Disclaimer: I may not own Full Metal Alchemist, but I definitely own a rather special person making a long awaited appearance in this chapter!
Jessie: Tadaa! It's the chapter everyone's been waitin' for!
Joh: Shaw!
Jessie: Yep; Envy 'n Edo's kid is on the way-- but at one of the worst times possible, ne? Envy's gotta get to Risembool ASAP. Will he make it in time? Well, you'll just have to read on, now, won't you?
Joh: Stares at number of chapters Wow, you've written a lot, Nee-san!
Jessie: Tears Its so grown up!
J Twins: Huggles
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"…Envy?"
Silence.
Al let out a heavy sigh as he replaced the phone on the base, slowly turning to face his pale-faced brother.
"Nii-san…I think the line went dead," Al murmured, wringing his hands nervously. Ed cast his eyes up to the ceiling in an agitated manner before shaking his head.
"Its okay, Al; at least he knows what's going on," Ed replied; although it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself rather than the young brunette.
"But… but Nii-san… are you sure you're okay?" Al blurted out, his eyes wide with fear.
"Alphonse, I'm fine-- really. Don't freak out on me now," Ed said sternly; though the brunette still looked unconvinced. Ed sighed and took Al's hands into his own.
"You gotta relax; I just need you to listen, and do exactly as I tell you, alright? Can you do that for me?" Ed asked seriously, his golden eyes boring into Al's honey colored ones.
"O-okay," Al gulped, though he was not able to fully cover the tremor in his voice. Edward's intent gaze softened, and he gently squeezed Al's hands.
"It's alright, Al, don't get so worked up," Ed said soothingly, moving a hand to Al's chin to tip his head up so that their eyes met. Ed smiled sheepishly.
"Geez; the way you're acting, you'd think you were the one in labor," Ed chuckled nervously, rubbing his belly gingerly. Al blinked a few times, and seemed to become more of himself as he grinned slightly at Ed's comment.
"Sorry, Ed. I'm okay… so, uh, should I go get Izumi?" he asked. Immediately Edward shook his head.
"No, Al; I just need you here with me, 'kay?" Smiling slightly at Al's affirmative nod, the two made their way back to the guest bedroom. They sat down together on the edge of the bed in a short, companionable silence. Then--
"It's so strange to think that, after all this time, you're actually gonna have a baby, Edward," Al mumbled, a slightly pink tinge on his cheeks even as he said it.
"Well there'd better be something coming out of all of this; I didn't just endure nearly nine months of torture for nothin', Al," Ed snorted, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling.
"But I don't understand, Nii-san… the baby wasn't supposed to be due another week and a half; why did you have to go into labor now?" Al protested. Ed stared at Al incredulously.
"Alphonse, it's not like I have any say in when the baby decides to be born; it just happens," Edward said exasperatedly.
Al stared at the blonde, letting his words sink it
"Oh my God," Al suddenly gasped. Ed looked up at the brunette cautiously.
"Something wrong, Al?" he asked warily, waiting for Al to reply…
It seemed as though something or other that hadn't sunk in a long time ago had decided to finally clarify itself in Al's mind, for hardly a split-second after he'd asked the younger Elric, he began to speak so fast it was nearly incoherent… but only nearly:
"Omigod, Ed; do you know what this means?"
Sigh (Sweatdrop).
"…Al…"
"Oh my God-- Edward, I'm--"
"Come, on, Al… really, this isn't--"
"I'm gonna be an uncle, and I don't even know what uncles do; I've never had an uncle! What are uncles supposed to do, Ed?" Al wailed miserably, waving his arms around for emphasis.
Letting out a frustrated huff of breath, Ed caught and clamped onto one of Al's flailing arms, causing the younger for to squeak in surprise.
"Alphonse. I'm alright, damn it," Ed growled, staring the brunette down dangerously. Alphonse quieted at once in response to his brother's firm, yet reassuring touch.
"Calm down, Al; it's just like what happened when we were stuck in the mountains with Payaninya, remember? What's the difference here?" Ed asked exasperatedly. Al blinked, temporarily speechless. After a moment, the brunette sighed; lowering his gaze so that he stared down into his lap.
"Well, Nii-san, for one thing, we knew for sure that help was coming, and second of all…" Al paused to gulp back a sob, "…y-you're my brother, and I don't want anything bad happening to you…"
"Al, please don't get sentimental on me right now…" Edward deadpanned; immediately the brunette blushed.
"Sorry, Nii-san…"
"Good. Now, shut up and--"
But whatever Ed had so kindly been about to add, Al never found out, for the next moment Ed had fallen off of the bed and onto to his knees in pain.
"Edward!" Al gasped, crouching beside Ed's trembling figure. His left hand gripped the bed sheets; his knuckles white, his fist was clenched so tightly.
Hurriedly, Al assisted the blond back onto the bed, gently pushing him back against the pillows and gazing at him worriedly. After a few more (obviously agonizing) moments, the contraction had passed and Ed slumped back against the pillows wearily.
"…Is it bad?"
"…Alphonse?"
"Yes, Nii-san?"
"…To be totally honest, Al, I'm kind of surprised you're here today; I can't believe Mom actually went through this twice…
XxXxXxXxX
"Move it!"
"Whoa!"
"S'cuse me!"
"Hey-- watch it!"
