Test
Disclaimer: I do not own FMAB.
Hope you like it.
3 days later, Central
They got off the train and went to their own homes.
"I'll call Roy and let him know I'm back in Central." Al said.
"I need to do that as well, he is still my commanding officer. The lucky bastard got promoted to a Lieutenant General." Ed growled. Ed went into his home and called Roy, he knew his brother and May would still be walking down the street. After giving in his code and name he was transferred to Roy.
"Well hello there Fullmetal, I see your back so I take it that must mean your brother is back." Roy said.
"Correct." Ed said.
"Just calling to inform?" Roy asked.
"Yes sir." Ed said.
"Well, as you know, your other uniforms are ready here, so you may want to come pick them up. Also, your office and funds are ready. Being your commanding officer, I am allowed to move you to a new house as soon as possible and provide aid for you moving, so would you like to put in that request now?" Roy asked.
"You're in a giving mood, I take it that means I'm requested to work already." Ed chuckled.
"Is it that obvious? Answer my questions Fullmetal." Roy chuckled.
"Give me a minute." Ed said before setting the phone down.
"Hey Win, Roy wants to know if we would like to move into a better home, one with a shop added on?" Ed asked.
"Like that one down the street?" Winry asked.
"Yes." Ed replied.
"Tell him yes and as soon as possible." Winry replied. Ed went back to the phone.
"And?" Roy asked.
"Yes please and the sooner the better." Ed replied.
"Alright, well there are a few places that could work. Usually we would have soldiers in bunkers or small apartments, but since you have a wife, as I do, you need a house. There are a few listed in Central that have shops and guest houses linked to them, would you like a large, medium, or small?" Roy asked.
"How large is large?" Ed asked.
"Planning on a big family?" Roy chuckled.
"General!" Ed said embarrassed.
"You remember Shou Tucker's place? That would be a large." Roy replied.
"How far and is there a house nearby for my brother?" Ed asked.
"Only a mile from where you live now and there's another large only three blocks down from that which I can reserve." Roy said.
"Will do." Ed said.
"Ok, I'll send the movers over and then tomorrow I want you in the office by nine." Roy said.
"Yes sir." Ed replied before hanging up.
"And?" Winry asked.
"Start packing." Ed chuckled as he walked to the kitchen.
2 hours later
The movers, Winry, and Ed were just finishing up the process of getting everything inside the new much larger house. Once all the boxes and furniture were in the movers left and Ed and Winry began to unpack.
"This house is huge and it has a small, if that's what you can call it, three room guest house that's attached to the main house by a passage way. It's also on a busy street, perfect for business." Winry said excitedly.
"I made sure to let Roy know that." Ed replied with a smile.
"Thanks Ed. So why the big house? I mean it has what, nine bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen and living room." Winry asked.
"How many kids did you want?" Ed asked. Winry went pink at the thought for just a moment.
"Ed, we are not having eight children that much I can guarantee. I would go a max of six, which only fills up seven rooms counting us, now, what would the other two rooms be used for if we were to reach that goal?" Winry asked, her face just as pink.
"Research room and hell maybe a play room." Ed chuckled as he walked through the large house. Winry rolled her eyes before finding the phone to call Al and May and give them their number and address before she started to unpack. She was glad that there was still some good food left in the fridge, but not a lot, just enough to make dinner. Ed was glad that the movers had gotten the furniture in the correct places, including the large master bedroom on the ground floor along with three other bedrooms.
"Ed, dinner." Winry called, the house echoed from the emptiness.
"That we will need to change." Ed chuckled as he walked to the kitchen where they ate at the table. After dinner the day's move took its toll on them and soon they went to bed, Ed would need it, he did have work tomorrow.
The next day
Roy picked up both Ed and Al and took them to Central command.
"Ed, have you considered investing in a car?" Roy asked.
