Alright, I'm finally caught up! Everything after this chapter is going to be brand new content, so I just want to say thanks so much to everyone for still believing in me and supporting me, even after so many years.

On with the chapter, and remember to enjoy

Chapter 9 I'm on a Boat

Winry stared at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a pair of jean shorts and a yellow tank top with matching sandals, and her hair was flowing down her back in waves. Even she had to admit how beautiful she looked right now, but that wasn't what brought her to the current staring match with herself. On her inner thigh was a giant round, red bruise that couldn't be anything but a hickey.

She hadn't noticed it before but it looked like it could have doubled in size overnight. That bastard. How was she supposed to be discrete if anyone could look at her and guess at what she had done?

"Well, this is going to be difficult." She turned every which way in the mirror and there was no hiding this. She also didn't have anything long enough to cover it.

However, she felt strange staring at her first hickey. It was a symbol of something so intimate and private. She wasn't sure what she was expecting when she made this deal, but last night had shattered and risen above anything she could have thought up herself. She didn't think that doing something like that with Roy, of all people, would be so erotic for her.

Maybe, it was the fact that he was so skilled or maybe it was the way he seemed to make the night all about her and put her completely at ease, but there was definitely something about that man that she could not get out of her head. No, it wasn't a crush or anything, she assured herself of that, but she was looking forward to the next time he called on her, or maybe she would get the courage to call on him.

Winry sighed and turned back to her suitcase which was sitting on the bed behind her. It was a good thing that she like to be prepared. She pulled out a small first aid kit from her bag and found a bandage large enough to cover the hickey. If anyone asked, she would just say that she cut herself shaving.

She looked over at the clock. It was time to meet everyone downstairs for breakfast. Riza had already left ahead of her. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, she grabbed her room keys, taking both just in case, and headed out the door.

The elevator at the end of the hall was just about to close. "Wait," she yelled to catch the attention of whoever was inside. It was a tall building and she'd be waiting forever for the thing to come back up.

The doors reopened and Winry ran inside. "Thanks so much," she said and then looked over to see who had waited for her, coming face to face with none other than the object of her earlier thoughts.

Mustang smirked and lifted a brow at her attempt to hide his mark. "Did you uh..have a little accident," he chuckled, noticing her bandage.

Winry glared. "It's not funny." She crossed her arms. "You can't go around leaving marks if this is supposed to be a secret you know."

"No marking wasn't one of the rules."

She mentally sighed at his attitude. "Well it's a rule now." She turned forward and stared at her reflection in the elevator's doors.

Roy smirked. That was the first time she had ever spoken to him so blatantly and comfortably. "As you wish," was his simple reply, quoting what he had said to her just the night before. He was satisfied to see the red tent that spread across her cheeks.

Being this close to her in the elevator was giving him an idea to get the girl riled up again. He moved closer to her. "So, how did you sleep." He asked, making seemingly casual conversation.

Winry looked over at him. "Fine." There was no way she was going into any more detail than that. He didn't need to know about how she had replayed the night in her dreams.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened, revealing an older couple. They smiled at the two of them with a nod and both took a few steps back to let them in. Mustang glanced down at her and inched just a bit closer. He slid his hand to let it rest against her backside, giving it a little squeeze.

Winry gasped and look over at him. The older couple looked back at her as well. Blue eyes stared shocked into black.

"Are you ok? Did you forget something," Mustang asked, feigning like he was concerned. He could tell that she was contemplating her options, but he knew that she wouldn't make a scene.

"…N-no…I just remembered something is all." Winry smiled at the couple still watching her to reassure them that everything was alright. They smiled back at her and turned back around.

The doors finally opened to let everyone off on the bottom floor and the older coupled walked out first and then Mustang followed.

"You better hurry up before the doors close on you," he called over his shoulder to a shocked Winry.

She ran out of the elevator just in time and fell into step beside him. "That wasn't funny," she muttered so that no one could hear them.

What if those old people had seen them? How could he do something like that in public? Sometimes, she really did feel like there was a difference between country and city living, especially when it came to displays of affection.

