Hey everyone! Yeah, I'm finally back. Well, I don't have much to say in this pre-chapter note, so I guess I'd just like to thank everyone for reading this. There's more at the bottom.

That said...prepare. D.

To Heal the Wounds of the Heart

Chapter 4: Missed

Central Headquarters

Office of the Major General Roy Mustang

11:17 P.M.

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I, sir."

It was late. Both Roy and Riza were much accustomed to finishing up their business and leaving the office at Headquarters well before 7:30 each evening, much less 11:30. No lights were turned on in the large, red-velvet carpeted room. The thin light of the waning moon snuck in through the large glass windows, elucidating the strong figure that stood staring out of it. There was silence for a moment, before Hawkeye took a few steps closer in the direction of the General.

"Based on reports, witnesses and even Edward's testimony when he returned, all of the Homunculi were eradicated, except for the one called Wrath. Am I right, Captain?"

"Yes sir. Edward managed to kill the Homunculi named Greed and Sloth. You defeated Fuhrer Bradley, who I'm told was called Pride. The one they called Envy disappeared about the same time Edward...vanished. The Homunculus Lust was killed while fighting against her own group. And the large one, supposedly named Gluttony, vanished and has not been seen since that time." Riza finished her report and let the clipboard holding several sheets of paper fall to her side.

"And based on Lyncia's account, we can be sure from the description that it wasn't Wrath or Gluttony."

"That is correct, sir."

Mustang began pacing for a moment, still illuminated by the soft white glow of the moon's rays.

"I just don't understand."

"...Neither do I, sir."

11:34 P.M.

SMASH

Roy jolted up as a large dent appeared in his door. He bolted up, sliding his gloves on. In a similar course of action, Riza, his ever-present aide, picked up her pistol. She slid towards the door while he prepared to open it.

Screaming was heard, and then another clash. Without a second thought, Mustang flung the door open, thumb and middle finger clasped together. He and Hawkeye darted into the hallway just in time to see a large red form dart around the corner. Roy knew instantly that he and Riza wouldn't catch it, and instead focused his attention on the ground before him.

The two night-shift guards that usually positioned themselves just up the hall were sprawled out, their limbs spreading in unusual angles. Captain Hawkeye held back her vomit as she caught a glimpse of the first one. It seemed that one of two things had happened to his head: it had either imploded or been utterly squished and smashed into a bloody mess. The other wasn't in such bad cranial condition. He was, however, broken and unmoving, with large red blots scattered all over his skin. On closer inspection, it could be seen that they were similar to bruises, in that the real injury had most likely occured under the skin. But it was a different type of injury, and it had done him in.

The General scratched his head softly, toying with his jet black eye patch, and slouched slightly.

"Captain, I just don't understand." This came after covering his wideneyed eye in disgust and re-entering the office, slouching in his chair.

"I don't either, sir."

Resembool

Rockbell Automail

5:50 P.M. the following day.

"E-Edward…Alphonse…" Winry gasped, shocked beyond belief. She took a step backward, her legs giving way, and collapsed into the doorway, shaking. Edward, out of instinct, quickly bent down, sliding one arm under her back and taking her hand in his, hoisting herback up to a standing position. For a moment, he didn't even realize what he had done.

And then, Ed lost control, unable to handle himself in her presence after he had resolved to never be there again, and began babbling.
"Uh…hey, Winry. How's it going?" he said innocently, "Are you doing alright? Everything still fine? You knew we were coming back, right? We're finally here, I guess. Did you miss us? Have things changed any?"

Unable to speak, she stood rooted to the spot, nodding in reply to these questions and many more as he continued. The less Edward continued to talk, however, and the more he gazed at her body, her face, this house, it became apparent that the thoughts and memories of her flooding his mind could not be restrained. He would never admit it, but at this moment in time, seeing her was what he wanted most. His mind snapped back for a moment, and he then realized that Lyncia was still standing beside him, and her calming voice once again echoed in the farthest chambers of his head.

Winry continued to nod to each question he reeled off, indicating that she was fine, that life had continued on as usual, and that she had known every day that they would be back. But the look in her eyes blatantly stated otherwise.

"Uh..." could be attributed to Ed, on whose cheeks a tiny blush formed. He mumbled this and then scratched the back of his blonde head, apparently waiting for something to happen

"Ed..."

Again, it was silent. They stood, a quiet and ominous square, all waiting. Al looked at the floor, as if he knew exactly what was going to happen. Lyncia looked from him to the elder Elric to their solemn yet still gorgeous childhood friend. Alphonse looked up momentarily, and when Winry's eyes caught his, he learned all he needed to know about what Winry wanted to say. She stepped gingerly to the side, her blonde hair swaying with the movement, and gestured for them to come into the home. Ed lowered his head and entered without a word. Lyncia followed him, bowing to Winry. Al entered last, feebly attempting to give her a sad, appreciative smile. She just shook her head, and when he had entered, she closed the door behind her, and to the outside world it appeared as if there had never been a single person on the doorstep.

