A/N : There's lots of foul language in this chapter. Ye have been warned.
Disclaimer: I do not own FMA
"Tens full of Queens. Pay up Fullmetal."
A pair of cards slapped on the table and Roy Mustang's face blossomed into a handsome toothy grin.
"Piss!" Ed exclaimed throwing the remainder of his chips at the colonel who swept them grandiosely into the enormous pile he'd already swindled. Ed slumped low in his chair and crossed his arms. This game sucked.
"Ah…Piss is right" Havoc snorted eyeing his former boss who was shuffling the deck merrily. It was amazing how easily the man could morph from delightful to evil. "You could have just given him your money chief" he suggested turning toward Edward, "saved us all a lot of time. Mustang's gonna bully us out now."
He jerked his head to Alphonse whose own modest pile dwarfed in comparison to the other two players' chips. Al frowned dejectedly.
"Yeah brother, even I knew he was playing good cards this round. Why do you always have to let him bait you?"
"Shut up!" Ed retorted earning a tinkling laugh from Roy. "And YOU!" Ed pointed an accusatory finger, "You couldn't have possibly had me three times in a row, CHEATER!"
"You're right. Last round I only had a pair of twos," Mustang confessed evenly. His features were completely stiff and emotionless now; impossible to read. Ed snarled.
"You're lying. No one is stupid enough to go all in on a pair-"
"This is poker Ed" he interrupted quietly in a bored exasperated sort of voice, "Perhaps I sized up my opponent and determined that his skills at the game fell…ah…short of mine."
Ed narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth ready to unleash a tirade. Matters weren't improved by Mustangs' smug face.
"Who wants to be good at lying and cheating anyway you sorry ass bastard! You're only visiting us to steal our money and piss me off-"
"Mission accomplished" Roy affirmed mockingly.
"I- do what?" Ed nearly exploded. Mustang guffawed.
"Yes Ed. I took off work to spend three hours stealing" he counted, "22 cens from a couple of kids. I'm that lousy of a person." The sarcasm was too much to miss. Ed didn't like admitting that he was kind of touched the colonel had even bothered to come by. He'd never visited him before and now Edward was insinuating the man had dubious motives. He wasn't about to apologize however, being the sore loser that he was. He twisted his mouth and settled on yelling at Havoc instead.
"Stop moving your damn leg" he demanded, "I can feel the damn floor moving!"
"Sorry man!" Havoc bemoaned, "but I can't help it. I'm Jonesin."
"Then go smoke a cigarette!" he pointed to the door his face now red with frustration. He didn't appreciate everyone making him feel like crap today. Havoc placed a hand on his twitching thigh to steady it and drooped his head.
"I'm trying to quit." The words were sorrowfully delivered, in a manner worthy of a someone revealing they had been diagnosed with a terminally ill disease.
"Good for you" Al responded politely. Jean chuckled and brushed the back of his head nervously.
"Its funny how the world works sometimes. I promised my mother that'd I'd quit the day I could walk again. haha" He gazed across the table at Mustang who had a genuine smile on his face now, "Guess I shouldn't have given up on that possibility so readily. Now I can't have anymore smokes!"
"There's your equivalent exchange then" Al offered gracefully, "Give up your love of cigs for a mobile pair of legs."
Ed rolled his eyes in deprecation. Everyone was belittling him so he'd just give it right back. He scrapped his chair away forcefully and stomped off.
"Maybe I'll just go outside and smoke then," he declared wrenching open the door, " I hear its supposed by a major stress release." He stopped abruptly, startled. Instead of a clear passage a person laden with a package blocked his way.
"I thought I heard your voice, hello Edward, " the girl beamed, smiling brightly.
"Rose?" Ed just stood there dumbly all etiquette forgotten as he tried to make sense of the situation. "What are you doing here?" he sputtered.
It wasn't meant to sound rude, but often, due to his candid nature, Edward's intent was lost on those he interacted with. He quickly realized his mistake when Rose's smile faded making him feel awkward. Maybe Alphonse had a point with this whole manners and decency thing. He was saved the trouble of apologizing however , because he was knocked out of the way by Havoc and Mustang.
"Rose? What a beautiful name. I'm Roy. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Is this your box? Allow me to carry that for you. I'm Jean and I'm 26. He's 31." He pointed to Mustang who scowled. Rose laughed at the blonde.
"I'm 18" she offered the information with a flutter of her eyelashes. Ed observed the scene, mystified as Jean motioned for her to come in. She followed her eyes falling on Al who waved cheerfully.
"Oh! Al? You're so cute!" she ran forward and embraced him causing the boy to blush furiously.
"Thanks for visiting" he stammered, "Coming all the way out to central! How'd you know we were here?"
