Soooo second chapter!:) it's longer, kinda angsty, hope you like;u; Also I wanted to state that in my fanfiction Ed still has his Alchemy. I'll edit that at the start too...I just don't like an fma story without it! So I guess AU? IDK and don't worry I'll be explaining why Finn can use it too among other things next chapter: Enjoy!

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Ed wasn't exactly the hardest person to read. A lot of his emotions laid bare for anyone who took a minute to study him. But even so, Finn was a very emotionally intelligent little boy and watching his daddy swiftly get as far away from that shop as he possibly could, wondered what made him so upset about that man. He seemed friendly enough, he gave him this cool medal, that Finn had stuffed into his sleeve secretly. How could someone who gave him a medal be a bad man? No, he was a good man.

Finn frowned, nodded and blew a convicted breathe from his nose. Yeah, he liked the man and the nice lady in Fran's shop.

Edward continued down the tree laden country lane, his mouth stretched thinly from stress. It would take awhile to get back home now after his frantic escapades around the village, which only worried him more. He let out an exasperated sigh,"Of all the people to meet I had to stumble into that basta-" he glanced down to see Finn staring back with his bright golden eyes, hanging on his every word. "-eh….man." Usually he was better at controlling his swearing around his son, usually. But that damn flame headed idiot just drew it out of him. 'Why did it have to be now, why couldn't it have been three months ago that he decided on his stupid surprise visit? That bozo has the worst fucking timing…'

His stomach formed several knots as he traversed a small, muddy field. 'No, not now, I'll just tell them to go home, I'm too busy right now. Yeah. I'll... I'll tell them I'm researching importing things or something…'

Finn turned to look up at his daddy, tapping him on the cheek with his small index finger. Ed looked down at the boy, distracting him from his thoughts. The little boy then took his left hand, and pointed to Ed's chest. Then in the same motion, put his thumb and index finger together, with his remaining little fingers slightly splayed, tilting his head inquisitively.

Ed couldn't help but stop, the concern in his son's eyes for him felt so undeserving. He smiled, trying to dismiss any bad thoughts. The fact that his child was wondering if he was okay, meant Ed wasn't exactly hiding his concerns well enough, which only shamed him more.

"Yes Finn" embracing the little boy more and trying to force a smile. "I'm okay, you don't have to worry about me. Let's get home and get something to eat." Ed felt Finn relax a little in his arms. He hated that he made his own three year old son worry. That wasn't what a father was supposed to do. At Least he thought so. Ed was also around three when he learnt what it meant to be stressed over one's parents.

He shifted Finn in his arms, hoisting him so the boy could lean his head against his neck, and continued walking.

Finn wrapped his arm around the front of Ed's shoulder and let out a small breathy yawn. His eyes drawing heavy.

Ed glanced down at the small boy practically hiding underneath his chin. Concern washed over him as he wondered just how tired Finn was. Neither of them were getting much sleep lately, Finn was a light sleeper, so every time Ed got up ( no matter how quiet he tried to be) to take care of Winry, he joined him in wandering around the house at all hours. Pottering beside him cutely, barely making any noise, curiously watching. Ed wouldn't admit it, but having his little shadow follow him everywhere made the long nights slightly more bearable . When he'd be making food or cleaning up the mechanics lab, the occasional grip of a tiny hand onto his leg made his heart swell. He had come to understand just how Hughes had felt about Elisa. His son was just so damn adorable.

At first, Ed had been adamant he go back to sleep, but soon gave up like the push over he was. If Finn looked up at him with those glistening iris's, well then he was butter in his son's hands. It wasn't like he spoiled the child, much.

Ed realized by the age of three, Finn was already finding ways to fool people around him. Including Ed. Transmuting stair cases to be just that tiny bit higher, or increasing the density of a pillow so that the person, aka Ed, would flop down wearily only to be met by a kiss of what felt like concrete feathers. That had hurt...

Ed let out an exhausted sigh. He knew his boy was the definition of 'bold'. At Least that's what the villagers gossiped. 'Well they can go fuck themselves' Ed grumbled. But as much as he was played for a fool, he was always incredibly impressed. Which in turn probably made his son's behavior worse.

Ed realized early on though, that his mischief was always quelled around his mother. There was no bad behavior, just a polite little golden boy who clung onto her leg while she stood cooking, or working in the mechanics studio. Ed had come to the conclusion that it wasn't because Winry was strict, but rather that Finn subconsciously knew his mother was unwell. His gentleness shone through around her. 'Could a child know his mother was going to-'

Clenching his eyes closed for a moment Ed dispelled those morbid thoughts.

