Title: Oops
Author: jordannamorgan
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist
Characters: Ed and Al.
Setting: Pre-canon, before the boys leave Resembool to train with Izumi.
Rating: PG.
Length: 342 words.
Summary: Sometimes the most convenient weapon at hand is not so convenient after all.
Note: This features a cameo by Buck the rooster--a minor villain who has appeared in several of my stories over the years. *g*



The Elric brothers’ attempt at human transmutation was a success. Within the intricate alchemic circle the boys had worked so hard to learn how to craft, their mother lay breathing softly, whole and healthy and beautiful once again. As Edward watched with his heart in his throat, her eyes fluttered open, and she slowly smiled at her sons.

…At that moment, Ed’s joyful dream was shattered by the sound of Buck the rooster’s raucous trumpeting crow.

His nemesis had struck again.

Ed jerked up from his pillow, confused for only a second—and then swiftly filling with a rage that went beyond even his usual reactions to being awakened by Pinako’s prized bird. His hand reached out, impulsively groping over the nightstand for the nearest blunt object. Seizing upon the sharp rectangular contours of a leatherbound book, he flung himself from his bed and stomped over to the window. Beyond it, the black of night was just beginning to give way to the first gray light of predawn.

With a few choice words, he hurled the book down into the shadows. There was a thump, an indignant squawk, and a hasty flap of feathers receding into the distance.

Grimly triumphant, Ed turned from the window… only to see Alphonse sitting up in his bed across the room. With his arms folded over his knees, the younger brother was staring at the elder in flat disapproval.

“What?” Ed snapped defensively.

“Oh… nothing.” Al turned his back to Ed and pulled up the covers. His voice drifted over his shoulder, half-muffled by blankets and ominously casual. “…But you do realize that was one of Dad’s forbidden alchemy books you just threw out the window, right?”

Instantly Ed’s face flamed, his jaw dropping open in horror.

Oh crap… If Pinako sees that out there—!

Snatching up his shoes with a muttered oath that was far from appropriate for his age, Ed bolted out the door and down the stairs.

As peace settled once more over the bedroom, Al snuggled into his pillow with a satisfied sigh.

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2019 Jordanna Morgan