"Hinting at something General?" Ed chuckled. Al could not get over that his brother was now donning the Amestrian Blues and that he soon would be. Once they arrived to Central Command, Al went to where the first part of the testing was while Ed followed Roy upon instruction.
"Like Grumman said a week or so ago, you have to choose out your team. Since we already know that once Al is certified, that leaves four places open." Roy said.
"I am aware of that General." Ed said as they walked into what looked like a training area. In the room were at least fifteen soldiers all varying in age, sex, and rank.
"You get to pick now. Remember, choose wisely." Roy said as Maria Ross and Denny Brosh walked over.
"Major Armstrong instructed us to help you sir." Maria said with a kind smile.
"Thank you." Ed said as he walked up to the first line of people.
"Tell me their names, rank and history." Ed said. There were five rows of three people.
"Well, these three, sir, are Sargent Jason Iles; he's only served for over a year now. The man next to him is Warrant Officer Mark Adams; he's only been in the military for nine months. And the man on the end is Sergeant First Class Matthew Makuto; he's been with us for almost two years." Ross said. Ed looked over the three men carefully, analyzing how they kept eye contact with him.
"Makuto." Ed said. Makuto saluted before Ed motioned him over to the side. Makuto walked over and stood, trying very much so to hide the small smile. He hadn't been on a team before, been involved, yes, actually assigned, no.
"Ross, never mind the long introductions, if I determine which one I find would fit in with my team then I will ask for the information." Ed said.
"Sounds like a good plan Colonel Elric." Ross said. Ed walked down the next small row, a row of women who could not hide their blushes; all of them were by the looks of it, maybe a year older than him at best. He went on to the next row and stopped in front of a man that looked to be in his mid to late twenties.
"Your name soldier?" Ed asked.
"Sergeant Major Phillip Carlson sir." The man said with a salute.
"How long have you been with the military and what have you done?" Ed asked.
"Three years sir and I have aided in the rebuilding of the nation and in the subduing of several major criminals." Phillip said. It was quiet for a moment.
"Join Makuto." Ed said. As Phillip walked over Ed walked down the next row and stopped in front of the older woman.
"Name?" Ed asked.
"Second Lieutenant Amy Kran, I've been serving for seven years and was part of the force the helped subdue the masses during the havoc in Bradley's days as Fuhrer." Amy said in an almost condescending tone.
"Join the others." Ed said before feeling Roy tap on his shoulder.
"You sure that's a good idea Ed? I mean she has a great skill set, but she has this whole 'I'm better than you' attitude, even towards Riza and me." Roy whispered.
"You forget Roy, I don't bend easily to the will of others, take our friendship for example." Ed chuckled before he continued on. Roy walked back over to his officers.
"I hate when that kid's right." Roy grumbled.
"And you're only proving his point." Riza said with a light giggle.
"Name?" Ed asked a young man.
"Chief Warrant Officer Five Alexander Marks. I've been serving for two years now." The man replied.
"Get over with the others." Ed replied with a smile.
"Sir, might I ask a question?" Marks said.
"Go ahead." Ed replied.
"You're permitted five, but you only selected four, might I ask why?" Marks said.
"The fifth spot is reserved for my brother who is currently taking his tests to become a state alchemist like myself." Ed replied honestly.
"Shouldn't there be a limit as to how many state alchemists should be on a team?" Kran said in disgust.
"No, now, let's get acquainted in my office." Ed said smoothly as they left.
"This will truly be entertaining." Grumman chuckled, having watched the whole thing.
"Correct, I am eager to see how Ed will handle that older woman." Roy replied. As Ed and his four troops walked to his office Ed caught a glimpse of Winry and May rounding the corner at the other end of the hall. Ed stopped for a moment, mentally deliberating if he should go after her and ask why she was here, but some part of him knew exactly why and he didn't really feel like getting into another yelling match with his fiancée in front of everyone.
Winry smiled as she walked into Roy's office, catching him off guard.