"How can I look after both of you...when I can't even keep you in my sights?" Shifting his mood to a more joking manor. He spoke quietly, not expecting an answer from his child.

Finn breathed out a sigh as if he was being disturbed by his father's ramblings, and closed his eyes once again.

Ed walked for another hour before reaching the bottom of the hill where his wife's house stood. His metal leg hurt, automail slightly squeaking on its hinges as he began the slow ascent upwards. He had refused to have it serviced lately to Winry's annoyance, but he saw how much her regular jobs would take from her, so declined every time, claiming it didn't feel as bad as it looked. It hadn't gotten too bad just yet, but the minor squeaks and stiffness were beginning to take their toll. Damn, he wished he hadn't taken so long in town.

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"Riza! Fullmetal has had a kid for three years, and never informed us. Can't I atleast be a little mad by this?"

Riza didn't move, obviously not falling for his woe is me act, arms crossed staring down at him as he sat on the side of his creaky bed in their dinky room.

Thanks to Fran, they had found a small motel just a few streets over with a vacant room. It was far from even a one star, but garish furniture aside, it had agreeable beds, which Roy was aching to lie down on.

But before he could truly relax, he had to deal with the Hawkeye glare.

"You couldn't even be friendly to him General…you could tell how awkward he felt." Roy grimaced. Riza only used his title in work, or when she was really pissed at him.

Well he wasn't giving in that easily. Glaring back at his subordinate he practically pouted like a stubborn child. Riza cocked her head sideways, awaiting his reply.

Then, realizing he didn't really have a leg to stand on, he let out an exasperated sigh, flopping back onto the bed and rubbing in between his eyes. Riza raised her eyebrow, bemused by his lack of a come back.

"I know...I'm just in shock that he would of kept this from me...us."

Hearing the obvious upset in her superiors voice, Riza's face softened as she went to sit on her own creaky bed. As much as Roy loved to tease Edward and complain about him, he did love the boy in a father like way. He was proud of all his staff, but Ed, he felt he had raised almost like a son since entering the military. He had been there longer than Ed's real father had been, he had proudly thought at one stage. Having realized just today that Ed had kept him in the dark over something so important, Riza knew he wouldn't admit it, but it hurt the General.

It also put a spanner in the works for getting Ed back into the military. Though that seemed to be far from the General's mind right now.

Riza stared at her superior then realized it just wasn't worth the fight.

"We will go to their home tomorrow, it must have been quite a shock for him to see us for Edward to leave so...abruptly."

"After three years it doesn't look like he really wants to see us though."

"And when has that stopped you before Roy?" Roy raised his head, back on good terms he guessed. He sat back up, straining his lower back slightly and winced. Rubbing his chin where some grizzle was forming from the three day train trip, he spoke thoughtfully, "That boy is hiding something."

Riza sat up a bit more formal. "You think Sir?"

"I know. And I'm going to find out tomorrow." With that last statement, without even kicking off his shoes, Roy lay down and curled away from Riza. He was way too tired to continue talking at this point.

Riza stared at his broad back for a moment, watching his breathe before lying down herself.

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She couldn't even get out of bed. After Ed had came back yesterday, she had barely been audible, in the midst of a flu. He had hated that she had to be alone for so long, but they needed supplies. It was early afternoon the next day by the time she seemed ready for food.

Ed stood paused before their slightly ajar bedroom door, a tray with some soup, bread, water and an assortment of pills in his hands. Sometimes it was just a little too hard to act normal around her. But he straightened himself and forcefully relaxed his face before entering the dimly lit room. The room was stuffy, far too warm for Ed's liking, but opening a window was not an option.

"Winry….? I brought you supper. Do you think you can eat today?" The body in the bed shifted over, turning towards Ed and blearily opening her eyes. She was pale, almost translucent. Her blonde hair looked dull, lacking the beautiful sheen she once had. Ed didn't think she could look paler than her white nightgown, but she did. Even with her looking this sick, she was still stunning to Ed. Like an injured angel.

Winry smiled weakly seeing her husband walk towards her bed. It felt like ages since she had seen him. He placed the tray down on the nightstand and sat down on the side of the bed, placing his hand on her thigh, squeezing it lightly. She looked at him fondly, placing her hand over his. God she felt cold, even in this sauna of a room.

"I'll try…" she said weakly, slowly trying to sit up with much effort. Ed quickly leaned forward and took the pillow from beside Winry and tucked it behind her back as she sat up. Letting his strong hands linger on both of her arms, he could feel just how thin she had gotten recently. He could clasp his whole hand around her bicep easily.

"Stop that."

