Somewhat Human (Fullmetal Alchemist)

38: Eddie

Contrary to Edward's thought, Hohenheim did stay for dinner and it was incredibly awkward for Pinako and (Y/n) who mutually acknowledged the tension the room and how they didn't know what to do. Even Den, the most carefree dog out there was tense at Hohenheim's presence.

Regardless dinner ended without a single argument or word and they all got ready for the night, Edward changes into pajamas and walks into his room where (Y/n) was playing cards on the floor, " How are you playing cards by yourself?" (Y/n) looks up and points at her deck of cards, " Dunno, it just works out when I play like this." Edward looks to her cards and saw tons of unused queens in her hand, " What are you even doing?"

" Forbidding myself from using the queen card."

" Why?"

" Because challenges are... fun."

(Y/n) looks at her cards hopelessly, it's odd, feeling fine enough to joke around one minute and the next, it all creeps up on her. Like a eerie reminder of who won't be there and continue to not be there when she and Edward make it back to Central. (Y/n) was surrounded by love when she received her sister's soul and never experienced grief before, so it was a trip trying to wrestle with her own mind.

Either way, the queens in her hand begged to be used but (Y/n) just sighed," Yeah, this outta keep me busy the whole night." Edward watches her concerned and he saw (Y/n)'s hand shake has she places a card down, " (Y/n), I'm right next to you okay?" (Y/n) blinks and thinks about Edward's wording for a moment.

Hughes is a hopeless romantic, on other people's behalf, (Y/n) and Mustang knew this very well since Hughes always hounded Mustang to get married, while with (Y/n) he'd dreamily sigh about how much he's going to cry when she meets the love of her life. With the current coincidences (Y/n) thought she was going crazy, Edward? That's her best friend right there.

She was pulling something out of nothing, ' They might be right next to you!' She was letting that combination of words ruin her life right now. What is this? A sick joke from the universe when she was really hurting? Edward was her best friend, she'd do anything for him and she knew he'd do that same so right now, she really needed a hug.

Standing up (Y/n) looked at Edward for just a second and he already figured out what she wanted, Edward held out his arms and welcomed (Y/n) into a hug. No words were ever exchanged only the slight trembles (Y/n) made and Edward stroking her back. Once they let go Edward plays a card game with (Y/n) before heading back to sleep.

The night went on and (Y/n) had stopped playing cards and read a book about fairytales with a 'twist,' (Y/n) didn't know what that entails but she was bored with Alphonse. (Y/n) eventually got absorbed in the story and didn't notice the footsteps approaching the door until Hohenheim was already in the room, " ...Oh you're awake." He awkwardly points out.

"I'm sorry?" (Y/n) flickers her gaze between her book and Hohenheim, " It's alright, you did nothing wrong." He quickly adds, there is an uncomfortable silence that floats around the room and neither of them didn't know what to do about it, "I don't believe we've been acquainted, I'm Van Hohenheim. Edward's father." (Y/n) scratches the back of her neck and looks away.

" Yeah uhm, I know."

" Ah I see, I suppose you would."

"..."

" So what is your name?"

" (Y/n)."

" (Y/n)?"

" Yup, that's me."

" Nice to meet you (Y/n)."

" Likewise."