"Why hello Winry, what brings you here?" Roy asked. Winry then noticed that the Fuhrer was there and she smiled and bowed politely, May following suit.
"I have an idea you may want to hear about. It's a small shield made of metal that attaches and is formed to the forearm of a soldier" Winry said before going into detail when asked. After the thirty minute meeting Roy and Grumman shook her hand.
"Are you going to be supervising this?" Roy asked before the door opened.
"I already told you, your mechanics and specialists would be overseeing it, I just provided the specs for it and that's all. I'm already more involved with the military as it is, I just wanted to submit this idea to you to help better the soldiers and lessen the injury rate." Winry said.
"Understood. Makuto, what is it that you want?" Roy asked as they all looked to the door.
"Colonel Elric told me to retrieve a Miss Winry Rockbell and May Chang, but I do not know if these women are them and why he would suspect them in your office." Makuto said.
"Oh dear, looks like I'm in trouble. Yes, we are them." Winry said as she walked towards the soldier, May following her before they left.
"Might I ask how you two know the Colonel?" Makuto said.
"I'm his fiancée." Winry said.
"And I'm his brother's fiancée." May said with a smile.
"Oh. I'm Sergeant First Class Matthew Makuto." Matthew said.
"Nice to meet you and I take it your one of the five that is in my fiancées team?" Winry asked.
"Yes ma'am." Makuto said as they approached the door.
"Sergeant First Class Makuto requesting entrance sir." Makuto said.
"Granted." Ed's voice called out. A slight tingle went up Winry's spine; yes, she knew she was in trouble with Ed, but if he had let her fully explain then maybe he would not be mad at her and would've gone along with it more than jumping to false conclusions. As they entered Winry could not stop that flare of want upon seeing Ed, the way he sat at his desk with a dignified air about him, the way his eyes smoldered with power and anger and how his bangs just added even more so to his glare.
"Oh, who are these two, some women you met at a bar last night?" a woman said. Winry bit her tongue.
"Was your commentary asked for Kran?" Ed asked, his gaze flicking to the woman at a desk.
"No, but I felt it necessary…" Kran started.
"Then learn to hold your tongue when there is a conversation that does not involve you, and for your information, the blonde woman is my fiancée while the Xingese woman is my brother's fiancée, they're not some bar women as you so blatantly put it." Ed said in an authoritative tone.
"But you three are all merely children; you cannot be serious about such commitments as weddings." Kran said with arrogance.
"And how would you know that? Save that answer for when our guests leave, that's an order Kran." Ed said before retuning his attention to his fiancée and one day sister-in-law.
"Please do take a seat." Ed said sarcasm and annoyance dripping in his tone. Oh yes, Winry knew she was in for it, but she also knew that she could match Ed's temper. Winry and May took a seat as instructed and it was then that Ed realized that Winry was wearing red lipstick, but taking in her casually formal attire, he guessed instantly as to why she was there to begin with.
"You presented your idea didn't you?" Ed asked; his troops looked over with curiosity.
"Yes, and the Fuhrer was there too." Winry replied, arrogance dripping in her tone.
"And?" Ed asked calmly, though Winry knew it was a mask.
"They agreed with me and want to use it." Winry said, leaning back in her seat as she watched the anger flare into his eyes like fire. There were few reasons why Winry enjoyed getting into some arguments with Ed, and she was sure he had similar reasons. One, it was fun to get such a rise out of him, though she was discovering newer and more fun ways to do that, and two, the way his eyes ignited always sent a chill up her spine.
"Winry, I believe we had this discussion before and you know I don't agree with it." Ed replied collectively.
"You mean argument, and it was more like you jumped to conclusions before I could finish my whole statement. So, how about you sit back, shut up, and let me present my case before getting pissed off Edward Anthony Elric." Winry said slowly and quietly.
"Full name, that's definitely a warning sign." Phillip said quietly, earning nods from the three men while Amy sat there skulking.
