A/N: All of you kind readers are the reason why this chapter has come to fruition. This chapter has been lost, found, rewritten, and generally loathed for almost a year. I swear I always end up with other characters begging for their story lines to fit in and they just don't. Hopefully you can pick up and appreciate where this chapter has whisked me away to. Promise the next chapter won't take nearly as long. In fact most of the next chapter is done. I really need someone to edit my previous chapters as well as future chapters...I'm just too busy and inept to really do it myself. Once again thanks for being my motivation :)
Chapter 25: Sooner Or Later
(Winry)
It was a mad house around campus, families coming in for graduation and others packing up to go home. Olivia and a few others were dressed in their caps and gowns getting pictures in front of the house. It was nostalgic for them as they reminisced about their years at Central and at the Kappa Delta. Would that be her in three more years?
Winry had never liked being left behind and watching them take the next step into their lives left her feeling a little empty. She had come to rely on Olivia and Gracia as the big sisters she never had growing up. Now Gracia was getting married and Olivia was moving all the way up to Briggs. It was scary to think that many of the people she had come to call friends and sisters were going to grow up and move away.
"How are we ever going to replace girls like them?" She wondered out loud.
Rebecca, who was sitting nearby, answered as if the question had been directed at her. "We don't. Recruitment is tough because we spend so much time looking for replacements when really we are just looking for girls who value what we do. The chapter morphs from one class to the next, but that's not always a bad thing."
Winry wasn't really confident that they could do that, but she nodded as if she did. Change was never easy but this felt too soon and much too final. She had gotten used to working at Sam's, going to school and relying on both her sisters and Ed to keep her sane. The problem with Edward was another tough pill to swallow. They were headed their own separate ways for the summer. "What if I like things the way they are?"
Rebecca gave her a sympathetic look, "Yeah, I think it always seems that way when you're in the moment, but eventually things will take a new path and you'll understand why things had to happen like they did."
Olivia came over then demanding pictures in a way that let Winry know she wasn't the only one dreading their separation. Winry smiled along and pretended that she was really alright with everyone graduating and moving away. It was hard to watch both Gracia and Olivia standing on the edge of their future while she stared down at least three more years of college. Then there was a feeling of a loss, a strange void that was opening up in her little world where these two role models had served as her mentors. Everything was going to change and change was not something she really embraced after the tumultuous year she had just experienced.
Shutting the window she took one last look around her small dorm room. Strange to find it so hard to let go when it was so hard to stay in the first place. This was the beginning of her college years, the first step in a series of steps that led to changing her view on life and most importantly her view of herself. With a bemused smile WInry picked up the last of her bags and slung it over her shoulder, handing the room key to her resident advisor as she stepped over the threshold.
Standing in the hallway Winry watched as families milled around, helping their kids move out. Picking out her cellphone she dialed home and waited with baited breath.
"Rockbell Automail."
Sighing Winry relaxed as the familiar voice greeted her on the other end. "Hi Gran."
"Oh hello dear, all moved out?"
Looking around she felt brave amongst her peers. A blooming sense of accomplishment was settling in and it felt amazing. Winry was doing this of her own volition and no prodding or pushing of anyone else could take credit. She had worked her way through her freshman year without any student loans or mommy and daddy's check book. There was definitely something to be said about being independent, and that's the way Winry liked it.
"Yeah, I'm just about done here. Ed said he'd take me to the train station since his train leaves right before mine."
There was an audible pause and Winry doubled checked her signal just to be sure she hadn't lost her Gran.
"Hmm, so those boys are off on another adventure huh?"
There was a knowing edge to her Grandmothers voice and she wondered if she even had an inkling of what was on her Granddaughter's mind. "Yeah they're going to visit Xing University for Al but I'll see him for the wedding and the summer always flies by."
There was a chuckle on the other end. "Alright dear, no need to explain to me. You just be safe now."
It was hard to tell if her Gran was talking about the trip or about Edward in general, maybe she meant both.
Despite her original reluctance Winry was actually happy for him, even if the idea of him being so far away didn't sit quite right. Breathing in she exhaled all the lingering jealousy and tried to muster up some courage for the upcoming goodbye.
Alphonse had been accepted to The University of Xing and was traveling there early to get to know the area and enjoy a little summer vacation out of the city. Her chest rose and fell with growing trepidation. They were at a crossroads now, she would be headed to Resembool to help her grandmother for the summer and Ed would be going to Xing with his brother.
Sometime later Winry was at the train station waiting for a goodbye she didn't want to say. The bags were heavy in her hands, the knot in her throat growing as she watched Ed bicker with Al about what time their train left. She smiled at them, a halfhearted attempt at acting like she was okay with all this. There was no point in acting childish about it, she had her own hand in this decision and while she had been asked to join them, she knew there was no way she could. Winry couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen to them; two brothers about to embark on a journey and one girl drifting back home. It took a lot to remind herself of her priorities.
Edward finally caught her eye, his smile slipping as he continued to look at her. Winry thought about that rainy day and those angry eyes he had once worn, the grief of almost losing Alphonse and the bullet he had taken for her. They had been through a lot. A year of lessons too big for anyone from Resembool to understand and as much as she wanted to be independent, maybe she had grown accustomed to relying on someone. The lump in her throat and the undeniable dread unhinged her. No one had ever made her feel so frustratingly at a loss.
If she was so independent why did the thought of him leaving without her make her so unsure?
Edward was unnerving with his big puppy dog like eyes searching for something from her. "I can probably pick you up at the train station if our trains come in at the same time."
She nodded her head because it was only a couple of months and there was no reason to feel weird about it such a small about time apart. "Right."
Alphonse cleared his throat, "I should probably go to the bathroom before we go…so I'll just be going then."
