Disclaimer: I don't own anything... except maybe 'Charles'... everyone else either belongs to Hiromu Arakawa or KimiUzumaki.

A/N: There is a poll on my main page that I would really like you all to vote on. It will influence the rest of the story and I will close it after I post my next chapter. SO I would really like you all to vote!

Words: 4000~

Warnings: Possible OOCness, grammar mistakes, and Ed's language.

"Well, I should be done quickly." She responded, carefully dis-attaching the two limbs, "For now use this for the leg… it's not as sturdy, but it should work." She stated handing over the temporary leg. Ed nodded.

"Thanks Winry…"

Winry smiled, slinging her trusty wrench over her shoulder. "Of Course! I AM your mechanic." The smile widened.

Ed just grinned.

The rest of the day passed without incident.

Al stayed silent, watching his brother while the older boy walked around carefully with the temporary leg. Ed knew from personal experience that putting too much weight on the replacement would only break it, bringing forth Winry's wrath in the process.

Winry was holed up in her room, working, he could hear the sound of metal clashing, and screws being drilled into place.

Noticing the closed, and locked door he decided not to bother her. Knowing he was going to be stuck there for a week anyways, no matter what he did.

When it started getting dark the two boys went to bed, Ed finally succumbing to his ever present exhaustion as of late.

The next morning Ed woke up late. With a yawn he stretched out tense muscles; his extra appendages twitching into wakefulness. A comfortingly familiar scent wafted up the stairs, causing the boy to smile slightly.

It wasn't much, but the smell of a homecooked meal was something he had... sort of missed with all the traveling he and Al had to do. After quickly changing he walked downstair joining the others who sat around the table peacefully. Al was still, surprisingly silent, which worried the elder boy.

Ed glanced over, lightly putting his fork back down on the plate.

"Al... is there something wrong?" he asked, his tail flicked and his ears twitched in apprehension.

Al glanced at him for a moment then shook his head.

Ed's face fell slightly, worry flashing across his features until he was able to push them back into a poker face.

"Al... I'm heading out for a while. Want to come?" Al looked at him, his soul fire eyes flickering in response. After another moment he, once again, shook his head. Ed nodded, slightly disappointed. He stood, placing his hands on the table to help.

He turned, taking his coat off of a chair he had thrown it over earlier. With practiced ease he slipped it on, moving the hood carefully over his ears.

Once he was satisfied he stepped out, glancing up towards the bright morning sun. He closed his eyes for a second, basking in its glow, then moved forward. After stopping by a flower shop he let his feet lead him till he was face to face with a gray headstone, starting to be worn by time.

"Hi mom… I guess it's been a while hasn't it..." He whispered softly, holding a beautiful yet somber bouquet of pink Camellias and Carnations, along with a single dark crimson Rose*.

A slight breeze picked up slowly ruffling his hair and lifting the coat tail just slightly; it wafted around him in a gentle wave. The boy looked down and carefully placed the flowers onto the grave in front of him. After a moment he stood back up.

"Alphonse and I are doing fine… we're both still looking for the philosopher's stone… It's hard but I think we're getting closer…" He paused. The warm sun cast a light glow over the stone's and grass surrounding the boy, the sun seeped into his bones as he stood up.

"I'm not sure what to say…" the boy closed his eyes letting his single hand fall to his side. He opened them and smiled slightly.

"It was good to see you though…" he stated, the smile flickering in sadness. After another moment he turned and walked away, feeling the gentle sun and comforting breeze of the beautiful day. He could feel his ears perk under his coat and his tail swish slightly. "See you later." He whispered, a soft smile graced his lips as he glanced up to the clear sky. The wind whistled quietly, soothing the boy and singing its own silent farewell.

Ed returned, feeling lighter then when he left. He pulled his hood down, glad that he didn't need to keep it on in the house. It had felt like ages since he was able to walk around without it. His ears flicked as he looked around.

"Winry? Al?" He frowned slightly. His ears stood up and he wiped around. Too late he found himself flat on the floor with Den sitting over him licking his face.

"Eww!" He muttered, using his only arm to keep himself up.

"Well, I guess he doesn't really see you as a cat, I figured natural instinct might kick in." Ed turned his head, as he continued to sit on the ground, his tail flicked over the wood as Den sat in his lap, barking happily. Edward glared at the dog and then looked back at the person who spoke.

"Granny."

