Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Locket ❯ Plan ( Chapter 6 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Chapter Six

“How long have I known her?”

Edward didn't nod: he focused intensely on the man before him. It was a simple question, which only required little brainpower. He could easily tell that this man had a problem with this question. `Ha! The guys about as dumb as he looks!' Edward couldn't help but think victoriously. His expression remained the same until James spoke.

“About seven years, almost… Why? Are you her brother or something?”

`Brother?' Edward found himself yelling this in his mind like it was a cockroach threatening world domination! It amused him infinitely. He and Winry were nothing alike when it came to the face! Even a moron could interpret that one. Didn't she mention him to James while he was away? Perhaps maybe a simple `When my best friend gets here, he's going to kick your ass to the next country and/or planet?' would make him feel content. The blonde alchemist was thankful that his composure hadn't dispersed and that it was his thoughts that were in frenzy.

“We're not related.” Alphonse cut in before Edward can muster a word. “We've known Winry since we were kids, and we've been friends since.” He explained politely, not feeling dislike toward the apparent stranger, much unlike Ed. `He hasn't done anything wrong, and maybe Brother's taking that into consideration.' The incorruptible Elric thought, seeing as his older brother seemed somewhat calm, surprisingly. With his brother it was always a storm without warning.

James nodded, not feeling the least uncomfortable. “She mentioned something about having two childhood friends: the Elrics. Are you them?” He asked, putting two and two together, conversing gradually with Alphonse, and making Edward observe him like a hawk. The alchemist couldn't help but think that this guy was trying to get on his good side. It was a natural instinct.

“What's your relationship with Winry?” Edward asked like a father on patrol. It was ironic how his mind thought evilly toward James, but his composed self still remained. He had truly matured and not just emotionally, but in the face. At tender age of thirteen, no doubt would he overreact and put a metallic fist in his face.

“Friend. I wonder what's taking Winry so long,” James said idly, putting a hand on each knee. “I should check to see if she's alright.” Seeing him stand, Edward noticed his height, and he confirmed that he must've been at least six foot. He hated him for that, even if he had grown up to at least five foot eight. All his life he hated anyone who was taller then him.

It was his personal pet peeve.

When James left the room, Edward spoke to no one in particular, “He's got to go.” The Alchemist spoke with his eyes closed and had an expression that told Al that he was annoyed.

“Brother, he's Winry's friend, we can't kick him out.”

“Who said we were going to kick him out?” Edward said this while clenching his prosthetic fist and Al immediately figured it out.

“Remember the last time you kicked someone out?”

“That guy had it coming. I warned him and he didn't take me seriously.” Ed snorted with indignation while standing up, he stretched out his arms leisurely.

“He called the cops!”

“And I was free the moment they saw me.”

“What if we were in another country?”

“We weren't, Al. That's the key.”

“It still wasn't right.”

“He crossed uncharted territory.”

“Yeah, Winry.”

“Shut up, Al.”

“It's the truth.”

“Yeah, well, no one asked you. I'm going to handle this myself.”

“Wait! What are you doing?”

“You'll see. I've planned it all out.”

“Planned what all out? Brother!”

Edward had left the room before his question was even acknowledged. His younger brother knew that his brother had something cynical in mind, but he had no idea what to take it as. Here they were: adults, yet that important fact seemed to be gone unnoticed.