Title: "Jean Havoc: A Work In Progress"

Author: havocmangawip

Editor: anat-astarte

Beta Team: leaf_the_invisible

Rating: This chapter is merely R. Sorry!

Disclaimer: I don't own it... I wish I did. I could BUY my own coffee house, and then my lattes would be free.

Warnings: As always, this work of fiction is as true to life and frank as possible. I'm not about to soft soap this. It could get messy.

Spoilers: As a precaution, I'm warning for up to and including the most recent scanlations of the manga.

Musical selections include: Coldplay – "Fix You", Regina Spektor – "Better", Sparklehorse featuring the Flaming Lips – "Go", JEM covering - "Yellow" and "Valse Triste" by Sibelius.

The next chapters may take a bit... I had a very long chapter prepared in early January and anat-astarte and I made the decision to split it up. Polishing individual sections takes less time than writing a whole chapter... and I have the barest "detailed outline" finished on the next bits. Please bear with me. Grr. :)

Chapter 53: Old Acquaintances Who Are Not Forgotten

I hadn't made eye contact with anyone when Alex Louis Armstrong picked me up and carefully placed me in the back seat of the sedan. I was furious that it had come to that. However, it wasn't anyone's fault that it had come to that. At least not anyone there, so I held my tongue.

Getting out of the car was the same. Once in the chair I tried to push it up the front walk. It was difficult but doable until I got to the ramp. Armstrong came up behind me and pushed the unwieldy chair up the ramp and in the front door. He waited just inside the entryway. I thanked him and he replied, "You are very welcome, anything for a friend. I'll leave now so you can rest. If you need anything please don't hesitate to call on me."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said. "If you'll please excuse me, rest sounds really good now."

I headed for the bedroom while Sciezka let him out. Jim followed me and I heard him wince when I hit the door frame with the footrest, unaccustomed to the larger chair.

"Don't say it Jim. I already know this wasn't the best idea," my tone of voice even.

"You're good, but you're not a mind reader yet. I was going to apologize for getting Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong involved. It was the only way I could think of to get this to work. I am impressed that you allowed him to help."

"What else could I have done? I don't exactly have a choice right now. This is so frustrating. I haven't needed this much help since right after..."

"I know. Try and take it in stride, keep it in perspective. In a few days you will be back up to speed. In the meantime rest."

"It's about all I can do. I should be better at it by now. But I'll keep that in mind when I am frustrated."

***

When everyone had left Sciezka joined me in the bedroom. It took her a moment to figure out the easiest way to hug me. Neither of us was used to having this much metal in our way. I melted into her touch, relaxing for the first time all morning.

She rubbed the back of my neck. "What would make you feel better?" she asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

She didn't always know what to do, but it was the way she asked that almost always made things better.

"A long hot shower to wash the antiseptic hospital stink off of me would be amazing. But, I don't think that is a good idea with the stitches," I answered.

She considered my reply, clearly concentrating on the problem at hand before suggesting, "What about a bath? Once you've soaked all you like I'll wash your hair. I'll be careful and you can hold a washcloth over the cut."

"That sounds like it will work. What would I do without you?"

"You'd manage, though I don't know what I'd do without you either. I was so frightened yesterday."

***

Once I was clean, dry and dressed in the pajamas Sciezka had thoughtfully laid out for me I went into the living room. I knew I should be in bed resting, but I was sick of it. The couch would be a decent compromise.

My transfer from the Tank to the couch was anything but graceful but I made it. Sciezka came out of the kitchen with a tray and seemed surprised to see me. She sat down next to me, handed me half a sandwich and ordered me to eat it. I had no problem with that command. I was hungry after what they called breakfast at the hospital.

When I'd finished eating she said, "That's better. Did you get enough?"

"That hit the spot. Thank you. I hadn't realized I was as hungry as I was. Could you do me another favor and grab my books?"

"I will, but are you sure you should be working?"

"I'm sure that I'm behind and that I'm probably going to miss half my classes next week," I replied then pointed at the Tank, "I'm not going to be going anywhere in that, even if I wanted to."

She frowned as she looked the wheelchair over before commenting, "I could tell you were livid when Alex Louis had to lift you into the car."

"I'd like to avoid repeating that at all costs..."

"Get comfortable and I'll get your class materials. The instructions the hospital sent say you should take your medication now."

