Drabble: In Cups
[drabble challenge for Ratzeo]
Nearly three years have passed since Edward officially entered military service; Riza looks at him and sees a man who's growing into his body, the soul waiting for the flesh to catch up. She looks at Alphonse and sees the same hulking shape he has always been, but in the tenor of his voice, and the grace of his actions, she sees that is growing, as well.
Sometimes, when the Elrics are in town, they meet for tea. It is strange and never planned--she prefers coffee, and he cannot drink anything. But they still meet, somewhere small and quiet, and sit for hours in silence.
Riza does not tell Alphonse about the problems in running an office; she is silent about whatever new problems Colonel Mustang gives her. Alphonse occasionally will volunteer some story about his brother--but they are nothing that are not already in the reports, which she must read anyway.
These are moments that must be measured in long breaths and the cooling of drinks. She is fairly sure Edward does not know about these meetings; Mustang perhaps is, but he never says anything other than the occasional oblique comment about the price of tea.
She is fond of Edward in her own way; he reminds her of her younger cousin, almost a brother to her. In the end, however, she thinks she must get along with Alphonse better, because he knows the value of silence when he is not distracted by a book or brooding thoughts. It's in saying nothing that everything is communicated.
One day, she thinks, she will tell him that it is fine if he brings Edward; she does not mind. That day, there will be more talking than either of them are used to, when they are together; she knows this and does not mind.
In long afternoons and untouched cups of tea, there is a certain spell that no alchemy can fully explain.
At the office, Riza drinks her coffee, and sometimes imagines that it tastes green on her tongue.
--end--