Winry watched him leave, appreciating and simultaneously dreading the moment alone Al had awkwardly provided them. She tried to say something of real importance, but even before the words came out, Winry knew there was no way to voice it. "So, I guess this is goodbye."
"Don't think we've ever really said that before." He looked a little perplexed, like he too didn't know what to make of all this.
Edward Elric had really taken her on a journey these past few months. A simple goodbye just didn't seem to fit in with all they had been through and how close they had become. It felt like a vice slowly tightening around her throat while they stared across the distance at one another. "Well there's always the phone and you could write." She suggested with as much enthusiasm as she could muster.
He averted her eyes. "I'm not really good about writing or calling."
Winry tried not to roll her eyes; that was Edward alright. Her boyfriend was a man of many passions and a serious case of wanderlust. This is what she had knowingly gotten herself into but there was no denying she was second guessing some things. "Just make sure you don't forget about me." She answered his unspoken question.
He scoffed, the redness in his cheeks pleasing her. "Yeah, not likely Winry."
Then they were just two people at a train station waiting on a goodbye. Alphonse returned giving Winry a fierce hug before boarding the train and then Edward had that look in his eyes. Stepping forward he kissed her, a quick press of his lips to hers and all too soon they were apart. She watched him sling his bag over his shoulder and with a wave of his hand he was gone. Pushing her bangs out of her eyes she picked up her own bag and headed to her own platform because watching someone leave was her least favorite thing to do.
(Maes)
It was over. Four years of his life had been recognized in a few steps across a stage and a document followed up with a handshake. It was the beginning of a new chapter in his life and the separation was just a side effect of growing up and moving on. "Just a few more steps." He promised.
Gracia giggled; her arms outstretched as she tried to navigate with closed eyes. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." He answered with a hint of excitement in his voice. Nudging her closer Maes beamed with pride because this was just one of those moments he had been dreaming about since meeting this girl.
It was a handsome, two story townhouse on the upper Eastside of city. With dark brick and white accents it really was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It might lack a proper backyard, but he was quite enamored by the second floor balcony view and for his price range it was unbeatable. Throwing out the idea of yard work was certainly another way of looking at it.
The idea was planted in his head by his parent's early wedding gift, a monetary sum that was meant for just this purpose. He felt a little guilty about accepting it, but since Gracia's parents were taking care of the wedding his parents had insisted they contribute in some way. Maes knew both of his parents loved Gracia ardently and couldn't wait to dote on her as the daughter they never had.
Heading up the stone walkway Maes hesitated at the front door, why was he feeling nervous all of the sudden? Oh right, what if she hated it? Would she be mad that he put money down on it without consulting her? There were about a million things that he should be nervous about. His palms felt clammy and his mouth went dry. Why hadn't he thought of that? Christ, what had he been thinking!?
"Maes?"
Calm, just stay calm. If he had waited to put money down someone else would have snatched it up, no question. For now he was going to have to live with the knowledge that his decision had been made in good faith and his faith had never let him down before.
Maes slipped the key out of his pocket and dangled it in front of his fiancés face with the hope that he had done the right thing. "You can open your eyes now my love."
She sucked in a breath and then her mouth was open, her eyes fixated on the key then the apartment and back again. "Maes." She whispered her eyes wide in shock.
"Do you like it?" He asked knowing it was a loaded question.
"Do I…like it?" She breathed out slowly. "Maes, is it ours?"
He nodded but the lack of outward enthusiasm on her part scared the courage right out of him. "I mean I can try to get the money back but it was so perfect and with the wedding so close I just wanted a home of our own and-"
"Maes!" She cupped her hand over his mouth, a smile slowing building on her lips. He stopped spouting off nonsense when she squealed, throwing her arms around him.
Maes hugged Gracia back in relief. "Does this mean you like it?" He asked cautiously.
Gracia grabbed the keys from his hands while placing a chaste kiss to his cheek. "When can we move in?"
It took him a minute to swallow back his original fears and enjoy this elated feeling that was making him grin like an idiot. "I've got the key so it's up to you when we move in. Not to mention I have a few favors to call in on some fraternity brothers, so today isn't out of the question."
Gracia lunged forward into his arms again. "You have no idea how much I can't wait to be Mrs. Hughes." She whispered into his ear, her breath warming his skin.
Maes sighed into her hair thinking it was impossible for any man to be happier than he was. "I've never wanted anything more in my life."
(Roy)
How he got roped into being part of the moving gang was pretty obvious but that didn't mean he was happy about it.
"Could you not be so damn happy while we labor over here?" He commented dryly.
Maes stopped humming, his mood neither altered nor deterred. "Wait until you feel even an ounce of this kind of happiness, then you'll understand." He went to pick up another box but stopped midway, turning instead to pat him on the back, "And believe me Roy I hope someday that you do." Getting back to work Maes gave up on humming and settled for whistling.
"He's lost it." Havoc commented with a shake of his head.
"Women, they do that to guys." Breda agreed, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.
"Yeah? And what would you know about women?" Roy bated with a grin.
Breda laughed mockingly. "Hardie har there Roy, I know enough to stay away for now."
"Think it'll fade?" Ed interrupted them, his eyes following Maes in suspicion.
"His infatuation with Gracia?" Roy chuckled, "That's funny little bro, he hasn't talked about anything else since the day he met her."
Breda flopped down onto the sofa looking beat. "I can't believe he suckered us into helping him move."
Falman gave up on his box and joined him. "I can't believe he hasn't called in favors from some of us sooner."
"I'm just happy his wedding is going to have an open bar." Jean practically sang as he snatched up one of the lighter boxes and continued to work.