The old women, dubbed Granny, looked over at the blonde and nodded her head. "It's probably because you still look like a shrimp more then a feline."

"YOU OLD BAT! I AM NOT SHORT!" he seethed, vein popping in fury.

"Watch your tongue boy." She stated, smacking the blonde's head with her pipe. Ed grimaced.

"That explains where Winry gets her violence from." He muttered under his breath as he massaged the now aching spot, using his legs and tail to keep from falling on his back.

"So would you like something to eat? Winry and Alphonse are out at the moment. They said they had something to take care of."

Ed raised an eyebrow then nodded as his stomach growled loudly. He turned to Den with a frown, once again placing his hand on the ground.

"Den, can you get off." After the dog moved Ed shook his head and stood up, brushing himself down with his lone hand in the process.

Once satiated he walked into the kitchen, Den plodding behind, keeping pace with the boy. A moment later Ed sat down, resting his one good hand over the chair.

"Shouldn't Winry be working on my arm and leg?"

"… Something came up." Ed's eyebrow rose again, confusion and suspicion creeping up his spine.

"Granny… There's something you're not telling me…"

"Granny! We're home!" Ed glanced up to see Winry in the door way, beaming brightly. She had a bag in her hands, flush against her chest. Her bandana was gone, revealing short blonde bangs parted slightly to one side; Behind her stood Al with his own bags.

"Brother, your back!"

Ed smiled, the boy sounded happier than earlier, which he was glad for.

"Yep!... So Winry… why weren't you working on my automail?" Ed let the smile slip into a frown. Winry's smile widened and she just whistled.

"It's a secret~"

Ed's frown deepened and he turned to glance at Al. who just shook his head, following after the bubbly girl.

"What the hell is going on?…"

'Smack!'

"Ow! You old bat! What was that for!"

'Smack!' "Language!" Ed snarled, massaging his head, eyes glaring. His ears flicked in annoyance and his tail swung back and forth.

"That doesn't give you a reason to hit me!" The old women smiled slightly then moved back into the kitchen. After a few moments she came back with a bowl of soup and a slice of bread. She handed it to the boy who ate with gusto.

While he ate she went upstairs to check on Winry and Al. Ed paused, glancing up as well. He heard a faint conversation but the words were too soft for him to make out even with his animal like hearing. He shook his head and then got back to eating. After finishing, and with a content sigh, he stood up to stretch.

"Well, I guess I will check on Al for a bit."

"Can you do me a favor?" Ed groaned and turned his head to glance at the old women who had just stepped back into the room.

"Now?…" he asked incredulously, an annoyed sigh passing through his lips.

"Yes now, I need to get this food to Mr. Halibaster. You remember him and his wife right?" She stated as she grabbed some packages off the counter and handed them to the boy.

"Yeah yeah, but why don't you go yourself?" Ed mumbled, crossing his hand over his chest with a pout, pointedly not taking the packages.

"Because, You're still young and you shouldn't go against your elders. Plus, it's just common curtesy to say hi. She WAS you're first grade teacher."

Ed glowered and stood. Grabbing the packages with a sharp tug; he angrily stomped out the door.

Throwing his hood up, he walked over to the house briskly.

"Stupid old witch, should do her things herself." He muttered under his breath as he walked forward.

The house in question was on the other side of town, which annoyed the boy to no end as he moved forward. The packages rattled slightly in his hand as he walked down the dirt road into town. People waved, saying hi to the boy as he passed, he nodded, acknowledging their presence, yet didn't say a word. A little while later he walked up to a decent sized one story house with brick walls.

'Knock Knock'

Ed waited for a moment until the door slid open with a slight groan. An older man with graying hair and square rimmed spectacles stepped out looking at the blonde. After a moment he smiled.

"My! If it isn't Edward! Come in come in!"

"Uh actually I'm just here to…"

He never got to finish as he was pulled, full-bodily, into the house.

"Honey! It's Edward!" The man shouted sitting the boy down into one of the chairs.

An older women with graying brown hair, slightly younger then the man, popped her head out of the kitchen and smiled warmly towards the boy.

"Edward! It's so nice to see you! How are you? You don't really come by that often any more…"

"… I'm fine… I just came to deliver these." He stated politely, lifting up the goods. The two smiled kindly and the old man took the packages as the women moved back into the kitchen. A moment later she came back out, drying her hands with a wash cloth.