"I should take it and I will. My ribs are a little tender. I'm a horrible patient, ask Jim, but I'll try my best to behave."

Before leaving the room Sciezka leaned in for a kiss and when she came back she had my books and several pillows. She set the books on the floor next to me and then asked, "You prefer one behind you and one under your knees, right?"

"That's perfect and thanks for putting up with me. I'll make it up to you somehow, as soon as Winry fixes my chair. I'll take you for a spin around the block, since I won't be driving anywhere in the near future."

She shook her head before replying, "That was your free pass buster. I'm going to get you some water, then you're going to take your medication and study, if you insist on doing it. It's not your fault someone was driving like a maniac on a public thoroughfare."

"Yes dear," I said sullenly.

"That's better," she said as she headed to the kitchen.

***

The telephone rang and she talked to the caller briefly before coming back. I took the water and the pills she'd brought. She waited until after I'd swallowed to announce, "That was Roy. He'll be over shortly."

"Glad you let me swallow first or I'd be choking right now. Did you ask him why? Call him back and tell him no!"

"He said you'd say that, not the choking part, but the no part. He has a report from Falman and a favor to ask you."

"Well, I can't exactly stop him since he usually does whatever he wants anyway. I do want to know what happened. He said Falman would dig it up for him."

"While he's here I'm going to pick Tiny up from Gracia's. Is there anything you want me to get while I'm out?"

"I'm good for now. Tell everyone hi for me."

She put on her coat and before she left kissed me goodbye.

***

Shortly after Sciezka left the doorbell rang.

"We don't want any," I said loudly.

Roy let himself in and said, "Just let me give you the sales pitch."

I set aside the book I'd been reading and said, "If you want something to drink, it's in the kitchen. Help yourself since you have no problem barging in. Then have a seat."

"The door was unlocked," he replied as he shrugged off his overcoat before sitting down on the ottoman. Well, so much for security.

When he didn't say anything else right away I asked, "So what did you find out? What started the car chase? How bad were the other injuries?"

"It was a bank robbery at the First National Bank. The M.P.'s report says that all three of the perpetrators died at the scene."

"Oh," was all I could reply with.

Roy continued, "The driver of the car they collided with is in serious but stable condition. He'll recover."

"That's good to hear. What about the officer who hit me? I couldn't see anything but he sounded bad."

Roy bowed his head and solemnly said, "The surgeons tried..."

No wonder everyone had been so relieved. I had been incredibly lucky.

He feigned sounding upbeat as he asked, "Now, about that favor."

"Anything, you know that. I owe you. Sorry I was so grouchy before. It's been one of those days."

"There is a vote taking place in the parliament soon on the budget for improving public buildings and sidewalks. Lieutenant General Armstrong wants more curb cuts, elevators and ramps built."

"That's great. I'll be happy when that passes since it would make getting around a lot easier on me."

"He wanted me to ask you to address a closed session so it can be approved. Quite a few of the old goats don't see the need..."

"So they need to see the sympathetic dog and pony show, to garner the pity vote. No thank you," I cut in.

"Be reasonable. Think of all the people you'd be helping. You're charismatic and a veteran..."

I interrupted him again, "I want everything they're voting on, but I refuse to be the poster boy for cripples in Amestris. Find someone else."

"I hated to even ask you and I'm sorry Havoc, I am... Alex Louis says it's the only way. Could you please reconsider?"

"I'll think about it, but don't get your hopes up. Can't you get Jim to do it? He knows what is needed and is an expert in the field of rehabilitation. What if I write a letter? That could help."

The discussion ended abruptly when Tiny burst into the room. Roy stood to go and before leaving asked quietly, "Please think about it some more. Armstrong wouldn't have had me ask if he wasn't concerned that it won't get funded. I'll need to give him your answer soon."

He barely looked Sciezka in the eye when he left.

***

Sciezka came in to keep me company. When I wasn't talkative she asked, "Is everything alright? Are you comfortable?"

"I'm fine right here. If I wasn't comfortable I would have moved," I snapped.

"Just checking," she replied, sounding hurt.

"Sit with me please? I'm sorry I snapped. It's not you."

She sat at the end of the couch, put my feet in her lap and waited patiently for me to tell her what was bothering me.