Roy stared up at the apartment and felt a slight twinge in his chest. It was hard to measure up to a guy like Hughes and the more he stared at his friend's reality the greater his anticipation for his own success in this life grew. Suddenly life outside of college was a reality and realistically he was only a year away from facing it. He focused on the physical labor in front of him, a healthy distraction because he was not prepared to give it all up just yet. Roy was no prepared to give up being a college god.
Back at the fraternity house he found himself contemplating the bigger complexities of his life as he took up residence on his favorite lawn chair. Putting back a few beers he thought of what it meant to be Roy Mustang. This was his senior year and it wasn't at all how he imagined it. Was that something he should be worried about or was it a good thing that this year had completely thrown him?
"Drinking by yourself… should I be concerned?"
He held his beer up in a salute. "Well now that you've joined me I'm not by myself now am I?"
Folding out a second chair Breda lounged comfortably next to him; the metal squeaking in protest under his weight. He smirked, "Don't plan on arguing with that logic." He sighed, "Damn I miss having pledges. Sort of defeats the purpose of being an upperclassman when all the others go home for the summer."
"I guess that is an advantage of being an underclassman. We're too old to be taking summers off." He closed his eyes and took in the relative quiet of the college street. Campus was a little busy for spring and summer semesters but the majority of students had already moved back home.
"We certainly didn't get off easy this past year." Heymans fiddled with the bottle opener on his key ring.
Roy put on his thick, black rimmed sunglasses. "Can't say I'm really looking forward to senior year anymore. Damn lab research and now this bullshit with IFC."
Heymans laughed at him. "Don't envy you there; I'm surprised you've put up with Marc Williams this long."
As president of the IFC Roy and the Greek Adviser had to spend a lot of time together and were up to their neck in meetings. To say that he and Marc didn't see eye to eye wasn't fair because they did agree on most things; he just didn't agree on the delivery or methods involved. Marc was the sort of man that loved conversation and talking in circles until Mustang was ready to pull out his hair. Roy was finding it harder and harder to listen to the same thing said five different ways. Usually he pawned off responsibilities and duties to those under him and now should not be any different. He was ready and waiting for Marc to let him delegate and actually get shit done, not just talk about it. "I think he just realized I'm not Tyrone, despite our clear lack of physical similarities."
Breda shrugged his shoulders, "He left a pretty good blueprint of where our Greek system should be. Guess you just have to decide where you want to start."
Roy snorted, "Okay, I want to start with kicking out chapters like Sigma Iota Nu. Fucking druggies give us a bad name. Havoc's still messed up from that shit and he was only involved with them for a short time. Then there's the school breathing down our necks about all that's happened, threatening to take away Greek Week, chapter houses and our Greek Life altogether. And here comes Marc Williams expecting me to be a miracle worker and clean up the mess that's been piling up since the 80s."
Breda gave him a sharp look, one that defied the casual position he was currently reclining in. "If I didn't know you better I'd say you're actually worried about doing a good job as IFC president."
Honestly, Roy had never really fretted over being in charge or questioned himself, but after this year he had some doubts. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm really the right guy for this position. Without Hughes covering my ass I would have done some serious damage to our fraternity."
Heymans looked wise as he folded his hands into his lap, leaning back in the lawn chair. "With anything of real importance of course there is a higher risk of failure. Tyrone was a great IFC president and if you step into shoes like that you could end up looking like an idiot. Though the way I see it, if people didn't think you were capable of the job they wouldn't have voted you in."
Everyone always tended to write Heymans off but he was actually quite the brain and knew his stuff. Whether he chose to act on that genius was a different matter. "Well, now that there's not a crazed psychopath on the board I guess I have a real chance of getting somewhere this year." He watched as Breda made a face. "What? Too soon?"
Breda exhaled loudly, "Nah, it's just a real shame about Tyrone. That Kimbley was a piece of work that's for sure." He grabbed one of the beers out of the cooler, using his teeth to knock the top off. "We should probably make a toast. Cheers to those that came before us and the legends we'll leave after us."
Roy smirked, coming from the guy who used to make pledges eat rotten food out of the fridge it was really saying something. He could drink to that.
(Havoc)
He wasn't looking for a free ride home, or someone to actually give a damn, but it would have been nice. Jean stepped off to the side as a car drove by, its tires sending up a cloud of dust as it disappeared around the next bend. He watched it pass in surprise, since when had people around these parts owned cars? Shifting the duffle bag slung over his shoulder he continued walking up the dirt road thinking that a lot can change in just a year.
The road had already taken him past his family's general store, but he didn't bother stopping in. His father ran like clockwork, there was no need to speculate what he was up to. The man would have already shut down the shop and headed back to the ranch.
Finally Jean arrived at the red roofed house at the bottom of the hill. He exhaled; there was no relief in coming home. It was a typical farm house, the field fenced off to hold his mother's prized thoroughbreds. Stepping onto the wrap around porch he actually smiled at the two rocking chairs still resting on the western side. He had always liked watching the sun set with Annie. A lump rose in his throat but he swallowed it back and recognized that he never liked the memories being home surfaced in him.
A sandy blonde head of hair peaked out the screen door. "Jean?"
He dropped his bag onto the porch and smiled for her benefit. "In the flesh."
She walked to him with purpose and he accepted her embrace. She might be disappointed in him half the time, but by the way she was hugging him he figured she was probably missing him just as much.
Mrs. Havoc pulled back, holding him at arm's length. "The city hasn't been kind to you."
He shrugged in response; he knew he looked a little haggard. Experimenting with drugs, sex and hurting the people around you has a way of wearing someone down but that conversation was not one he would be willing to have. "I never thought it would be." Shucking off his coat he sank into the old recliner in the living room.
