(no subject)

[ironysoul]

Adjusting to life in Xing wasn't the most difficult thing Al had ever done. But it wasn't the easiest, either. There had been a very definite "settling in" period. Adjusting to a new culture, a new country. Without money. That had been exciting. But now, he had the backing of two major clans. The Emperor himself. And he was currently the only alchemist in Xing.

At first he hadn't liked it. He wanted to learn Alkahestry, and all the other alkahests wanted to learn was Alchemy. But now that they were settled, he'd found a good balance. Learning and teaching... in fact, he was something of a local celebrity.

But they'd worked it out now. And he really loved Xing. He loved being important, but just another person. Not an Elric. No relation to the Fullmetal Alchemist.

He was browsing in the marketplace, carefully considering fresh fruit and vegetables. They ate in the inn, mostly, but Chimera ate. A lot. And if Al didn't do the shopping, the stuff they ate wasn't very good for them. So here he was, hunting for healthy chimera snacks. And that was when the ruckus began.

Al looked up, shielding his eyes against the desert sun, and squinted at the next stall over. There was a lot of yelling in Xingese, high and fast-paced, and a tiny woman, even shorter than Al, seemed to be going wild.

Comments

[just_edmund]

Edmund's eyes lit up. He pounced on the suggestion (figuratively, at least) with the energy of a boisterous kitten around catnip. "Yes of course! Why didn't I think of that? Well, because you're the genius around here!" Carried away with his excitement for this plan, Edmund leaned forward and pulled Al into a grateful hug, swift but enthusiastic. He hardly wanted to let go, but any more than a moment or two and it would be more than just a grateful hug.

Straightening and letting go, he retreated once more to the jumble of pillows and considered his first lesson from Al's lips. (Not the fun kind, but very interesting all the same.) "I see. It's like a - an alchemical marketplace. Can alchemists choose what is gained and lost? And this gate - is it an actual, physical place or just a theoretical construct?"

Edmund was all ears now. He could be a very attentive student, and he wanted to prove to Alphonse that he wasn't completely out of his mind; he had an analytical mind, and he liked learning new things, even (especially) if they were difficult to grasp at first.

[ironysoul]

Genius. Al laughed nervously, a sound that cut off and became something more of a squawk as Edmund's arms went around him.

Not that it was bad. The hard, deep pressure of a hug was something Al loved, and Edmund gave very nice hugs. His arms were powerful, and he smelled very nice -- clean, a little like soap, and maybe some shaving cream. To Al's sensitive nose, it was very pleasant.

He laughed again when Edmund released him, this time nervously. "Well... you have to provide the materials, of course. That's the first rule of alchemy. Most alchemists start small, taking sand, say, and making it into a stone or glass figurine. You see? The raw materials are the same, but you use alchemy to transform them from one state to another. Most alchemists believe that the materials you use are the materials in the final product, but the truth is they go to the gate. It's an abstract concept that many alchemists never get."

How you could trade blood and body, say, for a human soul. Or an approximation of one.

[just_edmund]

The squawk sounded surprised but not appalled or anything, so Edmund decided overall it was a good sound. And Al himself was such a nice person to hug, delicate but cozily so, with a warm softness to him that made Edmund just want to fold him up in his arms and tuck him into his lap.

Ahem. It was supposed to just be a quick hug, Ed.

Making a note to himself to find and take the next excuse for another hug that came along, Edmund stayed close and paid rapt attention to Al's teaching. After all, he didn't want to miss anything, right? (Nevermind that the teacher was half the appeal.) "I really am learning from the best, aren't I?" he said rather admiringly, chin propped on his hand. "A beginner like myself, finding out what many alchemists never learn. So, is the gate a concept not taught commonly in alchemy, or simply the idea of its exchange isn't properly grasped?"

One elbow perched on a hiked knee, he found his other hand falling companionably on Al's knee again. There was something comforting about holding onto solid things while talking about such abstract notions as turning things into other things with your mind. It still sounded a lot like magic to Edmund, and he'd never dabbled in the stuff himself. Al felt soothingly solid and real under his hand. Not to mention the one familiar thing in this world of strange and new places and ideas.

[ironysoul]

Al rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, trying to focus on Edmund's words, and not the comfortable, companionable weight on his knee. Not even his brother and Winry touched him quite so casually, but... everyone he knew saw the small, frail boy who'd come back from the gate. Poor replacement for the invulnerable armor or even the robust youth he'd been. It was so nice to be treated like this. Normally. By someone who'd never seen him like that.

