Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ A Love Forgotten ❯ Theater ( Chapter 36 )

A Love Forgotten

By Joyfulmusic

 

I don't own FMA

Note: May contain spoilers!

 

Chapter 36: Theater

 

Flipping through one of the old photo albums, Jacob noted one snapshot in particular. It was of a young girl standing outside of a theater with a man and a woman. Sliding it out of its pocket and turning it over, he saw Briana's name written on the back, along with the words `Me mom and dad. Best day ever!'

 

The front door opened, revealing a rather stressed looking young lady. In her arms were bags of groceries, one of which had begun ripping. “Little help!” She called, taking a step in only to have the bottom fall out sending canned goods rolling across the floor. “Ugh!” Shifting to the table she placed the other groceries on it.

 

Putting down his find, her boyfriend moved to help. He went outside and retrieved the remainder of her shopping. `How did she manage to get all this up the stairs anyway?' Kicking the door closed with his foot he struggled to keep from tripping over the scattered commodities.

 

Finally placing the bags on the table, he knelt down to collect the cans. Glancing up he could see that she was frowning. Catching hold of her hand, he pulled her down onto the ground with him. A grin was already in place as she scowled at him. “Don't worry about it. Everything's going to be ok.”

 

Groaning, Briana began gathering the food. Much to her dismay many of the cans were now dented and thus wouldn't stack in the cabinet. With a sigh she peered at Jake. `He knows I'm PMSing.' Tilting her head back she sighed. “I know you're right but that stupid checker! She's driving me crazy.”

 

“That new one?” Receiving a nod he understood the foul mood. “She's the one you knew in school, right?” The same answer as before. The two had spent years as competitors, never getting along. It hadn't been Briana as much as it was the other girl wanting to show her up.

 

He began rubbing her back tentatively, which served to ease her tight muscles. It was definitely the wrong time of the month to deal with an old rival. As she relaxed under his fingers, he became more assured that she wanted the comfort. Pushing her hair aside allowed her to feel the cool of his automail.

 

“Thanks.” She breathed, closing her eyes and allowing herself to enjoy his closeness. The pressure of his lips against her neck caused a shiver to pass through her. His love was more than she had ever hoped for. She hadn't trusted a man so much since Wyatt had left for Central a few years before.

 

“So where are we going to put these?” Jacob asked, picking up the dented green peas. There was no way it would stack with the other canned goods. She only shrugged her shoulders. Kissing her lips briefly, he stood, pulling her up with him. “We'll figure something out.”

 

As soon as they had both rose a twinge caught in his shoulder. He let out a gasp of pain causing Briana to become worried. “Oh no, not again.” She murmured, already shifting behind him and massaging the juncture where the automail and flesh joined. “We've got to do something about this. It's getting worse.”

 

Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and sighed. The pain was already beginning to pass, although he knew without her masterful touch it would have lasted for hours. “It's just the weather. Don't worry about it. Besides I've got you to take care of me.” Silently he added to himself, `And I don't know what I'd do if you didn't.'

 

 

Sitting on the couch, Jake rubbed her back. There was no way he was going to force her into a subject that was so delicate. Memories still haunted her, coming out under the cover of darkness. While he longed to remember his past she had buried hers with her own two hands. “Do you want talk about it?”

 

She was holding the photo he'd come across earlier that day. Leaning back into his arms she released a long and heavy sigh. “We went to see a musical in Central. Dad had some business to do so he took mom and me with him. I can still remember the dresses the dancers wore.”

 

A smile passed over her face as she thought back to when her life was still like a fairytale. “Everything sparkled, like the skirts were dotted with diamonds. I think it was a ballet, but I'm not sure. I know there was a prince and a princess, it was so enchanting. I wanted so much to do that, to get up on stage and dance.”

 

Blushing slightly, she bowed her head. “Mom signed me up for dance classes, but it wasn't for me. They said I was too clumsy, that I wouldn't slow down long enough to learn the steps.” Shrugging she laid her head on his shoulder, “But I'd like to get up on stage, just once to see what they saw looking out across the audience.”

 

Stroking his hair, Jacob offered, “You could take up acting if you wanted to. Not everyone can dance but I'm sure you could act. You're already so dramatic.” He chuckled when she punched him lightly in the side. Glancing out the window he saw a stranger sitting in a tree smiling.

 

Turning back to his girlfriend he murmured, “Look at…” But when his eyes returned to the oak, the figure was gone. `Who was that?' Returning his attention to the woman in his arms he found that slumber had taken her over. `Those PMS pills always put her to sleep.'

 

 

“You two just decided to take a day off?” Colonel Mustang frowned as he held the receiver. Had it been Edward on the other end of the line he would have made the conversation more of an interrogation. As it was he didn't want to bother his best worker. “So why are you calling in now?”

