[Log] Hospital Revisit
WHO: Alphonse Elric, Edward Elric, Soma Cruz
WHEN: 08.14.08 to 08.18.08 (After Ed and Soma's Kadaj run-in)
WHERE: Hospital Within IPA HQ - Tech. Wing
WHAT: A hospital stay is cut short. But first - pie.
WATCH FOR: Soma's Embarrassment, Pie, Utsusemi No Jutsu - Elric Style.
IPA Headquarters - Technical Wing
The technical wing is where the IPA carries out the bulk of its research. With the proper clearance, its agents can gain access to labs containing a variety of top-notch equipment and knowledgable personnel. Here, both magic and science are put to excellent use as the IPA's agents investigate mysterious goings-on.
The IPA's hospital is located within the same wing. It features a fully-equipped trauma unit, a number of other operating suites, separate rooms for recovering patients, and waiting rooms for their friends and families. Beyond secured, sealed doors lies the quarantine unit--victims and samples of emerging diseases are shipped there.
Now A Hospital Room At The IPA HQ
It's a versitile alchemical box. Surprise, Ed! You're suddenly in a hospital!
Hospitals. They can be a pain in the rear. But on the positive side? At least the IPA's hospital has the best treatment of many universes. Neither of the young men will have to stay long - overnight at best and a little into the next day. It was, after all, a notably nasty individual that they took out and let's not mention the wounds and bloodloss. Magic and technology can only restore so much.
And there are people that are well-versed in the type of young men Soma and Edward would be without some supervision. Bedrest? What's /that/ when it's at home? So... both are getting a small, extended stay. Which also means people may or may not have been contacted to inform their respective agencies of their worlds.
Of course, they're also allowed to make phonecalls. Sometime early the next morning, that's what Soma's doing and from the sound of it, he's talking to someone who /isn't/ chewing him out for going off into a dangerous situation.
Of course, he's also holding the conversation in Japanese, so understanding anything more than the gist may or may not be difficult unless Edward has a translator device handy. Strain really hard and you can probably hear the female voice at the other end in response to Soma's comments, though. "They said I'll be able to leave this afternoon. Maybe we can meet for lunch." pause. "There's a few places here in the Hub we can try. I think you'd like it here. It's... pretty amazing." Another pause. "I can meet you at the Gate. I'll give you a call when I'm out, Mina." Longer pause. "....Yeah, I know, I know. You know I will."
Of course he will. He just gets into trouble anyway. "Okay, I'll talk to you then. Bye."
Edward hates hospitals. He's reiterated this perhaps a number of times before even coming here, and even after they've been set to beds and treated, he's made no attempt to hide his lack of enthusiasm for being stuck here. He's fretted and complained and shouted about needles, but he's been rather tolerant about being bandaged up.
Once they've been left to rest at their leisure, Edward is found to be staring flatly at the ceiling. A few times he's glanced over at Soma's bed as the man has been conversing, but he hasn't held all too much interest. He wants out of here, and even if the stay is determined to be short, it's still too long for him. The young alchemist grumbles under his breath. He'd like to roll over, but his shoulder's still a bit tender.
Although there are more cons weighing down in thought, there are still some pros about being in the hospital. For instance, having friends and family come during visiting hours always helps brighten things up.
Getting a hold of Ed's whereabouts didn't take too long for Alphonse to figure out where his older brother is. He tried the communicator, using the personal number to see if it worked. Finding that it was off (as it normally was, considering it's Edward), he then switched to another method: tracking device.
Mithril has some of the sweetest perks.
After getting clearance from IPA security, the younger Elric tiptaps through the hospital corridors, bearing some sort of homemade treat that came in the shape of a pie pan. An awkward smile stays on his face all the while, golden brown eyes glancing back and forth between doorways and other people passing by him.
He sort of forgot how big the place is...
Admittedly, Soma doesn't like them much either. Hospitals that is. Once he's finished with the phone conversation, the young man sighs and then leans back. For the most part, he's tolerated the grumblings of his roommate, being a quiet one himself in comparison. The faster he heals - and he seems to be pretty good at it - the faster he gets out of here. And hospital food isn't all it's cracked up to be. He'd rather be out of here, having lunch with a friend.
Definitely not girlfriend. At all.
....Is that pie? Ed might notice the sound of sniffing as Soma, puzzled, sits up again and scents the air briefly. Though by this time, the smell of warm pie in the harsh sterility of the hospital is perceptible and he's probably not the only one smelling it. "...Do you smell that?"
Food. Really, honest to goodness food. ...Probably for the nurses as a thank you gift, those lucky ladies and gents.
A glance is cast over at Soma's bed then, before Edward sniffs the air as well. Hey, he knows that smell.... He tries to sit up. His back says no. Down he lies again. "...hate this..." he mutters. DANGIT, he wants food! His stomach growls its agreement!
No. The nurses don't get this one. His pie, his rules. Al blinks as he stops in the middle of a hospital crossroads. A long, drawn-out pause takes place before his mind sort of explodes, his head turning in each possible direction.
OH GOODNESS, which way to turn?!
His panic simmers down as he catches his breath, pursing his lips together as his mind straightens things out. "Okay. I need to ask someone where Ed is," he murmurs to himself, taking a couple of steps forward. And then pause. Wait, where's the nurse's desk?! Shaking his head, he wanders to look for the station. Feel free to try stalking him, pie seekers!
"..." Well there's no reason not to see if they're about to get an early morning breakfast surprise. Right? Soma eases out of bed and starts to cross the room soundlessly. It's probably annoying in light of everything that he seems to barely even limp, though there is a slight twinge that has the silver-haired youth favoring his left leg. Some people are lucky and heal fast. Others just cheat and exist in a weird category of being in a weird, ill-defined state of not entirely human, /maybe/. He takes to healing treatments unusually well and can recover pretty quickly.
When the door is reached, it creaks open. A pair of silver eyes look out into the corridor and then slowly, Soma sticks his head out to peer around the door.
He's not going out into the hall wearing a hospital gown. He just isn't.