"I'm listening." Ed let out.
"I gave them the specs for the forearm defense band, but I only did that, I made it clear to Roy that I was not going to supervise the constructing of the band, but only the idea, and when asked if I was going to join the design team for weapons and defense I declined, saying that the band was the only idea I would submit. He reminded me that I had knowledge of battle automail and northern automail, but again, those are only because I was in the north and had no intention of joining such a group, it was simply to further my career track and make sure that you, Edward, were getting the correct automail for the climate. See Ed, I never had any intention in becoming that involved with the military, I only wanted to help make those who needed a little extra protection safer." Winry said. Ed's gaze had softened and a small smile graced his lips.
"Alright, I apologize for not listening to the whole story to begin with, however, don't sneak by me because you think I'll get angry." Ed said.
"I knew you would get mad Ed, that's why I didn't tell you I was coming. I wasn't planning on telling you until you got home, but you caught me, damn it." Winry joked. Ed rolled his eyes at her before she stood.
"Well, we need to get going, May has been helping me clean up the new place and get the guest house into prime automail shop condition and we're just about done. See you when you get home." Winry said as she and May walked towards the door.
"What's for dinner?" Ed asked.
"You'll see." Winry said before walking out the door and closing it gently behind her and May.
"Permission to speak sir?" Marks asked.
"Granted." Ed replied.
"That fiancée of yours is just full of piss and vinegar." Marks laughed.
"Hardly, she was just plain rude." Kran sniffed.
"Anyway, Kran, you still need to answer my question from earlier." Ed said.
"How do I know you can't handle responsibility? Because, simply, children are incapable of handling such responsibility." Kran said arrogantly. Ed reached into a drawer at his desk, and pulled out his file, the one that contained all his records and accomplishments, and anything else Hughes or Mustang felt like putting into it, including the fact that he committed the taboo, his half Xerxesian heritage, all that information. All that hell he's been through. He got up and walked over to Kran.
"Here's you assignment for the day, read this file, it contains all the details of my previous enlistment in the military, everything from when I joined, what I did, my heritage, all the way down to my blood type." Ed said handing her the two inch thick file.
"When was this updated last?" Kran sniffed.
"The only other documents in there are my certification and ranking letters, and those are new." Ed replied. Kran took the file and stared at it.
"Why are you giving me this?" She asked.
"Because, it has not only formal notes in there, but it has Roy, Maes, Alexander Armstrong, Olivier Armstrong, Miles, Falman, Riza, Fuery, Havoc, Ross, Brosh, Breda, and even Grumman's notes, messages, and observation reports in it. Every conversation of major significance to my career and me is in there from all of those people. It's remarkable as to how well these people listen." Ed chuckled going back to his desk as her eyes widened at the thought that thirteen people's opinions and findings on the Colonel were compiled into this file. As the day went by Ed could see the change in Kran, how her attitude towards others was changing and how her opinion of him was changing. Everyone wanted to read it, but Ed said they did not need the lesson.
"You sure it's a good idea letting her read all of that?" Roy asked.
"With a woman like her, the opinion of everyone but the person it's on is what counts, and even my opinions of myself that are in there are changing her. It also makes her realize what I truly went through. I know your soldiers follow you because they saw you in action during Ishval and in training and know exactly how you are and why you do certain things and how you have changed. My soldiers didn't have that chance, so documentation is the only way to show them." Ed replied as they ate their lunch.
"Spoken like a true Colonel. I commend you for your trust in your troops to keep your secrets; it'll come in handy when the time arises." Roy said. By the end of the day Amy Kran was no longer the arrogant Lieutenant on the verge of getting discharged, but now seeing everything in a whole new light. She set the file down on Ed's desk and he looked up from the work he had.
"Hmm, the day doesn't end for another hour and you're already finished." Ed replied.
"Please forgive my earlier comments and attitude, I can assure you sir, I will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve." Kran said.
