw her breathe from her nose and exhale through her slightly parted lips— hey, he found it cute.
CUTE?!
What the eff did you just think Edward Elric?!
"Brother? Are you okay? Your face looks red and— oh, I see."
It was a good thing Edward knew how to read his brother, despite him not being able to do facial expressions. He snapped his head towards his younger brother and gave him a blank stare.
"No." Edward stated.
Alphonse hummed. "You were staring at her brother."
"No I wasn't." Edward denied.
"I saw you watching her."
"You make me sound like a creep."
"But brother, according to her, you are a—"
"Not another word Alphonse. Not. Another. WORD."
Alphonse chuckled, much to the older Elric's chagrin. What? What's so wrong with staring at a girl while she's sleepi—
… Nah, scratch that, he was acting like a creeper. But never would he admit that openly to either Alphonse of Andrea herself! Both wouldn't let him hear the end of it.
Ed couldn't help but glance again at her sleeping form.
… If she found his rants cute, then he found the way she sleeps cute.
…
Wait, what?!
|-Andrea-|
"Andrea, wake up."
I mumbled in my sleep, saying 'five more minutes'. I heard a sigh before someone started poking my stomach. Unfortunately, I was ticklish and I was poked in a specific spot that made me squirm.
"Eep!" I squealed in surprise.
Edward gave me a weird look. "What kind of reaction is that?" he asked.
I blushed in embarrassment. "S-shut up Ed!"
Suddenly, a smirk curled up his lips. "You're ticklish huh…"
I shook my head. "No!"
"Admit it!"
"Nuh uh!"
"Uh huh!"
"Nuh uh!"
"Uh huh!"
"Uh huh!"
"Nuh uh— HEY!"
"HAHA! I defeated you!" I said victoriously.
Ed fumed. "You cheated!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did—"
"Uh, brother? Andrea?"
We paused in our bickering and turned. We spotted Al looking between us, confused.
I yawned once more and kicked my legs up. "Well!" I said as I stretched my arms upwards. "Let's get going! You better catch up with me, Shorty pants."
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A PINT-SIZED MIDGET WHO'S SMALLER THAN A FLEA?!"
I laughed gleefully as I ran out of the train and into Central with an angered Ed hot on my heels. "Run, run, as fast you can! You can't catch me, I'm taller than you!"
"ANDREA!"
|-Andrea-|
Once Al found both me and Ed (I was on the top of a tree while Ed was on the ground) and calmed both of us down, we all headed to a nearby hotel to rest for the night.
While the hotel room was being prepared, Al suggested that me and Ed go ahead and eat dinner. I happily complied, since I haven't eaten lunch earlier and that I was starving like ish.
We arrived in the dinner room, and almost instantly did Ed order a full course meal.
As I stated earlier, I was starving. But when I looked at Al, I figured that it would be painful for him to see me eat so much delicious food in front of him, and he can't have any…
"I'll just get a sandwich and water." I told the waiter politely.
Ed looked at me strangely. "You were complaining about being starving earlier." He stated.
I tried my best to find a decent cover up. "Er… I don't feel like eating anymore?" I offered lamely.
"You suck at lying." Ed deadpanned.
"Oh shut up! I hate lying!" I pouted.
"Why's that?" Al asked in curiosity.
I turned away. "It's… well, because it makes me uncomfortable. If I lie, I have this twitchy feeling in my gut and I feel super guilty. I hate feeling guilty. It sometimes makes me want to apologize to the nearest person beside me."
Ed stared at me and I was growing uncomfortable. "Er… Ed? If you take a picture, it'll last way longer."
Pink dusted his cheeks as he turned away. Al chuckled lightly and soon, we all found ourselves chatting up a storm of weird things such as Alchemy, food, and occasionally my practices in the medical field.
Al really seems interested in Medical Alchemy and he seems to understand the concepts real quick, which frightened me. Why? It's because I'm afraid he'll find out the only way to successfully heal someone with Alchemy, is through the use of the stone.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a 14 year old who knows Alchemy. But if I teach Al how to do my specialty and he figures out what the stone is made of, he could get angry and possibly hate me.
Though… this is Al we're talking about… having someone as kind hearted as him to hate someone a lot takes a lot of skill…
When our food arrived, both me and Ed started eating. As I stated, I was starving, but I tried my best to look at the positive side of things. I mean, I hate torturing people. I may be rude, foul-mouthed, and pretty sneaky at times, but torturing someone? Nuh uh, no way!