But he does spy Al at the cross-section of the hall. "Hey," he says softly to Ed. "...Do you have a brother or a cousin?" Come on, there's a family resemblance here that can't be missed, even without seeing the golden eyes.
Oh screw this! If pretty boy's gonna get up and move around then Edward can do so too! He grits his teeth as he rolls himself to sit up, and then swings his legs over the edge of the bed, setting his feet down on the ground. The young alchemist is used to walking around in hospital threads. The question is a strange one- well yeah, he has a brother, but Alphonse doesn't know he's here! He's not supposed to, anyway.
He walks over to the doorway, somewhat stiffly, but maybe after a bit of moving around he'll find it easier. "...Al?!" he blinks, before stepping out into the hall- he's not afraid, Soma!
Braving the halls in a patient gown is definitely a challenge. Only a small few can do it without feeling embarrassed. And Ed is one of the few. The proud. Wait.
"Well, let's see...I came from that direction, so I know how to escape. And, if I try going there, it looks like it still leads to the other wings," Alphonse plots, brow knitting as he goes over the known floor plans. The pie is switched to one hand while the other taps his chin in short, repetitive movements, eyes blinking when he hears his name being called out. "Ah!" A smooth turn leads the younger brother to see both Ed and Soma hiding out at the doorway of their assigned room. His features brighten considerably with the smile that appears, the pie being held properly again. "There you are! I was going to get lost if you didn't do that!"
What's that sound? Somewhat startled, Soma looks over his shoulder as Edward approaches and then passes him. Automatically he looks down and silver eyes widen a little. He'd seen the blade a time or two from the alchemist's arm, but he hadn't really noticed the leg until now. The other young man might be caught staring, just a little, but he's quick enough to wrench his gaze away before it's too impolite. Al's approaching and that's something to focus on. "Uh, hi." Now if you'll excuse him, Soma will make a quick retreat back to his bed before the two can enter the room. He looks longingly at his greatcoat and realizes that wearing it over the gown would be absolutely ridiculous. His clothes were pretty much trashed and they haven't brought replacements yet. Aaah, JSA efficiency. Well, someone will be by sooner or later.
Edward smirks faintly as his brother spies him, and he lifts his right hand to wave- all before turning a suspicious gaze towards him. "Hey- wait a sec, how'd you know I was here?!" he asks. Stupid IPA, did they go and tattle on him? He hasn't noticed the extra attention given him by Soma- perhaps he's gotten used to it, or maybe he had been too intent on his brother. Golden eyes swivel towards the pie held in Alphonse's hands. "...is that what I think it is?" A complete u-turn from his earlier mood.
Ah - Soma is going away? Aw. He just got here! The falter in his steps is noticeable when Edward asks, the grin starting to become lopsided. "Um..." A hand digs into his pocket, pulling out the communicator to hold at eye level. "There's a tracking device on here," he says. One can just picture the simple little smile Al wears as he does this.
Instead of getting the usual grunt or outburst from his brother, the pie is also held out, nice and shiny like it should be. "And...yes, it is! I thought you might want something to eat." Something better. Hospital food is hospital food. "Does your friend want some too?"
Of course Soma does. But he's polite and the pie wasn't meant for him, so he's not going to ask. Sitting on the bed, absently listening to the strains of conversation outside, the young heir to Dracula's power reaches for his coat. Not to put it on, but to go through the pockets and make sure his things are still there.
Cell phone, wallet, keys, a couple spare knives in case he loses the sword, a bottle of holy water...
It's a tough life, being a teenaged vampire hunter and still looking cool.
"....." Edward stares at Alphonse, then grabs the communicator from his brother. The look he shoots his brother is nothing short of flabbergasted. "H- wh...." His mouth draws into a thin line, and he all but tosses the thing back at Alphonse, swapping it for the pie. Why those dirty sneaky people, putting such things in- don't people have any privacy anymore?!
He blinks back at his brother in belated response to the question as he walks back into the room, fully expecting Alphonse to follow. "...ah? Oh.... I...guess?" He glances over at Soma, grinning a bit as he recalls what had first drew the guy's attention to Alphonse's arrival. "Hey Soma- think you could live with non-hospital food?"
Hey, that's his! The younger Elric sputters, fingers wiggling at the non-existant object he was holding only seconds earlier. "It's M-" Communicator for pie is NOT equivalent exchange!! Both hands grab for the device, Alphonse snorting at his older brother with a pout. "Mithril has the technology, and since you don't /use/ the radio, it's harder to get a hold of you!" He says this as quietly as he possibly can at indoor level, knowing that Ed will try to do other things to keep from being found.
His older brother. Sigh.
Alphonse follows Ed back into the room, pocketing the device easily. "Yeah, share it and get back into bed. You're still recovering," the younger alchemist adds on, pulling up a conviniently placed chair to sit.
Shouldn't have told him, Al.
Soma politely remains out of the familial exchange, though in a way it touches him. It's /nice/ to know there's people out there who look out for their family, their friends; something he's learned to accept extends past Mina in his own life, even when it's not obvious. Even his own father... but nevermind that.
He looks up from the pile of things he's slowly returning to the pockets in a proper and useful order. Really? You'd share that pie? The urge to politely refuse wars with teenage hunger and finally the latter wins out. With a faint smile, Soma answers, "Sure, if you don't mind."
This brings his attention to Al again. And though the alchemist just said his name, he takes a moment to introduce himself. "Hey. My name's Soma, by the way... You're Edward's brother, I guess?" They look too similar to be cousins and besides, they /act/ like brothers. "It's good to meet you."
"My little brother, Alphonse," Edward explains as he sets the pie down on the little rolling table thing. "Hey Al, there's a knife in here, right?" Otherwise he'll have to transmute one, and he doubts the other two would be pleased if he used his automail blade to cut the pie. The young alchemist opens the box and finds the necessary cutter provided. Good.
"Hmm... no plates though... Al, grab some papertowels there?" he says as he slices the pie.