"You didn't know earlier." Ed replied.
"It was still wrong of me to talk to you as subordinate when I am the subordinate and you are the superior officer." Kran said, bowing her head lower.
"Very well, you are forgiven and I'll hold you to your word, but just one thing." Ed said with a small smirk.
"Yes sir?" she asked.
"Try to loosen up a little, or have you been taking lessons from Riza?" Ed chuckled. Amy let out what seemed like a much needed snicker.
"I will attempt it." She chuckled before returning to her desk and starting on her own paperwork.
"So what all did it say?" Marks leaned over and whispered.
"That's not my place to tell. I'm sure he'll let you all know in due time, but I think I know why he let me read the file." Kran said quietly.
"Oh, and why is that?" Marks whispered.
"Because I needed to be taught a lesson that only that file and he could teach me." Kran said quietly. As they left at the end of the day they all saw a young man run over to them who looked remarkably a lot like Ed.
"Brother! Wait for me!" Al said as he ran over, panting.
"Relax Al, I wasn't gonna let Roy leave without us." Ed chuckled as his brother caught his breathe.
"So, how do you think you did?" Ed asked.
"I think I did fairly well." Al chuckled before noticing the four other people.
"Are these your troops?" Al asked.
"Correct brother of mine. Don't worry, introductions will come in a few days." Ed chuckled before waving to them as they went to Roy's car.
"Amy looks different." Riza commented.
"Gee, wonder why that is." Ed chuckled along with the others except Al; he figured Ed would tell him eventually.
"Who's Amy?" Al asked. Ed went into detail and once they got Ed's home he was finished.
"See you tomorrow brother bright and early." Ed said before closing the door and walking up to his home. He saw the sign in front of the guest house which had 'Automail Rockbell' on it.
"So, what do you think?" Winry asked shyly.
"It looks great hun." Ed said as they walked into the shop. Ed could faintly tell that it had been remodeled with the use of alkahestry, but it was well done.
"I was talking about the sign." Winry said.
"I know your name will change with the wedding, I also know you want to respect your parents and grandmother who taught you, so in other words, I'm fine with the sign, I wouldn't have it any other way." Ed said with a smile as he pulled her close to him.
"Thanks." Winry said, resting her head on his chest and smiling.
The next day
Al walked nervously into the interview room. He had a body this time around, so that was not the source of his fear, he just didn't know how to reply when questioned on the spot.
"Alphonse Elric, please take a seat." Grumman said, gesturing to the oddly shaped chair. Al nodded and took a seat, much easier than he imagined.
"Now, why do you want to serve the army?" Grumman asked.
"I want to be a part of the change in this nation. I want to defend the nation from any threats, be them internal or external. I had a part in the way this nation is now, and I feel obligated to help shape it into something grander than it already is." Grumman said.
"You are aware that in defending this nation, you may be called to duty, and part of that duty is to kill, correct?" Grumman asked. He hadn't asked Ed that question for a simple reason, Ed was rejoining, and even though Al had been there for most of the ride the first time Ed had been in the military, Al was never asked or prepared to kill, while Ed was and had killed, only once, the homunculus known as Father.
"I am aware, and while I may not have killed anyone, my actions while I was aiding my brother may have resulted in the deaths of quite a few people. But I am prepared to do what I must to keep this nation safe." Al said.
"Very well, you will move on to tomorrow." Grumman said making Al smile. Al walked out of the room just in time to see Ed and his team of four along with Roy and his team of five leaving
That night
Winry paced across the entrance to the home. She had heard the alarm and had seen the massive alchemical reactions going on not very far off, she hadn't heard from Ed, and Al had told her that he had seen Ed, Roy, and their respective teams leaving in a hurry.