Al shifted his head towards me. "Andrea? Are you sure you only want to eat that sandwich?" he asked.
I nodded. "Yup. I'm all good here with my sandwich."
"You won't starve?" Al asked in concern.
I shook my head and sent him a smile. "Nah. Besides, if I was starving, I would've eaten the whole menu. And I don't exactly have enough money so… yeah, I'm eating as least as I could."
I was about to munch into my sandwich when Ed offered me a piece of meat. I blinked in surprise and sent him a puzzled look.
"Take it." Ed said through his full mouth.
I blushed. "I couldn't—"
Ed narrowed his eyes. "I can't have you fainting. It's more trouble dragging you to the place rather than having you complain about food."
"I do not complain that much!" I said.
"Take the food Andrea." Al nudged.
I turned to both brothers. Seeing that I can't say no, I admitted defeat with a sigh. But I smiled again anyways and happily took the food, thanking Ed with a bright grin.
I swore he blushed again and turned away. Okay… why's he blushing?
After dinner, we headed upstairs and into our rooms. It was pretty simple, but neat. I offered to take the shower first, and the brothers didn't particularly mind so in the shower I went!
I finished my shower and stared at my reflection. I realized that my hair has grown wavier than before and that it was growing almost below mid-back length. I frowned. I might have it hard to manage. Stupid wavy hair. Why couldn't you be naturally straight?
It was then when a thought occurred to me:
Why not use Alchemy?
I grinned evilly and took my black wrist band which had a hidden transmutation circle I stitched up with black string. Using the friction I created by rubbing my hands together, I activated my circle and captured the heat in my hands.
Big. Mistake.
"Aah!" I winced in pain as I realized that I had burns on my hands. From the pain and looks of it, I think I gave myself some first degree burns.
"Andrea!"
I turned to the bathroom door, surprised to hear Ed's voice call my name.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I heard you scream! What's wrong?"
I gulped nervously and turned to my burned hands. Oh gate, how do I hide this?
"Um… you know I don't like lying so… I'll show you…" I said nervously. I fumbled to open the doorknob with my elbows, since my hands were stinging like the effin' fires of hell, and successfully did.
When I opened the door, Ed was giving me a worried expression. I smiled nervously and hid my hands behind my back, hoping that he won't mind find out about this stupid mistake at all.
"What happened?" he asked.
I looked down. "Er… I accidentally… um… burned my hands?"
Ed looked at me for a moment before yelling out, "WHAT?!"
I cringed. "Well, you see, I was trying to figure out what to do with my hair in the bathroom and well, I thought I could straighten it with the use of Alchemy and heat, so I well, tried to and… Tada?"
Ed slapped his flesh hand against his head. "You're an idiot! You can't possibly expect to capture the friction on your flesh hands! At least on an iron material or something that can transfer heat! But your flesh?! Of course it would burn!"
I blushed. "Sorry…"
Ed sigh and held out his hands. "Let me look."
I slowly took my hands from behind and let him see. I saw him visibly wince, but I ignored that. He gently held my hand on the unburned parts and analyzed the burns.
"It's a first degree burn." I stated as-a-matter-of-factly. "It would take a day or two to heal, don't worry."
"I'm not a Medical Alchemist." Ed said, his eyes downcast.
I tilted my head, puzzled. His eyebrows knitted together and I was a bit scared to see him gritting his teeth in anger.
"E-ed!" I said, catching his attention. "Y-you don't have to be angry! It's okay! I'm fine! And I don't need Alchemy for this to heal!"
Ed seemed a bit surprised. "You don't? Then what should I do?"
I hummed, racking my brain. "Um, I think I need to wash my hands with cool running water until the pain lessens. That's something you could help with, right?" I teased with a smile.
I saw a small smile form on Ed's face himself. "Psh, of course I can." He said with a roll of his eyes.
I followed behind him to the bathroom again and he gently turned on the faucet. I cringed when the water hit my hands, and I saw Ed's face turn soft. Not wanting him to feel useless, I smiled again at him and tried my best to ignore the pain.
Once I felt the pain disappear, I turned to Ed. He turned off the faucet and turned to me. "What else?" he asked.
"Can you transmute a gauze? Or perhaps ask the waiter or something?"
Ed nodded and went to the bed. He tore a small strip of the blanket and took some stuff I don't recognize. He clapped his hands and BOOM; instant gauze.
