Chapter 49: Separation
Black Hayate watched his humans carefully. His mistress and master had been away only a week ago because they were injured. Their pup had gone to stay with a holiday woman that smelled of alcohol and cigarettes while he had stayed with the small soldier he had remembered finding him all those years before. Now it was a week later and he was watching as that same large woman stood in the doorway with a comforting smile as she talked to his master. His mistress was packing things away while her pup sat silently coloring at the living room table.
"Just keep a close eye on him on the train. He likes to slip away, you know." Roy told his aunt while glancing over his shoulder as Riza came down with Lee's bag. The pair exchanged smiles before Roy turned his attention away. "He can be a handful." The woman waved her heavily ringed hand dismissively.
"I've raised plenty of children to know how to handle a train trip with a three year old." She informed and looked around her nephew. "Lee, love, let's get going. We don't want to be late." She called. Hayate lifted his head and looked up at the boy from where he lay on the ground next to the child's chair. He had sensed something wasn't right and had stayed next to the boy. It was his job to protect the young one after all. Lee looked up from his coloring and nodded as he slipped out of the chair and climbed over the dog.
"Nanna, are we gonna be gone long?" Hayate tagged closely behind and stopped as Christmas picked the boy up, giving him a warm smile.
"Not too long. We're just going on a small vacation." She answered. Lee gave her an uncertain look before nodding and turning to his parents.
"When are you gonna come?" he asked. Roy chuckled, reaching up and ruffling his son's hair.
"We'll meet you there. Now behave while you wait for us, ok?" Lee nodded, giving his father a hug. Riza came over, taking her son and hugging him protectively.
"Make sure you call when you get there and that you don't give nanna a hard time. I want to hear good things, ok?" she said, leaning her forehead to his. Lee nodded lightly, earning a smile from his mother. She rubbed the tip of her nose to his before kissing the top of his head.
"Hayate is coming with me?" The dog perked at the sound of this. He noticed that there was a sad feel in the room and wanted his mistress and master to know that he would willingly go along with the holiday woman where ever she was going and protect their pup.
"No, he's going to stay here." Roy answered. A pouty look crossed the child's face as he was passed back to Christmas. "You'll see him again in no time, though."
"Well, we had better get going. I don't want to miss the train. We're expecting to get East by dinner." Christmas informed as she jerked her head over her shoulder at the waiting car. "I figure we'll visit the Mustangs before heading South to see the Hawkeyes. Give Lee time with both sides."
"My grandfather said he could see him too, right?" Riza asked. Christmas smiled and nodded.
"That's where dinner is tonight." She informed with. "Grumman and his wife are very excited to see their great grandchild after all." Riza chuckled knowingly and leaned forward giving her son another kiss in the head.
"Ok, well be good and we'll see you soon."
"Bye bye." Lee waved to his parents, clearly saddened with the idea of separation. Hayate watched as the woman climbed in the car and stood obediently between the pair as the car sped away. He wasn't sure of what was happening, but the sadness did not leave the air. He glanced up at his owners for some sign of what to do but noticed even though seemed lost at the moment. Their family was being separated and the dog was sure it was because of that strange feeling he got every time he walked near headquarters.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Winry was mad. Better yet, she was pissed. It was clear and Ed avoided looking at her because he was pretty sure, if looks could kill, he would drop dead as soon as he made eye contact with his girlfriend. He sat mutely at the table, flipping through the newspaper as she noisily packed for her trip to Rush Valley. Al was watching her warily from where he sat, glancing every now and then at his brother. Winry had not responded very well when Ed told her he was going up North to do some investigations and he wanted her to go stay in Rush Valley since he didn't know when he would be coming home. In fact, he told her that she needed to focus on her dream of becoming the best automail mechanic she could be and working under Garfiel was that chance. He forgot to mention he was chasing after potential homunculi and wanted her to be safe. He'd leave that bit of information for another time.
That argument had occurred three days ago and just the night before Winry had realized she had no choice but to go to Rush Valley unless she wanted to be alone in Central. Al was going to study alchemy with Mei and agreed to help her find an Ishabalan to decipher some notes she had found. Before last night, everything that came out of Ed's mouth resulted in a wrench to the skull and screamed words. Now, she just glared and refused to speak. That meant Ed was right and she was wrong. Something that would not be admitted through words.
