Hey guys! I'm really happy about all the reviews I received for the previous chapter and for your opinions! (sweat drop) As for the changing in POV's between first and third person, I remember I had a reason for it (something to do with Ed being in unknown territory in a tricky situation and not allowing the reader to see his deepest thoughts or something like that) but I decided to change it to first person POV since I can't fully remember why I switched . (face palm) Stupid all nighters and studying...ugh.

ANSWERS TO REVIEWS:

Emma: Well, certainly a few of them, though I THINK I will leave Lust, Gluttony and Sloth out of this one, or maybe they will have a cameo appearance at key events, I'm still not sure what their roles could be in the future.

Daughterofapollo12345: (scratches neck) Ehehe...hahah You'll see ;) Though I seriously can't promise that any of you guys will like it (especially since I don't like it myself T_T) but yeah...this IS a fic about war (among other things ofc) so yeah...casualties be made, losses suffered T_T. haha Protect them in spirit, that was funny ^^. Thanks! I actually wanted to build up more drama between Ed and the soldier with the bazooka but I figured in this chapter there will be enough drama as it is :P

OtakuGirl: Oh hello no! Greed and Ling, that's a firm no, no! As for Hughes...eh, I can't really guarantee that one, sorry OtakuGirl!

Bloodynessie: (blushes) Thanks so much! :) Nah, I don't think so, really, your English is pretty good so far :D Oh, I'm sorry about that, you know, I used to be picked on because of my languages so I wasn't too happy I had to learn them when I was a kid (grins) But yeah, I'm far more motivated to learn as much as possible because I realized knowledge is something that can't be replaced and shouldn't be ridiculed. If somebody isn't as smart as someone else then they should set their goal to learn something new every day. (smiles) Thanks I'm glad some of my stories inspire my readers, that's sort of a second effect I would like to have since many of my stories are either about war, coping with loss, school/everyday life, friendships...etc.

Panic: Ohhh sorry about that! Haha Tell me about it, my sisters are studying too, my oldest studies at her third university, yes third XD So yeah...thank you so much for the compliments! :3 Eh, I admit, not my best piece of work, especially since the ending was a bit rushed. As for the POV change, I clarified that in author's notes. Initially, it was deliberate, but my too tired brain just can't remember why I did that, I hope I remember though . Don't worry about that, I'm glad when you and the rest gives me pointers on what to change/improve! I mean, only through that will I evolve as a amateur writer and improve my writing! ;)

Curligurl0896: Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it! :D Ah (scratches head in embarrassment) like I said, I clarified that up in author's notes, but basically, originally I had a reason why I switched from first person to third, but unfortunately my too tired brain forgot why . I hope I remember it again though. But thank you for the pointer really! :) and thanks for reading my story too!

Enjoy reading everyone!

QUESTION: Does anyone have any suggestions to what roles Gluttony, Sloth and Lust could incorporate? I'm not too sure about those three, since I thought to use them as cameo appearances in key events, not really actively make them a part of the storyline. But I'm not too sure, SUGGESTIONS and OPINIONS are welcome! Thank you guys in advance!

INFO ON CHAPTER: This chapter starts right off where the SECOND chapter ("A Shift in View") ended!

The Fullmetal Soldier

The air was silent and tense for a moment, heavy breathing were the only sounds registered in the younger Elric's mind as he still tried to wrap his head around what had just occurred.

He wasn't exactly what one could call a "seasoned veteran army doctor" quite yet, he had a couple of years under his belt, but he couldn't compare to Scar, who used to be a army doctor for his country before it had been taken over by Creta's troops, who were known to be a hostile and problematic country in the past, interpersonal relationships aside, they generally weren't exactly Amestris' favorite trading partners, much less partners at times such as war.

It wasn't a big secret that many soldiers of Central, the Headquarters of the military might in Amestris, had a strong suspicion that Creta assisted Drachma with additional firearms and more importantly economical supplies. Drachma was a country full of military power, similar to Amestris, though it's arctic temperatures prove a hindrance to Amestrian soldiers, who were more used to warmer climate as opposed to the chill of the north.

