I do not own FMAB.


Just You and Me

Chapter Two: The PAST Before


"Love?" The young girl blinked, looking up around her spoon of ice cream, apple red eyes wide and curious. "What's that?"

The woman paused, a spoonful of ice cream about to touch her lips. Images of coal eyes and ebony hair flashed through her mind and her cheeks grew warm, letting out a nervous chuckle. "W-Well, it's...ah, how should I put this?"

The ice cream on her spoon slipped off the side, plopping back into her bowl. A wistful, almost warm look flickered through eyes of blue and her lips turned upwards, ever so slightly. "It's a feeling."

"Like being mad?" The young girl swung her feet, gazing up with curious eyes. She was old enough now to know that when she got mad, she couldn't just start fights like she did in school.

"It's a much crazier feeling than being mad." Amelia laughed, rubbing her head sheepishly. Who was she to talk about this really? It wasn't as if... The stupid smirk and burning eyes flashed and she frowned. Well, she wouldn't call it love...

At least not yet.

"It makes you feel a bunch of emotions at once." She settled on finally, scooping up another mouthful and speaking around it. "Happy, sad, angry, excited—all kinds of things."

"That sounds like a lot of work." The girl, almost a teen, commented. "Too much trouble."

"Tell me about it." The woman let out a regretful sigh. She wondered sometimes if her life would be any easier if she didn't have to deal with that obnoxiously handsome man everyday. "It is a lot of work."

Blue eyes softened and she played with her fingers, watching a fiery rose sprouting from her palms and into the air, growing. "But it's painful, wonderful, thrilling—it's something you can never forget."

Gazing up at the sky, the woman's eyes took on a glimmer the girl had never seen before, and she paused, mouth half open in slight awe. It seemed in that moment, she was witnessing something people didn't see, it was a moment that made her feel like an outsider, an intruder.

"But once you have it, you can't let it go."


I wanted to die.

No, wait, scratch that, it's not funny to joke about things like dying, believe me. I mean, I died already, don't want to go through that again.

It was more like wanting to have someone shove you in a sack, stuff you in a box, and ship you as far away from whatever it was you were running from. Preferably a country with really good food.

I think I was going to hurl.

Those eyes—dark, deep, they were like the night. It seemed everyone around me had eyes like something, while mine were just good ol' red. His face was one of shock and disbelief, coloring in with an emotion I couldn't put my finger on, and I wondered if I was looking at a mirror with my own expression.

Ling.

It was Ling.

The one who'd found me, stuck through thick and thin with me, annoyed me, helped me, saved me, the one person I owed so much to and more.

The person who said he loved me.

Ah.

Slowly, I felt warmth beginning to creep into my cheeks as they turned flush, my mouth falling open as Ling gazed at me, unmoving, unchanging, simply staring. His eyes seemed to burn holes straight through my soul and made me feel suffocated, unable to move. I felt my knees begin to shake and my fingers trembled, unsure of what to do.

What was I supposed to do? Alphonse beside me shifted, looking uncertain and nervous, while May looked confused, blinking between us. The group of people, old men dressed in robes, standing behind Ling were confused as well, glancing about as the mutterings between them came to a halt.

What do I say? What do I do? I felt every cell in my body screaming to run, to run and never look back, but god damn it, I was not a coward. It had to happen eventually, and if now was the time, it would be now!

...I didn't want it to be now.

Ling hadn't moved a muscle, simply gazing back as I gazed at him, eyes wide and mouth open, unable to say anything more than his name.

Its Ling. Somewhere amidst the chaos of emotions, there was a flutter of happiness, small, slight, and ever so welcome. How long has it been?

I...

That's right. My flushed face slowly drained of color, becoming pale as I warily found my foot moving back to brace myself. This is Ling. Images of being pinned down, tackled, and practically assaulted flashed through my mind and I stiffened, prepared for the worst. What would he do after nearly two years?

Ling swallowed, shifting to face me completely, and I froze, waiting his response.

And then slowly, instead of a full on tackle and cry for joy as I'd feared, the corners of his lips pulled upwards into a smile, warm and bright. His eyes softened and he gazed at me, eyes bright. "Hello, Ghosty."

...

...

...

Huh?

I blinked, staring back at the smile, tempting to turn into a grin, and stared, unable to register what had just come out of his mouth. After a two-year long absence, practically no word from me, the guy I had known for lunging and tackling simply stood there, a warm, maybe a bit heart warming smile on his face. And a normal greeting had left his lips.

