Hey guys it's me again, yay. Just here to remind you that I do have new stories coming up in a couple days, I'm planning on putting out a Greed story, A Starrk story, & Grimmjow story. Hope those will satisfy you, in any case, I'm off to write & sing & play video games! Toodle-loo!

Oh, by the way I do not own FMA or any of their beloved characters in this story! Only the OC & some of the plot...A little of it...Not too much.

Chapter 3: Hiding Beneath the Skin

Kimblee wasn't all too far off from being completely healed, but after using the stone the doctor gave him, he was now more than happy to dress himself for his trip to Briggs Fortress. After Lilia had left, Raven had appeared with a doctor on call with a stone that did wonders in his recovery & in the same day…He was ready to get back to work, hoping by the time tomorrow came around his wounds would be fully recovered.

"Excellent." Kimblee placed the small red stone on his tongue & swallowed it with ease, "Oh, silly me, I've forgotten to ask Ms. Smith if she would join didn't I?"

There was a short silence before the dark haired man placed his white top hat on his head & placed his scarf around his neck before removing himself from the room where Raven had waited for him in the hallway so patiently, "Took you long enough?"

"It ain't easy putting on a three piece suit like this one, General. So, Fort Briggs, huh?" His smirk only grew wider as they jumped into the car.

In a way he knew they were in for a big surprise, especially Lilia who would even be more surprised. His heart jumped at the thought of her, & stomach turned with excitement. He knew she was still the same old Lily pad he always knew back when they were kids, the only reason why she was so calm now was because she thought better of a situation where she wouldn't be involved in any of it, whether she was on their side or the Briggs side, she was going to stay out of it; so she wasn't really a threat…But then again, the Furher himself did send for her to follow Kimblee. Even though Kimblee could do it himself, it seemed right that they were reunited once again. Just then, the thought of them once again, made Kimblee's eyes sore & his eye brows droop at the remembrance of their past…

~25 Some Odd Years Earlier~

"Come on Zolf... Get your ass up, or we're going to be late. Again!"

The short dark hair girl attempted time & time again to awake the sleeping student that slept nearly through breakfast. It was already getting close to 12:00 in the afternoon & Lily had a feeling they should've already been at the Academy for another day of critical thinking & such. Boring…In Kimblee's opinion, of course, & that's what made him loose interest sometimes, no matter how much he liked blowing things up.

"Mm, No, I'm sleeping." A small growl came from the girl before she jumped on his bed all around him.

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

"Alright! I'm awake! You bitch…" He muttered rubbing his face with a deep exhale, yawning at the end of the rude awakening, "Oh-ho! I'm a bitch am I? Well then I'm 'The' bitch to you Mr. Asshole. Who if he doesn't get up to go to the Academy he's going to get another tardy & may end up loosing his attempt to become a skilled Alchemist. You know, to blow things up…Cause mayhem like you've always wanted?"

"Oh, and what about you?"

Out of groggy slumber he grabbed the Lily pad into the bed, wrapping her up in the sheets with him as he tackled her underneath him to stared down at the giggling vixen curiously with those sleepy bags under his dazzling blue eyes that seemed to beam as bright as the sun outside their window, "I couldn't go to school without my partner in crime…Maybe we should just go in there to start some hell today, eh?" His lips nipped at her ear so gently that his teeth were beginning to knit at the lobe.

"Mm…You know I'd like nothing more than to watch the light show…But don't tempt me…" Her voice groaned at him as he chuckled down her shoulder with light sensual kisses & bites.

"I love tempting you though…Especially since you hate the teachers so much. How perverted them are?" His voice played along her skin as he muffled this, "Well it's true half of them won't stop gawking at me…Their smiles are creepy & I've already had one attempt to rub my shoulder before you came along & blew it off. Ever since, they've been reluctant to leave me alone. They're still talking about something…Something we don't know yet. I can't help but feel the ticking of the bug in my head that tells me these things."

Kimblee's eyes shifted to his woman as he wrapped his arms around her body, caressing her exposed skin.

"...It's still there, Huh?"

She was silent for a minute before lowering her head to the side to let Kimblee bite a little harder, making her make a small noise only he could hear, "It relunctantly haunts me day & night. Ticking at the back of my brain. It's quite a nuisance... I want to stop."

"I bet…Does any of this help?" His soft touches & feathery kisses only made Lilia tremble more & sigh soft gasps to his effects, "Yes…It always sooths…"

"The savage beast…" Kimblee murmured the last of her sentence all the while catching her lips in a locked kiss. His hands quickly gripped onto her for dear life, her shoulders, down to her hands, & her face down to her hips, "Zolf…We really need to get going."

"Fuck…" He laid his head against Lilia's shoulder, "I don't want to, why can't the assessment already be over, we're almost fully licensed any ways. All I have to do is explode a building & that's it, I pass. Done."

"I know, but school is always important."

