Drabble Rating: G
Status: 52/100
Word Count: 200
Theme: Roy/Al #8: "I Want to Protect You"
"No." Roy Mustang said it quietly, gently, yet firmly. His arms were firmly wrapped around Alphonse's shoulders, and he held the boy so close that he could smell the oil of the automail, but he wouldn't waver. "Promise me to never use alchemy to bring Edward back."
"But-"
"Promise me!" Roy's one eye glared at Alphonse, and the boy ducked his head, shying away from the sudden intensity.
No matter how many objections the boy raised, Roy stubbornly repeated his demand, and in the end Alphonse had to give in. Reluctantly, and it felt like a part of him died with every word, but he gave in. "...I promise. Never again, Mr. Mustang."
The silence lingered for some time, and was only broken when Roy softly whispered, "I did that for your own good, Alphonse. Believe me, I've only ever had your best interests in mind."
"...I know." The boy brought his glistening left hand up to the light, his bronze eyes watery and his voice trembling. "You just want to protect me, right? But I'm not a child anymore; please don't treat me like one."
But that was one promise that Roy couldn't make. Not to an Elric.