Look's like we get to see someone again. :)

I do not own FMAB.

Just One of Those Days

Chapter Thirty Two: MEMORIES III

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Apple red eyes blink open to the faint sound, glancing upwards.

Tock. Tock. Tock.

A blank expression moves over their face as they stand, hair gently framing their face. A thin line pulls of her lips as she turns, facing the source of the noise.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

"That's yours." A voice whispers beside her, and she doesn't bother to turn, she's seen its face one to many times. "Did you know that?"

"I figured." She answered simply, stepping forward and facing the steel clock, watching the pendulum swing back and forth as the hands moved at breakneck speed.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

She watched the black hands and glanced to the side, the images flashing by and changing as the scenes moved forward and backward. Pictures of past and present appearing and disappearing.

"What do you think happens next?" The voice questioned, and she could picture the wide grin behind her.

Tock. Tock. Tock. Tock. Tock.

"It either keeps going." The girl replied simply, her eyes trailing back to the clock as the two hands moved in different directions, passing but never meeting. "Or..."

Tick. Tock.

It stops.

"Get back here you little thief!"

I felt a smirk touch my lips as I skidded down a corner, brushing past a few over caked make up wearing women as I made a sharp turn.

The baker behind me let out a howl of frustration and I heard the clatter of trashcan to the ground and shrieks. A snicker left my lips and I clutched the bag to my chest, darting down one final alleyway.

I jogged a few minutes, listening for sounds of pursuit. When there were none, the smirk crawled lazily over my lips and I paused in the alleyway, letting myself catch my breath against the wall.

"Too easy," I mused, plopping down and setting the bag beside me. "You'd think he'd put up more of a fight if he cared about his bread so much."

Two warm loaves pressed through the bag, a small can of creamed milk beside them. Now I wasn't just stealing for fun, the guy had to be knocked down a peg or two, watching him turn away a couple of street runts wasn't the nicest thing.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for fellow street punks, especially when they're the cute little ragamuffins trying to get by.

I glanced to the bag and let out a low whistle. I'd probably leave it somewhere they could easily find it. The bag rustled as I lifted it up and took a whiff of the warm loaves, smiling at the bready scent.

For a jackass, he made some good bread.

There was a rustle and my eyes snapped to the left, locking onto where a trashcan lid had shifted. I paused at my moment of peace and narrowed my eyes, reaching a hand down and brushing against the knife in my pocket.

Rustle.

"Better show yourself." I called out, lowering my voice and octave to make it sound as intimidating as possible. Though after trying that on Greed, the so-called 'homunculus' never let me live it down. "Or things are going to get real ugly real fast."

There was a low hiss and my grip tightened as I flashed the knife.

Wait. Was that a hiss?

There was a scuttle of movement and I quickly turned. Dark red eyes peered from underneath the trash bin that was lifted a foot off the ground. The golden tinted red eyes watched me carefully, blinking every now and then.

Realizing that no human could fit into such little space, I cocked my head and pocketed the knife, bending down and raising an eyebrow. "Hey there, little fella."

Another hiss and a flash of fangs. Didn't look like it was a rat. Maybe a cat? "Hey, I won't hurt you. I promise."

Eyes blinked back untrustingly and I found a small smile twisting on my lips. Now why did that gaze look so familiar?

Maybe because I wore it so often myself.

I reached into the bag and heard another low hiss, and the cat narrowed its eyes at me suspiciously. I offered it a faint grin and took out the can of cream, prying open the lid and setting it down. "See? I won't hurt you. This stuff's good, I promise."

There was another feral hiss as I pushed the can towards the opening of the trashcan. "You can trust me. I always keep my word."

A moment of silence ticked by and I frowned, wondering if it really wouldn't come out. Then, slowly but surely, a black paw reached out from beneath the trashcan and brushed against the can.

I held my breath and watched as two paws stuck out and a scruffy black body pulled itself out from underneath the trashcan. The cat looked young, black fur ruffled in places and clearly unkempt. Scars lined some areas and its ears flicked this way and that, ready to run at a moment's notice.

"Well aren't you a little fighter." I mused, catching a slight knick in his ear. "You've had it rough, haven't you?"

The black cat narrowed its eyes and let out a hiss, baring yellowed fangs as it took a step towards the can. Dark red eyes never left mine as he lowered his head and took a tentative sniff. Keeping his ears perked up, the cat lowered his head and began to quickly lap up the cream.

A slow smile crawled over my face and I leaned back on my hands, watching as the starved cat took its fill. "It's all yours buddy. I can always snatch another one."

I eyed the ribs showing through his fur and frowned. "I can't take you home... dad's allergic."

The black cat paused and let out a hiss, and I grinned. "Not that you'd let me take you home that easy now, would you?"

His whiskers twitched and he touched his head back to the can. I watched him for a few moments and held my breath, extending a hand outwards.

Instantly he froze, the fur along his spine began to rise but I let my hand near him slowly, keeping contact with red a darker shade than mine. A low hiss seemed to start to escape his mouth when my fingers barely brushed the top of his head.

"I won't hurt you." I murmured quietly, and his ears twitched as he watched me, and my hand slowly came down on his head. "Promise."

There was a moment of silence and I let loose a low breath as my hand rested on his head. The cat remained still, but slowly, hesitantly, he pressed his head against the back of my hand.

I held back flashing a bright grin and instead let my fingers brush over him in soft strokes. A low rumble started in his throat and his whiskers twitched, droplets of cream flicking off as his lids lowered and he pressed his head against my hand.

God, I wanted a pet.

The scruffy fur beneath my fingers felt surprisingly nice, almost soothing. I watched with an idiotic smile on my face as he moved closer, titling his chin up as I rubbed my fingers against his ears.

"Not so tough are you, hmm?" I mused, feeling warm as he let out another purr. "Got a name?"

He flicked his ears my way and I eyed him once more, not a collar or any sign of ownership on him. "Would you like one?"

There was another deep, rough purr and I grinned, looking at him thoughtfully. My eyes strayed to the bag of baked goods and I caught the logo on front stating in bold letters, Gilbert's Bakery.

