A/N: Slightly based on the song 'Angel Hearts' sung by Keiji Fujiwara (Voice Actor of Maes Hughes) from one of the FMA soundtracks. Please listen to the song and the translation for it as well. It's absolutely beautiful, so please google/youtube if you can. This song (and probably rewatching the entire FMA: Brotherhood series) has inspired me to write this short piece and I rarely write any sort of fanfiction (or write at all, so consider this my first ever fan fiction). I just have a lot of feelings and I kind of wish there was more of a back story on Hughes and Gracia's relationship. I assume my grammar is slightly all over the place and it's not really top notch but please enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters which belongs to Hiromu Arakawa, the creator and mangaka of FMA.

The Promise Day. It's finally over.

-o-o-o-

Watching from the sidelines, watching from where no one could ever be able to see him, he smiles. Truly smiles.

'Everything will be alright…'

But.

She's crying again. Silently. Nearly every night. Just after she makes sure their daughter is asleep. He knows she's trying to hide her pain from everyone, it's why his still-heart clenches with pain wanting to touch her, but he knows he can't. He shouldn't.

Slowly, each silent footstep brings him closer to she is. He knows that he can no longer roam the earth after what he is about to do. If he does, with this last moment he will finally pass on in peace and be gone for good.

And so he halts, hesitating. A pained expression marring his features. He won't be able to watch his daughter grow up, go to school, get married… If he does this… he won't be able to see his wife's beautiful face anymore… If he does this…he won't be able to see his family ever again.

'Everything will be alright…'

He continues his steps with conviction.

-o-o-o-

Tonight, they're both on the couch in the dimly lit room. Their daughter's head on her lap, her breathing even whilst in deep sleep.

He crouches in front of them, his transparent hands touches Elicia's cheek.

'Papa will always be watching you, even if he's no longer here to protect you, to watch over you…'

He slowly, but finally looks up; Gracia's eyes are closed while tears are still continuing their flow down her cheeks. He brings his hands to her face, holding it softly. The sudden warmth made her gasp, eyes flying open quickly looking straight at him.

He knows she can't really see him, but she always had that knack of looking him straight in the eyes while they talk. He slightly grins, knowing his Gracia is still the same he loves and cherishes.

Her voice, watery and hopeful, whispers, "Maes…?"

He laughs and sobs. He briefly inclines his head with eyes clenched in pain as his whole being fills with anguish.

He opens eyes and raised his head to look at her again.

"Sorry, I have to go now, Gracia. Please don't cry anymore. Please be happy. We'll see each other again some day. Hopefully not anytime soon though, I want to see you living your life, I want you to enjoy it as much as you can even though I won't be here anymore."

He presses his lips tenderly on her forehead.

"I love both of you so, so much…"

His transparent form fading gradually, and he knows he can feel happy passing on now as he sees his wife's warm-hearted smile.

"Goodbye, angels of my hearts."

=o=o=o=

I want to wrap my arms around you. I want to be with you forever.

I still remember the day we met. It was like a miracle. In the corner of an intersection while it was heavily raining. You were there crying. I offered you an umbrella… I knew from then on, even when I didn't even know you… you were going to be that special someone for me. Gracia, my angel, I'll be your umbrella… to protect you, to shelter you… to love you.