Ed woke the next morning to Al talking on the telephone. His voice was a low murmur and every so often he would laugh at something on the other end of the telephone.

"I'll see you soon, Elysia. Will you hand the phone to your mother now?"

Apparently Elysia had because Al was talking to Gracia now, "It's only if you don't mind having an extra person Mrs. Hughes." Al's voice paused for a moment. "Thank you, Mrs. Hughes. We'll see you tomorrow then."

Ed heard the thunk of the receiver being put down and he grimaced as he cowered beneath the sheets on the bed. I'm such an idiot. Afraid to face my own brother.

"Brother! You need to get up and repack if you've unpacked – we're leaving for Central this evening!"

Ed sat up slowly and watched the doorway as his brother appeared. "So soon?"

"Well, when I told Mrs. Hughes you were back she was more than excited to see us. Elysia too."

Ed shrugged off the rest of the covers and stood stretching for a moment before he passed his brother and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Winry was hovering over their shoulders that day as they prepared for the trip back to Central. She kept bugging them both about making sure they told Gracia how much they appreciated her having them.

"Winry," Al finally said plaintively, "can you please let us finish packing in peace? I know you're excited and there are a lot of things you want us to tell her, but perhaps writing her a letter from you is better? That way we can deliver it to her personally?"

How did Al become so diplomatic? Ed wondered. Telling Winry what to do – sometimes even suggesting something – caused a violent reaction. Ed would know; he'd been hit more than once by one of those temper tantrums she seemed so fond of.

But Winry had agreed and had procured paper and a pen and was sitting with them and writing a letter to Gracia.

When Winry left for a bathroom break, Ed glanced around to make sure no one would notice and leaned over to read her letter.

Mrs. Hughes,

First of all, thank you for letting those two hooligans stay with you. If they become a bother just give me a call and I'll whip them into shape for you. They have absolutely no resistance whatsoever. (Ed especially). Anyways, how are you doing? I hope you and Elysia are both doing well! I really wish I could come and see you both soon. But things have really started to pick up with this business and I don't have much personal time anymore. Be sure to stay healthy! And if you ever want to get some country air feel free to come by, you're always welcome here in our home. After all you and Mr. Hughes did so much for us. Please tell Elysia I'll be there for her birthday and am bringing her a wonderful gift! (I'm also having Al and Ed bring you a gift with this letter.)

Winry Rockbell.

Ed glared death at the piece of paper. He and Al were not hooligans they were just rougher around the edges than those high-and-mighty boys she was so used to seeing in her magazines. He lamented the loss of one of his shirts – it had far too many holes in it to even consider bringing – and threw it aside. As he shifted through his clothing he realized he didn't have a whole lot in actuality. Not that he cared – but it would be nice to have some clothing that fit. Most of his old clothes were too small for him to wear. When he was in Central he'd see if Gracia knew of any good stores where he could get his clothing altered. Or preferably some new clothing that was cheap and durable.

When Al returned they chatted amicably, randomly about anything that came to mind. To Ed, Al seemed to be avoiding the subject of alchemy. But if it made Al uncomfortable he wouldn't bring it up, he'd wait for the right moment to tell Al that he didn't miss the alchemy because he had what he wanted most: his brother back.

Gracia smiled as she made her way around the kitchen humming. Elysia was off in the living room playing with – marbles? Makeup? Gracia wasn't quite sure, but her daughter's interests were constantly changing – aside from one. Alchemy. Ever since she had known Uncle Roy she's been curious about it. But after meeting the Elric brothers she adored it. She was yammering about it all the time to her friends – always looking for stories that dealt with alchemy.

When the doorbell rang she heard Elysia race to get it. Gracia quietly wondered who was at the door – certainly not the Elrics, it was only early afternoon. She didn't expect them until around seven that evening.

Gracia moved to greet her guest. "Roy!" she said in surprise. But she smiled kindly at him. "It's been a while."

He moved forward and kissed her cheek. "Yes it has. I'm sorry, it's been very busy. But I thought I'd drop by and say hello because I have the afternoon off."

"Why don't you stay for dinner?" she asked him. "It's stew and I really think I've made too much of it."

"I'd love to," he smiled and for a moment Gracia missed her husband more than anything in the world.

Ed grinned as he slapped down the card and pronounced the game his win. Al glared at him. "Cheater!" he accused.

"Did not!" Ed retaliated.

Al, doing his best to be mature, did not respond to the challenge. Instead he glanced out the window and patted the basket that held the apple pie at his side. Winry had made it special for Gracia, to show her she was putting the recipe to good use.

When they arrived at the train station Ed practically galloped off of it and into the street, grinning. Al couldn't stop the grin either as they raced to Mrs. Hughes home. At the door they were greeted by an enthusiastic Elysia who said another guest had dropped by unexpectedly. Gracia hugged them gently and thanked them for the apple pie and Winry's letter before ushering them into the sitting room.

The boys were surprised by Mustang's presence but not perturbed by it in the least. They had made some sort of peace with the man, and the greeted him warmly as well. Ed gave him a brief nod and handshake, and Al, grinned and gave him a handshake as well.

"Good to see you boys, you both look well."

"Oh, Al's certainly, well." Ed muttered.

"Jealous?"

"Hah! She's an abusive –" he looked at Elysia who was playing with a makeup kit on the floor, "person. No way."

And so, the night began.