"How about Gilbert?" I questioned quietly. Gilbert's eyes flickered to me and something seemed to pass through those dark red orbs for the briefest of moments.

He honestly looked thoughtful for a moment before he gave a cat-like shrug and stretched leisurely, rubbing against my legs. I smiled down at him, scooping him into my arms as he let out a hiss of protest. "Gilbert it is then."

I moved the bag into a nearby trash lid for the little kids to find and stepped out the other way of the alley, scanning the crowd before disappearing to the many other "cat paths" in Dublith.

I kept my eyes trained on the concrete roads in front of me, aware of my new passenger. Home was out of the option, since Dad would sneeze up a storm.

But a thought flickered through my head and a grin touched my lips.

"Gilbert, you've just found yourself a new home."

The welcoming not-welcoming scent of smoke and booze hit me like a slap to the face. I blinked against the sudden onslaught and sucked in one last breath of fresh air before stepping into the dimly lit bar.

Ice hit glass and swirled in half full glasses as hearty chuckles and rough voices carried over the smoke trails. There was the creak of chairs and the boisterous laugh of someone a little too far drunk for his own good.

I stuffed my hands into my pockets and weaved my way through the bar with scary familiarity. My face remained impassive but my eyes remained locked on the set of stairs in the corner, leading to the numerous rooms within the building.

The bundle shifted within my jacket and I shuddered as Gilbert's tail brushed my stomach. I stifled a laugh and was sent a few strange looks as men raised their eyebrows.

I shifted the cat inside my jacket and moved to make it look baggier as I neared the set of stairs, feeling my heart leap into my throat.

Almost there...

"Where have you been?"

I silently cursed the heavens and moaned inwardly at the sound of the ever so familiar, snarky bark of none other than the sword carrying maniac.

I paused mid step, pivoted on one foot and flashed Dolcetto a mocking grin. "Expressing my rights of freedom to go wherever I want to go. You?"

Dolcetto's eye twitched and his lips pulled back in a faint snarl, his fingers itching to grab the hilt of his sword. "I see you still have a mouth on you."

I opened said mouth but then snapped it shut, thinking things through for once and settling for glowering at the floor. Hold it in, girl. If you get into a fight with him, Martel comes, and then Greed comes, then Bido just shows up for the heck of it.

Dolcetto raised an eyebrow at the lack of reply and I sighed, shrugging my shoulders. "Just went around town, visiting pops."

The dog-like man (honestly, he really does remind me of a dog. Martel's kind of like a snake too, and Roa just stands there like a cow or something.) snorted, crossing muscular arms over his chest. "Greed's been looking for you."

So far so good, you can make it.

"Tell him I'll be down in a few minutes." I answered simply, taking a step or two back. "I'm just going to ah...freshen up a bit! Yeah, that's it."

Dolcetto looked bewildered. "Since when did you care how you look around the boss?"

"I don't." I replied flatly, feeling my lips twitch down into a disgusted frown. "But it doesn't hurt to make a good impression, right?"

Dolcetto looked as if I had gotten down on one knee and proposed to him. I rolled my eyes and sighed, rubbing my head.

"I've been out for a long time and I stink. Cut me some slack, mom."

The black haired male rolled his eyes and I felt a rush of relief when he took a step back. "Yeah you do."

"Great, so now that we've got my hygiene covered." I made a move towards the stairs. "I'll be going now—"

"Actually, you kind of smell a bit funny." Dolcetto's nose wrinkled and he sniffed the air, his brows furrowing as his lips curled in disgust. "You smell like a—"

"Then I guess I better wash up—"

"Leaving me already, kitten?"

So. Damn. Close.

The corner of my mouth twitched and I sucked in a breath, glancing upwards impassively at the shark like grin. Amethyst eyes glinted over shaded sunglasses and I inwardly swallowed, cursing at my luck.

Actually, I don't think I ever really had any.

"Greed." I paused momentarily, glancing to the stairs before taking a step back. "I thought you were with the usual company."

Greed blinked, cocking his head to the two women sitting on the couch, dresses dipped in low cuts and curves lining their bodies.

"They can wait." Greed answered with a smirk, seeming to loom over me for a moment. "Besides, there's much more interesting company right in front of me."

You'd think I'd be used to the way he talked to me by now.

I wasn't.

I hid my nervousness and scratched the back of my head. "Flattered. Really. But it's very impolite to keep a couple of um, nice ladies waiting, so I'll just be out of your hair."

"Just let her go." Dolcetto grimaced, pinching his nose and turning his head the other way. "She stinks after doing who-knows-what all day."

"You usually do after standing near a dumpster for so long." I muttered, giving him an annoyed glare, but silently thanking the indirect help. God knew Dolcetto would probably gag at the thought that he had helped me out somehow.

"Funny thing about that," Greed mused, sliding his hands into his front pockets so that only is thumbs were in. "Word on the street is they saw the baker down the corner chasing after some orange haired girl."

His eyes trailed lazily over my figure and an amused smirk crawled over his lips. "Care to enlighten us?"

What I do isn't any of your business you shark-faced greedy, weirdly mysterious in-some-confusing-way bastard. Was what I wanted to say, but I held my tongue and forced a careless shrug, reining in my annoyance.

Points for me for self control!

"Just messed with the annoying guy who runs the place." I answered simply. "Nothing more, nothing less."

Greed arched a brow, looking faintly surprised by my obedient answer. I ground my teeth and took a step past him. "Now, if you excuse me, I need to rinse off the smell of cancer smoke."

I made it two steps past Greed and felt my spirits lift. The taller man wasn't tailing me and Dolcetto wanted nothing to do with me. As long as I didn't run into anyone else, I was in the clear.

"Mrrow?"

Well, shit.

There was a silent pause for a brief moment as I hesitated mid step. Dolcetto's head cocked to the side in confusion and his brows furrowed as he sniffed the air. Greed hadn't moved and I eyed the stairs before me. I could make it if I really ran for it.

"Did you just mrrow?" Dolcetto questioned gruffly, looking childishly confused for a man his size and age.

