Disclaimer: I don't own Sabrina or Fullmetal Alchemist.

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Ok, hooray for me and fast update! I got some future points of the story already written, but I need to go over and change it because it just wasn't doing it for me. Expect a bit of a delay for the next update, as I'm starting a new job and such, so life may be in turmoil for a while. So, this is a little extra special treat for my lovelies.

Enjoy!

Chapter 25

Although it was his intention to work through the night, Roy found that he could no more focus at his office then he could at home. Hours were spent at the windows, watching—waiting?—or he paced around his large office. He noticed almost right away that Edward had left his parcel and its contents in his office. He consciously avoided going near his low credenza filing cabinet behind his desk so he wouldn't have to look at Edward. He might have even pretended to work, going out and looking for some file or that report, searching aimlessly through the file cabinets without success.

At times he thought that this attitude was strange and misguided. Where did these bewildered feelings come from? How come he was so restless now? Sure, what he had done was pretty horrible in the intellectual sense, but he'd done far worse to whole companies. How was it that over the course of only a few days, he had fallen to this state? Over a man? A younger man? Was he really that smitten that he couldn't stay objective and work towards his goals? And he had achieved his goals. Edward was going to Paris and leaving the county—Winry—himself behind. He was fine with that.

Wasn't he?

But Edward had only taken the ticket, not the money or the apartment. The business man in Roy congratulated himself on saving the family coffers the momentary drain paying off Edward would have caused and when he tried to envision what Edward must be feeling now he failed. He was too cold-hearted to empathize with others. He had gone too long isolating himself from a personal relationship with a lover that he didn't think he would be able to understand another well enough to have anything lasting. He was too entrenched at being a CEO to connect with someone like that.

And sometimes during the night…he berated himself for his treatment of Edward who at heart was a caring, sweet man, who only wanted to show his affection and maybe-love to Roy. He imagined Edward as an older man, embittered by Roy's callous treatment of him, living alone and loveless—hating him. But even as this image was strong, it didn't ring true. Roy's understanding of Edward's character was that he was forgiving when he was given reason to do so. No, Edward would be happy with Winry, he knew that now. In fact, to that end he was going to have the other ticket that was sitting on his desk switched into Winry's name when Alex came in for the morning.

It was wrong of him to force his sister into a marriage she didn't want to be in. If she wanted to go off to Paris to play with Edward, he was going to support that. He had meddled for too long into her life and it was time to stop. Second on his list of things to do today was to call a meeting with his mother and Maes and tell them that the merger would no longer be contingent on Winry marrying into the Hughes family. If Maes wanted to pull out after that, well then…

Roy turned towards his office door when he heard the faint ping of the elevator. Good. That meant that Alex was here and he was early. It was only just after six-thirty. It was time to get things rolling, and as he liked to tell his staff often, 'time was money'. Not bothering to wait for Alex to come into his office with his morning agenda, Roy snatched up the ticket from his desk and met the large man outside his office as he was taking off his coat, about to hang it on the coat hanger in the closet.

"Alex—" The man in question started and looked over at Roy with wide eyes. Not bothering with an explanation, he held out the ticket for Alex to take. "Change the name on this to Winry's and make sure she knows to be packed in time for the flight. I also want my mother in my office as soon as she comes in, and have Maes here too for a meeting about the merger—tell the lawyers to be there just in case."

"Yes, sir," said Alex, taking in ticket from Roy's hand. "When is a good time to meet?"

"As soon as they get here—in fact, the sooner the better and I want to see Pinako when she gets in."

"Yes, sir."

Roy had already retreated into his office and barely heard Alex's answer. Now that the day was getting started, he could focus his energies on his work. There was a lot to plan for. He could almost hear Maes' angry demands for an explanation when he told him how the merger was going to finish playing out. The chance that the deal would fall through was very high. That would mean that the site of the new building would have to be re-tasked and leased, potentially costing him millions in redesign and delays. The project was precariously close to going over budget already. Well, there was nothing for it. If, no, when they went over budget, it would cut into the year end dividends and potentially call his leadership into question. Worse case, the board of directors would vote him out at the next shareholder's meeting, which just happened to be only months away.

"Fine time to grow some morals, Roy," he mumbled. Rather then sitting at his desk, he made his way over to his wet bar and started the coffee machine. He needed some caffeine to deal with this mess, and lots of it. The thought of food, however, did not appeal to him right now.

"How's it look? Is it straight?"

"Its fine; stop picking," whispered Winry, slapping Al's hand away for the fifth time. The man just couldn't wear a bowtie without fiddling with it.

"It's a little tight, though, don't you think?" asked Al, pulling at the strap around his neck and pulling a pained face.

"Don't be a baby, Al," teased Winry, smiling. She pulled his arm away and found his hand, entwining their fingers together. "We're about to get married, so you better behave."

