Disclaimer: I don't own FMA the cow does, bow to the cow she is all powerful. FMA is the property of Arakawa-sama and not I. I make no money writing this I am merely borrowing the characters for creative purposes.

A/N:This story is one I am trying a different writing style with and that has a deep rooted plotline that will gradually become known. Nonetheless, I hope this chapter is enjoyed and happy reading.

Title: Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
Pairing: Roy/Ed
Genre: Drama, Action Adventure
Spoilers: All of them for this story.
Series: FMA
Rating: MA, NC-17 (overall)
Status: Work In Progress
Summary: Who knew he could have a chance at this, that he could actually achieve happiness? Roy/Ed

Patience is as much a virtue as trust can prove to be.

Chapter 9

Two Weeks Later . . .

Finally, he was finally released from the damn hospital and of course now that he was on medical leave to recover from his damn injuries he was informed by both Generals that he had to attend his damn psychology evaluation since he wasn't much use as a field operative at the moment. Pointing out that he was getting along with his brother and sister-in-law now did nothing to dissuade anyone of making him go. He had to go because it was procedure, policy, the rules or whatever the hell they wanted to call it that he go to see that damn quack because he'd just returned from a two year long mission in another country.

He did just fucking fine in Xing but that wasn't good enough for the higher ups. Since when did they care about his well being anyway? They hadn't cared when they sent him on dangerous missions that could have gotten him and Al killed and they sure as hell did not care so much when Bradley was running the country. What was worse was that he knew everyone, Mustang, his teacher, the old General Holigan, and the crazy Olivia Armstrong herself were planning something behind his back but he couldn't prove what it was. Thinking about it only pissed him off more than he already was so he was stuck just watching them and seeing what he could find out.

This was utter bullshit, his right arm was in a sling to allow his still healing collar bone time to heal and because the arm was useless without the bolts in place, trying to use it was agonizing because the wires all crossed without anything holding the damn thing in place at his shoulder so sling it was. Funny how easy it is to forget how much you rely on something until you can no longer use it. He was right handed but through the years of not having the same dexterity as his flesh hand he'd become left handed, his handwriting had suffered the most because of that but he could already do everything else left handed now. That didn't make it any less frustrating to not use his right hand and of course Winry had removed the bolts herself and told him he'd just have to wait for his collar bone to heal up before he could rely on the automail arm for a while.

At least he wasn't bedridden anymore which was a plus since that drove him batshit crazy staying in bed doing absolutely nothing. Sure he could read, but even that got to be infuriating and made him restless so that only lasted for a few days. Then there was also that his niece and Elysia could trap him and ask him questions about everything, why did the moon turn red sometimes, why was the sun golden yellow, why did he have the same color eyes as the sun, why this and that, it made him crazy. Now he had some peace since he got to walk to the damn medical building alone but he wasn't looking forward to where he was going.

He knew the office all too well and without anyway to prove that this woman was the same as the one that had attacked Mustang and Hawkeye there was no way of convincing anyone to not make him go from that angle. They still didn't have any leads that would tell them why the attack happened or why the hell whoever it was hadn't killed him. No way to say for sure that Mustang was or wasn't a target or where they would strike next. Nothing at all and that made this damn recovery even longer because he was still being followed by soldiers, at least it wasn't Breda or Havoc or anyone else he knew this time. He could only take so much of their taunting and theorizing about what the hell was going on and the investigation at least kept everyone busy including that arrogant bastard.

He let out a sigh when he came up to the building, five damn floors and it was a hospital on top of that which he hated about the place even more. The office he was going to was on the top floor and so he went inside and could hear the click of uniform shoes on the tile floor as he made his way to the elevator, at least science managed to create those things, he wasn't feeling up to walking up five flights of stairs. His energy was less than he liked after being stuck in bed for a week and a half to recuperate. He hated injuries because then he had to rest and the pain sucked as well.

Of course the two nameless soldiers got on the elevator with him and one of them, a young guy actually younger than him asked, "Sir, what floor?"