"So, what time are you leaving?" Al finally asked. There was a long silence. Was he being ignored or was the question completely missed? "Brother?" Ed blinked and lowered his paper slowly, looking at his younger brother in confusion as the younger Elric looked at him expectantly.
"What?" Al sighed, shaking his head.
"I said, when are you leaving? You know, to Rush Valley." There was a slamming sound, causing the alchemist to cringe. Sighing, he folded his paper closed and leaned back in his seat.
"Well her train leaves around two, so we should head to the station sometime soon. I don't want her to miss it." When he got no response, Ed glanced at his brother who was staring at him in disbelief. He frowned. "Why're you lookin' at me like that?"
"Ed, you're not going to ride with her to Rush Valley?"
"What the hell for?"
"Brother!" Ed scowled under his younger brother's scrutiny. "Ed, you have to at least see her way here! I mean, it's bad enough you sprung this on her only two nights ago." Ed groaned, slapping his hand over his face and letting it trail back through his hair. He glanced over his shoulder in the direction of Winry's room and grimaced.
"I don't think she really wants to see me right now…" Al couldn't help but to smile at his older brother knowingly.
"You're that scared of her?" At that, Ed turned swiftly, glaring at the laughing younger Elric.
"No, I am not scared of her, dammit!" He growled through gritted teeth. He sat, glaring at the floor before slamming his flesh fist on the table and storming out of the kitchen. Al leaned in his seat and watched as his brother stalked up to Winry's room and the wrench that came flying and connected to his skull just as he was opening his mouth. "Winry what the HELL!!!!" Al felt sympathy for his brother but refused to move from his seat as their childhood friend glared down at Ed from where he sat on the ground holding his head. Yes, she definitely had a look that could petrify a man.
"I'm not talking to you." She informed threateningly. Al wondered if that wrench of hers had some kind of boomerang effect at times because she certainly had it back in her possession. Ed clearly had taken that into consideration seeing as he had stopped himself from responding too harshly.
"I'm gonna go with you!" he blurted out quickly. Winry's expression didn't change but the wrench lowered. She gave him a skeptical look.
"Why're you deciding to do this now?" Sensing he might have been safer, Ed allowed his hands to lower.
"To help you settle in… and I want to leave some stuff with you for when I come to, you know, visit and all." Her expression softened while the Elrics both watched her closely.
"You mean that?"
"Yeah, of course! In fact, Al is gonna tell Ling to just go ahead and I'll meet him. Alright?" The dangerous aurora left the female and she grinned widely.
"Sounds great! I'm almost done packing so you should hurry and get your stuff ready too!" she answered and did a cheery spin before practically skipping back to her room. Ed stared in disbelief before turning his shocked gaze toward his brother who gave a simple shrug. Winry had far more control than either of them were willing to admit. Actions spoke loud enough.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Ling didn't hesitate to take action when he had received the call from Edward stating he was going to be side tracked and the prince was going to have to move forward towards Briggs himself. They agreed on a meeting point and time, but Ling was beginning to think he might have to take matters into his own hands. The night before, Ran Fan had finally left with Fuu to get an automail replacement and the young prince couldn't help but to feel completely guilty as he watched them leave. His aide had lost her arm trying to protect him because he wasn't prepared enough. Now he had gotten information he needed and the orders to take a few steps ahead. He pushed himself up from the desk he was seated at and walked towards the room Ran Fan had once been occupying. Dr. Knox was lying on the bed, snoring loudly. The room had been cleaned and it appeared as though he wasn't housing injured fugitives for the past week.
Walking across the room silently, he grabbed the few items that he had with him during his journey and glanced as some laid out clothing. He had remembered Fuu stating something about needing to dress less obvious, though he was sure there were other features that would make himself stand out other than his clothing. Thinking no more of it, Ling changed swiftly into the dark shirt and jacket, not minding the comfortable apparel before grabbing his sword and making his way for the door.
"Aren't you supposed to be waiting for Edward?" The prince froze and glanced over his shoulder at the "sleeping" older man.