"It was Roy. Armstrong has some infrastructure bill he's trying to pass that includes improved access. Curb cuts, ramps and elevators... all that stuff for state owned facilities and new construction."

She nodded and when I didn't continue asked, "How is any of that a bad thing?"

"That's what I thought at first. Roy and Armstrong are having a hard time getting a majority vote. They seem to think an emotional plea from a sympathetic case... "

"So you said no. I understand that completely. How did Roy take it?"

"He's disappointed and probably a little hurt. I told him I wasn't going to be the National Poster Boy for Cripples."

"Ouch Jean, that was harsh," she observed.

"I would have flat out refused anyway, but Roy's timing could have been better. He asked me to reconsider. I offered to write a letter."

"They'll figure out a way."

"It's selfish of me to not help, but I don't want my achievements to be thought of as a triumph over adversity in spite of my injuries. I'm not a soft newspaper article."

"Your friends don't think like that."

"No, they don't and I know you don't. It's just everyone else. I think I'm tired. Would you please wake me up in a couple of hours? I need to stretch out."

Drained and grumpy the last thing I wanted was to talk. I'd had it for the day. Not even Sciezka's company felt right. I curled up on my side in bed, pillows propped around me for support. As soon as I was situated Tiny joined me, likely thinking I'd built a cozy fort just for him. He was quiet, simply enjoying being near me, so I let him stay.

***

Between Tiny's tail thumping against the bed and the knock on the door I woke from my nap.

"May I come in?" the person behind the door asked timidly.

It was Feury, poor guy. Sciezka sent him into the lion's den to do the dirty work and wake me up.

"Sure come on in, Tiny would love to see you. I wouldn't mind either," I answered. I scratched the dog's ears and asked, "You knew who it was didn't you boy?"

Tiny turned circles on the bed, wriggling with excitement. Clearly the dog thought the visitor was there to see him.

Once in the room Feury looked around and finally asked, "Is there anywhere to sit in here?"

There wasn't really, other than the bed or the wheelchair. The bedroom was usually reserved for activities other than conversation. "I suppose you could pull up the chair, it's not too useful for moving anyway."

He smiled shyly. "Winry told me that. Her train comes in on Monday night. I'm excited to see her."

"I'll have to bust up my wheelchair more often, since it works out so well for you," I joked.

"There has to be an easier way. Sciezka sent me in to get Tiny so Breda doesn't have a fit. Brigadier General Mustang said you wanted to see him."

"That was mostly so he'd stop worrying. He can be like an old woman sometimes. Just shows he cares."

Feury nodded and smiled. He'd worked with us long enough to know how far back Breda and I went.

"Anything new and interesting I should know about?" I asked, attempting to keep up my end of the conversation.

"I finally found an apartment and despite Breda's insistence on a pet free building, he's my neighbor," Feury replied.

"That's great. So you can take the little guy now?"

"Well I can, but I'm not sure it would be right. He's really happy here and you and Sciezka like him and I can tell he loves you."

"Tiny is great and I would miss him, but are you sure?"

"Like I was telling Sciezka, I wanted him to be happy, healthy and safe. He's got all of that here and more," he said. "There is someone home almost all the time. I work too much; it wouldn't be fair to him."

"If you're sure and Sciezka's sure, then I am too. Breda will be relieved that there isn't a vicious animal trying to dig through the walls to get him at night."

We sat quietly and Tiny moved to sit on Feury's lap. As he petted the dog he said, "If you're up to it, Breda and I are having a joint get together on Friday night. It will be pretty informal. Some people from the office."

"That shouldn't be a problem if Winry is finished by then. Where's your place?"

"It's on High Street, above that tobacco store you like. The location is perfect, close to everything. I even have a balcony you can smoke on."

Above the tobacconist's shop would mean that it was on the second floor, at least. Sure the guys could take care of the chair and I could go up on my ass... if I could fight off Armstrong to avoid being carried chair and all.

"Your place sounds nice, but how am I going to get up there? You said it was above the storefront."

He smiled broadly before saying, "The entrance for the apartments is in the alley and there's an elevator."

"Perfect, let me know if Sciezka and I can bring anything."

Feury left with Tiny to save Breda from the white fluff ball of ferociousness' pointy teeth and evil plans.