...What?

My shoulders slackened and I blinked once, twice, thrice, trying to comprehend the unexpected greeting. Ling gazed at me calmly, awaiting my reply, and the group at his side was glancing about in confusion, looking annoyed as to why I hadn't replied.

Emperor Yao. A small voice whispered in the back of my head and I blinked once more, eyes widening slightly as my mind reeled. He's not just Ling anymore.

The greeting had caught me off guard, and I gazed at Ling for a moment, swallowing the lump in my throat. Out of habit, my hand went up and I rubbed the back of my head, glancing away before meeting his eyes once more. "Hey Ling..."

There. A breath I didn't know I'd been holding left me, and my whole body deflated like a balloon. Introductions are out of the way. Did you die?

"It's been awhile." Ling murmured, and I flinched, gazing at the ground before a small smile turned up on my lips, sheepish.

"Yeah." Strangely far more normal than I expected, I had no idea what to say—what to do. Ling was here, finally before me, and all I could manage was simple small talk. "How've you been?"

We're having a normal conversation? I found my mouth remaining in its half hearted smile, my eyes slightly wide. No ones tackled to the floor or obsessive hugging?

Was this really Ling?

"My lord," A man within the group bowed, and Ling tilted his head in the man's direction, face never leaving mine. "If we may inquire, who is this woman?"

"Ah, that's right." Ling blinked, gazing up at the arching ceilings for a moment in thought before he glanced back, looking thoughtful. "She's a very good companion of mine you see. She aided me in my time in Amestris, she's very precious."

A small smile touched his lips, almost secretive, and I paused, brows furrowing slightly as he glanced back to the men. "Send word throughout the palace if you will, this woman here goes by the name of Alice Lithers. She is to be treated as an honored gust during her stay here, understood?"

The group of men, still slightly confused, bowed, not daring to go against their emperor's orders. Ling nodded and the group of men turned, striding down the hall with a swish of their robes. I found myself staring after them, bewildered, my mind racing to try and comprehend what was happening.

Ling seems so... My mouth closed and I felt my brows furrowed in thought. ...different.

Mature.

Turning around, a bright grin touched his lips. "It's been too long, Ghosty."

Ghosty. If I thought about it, which I did ever now and then, Ling was the one who'd given me that name—given the girl who didn't even know who she was a person, something to cling too. But I guess for some odd reason, I couldn't wrap my head around the personality change.

No, that's not right. I frowned, rubbing my head. Ling's always had that serious side... But why is this so... different?

Are you disappointed?

I blinked, eyes growing wide and I inwardly shook my head, ridding myself of these thoughts. I glanced upwards and Ling gazed back, smiling, waiting, and some part of my chest started to ache.

I couldn't even answer him yet, and here he was, actually being civil and giving me my space. What had the world come too?

Feeling eyes on me I flinched, glancing to the side and swallowing nervously. "I-It has been, hasn't it? I mean...look! You're actually the emperor now?"

"It would seem so." Ling sighed, lifting his arms up carelessly, large robes, finely designed and decorated lavishing his body. "It was my goal after all. And thanks to everyone's help, I was able to obtain it."

Goals... I felt my fingers flex, and Ling grinned, tilting his head to the side slightly. "I must say, you look quite beautiful. Gotten used to your body all ready?"

I flinched at the comment, a small smile touching my lips as I laughed nervously. "Thanks to the Elrics and Winry, I was on my feet in no time. There's still some kinks though."

I gazed down at my hands, curling and uncurling my fingers. "I forget from time to time that people can actually see me now... Guess I have to give a little bit of a shit about how I look."

"I think you look ravishing."

My gaze snapped upwards, but Ling's smile remained bright and alluring, as it'd always been. I gazed at the prince—no, emperor, and blinked, unable to find any note of seriousness on his face to match the voice. "...thanks?"

Ling's brows furrowed, and a small pout touched his lips. "You don't have to be so stiff you know. After all we've been through; I thought we were past all this."

My shoulders slackened, an unknown weight lifted off as I rolled my eyes. "I can never be too careful around you."

"Ghosty~ I've changed over the years you know! You can completely trust me."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Shall I prove it to you?"

"I'll pass."

"Come now, don't be shy~" The familiar grin hit Ling's lips and I found my lips turning upwards in response, falling into the familiar pattern I had known so long ago.

"Come on, kitten, don't tell me you're shy?"

