Chapter Six-Back to Central

"So how long are you going to be gone?" Edward let out a groan at Winry's question, realizing that he was even more frustrated with the situation. Winry was sitting on the bed as Ed handed her clothes to place in his suitcase.

"I'm not looking forward to this anymore then you but he won't tell me anything unless I go."

"Well why do you have to go? Maybe you could just tell him you're not coming unless he tells you more." Ed released a worn out sigh and rubbed his forehead.

"Somehow I don't think that is going to work. Besides he made it sound like I need to be there. And I know I don't answer to him anymore but I just have a feeling I need to go." Winry wasn't trying to start an argument. She knew he actually kind of wanted to go. This was probably the longest he'd ever stayed in one place in a long time. She just didn't want him to leave when she wasn't feeling so well. He closed his suitcase and blew his hair out of his face. Winry had a look on her face that he couldn't read but he was certain she was upset with him. Placing his luggage on the floor next to the door, he took a seat next to her. "What if I promise that I'll come back as soon as possible? Would that make you happy?"

He wasn't expecting her response as she pushed past him for the bathroom again. At least she was nice enough to not throw up on him. "Alright that's it. I'm not going if you're sick." She came back into the doorway when he said that.

"You shouldn't stay just because of me. It's probably the flu."

"Okay, as long as you're alright with it." She nodded back and he smiled, somewhat relieved she agreed to let him go. "Come on, let's get you back into bed." He helped her get under the covers. "Do you need anything before I go?" She tilted her head, clearly thinking more about it then he intended.

"Well since you are going to Central..." He dropped his shoulders and rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't talking about souvenirs." She smiled and leaned against him.

"Pleeeaaasssee." He released a surrendering huff.

"Alright, fine. What do you want me to bring back?" As though it appeared out of nowhere, she pulled a list out for him. His jaw dropped, just looking over it.

"Winry, we don't have this kind of money." She let out a weak cough which caused him to narrow his amber gaze at her.

"Well at least get me a new set of screwdrivers. Mine are pretty worn out."

"I must be out of my mind." His answer made it clear that she had gotten her way, again. Once she was settled in, he went downstairs and out the front door. "Guess I'm going to the train station along."

oOoOo

Roy was trying to focus on what he was doing when he caught sight of the clock. By this point, it was late afternoon and he was fed up with the paper work he'd been looking over for the past several hours. Deciding he'd done enough for one day, he glanced out the door to see if the coast was clear. Riza knew he wanted to meet Ed at the station but she was determined for him to finish the days work. He was very good at putting things off till the last minute and she was getting tired of it. Sure enough though, she was not in the office and he could get out if he hurried.

Moving quickly, he was almost out when he heard Havoc clear his throat.

"Going somewhere, Sir?" Roy paused, gritting his teeth.

"Yeah, why?" He turned to glare at the blond Lieutenant who wasn't even looking back at him. He was busy filing and seemed to also be in a hurry. Jean hastily moved papers around, placing them in their correct order all the while with a cigarette dangling from his mouth as though he knew a break was coming soon.

"Lieutenant Hawkeye wanted me to file those reports you were working on before leaving." He finally glanced up and although he seemed impatient, he still managed to look laid back about it. Mustang quickly walked back to him and leaned over intimidatingly.

"She does not run this office, I do. Got that?" Havoc smiled back as though he didn't believe that. The side of Roy's mouth twitched upward as though he too was having a difficult time convincing himself.

"Well if you don't do your job, I certainly can't do mine." He happily closed the folder in front of him and rose to his feet. Standing on his own was something he didn't take for granted. Not that he was running any marathons but getting out from behind the desk was all the more enjoyable now. The General looked around, curiously.

"So where is Lieutenant Hawkeye anyway?"

"You don't have to be so formal around me, sir. You can call her Riza. I already know you two went out last night and there are rumors all over the office." Havoc couldn't help but smile back at him. Unfortunately, Roy didn't find him amusing.

"It's not like that. Sheesh, you people have nothing better to do with your time. Besides like I could ever be with just one person."

"Whatever you say, sir" The Flame Alchemist dark eyes shifted back to the Lieutenant.

"Now where is she?"

"Oh well, she went to the train station to get Fullmetal." Roy dropped his head in frustration.

"I was suppose to be the one that met him. Why didn't she wait for me." Jean shook his head in amusement, receiving another glare.
"And don't call him that. Edward doesn't have an official title anymore."

"Sorry sir, old habits die hard."

"Uh huh." With that, he grudgingly headed back into his office.
"Oh and no smoke breaks till I'm done. If I'm working then you're working." Havoc dropped his shoulders in frustration.

"Yes, sir." He removed the cigarette from his mouth.

oOoOo

Edward rubbed his lower back as he exited the train. Traveling seemed even more uncomfortable. He didn't remember being this sore when he and Al use to roam the countryside. Of course maybe that was because he could just curl up and go to sleep then. It wasn't as easy now that he was taller but you'd never hear him complain about it. This was the first time he'd been back to Central in several years. The city hadn't changed much. Glancing around he wondered if he'd recognize whoever Mustang sent from the Military to come get him. Before he had to scan the crowd too much, He noticed two people waving at him and he couldn't help but smile back. Ross and Brosh pushed past the crowd in order to get to him.

"Well that was easier then I thought it would be," Brosh mentioned causing Ed to arch an eyebrow.

"How so?"

"Cause last time we saw you, you were...um not as tall." About half way through the statement Brosh remembered how sensitive Ed used to be about his height. He honestly expected him to erupt at the statement but he just laughed instead.

"Yeah but now you are so impressed by how much taller I am, right?" His tone had a dramatic quality to it and Brosh glanced over at Ross, feeling somewhat exasperated.

"Sure thing, sir." Ed just grinned and patted Brosh on the head since he was slightly taller then him. He hadn't really gotten the opportunity to brag about it much.

"Major Elric, the General is waiting for you back at Headquarters," Ross explained, reaching down to take his suitcase. He resolutely shook his head and smiled at her.

"You don't have to call me that anymore. I gave up my title as a State alchemist. You can just call me Ed."

"Sorry, sir. I forgot." They started to move to where the car was parked.

"And no calling me sir, you're making me feel really old." Riza stepped out of the driver seat and bowed politely to him.

"It's good to see you again, Edward. How have you been?" He scratched the back of his head and smiled back at her.

"Okay, I guess. Wished I was coming back under better circumstances." Ross placed his luggage in the car and they took off for the main office.