"Yes, dear," murmured Al, a wicked leer on his face. "You know, once we're married, I think you should wear an apron."

"I don't cook. Why would I bother?" wondered Winry. The taxi slowed to a stop in front of the municipal building. Leaning forward, she looked up at the French renaissance exterior and was happy to note that she didn't feel the least bit nervous for what they were about to do. For the first time in a long while she was sure of her choices. She was going to be the one to set things right…as soon as she discovered just what was going on for sure. But this was one less step that would get in their way. It also had the added benefit of foiling Al's parents—or Al's father's plans for an extra large wedding.

"I don't want you to cook, hon," murmured Al in aside as he handed the driver the fare. Winry frowned at Al's profile, waiting on him to finish explaining. Al opened the door and exited the car. He held out his hand for Winry to take and he pulled her out of the car to his side. "I want you to wear only the apron," whispered Al directly into her hair beside her ear.

"But that would leave…" Winry paused as the full impact of Al's words settled in her brain and made her shiver. She turned in Al's arms and smirked at the man. "Pervert."

Al grinned like a naughty school boy. Holding her close, he led the way up the front steps to City Hall. "Well, you know, we are going to be newlyweds. Kinky is in."

Winry snorted a laugh. "I like your kinky, hon, but an apron? I suppose you want it to be a frilly nightmare and in a horrid polyester-blend pattern that does nothing to bring out the color in my eyes."

"You certainly know how to talk dirty, babe," said Al in a husky deep voice that went straight to her loins. She could only shake her head at her soon-to-be husband as he reached out and pulled the door open for her to pass.

"Good morning," a middle-aged security guard said as they entered the lobby. He was mid-way to the desk in the middle of the room when they entered. He had paused to view the early arrivals. "First thing in the morning; we don't often get visitors so promptly. I just unlocked the door… I wager…you're getting married? Am I right?"

Winry smiled as Al's arm pulled her more firmly against his body. "Yes, indeed, sir. You'd be a great help to us if you could direct us to the correct office. We're eloping, you see," said Al.

"Good! Young people should be together. I must say though, you two are very fine looking people. Congratulations to you both! I hope this is a good match for you," the man said. He waved them down the adjacent hallway with a wave for Al and a blown kiss for Winry.

"Well, he seemed like a nice fellow," said Al, tugging at his neck tie again. "I never did like these monkey suits, though."

"If I have to wear an apron and nothing else, you can suffer through wearing a monkey suit, because it might be my kink. You look fuckable, dear."

"Is that right," murmured Al, smirking and puffing out his chest slightly. He was so cute when he was complemented.

"Yes, that's right, now leave it alone," chided Winry. "What office do we go to?"

"I don't know; I didn't look. Didn't you check before I arrived?"

"No, I was scheming. I didn't have time to do something like that."

"Well, we'll just have to look at the door names and hope that helps," suggested Al.

"Okay—oh, that reminds me; I'm not sure we'll be able to have a honeymoon, is that okay? Alex called me just before we left. Things are moving forward nicely. Now it just depends on Roy." Winry look over at Al's profile. "I might be too busy, but I hope not."

"Darling, what you plan to do is more generous then I could have ever hoped of from you. I knew your heart was large enough for more then just yourself." Al put his arm around her shoulders and drew her into his side for an affectionate squeeze. "I love you," he murmured, leaning down to place a kiss against her temple.

"I know you don't mean to make me sound like a heartless bitch," whispered Winry, turning in Al's arms and stopping them in the middle of the hallway. "I've been thinking a lot about my past behavior. I want to show everyone that I'm not just a playgirl; I am someone who has compassion for others. I just haven't had the inclination to show anyone."

"I know." Al wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her with his strong arms. She felt calm here. It quieted all the lengthy lists of things that needed doing before they left this place and headed downtown. She had been on the phone most of the night, convincing the lawyers on staff to draw up the papers she wanted. There had been a lot of confusion and resistance but in the end they did as she wished. They were going to meet with everyone soon and hopefully, hopefully all would be settled.

Edward woke at six-forty-five, staring at the ceiling and thinking. His whole trip home had been an utter failure. He almost wished that he hadn't gone to the World's but rather stayed in Paris with Russell and Fletcher and just hung out like normal. That way, he would never have to know what Roy's kisses felt like, or how those hands felt on his body. Now he had to go back to Paris with his proverbial tail between his legs, and explain why the hell he was there.

His intention had been to apply to some schools either within the state or maybe abroad, in Canada or Australia. While he could still do that, he would have to make his decisions in Paris, not at home.

Home… It didn't even feel like home anymore. It felt like he didn't belong anywhere. How could he feel like he belonged? His father was not okay with his sexual orientation and he was not welcomed by the Mustangs—or Roy, that is. The only reason he would have wanted to stay was Patricia but even that wasn't enough of a reason to stay.

