Alright, so I'm sorry for the wait. There really isn't any reason for it, other than that I was unsure of this chapter in that it takes a turn I didn't even expect until I wrote it.

I thought about changing it, but really, I didn't want to.

If, by the end of this chapter, you think the story has gone really off topic and doesn't even make sense, DON'T WORRY. I actually have a plan for how this is all going to make sense in the plot and just let it be, man.

Also, I want you to know that I have read the reviews and thank you so much everybody! Means a lot~ :D

I just didn't want to take the time to reply to them, I need to post this chapter and goooo.

(Also, there may be some minor mistakes since I tried editing it, but at this point, I'll probably go back and fix it after. I just want you guys to read it. :3)

Thanks again for sticking with me, and I hope you'll enjoy this! c:


"Do I have to?" Ed mumbled.

"Yes."

"But last time, it just made things worse."

"No. What made things worse was the fact that you were skipping your pills. It was not being at work."

Ed moaned and buried his face into his pillow as I continued to try to get him up and ready for work.

"Lying in bed all day is not going to help you get better. That's what the doctor said. The thing that's best for you right now, is to get back into the normal routine of things. And, of course, sticking to your prescription."

Ed mumbled incoherently into his pillow, still refusing to get out of bed.

I walked over to the curtains, and threw them back, allowing the blinding morning sun to light up the room.

Ed lifted his head momentarily, to see what I had done, but quickly returned to burying his head.

"That's not going to make me get up... It's too goddamn bright in here, I'll never open my eyes."

I sighed in frustration.

Being fed up, I made my way back over to the bed and, placing my hands between the mattress and the bed frame, I lifted.

Ed tried to hold on, but once the mattress met a 90 degree angle, he slid off and landed on the floor, blankets and all, with a thud.

Ed groaned.

"That was just unnecessary."

"Was it?" I asked, not bothering to hide the amusement in my voice.

"Yes. I was about to get up."

"Uh huh. Sure you were." I said with a smirk as I walked out into the hallway.

I was down in the kitchen, contemplating what to cook for breakfast, when a showered and clothed Edward Elric sat himself on the countertop.

I shut the fridge and turned towards the younger alchemist.

"What do you feel like for breakfast?"

"Food would be nice."

I rolled my eyes.

"What type of food would you like?"

Ed was silent for a moment, thinking.

"French toast."

I deadpanned.

"French toast?" I asked, incredulously.

"That's what I said."

I stared at him for a moment before giving in.

Sighing, I said,

"Fine. French Toast."

-Line Break-

I let my head slam against my desk.

There was too much paperwork.

And I sure as hell was not going to do it.

Nope.

Not today.

I don't care what Hawkeye says.

I just can't focus.

Especially with all the noise coming from just beyond my office door.

Curious, I stood and walked to the door.

Opening it, I found my group of subordinates all crowding around Edward, questioning him about where he had been the past couple of days.

I cleared my throat.

Everyone spun around in surprise. It was almost comical.

I was then greeted with salutes and a chorus of 'sir' - from everyone but Edward, of course.

"What's all the commotion about?" I questioned.

Nobody said anything for a few moments.

Havoc spoke up.

"Oh...Uh, we were just... welcoming back Fullmetal here. We missed him."

I rolled my eyes, and returned to my office.

It didn't surprise me when the second my door was shut, the talking started up again.

As the voices died down, there was a knock at my door.

"Come in." I called out.

Almost hesitantly, the door opened and in came Edward.

I stared expectantly at my subordinate.

"What is it, Fullmetal?"

It was weird calling him that. I had been referring to him as Ed or Edward for months now – I'm not sure what made me decide to say 'Fullmetal' just then.

The young alchemist said nothing as he approached my desk, placed a folder on top, and then turned towards the door.

I picked up the papers.

It was the report that he had refused to write. Even though it was only a couple days ago that I had asked for it, it seemed like it had all happened an eternity ago.

"You didn't have to do this, you know." I said.

Ed stopped, his hand on the doorknob. Turning to look at me, he quietly said,

"Yes I did."

And then he was gone.

After the door had shut, I stared dumbfounded at where the blonde had been moments before.

That certainly was… mature of him.

-Line Break-

It was finally the end of the work day.

As I exited my office, I was met with my subordinates.

They all stared at me, while Havoc elbowed Hawkeye which triggered her to say,

"Excuse me, sir, but… seeing as it's Friday, we were all thinking that maybe we could have a staff get-together of sorts? Possibly… at your place, since you have the most space for… people…" She awkwardly trailed off.

I just stared at them for a moment.

They all stared back, with begging eyes.

I sighed.

"Sure, why not."