Alphonse nods, smiling again at Soma. "Nice to meet you, Soma," he says, turning back to Ed for a moment. "Yes, there's a knife there. On the side. No, the other si-yeah." And at Ed's request, the teen gets up without complaint to gather a couple of those paper towels by the sink.
"Here you go," Al says, handing over the towels to his brother. His attention then goes back to Soma as he sits back down. "I...don't really know what happened to you two, but thanks for being there with Ed. I know he can take care of himself and all, but it's just good to know he wasn't the only one facing whatever...or whoever, you were fighting against." Although he mentions this, he just wonders about it. "What exactly did happen, anyway?"
"Ah, you're welcome." Though Soma /does/ glance at Ed for a moment, he doesn't add 'well it was kinda his fault'. He may be thinking on it, though.
In the end, he keeps the story neutral. "Some strange... person." He actually hesitates on the word, for whatever reason, "Attacked us. But we managed to subdue him. His name was Kadaj." There... isn't much to tell about the encounter, really. Soma's not even sure why they were attacked, but for the fact that Ed might have said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Apparently, so did Soma.
Which may factor into why he isn't sharing the cause of the attack. It's hard to pinpoint what sets off a crazy man.
A slice of pie is passed off to Soma, another soon given to his brother. "Strange! Hah! That guy was freakin' crazy!" Edward adds his two cents, right before taking a giant bite out of his own slice of pie. He chews thoughtfully. "Hey Al, where'd you get this anyway...?" The alchemist doesn't seem to have given too much thought into whose fault it was that they'd gotten involved in something like that.
Both seem to contribute enough information to set the scene. The boy just nods, tilting his head at Ed's description of the person they went up against. Well, considering it's his brother, it's not far from the truth. Al nibbles on his piece for a moment, blinking as the question of the pie's origins comes up. "Oh, ah...would you believe that I had help making it?" he counters with a shrug, grinning. Seeing how he has neighbors and other people to help when Winry's not around isn't such a bad thing.
Soma's initial bite is a lot more sedate, though no less enjoyed. It's not about showing Ed up, so much as being raised in an environment where one does not do things with excessive, impulsive action. He resserves that for rushing off into danger to protect the people he cares about, you see.
There are generally less explosions though.
"It's good," he throws in. One handed, he continues eating while turning to tuck the last few items back into his pockets. The coat is slung back across the chair moments later, next to the boots that had the only salvagable bits of his attire and the sword and belt. This last he looks at, sighing slightly to himself.
Things are getting complicated again, aren't they? And probably more than just a sword could handle. That's what... the second outing in a short period of time that has proven more than relatively ordinary? If he doesn't find some souls soon to augment his skills...
"Hou... you made this?" Edward says between chewing. "'s pretty good." He nods at Soma in agreement before glancing down at his pie... which is two bites to being done. Good thing there's still more than enough pie to provide seconds for all. First things first...
Soma has a good idea, and if Edward is planning on cutting his stay short here, he should probably follow suite. Once he's popped the last bit of pie into his mouth, he dusts off his hands and then goes to grab his clothes, that while they've been washed and folded in a neat pile are anything but mended from all the slashes and fraying. The alchemist lifts up his shirt, turning it and frowning at the holes. With a sigh, he drapes it on the bed, then claps his hands. Who needs a tailor when you got alchemy? His teacher would have knocked him over the head for not using more methodical means for repairing it, but he's kind of lacking in sewing equipment. Light flashes, and the shirt is patched up, good as new. Edward grins broadly, then grabs his pants and coat to do likewise for them. If he's going to get out of here, he needs to look presentable!
"Thanks. And, well, Dizzy helped me out. She's good at baking." Alphonse chuckles, finishing his piece of the pie. The paper towel is used thoroughly and crumpled into a ball. He then watches both Soma and Edward as they both pick up on different things; the focus then goes on Ed because of the transmuting of his clothing. "As usual," Al sighs, shaking his head. "You sure you're all right?" He knows the answer, but he needs to hear it.
Never heard of a girl named Dizzy. But that doesn't change the taste and Soma does finish it in good time, dusting off his fingers and brushing the crumbs to the floor. The paper towel is discarded into the small waste bin by the bed. And tough something like apple pie deserves milk, he has to settle for crisp water instead. Fortunately, there's a pitcher of that in the room too and a few plastic cups. Water is poured for himself and offered to the other two, while he's at it.
"Do you do the same thing as your brother?" This is directed at Alphonse. "The... alchemy thing?" A gesture is made toward the repaired clothing. Augh, now there's a trick he's somewhat envious of. Not that he can't afford new clothes but it'd be nice to spare the ones he has sometimes.
"Dizzy? Oh, I remember her!" He gathers up his clothes and steps towards the bathroom to change. "Yeah, I'm fine!" he snorts, glancing at Alphonse with a look that says 'oh come on, you know me by now!' Edward closes the door so he can slip out of the drafty hospital gown. It doesn't take him too long to do so, and the door opens not long after. He tosses the hospital threads on the bed and says a quick thanks to Soma for the water that's poured there, taking a long drink before he moves to pull on his boots.
Alphonse sighs, his own body language saying something along the lines of 'Yeah, I know, I know.' He still wears a faint smirk upon his face, letting a soft laugh come out in amusement. Golden brown eyes switch back to Soma as he waits for his brother, leaning back a little in his seat. "Yeah - I can do alchemy. I studied alongside Ed, after all," he answers happily. He takes the water with a nod, sipping for several seconds before breathing again.
Looking at the poor torn-up clothes pile Soma has near and next to his bed, Alphonse blinks. "Oh! This isn't a problem at all!" Setting down the cup, the alchemist goes to fix Soma's wardrobe. The simple clapping of his hands is followed by a spark of blue light, the cloth altering and coming back together - well, whatever is left of the threads. See, there are no sword slashes, it must be visionary tricks.
The shirt was definitely discarded long ago, mostly because it was bandages the doctors snipped away from the two teenagers and into a bin in the treatment rooms. But pants on the other hand. Pants that were cleaned of their bloodstains and folded are suddenly repaired, if a bit thinner before. Soma reaches for the material and blinks a few times. Almost like new, huh?
