Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Protection ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

Hello, hello! How is everyone's? Good I hope^-^ Okay. Here is Chapter five of Protection. You know the deal… yaoi warnings…so on and so forth. Arakawa owns her stuff, I own mine, ideas, comments and flamers always welcome. Enjoy…

A/N: Told in Mustang's point-of-view and then is going to switch over to Scar… so I will let you know when it is going to switch.

 

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Protection

`Chapter Five'

 

Ever since last night I haven't been able to sleep.

I've tried everything from just lying still to pacing my room hoping I might get weary. Useless.

 

The only thing I actually looked foreword to when I close my eyes is the image of Alphonse lying with his hair messed up and that grey long-sleeved shirt he had on drooping down his bare shoulder, but even when I get comfortable to that, the presence returns at full blast to where I'm looking around feeling paranoid. Am I going paranoid?

I can only think that this is my fault. After all, it started happening when I went to talk with Alphonse. Maybe this goes further than me. Maybe it has to do with Alphonse.

 

I sat up and let out a long, lazy yawn. I was so damn tired but I was too awake to go to sleep. I know that doesn't make sense, but when you're tired, nothing makes sense, right? I fell back down on my soft mattress, the signs that morning was here shown brightly through the shaded window at my right. At least I could feel safer during the day than having to be alert during the night. I would go paranoid if so.

 

The house started to waken, first I heard Winry come down the hallway… it was easy to tell that it was her because she was mumbling all the way until she reached the kitchen. My door was closed and everything so yes, she was rather loud.

 

About thirty minutes later Pinako woke; she was harder to define but her foot steps were rather fast and she didn't make much sound when she walked. Good enough for a woman of her age. Al hadn't come out yet, I guess that's what I was waiting for, waiting for his soft yawning to inspire me out of the bed. I lay silently on my back and listened. Nothing still from him, but. There was another sound. It was coming from my left side, a steady walking. I didn't think it belonged to Winry because she was already in the kitchen along with Pinako whose footsteps weren't even near to these, and Alphonse was in a room to my right. Was it the dog I had seen before? Whoever it was, the pacing continued for a moment longer and then it went silent.

 

I figured it was around seven in the morning. I would have to get up soon and go into Risembol for research, but before I left I would have to give Alphonse a `good morning.'

 

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“A-about last night.” Alphonse mumbled gently, his face had already began to bloom a bright crimson, this was typical of him…I knew his personality well enough.

 

I watched him try to think of an excuse. “I'm sorry.”

 

“What are you sorry for?” I murmured and moved closer to him. Winry and Pinako had left earlier to go in town. Al was on his way out when I caught up with him.

 

He bit his bottom lip and stared at me with the most confused expression. I had to go into town in thirty minutes, but I couldn't, not until I finished what I had started last night. This time, maybe I could have me and him time without anybody interfering. I started brewing ideas in my mind of what to do to him, and then it hit me hard like it had last night. He's only fifteen I believe, so pure and innocent. The more I thought on it I began to feel disgusted with myself. Yet, I wanted that innocence. I longed for it.

 

He twiddled his thumbs back and forth and glanced back up at me.

 

“You shouldn't be sorry… it was my fault.” I whispered while moving forward, he had his back pressed against the corduroy wall, him in this position brought memories of last night into my mind when he had been sprawled out on the bed. I brushed my fingers against his soft cheek and watched his face brighten up.

“Al… I want to make up for last night.” I found myself pressing my nose up to his and stroking my lips barely against his, he gasped into the kiss I gave. His body arching up to where his chest met mine. I thought about what I had just said as I took his lips in strong, gentle strokes, did it sound like I was saying sorry, or did it sound like I was wanting something?

 

I didn't know if my doing this had made him upset or confused. It was tearing at me.

I pulled away sharply and stared at him. He was just as rosy as he could be.

 

“Al… I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even…” I felt my chest lunge in my throat. In the corner of my eye I caught movement a few feet away in the next room. We weren't alone.

