Disclaimer - I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist

Chapter Seven - A Precious Gift

It was approaching mid-morning and Nick was preparing to leave the Hughes' residence. He'd spent the three weeks since becoming a State Alchemist doing extensive research on advanced alchemical theories. The National Library had an extensive alchemy floor and Nick was taking full advantage of the abundant research material housed within its walls.

Nick told Elicia where he was going and when he expected to return (since he was staying with them he felt that they had a right to know his whereabouts) and then he left the house. The boy walked the short distance to the National Library and quickly ascended the stairs that led to the entrance. Once at the top Nick pulled his silver pocket watch from his pocket and held it up so that the two military policemen guarding the entrance could see that he had clearance to enter the building. After his first experience with the MPs that guarded the first branch this was always the first thing that Nick did.

The two MPs saluted and stepped back to allow Nick entrance into the library. Nick was reaching for the door handle, preparing to enter, when he heard a familiar but completely unexpected voice call out from behind him.

"Nicholas!"

Nick turned around and saw his dad and his little sister Aiya standing a few yards away. Nick glanced back at the MPs, an apologetic expression on his face since he'd bothered them for nothing. "Sorry guys, change of plans."

Nick turned and jogged down the steps, coming to a stop at the spot where his dad and sister stood. "What are you guys doing here?" Nick asked his dad. "I still haven't changed my mind if that's what you're thinking."

Ed shook his head and gazed down at his daughter. "No Nick that's not it. Aiya was really upset when she found out that you weren't coming home. She barely ate or slept so I decided that the best thing for her would be to bring her to Central so that she could see you."

The little girl who had been standing so quietly next to Ed suddenly ran over to Nick and threw her arms around him in a fierce hug. "I missed you Big Brother."

"I missed you too kiddo," Nick said, hugging the little sister whom he hadn't seen in several weeks.

Aiya abruptly released her grip on him and stared up at Nick with a sad expression on her face. "Why did you go away Big Brother? Was it because of something I did?"

"Of course not Aiya," Nick said hurriedly, in a comforting voice. "I just had something I had to do. It had nothing to do with you I promise."

Not really sure if his words were true and yet wanting to believe Aiya wiped away her tears and nodded.

"Why won't you come home Big Brother?" Aiya asked in a soft voice.

"I'm sorry Aiya," Nick said, genuinely sorry for the grief that he continued to cause her. "I have some things that I have to do but I'll be home in no time. You wait and see."

Aiya gazed at her brother and gave him a hesitant smile. She desperately wanted to believe that the words her brother spoke were the truth.

Nick stared into his sister's large blue eyes, eyes which held so much sadness. The boy quickly decided that he needed to spend some time with Aiya, to show her that it wasn't her fault that he'd left Resembool. He knew that he couldn't continue on with his mission if he were worried about his sister and he loved her too much to make her suffer on his account.

Nick stood up and held out his hand to her. "Come on Aiya. I'll give you the grand tour of Central."

Aiya nodded and took her brother's outstretched hand.

Nick turned to his dad, Aiya's hand still gripped in his. "Do you wanna come dad?"

Ed shook his head, decided that the two siblings needed some time alone together. "No, that's okay. You kids have fun but Nick make sure you keep a close eye on your sister."

Nick nodded. "I will."

"Okay then," Ed said. "I'll meet you kids back here at dusk."

"Okay. Come on Aiya."

Nick had only been in Central for a few weeks but during this time he'd thoroughly explored the city. Now he had fun showing his sister some of his favorite stops.

One of those stops was the large park and when they arrived there the two siblings chose a seat on one of the benches. They sat in silence for a bit, watching birds and small animals go about their business.

"So Aiya," Nick said after awhile. "What do you think of Central? I know it's quite a bit more cramped than Resembool but it's not too bad."

Aiya smiled up at her brother. "It's great Nick."

Aiya had attempted to hide it but Nick was very perceptive and he picked up on the slight note of sadness in her voice. "Aiya, I wish I could come home with you and dad but I can't right now."

"I understand Brother," Aiya said softly. As she spoke the young girl reached into her pocket and pulled something out. Aiya held her hand out to her brother, her fingers closed around an unknown object.

Confused, Nick held out his hand, palm up. Aiya placed her hand on top of his and dropped its contents into his palm. When Aiya moved her hand Nick stared down at a small golden locket lying in his hand.

Nick recognized the locket immediately and he was genuinely amazed that Aiya was giving it to him. The locket contained a picture of the three of them that had been taken several years ago and although she had one that was identical to it in every way it was Aiya's greatest treasure, since it had originally belonged to Harmony.

"That locket belonged to Harmony," Aiya told him in a soft voice. "I thought you could keep it with you and that way you could think of me and Harmony whenever you looked at it."

Nick placed the locket in his left pocket and then placed his hand on Aiya's shoulder. "Thank you Aiya. I'll treasure it always."

Aiya smiled at her brother, the first genuine smile that she'd worn all day.

"Well Aiya," Nick said, gazing around. "Guess we should head back to the library. It's not long until dusk."

Aiya nodded and stood up.

A/N- short little fluffy chapter. Yay fluff. Hope you enjoyed and til next time this is Hitsu-taichou signing out.