"Not for me…"

"Yeah, you're way to smart & deviant for that, right?"

Kimblee smirked to her playful retort, "Mm, if you say so."

They both only laughed at one another finally getting up from the bed as they prepared for their day ahead. Again, Kimblee found his blue uniform, & raced down stairs after putting on his boots to meet up with Lilia who was already waiting outside sitting on the front steps near the gate of their home,

"Gazing up at the sky again?"

"It's a beautiful morning, what can I say."

"Sure, especially when it's painted with an amber sky." She giggled at his explosive poetry, only forgetting to look where she was going as they hit the stop light.

Unfortunately for Lily, she didn't see the car, "Lillian!"

Out of shock Lilia turned around to see the car was coming straight at her now at an abrupt speed. She didn't know what to do, she knew to jump out of the way, but her mind wasn't quick enough to think before Kimblee suddenly tumbled the girl to the ground until they hit the other side of the street, the boy collapsed himself on the woman accidentally as the car hit the light pole.

"Lily!… Lily! Answer me!" The girl blinked her eyes slowly before looking over at the blue eyed alchemist with a cold sweat running down her face, "I…I'm okay…"

Kimblee couldn't help but sway his head downward with a relieved sigh before he glared at the woman with an annoyed look on his face, "What?"

"You almost got yourself killed! That's what happens when you're not paying attention."

"Shut up! It was an accident you asshole! If you're so concerned with it just-," Before she could finish, she had already noticed a smirk crawling onto Kimblee's face where he began to stare down at his sprawled out mate, who, in return, stared at right back now with the same expression.

"Are you just going to sit there & stare at me all day?"

She asked him with a quick nuzzle to his nose, before Kimblee chuckled at Lilia & helped her up from the street before they were going to get honked at, or approached from the stupid guy that nearly ran her over, "Oh gosh! Are you guys alright! I really didn't mean to-,"

"Idiot. If you didn't paid attention a second longer…" The alchemist turned to the stranger with a deadly gaze, one that Lilia could only smile at as Kimblee approached the man.

"And you would've killed my friend here…Buddy!"

Kimblee threw him over his own car for almost hitting you, & the guy definitely got the message, "I said I was sorry! What more do you want from me?"

"Hmm? That's a very good question, friend. I want you to get the hell out of here before I splatter your body in the street right here. I do so enjoy any types of explosives…Especially when they're just within my grasp…"

He approached the man again, this time licking his lips as the thought of exploding him began to excite them both, but due to Lily's pocket watch slipping out of her pocket, she took a look a the time & knew they should get going before any more were to start off, "Now, now, Zolf, remember, we have other oppressing matters to attend to. Like the Academy? Which we're already late to because of my dumb ass? Don't kill him."

He was so tempted but listened to Lilia for once & sighed happily before tipping his head to the horrified man, "You got lucky, my friend. In that case, I guess this is a good day for you. Isn't it?"

A quiet breeze passed by in the wind as the two continued on their way to school with smiles on their faces, especially Lily who was looking forward to what would happen after the examinations. Funny thing was, everyone knew Lilia & Kimblee were, more dangerous than others. Lilia always seemed 'off' to some. She was way to cheerful to be around someone like Kimblee, but at the same time most thought they made a perfect match just for the fact that Lily liked to cause & receive pain, in any way shape or form.

She was a sadistic masochist that way...

"Zolf? Zolf? Zolf J. Kimblee! Helloooo!"

Raven waved his hand in the man's face letting Kimblee easily grip the General's hand a little annoyed that he was interrupted, "What?" He replied plainly releasing Raven's hand as the General glared at him for a moment.

"You better watch your place Kimblee…You've had something on your mind ever since that 'girl' left your room."

He knew about that?

Kimblee cocked a brow at the elderly man who just smiled mischievously at him, "Remember Kimblee, you still need to get her to come back to our side. And do it quickly, we don't have much time till we need to take over Fort Briggs to finish the circle. Sloth should be right on schedule as well if you play your cards right."

"Of course." The two exited from their car, looking towards the Fort as they approached the soldiers that met them in the front.

"Good afternoon, dear soldiers." The soldiers saluted the General, whether or not they liked them, & led them into Briggs's Fort, where Kimblee was feeling more than ready to meet his ex-partner.

Won't she be surprised… Kimblee was grinning more to himself as he continued to walk along side General Raven in silence. That was until they came upon a familiar face; at least to Kimblee. He knew exactly who it was & slightly hid his face beneath his hat.

"General Raven, it's a pleasure to have you here at Fort Briggs."

"Well, thank you very much. The pleasure's all mine really! I was hoping to find your General. Is she around?"

Miles straightened himself with a firm look, "Actually, I believe she is. I'll have one of my men take you to her office where you can talk in private."

"Oh thank you. By the way, Major?" Miles was about to turn away, but was drawn to Raven & the mysterious strange man in the white suit, "Could you show my special guest around the Fort?"