"It's five, don't tell me you've never been here private," the other soldier said with irritation in his voice, he was older than both of them but Ed could care less. The privilege of his rank was getting away with saying things like, "Just be quiet would ya," and ignoring the glare sent his way by the corporal. Being a Lieutenant Colonel now had only a bit more privilege than being a major did which wasn't enough to get him out of this. The elevator made that annoying ding that let them know they had reached the fifth floor and he got off and turned left to go to the end where he had to make a right to get to the door at that end of the hallway.

He hated this place, detested it even without the hospital smell they had on the lower floors present he still couldn't stand to be here. This woman gave him the creeps and it was pointless to hold back from saying anything because she had his damn files and was a psychologist so that made her about as psychic as fucking Mustang was. She seemed to know what the written words didn't say and she had this suicidal tactic of pissing him off to get him to lose control and end up saying more than he intended. Which was why his sessions with her lasted two hours, with one last glare at the two following him he walked inside the waiting room, up to the window to sign in and of course since he was on time it only took five minutes before he was called to go to that witches' office.

He did smirk when the secretary informed the two soldiers that they weren't allowed to go with him, ha, they could wait bored out of their minds in the waiting room then. Breda usually had a chess board; Havoc flirted endlessly as did Herth for that matter. These two thought they'd get to eavesdrop huh, too damn bad.

Everyone he was used to knew they were going to be stuck waiting. He walked around the curving wall to the room at the back knowing that this woman s' office was spacious enough to not be suffocating, had two couches, one on the left hand side of the door and another a few steps in front of the door which was across from her usually packed desk.

There was a bookshelf with pointless books for her profession filling the shelves and the degrees were on the walls along with a calendar that she wrote down her appointments on. So when he knocked, was told to come in, and did so he closed the door and took residence at the couch across from her. It offered an escape route if she pissed him off too much and allowed him to watch her at the same time. Pretty convenient at times unless she was looking at him like she was know, he would have crossed his arms if he could but since he couldn't he just glared at her. She wasn't bad to look at if you liked conniving, sneaky, deceitful women.

Blond hair tied back in a pony tail that should have made her look younger but actually fit her fairly well, black rimmed glasses that reminded him of Shezka, bright blue, almost crystalline eyes, pale skin, and a nice figure if you liked the candidate for psychopath type. But the difference with her and other woman was the way she always dressed so damn elegantly, like she was some high class snob which he didn't doubt she was. White blouse with a black skirt today and some necklace he couldn't make out the pendant to.

"What in the world happened to you, you look as though you were hit by a car," but that was where her elegance stopped, she had this habit of speaking to him straight forwardly most of the time which made it pretty damn hard to get too angry at her. But he still didn't like her and sure as hell didn't trust her, "I did."

"No you didn't, I heard there was an attempt at your life," there was also that, she always knew the damn truth so he could lie all he wanted and she would correct him and then make some comment, ask questions about it that pertained to why he lied and they would move on. He hated it when she went back to asking about his past, especially the most recent blow he'd gone through in Rousia. That always made him want to push her out the window her desk was placed in front of.

"How is that investigation going by the way?"

"Nowhere."

"Hmm, that seems to be the same way this meeting is going so far as well," there now she was smirking and the arrogance this woman had reminded him far too much of Mustang who he still needed to cuss out and insult for the way he'd acted that morning before they were shot at.

"Can I leave then?"

She laughed, "Certainly not. Now I believe Generals' Mustang and Holigan requested you to have a few sessions with me concerning how you're handling what you went through in Rousia and to inquire about your time spent in Xing. It would seem that a young officer like yourself is very important to the Amestrian military."

"Apparently so. Dealing fine, Xinghan was fine."

"Aw, short and to the point then? That's alright with me. I believe there was a certain incident in Xing that led me to believe you are very far from fine. In fact it may suggest that by your lack of action you are suffering just as much now as you were during your time as a prisoner."

"The hell do you know anyway?"

"I know from previous sessions that you have the unhealthy tendency to bottle things up and keep them to yourself. From your files this is a new development that you acquired from the time in Rousia. From what I read you were actually quite impulsive with an explosive personality. Recently I've found that you have become calmer and more docile than before, while that is definitely a positive thing it is also detrimental to you. Holding in your emotions and confiding in no one will only make what you are bottling up even harder to handle when they resurface."