"Very funny. Yes, my nickname's Kitten, doesn't mean you have to go and make noises behind my back." I grumbled, sounding as annoyed as possible, which wasn't that hard. I took a step forward when a firm hand came down on my jacket collar, holding me in place.

"Not so fast, kitten."

So close. I inwardly sighed. I let out a surprised squawk when my feet suddenly left the ground and Greed brought me around to face him as he held me up a few inches from the floor.

Amethyst eyes scrutinized me carefully and he blinked. "What was that?"

I blinked. "What was what?"

A flicker in his eyes. "I could've sworn I heard something from you, kitten."

I shrugged, lifting my hands up in a what-can-you-do kind of pose. "I didn't hear anything. All the smoke must be getting to you."

"Meow."

Greed face was blank and I cursed, stuffing my hands in my pockets to keep Gilbert from slipping out of my jacket.

"Kitten?"

"Yes?"

"Did your stomach just meow?"

"I'm hungry." I answered instantly. "It does that sometimes."

Greed was silent for a moment, as if he were giving me a golden chance to redeem myself. I kept my mouth shut and he blinked slowly, the corner of his lips barely twitching upwards as his grip on my jacket tightened.

I let out a surprised cry when I felt myself being bobbed up and down, and in the midst of the rude shaking, a black bundle of scruffy fur tumbled from my jacket and onto the wooden floors with a mewl of protest.

Dolcetto blinked incredulously at the black cat sitting on the floor, shaking his fur out and stretching. "Is that a...cat?"

"I found him on the streets." I answered defensively, swatting at Greed's arm for him to let me down. He didn't.

"So you brought him here?" Greed questioned, prodding the black bundle with the tip of his shoe. Gilbert let out a hiss and swiped at the appendage. Greed raised an eyebrow and turned back to me. "Why not keep him at your place?"

"My dad's allergic." I sighed, opening my arms as Gilbert leapt into them. "And I couldn't just leave him out there—the poor guy was starving!"

"Good riddance." Dolcetto sniffed, taking a disgusted step away from Gilbert. "The less of these things there are, the better."

Gilbert flattened his ears against the sides of his head and hissed, baring fangs and unsheathing his claws. Dolcetto's eyes narrowed and he growled, lowering his head to Gilbert's as he pulled his sword out a bit.

Gilbert hissed louder and Dolcetto's glowered. I blinked in bewilderment at the two and lightly tugged Gilbert's ear, as I used my suspended foot to shove Dolcetto back a bit. "Paws off, dog."

"You little—" Dolcetto started, but was cut off as a hand slapped him across the back of the head. He let out a yelp of pain and a head of blonde hair appeared beside him, an annoyed looked flickering through emerald green.

"Shut up a bit, will you?" Martel snapped, crossing her arms over her chest as she jutted out one hip a bit, eying the people before her. "What is it this time?"

"Nothing." Dolcetto spat, rubbing the back f his head crossly. "Just tell this brat to get rid of this flea bitten—"

Gilbert hissed and Martel blinked, her gaze turning to the black bundle in my arms. "You brought home a cat?"

"He was all alone." I started, wriggling around and Greed finally let me touch the floor. A thought flickered through my head, but it would be hard, considering how tough of a woman Martel was. "He's been out on the streets his whole life is what it looks like—see the scars? His ribs are showing too."

"I've seen worse." Dolcetto muttered, something flickering across his face for the briefest of moments. "Life on the streets is life of luxury compared to worse."

Martel gave him a wanting glance and turned back to the situation at hand, a commanding aura coming off of her the way only a mother could pull off. "Why here of all places? A bar is no place for a cat."

I grimaced, glancing down at the hissing bundle in my arms. "I know, but this seemed like the best option. I can't take him home because my dad's allergic, and I don't know anyone around here willing to take him in."

I let my gaze soften just a bit and I clutched Gilbert to my chest. "I'll keep him in the room I usually stay in—I'll come to take care of him often, I promise."

Please, work. I chanted, holding my breath. Pity the cat, come on, come on...

Martel's face slackened a bit and I felt of rush of triumph. "I don't care about pets much. But I don't exactly own the place, kid."

Right. Forgot about that.

Slowly, I craned my head and raised my gaze to meet a nonchalant, faintly amused expression. Greed seemed to lean back a bit, eyeing the cat in my arms and turning his gaze back to me.

There was a bout of silence and I bit my lip. My pride was too high to get down on my knees and beg to this man for me to keep the cat. But I couldn't just abandon him back on the streets. That'd just be cruel.

Only because you know from experience, don't you?

There was a faint ache in the back of my head and I swallowed. Dolcetto looked smug and Martel watched on calmly.

"I don't really give a shit about cats." Greed started with a sigh, fixing his sunglasses with a shrug. "Do whatever you want, just as long as that thing doesn't go causing any trouble in here."

My eyes widened in surprise and Dolcetto seemed to choke on his won spit for a moment. But I was too stunned to even laugh at his misfortune. "I can keep him here?"

"I didn't say that." Greed answered, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I just said I didn't care."

There was a rush of relief as I clutched Gilbert too me. Greed eyed the cat a moment before turning on his heel with a yawn. "Go wash up, I want your company down here tonight."

Martel stiffened for a brief second and I raised an eyebrow, to wrapped up in the fact that

I finally had my own pet for once. There had to be some sort of a catch...

"And kitten?"

I glanced upwards and caught Greed's smirk as he titled his head back to me. Amethyst eyes glittering darkly over the rim of his glasses.

"You owe me."

There it was.

"Welcome to my home away from home." I grinned, extending my hand out as Gilbert padded into the room, his ears twitching this way and that. "I guess this is sorta your permanent home now, though."

My eyes scanned over the room. The bed and items scattered about had been left untouched from last week's visit, and the window had been left open a crack by the wooden prop I used.

After the questioning game Greed and I had played, I had occasionally swung by and spent a night or two here at the bar. But the visits were a bit more frequent than I was used to, and before I knew it, I half lived at this place.

I didn't know what it was. I had basically walked into the open arms of strangers.

