Summary: Rori Hawkins, a young woman recently graduated from college, moves from her suburban town to the bustling city of Central where she begins her career as a journalist in the company called Central Times. She meets Edward Elric her first day and the two become friends through their run-ins in the morning on their way to work. Through a series of events the two become closer through means of war.

Pairings: Ed/OC

World: AU- Same places as the animes and books (i.e Central), but must more modern and no alchemy. Ed has his limbs and Al has his body.

Central Times

I glanced around my new studio apartment with pride; finally I had gathered up the courage to move out of my small suburban town south of North City to the bustling city of Central. I had my job set, the first two months rent taken care of, and new furniture all set up. With a squeal of joy I took a quick victory jog around my new sanctuary before crashing down onto the couch with a smile plastered on my face. A knock on the door interrupted my celebratory party of one. I quickly took a survey of my clothing to make sure they were appropriate; jeans and silver vest with a tank top underneath, perfectly acceptable.

"Hello?" I greeted upon opening the door. I faced a young man, somewhere in his twenties, with blond hair pulled into a braid and honey colored eyes (which were gorgeous by the way). He wore a blue button up shirt and jeans ripped slightly at the knee making him look even cuter. In his hands he held a package that- if I read the label correctly- looked like it was addressed to me.

"Hi, this ended up at my doorstep this morning," He explained, holding the thin brown package out to me. "I'm in 314, the delivery boy must have read the numbers wrong."

"Thank you," I said taking the package from him.

"Well have a good day," He said before turning to leave.

"Wait," I suddenly shouted taking myself by surprise. "What's your name? I just moved here so I don't know anyone."

He looked at me surprised for a moment before giving me a small half smile, "Edward Elric, but you can just call me Ed, you?"

"Rori Hawkins."

"Well if you need anything just go to the apartment right above you, 314."

"Thanks."

When I closed the door I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I was never the most outgoing girl and was known as the shy, quiet girl in high school and through college. It was sad to say that asking his name so boldly (if that was even bold to begin with. Now if I had asked him out to dinner that would be bold) was out of my character.

All right Rori, enough of thinking about him. Time to see what's in this package.

Upon opening the package I found a sleek black laptop inside. The note attached to it said it was from my parents wishing me luck as I go into a new chapter of my life. I could barely contain my excitement as I looked at the brand new piece of technology. No longer would I suffer through hand cramps as I tried to furiously write my next idea for a novel, I could now type it out and easily make changes instead of leaving ugly crisscross lines over words. I made a mental note to give my parents a call after setting up my new baby.

~.~.~

After a grueling few hours of calling customer service to help set up my computer plus having an hour long conversation with my mother about the importance of having pepper spray while living in a big city (I was afraid to tell her that I in fact did not own a can of pepper spray) I was starving and could go for a Chai Tea. I set out into the warm night air with eyes (and stomach) set on finding a good café. I found a fairly busy one just a few blocks from my apartment building called Star Café. I bought an iced Chai Tea and turkey sandwich before finding a spot on the patio. I pulled out my cell phone and became so engrossed in reading my email that I didn't notice someone tapping on the table.

"Rori?"

I jumped, dropping my phone on the table before looking up to see Ed watching me in amusement. I felt my face heat up and to distract myself I fumbled with my phone to exit my email and place it in my purse that sat on the ground beside my feet. "Hey, Ed. How are you?"

"Hungry, can I sit with you?"

"Sure."

When he sat down with his plate of macaroni and cheese, I began to feel very self-conscious. How did I look? Cute, I hoped. Was there any food on my face? Should I start a conversation with him?

"So, do you work?" He asked randomly.

Thank God he started a conversation. "Yeah, I start working at Central Times tomorrow."

"So you're a journalist?" I nodded in reply so I could finish up my sandwich. "I have a friend named Winry that works there. Maybe you'll meet her."

"Maybe," I said. "That building is huge!"

"Yeah, I see it all the time on my way to work."

"Where do you work?" I asked curiously.

"Central Command," He replied. "The military."

"Oh," I said. "So, you're a soldier?"

He nodded, a flash of emotion going through his eyes before they went neutral again. We talked more about our jobs before beginning the walk home. I felt more comfortable around him now then I did this morning and I felt like as I became more settled into the city life style he might become a close friend of mine, or this blooming friendship would explode in my face and it would become just another bad experience (which I hope it wouldn't). I told him good night before retreating into my cozy home and getting ready for my first day of work.

~.~.~

Everything thing that could go wrong, went wrong that next morning. I woke up thirty minutes late, my coffee maker stopped working, and my hair refused to cooperate. I spilled orange juice on my white blouse, which meant I had to shuffle through my closet to find something else to wear. After a few minutes I found a red blouse that went well with the rest of my outfit (which was black slacks and a few bracelets).

"All right Rori, calm down. You had a late start but you still have a few more moments to breath before leaving. You'll get there on time," I told myself fussing with my black bangs and retying my locks back in its slick ponytail. I glanced at the clock and almost fainted on the spot. "Shoot! I'm so late!"