"Well I'm in Central this week for a friend's wedding," she explained moving back and clasping her hands together, " I went down to visit Winry on the way here and she asked me to come by. I even brought a gift from her."
Al swiveled around to stare at Jean. Oh. MY. GOODNESS. He could smell it!
The box was opened to reveal a stunning, scrumptious apple pie and Alphonse's features erupted in glee. Everyone crowded around excitedly speaking very rapidly about the train ride here and Rose's many adventures while stuffing their faces with dessert. Everyone that is, except Edward who still stood precariously by the door, his brain in a jam.
Rose and Winry were friends? Oh yeah they met in Liore. Something still isn't right…
"Wait a sec, Why didn't Winry come with you?" Ed interjected. Roy coughed and some of his pie dribbled out on his chin. Ed ignored this and continued looking at Rose who didn't meet his gaze. The sign increased Ed's pulse.
"Well, she's really busy right now," she replied lamely, keeping her eyes averted, "but she wrote you a letter." Rose pulled the envelope from her bag and Ed snatched it without so much as a thank you and retreated to the corner of the room.
Dear Ed and Al,
I miss you and am so thrilled to hear of your return to your bodies (mostly. Sorry Ed, I guess you're still stuck with me taking care of your leg). Ling, Lanfan, and Mei, were all here last week. They stopped on to rest before their journey across the desert and told me the whole story of the battle. You guys sure are brave. I'm proud to be your friend. Your dad is here now and I guess he's a permanent resident? I've been treated to several lovely evenings of him and granny drinking too much and telling me ungodly stories. Don't worry though. Your father assured me that he and granny were never involved (even though I did not ask!) and that granny was to wild and unruly for his taste. Apparently granny thought of him as her gay boyfriend. At least she just thought he was gay because he didn't date. Its so weird!
I've sent an apple pie with Rose since your condition will probably have you hospitalized a while and I can't leave at the moment. Lots of stuff is happening at home and I'd rather wait to discuss it with you in person. Please don't worry about me as I've handled worse. For now please heal and rest. I'm looking forward to your return, so I don't have to endure drunken escapades of two old people alone. Dear God come home soon! Love Always,
Winry
Edward folded up the letter and released a long slow breath. A torrent of emotions was whirling around inside him and he wasn't sure what action to take first. On the one hand he was amused by some her words, but mostly he felt sad and frustrated.
Lots of stuff is happening at home and I'd rather wait to discuss it with you in person. Please don't worry about me as I've handled worse.
Not that he'd ever admit it to a single soul, but he didn't appreciate that something had kept Winry from seeing him. Now that the brother's were free of the burden of the Homunculi he had half expected Winry to show up the next day at the hospital. Now Winry seemed to be in distress and couldn't talk about it. He looked up at the small crowd huddled together over her cooking.
Rose had turned her face away. SHE KNEW.
Ed presently returned his attention to the conversation at hand with the intent of barging in and demanding to be told Winry's predicament. But their discussion stunned him mute.
"Going to a Wedding by yourself just plain sucks," Havoc seemed to illuminating, "All the single dudes there are bound to be old, weird, or ugly. You'll have no one dance with and be stuck having jello shots with the bride's mom. "
"Is that so?" Rose queried leaning her chin on her elbow and coming within inches of Jean's face. "What do you suggest I do about it then? I don't know anyyyyyone in central."
Jean smiled roguishly, causing Ed's stomach to bubble in disgust. Rose didn't seem to mind. She appeared to be on cloud nine.
"I'd be happy to escort you" Havoc offered. Rose laughed girlishly.
"But I only go out with well dressed men. Do you have a nice suit?"
"No, but we could go shopping for one tonight."
"Won't all the stores be closed?" She blinked uneneccesarily and Ed had to turn his face away. He got himself a slice of pie as a cover for joining the group which he was rapidly regretting. In his peripheral vision, however something truly wonderful brightened his mood. Roy Mustang looked positively put out. Apparently a pretty girl speaking to another man and ignoring him was something he considered unpleasant. Ed laughed inwardly.
"We can go window shopping," Jean offered, "I know a great café that's probably close to some clothing stores."
"Sounds fabulous!" She stood to leave, taking Jean's proffered arm. Ed gagged on his dessert.
"What a minuted!" he choked, desperately attempting to swallow-
"I'm glad to see that you two are doing so well. Winry will be happy. Good bye!" Rose smiled.
"Hold it!" Ed coughed, "I just want to-"
They're backs turned. Al yelled a farewell over Ed's strangled words. He managed to relax his throat, but it was too late. Rose and Havoc disappeared behind the door and their amorous chatter died away down the hall.
