Grace

"I'm sorry kid, the entire battalion's been mobilized."

"You're not going to get yourself killed, are you?" Ed watched Jean sag against the kitchen counter. He suddenly wished that he hadn't asked the question.

"Why does everyone ask us that?" the older man asked. "There's no way that we can guarantee that we'll survive what decides to happen to us. We're military. We know that death is a very real outcome. We've lived by the sword, and it only makes sense that we'd die by the sword, too." Tired blue eyes looked his way, but didn't seem to actually see anything. "Just... don't ask me that again. I don't like lying about something this big." A wan imitation of the man's cocky grin flashed his way. "Especially to someone who's been so goddamned traumatized already."

"I'm not made out of glass," Ed grumbled.

"No, but even a diamond has a breaking point. The trick of staying alive and sane is to never forget that there is a breaking point, and that it can be reached so very, very easily." Havoc glanced up at the clock. "I don't want you to lose it too soon," he said. The tall man pulled on the heavy wool military jacked and stooped to briefly kiss Ed's cheek. "Just go home and hang out with Al and Winry until I get back, okay? It's not healthy to be stuck in a bachelor's apartment indefinitely. "

Ed stuck out his tongue impishly, hoping that it hid his nervousness and worry. "You've done if for years!"

"Yeah, well, I've had to do it. You've always been with someone, even if it was just a dog. Besides, I'm sure Al would adore seeing you again." He disappeared out the door with a casual wave of a hand.

Ed ran to the window and watched the scrunched-up blonde hurry down the walk. As much as he felt odd for admitting it, he really... liked the man. He would miss Jean. A lot.