"Must be from Mrs. Rockbell, she has been so kind to us lately ever since…" the women's face suddenly became downcast, causing Ed to glance at her with curiosity and worry.

"Honey…" her husband whispered.

The women smiled fondly and then turned to the boy.

"So, Edward, anything interesting happen recently?" she asked innocently, as if she hadn't said a thing. Ed narrowed his eyes slightly, yet followed the change in conversation.

"Not much… been busy… the usual."

"I see…" The women continued to smile. Then she spoke again, smile falling into a look of confusion.

"you know… you remind me of her… just like they said..."

Ed was now thoroughly confused and, as always, curious. However, before he could respond the man stood and walked over.

"It's been good to see you Edward… but I think you should get going." He stated firmly, glancing quickly at his wife and then back at the blonde. He smiled as his hands wrapped around the women tightly, holding her in place.

Ed hesitated then nodded, glancing at the women who had turned to her husband in confusion. He frowned.

"I'll take my leave then." He stated standing up smoothly. On the way out he noticed the corner of a transmutation circle. It was inscribed into the cover of a book that sat carefully on the table. He narrowed his eyes slightly then shook his head, walking out of the house at a fast clip.

He walked back slowly, unsure of what exactly happened, and curious about who "they" are. Passing through town, on the way back, he stopped in to one of the bakeries.

Grabbing a small pastry he moved on, munching on the goody. He glanced down, frowning at the temporary leg; it was really annoying to walk with. He sighed and took another bite, walking up the street carefully. Thoughts and questions poured through his mind, without a single answer in sight.

A while later, as the sun began to set, he arrived back. Winry and Al were upstairs, the sound of muffled conversation and metal against metal floated down the staircase as Granny walked out of the kitchen.

"Ah Edward, you're back." Ed nodded. and plopped down onto one of the chairs in the kitchen. He paused for a moment. Granny, noticing the pause, turned to the boy.

"So Edward, How were they?"

"They?" Ed went to respond then stopped, he shook his head. "They seemed fine, Though Mrs. Halibaster looks way older then I remember..."

Granny chuckled softly. "Of course."

Ed glanced up hearing the sound of sizzling and slight popping.

"What is Al doing?..." He asked quietly, under his breath. He went to stand up when Granny stopped him.

"You shouldn't disturb them." Ed's eyes narrowed and he turned to the women.

"And why shouldn't I? He IS my brother."

Granny looked at the boy and sighed. "Do what you want."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Ed muttered, hurrying upstairs. Just as he reached the top of the stairs Al walked out.

"Brother! Wha... what's up?"

Ed, catching the slight hesitation in the others voice, grinned.

"What were you doing with Winry?"

"Nothing! She was just... just... ah... showing me how she makes your automail!"

"Al... doesn't she just need to adjust it?"

"Uh... Well... she needed to rebuild a certain part because it was rusted... and she was just showing me..." Ed rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Al... You're a terrible liar."

If the suit of armor could have blushed it would have been tomato red right now. Ed chuckled slightly.

"Come on, it's obvious you don't want me going in there. so let's go." Al nodded and then turned.

Winry, who had been listening from inside, taking a quick break, smiled. After another moment she pulled down her goggles and got back to work. She had a lot left to do.

The rest of the evening the two boys were together, doing whatever they wanted.

At one point they talked, Al asking questions about Ed's new additions.

In response, Ed would mention his aggrivation with eating, his annoyance with the ears and tail, how his balance was still slightly off, the fact that he was pissed about the new stature and finally his resignation at his higher pitched voice.

Al just listened and occasionally commented on one thing or another, a word of advice here and a compliment there. Ed would smile slightly and nod after a while.

Meanwhile Winry stayed in her room, which was both surprising and unsurprising for the two boys. Ed just shrugged it off while Al chuckled quietly.

After a while, when day finally descended into night, the two boys went to bed, having nothing better to do.

The next day was quiet, Ed woke with a yawn and a stretch. He glanced out the window and covered his eyes as the sun shined, almost too brightly, through the glass. He looked around, feeling his tail twitch and ears swivel.

He listened warily to a, once again, silent house. Slowly he stood up, slipping his clothes on along with his red coat. After a moment he snuck downstairs. He glanced at a clock that ticked quietly on the wall of the kitchen.

It showed that it was almost eleven.

Ed raised an eyebrow, then turned, walking out of the kitchen. A moment later he fell backwards as something slammed into him.