"He told me he has to take his girl to Rush Valley. I'm going to meet him North." He explained cooly, placing his sword securely onto his back. "Thanks for all your help, doctor. I'll be sure to repay you for all you've done." He heard the bed creak, assuming the man was switching his position if not getting out of the bed completely.
"Don't come back here all beaten up again. I'm not a baby sitter." He grunted. Ling just smiled knowingly, continuing on his way. He stopped at the house door when he noticed Mei watching him from where she peaked from behind a wall.
"Don't stray from your path. We might be after the same thing, but this country's problems are different from ours and we aren't to get involved." He glanced over his shoulder and noticed the younger Xing royalty glaring at him. "Just a few words from your elder." With that, he gave a careless wave over his shoulder and left. Making it to the train station was simple enough and the fact Ed had trusted to leave him with a train ticket had helped out a great deal, but Ling couldn't shake the anxious feeling that continued taking over him. He was headed towards something big and with that was great danger.
He was ready for it all.
*~*~*~*~*
Riza was not herself. All the men noticed it. She and the General had both come in late, neither of them fully into what was going on. It slipped their attention that Havoc had his feet propped up on his desk when they first walked in. No gun was pointed when Breda had shown no shame in having his snack wrappers scattered across his desk while signing important documents. There wasn't even the usual exasperated sigh heard as Fuery and Falman argued the difference between machinery and books. The men seemed to be trying to see how far they could go, but Maes knew as soon as he came bounding into his best friend's office that the reason for the dull moods of the married soldiers was because they had just sent their son off earlier that day.
"Fine, Fullmetal. We'll make sure to contact Briggs. Just hurry up and get over there." Roy muttered into the phone as he massaged his temple, eyes closed in irritation. He allowed the phone top drop from his hand lazily onto the receiver. "These kids are going to drive me insane… Oh, Hughes, they let you out already?" Sending a sympathetic smile, Maes decided to hold off on brandishing the latest pictures he had received of Elysia.
"Yeah, I'm still on leave but I heard the news and came to see how things were going on around here." He answered, raising an eyebrow at the occupants of the room. "Apparently things aren't necessarily on track." Roy's eyes followed Maes' and he scowled at the sight of his men.
"What the hell…"
"That distracted by the separation?" Roy's glare left his subordinates and fell back on his best friend. He sighed and leaned back roughly into his seat, closing his eyes.
"There's more going on than just that. My aunt is taking him to stay with Grumman tonight. After that, he's taking Lee to Riza's parents. He's going to stay with them a while…" Maes raised an eyebrow.
"So you're going to be bringing him home soon?" he questioned. Roy's eyes opened and he gave his friend a look of irritation.
"He's going to my parents next." Maes tried to hold back a laugh, resulting in a snort and Roy's glare returned. His relationship with his father was an interesting one and Roy only had so much respect for the man, so it was only natural that he didn't want to send his only child to be under the man's rule.
"I find nothing funny about it at all! I plan on my son becoming a great alchemist one day! He doesn't have to join the military or anything, but the boy has potential!" Roy argued. Maes just grinned
"Well on a lighter note, I heard Edward is heading North. Will you be heading up there after the conference tomorrow?" He noticed Roy's annoyance grow and raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Edward's going to be a bit behind," Maes raised an eyebrow. "Apparently he's going to Rush Valley with Winry to help her settle in… The kid is completely whipped."
"The boy is in love. Give him a break. You know the feeling." Maes chuckled.
"I was never that bad." Roy retorted.
"Oh really?" As if on cue, Riza came walking into the room carrying an arm full of work. She paused when her eyes fell on the men in the room, all who quickly snapped into proper work mode when they saw the annoyed tick she had as she began to reach for her gun.
"I suggest you men get to work. We don't have time for your games." She said shortly. The room went silent and the only sound her was scratching of pens and Breda throwing out the wrappers that littered his desk. She walked past Maes, placing the files on the corner of Roy's desk.
"It's good to see you're in good health, Brigadier General." She spoke as she turned to him with a professional expression that caused the male to grin at her. Riza always knew when to be professional, even if it wasn't completely necessary. He was the godfather of her son and yet she still used formalities with him. The woman was amazing really.