 

I took a great step back away from Alphonse and stared at the room, I had already started to concoct excuses and apologies to whoever it was. I thought Winry and Pinako would be gone for longer. Al turned towards where I was looking and I could have sworn a look of pure horror crept into those cheeks turning them pale. Something wasn't right; this wasn't either of the Rockbell's.

 

I cautiously took a step towards the room until a felt a hand grasp onto my shoulder. I turned to look at Al and then quickly y back just in time to see a blur coming towards me. Instinctively I pulled my right hand up in a snapping motion only to be knocked backwards against the wall opposite of me. My face started tingling and grew feverish. I jumped up and stared at the person who had assaulted me, Alphonse in between us with his arms out on either side.

 

I inhaled a gasp as my skin seemed to crawl with disturbance. Red eyes glared at me with so much hatred that it seemed like it was going to explode. Metal fists clenched and those eyes glaring at me, the presence had now shown itself. Alphonse turned his head some to look at me.

 

“I can explain.”

 

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“He doesn't belong here!” I felt my throat starting to burn. It had been a while since I yelled this hard; I could feel Alphonse shrink under my voice. The man against the wall opposite of us was fuming with anger but did very well with holding it in. It seemed that every time I raised my voice at Al he was on the tip of his toes ready to attack.

 

“Roy… please let me finish.” Al pleaded; his eyes were misty and he looked like he was carrying a burden of thoughts at the moment.

 

“What is there to say?” If I went any longer with yelling like this my throat would probably collapse leaving me mute for a while. “ You're letting a murderer live in your house, this man at that!” I pointed a hasty finger at the Ishbalan I had about a year ago been searching for.

 

“Nice to see you too, Mustang.” Scar bit every word out with dripping loathing, his face creased with so much anger.

 

“You… you were dead. You were reported dead.” I growled and found myself walking up to him in long distressing steps, my face now inches from him as I had my finger pointed unevenly.

 

“You'd do best to back away now if you enjoy living.” He too came back with a snap and stared at me. Those eyes he had always sent chills down my back making me feel frightened. I bit my tongue and stared at him a moment longer before backing away. I ran my eyes down his body. He had changed greatly. Though he was still fit as he had been, he now had auto-mail as replacement; it made him look lopsided to me. His silver and brown hair was still short and his facial expressions just as dreary.

 

I turned around and walked back to Alphonse and leaned down so that I was in his face.

 

“Why is he here?”

 

He looked around nervously and twiddled his thumbs gently back and forth. “He was wounded and I wanted him to stay until he got better.”

 

“He's a state alchemist killer! You know that better than anybody else, Alphonse, what would your brother say?” Al looked at me and as tears ran down his face. I was taken aback and watched him. He was only crying, why was I getting so worked up on this?

 

“He…” Alphonse lowered his head some allowing a few tear drops to fall to his metallic blue jeans. He jerked his head up quickly, “He would understand!” He stood up and walked over to Scar, took him by the arm and made his way to the exit. I couldn't say anything, I couldn't move. I didn't understand.

 

 

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(Point-of-view now by Scar)

 

I was raging inside, but I knew this had to be my fault somehow. If I hadn't have shunned Al away on that treacherous day then this probably wouldn't have happened. My fists clenched automatically as the thought of that filthy alchemist putting his hands on Alphonse. Last night he was lucky that I didn't break through the window and kill him. I don't know why I felt anger about seeing Mustang and Alphonse together; it all just came out instantly. Mustang putting his mouth on Alphonse… and Al… him enjoying it! I lowered my head in nausea and my fist together so tight that if they had been real hands there would now be a thing layer of blood slicking my fingers.

 

Al had taken me back to my room and then went back to talk with Mustang; there was a great deal of yelling from the flame alchemist and then I heard a door slam. He had left, I was glad; Al hurried back with teary eyes. I believe he told him everything.

Alphonse was leaning on the wall with his hands between his knees; his dirty blonde locks were scattered about his face. I wanted to let out the anger that wasn't supposed to be there. I felt selfish that I was holding a grudge. It was my fault after all.

 

“I'm sorry.” Al muttered breaking the silence in the room.

 

“Why are you apologizing?” I snapped and glanced at him. He lowered his head more.

