I do not own FMAB.

Just You and Me

Chapter Three: I WILL

Rain pounded against the tinted windows, streaking down in soft rivulets along the glass. Soft rumblings echoed in the darkened skies, clouding, storming, threatening to burst.

The moon fought to shine through the clouds gathered in the darkness, like a mind muddled with doubt. The little light that streamed through illuminated the darkened bedroom.

Papers, books, and files were scattered about the floor, a sloppy walkway made by shoving several aside. Coats were tossed carelessly to the side, limp in the corners of the room. Not a sound was heard, save for the rustle of movement from the occupants of the lone bed.

"What's wrong?" Silent, deep, the single voice broke through the silence. The woman at his side turned from where she had been facing the ceiling, meeting his gaze.

"What do you mean?" Dark irises narrowed at her and she offered him a faint grin, rolling over onto her side to face him. "If anything, you're the one who looks unhappy."

"I wasn't asking about myself though." The quick reply came back, and the woman's ever blue eyes softened in faint amusement, knowing full well that he was doing his best not to go into a rant again. "I was asking about you."

"Me, hmm?" Soft fingers trailed through his dark locks as she sat up, gazing out the window thoughtfully. A firm hand pressed her hand closer, and a small smile touched her lips. "It's nothing to serious."

"But there's something."

"...It's my brother-in-law—"

"I swear I'm going to—"

"You're doing nothing." A pillow was slammed into his face. Roy shot up, a look of indignation as he glared at the woman beside him, a blank look on her face.

"Again? What did he do this time? I'm telling you, I don't think you should be staying over there... He doesn't sit right with me—"

"Jealous?" Amelia Lithers tilted her head to the side, eyeing the man beside her from the corner of her eyes. Roy caught himself, a flat look crawling across his face as he gazed at her.

"Like that man has anything above me."

"I dunno, he was pretty cute when Eliza introduced us—"

"Need I remind you," Her back soon found the bed and Roy was looming over her, eyes boring into hers intently. Amelia gazed up at him curiously as he near pinned her to the bed, warm fingers ghosting over her face and down her neck. "Whose bed you're in?"

Amelia rolled her eyes, lightly patting his cheeks, causing her superior to gaze down at her in annoyance. "You're jealous. Relax, he only has eyes for Liz, he's nuts about her."

Inwardly her eyes darted to the side, a frown touching her lips. She would almost say literally.

"You shouldn't go back there."

"I can't leave Alice."

Roy flinched, remembering the small niece Amelia spoke so lovingly about. Try as he might, no hell could separate this woman from that girl. His eyes flickered to the side before meeting her gaze once more. "Promise me then. Promise me you won't do anything rash."

"Why would I need to—"

"Promise me."

Amelia was silent beneath him, and Roy waited, shoulders growing increasingly tense. She was thinking, and that made him worried. She shouldn't have anything to worry about, she shouldn't need to consider if she'll ever need to be rash.

"I promise."

Relief flooded into him and he collapsed atop her. Amelia let out a grunt, squirming beneath him as she let out a breath of air beside his head. "You're heavy."

"Let me sleep." He finally could now; knowing that she had promised him was a small bit to put his mind at ease. She refused to lie, she hated it.

He wouldn't know until later it was the first time she'd ever lied to him.

"So you run this place all by yourself?" Roy let out a low noise in the back of his throat, genuinely impressed as he gazed about the small but bursting flower shop. "Not bad."

"Of course," Leah grinned somewhat proudly from the side of the room, arranging a bouquet of roses and lining them with lilies. "Not bad, right?"

"Not at all." Roy's gaze left the flowers and landed on the woman at the other end of the store, her attention focused solely on the flowers before her. "Did you take this up out of choice or because it looked the best?"

"Half and half." Leah admitted, resting her hands on her hips as she tilted her head to the side, looking at the bouquet at every angle. "I kinda wanted to be a state alchemist."

Roy flinched, nearly snapping the flower he had been admiring. "...Really?"

"Yup." Leah's gaze flickered to his blue uniform, gazing at it thoughtfully. "Something always bugged me when I heard there were no women alchemists, till I heard about this one who was pretty well-known... The Petal Alchemist?"

Roy set the red carnation down before it could break, and inhaled softly, forcing his shoulders to relax. "That's right."

"I heard she performed alchemy with plants—how cool is that?" Leah gazed admiringly at the plants before her, eyes softening as she let out a wistful sigh. "A clap of her hands and she'd have a whole field... Must be nice..."