"I was just coming by to make sure things were still up and functioning… Looks like they fixed up most of the grounds."
"That was thanks to Edward and Alphonse," Roy answered as he flipped through a folder handed to him. "When the representatives get here we'd like things to look a little less destroyed than they were when everything happened."
"And how do you expect to explain our little visitors?" Maes asked. Both Roy and Riza looked at him. Riza turned back to filing, pulling out a folder and handing it to Roy who cooly held it out to his best friend.
"Terrorist attack." He answered. Glancing into the folder, Maes smirked knowingly, snapping it shut and grinning.
"Sounds about right to me. I'll get Schezka on that report." He said and jerked his thumb to the nearby clock. "What're you up to for lunch? Gracia is making a lovely welcome home meal." He chimed brightly, allowing his bubbly side to rise.
"How about I join you for dinner. We've got a lot to do before tomorrow."Allowing his shoulders to sag, Maes nodded.
"That'll be fine. We'll see you both tonight." He chimed and waved over his shoulder, after placing a fresh picture of Elysia on his best friend's desk. "Have fun!" We he excited the office, the injured soldier flipped curiously through the folder that had been presented to him. It was notes mixed from what was found at Fort Briggs to what Ed had reported. This gave more meaning behind the moves that were being made… Maybe it would be wise to send Gracia and Elysia to the parents for a while at this rate.
*~*~*~*~*
Winry had ignored Ed's mood when they had split up with Mei and Al at the train station. She had ignored his mood during the long train ride to Rush Valley, but she would be damned if he was going to keep acting grumpy and bitter for the entire last day she was going to see him. Who knew how long he was going to be away! Who knew if he was actually going to even make it back home this time! When they arrived in Rush Valley, Ed had easily taken her bags without debate and led the way into town. Winry glared as his back.
"Are you really going to not talk to me all day?" Ed glanced nonchalantly over his shoulder at the female and then back in the direction he was walking.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Winry allowed herself to swell up with anger, her cheeks inflating as she tried to hold back screaming.
"Ed you're such a jerk!" she yelled. Ed came to a stop and frowned at her.
"What the hell do you want from me?" he snapped.
"I want you to stop ignoring me!"
"I'm here! What the hell else can I do!" he yelled back. Winry couldn't believe what he was saying. He thought if he just came along that would keep her quiet? That she wasn't going to notice he was irritated by the whole situation and was giving her the cold shoulder on purpose?
"If it's like that then just leave! I don't need you here anyway!" she screamed and stormed over to the scowling alchemist, snatching her bag away, realizing it was heavier than she expected, and stomping towards Garfiel's, which could be seen in the distance. When she arrived at the shop, she was greeted by a shocked Garfiel and excited Panniya.
"Winry!" The ex-pickpocket cheered as she hopped up from her seat across from Garfiel and hugged the blonde excitedly.
"Winry-chan, I thought you would have at least called when you got here. We could have come and helped you with your bags." The man said, looking at her apologetically as he stood and made his way over to take her heavy bag. Winry gave an apologetic smile.
"It was nothing, really. I didn't want to be too much of a bother." She said, deciding to avoid mentioning Ed. She was sure he probably turned around and headed back to the train station. Ignoring the pang of dread that had taken over her, the blonde mechanic lifted her bag with a forced smile. "So, where will I be staying?" she asked. Panniya excitedly grabbed the bag and began going on about how excited she was the Winry would be in the area and the blonde followed after her, ignoring the curious look Garfiel was giving her.
"And I'll make sure to tell everyone about you, even Dominic! He's an amazing mechanic too! The most popular in Rush Valley. He'll want to see what you're capable of I'm sure." Panniya chimed as she pushed open the door to Winry's new room. It was big enough, with a larger bed than the one she had in Central. There was a desk, a large closet, and a small workstation at one side of the room. There was even bedding and curtains placed making the room feel like home. There were even empty frames on the wall where she could have placed the few pictures she had brought along with her. Panniya tossed Winry's suitcase on the bed and dropped in the chair by the desk, looking at her with a wide, expectant smile.
