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 twelve
(Riza)
Faster than I thought Edward's hearing comes up and on the date set for the older brothers hearing I'm awake at four am, ironing clothes I bought both boys the previous week. Even though Edward is the one being charged I still want everyone representing the boy nicely dressed, Edward scoffed at this, asking me while in the store 'do you really think if Alphonse is dressed nicely it will change their minds?' I shake my head at the seriousness and how adult like Edward is taking this, yesterday Roy came over to discuss the hearing with Edward, due to the fact that Roy knows the boys' history better than anyone he thought it best he coach the boy. Izumi came the day before, handing Edward a good luck card and giving him one last confidence boost before facing his 'impending doom'. My mind ceases its wondering when a sleepy voice from the stairs calls over to me.
"Riza?" I jump and nearly drop the iron and turn to find Edward, scrubbing sleepily at his eyes walking toward me, clad in his boxers and a tank top. His hair is bedraggled and unbraided and he blinks his eyes owlishly as he comes to the doorway. I smile and continue ironing his pants, making sure the hem is well starched. It's a compatible silence in the early hours of the morning, a still sleepy Edward and myself enjoy. From the corner of my eye I watch as Edward sits on the stool, arms draped over his knees, watching me silently but calmly. I begin to hum to myself as I iron, stopping periodically to put more water into the basin or spray starch. I almost forget the teen is even there until he suddenly speaks, voice low and hoarse from emotions and sleep.
"My mother use to hum, while she ironed the Sunday clothes." He says and I listen calmly but excitement courses through my veins like wildfire, this is really the first time Edward has ever told me something personal about his mother. Although I knew a lot from reading the files provided to me by the state I always wanted to hear what Edward and Alphonses' memories were of her.
"We would go to a town social every Sunday during the spring and summer and mother always wanted us to look our best, even though she knew we would be running and playing with the other boys." He stops and I finish his pants, folding them neatly and putting them beside Alphonses' pair. Picking up the jacket I start with the collar, still listening intently.
"She was always so proud of us, her two boys and wanted to present us to the other families at the social. I think it was her way to put it to a community that thought she couldn't raise us by herself. We were always the best dressed and sometimes over dressed for the play we got into but it really didn't bother me, because whenever I looked over at my mother she was smiling and happy with the comments made about us. We always used our manners, please and thank you whenever the situation called for, mom made sure of that." He laughs at this part and I glance over at him, finding the usually brightly lit golden eyes unseeing and distant.
"There was this one time, in the summer. Alphonse and I went down to the river and started splashing around with another group of boys. The play got a little too rough and Alphonse, who was small and could barely tread water, was yanked away from the shallow end. His cries attracted not only me but the adults at the gathering, I couldn't reach him but out of nowhere mom came booking down the embankment and splashed into the water, wading over to where Al was struggling and brought him back to shore. Once she knew Alphonse was alright she spun on the other boys and scolded them, standing up to her waist in the river water, her sundress soaking and dripping wet, the brim of her flowered hat wilting from the water." I chuckle a little and hear Edward laugh at the memory only he can see but is showing me none the less. Suddenly the laughter stops and the mood turns serious, almost like a cloud descending into my kitchen, blocking out all mirth and happiness.
"I wonder what she would say if she were here now?" he says, eyes suddenly burning with the familiar golden fire I know. I place the iron off to the side and kneel in front of the boy, my hand brushing the metal arm to finally rest on the side of his face.
"Do you think she'd still be proud?" he asks and I see the hope and fear chasing each other around in his eyes and I smile encouragingly.
"Edward, I know for a fact your mother is still proud of you." I tell him
"That's what mothers do, they are proud of their children regardless of their actions or misgivings. She is looking down on you and still smiling Edward, probably telling everyone she knows about her boy and what kind of man he's on the way to becoming." I tell him and Edward smiles at this. I kneel before the boy for a few more minutes in silence before going to stand when arms wrap around my neck, effectively keeping me in my position. One human arm, warm against my side and the other a cool grip of metal encircle me and Edward pushes his face into my shoulder. So taken aback by this action I slowly encircle the young man in an embrace, feeling his back relax into the touch.
"Please, whatever happens to me today in court, please, please keep Alphonse. He really likes it here and I think mom would have liked you Riza and if she would have liked you, than there is no reason why I shouldn't. Please, you have to promise me." He says and I feel tears spring into my eyes. I grip the boy harder, feeling the soft hitches of breath and nod before responding
"I promise Edward, you and your brother can stay here for as long as you want. No matter what happens, this is your home now." I respond, meaning every word of it and I feel Edward knows it too. We sit there for a long while, just Edward and me.
(Edward)
My stomach is turning, doing flip flops and the butterflies seem to have started to march up my throat. I swallow, suddenly feeing very sick as we enter the court house. Reflexively my hand seeks out that of Riza, an act I haven't done for many years but find the comfort from the reassuring squeeze the woman gives. I glance over at Alphonse who is walking proudly beside Alex, listening to the larger man as he explains the historic paintings and art figures around the hallway. My brain is in such a frenzy I can't take in what's being said, or even the surroundings. Ahead of me I spot Mustang and I feel the acid in the throat rise a bit, biting it back I nod back at the man curtly. We went over what would happen for almost two days and I know my part by heart but it doesn't make it any easier as I sit on the hard bench outside the courtroom. Roy quickly excuses himself as an aid whispers in his ear, slightly confused by this I watch the man walk around the corner, only to return moments later with two very familiar faces. My jaw drops, there is no way… but Pinako Rockbell smiles, pipe nearly falling out of her mouth as she spots me, nudging Winry in the side. I look at my childhood friend and am mesmerized. She had gotten tall since the last time I saw her. Before I know it I'm on my feet and being hugged by her, her tears soaking int o my dress jacket. I hug her back, feeling myself breaking down as the memories come back, memories of a better time, a better life before pain and tragedy. I feel Alphonse wrap his arms around us both and for once in these past few years it feel right. I don't want to let go, but Winry pulls back as my docket number is called, but quickly says
"Me and Grandma will be right there, beside you for this fight as well Ed." I smile and listen to Roy give last minute instructions but my eyes follow my friend for a moment longer.
"Don't worry, I think I can handle this." I tell him, narrowing my eyes and squaring my shoulders,
"I'm sure you can." Roy says and escorts me into the court room, my jaw set in determination. Standing before the bench I keep constant eye contact with the Judge, giving him my sole attention and listening intently as Officer Grand's (who was mysteriously found dead in his apartment after police were called about a wild sex party) report was read aloud, then to the statements given by Maes Hughes, Alex and Riza. Izumi gave the report on her full metal evaluation and basically told the judge if he found me guilty Sig wouldn't be selling his Christmas Roast this year, concluding with Roy's accounts. The man my attention was on the entire session turns to look at me now and asks
"Son, do you feel any remorse for stealing?" I open my mouth but stop, thinking over the question before speaking.
"Sir, I stole for the sole purpose of keeping my brother and myself alive. I never did it because I wanted something I couldn't have, well that's not true…" the Judge only smiles and nods
"I knew what you meant, go on." I nod
"I only stole what we needed in order to survive, I never meant to cause trouble or to hurt anyone and I apologize for my actions but I did it in order to keep my brother alive, more so than myself." I tell him and the Judge seems to think over my answer before banging the gavel
"I've come to a decision…." I hold my breath and bite my tongue, chills suddenly racing down my spine.
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