That was his queue.

"Why, thank you General Raven…I would very much appreciate that." Kimblee removed his hat in respects to the Ishvalan that he had met once before. The expression on Miles face was very satisfying to Kimblee, "Major Miles…"

Meanwhile, Lily had finally finished up her shower, & dried her hair with the recent damp towel from the shower, earlier today.

"Damn, it's always so cold in here! You'd think I'd be use to it by now, but noooo…Not a thing." She continued to mumble to herself, fumbling to get dress for the shift ahead.

It was going to be a long one at that, but she knew she had a bed awaiting her when she got back tonight. To be honest, she was eager about something, she wasn't sure about what but it left her body slightly shaky through her finger tips.

"God, what's wrong with me?" She tightened her fist to shake off the odd nerves, but it could only do so much before she left to find Miles.

"Where, oh where could Major Miles be, where, oh where could you be?" She sang softly down the hall realizing the further she continued her search the more he didn't seem to be any where. At least in the places that she usually found him, "Well, that's strange."

So, she decided to try the General's office, hoping he'd be waiting for her there, but unfortunately in the process of walking in that direction, Lilia's eyes began to widen when she saw who was coming around the corner, "Shit."

She knew she couldn't run, & her heart nearly burst out of her chest as the man smirked at the sight of her, only a smirk that she could see, which on the inside angered her with disgust. She knew that smile from Raven, & it didn't look good for her.

She was alone after all.

"Well, well…I never thought I'd see you here. Of all people…Lily Nelliel Smith…The White Lotus Alchemist. It's been such a long time."

Lilia growled under her breath knowing that that was the one of many names that Kimblee use to coo to her from time to time.

That son of a bitch! I'll kill him!

"And General Raven, what an unexpected visit. Our General's in the middle of taking care of something at the moment, but I'm sure she'll be up here a.s.a.p. Don't you worry." She was purposely being overly sarcastic, hoping he'd catch on to her fake smile her gifted him with to show how little she respected the snot of a higher up he was. And thankfully, he did by giving a grim frown.

"I see your mouth still needs some work, but we'll deal with that later. On another note, I will have my associate summon you once Major Miles has shown him around the fort. There's much work to be done before the promised day, after all."

He began to slowly pass by her with such emphasis in his words.

Who's his assistant? Is it another sacrifice? Or another underground soldier from Central? Whoever it is, he or she should be the least of my worries, right? Especially with these bozo's starting to stink up the joint by a matter of hours. They'll soon be coming for me next...I just know it. Damn it, I'm not liking how these odds are stacking against me...

She quickly began to walk off in the other direction, really wanting to find Miles now after running into one of many of her old superiors.

Damn it, Miles where did you go? Did they assign you somewhere else with the assistant without telling me? No! I'm a Major now, they would have to let me know these things. Then…Where'd he go?

She searched up & down the halls, asking others if they saw the Major, thankfully a few did, & directed you in the direction of where he located, "I saw him with a man dressed in white. I think it's the new assistant that General Raven brought with him. You know, the one that came from Central?"

Her eyes perked at the fact he was walking around with the assistant that Raven said that Lilia would be talking to. Her eyes shifted down the hall where they placed the telephone lines, hearing that apparently the assistant needed to make a phone call or something. She knew she was getting close the moment she turned the corner & saw Miles leaning up against the wall, his face seemed grimaced, & very unhappy.

Now she definitely knew something was wrong, "Miles!" She called to him happily, smiling to hide her worries, "Lilia, what're you doing here?"

"What'd you mean? My shift started again, look at your watch."

Again his face flushed a little before looking down at his watch to the see the time, chuckling once again before patting your head, "Sorry. It's just been so hectic since you left."

She could see the tired look in his eyes & took his hand in hers, massaging the stress away from his palms, "What's happened?" She asked concern before seeing Miles face fall serious, nearly suspicious if she looked hard enough.

He leaned in to her face pass his lips to her ear, "It's Kimblee. He's here, as General Raven's assistant."

Lilia was more than shocked, she didn't know what to say.

Her heart stopped in the middle of her chest. She knew it was probably because of the stone.

General Raven must've brought one of those special doctors from Central. The ones with the philosopher stone.

She wasn't too surprised about that, but she wasn't expecting General Raven to show up either, so in a way she should've expected it when Kimblee came to Briggs to find Scar in the first place.

Duh.

"Where is he?" She asked just above whisper before hearing a sly voice turn around the corner, "Sorry for the wait, Major, just a minor-," The voice trailed off as he saw the two pulling away from one another to look at him.

There he was, the Crimson Alchemist, in his all white three piece suit with a hat to match everything he wore. The smirk on Kimblee's face grew as he met eyes with none other than Lily herself, "Well, well, fancy meeting you here. Ms. Smith. I've been meaning to discuss some business with you." She gulped back the lump sitting in her throat while her body began to tense up tremendously & break out in a cold sweat.

