Sorry the grammar mistakes, but this is unbetaed. Please enjoy and check out my other story "War Changes You" because it's the background between Flame and Quicksilver

It was quiet at the Hughes house. An everyday occurrence that allowed the three state alchemists to hide from the alchemist killer known as Scar. The only difference was that the blinds of the house were drawn, despite being nighttime now. The inhabitants of the house all sat in the living room of the house, enjoying the calm that had naturally occurred after a wonderfully cooked meal by Gracia Hughes. The radio played dully, just barely audible while the adults, mostly the military rank individuals above major, conversed. Maes with an arm around Gracia on the couch, acting jovial as ever. Sitting in the large chair adjacent to the couch was Roy Mustang with his wife sitting on his lap; she leaned against his front with his arms around her middle. On the floor, Ed and Al listened in on the conversation while entertaining Elysia.

"I'm not going to lie to you guys," the glint off Hughes' glasses flashed at the older alchemists, "I can't believe you, a, actually told Ed and Al and, b, listened to a direct order of the Fuehrer by opting to not go after the alchemist killer for a potential promotion."

"That's a little distasteful, don't you think?" questioned Mackenzie. Her ombre colored head resting on Roy's shoulder, while her eyes stared at one of her oldest living friends. "You should only refer to Roy when it comes to seeking out promotions."

"Hey! That's not fair you know!" Obsidian glared playfully at the resting figure against his own body. "And we're only following orders because technically we're on paid leave. Not to mention it's one of the few times a year I get to see my wife."

That response earned thoughtful hums from both Maes and Gracia. "I can't believe that you two can have such a relationship because I couldn't imagine going so long without seeing or hearing from Maes."

"You did it during the War," pointed out Mackenzie.

"Hmmm," hummed Roy in agreement, "Those damned letters getting someone all hot and flashy, as well as jealous within seconds."

"Now that's not fair!" whine Maes. His gaze focusing on his friends. "I didn't get the luxury of having my special someone – the other half of my soul – on the front lines with me, which is something I am thankful for."

The mood shifted quickly due to that one comment. Both Foxtrot and Mustang silenced themselves by averting their eyes and thinking of the tragedies they caused. Ed looked up and swore he could cut the instant tension with a knife. However, the clock opted to chime: indicating that it was 8 P.M. "Bedtime princess!"

A 2-year-old Elysia looked at her father, then stood up and wobbled over towards the state alchemists. She placed her palms against Mustang's knees before shifting her whole weight on them; her green eyes shining up her father's war buddies. "Auntie M," giggled Elysia, "Read me story for bed?" The toddler looked up at her godmother with all the hope in the world. This, of course, caused Hughes to suffer from slight betrayal, but inwardly he was smiling.

"Of course, Sia," smiled M.J. The older kissed Roy's cheek before leaving his warm form. Carefully, Foxtrot bent down and picked up the slight weight of the toddler, rocking her occasional and earning bouts of giggles as they walked to Elysia's room.

"I'll take that as my sign to go do the dishes." Gracia quickly disappeared into the kitchen to get rid of the mess made from the dinner.

"Why don't you help her, Fullmetal."

"Tch," grunted Ed, but he got up and went into the kitchen anyways. "Al, you are coming?" The suit of armor got up and followed his brother. The metal creaked as it moved towards the kitchen.

A pale hand running through lose ebony bangs, as a long sigh ripped from Mustang's throat. "She finally opened up more about what happen in Creta. I just wished that she would have told me about it sooner instead of keeping in so long."

"What do you mean?" the seriousness of Maes tone ensured Roy that his friend did truly care.

"M.J finally admitted to why she eats a strictly meat free diet," obsidian looked into peridot, "I don't blame her for the change in diet either because if I was force feed my comrades flesh then I'm sure I would have switched diet too."

"What?! Are you saying that Kenz has eaten human meat? Cannibalism?" The nod of Mustang's dark head was all Hughes got. His eye widened at the new knowledge. "It explains a lot about her. D-did she do it on purpose?"

