Alphonse

Beginning to stroll through the large vineyard, the male's hands turn oddly clammy. It's not often that Alphonse gets nervous but currently feels like his heart is beating out of his chest. These are obvious signs that prove just how strong of an impact this girl has made on him.

And right in the center stands a single flower whose beauty matches that of a painting. Motionless, she stares up at the late evening sky when her golden eyes suddenly lock with his own. There's not another figure anywhere in sight as if the vineyard is reserved for them solely.

"I've been waiting for you. So what do you want to ask me?" Lucille questions, her warm smile helping ease his nerves a bit.

It's far too late to even attempt backing out now. Besides, the plan he devised seemed to fit Kana's approval, so it should be okay with her as well. He didn't ever imagine viewing Lucille in a romantic light, until one small act they put on changed everything...

A few weeks ago, Alphonse zoomed down the typical crowded road in Opal Forten. The teen struggled to maneuver around people so he wouldn't be stuck waiting for the next train. Another shower could happen soon based on the dreary skies, and to be stuck with moist clothes the ride home was sure to put him in a foul mood.

"Hi, Alphonse!"

The loud greeting caused his head to quickly snap toward the source. From behind approached a cheerful noble girl that was the exact opposite of the terrible weather. This would mark the first time he has run into her when Kana wasn't with them.

"Lucille, I didn't expect to see you here."

"I can say the same to you. Where are you headed in such a rush?"

"Just the station. I want to catch this train since a second storm might be passing through. I stopped by to give Kana a surprise visit but she's sick and I couldn't stay long," he tiredly answered. Though he wasn't blaming her for falling ill, it made sense to check beforehand with future trips.

"Ah, I see. A bummer you came all this way to go straight back home. I was at the community vineyard for a while, because it's my typical place when I wanna relax. I'm about to head home myself but..." her voice trailed off. The once bright smile she wore vanished in the flash of an instant, like a bolt of lightning had struck her. Not a sight he ever witnessed since the little time he had known her.

"What's wrong?"

"Well, my parents have been nagging me about my love life as of late. They've been trying their darndest to pick me out a decent suitor I can wed come next year. It got so bothersome that I ended up telling an itty bitty fib," she explained, and the girl made a little space between her fingers, yet somehow, he felt the lie was much bigger than that.

"I claimed to already have someone that I love dearly and their assistance isn't needed anymore. It kept them off of my back for a span but now they wish..." Lucille failed to finish yet again, and a deep sigh escaped her lips. She said the lie was a tiny one though that wasn't the case with the long-term consequences. He couldn't exactly relate given any strict overbearing parents are absent in his home.

"That sounds rough. No matter the outcome, you can't keep running forever. You'll just have to fess up and tell the truth at some point."

"Ugh, I cannot deal with them arranging arrogant snobs to court me every weekend. All in hopes I marry the perfect man of their dreams. If only I was able to find someone who can act as this fake soulmate of mine. The ultimate trickery that could grant me temporary freedom..." The girl paced lost in deep thought, but he didn't like where this conversation was going. Alphonse slowly backed away and then made a sharp spin on his feet. If he stayed around much longer, it would force him into a position the male wanted no part in.

"Well, I better get moving! Nice seeing you."

"Ah, wait, Alphonse!" The girl latched onto his arm and pure dread filled his stomach. "Please, you must help me! If you stand in as my imagery soulmate, I can clear all their doubts. Then I no longer have to fret over going home anymore! Well, for the time being anyways but I really need a break."

If Alphonse just hadn't pried then he wouldn't be trapped in this predicament. Bad as the male did feel for her dilemma, pity alone couldn't change his mind. Playing house wasn't the type of evening he craved on his day off.

"Sorry, but find somebody else. That's too big of a hassle and I got younger siblings to attend to. Plus, I'm not good with romance matters so they'll probably see right through me."

"But your sister is babysitting them, right? Also, I think you'd be the ideal fit--and I'm not just saying that because I'm desperate!"

"You know I'll bomb this, yet you're still asking me." Alphonse frustratedly ran fingers through his dark brunette hair. He took a glance at the girl whose pleading eyes were brimmed with tears. It was difficult to say no to that face, and he could already predict the later regret. "...Fine, but on these non-negotiable conditions. Number one, now is the only time I'll do this, so don't bother asking me again. And number two, you owe me a favor, regardless if this backfires or not. Do we have a deal?"