Alphonse looked worriedly at his older brother, who stood over the fallen, dead bodies of the soldiers that had had him surrounded not even a few minutes ago. He would never admit it, but sometimes, only sometimes, Alphonse was fearful of the power seated within his brother, not because he thought he could hurt him or their friends, but because he feared it would brand him an outsider and cause him to grow cold, not that he already weren't looked upon as an outsider, with his physical appearance.

Al slowly took a cautious step forward, watchful golden eyes on his brother's panting form, his human hand loosely hanging by his side, blood dripping down his fingers, soaking into the soil underneath, "Brother?" Al didn't know what worried him more, the fact that his brother was in this state or that blood was dripping down his arm, blood he didn't know belonged to his brother or to the men he had just killed.

No answer. Only ragged breaths for air as his brother waited for the pain to pass and for his body to finally calm down from its adrenaline rush.

Alphonse waited, recognizing the signs of physical exhaustion, not to mention his brother's physical well being has also been tested by that life threatening operation a few years back...

The panting was reduced to slow, deep breathing, controlled breathing, Alphonse relaxed slightly, that was a good sign. He felt a bit of relief wash over him when he heard Ed's rough voice speak quietly, "I'm alright Al...I'm fine..."

The long silence following the questionable statement caused Al's concern to soar again and he cautiously approached his brother before the older male cut him off, "Don't," he turned his head slightly, just enough to meet his younger brother's eye.

The command set in Edward's eyes told Al not to doubt the seriousness of his order, but he couldn't help himself, this was his brother for goodness sake! Al didn't worry about status or rank, family always came first, no matter the situation.

"You're injured brother, I have to help-" Alphonse started but was cut off again.

Ed chuckled lowly with a ragged gasp, "I told you I'm fine Al, go help our men escape and check them for injuries. Send in Greed and Hughes," Al didn't miss the way his brother's entire body stiffened to rigidness when he attempted to move his hand, so he left it there, hanging limply on his side.

The younger Elric sighed and against his better judgment as a doctor and younger brother, he quickly walked to the back to get said people to his brother.

Once Al was out of view, Ed allowed himself to exhale loudly, nearly falling to one knee if he didn't catch himself in the last minute. He over exhausted himself again it seemed, wouldn't be the first or last time. Ed looked down at his other arm, covered in a dark red, thick liquid.

The majority of his torso and legs were covered in blood, some his but most of it were his enemies' blood. He had only been so harsh with his brother because he didn't want Al to see him like this, he may be a army doctor, but Ed wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully if he scared Al by making him look like this.

Ed was startled out of his thoughts by two pairs of hands supporting him by his shoulders, his arms flung over a broad shoulder and he sighed in relief, "Thanks guys I-"

"You didn't think I would just listen to you did you brother?" Ed's eyes shot open, Greed and Hughes were supporting him on either side and he looked in front of him, where Al was standing with a disapproving look on his face, scrutinizing him. Ed felt guilty.

"Al..." he whispered, his gut clenching uncomfortably.

He sighed, "Brother, I've seen worse than this, trust me. It bothers me to see you like this because you're my brother but I won't break from seeing a bit of blood." He offered Ed a small smile, before asking seriously, "How is your wound? How much of that blood is yours?" he walked closer, eyes fixed on his abdomen where his wound stung.

Ed grunted with effort, "Don't worry, I'm fine, just a bit...t-tire-" before he knew it, darkness overwhelmed his senses and Ed fell forward but he was stopped by Greed who put a hand to his chest and righted him again.

Greed shook his head and sighed, "Kids these days, making parents and friends worry since day one," Hughes agreed silently, worriedly glancing down at the young man who was young enough to be his own son.

"We better get him to safety and out of here, his wounds look serious and we have no idea how much blood is his and how much he lost," Greed nodded at Hughes' suggestion and looked at Al.

"I called for backup, they should be here any minute to help ya with the captives," Al nodded at Greed and he watched them take his brother and superior away from the battlefield and in the direction of their medical tent south.

He sighed, resting his hands on his hips, thinking deeply. Hughes noticed it and rose an eyebrow in question, "What are you thinking?" his expression grew serious as if he knew his suspicions would be confirmed the minute Greed spoke.

And they were, "This won't be like with Aerugo and Amestris before...will it?" Greed opened his violet eyes and looked at Maes, whose eyes flashed in recognition.

The older man shook his head slowly, "I'm afraid...it will be much worse," the words hung heavy in the air, Greed's shoulders tensed at the thought of a war that would continue for more than just a few years.