The long hours of the day were beginning to take their toll on the sun. It had been three hours since the Elrics and their beautiful third member had arrived in the quiet town. A calm darkness fell upon the wide pastures, across the small wooden houses scattered over the landscape. Bright lights shone through windows, the only sign of life in the tranquility. As the sun set, releasing its hold on the day and yielding to its companion, the moon rose once again, providing brief but unnoticed illumination.

Edward, still without a word or any other significant action that he was truly alive inside his body, had simply nodded to Lyncia, given his brother a brief, soft pat on the back and retired to bed in the two-matress guest room above the porch, choosing to avoid Winry altogether.

In the main room, where Alphonse, Lyncia and Winry still remained, it was quiet for a moment.

"It's been a while," finally broke the silence, emitted from the lips of the younger Elric.

"It has," Winry replied, with a lack of emotion that worried Al.

"I want you to know that we've missed you. Especially Brother."

This time, there was no response.

Lyncia, her mood sombered by the dark atmosphere, pulled her soft, entrancing hair behind her head and reached a hand out to Winry.

"I'm Lyncia Asuna, by the way. Thank you for allowing me to stay."

At this display of semi-friendliness, Winry seemed to be slightly warmed to the people around her. She blinked, and then took Lyncia's hand, managing a ghost of a smile.

"I'm Winry Rockbell. Nice to meet you."

There was no further conversation, because Alphonse, in a display of maturity beyond his years that was becoming common for him, suggested that it was a good time for everyone to turn in early. Lyncia agreed, and allowed Winry to lead her to another room farther to the back of the house. Al, who had preceded them, stood at the door to his and Ed's room, clearly tired. As the pair of women passed,
neither missed the chance to look over his shoulder into the room beyond. Ed lay on his side, his back turned to them and facing away. It was clear to all that, as indicated by his movement and breathing pattern, he had been (and possibly still was) weeping. Winry sighed and continued moving, and Lyncia cast a sincerely worried glance with her delicate, hazel eyes at the sleeping form in the bed. She allowed herself to continue being led down the hall, however, and they soon passed. Al sighed and slowly shut the door. Shuffling over to his dear brother's side, he tightened the blankets and wiped a tear from Edward's face. Climbing into bed, he rolled over and was soon asleep.

It would be several hours later that Ed would return to a position lying on his back and, in a display of sad frustration, pound his clenched right fist into his left palm. Yet again, he saw the glint of steel, heard bolts rattling, and felt the impact of metal. A moment later, he would once again convince himself that he had imagined it after feeling the flesh of his hand for proof, although he was not so sure this time. He shifted again, and it would remain unknown to the rest of the world around him.

Days passed in this fashion, and Resembool remained undisturbed. Seven days since their arrival had been added, and the brothers began to question why Mustang had not attempted to contact them even though there was obviously nothing to suspect in the small town. Ed's soft-spoken speculation would always be that he was waiting for them to become comfortable before he would recall them, as a form of torment. Though he didn't believe it in the least, Alphonse came to accept his brother's reply and move on. On the eve of the ninth day, dinner had just adjourned. Ed silently excused himself, and Winry later did the same. Left in silence at an empty table, Lyncia and Alphonse speculated amongst each other.

"Should we try talking to them?" Lyncia asked softly, her melodic voice seeming very persuasive even though she had spoken with no intent for it to be so.

"I think so. I can't take this much longer, you know?"

"Heehee," she chuckled, "Al, are you always the voice of reason?"

"I try not to be, but it always works out that way," was his sullen reply.

"Okay, well, I'll try talking to Winry and you to Edward. Will that work?"

"No...Lyncia, you try Edward."

"What? Why?"

"You have some effect over him. He'll listen to you."

"But you two are closer than anyone."

"I know, but his bond with me stops short of me having any influence with him. Besides," he added, somewhat reluctantly, "there are some things I need to say to her that only I can say, for her to listen."

She pondered this for a moment, and then consented. Nodding, the two left the table and ascended the stairs, continuing down the hallway together until they went their separate ways at the fork in the rooms.

A knock sounded softly on the wooden door. Ed, lying in a prone position and doing nothing in particular, made no effort to let Lyncia in, and so she eventually did it herself.

It was dark. In a perfect microcosm of the General's office in Central, only moonlight shone in through a single window. It cast a white beam over the bed on which Edward was resting. Coming to sit on the bed beside him, she stared up at the ceiling and spoke.

"Edward...this isn't the you I know. You need to wake up. I know I have no business in this and that's mostly the reason why I don't really know what's going on. But seeing you like this isn't good. I don't like it. Come on, come with me to see them."

There came no answer. The Catholicon Alchemist sighed, then leaned over a bit. Using one hand, she brushed the golden strands of hair off of his face with her thin, graceful hands. This drew a small response from him, but still no words. Leaning directly over him, they locked eyes.

"I'm...scared..." And finally, it came.