They all cheered, and that's when my eyes caught splash of gold and red over by the door.

I walked over to Ed, to find him waiting for me.

"So… I'm guessing you're letting them have their party?" He questioned, a slight smirk playing about his lips.

I rolled my eyes while nodding slightly.

"I couldn't have told them 'no' even if I had wanted to."

As we were walking down the front steps of the building, Edward asked,

"Would it be alright if Al and Winry came too?"

"Of course."

"Thanks."

Ed was acting… strange, to say the least.

Not even necessarily strange, just strange in that he seemed so much… older, and mature.

After picking up some food and drinks for later that evening, we had arrived back home.

It was nearing 7 o'clock, and Riza had mentioned that they would be getting there anywhere from between 7 to 7:30.

Ed had called Al, and apparently he and Winry were on their way over.

It was then that I realized maybe it wasn't such a good idea to have those three around, because – knowing Havoc – there was going to be a lot of drinking.

And Ed was only 16, along with Winry. Al was even younger, although he wasn't able to drink anyways… But still, being around it…

I had been putting things into the fridge, while Ed was reading a book on the counter behind me.

I spun around, staring at him as I realized I didn't really know what to do with him.

Ed was absorbed in the book, but I guess my staring had gotten a little obvious and he looked up questioningly.

"Can I help you?"

I just blinked, still thinking about my slight predicament.

Ed arched an eyebrow.

"It's just… I don't know if you, Al, and Winry should be around when… when the others get here."

"You mean when you guys start drinking."

He wasn't even asking. He was stating, as if correcting what I had previously said.

"…Yeah." I said awkwardly.

Edward just looked at me, before smirking and letting out a small laugh.

"You think I've never had alcohol before."

Again, this was a statement. It was slightly irritating.

"Well… have you?" I awkwardly asked.

The blonde just looked at me with an arched eyebrow.

We were both silent.

Then the doorbell rang.

We both momentarily held the stare, before Ed hopped down off the counter and went to the door.

He returned to the kitchen later with Al and Winry following behind him.

I greeted them before I finished putting things in the fridge.

Not long after, Hawkeye showed up.

The three teenagers had disappeared somewhere in the house. I wasn't entirely sure of where.

I couldn't stop thinking about Ed though. I don't know why, but it really bothered me. I wanted to know if he had ever drank before, and if so, to what extent.

I told Riza about my conversation with the blonde alchemist.

She laughed and said,

"I think you're overthinking it. I get it – you have this certain need to protect him, like a father-son kind of thing, but I think you should just brush it off. Although… if you ask me, it sounds like he has."

She laughed again as she finished talking.

I sighed.

Before I knew it, my house was full of people from the different departments at work.

I had been in the living room area with Hughes, but I decided to make my way to the kitchen.

This was going to be one hell of a mess to clean up in the morning.

Upon entering the kitchen, I found Havoc, Breda, and Fuery pouring shots while Edward was, as usual, on the counter with Al standing beside him and Winry sitting beside the blonde alchemist.

"What is that?" Winry asked.

Havoc shrugged his shoulders, smirking.

"Doesn't matter. Drink it." He said as he handed a glass to Ed and then to Winry.

"What are you doing?" I knew I sounded really… pathetic, but I wasn't just going to stand here and watch Havoc intoxicate two minors. Specifially these two minors…

"What the hell does it look like? We're having a good time!" Havoc indignantly replied, visibly drunk.

"I'm not going to let you serve them alcohol."

Havoc then took the glasses from the amused teenagers and placed them on the counter.

"Well then, they can get it themselves."

I rolled my eyes.

"We've already given them some, what difference is this going to make?" Breda added.

I blinked.

They already gave them drinks?

I turned towards the blonde adolescents and studied them.

Winry appeared normal, if not more laid back than usual.

Edward… Edward seemed a little more intoxicated than his friend. Not drunk, but definitely on his way there.

The main giveaway for him was the fact that he was slouching against the side of his brother, his head inclined and his eyes were different. They weren't full of the flaming determination, they were… glazed over, basically.

I shook my head.

"Fine. Whatever."

I then left the group, and when outside to get some fresh air.

I didn't want to be around to witness Edward's drunk episode. I didn't think I would be able to stay calm.


It's probably going to take an interesting maybe turn from here, just bear with me.

Also, now that it's summer break I have more time to write, so that should be good.

But I also have summer school :|

Anywhooos,

Thank you to all who has been reading, and all those who favourited, followed, reviewed, and also to those who favourited and followed me as an author! :D

Love you guys, you all motivate me to continue writing when I see new reviews and shtuff. c:

-HazelEyes8D