Disclaimer: I do not own FMA!

:Randomnormality: Hey everyone! This is the start of a new story in the FMA universe, following the original anime (I have nothing against Brotherhood, but it just flows better following the original). I have a deep love for each character in the FMA world. This story is aiming to be a romance, with political stress due to Creta-Amestrian relations, and will have action in future chapters.

Pairings: Edward/Samantha (OC), Al/Winry and future Roy/Harumi (OC).

BEFORE READING:

Since Amestris is a more mirror-version of Germany in our world, and Xing is more Asian, as Ishval is Middle Eastern, Creta would resemble more of a France/England/Ireland mix. So, when my OC (Samantha) speaks in French, know that it is Cretari and not actually French in this story.

Please leave reviews and let me know what you think of this story. It is slow developing in the beginning, but I hope it is understandable that it takes time for people to gain firm foundations to build friendships on. Do know that I take time to reply to my reviewers and give shout outs in the chapters following. Thanks for reading and please enjoy!

REVIEWERS RESPONSES!

Winterfellsfallenangel: lol...you amuse me all the time. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hope you enjoy this one!

EdsCuriousKitten: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you liked it so much!

Cloud-Dancer103: Awww...thanks. I like to think I am a decent writer. I only hope I can target the individual personalities in the right light when I am writing from their view points. I have a feeling it is going to be difficult to write as Mustang or Al, because their personalities are so contrasting, but I hope it works. Again, thank you, and I hope to see another review from you!

TO THE FOLLOWERS (I call them my Minions):

DollWithNoBrain
Ed'sCuriousKitten
Winterfellsfallenangel
Cloud-Dancer103

THANK YOU FOR BECOMING MINIONS! Leave reviews, tell me what you enjoy, what you don't enjoy!

Another Note:

Sam speaks Cretari (French) and Harumi speaks Xinganese (Japanese (Chinese would be a differing dialect)) All translations are given off of Google-Translate so anything wrong, blame Google, not me. Enjoy!

The recently-bridged friendships from the Harvest Festival continue at a timid pace, as though the individuals were not sure how to bridge the gap further. It was, in fact, the ruby-haired Wedding Planner, the most passive of them all, that put forth the very moment everyone labeled as the beginning of their friendships becoming group-wide. And it all started with a celebration.

Edward

"What do you think of this situation, Fullmetal?"

The question from his commanding officer causes Edward to snap out of his internal musing, his golden gaze turning from its stare-down of the ceiling to the gazes staring at him questioningly. Edward wasn't exactly sure why they needed his opinion. He didn't exactly spend much time in the West. He's heard of the border disputes between Amestris and Creta, but what did it matter? Creta lacked a central government, and Amestris is known as the number one powerhouse country, followed closely by Xing and Drachma. The fact that many scattered city-states of Creta managed to finally find an individual worthy enough to play a political figure-head was impressive on its own terms. The stipulations regarding the negotiations toward a peace treaty with Fuhrer Grumman seemed a bit...discomforting.

"Fullmetal!"

The curtness of Mustang's call of attention causes Edward to roll his eyes in annoyance, "Look, we don't even know where to find this alleged...what do they call it...L'Ange de l'Ouest. Not to mention, even if we do find this person, it seems a bit odd that the newly appointed Cretari figurehead will go with all negotiations if we hand this person over. Does anyone even know of this person's identity? If so, why is this one person so important?"

Edward can see the thankful understand in Mustang's good-eye before the gleam fades to its normal indifference, the Brigadier-General nodding in agreement, "Fullmetal has a point. We need to ascertain the real identity of this L'Ange de l'Ouest and see if we can come up with an agreement."

Edward rolls his eyes. Great. More research. Edward groans, standing from his chair as he lazily rubs the back of his neck, "Whatever. I'm going to get some coffee. I'll see what I can come up with."

The golden-haired, infamous Alchemist exits Central Command, his gloved hands shoved into the pockets of his signature red jacket. As he begins is short journey to his favorite coffee shop, he muses over the new development. Surely the Amestrian government wasn't thinking of handing a citizen over to the Cretari figurehead. Even though peace would be appreciated, should it come at the price of someone's freedom? Their rights as a human being? Kicking a loosened rock, Edward curses the government. He hoped Grumman would come up with something more substantial than handing over an innocent human. If that's the way the old man is going to run things, Edward muses over the idea of helping to take down another Fuhrer. Hell, even Mustang thinks its a bad idea, and Mustang actually likes Grumman.

"Hiya, Pipsqueak!"

Edward blinks, jerking his gaze away from the ground and finding himself staring into familiar dark blue eyes, "Don't call me that, Harumi."

Harumi snorts, "Wow. You're a little short on your comebacks today. Something bothering you?"