"I guess it's both, really. You never see the gate in alchemy. I only know of 5 alchemists who've seen it at all, actually, though there are a few more who know and understand the concept. Our teacher --" Thinking of Izumi, Al stopped, and straightened up. "Actually, our teacher didn't even tell us, even though she discovered the Gate before we ever did. She'd kick me for even starting here. You need to start with basic alchemy, even if you're only going to be a believable student!"

Al nodded, decisively, and reached for one of the books they'd taken. "I don't really have an island, but I guess showing up in a strange land --" for whatever reason -- "is trial enough. First you need to read this, and learn about the laws of equivalent exchange. And you need to solve a riddle."

[just_edmund]

Edmund in fact had no idea there was any reason to handle Alphonse with kid gloves. Apart from the crutches and a delicate frame, Al looked healthy and whole to him, not to mention pretty adorable at times (you know, all times). And as long as he didn't seem to mind the casual touches, well, they felt pretty nice on Edmund's side.

He smiled at Al who seemed very conscientious about his duties as a teacher - it was endearing, actually - and leaned forward confidentially. "I promise I won't tell," Edmund murmured with a twinkle in his eye, once again very close and with that same tone as he'd used coming out of the library.

It was just for a moment, for they were already safely getting down to bookwork. Flirting would just have to wait. Island? Edmund blinked and shrugged. Must be one of those alchemical mysteries. "Very well," he said, accepting the book and sinking back towards the pillows once more. "It shouldn't take me long."

Only a few minutes, and part of that was spent making sure he understood the new concepts and how they applied, with the occasional question or clarification with Alphonse. Finally Edmund set the book back on his lap and nodded. "So, when do I get this riddle?"

[ironysoul]

Well, he'd learned from the best. It was quite an example to live up to!

Al waited patiently while Edmund mastered the text. And helpfully did not point out that he'd read it at two, becaue he'd learned that kind of thing could be annoying. Anyway, Edmund finished it in a perfectly respectable amount of time. Even without the added incentive of needing to murder bunnies for food.

"All is one, and one is all. When you can tell me the meaning of that, you're ready to begin learning alchemy." He smiled a little, not at Edmund, but at the memory of two young boys, who'd proudly announced their conclusion to their teacher. "Hey. You don't know any hand to hand combat, do you?"

[just_edmund]

Al was both patient and wise. It would have been rather a blow Edmund's confidence to learn a two-year-old could grasp this stuff better than he could. Besides, he wanted to learn it thoroughly and right from the beginning, how new it all was to him. (Plus, he didn't have a genius brother to lead the way in it since a young age.)

He took another glance at the book - he wanted to keep reading, to learn more about this new science - but his attention was arrested by the dreamy, reminiscent look on Al's face. What exactly was he remembering?

The riddle would take a bit for Edmund to be sure of. Maybe the book would give him some clues. "I'll think on it," he said with a nod, and a smile that actually was intended for Al. "Ah - I do, in fact, quite a lot of it. Mostly with swords, but some weaponless training as well. Why do you ask?" Edmund cocked a curious glance at the other boy, thinking to himself that Al did not seem like the aggressive type at all, and surely he was accomplished enough at alchemy to thwart any attacks without physical force.

[ironysoul]

Well, not most two-year-olds. Just a few very exceptional ones whose last names happened to be "Elric." Still no reason to wave it in his face, though. Al had absolutely no doubt that Edmund would quickly catch on. And until then...

Well, he has his homework. A riddle to solve. Al would see how long it took him, and they'd go from there.

As for the rest, Edmund was welcome to make whatever assumptions about Al he wanted. But he was already standing, rolling his shoulders in the unselfconscious movement of someone used to physical activity. Just because he could thwart any attack with alchemy didn't mean he should. Izumi ground that into them, too. Alchemy was a tool, not an excuse for laziness.

"To train the mind, you have to train the body. Let's see what you know!"

No one here would spar with him for real. May treated him over-cautiously, hobbled by her crush. The chimera were better, but they were still gun-shy around his fragile body. And besides, Al was good, but not a miracle worker, and outweighed 3 to 1, he needed a miracle.

But Edmund was about the same size, and no matter how experienced he claimed to be, Al bet he'd underestimate his fragile opponent, at least once. This would be fun.