I grabbed my phone and binder before sprinting out the door, barely remembering to lock the door on my way out. I jogged down the steps, skipping a bunch, which almost caused me to trip and fall face first onto the tiled floor.

"Wow, what's the hurry?" Ed asked while closing his mailbox.

"I'm late for work!"

"Late on the first day? That's not good," He commented making me glare at him. "I'll give you a ride."

"No its okay," I hurriedly slurred out. Running down the steps probably wasn't the best idea. "I'll just hail a taxi." I inwardly freaked out when I looked at the clock on my phone that read 8:40. I had twenty minutes to get to work.

Ed rolled his eyes and pulled out his car keys, "That won't be possible this late into rush hour. Just carpool with me, Central Time is just down the street from the base."

Before I could protest he was already headed out into the parking lot. With a heavy sigh I followed him out, feeling like a burden. I just met the guy and I was already troubling him.

"Thanks Ed, I owe you one," I told him when we got to Central Time headquarters. We had made it there in ten minutes, which meant I still had time to find my way around the building.

He gave me his usual half smile, "No problem. I'll see you later."

I waved as he pulled off. He was a really nice guy and I didn't want to screw anything up between us by being needy or anything. Which means I need to make sure that I get up on time. I inhaled deeply, pushing Ed to the back of my mind, and walking into the building with purpose. I asked the lady at the front desk for directions before heading up to the third floor- the Central Time's fashion, advice, and world travel magazine department.

"And who might you be?" The male behind the desk asked me.

I smiled, "Rori Hawkins. It's my first day here."

"Oh yes, yes Rori," He said typing rapidly on his computer. "Lauren has been expecting you."

"I'm not late am I?" I asked worriedly.

The young man's dark eyes peered up over his thin-framed glasses. "Darling, have you ever worked for a company like before?"

I shook my head, "Nope."

"I can tell. Wipe that silly grin off your face and look like you know what you're doing," He said pointing his pen at me. My smile quickly vanished as I tried to become more serious. It was a hard task seeing as I was normally laid back. "And take you're hair out of that ponytail."

I quickly reached up and tugged at the hair tie, letting my hair spill down my shoulders. Before he could tell me anything else I asked, "What's your name?"

"Zack," He replied shortly. He ran a hand through his spiked brown hair in deep thought. "Did you put any makeup on this morning?"

"I didn't have time," I said softly, suddenly feeling embarrassed and underdressed.

I watched as women walked behind the front desk in heals and highly expensive suits and dresses. Me? Just a simple pair of slacks and a blouse. And seeing as I didn't own a pair of heals I just wore a pair of simple, but cute flats. With a shake of his head, Zack stood up and put his calls on hold.

"Come, I'll take your office," He said leading the way down the hall.

"I have an office?" I asked excitedly.

He chuckled and lead me to a cubicle with my name on is. "No, but you can think of it as an office."

So I had a cubical. I could deal with that. "Thanks Zack."

"Don't thank me yet," He said before called someone over. "Winry!"

Winry? Didn't Ed tell me about someone named Winry?

A few seconds later a petite blonde girl trotted up to us. My heart sank as I saw how smartly she dressed. I definitely needed to go on a shopping spree, and fast.

"Yes Zack what is it?" She asked, her tone indicating that her patience was running thin. "I have to get this article in the next two hours and I don't even have half of it done."

Zack gestured to me, "This is our new meat, Rori. As you can see she's in dire need of help."

Winry glanced at me before glaring at Zack, "Don't say stuff like that. She's cute! You're just overly critical."

"How many women do you see in simple slacks and flats here?" Winry didn't answer. "That's what I thought."

I felt offended that they were standing there talking about me like I wasn't even there (though I'm glad that she thought I was cute). Winry smiled at me and held our her hand, "I'm Winry Rockbell. I'm just a few cubicles down if you need me. I'm sorry I can't talk more but I really have to go."

"It's okay. Sorry to bother you," I said.

She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh you're no bother. It's Zack who's a bother."

Once she was gone and Zack left saying he would go get my new boss, I sat at my new desk, running my fingers along the wood finish. The computer in front of my waiting to be used to send stories out to editors.

"Rori Hawkins I presume."

"Yes," I snapped to attention, swiveling in my seat to look at my new boss. She was a smartly dressed, forty-some odd woman who regarded me as if I was an annoying speck of dust. It was nerve wrecking really.

"I am Lauren Wolff," She said. "I hope you are as good as you're professors and prior internship jobs claim."

"Yes ma'am."

She placed a manila folder on my desk before turning to walk away. "I trust you can handle this. It's due by the end of the week."

Looking at the folder I felt excited. My first assignment! My excitement quickly diminished as I read how much work I would be doing. Already I was trying to go through my mental storage bins, trying to find people to interview. Who would I interview? I don't know anyone! I sighed and powered up my computer to begin research, this was going to be a long day.