But this is the closest to home I'd felt in ages.

The occupants and frequent customers had grown accustomed to my random pop ins, some had even bothered to learn my name and talk with me every now and then. My father always assumed I was at my new friend's house and didn't inquire.

I took a step in and shut the door softly behind me, taking a seat on the bed and watching as Gilbert examined the room, seeming to keep notice of the window in the corner as if he were marking down escape routes.

Home away from home. I played with the thought and shoved it aside, what this place meant to me was for another day. For now, it was simply my go-to place when I didn't want to be home or wreaking havoc in the red light districts of Dublith.

It's like my hideout. I reasoned temporarily, letting myself fall back into the stiff softness of the mattress. That's all.

Gilbert hopped onto the bed and took a seat beside me. His eyes still darted around restlessly, but he seemed to be a bit more at ease. The thought made me smile and I stroked his ears, listening to the soft rumble of his purr.

"Don't go into my study."

I jumped at the sudden rasping against the door. Sitting up, I blinked curiously. Greed would just barge in uninvited (as he had done a few times already), Dolcetto would have to be dragged to get near my door. That only left Roa and Martel.

"Come in." I offered and the door opened, revealing a familiar curvy blonde with the same amount of muscle as brains. "Martel?"

The blonde woman paused, her grip on the doorknob seemed to tighten for a second before she let it grow slack and she titled her head back. "Greed wants to see you, remember?"

"Guy acts like he owns me." I muttered, rubbing my fingers over Gilbert's ears once more before I stood, stretching. "Okay. Let him do his worst."

Martel nodded to the hallway and turned, I followed after her, watching the way her shoulders rolled in a tense way. My brows furrowed, the way she looked...was Martel all right?

"Hey," Martel turned her head a bit and I blinked. "Is everything all right?"

Martel paused, causing me to halt in my steps as well. Her gaze remained focused in front of her until her hands suddenly clenched tightly into fists and I noticed her shoulders tighten.

"...Martel?"

"I don't get it." She started finally, and I blinked as she turned, her eyes were narrowed and dangerously cold as she took a step forward. "Why do you keep coming back?"

I stared at her, wide eyed. As she practically glared at me, all I could do was open my mouth numbly. "What?"

"Do you even understand?" Martel snapped, taking a step forward as her fists tightened. "Or are you just really dense?"

There was a flash of indignation inside me, but it was overruled by a childish fear. A fear I rarely ever felt, because I rarely ever cared so much about how people felt towards me.

So then why did it hurt so bad to see Martel looking at me as if she hated my very being?

When I didn't reply her temper seemed to flare. "This isn't a game, Kitten. Do you get that? This isn't some place you can just come into whenever you like, and expect it to be perfectly normal."

My brows furrowed and my throat grew dry as I flinched at her tone of voice. What had I done to set her off? I didn't get it. Martel was usually normal, if not maybe a bit nice in a coldish kind of way around me. It seemed like she was fine with me being here.

Wasn't she?

She must've caught something on my face for her face slackened a bit. "Look, I'm not trying to say I hate you or anything. It's nice to have another girl around who isn't ready to spread open her legs at a call—but that's not my point, kid."

Her gaze softened but remained hard. "This isn't the kind of place that you should be hanging around in. These people, me, we're all dangerous. This isn't some happy place to be, not everyone here will be as we are to you."

Something in my mind managed to click and I blinked, my eyes widening slightly. Was Martel trying to...warn me?

She was worried?

Martel suddenly jutted a finger behind her. "He's a man. And even if he isn't the kind of guy to hit women, he's dangerous. We all are. And no matter how many scrapes you've been in, I doubt you can take him on."

I frowned, I knew that well enough. If push came to shove, the gap between Greed's strength and mine was like a cat to a tiger. But despite the fact that I was well aware that these were dangerous people, I still came.

Why did I keep coming?

"I know." I answered finally and Martel paused mid rant. I glanced down before looking back up at her, giving her a rare, if not fleeting grin. "I'll be careful."

She paused, and something flickered across her face before she turned away, heading off steadily down the hallway. "Just watch yourself, kid."

I waited a moment and followed after her, keeping my eyes trained on something just a bit over her shoulder.

"He's dangerous."

That was a no brainer. Greed was a mystery, despite the amount of time I'd spent here; I had yet to figure out what exactly a homunculus was. And he was no help. But despite the fact that he was clearly a dangerous man, I couldn't help but...

I froze at the thought and quickly shoved it to the back of my mind, shaking my head as if it would help get rid of the very idea.

I did not trust him.

"Trust me, Kitten."

I gave him a flat stare over the rim of my ginger ale. Greed looked offended as he held his hands up. "I'm being honest here, sweetheart. Trust me and see for yourself."

"There's no way that's possible." I stated firmly, sitting criss cross on the arm of the sofa, on the opposite end from Greed. "Besides, I don't want to have your death on my hands."

A smirk touched his lips. "What, are you that scared of me dying? I didn't know you cared, Kitten."

A scowl touched my lips and I fingered my knife, flipping it in and out in my hand. "You're lying."

"I don't lie, remember?" Greed sighed, leaning back against the couch and taking a long sip from his drink. "It's nothing but honesty over here, Kitten."

Apparently, Greed's idea of company was me entertaining him for the rest of the evening. When I had flat out denied, he had added that he was letting me stay here and that I also owed him one, and that I should be grateful he wasn't asking for more.

Seriously, what more could he ask for?

I scrunched up my nose and shook my head. "It's just not...possible. And I've seen some weird stuff happen. But the only way this is going to turn out is you with a knife through your stomach and a handful of angry girls after me for killing their precious Greed."

Another smirk on his lips. "You think I'm precious?"

I scowled and Greed chuckled, setting down his glass and spreading his arms wide. "Come on, Kitten. Give me your best shot."

The end of my blade pointed to him and I frowned. "There's no way."

"Nothing's impossible, sweetheart." Greed answered simply, a maniacal gleam in his eyes as he grinned. "Trust me."

I did not trust him one single bit. But slowly, I held my knife in a loose grip and brought my arm backwards, watching carefully. Greed face remained painfully amused and I sucked in a breath.