[just_edmund]

Edmund raised an eyebrow and a corner of his mouth in amusement at Alphonse getting himself all stretched out for a brawl, like a boxer or something. He half-suspected of Al bringing it up as some kind of 'fair trade' of services Edmund could offer him in exchange for the book learning and place to live and all that. After all, Al didn't look like a fighter. Maybe he needed some self-defense lessons or something.

"Very well. Let's see what you know, and we'll go from there." Was Al suggesting that Edmund needed to train his body, or himself? Both? Together? Edmund approved of this plan. (What? Al was a cute boy, and Edmund wasn't dead.)

He grinned and unbuttoned his sleeves, turning them up on his arms so he'd have full range of motion, briefly contemplating removing it altogether just to see if he could get Al to blush again. Maybe after the first round. Edmund put up his forearms in front of his chest, playfully on guard. As if Al would launch some kind of attack he couldn't easily fend off! Would he even know where to start, this slender boy with his crutches and sweet face? "Ready! So how are we doing this? Fisticuffs, wrestling, freestyle?"

[ironysoul]

So many questions! Al glanced around the room with a soft laugh. "Let's go outside first!" Surely Edmund didn't want to destroy their living quarters in a sparring bout! It was all but certain to happen often enough when people came after them.

He made for the door, wandering out. In back of the inn, there was a packed dirt courtyard. Perfect for this kind of thing. Al finished his stretching, grinning back at Edmund as he watched the other boy prepare.

"Teacher always taught us to worry less about style and more about winning, although I've been told Brother and I are very distinctive." Especially if Al had a pole-arm. But this is hand-to-hand. Just sheer skill. "I guess you'd call that freestyle." And, so saying, Al bounced on the balls of his feet -- and went right for Edmund's knees with a sweeping kick.

[just_edmund]

Al had a good point. "Not in the mood to rearrange the furniture?" Edmund teased as he followed Al outside. "Which would surely happen if I knocked you towards the nightstand. Too bad there might be witnesses to see you eat dirt." His tough talk had a winking mirth to it, since he did intend on going easy on the frail boy. He'd feel awful if he really did any damage to his new crush.

"Distinctive, huh? Should I be scared?" He grinned and took his stance, contemplating the softest sort of landing he could make for Al, when before he could even realize what had happened, his knees were buckling and his bottom was slamming hard into the dirt courtyard. "Ooph! Al!" Edmund looked at the other boy in considerable surprise, and a new admiration, though his pride (and his tailbone) were a bit hurt.

The next step clearly was to get up, but Edmund decided to use his new position to do it. He rolled forward in a somersault, his spine aching in protest after the fall, and kicked his legs as they flipped over. The aim was Al's thighs, to hopefully knock him off balance enough that as Edmund found the ground with his feet and drew up to standing, he'd slam into the rest of Al and send him spinning to the ground too.

[ironysoul]

Rearrange furniture? Oh, wow was he asking for it. Al grinned back with the same cheerful good nature, and he was still grinning when Edmund's rump hit the dirt a few minutes later.

He was planning to offer Edmund a hand up. But Edmund made it clear he didn't need any such thing, recovering and coming after Al with admirable enthusiasm. Unfortunately for Edmund, Al saw the attack coming and dodged back. He could have taken the hit and rolled, but since he'd come back to his body, he'd found he tired easily. It was better, safer, to avoid more than engage. It didn't wear him out as quickly.

But he couldn't duck Edmund forever. Eventually the other boy was going to get a hit in, and he was quick. Powerful. A few good hits would lay Al out.

Obviously, he couldn't let that happen. Which meant he had to hit Edmund first.

[just_edmund]

A surge of energy not entirely from his competitive nature filled Edmund as Al proved to be a formidable opponent. What a thrill it was to have a challenge again! He sprang up and on to his feet, pushing forward but still knocked about from the unexpected fall. Al was good, and moreover, he seemed a keen observer, which made any attack half as effective, when it could be easily seen and dodged.

Edmund kept his movements fast, deciding on his next steps and blows with instinctive momentum. It was better to use the natural power of his body than to fight against it and waste any advantage it might offer him. Al had proved he could take more, so Edmund gave him more, pressing him hard, a keen light in his eyes.

He blocked, stepped to the side to sneak in an opening he saw in Al's defense...BAM! Al's fist connected with his chest. "Ooph!" All the breath got knocked clean out of Edmund's lungs. He staggered back, eyes wide. "Why you...!" Edmund inhaled breath and launched himself at Al, a rushing leap with both hands extended to grab onto Al's shoulders and haul him down to the ground with Edmund on top of him. He just hoped Al wasn't expecting such an aggressive counterattack.