I froze, the smile falling from my lips as I gazed at Ling, amethyst eyes flickering through my mind and a familiar smirk playing on the same face I gazed at. I shoved aside the thoughts, reminding myself that this was Ling, and he didn't deserve to be compared to anyone else.

Things can't be the same.

The corner of Ling's grin tugged downwards, but unbeknownst to me, the emperor continued to grin. "Now, we have a lot to catch up on don't we? I'm sure you can make up never sending me any letters by giving me a thorough detail of your journeys—"

I stiffened, laughing nervously. "Well, about that... I mean, it was hard to get a hold of pen or paper..."

"Fortunate you managed to find some to write to Alphonse." Ling added, grinning brightly, and I paled, laugh dying out.

"L-Ling," Alphonse interrupted, a light laugh on his lips. "I'm sure there's a better time for all of this—"

"When you're emperor you can make time." Ling quipped, grinning childishly, and I found myself relaxing more into the familiar atmosphere, this was something I could deal with. And inwardly, I was somewhat glad that there wasn't any crazy reaction.

I'd been expecting a tackle, mindless lecturing, possible harassment, but Ling had greeted me as if I were an old friend. Which, I guess, we were, but I couldn't help but be relieved when I saw he wasn't mad or hurt.

Is this too good to be true? I gazed at the man in front of me, wondering if there was something I was missing to this whole reunion thing. Perhaps I was being selfish, but for some reason, I couldn't help but think the Ling I had expected to meet would have been easier to deal with than...this. This mature, cunning, sensible Ling was something I wasn't used to—someone in control.

Well, he has to be. He's the leader of an entire nation after all... There was a low pang somewhere in my chest, but I couldn't figure out from what.

He's so far away...

"My lord," A flash of black appearing by Ling's side nearly caused me to jump, but I locked hard on the two figures, mind spinning as my eyes grew wide. "Shall I send word—"

"Fanny?" I felt the nickname slip off my lips before I could think, and the shorter of the two stiffened. The other black clad figure beside who I was completely sure was Lan Fan seemed to shake, shoulders moving at the name.

The mask was a bit different from before, but the black body guard silently turned to face me, and I'd like to have imagined those dark eyes beneath the mask widening in surprise. "Demon?"

Ling's smile turned bright and he inclined his head toward the shorter of the two. "Come now, Lan Fan, I'm sure this is an exception."

Lan Fan stiffened, looking ready to protest, but the taller figure beside her swept his arm upwards, and before she could do anything, her mask fell to the floor with a clutter. Lan Fan's familiar face gazed back at me in a mixture of shock and indignation, and I felt my heart swell.

"It is you!" A wide smile touched my lips. "Fanny how have you been—"

"Cease the ridiculous nickname, demon." Lan Fan snapped, her cheeks dusting the faintest bit of pink as she reached down for her mask, brushing off dirt she shook her head. "I see you're well."

"Same too you." My eyes softened, barely glancing to the arm I knew was now automail and grinning. "I was afraid you'd been killed in action or something!"

"I would not fall that easy." Lan Fan muttered, but there was the faintest flicker in her eyes that made me hope she was a bit happy to see me too.

"Fanny?" The male next to her snickered, and Lan Fan paused, her mouth open as her eyes narrowed.

Before he could utter a sound, Lan Fan's foot swung out and delivered a swift kick to the unknown male's gut. There was a cry of pain as he hit the floor, clutching his stomach. "L-Lan Fan what was that for?"

"How have you been?" Lan Fan inquired, ignoring the man on the ground beside her as she gazed at me, and I blinked, changing my gaze from the fallen man to her. "It has been awhile."

"I've been fine—"

"You're just going to ignore me?" The man whined, staggering upwards and letting out a heartbroken sigh. "My blossom you are to cold to me—"

Lan Fan's foot swung out once more in a roundhouse kick, sending the male toppling forward. I took a step back to avoid getting hit and Ling shook his head, looking amused. "That's right, you haven't met him yet."

The man on the floor propped himself up on his arms, glancing upwards through a fox patterned mask and lifting it up. A smooth, young face was revealed beneath, eyes of a coal color and matted, fluffy locks of charcoal framing his face. A thin scar ran through his left eye and the young man grinned, bowing from his position on the floor. "I am Shun Xú, the man of your dreams—"

Lan Fan's foot collided with his side and he grimaced, grin straining. "Lan Fan's fiancé—"

A kick to the head now, and Shun was trembling, holding his head in his hands as he clutching his side as well. "S-Second in command of the emperor's imperial guard."

