Array 119 [Video]

[bloodseal_soul]

[Again, video. It seems that Al's dropped at least a little bit of his security, although the feed is dark and it's hard to make out his exact expressions. He smiles, and his movements and expressions are alert; himself again.]... I'm sorry that I spooked everyone. It's kind of hard to explain exactly why I reacted like I did, but... I'm fine now.

Comments

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

That's just like you, Alphonse. You're a man for the people. [He smiles softly to him.]

What'cha need a gun for though? I've got plenty to spare and ammunition as well.

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al smiles back, blushing at the praise. He's always liked and respected Jean.]

For my mother, actually, if she's all right with the idea. Ms. Hawkeye has offered to help with marksmanship. Really, you wouldn't mind?

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[He raises an eyebrow to the idea for Missus Elric. Huh. Never thought he'd see the day - but everyone needs to protect themselves. He feels a bit better when Al mentions Riza's going to be teaching.]

Well, with the First Lieutenant there I don't mind, no. As long as anyone who'd be in contact with the gun would have proper knowledge that one end'a the thing is a dangerous part.

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al grins and chuckles again, smiling to himself.]

I think we can figure which end of the gun is the dangerous part, Havoc!

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[He joins into the jovial nature of the conversation, nodding his head with a smile plastered onto his lips.]

Well, I dunno, you Alchemists.

[It's a friendly joke from a military grunt.]

Anyway, Alphonse. I don't mind at all makin' sure you feel safe in Adstring. Told ya anything I can do, I'd be glad t'do.

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al laughs back; not the normal soft giggle he had as a boy. Somehow, when Jean wasn't looking, his laugh had gotten deeper, heartier. He was growing up.]

You're a lifesaver, Havoc.

Hey, call me Al, okay? We're not in the Command anymore.

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[Though of course Al's laugh causes a small one of his own, it did surprise him, the difference that is. He hadn't ever had the thought of Alphonse growing up, he'd still known him as a suit of armor.]

Jean was hit with another moment of how different things are here, even with the people he knew all around him.]
Don't mention it. 'S what friends are for.

Al hey?
I think I can manage that perhaps. [He sits down in front of his PCD instead of standing up, obviously having to have set it against something to prop it up that direction.]

Well, you can either stick with Havoc, or feel free to call me Jean, then.

[bloodseal_soul]

Jean.

[Al says it fondly, getting used to the name. He's reminded of when he started calling Maes by his first name.]

... you know, for all the difficulties of this place, I'm grateful to it for giving me a chance to get to know everyone in ways I didn't have a chance to, before. Maes has been like a father to me... and I've come to respect the Colonel much more. I can even get Ms. Hawkeye to smile sometimes!

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[What manner of creature couldn't smile when Alphonse says something with such conviction? Jean'd love to meet them to tell them to their faces they were lying.

The smile hadn't left his face in fact. He had tonned it down as he listened of course, but it was still there even as he answered.]

Even the Lieutenant? Huh, now that's a feat within itself.
I'm glad you've gotten t'know them though, Alpho-..Al. They're good, decent people.

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al's always liked hanging out with the guys; they were kind to him, they never treated him as a child. Breda had taught him to play Shogi; Falman and Fuery were always poring over books and new equiptment and they never hesitated to explain something he was interested in. Havoc had always been a fellow, too.]

They are. I'm only now coming to realize just how good.

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[Jean nods his head in agreement, there's nothing Al didn't say he doesn't absolutely back himself.]

We were all real glad you and your brother came along. Even though things were kinda tense every now and again in the office, your brother'd storm in there, call The Colonel a bastard and of course, accompanied by you.

[He pauses in thought for just a moment, regarding the screen with a bit of a tilt in his head.]

You know, Al. It's more than in Adstring y'made the Lieutenant smile. Way I figure it, she was just as proud'a you as the rest of us.

[bloodseal_soul]

That sort of thing always did break the ice...

...

Really?

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[Jean nods his head slowly once accompanied by a "Mmmmhmm." in affirmation as long as the slow nod lasted.]

As much respect as we all have for you n' your brother. We're all real proud you two, bein' so young, were just as reliable as any one of us.

But lookit me here, I'll start flabbin' up if I get any more mushy.

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al flushes and nods, smiling to himself.]

Thanks... it means a lot to hear you say that.

Ah... by the way, you're rooming with Ai?

[2ndltjeanhavoc]

[Jean gives him a "ah don't mention it" type of head shake and a half smile half smirk.]
You're welcome.

[Though he kinda has to take a moment's pause and think at that, trying to take the most logical sense of 'rooming'.]
Rooming?
No I have my own room.. I'm fixin' up the guesthouse for her to stay here. There's small building on the property, guessin' its a guest house out back not too far from the main one.
But no not rooming with.

[bloodseal_soul]

[The tense look drops from Al's face, so subtle it isn't visible before it's gone.]

Oh, okay! I thought...