"Mr. Elric! How wonderful to finally meet you!"

"Likewise." Edward coughed, receiving a few nasty cracks and snaps while arching his back. Of course, he'd slept in again. The usual bags under his eyes were now tinted purple, his mouth opened more often to yawn rather than to speak, and he walked with a slouch whilst dragging his feet. He knew his brother wouldn't be too impressed at the scene. Regardless, he'd made sure to dress a bit more formal than usual, for the sake of an important interview with his soon-to-be-boss, who seemed frustratingly jolly for an early morning interview at such an environment.

"From what I've gathered, this is your first time working at such a place, yes?"

"Uh, yes, that's right. I used to study the mechanics of rockets in Germany before moving to England."

The burly elder man threw his head back and laughed, giving Edward a reaction he'd not expected. What the hell is he laughing at? "That's quite the change of occupation! Why the sudden switch, if you don't mind me asking?"

Edward chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, a usual nervous habit. "Ah, well... My brother and I needed to start fresh. And I needed some help myself... Going to my therapists inspired me in a way, I suppose." The former alchemist began thanking the fact that this man didn't know him very well. If it were anyone else, they'd immediately catch that he'd been lying through his teeth. Edward Elric, too proud to allow himself such needs. "I hope my newbie self won't be much of a nuisance, Mr. Willis."

"Please! Call me Jacob!" The old man let out a final roaring chuckle before his happy features darkened. "I must say I like your confidence, Mr. Elric, however, I must remind you that this is an institution. Although you are new at this and we won't be sending you anywhere near the dodgy wings, this isn't the greatest environment to be in if you haven't fully recovered from your previous trauma, if any." Edward found his mouth slowly dropping to his knees, as Jacob stared deep into his eyes, almost sucking at his soul. The very thought sent shivers down the young man's spine. How had he known of his previous 'trauma'? They don't call them professionals for nothing, I guess.

"You'll be in some of the safer areas of this madhouse, where only the short-term patients will be held. You know bad eating habits, depression, suicidal people, etc. You can handle that, I'm assuming?"

Edward nodded hastily, swallowing a glob of saliva that had taken refuge in the pit of his throat. Was this what he wanted? He wanted to help people. He didn't want any more people to die.

Or, at least not if they have a choice. But, heck, the blood of those he loved still stained his flesh to this very day. All those screams. All that crying. All those collapsing buildings. All that laughter-

Laughter?

"Ahaha! Elric, my man, you need to ease up on those facial muscles!" Jacob chuckled, fiercely five-starring Edward smack dab in the middle of his back, causing the golden eyes man to yelp in pain.

"No worries, you'll have plenty of help from your employees! And remember, you got me! Now let me show you where the cafeteria is, you simply must try the deserts our chefs make!"

"Please... call me Edward..." The younger man mumbled quietly, rubbing his back. Quite frankly, he felt like the older man in this case.

"I know... Y-I'm sorry, Noah."

Alphonse rubbed the bridge of his nose with his left hand, his right holding the phone close to his ears. Noah had finally been able to reach them, or one of them, and gone berserk as to why they hadn't kept in touch.

"Alphonse, we're about a few hours' drive from where you boys are! Please, try and stop by when you can! The last time I saw you two was when Kain invited you over for Christmas, and that hasn't been for at least 4 months now!"

"I promise we'll come visit soon, Noah. Edward's starting his new job soon, and you know how he is when he has something new to worry about. He never keeps in touch. He never did even before we came he-...uh. Here..." Alphonse caught his final words cracking while he desperately pulled his thoughts away from wandering back to the memories of his final moments in Amestris. As much as his chest tightened, his voice was kept remotely steady.

"...Alphonse, I'm sorry I didn't mean to remind you o-...of... Well..."

"No no, Noah, it's alright. Really."

But Noah caught onto his monotone response as anything but. How she'd wished she had listened to Edward. The two brothers had reminded her time and time again that it wasn't her fault, but a small piece of her wouldn't ever allow her mind to believe it. Since then, she'd given up on her fortune telling talents in fear that staying too connected with her mind may take her aback to the events.

"Noah."

"I'm sorry, Alphonse, I really should be going. Kain should be home soon, and he's a bottomless barrel after work!"

The two chuckled happily for the next few minutes before hanging up. Noah sighed. It was good to hear his voice again. He was a spitting image of Alfons, it was quite remarkable. Alfons had also been one who really enjoyed her cooking, and had always been so grateful of her.

"Something's smelling great."

"Welcome home, Kain." Noah chuckled, brushing her lips over her fiancé's.

Kain smiled, gently rubbing her cheeks. "Oh, and Noah? Keep your mind from going there, will you? I like you better happy."

Noah simply stared at Kain, a small smile slowly shadowing her face. "I'll keep that in mind."

It was strange, really. The zeppelin had crash landed right in front of her eyes, and it was she that scrubbed the blood off of Edward and Alphonse. It was the last time she had witnessed death, making the moment truly unforgettable. Her visions were now an old friend, one she had no encounter with for some time. But there was still something waltzing and jigging inside the throbbing veins of her mind. Better yet, someone. Someone with extremely nice blonde hair, at that, singing a song like they had all the time in the world.

A.N:
This took a few days, sorry. Thanks to all of you who added this to your favorites/story alerts, however, I'd like some reviews! Give me feedback, tell me what you think! I have some surprises in store for this story, and I'd like for you guys to keep up with me (: