Alphonse

Walking down the tattered roads, the teen exits Rainswood, but he doesn't plan on going home quite yet. The original reason for this visit was to give Kana his birthday present as well as to apologize for skipping her celebration. After all, Alphonse couldn't possibly attend the party with a beautiful redhead under the same roof. He's still tormented by the harsh words exchanged with her parents just last week at his home.

In front of the small cabin, three stood silently as he pondered where exactly to begin. This was the perfect opportunity to finally express to them how much Lucille meant to him. Any hope of continuing a relationship with her would all depend on the outcome of their conversation.

"...I want to first say that I really do love your daughter. It wasn't right to lie about the soulmate stuff or even allow her to stay here for the night. But everything I proclaimed that evening about her was the absolute truth, and we just want to have an open, fresh start moving forward. There's nobody else I feel who can understand me the way she does."

Despite his initial nervousness, once he got talking, the words formed easily. Not the best with communication, the male needed to properly express his emotions where they would be convinced. Unfortunately, when he glanced up, neither parent looked moved by his touching speech.

"I'd prefer for us to chat a bit about your family of four. There is no guardian at this home, correct? We know this because you practically admitted so in the last letter sent to Lucille. You're mother hasn't been in the picture for years, and since we know that your father is a criminal, it leaves you children by yourselves."

Alphonse swallowed thickly, and he completely forgotten her parents read the entire letter as well. This not only uncovered their secret relationship, but it also made known his complicated home situation.

"Given you're underage, it would be problematic if authorities found out your living situation," she threatened, and the woman's icy gaze stared down at Alphonse in disdain. "We pondered on our ride here the best method to keep you and Lucille apart. The reason we brought you outside was to make clear our very simple terms."

"B-But-"

"We're warning you to end courting our daughter and have nothing to do with her from this day onward. You obey these instructions, and we'll keep quiet on this whole matter. However," --Mr. Fletcher gripped the boy's shoulder without an ounce of sympathy in his eyes-- "if it ever is revealed you either told Lucille about our conversation or attempted to get in contact with her by any means--we're going straight to the authorities. You and your three siblings will be placed in an orphanage, and that is the very last thing you'd want."

Alphonse couldn't voice a response, even if he had something to say. To think, they would resort to blackmailing him just to break the wings of the two lovebirds. Whatever foolish hope he once held was dismissed in mere seconds as the boy stood there with his head dropped low.

"Now that we've stated our desires concerning you, let us head back inside. Lucille must have grown tired of waiting, and it is quite the ride back to the capital." The wife entered first as her husband followed close behind. This felt so surreal he wished it was just some intense dream rather than their shattered future. He dragged his numb legs forward and dreaded to see her hurt expression upon them parting ways.

Listening to their demands, he is the one who put distance between them this time around. Robbed of being by Lucille's side, his thoughts constantly drift to the redhead all day long. There are many experiences he dreamed of spending with her, like the little dinner date they agreed to hold. Alphonse takes a deep breath, trying to keep his mind focused on the main purpose of this trip.

The teen's dark violet eyes search for the weapons shop sign, though a familiar individual grabs his attention. Momentarily forgetting about the task at hand, Alphonse's feet change direction, calling out to the boy. Despite the noisy chatter of the people, he hears this shout greeting him with a tip of his hat.

"Ah, Alphonse, isn't it? I didn't expect to see ya here this evenin. How have ya been?"

"So-so, I guess. Life could be smoother right now," he honestly answers the southern boy, glancing at the black-haired fellow beside him. "Is this a friend of yours?"

"Yup, this is Oliver Kensun. We go to the same schoolhouse. Oliver, this is an acquaintance of mine, Alphonse."

The two teens exchange a simple hello and shake hands. Studying his face, he recalls just who this person is, and it might be pure luck he ran into them. However, before Alphonse can get out a syllable, Oliver swiftly turns to leave.

"Now that you've said your regards, me and Frederick should be on our way."

"Wait! Aren't you the one that does the patrols around town? I know I saw you in Aniex a couple of weeks ago, and Frederick here helps you out occasionally too. This is kinda sudden, but I could really use you guys' help."

He isn't the type who cares much about asking others for assistance, but it would be ideal to have some backup while launching this risky plan. Yet, Alphonse might not gain any allies as the scarlet-eyed boy frowns at his pleading with crossed arms.

"Look, the two of us are off today, so you'll have to seek aid elsewhere." Luckily, Frederick shoots him a glare, which causes his friend to heave a sigh. "Fine, but this doesn't mean we've accepted your request."

From the beginning, Alphonse explains what he overheard in town the previous evening. That includes the sloppy counter-strategy he will execute to handle this situation. The older teen refuses to hide from them a single detail, and they wait until he is finished before speaking.