She eyed his bags and headed from the room. "I thought you weren't coming home for the summer." She replied, her voice sounding as if she had now moved into the kitchen.
Jean read between the lines, 'why are you here?' good freaking question. Leaning back he closed his eyes. "Yeah I did too."
There was a long silence; he enjoyed most of it until he heard a distinct sniffle. It had not been his intention to make her cry but it had been an awfully long time since he was home, maybe the memories were stirring in her head. He opened his eyes as he heard her footsteps come into the room. She had held back whatever emotion had threatened her in the kitchen and was now seated across from him, a fresh glass of sweet tea and a plate full of sugar cookies now sitting on the coffee table.
Leaning forward he grabbed his glass, "Thanks ma."
She nodded, taking a sip from her own.
It was awkward while they both thought up something to say. "The shop doing okay?" He managed to say without adding any of his natural sarcasm.
The small woman gave him a hard look and he knew he hadn't succeeded in hiding his disdain. "Your father works very hard to keep it going." Her scowl withdrew, "How is school?"
He knew she meant to ask had he picked a major, was it worth it, was he really going to make something of himself? Of course he had asked himself these very same questions but he still didn't have much of an answer. "I'm thinking about going into criminal justice."
His mother pursed her lips, "Oh."
Before he got a chance to respond to her clear lack of enthusiasm they both turned at the sound of the screen door creaking open and slamming shut. His dad was back from the fields. The last time he had seen his father was over two years ago when he couldn't even be bothered to say goodbye. Jean felt his body go stiff, time had not graced him with forgiveness.
It felt weird that he still remembered his father's routine so vividly. He could predict every move his father was going to make. It would start with his hat being hung on the hook, boots being discarded by the door, and then it was to the bathroom to wash his face and hands which he followed up by demanding dinner. His mother looked a little abashed as she jumped to her feet, as if he would find her detour to their set routine offensive.
"The time." He heard her chastise under her breath.
He watched his father come in, blocking his mother from entering the kitchen with a harsh expression on his face. "I don't ask for much." He grumbled just loud enough to make it known. "Dinner Marie? Is there a reason it's not ready?"
His mother flushed, eyes cast downward towards her feet. "No."
"Well hello to you too Dad." He interrupted feeling the resentment simmer beneath his skin.
His father craned his neck to look in his direction, the age lines in his face deepening with…was that pain or disappointment? Jean couldn't really be bothered taking the time to figure out which.
His father gave him a brief once over before shaking his head and heading into the kitchen to await his dinner. Jean watched as his mother busied herself making dinner while his father glared up from his newspaper every few minutes or so. Some things never change, he caught a glimpse of himself in the hallway mirror and frowned, and sometimes things change drastically.
If only he wasn't broke, that was the one thing that had sent him packing and on his way home. Now he just had to count down the days till Maes and Gracias wedding… if only it were sooner. He was going to work this summer, build up his bank account and come back fighting next year. Another errant thought wound up his head, maybe he would abstain from sex. That had gotten him into quite a lot of trouble…okay maybe not abstain but he was going to need to put some serious thought behind his future relationships. He thought about Solaris briefly, the image of her stirring up old feelings, old habits and urges that left him wanting more than he needed.
(Gracia)
Standing back Gracia looked up at the two degrees now framed and hung up on the wall. Biting down on her lip she stared up at the wall. Her life was about to change more in one month than it had in all the years she had been at Central University. It was truly insanity to pack so much into such a time frame; between graduation, moving into the new apartment and getting ready for her wedding she was beginning to think she left her sanity back when she left school.
Making herself comfortable she spread out her papers and looked down at them in contemplation. The seating chart was done, her bridesmaids were all set with hair appointments and hotel bookings and the DJ had just confirmed a playlist for her. Was there anything left she hadn't already gone over a million times?
Someone cleared their throat behind her making her jump.
Frank's face turned red, "Didn't mean to scare you Gracia. Uh, Maes just called said he's stuck at work till late so I'm headed out to grab a pizza, cheese and pepperoni good for you?"
Both of her fiancés brothers were in town for the wedding. By some miracle or brown nosing, they were able to get leave from Briggs and were staying in Central till the wedding. Of course that had created some minor anxiety, the two brothers had buried the hatchet about what occurred over winter break but they decided it was probably for the best if they were not in the same household for a prolonged amount of time. So Wally was staying at the Hughes house while they offered for Frank to stay with them. Secretly Gracia thought they got the better end of the deal, Frank was much tidier and quieter than the youngest Hughes boy. That being said she had never really spent much time getting to know him. Wally was easy to know, he could talk to a tree and make good conversation, but Frank was much more reserved.
She smiled at him thinking it was sweet of him to think of her. "Yum, I'll drive."
"Ah, you don't have to do that, listen I'll just-" He gestured uselessly at the door.
"Frank." Gracia grabbed her purse, "I know the best place. Besides I need some fresh air, all this wedding stuff is stressing me out."
He tried to protest a bit more but she persisted and did not take no for an answer. Really, she wanted to spend time with him and grabbing some pizza wasn't pulling teeth.
Once they'd claimed their dinner and headed back to the apartment Gracia shooed him out of the kitchen and put up trays in the living room, opening two beers from the fridge as she went. She was not oblivious to the incredulous look on his face and that satisfied her. Folding her feet under her she sat on the couch and turned on the television before digging in. When he just stared at her she laughed, covering her mouth to avoid spitting out any lingering food. "What?"
The oldest Hughes boy raised his brows before shaking his head and chuckling. "Miss perfect likes to drink beer and eat pizza while watching television huh?"
Shrugging her shoulders Gracia took another sip of her drink. "College taught me all about the finer things in life."