***

I'd have a minute or two to shift position since Breda would wait until the dog had been dealt with. I was almost finished when he came in, shut the door and locked it behind him.

"I'd like to see the mongrel get past this!" he panted and slumped against the frame.

"Relax and have a seat. There are no dogs besides us in here," I teased as I finished arranging the pillows.

He pointed to the Tank and I nodded. He looked uneasy; lowering himself gingerly like it was a delicate antique.

"It's a relief to see you're in one piece Havo. The shiner and the stitches aside, you look good."

"You read Falman's report, right? I'm lucky Winry and the guys back at East motor pool are engineering obsessed. Having seatbelts like in race cars looked like overkill to me, but canvas straps saved my ass."

"Any news on if they can fix the jeep?" he asked, subtly changing the subject.

"I haven't looked into it yet. Jim didn't sound optimistic. I'm not looking forward to finding another one. It was one of a kind. First I got to get out of that monstrosity you're sitting on."

He shifted in his seat and then said, "It's actually pretty comfortable."

"That's about all it's good for," I replied. "I'm sure the little old lady Jim stole it from misses it. I'll gladly return it to her."

Breda grinned and teased, "Did Jim steal her bed too? I don't think you have enough pillows. So far I count nine. Has to be a chick thing, Sciezka's idea right?"

"These are mostly mine, for positioning," I replied without thinking.

"Positioning? What is that?"

Great, just what I wanted to talk about with my best friend. "Never mind Breda, it's medical stuff... "

"Are you ok? Nothing else happened in the wreck, right?"

"I'm fine, quit worrying. I bruised a few ribs where the seatbelt caught me. The pillows are so I don't put too much pressure anywhere. If you were in an uncomfortable position, you'd move... or get pins and needles and then move."

He nodded to let me know he followed. I was glad I didn't have to go into more detail.

There was a knock at the door and the knob wiggled, but didn't budge. Sciezka said, "Dinner is ready and the coast is clear Heymans. The dog is barricaded in the guest room."

I chuckled and joked, "Man you have a chick protecting you."

He smirked before retorting, "You better hope she didn't hear you call her a chick. I'll be nice and keep that between us. If she did hear I'll be a nice guy and run interference for you."

"Thanks man. If you'd let Sciezka know I'll be out in a few minutes that would be great."

"No problem. Do you need any help?"

"I've got it covered, though I'm glad you found an apartment I can get into. Did you plan that?"

"Poker night wouldn't be the same without you, you know that. Besides I need a sucker like you who can't bluff to save his life."

"That would be Brosh and you know it!"

***

Dinner with the guys and Sciezka was pleasantly uneventful. Breda took it easy on me, perhaps sensing I wasn't in the mindset to take a joke. He and Feury left after they helped Sciezka clear the table. She put up a good fight against them, citing they were guests. Feury countered, "Sure we're guests, but we weren't invited to dinner. We've taken advantage of your hospitality. Just let us help."

When I followed them to the door so I could smoke outside Sciezka cut me off at the pass saying, "Your friends can see themselves out. Where do you think you're going half dressed?"

"I'd like a cigarette, is that allowed warden?"

"You don't need to catch a cold on top of all this. One cigarette inside won't be too bad. Not this once."

"C' mere," I said as I patted my lap. "Have I told you how much I love you today?"

She settled on my lap, sitting sideways and kissed me then replied, "In between bouts of crabbiness yes, you have."

"I'm sorry about that..."

"Shush," she said as she held a finger to my lips. "Is it a bad thing that I'm relieved that your chair won't be fixed for a few days?"

"That depends on why."

"You wouldn't be resting this much otherwise. I'd have to tie you down or something equally drastic."

I replied lasciviously, "You say that like it's a bad thing. I think it sounds like it could be fun."

She stood up abruptly and all but ordered, "You go smoke while I change the linens. Then go straight back to bed."

I didn't argue since I was too tired. Well that and I was hoping she'd come keep me company.

***

The lights were low in the bedroom and Sciezka had lit the candles. I wasn't sure I was in any condition to fool around, but I'd try. When she came out of the bathroom I expected to see her wearing naughty lingerie or better yet, nothing at all. I was surprised to see her in a modest flannel nightgown.

"So we're just sleeping?" I asked trying not to sound disappointed.