Like back then with Aerugo and Amestris, granted their conflict was more a matter of cultural differences as well as political misunderstandings. It took two years for the conflict to resolve and the military to retreat and another year to fully reconcile and mostly repair collateral damages done to either countries.

But this...Drachma wasn't a small country, while Amestris was the country with the most fire power, Drachma wasn't one to be trifled with either. Their arctic climate proves as a further hindrance since Amestrian soldiers aren't as resilient against the cold as the Drachma people are, having gained a natural resilience against the biting cold their people were known for through years of living in such conditions.

Aside from geographical differences, Drachma was very...conflicted about Amestris and vice versa. Due to Amestris' militaristic ideology, Drachma, as was their nature to always be one step above their opponent, gained a mighty military power, adding to the fact that the country is currently being led by a more or less dictator orientated leader than a righteous democratic one. While the leader swore to uphold the rules every democratic orientated country is sworn to follow, spies the Amestrian military sent to investigate report that the leader may stage a public conflict between the two opposing countries which would eventually lead to war.

Funny, since that was exactly what happened.

Greed bit his lip, his frown creating a crease between his eyes, "Damn it all to hell, stupid Drachma bastards," he scoffed, slinging the bazooka from the ground onto his shoulder and walking in the direction toward their team, with Hughes following behind.

"This will end badly," he commented, something akin to fear in his wise eyes that had seen too much too soon.

Greed scoffed, "Ya think?" he bit his tongue but hissed out anyway, "I know that those damn Creta fools are aiding Drachma, Drachma may be a country full of military and all, but Creta has the agriculture and the supplies Drachma lacks; men outside of the military. In Creta, each city is hostile toward one another and not everyone can support Drachma, so I imagine Creta is currently in disarray." He rubbed his forehead, "I'm too old for this shit,"

Hughes shook his head and rested a heavy hand on Greed's broad shoulder, "Tch, not old enough yet," Greed clicked his tongue, marching forward.

"Oh my god! Honey! It's you! Finally! I've been starting to get worried! I didn't hear from you in two weeks?! What happened? Are you injured?" the concerned feminine voice of his girlfriend rang in Greed's ears as he scratched his bandaged head.

He replied easily, "Nah, I'm fine sweetheart. Wait, that's weird, you usually don't call me honey that often. Are you sick? I'm fine really, just tired from all this shit," he waited for Lena to tell him how much he was missed but he hoped for too much.

His ears almost bled, "YOU FUCKING PRICK! YOU MADE ME WORRIED FOR TWO WHOLE WEEKS! IF YOU AREN'T INJURED OR YOUR HEAD IS BARELY HANGING ON YOUR SHOULDERS THEN I UNDERSTAND BUT YOU'RE COMPLETELY FINE YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING-" Greed quickly cut off her rant before he got a brain trauma.

"I missed you too sweetheart," his tone turned softer, a tone he only ever used with her when he was sincere and showing his feelings. It was that tone that softened his usual deep, slightly gruff voice, adding a warm note into it. Lena once described it as "adding a feeling of security and familiarity, a sign of affection to her". Funny how much you can find out about someone's voice.

She stopped her rant, taking a deep breath, "Yeah, yeah, I missed you too you idiot. So, tell me, how is it at the border? Did you head out? Did those Drachma bastards ambush you?" her tone was still laced with worry but annoyance took over at the mention of the neighboring hostile country.

He loved that woman to bits and pieces, with a grin, Greed leaned back in his bunk bed and twirled the cord around his finger, "Yeah, we headed out today, it was a big fight I will tell ya that." He paused briefly, considering how much he should tell her.

Lena's voice turned firm, "Greed...don't you dare leave me out! Don't make me come over there and personally beat you upside the head, just tell me what happened, I'm a big girl," she encouraged him, her tone ending light and slightly playful at the end, calming Greed's nerves.

He sighed, "Alright, alright. We fought today with Drachma soldiers and managed to destroy a few of their bases, but they killed a few of our men, not to mention taken them hostage. There were many injured and...the runt's got some too," Greed sighed, looking over his shoulder at the unconscious young man, who was a few years younger than him, laying almost peacefully in his bed.

