"Phone for you, sir." Riza called.

Roy looked at the coffee desperately. "Can it wait a moment? I really…"

"It is Gracia, sir."

Roy's mouth formed a silent "oh" of interest and abandoned his quest for caffeine in favor of discovering what was on Gracia's mind. He took the phone from Riza with a smile of thanks. "Mustang."

"Roy. How are you?"

"I'm well, Gracia. How are things with you?"

"Well, right now Elysia is back to showing her entire teddy collection to Edward after a short break for a nap. He looks a bit overwhelmed." The woman's voice was warm, bringing a smile to Roy's face. "Actually, I wanted to call and talk to you about Edward, Roy."

"Oh?"

"I was wondering if you would mind if he stayed here for a while. Elysia adores him, and I think he could use the company."

Roy frowned ever so slightly. "I am going to have to run some bureaucrats in circles…"

"But you can? They will never let him out of that hospital."

"As always, your sense of perception is daunting, Gracia. Our Edward is most definitely more than a few steps away from comfortably, acceptably sane."

"And not at all likely to improve with isolation like that. Ed has spent enough time in hospitals anyway. Maes used to visit him more there than anywhere else."

"Always getting rather banged up, wasn't he…" Pleasant nostalgia led to a stunning epiphany. "Gracia…do you think you would mind another houseguest?"

"Not immediately, but who did you have in mind?"

Roy grinned, a toothy expression that would have sent anyone seeing it instantly on guard. "I'm thinking a certain automail mechanic would be more than willing to visit."

"Hmm…" Roy could hear Gracia tapping on the phone as she considered his proposal. "Yes, that could work out. Don't call her yet though. Let me see if I can get Edward a little more settled before we go pulling in other people. I would hate to overwhelm him."

"Gracia, have I taken the time to mention you are brilliant as well as lovely lately?" Roy smiled into the phone.

"Roy, save the flattery for women who don't know better." Her smile was more than apparent in her words, letting Roy know that the compliment was appreciated.

"It's nothing less than the truth, Gracia. Well, I am going to set Riza at the paperwork I am going to need to get Ed a clear bill of mental health. Let me know if you need anything."

"Give my regards to Lieutenant Hawkeye, Roy."

"I will. And, Gracia?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"Come over for dinner tonight, Roy. I'm sure the office will survive without you for a bit."

"You know me too well." Roy chuckled, tension easing in anticipation of the chance to see how Ed was doing. "Let me get things moving on this end. I will be over as close to supper as I can."