Al let Edward do all the talking. When they came in to talk with the Fuhrer, he looked upon Al with a muted anger that faded gradually as Edward went on. When he was finished, Mustang sat on his bed – his leg up in a sling - quietly mulling the idea over.
The brothers watched him anxiously, Al perhaps more so than his brother who glared at the Fuhrer like he had no reason to be mulling anything over in the first place. Al wanted to twiddle his thumbs nervously but refrained. He could see how Mustang always frustrated Edward. It was impossible to get a read on him. And Al was always more sensitive than Edward was when it came to sensing other people's emotions.
"I can see its potential," Mustang said after a while. "The State Alchemists will have to be retrained somewhere..."
"But the school can't just be for military personnel," Edward interrupted. "Anyone who wants to study alchemy, art, science, history, literature... whatever they want," he insisted.
"Yes, I get it," Mustang grumbled. "Now, if I approve this will you teach everyone?"
"Of course!" Al agreed, no longer able to remain silent now that Mustang seemed to be going for the idea.
"Even students from other countries?"
"What are you getting at?" Edward asked suspiciously.
"Aerugo and Creta have expressed interest in establishing Alchemist programs of their own," Mustang explained. "I've been hesitant about it and have avoided giving any answers as to sending advisors as they work through it. Perhaps this is the best way to establish a balance of power between our neighbors without the use of," he cleared his throat, "unnatural sources."
Edward's gazed darkened. "I'm resigning and even if the school receives State funding we're not at your beck and call!"
"Edward," Al said placing a placating hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Don't get up in arms, Fullmetal, I'd ask and it'd be up to you if you'd want to go. But Creta and Aerugo would be welcome to send potential candidates I hope."
"Yes," Al answered quickly before Edward could. "I don't see anything wrong with that. So, you'll do it?" Al asked anxiously.
"I'm not going to give a definite answer just yet. I want to think about it some more."
"What's to think about?" Edward grunted.
"The last I checked I'm still Fuhrer, right, General?" Mustang said looking Edward in the eye.
Edward returned the gaze evenly. "I'm not a General anymore."
"You are until you submit your resignation in writing."
"Do we really have to get technical with this?" Edward exclaimed exasperated.
"Yes, and since I am getting technical, I have a question for you. Am I still the Fuhrer or not? I know Havoc already talked to you. It's up to you and Jean whether I step down or not." Edward glared at him. "So, what's your decision?"
"You fucking bastard..." Edward growled.
"Call me all the names you want. I'm still leaving it in your hands."
Edward took a deep breath. "Fine," he spat. "I don't want you to step down. You're actually good at it anyways," he added through gritted teeth begrudgingly. "But we do need the funding to start the school," he added with a smirk, "so can't get rid of you just yet."
"Fair enough," Mustang said matching his smirk.
"Well, if that's it, then I need a piece of paper and a pen. I have a resignation letter to write," Edward said with practiced impudence to get to last word.
Al moved to help Edward out of Mustang's room. Outside waiting was Havoc and Richard. Before they left Mustang called out.
"Al, will you stay for a minute?"
The brothers exchanged looks. Al nodded confidently and handed Edward to Richard and Havoc to help him hobble along. Al closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry for getting so upset, Al," Mustang began without preamble. "It was just a shock," he added reddening.
"I understand. I wasn't expecting something quite so dramatic to happen," Al explained. "I didn't open the Gate with the intention of leaving all of Amestris' alchemists powerless."
"I know. And if I were in your shoes I would have done the same."
Al smiled gratefully. He didn't care how old he was; he didn't like people upset with him. He had always respected Mustang. Even if he made a mistake, he wasn't the only one and his opinion did matter to Al… along with his friendship. "But I shouldn't have been surprised by your or Ed's reactions. The two of you are more alike then either of you would care to admit."
"Tell me about it," Mustang huffed. "But a school is a good idea," he continued thoughtfully. "It's a positive thing. We've been using the same old Universities for years without bothering to improve their curriculums. We've been stifling ourselves as a country and it hasn't been just with alchemy; always depending on that underground transmutation circle. The new school will give the old ones some healthy competition, it'll help stimulate progressive thinking and with all the countries sharing ideas then maybe the old disagreements, distrust and prejudices will fade."
