Becca groaned in frustration.
After her shower she attempted to sleep once more as planned, however, after thirty minutes of continually staring at the not-so-enchanting popcorn ceiling it became quite apparent Becca's wishes were not to be granted. She peered at the clock and another groan escaped Pureblood's lips. One hour remained, at the very least, before the sun rose and she could find something outside of her shabby apartment to distract her until a more reasonable social hour. She was uncharacteristically impatient to see Maes and his family, but she was not so impractical enough to call on them at the crack of dawn.
Becca gazed around her apartment, huffing internally. It was not the most regal home but she would miss the place. Becca added to her mental list to speak to Mustang about what would happen to her apartment while she was gone; seeing as it was paid for by his military perks. Pondering what to do, the brunette decided on packing for the supposed long trip ahead of her. She pulled a conveniently sized suitcase from her musty closet and tossed it upon the bed where she had previously occupied. Pureblood stood staring at the empty bag for a moment, contemplating, what does one bring along for this kind of trip? To be honest, she could not entirely pin point where she would be headed. No mention was made by either the Colonel or the Elric brothers so she found herself annoyingly in the dark about her future. A helpless sigh escaped her at her own ignorance of the situation. Scouring the room for a good minute, the alchemist settled on both her tooth and hair brush. At a loss for what to add next, she simply strode to her drawers and began packing a couple outfits for every kind of weather. With my kind of luck, we'll be traveling to the ice mountains, she thought, brutally shoving a winter jacket into the mix. Or worse, the desert, she shuddered.
By the time Becca felt satisfied with what she had stowed away in her suitcase, a good portion of the hour had passed and the faintest of sunlight began to poke through the formerly darkened night sky. Pureblood hastily headed for the door almost forgetting her keys in excitement. It was absolutely still too soon for her to visit her friend and so she wandered the streets in pursuit of a way she could kill some more time. The library was Becca's initial destination before she remembered her run in with the Elric's the past day and concluded there was a good chance they had returned for more research. Quickly turning around, Becca thought it best to avoid the boys for now, and accordingly proceeded to head down the block to the first place that caught her eye: Gino's Bean Emporium—the best local coffee house around. As Becca stepped through the door, the smell of fresh coffee grounds and warm pastries immediately hit her and she took in a giant involuntary breath. Unable to resist, she strolled over to the counter and ordered herself a drink along with a sweet bread. The place was buzzing with activity—even so early in the morning and Becca smiled, relaxed and leaning back in her chair, snacks in hand, people-watching.
There was a man in the sharpest suit she had ever seen, constantly checking his watch as his latte was brewed, too slowly for him, apparently. A mother stood at the register attempting to pay for her goods while constantly swatting her kids' curious hands from merchandise on the counter, an exasperated look covering her face. An elderly couple strolled in and chose the table beside Becca's. She had to struggle to conceal the oncoming smile at the older man's chivalry as he pulled a chair out for his wife. How sweet, she mused. She immediately began to wonder at their history and imagined what a great story their love must hold. She had to admit her own luck in that department wasn't so good. Becca had never been as committed as she knew she should have been towards her past relationships. Stubborn to admit it, Becca knew she could be picky as well, and her standards weren't exactly easy to live up to. No matter. She simply felt that the matter was insignificant next to what she really strived for. The truth.
Becca's reverie was broken when she heard her name called in the same exuberant voice she had become acquainted with only yesterday. She turned stiffly to find who she expected; Alphonse Elric, waving eagerly. Her alarm would have not been so bad upon seeing the young boy—who was clad once again in in full armor and causing a big scene with his unusual appearance and size—had it not been for the smaller, less conspicuous figure she saw walking beside him. An overwhelming amount of panic swept over Pureblood; she was nowhere near ready for the apology she had unwillingly planned. But of course, Becca cried internally, it's just my good fortune I would meet them trying so desperately to avoid them.
"Alphonse! What are you doing here? I would have thought you would still be buried in books," Becca managed to squeak out pleasantly.
"Yeah." He laughed, "But Brother needed a little boost."