I sat on the bed and opened my hands. Ed took the gauze and divided it into two pieces. He took one piece and started wrapping it around my left hand. I bit my lower lip to try from twitching in pain, but Ed saw my expression.
"Sorry!" he said when I internally screamed when he tied a knot.
I attempted a light hearted laugh. "I'm fine!"
Ed was a bit hesitant, but I assured him that I was fine. It was only when I mentioned that I might get infected was when he started wrapping the gauze around my hand as if the devil depended on it.
"Thanks Ed." I told him as I got comfy on the bed.
Ed smiled and shrugged. "I really didn't do anything."
I pouted and nudged his shoulder with my own. "Come on, don't be such a downer." I cheered. "Try to be positive!"
"I am positive!" Ed said.
I poked his cheek. "Really?" I teased.
His cheeks burned and I couldn't help but laugh. "I was only kidding!" I said.
Ed's blush faded away and we both lapsed into awkward silence. Now this type of silence is the one I hate the most. Why? It's because you don't know how to start a new conversation.
"Andrea," Ed started. I squeaked in surprise and turned to him, a bit curious of what he wanted to say.
"Yeah?"
"… You found out that we committed human transmutation, right?" he murmured.
I paused and turned away, seeing where this conversation might go. "… Yes, I did."
"Then why are you helping us?" he asked. "Why aren't you saying I'm a fool for bringing back the dead?"
Suddenly he chuckled darkly. "Ah, I get it. You're holding a secret about the stone, aren't you? You think we want the stone to bring the dead back. The minute we find the data, you would knock me out and burn it, won't you?"
I gasped. "No! No I wouldn't!"
Ed turned to me sharply. "How do I know you wouldn't?!"
I paused before looking at him evenly in the eyes. "Ed, I will never bring your hopes up and crush it. I'm not a sadistic bastard! Don't take me for that kind of person. I care about you and Al. Really, I do."
"Why?" Ed questioned.
"Because I consider you both as my friends."
Ed froze and stared at me with wide eyes. I smiled at him. "You might think I'm crazy, but I do consider you guys as my friends. And friends would never backstab you in the back. That's who I am Ed; no matter what, I will never backstab you in the back. I'm not a bad person. I'm only an ordinary person who makes the stupidest mistakes!
I mean, look at me Ed; I burned my hands from trying to fix my hair. You lost your limbs because you wanted someone you love back into your life. No one is going to judge you for that! And if they do? You know what you should do?"
Ed leaned in curiously.
"YOU SMACK THEM LIKE A HOE!"
Ed did an anime fall.
I laughed but turned serious after. "But Ed, you have to keep in mind; not all people are so bad. Some just want to help you feel better. You know? That's what friends are for. To make you feel better."
Ed smiled at me when I said this. I smiled back.
"Why should I judge your mistakes when I myself make mistakes? You wanted someone from the dead alive because you loved them, I wanted my hair straightened, and look where it costs us! At least now we can learn from our mistakes and move forward, right?"
Ed was still smiling softly at me. I felt a huge, huge blush coming on!
"B-besides, I don't care if you have a half-metal body or if Al is a walking suit of an empty armor. I'm going to accept you guys for who you are and I won't EVER ask for you guys to change."
|-Edward-|
"Why should I judge your mistakes when I myself make mistakes? You wanted someone from the dead alive because you loved them, I wanted my hair straightened, and look where it costs us! At least now we can learn from our mistakes and move forward, right?"
"B-besides, I don't care if you have a half-metal body or if Al is a walking suit of an empty armor. I'm going to accept you guys for who you are and I won't EVER ask for you guys to change."
Edward couldn't believe his own hears.
Was… was Andrea telling him her feelings? Was she telling him the truth? Really?
He didn't expect this.
He didn't expect this at all.
Every time someone would figure out that they did human transmutation, it would always be the same reaction. They would sneer, call them idiots, cast them away, forget about them, or hate them for being so stupid.
The only people who accepted their stupidity and didn't question it was two people; Winry and Pinako. Sure, Pinako was shocked at first to learn about this and Winry was scared, but honestly, they accepted them even if they were in this pathetic state.
Honestly, Edward was scared whenever he meets up with new people. Sure, he would act nonchalant and cool, but in reality, he's scared that he might chase people away with his mistakes.
Secretly, he wanted a friend. Don't get him wrong, Al was always there. He loved Al; he was his only family who could relate to his problems.
But there would always be times when Edward wanted to bang his hand on a wall, blaming himself for putting his own little brother is in such a state. He couldn't eat, sleep, or feel anymore. It was as if he was a doll who yearned to live.
