A/N: Hello everyone. I apologize for the tardiness of this chapter. I don't often get to a computer so it's rare for me to update. But I swear I will make an effort. Thank you for your patience! Ok, considering the fact that we know them by their names so well, all the officers under Mustang will have the same names all right? I think it just works out better that way and you can call it a pure coincidence! Also, in this story Edward and Alphonse managed to close the gate using alchemic power that was still pulsing through them. There will be a flashback in a later chapter explaining it all.
Ok,
Chapter 4: Edward's 'gift"
Edward took a bite out of the apple he had purchased. He glanced at his pocket watch and groaned, "He's late again."
"Who are you calling late?"
"Ahh!" Edward turned around to see his acquaintance Fritz Lang (for those of you who can't remember who that is it's the fuhrer's look a like k?), "Thanks a lot. That was my last apple."
"So sorry. Perhaps I can treat you to a cup of tea?" Fritz said leading Edward to a small café.
"I suppose, but it won't make up for being late." Edward joked.
"I'm not late I'm cautious." Fritz suggested.
Edward chuckled, "I guess that's one way of looking at it." He followed Fritz to one of the tables and sat down, "Now, what is it that you want to discuss with me? If it's about opening the gate forget it. Alphonse and I made sure to seal it shut."
"No, it's nothing like that. I'm pretty sure I told you I have given up on fantasies like that." Fritz said dropping a small sugar cube into his teacup.
"All right then what's going on? I hate having to lie to my brother like this. He thinks I'm out job hunting." Edward said lazily stirring his empty tea cup. It was obvious he had other matters injecting his mind.
"Well, do you remember the talk we had a few days ago? When I told you how I hoped to take a trip to America?" Fritz asked pouring the tea into Edward's cup.
"Yeah, but what does that have to do with me?" Edward asked snapping out of his trance and adding sugar to the warm liquid.
"Well, you'd have to discuss it with your brother I'm sure, but how would you and Alphonse like to join me for a trip across the seas?" Fritz said. He expected to see Edward jump with joy or scream or something along that line but was surprised to see just a blank expression on the 18 year old's face.
"And how may I asked do you expect us to pay for a trip like this? Alphonse and I aren't exactly swimming I a pool of francs here." Edward asked slowly sipping his tea.
Fritz folded his hands in front of him, "Oh, I'm sure you will think of something. You're not the only one who knows him Edward."
Edward spit his tea out, "Wait hold on! How did you?"
"It was only a matter of time. The man you have been talking to is my assistant. Jean Havoc." Fritz explained.
Edward did a double take. Havoc, Havoc?. Suddenly it hit him, Oh Havoc of course. Chain smoker!, "Tell me does your assistance by any chance smoke?"
Franz chuckled, "Well to be honest no. He can't stand people who smoke." He took a sip of his tea, "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason." Edward finished the last of his tea, "Listen, I really need to get going. Alphonse is going to start worrying. But I'll call you tomorrow."
"You mean you're going to talk to him tonight then?" Fritz asked.
"Yeah, if I ever get a moments peace. A new couple just moved in yesterday and I swear they're noisier then the twinklets on Armstrong." Edward joked.
"Armstrong? Friend of yours I presume?"
"Uh, yeah, from the other side." Edward responded grabbing his coat, "Well thanks for the tea." He rushed out the door, "I'll call you before five tomorrow."
Fritz chuckled, "I'll hold you to that Edward!" he called.
Edward raced down the street turned the corner and ran right smack into something hard. The old Edward would have just blown up about people not watching where they were going. But he was an adult now and he swallowed his pride as he looked up. What he saw nearly made him faint.
"Careful there pal. Next time you might run into a brick wall."
"Yeah, sorry sir."
"Oh honey, do you honestly think your as tough as a brick wall?"
"I never said that."
"Yes you did!"
"No I didn't"
Edward watched as the couple started arguing. He took this opportunity to run into his apartment building. Up the stairs and into their apartment, "Alphonse, I'm home!" He check the entire place but found it Alphonse-less. Panic started rising in the 18 year old's throat. He calmed down when he noticed a note on the table. He removed his coat and hung it up as he read the note.
Edward,
I got bored waiting for you so I decided to take a walk.
I should be back by supper time considering it's my turn to cook.
I'm out shopping too. So we will have something to eat tonight.
Don't burn the place down and stay out of trouble.
Alphonse
Edward reread the note and chuckled at the last part, "Stay out of trouble huh? When it comes to the Elrics that's easier said then done." He tossed the note on the table and plopped down, "Man, I'm so tired!" he lowered is head on to the table, "I think I'll take a little nap." Just as he finished his thoughts his mind drifted into a dreamless slumber.
1 hour later
"Are you sure it will be all right?"
"Trust me it will be fine. Believe me, my brother and I know what it's like to be locked out."
"Well thank you very much. If she found out I locked my keys in our apartment she'd never let me live it down."
Edward groaned as he covered his ears hoping to drown out the annoying voices. He shot up when he heard the door unlock. Relaxation took over when he realized it was Alphonse….followed by a man with jet black hair.
"Brother did you fall asleep at the table again? That's about as bad as sleeping with your stomach exposed." Alphonse teased.
"This is your brother?"
"Yeah, why so surprised?" Edward asked.
"Well not to be rude, but to be perfectly honest, for some reason , I was expecting someone well, shorter."
Alphonse looked over and prepared himself to hold his brother down thus he would explode about the short joke. To his surprise Edward stood up at his full height. Compared to the man he was only about 6 inches shorter. Tippy toed he would be the same height Brother you have grown. He noticed Edward's small muscles through his shirt, and not just physically either.
Edward turned to face his brother, "Alphonse could you kindly explain to me why this gentleman is standing in our front door?"
The man stepped forward, "Ok, ok, don't get upset. My name is…"
Edward chanced, "Let me guess, Mustang?"
The man gasped, "How did you know?"
"Oh, uh, my brother is a very very good guesser. It's like a gift or something." Alphonse said saving his brother's sorry ass
"Oh, well, uh. You see the thing is I accidentally locked my keys in our apartment next door and Alphonse here said I could use your phone to call a locksmith." Mustang explained.
Edward nodded now understanding the situation.
Mustang smirked, "I bet you can't guess my fiance's name."
Edward shrugged, "Well, I can take a shot," he said, "Riza?"
Mustang's jaw slammed to the ground, "You're good."
Edward simply shrugged again, "Hey Alphonse after supper I need to talk to you." He looked over to see his brother already cooking, "You're too much." He whispered.
A/N: Ok, that's it. I do hope the chapter is satisfactory. Now for the next few chapters, I want my readers to pick who they want introduced next. It doesn't matter who just pick someone from the show and I'll do my best to correspond to your choices!