Anger flashed within the Colonel's eyes at his friend's assumption. "Are you serious? Do you think she would have done something like that willingly?"

"I'm sorry. It's just that's a lot for someone to go with, especially if she was eating her own men." Hughes was thinking back to the day that they had officially rescued her and Mackenzie's words making sense of how she deserved to be punished."

"Yeah," agreed Mustang, "She's been through a lot. I can't even begin to imagine the path that she and Ed started on: becoming state alchemists so young. I know Ed's gain, but I still don't know hers quite yet."

"Her records are rather sparse too. Sorry, but her records came through my office when she went M.I.A. There wasn't much there, at least not of anything we already don't know about her." Rethinking of Foxtrot's file, Hughes silently cursed himself for not having Sheska's photogenic memory. "If I remember correctly her father was pronounced K.I.A when she was four, her mother moved them to Aerugo not long after seeing that's where the maternal family resides, and a large gap until Kenz passed the state alchemists exams when she was fifteen."

"That's about all I know, granted I haven't really wanted to delve into her past until she's ready to tell me," with a sad smile Roy continued, "In a way, M.J is doing the exact same with me because I haven't told her a lot about me or background, just the basics."

Hughes eyed his best friend and felt his chest clench. "If only you knew the truth Roy," thought the taller. "I do know one thing: Kenz loves you with all her heart and she would do anything for you."

"Yeah," smiled Mustang. A warm sensation filled his being at every memory they shared together because there was no malice. There was no judgement. The two just clicked; fit together like puzzle pieces. "And I would do anything for her."

"And she knows that."

The two let a small silence fill between them for a brief second. "I just wish she told me more or that I had known so much more at the time to have helpd."

Maes got closer to his friend and touched his shoulder. "Don't get caught up on what-if's, okay? I'm sure this is why Kenz didn't tell you because she knew you'd beat yourself up. There will come a day when you guys can be together and even start a family."

"Yeah," agreed Mustang, "Yeah there will be."

"Any word on how she's doing? Ah, anatomically and health wise for that? Because a romancer like you would have at least a kid by now with a wife like that, especially with what I know you two did back in Ishval and everything."

Roy's eye twitched at the implications that Maes was making. "She's still recovering from her capture. M.J's body is finally at a healthy weight, but, from my knowledge, she hasn't had . . . had . . . You know," Roy motioned between his legs, "The thing that happens once a month for most women as of yet."

"O-ohhh," Maes stuttered slightly, "Umm, too much information Roy."

Heavy clinks and chinks of metal echoed as a suit of armor and tired looking teen came through the kitchen entrance. Ed jumped into a vacant spot in the living room and sprawled out. "Thank you for helping Gracia with the dishes while the adult talked, Fullmetal."

"Colonel Mustang," a polite voice said, "I still can't believe that you're married."

"Same here, kid," agreed Hughes, who got smacked by Mustang. An irritated scowl was all the Lt. Colonel was met with.

With a huff of annoyance towards his long-time friend, Roy looked at Mustang. "There are somedays that I can't believe it," pale fingers ran along the silver links across his right wrist, "Deep in my heart I know that being married to her has nothing to do with how I feel for her. It's hard to explain because we've both come to the same agreement that even if we weren't married by law we'd be just as we are, a pseudo-marriage I guess."

"How long did you know that she was the one for you, sir?"

"I knew the moment I saw Mackenzie J. Foxtrot that she was something special," instantly answered Roy. He remembered the first time he saw Mackenzie J. Foxtrot: shocked to find out she was woman, but couldn't deny that she was strong and talented at alchemy. "However, I know that I wanted Mackenzie by my side forever shortly after we returned form Ishval."

Ed, only hearing a few selected words of the conversation glared at Mustang. "Was that a short joke?!"

"Brother," chided Al, "The Colonel wasn't even talking about you!"