"So what I should trust you and confide in you then?"

"That is your decision, if not myself then someone you trust to be able to help you through your difficult past."

"Cool, I'll do that and we won't have to have-"

"Not so fast. I still need a statement from you about how you are dealing with things Edward."

"Of course. I'm dealing with things just fine and don't need some quack doctor telling me how to live my life."

"It is rather pleasing to hear you say that, the last time I saw you it was an entirely different reaction you displayed."

Yeah he remembered that session from two years ago before he practically begged to go to Xing as a Liaison. He'd opened up alright, damn near fucking lost it because she just kept pressing and saying exactly what was going through his mind when he was beyond stable and he had a mental breakdown. That was embarrassing as hell and he was not repeating it no matter what she said to him.

"How did you feel about seeing your family after two years?"

"Fine, good to see them again."

"Hmm, you weren't feeling jealous about seeing your brother had a normal life, a wife and child, a home?"

"Hell no, that's what I always wanted for Al. To be happy and healthy."

"That's good. What about your co-workers, how did you feel about seeing them again?"

"Fine, good to see them again too."

"Hmm," damn she must have seen something in his expression or whatever she managed to see that told her he was telling her a lie. Maybe he hated her so much because she reminded him of Mustang, this uncanny ability to know when he was lying and to see through it every single time.

"Are you sure you weren't apprehensive, feeling nervous about them expecting you to be the exact same as before or maybe even expecting you to be worse off than you were before you left?"

"Yeah, sure, whatever."

"Edward."

"What?"

"Which was it, nervous, apprehensive; did you feel the same way about meeting your family once again?"

Damn her and the way she worded shit; "Nervous I guess, didn't know what they'd think or what had changed."

"Does change make you feel uncomfortable?"

"No."

"How about suspicious, as though no matter how good the change may be that something bad may come and tear it all away?"

She was good and he scowled at the window behind her, "Life's not fair and change is inevitable."

"That's true, but do you feel as though you can never have or deserve happiness?"

That was twice now; he was going to start yelling soon if she didn't quit hitting the nail on the head like that; "Can live with it."

"That's not what I asked. Do you feel as though you don't deserve happiness?"

"Who the hell cares, why do you care anyway," now he was getting defensive, great that made three points to her. He really, really hated these sessions and should take lying lessons from Mustang or something so he could convince her he was perfectly fucking fine so she would leave him alone.

"Why wouldn't you deserve happiness Edward? Do you think that even after correcting your sins that the things that happened since then were somehow your fault?"

Fucking hell, where did she come up with this shit anyway? He didn't answer just shrugged his uninjured soldier, of course she was writing down the questions, answers, mannerisms, she always cataloged every thing and of course his two C.O.'s received copies that were condensed and let them know what was going on with him which was annoying. At least if he ever developed a social life he could keep that mostly to himself.

"I would think the fact that you survived what your were put through and also managed to escape would make you realize that your are far from weak. Combined with all you had faced up until that point it is most obvious to those around you that you are a very strong, determined, and often selfless young man."

Okay, now she was complimenting him like he had self esteem issues, whatever. He didn't need her to tell him what everyone else expected from him; he knew it already, played the part pretty damn well most the time except for lately. He wasn't willing to make anyone walk down that barricaded road from the time he was a prisoner, a slave in Rousia, because no one needed to bare that burden with him, he could handle it.

Except Ling had pointed it out, proven it to him that he really couldn't but he wanted to try because why was he going to place that on someone s shoulders like he had Ling? Now that guy was protective as all hell like he was some helpless kid when he wasn't, he could fight his own battles and he sure as fuck didn't need some prince or some Flame Alchemist made General to do it. Al and Winry were out of the question, he'd never tell them because they had each other and their kid to worry about and he was going to be just fine. As for this woman, no way in hell was he saying more than he had to. It wasn't any of her business and she knew way too damn much about him as it was.

"Another matter that concerns me is of course whether or not you've had any desire to date."