"Thanks," he says, letting the astonishment color his voice along with the gratitude. ...He's quick to pull them on a few moments later, with only a brief wince at the twinge still in his leg. Socks and boots will soon follow, and the belt, after he unfastens the sword and sheath from it. That'll go on later.
A shirt is still missing, but maybe he can get a loaner from the hospital staff.
Though getting dressed as Ed is... "Are you planning on leaving soon?" Soma nearly sounds amused. They hadn't gotten the goahead by the staff yet.
Edward smirks, after getting his other boot on and standing from the bed. "Leaving? 'course I'm leaving- I'm not staying here another minute. Longer I stay, the more chances they have of doing something like summoning me for stupid questioning." He waves a hand at Soma and walks over to the pie box to grab his second slice. "Al, I'm gonna go ahead to Winry's. Don't think my automail's been damaged, but I'm due for a tune-up anyway." He moves his right arm around in testing before giving a nod. Perhaps a slight lag in response, but nothing too major. Still, something best fixed right away. He just hopes he won't be wrenched for the scratched up condition parts of the forearm piece is in, although most of it had been smoothed out when he transmuted it back from blade form.
Grin. "No problem," Alphonse replies, sans the cheesey thumbs-up. Pants make people happy! More dignity and less embarrassment for Soma, at least.
The elder Elric has a point, though. The IPA tends to keep tabs on things relating to their members or anything (or anyone) being set as a threat toward the gates and their inhabitants; asking Edward and Soma about their scuffle with Sephiroth's 'relative' just adds more headache. The Elrics (or maybe just Ed) have enough on their files as it is. The other alchemist glances at Ed, nodding with sound of approval. "Okay." Yes, hopefully Winry is willing to be a little more merciful. Or not. Depends.
Alphonse takes another minute to study the room, twisting his mouth in thought. "Even though the halls were empty at the time, I wouldn't be surprised if all of the hospital staff showed up once you've made your exit, Ed," Al says with an odd laugh.
Uh oh. He's grinning. Edward steps over to his brother, slapping a hand on his back as he guides him to the bed. "Yeah, timing like that would not surprise me. But all the better since you're here...." He pulls back the covers with his free hand and all but shoves Al in. "Now, you be good and pretend you're me and asleep, I'll mosey on out and YOU," he points at Soma, "-will say I'm doing that resting thing if anyone asks." He strokes his chin, still grinning. "And once things are clear again, you can slip on out, Al. No problem!" Insert thumbs-up here!
"Hu-"
Alphonse lands in the bed with a muffled 'Oof,' greeted by a faceful of cotton sheets and a odd-shaped, Ed-dented pillow. He resurfaces, wrapped up in the folds of institutional whiteness as he stares at his brother in slight disbelief. "...." A palm goes to rest against his face with a sigh, his head shaking.
His brother is /so/ uncool.
To humor him, Al gives a return thumbs-up (although he was able to avoid doing that earlier, he is now 'uncool' himself), grinning back half-heartedly. "Gotcha," he mumbles, sinking under the sheets and blankets with ease.
You have got to be kidding me.
A look of frank disbelief makes its way to Soma's pale features. Even healed of his injuries during the encounter with Kadaj, he didn't really get much color in his features, though Ed probably noticed that the first time he met the young hunter. When it becomes obvious that the Fullmetal Alchemist is very serious, to the point of pushing his brother into the bed - and worse, Al going along with it! - He notes aloud, not at all put off by the strict 'orders' he's been given to pretend all is well in the hospital room.
"So basically you're leaving me to answer all the questions." More a statement than a question in and of itself. They'll probably let Al go and Soma doesn't sound like he's going to stop Ed, per se. But he's not buying into the whole scheme, either. By this time, his arms are crossed and he meets the golden eyes unflinchingly. "You're going to owe me," he warns.
And don't think you can wiggle out of it. If Soma needs you, he /will/ come find you. ...Or so his pose suggests.
"Che, just for you to say I'm asleep?" Edward grumbles, scratching the back of his head as he pauses by the window. He shrugs his shoulders, sighing melodramatically. "Fine, whatever." The alchemist turns and pushes open the window, stepping onto the sill as he peers out to look around. Coast clear? Yeah? Yeah?
Hey, Alphonse is just obedient. Part of the time.
The younger Elric peeks out from under the sheets, a flicker of gold against the harsh, clean whiteness. Seeing how Soma is going to go along with it for a while, he gives a small sigh. Although he's seen little of it, both Soma and Ed are interesting to him whenever they interact.
As Ed checks and rechecks outside the window, he can see it's A-OK crystal clear as silver. Or...just clear. Everything's good. No nurses, no staff, no other patients taking the time to enjoy the outdoors.
However, aren't there security cameras in this building? Oh well.
Probably security cameras. But probably, by the time anyone can respond, Ed will be long gone.
"For the questions I have to answer about you," Soma counters. But he won't be going anywhere for a while, choosing to sprawl on the bed and cup his hands behind his head. He's a lot more in possession of himself now that he has pants, of that there is no doubt.
"Hey, Alphonse." This to the younger brother. "Why don't you go with him? No sense in you hanging around here when they're going to find out he's gone anyway."
"He's there to give me time- he can waltz out pretty easily after I'm gone." The Fullmetal Alchemist glares at something outside, then grins. Just as well he's got his back turned to them. "You worry too much, Soma. You're with the IPA, aren't you? Al and I aren't." Not that they aren't well-known by the IPA already though. "All right, catch up with you later." Edward leans forward and then lets himself drop down.
"Eh?" Blond-brown hair tufts stick out some more as the sheets move away from his head, his hands clutching the stiffened fabric lightly. The suggestion is mulled over, but Al shrugs, grinning awkwardly. Ed pretty much sums it up right there. They've done things similar to something like this. And as his older brother leaves through the window, the younger alchemist waves, mouthing 'bye Ed' as he watches Fullmetal 'disappear.'
After a moment, Alphonse glances back at Soma, unblinking. He then sinks back under, still staring before the sheets eat him completely.