"She snapped."

"What?" Leah blinked, gazing curiously at the ebony haired male, but Roy was gazing at the sunflowers now, allowing her only a side view.

"She could make it happen with a snap or a little touch of her hands." Roy explained, unable to stop the slow weariness creeping into his eyes or the tightness in his chest.

"Oh." Leah blinked once more, soft eyes gazing silently at this strange man who for some reason, made an effort to swing by her store nearly every day. "Did you know her?"

"I did." Roy admitted, blinking slowly as he set down another flower, a white lily. "I had the honor to work rather closely with her; she was a dear... friend of mine."

"Or..." A mischievous grin touched her lips and Leah pointed a still budding tulip his way, as if in accusation. "A love affair?"

...

...

...

"Holy, was I right?" Leah blinked with wide eyes, setting down the tulip gently and gazing at the silent man before her in surprise. "No way—I took you for a flirt, but I thought I was just over thinking—"

"She was always slipping just out of my reach." Roy murmured, and Leah paused, growing silent.

"I wouldn't call myself a flirt." Roy gazed at the woman from the corner of his eyes, flashing her a faintly amused look. "I'm simply popular with women."

"Then a man whore."

Roy's brow twitched and Leah grinned, letting out a carefree laugh as she shook her head. "You'd be wise not to insult a State Alchemist, you know."

"Ah, titles, titles. Who cares?" Leah waved a blossoming branch of orchids carelessly, light ginger locks swinging out from her ponytail. "I bet you're just a private."

"Really?" Roy had to bite back his amusement, a smirk crawling onto his lips, Leah completely unaware to the status he held. Leah nodded determinedly. Well, he'd let her think as she wished for now, it'd be amusing to see how far this went.

"In all honesty though, I'm kind of glad I didn't get involved with the military." Leah paused, setting down a new bundle of daisies, the small white flowers barely beginning to bud.

Roy turned his head her way, curious as she frowned slightly, her brows furrowing. "After all the craziness that happened... I can't imagine how awful it must've been."

Memories flashed through his mind, silent scars that would forever had to be carried. Ishval was never far away, and it would stay that way. He remembered her face, the tired, saddened look as mission after mission was assigned, the small smile on her lips as she tried to shove it all off.

Everyone had doubted the ability of an alchemist who simply made flowers appear, but the former Fuhrer had seen further than that. And no one said a word when rows upon rows of vines, covered sharp with thorns as thick as arms and just as long ravaged the earth, or when silent flowers bloomed amongst the unknowing, releasing deadly pollens that sent body after body tumbling to the ground.

But not a word was said when they were finally pulling out, and she had shoved her hands into the earth, rows and rows upon flowers of all sorts blossoming and blooming in vast arrays of colors. The barren, bloodstained earth was covered in fields of flowers, and she had stood, stumbling from the over use of alchemy, unable to stop the apologies that had slipped from her lips as fast as the tears down her cheeks.

"I'd have to say you made a good choice." Roy drummed his fingers along the countertop, offering a charming smile. "If you didn't run this shop, I wouldn't be blessed with meeting such a lovely woman."

Leah shrugged, and Roy grimaced, recognizing when he was being brushed aside. "She was quite the woman."

Leah let out a thoughtful hum, gazing at the slow moving fans above her. "Lucky... I wish I could have met her. I heard she disappeared though, right off the map."

"She passed away actually." Roy corrected softly, and Leah froze, eyes growing wide before she glanced downwards.

"...Sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for." Roy smiled warmly, and leaning against the counter with his arm he held out a dark red rose, a smirk touching his lips. "But if you really feel bad, how about you and I go—"

"I'm busy."

"I didn't even finish. I could've asked you to help me visit my sick grandmother."

"Do you have a sick grandmother?"

"No, but I do have a rather vicious mother."

Leah rolled her eyes, unable to stop the amused smile on her lips though. He was interesting, she couldn't deny it. Roy caught the smile and grinned triumphantly. "But if you did let me finish, I was going to ask if you would do this poor, tortured soul a favor, and bless him with your company tonight at a dinner for two?"

Leah folded the paper over the bouquet of sunflowers, setting them aside and getting to work on all the flowers Roy had set down. "No thanks."

"A stroll through the park?"

"Sounds dangerous."

"You're with a military officer." Roy snapped his fingers, and a flame flickered out from the tips, a smirk on his lips. "I guarantee that is the safest place you can be."