"Fuck off!'" Envy hissed as he continued dashing down the street; resisting the urge to turn back to strangle the man. He groaned in open relief when he first sighted the train station, only quickening his sprint; his speed caught many bystanders' attention; mainly the ones whom he'd knocked over in his rush to get to the station.
None of the P.R.'s in the vicinity had time even to make the slightest movement to stop the determined Sin before he reached the gates allowing the ticketed passengers through to the tracks.
Envy slowed down to a walk, his eyes darting back and forth as he searched for any hint as to where he might find a train headed to Risembool.
"Excuse me!" Envy called, walking over to the conductor standing outside the door of a train, giving the last call to board the train to any potential passengers.
"Can I help ya?"
"In fact, you can. Do you know if there are any trains heading to Risembool?"
The conductor frowned slightly in concentration, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Lesse 'ere… Risembool?" the man shrugged helplessly.
"Sorry, kid; the last train headin' out there left sometime 'round two 'n a half hours ago… But I think I heard somethin' 'bouta train headed out t' Dublith makin' some detour to the boondocks-- Eh?" The conductor blinked and glanced around upon realizing that the wild-haired boy who'd just approached him was nowhere in sight.
Deciding he'd waited for any late-arrivers long enough, the man clambered aboard the train chuckling softly to himself, shaking his head.
"Kids these days."
XxXxXxXxX
Izumi had only just walked through the door when she found herself running up the stairs of the Rockbell residence in an instinctive response to hearing her two boys yelling.
Bursting through the bedroom door, she hurriedly took in the scene; Al was pale faced as he held a shuddering, agonized blonde who, it seemed happened to be holding Al's hand… with his right. She allowed herself a quick wince for the unfortunate brunette's sake before hurrying over beside the two brothers.
Wordlessly, she helped pry Al's hand away from Ed's (literally) iron grasp and pushed the blonde back against the pillows; flinching at the nearly inaudible whimper that escaped the blonde's lips. Watery golden eyes fluttered open to take in Izumi's features before Ed burst out stuttering.
"Se-Se-S-Sensei, I-I--"
"Shh; calm down, everything's alright, Edward," Izumi said –and in such a soothing voice that Al did a double take– before turning to Al.
"How long ago did this start?" Izumi ordered, gently unbraiding Ed's sweat slicked hair.
"I-I guess around… half an hour ago?" Al whimpered. Izumi let out a soft sigh of relief.
"Alright, that's good; at least it hasn't been all that long…"
"Oh my God; Edward!"
The only warning the three in the room received was a shriek and a blur before Winry was by Ed's side; Pinako hurrying in after her. Winry looked absolutely mortified.
"Oh my God… is he okay?" Winry whispered, her bright blue eyes shining with worry as she gazed at the small blonde.
"He will be in a matter of hours," Izumi replied curtly; occupied tying Ed's hair back into a hastily made, messy bun. With that task finished, she clapped her hands together in a businesslike fashion.
"Alright, first things first; Pinako, could you be so kind as to heat up another batch of water? Winry, be a dear and go bring me a bunch of towels. Alphonse-- for God's sake, don't just stand there gawking; go do something useful!"
With a weary sigh, Izumi slapped a hand to her forehead, listening to the mixed affirmatives she received. Once only she and Edward remained in the room she turned her attention back to the blonde sitting on the bed and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Focus on breathing deeply, Edward," she said gently, sitting on the free space available by the edge of the bed.
"Has it gotten worse?" Izumi asked urgently, waiting for a reply; however, none came.
"Edward? Edward, are you alright?" Izumi asked; her usually stoic mask crumbling as she started at the teen's tear-streaked face. When the blonde didn't reply, she tilted the teen's chin up to face her; only then did she realize he was crying.
"I…I can't do this," Ed croaked weakly, blinking as tears slowly rolled down his cheeks.
"Edward, of course you can; you and I both know that you've endured pain comparable to this; you can't back out of this commitment now--"
"No, Sensei; I know that I can do this… I just…" More tears welled up in Ed's eyes as he finally looked up into Izumi's concerned face.
"…I screwed everything up…" He lowered his eyes, obviously embarrassed by his tears.
"I mean… this is all my fault," he mumbled. Izumi arched an eyebrow.
"Edward Elric, what on earth are you talking about?"
"If I hadn't gotten so upset, I'd still be back with Envy," he hiccupped.
Smack
His eyes widened when he felt a hand connect with his cheek. He stared at Izumi in confusion, touching his face where he'd been hit.
"Don't you dare go about thinking this situation is your fault just because you had a stupid fight; no one could have expected this outcome; do you understand me?" Izumi demanded. After a moment's hesitation Ed nodded. Izumi let a rare smile grace her lips.
"Then I think it's about time you started to get ready to have this baby."
XxXxXxXxX
Riiiing…
Riiiing…
Click-- "Dr. Setzar's office; how may I help you?"
"Hello-- may I please speak with Dr. Setzar?"
"I'm sorry; he's not in right now."
"What? But it's already six 'o clock …"
"I'm sorry, but he's away on an emergency business trip and won't be back for another… three hours at the least."
"Oh… is that so?"
"I'm very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you."
"Oh no, it's just that… it's really important that I speak to him as soon as possible…"
"Then I'll be sure to tell him to give you a call as soon as he comes in."
"Alright… thank you very much… goodbye."
With a sigh, Al slowly replaced the phone onto the base.
"No luck?" Pinako asked worriedly. Al shook his head dejectedly.