Lena's voice was soft as she spoke, "Ed got injured? Is he alright? What happened? He's usually more careful or were you just outnumbered?" talking to Lena was like taking medicine Greed decided, even better.

Not only was she an emotional support, where she understood him better any anyone else, even better than himself at times, but he could also talk to her about trivial things, then came the more serious ones. Unlike with other women, Lena didn't recoil from talking about war and it's nasty sides. She was interested in it, or at least in the strategically planned battles in war. She also helped Greed see a new perspective to certain topics and he felt lighter after talking to her.

Greed ran a hand over his messy hair, "He's fine, he's resting now. Hughes told me that some little shit had gotten out from nowhere with a damn bazooka, but he told me that the kid was limping and holding onto...you know, that arm all the way back to base, today he seemed ok-ish I guess." Greed groaned, rolling his eyes.

Lena sighed through the phone, "Greed," the man perked up when he detected the serious tone of his girlfriend's voice.

"What is it?" he pushed himself away from the wall, resting his forearms against his knees.

Silence that was far too long for Greed's liking filled their conversation, the suspension gnawing at Greed so badly he had half a mind to repeat his question, until she started speaking, "Just...how long until this war ends? How long until you and the others will return back home?"

The blood in his veins froze as his violet eyes widened, he hadn't expected that question from her now. True, they talked about it a few times, but Lena being the optimist, she always tried to reassure Greed and herself that everything would be alright. Then there are times when not even she would believe in her own words anymore.

Greed bit his lip, running a hand down his face in irritation, he had no idea what to say. He couldn't lie to her, but he also didn't want to shatter her cheery optimism anymore than it already was, he knew she would take the truth, but he loved her too much to break her anymore than he had done when he had left her back home in order to fight.

A humorless chuckle sounded from Lena's lips through the phone and into Greed's ears, the sound pained Greed even more, "It's alright, you don't have to lie to me Greed. I just...I just wish that you were here at times, you know? I know it sounds silly but I-"

He cut her off surprisingly softly, "No, it doesn't", at her sharp intake of breath, he forced himself to talk, "I get it...I know what you mean Lena, seriously I damn do. I wanna be back too but until we have cleared things up here...I don't know...we have strong suspicions that Creta's army, what little military power they have anyway, support Drachma and that means only more soldiers on our hide. I...I wish I can tell ya when I'll be back but..." his hand clenched into a fist and he growled out his next sentence, "I have no idea if I'll be back,"

Lena remained silent, Greed couldn't even hear her breathe anymore and that silence scared him more than anything, "Lena? L-Lena?" he waited with baited breath for her to reply. He cursed himself under his breath, maybe he had been too forward.

"I get it Greed, I know...I know there is no guarantee that you...that you will be back." She paused briefly to collect her thoughts, "I realized that the moment I sent you off but...you know what they say, hope dies last...right?" Greed almost saw the warm smile on her face and he wished he could see it.

He chuckled quietly, shaking his head, "Yeah, it does." This time the silence was somewhat welcome, as both took the time to collect their thoughts and emotions.

There was a rustling from behind, indicating something opening the flap of the tent, Greed turned around a little when he heard the familiar clicking of boots against each-other.

There was a soldier, standing stiff and straight, saluting Greed. Greed grit his teeth in severe annoyance, "Sorry sweetheart, wait a minute," he told Lena softly on the phone before he pressed the phone against his chest and regarded the nervous looking soldier with clear malice and murder intent.

"What?" Greed snapped harshly, causing the soldier to stiffen further.

He cleared his throat nervously, "Um, s-sir, G-General Mustang orders you to come and see him as soon as possible, he says-"

Greed cut him off, "Is someone dying?"

The soldier was caught off guard, blinking. At the delay of answer, Greed barked, "Well?!"

The poor younger male almost squeaked at the intimidating aura overflowing in waves from Greed, "Uh, n-no sir, but General Mustang-"

Greed cut him off again, violet eyes burning, "Well, tell General Mustang to not disturb me while I'm talking on the phone! Can't ya damn pussies mind yer own business and leave me the fuck alone?! Now scram before I change my mind and stand up!" Greed threatened with no small dose of hostility as the soldier practically fled the tent.

Greed lifted the phone back up to his ear, hearing giggling on the other side, ignoring it and continuing as if nothing happened, he asked, "So, where were we?" he examined his fingers, oblivious.