She crossed the short distance between us and hugged me as she said, "I thought I might give you a rubdown and then we could cuddle. You aren't in the mood for more, are you?"

I chuckled before answering, "When am I not in the mood? But your plan is more sensible. Let me brush my teeth and get ready for bed. Then I'm all yours."

Once I was in bed she slowly and carefully helped me get more comfortable. She gasped when she saw the bruises striping my chest, collarbone and stomach after unbuttoning my pajamas. Then she demanded to know why I'd neglected to tell her the extent of my injuries.

"I'm a little banged up, nothing is broken. It looks a lot worse than it is."

"It looks awful. I thought the cut on your head was bad enough. That and you hid it from me in the bath. No wonder you added all those bubbles!"

"Guilty as charged, but I only did it because I knew you'd react this way. The bruises will fade and soon they'll be gone."

"They are bright purple in most spots and absolutely black in others. Are you sure these aren't contusions? Now I know why Doctor Knox didn't want to release you."

"There isn't anything they can do for me at the hospital. I'm better off here. In a few days I'll be fine."

"But it looks painful. What an angry looking purple... "

I interrupted joking, "Soon they'll be blue and green, then fade to yellow and brown. It'll be lovely, like watching the sun set."

"You're horrible," she scolded.

"I know, but you love it."

She went to the dresser and returned with boxers and a small tin.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked.

She tossed the boxers at me, then rolled her eyes and sighed. "No I'm not mad at you. Perhaps a little exasperated, but you're stubborn and I'm used to it."

I struggled to get my underwear on. Her demeanor softened and she helped, pulling them up while I lifted my hips. She knew I could do it, but that it would be easier with help.

"Before you get started could you bring me my meds?"

She cocked her head in the direction of the nightstand and smiled.

"You're good," I remarked as she handed me a glass of water.

"I'm just glad you're taking it easy. I know you hate being stuck at home. Hopefully the massage helps."

I set the glass aside and moved to the middle of the bed so she'd have room to work. As she warmed what looked like a bar of soap between her palms she asked, "Did anyone do range of motion exercises at the hospital?"

"Nope..."

She stopped what she was doing, frowned and then immediately started working on my feet. I didn't bother protesting since she looked determined as she kneaded and flexed my arches.

"Your toes are like ice Jean, this can't be good for your circulation" she commented as she continued rubbing. "If you'd put up a fight I would have called Jim."

"I know you would and that's why I'm not complaining. It could be worse so I'm being good. You still have the threat of a house call from Doctor Knox in your arsenal."

As she slowly manipulated my joints and rubbed the muscles in my legs she didn't reply. Her complete attention was on performing what she'd been taught correctly.

She finished stretching out my legs and picked up the bar again to start on the rest of me. Her long, deft fingers traced lines down each muscle. She stretched everything right down to my pinkie fingers. When she hit a knot she'd knead it firmly, but carefully. It felt wonderful.

"Will it hurt to lie on your stomach so I can get your back?"

"I'm not sure; I think my ribs might be too tender. What is that stuff anyway?"

"Sit up," she directed. "It's better to be safe than sorry. And we're testing a new product for Gracia. Lavender oil, rose absolute and that smell I bet you can't place... that's fennel."

I paused after I propped myself up on my elbows. She extended a hand to help me the rest of the way up.

"Thanks for the lift and you never commented on my crack about the Knox threat."

She sat behind me, her legs on either side of mine and as she dug into the tight spot between my shoulder blades with her elbow said, "It's not a threat if I'd do it. It's a promise."

I leaned against her as I replied, "I'm glad you're on my side."

She kissed the back of my neck in reply.

I nodded off shortly after that and Sciezka must have tucked me in.

***

By Tuesday resting and staying home had nearly driven me berserk. Tiny had been good company and was perfectly willing to be petted and fussed over. I even commented about it to Sciezka, saying "I think I am his favorite piece of furniture."

"I don't think that's Tiny's opinion at all. I think he's guarding you," she replied.

"He's quite intimidating, what with the fuzz, tail wagging and offering his belly."

"You just watch. He follows you around like he's your shadow. He's always in a spot where he will wake up if you move even an inch. He looks like a temple dog... the breed was small and meant to be good companions, but also good watch dogs."

"I can see that since he certainly barks enough to alert us to 'intruders'."