"None whatsoever…" he muttered with a deep frown. The two stood there in silence before flinching at the sound of a strangled yell, accompanied by Izumi's voice barking his name. Snapping out of his reverie, Al hastily made his way upstairs (where, up until now, he'd been banned from for the past hour).
"Ngh…" Edward doubled over in agony, squeezing the sides of the bed tightly. When the contraction had passed, he fell back onto the pillows, letting out a small whimper.
"Shh, I know it hurts," Izumi murmured, brushing Ed's bangs –-plastered to his forehead with perspiration-- away from his face before standing up straight and turning to face the two teens standing in the doorway; all business.
"Did you reach the doctor?" She shook her head in exasperation as they shook their heads, and returned her focus to clocking the time between Edward's contractions.
Meanwhile, everything was happening too fast for Edward to process fully; everything was a mere blur for him, and he was trying to make sense of what had happened so far. One minute he'd been standing by Alphonse's side as the younger made an attempted call to Envy; the next, he was tucked into his bed, and now his younger brother was bouncing on his heels nervously by his bedside.
Speaking of which…
"Al, I'm sorry, but if you don't stop jumping around I'm gonna fucking kill you," Ed said between gritted teeth as another contraction passed. When the pain began to slowly ebb away, the blonde sank back against the bed with a loud groan. As soon as he relaxed, Winry dunked a cloth in the bowl of cool water in her lap; quickly placing it on Ed's forehead.
"I swear, woman have got to be prepared for this in some way men are not…" Ed muttered angrily, glancing up at Izumi for an affirmative.
"Well, Edward, men's bodies aren't structured in a way meant to carry a baby, while women's are. But I can assure you, the pain is the same, if that's what you're implying," Izumi replied dryly. Ed rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, glancing out the window hopefully.
"Edward, stop looking out the window like that; Pinako will let us know when they arrive-- you just concentrate on preparing yourself for the next contraction," Izumi ordered, her frown lightening slightly at the desperate look Ed had in his eye.
"Well there sure as hell isn't one right now," he said pointedly. Izumi raised an eyebrow.
"Well, there sure as hell is going to be one right about… oh, now," Izumi replied sarcastically, glancing at the clock hanging on the wall. Immediately, Ed bolted upright, his eyes screwed tightly shut as he swore loudly.
Now Alphonse; who always hated to see his brother in pain, decided it might be best to try and distract the blonde.
"Okay, okay, um, on a scale from one to… oh, let's say about fifty--"
"A thousand and fucking one!" Ed howled, pounding his fists by his sides in frustration.
XxXxXxXxX
"Last call for the 7 'o clock to Dublith!"
Envy immediately skidded to a halt before spinning around to glance about the platform. He caught a glimpse of a bunch of people hurrying toward the opposite side of a blaring locomotive he was standing near and walked to the other side.
He looked about for the people and spotted a few last passengers boarding the train.
A man stood by the only remaining open door, taking the offered tickets and ushering the late-arrivers onto the train.
"S'cuse, me; is this the train heading to Dublith?" Envy called as he jogged up to him. The man --who had just turned to board the train himself—glanced back and smiled.
"Indeed, it is," he replied, stepping down once more. Envy sighed in relief.
"Okay, this is kind of an emergency; I didn't have time to get a ticket; the line was way too long, and I'm in a huge hurry to get to Risembool," Envy explained. The conductor frowned and scratched his head.
"And they let you past without a ticket?" He asked doubtfully. Envy blinked before quickly thinking up a believable excuse.
"Listen; my wife's in labor, and I've got to get to Risembool as fast as possible," he blurted out, only just managing to hold back a snort of laugher; honestly, if Ed had been able to hear him just now…
"As much as I wanna help, I'm afraid I can't let you board without some sort of evidence of the circumstance," the conductor explained apologetically. His eyes widened in surprise when his feet abruptly left the ground as he was raised by his collar. His face was pulled close so that he was staring directly into fierce,narrowed violet eyes.
"You had better fucking lemme on this train, or I swear, I will--"
"Excuse me, but I think this is a situation in which I can be of assistance."
In his surprise, Envy dropped the poor man back onto his feet. The Homunculus spun around; only to be met with smiling, blue-green eyes.
"You…" he breathed, not daring to believe his luck.
XxXxXxXxX
A full five hours later found all the residents (both permanent and temporary) in the guest bedroom, desperately trying to calm the poor blonde down. The alchemist only became more and more agitated as the contracts hit him consecutively more frequently
"This isn't good," Izumi murmured, combing her fingers through her dark hair as Ed relaxed, panting heavily as another surge of pain passed. The moment the statement left her lips, Alphonse's worried honey eyes met her stormy blue ones.
"What's wrong?" He asked, moving closer to Ed anxiously at the sound of another pained sob.
"If we can't get in touch with Dr. Setzar… we might just have to go about this operation ourselves," Izumi replied with a frown. Al's eyes widened.
"But--!"
"N-n…"
Everyone's attention snapped to the gasping blonde, struggling to sit upright and speak.
"I-I c-can't… En…vy's not…"
"Edward…" Winry began nervously.
"Edward Elric, this baby is coming right here, right now whether you like it or not, so shut up," Izumi growled dangerously. But the blonde wouldn't be silenced.
"N-no way in f-fucking h-ell," he hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"I'd have to agree with Edo, Mrs. Curtis; not even I can get O'chibi-chan to change his mind when he's made a decision," a rather familiar voice chuckled amusedly.