If you'd simply stay in my arms.

"No," Leah flicked her wrist, a white rose appearing in her hands, sharp thorns lining the stem. "I meant you sound dangerous."

Roy blinked, gazing at the white flower before him before he gazed up at Leah, arching his brow suggestively. "Too scared to play with a little fire?"

Leah rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up as if to cry 'why did she even bother' and Roy let out a deep chuckle, playing with the rose between his fingers, wary of the thorns. "What do you say?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to turn you down." Leah slid the wide arrange of flowers together, arranging them to compliment each other the best they could. "I'm not one to willingly stroll around with strangers."

"Hello, Miss!" The two blinked, glancing up as a man strolled by, a bundle of flowers in his arms. "Thanks for the daises yesterday!"

"Oh, no problem!" Leah smiled warmly, waving as the man walked out of sight. "Come again!"

"Not one to willingly stroll around with strangers, eh?" Roy drawled, and Leah stiffened, glancing off to the side warily as she cleared her throat.

"I met him yesterday."

"I've been coming here for the last two years."

"You show up randomly."

"I was stationed away for a year; I didn't think you'd miss me that bad."

"You only started showing up nearly every day for the last few months."

"Months." Roy echoed.

"Months." Leah repeated.

"And when did that man show up?"

"Yesterday."

"I see."

"Why do you keep coming?" Leah veered off their current topic, ignoring an amused Roy who wouldn't let his eyes leave her as she snipped a few leaves off for a better fit. "Not that I'm complaining, customers are customers, but just curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"But satisfaction brought it back."

Roy's lips turned upwards, his eyes softening for a moment before he grinned. "Well, since you asked, it would have to be because I've been ensnared within this Garden of Eden, and I've found my Eve."

"Too bad that story didn't end up well." Leah plucked the white rose from his fingers, adding it to the bundle. "And I'm afraid I don't have any apples on me right now."

Roy pouted, the look not fitting his face and Leah grinned faintly, rolling her eyes and setting the three bouquets he had given to her. "Alright, is that all?"

"I would like to add an hour or so of your time." Roy added, and Leah scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, picking a few leaves off her apron. "How much would that cost?"

"I'm afraid I don't work in that business." Leah answered, and Roy blinked, opening his mouth to apologize when she added. "And even if I did, it wouldn't be so low class. I'd be working for the big guys—gang leaders or something, military generals."

"Military generals?" Roy echoed, a small smirk tugging upwards at his lips in amusement.

"If you're going to do it, might as well do it well." Leah shrugged unabashedly, looking thoughtful suddenly as her brows furrowed. "But then again, most of them are probably old guys, huh? That'd be pretty gross..."

"I'm not so sure," Roy adjusted his coat, the badges adorning his chest glinting slightly, although Leah remained unaware. "I've heard there are some pretty fair men in the business, good looking too."

"I'd prefer a man who can cook rather than kill." Leah looked dreamy, a sigh escaping her lips. "It'll be a done deal if he's a pastry chef—I'd marry him in a heartbeat."

"I see." Roy made a mental note to swing by and grab a few cook books and perhaps get some tips from some women he knew... Perhaps Mrs. Hughes wouldn't mind a visit... "I didn't think it was so easy to win you over."

"I've got a sweet tooth." Leah paused, a strange look flickering through her eyes as she hummed. "I guess I was just born with it."

"Add natural beauty to that as well." Roy added and Leah scoffed, causing the ebony haired man to frown. "Is it so hard to take a compliment?"

"I'm not saying anything." Leah held her hands up innocently. "I guess it just doesn't strike any chords in me. It just isn't the kind of thing I worry about."

"Most women would blush and act modest."

"I'm not most women." Leah grinned, and Roy smiled, his heart throbbing slightly. Indeed you aren't. "Thanks for always coming though, I appreciate the business."

I wonder... A thoughtful look came over his face as Roy gazed at Leah, causing the woman to frown at the sudden silence and direct attention. "Mustang?"

There was always one thing that got a reaction out of her, one compliment he later found out always made her happy, something that for some strange reason, meant enough to her to make her blush.

"You asked me why I keep coming," Leah titled her head to the side, waiting for him to continue, and Roy cocked his head slightly, eyes growing warm, never leaving hers as a charming, genuine smile pulled at his lips. "I love your flowers."