Edward pauses in his response before a small thought flashes through his mind, "Hey, you grew up in the West Quadrant, right?" The brunette nods as she falls in step with him, her arms crossed behind her back and a small, pleasant expression on her face, "Have you ever heard of someone referred to as L'Ange de l'Ouest?"

Harumi snorts in response, "I don't think there is a soul that was raised in the West that hasn't heard of L'Ange."

"What can you tell me about this person?" Edward asks as they turn down a road leading to the coffee shop.

Harumi shrugs nonchalantly, "Well, I know you grew up in the East, right?" Edward nods, "Well, unlike the Eastern Command, the Western Command actually believed in what Fuhrer Bradley stood for," Edward's eyes darken and he grows curious toward her knowledge of those times, "While Bradley was in power, more wars were waged during his time as Fuhrer than any Fuhrer previous to him. The amount of bloodshed for his causes isn't only limited to the Isvalan Massacre."

Edward's eyebrows knit together curiously as he listens to her, "What do you mean it isn't only limited to Ishval?"

Harumi gives a dismissive wave of her hand, "Oh come on, Pipsqueak. Those of us in the West had to deal with border disputes with Creta, not to mention to Border Patrol being allowed to raid towns and people's homes if they suspected them to harbor any Cretari Nationalists." Edward's eyes widen at the knowledge, wondering why he had never heard of it before, "At first, the citizens of the West believed the government would put a stop to the raids, but when it continued, people began fearing for their lives. Children were inside their homes before the sun set and people weren't known for their hospitality when it came to strangers."

"So? This L'Ange?"

Harumi smirks, glancing over at Edward, "L'Ange is the name of what you would refer to as a...vigilante. A few years ago, word got around about a single individual that got in the middle of raids and forced the Border Patrol Officers out of people's homes. It started small, but soon, reports of L'Ange interventions began to spread all across the West Quad." Harumi smiles at whatever she was thinking, "L'Ange isn't just a person, you know. L'Ange gave us Westerners hope and the strength to stand up to those people."

"Has anyone been able to identify L'Ange?" the Alchemist asks.

The brunette snorts, "No offense, Pipsqueak, but even those that do know of L'Ange's identity aren't willing to expose it. L'Ange's identity is kept secret by those who know of it. I couldn't tell you, even if I did know."

Edward fights back the annoyed huff, nodding his head, "Thanks."

"So, anything else on your mind?" Harumi questions, her tone lighter and the smile back on her face.

Nodding, Edward lets out another huff, "Well, Al is supposed to come home this weekend from his studies in Xing."

"That's awesome. Xing is very, very pretty. Are you going to throw him a party?" Harumi's suggestion causes Edward to cock an eyebrow in surprise, "What? Your little brother is studying Alkahestry, right? It is a great honor for someone that isn't a Xing Citizen to study their craft."

"Well, I suppose I could throw him a party," Edward scratches the back of his neck, "Not sure how. I have a lot of research to do for the Bastard."

Harumi stares at him blankly, causing him to bulk slightly, "Gee...I wonder if you may know someone who, oh I don't know, plans parties for a living?"

Edward's blank, dumbfounded expression seems to earn him a hearty chuckle from the brown-haired chef before she slaps him carelessly on his back. Silently, he stares as she saunters off in the opposite direction.

Why didn't he think of it sooner?

Samantha

Absentmindedly twirling a strand of black-cherry hair around her finger, Samantha smiles to herself as she begins the finishing touches on her sketch of a wedding dress. Memories of her school days flash through her mind as she recalls the sneers other students shot her way. They never understood why she held so much belief in love. Growing up in the West, surrounded by bloodshed and a cruel lack of toleration, Samantha hid in an imaginary world, ignoring the troubles around her. She would dream of a day when peace would encompass the world and blood never spilled in a torrential river of crimson. No one understood her desire, no the need to believe true love could conquer the obstacles in life. It didn't matter if the true love was familial, camaraderie or deeply romantic. Love, in its truest form, would stand the test of time.

Do you really believe love is that easy?

Love is never easy. It is hard to love another so deeply, and in turn, let them love you just as much. It requires sacrifice.

Are you sure you are willing to ever make such a sacrifice? Do you believe someone can accept you, accept us, for what it is?

I am content with life as it is now.

Besides, you know, as well as I do, that she has already opened herself to another.

Oh yes, because that went sooo well.

"Sam!"

Dark green eyes snap open at the husky tenor voice calling her name so close, and having not realized she even closed her eyes, Samantha blinks in surprise as fierce golden eyes stare at her, flickering with concern. Feeling her head lean back from the rather close proximity of Edward's face, Samantha turns her gaze away as her cheeks burn a soft pink. When had he arrived? Why was he at her shop? In the three months she's known him, he has never stepped foot in her workplace, just as she never stepped foot on the property of Central Command.