Like that wasn't awkward, what business of hers' was it whether he dated or not? Ling had made him accompany him on dates, mostly because he was supposed to accompany the prince everywhere anyway but the guy was determined to get him to date. Apparently he had to get over all that shit in Rousia and dating had something to do with that. Yes, it had helped and he'd learned more than a few things about himself that he wouldn't have if he hadn't tried. Now that he was back in Central however he didn't feel much like dating anyone.

"Why?"

"Because you are fine young man and with so much of your childhood cast in hardship and adult responsibilities I think it would be good for you to try and realize some of the finer things in life."

"Whatever."

"There was an interesting rumor I heard, were you romantically involved with the Prince you were charged with working alongside?"

He blushed and he cursed at the reaction as he looked away and muttered, "So what?"

"Well then," she laughed softly, "that answers that question. Perhaps while you are here you will be able to pursue your hearts' desire."

"Uh huh," he muttered indifferently.

"Now then, time to get to the more serious questions."

"What the hell, like what you haven't asked me already isn't personal enough as it is."

"Edward, we'll start with some simple questions. How are you sleeping at night?"

"Fine," he answered quickly, he was when he had pills shoved down his throat that knocked him out anyway. He never actually slept very well at night that was why he took naps. Maybe that was why Mustang was always sleeping in the office, bad nights, and nightmares plaguing him like they did Ed. Why the fuck was he thinking about having any sympathy for that guy anyway?
"I can see that you have been resting more than usual, but the circles under your eyes indicate that you have much trouble sleeping. Is it nightmares that keep you from getting any actual rest Edward?"

'Well isn't she observant,' he thought snidely then answered, "Everyone has nightmares, big deal."

"Well a lot of people do, but only those who truly have horrors in their past actually have nightmares so often they effect their health. What are your nightmares about?"

"Homicidal dancing cats, you know cuz Al had this thing about wanting to adopt cats on the road all the time," he replied sarcastically, he was not telling her about his nightmares. She could keep looking at him like that all day if she wanted. His nightmares were of his own creation, well they were of others' creation since he'd stopped having nightmares about that night they tried to bring back their mother when he'd restored Al. Regardless it wasn't any of this woman s' business.

"Alright then, I can simply write up a report that says you are unable to return to duty due to failure to comply with medical orders . . .

Fucking bitch! "Fine damn it, it varies."

"How so?"

"You know, like dreaming that Al will be taken away, being turned into a s-slave again, things like that. Happy?"

She had that stern look; it reminded him of his teacher back in Resembool, that crazy lady used to throw chalk at him in class when he did something she didn't like. Well he deserved it sometimes he could admit, putting worms in the girls' lunches, transmuting the books into huge spit balls to throw at the board, he actually missed those days. See he could let his mind wander while she lectured him about how he should stop being so difficult and just answer the questions so that both of their lives could be made easier for the next hour he had left in this damn session.

"Next question doc."

That gave her pause, he hardly ever instigated moving on with this crap, but at least it stopped the lecture she was going through. She cleared her throat and nodded once then asked, "How is it that you bore the weight of what surely felt was the world on your shoulders during your journey to recover your brother?"

He shrugged; he really didn't know the answer to that so he ventured a guess, "Determination, will power, hell if I know."

"Wouldn't you believe that it had to do with having your brother by your side the entire time? Does one not draw strength from those around them, reminding them what they are fighting and struggling to accomplish?"

"Sure, that sounds about right."

Again with the nod and then she had the audacity to ask, "How can you continue to bear the weight of knowing in your own selfish, naive, and childish way that your brother had to pay such a high price for what you forever feel was your sin?"

This was why he hated her, she brought what he said during his outbursts back around to bite him in the ass when he least expected it. That was a low blow and he had to take a moment to keep from ripping her apart to answer the question; "Because I corrected it."

"But he still lost years of his life."