Somehow finding strength I didn't know he had, Shun was up on his feet and grinning brightly, holding out a black gloved hand to me. "It is an honor to meet you, my lady."

"Don't waste your time on this one, demon." Lan Fan murmured, crossing her arms over her chest as a disapproving look came onto her face. "He has no place being second in command."

"I snagged this spot because you love me of course—"

"Lan Fan," I blinked, trying to register this entire thing as I gazed at the familiar girl before me. "You're engaged?"

"No—"

"I'd like to be—"

Lan Fan feinted going for a kick and Shun flinched, his hands shooting up to protect his head. The bodyguard scoffed, putting her foot down and shaking her head as she slipped her mask back on. "He is an... old acquaintance of mine. As my subordinate, any misbehavior he conducts towards you is on my shoulders."

"You get used to him." Alphonse chuckled, trying to keep May's cat at bay as he held it in his arms. "Shun is very good at what he does—"

"Thank you Elric—"

"When he isn't slacking off." Lan Fan finished, and Shun pouted, looking at the woman beside him sadly.

The young male then shrugged, and I found myself in slight awe of his quickly changing personality. "I do my best to please my lady."

"As I was saying earlier," Lan Fan turned to Ling, ignoring a pouting Shun and bowing slightly. "The room you asked to have prepared is ready. Shall I inform your council to postpone the meeting till tomorrow?"

I blinked at the mention of a room and Ling turned to Lan Fan, giving her a small nod. "That will be well, thank you Lan Fan."

The other woman bowed. "Of course, my lord."

Alphonse shifted beside me, and May looked unaffected, gazing admiringly at the blonde while Ling turned, a bright smile on his face. "It seems that I have some business to take care of first, but I'll send for a few servants to come and escort you to your room. I'm sure you must be tired after your long journey—"

"Oh, it's fine." When did he have time to prepare a room? I felt my brows furrow as I offered him a faint grin. "I can find some hotel or something."

"Nonsense." Ling turned around, his grin bright and shining. "Why go through all that when you can stay here? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I just let you stay at some random hotel."

"No, it's fine. Staying here would be too much trouble."

"It wouldn't be, honest."

"...I'm fine."

"After all you've done for me, let me do something for you."

"It's fine, really."

"Staying at a palace would be far better than a hotel."

"I heard the hotels in Xing were pretty nice."

"Gho—Alice, I must insist."

"Please, its fine. And Ghosty's fine too."

"Why pay when you can stay for free?"

"I wouldn't want to be a burden."

Ling's grin was present on his face, but his presence was suffocating, the aura he seemed to carry around himself fanning out and threatening to shove me to the floor. "Ghosty, you're a very dear person to me, I must insist on being as hospitable as possible."

I stood my ground, silently realizing that I was slowly being pushed into this. "I couldn't burden you with that. You've done a lot for me too."

"Then pay me back by staying."

"Likewise."

"I-I'm sure we can work something out," Alphonse began, holding his hands out, "why don't we—"

"Its fine, I've already scouted out the places and I know a good place to stay at." I tightened my grip on the leather sack on my back and squared my shoulders, standing tall despite Ling's height. "I really don't want to be a sudden inconvenience—"

"It's been two years," Ling started quietly, a small smile on his face as he tilted his head to the side, and I froze, unable to speak. "It would be a great pleasure for me to catch up with you again."

Why do I suddenly feel really bad? A trickle of sweat rolled down the side of my head and I swallowed. "W-We can do that when you're free—"

"Is it selfish of me to say then," Ling began, his lips tugging upwards almost exasperatedly. "That I simply want to be close to you?"

...Oh...kay.

"I-I feel as if we're intruding on something..." May whispered, a light blush on her cheeks and Alphonse laughed nervously, scratching the side of his head.

"I-I guess..."

"Hey, our lord's quite the stud, huh?" Shun blinked in surprise, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I mean, he's young and good-looking, and none of the concubines are complaining, but I didn't know he had foreign women after him as well."

"It's not that he has her after him," Lan Fan muttered, crossing her arms over her chest as her eyes softened, gazing between the two silently. "It's more that our lord is after something that keeps running away."

"Hmm?" Shun glanced down to the fellow body guard beside him and Lan Fan shifted, an annoyed look flickering across her face beneath her mask.

"Of course, that woman better understand the lengths that he's going to for her alone..."

