The Kindness of Strangers: A Story of Unexpected Generosity

'What's the matter, dear boy?' the vendor asked with concern.

Ed glanced at the teen next to him with strange apprehension. Something flashed in his golden orbs, an expression Hohenheim recognized as pain. What…? Before he had the time to read anything else from it, Ed shut his eyes and shook his head.

'Nothing, I'm fine. How- how much?' his voice barely trembled, but it was enough for even Hohenheim to notice. He was surprised, however what baffled him more was that he hadn't scolded the woman for her assumption. He should have punished her for being disrespectful. It was fully expected from someone of his social status, wasn't it?

The vendor collected her money and gestured a wooden bench nearby.

'You can sit there while you eat. I'm going to need the bowls back, so bring them here after you're done, alright?'

'Yeah, sure… thanks.' Ed hid his face behind his long bangs. Hohenheim felt a bit of relief. He wasn't being bashed out or blamed for what just happened. But the way Ed said that, and the expression he just had, was a bit worrying.

They sat down and for a moment, none of them moved. Finally, Ed lifted his head and looked at him quizzically.

'Why aren't you eating?'

Hohenheim couldn't help but stare blankly for a second.

'This is for me?' he asked in disbelief.

Ed smacked him on the forehead with his left hand, almost spilling his own soup. His previous mood seemed to have vanished entirely.

'Well, duh! Why do you think I asked for two bowls?' Seeing how Hohenheim's shock hadn't dissipated yet, the boy snorted. 'Come on, you don't think I'm that big of a jerk to eat in front of you and leave you empty handed, do you?'

Well, as a matter of fact… he did.

'What? You don't like it?' His voice was filled with exasperation. 'You could have told me before, you know, then I would have gotten you something else!'

'No, I...' Hohenheim couldn't believe this. How could the boy not understand his stupefaction to such unbelievable generosity? Was he faking it? '...I just… I've never had pomegranate soup before.'

Ed raised an eyebrow.

'Why?' He eyed the bowl suspiciously. 'It wasn't that expensive.'

Hohenheim pressed and rubbed two fingers against his temple, wondering just how oblivious Ed was to the differences of their social classes. Perhaps he had never owned a slave before, he considered. It would explain this bizarre and unreasonable kindness.

'Slaves don't have their own money.'

Ed finally seemed to understand.

'Oh.'

He said nothing more, but the way he stared at his soup with a deep frown told Hohenheim that he was thinking very hard about something. Ed nodded to himself, like he just made a decision of some sort, and drank some of the soup. An elated grin split his face.

'Mmmm!'

He started eating with speed that almost made the other laugh. Wow, the kid must have been really, really hungry! Now it was his turn.

Hohenheim inhaled some of the vapor first, savoring the amazing smell. His mouth watered in anticipation. Almost hesitating – this was too good to be for him, right? – he lifted the bowl to his lips. A loud gasp escaped him after his first swallow. This… this was... the most delicious thing he had ever tasted in his whole life! Instantly, he started drinking the soup with the same eagerness as his companion.

When the two of them were finished, they exchanged satisfied smiles. All of a sudden, Hohenheim felt a lot less awkward and uncertain than before. It occurred to him that he probably should say something... to show that he's grateful.

'Um, Ma- uh, I mean, si- uuuh...' he sighed at his own hopeless stuttering. Ed snickered, but didn't look offended that Hohenheim spoke without permission, which gave the teen courage to try again. 'I… want to thank you. For… for the meal and… Can I ask...' he trailed off.

'What?' Ed prompted.

'Can I ask you… why?'

Ed gave him an innocent look.

'Why what?'

Hohenheim waved his hand in an indeterminate gesture.

'Why did you… do this.' he finished somehow embarrassed. 'I just don't understand. Why? What did I do to deserve this?'

Ed looked away with a cryptic smile.

'Because you're important… Hohenheim.'

The teen stared and blinked and stared some more. Important? How could he be important! He didn't even have a name yesterday!

'You know...' Ed glanced at him and frowned. 'Calling you that is sort of weird.'