"Maybe he's writing a report. Or maybe he's being interviewed by one of the newspaper people along with Roy and it's taking forever." Winry said aloud to stop the nagging fear. Or maybe he's injured or died. No, he's fine. Winry hissed mentally before the door knob wiggled. Winry grabbed it and flung the door open, glad to see her fiancée standing there alive and unscathed; she threw herself at him and he caught her gracefully.
"Sorry about coming home late, had some last minute paperwork on the heist today, not to mention the criminals weren't going easily. The police called us for aid since the men had explosives. I should've called you when I returned." Ed said as he wrapped his arms around her, feeling her relax.
"I know I'll eventually get used to this, but it still won't stop the sick feeling I get when I know you're in danger." Winry said.
"I don't want you to get too sick. It's not good for you; it can cause ulcers and other problems." Ed said.
"I cleaned, twice." Winry said.
"And apparently started dinner. I am sorry for being late." Ed said as they walked into their home.
"You're forgiven, I knew your job would sometimes keep you late and put you in dangerous situations, I knew it the first time and I know it now, and I can't always help, no matter how much I really want to." Winry sighed.
"You help me more than you even know." Ed said.
"How?" Winry asked.
"Think about it and you'll figure that out on your own." Ed chuckled as he took off his boots and then walked to the kitchen.
"So Al did well during the interview, Grumman told him to go back tomorrow." Winry said.
"He's going to pass you know." Ed chuckled.
"I know, I just thought you should be up to date." Winry giggled.
The next day
It was lunch, and as all the officers headed to the cafeteria for lunch Ed could not help but feel the pulsation of the alchemists underfoot. True, he was more aware of the movements going on because of his alkahestry training, but almost everyone could tell.
"Colonel Elric sir." A private addressed him.
"Yes Private Sarkov?" Ed asked as he took his seat.
"Word is a young man by the name of Alphonse Elric is testing, he wouldn't happen to be a relative of yours would he?" Sarkov asked.
"He's my younger brother." Ed replied.
"He's doing well I've heard." Sarkov said.
"As have I." Ed replied, getting a sudden feeling of discontent from Sarkov. Just before lunch ended Alphonse walked into the cafeteria.
"Afternoon Al, you look happy." Riza said from the first table.
"Afternoon to you too Riza, Roy, and I am in a great mood." Al chuckled.
"Did well I assume?" Roy said, not even knowing why he asked.
"Yes." Al said with a smile before seeing his brother talking to another officer. Al walked over and just heard the end of the conversation.
"You both are too young to be in the military." A man growled.
"He's eighteen, making him legal. I'm nineteen, almost twenty, and besides, I was in the military at age twelve ranking as a Major because of my state certification." Ed replied angrily.
"So why did you quit in the first place?" the man asked.
"That, Private, is classified information that only I, the Fuhrer, and several other individuals know and swore never to tell unless first receiving approval from the Fuhrer." Ed replied in an authoritative tone. Sarkov stood, grabbed his tray of food, and walked off.
"Never mind him sir, he has one of the superiority complexes that used to plague Kran. You can't change everyone's opinion of you and your brother." Another man sitting next to Ed said.
"Speaking of which, Al, take a seat." Ed chuckled.
"Ah, so this is the little brother. I can see the resemblance." Makuto chuckled before the other three troops joined. Al took his seat once they were all seated.
"Are you sure this is ok brother?" Al asked.
"You worry too much Al." Ed chuckled.
"I don't want to get on the Fuhrer's bad side before I've even served." Al replied.
"And you won't. Hell, he probably expected you to be here." Ed chuckled.
"Point, since he did say meet in Mustang's office tomorrow." Al said.
"See, you'll be fine." Ed said. They continued to talk until lunch was over and all headed back to their offices while Al left and started to walk home.
"Your brother seems really kind." Amy said.
"He is, but he can have his moments." Ed said in remembrance of when Al hit him upside the head when Scar almost killed them.
"I noticed you didn't call your fiancée, any reason as to why not?" Marks asked.