"Ow…" he moaned, feeling cold hard metal on top of him and wood flooring beneath him.

After a moment of surprise he shouted, "Al… get off!"

"Brother! Sorry, I didn't see you there!" Ed sighed as the other boy got up, allowing him to breath. 'It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't so sma... AGH! I almost called myself the devils word!' he thought pulling at his ears in aggravation. After another moment he noticed Al move back.

Ed stood up, dusting himself off forcefully, as if that would push the rant out of his mind. A second later he froze and glanced up in shock.

"Al… what… are those?..."

Al looked and then reached up touching his helmet.

"Oh! Well, I always wanted a kitty… I just thought… that we could both be kitties!" Ed choked slightly and then coughed, turning away. After a small hacking session he glanced back.

On Al's helmet was an odd metal contraptions, which connected to two blonde cat ears; they seemed to move of their own accord, like a real felines; behind him was a small tuffed tail that swayed back and forth. Ed stared, his mind numb. A moment later it went number when he saw Winry and Granny walk in.

"Winry… why…"

"Oh… I thought it would look cute… and the mechanisms for them are so interesting! I was working on them since I found out about you're... predicament. I had Al's help in forming them while I worked on the machination!" She beamed, eyes shining as she felt the metal contraptions, her bluish black ears twitched, and she squeeled; her tail, also a bluish black, was long and thin swaying gently back and forth behind her. If Al could grin sheepishly he would have.

Ed made sure not to look at Granny.

"Even so! Why are you wearing them!" Ed scowled, feeling his own ears twitch in a mixture of annoyance and confusion.

Winry turned to him, smile dimming into a look of fondness. "Because we want to... We figured that you would feel a bit more comfortable if you weren't the only one with them..." She pointed at the headbands, "Not only that but, with these we can pretend that I made you lose a bet or something, that way you don't have to worry as much about your hood falling off or your secret being revealed." Winry's smile widened as Ed stared at her. He glanced at Al who nodded. Happiness radiated off the boy, even though he was just armor. Ed's expression softened and he just shook his head, smiling.

"Thanks Al… Winry" he whispered sincerely.

Al nodded.

"Any time brother… plus… don't they look cute on me?"

Ed blinked, looked up and then chuckled,

"Yeah Al… they do."

"So… are you going to be wearing them from now on?" Ed asked, glancing at the girl who was happily fondling the ears like they were the greatest things in the world.

Winry nodded.

"Yeah, the touch of cold metal and the feel of a well working machine is just to good NOT to pass up!" Ed sweat dropped slightly as the girl sighed feeling the cold metal happily.

"How did you make those anyways? They seem almost real…"

"Oh! I used a coil spring system along with a reaction chamber to sense movement, especially for Al, since he's armor and all, I fastened it so that it can sense the slightest change, I call it pressure sensitivity! I also used malleable metals to keep it light and flexible with polyster to keep it sturdy and-"

"I see." Ed stated quickly, not wanting to hear all the technicalities of the odd contraptions. Winry pouted then huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'll get started on your automail."

"After we eat." Ed glanced over and sighed in relief.

"I'm glad at least the old bat is acting normal."

"Oh, don't worry, I was trying them on earlier, while you were still sleeping, they are actually quite comfortable." Ed eyes widened hysterically. Granny laughed walking into the kitchen.

"Just kidding shrimp."

Ed bristled. Al, noticing, grabbed his arms before he could leap at the old woman. Instead he yelled out a loud, "WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT THAT HE CAN'T EVEN BE SEEN BY THE EYE OF AN ANT!"

"You."

"Brother! Calm down!" Al stated, noticing Ed's ears being pointed backwards, and his mouth curling up into a snarl to show his teeth. After a while Ed stopped, frowning into the doorway.

"Al, you can set me down now…" Al looked at the boy and slowly let go. Ed took a deep breath in and out then walked into the kitchen, poker face on full force.

"Come on! Sit down so we can eat!" Ed blinked then walked over, taking a seat. The girl, Winry, smiled and dug in, her ears twitching happily.

'Odd…' Ed shook his head and dug in as well, 'I'm probably just having some really screwed up dream… Why would Winry of all people wear cat ears?!'

"I forgot to ask this yesterday but, you delivered the packages properly, correct?"

Ed glanced over, taking another bite of the chicken. "Yeah." He muttered around the food and then swallowed. "Though it was kind of odd… did something happen recently?"