Izumi spun around and Al leapt up from the side of the bed; Ed froze, his golden eyes huge and bright as he focused on the form leaning casually against the doorframe to the bedroom.
"E-Envy?" He whispered, not daring to believe his eyes. Envy smirked, coming to sit by the nearly dumbstruck blonde, pulling him into a gentle embrace.
"What; you thought I'd miss this? Nope; not for anything in the world," Envy murmured, pressing a kiss to Ed's forehead. There was silence in the room, as everyone waited for Edward to respond, which was eventually interrupted by a loud—
Clang
"Where the fuck were you, you bastard-- I was beginning to get worried about you!" Ed wailed, throwing his arms around the Sin's neck. Envy rolled his eyes and pulled away, shaking his head at the agitated blonde.
The next moment a young man was kneeling by Edward's side, checking his pulse.
"Who…" Izumi trailed off as she stared at the stranger taking out various instruments out of a large case. Envy grinned, rubbing the spot on his shoulder where Ed's fist had connected painfully.
"Right; allow me to introduce Dr. Brian Setzar," he drawled, chuckling softly at his bewildered chibi who still only had eyes for him.
"So… he was with you this entire time?" Al asked meekly from Ed's other side; he let out a long sigh of relief at Envy's nod.
"That explains why we couldn't get in touch with him," Winry shrugged helplessly.
"Alright, has anyone been keeping track of the time it takes between Edward's contractions?" Brian asked as he got up to his feet. Izumi nodded briskly.
"Yes; they last around five minutes, and start up again about every two," she said, glancing worriedly toward the blonde, who it seemed had just been hit with another contraction as she spoke. Brian whistled softly.
"It looks like we made it right on time, then, doesn't it?" Brian muttered; Izumi only nodded.
"If you'd come any later, we might have had to do this ourselves," she sighed. Suddenly she was glaring at everyone in the room.
"Alright, everybody out," she said pointedly, one hand on her hip and the other pointing toward the door.
"But I want to stay with Nii-san," Alphonse said pointedly; however, he quickly changed his mind when he saw the familiar, predatory gleam in his teacher's eyes, aiming to be the very first one out the bedroom door. After she'd impatiently managed to herd the protesting group out the door (with Pinako's assistance) she turned back to face the remaining three; rolling her eyes before she closed the door behind them.
Ed gazed up at Envy as the Homunculus approached him, still breathing heavily from the passing contracting.
"You're f-fucking amazing, y-you know that?" Edward panted, grinning weakly up at his lover. Envy smirked and rolled his eyes.
"Since when wasn't I?" Envy asked smugly, gently pulling the blonde to rest up against his chest. Ed closed his eyes, resting the side of his face against Envy's chest.
"Envy… I'm sorry, I didn't--"
"You shouldn't be the one apologizing, Edo, that was probably the most fucked up thing I've ever done; making you run out on me like that when you were so close to having the baby," Envy replied quietly.
Ed glanced up suddenly at the sound of a loud thunk coming from behind Envy. His eyes were wide; perhaps only just noticing the doctor was in the room with them, organizing a bunch of equipment he pulled out of a large case by his feet.
"Brian?" Edward asked incredulously, blinking rapidly to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Brian gave a slight start upon being addressed so suddenly, but turned around to face the blonde.
"Yes Edward?"
"But how…? Al and Winry couldn't get a hold of ya; how the hell did you know to come to Risembool?" Ed asked, sounding just as baffled as he looked. Brian chuckled softly, turning back to finish setting up his equipment as he spoke.
"I was called out for an emergency appointment this morning in Xenotine. It was just my luck that, as I was stepping off of my train back in Central Station, I thought I heard a familiar voice. Well, wasn't I surprised when I saw Envy arguing with a conductor! I think I might have intervened just in time; I believe Envy was aiming toward the use of death-threats at that point-- and so here we are," Brian beamed, dropping a scalpel onto the table with finality.
"That's unbelievable…"
"Well, I'm here, aren't I?" Brian chuckled, smiling at the dubious expression on Edward's face. But the next moment, he was all seriousness.
"Alright, the sooner we get started here, the better. In about another thirty seconds, another contraction should hit you … the next thing we've got to do is give you an anesthetic…" As he spoke, Brian turned toward the table with Ed watching him intently; only to have his eyes grow to the size of dinner plates when the young doctor turned back around to face him, holding the biggest needle he'd ever seen.
"Holy shit…"
"Alright; if you hold still this won't hurt a bit, Edward, I promise--"
"Don't you fucking dare come near me with that thing," Ed demanded, staring at the sandy-haired man with a dangerous glint in his eye. However, he was so focused on glaring at Brian that he completely missed the furtive glance Brian and Envy exchanged.
He was, however, only too well-aware of his lover's much-missed lips caressing his own the next second. Ed let out a soft sigh of contentment as he kissed back; barely flinching at the slight pinch he felt at the very base of his spine…
Ed broke the kiss first; suddenly feeling slightly lightheaded as he gazed into Envy's face. It struck him just how hard it was to remain sitting up and the next thing he knew, he was slumped back against the pillows, feeling calmer than he'd felt in a long time.
With much effort, he managed to turn his head to the side with his vision going in and out of focus the whole while. He could just barely make out Envy and Brian talking as the doctor replaced a large object into the case, gesturing at Envy before the green-haired Sin nodded and hesitantly started out the door.