And let the knife fly.

I would've shut my eyes, the very thought of what was going to happen made me cringe. But somehow, they managed to stay open as the knife grew closer and closer until finally...

Clang!

My jaw snapped open and my eyes widened as my knife clattered harmlessly to the wooden floorboards. Greed smirked victoriously, raising his glass to his lips and taking a sip. "What did I say?"

"There's no way that was possible." I leaned forward in my seat, snatching my knife from the ground and staring at where it should've hit his stomach in disbelief. "It...It hit you!"

"You should really have more faith in me." Greed chided, wagging a finger my way. "I told you it was possible."

"It should've stabbed you!" I exclaimed, leaning forward and pressing a hand against his stomach in disbelief. "How did... Are you wearing a bulletproof vest or what? There's no way..."

But there were no signs of any kind of material beneath his shirt. Just the tight fabric and the muscles beneath, hard and solid underneath my hand. The area where my knife would've impaled him wasn't there.

There was an alarm bell in the back of my head and I paused, realizing that I was kneeled in between Greed's legs, dangerously close to him, and basically feeling up his stomach.

I carefully moved my hand back, acting as if nothing had happened as I moved back a bit. I felt Greed's eyes on me, and when I risked a glance up, his face looked amused, but there was a different look in his eyes.

Back. I need space.

But as I moved backwards, one of Greed's legs bent, forming a half assed sort of cage to keep me from moving all the way back to where I had been. I paused, acting as if I hadn't entirely noted it and sat, at least a fair distance away from him still.

I winced when my arm brushed against the edge of the seat. Today's adventures hadn't left me unscathed. As soon as I was done here, I should go get it bandaged.

A hand suddenly gripped my wrist and I blinked. Before I could register what was happening, Greed had pulled back the sleeve of my jacket. My eyes widened and I jerked my arm back instinctively, but his grip held fast and he eyed my arm calmly.

A dark bruise lined the underside of my forearm, and a few scrapes littered the area between my shoulder and elbow. Greed was silent and I blinked, swallowing as he held my arm up to look at.

His fingers ghosted over the few bruises and I flinched. He paused and pulled his hand back, but kept his other hand gripping my arm. I watched him warily, feeling myself grow tense.

"Where'd you get these?" He questioned coolly, tracing a particular bruise on my wrist. His face was impassive, but the way he spoke suddenly had me scared, and I flinched.

"Just ran into some trouble here and there." I answered, hating how defensive I sounded. I jerked my arm but he wouldn't let go. "Why?"

Greed eyed me carefully, as if he were assessing something. I felt myself pause, and my breath caught in my throat when he leaned forward, a dark look creeping into his eyes.

"I'm a very possessive man, Kitten." Greed drawled, his free hand gripping my chin. I flinched at the contact, but kept my gaze hard against his, refusing to be frightened off. "And I don't like it when my property gets damaged."

I froze at the way his voice had dipped dangerously. But his eyes weren't on me, they were on the bruises. And for some reason, I felt bad for the couple of drunkards who had given them to me.

Something in me lurched and my stomach was running marathons. I grit my teeth and narrowed my eyes, cocking my head and titling my chin up. "Who said I was your property?"

Greed paused, and there was that look in his eye again. And for a moment, I feared that what Martel had warned me about was about to come true, and there was no way I could stop it.

Like hell. I inwardly snarled. Only way I'm going down is kicking and screaming.

Greed suddenly smirked, releasing my arm and settling back down against the couch. "For now, Kitten."

I rubbed my wrist and paused, the words echoing in my head.

For now.

"What else do we need?" My dad glanced up from the shopping list in his hand, a childishly confused look on his face.

"What was that, sweetie?" He questioned and I rolled my eyes, shifting the groceries to one hand and snatching the list from his. My eyes scanned the items left unmarked and I sighed, taking a look at the market around us.

"There's a place back there that sells some of the stuff we need, you take the groceries back and I'll get them, okay?" I offered, handing the bags over to my dad.

He ran a hand through his messy brown hair and nodded, a small smile on his face. "What on earth would I do without you?"

I gave him a small smile. "I'm no Mom, but I hope I can substitute."

His eyes crinkled around the edges as he took the bags and smiled. "You don't have to worry about that much longer."

I paused for just a second, a strange feeling settling over me as I stared at my father, the list grasped in my hands. A bright smile touched his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I need to start manning up and acting like a father to you after all."

Oh. I blinked, rolling my eyes at him. "Let's see how well that turns out, eh?" My father frowned at me and I grinned, turning on my heel and waving. "I'll see you home, dad."

I shook off the heavy sensation that had crawled over me like a chill, watching as the familiar figure of my father disappeared into the midday crowd.

I sighed, pocketing the list and making a beeline through the crowd towards the store we had passed by earlier. Leave it to my father to pass by the one store we had left to go to.

He works to hard. I turned my gaze upwards, watching the clouds crawl over the orange sky. Maybe I can make dinner tonight.

A chill ran up my spine and I paused, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck began to rise. Slowly, I kept my pace, but let my eyes trail over the crowd around me, watching for any signs of pursuit.

I was used to this feeling. It had happened once or twice before. And besides, it was always smartest to trust your instincts.

Testing my theory, I turned in on one corner, watching the crowds for any change.

There. My eyes narrowed and I kept my pace even. I turned another corner and noticed the same shift, as if someone had done the same.

I was being followed.

My blood was pumping, and there was a low hum in my ears. I caught the faintest glimpse of someone darting to the side and I stopped for a moment. I waited a few seconds and than strolled into one of the corner stops, an alleyway coming out the other end.

I took quiet breathes and waited, narrowing my eyes as I pressed myself flat against the wall. Footsteps neared and I brushed the knife in my pocket, holding my breath as the figure neared.

The second their feet hit the shadows I lunged, holding my knife against the soft part of the neck, feeling an Adam's apple bob uncertainly. "Who are you and what do you want?" I snapped, pressing my knife against them.