Ed lifted his swollen hand towards the ceiling, staring at the split and raw looking knuckles. He wished he had punched Roy instead of the wall. If he hadn't of held back that first punch…he could have most likely broken Roy's nose.

A gloomy sigh escaped his lips. No he didn't. He didn't want to hit Roy, not really. Though he was still very angry for how he had been played. Roy had seen right though him and had used that for his advantage. He wondered when Roy had figured out that he was gay, or maybe Roy had gambled. Perhaps he'd given himself away? He couldn't remember now if he had said it directly or not.

Edward turned onto his side and pulled the comforter up around his shoulders, his mind stilling for the moment. His eyes roved around the room, seeming to impart everything to memory. He might never come back here now. This would be the last time he would see his room or the things he had grown up with. They were only things, but they were his things, and he was going to miss them all the same.

His da was sure surprised about him being gay, he thought. He was scared—really scared—for his relationship with his da. They were so close and he depended on him so much that he was afraid for what this was going to mean for him now. He was going to try to make things right before he left or at least close to right so that at least they could work at making things better. He hadn't given much of a chance to respond last night, but at least he had come clean and told him about Roy. Whether that was a good choice or not, at least he could console himself with the knowledge that he hadn't hidden anything else.

There was a soft knocking at his door, making Edward turn over and blink. "Yes?"

The door pushed back and his da poked his face into the crack. "Son? May I come in?" Edward nodded his assent, shifting back so that he could sit up against the headboard. His father entered slowly, closing the door behind him and sat at the foot of Edward's bed.

His da sat silently for a moment, looking at his slippered feet. Edward could see that he didn't look rested at all. He had dark bags under his tired eyes and he slumped forward. Did he stay up all night?

"Son…you know that I love you?"

"You do?" questioned Edward. It was cruel but he couldn't help himself. The question just slipped out without his meaning to. But now that it was out there, he wanted to know—to hear it said aloud.

"I do," his da said quietly, looking him in the eye so that Edward would see the truth in his statement.

Edward held his gaze for long moments before he sighed and looked down at his lap. "I know. Sorry…" he mumbled ashamedly.

"I don't, however, understand why you would choose a man over a woman. There's no purpose to being with a man, no result, no marriage, no children…but…I don't want to lose you from my life. As much as I don't understand, after talking with Patricia all night, I realize that I can't stand the thought of you never talking to me again." A warm hand gently landed on his shin and began to stroke along his leg.

"I don't want to lose you either… So…does this mean we're good? Or maybe close to good?" ventured Edward hopefully. He glanced at his father in apprehension.

"Close; with much work and understanding ahead of us—or me, if you like," replied his father. Edward smiled wanly, not looking forward to the discussions that were to come. At least he wasn't cut off entirely.

"This business with Roy, though. I would like to know more about what he did to you." The rare, hard tone to his father's voice made Edward look up sharply in shock. "I would like to have a word with him about his lack of consideration towards other people's feelings."

"Ah—no, that's okay, da, you don't have to do anything. I handled it already."

"Son, you know that you're too soft to handle these hard challenges in life, let me help support you—"

"No you don't get it. I grew up da. I don't need your help like that anymore…but thanks anyway…for offering."

His father sighed sadly and just looked at him appraisingly. "Are you really leaving today?" he asked.

"Yes, I have to," replied Edward, relived that his father wasn't going to pursue the issue with Roy any further. He didn't want his father doing anything foolish that would jeopardize his job here. "I don't really belong here anymore. I'm going to Paris. What's not to love about Paris, right?—plus, I found myself there. I really feel more at home there then I will ever feel here. I just don't belong here."

"I understand," murmured his father. A simple silence fell over them, one that wasn't burdened with worries or loud thoughts, just quiet and togetherness. Edward ran a hand through his loose hair, smoothing it back away from his face and stared at his father. Though tired looking, he still had a lot of vitality for his age and luckily for Edward, all his hair. He didn't look like he was almost fifty-two, and Edward hoped that he looked even half as good as his father at that age. He had kind, knowledgeable eyes that really understood things. He could remember his da telling him all sorts of stories of the books he'd read and how one day Edward would be the one to visit all those places. And now he was going to do just that. He was no longer burdened with pining after Winry. He was truly free from all that now.

With a smile, Edward crawled out from under the cover and made his way towards his da. Curious, his father watched him until he was kneeling beside him looking at each other. Edward reached out with one hand and then paused, a slight frown marring his forehead.

"Is it still okay for hugs?" asked Edward just to be sure. He had almost done so without thought, but at the last moment, he figured that asking in this situation was required. For his answer, his father smiled at him and then enveloped him in his arms, pulling him down against his chest. Edward was instantly the six-year-old boy again being comforted by his father after a hard tumble from a tree or other such adventure gone wrong.

