See, I can be quick if I want to be and some chapter are much easier to write. Not only that but finally its a long chapter. Well glad you are all enjoying this fic, its really about to pick up pace. FMA isn't mine.
Grace relaxed once she saw the familiar shape of her home on the horizon. She could just about hear Ned barking. He sounded quite like Den but he was certainly his own character. She hadn't realised how happy she was to be heading home until now and she began to pick up pace. The sights and the smells of the country filled her senses and she was content. Ned burst from the door and straight into her arms and she laughed out loud. This in turn brought her mother out and Grace ran to her. She embraced her mother and let the feeling of safety envelope her. Certainly her father knew what he was talking about.
'Hello mum, I've come home for a while.'
'If I had my way you'd stay forever. I have some tea ready.'
Grace smiled and walked into her home and revelled in the fact she had her mother all to herself.
Even from a distance he could see what was going on. Grace was obviously happy to be welcomed into her mothers loving arms. If only he knew how that felt. The sad truth was he didn't for he never knew his parents. Seeing Grace so happy enraged him and he knew he wanted to put a stop to it. But he could not act rashly or his plan could easily go pear shaped. For now he would have to keep his cover and wait for his real prize.
Although most of it had been left behind Grace had managed to bring some of her work with her. With such quiet surroundings she would be able to get it done in no time and do nothing for a while. With no work, no twins and no Max around she could contemplate her life and where it was heading. Silence was just the cure for her nerves.
'Be quiet Ned you silly creature!'
Ned who was still mostly a puppy had not grasped the idea of being quiet and he began to bark fiercely. Grace looked out of her window to see her mother grappling with the mass of mad animal. He appeared to be barking at something in the distance but when Grace looked toward where he was barking she saw nothing. Sighing she ventured downstairs to help her mother puppy wrestle. Ned, for being such a young dog, was quite big enough.
'Trust your father to think getting me a guard dog would do me good. I doubt Ned knows how to do anything but bark.'
Grace merely laughed as she moved round to the front of the creature to try and pet him. He was not prone to biting and she felt quite safe to start scratching him behind his ear. After a few more rather quieter yaps Ned fell silent and gave in to Grace's affection. He rolled over and let them both rub his stomach, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.
'Ooh you are a dangerous beast aren't you boy,' Grace cooed as Ned barked his reply. All other thoughts finally melted away as she stroked the lovable animal and helped her mother encourage him back inside.
They sat on the small balcony outside Grace's room and looked out into the night. Grace knew her mother had spent many a night when she was young doing the very same thing in wait for Ed and Al. It had been one of the more popular chapters of her book; least it had been for the women who read it. The men who read her book found it an obstruction in what could have been a fine history novel. In any case Grace could see the history in her mothers eyes and she smiled.
'Are you glad to be home?' Winry asked her daughter.
'Of course I am mother, now we've got that damn dog to sleep anyway.'
'You just appear to have something on your mind. I am quite aware your father sent you here.'
'Just working too much I guess, dad must have known. Now I'm here I realise how much I have missed being home. There is nothing on my mind and that's how I plan it to stay.'
Winry nodded but did not believe her. She hated secrets being kept from her but she knew nothing would change. Grace had spent much of her childhood looking off into the distance deep in thought. Edward would only have sent Grace home if he thought something was amiss but Winry knew to keep her nose out of that too. She had her daughter home and for the time being that was enough. She was safe here and the most she would have to cope with was Ned.
'So what is your work at the moment?'
'Just some research, nothing of interest. I just have to write up my findings and post it to the paper when I can.'
'You don't have a deadline?'
'Of sorts. They have a spot in the paper where articles go but they have many to put in. As long as they get mine soon it'll be fine.'
'Good. Oh I have to go to the market tomorrow so I'll be gone for a few hours, is that okay?'
'I'll get my work out of the way then. Once it is done I have all the time in the world to spend with you, even if that means helping you with the auto-mail.'
'I knew you were a closet mechanic Grace, your father will be jealous. I think he hoped one day you would alchemise one of your books into a tree.'
Even with his military binoculars he could no longer see them clearly although he was aware they were outside. It was such a shame; he loved how angry watching the pair of them got him. But still his ultimate goal had not revealed itself and he could not do anything till that happened. The cold began to set in and he wrapped himself up. The excitement of what was to come would keep him warm during the many hours that were ahead.