She scratched him behind the ears as she said, "See Tiny, now Jean knows you're doing your job."

Jim arrived at the house in the afternoon with Winry and my wheelchair. Turns out he'd arranged for her to use the workshop at the bicycle store, and in her expert hands my ride was looking as smooth and gleaming as the day it was first made.

"It's good as new! Thank you so much," I gushed.

"Yes, thank you Winry. Jean was going stir crazy and sending me in that direction as well," Sciezka added.

She grinned before replying, "It's better than new. I switched out the tires so you'd get better traction this winter."

"That'll work really well. It's ingenious as usual. How can I thank you: Your train ticket was paid for, right?"

"Yes it was all taken care of. I waived the rush fee, since I like coming to Central. That and unlike Ed's usual repairs this was unavoidable."

"Let me know if you need anything while you're here. Are you going to be in town for Feury's party?"

Her cheeks pinked up as she nodded.

Jim cleared his throat before he said, "I hate to break up the social hour, but Jean has a lot of physio to catch up on."

***

On the way to the hospital Jim took the long way so Winry could see the changes in Central. Winry and I chatted idly. She sidestepped the topic of Feury and I avoided the subject of why she'd had to fix my chair.

Our small talk ranged from the dresses for the bridesmaids, how Garfiel and Dimitri were doing, to Tiny's behavior the last few days.

Winry agreed with Sciezka and said, "Den looks after Ed when I've worked on his automail."

Jim was driving and I couldn't see his expression from the back seat, but I'm pretty sure he was rolling his eyes at the lengths we were going to to not talk about what bothered us. I should have expected it when he asked, "So Jean, how are the bruises from the safety belt healing?"

"Jim, did you have to bring that up right now?" I asked testily.

Winry's eyes went wide as she looked me over, then asked, "I thought you just cut your forehead and got a black eye from where items in the vehicle hit you. Did the seatbelt hurt you? Where exactly are you bruised?"

That was not information I had wanted her to know, since my injuries were reduced by her design features.

"If you really need to see, I'll show you in the therapy room. Jim didn't need to even mention it. If I hadn't been wearing a seatbelt I'd be a lot worse off..."

She nodded as I added, "The way you and the guys in the motor pool designed and reinforced that vehicle saved my life."

"I was going to ask Falman if I could see pictures of the wreck and read the report," she replied.

"I wouldn't recommend it. Some of the details are pretty gruesome. Maybe Jim or Feury can take you to where they towed the wreck."

Jim chimed in, "I can take Winry there when I get off work later. It'll be at 1900 though."

He must have taken time off for me. To get the chair fixed and save me the embarrassment of having Armstrong help me into the car. It would have been much easier for him if I'd met him at the hospital in the Tank.

"I can't thank both of you enough," I said quietly.

Jim replied first, "It's my job. Besides, you make my department look good."

Winry glowed from the compliment and kissed me on the cheek.

"You both don't take the recognition you are due."

"The reward is seeing you happy and doing what you want to do Jean," Winry replied.

"I thought I'd end up thinking about everything I'd lost. Instead I realized there aren't enough hours in the day to do what I can."

The rest of the ride was quiet.

My session went as expected, largely damage control and setting things back in place. Jim spent most of the time on stretches and range of motion exercises, with strict reminders about keeping up with the regimen at home.

Doctor Knox stopped by my session to remove my stitches. After he applied a couple of butterfly plasters he sternly warned me, "Let those fall off on their own. I can't have you scarring up on my watch pretty boy."

***

I returned to class and my usual routine the next day. Though I was still sore it felt great to be out on my own again. Mustang had offered me the use of a motor pool car and driver, but I politely declined. He insisted that it was the military offering and not him personally. I didn't want any more ties to the state than were absolutely necessary. Taking taxis for the time being wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience. I'd find a replacement for the jeep eventually.

After class on Friday I went home and took a pre-party nap. Sciezka cuddled next to me for a few minutes before I had to start getting ready. Our bath together made me want to call and cancel, but Ed and Al were back at the house. I wouldn't be a good friend if I called at the last minute. Besides, the party would keep us in good spirits. I had plans for Sciezka when we got home.

