Unsuspecting Heart

[Alphonse Elric]

Morning, it was a time that a lot of people dreaded, usually for the day that lay ahead, for most people that was work, for others school. Mornings, they were always light weren’t they? Or were they? Most of the time perhaps there would be sunlight, the warmth of it touching the skin, and then there were those days when the clouds would cover the sky, sending daytime into darkness, where rain would lash down on the world. Today it seemed there was a little of both, the sun struggled to shine through the thick grey clouds that hung in the sky, the rain that beat against the living room window....and yet the day did not feel sad, or heavy, no, for once, the day felt good, and somehow happy. Alphonse moved around the small kitchen within the flat, retrieving a cup from the cupboard on the wall, a small smile on his face as he placed it down on the counter-top before he yawned slightly, his left hand raising to cover his mouth.

It had been a hard few weeks, to be honest he wasn’t sure how he had gotten through them, there were so many times when he thought he would break down, lose all control, but he had held strong, and his strength it seemed had been passed onto Jayne. Jayne.....he cared for her, more than as a friend, he admitted that to himself, at least now, for a while, he merely shook it off, telling himself that it was perhaps admiration.....but he knew all too well now that it was not, that there was something deeper to those feeling. Whenever she smiled, whenever he would gaze into those sapphire eyes......he would lose himself in that moment, she had a softness about her that only made his heart grow fonder, that light giggle of hers, the kindness that resonated from her very soul...she was so beautiful. That smile of his widened somewhat as he thought on her as he watched the kettle on the hob, waiting patiently for it to whistle, sounding its readiness. Another yawn escaped his lips and he frowned somewhat, truthfully he had not been getting much sleep, his mind filled with worry, for Jayne on the one hand, and his brother on the other.

Edward was still being evasive, not that he was surprised about that, but it was becoming somewhat agonising to be in the room with him, he would sometimes try and strike up a conversation with Edward.....but most of the time his words were ignored, and even when he did endeavour to speak with him, it was usually a simple answer with little depth to it, his brother’s tone always cold. Why? Why was he doing this to him? Had he done something wrong? Throughout the time Jayne had been here he had acted as though there was little wrong, for her sake, the last thing she needed was worries of her own, and Alphonse would rather have kept her in the dark than tell her about it...at least for now. Regaining his smile the younger Elric lifted the kettle off of the hob, that whistling sound echoing through the kitchen momentarily as the kettle cooled itself somewhat as Alphonse poured the water into the cup, mixing it with some tea....well, a warm drink would do her good....and herbal tea was supposedly revitalising...and she needed that right now perhaps.

Taking the cup in hand now, he moved through the kitchen, heading out into the hallway, walking over to the door to his room, opening it slowly, his head peering around the corner somewhat as those grey eyes fell on the occupant of his bed. She was still asleep.....somehow she seemed even more beautiful this way, it was good....to see her in this calm state, it had been hard to see her but a week before, her breathing erratic, the constant coughing.....it had eaten at him, so much so that he had wanted to cry...wanted to thump the wall in anger and frustration, only through a sheer force of will had he managed to contain himself. With a light sigh he made his way over to her bedside, watching her silently as he held the tea within his hands before he smiled, placing it down on the bedside cabinet before he sat next to her on the bed, his eyes moving to look at her hand.....he could hold it......but no....no he couldn’t, that would give off the wrong impression....or the right one. Alphonse swallowed hard and sighed again, his right hand moving to close over hers gently....there was nothing wrong in holding her hand....was there?

[jayne]

She had finally been able to get some required sleep, and for once, it was peaceful, undisturbed. Her dreams were gentle, allowing the poor girl to get some well deserved rest. She lay here, within the room of one of the Elric brothers, Alphonse. She was very grateful, and she desired to tell him how grateful she truly was, as well many other emotions that flourished her strongly, only of which, she was never able to reveal due to her condition. She had kept it locked up for so many weeks whilst she was like this, being unable to move, unable to speak, unable to reveal to Alphonse how she really felt about him. As she slept calmly, her mind streamed with those thoughts, and subconsciously, a small smile crept along her lips as she dreamt. She was so at peace, so relaxed that she was unable to hear the Elric brother enter the room. Everything was just quiet, all except for the patter of the rain that hit against the window, but luckily, the girl was warm and cosy in the comfort of the bed that Al had provided so affectionately for her.

Slightly, she twitched, her fingers strangely being able to feel a presence drawing close, and it wasn't until she felt slight pressure at the end of the bed by her feet that she knew someone was here. Softly, she opened her eyes, revealing those most elegant crystal blue orbs, and instantly, her smile increased to the view of such a handsome caring boy sitting there; Alphonse. Her eyes immediately drew toward his own eyes, even if her own were half dazed in slight weakness still, tiredness also, she was able to get the image of him perfectly. As she felt the presence of his hand drawing close, she instantly took it as a comfort and ever so gently, placed hers on top of his, understanding and noting easily the nervousness that encased him right now. "...... Al.." it was an improvement greatly to hear her voice after so many weeks of silence, and for Al, it would be a miracle. Amazingly, her voice was so much stronger and clearer, although there was imminent proof of the croakyness of a cough forming. For a few moments, she held it back as she stared within those most admirable pools of silver, finding so much kindness flow from them.

Eventually, she was unable to withstand her body's desire to relieve her, and a small set of coughing interrupted the peace between them both, but to a relief also, it did not sound as painful.... She was improving so greatly..... Thanks to Al. She held much gratitude, much affection toward Alphonse for the care that he had given to her, but also the strength he had endured after finding it so hard to see her in such a state. But here she was, able to speak, able to open her eyes and move, and also on the plus side, her body no longer felt freezing, even if her temperature had been miles too high from touch, she felt natural, warm and cosy within the bed for the normal coldness of the weather outside. Besides this, she still have minor headaches, coughing and sneezing, all signs of now a decreased flu and minor cold, which was greatly decreasing from the medicine that Al had provided every night. She sighed softly with her smile to the kindness of Al, only to notice and also, amazingly, able to smell strongly the tea aside her. Gently, she lifted herself up, (removing her hand from his momentarily) with the help of the cushions behind her, only to settle and softly pick up the cup that had been planted besides her. "... Thanks Al..."

Her smile never seem to fade as she lifted the cup toward her nose, inhaling the strong aroma. It was wonderful to be able to breath a little better now, and able to smell, but what about taste? She was soon to find out as she took a light sip at its contents, and was relieved to be able to taste it stronger than ever, a possibly advantage to having a cold, senses becoming stronger. "... ah.... that's nice." she giggled afterward as she lowered the cup, but the giggle did not help her condition fairly, causing it to tickle her throat. Worridly, she began coughing again, shivering slightly afterward, trying to calm herself. "..... ergh..... oops..." she grinned as she looked to Al, holding the warm cup in her hands. That minor sip of tea aided her greatly, she was now able to feel the warmth cover her body entirely. She smiled again as she relaxed once more, resting her back against the softness of the cushions. Her mind once again running with thoughts and emotions as they had been moments before in her dreams. How was she tell Al exactly how she felt? Now that she had an opportunity... it nerved her greatly, and to the very thoughts of revealing her emotions.... her head began beating faster than ever. To this, her eyes lowered to her lap, her face revealing worry... Just... how...? How was she going to tell Al.... That she loved him?