Unlikely Bond

Chapter Three

"I don't hate you."

Rated M for strong and offensive language

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist….and I bet there are a lot of people who are glad about that.

"Full Metal, I'd like to speak to you for a moment."

Edward paused, turning around to look at the Colonel. It was 8 o'clock in the morning, and Ed and Akume were preparing to leave for Central. Akume was near the entrance of the car, saying her good-byes to Riza, Havoc, Armstrong, and Black Hayate. Ed, not really one for long good-byes, merely waved and had gone to board the train when Mustang called to him.

Ed eyed the Colonel for a moment, and then nodded, "Sure."

Mustang led Ed away from the group until they were out of sight. Edward began to feel a little off balance, but managed to keep it from his face. Once Roy was satisfied that they were out of sight and hearing range, he crossed his arms and looked down at Edward.

"I want to make sure you have one thing imbedded in your skull. I know you and Akume do not get along. I don't know why, and, quite frankly, I don't care. But you two are partners and you are going to do everything within your power to keep her safe, do you understand me?"

Ed blinked. So this is what Mustang wanted to talk about, huh? The teen folded his arm and looked away, putting on a look of annoyed arrogance. Everything within his power to keep her safe? Yeah, maybe in some other lifetime. The girl could take care of herself; she didn't need his help. But then her words last night came back to him and he frowned. Ed looked back at the Colonel and shrugged, "And why would I do that?"

Roy's eyes narrowed, "Because, Full Metal, if you don't, I will do worse than kill you."

Ed rolled his eyes and started to walk off, "Sorry, Colonel, but I think I'll be too busy looking out for my own back. Your niece will just-"

Ed wasn't able to finish his sentence. He found himself lifted off his feet and slammed into the nearest wall. His head bounced while a streak of pain went down his back. Ed winced and looked at Mustang. The Colonel had Edward pinned against the wall with one hand, the other poised to snap his fingers. Ed blinked, looking at the fury in Mustang's eyes. Ed couldn't remember Roy looking so angry.

Roy's voice dripped venom, snarling at Edward, who had just realized he'd pushed the wrong buttons this time. "You will do everything to keep her safe. You will die if it means she stays safe, do you understand me?"

Ed nodded and Roy released him. Surprised, Edward fell to the ground. The boy looked up and Mustang had his arms crossed. Carefully, Ed picked himself and his suitcase up, wishing Mustang would move back so he'd have more room. Adjusting his jacket the teen looked at Roy, "You done?"

Roy smiled, "For now, Full Metal."

Stalking back to the train, Ed could feel Roy's eyes on him. He gripped his suitcase handle tightly, silently fuming and rubbing his sore head with his free hand. He had not liked the way Mustang had said 'for now'. Damn, Akume was always causing him trouble! Speaking of Akume….

Ed dodged to the side. Akume had come running off the train, almost knocking into Ed. The blond turned, watching as Akume threw herself into Roy's arms, burying her head into his neck. Edward couldn't stop the pain of jealousy. He knew Akume was an orphan like him, but she at least had Roy. Despite how difficult and annoying (Not to mention perverted) Mustang was, he loved his niece. Ed rubbed his head, looking away as Akume and Roy traded kisses on each other's cheeks.

Ed boarded the train, unable to watch anymore.

Akume wrapped her arms around Roy's neck, hugging him tightly. He embraced her in return, and then set her on the ground. Akume didn't let go until she'd placed a kiss on his nose. Roy stood up, ruffling her hair. Akume grinned and bowed her head, "See you soon, Uncle Roy."

Mustang nodded, and then lifted her chin with a finger. Akume looked at him, puzzled. Mustang leaned in, putting his mouth close to her ear and whispering, "Look after Ed, and be nice. I want you both back in one piece."

He stood back and Akume rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile on her lips. "Sure, I'll keep an eye on him."

Roy patted her shoulder pushed her back playfully, "You better get on that train."

Akume laughed and run onto the train. The whistle sounded and it began to pull out of the station. Edward leaned out of the window to wave. Akume joined him, smiling and throwing kisses back to her friends. Black Hayate chased the train to the end of the platform, while Akume and Edward laughed at the dog's antics. Ed sat back down once the train had cleared the station, but Akume didn't move inside until her uncle was lost to sight.

Back on the platform, Roy stood stiffly, watching the train disappear into the distance. Black Hayate was still barking, and Riza came up beside Mustang. The Colonel stared straight ahead, the worry barely hidden on his face.

"They'll be all right, sir," Hawkeye said, "They always are."

Roy nodded, "Yes, but this is the first time they've been together. If they were just two other alchemists under my command, I would bet they'd kill each other before Scar had a chance."