I shook my head, ridding myself of all guilty thoughts, even though I did feel bad, I wasn't about to let him trick me into staying here. "I'd like to catch up too, but I really don't want to trouble—"

"Nonsense." Ling waved his hand, long robes shifting with the motion, and I inwardly cursed—this was getting us nowhere.

I just need an opening. My eyes shifted around the spaced hallway, feeling myself grow tense. Some part of me hated that this reunion was beginning to go south, but in all honesty, I really didn't want to be such a burden, and while free nights in a palace was beyond tempting, I couldn't.

I'd been this distant to Ling, and it wouldn't be fair if I showed up out of literally nowhere and took advantage of his kindness. My pride and heart wouldn't allow it.

...And on a side note, I wanted to avoid contact with him right now.

Ling was eyeing me thoughtfully, a frown touching his lips as he took a step forward. I tensed, eyes snapping to him, and his hand lifted, as if to steady me.

But to my surprise, Ling's arm came to a halt midway, his mouth opening before he let it close, his hand falling back to his side, fingers curling slightly. My gaze flickered back to him in confusion, feeling my brows furrow slightly.

...Ling?

"M-M-My lord," The familiar voice and stutter reached my ears, and I turned, Ling shifting to glance behind me as a trembling figure bowed their head. "I-I have word from the c-c-council that they w-w-would like to r-request your p-presence if they m-m-may."

"Zhu!" I felt a bright grin touch my lips and Zhu stiffened, his head shooting up in surprise, baby blues widening.

"Miss Alice!" Zhu blinked, cheeks flushing when he realized he had raised his head and he bowed again. "I-It's a p-pleasure to see you again."

"Xang, you may raise your head." Ling said, his eyes flickering between the two of us thoughtfully. "Ghosty, you know him?"

"He helped me find my way here." I stepped forward, patting Zhu on the back. The taller male flinched, twiddling with his fingers as I grinned. "He really helped me out."

"I-I only got you into m-m-more trouble." Zhu started, looking increasingly nervous as he shook his head. "I-I'm glad you found Master Elric though."

"Xang did..." Ling trailed off, looking faintly perturbed by the fact that I called him by his first name instead. "Then it seems I owe you thanks. You've helped me reunite with a dear companion of mine."

"I-I-I deserve no such thing!" Zhu quickly bowed. "I m-merely showed her the way—"

"That itself is enough." Ling smiled good naturedly. "Thank you."

Zhu eyes went wide, baby blues growing large as he shook his head. "N-Nothing at all your majesty."

"Well, this works out then." Ling looked triumphant as he slid his hands into his sleeves, grinning. "Xang, would you do the honors of escorting my friend here to her room—"

"It was nice seeing you again Zhu!" I started backing away, Zhu looking confused, as well as Shun as I waved to them. "Nice meeting you Shun. It was great meeting you guys again, Alphonse, May, Lan Fan. And..."

I trailed off, gazing at Ling, who met my stare evenly, saying nothing, face revealing nothing as he watched me silently. I paused, hesitating for a moment before I mentally kicked myself, and I was no coward. I owed him this.

"It was wonderful to see you again, Ling." I murmured, Ling's face turning into one of surprise and I felt my cheeks flare up at the weak statement.

"B-Bye!" Without another second to waste, I spun on my heel and took off down the hallways, trying to put as much distance between us as possible.

My heart began to thump painfully against my chest, the still foreign feeling giving off an unsteady beat as I ran, not knowing what else to do. Ling's face flashed through my mind and I ground my teeth, frustration coursing through me as I tore down hallway after hallway, trying to find my way out.

I don't know what to tell him. I cursed myself, unable to uphold what I'd told him that day we parted. I don't know how I feel about him.

But if there was one thing I was sure about, one odd, puzzling thing...

It was the simple fact that some weird part of me, was beyond happy to have seen him again.


"My lord," Lan Fan tensed, Shun blinking in surprise as he readied himself as well. "Shall I go after her?"

"No need, Lan Fan." Ling laughed lightly, shaking his head. "I'm not so low as to stoop to such tactics and drag her back here. After all, it won't do any good."

"Of course." Lan Fan bowed her head and Shun frowned beside her, scratching the side of his head.

"What?"

"Y-Your majesty, this c-c-couldn't be my fault... Is it?" Zhu looked horrified and Ling shook his head.

"Not at all, you are dismissed Xang, thank you."