"Well..don't be." She rested her pale, perfectly soft hand on top of his and squeezed lightly, more out of the sincere concern that was part of her nature than anything else. That woke him deep inside. He blinked, gazing up at her. At this angle, the small light flowing in fell over her, and he was amazed. Her gorgeous, entrancing, amazing brown hair dangled down while she bent over, and stopped just inches from his face. The bluish white light reflected off of her hazel eyes, creating a dreamy look in them and drawing his to that spot even more. The thin line that separated her lips was parted slightly, and Ed could see just how lucious and perfect they really were. Her craned neck allowed him to trace the skin back down to her shoulders, through which her slender arms extended. Again, the angle he was offered did wonders when his eyes rested on her chest. The rest of her body was similarly defined by the moon's light, and he was hypnotized. They locked eyes again, and he found the strength to sit up.

"Your brother is talking to her right now. So go. It'll work out." She smiled softly, her lips curving upwards and spreading the effect to him.

He offered a half-smile and stood, then slipped effectively out the door.

"Winry..."

"Al...what...what happened? He...left me. You both...left me..."

"He never left you, Winry."

"Then where has he been, Al? What happened? You tell me!" she lashed back, lying in the center of her large bed with tears in her eyes and on her rosy cheeks. A blue comforter was disarranged and nearly falling off of the bed. Blankets were tossed aside and a white pillow cast astrew. There was no moonlight in Winry's room, only the light given off by a single lamp, its bulb nearing the end of its lifespan.

"Winry...he died. Twice."

The look of shock on her face was only matched by the silence that fell over the room.

"He died. I brought him back, and then he died again to save me. I can't even begin to tell you the story. None of it is his fault. There was nothing else we could do. But we're back. We came back as soon as we could." It was a lie, but even Al couldn't tell her the sad truth about the brothers' vow. "Isn't that what's important?"

"But Al...I was so alone..."

"I'm sorry, Winry..."

"So lonely..."

"Winry..."

"I thought you both left me forever."

"We're back. We didn't." Al was finding it harder by the second to maintain his composure. This wasn't the Winry they had known. This wasn't her. He could only begin to guess what the time alone had done to her psyche. No, this was almost certainly a different girl losing it in front of him. He was at a loss for words as he contemplated what to do, what to say, how to make things better.

His thoughts were interrupted as she crawled to the edge of the bed and shakily stood up, then walked over to him and reached her arms out, trying tobringhim to her. He tried to put an encouraging arm around her shoulder, but otherwise pushed away. "No, Winry. This isn't what you want. Not me."

"Al..." she croaked.

"Stop. Not me."

"Winry...go to him."

She stared at him for a moment with a look in her eyes that mixed defiance with helplessness and understanding, then nodded silently and, after wobbling and hesitantly looking back at Alphonse more than once, slowlyexited the room without another word.

They met in the hallway. He, with his mental baggage, frightened appearance, and slouch, and she, with her disheveled hair, loneliness, and a sense of longing.

Ed was always too dense to know when to let a situation play itself out. "Winry..." he began.

But she cut him off. In a single fluid sweeping motion, she glided over to him, and put her arms over his shoulders, behind his neck. He, in turn, embraced her with such a delicate softness that she was taken by surprise. His arms closed around her, and they joined together, sharing that immortal moment in time. Nothing was around them. Everything was around them. Noise was nowhere. Noise was everywhere. Time came to a halt. Time continued forward. It was a moment of passion. It was a moment of grief. It passed in a flash. It dragged on forever.

She stood under the cascading waterfall that was his embrace, his presence, and let the waves wash over her, unable to hold themselves back any longer as they transcended the dam that had been holding back his emotions. This new sea was not cold to the touch, nor was it stormy,but rather, warm and calm.

No kisses were exchanged. No soft words of love. It was not a moment of lust, nor of love. It was the fulfilling of lost promises, the making up of lost time, the apology that needed to be made, the acceptance that needed to be voiced. It was the bridge that brought them from the opposite sides of the same river to the place they now stood. They were friends again. He slowly, softly released her from the hug, the embrace, from his arms. And they were friends again, like they used to be.

That thought flashed before him, and then another replaced it; it was of Lyncia, so delicately holding his hand, so sincerely speaking to him in that moonlight, so gently giving him the strength he needed, and entrancing him with her grace.

But that thought was reserved for some other time.

"Edward, I missed you."

"Winry...it's okay now."

"So badly..."

"Winry..."

"...I missed you..."

...Wow. What a way to start back. Well, not many notes, seeing as how there are no reviews to answer.
I just want to make it clear to everyone that this wasn't an admission of love or a blooming crush, it was a silent apology and forgiveness for everything that had happened. And now they are friends again. And now I might, just MIGHT, POSSIBLY have the foundation for a future romance in later chapters (if I so choose), and I won't specify because, yes,I love to torture.

Well, I hope you're all satisfied. I couldn't rest until I got this finished, and because of that it might not be perfect.
But try to go easy and rest assured that I'm working on chapter five, and it will take the foundation laid here and intertwine it with the central plot.

So then, thanks for reading.

Next time:

Chapter 5: Outset

All is forgiven. This is the message Winry imparts to Ed. Al, glad to see things have worked out, contacts Mustang and slowly the Elric brothers' lives return to normal. It is during this time that his brother earns an opportunity to see his relationship with both girls flourish. But an unknown danger lurks out there, and the brothers are never far from it. A devastating event sparks a new journey, and at the outset, Ed must come to a decision.

Read and review.

Se ya soon!

LL