Fullmetal Alchemist, "Lies We Want to Believe," Al/Danny, PG

[mistr3ssquickly]

It's odd, to me, that in my culture, a common greeting goes like this

Comments

[pollinia]

Very pretty and very sad.

This is so true, isn't it? We just answer the way we're expected to; it's just a formality. And we have so few people that we can really talk to because we're never allowed to cross that politeness barrier.

I love your Danny. I love how you've created this lovely, well rounded character from the brief glimpses we get of him in the anime. And I love the way he loves Al. You're very good, you know.

[mistr3ssquickly]

Mmm, it's true. Your comment made me think ... isn't it funny how it's considered rude to tell people how you're really feeling? Like it's an invasion of their privacy for you to tell them what's going on inside of you.

Odd.

I'm glad you like my Danny, hon. He's such a good muse, almost always channels for me whatever I'm feeling and gets it out of my system. I suppose, then, he's the opposite of real people ...

*loves on* ♥

~m

[faerie_speak]

And there's always a few people who won't label you as emo or unstable that when you say "I feel like shit, wanna hear about it?" that they go, "yes, I do, because I care" *HUGS* And it's always good to take them up on that offer.

Poor Danny-sama and Al, as well. *gives them a hug too*

[mistr3ssquickly]

Mmm, but you know? Sometimes, it's scary to approach even the people you trust to listen and care. Hardest, sometimes, to admit it to yourself that something's seriously wrong, that you can't take care of it on your own.

Danny and Al are a good pressure valve for me, I've noticed. They need hugs, 'cause I abuse them.

♥♥

~m

[nomdeplume13]

Wonderful little fic. And very true. No one wants to hear the bad news and they don't want to know if someone is anything but okay. Definitely true.

[mistr3ssquickly]

I think we're scared of hearing the bad because then the responsibility to do something about it will rest on our shoulders. And, because we don't want to saddle others with that, when we're the one needing help, we're hesitant to reach out for it.

♥♥

~m

[dragonfemme]

You're right, you're absolutely right. I think the "hi, how-are-ya" thing is just something to say, especially between strangers. It's kind of like in an awkward situation, that's what we say. And in reply, we say, "fine, thanks". Neither usually has any meaning.

Between actual friends is a whole different ball game. I would think a true friend would ask, if they're really interested, "hi, how you doing", then again, one would hope a true friend would really mean it and be ready to hear the answer...

This is a sweet, touching story. I think in Al's case, I think the "how, how-are-ya" "I'm fine" reply covers the pain, covers the underlying sadness. Perhaps he doesn't want to admit anything.

Either way, you make a very good point. Beautifully written as always.

You know, I just love how when you have a subject you're thinking about, you incorporate that into these characters. Very cool.

♥Luv-Luv♥

[mistr3ssquickly]

I agree with you that it's a set phrase intended for interaction with strangers. The scary thing is when it's used between friends as well, and neither trusts the other to listen well enough to tell them what's really going on, or to listen if they need someone to talk to.

I love working with Al, as I'm sure you've noticed ... he's such a loving, caring character, even though he's been through so very much. No one in canon seems to notice it, though, you know? Makes me sad.

Ah, without my writing, I would be either mad or dead, I swear it. It's such a release for me. I'm glad to have others who read it and tell me what they think of it. ♥

~m

[havocmangawip]

I love this. I was "fine" for years.

I once read that fine as an acronym is:
F -ucked up
I - insecure
N - needing
E - emotional

I've seen it several ways... I like that one the best.

Your Danny is so insightful. I love him.

[mistr3ssquickly]

That's a beautiful breakdown of "fine." Very fitting, that's exactly how I was feeling the day this story was written.

I'm glad you like my Danny, hon. I'm pretty fond of him, myself. ♥

~m