"If I know her like I should, she's either working on the opening of her automail shop or out shopping with May for whenever we have our wedding." Ed said, flushing a little at the last one. They entered the office and got back to work. As much as some people like to think, the military isn't all that action packed when there isn't a war or any internal crisis's going on, it was mostly just paperwork and cultists half the time.
Winry had just gotten the last bit of details done to get her shop up and running, and before she knew it she had a line at least twelve people long, and she had only been open for just an hour. Next task, want ads for help to run the shop. I can't do this alone, I need at least one other person. Winry mentally sighed.
"Ok, listen up; I can only do so much. Let's make some appointments alright?" Winry said to the now silent crowd. They all nodded. May walked in and saw all the commotion.
"Need help?" May asked.
"May, shouldn't you be working at the restaurant?" Winry asked confused.
"I decided to put my alkahestry to better use and help as the healer here." May said.
"Thank you, that helps me a bit." Winry said.
"No problem, though you may still want an apprentice." May said looking to the crowd.
"No kidding. Alright everyone, please get in an orderly line and we can start scheduling." Winry said. Based on what they needed, she would schedule the appropriate times. For that day alone she would have four patients, the next day one because he was missing both legs and an arm, Ishval vet who was lucky to be alive and was unable to get to Rush Valley under doctor's orders, the following day she would have three people, and then three the next day thus far.
"Alright, Mister Reigo you're first." Winry said as she walked over to the man missing his left arm from the elbow.
3 hours later
Mister Reigo was recovering now and under May's supervision as Winry started on her next patient, missing his left hand and right foot, a quick two hour operation, including building time. The phone rang and May answered it.
"Rockbell Automail, this is May…oh hey Ed, Winry's is in an operation right now but I'll let her know you called, hey, has Al left yet?...oh, alright…thanks…bye." May said before hanging up.
That night
Winry had finished up her last patient about thirty minutes ago and had started dinner. She had May deliver a want ad to the paper for automail apprentices, but she was more than glad she had May with her to help with the front, make appointments and heal alongside her. They had already received their first payments for the automail that day, three of the four being able to pay in full while another would have to make payments over the next few months. Winry went to check on her last patient, a twenty two year old woman when she heard a car door shut.
"I'm serious Ed, get a car." Roy's voice sounded.
"I know I know, thanks for getting Al too, since his fiancée is here." Ed chuckled as Al got out of the car. As Winry entered her shop the woman was standing at the desk, her new hand working just fine as she handed May the money.
"Tell your boss that she was wonderful, and thank you for the healing and the home remedies if any pain should return." The woman said.
"Will do, also, don't work it too hard, I may have got it down to half the time of recovery, but still, that's three and a half months to be careful with it." May said.
"I'll remember. Have a lovely evening." The woman said as she walked out the door, May following just to lock the door and put the sign out front saying they were closed.
"So we made a decent pay today." May said with a smile.
"Yeah and tomorrow is going to be a long day." Winry said.
"No kidding, one patient that needs three limbs, looks like someone finally topped Ed." May said.
"Speaking of Ed, he and his brother are here." Winry said as they locked up the shop and walked down the corridor that linked the house and the shop.
"I was wondering where you had run off to." Ed chuckled as she and May entered the house.
"Hey May, haven't seen you around much, so I went around Central." Al chuckled as May walked over and hugged him.
"I've been helping Winry and decided my skills would be better off here." May said.
"Ah, so you're going to be her assistant?" Al asked.
"Yes." May said. Winry walked to the kitchen, Ed trailing her.
"So I take it your day was busy?" Ed asked as she checked the chicken.
"Yeah, had four clients today and I have one tomorrow." Winry said.
"I take it tomorrow's client has massive damage?" Ed asked.
"Three missing limbs." Winry said quietly as the green beans cooked.
"Ah." Ed said quietly before the other two joined them.
"So how do you think you did Al?" Winry asked.