"Ask about Winry" he muttered t himself eyes dropping to his feet in defeat.
"You know sometimes I'm mortified by your tactless behavior Ed," Al chided from behind, "You didn't say one nice thing to Rose, our GUEST. I miss Winry too, but you could've waited until Rose left to-"
"READ IT!" Ed commanded throwing the letter at Al who gingerly unfolded it. To his horror, Ed realized that Roy's sulking behavior had been replaced with a wicked grin and he suddenly had an immense desire for the man to leave. It was imperative that Ed have the first word.
"I guess Havoc forfeited, but you're the one who lost" he sneered gesturing to the door that Jean and Rose had exited "take your damn money and go home….alooooone" He crossed his arms and threw his nose in the air. Mustang remained still giving no indication that the words had bruised him at all. On the contrary, he appeared to be like a predator on the hunt. The corners of his mouth twitched.
"So desperate to hear from Miss Rockbell that you don't even glance at the beautiful woman that comes to visit. How dashing of you to show your girlfriend such loyalty." He spoke smoothly tracing the corners of his mouth with his finger.
Ed surpassed red and flushed a magnificent maroon. He felt so hot that he was certain a four course meal could be prepared on his forehead.
"It isn't like that!" He screeched pointing wildly, "I was worried…you know….because we're friends….and we've known each other…forever." The words bumbled out ridiculously some spoken with far too many syllables. Damn that sneaky bastard! Mustang leaned back his head and released a raucous laugh.
"This big pile of chips is evidence that I am an exceeeeellent poker player," he explained with a wave of his hand, "Want some advice Fullmetal? YOU BLOW AT BLUFFING."
Al laughed. Roy Smirked. And Ed's face contorted in fury.
"Fuck you!" he spat, turning on his heel he flew from the room, walking blindly through the corridors and scaring off the hospital staff. He stopped impulsively at the phones.
Lots of stuff is happening at home and I'd rather wait to discuss it with you in person. Please don't worry about me as I've handled worse.
"To hell with waiting" he grumbled dialing her number. His heart hammered so hard he thought it just might beat right out and start doing acrobatics on the floor.
"Rockbell Automail" an unfamiliar voice sang over the phone.
"Who the hell are you?" Ed blurted out bewildered.
"Excuse me? What's you're problem, Jack Ass?" she quipped, her tone now defensive.
"Where's Winry?" he demanded worried now. Some strange lady was answering the phones. That's never happened before.
"Assisting in Surgery. Are you a client? Need an appointment?" she asked sounding bored now. He could hear an automail drill running and what sounded like Ishbalan music.
"Uh..yeah I am," he stopped suddenly feeling silly and foolish. Maybe they just had someone over today to answer the phones because of the operation. If Winry was in the OR all day that surely meant nothing was physically wrong with her. Maybe he was just blowing this out of proportion.
"She's available for tomorrow morning or Thursday at-"
"Oh no no. I don't need an appointment. I was just calling to um….to see if she was okay."
Silence
"What's your name?" the girl asked.
"Uh…Willard" he lied, embarrassed. He would be damned if Winry held this little act over his head after the humiliation of rushing to call her the last time he assumed she was in danger. Winry had laughed and asked if it was snowing in summer.
"Riiiiight. Well, Willard she's fine as far as I know. I'll tell her you called…..fuckin idiot," she snorted.
Click
Ed stared at the ear piece in total shock. That woman was a bitch! How could Granny and Winry be friends with a lady like that?
He stopped.
"Nevermind. Makes perfect sense that they'd get along," he sighed and slammed the receiver down.
Al was alone when Ed returned to the room, greeting him with a smile.
"Poor Winry. Looks like we're missing out on all the fun," Al commented.
"You aren't worried?" Ed furrowed his brow looking to be consoled. Al shifted his position so they could lock eyes.
"No. She sounded upbeat. There must be some reason she wants to postpone speaking to us. We've caused her to worry and wait over us for so long, I think she deserves the same grace."
Though the words were spoken kindly, Ed was stricken and he collapsed on his bed placing his head in his hands.
"You're right. I over reacted," he sighed replaying the events of the day in his head. He thought of Rose and a fresh wave of guilt washed over him.
" I was a complete ass today" he confessed.
"I think you're just sick of being in this room," Al responded wisely, "You've never been one to be cooped up this long."
"Yeah we should see about checking out of this dump," he laughed glad for his brother's generosity. Only Al would be so kind to dismiss his behavior from the past hour.
"Ed?"
"What?"
"I think it's sweet that you're so concerned with Winry."
Al dodged a flying pillow and cackled as Ed reverted back to yelling obscenities. When it was this easy to push his buttons it was difficult to resist.