July 15th 1924

Rapalla, Italy

We arrived here a week or so ago. Ed and I have been working a lot. This Job's considerably different from what were used to. Boat charter; don't ask. It started with huge meal at a restaurant and then…. Well.

I free fell onto my bed and wanted nothing more than sleep. Still my thoughts bothered me…and would not let me sleep a wink. Had Ed really given up? Since when? What happened in the two years he and I were separated? The brother I knew was as stubborn as a mule. He was the one who fought so hard in that one fight we had as kids over Winry, I've seen the way they look at each other when one of them has their back turned.

I don't get it. I have a feeling I never will. Then there's Noa….

My face felt hot.

"…I can't believe she.…"

July 16th 1924

Rapalla, Italy.

We earned a Cruise trip from Rapalla, Italy to Barcelona Spain. No, not for enjoyment, sadly; we're part of the crew actually. Noa and Adelaide are waitresses, while Brother and I work at the Bar. Though I personally don't know how I got the position so easily, I'm not going to begin to complain. I wouldn't mind doing this for a living, at least for a while.

July 18th 1924

Cruise ship

The nights are sure lively here, being the kind of ship we're currently on. There seems to be a party every night. Brother seems content as well. A lot of young women come over, though not all of them order drinks. Our boss said that this was the first time in years that this has happened. Noa would stop by as well, to pick up more drinks for the customers.

Why am I so nervous around her? I've only been traveling with her over a year now… a year and a half. All awkwardness should have fallen out right? It's not the mind reading, I've gotten used to that.

July 20th 1924

Cruise Ship

Sometime after the bar closed, I stepped out onto the deck. I was tired but not ready to sleep. I wondered to the starboard side of the ship and watched the waves. My eyes wandered upward. The stars seemed to have tripled in number since we left land a few days ago. The ocean reflected the dark sky making it feel as though we were sailing on the stars themselves. I was so absorbed in the glorious sight I didn't hear Noa come from behind me.

"Nice night, tonight huh Al?"

She stretched her arms high over her head then took off her apron. As I watched her lean over the rail, I noticed how for the first time in a long time how relaxed she was. Her smile was that of someone without a care in the world. A free spirit who was, at last, truly free.

"I'm so glad to get out of Germany and be rid of that Label 'gypsy'."

"I thought you liked being a gypsy"

Leaned back in and rested her head on her arms which were folded over the rail.

"Yes and no. I didn't like how everyone I met was convinced I would steal from them before they met me."

I reverted back to staring out at the ocean.

"…I'm sorry…"

"Hmm? There's no need to apologize Alphonse, you didn't treat me like that and neither did Ed"

A small smile found its way across my face. It was comfortable, sitting and talking with her like that.

July 22nd 1924

Cruise Ship

Last night I had a dream about Winry… our Winry…. She was talking to Fletcher and Russle Tringum. She had her Wrench in her hand. Next, there was a bright yellow light followed by a red stone. Then Winry and Adelaide standing and facing each other. Both looking like they were going to cry. Then, Winry started to dissolve.…

The biggest concern of mine was how real it seemed. Like the time I was having dreams of Brother and 'my other 18-year-old self" which I later find out had been a real person, Alphons Heiderich.