Fleeing the raucous gathering inside - laughter and defiant plans, newly-forged friendships - and the returned father dozing on the porch outside, waiting for his sons to understand - she steps into the darkness, seeking an elusive peace. Tip toeing across springy grass, breathing deeply the night air still heavy with the drowsy scent of the day’s ( Read more... )

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She knew she shouldn't bother him tonight, so soon after the funeral. He probably wanted nothing more than to be alone, either to wrestle with his feelings until they settled into some manageable order, or to drink himself into a temporary, merciful oblivion. She supposed it depended on whether he was of a mind to torment himself, or allow ( Read more... )

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“Brother -- I’m staying with him!”

“But Al - "

“Let’s go, dad.”

With those words, the towering suit of armour grabbed hold of the man’s hand and stalked toward the porch steps. Hohenheim had time only for one quick, startled glance over his shoulder before he was dragged away by Alphonse his son, into the darkness of evening beyond the reach of ( Read more... )

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Izumi glanced up in surprise from the mixing bowl, as the firm knock came at the door. She wasn’t expecting anybody this morning, and most regular visitors tended just to walk in after briefly knocking to announce themselves. Al certainly wouldn’t have knocked, and he was off doing his exercises anyway, so it couldn’t be him. She quickly rinsed ( Read more... )

Previous: The Ally - Chapter 2

Chapter 3: Aftermath

Maes reflected that he was spending a lot of time lately, escorting people down the street who really didn’t want to go with him.

“Are you sure we should bother him so soon?” Gracia fretted as she strove to keep pace with his long strides.

He slowed down. “Roy did say we should talk today,” he ( Read more... )

Previous: The Ally - Chapter 1

Chapter 2: The Test

It was, Hughes decided later, one of the more surreal evenings of his life. It began innocuously enough, as he and Roy strolled down the street toward the house Gracia rented. Roy didn't say much, but he exuded reluctance all the way. It had taken quite a bit of persuasion to get him even to agree ( Read more... )

Chapter 1 - A Subject Broached

Maes Hughes waited outside the door, toes tapping. He knew he was almost a half hour late, but he didn't think Gracia would mind too much. He hoped not, anyway. It was all because the first flower shop he went to was closed for some reason, so he had to hunt down another one. He hoped she wasn't mad. She was taking an ( Read more... )