 

Scowling, Alphonse glanced toward Andrea, who was still visibly shaken by what had taken place. “Colonel I'm sorry but I don't have time for sarcasm right now.” He usually didn't use such a tone with his superior but at that moment he couldn't afford not to. “Briana has been kidnapped.”

 

That was enough to cause the man to sit up straight in his chair. “Kidnapped? By Envy?” An affirmative made him fear the worst. Leaning on his desk he took in a deep breath. They never knew exactly where to find the homunculi, but they knew enough to respect the strength those creatures held. “Where's Fullmetal?”

 

Placing a hand on the back of his head, the younger sibling felt the eyes of the traumatized woman on him. “Brother went after them. We don't know where they were headed though, so I'm not sure where he's at now.” He wasn't really sure what their next move should be either.

 

Sighing, Roy realized the dilemma. If they didn't know where to look then that creature had the upper hand. Finally he said, “I'm sending out some soldiers to search the city. She's considered high profile because of her ties to the Elric family. Contact me if you hear from Fullmetal.”

 

“Right” After hanging up he went to sit next to the artist. She seemed dazed by what had happened. Of course that was to be expected. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he sighed. He still couldn't explain things to her and that bothered him, although he knew that knowledge could be dangerous.

 

Leaning against him, Andrea quivered. “This isn't a dream, is it?” When Al shook his head she gave a soft sorrowful moan. “He's the same one that hurt her before right? That's why you knew something was wrong, even before you had all the details.” He only nodded.

 

Giving her a slight squeeze, he put on a hopeful, albeit fake, smile. “You don't have to worry. Brother will find her.” He truly wanted to believe those words himself, but wasn't sure he could. The homunculi were hard creatures to locate, unless they wanted to find you.

 

 

As he made his way along the streets, Ed stopped every once in a while to ask if anyone had seen a curly haired brunette that used crutches. It seemed as though no one had. Finally coming to a small flower stand he questioned the owner, who nodded momentarily.

 

It was an elderly man who seemed very confused by the questioning. He scratched his head and looked the boy in front of him up and down before bothering to give an answer. “Yes, but why are you asking? Aren't you the young man who was with her? I could have sworn it was…”

 

Being pressed for time Edward didn't allow him to finish the sentence. “Please can you tell me which way they went?” Nodding, the elderly gentleman pointed down the street. “Did you see if they turned or anything?” A shake of the head was all he needed, and he was off again.

 

Racing down the streets at top speed, the alchemist strained to see any sign of his wife. Unfortunately it seemed as though she had disappeared completely. `How could they have moved so quickly? It isn't possible.' Little did he know that he was about to pass by the alleyway where they had turned.

 

 

It was only after hours of searching that he reluctantly gave up. The walk home was a long one. He was disheartened by the fact that while he'd met up with military personnel, who had been looking as well, none of them had turned up anything. It seemed as though Brie had simply disappeared.

 

Entering the apartment Ed felt as though he were going into a place of mourning. Andrea was sitting on the couch. Her cheeks were stained where the tears had streaked her face earlier that day. Peering up at him, her eyes were hopeful in the second before realizing he'd returned alone. “You didn't find her?”

 

Shaking his head, he gave a long sigh before sinking into one of the chairs. “I was hoping Al had heard something.” Glancing around the room, he became aware of the fact that his sibling was nowhere in sight, not having come into the room to greet him. “Where is he anyway?”

 

Lifting a hand she motioned toward the back of the hallway. “He's in the bathroom.” Taking on a slight optimism she queried, “He wouldn't tell me what happened. But I'm sure it has something to do with the accident before, when she lost the use of her legs. Will you tell me?”

 

That wasn't what he wanted to be asked, especially since it was still considered classified. Although he didn't always follow the rules of the military he felt he'd have to abide by that one, this time at least. If she knew the truth she might be in danger. “I'm sorry but I can't.”

 

The sound of a door opening was followed by Alphonse making his way into the living room. “Nothing?” His one word question was answered with a shake of the head. Unfortunately it was what he expected. “Do we have any idea where they might have gone?”

 

Leaning back, Edward let out a low groan. “If only I could remember.” He placed a hand on his head, trying to force himself to recall that which had been lost. “I know there's something that happened before that would help but…” He was becoming frustrated with himself.

 

“Brother, why don't you check the diaries Brie put in the box under your bed?” Al had been the one to help her pack them away so they wouldn't get mixed in with the alchemy books. “She said they were Ja… I mean yours. Maybe there's something in there that would help you.”

 

Nodding the alchemist rose, followed by his sibling and Andrea, who didn't want to be left alone. They'd have to locate the correct entry if they were going to find Briana. Without that past knowledge, there would be no chance of locating the woman, who was so near, yet so far.