I hadn't shaved in a week and instead of making a clean sweep I left a tidy goatee and mustache. As I checked myself out in the mirror I decided it made me look rather roguish. I hoped Sciezka liked it as much as I did. She came into the bathroom and took her usual spot behind me to brush her hair. My new look must have taken her by surprise as she did a double take.

"What made you decide to do that?"

"I just felt like it. I haven't gone this long without shaving since I enlisted. Do you like it?"

She touched my chin before replying, "The jury is still out. First I'll have to see what it feels like to kiss you."

I chuckled and then teased, "About the same as it did ten minutes ago, but a little less hairy."

"I'll just have to kiss you as much as possible so I can render a well informed opinion."

She leaned in to begin her study, quite intent on documenting the phenomenon.

***

"Hurry up and put some clothes on Havoc!" Ed shouted.

The brothers were in the living room, so the door muffled the noise. Al added loudly, but politely, "Don't mind brother! But it's getting late, should I call a cab?"

Sciezka gave me a quick peck on the cheek and then said, "The natives are getting restless. I'll see if I can appease them while you finish dressing. I think I like you clean shaven best, but I'll try this out."

***

The ride over to High Street went off without a hitch and the entrance to the apartment building was exactly as Feury had described it. It wasn't even a freight elevator. The carpeting, wood paneling and mirrors were a refreshing change.

Feury greeted us at the door, collected our jackets and then put them in the bedroom. Breda was playing bartender in the kitchen. There weren't too many people yet. Winry, Gracia and Jim had been the first guests to arrive. After taking off my jacket I made a beeline for the bar to grab a beer.

"It's kind of slow so far," Breda said. "I'm sure it'll pick up. It's early yet. Remind me to show you my place before it gets crazy."

I wondered how many people had been invited. I'd been under the impression that it would be a small gathering.

"What can I get you to drink Havo?"

"I'll have what you're having," I answered.

"One bottle of stout coming up!" he said. "And you gotta do a shot with me. Is whisky fine by you?"

"Line 'em up!" Maybe a couple of drinks would calm my jitters. I had a feeling Breda and Feury had invited a lot of people.

After downing a couple shots with Breda I felt ready to stake out a remote spot in the room so I could hide from the influx of new people. Sciezka had been chatting with Gracia and Winry. She went for a glass of wine and when she returned sat in the armchair next to me.

"Are you having a good time?" she asked.

I picked at the label on my beer and nodded.

"That isn't very convincing Jean. Did the shots with Heymans help at all?"

"Sit a little closer to me, that would help more," I replied.

"Any closer and I'll be in your lap."

"Yes, that would help tremendously."

She leaned over for a quick kiss before saying, "Let's save that for later, when there's a seating shortage and I need to touch you."

***

The party was soon in full swing. Ed and Al were talking to Russell and Fletcher. From the wild gestures Ed was making they were probably discussing applications of alchemical theory, which knowing Ed would either result in sizable explosions or world chaos. Winry and Feury were sitting close together on the couch, both smiling and blushing. He was having more luck getting his girl to scoot in close than I was. They made a cute couple. Roy and Riza arrived. Riza joined Gracia and Jim while Roy made the rounds.

There were quite a few new faces. I sat tight, deciding to wait to be introduced. I was content to just watch from the sidelines for the time being.

After a few minutes I started pulling at my shirt collar. The living room was getting too stuffy and crowded. I decided a cigarette was in order. I pulled out my pack and asked Sciezka, "Care to join me outside?"

She shook her head no and said, "Maybe later. You go ahead. I need to talk to Riza."

It was quiet on the balcony; perhaps a bit too chilly, but a nice change from inside. When I finished the first cigarette I lit a second off of it.

"Mind if I join you lieutenant?" a female voice asked.

I was startled and nearly dropped my cigarette. Once I was sure I had it under control I looked up to see who had come outside and promptly dropped it again.

She picked it up, handed it back to me and teased, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"That's because I have! Ross, you're back... that's amazing!"

She smiled and then hugged me.

"It looks like Xing treated you well. You look good. Have a seat."

"You look great. Though there is something different... "

I took a swig of beer, a drag off my cigarette and chuckled before replying, "That's right, I'm shorter."

"I was going to say happier and more relaxed. That and someone has been picking out your clothes. You never could pull off civvies or hang onto a girlfriend while under Mustang's command."

