(Thanks to chrono-contract, just another fma fan, A Midsummer Night's Dream, LadyAngeliTheSunGeneral, and kenpachi-sama for the reviews, it's the payoff lol. And a special thanks to Illiteracy for pointing out my mistakes.

As for this chapter, I tried something different as suggested by Illiteracy. Turns out writing for Alfred is harder then I thought, going through two scraps before getting here. Hope it's enjoyed and feed-back is welcomed, perhaps I'll write from different views each time. Till next chapter!

Sincerely calamityRED~)

The rain came by the bucket and pail load putting a stop on any plans of driving any distance for Alfred. It was certainly times like this he rather opted for a closed in vehicle rather than a motorcycle. With a mutter being muted by constant rain he kept riding hoping to find a hotel soon before he ended up ill. In the distance was the muddied glow of Memphis and promptly his destination is the weather had permitted.

It had become a stop that he enjoyed, the River City and the sweet soul music that fluttered the venues and bars. Alfred, even if other countries tented to disagree, did in fact have taste in music. Music that was uniquely his, those being the Blues, Soul, and Swing, are what stood out to him as great music.

The patter of rain continued relentlessly as his mind played out hymns and organ tunes to cheer his rain soaked self. Less than a mile ahead a sign of vacancy flicker in neon pink in the pre-darkened day. The building was seemed normal, too normal to be a hotel or motel.

'Perhaps,' He thought, 'it is one of the bed and breakfast inns.'

A bed and any food sounded quite welcoming to the rain drenched America. So with some disappointment of time lost he parked for the day. Grabbing up his limited belongs Alfred went inside shaking his wet mane prior to entering. Upon entering he heard the swell sounds of Soul music lifting his spirits up.

Suddenly a voice, aged but still full of life echoed from down the hall.

"Come on in from the rain son."

"Yes sir." Replied Alfred nodding even though the speaker couldn't see.

Walking the halls length and taking a left he was met with an elderly bearded black man with large grin and a towel draped over his shoulder.

"Seemed like a good idea."

"Thanks." Said the America with a bashful grin and nod

"Why don't you take a seat son, you look pretty tired."

"Definitely, been riding all day, or most of it."

"Memphis rain will catch you off guard in a snap. Care for a cup of coffee, pot's fresh." The older gentlemen said as he wondered off to the back.

"Yes please and I really should know better given how many times I have been here." Alfred said while drying off and wiping his glasses clean.

"Frequent visitor?" echoed from a back room

"Yes-sir."

"Business? And how do you like your Joe?"

"As is and here for…vacation."

"Ah." The older man uttered bringing two cups with trails of steam from their tops.

Taking in a whiff of the warming coffee Alfred relaxed slightly more. He was glad to see such hospitality now a days. It became seemingly less and less in the 'me' society. Then during his thoughts he realized he hadn't properly introduced himself."

"Forgive me, the name's Alfred." He sputtered out while holding his free hand forward.

"It's fine son, we're all neighbors here." He said with a grin behind the coffee's steam. "Just call me 'Old-Man' Harold."

"Alright 'Old-Man' Harold." replied Alfred lifting his cup as a toast with a brighten grin. "To neighbors."

"To neighbors." Joined in Old-Man Harold with an equally bright smile.