Zolf… Her thoughts in her head threatened as she stared at him with perked up eyes, "About what, Kimblee?"

Miles seemed cautious & protective about what the Alchemist wanted, & he had every right to, but Kimblee just shifted his eyes to the second Major in command, "That's none of your concern. I was asked by the Furher himself to speak with the young lady alone. Don't worry…I'm not going to hurt her. I'd never do that."

His eyes shifted back to her with a more solemn stare, making Lilia turn her eyes to Miles who continued to stare at the alchemist that walked towards the wall nearest to her, leaning against it as he began to stare back at the careful Ishvalan.

"I have a question for you." Miles started.

Kimblee's lips pulled into a tiny smirk, interested in what the man had to say, "Ask away, Major."

The girl's heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest again from the tension in the air.

Nothing needed to happen she could just smell the murderous intent in the air.

The devilish intent. It was spine tingling, & almost intoxicating to the point it was suffocating.

"How is it that you've already recovered within just a couple of hours after Major Smith got your report."

Yes, it was only a matter of time.

She assumed he was pondering that the whole time ever since Kimblee got to Briggs.

"That's none of your business."

Was all Kimblee replied lowering his head with a smile, his arms laid comfortably criss-crossed across his chest, "And you of all people, after you killed your superior officers, they sent you for the job to search for Scar? Who would direct something like that?"

"Do I have to say it again? It's none of your business." Kimblee's voice stayed calm & collect before staring down Miles with that same smirk. It became a staring contest after a while before Lily had to break the awkward silence between the three of them.

"Well, if you have some business with me, then let's talk. I'll arrange a room."

"But Lilia-,"

"Miles, I know what you're thinking, but we are still soldiers doing our damn jobs. Don't mix up the two." She mumbled the last part closer to him so Kimblee could barely get it above a whisper. It made him smile a little more to see Lily doing her job so professionally.

"Lt." A man passing by turned his head to the three of them, "I need a room arranged for a meeting between Mr. Kimblee & I. Can you help me with that?"

"Sure, there's a room vacant just two doors down. It's open if you want to use it."

"Thanks." The man saluted the two Majors, before continuing on with his work.

"Let's go." She nudged her head at Kimblee, "Go take your break Miles. A nice shower will do you some good."

Miles seemed taken back by her tone, & surprised by her hidden expression. He could barely get a glimpse when Lilia & Kimblee entered the room, but he could faintly see that she was uncomfortable about something. Kimblee on the other hand kept his gaze straight at the girl, before closing the door behind him. Miles had a bad feeling about Kimblee being here. And Lilia's expression just confirmed something was up.

"Mm…" He growled under his breath before sighing tiredly & walked towards his room, where he agreed he need at least a minute to cool his head. Because deep down he was already wondering what they would be talking about. What did the Furher want with her?

"I guess we'll have to have eyes in the back of our heads from now on." He muttered to himself before finally departing to his room.

Back in the room, Lilia & Kimblee were having another wonderful staring contest of their own for a couple minutes as she tapped her finger on the round table that separated the two. She was leaning against her chair too showing Kimblee she was irritated.

"What? Were you really surprised to see that I've recovered so quickly?"

"Enough with the foreplay Zolf Kimblee, what'd you want to talk to me about? You're lucky Major Miles listens to me, other wise he'd probably would've kept up with the interrogation." Kimblee just chuckled leaning forward to lace his fingers together.

"And then, I would've had the pleasure of dismantling him. By the way, I never known you to be so grown up, Fancy-Face. All these years at Briggs really did help you mature."

Lilia's cheeks couldn't help but heat up at the statement.

"Shut up, Miles isn't just some push over you know, he's been trained just like everyone else here, just like me. He was here long before me, so don't even go there. You underestimate people way too much for your own good, & you seem to don't give other much credit, either."

Kimblee only cocked a brow curiously, a little insulted that she would even say such a daring, "Now, you know that's not true. I would never underestimate him or in any case, you. I'm sure he's a very worthy advisory, & you…? Oh, I think that would be a complete lie if you think I would ever underestimate you. I was simply giving you a compliment, is all. Honestly, you have grown up, so much since the last time I saw you. Excluding your visit to see me at the hospital."

She was silent, seeing the sincerity in his eyes & smile. It was strange, maybe even eerie. It wasn't just any smile he was giving, this was an actual smile, not one of his oh so, famous signature smirks he loved to give off so much. And it was soft, nothing that suited him in the least in Lily's taste, but then again, she began to recap on his action. He may have been a jerk, but he wasn't a liar.

In the whole time they had known each other, he had never once lied to her.

There was no reason for him to lie.

He never had anything to hide.

He never needed to, "Oh, well, still."

Again he could only chuckled at her embarrassed face, reaching out a hand to hers that was still placed on the table from tapping earlier.

She gasped softly feeling the cold touch of his fingers covering the top part of her hand, before his entire hand covered it.