Grace waved her mother and Ned off midway through the morning. Ned needed to be taught how to act around people so Winry thought this a good opportunity for him. Plus some of the market stallholders were suckers for a puppy and might get Winry a few free extras. Grace had everything set to go and once they were beyond the horizon she buried herself in her work. Her father had made a little spot for himself downstairs where he studied so for the time being she hijacked it. He certainly would not be missing it at the moment. She was careful not to misplace anything he had carefully set down or she would hear about it when he came home. She hoped it wouldn't be too long for they had much to talk about. And, so sue her, she wanted their whole family together for a while.
'Dad I'm freezing. We aren't going to be around for long are we?'
'We shouldn't be James, once I've found the Colonel anyway. I only need to talk to him for a small while and then we can head back to Central.'
'Can't we go home for a bit?'
'To spend time with your sister?'
'No!
Edward laughed quietly and carried on walking. It would have been easy to mock the Colonel when he saw him about the awful living standards but he was on a mission. He would have to distract his son for a while. Edward decided he would go with the forward approach and just ask Mustang straight out if Max was his. If he was (chances are this was so) he would then demand to know why they gave their son away. After that he would find Max and get him together with his parents. Not only would he reunite a child with his parents but he would save his daughter as well.
'James, if you head to that café and order us some drinks I'll be with you shortly.'
James looked rather put out but he shrugged his shoulders and did as he was told. He ran through the ever-increasing snowfall toward the quiet little café. Once he was settled Edward headed up the path of the quiet looking house. Anyone else would have thought it a normal home but it was a secret headquarters even if it was small. He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The door swung open.
Although a couple of lines had appeared round his eyes he still looked like the same old Colonel. Once he saw Edward an arrogant smile spread across his face but Ed knew he would soon wipe that clean off his face. He did still feel guilty because he was breaking a promise but that smile made it all the more apparent it was time someone spoke up.
'Fullmetal, I'm a little surprised to see you.'
'As well you might Colonel.'
'I am no longer Colonel…'
'And I am no longer Fullmetal but some things stick don't they? I have to talk to you.'
Mustang ushered him in but was suspicious about his behaviour. There was something stern in his voice even if the words were in-joke. They both sat down in front of a fire and Edward instantly removed the picture from his coat pocket. He held it in front of Mustangs face and waited to see what he would say.
'Who knows about this Edward?'
'Me, Winry and Grace. What I want to know is if you are the father?'
'Could you see Riza letting anyone else near her…?'
'Then why has your son remained illegitimate? Why can he not be a part of your life? Is your job so much more important?'
Mustang frowned and Edward realised he had caught him out. Now Mustang would have to tell him the truth rather then keep it all covered up.
'I know I am not an emotional man, but do you really think I could give up my own child?'
Edward had not expected that at all. He hadn't thought too deeply about what he was accusing Mustang of and now he realised how harsh it was.
'Roy you must tell me why Max could not be a part of your life. He is harassing Grace for something and I need to know what.'
Mustang sat back in his chair and rapped his fingers together before saying, 'You won't believe me, but perhaps telling someone will keep it from tormenting me.'
Grace was amazed that she had managed to complete her work within an hour. It would still be another two hours at least until her mother came home. Perhaps she would take in a nap for she and her mother had talked well into the night. She would be refreshed for her mothers return and she would be able to cook a meal for her.
She lay down on the sofa and closed her eyes. She emptied her mind of all thoughts and let the cool air wash over her. The door was open and it caught any breeze that blew which was wonderful on a warm day. She felt sorry for her mother who would be walking in such heat.
Sensing something wasn't quite right Grace opened her eyes. Looking toward the door she saw nothing but pushed herself up. She kept her eyes on the same space but not a soul showed up.
'Hello graceful.'
Before she even had time to turn around she was pinned flat to the sofa and Max jumped over the back of it. He held her legs still with his own and grabbed her wrists. She desperately tried to pull them away but he was much stronger then her. She screamed in frustration but knew nobody was around to come to her aid.
'What is your problem?' she squealed.
'Believe it or not Grace it's you. Sorry to be so rough but I know what can happen to me if I let you loose. Why must you run away from me?
'Why must you follow me?'
'I told you. I'm hear to get what I want.'
Still struggling with him she cried, 'Then tell me what it is!'
He side grinned at her and licked his top lip. Her heart stopped in her chest and she used all the strength she had left to try and pull away but it was no use. He had her good and tight.
