Hello! Long time, no update! Oh well...school has ended for me just last week and I've been busy with the whole prom/grad deal. Getting the invites, the date and all that jazz. Anyway, I'd like to thank those who reviewed, thank you very much! And now...chapter eleven, Just Moments, enjoy!

Standard disclaimers apply...

Chapter Eleven
Just Moments
Amber

I woke up the next morning slightly refreshed and relieved since Edward now knew that I was working at the bar and I didn't have to hide it anymore. Now the problem was what we're going to do over the next few days as we keep showing up at the bar "together". Well...it wouldn't hurt to try and have a civilized conversation with him while undercover, I mean we won't be able to argue without raising suspicion. I just hope he tries...I'll only do it if he tries too...

I kept to myself most of the day since I wanted to avoid trouble, firstly. Second, I wanted some time to myself as I prepared to tackle the bar tonight. The place is pretty sweet and it's family oriented, kids are allowed in but us waitresses need to keep a steady eye on the younger ones. I still don't understand the possible threat the place holds to the military since on the first day, I was welcomed with open arms and big smiles. It didn't take me long to adjust and adapt to their lifestyle. I found myself smiling often which I found surprisingly new since I barely smile, let alone the full one that earned me the "sweet cheeks" rep.

It grew dark rather quickly that day and I dressed for the bar as usual and left without bothering to say anything to Edward or Alphonse. Once I arrived at the bar, Ella was just clocking in as well. She wasn't just friendly, she was also a very easy person to talk to, just like Winry back in Resembool.

"So," she started as we tied on our aprons. "Do you think that blonde kid from yesterday is going to show up again?"

"I don't know..." I started, lying. "Why? Do you like him?"

"No," she said with a smile. "I just think he'd be good for you."

"You've got to be kidding," I said while taking out my pen from my bag.

"I'm serious," she said while tucking her pen behind her ear. "If he comes back tonight you should talk to him, he seems like a nice guy."

"Right," I scoffed, not wanting to talk about this anymore. '"Nice guy" are totally not the words I'd use to describe Edward Elric,' I thought as I walked out of the clocking in area and headed for the bar to meet with Bob. "Am I doing tables tonight?" I asked as I spotted him working the bar.

"Yes," he said with a smile. "Please try to take a break tonight, last night you left exhausted."

"I'll try," I half promised as I started to clean up the dirty tables. Lunch hour had kept the place quite busy I see...

"Hey there girls!" called out Rafael's voice as he stepped inside. "Charla, when you can, fetch me a beer."

"All righty then," I said with a smile and a nod. After clearing my last table, I got him one and set it before him and he slipped a sen into my hand. "Thanks," I said softly as the disguised Edward finally came in. He sat down further into the crowd, making small talk with some of the usual folks. I'd been working for two hours straight when I noticed Edward glancing at the pool tables. "Rack 'em up," I said as I walked by his table. "I'll play you."

"Really?" he asked, slightly surprised. "I mean, all right then," he said as he walked over to the table and did as I suggested.

"Bob," I started as I let go of my tray at the bar. "I'm taking a break," I said as I walked over to the table Ed has set up and picked up a cue stick. "You break," I said while pointing at the white ball.

"I insist that you do it," Ed said, a twinkle in his eye.

"If you insist kind gentleman," I started, not wanting to give into this semi fight that he wanted. "I'll break then," I said as I leaned in, ready for the game.

Ed

"Clack!" sounded out the ball as the game began. Amber and I played pretty well and were halfway through in silence. I then decided to try what Al had suggested that afternoon and hoped that things would actually go well for once.

"So..." I started after Amber hit and sunk another one of the higher numbers. "Tell me about your family."

"Well," Amber started, bitting her lower lip slightly. "I'm an only child and all of my family's dead," she said while looking into my eyes. I could tell that it wasn't a lie and that she had been completely honest with me. "What about you?"

"My father walked out on my mom when I was little," I said as I hit the ball and missed. "And my mother died a few months, maybe a year or two later."

"You don't like your father much, do you?" she said softly. I nodded in response and she sighed deeply before speaking. "At least he's alive. Even if you don't count or trust him, at least you have someone there..."