"No he didn't, he . . . " he knew that she was right and that was what bothered him the most. He also knew why she did this shit; instead of trying to prove to him that he wasn't completely at fault she grilled him until he proved himself wrong. "He, he did . . . he was alive, he still saw everyone and was there and learned . . . he was alive this entire time . . ." How the hell could he justify something that was entirely his own damn fault? That was stupid, he couldn't, there was no way and he didn't see why Al didn't resent him for taking that time away from him. Why didn't he anyway, he wouldn't have been able to if he'd been in Al's position instead because it was Al and he would have more than deserved not being able to breath, to fear, to eat, to touch and feel . . .

"How does it feel knowing that after your mothers' death that you caused her pain beyond the grave? Have you atoned for that Edward?"

"Yes, it wasn't her and I got Al back . . . it wasn't her," he knew that because he and Pinako had dug up the remains of that night and it wasn't her. He hadn't killed his mother; he never had because he was a fool. But he was grateful for that even though it had cost him and Al so much for nothing but he'd corrected that to. He was past this; those demons were laid to rest. "It's over," he said firmly, "I can never undo it but I kept my promise. My brother is happy, healthy, and whole again and he has a family of his own now. That's all I ever wanted."

"What about for yourself Edward," her voice was softer now and he couldn't stand that, it was the voice a mom used when talking to a distraught child and she was not his mother so she shouldn't talk to him like that.

"What about me, how about you, are you happy, are you doing what you want? Do you enjoy ripping open old wounds and dissecting them you damn bitch?"

"That's enough Edward," now her voice was stern, he liked that tone much better. He couldn't stand that soft, motherly, caring tone in this woman s' voice, it brought back the pain of how much he still missed his mom which reminded him that he and Al were truly orphans' now. Their father, even though he left, was dead as well, sacrificed his life to save Amestrius along with a few others, like Scar and nearly Izumi and Mustang had done. The moment they had undone what father had done his father had cured the blindness that the gate cursed Mustang with for so short a time with what energy he had left after he and his father had clawed their way back from the gate with Al's body, mind, and soul as one.* He didn't know what Mustang and his father had talked about but it was something that caused his then C.O. to get pretty pissy when he'd called his father a bastard for leaving them again.

"Don't act like you care when you're just doing your job and sure as hell don't talk to me like some mom would," he snapped angrily.

She drew back leaning back in her chair and nodding, probably writing down the outburst but he didn't care. She'd better step off this road before he said fuck it and left. He'd rather talk about just about anything else other than his mom; he'd never stop missing her.

"How do you feel about the lives you've changed, taken, or had a negative or positive effect on?"

How the hell did she know he'd killed anyone, no one knew that, it wasn't in a report or he would have been charged with it*. She raised an eyebrow at him, "Don't tell me that during all the chaos on the Promised Day you didn't kill anyone or even before that when you were listed M.I.A. Perhaps even after all of that you had to have taken a life, and you have had a profound effect on people, especially in Xinghan and Amestrius."

"Right, wasn't intentional or anything its' just the way it happened."

"Are you saying that the choices you made that affected others are not your responsibility?"

"No. I was just saying that I . . . I didn't want any of the shit that was going on to kill anyone but it did and I can't make up for that. Some of the-" damn it he was doing it again, justifying his actions because of what she was saying, "negative effects were because of me but I have to live with that. I can't change what s' already happened."

"Exactly, so why not turn to someone about what has already been done to you? You were made into nothing more than a slave in Rousia, which had to have had a profound effect on you. I can see that it has just from going through your mission reports, your files. Your personality has changed so drastically that I am not surprised those around you are concerned."

"Yeah, well shit happens, people change, and sorry I'm not what everyone expects."

"You're not sorry and you have no reason to be. But you will need to stop holding it in and keeping it to yourself or it will destroy you."

"The hell it will-"

"I know you have been through so very much already and survived but one can only make it through so much before they shatter."

"What the hell would you know?"

"More than you think Edward," there was what he could swear was genuine sincerity in her voice as she spoke those words. But he wouldn't meet her eyes, it was damn near impossible for him to lie when he looked someone in the eye. "Let me ask you this then, do you feel that the wrongs and sins you've committed eclipse the good you've done?"

What kind of backlash question was that? No, he didn't think so but how could he know for certain to begin with. He decided on a shrug, "I don't know," he answered honestly.

"I think you do know, I think you are not certain but that you hope you've done more good in the world than bad."