WHEN: 08.14.08 to 08.18.08 (After Ed and Soma's Kadaj run-in)
WHERE: Hospital Within IPA HQ - Tech. Wing
WHAT: A hospital stay is cut short. But first - pie.
WATCH FOR: Soma's Embarrassment, Pie, Utsusemi No Jutsu - Elric Style.
IPA Headquarters - Technical Wing
The technical wing is where the IPA carries out the bulk of its research. With the proper clearance, its agents can gain access to labs containing a variety of top-notch equipment and knowledgable personnel. Here, both magic and science are put to excellent use as the IPA's agents investigate mysterious goings-on.
The IPA's hospital is located within the same wing. It features a fully-equipped trauma unit, a number of other operating suites, separate rooms for recovering patients, and waiting rooms for their friends and families. Beyond secured, sealed doors lies the quarantine unit--victims and samples of emerging diseases are shipped there.
Now A Hospital Room At The IPA HQ
It's a versitile alchemical box. Surprise, Ed! You're suddenly in a hospital!
Hospitals. They can be a pain in the rear. But on the positive side? At least the IPA's hospital has the best treatment of many universes. Neither of the young men will have to stay long - overnight at best and a little into the next day. It was, after all, a notably nasty individual that they took out and let's not mention the wounds and bloodloss. Magic and technology can only restore so much.
And there are people that are well-versed in the type of young men Soma and Edward would be without some supervision. Bedrest? What's /that/ when it's at home? So... both are getting a small, extended stay. Which also means people may or may not have been contacted to inform their respective agencies of their worlds.
Of course, they're also allowed to make phonecalls. Sometime early the next morning, that's what Soma's doing and from the sound of it, he's talking to someone who /isn't/ chewing him out for going off into a dangerous situation.
Of course, he's also holding the conversation in Japanese, so understanding anything more than the gist may or may not be difficult unless Edward has a translator device handy. Strain really hard and you can probably hear the female voice at the other end in response to Soma's comments, though. "They said I'll be able to leave this afternoon. Maybe we can meet for lunch." pause. "There's a few places here in the Hub we can try. I think you'd like it here. It's... pretty amazing." Another pause. "I can meet you at the Gate. I'll give you a call when I'm out, Mina." Longer pause. "....Yeah, I know, I know. You know I will."
Of course he will. He just gets into trouble anyway. "Okay, I'll talk to you then. Bye."
Edward hates hospitals. He's reiterated this perhaps a number of times before even coming here, and even after they've been set to beds and treated, he's made no attempt to hide his lack of enthusiasm for being stuck here. He's fretted and complained and shouted about needles, but he's been rather tolerant about being bandaged up.
Once they've been left to rest at their leisure, Edward is found to be staring flatly at the ceiling. A few times he's glanced over at Soma's bed as the man has been conversing, but he hasn't held all too much interest. He wants out of here, and even if the stay is determined to be short, it's still too long for him. The young alchemist grumbles under his breath. He'd like to roll over, but his shoulder's still a bit tender.
Although there are more cons weighing down in thought, there are still some pros about being in the hospital. For instance, having friends and family come during visiting hours always helps brighten things up.
Getting a hold of Ed's whereabouts didn't take too long for Alphonse to figure out where his older brother is. He tried the communicator, using the personal number to see if it worked. Finding that it was off (as it normally was, considering it's Edward), he then switched to another method: tracking device.
Mithril has some of the sweetest perks.
After getting clearance from IPA security, the younger Elric tiptaps through the hospital corridors, bearing some sort of homemade treat that came in the shape of a pie pan. An awkward smile stays on his face all the while, golden brown eyes glancing back and forth between doorways and other people passing by him.
He sort of forgot how big the place is...
Admittedly, Soma doesn't like them much either. Hospitals that is. Once he's finished with the phone conversation, the young man sighs and then leans back. For the most part, he's tolerated the grumblings of his roommate, being a quiet one himself in comparison. The faster he heals - and he seems to be pretty good at it - the faster he gets out of here. And hospital food isn't all it's cracked up to be. He'd rather be out of here, having lunch with a friend.
Definitely not girlfriend. At all.
....Is that pie? Ed might notice the sound of sniffing as Soma, puzzled, sits up again and scents the air briefly. Though by this time, the smell of warm pie in the harsh sterility of the hospital is perceptible and he's probably not the only one smelling it. "...Do you smell that?"
Food. Really, honest to goodness food. ...Probably for the nurses as a thank you gift, those lucky ladies and gents.
A glance is cast over at Soma's bed then, before Edward sniffs the air as well. Hey, he knows that smell.... He tries to sit up. His back says no. Down he lies again. "...hate this..." he mutters. DANGIT, he wants food! His stomach growls its agreement!
No. The nurses don't get this one. His pie, his rules. Al blinks as he stops in the middle of a hospital crossroads. A long, drawn-out pause takes place before his mind sort of explodes, his head turning in each possible direction.
OH GOODNESS, which way to turn?!
His panic simmers down as he catches his breath, pursing his lips together as his mind straightens things out. "Okay. I need to ask someone where Ed is," he murmurs to himself, taking a couple of steps forward. And then pause. Wait, where's the nurse's desk?! Shaking his head, he wanders to look for the station. Feel free to try stalking him, pie seekers!
"..." Well there's no reason not to see if they're about to get an early morning breakfast surprise. Right? Soma eases out of bed and starts to cross the room soundlessly. It's probably annoying in light of everything that he seems to barely even limp, though there is a slight twinge that has the silver-haired youth favoring his left leg. Some people are lucky and heal fast. Others just cheat and exist in a weird category of being in a weird, ill-defined state of not entirely human, /maybe/. He takes to healing treatments unusually well and can recover pretty quickly.
When the door is reached, it creaks open. A pair of silver eyes look out into the corridor and then slowly, Soma sticks his head out to peer around the door.
He's not going out into the hall wearing a hospital gown. He just isn't.