"… I completely forgot about that." Ed glanced over to the old woman whose lips were downturned slightly. Winry glanced over questioningly. A moment later her eyes widened.

"Did you send him to Mr. Halibaster's?!"

"Yeah…"

"Granny!"

"Winry, It's fine."

"But!-"

Ed glanced back and forth watching the two talk as if it was a tennis match.

"What happened?" Al asked, Ed looked at his brother gratefully.

Winry turned to the two forlornly.

"Hey Ed… do you remember that girl in our class, Rin? The teachers daughter?"

"Uh…"

"I didn't think so. Anyways she had long blonde hair and was around the same age as us. She was Mrs. Halibaster's daughter and she also loved cats as much as Al does..." Ed nodded, feeling uncomfortable all of the sudden, he really showed have paid more attention during class…

"Oh!... I think I remember her!" Al stated a smile heard in the words. "She was that girl who kept trying to bring her cat to class… She was kind of quiet though…"

Winry nodded, smiling sadly.

"…Well, a year ago she disappeared. It turns out she had fallen into the river on one of the rainy days, and had drowned… with your hair down like that and the change to your… stature… and voice... you kind of resemble her."

"What?..." Al stated, voice shaking slightly.

"So?..." Ed frowned, glancing at his brother, he looked away for a moment then looked back at Winry when she spoke.

"The poor women… she has been a little off lately…"

"You think she's going to do something?" he responded quietly, a forlorn expression crossing his face.

"… I don't want to believe it but… It's very possible…" Granny interjected a ladle in her hand.

Ed's frown deepened.

"But… brother is a guy; he should be fine shouldn't he?" Al stated, shaking slightly.

"Al…" Winry whispered her lips downturned in a small frown.

"Al, when someone is delusional… they'll think anything they do is alright… they'll do anything to retain what they have… or what they have lost…" Ed stated, his bangs covering his eyes, his fork hung halfway to his closed mouth. Al looked down and nodded sadly. Tension grew to the point where it could be cut by a knife. A shadow hung over the two boys. Winry watched sadly. After a brief moment she forced a smile on her face and said.

"… Well enough of this somber mood, who wants some dessert!"

Ed perked up, glancing at the girl who had just spoken.

"What is it?"

"Apple pie." Ed's eyes glistened, and he shook his head.

"Jeez Winry."

"You complain and you won't get any!"

"I wasn't!"

"Oh sure you weren't!"

"Is that the best you can come up with?!"

"Better than yours!"

Al watched, chuckling slightly as the two continued to bicker with each other. Both of their extra "appendages" twitched erratically, though for Ed it happened a lot more naturally.

The rest of the evening went on peacefully; Al sat back, enjoying the smile that seemed to be just barely hidden on his brother's face, the gold eyes shone brightly as he talked. It was so good to see him acting like his normal self, especially after the last few days and hearing the news about Rin.

Neither of them had been really close to the girl at all, Al mostly remembered her because of her love of cats. The young boy doubted Ed even knew she existed. He glanced over to his brother, his internal smile diminishing slightly.

He was no longer angry, heck, he never was able to stay upset for long, not when he had to watch over his brother. It just wasn't in his nature. Yet he was still a little annoyed that they couldn't go after the guy directly, and at the fact that his brother had hid the problem for so long. 'I wonder if the Colonel realized something happened…' Al thought, glancing out the window in silence.

As if on cue, the phone rang. The argument stopped as Winry went to pick it up.

"Rockbells Automail, how can I help you?... Oh! Lieutenant, it's nice to hear from you… yes everything is going fine… The boys are still here, don't worry, they aren't running any time soon." Winry glared at Ed pointedly, who promptly rolled his eyes, "… I'll make sure to tell them… Okay good night."

"So… what did she have to say?" Ed asked, crossing his hand over his chest.

"Not much, just asking whether you were still here, and she also mentioned that the colonel would like to talk with you again after your week is up…"

"Again?! That bastard, can't he just lead us to the philosopher's stone, and let us work in peace?!" Al just sighed, shaking his head.

"Hey, I'm just the messenger." Winry stated, placing the phone down. Ed glared and sighed.

"Whatever."

Chapter seven: done.

omg! I managed to get 25 reviews! I love you guys! I'm so glad all of you are enjoying this. :) I appreciate every single fave, alert and review so again, thank you!