#alling

“What? I’m happy he thought of us.” Cinnamon muttered, as she opened the box. Inside was an ornate hand fan, decorated with golden and jade patterns, she immediately opened it, admiring it, before Alphonse set his own box down. 

“You’re much too distracted by sparkly objects, he left tea bags and a note for you!” Alphonse said, grabbing the teabags, xinyang maojian green tea, he presented it to Cinnamon before putting it back inside. Cinnamon mimicked him, closing the fan and putting it back inside of the box to read the letter.

“His handwriting is so sloppy in English.” Alphonse giggled, looking over at the letter.

I hope this letter finds you well, Cinnamon. I trust Alphonse is doing his job properly, and you as well… if not, I could always use two consorts. Oh, but I digress. I imagine you are drowning in Alphonse’s affections already, but I knew I had to outdo him. 

I trust the fan is to your liking? I hope it’s sturdy enough for your clumsy hands, and I know you’ll enjoy the tea, make sure to share with Alphonse. 

If you ever grow bored of him, know that I’m here! Life with Amestrian boys is so predictable, especially with a simple boy like Alphonse. Do make sure to visit me, my way of life is surely more… enjoyable.

Yours, if only in Spirit, Ling Yao.

“Even after all this time, Ling still has a thing for you?” Alphonse pouted slightly, although excited to open his box. 

“I don’t think it’s just me, he did say two consorts after all, Alphonse.” Cinnamon smiled at Alphonse, who merely blushed and grabbed his box.

The contents included a book on Alkahestry, although it seemed to be stained by a black sauce that smelled of salt. There was also a royal blue silk robe inside. 

“He’s a thoughtful guy, isn’t he?” Alphonse mumbled, opening the letter.

I had a difficult time deciding on what to give you for this… romantic holiday. You aren’t like Cinnamon, infatuated with pretty shiny things, Mei had the idea of giving you a book, but the robe was my idea.

The book is on alkahestry and translated into English, you may be thinking ‘This book is so short, hardly an average textbook’. I knew you wouldn’t be likely to come visit me if I had sent you a huge textbook! I’m hopeful to see you in Xing in the years to come… and now that you have your body back, what better than a silk robe! Perfect for a man of your status, my new consort needs to wear the best, after all. I take care of my things.

Make sure you take care of Cinnamon, cherish her. Take care of yourself too, and this new body of yours.

Until we meet again, yours truly, Ling Yao.

“I didn’t realize how much we meant to him.” Alphonse said, folding the letter and placing it back into the box, trying to deny the feelings he habored for Ling. Even if him and Cinnamon did both… admire the Xingese prince, being with him would throw a wrench in all of their future plans. “I never imagined wearing something as pretty as this…” Alphonse mumbled, “I wonder if he had it custom made for me.” He said. “And the book… he really misses us, doesn’t he?” Alphonse turned over to Cinnamon. 

“Don’t we miss him just as much?” Cinnamon asked, cupping Alphonses' face and kissing him. 

“W-well, yeah. Of course.” Alphonse said after pulling away from the kiss. He stared into Cinnamon’s brown eyes, letting out a sigh, he squeezed the robe in his hands. “Should we… go to Xing next year?” He asked.