'I played a part in both destroying and saving Amestrius, that s' pretty elliptical to me.' "I guess so."

"Do you feel like all the good you've gained is equivalent to sacrifices you've made?"

"Yes, I have Al back."

"Even now, after you had to sacrifice so much in captivity just to stay alive?"

That was a tough one and did he think after all that it was worth it? He got to see Al, Winry, and Anna, was there when they married and he and Ling got along well enough now. He had friends so he guessed that maybe it was worth it but did he feel that yet? Al, Winry, and Anna, yes, it was worth it to come back to them and see for himself that the world had not gone to hell in a hand basket again. Everyone was alright and he got to see that for himself, "Yes."

She smiled then and he scowled, he hated that damn smile, it meant he said something she approved of. What the hell ever he only had thirty minutes to go before he got out of this damn place. "How do you feel about having your automail permanently?

That was a change of pace, simple enough question, another left shouldered shrug, "I'm fine with it. Knew it was going to turn out that way anyway."

"You did, how did you know?"

"Cause I'm a genius."

"Edward."

"Because I'm not stupid, it wasn't worth the risk to try and get them back so I didn't bother trying. I'm fine with it and if no one else is then tough luck because I don't care. I was the one that fucked up and ended up with automail and for once I'm the only one suffering the consequences of my actions and that's just peachy with me."

"Do you always hold yourself in such low regards? Why must you alone suffer while you cannot stand to have those around you suffer?"

"Because usually I'm the one that instigated whatever the hell can make others suffer."

"And your life, do you hold no value for your own life? Do you believe that your sacrifices are so small in comparison to the ones others make?"

"If my life has to end to save someone else or save them pain then fine. Mine are small because I bring them onto myself."

"That is . . . you should hold your life in higher regard. Wouldn't those you leave behind suffer if you were lost to them? Do you not think that by suffering yourself that you are causing those who care for you pain?"

He paused at that, yes he thought of that but he was sparing them pain by keeping it to himself . . . only he was a complete and utter hypocrite. He always demanded answers from those he knew, didn't let Al or Winry suffer needlessly or alone growing up but now they had each other and what was he left with? Ling had told him it was alright to share the burdens' of ones' life with another because then you gave them the hope they needed that somehow they could help or lessen your suffering. It was a show of compassion and trust to share your demons with another and it was truly uplifting to find someone who would accept all of you and not just bits and pieces.

His mother had to have known about his father, she was his wife so she had to have known. He didn't register that he was being watched as his mind raced through scenario after scenario, she had known and yet she had loved him anyway even after he'd left them she continued to love him with her very last breath. That was what it meant to accept all of a person, to accept their flaws no matter what, to accept that their intentions were pure and good even if it hurt in the end. He did know why his father had left, knew after things began with the humunculi that things were more complicated and bigger than they seemed.

He was doing the same thing in a different way than his father with his actions, pushing everyone away and back, distancing himself because he didn't trust them with the truth. He didn't want them to see what it had done to him to be reduced to nothing but a powerless whipping boy. He was supposed to be strong, supposed to break free and he had but like a dog would have, digging himself out and dragging himself away, running away like a coward because that was what he was reduced to. It was worse than that time he thought he was as good as dead after Kimblee had blown up that damn warehouse in the North.

He had to snap out of it, pull back from those thoughts before he lost himself in them again. This wasn't the time or place and he was not letting himself fall apart in front of her again. He took in a deep breath and was grateful his injury was healing because that hurt a lot less now than it had two weeks ago.

"I wish you would stop beating yourself up and believe that those around you are trustworthy when it comes to the things that plague you. Believe them when they tell you that you deserve happiness and peace as much as you believe they do Edward. Don't keep this all to yourself forever."

"Is that it, can I go?"

"You may go and I will send a satisfactory report that you are well enough mentally and emotionally to return to active duty as soon as your physical injuries heal."

"Yeah, thanks," he said distractingly as he stood up and headed for the door pausing when she said to him, "Take care of yourself and try to keep yourself out of the kind of trouble that brings you back to my office."