"Yes! Thank you so much!" Lucille eagerly grasped his hand and dragged him toward the capital. "Come on, we need to purchase a few things in Everlane. There's no way you can pose as such without transforming your look."

...

The two teens stood on the doorstep of Lucille's large home. She bought him a brand new outfit as he was pretending to be the son of a wealthy family. They had already discussed his background, home life, and how they met which should cover basic questions. After gaining their approval, he would be free to leave.

"Remember what all we discussed or do you need to go through it again?"

"No, I think I'm good."

"Alright, then here goes nothing." Lucille creaked open the door as he followed her inside. Their living room was nicely furnished yet it still held so much space. The mansions in the capital were a whole different lifestyle from his own.

"Lucille, there you are... Who is this young man?" The middle-aged woman asked, accompanied by her husband.

"Well, this is that soulmate I kept blabbering on about. I thought he could visit for a bit since you've been wanting me to introduce him."

She shot Alphonse a look and he promptly stepped forward and gave a small bow.

"My name is Elric Buford. I'm glad to meet you both."

Her parents stayed silent--the married couple looked him up and down as he then understood the change of attire. Once Alphonse seemingly passed the appearance part of their test, her mother moved first toward the dining area.

"Yes, well come this way. We can have a nice chat over some hot tea and dessert."

A maid prepared their small snack at one of the many round tables that filled the decorated hall. The adults took a seat on the left side with the loving pair placed right across from them. As appetizing as the freshly baked chocolate bread smelled, he couldn't taste the muffin considering the pressure upon his shoulders.

Her parents' interrogation started just like Lucille had predicted. The two heavily questioned him about work, family, and even his hobbies. Given the answers were all drilled into his head, he was able to respond without a lick of hesitation. It seemed everything was going well with Mrs. Fletcher quite convinced by their act.

"Your business choice is most impressive, so I can see why you're constantly working. An upright and intelligent boy with a decent family background. I'm surprised to say you picked an excellent suitor, Lucille. He has my approval."

The fake couple exchanged hopeful glances as they might've actually pulled this off. That's all until her father cleared his throat and grabbed everyone's attention. He who sat with crossed arms didn't seem very pleased by their performance.

"As much as I would like to give my support, I do find this a tad off. Our naive daughter was never one to be the best judge of character. Solid proof is by those lower class 'friends' she chooses to associate with."

"Do you believe this whole thing is nothing but a hoax then?" His wife asked, and the man's hand rubbed at his chin.

"I'm not certain but if you want to persuade us that your relationship is real, answer me this. Lucille, list three qualities you love about Elric?"

The sudden demand made Alphonse's body tense up as their victory was short-lived. Of the countless areas covered, this is the single topic where that they hadn't thought to prepare. If Lucille dawdled to give a reply or could but it didn't seem genuine--the two were busted.

"...Hmm, I must first acknowledge his honesty. No matter if Elric can be a little blunt at times, he still won't lie when it comes to the important issues. Also, mother mentioned he is quite responsible and mature for his age. I find it admirable since that's a quality I often tend to lack. Above all else, it would have to be his hidden kindness. Elric may not seem so by his outward front, but he'll always come around when friends need him most. The list could continue though you asked for just three," she finished with a confident smile, and her father wasn't the only one rendered speechless.

Everything Lucille said rolled right off the tongue with ease. She didn't need a second to ponder this, almost as if it came directly from the heart. It made Alphonse wonder did she simply tell them what they wanted to hear, or was this perhaps how the girl truly viewed him? Never once could he recall anyone who spoke so highly of him before. An abnormal warm feeling surfaced in his chest as her father next turned to him.

"I've heard my daughter's answer so it's time to share yours. What made you fall for Lucille?"

If he didn't measure up to her response, their act would fail because of him. Alphonse took just a moment to clear his head and focus on Lucille alone. The role aside, the male planned to express to them how he genuinely felt about her.

"Firstly, I like her upbeat spirit. She's the type of person who could lift someone's mood without even trying. The second would be that she isn't condescending," --the adults slightly frowned-- "similar to other residents here in the capital. Lucille doesn't allow her noble title to ruin her attitude and will be friendly to any social class. And third but far from last...is such beauty. She charmed me the moment I laid eyes upon her."