"Ed, w-what are you doing here?" she asks, hating that this golden-haired Alchemist could catch her off guard so easily.

Edward seems to realize their close proximity as well, his body leaning back a bit as he gives her a small grin, "I ran into Harumi early today and she gave me an idea, something to do for Al when he gets home this weekend."

"Oh?" Samantha is anything less than shocked. Harumi wasn't quick to talk to people, especially any guys that Samantha managed to befriend. "What did she suggest?"

"To throw him a party for his achievement. Apparently, the Xinganese don't allow citizens of other countries to practice Alkahestry, so it's a big deal. I wanted to get everyone together and surprise him," Edward replies.

A bright smile appears on Samantha's face as she leans over the counter in excitement, "Oh that's a great idea! Any clue on what you may want to do for him?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Edward shifts nervously, "Well, I was hoping...maybe you'd be willing to plan the party? I can pay you whatever it-"

"No charge!" Samantha giggles as Edward jumps in response to her quick answer, "I'll do it free of charge. He's your family, Ed. I'm not going to charge a friend for wanting to throw a party. I just need some ideas on where it will be held, how many people are going to be there, what kind of food should be served and what-not."

"Are you sure?" he questions, watching as her expression brightens, her head bobbing in an insistent nod. "Alright."

Alphonse

"Brother!"

The slightest squeal found its way into his voice as Alphonse Elric catches the familiar sight of gold and red standing in the station. Approaching his brother, Alphonse ignores all of the stares as he catches his brother in a fierce hug. Edward may have been missing for two years after Alphonse retrieved his body, but in the mind of the youngest Elric brother, it had been long enough. Not being able to see his brother for an extended amount of time causes Alphonse's mind to wander and worry.

"It's good to see you, Al," Edward states, a broad grin on his face that Alphonse finds himself returning. "Lets get out of here. I have to stop at Central Command," A huff of annoyance matched with an eye roll causes Alphonse to smother a laugh, "Apparently, the Bastard is in need of some important research and I managed to find some that might help us."

Following after his older brother, Alphonse tilts his head curiously, "What do you mean important research?"

Silently, Alphonse listens as his brother explains the situation happening between Creta and Amestris. He has to agree with his brother in the belief that the Fuhrer isn't actually going to hand over a human being just in the name of peaceful relations. It is wrong to use a person as a tool. Following his brother into Central Command, the youngest Elric brother smiles shyly as he nods to those greeting as they move through the halls. As usual, Edward lifts up his left leg and plants a boot firmly against the wooden door of Mustang's office. Alphonse chuckles softly as the door swings violently before slamming against the back wall, his brother stalking into the room.

"Oi, Bastard, we're here."

Alphonse lets out a mild yell of surprise as the lights snap on and familiar faces bares claim of it being a surprise. Blushing at the attention, Alphonse looks around the room. It takes Alphonse a while to get through individual congratulations, and before he knows it, he finds himself sipping his drink as he looks over the entire group. Major Armstrong, Sheska and Winry sit at a table, talking to each other. Havoc, Breda, Fuery and Falman all appear to be playing yet another poker game, Hawkeye keeping an eye out for any cheating. Mustang, surprisingly, appeared to be in an argument with a pretty brunette, the young woman viciously animated in her gestures. Seeing that his brother appears to be missing, Alphonse looks around only to see a familiar red jacket slipping out of the office door. Curiously, Alphonse glances around the open doorway and his grey-brown eyes widen at the sight of his brother talking to a vaguely familiar red-head.

"I can't thank you and Harumi enough. Al really seems to enjoy being around everyone," Ed's voice says in an oddly gentle tone.

Having never heard his brother speak so respectfully to another person, other than himself and a select very few others, Alphonse silently observes his brother's softened expression as the red-head smiles brightly in his direction, "I told you, Ed. It really isn't a problem. Although, I should have used one of my workers, rather than Harumi."

"Yeah, and I thought I argue with the Bastard a lot," Edward chuckles, "Is she always so...argumentative?"

"That's one way of putting it. I think the only person I've seen her argue with this much is her uncle," Apparently her words causes her to remember something because she giggles into her palm lightly.

Alphonse feels his eyes widen as he takes in his brother's awed expression. He's sure Edward doesn't even realize how he is staring at her, but the soft gleam of adoration is so apparent. As the red-head giggles, it seems to trigger a reflexive, smile, a smile Alphonse had never seen on his brother's face.

"Brother?" Alphonse calls out, feigning an attempt at looking for his brother, and as Edward glances over, Alphonse allows a surprised expression to appear on his face, "There you are! Winry says that we should be getting some kind of cake or something..." the youngest Elric pauses, glancing around his brother to see the red-head shifting nervously, "Who is this? Is she a friend?"

"Sam, this is my brother, Al. Al, this is Samantha, a friend and the planner to your party," Edward introduces, Alphonse tilting his head in confusion, "Sam and I met at a coffee shop."