Black Hayate came trotting up and Riza patted his head, "I would agree if I didn't know that those two didn't get on so well."

Roy looked at her, "Since when do they get on well?"

Riza smirked, saluted, and walked off, saying over her shoulder, "It is classic third grade, Colonel. I'll see you later. Come Black Hayate!"

/------------------------/

Edward spent the first hour and a half looking out the window. Akume spent her time with her nose in a book. They had managed not to make eye contact, and thus had not had an argument yet. However, it was only a matter of time. Akume kept thinking about her uncle's words and remained on the same page for fifteen minutes. Ed found his eyes drifting between outside and Akume.

Eventually Edward's eyes stayed on the girl, and it was at that point Akume gave up trying to read and looked up. Her eyes met Ed's and she was furious to find herself blushing. She closed her book, stuffing it into her traveling bag. When she looked back up, Ed was still staring. Going redder, Akume clenched her fists, snapping venomously, "What are you looking at?"

Edward smirked and looked out the window, successfully keeping his cheeks from going red, "Nothing…I was just thinking."

Curiosity killed the cat, Akume told herself, but it didn't stop her from asking heatedly, "About what?"

Ed looked back at her, and Akume saw his blush, which didn't help things because seeing his deepened her own.

"I was just thinking that you look…that you're...that…" He sighed and looked away, going redder, "That you're prettier when you smile."

Rubbing her nose furiously, trying to make the red go away, Akume snapped, "Your point, asshole?"

Edward's blush turned into a flush of anger, "Is that all you can ever do? Anytime I give you a compliment, you respond with profanity! What's your problem, stupid? What did I ever do to you? Why do you hate me so much?"

Akume blinked and looked at the door, her fists clenching, digging into her seat. She flushed while she felt Ed glaring at her. She sighed and her head bowed. "I don't hate you," she whispered. She raised her head and looked him square in the eyes, and said louder and stronger, "I don't hate you, Elric."

Edward blinked and looked at her. Akume shoved her bag to the floor and lay down on her seat with her back to the boy. She rested her head on her right arm, her left clenching and unclenching its fist. She closed her eyes stubbornly.

"What?" Ed asked, incredulous. Then he yelled, "Then why do you act like such a bitch?"

"Leave me alone!" Akume yelled back, "I don't want to talk to you. So shut up!"

"Not until you answer my question!"

"Like hell I will!"

"Akume!"

Akume shot up and glared at Ed, "Since when did we become friends?"

"What?" Ed said, this time confused.

"I said 'Since when did we become friends?'"

"What are you talking about?"

"I told you the day I called you 'Edward' that meant we were friends. The same applies on how you address me, Elric."

Edward ground his teeth, "Why the hell do you have to be such a prick!"

"You were the prick first!"

"I am not calling you 'Hunter'."

"And why not?"

"Because it'll make you happy, and I'd like nothing more than to wipe that stupid face off your head!"

Akume snarled, "WHO YOU CALLING SO DUMB SHE MIGHT AS WELL BE BLONDE, SHORTY!"

Edward screamed back, "WHO YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE COULD LIVE IN AN ATOM!"

They glared each other before Akume threw herself back down, folding her arms and closing her eyes, "I'm taking a nap."

Ed blinked and frowned, "Hey! You haven't answered my question."

"And I told you to shut up and leave me alone."

Edward sighed, "Fine, sleep. See if I care. I just wanted an answer…"

Akume adjusted on her seat, untangling her purple coat from her legs and sighed, muttering, "You want to know, Elric? Fine…I'll tell you. I'll tell you on the day I call you 'Edward'."

/------------------------/

They arrived in Central some hours later. Edward had occupied himself with various quiet games during the ride because Akume had not moved from her spot. The girl had lay on her seat, wrapped in her coat, hardly moving. Edward knew she wasn't sleeping as she claimed she would be, and it had taken all his self control not to let curiosity get the better of him and ask what was wrong. After all, he'd thought, not talking in better than yelling…keeps my throat from getting sore.

When the train stopped, Akume rose and grabbed her bag, leaving the car without a glance at Ed. The older Alchemist grabbed his suitcase and followed, running to keep up. By the way she was walking, it was clear Akume was bothered about something, and Ed had a feeling it all had to do with him. He would have been lying if he'd said he didn't care; he did care and wished she'd just tell him. They were partners after all, how were they supposed to work together if they couldn't communicate like civilized people.

And why does it bother me, Ed asked himself. She's just like Mustang, an arrogant, blackmailing pain in the ass.

"Brother!"

Edward stepped off the train after Akume and looked toward the call. The older Elric brother smiled and waved as Alphonse ran up. Al was grinning from ear to ear, his bronze eyes gleaming in happiness. Ed allowed himself to be picked up and squeezed, until he felt the need to breathe.