And as if a wall had come tumbling down, Leah's eyes widened and slowly, a red color began to creep onto her cheeks. Roy watched in triumphant surprise as she stuttered, her cheeks flushing a deep red as she lifted her hands up, only to nearly bump into a pot beside her. "O-Oh, well, um, t-t-thanks..."

Just like her. He didn't know what to make of this. He didn't entirely consider himself much of a religious man, and after all that'd happened with Truth and seeing it for himself... Loosing his eye sight and being so lucky to retrieve it thanks to Doctor Marcoh... He couldn't wrap his head around the idea of reincarnation.

He missed her.

"Since you're such a valued customer," Roy perked up, glancing to Leah curiously as she scratched the side of her face, gazing away from him, "and since you look so sad, I go on break in ten minutes. I won't do dinner, or a stroll, but the café next door has pretty mean sandwiches."

"That," Roy smiled, gathering the three bouquets into his arms. "Sounds divine. How much—"

"Pay for lunch and we're even." Leah waved him off, a light blush on her cheeks as she added. "Are they for your friends again?"

"Yes." Roy smirked slightly, moving two bouquets to one arm and with a flourish, the third was held to her face, causing Leah to blink in surprise. "But this one is yours."

Leah paused, staring at the flowers for a few minutes before she glanced back up to him, raising an eyebrow. "You just bought one of my flowers and now you're giving it back to me."

"Actually, I got them for free from a very beautiful woman." Roy corrected, setting the flowers in her hands before she could protest he turned on his heel, exiting the store. "By the way, I'm one for being punctual."

Leah glanced up from the beautiful red roses and gazed in disbelief as Roy gaze her a wave of his fingers, flashing her a smirk as he swept out the store. "So don't be late!"

Suddenly regretting the decision to give into this man, Leah grimaced, letting out a tired sigh as she set the bouquet down. She glanced up, making sure he was out of sight, and gently rested her head in her hands, letting out deep breathes as she shut her eyes.

My head hurts. Swallowing a lump in her throat she grimaced. My chest feels like I got stabbed... I don't know why but... Blue eyes flickered upwards, wavering as a wistful look came into the ever blue irises, confusion and a strange sadness filling her.

Why does he seem so familiar?

Omake: How the Two Met

"You have one duty." Small eyes, but wide none the less, large and seeking as she gazed at her grandfather dutifully. "That is to protect the young lord, do you understand, Lan Fan?"

"Yes." The young girl nodded her head dutifully, bowing to her grandfather. The older man smiled softly, Fu reaching out and gently patting the girl on the head.

"His safety will always have to come before your own, or anyone else. That is our duty."

"I understand." Lan Fan had been rather skeptical at first, not wanting to have to guard such a lazy, happy-go-lucky child, she doubted he would come anywhere near the throne. "I will do my best."

"You always do." Fu nodded sagely, gazing out into the garden before them, watching the small stream trickle by. "But, since you are not on duty this very moment, do relax every now and then. You won't get the same chance later on."

Lan Fan blinked, gazing up at her grandfather. "Should I go train?"

"...Why don't you go for a walk?" Fu proposed, and Lan Fan blinked once more before nodding, standing up quickly.

"Of course! Getting familiar with the land will do me good, thank you grandfather."

"I didn't—"

"I'll be off!" Lan Fan disappeared and Fu blinked, letting out a deep sigh as he slipped his mask back on.

"So that leads to the stables... And over there are the servants quarters..." Lan Fan nodded to herself, making a mental note to remember all these valuable things. "It would be a quick get away for servants to reach the stables..."

Lan Fan suddenly found herself colliding into something firm and the girl stumbled backwards, shaking her head as her eyes widened in surprise. How could anyone have snuck up on her...?

"Oof!"

Lan Fan stiffened, shooting back from the figure that toppled backwards. The young boy blinked, eyes like coal and hair like the night falling in soft, messy locks about his head. "My bad, I wasn't looking."

"State your name and your clan." Lan Fan surged forward, fisting the young boy's shirt as he blinked in surprise, looking up at her. "This is Yao clan land, trespassers will not be taken lightly—"

"Trespasser?" The young boy blinked, gazing down at his dirtied clothes and he let out a happy chuckle. "Oh! I'm sorry; I just took a nap with the horses. I was trying to get away from my teacher—"

"Name!" Lan Fan ordered, and the young boy recoiled.

"Sheesh, I'm Shun. Shun Xú. You?"

"You don't need to know." Lan Fan stiffened, letting the boy go and he flopped back onto the floor, letting out a grunt as he rubbed his head.

