Ed could barely sleep, thinking about getting his arm back and all that would imply. He knew they'd watch carefully, and he'd have to be extremely cautious. If he tried anything with his automail, he'd be sent to Building C. That went without being said. If he didn't show them his very best and if he took too long to prove himself, it would take that much longer to get home.
Those thoughts only led him to his usual thoughts. Why he was there and what he would do when they let him go. He promised Al that he wouldn't try anything when they live together, but that was an easy promise to keep. He couldn't stop thinking about that night and how close he got. Then there were the reactions. Even Mustang worried. He had hurt lots of people and would keep hurting them as long as he was in here. That left only one viable option. He had to get out of here as soon as possible. So he would play along. He would show them that they can trust him, that he's safe enough to send home. He was Edward Elric. This would be easy.
He drifted off at some point, and woke up; quickly remembering that today he would get his automail back. It was only for an hour and Al, Armstrong, and Hawkeye would all be there watching him, to make sure he didn't do anything. The doctor told him that if he kept being good, the amount of guardians would go down and the amount of time would go up. No problem.
Winry had to fully reconnect the automail to his body, meaning that the nerves had to be connected. Fortunately, Ed had gone through enough of this that it didn't bother him as much as the first time. It still hurt more than anything else, but he didn't mind the pain. She explained that she made adjustments to the automail so she wouldn't have to remove the whole thing and reconnect it every day. It also helped that she had more time, and didn't have to hastily remove it like she did after the attempt.
Once the process was finished, Ed flexed his fingers and grinned. He thanked Winry and bounced off the bed onto his feet. The quick movement got quick reactions, with everyone moving forwards before realizing he wasn't trying to transmute anything. He stretched his arm and moved it around to get accustomed to the weight. It had been over a month since he had his automail, and he wasn't about to waste his precious hour with it doing nothing.
The doctor permitted him the go outside with his guardians, and the next hour was filled with as much activity as possible, without scaring his companions. When the hour was up, Winry removed the automail, forearm down. Anxious for the next day, Ed went to bed early.
-The next couple of weeks passed by with no problems even as Ed was permitted to wear his arm for 8 hours and was only watched by Al. People relaxed and began to fully trust Ed with his automail. They even let him transmute a little bit each day, though that was only allowed in a guarded room. It wasn't long before the doctor agreed to let Ed wear his automail all night, though Al had to sleep in the room with him. No problems arose and plans to release Ed started to cautiously form as everyone forced themselves to relax and trust Edward with himself.
The week of Ed's release was coming up fast. Everyone wanted to talk to him to remind him of the plan, and his responsibilities when he left. He was to let Al know whenever he left the house, and was to be transported by either Hawkeye or Havoc to wherever he needed to go. Should there be no problems, he would be allowed more leniencies. He had to visit a therapist once every week for as long as necessary. If he started to feel like hurting or killing himself he was to tell Al, Mustang, or his therapist. The rules were simple and easy to follow, but Ed wasn't really listening.
He was anxious to get out. He had waited nearly two months to get out, and he was finally going to leave. Anyone watching him could see his leg bouncing and a half smile on his face. But no one noticed the contemplating look behind his golden eyes. The unexpected calmness resting on his face. Or even the shorter, distracted replies to the people talking to him. Even if they had noticed, they'd think he was preoccupied by the thought of going home. And they'd be right.
The day before his release was an exciting one, though for the first time all week, Ed was quiet. If not for the smile on his face and the gleam in his eyes, everyone would be worried about a relapse. As it were, people came in and out, voicing their eagerness, giving their support, and going over the rules once again. Ed was given his old clothes, and his state issued pocket watch. Mustang promised Ed sometime before going back to work, but made it clear he was expecting him as soon as possible. Al chattered about all the things he got for Ed's room. Not a single person in the room was silent, except for Ed.
During every lull of well-wishers, Ed fingered his scar. It was still an angry red, and would be for quite some time. There on his wrist it would remain for the rest of his life, constantly reminding him what he did. He thought about what would have happened if he had succeeded. Where would he have gone? To or through the Gate? Or would there be nothing? He had never stopped wonder for his entire time here, but today the thoughts were more prominent than usual.
All he wanted was to be left alone. That Is why he was flooded with relief when night fell, and his room was finally empty, except him and his thoughts. He sat on his bed, fully clothed in his usual outfit: the black set of shirt, pants, and jacket; the pair of white gloves; his platform boots; his pocket watch; and his vivid red coat. He stared out the window and planned for tomorrow.