There was an animal-like squawk and I blinked as liver spotted hands waved in front of me. "Kitten! It's me! I wasn't doing anything wrong, I promise!"

The voice registered in my head and I blinked, scooting off the person beneath me. "Bido?"

The shorter male sucked in great gulps of air, pulling his ragged cloak around him as he quickly nodded. "Yes! I didn't mean to scare you! I saw you and wanted to know where you were going."

"Jesus," I rubbed my head, slipping my knife back in my pocket. "You scared the crap out of me. Don't just follow me like that, okay?"

Bido quickly nodded. "But I couldn't go out in front of all those people!"

I frowned, looking up at him in confusion. "What are you talking about? Why not?"

Bido's eyes grew wide. "I look too different! Too many questions would be asked. It'd be very troublesome for Mr. Greed."

I titled my head in confusion. What would it matter what Bido looked like? Sure he was a little different, but there wasn't anything particularly strange...was there?

I made mental note to ask him about it the next time I came around. Letting out a breath of relief, I rocked back onto my hands. "At least I know it was you following me in the crowd and not some creeper."

Bido blinked, looking up with wide eyes. "I followed you from the rooftops."

I froze, blinking up at the darkening sky. "What?"

Bido tilted his head like a lost puppy. "That's how I usually do it. Crowds aren't the best, remember? The rooftops make it much easier."

"You were on the rooftops..." I trailed off and my blood ran cold, completely ignoring the fact that Bido had used the word 'usually', I stood abruptly, scanning the area around me.

Whoever had been following me earlier was still here.

"Bido," I glanced around us and cursed. I had veered off the usual way to the market area, and I had yet to map out this part of Dublith. I didn't know where to go from here. "Can you get me back to the Devil's Nest?"

The bald headed man blinked in surprise. "Of course. Are you staying today?"

"Maybe." I answered quietly. This alley had two ways, one in the back that look like it led to another area, and the opening I had come from. If whoever was following me was still here, they'd be waiting outside to see when I would come back out.

Only I wasn't.

"Lead the way." I murmured, taking quick strides and turning the corner into the next alley. "The sooner we're out of here the better—"

A hand came down and clamped firmly over my mouth, a strip of cloth coating it. My eyes widened and I jerked, trying to put as much distance as possible.

My vision suddenly began to grow hazy and I thrashed about, swinging wildly. Hands came and clamped down on my wrists and my eyes grew wide as a shot of fear racked my body.

Oh god—

I felt my eyes slowly shut as my lids grew heavier. There was a glimpse of a wide grin and for a moment, Greed's face flickered through my head.

Greed.

Blackness began to envelope my vision and I slumped forward.

Help me.

"Honey, are you awake?"

Mom?

"I love you sweetie, don't ever forget that, okay? I love you."

I know you do, what're you talking about?

"Mommy just needs to go away for a bit."

You'll come back right?

"Forgive me."

For what?

"You're time is almost up. You're choice is nearing."

My eyes snapped open, and the second they did, there was nothing but a blinding whiteness. I quickly shut them and winced, a low groan leaving my lips, only to be muffled.

A gag?

I felt the rough cloth in my mouth and grimaced, sucking in a deep breath through my nose as I rolled my shoulders, feeling the stiff joints groan in protest to the movement.

I slowly opened my eyes again and let them adjust to the brightness of the room. From off to the corner, I could hear something dripping and hitting the floor. A leak? The only source of light in the room was a single bulb glowing from the cracked ceiling, some boards missing.

I moved my arms and cursed. My wrists were bound my some rough rope, and the same was done to my ankles. I lifted my head and glanced down, realizing I was propped up on a chair.

Where am I? Memories started flooding back and there was a rush of fear through me as I glanced around wildly, trying to calm down my breathing.

It's okay. I chanted, shaking my head. This kind of stuff only happens in movies, right? Nothing's going to happen. This is some kind of sick joke, isn't it?

But the ropes digging into my wrists were a painful and effective reminder. I sucked in a breath and spotted a single door at the end of the room. That was the only way in and the only way out. There were no windows or chinks in the armor.

I was trapped.

Who would do this? I frowned, racking through my brain despite the awful headache. No one but Greed knows where I live. They couldn't possibly...

Something clanged in the distance, like a lock falling into place and I jumped, feeling my heart begin to pound against my chest. My eyes remained trained on the door as footsteps echoed down what was probably a long hallway by the sounds of it.

When they stopped in front of the door, I quickly shut my eyes and let my head loll to the side, faking unconsciousness. There was a jingle of keys and the door swung open, letting in a damp breeze.

My heart leapt into my throat, but I kept still, calming my breathing.

"Is she awake?" One voice. Male. Middle aged? Older?

There was a kick to my chair and I held back a flinch. "Doesn't look like it. Must've used too much. That idiot, still green around the ears." Second voice. Male. A little older than the first.

"I just used what you gave me." Defended another. Male. Younger. Late twenties? "What'd you want her for anyway?"

"Some loser baker." The first voice answered. "Apparently she made a fool of him and he wasn't too happy."

"She's not to bad looking." The third voice murmured, and I nearly gagged as fingers brushed along my cheek. "People would pay good money for her."

"One customer at a time." The second voice answered, a grin in his voice. "When we're done with him, we can do whatever we want with her. You don't see hair like this very often now do you?"

I felt sick to my stomach. My heart began to pound wildly and I held back a cry of despair. No one knew where I was. And chances of escape were slim.

Oh god.

"You know," The third voice paused, sounding curious. "She looks kind of familiar."

I could only suck in a quiet breath as I shoved aside all doubts. It would be all right. I could get out of this. I've gotten out of some pretty bad situations before, right? This is just another one of them.

There was a hard kick to my shin and I let out a cry of surprise. The air in the room grew tense and my eyes snapped open and I was met with the faces of my captors.

"Looks like she's awake." The first voice, a man with a curly beard and shaven head grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Now the fun can really get started."

"Got a name, sweetheart?" The second voice, a tall but lanky man with greasy hair grinned, revealing yellowed teeth.