But he does spy Al at the cross-section of the hall. "Hey," he says softly to Ed. "...Do you have a brother or a cousin?" Come on, there's a family resemblance here that can't be missed, even without seeing the golden eyes.
Oh screw this! If pretty boy's gonna get up and move around then Edward can do so too! He grits his teeth as he rolls himself to sit up, and then swings his legs over the edge of the bed, setting his feet down on the ground. The young alchemist is used to walking around in hospital threads. The question is a strange one- well yeah, he has a brother, but Alphonse doesn't know he's here! He's not supposed to, anyway.
He walks over to the doorway, somewhat stiffly, but maybe after a bit of moving around he'll find it easier. "...Al?!" he blinks, before stepping out into the hall- he's not afraid, Soma!
Braving the halls in a patient gown is definitely a challenge. Only a small few can do it without feeling embarrassed. And Ed is one of the few. The proud. Wait.
"Well, let's see...I came from that direction, so I know how to escape. And, if I try going there, it looks like it still leads to the other wings," Alphonse plots, brow knitting as he goes over the known floor plans. The pie is switched to one hand while the other taps his chin in short, repetitive movements, eyes blinking when he hears his name being called out. "Ah!" A smooth turn leads the younger brother to see both Ed and Soma hiding out at the doorway of their assigned room. His features brighten considerably with the smile that appears, the pie being held properly again. "There you are! I was going to get lost if you didn't do that!"
What's that sound? Somewhat startled, Soma looks over his shoulder as Edward approaches and then passes him. Automatically he looks down and silver eyes widen a little. He'd seen the blade a time or two from the alchemist's arm, but he hadn't really noticed the leg until now. The other young man might be caught staring, just a little, but he's quick enough to wrench his gaze away before it's too impolite. Al's approaching and that's something to focus on. "Uh, hi." Now if you'll excuse him, Soma will make a quick retreat back to his bed before the two can enter the room. He looks longingly at his greatcoat and realizes that wearing it over the gown would be absolutely ridiculous. His clothes were pretty much trashed and they haven't brought replacements yet. Aaah, JSA efficiency. Well, someone will be by sooner or later.
Edward smirks faintly as his brother spies him, and he lifts his right hand to wave- all before turning a suspicious gaze towards him. "Hey- wait a sec, how'd you know I was here?!" he asks. Stupid IPA, did they go and tattle on him? He hasn't noticed the extra attention given him by Soma- perhaps he's gotten used to it, or maybe he had been too intent on his brother. Golden eyes swivel towards the pie held in Alphonse's hands. "...is that what I think it is?" A complete u-turn from his earlier mood.
Ah - Soma is going away? Aw. He just got here! The falter in his steps is noticeable when Edward asks, the grin starting to become lopsided. "Um..." A hand digs into his pocket, pulling out the communicator to hold at eye level. "There's a tracking device on here," he says. One can just picture the simple little smile Al wears as he does this.
Instead of getting the usual grunt or outburst from his brother, the pie is also held out, nice and shiny like it should be. "And...yes, it is! I thought you might want something to eat." Something better. Hospital food is hospital food. "Does your friend want some too?"
Of course Soma does. But he's polite and the pie wasn't meant for him, so he's not going to ask. Sitting on the bed, absently listening to the strains of conversation outside, the young heir to Dracula's power reaches for his coat. Not to put it on, but to go through the pockets and make sure his things are still there.
Cell phone, wallet, keys, a couple spare knives in case he loses the sword, a bottle of holy water...
It's a tough life, being a teenaged vampire hunter and still looking cool.
"....." Edward stares at Alphonse, then grabs the communicator from his brother. The look he shoots his brother is nothing short of flabbergasted. "H- wh...." His mouth draws into a thin line, and he all but tosses the thing back at Alphonse, swapping it for the pie. Why those dirty sneaky people, putting such things in- don't people have any privacy anymore?!
He blinks back at his brother in belated response to the question as he walks back into the room, fully expecting Alphonse to follow. "...ah? Oh.... I...guess?" He glances over at Soma, grinning a bit as he recalls what had first drew the guy's attention to Alphonse's arrival. "Hey Soma- think you could live with non-hospital food?"
Hey, that's his! The younger Elric sputters, fingers wiggling at the non-existant object he was holding only seconds earlier. "It's M-" Communicator for pie is NOT equivalent exchange!! Both hands grab for the device, Alphonse snorting at his older brother with a pout. "Mithril has the technology, and since you don't /use/ the radio, it's harder to get a hold of you!" He says this as quietly as he possibly can at indoor level, knowing that Ed will try to do other things to keep from being found.
His older brother. Sigh.
Alphonse follows Ed back into the room, pocketing the device easily. "Yeah, share it and get back into bed. You're still recovering," the younger alchemist adds on, pulling up a conviniently placed chair to sit.
Shouldn't have told him, Al.
Soma politely remains out of the familial exchange, though in a way it touches him. It's /nice/ to know there's people out there who look out for their family, their friends; something he's learned to accept extends past Mina in his own life, even when it's not obvious. Even his own father... but nevermind that.
He looks up from the pile of things he's slowly returning to the pockets in a proper and useful order. Really? You'd share that pie? The urge to politely refuse wars with teenage hunger and finally the latter wins out. With a faint smile, Soma answers, "Sure, if you don't mind."
This brings his attention to Al again. And though the alchemist just said his name, he takes a moment to introduce himself. "Hey. My name's Soma, by the way... You're Edward's brother, I guess?" They look too similar to be cousins and besides, they /act/ like brothers. "It's good to meet you."
"My little brother, Alphonse," Edward explains as he sets the pie down on the little rolling table thing. "Hey Al, there's a knife in here, right?" Otherwise he'll have to transmute one, and he doubts the other two would be pleased if he used his automail blade to cut the pie. The young alchemist opens the box and finds the necessary cutter provided. Good.
"Hmm... no plates though... Al, grab some papertowels there?" he says as he slices the pie.
Alphonse nods, smiling again at Soma. "Nice to meet you, Soma," he says, turning back to Ed for a moment. "Yes, there's a knife there. On the side. No, the other si-yeah." And at Ed's request, the teen gets up without complaint to gather a couple of those paper towels by the sink.
