Thank you, once again, to JoPo08! I hope I corrected it the way you wanted me to.

Never Underestimate Time

Edward had disappeared for weeks before on missions, getting so caught up in his research that he didn't even notice the sun rising and setting, or that his stomach was growling.

Seven months was a long time, even by his standards.

The Colonel and his subordinates hadn't been worried at first, but day after day passed, and soon enough they began to wonder what was going on. Of course, they had no way to contact the two brothers, and seeing as they hadn't gone anywhere dangerous, a search party wasn't deemed necessary.

It only took the sound of alternating light and heavy foot steps coming down the hall, and the voices of two boys in the hallway, to make everyone stand up from their seats to greet them back.

There was a splintering sound as metal connected with wood, then a bang as the door flew open and bounced against the wall.

"It's good to be back!" The figure in the door laughed loudly, grinning ear to ear. "Did you guys miss me?"

"You wish, kid!" Breda exclaimed, carelessly dropping the files he had been holding onto the desk. He gave Ed a pat on the head, causing him to growl indignantly, giving Breda an if-looks-could-kill glare. Al laughed in the background, the sound echoing out of the hollow metal armor.

"You look different," Havoc commented, studying him closely. It was true- his hair was much longer, nearly to the center of his back, even in a braid. His skin was more tan; his face less round. Even his automail seemed new, looking more cared-for because of the lack of battles. "Looks like you've been taking care of yourself for once."

Ed grinned and nodded. "Yeah. I had to get my automail adjusted a bunch of times and Winry almost couldn't recognize me- I'm finally taller than her, by the way."

Falman opened his mouth to speak, but the words refused to come out. His eyes widened. "Colonel...Come here."

Roy sighed. He didn't want anyone to see that he was actually extremely relieved to have Ed back, and he had been doing a damn good job of hiding it, too. "What is- HOLY SHIT."

Roy stared up at Edward.

Up.

At Edward.

"Surprised?" Ed asked smugly, crossing his arms and smirking. "I grew a bit while I was gone. Ten inches, to be exact. Who's the shrimp NOW?"

To this, Roy had no reply.

Hooray for Tall!Ed!

Is it even possible to grow ten inches in seven months? Even if it is, it'd probably hurt like hell...

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