"To make sure I fully understand, there is a pair of thieves who intend to rob the Fletcher household at midnight. They set out to do this while the fam are away at a banquet endin late. Ya plan to stop such criminals in the act, but you're requesting some help with the takedown," Frederick evaluates, and as everything is correct, he nods.

"Why don't you report these chumps to the authorities? We don't accept edgy missions like this one," Oliver retorts, but there is more to this than they know about.

"I can't do that! It's just...something I need to do myself. It would be good to have people watching my back, but whether you agree or not, I'm following through this alone."

Which is no bluff, being a solid fact, despite the obvious danger. Stupid as it sounds, he could gain her parent's approval or at least be seen in a better light after tonight. No matter how slim the odds, the male won't allow fear to ruin his best bet on winning their favor.

"Well, I for one will join ya, Alphonse," Frederick replies, surprising them both.

"What?! Didn't you tell me earlier you're just getting over a cold? Besides, you haven't been on many patrols and lack fighting experience!" Oliver's loud scolding is causing attention, though the shorter boy shrugs, unfazed by his objections.

"I feel right as rain, and I like to believe I possess a few useful combat techniques. I won't let him do this all by himself, and I'd want help too if someone I cared about might be hurt."

Frederick's blue eyes dart to a young couple in the distance, and he must remember their conversation back in the town square. Lucille is indeed important to him and the sole reason for going to these great lengths.

"...Alright, I'll tag along too. Not like I would leave my partner to fight solo, and the girl I love considers Lucille to be a dear friend. Therefore, I cannot let these crooks get away with their clever scheme. First off, we need to further discuss the plan you've cooked up," Oliver suggests, the boys beginning to form their united approach.

The trio lurks near the Fletcher mansion at the dead of night. All three hide in bushes a small distance from the porch while eavesdropping on the burglars' chat. Although one factor causes his body to tense up as he spots the redhead standing among them.

"W-Why didn't she attend the party with her parents?!"

"Fortunately, we ran into their cute daughter in town. I assumed you would already be fast asleep at this hour. Now you can lead us straight to where the goodies are and save the tiresome searching," one twin sneers at her with a devilish smirk. "As long as you follow our orders and don't try anything stupid, you get out of this unharmed."

Checking the perimeter, his brother heads for the entrance. "Girlie, let me in and you're gonna be my tour guide. Marcus, you need to stay put and keep watch out here. If the owners do come back ahead of time, you know our signal. If anyone else tries to intervene, take care of them."

With these instructions, Lucille unlocks the door and the two enter her home with his brother remaining on guard.

The situation is already off to a bad start with Alphonse pondering what course of action to take. His initial plan was for them to ambush and knock the twins unconscious. Then use a rope he brought to tie up their hands and feet, thus subduing the thieves until authorities arrive. Instead, one person must proceed alone, which places them at a small disadvantage.

"...I'm going in to rescue Lucille. Can you two team up and deal with the twin out front? We'll have the same tactic but this is my plan--and as the older one--I gotta hold my own."

"Yup, leave him to us. Just be careful and yell if ya need any help," Frederick advises, and he nods, readying his blade. The others reveal themselves first to grab his attention, and while the younger twin is distracted, he rushes past him inside.

Alphonse hasn't stepped foot in this mansion since playing as Elric Buford, though now is no time for reminiscing. He must locate the hostage and if she's to direct the burglar to their valuables, they most likely are upstairs. The teen takes each step with extreme caution not wanting his loud boots to alert his presence.

Peeking around the corner, Lucille is bagging up jewelry while the armed man blocks the doorway. This presents a golden chance to take the crook down since his back is facing toward him. Quietly creeping up, Alphonse puts the intruder in a sudden chokehold he was taught by his old Pop's years ago. The redhead is baffled by his appearance, but explanations will have to wait until a bit later. He squeezes tighter as the thief struggles to break away, and in a desperate attempt to free himself--Alphonse gets rammed back into the wall. This causes his stronghold to loosen and both males ready their small blades.

"W-Who the heck are you? I have no idea how you managed to get past my brother so fast. Still, choosing to play a hero just earned yourself an early ticket to the grave!"

The enemy charges at him, unleashing several wild slashes for the teen to quickly avoid. Despite his first failed attack, Alphonse can still win if he strikes at the right opening. A hunter must allow the wild animal to tire itself out before they deal the final blow. Dodging a while longer, he uses his weapon to knock the knife from the intruder's hands--leaving him defenseless. Although Alphonse doesn't get to finish him off when he suddenly falls face forward on the floor. Broken glass shards are everywhere with the decorative vase Lucille just smashed upside his head.

"Nice hit," he compliments with an impressed smirk, tucking his weapon away.