"That's no way to treat your seniors you know—"

"See that you do not cause any trouble." Lan Fan turned on her heel and Shun blinked at the empty space before him.

"H-Hey! Wait up!" Lan Fan flinched, the boy suddenly appearing before her. How did he— "Why are you leaving so soon? I didn't even get your name yet."

"I am Lan Fan." She sidestepped him. "Now I will take my leave—"

"Goin' for a walk?" Shun perked up, tagging along beside her like a stray dog, and Lan Fan bristled, beginning to grow annoyed with this strange boy. "I'll come too!"

"You weren't invited."

"Ah, who needs invitations nowadays? Besides, I can't let a pretty girl walk all alone—"

"I'll be fine, thank you." Lan Fan strode forward, increasing her pace. Annoyance coursed through her when Shun followed suit, hands behind his head as he grinned.

"You're pretty fast—hey! Don't run!"

"Leave me alone!" Lan Fan snapped, leaping into one of the trees and glaring down at the pouting boy. "What do you want with me anyway?"

Shun's eyes softened slightly and his smile was warm as he gazed upwards. "I don't see many kids my age. I just wanted to talk."

Lan Fan frowned, clearly suspicious and Shun sighed, raising his hands up innocently. "If you don't believe me, I'll stay right here. All I ask is just that we have a little conversation."

"...promise?"

A grin cracked his lips and Shun patted his heart. "Cross my heart and hope to die."

"...very well then."

"Great!" Shun craned his head to gaze up at her. "Lan Fan, hmm? Are you a worker?" Lan Fan tensed slightly, hesitating. "Aw, come on, I'm not a gossiper, I promise."

"I work as a body guard for the prince." Lan Fan answered, and Shun's brows furrowed as he titled his head in confusion.

"Which one? There's like... A hundred."

"From the Yao clan." Lan Fan answered, and Shun hummed thoughtfully. A smile split his lips and he opened his mouth once more before a shrill cry rang out.

"Shun? Shun! Where are you?" The boy in questioned winced, clearly caught, and Lan Fan frowned as he sighed regretfully.

"It seems are sweet meeting has been cut short." The young boy gazed upwards, his eyes growing warm, leaving Lan Fan in a bout of confusion to his changing moods. "Thank you for speaking with me Lan Fan, I have treasured this moment."

Shun dipped his head in a small bow, and turned on his heel. "I hope we meet again."

Lan Fan paused, gazing after him before she angrily stomped her foot, tempted to pull out her hair. "X-Xú!"

The young boy turned curiously, blinking and Lan Fan shifted, glancing off to the side. "My duty as a body guard takes a lot of time, and my young lord's priorities will always come first."

"That sounds about right." Shun smiled softly and Lan Fan turned, crouching as she prepared to jump.

"B-But if you'd like, I wouldn't mind speaking with you again."

Shun's eyes widened in surprise and Lan Fan took off, disappearing without a trace. The young boy gazed after her for a moment, mystified and rather happy for once. Another shrill cry rang through the air and he turned as a servant approached, cheeks flushed and eyes wide. "Young Lord! Where have you been? Everyone's been turning the palace upside down for you—and look at your clothes! What did you do, sleep with the horses?"

"I did." The servant near fainted and Shun rolled his eyes, a small smile on his lips as he sighed. "I apologize, I will return at once."

"T-Thank you, young lord." The servant bowed, turning with a sweep of her robes, and she waited for Shun to leave first.

The young boy strode forward, titling his head up thoughtfully as the servant followed behind, explaining to him how the rest of the day was supposed to go, but he didn't really care. "Lan Fan... The Yao clan, huh?"

"This way, Prince Xú." The servant bowed and Shun offered her a small smile stepping into the home as he turned his head.

Smiling more to himself, the young boy let out a wistful sigh. "Shame you couldn't have been employed to the Xú clan instead."

But I look forward to our next meeting.

A surprisingly short chapter for me, since I normally write chapters way longer than this, but I couldn't neglect our little pair, and I wanted to give these two a little spot light, since they'll be playing their own story in this sequel. :D

Thank you for all the kind reviews! I'm glad you all thought the reunion went well, and seemed to have taken a liking to Shun. Zhu and Shun will play their only little roles in this story, so I hope you look forward to seeing more of them. :)

I'd also like to say welcome to all those new readers who have just joined, you guys are the bomb! Thanks for taking the time and working through JOOTD and making your way over here, I appreciate it!

Thank you all for the reviews!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!