"What happened to your parents?" I asked, wondering if she'd avoid the subject like last time.

"My mom died when I was about seven, she got sick and never recovered," Amber said, her eyes hard to read at this point. "My father is another story..."

"What happened?" I asked, as I noticed her eyes darken.

"I don't want to talk about it," she said softly.

"Change of subject then," I said as I played my turn and sunk one of her numbers by accident. "What were you like when you were little?"

"Hyper," she said with a laugh. "I could barely sit still...but I guess that's kind of typical for a youngster."

"Yeah," I said with a laugh of my own. This all felt different but, natural. "I guess it is," I added, watching Amber sink in her last ball and claim yet another turn to sink the eight ball and win. "Good game," I said while shaking her hand.

"Good game," Amber said with a smile. "I better get back to work," she said while placing the stick on the table and walking over to the bar to pick up her tray. It felt weird to get along with her...almost scary. I mean, I felt relaxed and at ease and never felt the tiniest urge to argue about anything. I sat down at the table I'd been in before to find that I had a little guest with me.

"Hey there little girl," I said while smiling at her a little.

"Hi mister!" she cried, smiling widely at me.

"Where's your mother and father?" I asked.

"They're at a nearby town, I just came by to see the people here since they're always so nice to me!" she said enthusiastically.

"Hey there Casey!" Amber said as she walked over to our table. "I see you've met our newest guest," she added, referring to me.

"Yes!" the girl named Casey replied.

"I brought your milk and cookies Case," Amber said while setting down a glass of the vile beverage and a plate of cookies.

"Want one mister?" she asked while offering one to me.

"No thanks," I said softly while glancing at Amber. "They're yours."

"I don't mind," the little girl replied.

"It's okay," I started. "They're yours...if I want any, I'll ask Charlotte for some..."

"He's right Case," Amber said while smiling at the girl. "He'll ask me if he wants anything, that's what I'm here for."

"Oh," Casey said softly with a small smile. "Okay!" she said while starting to eat her snack.

"Charlotte," I started, remembering the name Havoc had told me when I called Central last night.

"Yes?" she said while her gaze met mine.

"Could you get me some water?" I asked.

"I'd be glad to," she said while walking away.

"You like her," Casey started.

"Nope," I said honestly. 'This whole undercover thing has created a different Amber...one that is completely fake and I don't like it at all...' I thought. Wait a moment...whoever said I liked the cold Amber in the first place?

"Here you go kid," Amber said to me with a smile as she placed a bottle near my hand. "So Case...what are planning to do tomorrow?"

"I don't know..." the girl replied. "Will you be working tomorrow?"

"Yes," Amber replied. "Why?"

"Because I want to show you something," Casey replied, smiling.

"I can't wait to see it," Amber said while ruffling the little girl's short hair and smiling. This all looks so genuine, like I'm seeing the Amber that she's locked away for whatever reason...but it just has to be an act...

"Charlotte," started a voice from behind me. I followed her gaze and saw Bob standing at our table, smiling at her."You can go, you've worked hard tonight."

"Thanks Bob," Amber said with a smile. She then walked off after giving a quick hug to Casey and smiling at Bob. She left her tray at the bar and waved good bye to everyone before leaving. I waited a few minutes before making my own exit and joining Amber outside. "Tonight wasn't so hard..." Amber started.

"Yeah," I agreed. "It seems like every day things get a little easier to deal with..."

"Except you," Amber and I said at the same time. We both glared at each other in surprise and decided not to say another word to each other for what remained of the journey. Once we reached our rooms at the inn, I quickly made my way to my room without saying another word to Amber.

"Night," Amber said while opening the door.

Amber

"Wait!" cried Ed before I managed to step inside my room. I turned to face him, curiosity getting the better of me. "Is that all you're going to say? No "shortie", "runt" nor anything from that trail of insults?"

"Do you want me to insult you?" I asked, raising a brow.

"No!" he cried defensively. "Just...good night," he said with a small smile.

"Good night," I said while going into my room and closing the door. "Shortie..."

I love that ending...one of my fave chapter endings so far...anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and until next time!

Laters!

Laski