Timeline: ~Six weeks after Edwards certification

Outline: A Military banquet turns into a performance.

A/N: The song Ed plays can be found on YouTube under the title "If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickleback - Piano Cover" by Bucktown Tiger

Edward cracked the knuckles on his left hand as he heard some general begin his announcements. He was nervous, if the knots in his stomach and his clammy Palm was anything to show.

"You shouldn't be so nervous, brother" Al said as he watched him.

"Like you have much to say. You're not the one performing in front of an audience in less than a minute" he said, running a hand down his face.

"Don't worry about it. You're good at piano, you have a good voice, you shouldn't have any difficulties"

"Says you. What if the mechanics in my automail freeze? What if I stutter? I could choke or my voice could break" he swallowed hard at these possibilities. "Why don't you just tell them I'm sick. They'd believe that. I'm not necessary for this thing anyway"

"You know Colonel Mustang wants you to perform. This is your introduction. He wouldn't have asked you if he didn't want you to. Besides, you've been playing for almost two years now. You're good."

"That doesn't change-"

"Edward you're up" one of the backstage crew told him.

Ed nodded and looked down at his clothes to make sure they were in order. His tie was tucked into the vest, the single sleeve garner was in the correct position, his crisp white button up was tucked in, his gloves were on, his ponytail was neat, his shoes were shined.

And with one final glance, he turned to Al who gave him a thumbs up, before heading through the curtain and onto the stage. The bright light that shone on him blinded him from seeing anyone in the audience. And just like that, he bowed, took his seat, and took in a deep breath.

Like this, he could pretend he was back in the Rockbells basement. If he closed his eyes, he could even imagine the faint hum of the water heater and the rugged smell of mildew.

And he played. And he sang. And the audience listened quietly to the different tones and keys being played and the way his left hand played bass while his right played the lead. The way his voice rose and fell with each cue and the gruff sound that Ed realized was passion. Maybe he did enjoy piano.

When it was over and he hit the last key, he stood and the applause began. Loud and wild, whistles and shouts all trying to be heard the loudest. He bowed once more and tried to keep the blush off of his face as he walked back behind the stage.

"Like a true prodigy" he heard the general say as he took center front.

At the end of the ceremony, Edward walked into the dining hall as instructed to be introduced to the guests.

"Edward!" He heard someone call. He turned, but didn't recognize them. "Great job tonight! That was amazing"

And just like that, multiple people began to praise him. And he smiled sheepishly and politely thanked them for the compliments.

"Fullmetal!" This voice he did recognize, and he turned to greet his commanding officer, "you did a great job out there. I definitely didn't expect it"

Edward raised an eyebrow, "You're complimenting me? I thought you thought my ego was too big" and with that he smirked.

Roy sighed and shook his head, "Praise is given where need be. This is something I asked you to do and you did above and beyond my expectations, therefore, I'll praise you. Just don't get used to it"