the body no boundary
[drabble challenge for SJen]
It was, perhaps, a silly question to ask--but there was no way of comparing with his brother any longer, though perhaps when he was restored--
"Uhm ... Mister Scar ..."
"Be quiet, Alphonse Elric."
"But, uh--this isn't quite what I had in mind--"
"Did I not tell you to hush?"
"Yes, but--I--wah! Mister Scar, please stop!"
"This is important. Please bear with it."
"You can't just--ah--nonono, don't--!"
"Hm. I thought as much."
"... Mister Scar?"
"Look for yourself, Alphonse Elric." Hands picked up his helmet, then turned it so he could see into the mirror.
"... ah."
"As you can see, I am still clearly taller, despite your bulk. When your brother restores you, we will compare again."
Al was never so glad that armor couldn't blush. "But, Mister Scar, I--"
"You were the one who asked." One eyebrow raised at him in the reflection. "But I will not hesitate to tell you it was a very strange question. How did this work when you had your body?"
Al resisted the urge to sigh--which, he thought dryly, would be easier if he had a tongue to bite. "Usually, Brother and I just stood back to back and had Mom cut marks on a tree trunk."
"Interesting." Scar unbuckled the chest plate of Al's armor and shrugged out of it in a single smooth motion. "The people of Amestris have strange customs."
"Er, I guess so." Al waited until Scar was done, and then accepted his helmet back from the outstretched hands. "Erm. Thank you." This is the first time anyone wanted to compare heights since I became a suit of armor, he wanted to say, and refrained.
Scar's eyes narrowed a little bit, which Al hazarded to mean he was a little less annoyed with the world than usual. He felt a little pleased by that implication, and settled his helmet firmly back into place.
"You are welcome, Alphonse Elric," Scar said.
--end--