Roy chuckled. "Oh, it was funny."

"It was inappropriate is what it was."

Roy arched a brow and looked over at her. "Everything about us and this deal is inappropriate," he said. "Besides, part of the deal is, I call and you come."

Winry cursed herself, remembering that little detail. "But it was an elevator."

"I know. Kinky huh," he smiled and walked ahead of her again, chuckling to himself at her stunned expression.

Roy intended to enjoy this arrangement until it was over, but not just for himself, he had decided that he was also going to use it to open her mind up to a whole new world.

From the way she dressed, you wouldn't think that she was as inexperienced as she was, but she was so used to wearing more revealing clothes that it was common for her. She worked and lived on a farm so girls wearing less clothes to stay cool was probably common. He had to ignore the mental image of her in short overalls with the straps covering just the nipples of her breast. Man, blonde hair and blue eyes was the trademark for the sexy farmer's daughter image wasn't it?

They finally arrived at the dining hall and everyone was already sitting at a table and waiting on them. Riza had left a spot open next to her for Mustang and there was a spot for Winry between Havok and Maes.

"It's about time you both showed up." Havok said. "Did you both oversleep or something?"

Winry smiled and took her seat. "I took a little longer than usual to get dressed is all."

Roy also took his seat. "We ran into each other on the elevator."

Maes looked between the both of them, trying to catch any sign of tension. They seemed just fine, although he could guess that that must have been one awkward elevator ride. "Now that you're both here, we can plan some official events for today," he said getting down to business.

Winry took a sip from the glass of water that had been waiting for her, her throat dry. She was half listening as he started to list off all of the things they could do as a group today. Honestly, she didn't want to be rude or anything, but she really would have preferred to get just some time to herself. She was on a mental overload with everything and needed to regroup. But there was still so much time left in the trip, she would have time to do her own thing later if not today, she figured.

Mustang was also in his own world. He couldn't help but to keep stealing glances at the girl across from him, and notice that Havok was doing the same unfortunately. He never expected to be in this situation with her. He still couldn't believe the day she had followed him into the café and asked the question.

If anyone had told him that 2 years after she moved to Central that he and her would have any type of relationship, especially the one they have now, he would have thought them mad.

He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something different about her from what he originally thought, and he was actually looking forward to finding out what it was.

"Ok, so should we all take a vote on what we're doing today," Hughes asked the table. Riza, Breda and Havok all looked between each other and simultaneously voted on the yacht rental.

Apparently, you could rent a small yacht and they would have a guide take you out on the water. A yacht party definitely sounded like something that everyone would enjoy.

"Is this fine for the two of you," Hughes asked, looking between Winry and Mustang and bringing them back to reality with everyone else at the table.

Mustang shrugged. "Fine with me."

Winry took a moment, not playing her daydreaming off as coolly as he was. "Um…yea…that sounds fine," she smiled.

Hughes stood up. "Then it's settled," he announced. "I'll go handle the rental and everyone get ready and be at the dock in 45 minutes." He took off towards the front desk, leaving the table.

Everyone else stood up as well, heading back to their rooms to get their things ready.

"This should be fun," Breda said.

"Yeah, I can't wait to kick back on the boat. I'll go grab some drinks at the store before we leave," he suggested. There was no way they'd be on the water all day with nothing to drink.

"Pretty sure a yacht would have a full bar," Breda said.

Everyone piled into the elevator. They were all so busy talking that no one wondered why Winry moved from the back to the front corner, farthest from Mustang.

He saw her and smirked.

*****^w^*****

"It's good to see you all again and I hope that you're ready to have fun!"

Roy's eye twitched when he saw who the guide for their boat time would be. "Are you the only guide working here," he asked the boy from earlier.

Alister smiled back, running a hand through his shaggy hair. He was wearing a pair of swim trunks and a white shirt. He looked like some surfer kid that you would see in a movie. "Well, to be honest, we're very understaffed this weekend, so I'll be at your service for the duration of the trip."

"How fortunate."

