"Brother, you promised!"
"I know, I know Al… but I just can't make it tonight."
"But brother!"
"I will hop on the first train to Resembool first thing in the morning, but I just… I just can't make it tonight."
"…First train tomorrow?"
"I swear."
"Fine, but Winry will kick your ass if you aren't here on that VERY FIRST TRAIN!"
"Geeze I know! Alright I will see you tomorrow."
"See you brother, goodnight."
"Goodnight Al."
Edward sighed as he hung up the payphone. As much as he loved his brother, he could do without a trip to Resembool. Just the thought of what happened in that little town… it's an event that he would rather just leave behind. Why else would he burn down his own home, but then to leave the town behind? But ever since Alphonse moved there after getting his body back, his younger brother had been pestering him about a visit. This was the third time that the elder Elric had turned down his brother, and he knew that another repeat would result in a minor concussion from Winry's wrench… and god knows that's something that he could do without.
The sun had just begun to dip its way into the horizon, and the blonde flipped open his pocket watch to check the time, 9pm. 'perhaps I have time for a quick drink before I go to bed.' Edward thought. That's another thing, ever since retrieving Al's body, Edward had taken a liking to the occasional drink… or two… or six. In all reality, he was a downright alcoholic, but he did his damn best to hide it. Or so he thought. Although his appearances did not necessarily scream "alcoholic", those closest to him could sense a change in the young man. He seemed to carry himself different, like that certain spring he held in his step was all but gone, and his eyes had lost a bit of luster. He seemed more secluded, and dare say…afraid, as if he thought something was lurking around every corner. Perhaps it was a side effect of the booze, or perhaps it was something else…
Edward shook his head to clear his thoughts, and headed down the street towards his favorite pub, Young's Tavern. Although Central was home to many different bars, Edward was particularly keen on the one little dwelling, for one sole reason… They didn't give him shit about his height. Every other bar he'd been to, the owner would try to toss him out, until Ed angrily flashed his military badge and demanded some respect. Sure, he usually got a free drink out of the ordeal, but it was generally something he tended to want to avoid. Opening the door to the pub, Ed couldn't help but smile. God he loved that smell… the alcohol.
"Hey Jerry!" Ed called at the bartender, who turned around and flashed the blonde a grin.
"Hey kid, how ya been?"
"Good, good, hey can you hook me up with a scotch?"
"Sure thing."
The bartender slid him a glass, and Ed downed it in a gulp. Jerry raised a disapproving eyebrow at the boy, but didn't say anything as he simply handed over the bottle to Ed. He knew the drill. Ed nodded his head in thanks, tossed the glass aside, and pressed the bottle to his lips. Warmth spread throughout his body, and again, he couldn't help but smile. This is why he craved the booze; that damn warmth. It made him feel so full; filled with a sense of purpose that he had lost when Al got his body back. He felt a drive, he felt strong, and he felt invincible. It was great, just fantastic.
One downside to booze however, is that it dulls the senses… and to a kid with a lot of enemies, that might not be the smartest of choices.