 

“I should have told you earlier about him… if I had, then this all could have been avoided.” He was shaking. “So I'm sor-“

 

“Stop apologizing!” I stood up in one swift move making the bed I sat on slide. His face went to an odd looking emotion as he gaped. I started towards him and watched as he closed his eyes and looked as if he were sinking into the wall. I stopped right in front of him.

 

“Don't you start with that damn apologizing.” I made my voice softer. He looked at me with his lips parted slightly, golden eyes misty with perplexity. I lifted my hand some and he cringed. Did he think I was going to hit him? That made me sick to my stomach that he would think of something like that. I cupped his cheek with the fake limb I was now cursed with. His eyes slid open and he leaned forward into the touch. I wanted so much to feel what he was feeling with these hands. I felt nothing and it was started to shred me apart.

 

He looked down and then back up with a hopeful smile. “You're wearing the pants I bought you. His voice had changed dramatically over a minute. It was now happy and excited rather than frightened and timid. I stroked his face softly and smiled.

 

“I like them a lot, thank you.”

 

He slid his arms around my back and pulled his face to my chest in a gentle hug. I felt my cheeks go feverish as I too placed my arms around his small frame. I pulled him closer and closed my eyes slowly. I loved how he smelled. Vanilla.

 

He was taking soft and subtle breathes and I could feel him hum something in his throat which vibrated against my chest. Slowly I caressed his silky hair and watched his reaction. Those golden eyes moved up to meet mine in a gear-like motion. Was I doing something wrong? I was about to let him go when his smooth voice broke the silence.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“For what?” I hadn't the slightest clue as to what he meant. Was he thanking me for hugging him? Woah this was confusing.

 

“For being here.” He turned his cheek and smiled the cutest smile that made my knees lock together. His eye lashes hid them; those beautiful golden eyes.

 

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Mustang still didn't return after about three hours. Thank God, I would have lost it and beat him to a pulp. He should be very grateful that I no longer have my older brother's right arm. I would have killed him already if I did.

Alphonse went outside a while ago to do something… he didn't tell me what. This left me alone for once.

Usually I won't be rude and go around when someone isn't home, but Al had said… `Make yourself at home.' This would give me a chance to actually explore.

 

My door creaked open and my bare feet grasped the cool wood floor. Even though outside mid day was helping with the house's inside temperature, the floor was a like a searing block of ice. I was afraid if I stood in one place for too long a time that my feet would attach themselves to the floor.

 

It was dreary when you are by yourself in this house. I had no idea how many rooms there were, and that made it worse, I had this whole phobia about not knowing what was behind doors or curtains. I guess the saying for me is… `Curiosity killed the cat.' I need to follow it better before my curiosity really does put me down… nah, I could wait a while longer.

I followed the long hallway going right from the room I was in and tried to figure out which room was Mustang's. The only time I had actually seen it was last night when I was outside. I was ready to take a shower and I had just then noticed Mustang. I was furious that Alphonse hadn't told me, but I knew it was my fault. I was about to apologize when I noticed them together. I now view Mustang differently. I may have hated him for being a state alchemist, now I completely loathed him for just being alive.

 

Why should I care? I don't know. I just… snapped. I saw Alphonse like an older brother would his younger sibling, wanting to protect him with every fiber of my being. Seeing Mustang touching him like that shattered something in my mind. I could have killed him right there if he hadn't have seen me. Again he was lucky.

 

I stopped in my tracks. I just noticed I had turned around and now stood in front of Alphonse's door. Had I really been that deep in my thoughts to not have noticed where I was going?

 

Something was drawing me to his room now. I couldn't pull away even if I was punched backwards.

 

I pulled my mechanical hand up and laid it against the door knob. The contact of metal against metal made soft clang sound. I looked either way making sure that no body was here. I would only spend a minute looking around. Only a minute.

 

The door made an eerie creak as it slowly opened to unveil the afternoon light. Though I hadn't seen every part of the house, I believed his had to be the most beautiful. There were some details that I had missed last night due to the event. The walls were painted with a warm tan and on each wall were either clippings from a newspaper or something of that source, maps and alchemic symbols that I had seen, but didn't understand. There were two beds; one to my left against the wall and one to my right done the same way.