"I think I'm going to be in the military tomorrow." Al said smiling.
"I know you will." Ed chuckled before Winry informed them of dinner.
"So Ed, when do you intend to get a car?" Winry asked as they ate.
"Soon." Ed replied.
"As in this weekend soon?" Winry asked.
"No, tomorrow." Ed replied. Once dinner was done Al and May started their walk home while Winry and Ed cleaned up.
"I need a shower." Winry said as she stretched her back.
"Want me to join you?" Ed asked with a smirk.
"No, not this week." Winry said as she started to the bathroom. Ed may be dense at moments, but he wasn't nearly as stupid or dense as he used to be, and so, felt no need to ask what she meant by that. Ed went to their room, changed and grabbed one of his alchemy books and started to read it while he could hear the shower water running and tried not to let his imagination run too rampant. Just as he finished the third chapter the water went off and before he knew it Winry walked into their room in nothing but a long shirt and her hair in a towel with her other clothes folded in her arms. After taking her hair out of the towel and putting her clothes in the laundry basket she lay on the bed on her stomach.
"Back hurting?" Ed asked as he closed his book.
"How did you guess?" Winry asked in genuine shock.
"You always sleep on your back. Want me to rub it, I warn you, I'm not an expert." Ed chuckled. Winry nodded and was prepared to tell him to stop after two minutes into it, but was amazed that he was actually really good, his hands felt amazing on her skin as he carefully rubbed her lower back where it hurt most. She didn't care that he had to pull her shirt up, he had seen plenty of that; a small coo came from her throat as he worked up her back.
"Ed, give yourself some credit, you're really good." Winry cooed.
"Thanks." Ed said blushing a little before he stopped.
"Thanks Ed." Winry said as she rolled over, now that her back felt better.
"No problem, I guess we should get some sleep, busy day tomorrow." Ed said as he rolled over and turned off the light.
"Hey Ed…" Winry said as she wrapped her arm around his torso and rested her head on his chest.
"Yeah?" Ed replied as he wrapped his right arm around her waist.
"I love you." Winry said, kissing his cheek lightly.
"Love you too Win." Ed as he kissed her forehead before letting sleep take him as it had her.
The next day
Al walked as confidently as he could to Roy's office, his brother and men accompanying him along the way.
"Thanks brother." Al said.
"No problem Al." Ed said.
"I guess I'll eventually have to get used to calling you Colonel huh?" Al said.
"Eventually, yes." Ed chuckled as they reached Roy's office. Ed and Al walked into the office, the other four waiting outside.
"Since your brother is under my jurisdiction, it is appropriate that you get the letter from me as well. Here you are Alphonse." Roy said as he handed the envelope to Al. Al opened it and unfolded the letter carefully.
"By decree of Fuhrer King Grumman, this letter hereby certifies Mister Alphonse Elric as an alchemist of the state and gives him the rank of Major…He shall also be granted the title of Soulseal…"Alphonse continued but Ed smirked at the name.
"The Soulseal alchemist, hmm, Grumman does have a sense of humor." Ed chuckled.
"Yes. Now, here's your silver pocket watch and we should head to the tailor for your uniform Al." Roy said.
"Alright, meet up with you later bro…Colonel." Al said.
"See you later Major." Ed chuckled as he and his brother, along with Roy, left the office and went their ways.
"So, your brother should be joining us in a few hours?" Makuto asked.
"Yes. Now that that's taken care of, I should get a car soon, as should Al and then Winry will want to start planning for the wedding." Ed said.
"This next week is going to be busy?" Kran chuckled.
"Insane is more like it." Ed said as they entered his office and got to their paperwork.
Ok, so some of you may notice that Winry had gotten 4 patients done in one day. So let me explain. May was there and after Winry took the measurements, May transmuted the metal to be the appropriate shape and size. This is how it will be until Winry gets an apprentice. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it, and please R&R until next Friday.