"Yes, that would be nice," Al said envisioning the new school and the students of all cultures sharing and learning together. It was a wonderful prospect.
"Of course, you'll let me study by correspondence," Mustang laughed. "Can't have the Fuhrer, a State Alchemist, not know his own trade."
"Well, I think you're already on the right track," Al said.
"How's that?" Mustang asked curiously.
"I was looking at the glove Ed borrowed from you and the circle is very similar to some I've seen in the Xing texts I've studied."
"Really?"
"Your teacher must have studied Xing alchemy at some point and incorporated it with Amestris'."
"No wonder it took me so long to figure out how to use the flame," Mustang mused.
"You didn't know?"
"I knew it was something complicated, beyond what I had studied at the time. If it hadn't been for… a guide… he left behind," Mustang said with a far away look in his eyes, "I never would have figured out that transmutation circle on my own."
"I'd like to see this guide," Al said eyes wide with curiosity.
"You've seen her," Mustang said under his breath with a little smirk.
"What do you mean?"
"We'll talk about it later," the Fuhrer said mysteriously.
Al chuckled. No matter what, alchemists would still hold their cards close to their chest. "Alright."
He moved to leave then paused with his hand on the door knob, suddenly serious. He turned back. "Thank you, Roy."
He didn't mean for his support of the school or for his forgiveness.
"No, Alphonse. I should be thanking you and I'm sorry it took so long."
Mustang knew what he meant. There eyes met, knowingly. No, this wasn't about a school to help rebuild the State Alchemist institution or for Al's part returning all the homunculi to the Gate. It was about Edward.
"It's alright. I know what needed to be done. What you both needed to do."
"Can you forgive me?"
Al never saw Mustang look so sincere. It was easy to give his answer. "Yes."
"Thank you."
Mustang suddenly looked ten years younger. The guilt seemed to melt away. But not completely. It would still linger. It just wouldn't be so noticeable. Al turned to leave again but was stopped by Mustang.
"Hey, Al."
"Yes?"
"You wouldn't happen to know what happened to General Grumman." His mouth twitched saying his old mentor's name.
Al looked momentarily stunned. "I can't believe I completely forgot about him. But when we went to rescue Elysia and Richard I didn't see him."
"I didn't either," Mustang said, his brow furrowed, "and Havoc didn't find any sign of him in the underground bunker. He may have just gotten in the way of the homunculi army and he's in pieces back at the Drachman base."
Al flinched at the thought. Even if Grumman had betrayed his country, it was still an awful way to die. "Maybe," he shrugged. "You could ask Russell," he pointed out.
"I'll kill the bastard if I even set eyes on him. I know I'm to blame for keeping Envy alive but he and Grumman took it beyond what I ever imagined."
The guilt was back, stronger than ever. Al wanted to reverse it's affects but he didn't know how. He didn't think anything he could say at the moment would help though.
"I could talk to Russell," he offered.
"Only if you want to. I thought you were the least violent of us but I heard what you did to him when he nearly killed Ed. I don't want you to end up doing something you'd regret."
Al blushed, mildly ashamed for losing control. But his shame was easy to toss away when he remembered how Edward almost died because of Russell. He regretted his offer. He didn't think he could restrain himself either. Yep, he'd probably do something he would regret.
"Perhaps we can have someone else ask," Mustang said reading Al's expression.
Al laughed. "That would probably be best." He sighed; feeling light and carefree, something he hadn't felt in a while and was thinking he wouldn't for a long time. "I think I can actually get some sleep now," he joked.
"You deserve some rest."
Al silently agreed as he left Mustang's room. When he stepped out and shut the door behind him, he found himself the center of attention. Edward, Havoc and Richard were waiting, their faces lit with curiosity. "You guys are still here?"
"Havoc didn't want to wait to find out what you two said in there," Edward said ignoring his friend's scowl.
"Well, he'll just have to wait I guess," Al said carelessly as he walked by them, whistling.
"Some brother you are," Edward grumbled. "I tell you everything."
"All in good time, Brother," Al called back with a wicked grin.