The one on the right was Alphonse's a bet because I had seen him and Mustang on it. I was instantly furious as I stared down at the creamy coloured attire of the bed. Why had I come here in the first place?

 

Something else caught my attention. The other bed looked as if it hadn't been slept in for a numerous amount of time but had several books strewn across its surface. I also noticed a coat. It was Edward's; the red one I had seen him in each of our encounters.

 

I walked towards the bed and cautiously picked up the coat. He sure was a short little punk. If I had tried the fabric on, the hem would have come up to the bottom of my hips. I dropped the coat back onto the bed and stared at it a while longer. It looked like Alphonse could probably fit in it. Did Edward give this to Al? As a gift maybe? Whatever it was; Edward wouldn't have left it without a special reason to.

 

I walked over to Alphonse's bed and stared down at it. The memories still threatening to boil over in my mind. I lowered my head in anger; a leather bound book sticking from under a pillow caught my attention. I silently reached down and picked it up, laying it flat in both my palms.

 

On the outside cover, there were cursive words written in a thick ink: Alphonse Elric.

A journal? I opened it cautiously and read the first line, the writing was rather sloppy:

 

Dear Journal;

It has been a week since brother

has brought my body back from the gate. I lost most of my

memories and often have spasm attacks in the back of my neck

and I black out.

I haven't gotten used to eating yet. I get sick if I do eat, and

if I don't, it gets worse. I haven't told brother he would probably

worry and start saying how this is his fault. I don't want that to

happen. Brother said he would have to go once I got better. I don't

want him to. Oh well, I can't beg him. He is hardheaded after all.

I have to go, brother just walked in.

-Al

 

 

I blinked several times and allowed the information to sink in. He didn't eat right when he first got his body back… like I didn't eat well either. Is there a connection or is this just a coincidence? I searched the parchment page for a date but only found little doodles or notes that I couldn't read. I know looking through his journal is very wrong but this could help me to better understand him. I flipped ahead to what I believed to be a rectn page:

Dear Journal;

Me and Winry ran into Mustang today and now he's asked

if he could stay. I said yes, what else was I going to say? He has helped

me more than anything so I couldn't just leave him out there. He's here

for a while to do stuff for Central I guess. I didn't go into too much detail

about it because I was afraid I would slip and say something about Scar. I

bought him a gift for Valentine's Day and I'm going to give it to him after

I finish writing this. I sure hope he likes it.

-Al

 

There was nothing else entered after this one. I sat on his bed and stared at the page with a blank face. I felt my stomach twist into distorted positions at the thought of what I had done to him. He bought me a Valentine's Day gift, and I yell at him. I didn't mean to, it's just that I was taken by surprise and didn't actually expect anyone to buy me something. I didn't know what to do. I just let out my confusion as anger.

 

I jerked my head up at the sound of a door being opened. Instinctively I shoved the book under the pillow and raced for the door praying that it wasn't Alphonse. Just as I went to grab a hold of the knob it twisted. My face went to pure horror. I was going to get caught.

 

 

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A/N: Oh yeah, I lurve me some cliffhangers^-^ Sorry to those who were getting into the story… *nervous laugh* I can't just let you get all the action in one chapter can I?

I really liked how the journal entries came out so I'm probably going to do more where Scar reads from Al's journal. Naughty, naughty Scar! That's like reading a girl's diary. *pokes Scar*

This week we are going to have F-cat testing *deep gasp* I'm going to fail! *dies* Gawd I hate how they do the grading thingies here. If we have even ONE `f' at the end of the year, then we get held back. How much does that suck?! I freaking hate how they are running the system *grumbles*

Any who… I may try to squeeze in some time to work on the next chapter after school if I am not forced to go to sleep early (I usually start these chapters at four in the afternoon and finish them around nine.)

Thank you all reviewers! *glomps and licks* Idea's, comments and flamers are always welcomed.

Until next time *flies off on giant energizer bunny*