(Was his subconscious trying to maneuver into such a position for prurient reasons? Surely not! Pure as the newly driven snow, Edmund was...)

[ironysoul]

Well, Al certainly wasn't expecting that! He was quick, but not quite quick enough -- Edmund's hands connected with his hips, not his shoulders, as he caught Al and slammed him to the ground.

The bright side was, Al's arms were still free. The downside being that Edmund had his legs, his much weaker and more fragile legs, totally pinned. Al wasn't as scrawny and incapable as he looked. He could take a hit, even to the lower half of his body, and keep fighting. But eventually his strength would run out, and if Edmund still had him pinned when that happened, this.... well, it wasn't going to end well. For Al.

He could always feign an injury, that worked on Ed every time (and had worked a few times with the Chimeras, until they caught on that their beloved Alphonse was a rotten cheater) but he didn't want to just yet. Better to save that for a time when he was truly desperate.

So instead, he got creative, and tried to push up from the ground with his arms, his knees bent between them. He might not be able to kick with the force he'd once had, but his upper body was still strong. Very strong. And if he could use his legs as a platform, and push his whole body, he might be able to unbalance Edmund enough to get out from under him.

(Surely Edmund wouldn't mind a reversal of position, pure and innocent as he was.)

[just_edmund]

Faking an injury, if he did it convincingly (and there was a good chance of that), would absolutely work on Edmund if push came to shove (in many sense of the term). He wouldn't be able to resist the chance to take care of Al instead of knock him around. But, well, as long as he was really all right...

Nope, no letting up! Edmund was way too thrilled to be both winning this fight and physically close to his adorable host. Now that he was on top of him, he had no plans on going anywhere soon, no matter how the blond wriggled beneath him, and wasn't that pretty swell, almost--

"Argh!" And that was the cry of pain wrenched from him as Al's knee somehow found his groin. Edmund cringed and shrank back, clutching piteously and thus relinquishing his pinning stance. He really should have been more protective. He was off his game. But he would never admit that he'd been distracted by pretty golden eyes and some wiggly hips. "Al! That was a low blow!" Even if it was mostly his own fault for not moving his lower half out of the way in time. Maybe he'd been doing the opposite, in fact.

And there, Al had an opponent who was quite at his mercy to have their positions reversed and be under Al if he wished. (That didn't sound like such a bad thing either, come to think of it...)

[ironysoul]

Al cringed. As eagerly as he'd pursued sensation after coming back to his body, a good knee in the balls was one he remembered from childhood -- and had no desire to experience again, even accidentally. What he couldn't figure out was how Edmund had ended up in that position, because it was basic knowledge, wasn't it? If you were pinning someone they'd go for your weak spots, and you had to be ready for it, to protect them. Al certainly wasn't letting Edmund's extremities anywhere near his own. What on earth had Edmund been trying to do, grinding into Al like that?

Well... Regardless... "Sorry! I wasn't trying for it!" Al gave him a sheepish grin, but kept him very firmly pinned, hands going halfway between Edmund's wrists and elbows to prevent him from getting any traction. He gave a shrug that was thoroughly unapologetic.

"Whatever wins, though!"

[just_edmund]

Edmund gave him a watery smile from his pinned and smarting position. "Sure, Al, sure." Al seemed like a very innocent fellow, but you never could tell with those types. In any case, Al had won pretty soundly, and Edmund was willing to cede the point.

"Very well. Next time I'll guard the goods better." He winced and rubbed his thighs together. At least the pain was helping him from getting too excited about the way Al was holding onto his arms, keeping him fixed in place. Otherwise, he'd be enjoying this way too much.

"Congratulations. You had a very lucky break." He managed a little smirk and tipped his head back to watch Al above him. Dark curls cascaded in a tumble over his forehead. "I was a bit...distracted this time." There, Edmund admitted it. He'd flirted. What was Al going to do about it?

[ironysoul]

What was Al going to do about it? Why, absolutely nothing!

In fact, Edmund's flirtations missed the mark entirely. Al, who was honestly and sincerely sorry about that little knee-genitals mix up, brightened and rolled off Edmund lightly, his whole manner alight with enthusiasm.

"Really? That's great! Were you thinking about the riddle?"

What else could Edmund possibly find distracting right now? Oh -- well, maybe the fact that he'd been wrenched from his home, pulled across dimensions to a strange world. Al winced, offering him a hand up. He liked Edmund. He hoped he hadn't put his foot in it.