AN: Hey I'm back and with a new story. This is a bit new for me so cut me some slack but I will try to be punctual thanks to my new partner. She and I have a new blog on tumblr so feel free to look for us there. Our name is deux-esprits. Now we ALL know that the characters aren't mine and I get no profit so just sit back and enjoy the story.

Prologue

Sometimes I wonder how it came to this. I once had my life planned, filled with dreams, goals, and expectations. That was all before the war started though. The war stripped me of everything, just like so many others. Now all that is left is a box full of broken promises, and bittersweet memories, with a heart that can never hope to be repaired. It is amazing how in the blink of an eye all of that just disappeared and no matter how many times I look back, I can never find where it all went wrong.

New Year's Eve 1932

The party was in full swing, friends were celebrating everywhere, and couples waiting for the stroke of midnight to kiss their beloved. The tavern was overflowing with anticipation for the year that was yet to come that I could not help but notice the lonesome figure sitting at the bar. Without thinking twice I started to approach him before deviating slightly and ordering a drink instead. I pretended to be uninterested but I could feel his gaze penetrating my back. When I knew I could stand his stare no longer, I turned around with an air of confidence, "You know it is not very polite to stare at a lady like that."

I had expected him to turn his face away, or at least have the decency to appear guilty but instead he squared his shoulders proudly and flashed me a cocky grin.

"Forgive me. I just could not help but admire a beautiful lady such as you." His response, while flattering, was certainly not what I expected. I could feel my cheeks heating up slightly and judging by the barely noticeable twitch of his lips I knew he had noticed.

I could not help but bristle at his attitude though, "Yes, well as much as I appreciate the admiration, my boyfriend will not be very happy with that." While my response was meant to put a halt to his advances it only seemed to intrigue him more.

"Really? And where is he now? If I had a lovely girl like you waiting for me I would not leave her all alone."

His words struck a chord that I thought long buried. I looked away hoping to repress the heat that I felt coming from my eyes. Abruptly I stood up knocking him off balance as the clock struck midnight. I weaved my way through the crowd hoping to leave before the memories overwhelmed me. I was twisting the knob when I felt a firm grip on my wrist and I was pulled back into a solid chest. I felt a strong beat beneath my hand before his voice washed over me, only it did not carry that self-assured tone I had come to associate with him, "He is gone, isn't he?"

The gentleness with which he addressed me compelled me to look up into his eyes to find that he was genuinely worried. I averted my gaze for a moment before replying, "The war takes many things from a lot of people. I am just one name in a list of many"

I pulled my arm free and looked around, watching as everyone greeted the New Year. I really wanted to go home; it was stupid to be out right now. I was so immersed in my thoughts that the gentle caress on my arm startled me. I looked up into two black coals that shined with worry. "Are you alright?"

"I..." I suddenly felt as if the room was shrinking around me. My hands were clammy and sweating as I frantically looked for an exit. "I...I need air! I need to get out!" The first step I take is shaky. My legs feel like a weird combination of jelly and lead and before I know it I'm stumbling to meet the floor. I close my eyes waiting for the impact but it's not in the manner I was expecting. I fall into a pair of strong arms before I'm lifted into the air bridal style. I open my eyes as I feel a gust of cold air. "...I can walk now. You can put me down."

For a moment I thought I felt the arms holding me tighten as I was let down. I swayed a little before steadying myself. I take a deep breath feeling the air fill my lungs as I look up into the night sky. I feel the stinging sensation in my eyes before I remember that I am not alone. When I look back the guy is still standing there, patiently waiting but I cannot imagine for what. "...I would like to thank you. I was feeling a bit crowded in there..."

Whatever I was going to say next died in my throat as he cupped my face. I could feel the blush coming back but this time the self-satisfaction was absent. Our breaths mingled together creating a small fog, beckoning us closer. "…I don't even know your name…" I couldn't bring myself to talk louder than a whisper. Feelings that I believed to be banished started to resurface; my heart felt like it was all the way up into my throat, fireworks were going off in my stomach. I was so lost in these sensations that I almost missed his response.

"Roy Mustang." And he kissed me.