"Ngh… En…vy," Ed struggled to call; however, it only came out as a soft whimper. He saw Envy stop short and turn back around-- and then he was beside him, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.
And then everything went black.
XxXxXxXxX
"Geez, it feels like we've been sitting here forever…" Winry grumbled, nervously twisting a stray lock of blonde hair between her fingers. Al glanced up toward the worried girl.
"Winry, it's only been about three hours since we left them in there…"
"Well, that's a long time!" Winry protested angrily. Alphonse didn't reply, however he, too was wondering just how long it usually took for someone in Ed's scenario to give birth. It had gotten strangely quiet ever since Brian had gotten up there, and they hadn't heard anything as small as a reassuring curse from the easily angered blonde.
Although Pinako had offered a place for them to sleep, they were both restless and immediately knew that sleep would not come easily. So they'd decided to stay up, waiting for something to happen. The old woman had retired to her room to rest, leaving the two childhood friends by themselves in the dining room.
"Do you think Edward will be okay?" Winry asked quietly.
"…I think he'll pull through; it's not as if life-or-death situation's are new to him," Al grinned, trying to lighten Winry's mood; it seemed to have had the reaction he'd been hoping for, for a very slight smile played on Winry's lips, and she nodded.
Gradually gathering up his courage, the brunette scooted closer toward the mechanic; reaching over and shyly taking Winry's hand; giving it a gentle, yet reassuring squeeze. Winry gave a slight start and glanced toward their hands; Al could only just make out a slight blush creeping onto her features, but didn't make anything of it; knowing that his face was just as pink.
…But it was a good sign that she wasn't making any move to try and pry her hand away from his, right? It wasn't that he was worried or anything, about her not liking him like he liked her… right?
And the next thing Alphonse knew, she was resting her head against his shoulder, her eyes closed and her breaths even in sleep; merely giving the brunette further opportunity to contemplate his dilemma.
XxXxXxXxX
The nearly inaudible sound of a door opening by next to him brought Envy back to his senses; he was immediately awake as he registered a very tired-looking Brian sticking his head out the door of the bedroom, his eyes finally coming to rest upon him. The man smiled slightly, beckoning for the Sin to come inside before his head disappeared back through the door. Envy got to his feet, wondering how long he'd slept as he hurried into the room…
And he froze.
He was faintly aware of Brian leaving the room and closing the door behind them; undoubtedly heading downstairs to update the rest of the impatient inhabitants.
Suddenly he found his feet were slowly carrying him toward the bed, where he took a seat in the chair placed by the bedside, gazing at the sight before him in wonder.
An exhausted, quite disoriented, but glowing Edward lay back against the pillows, smiling weakly at him.
But more importantly, it was the source of Edward's pride that had left the Homunculus stunned beyond words. He gazed unblinkingly below his lover's smiling face, where the smallest baby he'd ever seen lay sleeping; gently cradled in the blonde's arms.
Envy found that his throat had gone dry, for all of a sudden, all of the many things he'd thought he would be saying at this very moment had flown right out of his head; and so the first thing he found himself saying was--
"Well waddya know? Winry'll be happy."
"Yeah; poor Al's gonna go through hell," Ed chuckled, smiling loving at their daughter.
Slowly –and with Envy's help– the blonde managed to come to a sitting position.
"Here; hold your arms out like this," Ed ordered; when a perplexed Envy had done so, he found his newborn child placed into his arms. His amethyst eyes widened, and he glanced between the baby and his lover.
"Now pull yours arms back against your chest and hold her there," Ed murmured; his golden eyes alert to every move the Sin made. Even as he carefully followed Ed's directions, Envy looked somewhat panicked.
"But what if I drop her…?"
"You won't," Ed said firmly.
Allowing himself to be won over by the conviction in Edward's voice, Envy's eyes were drawn to the sleeping baby; able to gaze at his daughter for the first time.
She had very fine, light blonde hair that matched with her pale complexion. She was very small and light; it amazed Envy that she weighed anything at all, being so small. She had a delicately structured face— 'Just like mine,' Envy realized with a start. And although her eyes were closed, he could clearly see they were shaped like Edward's, as was her mouth.
Envy had seen his fair share of babies in the past four hundred years or so he'd been around, but he was sure that this had to be the most beautiful, perfect little girl in the world.
He felt an unfamiliar, prickling sensation in his eyes as he scrutinized her, but he ignored it-- too intrigued by the sight of his newborn child to care, until he felt one of Edward's hands had come to rest on his face; his thumb tenderly brushing the wetness away from his cheek.
"She's perfect."
A soft kiss was placed on his lips, followed by a warm smile.
"I know."
The two parted; only to move closer together to examine their daughter.
"So… what are we gonna name her?" Envy asked eventually, breaking the peaceful silence that had fallen.
"Well, actually… I've kind of been saving a name I liked…" Ed began hesitantly.
"Okay, let's hear it."
"It's Serenity," Ed replied at last, immediately glancing up to look at Envy to see his reaction. Envy blinked a couple of times because repeating the name.
"Serenity…" He said slowly, liking the way the name rolled easily off his tongue.
"I like it; Serenity it is," Envy said decisively, grinning down at Ed before leaning forward to kiss him again; both blissfully ignorant to their small audience just outside the slightly ajar door.
"Now who says Homunculi can't have souls?" Al murmured to Winry, a gentle smile playing on his lips as they surveyed the sweet moment between the Sin and his brother.
