A/N: A while back I discussed the possibility of writing a one-shot just for Hughes with Pure Shikon. Well on Monday I got the perfect idea for it, and then I decided that today was a good day to post it, because I personally feel that this is sort of about being thankful for what you had, even if you don't have it anymore, and since today is Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate. For those of you who read "Edward..." the next chapter will be up tomorrow, a day earlier than promised, which will be explained in that author's note.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who lives in the States! To everyone else, Happy Thursday!
Disclaimer: If I owned Fullmetal Alchemist why on earth would I stoop to writing fanfiction?
"Have you seen my latest set of pictures of Elysia?" Maes Hughes asked, waving a fistful of photos in Roy's face. All he got as a response was a dejected sigh. He immediately turned serious and tucked the pictures away. "What's wrong, Roy?"
Roy looked up at him, sorrow deep in his eyes. "I haven't been promoted yet." he murmured sadly.
Maes blinked. "That's it?"
Roy nodded. "That's it."
Maes burst into laughter. "That's pathetic, Roy."
Roy laughed with him. "I know."
"You're just in a bad mood because all you do is work. Let's go out tonight; it'll cheer you right up." He said as he finally quelled his giggles.
Roy sighed. "Alright, if Gracia doesn't mind, I'll go."
Maes smiled and slapped his friend on the back. "I'll call her right now."
xXx
They spent half the night at their favorite bar. By the time they stumbled to Roy's house—Gracia had banned Maes from their house until he was sober again; she understood his need to help his friend, but she refused to let their daughter be exposed to him while he was drunk—it was nearing dawn. Maes collapsed on the couch and Roy somehow managed to get upstairs to his bedroom to sleep off his hangover. Had he been able to think clearly he would have been glad that he didn't have work in the morning. As it was, he fell asleep feeling giddy for the first time in a long while, and it would be another long while before he felt that way again, if ever.
Maes Hughes was murdered a week later.
xXx
"I miss you, Maes." A broken sob, unheard in the empty cemetery. It was raining. "I don't think this world was done with you yet. Gracia and Elysia aren't doing well without you, and there's only so much I can do to help them. I can't take your place as their husband and father, even if I wanted to. They need you. I need you." The once strong man collapsed into tears, sobs wracking his body. He had grown thinner and paler. His cheeks were hollow, and he wore civilian's clothing. He had kept fighting until the homunculi were dead and everyone was safe, and then he had quit the military and gotten a job at a book store.
It had been five years since his best friend had died. It seemed like five thousand. He was lost without Maes, but sometimes...
"Roy, what are you thinking, standing out in the rain like this? Come get in the car, I'll take you home."
"No Ed, not yet. I won't leave him yet."
"Roy, it's been five years. When are you going to stop letting your grief consume you?"
"When Maes comes back."
"I won't let you try it. It won't be him, Roy. It might look like him, but it won't have a soul."
"I know that!"
"Then come get in the car. You'll get sick, standing out in the rain like this."
"...Alright."
Sometimes you just have to say "I love you," and let them go.
Well, what did you think? You can let me know by pressing the button with the big green letters that says something about reviewing. It's down there. \/