"Here you go," Al says, handing over the towels to his brother. His attention then goes back to Soma as he sits back down. "I...don't really know what happened to you two, but thanks for being there with Ed. I know he can take care of himself and all, but it's just good to know he wasn't the only one facing whatever...or whoever, you were fighting against." Although he mentions this, he just wonders about it. "What exactly did happen, anyway?"
"Ah, you're welcome." Though Soma /does/ glance at Ed for a moment, he doesn't add 'well it was kinda his fault'. He may be thinking on it, though.
In the end, he keeps the story neutral. "Some strange... person." He actually hesitates on the word, for whatever reason, "Attacked us. But we managed to subdue him. His name was Kadaj." There... isn't much to tell about the encounter, really. Soma's not even sure why they were attacked, but for the fact that Ed might have said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Apparently, so did Soma.
Which may factor into why he isn't sharing the cause of the attack. It's hard to pinpoint what sets off a crazy man.
A slice of pie is passed off to Soma, another soon given to his brother. "Strange! Hah! That guy was freakin' crazy!" Edward adds his two cents, right before taking a giant bite out of his own slice of pie. He chews thoughtfully. "Hey Al, where'd you get this anyway...?" The alchemist doesn't seem to have given too much thought into whose fault it was that they'd gotten involved in something like that.
Both seem to contribute enough information to set the scene. The boy just nods, tilting his head at Ed's description of the person they went up against. Well, considering it's his brother, it's not far from the truth. Al nibbles on his piece for a moment, blinking as the question of the pie's origins comes up. "Oh, ah...would you believe that I had help making it?" he counters with a shrug, grinning. Seeing how he has neighbors and other people to help when Winry's not around isn't such a bad thing.
Soma's initial bite is a lot more sedate, though no less enjoyed. It's not about showing Ed up, so much as being raised in an environment where one does not do things with excessive, impulsive action. He resserves that for rushing off into danger to protect the people he cares about, you see.
There are generally less explosions though.
"It's good," he throws in. One handed, he continues eating while turning to tuck the last few items back into his pockets. The coat is slung back across the chair moments later, next to the boots that had the only salvagable bits of his attire and the sword and belt. This last he looks at, sighing slightly to himself.
Things are getting complicated again, aren't they? And probably more than just a sword could handle. That's what... the second outing in a short period of time that has proven more than relatively ordinary? If he doesn't find some souls soon to augment his skills...
"Hou... you made this?" Edward says between chewing. "'s pretty good." He nods at Soma in agreement before glancing down at his pie... which is two bites to being done. Good thing there's still more than enough pie to provide seconds for all. First things first...
Soma has a good idea, and if Edward is planning on cutting his stay short here, he should probably follow suite. Once he's popped the last bit of pie into his mouth, he dusts off his hands and then goes to grab his clothes, that while they've been washed and folded in a neat pile are anything but mended from all the slashes and fraying. The alchemist lifts up his shirt, turning it and frowning at the holes. With a sigh, he drapes it on the bed, then claps his hands. Who needs a tailor when you got alchemy? His teacher would have knocked him over the head for not using more methodical means for repairing it, but he's kind of lacking in sewing equipment. Light flashes, and the shirt is patched up, good as new. Edward grins broadly, then grabs his pants and coat to do likewise for them. If he's going to get out of here, he needs to look presentable!
"Thanks. And, well, Dizzy helped me out. She's good at baking." Alphonse chuckles, finishing his piece of the pie. The paper towel is used thoroughly and crumpled into a ball. He then watches both Soma and Edward as they both pick up on different things; the focus then goes on Ed because of the transmuting of his clothing. "As usual," Al sighs, shaking his head. "You sure you're all right?" He knows the answer, but he needs to hear it.
Never heard of a girl named Dizzy. But that doesn't change the taste and Soma does finish it in good time, dusting off his fingers and brushing the crumbs to the floor. The paper towel is discarded into the small waste bin by the bed. And tough something like apple pie deserves milk, he has to settle for crisp water instead. Fortunately, there's a pitcher of that in the room too and a few plastic cups. Water is poured for himself and offered to the other two, while he's at it.
"Do you do the same thing as your brother?" This is directed at Alphonse. "The... alchemy thing?" A gesture is made toward the repaired clothing. Augh, now there's a trick he's somewhat envious of. Not that he can't afford new clothes but it'd be nice to spare the ones he has sometimes.
"Dizzy? Oh, I remember her!" He gathers up his clothes and steps towards the bathroom to change. "Yeah, I'm fine!" he snorts, glancing at Alphonse with a look that says 'oh come on, you know me by now!' Edward closes the door so he can slip out of the drafty hospital gown. It doesn't take him too long to do so, and the door opens not long after. He tosses the hospital threads on the bed and says a quick thanks to Soma for the water that's poured there, taking a long drink before he moves to pull on his boots.
Alphonse sighs, his own body language saying something along the lines of 'Yeah, I know, I know.' He still wears a faint smirk upon his face, letting a soft laugh come out in amusement. Golden brown eyes switch back to Soma as he waits for his brother, leaning back a little in his seat. "Yeah - I can do alchemy. I studied alongside Ed, after all," he answers happily. He takes the water with a nod, sipping for several seconds before breathing again.
Looking at the poor torn-up clothes pile Soma has near and next to his bed, Alphonse blinks. "Oh! This isn't a problem at all!" Setting down the cup, the alchemist goes to fix Soma's wardrobe. The simple clapping of his hands is followed by a spark of blue light, the cloth altering and coming back together - well, whatever is left of the threads. See, there are no sword slashes, it must be visionary tricks.
The shirt was definitely discarded long ago, mostly because it was bandages the doctors snipped away from the two teenagers and into a bin in the treatment rooms. But pants on the other hand. Pants that were cleaned of their bloodstains and folded are suddenly repaired, if a bit thinner before. Soma reaches for the material and blinks a few times. Almost like new, huh?