"What?"

"That. I know what you're doing, I'm okay, really, just tired today." She looked at her husband and frowned, he clearly hadn't been looking after himself very well either judging from the scruffy ponytail, grizzle and crinkled clothing. "And quit staring Ed, I'm not gonna eat while you bore your eyes into me."

Realizing what he had been doing, he quickly looked away embarrassed. Dammit he was doing it again. Just act normal for once.

Winry went to pick up the tray, but with incredibly shaky arms, she could barely move it. Ed leaned over and grabbed it for her, placing the tray on her lap carefully and delicately. "You aren't supposed to lift things remember? Doctors orders."

Winry pulled a weak scowl at Ed, which only caused him to grin fondly. He had grown to love when she got mad at him. It meant she had some form of energy to be more like her old self. He shuffled over and sat beside her on the bed, resting his back onto the headboard.

"Now eat, gear head." Pointing down to the food like he was asking her to drop and give him 50.

She took the silver spoon in her hands and began to eat the soup. Ed wasn't an amazing cook, but it wasn't half bad considering he only started learning last year.

After a couple mouthfuls and a small chunk of bread she stopped. Feeling her stomach already full to the brim. Ed frowned "that's all today eh?" She nodded putting a hand over her mouth, making sure nothing was going to come back up.

Ed grabbed the water and handed her the colorful assortment of pills she was to take. With agonizing slowness she swallowed each pill individually. Once finished, Ed removed the tray and placed it on the floor beside him. He sat back, lifting his left arm inviting her to snuggle in.

Winry leaned in, placing her head on his broad chest as her husbands arm wrapped around her shoulders. He was warm which she relished. Her pills would kick in soon. It was hard not to fall asleep listening to the rhythm of his heart beat and the slow rise and fall of his chest.

"How is Finn? I haven't seen him today" She spoke weakly. Ed lay his cheek on the crown of her head, enjoying the sweet smell of her hair. "He's great Love. He's sleeping right now." Winry suddenly looked sullen. He seemed to be sleeping a lot during the day. "Is he still up with you at night? I told you to be stricter with him. He won't be able to function right if you keep this up."

"He's fine! It's not every night…"

He suddenly felt Winry stiffen, "You're messing up his routine again!" She pushed off Edwards chest. Glowering at him.

"W-wait calm down I just"

"Ed stop! You can't just let him get so tired and weak! I tried so hard to keep him healthy. I-I can't leave him knowing he's not being looked after prop-"

Now it was Eds turn to suddenly sit up, interrupting his wife's rant. He stiffened, and got out of the bed abruptly, swinging around to her, eyes flaring with old hurt.

"Properly?! Really Winry, do you have so little faith in me that I'd damage our son?! After all we've been through to keep him! Do you really think I'm not a good father?"

Of course she didn't, Ed thought. Not even his own mind thought he was. But it wasn't for lack of trying. It was just in his blood to be a bad father. He grimaced, looking away from her.

"I didn't mean that." Her voice coming out softer, weaker. "I'm just, I don't know. I don't want to leave him...knowing he's at all tired, hungry, scared or hurt…he has to stay perfect, stay happy. I'm not gonna be around to help you do that…" The last part causing her voice to break, Winry pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them and hiding her head.

Immediately Ed's anger changed to absolute despair. Trodding back over to his wife, he sat down and wrapped both of his arms around her. Encasing her in a protective embrace.

"I'm sorry." What else could he say? He was failing his wife's wishes, and in turn was failing their son. Her little sobs tore into Ed's heart like razor blades. Trying not to fall to pieces himself, he held her as tightly as he could without hurting her. Rubbing her back slowly until her sobbing stopped.

Eventually she unfurled, and he lay her down on the bed, pills taking their heavy effect, she dozed off. Placing a blanket over his wife, he then stood up and left the room.

Ed stood in the hallway, back against the wall. His long, tousled hair covering his face. He wiped his shirt sleeve across red eyes, trying to get rid of any tears that had formed. Damn he was tired.

Taking a deep breath in, then out, Edward took a step to trudge towards the bathroom. Suddenly hearing a small, sharp creek, his automail leg locked in place. 'Fuck…' Frustration was beginning to boil just below his ribs, painfully circling his organs like dozens of trapped flies.

He swung his metal leg awkwardly forward, and hearing a loud 'kachunk', the knee loosened again. Ed began to rub his temples, feeling a migraine coming on. 'I don't need this, I don't need this, please just work for a little longer you stupid leg' he begged.

Hobbeling towards the bathroom once again, he stepped into the tiled, cold room. Stopping at the white sink, he ran the tap and splashed his face with cold water.