Hearing the term of endearment sent an image of Greed flashing through my head and I felt sick. I didn't like it when Greed called me that, but I wanted to puke when I heard it from him.

The third man, as I had thought, someone around his later twenties stepped forward and yanked out my gag. "Now you're going to be nice and good and no ones going to get hurt, all right?"

I narrowed my eyes and spat at his feet. His eyes narrowed as the other two men let out loud laughs, sending echoes throughout the room. "Looks like she's a fighter!" Crowed the first man, and the third man grew red.

The side of my head exploded in a burst of pain and I blinked a few times, trying to regain my vision as it registered that he had just slapped me across the face. The third man reached forward, fisting my collar and jerking my head up.

"Listen you bitch. I'm the boss right now, and you do as I say if you don't want to be spreading those pretty legs of yours for the rest of your life." A smirk crawled over his face and I felt sick. "Then again, you'd probably like that now, wouldn't you?"

I sucked in a breath and remained silent. A triumphant look flashed across him and he leaned down smugly, putting his ear to my lips. "Sorry, did you say something?"

I lunged and bit down, gagging at the thought that his ear was in my mouth. But I saw red as I bit down harder, causing the man to cry out in pain as he thrashed.

A fist came and slammed into my cheek and I bit down harder. Another fist collided with my chin and I let go, jerking my head back as the man scrambled to get away.

I felt a flash of satisfaction at the sight of red dripping from his ear. He looked up at me in shock and anger and I smirked, spitting out a wad of blood onto the floor where his feet were.

"You little—" He moved to stand but the first man shoved him downwards. "What the hell?"

"Can't have you beating up the merchandise." The second man explained, coming over and grabbing a fistful of hair. I grit my teeth as he yanked upwards. "We can't beat this pretty face up too badly now can we?"

The third man glowered while the first man smirked, standing up and dusting off his hands. "Our instructions were to teach her a lesson. I think that's been done now hasn't it, sweetie?"

Instinctively, there was a rush of hope that filled me and I cursed, feeling it all tumble down as his smirk widened. "That means we're free to do whatever we want now."

My heart raced and adrenaline began to pump through my veins. I felt sick and I stared, wide eyed at the floor.

I was kidnapped. No one knew where I was.

I was going to die.

Or worse.

Fear gripped me like a noose and I choked back a sob, gritting my teeth as I shut my eyes against all the images flashing through my head. How the hell did something like this happen? This was just too... too...

Real?

I had no prince to come and save me. No friends to burst to my rescue. I was alone, and I was the only thing my father had left. What would losing me do to him?

A thought flickered through my head and I sucked in a breath. Guess I'd never get to find out what Greed really was.

"Aw, you want to cry, sweetheart?" The second man laughed, gripping my hair tighter. "Need a tissue?"

Too bad. I mused, coming to terms with what was right in front of me. Fear wrapped me like a blanket, but I took a deep breath. I was starting to like that place.

I narrowed my eyes at the ground and jerked my head upwards, cocking my head the best I could and tilting my chin up.

If I was going down, I was going to do it kicking and screaming.

The first man grew silent as he met my gaze; slowly he stood and stepped towards me. I kept my gaze with his and his eyes grew dark and I tensed, knowing what was coming.

You can always brace yourself, but you will never ever be prepared for getting punched. Because each time hurts a hell of a lot worse.

The first man cuffed my over the ear and jerked my chin upwards, meeting my gaze. "I don't like that look in your eyes, sweetheart."

I felt blood in my mouth and spat, watching the dark red liquid splatter across his face. He shut his eyes and when they opened, they were murderous.

Dear god, I was going to die.

"We don't want to bruise up this face..." The first man began and I let out a shriek of pain as his foot collided with my shin, once, twice, and another to my knee. "But I'm sure they don't care if your body's a bit banged up."

I held back the next cry of pain as he delivered a blow to my ribs. Wouldn't even let me fight back. I caught a glimpse to my right and realized the second man, still holding my hair, had drawn a knife.

I caught the third man's gaze as he sat there on the ground, his eyes wide. I sent him a pleading look but he turned his gaze away, facing the wall.

"So spirited, aren't you?" The second man grinned, his wrist flicked and the corner of my shirt was ripped open, causing it to fall down my shoulder. "But that's what makes it all the more fun to break."

The tip of the knife touched the base of my neck where it joined with my shoulder. I felt bile rise up in my throat as he traced a light pattern over the milky skin, drawing a bit of blood. "Maybe we should mark you like a cow, eh?"

I grit my teeth, hard. Shutting my eyes and refusing to let tears shed as the knife nicked a deeper mark. The first man grinned, shoving my head to the side to give the other man more room.

I'm going to really die here. I held in a sob. I'm really going to die, aren't I?

His gaze met mine, and I don't think I'll ever be able to forget the look in those murky brown orbs. The crazed gleam in them and the despair that overwhelmed me at that single moment.

"You're my property now."

Then it all happened in what was only seconds, but what seemed like eternity.

The knife dug into my skin and the wall came crashing down all at once.

My eyes grew wide and debris flew in directions all across the room. The second man lost hold of the knife, and I barely registered that it had fallen, slicing a thin but long trail down the length of my arm before it clattered to the floor.

Dust filled the room and the two men stood, coughing and gazing around madly. The third man's eyes had grown wide and his face had gotten pale as he backed up a few steps.

I sucked in deep breathes, bracing myself for the worst. More people come to join the party?

Calm footsteps echoed through the room and I shut my eyes, letting my head slump forward as blood dripped from different wounds in different places. The first man was the first to recover. "What the hell? What just happened?"

"I think," My whole body froze and I dared not to hope, not to let myself get pumped on the thought that it was true. It couldn't be, this was too good to believe. Too much like a fairy tale to be possible. "There's been a mistake in ownership."

Slowly, painfully, I craned my head to the side and turned my gaze upwards.

Lo and behold, standing before us in the midst of the debris caused by breaking down the door and part of the wall, was none other than Greed. Not a fleck of dirt on his fur collared vest or on himself as he surveyed the scene, a taut line pulled across his lips.

Then our eyes met, and there was a moment of silence.