"Thanks a lot Panniya. Maybe when I'm done unpacking we can go have lunch?" Winry suggested. The girl nodded cheerfully and bounced up from her chair.
"Alright… oh, hi!" Winry blinked and looked over her shoulder, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Ed leaning in the doorway, hands in his pockets and refusing to look at her. Garfiel stood behind him with a knowing smile.
"Winry-chan, you've got company." Ed looked up at her, clearly annoyed and embarrassed.
"I thought you were leaving?"
"I would have left, but you have my money." Winry glared. She did have his money since the bag he had packed was along with the stuff she had snatched from him during her fit of anger.
"Panniya, let's leave them to talk." Suggested Garfiel. Ed moved to the side as the two made their way out and sighed when his gaze fell back on Winry. Despite still being upset with him, she was glad that he had turned around, even if it was to just get his bag. She was sure Ed already had a ticket bought and could have easily had money wired to him.
"So, I guess you'll be getting your bag and leaving?" she asked as he made his way into the room and looked everywhere but at her. She took that moment to start unpacking.
"That would just be stupid. I'm already all the way out here. I might as well stay the night." He answered as he sat on her bed and looked at her expectantly. Winry ignored him for a while, only looking at him when she passed him his bag. She finished unpacking in silence and began placing her items from home around the room, making it feel more like home, finishing off with a recent picture she had taken with Ed and Al a few weeks back. Feeling complete and less stressed, she turned her attention to Ed, who had apparently been watching her the whole time. He was lying on the bed, arms behind his head, watching her every move carefully.
"What is it?" she asked, trying to sound defiant, but feeling strangely self conscious under his stare. Shaking his head, Ed sat up and began digging in his bag.
"I'm sorry." He answered. Winry blinked.
"What?" Ed looked up, his signature stubborn expression on his face.
"I'm not repeating myself… so here." He held out a slim box, not looking at her. Taken by surprise, she slowly took the box. "I got it a while back and was gonna wait to give it to you for Christmas, but I guess now is a better time taking into consideration…" Allowing a small smile to grace her lips, Winry opened the box and stared down at a silver chain in which a ring rested on. She lifted the necklace, taking in the ring's structure. It was a simple silver ring that had a twisted design to it as well as ruby and sapphire gems decorating the center.
"Ed… this is…"
"I got the ring out West… I figured since you work so much with your hands though, it would be better if you wore it around your neck so it won't get messed up so I made the chain for you. Apparently there's some kind of romantic purpose behind the ring, but I wasn't really listening to the old man." He was avoiding looking at her and his cheeks were red. Any anger she had felt towards him earlier had completely faded. She walked over to the embarrassed alchemist and leaned forward, kissing his cheek.
"I love it, Ed." She said brightly and went over to the mirror hanging above her dresser. She began to undo the chain to place on her new gift, only to have Ed appear behind her, still red faced.
"I'll help you." He gently took the necklace from her hand and placed it around her neck. Winry couldn't help but to smile at their reflection as Ed clumsily worked at clasping the necklace. When he had finished, Winry spun around and grinned at him.
"What do you think? It suits me, right?" she asked brightly. Ed snorted, shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
"Of course, Win." Allowing a wide grin to cross her face, Winry threw her arms around the shocked male and gave him a quick kiss.
"I'll take this as a promise we won't be apart for long." She said lightly. Giving a small smile, Ed nodded, leaning his forehead against hers.
"I promise."
Author's Note: Thank you sooooo so much for the reviews. They put me in a better mood. I've got midterms this week and spring break next week, so I can probably bang out a couple of chapters and have them prepared.
Chochill: I'm glad you enjoy! I will try to get focused on some more humor just for you :D No worries, the story isn't gonna completely follow the manga/anime.
IcePhantom and Halfblind-artist: I'm glad I've been able to keep your attention with this fic for so long!
Kisdota-The Freak Gamer and SnowCharms: Thanks for the faithful reviews!!! You two are great!
And to everyone who has been reading, faving, and watching this story THANK YOU SO MUCH! Its truly motivating and gives me the warm fuzzies!!! :D