Becca's attention shifted to the older brother's earlier unnoticed steaming drink and his sharp, penetrating gaze. He said nothing; a seemingly unpleasant look plastered upon his face.
Be the bigger person, Pureblood coaxed herself.
"Um, actually, it's so great seeing you guys here," she lied. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday…" the words tasted like bile.
Edward finally addressed her. "Don't need it," he asserted with a short, clipped tone.
"Brother! I think you owe Becca an apology too!"Alphonse called defensively.
Ed's face stared at Al's incredulously. "I didn't do anything!"
Becca pursed her lips, struggling to keep her rude remarks to herself. Be the bigger person, be the bigger person, she chanted. "Look, let's just call this what it was; a misunderstanding. We got off on the wrong foot and I'd really hate for our future work together to be negatively influenced by this little spat." She stood and offered her hand—the mirror image of yesterday's unfortunate first meeting.
Ed found himself caught off guard by Pureblood's honesty, but finally managed a timid nod before uttering an embarrassed, "Fine… I, uh, apologize too, I guess."
The two alchemists shook hands, a hint of a smirk on Becca's face from Ed's pitiful reparation. She'd take what she could get.
After a moment of bathing in awkward silence, Alphonse spoke, "Oh! Before we forget to tell you, Brother and I plan to stay in Central a few days longer. The library got a new shipment of great books that might give us something!"
Becca stared in horror, remembering her bloated baggage still sitting on her bed.
"Is that alright?" Alphonse inquired, noticing her expression.
"Yeah! Of course, sorry, I just… well, I'm already packed," she laughed coyly.
Ed's eyes glittered with humor, however, he quickly turned his gaze away as Becca settled a baleful glare his way.
Alphonse giggled, "Sorry, I guess we should have told you sooner."
"No, it's alright." Becca amended, "unpacking gives me something to do anyway."
"You could come to the library with us." Al offered.
"Al!" Fullmetal shrieked.
Becca shook her head frantically. "Oh, I couldn't possibly, I don't want to get any more in the way than I already have."
At her statement, a wave of guilt consumed Edward and he sighed in defeat. "Ah, it's no big deal!" He pushed out, "If you need something to do, you might as well help out."
Al inwardly smiled at his brother's nonchalant exterior, knowing full well that inside, the little Alchemist was abashed.
Pureblood started at Fullmetal's words, but accepted them stubbornly.
"I'll keep it in mind," she affirmed.
The Elric's and Pureblood parted ways after the confrontation, Alphonse explaining they had more reading to get back to, and Becca all too eager to leave their company after the hit her pride took from apologizing. It took no time before Becca was outside Maes' home and she knocked against the door firmly. She stood in the hallway of the complex longer than she would have liked before a bed-headed Gracia welcomed her with a warm smile. Becca sat on the sofa and took the water that was offered her.
"I'm so sorry to drop by so early," Pureblood gushed with furrowed brows.
"Don't worry dear, I was about to get up to make breakfast anyway. It's been a while since you've dropped by, I'm so glad you could come." beamed Gracia.
A blush rushed to Becca's face accompanied by guilt. Gracia was always so kind to her. If she was so bold to think, Gracia was almost like a mother to her; all the worrying and caring that the sweet woman did on Becca's behalf left a great imprint on her heart.
"Thanks, I'm glad I'm here too. I know I should drop by more often; I just get so caught up with work."
"I understand," said Gracia, thinking of her own husband and his dedication to his career. "Oh my!" fretted Gracia as she caught her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was unsightly! "Becca, how could you let me walk around looking like this," she teased.
Pureblood laughed as Gracia excused herself to straighten up before she began cooking. Before long the kind woman stepped back into the living room, looking more presentable. "He'll be out in just a moment," Gracia divulged, turning the corner, "just getting dressed. Would you stick around for breakfast, Dear?" she questioned as Becca took her last gulp of water.
"Absolutely! Would you like some help?" Becca offered.
"That'd be delightful!"
Soon the both of them were in the kitchen chittering away as the aroma of eggs and bacon filled the quaint home. Gracia moved to grab plates and silverware when Becca interceded. "I'll do it," smiled the longer haired brunette.
