July 21st, 1984

Edward and Winry went with Arius Argyros, his wife, and his daughters to the police station where Maritza and Heo were still in custody. Gloria and Lily insisted on coming along as witnesses, and Ed was impressed when Gloria reminded them about Enette. So the cleaning girl came along as well, looking very nervous.

They were escorted in to a waiting room where Maritza was being held. It didn't look too bad to Ed; the bed actually had a mattress on it, albeit a thin one. He had seen—and slept in—far less comfortable cells.

Maritza was clearly not happy to see them. ::This is an outrage. Let me out!:: she demanded. From the looks on the officers' faces, Ed suspected she had been making nothing but demands since her arrival.

::Enough auntie,:: Thrakos' mother said with a surprisingly cold voice. ::We've put up with a lot of your nonsense. You didn't like Minxia. We all know you didn't want this wedding to happen. I have seen all of the evidence as to what happened yesterday in my own house after we left. Well, it's done. Your foolish plan has backfired.::

Clearly Maritza had expected the president to do the talking. Coming from her own family, her face went slightly pale. ::You would allow such shame to come to our family?::

::You're the one who has shamed our family, not me:: Fiorza replied. ::Yours, and ours. You attempted to shame the Elrics, and frame an innocent young man for a crime that wasn't even committed. You will leave, and you will not be welcome under our roof again.::

::I see.:: Maritza shifted uneasily. Ed doubted she had slept well. ::And how will you explain this to the public?::

::Who says we have to explain anything?:: Arius asked with a grin. ::We have no interest in pressing charges… as long as you never say a word against a member of my family again. One word…anything ever reaches the public, the press, I heard word from your own house servants that you're badmouthing my son's wife, and you will wish you had never stepped foot outside your own doors.::

There wasn't much she could do but agree. Silently, Maritza nodded her assent.

Ed had always liked Arius.

::Very well then,:: Arius turned and looked at the police officer standing beside them. ::I'd like to speak with you about the evidence and I'd like to speak with my former employee.::

"I wonder what Minx and Thrakos are up to this morning," Coran grunted as he settled two boxes of wedding presents on a counter in the new couple's new apartment.

"Probably naked on a private beach somewhere," Ian suggested as he placed a large box down next to the other one. If not, Thrakos was a fool.

"Ian!" Callie grimaced, sticking her tongue out as she followed her older brothers, carrying a box that held several of their smaller presents.

"What?" Ian grinned, shrugging. "They're married!"

"That doesn't mean I want to speculate about what my sister is doing right now," Michio added as he came in, laden with even more boxes, and followed by Kamika.

"Enough speculation, more work!" Angelique said as she followed them in, a small train of Elrics, Argyros, and various family friends all helping carry in the heaping pile of wedding presents that had been given out the day before. Angelique had already arranged for the boxes of their other personal things to be delivered and Ian had been impressed to find them already in the rooms for which they were labelled. The furniture Minxia and Thrakos had started picking out, and picking up, was already already scattered throughout the apartment.

The goal, as he understood it, was to get their apartment put together before the couple got back from their honeymoon, so they would have a cozy home to come back to. They could rearrange it however they wanted later; the major unpacking would be done.

Besides which, Angelique seemed to have a pretty clear idea of exactly how they would want it. "Trust me," she had told Ian earlier, "I've listened to them talk about this place days."

Thankfully, it didn't take days to get things organized. In fact, with so many people available, it hardly took hours. Ian willingly went where Angelique pointed, as she had the strongest people start by arranging furniture, then broke everyone up into teams by room and declared that they unpack as she swept from one space to the next, directing where things were to be put away.

In fact, Ian thought, Angelique seemed to know far more than a person should about how Minxia preferred her closet.

"We were roommates for eight years," she reminded him when he asked. "Any really good friend knows how to organize the other's closet."

Ian was pretty sure none of his friends had ever seen the inside of his closet, but he didn't argue.

By the end of the day the living room furniture was laid out, art was hung, the dishes, towels, and other kitchen supplies, as well as the entire set of new dishware an silver, was put away in the kitchen. The master bedroom looked as romantic and cozy as Ian imagined anyone could wish. The bathrooms were stocked; the linen closets stuffed full of immaculately folded bedding and towels. The spare rooms that would be guest rooms or home study space—at least for the near future—were laid out to be functional, though the finer points of their personal items were still boxed. Even Angelique wouldn't presume to mess with the professional items.