"Thanks," he says, letting the astonishment color his voice along with the gratitude. ...He's quick to pull them on a few moments later, with only a brief wince at the twinge still in his leg. Socks and boots will soon follow, and the belt, after he unfastens the sword and sheath from it. That'll go on later.
A shirt is still missing, but maybe he can get a loaner from the hospital staff.
Though getting dressed as Ed is... "Are you planning on leaving soon?" Soma nearly sounds amused. They hadn't gotten the goahead by the staff yet.
Edward smirks, after getting his other boot on and standing from the bed. "Leaving? 'course I'm leaving- I'm not staying here another minute. Longer I stay, the more chances they have of doing something like summoning me for stupid questioning." He waves a hand at Soma and walks over to the pie box to grab his second slice. "Al, I'm gonna go ahead to Winry's. Don't think my automail's been damaged, but I'm due for a tune-up anyway." He moves his right arm around in testing before giving a nod. Perhaps a slight lag in response, but nothing too major. Still, something best fixed right away. He just hopes he won't be wrenched for the scratched up condition parts of the forearm piece is in, although most of it had been smoothed out when he transmuted it back from blade form.
Grin. "No problem," Alphonse replies, sans the cheesey thumbs-up. Pants make people happy! More dignity and less embarrassment for Soma, at least.
The elder Elric has a point, though. The IPA tends to keep tabs on things relating to their members or anything (or anyone) being set as a threat toward the gates and their inhabitants; asking Edward and Soma about their scuffle with Sephiroth's 'relative' just adds more headache. The Elrics (or maybe just Ed) have enough on their files as it is. The other alchemist glances at Ed, nodding with sound of approval. "Okay." Yes, hopefully Winry is willing to be a little more merciful. Or not. Depends.
Alphonse takes another minute to study the room, twisting his mouth in thought. "Even though the halls were empty at the time, I wouldn't be surprised if all of the hospital staff showed up once you've made your exit, Ed," Al says with an odd laugh.
Uh oh. He's grinning. Edward steps over to his brother, slapping a hand on his back as he guides him to the bed. "Yeah, timing like that would not surprise me. But all the better since you're here...." He pulls back the covers with his free hand and all but shoves Al in. "Now, you be good and pretend you're me and asleep, I'll mosey on out and YOU," he points at Soma, "-will say I'm doing that resting thing if anyone asks." He strokes his chin, still grinning. "And once things are clear again, you can slip on out, Al. No problem!" Insert thumbs-up here!
"Hu-"
Alphonse lands in the bed with a muffled 'Oof,' greeted by a faceful of cotton sheets and a odd-shaped, Ed-dented pillow. He resurfaces, wrapped up in the folds of institutional whiteness as he stares at his brother in slight disbelief. "...." A palm goes to rest against his face with a sigh, his head shaking.
His brother is /so/ uncool.
To humor him, Al gives a return thumbs-up (although he was able to avoid doing that earlier, he is now 'uncool' himself), grinning back half-heartedly. "Gotcha," he mumbles, sinking under the sheets and blankets with ease.
You have got to be kidding me.
A look of frank disbelief makes its way to Soma's pale features. Even healed of his injuries during the encounter with Kadaj, he didn't really get much color in his features, though Ed probably noticed that the first time he met the young hunter. When it becomes obvious that the Fullmetal Alchemist is very serious, to the point of pushing his brother into the bed - and worse, Al going along with it! - He notes aloud, not at all put off by the strict 'orders' he's been given to pretend all is well in the hospital room.
"So basically you're leaving me to answer all the questions." More a statement than a question in and of itself. They'll probably let Al go and Soma doesn't sound like he's going to stop Ed, per se. But he's not buying into the whole scheme, either. By this time, his arms are crossed and he meets the golden eyes unflinchingly. "You're going to owe me," he warns.
And don't think you can wiggle out of it. If Soma needs you, he /will/ come find you. ...Or so his pose suggests.
"Che, just for you to say I'm asleep?" Edward grumbles, scratching the back of his head as he pauses by the window. He shrugs his shoulders, sighing melodramatically. "Fine, whatever." The alchemist turns and pushes open the window, stepping onto the sill as he peers out to look around. Coast clear? Yeah? Yeah?
Hey, Alphonse is just obedient. Part of the time.
The younger Elric peeks out from under the sheets, a flicker of gold against the harsh, clean whiteness. Seeing how Soma is going to go along with it for a while, he gives a small sigh. Although he's seen little of it, both Soma and Ed are interesting to him whenever they interact.
As Ed checks and rechecks outside the window, he can see it's A-OK crystal clear as silver. Or...just clear. Everything's good. No nurses, no staff, no other patients taking the time to enjoy the outdoors.
However, aren't there security cameras in this building? Oh well.
Probably security cameras. But probably, by the time anyone can respond, Ed will be long gone.
"For the questions I have to answer about you," Soma counters. But he won't be going anywhere for a while, choosing to sprawl on the bed and cup his hands behind his head. He's a lot more in possession of himself now that he has pants, of that there is no doubt.
"Hey, Alphonse." This to the younger brother. "Why don't you go with him? No sense in you hanging around here when they're going to find out he's gone anyway."
"He's there to give me time- he can waltz out pretty easily after I'm gone." The Fullmetal Alchemist glares at something outside, then grins. Just as well he's got his back turned to them. "You worry too much, Soma. You're with the IPA, aren't you? Al and I aren't." Not that they aren't well-known by the IPA already though. "All right, catch up with you later." Edward leans forward and then lets himself drop down.
"Eh?" Blond-brown hair tufts stick out some more as the sheets move away from his head, his hands clutching the stiffened fabric lightly. The suggestion is mulled over, but Al shrugs, grinning awkwardly. Ed pretty much sums it up right there. They've done things similar to something like this. And as his older brother leaves through the window, the younger alchemist waves, mouthing 'bye Ed' as he watches Fullmetal 'disappear.'
After a moment, Alphonse glances back at Soma, unblinking. He then sinks back under, still staring before the sheets eat him completely.