Catching himself in the mirror Ed couldn't help but realize just how wrecked he looked. Dark circles carved themselves under his eyes like marble. His face was grizzly with a weeks worth of growth, giving him a crazed looking expression. His hair was scruffy and his face was gaunt.

Taking his razor he began to get rid of any trace of a beard on his face. In hindsight he thought, it would have been better to lather up but he really couldn't be half assed. Immediately when trailing the razor down his cheek, it caught, slicing a small, cm long nick into his cheek. Sucking in air between his teeth, he hissed at the sting.

Quickly setting the razor down on the side of the sink, it slipped and fell to the ground with a 'tak!'.

Gripping the side of the sink til his knuckles went white, Ed considered smashing the mirror in, if only to vent his frustration, but leveled with himself that he did not want to wake his family. Breathing ragged breathes in and out, glaring at his own reflection, watching the small trail of blood flow down his cheek and drip to the floor, he waited til his vision stopped blurring with anger.

After about two minutes, Ed could finally look away, though still breathing hard.

He bent down to retrieve his razor when 'KACHUNK!' his knee locked once again.

"Oh fuck you, fuck you, FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT LEG!"

Lifting his hip attached to his broken leg and pulling the entire limb backwards, he shot the leg forward in one fell swoop, smashing it against the porcelain bathtub.

Shards of metal shattered throughout the room, nuts and bolts, wires and valves as his shin came in contact with the tub. The sheer force of the kick caused the tub to crack and Ed to fall backwards onto the ground with a hard 'thump'.

He lay there, eyes on the ceiling, panting hard.

Sitting up slowly, he viewed the carnage that he had just caused, catching his breath as he saw the mess he had just made.

'Oh my god….I am so stupid.'

Half way down his metal shin, was just gone. A single thick wire was holding onto his foot like a dangling fishing rod.

With no more anger left to vent, Ed hid his face in his hands. He fucked up. There was nothing more to say. He just fucked up.

After a couple minutes, he heard the bathroom door creek open.

A tiny, shocked breathe exhaled and he heard little feet stepping onto the cold tiles.

"Stop!" Ed swung his hand and placed his palm before Finn. "There's metal everywhere, don't come in in your bare feet Finn."

Ed looked at his son, whose face was far too stricken for a child his age.

The little boy held his hands up to his face, trying to hide his mouth. But his eyes revealed just how terrified he was at the site he just beheld, shivering and trying his hardest not to cry. Scrunching up his eyes , Finn took his right hand and clenched it into a little shaking fist and rubbed it across his chest in a circular motion.

'Sorry…..'

Ed stared, arm still reaching towards his shock stricken son. Completely dumbfounded at what his son just signed him.

Suddenly gritting his teeth, he rolled up his slacks on his left leg, grabbed the docks on his thigh and released the remnants of his leg. Nerve pain shot through him like a bolt of lighting. Not letting the pain make him scream though, he got onto his one knee and scrambled over to the quivering child, embracing him frantically.

"Why are you saying sorry! I'm the one who has to say sorry Finn!" His voice coming out panicked and breaking. "Daddy just got a little mad is all, not at you, you're such a good boy, please don't be sad, please. Finn I'm so sorry." 'No, please stop, please don't cry. Goddammit i'm such a monster.' Ed clasped the back of his son's head, feeling his little shoulders shake and heave as he silently cried.

"Sh shh shh, it's okay." Ed held his sons cherub like cheek and tried rubbing the child's glittering tears away. 'This isn't allowed.' "Hey, hey it's okay, I just broke my fake leg, it's okay see?"

Seeing his daddy smile a little more, if not looking a little panicky, Finns sobs became smaller and lead into little hiccups.

Ed gave Finn a small, quirky smile. "I know, wanna help me hunt down some treasure?" Finn's eyes perked up at the word treasure and nodded as Ed wiped his kid's nose with his shirt sleeve.

"Right!" Grabbing onto the door frames, and with quite a lot of effort, Ed wobbly got himself up onto his right leg, feeling a little breathless. "I need a wooden leg, pirates have those right?" Finn looked at him like this was very serious business and shook his head in a 'well duh' like fashion, red nosed and furrowing his brow, causing Ed to spit laughing at his sheer intensity.

"Okay, okay." He chuckled. "I need you to find my wooden leg down by mommy's work bench, can you do that? But careful, there might be sharks!"

With an official salut, Finn bravely turned tail and ran down the hallway towards the workshop. With that, Ed hopped towards the kitchen, hoping to find some treasure in the form of chocolate for his brave kid.