Chapter 4: Implementation

The two homunculi separated as soon as they emerged from the surface, both having different assignments.

Envy walked as Winry to the hotel she and the Elrics shared until they headed back to Resembool. Waiting until the actual Rockbell left the room, he snuck inside. Finding the note Winry had left explaining her departure, Envy quickly burned it, and disguised the smoke smell with some of the incense he found in one of her bags.

Thankfully she didn't bring any of her stuff with her, seeing as she kinda lives in Rush Valley as it is.

The note had formerly read:

Ed and Al,

I just got an urgent call from Rush Valley, saying they needed me as soon as possible, because if I didn't get there, someone would die. I went ahead and left. Don't worry about waiting for me, I'll meet the two of you in Resembool. I finished packing up everything, but could you bring my stuff back to Resembool for me? Thanks.

Love, Winry

In reality, Pride had called Winry after the two separated, leaving Envy free to take over her identity. This'll only be a problem if Fullmetal's automail breaks. Otherwise, this'll be a breeze. An enjoyable breeze, Envy thought, lounging on the room's sofa.

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He had fallen into a steady doze by the time the door finally opened, and jumped, startled, almost losing grip of his form.

Fullmetal and his brother walked in.

Envy jumped up, and smiled at the two, saying quickly, "Hey you're back! You kind of startled me!" The armor's newly-reclaimed body was hard to get used to.

The two laughed, and Ed casually pulled Envy into a hug. Envy was taken aback, and hugged back awkwardly, squeezing tight. After a moment Ed said "Hey, um, Winry? You can let go now."

"Oh sorry!" Envy said, infuriated with the heat that went to his cheeks. Idiot! Stop it!

Al walked into the other room and called, "So, did you finish packing?"

Envy kind of froze. Shit. Her note mentioned it, but I forgot. Crap.

"Um…" he started, but was saved by Al calling, "Never mind, you did. Sorry about that."

Envy sighed in relief, and Ed gave him a strange look.

"What's wrong?"

Shit! "Umm…well…I just…wasn't…sure…that…I got…everything. And… I'm relieved that I did! Yeah! I was a bit scared for a minute there," Envy finished, with false enthusiasm. Ed raised an eyebrow at him, but smiled and took Envy's hand.

"Winry, you don't have to be so tense. Besides, we're going home now, so you can relax!"

Envy could see genuine concern in Ed's eyes and it soothed him.

"Okay. I will…"

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An hour later the three boarded the train, all in reasonably well spirits.

Though, thought Ed, glancing at the girl looking out the window next to him, Winry seems a little off. Usually, the three would be talking, or sleeping, not just sitting in silence like they were now. Al jerked his head at her, and looked at Ed. Ed shrugged, as if to say I don't know what's up with her. Al nodded, fading into silence for a moment. Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, Winry started talking random crap. The others joined in, and thoughts of Winry's unwellness were put aside for a rainy day.

After a few hours, the train pulled up in Resembool, and the three started walking home.

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Sorry for not updating in forvever, but I hit a bit of a writer's block because I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this.

Why not just stick with Envy's big master plan thing?

Shut up voice inside my head!!!! Shut up!!!

Don't worry, my little disciples. Now that I've gotten past this chapter, we can have an actual story start happening.