"Uh, sure," he turned towards her, "does that mean you won't make me come back here then?"

"Only when your C.O.'s order it does it happen. I do want you to engage in social activities involving your colleagues, friends, and family but there really is no need for you to come back presently."

"Cool, see ya," that was a relief because she was getting way too damn good at reading him and he didn't like it. She always gave him the creeps, like she was much more than she seemed. But the only thing he noticed when he did look at her that was similar were the eyes. Sure she had the same build and her hair color was a shade darker but he still suspected her even with those subtle differences, like her attitude and demeanor. She was a psychologist after all, surely someone in her profession could mimic a split personality and change of state was simple, hell you could buy hair die at the store.

He went back out to the waiting room and the two waiting for him stood up immediately looking relieved to see him before they looked bored again. He scoffed and waved at the secretary as he walked out the door and headed back to the elevator. He was going out tonight, he was still on leave and he could use a damn drink after putting up with the mental quack for two hours. Plus, she'd said he should be more social, having a few drinks was pretty damn social and he could at least let Mel and Sal know he was alright by making an appearance. Izumi and Sig had left over a week ago, deciding to head back home because his teacher had classes and a butcher shop to run.

Olivia came and went and now and then he would catch Herth and thus catch wind of her working to settle things with Parliament once and for all. She was bound and determined to get her way. Of course Mikey always loves to tease him about the busted arm and called him a hero, which he really wasn't since the bullet was meant for him to begin with. Then the guys always loved to tease him about being crazy enough to apply for training in Drachma. Even Mikey called him crazy though the older guy had gone through that training himself.

He had to wait until he was completely healed according to the Ice Queen which sucked because that meant waiting even longer than one month. He had to wait three because the last batch of recruits left this week and the training programs lasted eight to nine weeks and they didn't like training groups at different times because they had more than enough recruits to keep up with. But that also meant he'd have to be back on duty here in Central for a while, on paperwork duty when his medical leave was up, so that he could completely heal. That woman had demanded that he have a doctor send her word that he was fully healed so there was no telling what else she'd demanded behind his back.

He walked without needing to think about where he was going; his feet would carry him to his destination. If he was lucky the rest of the guys wouldn't be there, it wasn't the weekend so there was a bit of a chance of that. He could ignore the people on the streets pretty easily, and it was hardly morning, closer to the time people would be getting off work by now so he expected somewhat of a crowd when he finally got there. He was pulled from his thoughts when the Corporal asked him, "Where are we going sir?"

"Nectar's, you two want a few drinks?"

"Yeah-" the private started only to be cut off by the Corporal, "No thank you sir, we need to stay alert."

He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets as he kept going, "Suit yourself then," at least it was only a few more blocks to his destination. He needed something to calm his nerves, that damn session had brought up way too many memories of the mistakes he'd made in his life and what it had cost not only him but those around him that he cared about. He definitely needed to calm down before he headed back to Gracia's, or maybe he could call and tell them he wasn't coming back so she wouldn't have to worry. He really needed to get a dorm or a hotel room or something, there was no need for him to stay at Gracia's, she never complained but she had a right to get back to her normal life without worrying about him all the time. Of course Winry and Al and Anna had a reason to be there, they were still looking for a place to stay in the city and somewhere Winry could set up a shop. He still didn't know how he felt about them coming to Central to stay considering that things always seemed to be happening here.

He looked up finally taking in the scenery around him and spotted a phone and headed for it. It so happened to be across the street from Nectars' and when he glanced in the direction of the bar he noticed that it already had a few customers going inside the newly repaired bar. He'd have to ask Mel who all was hurt that day and see if he could do anything for the civilians who usually hung out or lived around the bar. Maybe they needed some repairs done still; he could at least do what he could for them. He stepped into the phone booth and closed the door while his two escorts stood outside it, the Corporal even leaned back against the door like he could shield him from any danger.

He huffed and picked up the phone to hold it between his ear and shoulder while he sifted through his pocket for some change. He dialed Gracia's number and it rang three times before Winry's voice came on the line, "Hello?"

"Hey Win' it's Ed."