"Seems like it." He opened his beer but she watched him hesitate. "I think I would have liked college."
Gracia sat up straighter, her curiosity peaked. "Why didn't you go to college?"
Frank shrugged his shoulders up to his ears like the matter were trivial, "My parents couldn't afford to send two kids to college and Maes was always the brain child. I knew they would do their best to pay for me, but the military would pay for my schooling eventually so I just did it. I didn't even tell anyone, just walked up to the recruiter's office and within a week I was in basic training."
"That was very brave of you; I don't think I could have done something so selfless."
He gave her a weak smile. "I'm good at being a soldier and if Maes had never gone to Central University I wouldn't be here watching him get married to such a great girl. Things tend to work out that way."
Sitting forward she threw her arms around him and squeezed, "I'm the lucky one. I get a husband and two great brothers all in one day." Gracia wasn't surprised to feel his arms tighten around her just a little bit more. She wondered if the Hughes family knew how much weight he had been carrying on his shoulders.
(Winry)
It wasn't a bad feeling necessarily, just not a good one. Pushing the goggles up onto her forehead she wiped the perspiration that had accumulated on her face. With a heavy sigh she stared at the automail leg, her eyes traveling over every curve and twist to its structure, analyzing it for defect or dysfunction.
Dens nose bumped into her leg, her hopeful expression rather endearing. Winry patted her on the head, she knew that look. "Alright let's go for that walk."
Waving to her Gran she headed out the door thinking how nice it was to walk in a place without needing to look over your shoulder. On these rare occasions where she actually took a break from doing some kind of work she instantly became nostalgic. Meeting her roommate, joining Kappa Delta, meeting Edward and his brother, the night she would rather forget and the beginning of a New Year with a boy who had suddenly made her content to be herself. Amazing to think of all she had experienced in just her freshman year; how would she ever make it through three more years?
The sun felt good on her skin, maybe she needed to get out more, enjoy her summer rather than working it away. Smiling, she kept walking even when the road ended and gave way to tall grasses and endless hills. After some time she found a good spot in a rotation field, its ground unperturbed for at least two more growth seasons. Den circled around several times before nestling down on the ground beside her. Petting the fur atop her dogs head she felt the happiness wash through her and knew how much she had missed the companionship of her canine. Den had really helped her through some hard times. "I'm glad you're watching over Gran." She ruffled Den's ears knowing her dog was much happier in the countryside than she ever would be in Central.
Tipping her head back she pretended Ed's hands where over her eyes as he tried to surprise her. With a flustered sigh she flopped back towards the ground, her hair pillowing out around her. Winry knew being without him was going to be hard, but physically she didn't realize that she might miss other things. Winry's cheeks felt warm, eyes closing again as she let herself daydream.
It must have been sometime later because her dream was just getting to the good part. Den's bark pulled her from the thick haze. Her daydream slowly and reluctantly slid into the back of her mind as she regained consciousness. The bright rays of the sun stunned Winry as she put her hand up to try and make out what exactly had grabbed her dog's attention.
"Well look who we have here."
Winry rubbed her eyes until the face of Pitt cleared in her vision. That was a flashback Winry had not thought about in a long time. Oh boy, how was this not going to be awkward? There were so many conversations she had had in her mind with him and now that they were face to face she couldn't think of one of them.
"You just going to stare at me or are you going to say hello?" He chuckled in a throaty way that made Winry swallow.
Pitt offered her a hand to help her up, his expression still optimistically open and kind. Then they were embracing and while it was a simple hug she felt the need to pull away rather quickly. And then he was reaching forward and she was jumping backwards. "Hey." He cocked his head to the side, "It's just me Winry." He pulled some dried grass out of her hair.
Embarrassed she bent over to ruffle Den's fur. "I know." She mumbled defensively.
She could almost feel the tension building between them as if it were tangible. "Knew you were back in town, was going to catch you on your way back but then I saw you guys heading out here."
"I've been meaning to stop by..." She replied feeling guilty that it hadn't even crossed her mind.
"Right." He shifted as if he were suddenly aware of how uncomfortable it was between them.
There was no reason for there to be bad feelings among them; she had moved on and so had he. This was her friend, well he had been her friend, and this wasn't how she wanted future encounters between them to be. "You know I just made some fresh apple pie, why don't you stop by later today, we can catch up." She smiled at him because being unfriendly and decidedly cold was not going to do anyone any favors.
"Yeah." His stance relaxed, "Don't think I can turn down an offer like that."
Pulling a summery blouse on and spraying some perfume on her wrists she scoured her appearance, scowling at the reflection. Why was she so worried about how she looked? Winry checked and double checked her hair in the mirror before growing irritated and pulling it back up into the tight ponytail. Again, why the hell was she so nervous about seeing Pitt? They had broken up a little over a year ago and she was happily involved with Edward. But don't you want to impress him, show him what a catch you are?
Too soon he was at her doorstep with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Her stomach twisted, knotted and dropped down to the floor. "Just saw these on the way over here, thought you might like them." He said with an easy smile. "I know how you always liked wildflowers."
Winry nodded though she still felt a little on edge. "Oh, thanks Pitt…why don't I grab the pie, we can eat out here." Yes, let's eat outside in broad daylight where nothing can be misconstrued any further.
After handing him a slice she sat down and took a breath of what she hoped was resolution. "Pitt, I'm really sorry for everything that happened between us. I never meant to hurt you."
He toyed with his fork before stabbing a piece of pie and taking his time chewing it. "Nothing to be sorry for; you wanted to go away to school and marrying me wasn't going to let you do that."
Winry exhaled feeling sad all over again, "You make it sound like I had a choice in all this. I wish it had worked out, it would have been easy to marry you and settle down in Resembool."
