Beauty and the Armor- Alphonse x Reader

Chapter 15- Hoenheim

"Oh, well in that case, come in Mr.Hoenheim," you said, leading the man inside.

He followed you back to the room with the couch, where you politely gestured for him to sit.

"Thank you miss," he trailed off, "I don't think you introduced yourself."

"Oh, sorry. I'm (Y/n) (L/n)."

"Thank you miss (Y/n). I don't mean to pry, but what are you doing at the Rockbell's house? Surely your parents are worried about you?" Hoenheim asked, unintentionally bringing up painful memories.

You turned your gaze sadly towards the ground.

"Th-this is my home now. My parents were killed in an accident during a storm. Winry and Pinako took me in as one of their own."

"I-I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to upset you," he apologized.

"It's fine, you didn't know. It was a long time ago, and this isn't the first time I've talked about it with someone else. Except, last time was a lot more difficult, and more detailed. Now thinking of my parents brings up bittersweet memories and," you stopped, realizing you were telling all of this to a complete stranger.

Why did you trust him so quickly?

Was it because his face and eyes reminded you of Edward? Or was it his apology reminded you of Alphonse?

Something about him seemed very familiar.

"You don't have to talk about your parents if you don't want to. I know how difficult it can be to talk about lost loved ones, even after a long period of time," he told you.

At those understanding words, a thought hit you. It was only a theory, but you decided it was worth at least asking about.

But before you could question him, footsteps were heard coming out from Pinako's room. As Winry walked down the hall, she noticed you and the stranger sitting on the couch. She eyed him curiously as she approached.

"Um, hello there. Is there something I can help you with?" She asked.

Hoenheim stood from his seat and walked over to her.

"Apologies for the intrusion, I'm an old friend of Pinako's. Van Hoenheim is the name, but just Hoenheim is fine," he said, shaking her hand in a similar fashion as he had done with you.

"Oh, it's good to meet you. I'm Winry, Pinako is my grandmother. Not to sound rude, but what are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to check up on an old friend before I went to see my sons and my wife. I was passing through and thought it would be a good idea," he explained.

'Sons,' you thought, 'Could it be?'

"Mr.Hoenheim, if you don't mind me asking, where do your sons and wife live?" You asked.

Hoenheim looked surprised at you, before smiling and answering your question.

"They live in a house in the forest. It's rather large, more of a castle than a house."

"H-how long has it been since you saw them?" You questioned further.

"The last time I saw them was probably when they were little boys."

"Would they even recognize you? Or at least, you recognize them?" Winry asked, not picking up on your suspicions.

"Probably not. But as long as they're still there I should be able to recognize them from what they looked like when they were little," he replied.

"How old would they be now?" Winry questioned further.

"Around both of your ages."

"Mr.Hoenheim," you cut in before Winry could ask a different question,"what are the names of your sons?"