Edward was suffocating in his misery. He can't tell anyone his feelings, in fear of being called weak. He can't share his secret, in fear of chasing away people. He can't reveal his mistakes, in fear of being shunned.
And yet here she was.
Sitting beside him, just smiling at him brightly. Yes, he found her strange. Her sudden change in emotions, her sulking, and even her stupid decisions! She was a strange girl.
And yet, here this girl was, saying that he was willing to accept his mistakes, his past, and his whole being. She says that she'll be his comfort, his refuge, his friend.
Friend.
When was the last time he found another one?
It sounded like a distant word to him. A person who cares for you, accepts you, and doesn't give a rat's ass about what you did wrong, and still will defend you to the very end.
Edward couldn't help but feel warm and weird inside. All barriers he had placed around himself was shattered by the use of simple words. The brunette in front of him only smiled.
He smiled too. Is her smile really that contagious?
"Ed?" Andrea asked, waving one of her gauzed hands in front of the said blonde. "Are you okay? You've been staring at me with a creepy smile."
Ed blushed. "It wasn't creepy! Stop calling me that."
"Ha! So you admit that you smiled!" Andrea pointed out.
"No I don't!" Edward protested.
Andrea grinned. "Come on, Ed! Admit it; you fell for my awesome looks."
Edward's mouth hanged open. She said what now!?
"Psh!" Edward said as he turned away. "I'm not in love with you!"
"But you like me!"
"No!"
A few moments of silence passed. Curiously, Ed turned to Andrea who had tears in her eyes.
Aw, crap, what the hell did I do now?!
"Y-you don't l-l-like me?" she asked in a high voice. She covered her face with her gauzed hands and started cry silenty.
"N-no! It's not like that!" Edward assured. Seriously Edward Elric?! You finally make a friend and you made her cry at the first two seconds?! Bad Ed! Bad!
The door opened and revealed Alphonse's suit of armor. Edward felt relieved. Thank Gate Al!
"Brother? Why is Andrea crying?" Alphonse asked in concern. He rushed towards the crying girl and patted her back comfortingly.
"What's wrong Andrea?"
Andrea pointed one of her hands at Edward. "Ed doesn't like me as a friend!" she wailed before sobbing comically.
Edward gulped, sensing Alphonse's aura. "Brother! How could you!" Alphonse scolded the older Elric. "She was being nice!"
"I didn't mean it that way!" Edward sputtered out. Oh no, now Alphonse is mad!
"Apologize! Now!" Alphonse demanded.
Edward nodded and turned to the brunette. "Andrea! Hey! I'm sorry! Don't cry! I'll make it better!"
Andrea paused and looked up. "You will?" she sniffed.
Edward nodded. "Yes! Now what do you want?"
"Can I sleep with you tonight?!" Andrea asked excitedly, all evidence of her earlier sobbing gone from her face and with sparkling blue eyes.
It took Edward to register her words and his face burned in realization.
"SAY WHAT?!"
[A/N:] Hey, hey, hey~ :3
Did you guys like that last part? You know, if you ask me what I would do if I was stuck in a room with Edward Elric alone, I would be all like "SLEEP WITH HIM!" xD
And NO, I do not mean in a pervy way. Get yo mind outta da gutter!
Anyways, unlike most fanfictions, I'm having Andrea suggest to sleep beside Edward. I mean, he-llo! You're an FMA fangirl and you still deny the chance to sleep beside his huge pile of hotness? Girl, you crazy?!
I, for one, would totally take the chance. Why? Cause I'm a fangirl! It's what we do! DUH!
How come most fanfictions have the main female OC deny sleeping beside Edward Elric because she's embarrassed? Dude, I am a blunt person and I want what I want. And when I want something; I get it.
So if I have the power to manipulate this golden guy, then imma sleeping with him. No questions asked.
Anyways, if you're wondering about Ed's point of view above, this is what I think goes on in his pretty little head. I mean, think about it; if I did human transmutation, nearly killed my little bro, only have two people who accept me, and have the whole world out for my blood and harass me while calling me an idiot for doing human transmutation, I would be as moody and desperate as a friend Edward is.
OH!
By the way, I have a picture of Andrea in my deviantart. I figured you guys would have trouble imagining her appearance, so I decided to help you and draw a picture! ^^
Link is lady-choco . deviantart . com
Favorite, follow, and review my lovelies~