"But you didn't want that, you didn't want that sort of sedimentary life." Pitt looked a little bemused, like he had figured out something." Guess I thought maybe once you'd had a little taste of city life you might come running back." He scratched the back of his head, "At least tell me you're happy."
That was an easy one, though she wished he could be as firm in his answer as she was in hers. "I am."
"I guess that's what really matters." He murmured.
She touched his arm fleetingly. "I have a feeling we wouldn't have made each other very happy in the long run." There was a languid moment of silence before Pitt was leaning towards her. Winry turned her head at the last minute too stunned to move as he spoke softly to her.
"Crazier things have happened." Pitt answered before saying a reluctant goodbye and heading back down the road which he came.
Winry watched him go; knowing that it was the right thing to do. No amount of pity was worth keeping his hopes up. They had grown apart and the events of the past year had widened the gap beyond repair in her eyes.
The smell of tobacco wafted through the kitchen, her Gran slowly making her way into the room to take up a seat at the table. Winry turned back to the dishes, unsure if she should mention anything.
"What did Pitt want?" Winry caught her staring at the flowers on the counter.
Winry breathed in, it wasn't an accusation but there would be no getting out of this without a proper explanation. "We ran into each other, just catching up a little."
"Hmm." She could hear her Grandmother exhale. "And how did that go."
Turning off the faucet Winry grabbed the nearest towel and dried her hands. "He hasn't changed very much. Still wants to go into medicine, still wants to live out here in Resembool…"
"Still in love with you?" Her Grandma filled in the missing blank without any hesitation.
Winry thought of how she felt about Edward and wondered if there was a comparison to be made, "I don't think he knows what love is."
Pinako arched a brow at her, "Interesting, ever consider that maybe everyone has different definitions of what love is?"
Her body sagged a little against the counter, her bangs falling in front of her face. There was still so much she still didn't understand and a part of her wondered if it might have been easier if her mother was still alive. "How did you know you were in love?"
The older Rockbell woman sniggered; her grin making the lines in her aged face deepen. "Oh dear I don't think I've felt that way in a long time."
Winry smiled indulgently at her Grandmother before asking the question she hadn't realized she wanted to know until she said it. "How can you trust you're really in love when feelings can just disappear like that?"
"Oh there's no guarantee dear; that's why it's important to make sure you fall in love with someone worth falling in love with to begin with."
The young Rockbell woman tried to smile, "Do you think I'm really in love with Edward? I thought I loved Pitt but it doesn't even come close to how I feel now."
"I think I'm the wrong person to ask." She gave her a knowing look. "Only you can answer that question."
(Olivia)
Everyone had wedding fever; a condition she believed was born from lack of self-esteem and pure stupidity. It was an outdated and barbaric ritual that had no real meaning besides legally binding a woman to a man. Clearly she had no interest in ever binding herself to another, especially in a legal manner, unless she had something substantial to gain from it. Now, she harbored no ill will towards those couples who were deciding to tie the knot but the escalating rate of engagements had her irritated and unimpressed. A good majority of couples she was on speaking terms with had announced their engagements almost as a compulsory reaction to graduation.
Miles finished tying his bandana over his head, adjusting his sunglasses and stretching his back. "You ready?"
Olivia completed stretching her calves and gave him a brief nod in confirmation. They had a set training schedule for the summer, one that she had designed to prepare them for boot camp come fall. Today their friends were getting married but as they started their run she felt confident in her own path. Miles was smart enough to know a ring was out of the question. They didn't have the luxury of being ostentatious with their feelings and she knew they never would.
They were staying in her parent's home in Central while the rest of her family took leave in their summer cottage in Aerugo. The thing about her boyfriend was that he never wanted to be a burden to anyone; he refused to move into his Mom's already pint sized apartment at her inconvenience and had put up quite the fight about staying with Olivia. It had irritated her at first, because as much as she appreciated his self-sustaining mentality, the oldest Armstrong didn't often do nice things for others and letting him stay with her for the summer was something she wanted to do.
Miles shed his clothes and dove into her pool, the water rippling out. She took her time walking in, shedding layers as needed, until she was bare against the cool water.
He swam up to her, his red eyes knowing not to stare in certain places too long. "I wonder why you don't like weddings."
"Do you?" She retorted because Olivia knew without a doubt that Miles had his own reluctances when it came to weddings. A big part of that probably had to do with his father abandoning his mother when he was just a baby.
He slicked his hair back from his face smiling at her. "Good food, drink and company, it's a shame we're not getting married."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "You're such a boy."
"I haven't figured out why you don't really believe in marriage. I mean you're parents are happily married and you could have the wedding of your dreams. I'm willing to bet your mother and father would be insanely happy to give you one." He rattled off probably more out of teasing than curiosity.
"Men have been throwing themselves at my father for my hand in marriage since I was twelve years old, believe me, I'm not interested."
Miles smiled sadly at her. "No, along the way someone's broken the rules, I can see it in the way you've tested me. You're worth more than your looks and wealth Liv, you know that right?"
She swam to the edge and hosted herself out of the pool; taking her time squeezing every last drop of water from her hair to let him enjoy the view. She hadn't realized how good it felt to hear someone of true conviction say such a thing to her. "I'm going to get ready. I had the maid lay out a new suit for you."
He followed her out of the pool. "You didn't have to do that." The tips of his ears were red and she knew he was embarrassed that she had found out his only suit barely fit him.
"I did; I want you to look good." She hesitated knowing that her words were a little too sharp. "This is the last time we're with everyone before we head up to Briggs; I want it to be nice."
He leaned towards her and fully surprised her when he chose to kiss he forehead instead of her mouth. "Then it will be nice."