Greed could almost imagine Lena shaking her head at him as she said the next words with a patronizing albeit playful tone, "Greed, gosh you dork. You can't just bite people's heads off just because they have orders to follow you know? What if Mustang needed something important and you just told that poor guy off?" there was a brief slapping sound and Greed deduced she face palmed.

He snorted, chin in the air defiantly, "Tch, don't care. I stated in my damn application form that I demand fucking privacy when I talk to you on the phone! If some morons are too stupid to follow those simple instructions then I'm forced to set them straight," he nodded to himself, despite Lena not seeing the motion.

The woman sighed in exasperation, "I still can't believe you actually wrote that in your application letter, people must have thought you were delusional! Oh god, just imagine what Mustang might think what in the world we are talking about that you demand absolute privacy?!" the small, embarrassed squeak of horror coming from his girlfriend made Greed's lips stretch into a wide, mischievous grin.

"Heh, that old perverted geezer doesn't need hints to make himself a picture, he will think those things anyhow. Besides...not like you don't talk about that stuff through the phone with me you dirty little girl," Greed's grin was impossibly wide, eyes alight with mischief and amusement when Lena released a louder squeak of embarrassment and horror.

"Greed! What am I going to do with you?! Besides, need I remind you that YOU always initiate those talks and NOT me?! I just...follow the flow!" Greed laughed out loud, amused at hearing all the noises of embarrassment and horror Lena was making.

Oh yeah...he loved that woman to bits, "Right, right, it was me that ordered myself to dress up in just army pants and my dog tag while we were skyping right? Of course, I always love watching myself pose and strip,"

Another mortified squeak followed by a string of curses left Greed to try and tone down his loud laughter, "Y-you perverted idiot! What will people think?! And you did NOT strip! Stop trying to make me look like some wanton sex crazed first class pervert!" a long pause ensued before Lena spoke again, quieter this time, "Besides...those pictures and videos keep me alive when it's Valentine's Day or I'm bored and miss ya...Tch, as if YOU are everything that's innocent and holy. Just who asked me to send a picture by mail with me only in my lingerie and holding a piece of paper saying 'Greed's Only, Touch and you will die'? Hell, they are controlling your mail mister! I don't want half of the military to see me in my lingerie!" Greed grinned at her annoyed tone.

Suddenly, he got an idea, "Say..." he looked all around himself and under the bed in case Ling decided to be funny again and hide under it. Nope the coast was clear, Greed smirked saucily, "...Are you in the mood for some...you know...'talking'?"

For a brief moment, Greed feared she would personally come all the way till the border just to cut off his balls for that comment of his but much to his surprise she whispered into the phone quietly, "...Is anyone around you or hiding somewhere around you?" Greed couldn't help but smirk.

"The coast is clear sweetie. Knock yourself out my lady," Greed leaned back against the wall, dirty grin in place.

Lena giggled almost...suggestively into the phone and Greed's hand momentarily trembled, "Oh really? Hmm...let's see...well, captain, what would happen if I accidentally discharged the wrong missiles?" the tone Lena used, that coy yet suggestive tone, did wonders for Greed.

He never felt any happier, Greed chuckled, "Well, that will pose a problem now won't it? Tell me, Lieutenant, how many of those missiles did you fire?"

Greed's eyes flashed when she whispered, "Many, captain"

"Is that so...don't worry sweetheart, I got another missile you didn't fire right he-"

"OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SAVE YOUR PHONE SEX FOR A BROTHEL! INTO WHAT SORT OF KINKY STUFF ARE YOU PEOPLE!?" Hughes' mortified voice carried into the phone, making both Lena and Greed freeze ice cold.

It took a few seconds for Greed to recover until he hollered into the phone angrily, "THE HELL MAN?! WERE YOU SPYING IN ON US?! I WILL KILL YOU, YOU SNEAKY BASTARD! I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE FAMILY I'LL WIPE THE FLOOR WITH YOU!" Hughes snickering voice could be heard in the background.

"Hoho, I see, no wonder that poor soldier ran like the wind. I should have known you were talking to Lena right now," Greed was stunned to silence when he heard that voice.