The final factor was added to make their love sound more natural, though he couldn't exactly call it dishonest either. He looked over to find Lucille's head dropped low which practically hid her face. It was hard to guess if his words had a positive or negative effect on her.

Although they didn't seem too pleased at Alphonse's second reason, the married couple appeared to be content with the rest. Her father apologized for the earlier doubt and even gave them his best wishes. After the four talked a while longer, he took his leave as Lucille walked him to the exit.

"Thanks again, Alphonse. My parents ate up every bit of it, and since work keeps you busy, they'll stop pestering me for now. What exactly are you requesting in return?"

"Uh, I haven't thought of anything yet..." he mumbled, and his scattered emotions prevented a small favor from coming to mind.

"That's fine. Just let me know when you do, okay? Fortunately, our little tea party lingered enough for the rainstorm to pass. Well, have a safe trip back home!" She waved as he made his way down the puddled road toward the station. Alphonse couldn't be certain whether her response was serious or not, but for himself, those traits he spoke of were the absolute truth. Now he sat conflicted over what to do about the tender emotions he didn't realize sparked up.

...

A whole three weeks have passed since that fateful stormy evening. The two started spending more time together even when Kana wasn't around. He never could think what to ask of her until just recently, and it's like everything worked out perfectly for this precise moment.

"I'm sure you remember our deal about a month ago? For the second half, you agreed to return the kind gesture when I thought of something. I finally decided that my request is...permission to take you on a date today." Alphonse reveals the blue beaded jewelry from his pocket and her eyes grow wide.

"T-That's a promise bracelet!"

"Yeah, it is. The two of us acting as partners that day to fool your parents surfaced a spark I haven't felt with anyone else before. I'm not pushing an answer from you right away. Instead, we'll go to the Bubbles Bond Festival for a casual date. Only after you must decide to accept this or decline. So, what do you say?"

Lucille falls quiet as each second that passes by causes his anxiousness to increase. Maybe this is a weird proposal and she will shoot him down right on the spot. However, rather than rejecting it, the usual smile spreads across her face.

"Sure, that's acceptable to me. There weren't any limits to your terms, so I have no right to refuse. Plus, I absolutely love the Bubbles Bond Festival," she replies, and her agreeing in itself is a huge relief.

"A-Alright then. Now that it's settled, we better get a move on. Best for us to beat the crowd and they'll be starting up soon." Alphonse steps ahead to escort the girl to Greendale Hill.

...

Numerous people of different ages and classes surround the flowery meadow. After the parade, this has to be one of the kingdom's most popular festivals. A simple activity done alongside those you wish to create fun memories with this coming season.

"Wow, the turnout seems to keep growing bigger than the last. My close-minded parents never liked any commoner festivals but it's a favorite of mine. Have you ever been to this before?" Lucille asks, and he slowly nods.

"Only once with my younger siblings a few years back. I'm curious how much has changed over that time."

"I wasn't allowed to attend as a child, but getting older, I came yearly with some friends. Just the previous festival that special friend was Kana, though this will be the first time I've had a male companion."

Of little significance as it might be, he still feels less pressure on this date hearing such a fact.

"The line is already pretty long. I'll go stand in it to fetch us a bucket of bubble solution. You should find a good spot we can watch from."

"Understood!" The noble girl salutes in response, and the two temporarily part ways to each get their task done.

By the time he purchases their stuff, it takes but a few minutes to track down the redhead. Lucille is standing in a nice open location towards the middle where no trees will obstruct their view. She has been to these festivals many times, so that probably made the search much easier.

"This is a perfect place, huh? We don't have to worry about branches popping the bubbles, or disruptive little kids since most families are at the top of the hill."

"Yeah, this seems like a great area. Here's your clay pipe." Alphonse hands over the larger one of the two he was given. They still have a short wait while others get through the line before anyone can start. It's supposedly bad luck to begin early prior to the countdown.

"You know, I witnessed the paper lantern release when visiting Quincy on a family trip. That festival was nice and all but I still prefer ours the best." Lucille examines a small colorful butterfly that lands on her finger." Besides, using those lanterns can be harmful to the environment with the animals living here."