Sooner or later they were going to have to separate themselves into a working relationship, but it wasn't time just yet. It might be selfish but she wanted his attention, she wanted his eyes on her and only her.
(Roy)
It was the big day, not his big day but his best friends. Maes was currently standing in front of the mirror, his hands fumbling at his tie. It wasn't comic but it was nice to be the resolute one, the one with confidence again. He sat perched on a stool, grinning at his friend.
Finally, he had been waiting for the nerves to kick in. "Need help there big guy?"
Hughes fiddled with the tie a few more times before managing to set it straight and tighten up the slack. "Think I got this." He said nearly breathless.
Roy nodded, "Good because I'm not going out there to tell them you're too nervous to do this."
Maes wiped at his brow, "Not nervous, just…"
"Just need some confidence?" Wally answered for him, pulling out two, shot sized bottles of vodka.
Looking guilty, Maes shook his head. "I don't need to be drunk to marry the love of my life little brother."
"One shot is not going to get you plastered college grad, just a little to take off the edge. No shame in feeling anxiety over trying to please an ass load of people and pull off a perfect wedding for the love of your life. No shame at all there champ." Roy reminded him.
"Ass load; great speech best man." Havoc joked, an honest grin on his face. "But seriously Hughes you're about to marry a great gal and this thing is going to go off without a hitch. That's what happens when two good people come together, good things just happen. Now take a shot and pull yourself together so we can all be done with this ceremony and be on our way to the reception!"
"You've got a beautiful woman waiting to marry you." Frank gave him a pat on the back, "And gentlemen don't keep girls like that waiting."
Maes still looked reluctant but opened the mini bottle and emptied it with one gulp. Exhaling loudly he looked a little humble. "Thanks for being here today, really, I love you guys."
"Don't get all sappy on us; I only came for the food." Breda growled through an indulgent smile.
Roy laughed with the rest of the boys. "Now come on Maes Hughes let's get you hitched."
When the girls started walking up the isle Roy found himself merely an appreciative observer. Olivia was sharp as always, her hair and makeup done to perfection. He thought both Rebecca and Winry were beautiful girls but there was Riza and her beauty sang to him like no one else.
She was standing there in that spring yellow dress looking every bit as stunning as he imagined. But as much as he wanted to be happy for his best friend, he was finding it hard to smile as he watched Riza stand across the aisle from him. He had failed her in so many ways; believing he was a better man than he really was. It occurred to him that he didn't deserve her, not the unhinged pinball of a man he was at this point in his life. Eventually maybe he might deserve her, but even he acknowledged that time may never come.
Tugging at the collar of his shirt Roy tried to make room in the stuffy suit. He was the best man and Riza was the maid of honor and for as much as he wanted to take her arm he knew it was only a formality. That walk down the aisle was customary and while she would take his arm Mustang wondered if she felt what he did. Did she feel that familiar spark, spread of warmth that reminded him of a home he never really had? Or would she feel nothing but regret at the thought of what they once had? Or worse… would she feel nothing at all? He should have thought of something clever to say, something that might bring back a little bit of what they used to have, but his mouth refused to move and his tongue laid there like a dead carcass left for the vultures.
"Stop fidgeting."
He looked at Riza's cool composure and actually envied her for it. "You try wearing this monkey suit in this heat." He retorted feeling ridiculous.
"It's not your day, you don't get to complain." She chided him.
Roy swallowed in anticipation as they waited to follow Havoc and Rebecca because he missed her telling him what to do. As absurd a thought as it was, he missed her being there to put him in his place. "I'm so tired…"
Riza eyed him wearily, "Of?"
"I'm so tired of missing you." He confessed finally looking up. "I'm so goddamn sick and tired of missing you and doing nothing about it."
Holding her face in his hands he leaned forward, the tip of his nose brushing against hers signaling the tilt to let his lips press against hers. It was a hard kiss, a force of his will caressing hers with the desperate need for reciprocation. He waited but she didn't move; a statue that couldn't be moved and to his disgust he realized that he was forcing himself on her. Pulling back he wished she'd do or say something, anything. "Hell." He pulled back, ashamed that he had backed her into a corner.
"Don't do this, not now." Riza asked him, her voice low. "Please."
Roy clamped his mouth shut knowing how right she was and silently fuming that she had needed to say it. This wasn't how he imagined this day going but as they started to walk down the aisle she squeezed his arm. "Let's just get through this first, okay?"
What was he supposed to say to that?
"Roy?"
He looked up at her pained expression and hated that he hadn't given her a reason to smile in a long time.
"It's our turn." Riza repeated when he just continued to stare.
"Yeah." They walked up the isle and he grinned like an idiot because that's what you do when you're the best man. And when his friends pledged their lives to each other he couldn't help but notice how happy they made one another. Had he ever made someone that happy?
The ceremony was perfect and he played his role dutifully, but he realized something as he watched them. He was never going to be a Maes, a man whose capacity to love was endless. Roy knew Riza deserved a man like his best friend and at the end of the day he had skeletons in his closet, demons that rocked his past and threatened to rear their heads when things got tough.
Roy took a deep breath because as easy as it was to fall into a self-loathing trance this was his best friend's wedding and dammit he was going to enjoy himself. Once the ceremony and pictures were done the whole wedding party packed into the limo and headed off towards the Regents Hotel where the reception would take place in its impressive ballroom. He saluted the newlyweds and they popped open the bottles of Champagne. "To Mr. & Mrs. Hughes."
Everyone echoed the sentiment with glasses raised and smiles. Even Wally felt enamored enough to try to put the moves on Olivia who pushed him away with a not so subtle glare. "Back off loverboy."