"G-GENERAL MUSTANG?!" Lena's mortified shriek invaded the conversation, "YOU STUPID PERVERTED OLD CROOK! I'LL SIC RIZA ON YOU!"

Almost immediately, Roy's voice turned sweet and pleading, "W-what?! N-now wait a second Lena, I-I'm sure we can discuss this over a cup of tea!"

"I'll make ya swallow those biscuits and tea cups you fool!" Greed growled into the receiver until he sped off outside the tent, where a certain duo was already running ahead like frantic chickens, running away from the enraged Lieutenant.

Back in Amestris

Lena tapped her foot impatiently on the floor, enraged, mortified and embarrassed beyond belief. She sighed, running a hand over her face, "I can't believe it...tch, Greed definitely won't get any talking from me that's for sure," she said to herself, crossing her arms.

When she was about to put down her phone and end the line there was sudden rustling on the line. Lena rose an eyebrow and lifted it back up to her ear, "Greed?"

The familiar deep voice of her boyfriend said breathlessly through the phone, panting like a dog, "Hey sweets! Sorry 'bout that, had to take the trash out. Uh...I'm guessing you aren't in the mood huh?" oh she could almost picture that sheepish puppy grin of his.

She growled and slammed the receiver down, her face burning crimson at the thought of her boyfriend. After she tried to finally calm down, and failing miserably, Lena threw her hands in the air and stood up, nearly falling over a stuffed cat toy Greed had gifted her, which had fallen from the couch on the floor.

Lena stopped and bent down, picking up the middle sized animal toy, it's violet eyes staring back at her. Violet. The unusual color of his eyes. She sighed, slowly slumping to her couch.

She cradled the stuffed toy in her arms, hugging it, imagining it was Greed, she knew it was silly, childish even, but she didn't care. She missed that damn idiot. It had been a few years now...5 actually. Her frame trembled, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Greed would be okay. He had good friends that watched his back and he wasn't a pushover either, but still...sometimes, in the stillness of their apartment she would be bombarded by feelings of loneliness, she would feel like the apartment was far larger than it actually was without Greed there. When she would try to sleep at night, she would try to call the base but the State Military would either say it was far too late to connect her to the base at the border or nobody would pick up.

She always tried to reassure herself that it was because everyone was asleep but the irrational fear that gnawed at the corners of her mind would make her second guess that, would make her question if Greed would walk out of the military the same way he had walked in.

Alive.

Winry couldn't believe it, just what sort of idiot dared to take such poor care of his car? Winry had spoken to the owner of course, he had told her in short that his car sounded funny, oil leaked out of it..etc.

When Winry had taken a closer look at it, she nearly cried. How could anyone own such a nice car and maintain it so poorly?! Just what sort of people would buy a car and not even try to keep it in shape? Winry only shook her head and donned her working gloves.

It was time to save what could be saved.

She had told the owner that there was no guarantee if his car could be repaired fully, since he hadn't been to a mechanic in months. Such customers were driving her up the wall! Being all annoyed and angry when she would tell them she wasn't sure if their rides could be fully repaired, which in turn enraged Winry further, coming here with a car that looked like it escaped the junk yard by a hairs breath and having the decency to demand the repayments would be scheduled sooner than planned.

"Tch, stupid arrogant jackasses who don't even know how to take care of their own car, when I get my hands on them..." Winry tried not to let annoying people get to her and instead focused on her work, the car definitely needed some heavy fixing.

The oil tank had holes, which explained the oil leak the driver had complained about, a few vital missing screws by the tires, the tires themselves weren't even full of air...

Winry had half a mind to head over to the owner and knock him out with her wrench to teach him a lesson.

She shook her head, grabbing the coffee cup, her blue eyes moved to the flamboyant man fawning over her half finished work which laid out on her workbench, "Garfiel...are you sure you don't need a break? You've been watching my automail for a while now," Three hours and twenty-five minutes to be exact but who counted right?

Garfiel, a engineer himself who owned a mechanic shop not far from Winry's own, briefly turned to look at her before surveying the fine piece of metal on the workbench again for the umpteenth time, "A break?! Of course not! Winry dear this is a piece of art! Why don't you compete in the contest coming December? I'm sure you would win with this! It's beautiful! So unique! I'm sure nobody would have thought of this!" stars were materializing in his eyes, Winry was sure Garfiel would start salivating any minute now.