It was everywhere: the fire and the smell. Flame engulfed the room, as the stench of burnt flesh permeated the air he breathed in. Obsidian eyes looked all around at all the damage done. It was literal hell. A gloved hand aimed at the ready. The screams of the dying still echoing in Roy's ears. "Why?" he asked quietly to himself.

"Roy!" someone shouted. The Colonel, then major, looked all around for the source. However, he couldn't find anything.

Gold eyes snapped opened at the shouting. Without thinking, Ed followed his instincts and his body moved towards the source of the shouting. Sprinting up the stairs and turning down the hall the younger was met with Hughes rushing out of his room to the guest room. They both made it to the door as Hughes ripped it open. Both men stared at flailing Colonel, who was deep in sleep. "No!" yelled Roy, "Get away!" His hand snapping at an invisible force that was in front of him. "NO! I didn't mean it!"

Ed stared at his commanding officer. He was completely taken aback by how defenseless Mustang looked. The Colonel's skin was saturated with sweat, which made his bangs cling to his forehead. Even Mustang's clothes were clinging to his body due to the sweat. Hell, the normally pale skin seemed ghost-like in comparison. Scrunched up eyebrows faced Ed, who could only stare back.

"Roy! Roy wake up!" A force shook him, but he didn't see anyone shaking him. "Please baby, wake up!" Yes, Mustang knew that voice. He knew it somehow. "Roy-boy! Wake up! It's a nightmare!" In the real world, Mackenzie was on her knees and gentle trying to shake her husband awake without making Roy react negatively.

A nightmare. That made sense. Dark lashed lids fluttered, allowing in a small ray of light that caused Mustang to squint. "Mack?" questioned Roy. His breath coming out hard and fast as his heart nearly raced itself out his chest. "Wher-where am-" His eyes focused on wide silver, fear and worry evident on her face. "Ma-zi," wheezed Roy.

"We're at Maes house and you're having a nightmare." Foxtrot pulled Roy into a sitting position, so he could get his breathing evened out. With a gentle, but calculated hand, she rubbed her ring covered fingers against his lithe back as a form of comfort. "Deep breathes. Just listen to my voice because you're here now." She looked at the door and glared, getting her point across that Maes and Ed should leave, which they did. "We're both here, we're together. What we did in Ishval is behind us for now. I'm here for you, always." Carefully, Mackenzie kissed Roy's sweaty brow.

"I'm sorry," whispered Roy. His breathing still fast, but calmer now. "I'm so sorry. I didn't save you faster, I'm sorry." He kept repeating those words like a mantra.

"It's okay." Foxtrot realized that Roy's nightmare had been about her rescue. "I'm here. I'm safe because you saved me. Honey, I'm even healthy now. Healthy weight and figure again; no longer skin and bone. Because of you. Because you saved me. Because you didn't give up on me and I will never give up on you." Her husband quieted down to the point that Mackenzie pulled him to his feet and led him to the kitchen for a cup of tea. "Love, it's okay. We're at the Hughes. It's been over two years since then and we've been married for two."

"Y-yeah," stammered Mustang. He followed his wife carefully towards the kitchen and just sat at the table when pushed down. The nightmare had seemed too real compared to the last one he had, and that was a year ago. "That dream was so vivid," breathed Roy as he remembered, "The flames that decimated the people that killed you, but you were so lifeless at the time that my emotions got the better of me. It was the worst few moments of my life until you moved."

A simple transmutation and the water boiled with the touch of Foxtrot's hand. After letting the tea seep for a moment, she handed a mug to her husband and sat down next to him. "Drink that because it will calm you down," ordered Quicksilver, "As for that time, Roy, don't dwell on it because I am here and alive now." Her ring laden hand gripped on of Mustang's tightly.

Mackenzie waited downstairs as Roy went to shower. She drank a cup of tea to relax her own nerves. Sensitive ears picked up on the telltale signs of someone walking in. "Maes."