"Thank you all so much," Angelique gushed when they were done.

"Thank you," Kamika shook her head. "I think my sister would have gone insane with all this without you."

"That's what friends are for," Angelique preened playfully. "It's what I do."

"What now?" Ian asked as he mopped his face with a handkerchief. He'd done a lot of lifting today.

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Angelique said, looking a little too innocent, "Dinner and drinks are on me."

The sunset was breathtaking, Minxia thought as she leaned on the sun-bleached wooden railing of the little deck off their honeymoon beach house. The golden orb lit the clouds ablaze in a fire of red and violet. The ocean rippled in streaks of light and darkness below, and a still-warm wind came in off the water, pushing her loose hair out of her face.

Two strong arms wrapped around her waist, and Minxia felt a little thrill up her spine as Thrakos' chest pressed against her back. "Are you ready to go to dinner?" His voice was warm and soft in her ear. He said one thing, but the possessive grasp of his arms said something else entirely.

"Just another minute," Minxia asked as she closed her eyes, just letting the peace of the moment surround her. Today had already been perfect; waking late, entwined in the arms of her husband. Eating a light breakfast and going for a walk on the beach; chasing crabs, and visiting little coves where tide pools were teaming with life.

Then back to their little hotel for lunch, and after-lunch frolicking. Then a long nap. She had awakened first, and enjoyed the quiet time by herself to collect her thoughts, record them in her journal, and take a luxurious bath before Thrakos woke again.

"Are you sure dinner is what you want?" Minxia tiled her chin so she could look up into his eyes. "Your mouth says food, but your body says otherwise."

Thrakos had the good grace to look mildly embarrassed, though he didn't stop grinning. "For me to keep up with you in the latter, I think I'm going to need the other one first."

"Well, I suppose, if it's necessary." Minxia turned in his arms, and wrapped her own around his neck. "I have always wanted to see a traditional Cretan beach cookout."

Dear Clarina,

I would like to apologize for the things I have said and done to do recently. I realize that I haven't treated you fairly, and as you have requested, from now on I will respect the distance you have asked for. Please know that I wish you only the best, and as quick a recovery as can be had. You deserve more than I could ever give you, and while my feelings are genuine, I accept that you cannot not return them. It's my fault, and I will never blame you for it. Find someone who is worthier of you than I am, and be happy.

Respectfully yours,
Edward Elric II

Ted set down his pen and picked up the bottle off his desk. It wasn't a long letter, but it had taken him almost three hours—and four beers—to write it. Part of him felt better for it. The envelope was already addressed. While he would have preferred to speak to her again in person, she had made it very clear when he had run into her at the auto-mail shop that she didn't want to talk to him again. Still, there were just some things he couldn't leave unsaid, so he had put them down. He would mail it, though he did not expect to ever get a response. He didn't know if Clarina would ever return to active duty as a State Alchemist, or if she would find a safer life. He almost hoped she didn't come back to work. Then, at least, he would know she wasn't in danger anymore.

He would be fine, with time. Ted knew that. He had a new team, and they were beginning to mesh together well, even if Ted did have to get used to being the youngest in the group. His skills had earned him some respect among them, and he had a feeling they would work out just fine.

Yes, he would be fine. That didn't mean it would be easy. First Krista had chosen James over him, and then he had ruined his own chances with Clarina. At the moment, focusing on his career seemed like a smart move.

Now if he could just hold himself to that decision.

July 24th, 1984

::It's too bad you're already leaving,:: Arius Argyros said as he and Edward shook hands in front of the house. Cars had been brought to drive all of the Elrics back to the train station. ::Now that the chaos is over, you could have a nice relaxing vacation.::

::We appreciate it,:: Ed assured him as he returned the hearty handshake, ::But we've got plenty to take care of when we get home.::

::But you will come again,:: Arius turned to Alphonse, and gave him an even heartier handshake. ::I hear the university is putting together a symposium on ancient artifacts specializing in those related to alchemy, to occur next year.::

::Oh really now?:: Alphonse grinned and looked at Ed. ::We might have to keep that in mind.::

Ed nodded. ::Sounds like a good time.::

::Of course we'll be back,:: Will said as he and Ren exchanged handshakes—and then hugs—with Thrakos' parents. ::We're family. I expect we'll have plenty of reasons to visit.::

::May those reasons include grandchildren before we're too old to enjoy them,:: Fiorza said as she and Ren exchanged knowing smiles.