After a time, his da pulled away, brushing Edward's hair back. "You're hair has gotten so long. Are you going to copy me?"

Edward chuckled slightly. "And if I was?" His father chuckled in return.

"How about I make some breakfast and then I can drive you over to the airport," his father suggested.

"Breakfast sounds great, but I think I'll take a cab, if you don't mind. I would like to do this on my own."

"You did grow up," his father said, almost sadly. Edward smiled kindly as his father stood and went to his door. "Come out in fifteen."

"Sure," said Edward as the door closed.

Patricia stood back as she watched Edward say his goodbyes to the staff. Mei Chang cried and talked over everyone whether or not someone listened to her. Fu shook Edward's hand and then bowed over their clasped hands, murmured something that made Edward go red and then bowed again before backing away to let the next person say their goodbye. She was so proud of Edward's ability to endear people to himself. He had grown into a fine man and she knew that no matter what happened to him now, he would find a way to come out on top.

A fond smile spread across her face as Edward lifted his case up and stowed it in the trunk of the cab. Poor Hohenheim; he had kept her up all night just talking about how much he had loved Edward and wondering what he should do now. It had taken a long time for her to get him to realize that nothing had changed other then that Edward was leaving sooner then expected. She had to constantly remind him that Edward always planned on studying away from home.

"Why won't he let me drive him," whined Hohenheim as he stepped up to her shoulder.

"He's a man now, Hohenheim, let him do as he pleases," she admonished. Patricia crossed her arms under her breasts and watched Edward fondly. "I'm so happy that you shared Edward with me. I never got to have one of my own, but with that sweet boy, I felt as if I was his mother."

"He begged me to let you be his mother, you know. Every night when I tucked him into bed, he'd ask… I almost wish I had followed my son's suggestion. I would have realized so much sooner how I feel about you, but I got complacent."

"I don't know what to say to that," Patricia admitted. She did care for Hohenheim, of course, but she wanted to make him dangle a little for being so dense for so long.

"Hm," grunted Hohenheim. "I'm glad I said my goodbyes inside or else I wouldn't have had the chance. Do you think Mei Chang will ever let go of his arm?"

"Oh, that girl! I swear, I don't know what I'm going to do with her," said Patricia, watching Mei Chang make a fool out of herself. Edward was trying to be nice, she saw, but he looked like he was thinking about putting a hand to her face and just pushing her away.

In silence, they watched the flustered Edward extract himself from Mei Chang's hold, giving her a slight but forceful push on her shoulder before moving towards the car.

"Marry me," Hohenheim said.

Patricia looked side long at the man beside her and clicked her tongue. "Nonsense."

"Marry me, please. If not for love, then how about money."

"Stop that," said Patricia, frowning now. Hidden under her crossed arms, her fist clenched. She didn't glance at Hohenheim while he was no doubt looking at her. "I suppose you're going to say that you have a million dollars and you want to whisk me away to some remote island—"

"Actually, it's something like two point five million…"

"What…" gasped Patricia, her arms falling to her side. She turned and looked up into Hohenheim's face, but he was watching his son.

"I think I'll give half to Edward once he's settled back in Paris, but the rest—" He looked down finally and gazed into her eyes. "The rest will be for us. Say you'll marry me, Patricia."

"How on Earth did you get all that money?"

"Mrs. Mustang never did close the divider between us all those years, and—Roy—didn't either. When they bought, I bought, when they sold, I sold. I started out slowly; only a little bit invested here and there, but over fifteen years, it added up."

"And you never told any of us? You never shared any of that knowledge. Why?"

"I don't know, really. I just started following their buying and selling, more out of curiosity then looking for a profit. But then when I started really making money…I didn't know how to say anything. And now, Edward will no longer be considered 'help'. He'll have his own small fortune that he can do with as he likes—though, I hope that he invests at least some of it—but, I'm sure my son will be wise enough to realize that."

"So, now you're okay with Edward being gay?" asked Patricia. She was still reeling internally from the news that Hohenheim was very wealthy.

"Well, not okay but 'okay', as the kids say these days. It'll take some adjustment but I hope very much that it will be okay." Hohenheim lifted his hand and waved at the cab. Patricia looked towards Edward and numbly waved goodbye as well. Edward smiled and blew her a kiss before sitting in the car. The door closed with a slam and he was gone.

"Patricia…?"

Patricia blinked and let her hands fall back to her side. With a sigh, she said, "Let's go have some tea before you take Mrs. Mustang to the city." This was going to another long conversation but one that would work in her favor…and Hohenheim's.

--To Be Continued—

There you have it. Another chapter and things are progressing again. Don't expect the next chapter to come as quickly (unless providence smiles upon me).

Please review!