All you've forgotten
Rating: T
Summary: Al and Ed have been surviving on the street that is until they are picked up by the police and placed in a foster home, Al adapts quickly but can Ed forgive all those in the past who hurt him and move on?
Author Note: Major AU! No Alchemy but Ed does have automail. Also I do not own FMA, I wish I did but sadly… I don't.
Chapter three
Armstrong
The chilly air had given away to snow and freezing rain as I pulled my car up in front of the 4th district police station. Getting out I gaze at the windows of my old station, knowing full well who was sitting in their offices and where at this time at night. Sighing and straightening to my full height I head in, scanning the hustling room for Hughes and find him booking a very intoxicated man. Walking over I half-listen to the information, knowing this man as Shou Tucker, a down the drain, out of luck HAZMAT official. He got caught on the job drunk, got his butt fired and ever since he's been drinking.
"Officer Falman, can you escort Mr. Tucker to a cell please?" he calls over to one of the other officers and the gray-haired man approaches and grabs the drunk's arm, hauling him effectively away from the desk. I turn my eyes away, it's always hard to look at people you knew before the alcohol, drugs and money overtake their minds.
"Ah, Alex, glad you could come!" Hughes exclaims happily and I vaguely wonder how the man can deal, seeing all this misery and always come off as happy and easy going as a man who takes a daily stroll on easy street. Casting that aside I shake the man's hand and sit down in the now vacated chair.
" So, these boys…" I begin but am quickly cut off by a picture being thrust into my face, a photograph of a small girl with chestnut colored hair and bright, big blue eyes. I groan inwardly as Hughes launches into his usual speech about his now, four-year-old daughter.
"Maes… Maes…" I begin, trying to get the man back to the attention at hand. I almost succeed when a small hand reaches around and pulls the overly happy father out of his praise. I can't see the child attached to that hand and lean over slightly to find a young teenage boy standing there, whispering to Hughes. I can see his eyes flicker nervously toward me before he backs away and retreats back into the break room. Hughes is on his feet immediately, all happiness and joy leaving his face as he follows the boy; I quickly rise and follow intent on what's going on. Inside the break room I can hear the sounds of shouting and things smashing and wince, knowing the toaster just bit the dust. Hughes opens the door to peek in and I can make out the huddled form of another teen, this one's eyes are narrowed dangerously but his face is pale and he is panting. I can also make out the large, imposing form of Captain Grand, my insides begin to boil. Pushing Hughes aside, who is ordering a beat officer to go get Chief Bradley I shove my way into the room and confront the Captain, eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Captain Grand, I have arrived to take these boys into my custody!" I hail and watch as the large man turns to cast me with an aristocratic eye.
"Yes, Basque, these boys are now in the custody of Mr. Armstrong, I might advise you to back down and away from that poor boy before he dies of a heart seizure." Bradley says and I step back slightly, allowing the much smaller man to enter. He looks about the destroyed room and smiles slightly
"Well, we wanted to remodel this room anyway." He says offhandedly and turns to me
"This boy here has a court date on the twenty-fifth of this month. I suggest you keep a weathered eye on them Mr. Armstrong. They are now your responsibility. I hope to see him in court on the date set." He says before turning to the many spectators and laughing
"Get back to work." And like a flash everyone is back to their tasks, processing criminals and printing paperwork. I turn to find the smaller of the two kneeling beside the other, whose eyes are closed and breathing heavily. I can already hear the sickness settling into the boys' chest and look at Hughes.
"Brothers, Edward, the oldest and Alphonse Elric picked up today after the eldest ripped off Danny's Donuts on Gilmore Street. The younger is not being held for the theft but the older one is and has been caught stealing many times in the past. Wait a minute and I'll get your paperwork and release forms." He leaves and I watch the two brothers for a few minutes and see what was really going in between the two. The eldest was stealing to ensure the survival of the younger. It's awe inspiring how their love for each other is so strong. I feel my eyes prick a little but quickly clear my throat and look at the two, both turning their eyes to watch me as I kneel in front of them.
"I am Alex Louise Armstrong, and you are under my care and supervision until your fate is decided in court." I tell them and watch as the youngest smiles slightly, nervously looking at his weary eyed brother.
"I-I'm Alphonse and this is Edward…" the younger one offers, tentatively reaching out his hand to shake mine. I take it and exchange the greeting. Then I turn to the oldest, watching as he watches me, intently and worriedly, muscles tightened and obviously on edge at the close proximity of my being to him. Suddenly without warning the boys right leg shoots out, snapping a kick right for my throat but I quickly catch the appendage and grip it tightly enough for him to feel. Usually when an opponent is grabbed about the calf and pressure is applied there the muscles will begin to spasm, but in this leg I feel nothing. Putting more pressure and gripping it tightly I watch as no expression comes over the boys face, no pain. Quickly with my other hand I reach and pull up the leg to reveal the chilling metal underneath. My eyes widen in shock as my hand opens and I drop the artificial limb. The older Elric only smirks before the voice of Hughes resounds in the background
"Oh I forgot to mention, the eldest had an automail arm and leg.."
"Yes, I've come to realize that." I respond and stare dumbfounded at the two brothers sitting before me, both now looking at me like two badly beaten dogs, cowering as their master approaches for more. Now it all makes sense, this has all happened before, this is a game they are very familiar with and know how to play.
Looks like I'm going to have to learn the rules, real fast judging by the way the oldest is watching me. Like a caged animal, ready to pounce and rip my face off, even with his body filled with sickness. The golden eyes of a predator shine even brighter when he is on edge.
Oh, lots longer than I thought it would be…. So hopefully you all enjoyed this one too, next chapter I swear we'll be out of the station, I swear. Lol. Oh and for all those who don't like Armstrong, to bad I do! I think he's funny as hell! He's the comic relief in the serious parts. But that will be the last time I type from his POV lol. REVIEW!