::Good thing we've got a few years,: Will chuckled.

Ed turned away as the new in-laws talked, and started hefting suitcases into the back trunk of the car. "Just once, I'd like to come to Creta and not have a near-disastrous political scheme."

"I did that once," Al chuckled. "Teaching wasn't bad."

"But you almost got an entire boat of kids lost at sea."

"I rescued a boat of kids that was almost lost at sea," Al corrected as he helped load. "Including Thrakos and Minxia."

"Not political, still dramatic." Ed reached for Winry's bags next. "Though I guess our last vacation here wasn't too crazy."

"That was what, almost two decades ago?" Al chuckled. "Maybe it's time for another one."

As much as Ed loved long romantic trips with Winry, he hadn't felt the need to run off somewhere much lately. "I'll be happy to just get home for a while," he admitted. "Relax, get a few things done around the house I've been meaning to get to."

"I was thinking the same thing," Al said, nodding. "Kind of funny."

So much for wanderlust. Ed chuckled. "I have a feeling we'll find enough to keep us busy."

August 1st, 1984

Thrakos was sorry to see the honeymoon come to an end, even as he was looking forward to getting home and getting back to work. It had been a magnificent few days, reveling in the freedom to indulge in every romantic urge, without worrying about their privacy being interrupted, or their responsibilities getting in the way. For once, he had Minxia all to himself, instead of contending with her active mind, which was always jumping here or there, and often on her work.

For a few blissful days, he had all of her; attention, mind, spirit, and body. As much as he had enjoyed their strolls along the beach, and forays into the little tourist village nearby to shop, eat, and see the local artistry, listen to the music… Thrakos would have been lying if he hadn't admitted to himself that while waiting for their marriage had been the right thing to do, finally being able to give in to his passion for his wife was his favorite part of being married so far.

Perhaps that was also because it was the only thing that was really new. Aside from the additional intimacy, very little had changed between them which, he supposed, was a good sign. New discoveries in bed did not change who they were, their interests, or how well they already knew each other. What had surprised him-though he felt like maybe he should have expected it-was how adventurous Minxia was willing to be in the bedroom.

Thrakos did find himself doing something he had never thought he would do.

"That was great!" Minxia beamed at him as she put his car in park outside of their apartment building. "No wonder you love driving her. I love how she handles." She leaned over and kissed him. "Thanks for letting me drive."

"Thanks for being careful with my baby," Thrakos chuckled when their lips parted again.

"I thought I was your baby."

"You're my love," Thrakos squeezed her hand. "The car can't take care of herself."

"Fair enough. Come on," Minxia opened the door and stood up. "Let's go inside and crash. I'm beat, and who knows how much work we'll have to do to be able to sleep tonight."

"We could always camp it on the floor, Xing style," Thrakos teased as he got out and went around back, popping open the trunk to get their bags.

"Whatever works for you," Minxia grinned. "I'm flexible."

"So I've discovered."

That got him a punch in the arm.

Thrakos was glad they both packed light. They each had one bag, and so it only took one trip to get their things inside, up the elevator, and to the door of their new apartment. "Here we are."

"Home," Minxia smiled and grabbed his arm as he unlocked the door. "Our own little slice of—wow!"

Thrakos almost dropped the suitcase in his hands as he looked around the apartment. "Who did this?" He had expected box piles and scattered furniture. Instead, the whole place was already decorated with their stuff!

"I bet I know," Minxia said as she nodded towards the refrigerator. On it there was a note, held on by a magnet in the shape of an ancient vase. She let go of him and went to grab it. "It's from Angelique," she said, smiling as she scanned the letter. "Looks like everyone was involved in putting this little surprise together. She's even got a complete list of who sent what presents so that we can set out thank yous."

"It's going to be like a treasure hunt figuring out where everything is," Thrakos pointed out, though he couldn't keep from grinning either. Their friends and family were the best. "It's like they read our minds."

Minxia set the note down on the kitchen counter as she looked out across the open living area of the apartment to the sliding glass full-height doors in the windowed back wall that let to their rooftop garden. "Well, I've practically talked Angelique's ear off about what I wanted to do with this place ever since we found it."

"You had time to do that and prepare for the wedding?"

