A month has passed since your group split in three, and you're no closer to uncovering all of the notes left by Scar's brother than you were back then.

Your first stop had been to travel to the ruins of Xerxes, a place suggested by Alphonse Elric. Making your way passed the disconcerting amount of Amestrian soldiers in the area surrounding the ruins had been surprisingly easy; then again, Scar has become something of an expert in hiding, thanks to spending a considerable amount of time on the run.

The ruins turned out to be a bust, but not a total loss. The half-ruined symbol matched the one of the transmutation symbols in the book, conclusively proving what you'd already suspected; whatever led to the demise of Xerxes is what the homunculi are planning to do to Amestris.

After that unfortunate confirmation, you'd been greeted by a more immediate threat; Marcoh, who had wandered off to explore the ruins, was ambushed by a group of Ishvalans. After hearing his cries for assistance, you and Scar had rushed to his aid, which had almost immediately put a stop to the incident; apparently, the group had no interesting in fighting two of their own.

As much of a relief as that was, it then led to yet another disaster; they recognised Scar. Not from the description being distributed by the military, but because they had seen him murder the doctors.

Things had become tense after that, with the group threatening to contact the authorities. It's just as well you'd insisted on staying by Scar's side, as you'd been able to explain your current task, and to reassure them that Scar isn't the same person he was back then.

Their attitude towards Scar didn't change completely, but they did soften up enough to tell you some rather intriguing information.

Apparently, there's a nomadic alchemist travelling somewhere in Amestris at the moment. They didn't know his name of his past, but what they did know is that he possesses knowledge that could be vital in helping you decipher the notes.

You'd left the area immediately after hearing that information, and set off to find the mysterious traveller.

Three weeks later, you, Scar, and Marcoh are currently camped out in a forest in the ass end of nowhere, still on the hunt for the man who could have the answers you seek.

You let out a heavy sigh as you poke your makeshift fire pit with a stick. The day of reckoning is drawing ever closer, and yet you feel as if you've achieved nothing. All you've done is act as camp caretaker whilst Scar and Marcoh work on figuring out what they can from the notes while they wait for the traveller to appear.

You hate to admit it, but you almost regret coming.

As much as you're used to traveling by now, this last month has been hard on you. You seem to be getting fatigued faster than usual, and you've had to stop the group more than once just so you can catch your breath. You've also had this unshakable unease in the pit of your stomach that seems to intensify every time you think about your current situation.

That's when it hits you; you're afraid. You've been so busy ignoring up until now that the whole thing has washed over you all at once. You're afraid for your fellow man, afraid of what will happen a few months from now, and utterly terrified of losing Scar. It had been so easy to brush that aside until now, but that transition from companions to lovers has raised the stakes so high that now you know just how much you have to lose. You didn't realise just how important Scar had become to you until the moment he became the only thing you had to focus on. Well, except Marcoh, who mostly keeps to himself. He seems to have picked up on your fatigue as well, as he's constantly taking you to one side to ask about it.

As nice as Marcoh's concern is, you're beginning to worry that such concern may alert Scar to your less-than-stellar mental state, and that will only mean one thing; a one-way ticket to Leore.

Even if he hadn't commented on your mental state, you're sure he's not completely oblivious to it. After all, trying to hide such things from a lover isn't an easy task, especially when you spend every waking moment together.

You're so lost in your thoughts that you don't notice Scar approaching you, and jump a little when you hear his voice coming from your immediate vicinity. 'Marcoh and I are done for the evening. Come, there is something I wish to show you.' He extends his hand, and you take it without hesitation, standing up and letting him lead you wherever he wants you to go.

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Scar ends up leading you to a clearing, at the sight before you takes your breath away.

In the middle of the clearing, heading off into the forest at either end, is a crystal clear river, the surface of which is gently reflecting the moonlight and the stars.

Scar wraps his arms around your waist before giving your neck a soft kiss. 'This is the cleanest body of water we've come across in a while. I thought we could bathe together for a while, if you wish. I've checked the water out, there doesn't appear to be anything sinister in there. Or I can leave you to bathe in private if you'd like; I know you've had little in the way of privacy lately. If you need some time to yourself, I'll understand completely.' And miss out on making a memory? No way. Besides, a nice dip will do wonders for your mind… as long as there really isn't anything sinister in there. Nothing like leeches to kill the mood, after all…

You let out a contented sigh, relaxing into Scar's embrace. 'I suppose I could let you join me, but only if you promise to rub my back for me.'