XxXxXxXxXx
"It was a miracle you showed up when you did, Brian; thank you so much."
"Don't thank me; we really only have God to thank that I was here in time," Brian replied to Izumi, grinning as he carefully replaced everything into his case; snapping it closed with a sense of accomplishment.
Ed made a small noise from where he rested against his pillows in response to Brian's statement, and everyone's attention turned to him.
"'M atheist," he murmured as his eyes slowly closed; his grogginess from the anesthetic and operation finally catching up with him.
"Well, Nii-san, we've had a whole lot of miracles happening this past year; I think it's about time we start believing," Al laughed, gazing at his older brother fondly. Ed glanced up with a smile, motioning lazily for the younger Elric to come over. The moment the brunette sat on the edge of the bed, Ed reached over to pull Al into a gentle, endearing hug.
"Thank you so much, Al; I could not have done this without you," Ed said earnestly. Al blinked in bewilderment.
"W-what? But I didn't do anything," Al objected, blushing slightly. Ed shook his head.
"You helped more than you think, Alphonse," Ed insisted with a knowing smile; however, he refused to explain any further.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Winry sighed, tracing a finger gently down the baby's cheek, still sleeping soundly in her arms.
"Yeah," Envy replied; still sounding strangely subdued.
Ed gave a slight start when a hand came to rest on his shoulder; gripping it firmly. He looked up to see Izumi smirking down at him.
"Was that enough of a punishment for keeping secrets from me, Edward?" she asked, her smirk only broadening.
"Enough to last me a lifetime, if that's what you mean," Ed joked; gaining a small, amused chuckled from the housewife. Her smirk melted into a smile, and she nodded slightly.
"I'm very proud of you, Edward," she said softly before patting him on the back and turning her focus to the little girl carefully being passed to Alphonse to hold. Her mouth twitched slightly and she turned around casually, so as not to draw attention to herself. Edward didn't say anything, having seen the tears quickly welling in his teacher's eyes at the sight of the baby.
"She's so tiny, Nii-san," Al said, staring at his niece in awe as he carefully passed her back into Edward's embrace.
"Can you believe it; she's even smaller than you, Pipsqueak," Pinako noted with an amiable grin. Edward merely glowered at her.
Suddenly, Envy nudged the blonde gently with his elbow, and Ed looked up.
"Ne, Edo; I think she's waking up," he said with a small grin; Ed dropped his gaze to the baby nestled in his arms. Indeed, their daughter's eyes were slowly fluttering open; Envy drew a breath in surprise when he found himself staring directly into his own eyes.
"Well lookie here; she has her father's eyes," Pinako chuckled, seeing the amazement written all over Envy's face.
Immediately alert the infant looked around, taking her surroundings for the first time; her wide, violet eyes blinking curiously at the sight of everyone's faces. She let out a small, happy gurgle before turning her head up to stare into Edward's face. Her little arms waved in the air before she lowered them, letting out a small yawn and promptly falling back asleep.
"Oh my God, she's so adorable!" Winry squealed, bouncing up and down excitedly.
"So, have you two settled on a name for her, yet?" Izumi asked; her usual, calm mask back in place although she allowed the corners of her mouth to curve up into a small smile.
"That's right; I've got to sign her full name on her birth certificate," Brian said, holding up a document for the new parents to see.
"Yes we have; her name's Serenity Trisha Elric," Ed replied with a smile. Envy glanced down at him.
"Your mother's name?" He asked quietly, his eyes softening slightly. Edward nodded, smiling faintly.
"Yeah; since I found out I was pregnant, I knew if we had a girl, I wanted to name her after Mom…" Edward trailed off. A lump had risen in his throat and he couldn't speak; all he could do was gaze at their daughter; seemingly transfixed on her face.
Brian nodded absent mindedly as he carefully copied down the name on the documented sheet of paper.
"Serenity… it's such a pretty name," Winry gushed; Izumi and Pinako both nodded in approval.
Al began to say something when he let out a sudden, long yawn and closed his eyes; leaning forward to let his head rest on his hand. Ed snapped out of his trance and grinned.
"You tired, Al?" Ed teased, glancing toward the weary brunette.
"You'd be tired too, if you were waiting up all night for your niece to be born," Al retorted as he wiped the tears produced from his yawn away; earning a laugh from his brother.
"Well, I personally believe it's high time everyone went to bed-- especially you, Edward," Pinako said firmly, glancing around at everyone pointedly but letting her gaze linger on the bed-ridden chibi the longest.
Slowly, everyone save Brian, Edward and Envy had left the room, being directed by Pinako as to where they were to sleep.
At last, Brian dropped his pen and held the birth certificate away to make sure everything on it was in order, his lips moving as he mouthed the words to himself as he read.
"Alright; Edward, Envy, congratulations, you are officially the parents of Serenity Trisha Elric," Brian announced with a beam, handing the certificate to Envy (the only one with free hands). He bid the new parents goodnight before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
Envy scanned the paper quickly; arching his eyebrows slightly as he read the printed information.
"Wow, she's really light…"
"Lemme see that, will ya?" Ed asked, moving over to allow the Sin to slip into the bed beside him. He gently passed the baby to Envy before taking the certificate and quickly scanning it.
And all of a sudden, Edward gave a tremendous start from where he lay next to Envy-- immediately he glanced over worriedly to make sure he hadn't disturbed their daughter; she merely shifted in her sleep to get closer to Envy's' warmth.