"Y-Yes..." The servant bowed, turning and running off. Ling gazed after him for a moment, recognizing him because of his stutter, but otherwise, he hadn't really known him. There were more than a hundred attendants throughout the palace, and as hard as he tried, he couldn't get to know every single one.

He'd keep his eye on this one though.

"I think you handled it really well." Alphonse offered finally; look a bit uncertain as he smiled encouragingly. "I expected this to go a little..."

"If it were me," May muttered silently, glancing to the side and gazing at Alphonse admiringly. "I'd have swept her into my arms and refused to let her go and shower her with all the love I'd missed these past two years—"

"She isn't quite like that." Ling sighed, looking a bit disappointed as he gazed down the hallway, as if willing the head of ginger to reappear. "This is the best I can do."

"I'm proud of you, Ling!" Alphonse smiled brightly, and Ling grinned.

"Thank you Alphonse."

...

...

...

"Ling?"

"Yes?"

"You're shaking."

"Ah." Ling blinked, managing to ground out a smile as he clutched at his arms, his body trembling from the force of having held himself back for so long, especially when the one he wanted to do nothing more than ravish and hold in his arms had been so close. "It would seem so."

"M-My lord..."

"If you don't mind me inquiring," Shun spoke up, Lan Fan sending him a glare behind her mask as he blinked curiously. "Who was she? Some old love affair?"

"You—" Lan Fan started, prepared to kick the man once more, but Ling shook his head, letting out another sigh.

"She is the woman who holds my heart." Ling answered simply, and Shun recoiled, eyes widening in surprise.

"Whoa, wait, seriously?" When his emperor didn't reply, coal eyes grew to saucers. "I mean, she was a catch, but my lord, you have so many to choose from! And this girl—"

"Such impudence!" Lan Fan's foot swung out and Shun crumpled to the floor with a pained whine.

"I understand." Ling gazed down the hallway, a faint look of longing. "But to sum it up, she is someone that cannot simply be compared to others. And try as I may, she lingers in my mind."

"Well, she can never blend in," Shun muttered, shaking his head. "Not with that hair..."

"I can only hope," Ling murmured, eyes growing soft. "That she will allow me to hold hers."

"Either way, you did good today Ling." Alphonse smiled warmly. "I'm sure Ghosty appreciated it."

"I am a new man after all, Alphonse." Ling grinned. "I can't simply do what I would have done before."

"That's good."

"Yes."

...

...

...

"Lan Fan, Xú, follow her and report back to me where she goes."

"Yes." The two body guards bowed, disappearing in a flash, and Alphonse blinked, sweat dropping while May shook her head beside him.

"A new man indeed..."


"Are you sure it won't be too much trouble?" I felt a frown touch my lips as I gazed down at the old lady before me, growing worried. "I mean, with this order that's gone out, I don't want to get you into trouble—"

"Nonsense." The woman's accent was a bit heavy, but understanding her wasn't the problem as she smiled warmly, her crinkling at the corners. "I couldn't let a young lady like you stay out in the cold. Wonderful as Xing is, it's no place to be wandering around alone at night."

"But—"

"No buts." The old woman shook her head, gently herding me into the small inn room and smiling brightly. "Now, I'll bring up some tea in a minute, go wash up and get some rest. It seems that you've come far."

"I..." I stopped, willing myself not to argue back and try and persuade this old lady. Instead, a grateful smile made its way onto my face, and I did what I assumed was right and bowed. "Thank you."

The old woman smiled, pleased. "Nonsense. Go on now."

The door clicked shut and I gazed at the polished wood before letting out a heavy sigh. I turned and gazed at the room before me. Apple red eyes skimmed over the fair sized room, a plush bed in the center, several windows and giving view to the city before me.

It was...nice.

Before I could do anything else, I tossed my bag into the corner of the room and flopped down onto the bed, letting out a groan of pleasure as I sunk into the fluffy comforter, a scent of tea wafting upwards. I extended my arms upwards and arched my back, feeling my muscles relax from the stretch as a blissful smile touched my lips.

Oddly enough, every motel and inn I'd swung by had sadly shaken their heads at me; some saying there was no room, others reporting some problem of sort. Then common sense had kicked in, and I realized not every place in this entire country could have been out, until finally some inn keeper had explained that a peculiar order had gone out from the palace that out of country travelers should not be allowed into inns for the night.

Odd. I felt my eyes narrow and I grimaced. I was dealing with a far more formidable adversary than I had thought.

But the kind old lady of the inn had decided to break rules and allow me in for the night. Bless her soul.