"It really is good to see you again."

She hesitated for a moment hearing this before pulling her hand away. "Why? What I said to you at the hospital, I meant it. And you're still going to try to-,"

"The Furher asked me personally to call for you." He interrupted looking at her sitting back in his chair.

"For what? I didn't even know they knew where I was. Unless they got eyes somewhere spying around on me, but I'm pretty good at noticing stuff like that."

"Uh-huh. Then how did they catch you?"

She didn't have answer & sighed softly lowering her shoulders as she shrugged in defeat.

"I don't know." Was all she could reply.

Kimblee knew he needed to do something, but the only thing there was to do was ask the real question, "Well, then, what about becoming the White Lotus again? And teaming up with me?"

"Huh?"

She looked up at the Crimson alchemist with widened eyes seeing that he was nothing but serious, "N-n-no, I can't. Sorry."

"Oh? Well, it's not like I'm asking if that's what you're wondering. It was a message from the Furher, himself. He told me to tell you, that you don't really have a choice in the matter. We were partners in the Ishval war, & it was a lot easier to take down a country with two of us on the battlefield. Even if they could just use me, I regretfully don't feel like doing it all by myself. It's just no fun when you're by yourself."

Kimblee's eyes opened from his thoughtful thinking, the smile still plastered on his face.

"No. I left because they were going to kill me in the first place-,"

"And if you don't do what they ask they'll kill you along with everyone else. Don't make a stupid decision to cling to this Fort like a kid to a blanket. You were always so clingy when it came to stuff like this."

That statement left her blood boiling.

"Who the hell are you to tell me that? Have you forgotten, I technically out rank you here, Crimson? Besides, I wasn't the one that abandoned my partner at the last minute, remember? If you want to talk about anyone being a coward, it should be you!"

A small ping dent the inside of Kimblee's chest, causing him to glared at Lily.

"You better watch what you say Lilia. I'm trying to help you out here. They're going to use Fort Briggs as part of the circle don't you get that?"

"I know, but I won't be use as anyone's pawn, no matter how good I am at my job. That & I don't want to be anywhere near you." She crossed her arms when she stated the last comment, only making Kimblee smirk.

"I doubt that."

"Oh? And why's that?"

He removed himself from his chair after a few seconds of staring at Lilia's intense stare, & made his way over to her...

"What're you doing?" Her voice shook as he slyly approached her with a wild grin, grabbing her by her shoulders.

"Kimblee what are- ah!" She gasped out loud at the feel of him throwing her to the table, hovering over her.

"Get off of me you bastard!"

"Not this time..." He forced her fingers to lace with his while he forced her legs open to get even closer to her heated form. Oh how he loved wrestling like this, but at the same time, he was starting to see she was not playing like the old days, she was seriously mad at him, & it secretly, somewhat hurt him. He tried to call to her softly,

"Look at me, Lily..."

"Get off me!"

"Look at me!" He exclaimed so abruptly it caused her to pause & look up at him with surprised, douhy eyes.

His face was serious, & somewhat troubled, maybe from being seperated too long, but Kimblee really didn't want to think about it.

"If you're not at least going to go, will you at least give it some thought, before you make your final decision? Give me a chance to warm you up to the idea..."

His grip loosened on her, coming more, sensual & soft, "Please?"

He raised his eyes brows up & down making her lips tremble with a smile, but she looked away before she could smile, "Did I just see a smile?"

"No."

"I think I did...I might just have to see it again, come on it, let me see it again..." He poked at her side once than twice, getting her to fall into a fit of giggles when he began to tickle her sides.

She couldn't hide it anymore & busted out in a fit of laughter while he tickled her even rougher, making it nearly hard for Lily breath, "Ha, ha, ha, ha! N-no! No! Kimblee! Ah! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! S-stop! stop! Uncle! I call uncle!"

When he finally pulled back from his great win, Lilia's giggles finally began to calm themselves as she looked up looking at him with a exhale of a sigh; little did she notice the smile already appearing on her lips, which was making Kimblee smile even more at her, "See? I told you I'd make you smile."

He trailed off for a minute listening to Lilia recover from her laughter, but as she panted softly finally getting a hold of herself, she softly gasped at the feel of his finger tips brushing against her jaw line...

"I miss that too…"

He gazed at her, hypnotized by her new features that he seemed to notice even more now that he was so close to her beauty. She was definitely a sight to behold, the way her hair spilled over her shoulders, & her big green eyes staring up at him with a contemplating expression, glistened with their bright color of fresh cut grass. And the aroma of her floral scent roamed the air around his mouth & nose only makinge him want to indulge more on the idea of devouring her flesh with his lips; instead, he continued to searched for something with in those big green orbs of hers. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but as he continued this notion, finally just decided to pull himself off of Lily, recovering himself from the sudden tension between the two & helped her slowly off the table.

"Sorry…That was rude of me."