"What's wrong?" Envy asked softly, his eyes wide with alarm. Not bothering to respond, Ed's gaze dropped back to the certificate he held in his trembling hands; his golden eyes darting back and forth as he read and re-read the date printed on the sheet of paper; it was only then that it clicked in Envy's mind.
After a full minute of tense silence, Edward's grasp went slack and he let the paper slip between his fingers so that it fluttered onto his lap. Envy studied the abandoned document thoughtfully for a moment before looking up to Edward's pale face; he understood, now.
This certificate verifies that
Serenity Trisha Elric
Was born to Envy and Edward Elric
Weighing five and a half lbs
With a length of eighteen cm.
At two forty-eight in the morning
Of October 3rd
Year 17
Silently, Envy transferred their sleeping child to his right arm, so that he could make room for his small lover to hold him as he pressed up against him; burying his face into his chest as he desperately tried not to cry.
"Why today? Out of any day in the entire year, why did it have to be today?" Edward whispered, looking up at Envy for an answer.
The Homunculus didn't answer right away, but thought carefully for a while.
"I think… Edo… that this just means you have to let go of the past; just because something awful happened once upon a time ago don't mean that this day was always meant to be terrible. Besides, now you have reason to be thankful for it," Envy said slowly, only allowing himself to look back down to Edward when he'd finished speaking.
And immediately found his chibi's lips against his.
"I love you, Envy," Ed said softly when they had parted, before snuggling up against the Sin with a content sigh. Before long, the exhausted alchemist slipped off into a desperately-needed sleep; leaving Envy to enjoy the presence of both his chibi and their long-awaited daughter until he too fell asleep.
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Jessie: Yay! Ed 'n Envy have a little girl now!
Joh: Throws confetti Yay!
Jessie: Guys, I seriously hope you enjoyed this chapter, because it took me an immensely long time to finish! I'm terribly sorry about the wait, but I haven't had the chance to write in a really long time; life happens, things happen… you get the point.
Joh: Nods Shaw.
Jessie: Oh yeah; so I've actually had the idea to have Ed 'n Envy's baby be born on the day Edward burned his house down from the very beginning. I'm telling you cuz I'm very proud of it XD
Joh: Pats back Good job, Nee-san.
Jessie: Again, hope you liked it! The next chappie will probably be the last.
Joh: Gasps
Jessie: So, if you people find it in your hearts not to hate me too much for the wait, please review and tell me what you think.
Joh: Gushes Aww, you're so polite! That's cuuuute!
Jessie: Stares
Joh: Glomps WHEEE!
J Twins: Dances
lilomissy021: Well I'm very glad you liked it! Hope this chappie lived up to what you were looking forward to!
twisted-language: Aw, I bet you can write just great! Laughs Well, there weren't any twins or triplets, but I hope you enjoyed this chappie anyway!
Light-Hideko: Giggles I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter so much! And yesh, that is, indeed, a cliffhanger!
FaeryDOLL: 1.) Numerous was indeed spelled right (good job)! 2.) Yeah, I know; people would hunt me down and literally kill me if I were to stop writing suddenly, ne? So I guess… better late than never in this case right? Shudders at thought of angry mob So don't you worry, I shall indeed finish this fic!
darkangel36: Yay, someone responded to my question about the FMA movie! Yeah; although I didn't like what happened to Envy (my poor baby Sobs) it's still my new, all-time favie movie! Jumps around Sorry to disappoint you with the turn out being a girl Sheepish grin Ya win some, ya loose some. Hope you liked it anyway!
ArtemisRoseShadow: I UPDATED! WH00T!
Genki-angel-chan: Aw, and I love you too for reviewing! Huggles Thanks; it means a whole lot to me that you like it so much!
Zoorzh: Aw, 'tis okay; you remembered to review this time! I had fun writing about Edo 'n Envy's past; it just came to me, really, to include those flashbacks. So I'm glad you appreciated them! Smiles Here's your update! Aww; puppy dog face! Squee!
Yaoi Addicted Girls: I'm so happy you enjoy my fic so much; I hope you continue to like my writing! Gasp Yay! Another Edvy fan! Whoot! Welcome to the awesome world of EnvyxEd fandom! Waves EdoxEnvy flag around happily
imhappynessinabottle: Glad you liked the chappie, glad you were excited, hope you were excited this chappie and hope you like this chappie! Grins Hazzah; here's your next update. But seriously, I hope you liked this chapter!
ED'sGirl 4ever: Laughs Okay, that's cool; I'm pretty much off my rocker, too! Cuz being normal is just too boring! Insanity keeps ya on the edge! Winks
Jedi Mistress 1990: Yes; we do love Envy, and his stupidity! I love your new word; exorcism-ness! Made me giggle! So n'ways, I'm getting along in the Naruto series (which I don't own Sweatdrop) and as soon as I get up to the point with Akatsuki I'll totally read your fic and review!
ValentineMassacre: Glad you like it so much! And yes, it is a good pairing. ED 'N ENVY ALL THE WAY, BABY!
