A/N: The events of this chapter happen directly after the previous chapter.
Don't just story alert me... Review the story! I want to know what you like.

CHAPTER 3:
- 8 YEARS 1 MONTH
(There's still too much excitement in their lives.)

The day after Ed is released from military custody, Colonel Roy Mustang contacts the former Full Metal Alchemist through an unexpected flower delivery. A simple white card in the bouquet reads, "Congratulations on your release." On the back of the card, etched neatly into the paper as if part of a barcode, are a series of numbers that Ed quickly decodes.

'Today. Pub 18. 9 pm.'

Later that night, garbed in a simple black coat and cap as to not attract any unwanted attention, he makes his way to the popular pub. As soon as he enters, a large man gestures him quietly to a side door. It leads a large cellar stocked with an impressive breadth of alcohol.

Ed smirks as his eyes rest on Roy Mustang seated at a wooden table in the center of the cellar. There is a single lightbulb hanging above the table, casting a dramatic shadow on Roy Mustang's hardened face. "I'm not so sure I want to be in this alcohol-filled room with a pyromaniac..."

The Flame Alchemist rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. "We're not here for your banter, boy. We're going to skip the formalities here, because your fun time isn't over yet."

"Killed a God, saved the country, restored my brother's body, I'd say I'm done here, Colonel," he retorts without skipping a beat as he takes a seat across from Mustang.

"Glad to see you're humble, pipsqueak. But as far as we're concerned, as long as you can't perform alchemy, you're only half the fighter you used to be. Not to mention you're no longer a dog of the military. That makes you pretty damn useless."

Ed chuckles softly. "Is that so? Well, I want to be useless. I'm done. I just need to tie up a few loose ends, and then I'll be back home. ...For good."

There is a quiet lull where the two men's eyes meet and Mustang knows Ed is not bluffing. Edward has never been known for tempering his passion and determination. It has always been something of a speciality of Roy's, but out of a necessity to keep his name away from the interest of men who could make his life a living hell.

"I can help you tie up some loose ends." He then gestures at Breda, who has been standing in the shadows all this time. Breda pulls a folder out of his coat and places the contents before the Elric brother in a neat fashion.

The photographs and files stop Ed's blood cold. His vision starts shaking as his brain begins to process -

"How... Where did you get these files on Al?"

Medical records. Official photographs. Everything that they denied Ed during the military tribunal. The reason Ed hadn't spoken a word for nearly three weeks before they began starving him so that he would talk.

Al. Connected on a million machines.
Al. Breathing through a tube.
Al. Looking ten years younger than he should. Tiny, frail.
Al. Surrounded by doctors Ed has never seen before.

"We stole them," Roy says quietly, but firmly, "Because nobody knows for sure what is going on with your brother, but we should." He suddenly stands and stretches his hand over the files and photographs to get Ed's attention.

"We're going to make a trade. You work for me in the shadows, as a civilian, and I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to get your brother back to you. Because right now they don't have any intention of doing so."

Ed's eyes wanders back and forth from the records to Mustang's eyes. "Don't make me regret this, Colonel," he growls as he stands. Then firmly grasps Mustang's outstretched hand with his own. "This is one promise you keep to your grave."

"Winry, I can't come home yet."

"What? Ed... What are you talking about? What's going on? What's going on with Al?"

"Look. I can't tell you the details right now. But they don't have any plans of releasing Al. I need to stay here for a bit. It's complicated."

The line is quiet and Ed can tell that Winry is crying. Or at least holding back tears.

"Winry... Don't-"

"I'M NOT CRYING!"

Silence.

"Ed, are you getting into danger again?"

"I don't know."

"Can you even fight like you used to without alchemy?"

"...I don't know."

"...Can you really get Al back?"

"I will. The bastard promised."

Silence again. Winry is playing with the cord as her mind races at a million miles per hour.

"Ed, can you keep me safe?" She says quietly, the harsh tone in her voice suddenly gone.

"What? Of course I can."

"Okay. I'm going to Central."

"What?"

"I've been waiting here worried sick without a single word from you, Ed! I'm going to meet you in Central. As your mechanic and your friend, I need to be there."

"WINRY! It's not going to be safe!"

"You JUST said you could keep me safe, Edward Elric! Meet me tomorrow at the station at 2PM! No arguments!"

"I don't even know what I'm getting into right now, Winry! If you come here, they could use you against me!"

"I don't care, Ed. I need to be there. I..." Her voice hitches. "I need to see you."

This time, Ed is the one who is silent. "Fine," He finally says after a long lull. "I'll keep you safe."