As they were exiting the limo he pulled Riza to the side, careful to make sure his intentions were as clear as they could be. Riza looked like she was going to protest but he was glad she didn't. "Riza…there will always be a part of me that loves you, that's just how it is. I'm sorry that that part of me has hurt you and keeps hurting you. You deserve better, but I just can't give up and I don't ever want to." He took a deep breath and tried to remember why he had felt the need to say it aloud.
Riza fidgeted with the hem of her dress, aligning it perfectly before looking him in the eye. "I need time and I think you do too. I want to be friends but that's all I can promise you right now."
Roy felt himself deflate but a maybe was a hell of a lot better than a straight up 'no'. "Right, shall we?" He offered his arm and while he thought for a moment she might resist Riza took it in stride.
(Edward)
Edward had been delayed in Xing for a few extra days which had cut down any alone time with Winry before the wedding. As it was he barely skated in to the rehearsal dinner, had half the summer already passed? Looking around he raised his eyebrows in a respected awe, he never imagined weddings could be so complicated, it seemed like there were five hundred different little things going on all at once. He tried to check everything off in his head, booking the church, booking the reception hall, sending out invitations, renting the suits, buying flowers, decorations, making seating charts, rings, food and drink and not to mention booking a DJ or rooms at the hotel. It was the first wedding he had ever been to and while hadn't taken to the long service he was feeling considerably better now that it was over and he didn't need to stand up like a stiff penguin statue.
"They look so happy." Winry sighed as they watched Maes and Gracia enjoy their first dance.
He fidgeted, he wasn't sure he liked all the attention that being a groomsman afforded him but he did like the buffet of food, drinks and dessert. Shoving food in his mouth Ed just nodded in agreement.
Several songs later he knew Winry was growing impatient with his lack of enthusiasm for dancing but seriously, when did not wanting to dance have anything to do with how he felt about her?
"It's a real shame to not show off a pretty girl on the dance floor."
Ed gritted his teeth, "I don't see you out there twinkle toes."
Roy pulled his tie down a notch which Ed thought made him look a little more arrogant. "Lucky for you I'm in the midst of trying to redeem myself or else I wouldn't hesitate to claim what is clearly being taken for granted." He let his gaze fall on Winry and sent her a charming wink.
His chest puffed out as he glared at his rather ridiculous fraternity brother, "I'll show you what lucky is…" pushing his chair back he stuck out his hand towards Winry. "Come on, we're dancing."
His girlfriend rolled her eyes but he noticed her cheeks tinged the slightest pink as he took her hand. "Such a gentleman." She grumbled under her breath and Ed thought he saw a smug grin on Roy's face.
As they swayed gently from side to side he began to loosen up a little. This was Winry and she liked dancing, no reason why he shouldn't indulge her and the surprising thing was…he did, he wanted to spoil her rotten. In fact he had been feeling guilty about something and he figured now was as good of a time as any to let her know.
"I've missed you."
She smiled leaning forward so they were dancing cheek to cheek. "I missed you."
He closed his eyes and let her words sink in the way they should. "You look beautiful."
He felt her lips press into his cheek and could feel her smile. So maybe he would need to thank Roy for tricking him into dancing with Winry. "I wanted to come back sooner; I've never missed anyone like that. I just don't want you to think I'm too..." He paused.
"Too what?"
Edward took a deep breath, "Clingy? I don't want you to get bored of me just yet."
Her laugh slowly drained him of any lingering doubt. "Edward Elric." Winry pulled back just far enough so that he could feel her breath on his lips. "Ever since you walked into the rehearsal dinner I've been dying to get my hands on you." He felt something below stir as she almost purred into his ear. "You can cling to me all you want."
He whistled lowly, "And you think of yourself as a tomboy."
Winry pushed herself against him, "Maybe I'm just good with mechanics. With just a little lubrication even unused parts can work like new."
Ed grinned, "I have no idea what you're talking about but it sounds dirty…and I like that."
His girlfriend smirked up at him, "Just a few more dances."
"And then I can whisk you away?"
"Yeah, whisk away." Winry agreed in a throaty voice that nearly sent Ed over the edge.
(Maes)
His hands ran down Gracia's back and up again, settling on the tiny buttons that kept the top of the gown tight against her frame. Each small release revealed a bit of skin creating a strong stirring and impatience at his fingertips. Time could have stood still, collapsed under the gravity of what was to come, but it lingered and paused only to accelerate and race.
The soft lighting bathed her pale skin and made the white in her eyes come alive in the dark. Maes told her she was beautiful but even then it didn't come close to the truth. Gracia was his best friend and now he could call her his wife. Maes felt a small quiver in his touch as he tried to keep his control. Leaning her back against his chest he watched as Gracia's head tilted back, the extension in her neck captivating his attention. Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her closer, eager to show her how he really felt when words failed.
The new Mrs. Hughes turned in his arms, her hands already working at his belt with a languid smoothness that eased them into it all. The sleeves of his shirt slid down his arms and into a pile on the floor and his lips were on hers, pressed in a bruising kiss that underscored the desire to be closer. It wasn't their first time, but it felt completely different than all the others.
"Mrs. Hughes, you are radiant." He caressed her cheek, thankful that he had made it through the past year, thankful that he had lived to see this moment. Grabbing her hand he began to kiss each one of her fingers, lingering on the left ring finger. "Until death do us part."
Gracia twined their hands, "Until death do us part."
Next chapter: Summer Skin
The new Mr. and Mrs. Hughes take off on their honeymoon while Olivia and Miles head up north and the rest of the gang end summer and begin to move back to campus. With recruitment around the corner can the new leaders step up or will they crumble under the pressure? Welcome week at Central University is a whole new ballgame.