Scar lets out a low chuckle. 'I can do much more than that if you wish.' Well, this really is going to be a nice dip!

Plan decided, you turn around to face Scar, before grabbing the bottom of his hurt and pulling it up his body. He lifts his hands over his head to allow you to slide the garment off completely, and you can't resist peppering a few kisses along his torso while he's in such a vulnerable position. Besides, it's not like he's never done the same to you…

With his shirt off, Scar pounces, bringing your body flush against his own. Before you can so much as gasp at the sudden contact, Scar crushes his lips against yours, distracting you with a passionate kiss as his hands get to work on your clothing. The heat of his hands against the bare flesh of your skin is now as familiar as it is arousing, and you feel yourself heat up as you recall all the things he's done to you with those hands lately.

The kiss is briefly interrupted by Scar unceremoniously yanking your shirt over your head before he locks lips with you again, his hands going to the rather fiddly task of removing your bra. Or rather it would be fiddly, if Scar was anyone else. As it is, he has the offending garment off in mere moments before whipping it off of you and throwing it away, leaving you both equally bare. He seems determined to finish undressing you first though, as he has your trousers halfway down your legs before you even register his hands moving.

Breaking the kiss, Scar kneels before you so he can undress you properly, slipping off your shoes before finishing what he started with your trousers. You put your hands on his shoulders to steady yourself, casually admiring the way his muscles flex as he works.

When you're down to just your underwear, Scar looks up at you, lust burning in his eyes. 'I never tire of seeing you like this. Flushed skin, desire written all over your face…' he slips a hand into your underwear, and starts teasing your damp opening. '… the ever-welcoming paradise between your legs. Moments like this, it's easy to forget that I don't deserve to see any of those things. It's especially hard to remember that when you offer them to me so freely.' He hooks two fingers over the crotch of your underwear before teasing them down your legs, watching them slide down with great intensity.

When they finally hit the ground, you hop out of them playfully, before deciding that now would be a good time to tease him. As he goes in to kiss the bare skin of your navel, you jump back, and leap into the river, the slight chill of the water causing you to shriek.

When you look back at Scar, he's desperately trying to finish undressing himself, eager to join him. Deciding that turnabout is fair play, you watch him, and decide to give him a few choice words of your own.

Your voice takes on a seductive tone. 'If you think you're the lucky one for seeing me like this, I should buy you a mirror; you're the very image of masculinity when you're all fired up like this.' You bite your lower lip as he unceremoniously shoves his trousers and underwear down simultaneously, his erection springing forth proudly.

Instead of smirking at your comment like you thought he would, Scar's answering expression is a genuine smile. 'I am only the image of masculinity because you see me as a man, and because right now this man wants his woman.' You're not sure what he means by 'you see me as a man', but you'll think on it later; Scar is fast approaching the river, making your body quiver in anticipation.

Scar's lips attack your neck the moment he enters the river, and his hands grab your thighs hard enough to leave bruises. That doesn't faze you in the slightest though; just so long as he doesn't send you away because of them.

You wrap your legs around Scar's waist, the water making such a task easier than it is normally. Scar also seems to appreciate the water's presence, as it makes it easier for him to grind your clit against his erection, eliciting a string of moans from you both. His teasing is enough for you to start feeling the first tender shoots of an orgasm, but all that you really want right now is for him to stop teasing you and start making love properly.

Scar seems to think the same, as he uses his grip to position your entrance above his erection. He slides into you with ease, filling you completely before stilling, taking a moment to enjoy the feeling of being encased in your welcoming walls. You can't help bucking your hips a little, trying to coax him into moving. He's having none of it though, as he only tightens his grip on you further before leaving down to suckle at a breast.

You cry out in a mixture of ecstasy and desperation, body begging for more.

When Scar still refuses to move, you decide to beg as well, as your body's begging is clearly not enough. 'Please, Scar. Please move. I need you to make love to me like you mean it.'