"A lot has changed since we smuggled you out of the country. I did have a good time, that one time... "

"We did have a good time. It's too bad your chain of command got so tangled up with mine. Not many dates brought flowers and the restaurant was nice. Dancing afterwards was so fun. You were so light on your feet... "

"I'm sorry that we couldn't figure out a better way to make sure you were safe. It was the only way."

"I'm well aware of that, and Amestris is safe now or I wouldn't be back." She took another sip of her drink and looked down at my ashes on the porch for a while. "You and Sciezka," she finally said, "I never would have picked that one. But you look good together. It was funny to hear her talking about that goatee of yours."

"She hasn't made up her mind about it yet. I should probably get back to the party. That and I am out of beer."

She handed me a bottle of my usual and smiled. I smiled back. "Thanks darling," I said quietly, hinting back to the old days when we were of the same mind and just knew what the other was thinking.

I tapped another cigarette out of my pack and she stuck up two fingers in wordless acknowledgement, another gesture from back in our days at the local pub. I pulled another one out, lit it with mine and handed it to her.

"So," I asked, "What are you doing with yourself these days?"

"Mister Fuu set me up with a family close to the border. They were healers by trade and I learned a fair amount of Xingian medicine."

"Rentanjutsu? I didn't figure you for an alchemist," I replied.

"No, it's not alchemy at all. Besides rentanjutsu the Xingian people have herbal medicine and acupuncture."

"That sounds complicated. Are you practicing here? How are you making ends meet? You're set for a place to live and everything, right? Mustang at least arranged for that... if he didn't I'll fix it."

She smirked before replying, "I'm fine Jean. I'm apprenticing with a healer in Central."

"I'll have to tell Jim about that. I'm sick to death of Amestrian medicine. Something you do has got to work for it."

She nodded and was quiet. I felt the need to fill in the space. She'd been through so much and how do you ask how coming back from the dead felt? Finally in the awkward silence I asked, "So you and Denny seem to be friendly, is that going well?"

She smiled and blushed, the reaction I was hoping for and said, "You'd be amazed what a lack of fraternization policies will do. He's so sweet and attentive."

Good on them I thought before replying, "I'm glad. You both deserve something good. I saw how much he idolized you back in the day. I'm glad you two worked it out after everything. Though I have to say, you do have a thing for blonds, don't you?"

She smacked me on the shoulder before saying, "You're still terrible, aren't you?"

I shrugged and grinned instead of replying.

"You aren't going to keep me in suspense, are you Jean? What do you think?"

"I think that as long as you are both happy it's a good thing. I noticed how he watched you back then. I think you two are good together. How long have you been dating anyway?"

"We've been together since I got back. As soon as he found out about the whole cover up he came and found me," she replied blushing.

"That's good for both of you. It sounds like I don't have to ask him what his intentions are after all."

She shivered and I suggested, "Why don't we go back in? You're freezing and we should both be social."

Once I was inside again I went straight to the makeshift bar. The beer Maria had brought me didn't last nearly long enough. It was a relief to see for myself that she was fine.

Brosh was at the bar and barely paid me the time of day. He ignored Maria as well. I hoped they'd be able to work it out. In the meantime I made a beeline for Sciezka.

"Hey there, thanks for waiting. I had a few loose ends to tie up. Are you having a good time?"

"I am having a good time. Gracia, Riza and Winry and I finalized the colors for the dresses. I can tell you are thrilled," she replied.

"I am actually. I'll have the most gorgeous women in Amestris at my wedding. In fact, I'm honored."

She kissed me full on the mouth, lingering a bit more than usual and then said, "I'm glad you're having a good time too."

"I have, but it's kind of crowded in here. Let's get out of here. I'll see if Riza will make sure the boys get a cab home."

She kissed me again before replying, "I think that's a good plan. Let's go."

***

Once at home we went straight to the bedroom. We picked up right where our bath had left us and as usual had a wonderful time, or so I thought.

While I was holding Sciezka and we were talking she said, "You need to shave as soon as possible Jean."

"Oh?" I asked. "You don't look like you're too pink anywhere."

We'd changed into nightclothes as soon as we'd finished, since the boys would be home in the morning.

She blushed before replying and hiking up her nightgown for emphasis, "Look closer Jean. Take a good look."

Ah. Having a rash there just would not do. I'd be shaving in the morning.