They were all standing on the dock, ready to board the boat. There was plenty of deck space and then also a room downstairs with a sitting area and bar as well.

"There are just a few things I'm required to go over with you first," Alister started, getting everyone's attention. He cleared his throat. "Rule number 1: If you can't swim, please don't get in the water or be near the edge of the boat. Also, beware of sharks."

There was a pregnant pause after that where they waited for him to continue.

"Is there more," Breda asked, breaking the silence.

Alister appeared to think for a moment before responding. "Well, that's the only one I care about, so let's go and have fun."

Winry couldn't help but to laugh at the boy's antics. He was so carefree. Somehow, she could see this guy and Amaya getting along very well.

He motioned for them to follow him onto the boat and began preparing to leave while everyone moved around the boat.

Winry and Havok made their way downstairs, being the first two to head straight to the bar. "I didn't know you drink," Havok commented.

Winry smiled as she watched him go behind the bar and start looking over the assortment of bottles. "I don't really. It's something I'm getting into more recently." She thought about the margarita pitcher they had had at dinner, and then the drink Mustang had given her in the room. She didn't need alcohol, but she liked the fuzzy feeling it gave her, so why not enjoy.

"Yeah, well, just make sure you don't get too into it," Havok teased and picked out a bottle. "If you want I can make you a margarita."

Winry smiled even more. "You read my mind."

Hughes and Roy stayed on the deck as Breda and Riza left to join Winry and Havok. Riza mentioned that she could use a drink and Breda said something about not trusting his friend and leaving him alone with a pretty girl and alcohol. Roy didn't show it, but he was glad that they had left to join them. He didn't trust Havok either.

"So, how are you enjoying the vacation so far," Hughes asked once everyone else was gone. He hadn't really gotten to have time to just talk with his friend.

Mustang inhaled the fresh air and smiled. "This was definitely a great idea."

Mustang was still very intent on moving up the ladder to become the new fuhrer and required a lot of work and dedication on his part. The most time he was ever able to get away was to go to a bar for a few moments after work. Being on vacation like this was more than he had hoped for in a long while and getting to do so with his crew, was even better.

"Just letting you all know that I'm going to be dropping the anchor soon and it'll officially be party time." Alister made an announcement over the speaker.

The two of them noticed for the first time how far away from the shore they were. It was just a tan line in the distance among all the crystal blue of the water. There were birds of different types all flying overhead, and the waves gave the boat a gentle rock, but nothing too severe. The whole scene was beyond gorgeous.

Hughes smiled. "Oh, to be young and free again."

"More like young and dumb," Mustang commented back.

Once the anchor was down, everyone headed under deck to get some drinks in their system and loosen up. Havok was the official bartender, not by volunteering of course. Alister had also come down to enjoy the company and was currently sitting next to Winry at the bar, much to Havok's dislike.

"So, how do you all know each other," he asked, making small talk.

Winry took another sip of her drink, almost done with her second glass. "They were all friends of a childhood friend of mine and we just all connected." She kept it short and non-detailed. She wasn't sure if they wanted anyone knowing that they were basically a group of state alchemist, sans herself of course.

Alister smiled. "That's cool…So, if it's not being too forward, mind if I ask if you have a boyfriend?"

Before Winry could answer, an empty bottle of tequila slammed down on the bar top in front of them, making them both jump and look to Havok who was holding it. "Hey kiddo, mind bringing me up another bottle of this," he said, almost glaring at the boy.

Alister looked stunned for a moment before responding. "Um…sure, we keep more stored. I'll go get it now." He took the empty bottle and smiled to Winry before disappearing. On his way, he also made eye contact with the Mustang guy who wasn't looking at him so happy either. Was everyone in love with this girl or something? He made a mental note that it may be best to make his move when none of these guys were around.

Winry turned back to Havok, her brow arched. "Harsh much?"

Havok shrugged, nonchalantly. "If you want me to keep the margaritas coming, I need tequila." He pretended to be focused on cleaning out a beer glass.