"Yeah, that was a little out of character, even for you." She replied with a soft mumble looking away as she positioned herself in her chair again.

"Miles wouldn't have liked that." He looked at her with a cocked brow before smiling in the shadows, "What about you?"

Her heart jumped, "What? Did I like it? What kind-,"

"No…What do you want? When it comes to all of this, what Central's doing, what we're doing…What we use…To do." She looked at him with a cocked brow now, "I don't want anything…From this."

"Then why are you here? What was your reason for coming here?"

She couldn't answer, making Kimblee smirk again, before standing up & extended out his hand to Lilia, who seemed hesitant again.

"Come on, maybe now, you can now show me around the Fort this time. We need to catch up on a few things. How about it? I'll buy ya a coffee?" He urged keep that same comforting smile on his face.

She knew Kimblee was being genuine about the question. She had to admit though, she was still pissed at him altogether, but at the same time, she did want to see how he had been doing since prison.

She wonder if they treated him right, & what not.

"As long as you don't try attacking me again. I…I-,I might just feel for a coffee." She smirked slightly before taking his hand so he could lift her up on her feet.

He seemed to be happy with her response with the way he was smirking, "Hm, Okay then. Ladies first."

"Then what're you waiting for?"

She retorted smiling wider at the shocked look on Kimblee's face before he busted up laughing, "Oh-ho! And a great sense of humor as always! Bravo, Ms. Smith, bravo."

She couldn't help but laugh along with him as they left the room, walking the halls with a slight conversation taking the air. In the mean time they enjoyed a nice cup of coffee from the coffee pot near the doors of outside.

"So, then I rallied up the troops & headed into Drachma, only to find maybe about 5 or more soldiers trying to ambush between the rocks of the mountain. Actually, it was right over there." Lilia pointed towards the edge of the mountain top.

"Amazing, just think without you they probably would've gotten a little farther, but luckily this fort isn't like the others I guess. Briggs solders are always on high alert. They're just that good." Kimblee stated smirking up at the cloud filled sky before looking down at Lilia with a small smirk, sipping his coffee to hide his nose in the cup, "Well, I'm glad you don't underestimate the soldiers."

"Never. This fort was build for never ending battle. Which will make it just a little difficult for Drachma."

"Indeed." Lilia sipped from her coffee then, enjoying the cream & sugar mixed in with the caffeinated goodness of brewed up coffee beans.

"It's so beautiful out here." She sighed.

"When the sun shines just right, this whole mountain sparkles like tiny diamonds are just mixed in with never ending snow. It's so amazing."

Just then the sun from behind the clouds, slowly beamed down off the mountain top, just like she said.

It was so perfect & majestic, that it slightly blinded the two for a moment, from the sun reflecting off the glittering winter snow,

"Oh! I know where we can get a better view!"

Sudenly, Lily came to an idea, & put her coffee cup between her teeth & lips, then placed her feet on top of the bench that was near the edge of the rail, beginning to reached now for the ice sickled roof top.

"Uh…What're you, H-Hey! Hey! Get down from there!"

Kimblee watched in disbelief as she used all her strength to pull herself up onto the roof, "No! Follow me!"

"What the-," He scoffed not sure if he really wanted to do something that childish, but then again, Lily was always the one to do absurd things such as this, & knowing her as well as Kimblee did, he could only smile at the fact that she was the one childish or more 'child-like' enough to do something such as this.

She enjoyed challenging herself in weird ways.

At the end of the pondering, he could only give a frustrated sigh looking up at the ceiling, defeated, before putting his coffee cup in his mouth too & made his way up to the roof, taking the same route as Lilia did. Of course, when he reached the top she was already sitting down with her knees to her chest, smiling at him with a grin on her face.

"Oh good, I thought were getting too old for this sort of thing."

He couldn't believe what she just said, "Old?"

Lilia giggled at his cocked brow, & sighed after she had calmed her fit of giggles, signaling him to come sit next to her.

"It's just been a long time, you know? I thought maybe all those years in the cell would've taken all the fun out of you."

As he sat down comfortably on the roof covered in snow, Kimblee could only chuckle sipping his coffee before leaning forward, "Oh please, if that's what you're thinking, I think you really must've lost all hope for me. Besides, I don't want to be down there by myself if your boyfriend comes strolling in & wonders where you are."

His eyes were somewhat staring off glaring at the huge mountain before taking the cup to his lips ag, leaving Lilia chuckling nervously, "Yeah…Well, it's not that big of a deal. I do stuff like this to him all the time. I'll go missing & he finds me here."

"Hm." Was all he could say, leaving her feeling more uncomfortable, so she attempted to change the subject.

"Wow, what a sight huh? I told you it was worth coming up here."

Kimblee's eyes flickered back to her a little, seeing her eyes catch the sight of the mountain. He decided to take a glimpse at mother nature. He mentally admitted it was a sight to behold, but as much as she was a sight to behold for him. It seemed the dream he had the day he was release brought him back to her though; her dark hair spilled over her shoulders & the small wind that blew tickled the side of her jaw line before she moved strands to the back of her ear.

