Anime One-Shots

Cold Hands (Edward x Reader)

So, my good friend has asked me to write her a story about Edward Elric and the reader. It took me a bit to get an idea, but I think I finally got one! I hope you guys enjoy. ^_^

*note: the reader will be a State Alchemist*

Character: Edward Elric
Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

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Snow softly touches the ground as you peer outside, watching the white touch a world of grey. People walked through the crowds like zombies, dressed in black - like the whole world was going to a funeral. Central Amestris is such a dull and dreary place to be, and it most definitely affected your mood.

You pull out your cold, silver pocket watch, and check the time. It was 9:37 a.m. - just eight minutes to your appointed meeting with the Colonel. As vast as Central Command was, you found it in your best interest to make your way there right now. You turn from the window and walk curtly out of the room, closing the door tightly behind you.

Footsteps echoed all over the busy command center. Some soldiers were acquaintances, others were complete strangers. Either way, their numbers were plentiful - perhaps more than usual. You thought nothing of it until a small ball of running slammed into your torso.

"Hey, watch it!" the blur of color shouts. Except now, you were close enough to make out his features. A small boy of maybe thirteen (you weren't sure) stood in front of you, golden eyes smoldering.

"You watch it, shorty," you retort, unable to stop your quick tongue.

The boy's reaction was nothing short of explosive.

"Who you calling shorty?! Call me short again and I'll tear your feet off and stick em on your head! Where I come from, you'd be considered a giant! And-"

"Okay, okay!" You hold up both of your hands in defense. "No need to crap yourself, kid."

The boy lets out a huff as you check your time. 9:46. You were a minute late. Rather rudely, you run to the Colonel's office without another word.

***

"A partner?!" you exclaim incredulously, shouting right in the face of Colonel Roy Mustang. "No offense, Colonel, but I only go solo, and I don't think a part-"

"No if ands or buts about it, [l/n]," Mustang sighs, flicking through some papers as he spoke. It made you angry - it was almost as if he thought less of you. "You're going to have a partner, and you're going to cooperate."

You groan internally at the thought of working with another human. It was all so stupid! You knew it showed on your face because Mustang then said, "if you don't wipe that look off your face, I may have to demote you."

As if on cue to add onto this series of unfortunate events, the door bursts open and a very familiar somebody strides in. The boy from earlier - Mister Shorty, and his tin can companion. You bring a hand to your head and hold back a childish whine.

"I'd like you to meet the Fullmetal Alchemist." Mustang gestures to the blonde, who was paying about as much attention as you were. For at the same time, the two of you simultaneously shouted, "you?!"

"Oh, so you're acquainted," Mustang chuckles, a smirk pulling at his lips. "Perfect."

***

"I can't believe I got paired with you."

"Stop saying things at the same time as me!"

"Seriously, stop it!"

The same conversation has been going on for fifteen minutes. Fullmetal had a scowl on his young face. A look of discontent on yours.

The world was cold around the two of you as you sat on an iron bench; you thought it was about to snow. Truthfully, you loved snow. The way it fell around you, the way it clouded up your breath. It was a novelty at best, in some cases.

"Y'know, I really wouldn't hate you if it weren't for your comment earlier," Fullmetal grumbles, arms crossed tightly against his chest.

"What? You mean, when I called you sh-"

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm talking about," the boy hisses with a venom you'd never found in another human being.

"I never woulda pinned you as such a sensitive guy," you laugh, unable to contain your mirth. "Sorry. I guess."

Fullmetal's face tinges a light pink color as he shifts his gaze uncomfortably. "It's fine. I guess."

You didn't know the thoughts running through his head - which were along the lines of astonishment, because nobody has ever apologized to him due to something so petty before. You just smirk and glance at the snow on the ground.

And you didn't know what came over you, but the next second, snow was on Fullmetal's face and your hands were red with cold. The blonde's eyes widen with shock, but he springs into action within seconds.

And soon, the two of you were tossing snowballs, giggling like children, growing more and more cold as time ambled by...

And even though your hands were sharp with cold, you had both gained a friend.

【】【】【】【】

Dedicated to InsaneFangirl221b
I hope you like it, even after the wait.