"Are you coming?" She nodded quickly following behind him.

Chapter Twenty Five-Debt

Edward didn't realize how much stress the situation in his room had caused. Now that everything had settled, he was still more concerned about Van as he looked down at the toddler holding onto his pant leg. The Steel Mason's threat had kicked up some unsettling thoughts in the former alchemist's mind that wouldn't leave him alone. Despite his boring desk job back in Central, danger was eminent in the military. There were always those who didn't agree with the progression of things and were determined to harm those involved in it. He had to do a better job keeping his family safe. But he liked his job and his apartment. Everything had been pretty low key the past couple of years. Van seemed to noticed the deep worry that appeared on his face as the child lightly patted his real leg.

"It's okay Daddy. My head's all better." He smiled up at him, unaware of the danger he'd just been in. Ed forced a smile on his face and nodded back. Dr. Scotts came around the corner, quickly taking note of her patient. He may not have noticed it but he was swaying on his feet and was hunched over as though in pain. He didn't look well and probably still needed some rest.

"Major Elric, you're still out here?" He looked up, seeming dazed by the question.

"Well I was waiting for Lt. Kinstrel to get Keeton out of my room."

"He took him out the back, it's safe to go in now. You're wife has been waiting for you."

"Oh, okay." He went to pick Van up but she stopped him.

"You really should be taking it easy. Let me take you back to your room," She grabbed hold of a nearby wheel chair. Edward grudgingly nodded, realizing he did feel a little fatigued and walking back with Van felt a little overwhelming.

"Come on Van, let's go for a ride," he sat down and the small child sat on his lap. Dr. Scotts removed the IV bag from the stand and handed it to him.

"Has your leg been bothering you at all?" He sighed heavily, not really wanting to talk about his condition.

"A little."

"I must say I am relieved that you figured out the mercury poison. We were having such a hard time figuring out what was wrong with General Mustang. We were still waiting on the blood tests back." The blond glanced back up at her.

"So he's going to be okay, right?" She smiled down at him and nodded. Ed grinned as well however there was something mischievous about his smile.

"Good, that's twice he owes me now." They made it to his room and Winry had just finished cleaning up the tools. He didn't want to know how much she messed Keeton up. It was probably really bad. "Van, go see Mommy." He placed the toddler down and he ran over to Winry.

"Mommy, look," he pointed to the band aid on his head. "Daddy made better." Ed carefully got up, still feeling a little off balance. Dr. Scotts helped push him to his feet.

"In a little bit, I want to see how that gash is healing and we'll probably need to rewrap it."

"Any idea when we can head back to Central?"

"Depending on how General Mustang is doing by tomorrow, we were hoping to release both of you at the same time." Ed pouted in response.

"Great, I gotta wait on him then?" The doctor laughed in response.

"Sorry. I'll be back in about an hour or so to rebandage that leg and I'll give you an update on how he's doing." With that, she helped him into bed and left the room. Winry pushed the now filled box of tools over near the door and sat by the bed.

"So do I get breakfast or are you still mad at me," He inquired once he got himself comfortable. She shook her head and smiled over at Van who had found a toy train in her bag and was playing nearby.

"I asked one of the nurses to bring you something to eat." Ed made a face at the thought of hospital food but he would probably eat anything right now.

"Sorry bout everything earlier. You know I didn't mean any of it, right?"

"I know." It got quiet between them and Edward brought his gaze down.

"So I've been thinking about something and need to pass it by you." This was not the first time he started a conversation like this and she knew something was bothering him.

"Okay."

oOoOo

The hours passed slowly with what seemed like little change. Riza hated this feeling of dread that hadn't left her since she received the note back in Central. Now she was the only place she could think of being, at Roy's bed side. Once they knew what he had been poisoned with, Dr. Wilhelm got him on a strong medication to get the mercury out of his system. She just had to wait. He'd been unconscious since she was allowed in here which didn't ease the worry. Dr. Wilhelm had removed the breathing tube which she knew would make her husband happy. His breathing and heart rate had already improved drastically so it was only a matter of time before he woke up.

She was not use to this wave of emotions she was feeling. Their relationship was always so independent of each other and she had accepted that. Of course deep down she knew he needed her to back him up. He was a mess without her even when they were strictly professional. But she certainly didn't need him. Ever since her father died she had been determined to get stronger, to the point that she didn't need anyone. It was very rare that she permitted her emotions to affect her thought process however now it was difficult to keep them at bay. Seeing Roy like this was harder then she thought. He wasn't his normal cocky self, acting like he was untouchable which always drove her crazy. His face held a worry she wasn't used to. His mouth pulled down into a thin line without a hint of the smirk he normally wore.

She never thought the absence of these things would be so bothersome but that air of confidence he carried was actually what had drawn her to him in the first place. A soft knock on the door dragged her attention back to reality and she turned just as Winry poked her head in.

"Hey Riza? I've got some lunch for you. It's a little late in the day but I figured you hadn't eaten yet."

"Oh thank you." The lieutenant seemed tired to the automail mechanic.

"Is he doing any better?" Winry looked over at Mustang.

"The doctor says he is." She didn't sound very confident though. The door was pushed open a little more and both women glanced over to see Van looking in.

"Um, Mommy can I come inside?" He looked around like he was bored.

"Van, just give me a minute.."

"No, he can come in. I don't mind." Van let out a laugh before running over.

"Hi Ritha!" He waved at her, getting a faint smile in response. Winry picked him up and he tilted his head to the side, looking at Mustang. "So is Roy sleeping too?" Winry hugged him closer.

"He's gonna be okay, Van."

"Just like Daddy." Winry shrugged at Riza apologetically.

"It's okay, Winry. He's just trying to help." She glanced back at her husband, her expression revealing her own worry.

"I'm sure he'll wake up before you know it."

"How do you do it? I mean Edwards' always getting hurt and you seem to handle it pretty well." Winry held her head in shame.

"It's not as bad as it used to be. He's not so accident prone."

"You just seem to hold things together pretty well." The mechanic smiled quietly to herself. She had felt that way about the Lieutenant at the beginning of all this.

"Worrying doesn't seem to make things any better. I learned that a long time ago. I knew Ed and Al were always in danger but I had to just accept that I couldn't do anything about it." Riza let out a tired sigh.

"I guess you're right. There really is no point worrying."

"Mommy, wanna play snow."

"Maybe later,okay." The already opened door was pushed open even further as General Armstrong came in.

"Did someone say something about playing in the snow?" Van clapped his hands happily and laughed. "I'll take the youngster outside." Winry frowned at the idea but Van brought his head up, staring at her with his large round amber eyes. She didn't stand a chance.

"Alright, but we've gotta get your coat. I don't want you catching a cold." She got up and followed the General out.

The room was quiet once again, leaving Riza alone with her thoughts. After another hour, she had to just tell herself that everything was going to be fine. She knew Roy would be okay, he always came back to her even when it seemed impossible. Turning back to her husband she paused when she noticed he moved some and finally opened his eyes. His dark gaze shifted over to her and he tightened his grip on her hand.

"Hey..." To anyone else his voice sounded shaky and weak but to her it radiated his typical arrogance.

"Welcome back, Roy."