Stubborn idiot. I rolled over, clutching one of the pillows to my chest as I shook my head, frowning at the wall. But then again, I was a pretty bad idiot today too.

I'm such a coward. I sighed, stuffing my face into the pillow. In the end, I couldn't' even do anything but run away.

My gaze landed on the leather bracelets around my wrist and I paused, bringing them closer to my face as I sighed, wishing that the original owner could be the one beside me at that moment. "How'd you always manage to say whatever you wanted...?"

I sat up, turning my gaze upwards to the ceiling as I frowned. "I wonder if Ling..." My eyes softened and I frowned slightly, thoughts racing through my head. "Still loves..."

"Would you like me to answer?"

...

...

...

Within seconds, my hand had slid up my shorts and slipped the gun out of its holster. Instincts kicked in and I rolled, taking aim and tensing as I pointed the pistol to the window. "Who—"

"I'd don't think it'd be the best thing to shoot the emperor of Xing now, would it?" I froze, eyes widening as I registered the person before me. Ling offered me a grin, bringing a hand up from where he crouched, half in and half out of the window. "Hello, Ghosty!"

"...Holy shit!" I clicked the safety back on and lowered the gun, gazing at Ling in disbelief. "What the hell do you think you're doing? I had the safety off on that thing—No, how did you find me here?"

"Come now," Ling waved the questions off, an idiotic grin on his face as he landed on the floor silently, shutting the window behind him. "Let's not sweat the small things, right?"

"Small—how is that small?" I stood up, eyes wide in disbelief. "How did you find—"

"This is my country." Ling smirked, looking triumphant. "You think I wouldn't be able to find you?"

...

...

...

"You had Lan Fan follow me, didn't you?"

"Now, now," Ling waved the notion off once more, and I gazed at him in disbelief and slight disgust. "I'm surprised you managed to find a place to stay... I honestly thought you would've come back to the palace—"

"No thanks to you!" I snapped, irritation coursing through me. "And don't you dare think of punishing this sweet old lady—that was just dirty of you!"

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Figures." I muttered, sliding the gun back into its place, and Ling's eyes followed the piece of metal, a thoughtful look on his face.

"I didn't know you knew how to use those." Ling murmured, a troubled look flickering through those dark eyes, and I paused, glancing back down to the gun.

"Back in Amestris while I was getting used to my body, I asked Riza—you remember her right?—to help me use one. I knew some basics from what the gang taught me, but she really drilled it into me." I slipped the gun back into its place. "No alchemy or electricity now, so I've got to make do."

"I see." Ling looked thoughtful before a bright grin touched his lips. "Stay at the palace with me and you won't have to worry about protecting yourself with such things—"

"Hell no."

Ling pouted and I rolled my eyes, glancing to the side. A small sigh and a shift from him brought my attention back, and Ling offered a small smile. "I'm glad."

"Of what?" My brows furrowed and Ling's smile widened.

"Of many things." The dark haired male gazed upwards, looking thoughtful. "That my country is well, that you are well, but at the moment, I'm merely glad that you aren't treating me different."

"Different?" I murmured and Ling smiled sadly.

"Now that I'm emperor, I'd feared that you would. And when we met again, I was worried I'd been proven right." Ling admitted, but a bright grin suddenly touched his lips and I blinked in realization. "But now, I see that I had nothing to worry about after all."

That's right. He wasn't wearing the robes from before; instead, he wore a simple jacket over a bare chest with loose pants, similar to his original outfit. I'd almost forgotten that I was talking to a leader of an entire nation now...

But... he was still Ling, right?

"Don't look like that." Ling stated suddenly, snapping me out of my daze as he gazed at me silently. "It makes me feel that you're looking at me different."

"How can I ever see you different?" I scoffed, turning my head the other way. "An idiot will always be an idiot."

"Well, I suppose I'm glad."

"Especially with those stupid robes from earlier."

"Hey," Ling pouted, looking offended. "I realize that it's more restrictive than I'd like, but they make me look rather handsome."

"You remind of those dolls my neighbor's wife would try to give to me." I shuddered, remembering those days and her ideals that I could still be salvaged into a proper young lady.

"G-Ghosty..."

"Wait." I shook my head, turning back to Ling with narrowed eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't I visit a dear companion—"

"Not when you stalked them and tried to force them into staying somewhere they didn't want too."

