He was kneeling in front of the fountain again.

Fullmetal would sometimes - on his way back to the dorms - pause in front of a large stone fountain, the sculpture at the centre of two Military men with interlocking sceptres. The water inside was a dull brown colour, moss gathering at the cracks and the small fish inside swimming fruitlessly around for some sort of cleanliness.

Fullmetal would place his gloved hands on the stones and lean forward, so that his braid swung over his shoulder and barely skimmed the surface. It was miniscule, but I could see that the younger alchemist would sometimes rock gently forward - like someone preparing to jump off the edge of a cliff - gathering his courage.

The streets are filled with people but no-one gives the boy a glance - even in his odd choice of position. There's a small smile on Edward's lips as he reaches forward with his right hand - his automail hand - and lets his fingertips dance across the water, dulling the crisp white of his gloves to a stained cream.

I can see Alphonse sitting on a bench beside the cobblestone road, staring at his feet with his hands braced on his knees. He could almost pass as a statue, and indeed some children were tapping his back and shoulders with little fists - giggling at the echoes that ensued.

People look at me as I stride my way over to the fountain with me head held high. They had every right to - I was Colonel Roy Mustang, the famous Flame Alchemist - Hero of the battle of the Ishbalans. They had every right to admire me.

Who else would have murdered all those innocent children so they didn't have to?

I reach Edward and tap his leg lightly with my booted foot; he takes a while to look up at me. My bright blue uniform stands out abnormally in the dull surroundings of the street and I watch as there is a slight frown in his eyes as he stands.

"I was on my way over anyway"

"I know"

"You really didn't have to come and find me"

"I know"

I take his arm gently in my hand and lead him back to HQ. I hear the sounds of children screaming as their supposed statue, Alphonse, stands and hurriedly follow his brother.

I smile genuinely down at Edward, and his looks up at me with those large golden eyes.

"I'm sure the jump could wait for another day, right Fullmetal?"

He seems confused, embarrassed, and happy all at once as he smiles up at me - the happiness in his eyes rivalling the dead that it had replaced.

"I know"

He sais, and his hand slips into mine - concealed by our flapping jackets from the rest of the world.

He knows every time he visits the fountain, I'll be there to pull him back so he doesn't fall into the Abyss of his Sins.