"Oh brother! I missed you so much!"

"Uh…Al?" Ed gasped, "Can't….breathe…"

"Oh," Alphonse gasped and dropped his elder brother. Edward crumpled to the ground, landing on his hands and knees, gasping for air. After a moment, he looked up sideways at his brother and grinned.

"Quite a grip there, Al."

Al blushed, "Thank you brother. Lieutenant Colonel Hughes has been keeping me busy."

Ed stood up, "I can see that."

Alphonse grinned, looking down at Edward. Akume stood to the side, looking at the two brothers, and shook her head. It was a funny sight, really. Edward was the eldest, but he was a full head shorter than Al. And while Ed was still thin and lanky, Al had packed on some muscle, no doubt courtesy of whatever Hughes had been doing to him.

Alphonse must have felt her staring, for he turned and smiled, "Hello Akume. You look well."

Akume grinned, putting a hand on her hip and cocking her head, "You don't look so bad yourself there, Al. What's Uncle Maes put you up to? Gym?"

Al rubbed his neck, "No. He volunteered me to help Glacier around the house in my off time. And, when I'm not doing that, I'm helping Winry."

Akume narrowed her eyes, "What kind of help?"

Al laughed, "A lot of heavy lifting." He flexed his arms and looked hopeful, "Do you think I'll get to be like Armstrong?"

Ed rolled his eyes, "Just don't go taking your shirt off."

Al went red, "Brother! How can you even think I'd do a thing like that? Of course I wouldn't, it would be embarrassing. Besides, it would make Winry mad at me. Here, let me take your suitcase."

Ed passed his suitcase to Alphonse. The three started to walk to the Hughes household, but it was not in silence.

"So," Akume asked, looking evil, "How are things with you and Win?"

Al looked over at Akume and smiled, "Really well. I asked her…well, I think I should keep my mouth shut. She'd want to be the one to tell you both."

Ed looked sideways at his brother, "Oh?"

Al looked ahead resolutely, "Don't even try, brother. I won't say anything else and you can't make me."

"Oh, but I can."

Akume laughed, a sound that startled Ed but gave Alphonse enough time to find a new topic of conversation. "How are you two doing? Must be nice working together."

Ed and Akume looked at Al, then at each other, then away, speaking at the same time.

"Wonderful."

"Terrible."

Al raised an eyebrow, "Those are conflicting conclusions."

Akume glanced at Al, "I was being sarcastic, Alphonse."

Al looked hurt, "Then you and brother are not getting along?"

"Have we ever got along?" Ed almost yelled, glaring at Akume, who, in a show of maturity, stuck her tongue out at him. Ed made a rude gesture with his hand, and Akume returned the favor with another. Appalled, Al stopped walking, "Brother! That wasn't very nice."

"She started it!"

Al looked at Akume, "And you aren't being very nice either."

"It's his fault!"

"Oh boy," Al sighed and started off again. Not wanting to be left with just each other for company, Akume and Ed ran after him, trading insults under their breaths until they were within hearing rang of Alphonse.

/------------------------/

"Akume!"

The black haired girl stumbled backward, surprised by the sudden assault. Letting her bag slip from her shoulder, Akume returned the embrace before forcing the other back. Akume's green eyes lit up and she laughed, "Win! How are you?"

Winry smiled, shrugging giddily, "Oh, pretty good. I have some great news though."

"Well?"

Winry patted Akume's head, "Not right now, May. Later. Oh, Edward!"

Akume chuckled; following Alphonse into the house while Winry attacked Ed with a massive hug. Akume rubbed her arm, looking at Al, "Well…she hasn't changed much."

Al laughed, shaking his head in agreement, "No, she hasn't…and I hope she never does."

"Akume!"

Once more, Akume let her bag drop to the floor. She knelt down, her arms open, and then scooped Elysia into her arms, standing to swing the little girl around. Elysia giggled, her arms wrapped around Akume's neck. Akume stopped spinning and leaned her head back, grinning, "How you been, Elysia? I hear you started school. Do you like it?"

Elysia nodded, "Oh yes. I really love it, and I love my uniform. Mommy drops me off and Daddy picks me up everyday. Well, not everyday since there's no school on Saturday or Sunday. I with there was." Elysia cocked her head and asked gravely, "Daddy said that you and Edward don't like each other. Is that true? Why don't you like Ed?"

Akume closed her eyes and sighed. After a moment, she looked at Elysia and smiled, rubbing her nose against hers, "I don't know where your Daddy got that idea, Elysia. I like Ed."

"How much?"