She shrugged, sipping her coffee, "I don't know Garfiel, there are many engineers who come from all over the world that will compete against each-other. I don't think I would stand a chance," she sighed, watching how the dark liquid swished about in her cup, the aroma filling her nose and calming her slightly.

The flamboyant man rubbed his chin, genuinely curious, "I wonder, we have known each-other for some time now but you keep being insecure about your skills, why?" he stood up to looked at her, his attention fully on his fellow automail engineer.

Winry held the warm mug in her hands, contemplating on how to answer her friend, "Well...I...I just see other people's work you know? The way they pay all their attention on details, how they finely tune them and polish them not to mention most of them stand financially better off than me you know, I can't afford high quality metal like they can. Quality does play a important role after all," the blonde's gaze saddened again.

Garfiel crossed his arms, "Winry, you know if you ever need anything that I would be happy to lend you some money-"

Winry immediately cut her friend off, "No! Absolutely not! Garfiel I told you many times that I will not borrow any money that I may be unable to pay back in the future! Really, I'm fine as I am now," she smiled brightly, trying to reassure him.

Garfield shook his head but accepted her headstrong nature, he knew it was no use, Winry was a strong, independent woman and she wouldn't let other people help her.

The skilled automail mechanic switched the topic onto more interesting places, "So...tell me sweetheart, did that soldier boy write to you?" he giggled behind his hand, grinning widely at the suddenly shy young woman.

Winry fought to keep down the redness of embarrassment spreading over her cheeks as she coughed into her hand, "N-not as of yet, no! I've sent him a letter a few days ago, so I don't expect him to reply in another few days." She pointedly looked at anything other than Garfiel.

But he wouldn't be deterred so easily, "Yes, yes, did he send you some pictures? Hmm? Did he? Did he? Is he handsome? Oh honey I say grab him before he's snatched away by some other woman!" he wiggled his finger at Winry, delighted to see her embarrassed reaction.

"G-Garfiel! Stop it! No he didn't and I didn't ask! We have only written each-other for a few weeks after all! It would be weird for me to ask him to send me a picture of himself! What would he think?!" Winry nervously strangled the dirty cloth in her hands, face burning.

Garfiel however waved off her concerns, "You worry about too many things too much dear!" the mirth in Garfiel's eyes suddenly intensified and a grin stretched his features, "Say...what was the name of Lena's handsome boyfriend again? Greed was it? Do you perhaps have a picture? Oh Lena's got it good I tell you, that woman is as happy as a bee with a hot hunk like that! I've seen those guns and my mind was blown!"

Garfiel reacted far too late when the harsh punch of reality quite literally flew into his face.

It was the wrench.

At the border

A violent shiver raced up and down Greed's spine and he looked behind himself, a nervous, disgusted frown on his face, "Aw hell...I always get those shivers whenever that creep from the mechanic shop talks about me..." Greed shivered in disgust.

Ed stirred, groaning in pain when he moved and attempted to sit up, Greed firmly pushed him back down on his bunk bed, "Wakey wakey kiddo, you sure took some blows huh," violet eyes scanned Ed's form from head to toe.

The blonde slowly lifted a hand to massage at a pulsing pressure at the side of his head, "What... what happened?" gold eyes opened slowly, blinking, slowly registering his surroundings.

"You exhausted yourself that's what happened," he tapped that arm casually, "And you didn't tell us you needed a check up on them," Greed's expression turned serious, "Mistakes like that could get you killed on the battlefield you know that. We sent for a mechanic, he should be here tomorrow afternoon, rest for now,"

"Where's Al? Where's Mustang and the rest? Any injured?" Ed felt his eyes grow heavy, his mind screaming at him to succumb to sleep.

Greed rolled his eyes, "A couple, but they are stabile. They are all fine don't worry, now rest,"

Ed couldn't fight his exhaustion any longer, but before the darkness swallowed him, words materialized in front of his mind's eye.

Anyway, I hope you're safe there! Reply soon okay?

Greed saw the ghost of a smile on Edward's face and he wondered what he was thinking.

I hope you all enjoyed it! :) Suggestions for future chapters are welcome! Sorry for the delay! BTW: Anyone remember who said those words Ed remembered? ;) NEXT CHAPTER: "Matters of the State"