"Thanks, I see them do moves like that during plays all the time. More importantly, what exactly are you doing here?"

"I could say the same to you. I thought you and your parents were supposed to be out late tonight? I overheard these brothers planning to rob your home, so I came to stop them with a little assistance. Frederick and Oliver should be wrapped up outside about now..." His brown irises shimmer at the beaded jewelry that remains intact on her wrist. "Oh, you kept the promise bracelet."

The male can't believe that after all that he said, she didn't throw the thing away; furthermore, she's wearing it. Lucille's hands move behind her back with the girl's rosy cheeks matching her beautiful hair.

"I did note this goes with a lot of my clothing. Truthfully, I never stopped putting it on even after our fight. My parents are just down the road having their fun, but I wasn't much in the party mood after everything that happened... Look, I know they-"

Nonetheless, she is cut off by the sound of growling with a certain figure standing back up. Their opponent is up again and pissed, as he is tightly holding a sharp piece of the shattered glass. His arm is held high in front of the redhead, who Alphonse instantly pushes from harm's way. A stinging pain surfaces right afterward as blood droplets hit the carpet floor.

"Ah, Alphonse!" Lucille sits with her body trembling at the sight of his injury, but he only instructs his love to stay put, focusing on the hostile.

Alphonse ignores the throb in his arm while executing another takedown tactic. Sidestepping around the male, he kicks the kneecaps, which drop him down low and follows up with a karate chop at the neck. This time around, he knocks the thief out cold, and with the threat unconscious, she stumbles toward him.

"This is such a deep cut. I have to stop the bleeding fast! I-If I had been on guard better, you wouldn't have gotten injured protecting me..." Lucille's golden eyes brimmed with tears as the noble sacrifices her dress to cover his wound.

"No, I was the one who should've tied him up first instead of getting distracted. That bastard got me good, but I've endured worse, okay?" he reassures with a forced grin, the male raising his uninjured arm to wipe away her tears. "It d-doesn't...even hurt that bad."

His wincing proves otherwise, but he hates to see her sad more than anything, which includes the discomfort he's feeling right now. She waveringly smiles while continuing to aid his deep cut, though this thin cloth will only help so much.

"It will still need to be disinfected and possibly a few stitches too. I'll restrain this guy and then we can go find my father at the house a couple of doors over. This is an emergency and being a doctor, he can patch you up in a jiffy."

Alphonse can't exactly object as the redhead fetches ropes from his bag to tie the criminal's hands and feet. After that is dealt with, the two head out the front door and are surprised to see her parents have returned home so soon. They anxiously talk with Oliver and Frederick, who successfully took down the other twin defeated on the pavement.

"We don't care about our possessions! We just need to know if Luci-" Her father cuts himself off when spotting the girl in question. Both immediately rush over to their daughter, examining her for noticeable injuries before the two embrace Lucille in a tight hug. It is obvious both of them care for her deeply, reminding him of his absent parents.

"Thank God you're alright! I'm so thankful we decided to come back early..." Her mother's relief instantly flips the moment she lays eyes on him. "What is that liar doing here?"

"I'll explain later. Alphonse got injured by protecting me, and he requires medical attention!" Lucille's pleading gaze locks on her father--who, after a minute, gestures for them to join him.

...

An awkward silence lingers in the air at the vacant clinic. Given Mr. Fletcher's workplace has more supplies available and it's just around the corner, he decided to treat him there. Both owners had thanked the younger boys for their good deed, and her mother stayed behind to wait on authorities to haul the crooks away.

Alphonse currently sits on one of the hospital beds as the doctor does his final touches. The stitches done, at last, he gives Lucille's shaky hand a comforting squeeze as she sits beside him this entire time. Being numbed prior, he hardly felt a thing, but her concern is still touching.

"...How much do I owe you? I don't have any coins on me right now. If the price is too high, I'll have to split up the payments," he informs while the man cleans his supplies.

"Since your injury happened as a result of defending my daughter, this treatment is free of charge."

Yet again, their conversation dies out, and the redhead's mood darkens. She has been oddly quiet, which might be an emotion far greater than anxiety that is keeping her mute. Lucille stares her father down, who fails to notice her bubbling irritation.

"You know, I kept pondering what made Alphonse say the things he did back at his cabin. Then it occurred to me what vital information he shared that momentous night. His family is some of the most valuable people in the world to him. He would do almost anything for them to stay together... Even if it meant throwing our future aside," she softly mumbles, this causing a blood vessel on his head to show, but the girl cuts him off.

"Before you get upset, Alphonse and I haven't spoken any this week. I figured out about your sabotage all on my own..." Lucille places a hand over her heart and clutches at her chest, this news clearly not easy to digest. "How, how could you stoop so low?! You both have courted me with many that were terrible people. Several I couldn't even stand the company of, but because of their status, I should give them my hand? Why is stuff like background and social class so important to you? Alphonse is a perfect gentleman, a hard worker, plus has adorable siblings. Regardless of whether that's meaningless in your opinion, this is more than enough for me!"