There was a pause. Akume bit her lip and tilted her head to the side before looking back at the little girl and brushing their noses together. "I like him a lot."

"You swear?" Elysia said, holding out a hand, pinky raised.

Akume laughed and linked pinkies with the little girl, "I promise."

"That's good," Elysia said. The younger girl looked over Akume's shoulder and laughed, "Ed!"

Akume dropped Elysia and turned, watching as the kid ran up into Ed's arms. Akume's green eyes locked with Edward's gold and they just looked at each other. Akume looked away first, whirling around, putting her back to the boy. How long had he been standing there?

"Ed…Daddy says you don't like May. Is that true?"

Akume heard the familiar train of questions. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hear or not, but in the end, she snatched up her bag and left the room, not hearing whatever answer Ed gave.

"Akume! How are you? You're uncle just called asking if you'd arrived yet. I hope Edward is still alive?"

Akume rolled her eyes, "Yes he is Uncle Maes."

Hughes laughed and grabbed Akume, hugging her tightly, "I'm so glad to hear that! You've grown since I last saw you." He set down, Akume gasping for breath. Maes smiled and Akume raised an eyebrow. She felt him put his hand on her head and she winced. She hated it when people did that.

"You're turning into a very beautiful young lady, Akume. Roy must be proud."

Akume smirked, "Yeah. Riza says he beams like a father."

Maes laughed, "Now I'd like to see that!" His expression changed and he turned serious. Akume winced. Ach, she hated when he got like that! "Akume, I am serious. You are a beautiful young woman, and others are bound to notice. I just want you to be careful on this trip, okay? There are a lot of perverts out there."

"You mean like Uncle Roy and his mini-skirt policy?"

Maes smiled, "I mean worse than your uncle."

Akume cocked her head, "Why are you suddenly so concerned, Uncle Maes?"

Hughes patted her head again, "Let's just say that Roy isn't the only one who beams." Once more his expression changed and Akume stepped back, a photograph shoved into her face, "Speaking of beaming, doesn't Elysia look so cute in her school uniform?"

Akume laughed and nodded, taking the photo. "She sure does. You got anymore of these?"

The rest of the day went on with a happy air, everyone chatting and catching up on things. Hughes showed so many pictures his wife threatened to hide them all if he didn't stop. That had gotten a good laugh, but the laughs from Ed and Akume turned to open mouths when the bomb was dropped.

"So, Winry, Al started to tell us something at the station, but said you'd be mad if he kept going, what is it?" Ed asked, still chuckling.

Winry smiled, looping her arm through Alphonse's. She looked up at him, "Should we tell them now, or wait?"

"Tell us what?" Akume asked, leaning forward.

Al nodded, "I think so. If we don't, brother will get it out of me before midnight."

Winry stood, putting up a finger, indicating for everyone to wait. Maes and Glacier exchanged knowing glances. Akume and Ed had the same expression on their faces, that of curiosity and frustration at being out of the loop. After a few moments of silence, Winry returned with a rectangular box and set it on the table. She took off the lid and Ed and May leaned forward, looking inside. It was an automail arm, obviously one of the newest models. Winry was beaming, holding Al's hand.

Edward and Akume looked at the arm, and then to Al and Winry, then to Maes and Glacier, then to Elysia, then at each other, before Ed sighed, looking at his brother, "You couldn't tell us about an arm?"

"No, brother. Winry and I are engaged."

Akume and Ed's mouths dropped. They blinked like fishes for several minutes. Akume was the first to snap out of it. She stood up, walked to Winry and looked at the other girl's hands. When she didn't see a new ring, she looked at Winry, frowning, "You don't have a ring, Win…is this a joke?"

Winry let go of Al's hand and turned Akume around by the shoulders. She then pointed at the arm in the box, talking excitedly, "Of course I don't! Al knows me so well, when he proposed, he gave me that. That arm is my engagement 'ring'. Isn't he the best? He knows me so well!"

Edward looked at his brother and laughed, "I gotta hand it to you, Al…that's original."

"Thank you brother."

"So, when's the wedding?"

"In about a year and a half."

Akume looked at Al, "Two years?"

Winry nodded, "Yes. Al said he couldn't wait to ask me anymore, just in case someone else 'stole my heart' as he put it. We're going to marry after Al turns 18, that way we don't have to deal with a whole lot of paperwork."

"Makes sense," Akume said, looking down at the arm.

Ed stood, "Well, I'm very happy for the both of you."

Al smiled, "Thank you brother. I hope one day you'll be able to do the same thing."

Akume was hugging Winry, her back to Edward. As such, only Win and Al saw the look in Edward's eyes. "Yeah, I hope so too Al…but I doubt I'll use an arm."