"I've never seen the lanterns but I get what you mean. You really do have a soft spot for little critters. I'm sure you like the bluebirds the most, huh?" The male questions, this seeming to be a surprise to her.

"Yes--wait, how did you guess correctly on the first try? Obviously, I'm an animal lover but I don't recall ever mentioning which was my favorite to you. Then again, as much of a talker as I am, who could know for sure."

"You didn't," he confirms, Alphonse's hand rubbing behind his neck. "I just figured because you like birdwatching and blue is your favorite color. You wear it constantly..."

"Ah, so that's why. I indeed love birds of all kinds, especially those being a beautiful shade of blue. Alphonse, you're one very observant person." Lucille smiles brightly as he gives a short dismissal.

I'm only that way when it comes to her but she fails to notice...

Once everybody is prepared, the announcer starts his countdown at ten and the moment he reaches zero, a multitude of bubbles are released toward the dusk heavens. This is a sight that honestly makes him feel like a small boy again with the stresses of life floating far away. The alchemists have a hand in strengthening the cleaning solution to create large clear circles swaying with the breeze. 

"It just looks so mystical I can't help but stand memorized every single time."

"Well, it is pretty neat. Way nicer than how I pictured this from what I could remember. My siblings hardly let the bubbles get anywhere before popping them," he shares, causing a giggle to escape her lips.

"Hehe, I'd imagine that behavior from most little rascals..." Lucille's eyes hold a certain twinkle as she gazes at the orange-hued skies. "Did you know the importance of this festival isn't only to welcome summer? It's said to strengthen the bond with those you hold dear, and these rumors claim the magic works better beside your significant other. Couples both young and old love to attend for this sole purpose."

"Of course, I knew. Why'd you think I planned this date in particular? Regardless, if it's nothing more than an old wives tale like that wish-granting fountain. I'll take any opportunity so our bond grows even stronger." Alphonse stops his blowing to steal a glance at her for just a moment. As per usual, it's hard to determine what she could be thinking while watching the bubbles in awe. He is still unsure if these feelings are mutual, however, she does appear in good spirits which matters above all else.

"I'm not quite certain if this charm can work on us," she mutters, though her smile unwavering as they continue to admire the magical show.

After the show is over, they indulge in several of the extra festivities. Between eating a variety of summer snacks, dancing a bit to the music, and participating in the scavenger hunt. Nonetheless, their fun comes to a close when striking midnight--and as any proper date should end--he offers to accompany her home. The trip back feels so short, similar to how hours usually fly by when they're together.

"Thank you for the amazing outing. This was tons of fun, unlike the stuffy dinner dates other suitors set up. I had such a good time that it'll be challenging for me to sleep."

This statement is ironic with the male awkwardly clearing his throat. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself... Before you head in though, I do need an answer or I'm not gonna get any rest tonight."

"Huh? You haven't figured out my decision yet?" Lucille replies, tilting her head to the side quite innocently. They might have been holding hands the whole walk back, but nothing will be set in stone, unless she confirms it. Although words aren't what leaves the girl's mouth, but instead, she extends an arm out to him. "The blue bracelet was a wise choice. I thought this would match great with my dresses since you confessed earlier at the vineyard."

"Are you implying you knew your answer from the start?"

"Well, you did insist for me to wait until our date had ended, and who knows. If something went awry I could've changed my mind and left you utterly heartbroken!" The redhead throws an arm to shield her face adding a dramatic effect.

She's just teasing me now. I can see this girl is sure to be a handful. Despite that...

Alphonse takes a step forward removing the small distance between them. Then he carefully puts the bracelet on her wrist which turns out to be a perfect fit. Lucille brings his gift tightly to her chest as deep dimples shine through her gentle smile.

"I assumed the festival charm wouldn't work for us, because I couldn't possibly be happier than I already am. I guess I was wrong."

"This bracelet isn't the only present I'm giving you."

Now that she accepted the first gift there is another far more precious thing to follow. He holds Lucille's chin up having their eyes lock, and her slight lean in is all the approval he requires. The male softly locks lips with her own for a precious goodnight kiss.

A/N Hello readers, end of another chapter! So how are the three side relationships to you so far? The next chapter will focus on a different pair than usual so stay tuned^^