The aggravation is clear in Lucille's voice, and he never imagined this furious side being unleashed on her own parent.

"You call yourself a Christian but the values we learn goes straight out the stain-glass windows. If you were judging Alphonse based on his heart, he would've gained your approval a long time ago."

A sigh escapes her lips finishing her piece with a grin tugging at his own. She's a ray of sunshine whose always viewed him in a positive light. This is the hour to enlighten the man with how he truly feels about their poor judgment.

"I've bent over backward tonight trying to gain your approval, but if you don't want me with her--that is something I'll have to accept. Nonetheless, Lucille deserves to get courted by those who'll treat her with respect. He might not be this perfect package deal that you're seeking, but at least it won't eventually end in divorce. You and your wife are to blame if she chooses to die alone."

Her father remains wordless as his mouth slightly twitches at their bold declaration. Though the flared anger has subsided from him, it doesn't guarantee they'll receive a favorable response. Both teens wait in anticipation to hear what he has to say for himself.

"...Your mother and I knew a young woman whose life got destroyed by her husband that she loved. To save you the unfortunate tale, the man got arrested for selling illegal substances as he followed in his parent's footsteps. Her name was forever tainted simply because she was his wife, and we were terrified a similar fate could happen to you," her father explains, then facing the target of his scheme.

"We never planned on reporting your living situation to jeopardize those little ones. It had been merely a scare to create distance between you, but that was wrong."

I guess I can understand a bit better where the fears are rooted from, but this doesn't excuse their extreme actions against me.

Alphonse hops to his feet, the male now grasping his shoulder with a determined gaze. "Mr. Fletcher, I won't sugarcoat or justify the theft my old man has committed, but that was him who did the crime, not me. Fellow neighbors are ignorant and loop us Goldings for troublemakers because we share a last name. The good book says to not hold the children accountable for what their fathers have done. Despite others twisted mindset, determine for yourself the kind of person you take me to be."

The middle-aged noble's teeth are set on edge, but the flicker in his eyes implies he's rather pleased. Even much greater than when he was acting as Elric Buford.

"...Hmf, I suppose you are quite mature for your age just as she proclaimed."

He lightly pulls the redhead close with an unfamiliar bitter smile, and perhaps her father cannot help but overrule his own decision for his little girl's happiness.

"Lucille, you're growing up. That's why" --He deeply sighs with a hint of regret-- "if you truly wish to court this boy, then I'll no longer interfere. I believe he will cause numerous financial troubles or get you shunned by your peers. However, based on the display of his integrity today, I don't feel he'll mimic Boyd's footsteps. Allow me to reason with your mother first before making anything official. I'd prefer not to be labeled the cruel father responsible for you losing your soulmate," he permits, and Alphonse can hardly process their speeches triggering a small change of heart.

"Father...thank you! Future years will prove no matter what obstacles come our way in life, we'll overcome them as long as we're together," Lucille adds, a grin bigger than he has ever witnessed planted on her face, and he's positive his expression mirrors her own.

Her father surprisingly volunteers to give the pair some space, taking his exit. Instructing her not to hang around given the late hour, he leaves the keys for his daughter to lock up. Once Mr. Fletcher departs, a peaceful calm envelops them as they relax near the window lit by the night's calming glow.

"I'm flabbergasted at what just took place! We finally can court without issues from either of them anymore!" She leans forward with a childish smile that he never grows tired of seeing. "I say we should celebrate with that dinner date, though maybe I should cook while your arm heals up."

"Alright, I look forward to trying your dishes... You know, I appreciate what you last told your father. I'll ensure you have a joyous life, so there won't be any falseness in the words you vouched for me," he mumbles, and if they do marry one day, that is an honest fact.

Lucille suddenly steps in front of him, her soft lips connecting with his own. "Please, you're the one who persuaded him. Savoring tender moments like these with you is plenty to fill my lonely heart. Now I'll be able to attempt other commoner hobbies, and I can dote on your adorable siblings as often as I like."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'd like that," he replies with a small chuckle. "Those little rascals are nearly as crazy about you as I am... Stay with me just a few more minutes before we head out."

Alphonse gently pulls the redhead close, and she snuggles under his safe embrace. A priceless moment he never expected to experience again, and there are many more soon to come for them moving forward. With her blue promise bracelet sparkling in the moonlight, she lays a gloved hand on his chest.

"I love you, Alphonse."

A/N End of another side story with only one conclusion left to go. More action these next three updates with the war against King Henry upon them. Stay tuned.