This is set post-manga, though Ed still has alchemy and his automail arm (he traded his arm to keep his alchemy, we'll totally go with that).

This story was meant to be shorter than it is (ending with the bar scene in chapter 8) and an experiment in pacing, and as such it starts out a bit fast/jerky and eventually slows down to gather more detail. Oops!

"You're going away to WAR?!"

"No-not war, Winry! A border skirmish!" Ed continued packing for his trip. "That's all it ever is at the Briggs fortress. It's impenetrable."

"Then why do they need you?"

"They need Mustang. And he requested me to come along." Ed sighed. "I'm not saying I agree with it. I see no reason two highly skilled alchemists are needed at the border, unless tension is really growing worse. But these are my orders, Win. I can't disobey them."

"I wish you hadn't stayed in the military, Edward. I understand you have more access to research and travel, but when something like this happens-"

"Then I have the chance to keep safe my loved ones at home." Ed put the book in the suitcase, turning to walk over to Winry and comfort her with a hug. "Don't worry. Two highly capable alchemists with experience in kicking ass, as well as the rest of Mustang's team. Besides, I've got the world's best automail mechanic gearing me for battle." Ed pulled his sleeve back, holding his arm up with pride. "Without you, no way I would have survived my time up north, it's so cold up there!"

Winry couldn't help but laugh, returning his hug. "You had better stay safe, Ed."

"I'll be back before you know it." Ed grinned, finishing his packing. "Oh man, I'd better hurry if I'm gonna make that train."

"What about Al?"

"He already knows I'm heading north again, I'll give him a call later and let him know why."

Winry gave a sigh as she watched Ed rush for the door. "If you're sure. Come home soon."

"Of course." He flashed her one of his winning smiles before bolting out of the house and down the lane.

"Oh come on Al, you sound just like Winry. I'm capable, you needn't worry about me out there." Ed leaned back against the wall, holding the phone close to his ear to silence the already muffled clacking of the train rails.

"I know you are, Ed. You know it's only natural for us to worry."

"I know, I know. According to Mustang, at least, the entire confrontation shouldn't last more than fifteen minutes. Our alchemy, his team, and the capability of the Briggs men. We'll be done before you know it."

"I sure hope so! My wedding with Winry is next week! If you miss it, Winry will be more trouble than any Drachman forces!"

Ed laughed heartily, nodding. "I have no doubt. You know I'll be there, Al. The wedding of my brother and best friend. I could never miss that."

"I have to get back to work now, Ed. Stay warm."

"Of course. Bye, Al."

"Now, remind me why you need me? To save your ass on the front line?" Ed laughed, clapping Roy on the back with his automail hand as he used the other for another drink of his beer.

"You still honestly think I depend on you, don't you? You saved my life one time."

"And you've dragged me on every mission since!" Ed leaned on the bar counter, sighing. "This all goes down tomorrow, huh? Why can't we just call it peace with Drachma and be done. I can't wait to get back home."

"Just in time for that wedding, hm?" Roy took a swallow of his own drink as they chatted.

"Yeah. I caught Winry trying her dress on early. I never see her wearing anything girly except for her tube top. She was beautiful, Roy. Stunning. I was jealous of Al for a minute," he said with a laugh.

"When are you going to get married?"

"Okay, Hughes. You know I haven't found the right girl yet."

"You still think Szcieska is too old for you?"

"And a little too wacky!" Ed shook his head. "You know I have more interest in reading than I do in dating."

"Lonely, lonely little Fullmetal."

"Don't call me little!"

Roy busted out laughing, ignored by the other patrons. "Twenty-two years old and you're still sensitive about that!"

"I wouldn't be if I had grown taller!" Ed yelled in reply, growling. He downed more of his beer, finishing the glass. "If you're just gonna insult me, I'm going back to my room."

"Aww, c'mon Ed, don't leave so early. I need someone to go over strategies with."

Ed sighed, glancing at the clock. He looked at Roy's hopeful expression, knowing all too well what came next. "Shall I get more napkins?"

"We have to write on something!"