Ling blinked, looking sheepish, and I eyed him suspiciously. The emperor suddenly let out a heavy sigh and I paused, blinking in confusion as Ling ran a hand through his hair. "I wanted to redo our reunion."

"Redo?"

"Without people watching us this time."

"What do you—"

Before I could realize it, arms were suddenly wrapped around my frame and my eyes widened as I tipped backwards, falling back onto the bed from Ling's lunge. "L-L-Ling? H-Hey! G-Get off—"

"I refuse." Ling's breath ghosted over my ear and I stiffened, cheeks growing warm and feeling my pulse increase involuntarily.

I thought we avoided this. "Hey!" I tried to wiggle my arms free, pushing at his chest as my heart began to thud rapidly against my will. "You can't just attack people—"

"And you cannot disappear without a trace, without a word, and suddenly show up again and expect people to not be angered with you." Ling answered sharply, causing me to freeze, unable to reply. "Be angry or annoyed as you like, but I refuse to let you go, not now, never. Now that you're here before me, I'm not going to let you slip by again."

I stiffened and Ling's grip tightened, his head resting on my shoulder as he held me tightly, grip almost bruising. "You're too cruel Ghosty. Far too cruel."

Slowly, I let my arms fall limp at my sides, and I gazed up at the ceiling, feeling Ling's warmth engulf me. "You can't expect... I hate to break it to you, but you couldn't have expected me to keep you updated."

"I expected a letter or two."

"You couldn't expect me to ever come back." I whispered, finally speaking out the words I had feared, the choice I had feared I would've made. Some part of me had in fact thought of never seeing him again, but that had been easily overruled by a vast majority of the rest of me.

"I did." Ling's reply was unhesitant, sure, and it made me feel beyond guilty. "I know you Ghosty, try as you like to escape the fact, I do know you. And you aren't that kind of person."

A wry grin touched my lips, and I felt my eyes soften. "I could never pull what my own mom did to me."

Ling's grip softened, but he remained pressed to me, unmoving, and I blinked. "Aren't you supposed to be back at the palace?"

"The country will not fall apart if I'm not there for a few minutes." Ling murmured, nuzzling his head into the crook of my neck, and I stiffened. "Or a night."

"Let's not test it." I muttered, and Ling chuckled, the action sending vibrations along my body.

"You know," His head pressed against my chest and I stiffened. "Your heart... It sounds different."

"Oh yeah." I gazed up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "When I went to the doctors, they told me it was kind of off—I guess my heart just beats at a different pace, probably from being inactive for so long."

"Hmm." Ling hummed thoughtfully, and I stiffened once more when he let his head rest against my chest. "I like it."

"...thanks?"

Arms tightened around me and I paused. "You don't understand how long I've waited to see you again." Ling whispered, and I shut my eyes, feeling his warmth—Ling, beside me.

"Yeah." I felt Ling sigh at my response, clearly disappointed, and I was as well, but I couldn't bring myself to say the same thing. "I... I missed you too."

A smile pulled at his lips, and Ling suddenly grew quiet. I glanced down to him curiously, and his arms around me tightened softly, pulling me as close to himself as he could.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Ghosty."

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Ling remained silent, simply listening to the lull of my off heartbeat. Slowly, willingly, my arms slid upwards, one gently resting against Ling's back, the other on his head as I shut my eyes, reveling in this moment, just once.

All thoughts, everything, worries, troubles all disappeared with this man beside me, and I felt my shoulders relax as I simply took in the simple fact that Ling was here. And no matter how I tried to run around it, I had missed him, far more than I would have liked.

"It's good to see you again too, Ling." I whispered.

And I meant it.


I'd like to apologize for the long wait—especially after I told you all it wouldn't be that long.

I was finishing up with school and finals, and now that that's finally over, I am free and it is SUMMER.

And that means more updates.

:D

I hope that you've all enjoyed this chapter, and Ghosty's reunion with Ling. I wanted to make it a little more light hearted, but I had to keep in my that Ling is emperor now, and that means something too. But hopefully it was pleasing enough, and I'd definitely like to thank you all for the kind and wonderful reviews, and bearing with me for the long wait. You guys are the best readers I could ever ask for.

A special thanks to all the guest reviews as well, I suddenly received so many of them, and I wish I could thank you, but it's a guest review so...yeah.

BUT THANK YOU.

I promise an update next week and no latter to make up for the wait, so look forward to it! :D

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE REVIEWS AND FAVORITES AND FOLLOWS AND NICE PMS.

I love you guys.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! And hope you enjoyed!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!