She had grown over the years.

Her hair was so much longer, & her eyes were slightly calmer, but still deep within the depths of those green iris's was a raging storm whirling inside her, stirring, searching.

…And waiting.

"Yeah, you did. So, is this your daily life, now? It seems dull. There's not much excitement either. Just white scenery all around."

"Yeah, well you're matching the snow, you know that? You need to get out more."

"Oh-ho, aren't we on the defense today?" He chuckled, nudging her shoulder with his elbow, "Always."

She chirped grinning at him before putting her empty cup in the snow, making a little holder for it so the cup wouldn't fly away from the breeze the two were enduring with the sudden comfort of silence. Lilia could only feel so comfortable because she felt like she'd gotten something back. Like luck was on her side to bring him back to her like fate did. Honestly, there was a part of her that wanted to keep hating him, but something tossed & turned to make her feel nervous & uneasy. Scared even, like she was nervous & shy, just like when they first met.

~In The Beginning ~

"Man, you sure are shy aren't you?" The boy's voice was harsh looking down at the girl that was covered in bruises & little scratches, "Well, can you at least tell me your name?" The little girl wiped away a tear, gasping at the feel of the disinfectant sting against her skin as he cleaned her up. "L-Lilia…" To him, her voice was as soft as wind blow in gentle rain, but as the silence between them approached, she could only smile as he continued to clean her wound on her cheek. "Zolf…Zolf Kimblee…"

"You're so quiet now." Lilia's eyes blinked & widened when she came to, getting her head out of the memories that swam within her mind.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking."

"About what?" He could already see her leaning back with a troubled, & blushing face, showing a sign that she obviously had something on her mind.

"Oh, nothing, just, you know spacing out."

"But you just-,"

"Did I say I was thinking? My bad, I meant I was spacing out."He knew something had her attention, but shrugged his shoulders in defeat before turning back to the mountains.

"Whatever. Anyways, I know I haven't really told my side of the story of what happened after I was incarcerated, but I figured that you don't want to hear about me just sitting on my ass, bored as hell."

"Aw…Is that right? Well, you're sitting on your butt right now, are you bored?" He chuckled looking back at her again.

"Do you even have to ask?"

"So…Yes?" He looked away.

"I take it sight seeing isn't your thing, huh?"

"It's not that. I just didn't come here to look at mountains."

As he said this, he moved a little closer, "Or just for my job…" He couldn't have just come here for her, she thought.

But the way he shifted his eyes to her, it told a different story to her denial.

"The higher ups told me…You'd be here." Lilia was a little surprised hearing that, or was it uneasy because of the fact he was getting closer again?

Just then, as she stared up into his eyes, the mischievous fox that she saw in those eyes disappeared while replaced with a more longing stare. His tongue lubricated his lips, from the dry air, leaving Lilia to blush & close her eyes as she turned away with a bashful expression.

"No, that can't be the only reason why you came up here." Of course, she was in denial.

"Oh? And why is that?" He leaned in with that signature smirk/grin on his face, touching the side of her ear with his lips ever so gently, "Do you think that because of Miles? Or because you think you have it so good here?"

Her heart nearly stopped from the terrifying thought that maybe that was it.

"You want to hide those emotions that you kept held in for so long. I know they didn't just disappear. Because I know, mine haven't."

Again her heart beat bounced around like clock work within her chest, her cheeks getting even darker by the second.

"Don't..."

Her eyes diverted themselves from his, but Kimblee had just about enough. He could see it in her face, & the way she acted right now, & at the hospital, she never forgot him, she still loved him, she just didn't want to get hurt again, & persisted to let him go, even when in reality she wouldn't; even when she wanted to. The thing is, he didn't-, no, he couldn't stop thinking about her while he was away, that was for sure. Just instinctively knowing this himself, Kimblee had slithered his hands to the sides of Lilia's face, blocking her blind spots, & causing Lilia to shakily breath back a soft gasp when she tried to pull away from him. Not too hard considering Kimblee wanted her to stay, so he made sure not to let her go, bringing her deeper into his embrace as her nose met his, Her green eyes meeting his blue ones.

For so long he was caged up, thinking of her, wanting her, lusting for her. Just wanting to touch her face like this one last time. Now, here he was, rubbing the tip of his nose against her button one leaving the girl frozen in his chest, her back slowly laying against it with the rise & fall of his steady breathing. The rhythm played softly & calmly, nothing like her own. She wanted to pull away again, knowing that this was wrong, thinking of Miles to try to get her to pull back, but at the same time, that overwhelming scent of him filled her nose to the fullest, intoxicating her, nearly hypnotizing her into staying. It was unforgettable, & indescribable, she couldn't even think of what kind of scent it was because it was his own personal scent that left her heart always pounding, & her throat always dry. He just smelled so good. Before she knew it, she was fully relaxed into him, still shaking with uncertainties & the feel of him holding her after so many years. 7 years…It had been so long, just the smell of him drove her crazy, & vice versa.