"What did you do now," geeze what was with that accusatory tone she had, he hadn't caused much trouble in over two years. That one incident didn't count since he never invited those assholes into Xing.

"I haven't done anything. I was just . . . I'm across the street from Nectar's and was calling to say I'm not coming back tonight."

"And just where are you going to stay then? Are you alright?"

He hated that second question, he got it all the damn time and it was rather annoying. "I'm fine, just need to calm my nerves is all. I'll get a hotel room or something-"

"Absolutely not! You should come back here or stay with someone you know."

"I'll think of something-"

"I'll call the General and ask him-"

"No way! I don't want any damn help from that bastard."

"Fine, then I'll talk to the Colonel and see if she can go by and get you to let you stay with her then."

"Fine."

"Thanks for calling this time even if I don't think you should go to a bar . . ."

"Yeah . . . Don't worry, I'll be fine. If nothing else I can just stay with Sal or something alright."

"I know all of us would feel better if you were with Miss Riza since you won't go stay with the General."

"Talk to you later Winry."

"Don't you hang up on me," she all but shouted through the phone.

"Geeze, alright. What?" For some reason the hair on the back of his neck had begun to stand on end like something dangerous was around him making him a bit distracted as she kept talking on the other end.

"Promise me that you will stay with Miss Riza or one of the other soldiers tonight since you won't come back here where you should."

"Alright I promise. Later," he replied glancing around him but seeing nothing as of yet.

"Edward, please be careful and stay out of trouble," she said to him catching his attention again because of the tone of her voice. With a smile he shrugged off his uneasiness enough to reply back; "Don't worry so much, I'll be fine."

"I mean it Ed, don't go looking for trouble."

His temper flared but he shoved it down to say in a barely controlled voice; "I don't go looking for trouble."

"Maybe not, but you're always at the center of it."

"Goodnight Winry, tell everyone I said goodnight too."

She sighed, "Goodnight Ed, call me when you make it wherever you happen to stay so I know you're alright."

"I will," he said before they both hung up. That prickling sensation ran all the way up his spine making him tense with his hand held over the reciever. Something was wrong, for some reason it was entirely too quiet and it felt like he was alone. That wasn't right, he had two escorts, however annoying it was to have them around he really wasn't that threatening without the use of both hands.

He had a sinking feeling that only further fueled his apprehension and sent up alarms through his mind as he turned to tap on the glass where the Corporal was propped against the doors of the phone booth. At first nothing appeared to have happened and then something caught his eye and he looked down. Blood, blood smeared on the door and when he pushed at the door the soldier slid down the door further blocking any way for him to get out without shoving the guy out of the way, which was going to be difficult with only one working arm. He glanced to his right to see that the private was standing rigid and just in front of him was a figure, all he could see before the private jerked hard against the glass making Ed duck down instinctively was blond hair.

Why hadn't he heard anything, like gunshots or something? Wait, wasn't a phone booth sound proof? Plus Winry had been yelling at him at one point. Damn it, he was probably utterly screwed, an injured arm that made his alchemy hard to do and his strength significantly less, plus he was still recovering so his energy was less than usual so he would tire quickly. This was the perfect time for any enemies to come after him and the sudden wave of vulnerability and weakness that washed over him made him furious.

Never again, no matter what, whoever the hell it was they were going to just have to go ahead and kill him. He was never being made a prisoner again and he sure as fuck was not going back to being someone s slave. Swallowing and glaring at the ground in his few seconds of thought he decided he was fighting whatever the consequences.

He looked up from his crouched position and saw a woman standing there, her expression impassive, her eyes a crystalline blue, pale skin, wearing the same damn outfit that that doctor he'd just seen was wearing such a short time ago. Guess he was right in his first assumption, that damn bitch was the one and the same as the woman that had attacked Mustang and Riza with power that was both stronger than alchemy and not alchemy. His blood chilled in his veins when those cold, heartless eyes locked with his own, her lips slowly curling in a predatory and triumphant smile.

To Be Continued . . .

*I know how that was really done but I decided to change things around a bit so Ed could keep his alchemy.
*Another thing I changed because of the Greed Vs Ed in the first anime.