"Kenz," whispered Hughes, "Is Roy alright?"

"He had a nightmar-"

Hughes sat down across from the alchemist and looked at her. "Obviously he had a nightmare."

"Ass," whispered Quick, "It was about the rescue, the one that went horribly wrong and put him in the hospital as well. He didn't remember anything besides the flames and dying victims, as well as the emotions of losing me. Nothing yet, thankfully."

"I agree. I hope he never remembers what actually happened that night because if he does he'd never forgive himself and would be the most guilt-ridden person we've ever met." Maes ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I know it's unfair to you, but you do have Hawkeye and myself to talk to if you ever need to talk about, well, that."

"I'm fine," growled the ombre haired female, "I just worry for Roy because he doesn't need to know about that, of things. I just want Roy to be happy and to achieve his goals. And, don't think this isn't unfair to me because I know what I did and suffering silently is a way to atone for all that I've done."

A russet eyebrow quirked up questioningly. "After meeting Ed and Al and getting to know how they came to possess the bodies they have, do you feel for them? Even think that you could get back what you lost?"

"No," a sad chuckle rang out, "No, I don't think I could ever regain what I lost. However, those boys may be able to get their bodies back and they do have my support." Mackenzie raked her fingers through her long locks. "I deserve this Hughes, don't ever forget that."

"No human deserves to suffer the way you think you do."

"And no human with one of the guiltiest consciousness I know of should ever know the truth about what I did for him, or what could have been."

That earned Foxtrot a grimace from Hughes, who pinched the bridge of his nose. The man knew his friend just as well as the man's wife: he knew that she was right. "It's still not fair that he doesn't know, nor that you're keeping a large moment of your life in the dark."

"Like I said," remined Mackenzie, "I have you and Rize to confide in if or when I need to talk about it. However, I'm okay with the decision I made because I couldn't . . .Those few moments were probably the most scariest of my life, and I've seen things that you or anyone else wouldn't begin to imagine," her voice tapered off at the memories. Silver eyes became half lidded and darkened. M.J's upper body hunched over a bit. Hidden by the entrance of the kitchen, Ed stood extremely still as he listened to the conversation he had happened to overhear. "I don't think I could have gone on living if it didn't work."

The young alchemist's brain was sorting through the assortment of words to gain the insight of information that was being passed around between the older soldiers. His ears strained to hear anything that would be said, but Mustang's movements began to echo throughout the house as he descended the stairs. His dark head was covered with a white towel, as his right hand rubbed the fabric around to absorb the water; there was a slight chinking sound as the bracelet moved around on the Colonel's wrist. "Fullmetal," greeted Mustang, "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted a glass of water."

"Then go in and get it, don't snoop around." The older walked through. With his head pointed downwards as he continued to get the moisture from his hair, Mustang wasn't able to see how Hughes and Foxtrot tensed just a little too much. However, Ed did see the two panic at the sight of himself and the Colonel walking through. "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing too important, mostly catching up," lied the female alchemist causally, "You feeling better? More relaxed."

Roy stood behind Mackenzie and rested his left hand on the side of her left upper arm, thumb massaging small circles around. "I feel okay, I guess."

"Then I'm going to bed because unlike you three I have to work."

The three watched as Maes retreated from the kitchen and up the stairs to his bedroom. Turning to look up into dark eyes, Mackenzie smiled. "Why don't we try to sleep? You need it." She got a blink from her husband, but he didn't retaliate when Foxtrot pulled him with her. Actually, Mustang just followed his wife like a horse being lead to around. "You should sleep to, Ed, because growing boys need their sleep."

"Hey!" snapped Ed. A tick mark appeared against the back of his head as he whipped around to glare at the two alchemists. "Who you calling so small that-"

"Be quiet! And, no one called you small," remarked Foxtrot before going up the stairs.

Ed just watched the couple disappear. His mind thinking about her and Hughes' conversation. "What the hell could she be hiding that Mustang doesn't even know about?"

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