"I've missed this…" Before he knew it, he found himself moving in for a taste of her lips.

She realized this, & bit down on her bottom lip when he continued to he cup her jaw line with the bare touch of his thumb brushing against her redden cheek bones, "Zolf…I-"

"Shh…"

She could feel his breath already swimming over her lips, before slightly feeling his lips brushing softly against hers. She didn't know why, but she parted her mouth to his. She couldn't take it anymore, the feel of his lips running over hers, without lip locking drove her mad. It made her whole body tingle all over, goose bumps began to rise above her skin. It was only when he touched her did she get like this.

Defenseless...

"Please…"

She begged weakly between the little gap they had between their lips, not sure on what to say, making Kimblee smile a little as he was about to give in to those lovely hungry lips she wore, but just as luck would have it, a loud yell was heard from below them, causing Lilia to gasp loudly & pull away abruptly, "Major! Major Smith! Ma'am? Where are you? Are you out here?"

One of her Lt.'s began to call out to her from below, & in a panic Lilia pulled away completely now wide eyed as she realized what she was about to do, causing Kimblee to stare at her disappointed as she stood up staring down at him, breathless & shocked written all over her face. She couldn't help but gaze at the Crimson Alchemist to see a slight interest in his eyes; lust & among other things as his disappointed look fell into that smirk he loved to wear oh so much.

I was…I was about to…No! Jesus, Lilia Smith, what are you thinking? Idiot! You're with Miles! Miles, remember?

Lilia was right, she was already with someone, so why did she almost give in to him like that so damn easily? She feared the worse, & composed herself as she turned on her heel to leave, but just as she had her back turned, she felt the Red Lotus grab her hand, pulling her down so she was leaned down to face him. That signature smirk never left as she could plainly see.

"Where're you going in such a rush? You don't have to go." His voice taunted playfully.

"Uh, yeah, I do. Miles, he might be already down there too & trying to find me, plus, what about my superior? Our superiors?"

He looked up at the sky for a moment with a sigh knowing that it was hopeless to try to talk her into staying, & only looked back at her with a playful smirk, "Just say you were busy with something."

"Kimblee…" She groaned pulling her hand out of his grasp, hearing a small chuckle leave him as Kimblee picked himself up from the ground, & followed Lilia off the roof.

They both got down from the ceiling staring at the Lt. that looked at them both with a funny look on his face, "M-Major? What were you doing on the roof?"

"I got carried away again, sorry. I wanted to show the Alchemist, Briggs's 'Mountain of Doom'. What's going on?"

"It's Major Miles. He's been asking for you all over."

The Lt.'s face suddenly fell serious as he nudged his head to the side, revealing Major Miles behind him, staring at the both of you with a weird expression on his face, but for Lilia she could tell what look it was even with his glasses on.

"Miles…" She breathed only getting Miles to step towards her.

"What's up?" She asked trying to stay composed from the nerve wrecking experience earlier, only Kimblee at this point could tell she was getting nervous, "General Olivia & General Raven have an announcement to make the Brigg soldiers."

He gazed long & hard before sighing & letting his lips spill the news of declaration, "From this point on, Raven has commanded us to seal up the tunnel made by that homunculus, & in addition, we're putting it back under ground to finish it up. Apparently, there's a lot going on in Central, & the demands call for everyone's cooperation."

She knew this would happen.

She expected as much after General Raven came to the Fort.

"Where are they now?"

"Follow me…" With that you three walked along together, awaiting the surprise that awaited down below for them all. And from the look on Kimblee's face behind his hat he placed back on his head, he was smirking probably awaiting for something to happen.

That's just so like you, Zolf…To smile at the first sign of danger.

She couldn't help it, a small smile fell upon her face too, little did she that Miles was staring back at them, some what disapproving. On the other hand, Kimblee was looking straight at him.

The tension all around Briggs was steadily building...

Next- Chapter 4: Her Unfolding

The secret she had kept for so long has finally come to face her

Her mindless bloodshed & intimate rage were running on a thin line between insanity & sanity, back in Ishval, & now here at Briggs...

Now that Miles knows she's hiding something dangerous about her past, what will happen when he & Kimblee finally get to have it out with one another?

Alone...

Alrighty guys! This took me forever & I'm so so sorry about that, but! It's finally done! Now, for the Greed, chapter one...Yes, that's right, give me a couple more days & I'll have it up & running, and again for everyone that knows what to do, please rate, & thank you for reading! It surely was fun doing! Yay! Oh & for the Starrk chapter one, it should be out around the same time as the Greed one, but that too will take some time, but I'm sure you'll like it, I made quite...Interesting. Until we meet again! Adios!