The more Elise stared at her pocket watch, the more her guilt and self-hatred festered. What was once the symbol of her resolve to fix her mistakes was now a constant reminder of the loved ones she left behind. Logically, she knew it was the best choice to not only protect Al, Nina and Monica, but also to find a way to expose Mr. Tucker without him finding out what she's up to. But that didn't mean it was painless. It hurt every day knowing that everyone she fought for were clinging on to a desperate hope to see her alive. It hurt knowing that she once again was the reason for her brother's pain.

Dani was really the only person who was able to provide at least a short distraction from her torment. That conversation earlier made her feel somewhat normal for a while. Anything was okay as long as she could numb the hateful words that would buzz in her mind reminding her of her failures, weaknesses, and inability to protect what was left of her broken family. Sometimes, she would become so ridden with agony that she would create mindless nonsense in her head just to numb the pain even if only a little.

When she came to the dinner table to eat, she put her watch away. But of course, Randal had to stick his nose where it didn't belong again.

"Ooh, that's just as pretty as you are. What is it?" Randal gushed.

"Oh, that's called 'none of your damn business', Randal. Thanks for asking." Elise curtly responded. She was already getting sick of him, and dinner had just started.

"Hey, Elise?" Tiffany suddenly called out sounding rather guilty.

"Hmm?" Was all she said without even looking up.

Tiffany responded with an apology, "I wanted to say sorry for being nosy about your brother the other day. It was wrong of me not to see how sensitive of a topic that is for you."

Elise looked like she was thinking about what to say next before deciding on something simple, but sad, "It's okay. I know I'm being secretive, but it's for the better."

"Thanks, Elise." Tiffany beamed.

"Adds to her endless beauty." Randal cheered.

"And you just ruined the moment." Tiffany groaned.

Other than Randal being his stupid self, dinner turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. Elise honestly thought that it was going to be hell with Randal prying again. Elise went to retire for the night and play with Monica. She was probably awake by now and waiting for someone to play with. Maybe once this whole mess was done and over with, Elise could introduce Monica to Al and Nina. Unfortunately, that was a dream that wouldn't be a reality for a long time. When she got in though, Monica looked tired, but perked up a bit when she saw Elise.

"Hello, young lady! Were you waiting for me?" Elise once again put up that painful façade for the sake of that innocent baby.

Monica reached her little arms up wanting to be held. A request Elise couldn't possibly deny. She gently picked up the baby girl just soothed her with her movements alone.

"Want me to sing to you again? You look like you're ready for bed." Elise chuckled softly.

Monica was also a nice distraction from the guilt that clawed at her like a hungry animal determined to consume its prey. Elise once again sang that song to little Monica until she fell asleep and began to unwind by reading a book. Books were her way of making sure she could get some sleep. Elise forced herself to keep her mind on the stories she read rather than scolding herself for leaving her brother with that monster. But when she went to bed that night, she couldn't sleep despite herself. Not caring about the retirement schedule, she left her room, shut her door to ensure no one would be suspicious, used the elevator, and went outside…

…

Dani woke up from a nightmare about her parents panting and sweating. Her father's words were still giving her nightmares even years after he said them. Going for walks around her old neighborhood would help. So, she decided to do just that and left her room. Dani used the elevator and left the shop to go for her walk. The night's cool air actually made her feel a lot better.

But as she was walking around the area, she heard Elise's song again ringing out into the night air. There was only one difference. It sounded like a guy was singing the song. Was it Elise's brother? Did she find him? She quickly followed the song to find the person singing the song. The boy she found had long golden hair like Elise except instead of a windswept style, that kid favored tying his hair into a braid. He wore a long, red coat with a strange symbol on it. Dani couldn't help but notice that one of his hands was made of metal.

Dani wasn't sure if he wanted to see anyone. But if she wanted to get answers on whether he was Elise's brother or not, she'd need to ask him. But before she could do that, the boy must've heard her footsteps because he whipped his face towards her. That boy's stare looked determined, but also stern. Dani knew just by looking at him that he was not one to be messed with.

"Why are you out this late?" The boy asked in a surprisingly calm tone.

"I had a bad dream and decided to go for a walk. That's when I heard you singing a song my friend knew." Dani tried explaining.

"What's that person's name? Maybe I know them." The boy responded with little emotion.

"Her name is Elise Red. You know her?" Dani answered hoping it would click.

To her disappointment, he didn't. His only response was,

"No, I don't know anyone with that name."

Trying to hide her crushed hopes, she answered, "That's okay, it's just you and my friend look so alike. If it weren't for the fact that you were a boy, I would've thought you were her."

The boy seemed to lighten up a little bit, but still seemed quite on his guard. So, Dani decided to change the subject.

"I don't think I've seen anyone like you here. Are you a world trotter?"

The boy averted his gaze downward and answered, "Yes."

"Well, that makes two of us. My name's Dani," Dani chirped, "What's yours?"

The boy tensed up a bit when asked that question before giving her a terrifyingly serious look.

"You can't tell anyone you met someone with my name, okay? I'm trying to stay under the radar." The boy said.

"O-Okay. That's fine." Dani quickly responded. She felt like she was talking to a lieutenant.

He walked up to her and whispered to her, "My name is Edward Elric. Don't tell."

Dani smiled and whispered, "Your secret's safe with me."

Edward gave her one last smile before leaving for the alleyways. Dani decided to go back to bed. He was right, no one needed to know about their meeting. They could go about their separate ways like nothing ever happened. Who knows, maybe she would meet him again someday. She returned to her room thankful that no one was awake because that would be awkward to explain.

Although she wanted to believe he was telling the truth, she couldn't help but think he did know Elise somehow. How would he know a song Elise made up? Did she make it up? Someone was lying, but she couldn't put her finger on who it was. There was definitely a relation between Edward and Elise. That was a mystery she would solve in due time. Right now, she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to hit the hay. She silently promised herself she would meet him again sometime.

A/N

Ed, you messed up big time buddy. This chapter was so fun to write. I totally wasn't listening to "Brothers" or "Trisha's Lullaby" while writing. Nope!

Anyway, we also got a deeper look inside of Elise and the burdens she carries. The guilt and agony she endured on a daily basis is incredibly sad.

Dani finally met Edward. But is that a good thing? Because that might throw a wrench in Ed's plans Winry style.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you all in the next chapter.