FISHTaNK the Evil UglyDoll: OMG, you changed your name again Rolling around laughing I love it! Okay, yeah… Giggles So anyways, yes. Envy does have terrible gets-pissed-off timing. By the way… thanks for responding to my FMA movie comment; it's actually pretty decent in English, too (much to my surprise Laughs) so hurry up 'n watch it! Hugs
kakashisninjadogs: Dies laughing Omg, the grizzly bear/innocent salmon comment killed me, dude. I hope you're happy. N'ways, sorry to disappoint ya, but no twins… I don't think poor Edo could've taken much more than what he did manage to survive… Heh heh, poor chibi. Glad you liked the chappie; hope this one's okay, too!
wolf-deamon333: Giggles Well Ed can't properly give Envy hell if he's totally out cold, now, can he? Oh well, at least he got in a hit with his mighty automail fist! CONGRATZ, it was indeed a little girl! YAY! Hands you a cookie Be happy.
An Angel Flying with broken wings: I hope it was good by you; please tell me what you think! Can't wait for comments! Squee
Me And My God Complex: Yes. Rule #1: If you live with Edo, don't ignore him. Baaaad things happen Giggles Hope you liked it!
Mai-Kun: Aw, I'm so happy you like my writing! Huggles You're so nice!
Forever Yours Zana: Rolling on the floor laughing "their gorgeous love-child from heaven…" HAHAHAHA OMG, you're like, amazing; where do you come up with dat kinda stuff? N'ways, I love Hoho Papa, too! He's all like… Hoho-y… yeah… So I hope you liked da chappie!
ThePinkAlchemist: S'aank you for all da nice comments… I feel so loved!
Mistress of the Night5: Thank you for your somewhat-existent patience. N'ways thanks for the kind feedback. Yeah, there are a lotta guys and not enough girls, but that's okay only because it's such an AMAZING MANGA/ANIME!
Kaoru Gal: Aww, I love your comments, Sis! So now you know what she looks like… even though I already showed you the pic I drew… didn't I? Thinks Sorry, I can't remember Sweatdrop Oh well; next time I'll show ya! Ish happy I wuv ya, Imouto; and all your spontaneous antics!
aruslym: Yeah… but I'm sure they'll make up for all the lost time very quickly Winks and laughs Hope you liked da chappie!
sprinkle-chan: Yeah… I've gotten that "I'm evil" comment a lot for the last chapter Laughs Yay, you win! I really hope that this chappie was good enough so that it was worth the wait… And yesh, Envy does love his photos! Happy smile
Zaidee: I've UPDATED, UPDATED, UPDATED! Your turn: PLEASE REVIEW, PLEASE REVIEW, PLEASE REVIEW! XD
SexySpoonsWillRuleUsAll: I LOVE EDVY! I TRIED TO UPDATE SOON! I'm a good fangirl-- really! Sobs …Okay, melodramatic moment over Grin So I hope your head did not explode during the wait. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chappie, and I hope you liked this one just as well!
SoulfulZen: I'm really glad you liked the way I wrote the last chapter; I also hope that this chapter was up to your standards. Always like your reviews; thank you very much!
Seto's Darkness: Thank you for the review. I'll just kind of explain what I was aiming at implying during the last chapter… over time, when people allow themselves to get to know each other better than they think, they learn new things and slowly get closer-- sometimes that leads up to a relationship. That's how Edo 'n Envy ended up together… okay? And yes… EDVY ROCKS SOCKS!
frogger666: If you didn't guess it, the pushing/shoving/running part of Envy's rush to get to Risembool was completely inspired by your review. I cannot tell you how much fun writing that part was! THANK YOU! Hands you tons and tons of cookies So I really hope you liked this chappie! Thanks for reviewing!
Carrot The LuvMachine: Oh, wow! I made a usually non-Edvy fan enjoy my fic… I must have reached some new record or somethin'! Hazzah! I enjoy unique usernames like yours… it shows that there are still obsessive fangirls out there! Yes… I think I'll miss chubby Edo, too… darn it, now I wanna draw prego-Edo instead of finishing replying to reviews… Ah well! I shall finish, then draw! Thanks for the review again! Hope you enjoyed the chappie Typing furiously
Dark Angel Maybe: Umm… yeah. As far as I know, labor is painful Laughs Aw, thank you for your nice review! Squee!
DeityOfDeath: Okay, I love your username; it's really cool. And here's your update you so desperately wanted! Hope you liked it!
ShimoAneue: Yeah, I know what you mean; I don't really like cliffies either, but then you're even more eager than usual for the story's update! Although… after reading all of the reactions from different people in the reviews, I can see why people write them… it's so entertaining! So it's… a girl! Hope you're happy! And I'm glad you liked the last chappie; hope you like this one as well!
Strlight99: Yeah, sorry about that! Giggles I'm glad you liked the last chappie and I honestly hope you liked this one, too!
yaoi chicka: That reminds me of Stuck, by Stacie Orrico… "I hate you, but I love you…" that's, like, one of my favorite songs. It reminds my of one of my favie Shaman King (which I don't own… Sighs) couples. Sorry to disappoint you with a baby girl… but c'est la vie! Hope you still like the fic anyway!
Nessee: Aww, thank you! I'm so happy you like my ficcy! I hope my work here in this chappie was acceptable. Thanks so much for reviewing!
razatip: Yeah… but I just could not pass up the chance for such an awful cliffy Laughs Y'know what I mean… Yeah, Edo and Envy do get into fights at the most inconvenient time, ne? I hope you liked the chappie! Thanks for the review!
IshizuWolfRider: I hope this chappie lived up to your expectations… I worked really hard on it, so I honestly hope you enjoy it! Crosses fingers hopefully