Alphonse is aware his eyes widen in surprise as he recalls the morning three months ago when he had first caught a glance of the young woman before him. Giving her a small smile, Alphonse realizes his brother had taken his suggestion. From the looks of things, his brother is oblivious to the fact that he is taken with Samantha.

"Ah, Major Elric, Alphonse," the familiar voice causes both Elric Brothers to look in the direction.

Fuhrer Grumman, a grey-haired man in his early sixties, smiles at them, his soft gaze staring at them from behind round glasses. Alphonse bows respectfully as Edward salutes the older man.

"Fuhrer Grumman," both brothers greet formally.

Grumman nods before his gaze settles on Alphonse, "I heard that you have returned from your studies in Xing. I wanted to come by and congratulate you on your achievement."

Alphonse blushes from the praise, bowing his head out of nervous habit, but is surprised when the soft-toned voice of Samantha suggests, "You are welcome to join us, sir."

Surprisingly, the Fuhrer nods in agreement, thanking Samantha before following the trio into the room.

Roy

Silence falls over his office as the Elric brothers and Samantha enter the room, Fuhrer Grumman following them with a pleasant air about him. While Roy respects the man for his help over the past two and a half years, the Brigadier-General wasn't sure how to approach the man outside of meetings. Glances were exchanged as the silence mounted, the tension thickening with each passing second.

"Alright, who's ready to cut the cake?" All eyes turn on Harumi as the beautiful brunette steps out of a side room, pushing a cart in front of her. Roy tries to give her a pointed look, as her dark blue eyes shifts over the group before they land on Grumman, "Is something wrong?"

Surprisingly, Grumman chuckles, shaking his head, "No. I believe I was not expected and it has caused them to become uncomfortable."

Harumi snorts in good-humor before picking up a cake knife, "In that case, would you like to do the honors of cutting the cake for the special kid?"

"I'm not sure I am the one that should cut Alphonse's cake," Grumman says shaking his head lightly.

Harumi's gaze looks over the man before she hums in agreement, "I guess an old man like you can't quite grip the knife properly."

Roy Mustang is known for having tolerance for a lot of things, but disrespecting the only respectable Fuhrer Amestris has seen in decades causes the Brigadier-General to turn a glare toward the rude woman, "You should show our Fuhrer some respect."

Harumi, apparently unaffected by Roy, grins as she ignores the wide-eyed stares she receives, "Or what? You'll have me walk the plank?" Roy's shoulders tense, never having his patience tested this much by anyone other than Fullmetal, "Oh no, you'll have me swab the deck? Throw me in the brig?"

Hearing the muffled chuckle come from Fullmetal, Roy fights to keep himself composed, "Fuhrer Grumman is a respectable, generous man. He deserves the respect of every Amestrian citizen."

"Aye, Captain," Harumi growls out teasingly, before rolling her eyes, "Gee, you need to get a sense of humor. I was only stating a fact. Fuhrer Grumman's hands show signs of a degeneration of the phalanges and metacarpal bones, which would cause his greater motor skills to diminish," Roy glances at Grumman, who surprisingly nods in agreement, "So, he really can't grip the knife properly. Perhaps, you shouldn't be so quick to judge, Captain."

Roy bites back his response as the red-head, Samantha, steps forward, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Haru-chan, stop instigating him. I'll cut the cake for Alphonse."

The red-head gingerly takes the knife from her friend and starts cutting the cake, the brunette taking each piece to distribute among the group, "Oi, Old Man, did you want a piece? I made it myself."

Roy bites the inside of his cheek, inwardly surprised as Grumman chuckles in good-nature, nodding modestly, "I would be delighted. A small piece if you will."

Harumi giggles, poking the Fuhrer in the stomach, "I guess you need to watch your figure, Old Man?"

Roy's eyes widen as Samantha, Fullmetal and Grumman all laugh outwardly, Harumi grinning widely as she hands the Fuhrer a small slice of cake. Who did this woman think she was? Insulting a Fuhrer? Getting away with it? Grumman was a generally easy-going man, but to allow a civilian to speak so ill-mannerly? Roy blinks as the scent of icing and sponge-cake fills his senses, a plate with a single slice of cake held in front of him and he looks up into the dark blue, slanted eyes of Harumi.

"You need to lighten up, Captain," Harumi remarks gently, her dark eyes flickering with an undetermined glint, "Enjoy this little slice of Heaven we have at the moment, huh?"

Not knowing how to respond, Roy nods mutely as he accepts the offered cake and the brunette practically bounces off toward the red-head.

And so, the group came together under the pretense of friendship. Each of them knowing that their decisions from here on out would determine the strength of their bonds. If only it had been so easy.

This is the first glance from Al and Mustang's view points. Hope you enjoyed it!