"I'm good at multi-tasking."

Thrakos left their bags at the door and took her in his arms. "Well then, since we don't have to worry about unpacking, why don't we explore the bedroom instead?"

Minxia wiggled but didn't try to pull away. "I'm never going to get any work done again, am I?"

"Well you weren't planning to work this evening, I hope."

"Of course not," Minxia replied with an amused smile, "but you know know we can't live in the bedroom."

"Why not?" Thrakos asked, playfully running his hand down her back. "It's a perfectly nice bedroom."

"It is," she agreed, "but eventually we'd get hungry, and all the good appliances are in the kitchen."

Thrakos conceded with a nod. "We have to do something to work up an appetite thought first, don't we?"

Minxia laughed. "You make a very good point."

August 7th, 1984

"I can't tell you how pleased I am that you've said yes," Rehnquist said as he shook Franz's hand firmly over his desk. "I'll retire better knowing I'm leaving the military in good hands."

"Thank you, Sir," Franz replied. "I'll do my best to live up to your faith in me."

"No one has served in this office longer than you," Rehnquist reminded him. "Mustang, Breda, me; you've worked for us all and kept this place running like clockwork. You've proven you can lead in times of war. If anyone can handle the job, it's you."

"Does that including planning your retirement party, Sir?" Franz asked, daring a smile at last.

Rehnquist chuckled. "No. In fact, I'm leaving that up to my wife, who I believe has hired your cousin."

His wife's cousin, but Franz appreciated that Rehnquist didn't mention Sara directly. "Then it will be perfect, I'm sure."

By the time their meeting was over, it was the end of the day. He had only come in to let Rehnquist know his decision, given it was a Friday. Franz had the rest of the evening to himself except for one promise he had made before he left, which he still intended to keep.

Wendy Gartner was waiting with tea and coffee on the table when he arrived at her house. She smiled. "I'm glad you remembered."

"I never forget a promise," Franz assured her as they sat down around her little kitchen table. Franz sipped his cup. It was exactly the way he liked it.

Wendy smiled. "So, how was the wedding?"

"It was lovely. They'll be very happy together."

"I'm glad. There was actually a small article on it in the Society pages of the paper."

"Really?" He hadn't been paying much attention to the press around the event.

"Apparently it got a multi-page spread in one of Creta's major social magazines. Though they only got a few official photos released to the press and an interview with President Argyros and his wife." She shrugged, smiling. "Still, it's amazing the deal they can make out of something like that."

"It's an historic event," Franz nodded. "The union of the niece of the Emperor of Xing and the son of the Cretan President."

"And the illustrious Elric family of Amestris?" Wendy asked with a soft chuckle. "So, when do you have to go back to work?"

"Monday," Franz replied, realizing he couldn't put off what he had come to do any longer. "I'm going to be taking on a new position."

"A promotion?" Wendy's eyes list up. "That's wonderful news!"

Franz swallowed. "It's going to mean I don't have much free time. It's a very involved job. I'm not going to be around much, I expect."

"What will you be doing?"

"I'm going to be the new President."

Her look of joy flashed to surprise, before her smile returned. "That's amazing."

"I'm still getting used to the idea myself," Franz replied. He finishes his cup of coffee. "But you can see why I won't be around much. I'm afraid I'm not going to be available at coffee hours anymore."

"We could always meet later," Wendy suggested gently. "Though I can imagine you'll have a lot of late nights too. That's not exactly a standard work hours job."

Surely she had picked up on where he was going. He nodded. "It's not. I'm sorry. I've enjoyed our afternoon talks." But I won't have time, and I don't feel like I need to make the time. If I care about this job more than you, it's not fair to let it go any further.

"Well, congratulations." If she was hurt, she didn't show it. "I feel safe already, knowing you'll be in charge of the military. If you ever need anything, or just have some free time, don't hesitate to give me a call."

"Thanks," Franz said as he held his cup. He didn't say he'd call. He didn't want to lit to her. She was a very nice woman. In a different life, perhaps she could have been something else, but he had made a decision. Taking it further felt wrong. There was still only room for one woman in his heart; the one who would be with him, every hour of every day, no matter where he went.

He felt a little guilty that it was a relief to choose duty.

Author's Note: 12/15/2015 Finis on another international adventure! Thanks to November's productivity, Story 67 begins next week, where we'll be spending a lot more time in Amestris.