"Thank you, Becca. Let me just help you carry the silverware to the table." Mrs. Hughes nodded.
Maes' lively voice was heard before he was seen. "Well, well, well, smells twice as good as it normally does!" he chuckled, winking at Becca.
"Oh stop it Maes!" Gracia chided playfully, "You'll embarrass her."
"C'mon, she's made of thicker stuff than that." Hughes smiled, but changed the subject regardless. "How are you doing, Becca? Haven't seen you since last week. I heard Roy saddled you with the Elrics."
Pureblood glowered at him, halting her work of setting the table. "You knew about it?" she asked, beyond aggravated.
"Sure I did; Mustang didn't think up that one all on his own you know."
Becca could feel her jaw drop and Mrs. Hughes graciously bowed out to the kitchen, aware that the alchemist was about to change demeanors very quickly.
"Maes, what the hell!" She barked.
Hughes' face lost all sense of joking and instead changed to that of puzzlement. "I thought you'd be ecstatic."
"Ecstatic? Why would I possibly be happy about this! What could you have been thinking? I mean, I expect this from Roy, not you!" Becca felt she had been slapped in the face. Betrayed by her brother. Left out to dry.
"Becca, you're losing me here. You've always wanted to travel and the Elric brothers are great company, what's going on?"
A good portion of Pureblood's raging fire extinguished as Maes explained himself, realizing he only did it to benefit her. "Great company," she scoffed, "Maybe Alphonse, but I didn't get off on too good a start with Fullmetal."
"What happened?"
"Mustang thought it would be funny to mislead the midget into thinking I was a man."
Hughes fought to keep back his laugh. "I'm sorry, what?"
Becca grunted. "It's that damn name! 'Beck'," she said in her greatest imitation of Mustang's voice.
Understanding lit Hughes' face and this time he couldn't hold back the laughter that bubbled its way up his throat. Pureblood simply glared daggers at him and continued setting the table.
"Anyway, it resulted in this huge misunderstanding and we said some things and it just wasn't the most ideal first impression," she surmised.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Maes said genuinely. "But I don't think that should stop you from doing what you've always dreamed of. It's not the most ideal situation, I know. It might even get a little dangerous, after all, this won't exactly be a vacation." Hughes was quiet a moment before continuing. "I wasn't so thrilled to throw you in this situation, honestly, but in the long run, Becca," he met her gaze with a fiery focus, "I think this will benefit both you, and Edward and Alphonse."
"Care to explain?" Becca inquired dryly, finally finished with the table.
"Their predicament…well, it's led them to search for the same thing as you."
Becca froze, her blood ran cold. If they're looking for it too... why could they possibly need it?she thought fearfully.
"What do you mean?" Pureblood was finally able to murmur.
Before Maes could elaborate, a joyful "Bebe!" was heard.
Becca swiftly turned to find an overjoyed Elicia running towards her, arms extended. Without hesitation a large smile broke out on Becca's face and she scooped the little girl up, spinning her in a circle and eliciting a bubbly laugh from the toddler. "Where have you been?" Elicia asked, eyes wide and curious.
"Well, Bebe's been really busy with work lately," answered sadly Becca.
"Like Daddy?"
"Yeah, exactly."
"Are you going to stay now?" pleaded Elicia.
Pureblood's heart cracked. "Oh I wish I could stay forever! But I can only stay for breakfast right now…"
Elicia's face lost some of its luster.
"Daddy will stay with you forever!" Maes nearly shouted and floated over to the sulking girl, pressing his cheek to hers dotingly.
"Elicia," Gracia spoke emerging from the kitchen, a pan of eggs in her hands. "Come now, don't make Becca feel bad."
Elicia solemnly nodded and looked to the floor.
"Breakfast is ready." Gracia continued, "Why don't you all sit down."
...
Becca thanked the Hughes' family one last time for their hospitality before headed out the door. She always deeply enjoyed her time there with the Hughes'. It did not escape her, however, that she had never gotten her answer from Maes when she questioned what the Elric's where doing looking for the same artifact. How could going with Edward and Alphonse on their quest help me with my own? She puzzled. Becca wasted no more time. If Maes couldn't tell her, she would make Roy.