They spent the rest of the day on the ship just drinking and enjoying each other's company. Not long into the trip, Hughes had found out about the onboard karaoke machine and the rest was definitely history from there, of course, it would be a history that no one would remember considering all the drinks that everyone had thrown back. Even Riza had let loose and was probably drunker than all of them and in the process of her 5th solo.

Winry smiled to herself, watching everything unfold, she was very tipsy, but had cut herself off a while ago to try and sober up.

It was so new for her to see all of them like this. In Central, it seemed like they were all always at work or stressed out over something, except for Hughes who managed to smile through it all and still be a family man. She honestly wished that Ed and Al could see them like this, so relaxed and actually having fun. The military seemed to suck the life out of you and maybe a vacation would help them remember to live a little too.

Winry chuckled, it seemed like 'letting loose' was something everyone needed to do lately and was finally getting the chance and time to do it.

She glanced over to Mustang who was laughing with Hughes at Riza on stage. He had always been a bit comical it seemed, but he was completely enjoying himself and relaxed. He was the last person she would picture like this.

It was starting to seem like, deal aside, the more she was around Mustang, the more human he seemed to her. She had been around him all day and not once had she thought of him as, 'her parent's murderer.' It was like that whole awkward event between them didn't exist any longer. She didn't feel like she was betraying them either by forgiving him. It's what they would have wanted, she was sure.

Roy looked over when he felt someone watching him and made eye contact with her at the bar. No one was paying attention to him, so he smiled at her and nodded. He looked back up to the stage and missed the blush that spread across her face.

Winry looked down, seeing a little bit of the band aid that was covering his 'mark' on her inner thigh. She opened her legs some and ran her hand over the little patch, thinking. Yeah, she would definitely have to get up the courage to call on him soon.

"Today was amazing!"

"We know."

Winry and Hughes laughed at the exasperated reply of Mustang, who was currently letting a very unbalanced and very drunk Havok lean on him as they made their way back to the hotel.

"You sure you don't want some help there? He's my roommate anyway." Breda was offering to take Havok and put him to bed. He was used to dealing with the guy like this anyway.

"He's our idiot too, so I don't mind," Mustang replied.

Winry smiled. They really were all just like one big family of siblings or something. They poked fun at each other a lot, but when it came down to it, they were looking out for each other at all times as well.

"Enjoying yourself," Hughes asked, noticing her look. He hadn't had much of a chance to interact with her either since the trip began. He hoped she was enjoying herself; she deserved it.

"I'm loving this vacation," she replied. "This place is so gorgeous that I never want to leave."

"But then we would all miss you back in Central," Roy teased, looking back at her for a moment.

Winry just giggled. "I doubt this place would be too interesting without the rest of you either. Especially him," she finished pointing to Havok.

Hughes watched as she and Mustang shared a joke. He wasn't even aware that they were on speaking terms, but to be joking with each other! What had he missed since this trip started? Was it just the alcohol giving them a comfortable moment right now? He would have to bring this up to Roy as soon as he got the chance.

Riza watched the interaction with them too. Had they even said two words to each other back on the boat? Everyone had pretty much assumed, considering the situation, that no interaction was good interaction between both of them.

They finally made it to the hotel and Breda disappeared upstairs with Havok on his shoulder. He said his bye for the night, deciding that once he was in his room, the night was over for him. Riza was tired as well and decided to retire for the evening. This was the most drinking she had done in a long time. It really was odd so see her so out of character and having fun.

Roy looked to Maes. "Well, I still have some energy if you want to join me at the bar." The hotel bar was going to open for another few hours.

"Sounds like a plan." He wanted the chance to talk to him anyway. "You want to hang with the big boys tonight," he asked Winry. May as well kill two birds with one stone.

She thought about it for a moment and then agreed. It was obvious that Hughes and Mustang were the closest in their little family and being invited to hang out with the two of them, made her feel even more apart of it.

Going to cut off here, because I have some plans for the whole bar scene. Glad to finally have everyone caught up! I'm not abandoning this fic. It's my baby and is a test of my skill and limits so see if I can make this couple work successfully. I hope that you all continue this journey with me! Read and as always Review!