Scar releases your nipple so he can bring his mouth to your ear. 'I always mean it.' With that, he pulls back so he's barely inside of you before slamming back into you with practiced intensity, grunting with the effort of such a thing.

He starts off thrusting as slowly as he had a moment ago, but he soon loses himself in the act, his pace quickening as he begins to thrust in earnest. All you can bring yourself to do is grab his shoulders and let him take command, as his grip prevents you from moving your hips. You don't care about that though, not when he's angling his thrusts in a way that's driving you mad. It's enough to make you regret not trying to seduce him, rather than romantically pursuing him. Still, perhaps it's the romantic connection that makes it even sweeter.

You're not at all surprised when your orgasm hits; you'd be more surprised if Scar finished first at this point.

When your body finally finishes convulsing around him, Scar pulls out, wrapping a hand around his erection. He only has to stroke himself a few times before he releases himself into the stream, his essence a noticeable blob of colour against the otherwise crystal clear water.

Sated, Scar cradles you to his chest before relaxing against the river's bank, the cool water cradling you both as you catch your breath.

As usual, it's Scar who recovers first. He gently strokes your hair as he speaks for the first time in a while. 'I hope that wasn't too much for you. I know you've been finding it difficult to keep pace lately.' Shit, so he really does know.

You're about to explain yourself, but Scar speaks before you get the chance. 'Relax. I have no plans to send you away over that which I am the cause of. I appreciate that making love is draining, yet I just can't help myself when it comes to you. If my… attention is too much for you, tell me. I am more than happy to leave you be for the night, so long as you still spend it with me.' You hadn't actually considered that that's what's making you so tired. It makes perfect sense though; this past month has been the first month you've ever spent with a lover. It's only natural that his affections are tiring you out. Now, if you could only find a way to ease your worry…

Said worry seems to intensify when you hear a voice behind Scar. 'Well, I certainly wasn't expecting to see this tonight! Is there a reason the two of you are canoodling in the river, or shall I contact the authorities and tell them I've found a couple of perverts? Then again, I'd feel bad handing them an Ishvalan couple, given how they seem to be prone to racist outburst…' Your heart drops down into your stomach.

Someone has found you and Scar…

… and you're both naked.

Fighting off the urge to cry with shame, you look up at the person who found you.

It's a man, that much is clear. His hair is jet black and shoulder length, though he seems to be going grey in places. His clothes are well-worn, threadbare in many places. His shoes look as though they've been repaired by hand several times over, and there's a backpack over his shoulders that seems to be the length of his torso.

The most striking thing of all is that he doesn't look Amestrian; he looks Xingese.

Could this be…?

Quick as a flash, Scar switches your positions, using his body to cover yours. He glares up at the man, and seems to be gearing up for a fight, until the man does something quite unexpected.

He smiles at Scar warmly, laughing out loud as he does.

As you and Scar share a confused look, the man speaks again. 'Goodness me, I'm sorry. I didn't recognise you without the glasses. I suppose the giant cross on your face didn't help on that front either. You've gotten a lot bulkier too, but I'm guessing that's all thanks to the exercise you've been getting, am I right? Never saw you as the type to settle down though; I thought you'd end up marrying that notebook of yours!' Now you're really confused. Glasses? Bulkier? Notebook? What the…?

Scar seems to radiate sadness as he answers the man. 'I think you have me confused for my brother. He died during the war of extermination. Were you a friend of his?' Oh. Well that all makes sense. You're glad Scar isn't in the same post-orgasmic haze you seem to be…

The strange man becomes very somber. 'Brother? Goodness, I'm so terribly sorry. He had a brilliant mind, your brother. It's so rare to come across someone like him these days. I taught him everything I know about alkahestry, and I even helped him in his attempts to merge it with alchemy. I see he must have passed on some of his knowledge to you, at least; that tattoo on your arm is one of the things he and I worked on together. Curious that you chose the destruction one, when you seem much more interested in making something.' He gestures to you, and you let out a nervous laugh, still on edge about the situation. You're just hoping this mysterious, disheveled stranger who seems to have travelled far is willing to let this sli-

Oh. OH. Your brain finally clicks into gear. This must be the traveller that you've spent the past three weeks searching for!

Now, how can you convince him to help you without letting him see you naked?