Amethyst met apple red and he stood there, still against the trails of dust clouds, oblivious to the men cursing at him in fear. His eyes only on me.

Relief, hope, and pain washed over me like a tidal wave and I shut my eyes for a moment, sucking in a deep breath and forcing my eyes to open again.

I offered him a half grin and grimaced, even that had hurt like hell.

But that was all it took to break the spell.

The look that was only on his face for a moment was absolutely murderous. A look so livid crossed his face and his eyes hardened into chips of ice as he seemed to take in whatever banged up job these guys had managed to do to me. I even felt a trickle of fear run up my spine as the murderous look of rage filled his eyes.

The look passed, but the tension in the air was thick enough to suffocate as he turned to the three men, his face cool as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Now, would one of you kind gentlemen like to tell me," Greed drawled, his eyes scanning over all three of them. "Which one of you did this to my possession?"

The three men were silent and Greed sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No one? Really? Well," His eyes narrowed behind his glasses. "I'm just going to have to assume you all did it."

The second man, either speaking out of rage or fear, spoke up.

"If you want to live, you better back off or—"

There was a gurgling sound and my eyes widened as I watched, Greed dangled the man in the air, his hand wrapped around his neck in a vice like grip.

But it wasn't just that.

The whole arm had turned into a dark black color, a hardened sheen seeming to come off the coating. And the tips of his fingers had curved into claws as he gripped the second man's neck tighter.

"Or..." Greed paused and there was a sickening crack as the thrashing body grew limp. "What?"

"Oh, shit." The third man moaned, scrambling to stand. "She's his whore or something—there's where she looked familiar—this is Greed the—"

"Am I that famous?" Greed mused, letting the body hit the floor with a sickening thud as he examined his clawed hand. "Well, that's nice to know. I do want fame, I suppose."

"He's dangerous."

Martel's words were like a chant as Greed pivoted on one foot, turning to the third man who had gone a deathly white. "Now you..."

In seconds, Greed had the man's wrist between his hand. There was a crack and the man let out a screech of pain as Greed examined the hand. "I'm guessing that you're the one that did that little number to your face now, isn't that right?"

The man began to shake, his head thrashing back and forth wildly. Greed blinked, raising an eyebrow. "No? Are you sure?"

The man was sobbing now, his whole body shaking wildly. Greed's face remained impassive and he stood. "Well, if you say so..."

The man's eyes widened and a smile started to touch his face when he froze, a slow gurgling sound leaving his lips as Greed smirked, flicking blood off his claws. "It's only fair I return the favor, right?"

Streaks of red poured down his face and the third man collapsed. Greed let out a sigh and turned, facing the second man when a shot rang out.

My eyes widened in horror and I felt my stomach drop as Greed's body slowly fell backwards until it hit the ground with a sickening thud. A moan left my lips and I struggled against my bonds, unable to believe the sight in front of me.

"Greed!" I lunged forward, cursing the chair. "Greed!"

"Monster." The first man ground out, his arms shaking as he eyed Greed's fallen body. "Monster!"

He swung around wildly and his gaze landed on me, he raised his gun and I froze, staring dead straight at the barrel of the pistol. "You... You too—"

But there was no second shot, only the sound of another body hitting the floor. Blood pulled from the wound in his stomach and Greed let out a tired sigh, a crackle of violet electricity flickering around his forehead where he had been shot. "Man, what a pain."

I stared at him in disbelief, there was no way. He had just been shot, in the head. There was no way he could still be alive—

I'm a homunculus.

My mouth opened slightly but no words came out. Greed eyed me calmly and took a step forward. I saw his hand stretch outwards and I flinched, the black claws pausing mid air. Something flickered through Greed's eyes and he cut the binds around me.

Without anything holding me to the chair, I felt myself began to fall forward. Arms suddenly wrapped around me and I took in a deep breath, a musky scent and the hint of copper hit my senses.

Greed was silent as he stood, carrying me bridal style as he stepped over the bodies and around the debris and stalked down the hallway.

My mind reeled and I found myself unable to believe what had just happened. I wasn't dead—though I sure felt like it. I was alive, I was breathing.

As my head pressed against Greed's chest, his whole body seemed tightly coiled, like a spring. Anger so raw radiated of him in waves, and any moment, I expected him to lash out and smash a building or wall.

But he never did. His grip simply tightened every now and then and he kept his shoulders taut, his jaw set tight in a way I hadn't seen before. Greed didn't look the type to let something as trivial as anger get in the way of his cool.

But he had just killed three men in seconds, and now he seemed like a live wire, ready to snap at anyone else. I ignored the irritation and anger and sucked in a deep breath, inhaling the musky scent with this hint of cologne he always seemed to have.

I let my head rest against him, no witty remarks leaving my lips as I shut my eyes, feeling his heart thunder in his chest. I would've gagged at the thought of a scene like this. But right now, I didn't give shit.

My hand found his shirt and I clutched it tightly, anchoring myself to something—anything as I let the events pass over me in ripples. Martel's warning hit me again and I shut my eyes tighter, letting my shoulders slump as I relaxed against him.

Greed was a dangerous man.

Yet there was no doubt in my mind that I trusted him.

I nearly ripped my fingers off writing a scene like this and putting Ghosty through stuff like that. But alas, I needed it to happen so that this story could progress in a depth I think it needed to show just how much Ghosty and Greed came to become close to one another.

Gilbert the Demon Cat has reappeared. :0

My computer is finally fixed and I am back and running. :) And the first thing I have to say is guys.

WE. ARE. OVER. 900.

OH.

MY.

GOODNESS.

I love you all, legit. I swear. Thank you all so much for all your love and support and reviews and threats that kept me going and keeping this story updating. :D

You guys are all as awesome as Ghosty.

If that counts for anything.

I estimate that we have to more chapters left of the memory arc and then it's back tot main story, prepare for a emotional rollercoaster that does not plan on stopping and the finale of Ghosty's memories.

BUT THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. YOU ARE ALL AWESOME PEOPLE. AND ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT THING I ALWAYS SAY.

REVIEW!

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