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

"Whatever."

The next day, Winry was, once again, holed up in her room while Ed and Al were outside. The two were lying in the soft green grass staring up at the clear sky. A soft breeze rustled the surrounding vegetation and caused Ed's ears to twitch with each movement. Al still had his ears and tail on which both annoyed and amused Ed. The blond rolled onto his side, finding it uncomfortable to lay on his back with his tail.

"So Al, what do you want to do today?" He asked, glancing the boy over as the suit of armor continued to lie over the grass. Al had his hands behind his head as soul fire eyes flickered, watching the sky. After the boy spoke those eyes shifted, glancing at the curious blond.

"Um… I don't know… maybe we can go into town? I haven't really said hi to anyone lately, not to mention I wouldn't mind seeing mom." the boy stated uncertainly, shifting slightly under the others golden stare.

Ed's features saddened as he looked over his brother.

"I saw her yesterday…" he muttered, as he turned his head so he could still see part of the sky, no longer looking at the younger boy.

"Oh… I guess I can go later when you're getting you're automail refitted…" Al replied, sighing.

"Al…"

"How about we go to the market? I went with Winry yesterday, so that she could get the stuff to make these but…"

Ed turned his head back to the boy, who was gesturing half heartedly at the fake appendages, and let his lips twitch into a half smile. "Of course."

"Will you keep your hood down?" Al asked, perking slightly.

Ed paused, visibly paling. He sat up using his good arm for leverage. He looked away for a second and pursed his lips. Golden strands danced around his shoulder as he tilted his head downwards, covering his eyes. Al sat up and looked at his brother thoughtfully.

"Brother, that's why we're wearing these," at this Al raised a thick leather gloved hand to his ears, "If anyone asks, we tell them it was a bet with Winry." He dropped his hand back to his side. He glanced his older brother over, and had the sudden urge to pet the long ebony tail quivering slightly next to him. Al viciously shook his head, forcing himself to ignore the fluffy appendage even as it continued to flicker quietly over the soft grass. Ed sighed and tilted his head back up to the sky.

"I understand that, it's just…" He paused, trying to recollect his thoughts. Al waited in silence. Metal clanked as he brought his legs up and circled an arm lazily around it, using the other arm to support himself on the hard ground.

Ed shook his head and stood up, brushing himself down. "I guess I just don't like the prospect of someone finding out that I turned into this - even with Winry's disguise - but I guess it'll be just as suspicious if I hide them under my hood." he stopped and grinned. "And, as they say…" He tilted his head up, golden eyes shining mischievously. "…If you're going to hide something, hide it in plain sight~".

After finding a makeshift headband for Ed's ears the two headed out. Ed kept his hood down around his neck, even though he kept having the urge to pull it up, even with the speech he had given his brother. He tried putting his hair up, but he had yet to figure out how to get it to avoid his ears and stay in. So, in resigned consternation, he let his locks dangle around his shoulders. Though he vowed that one of these days he would find a way to put it up and keep it up.

"Stupid ears." He mumbled as they walked forward. Al glanced over sadly then turned back to face the town.

"We're here." Al stated, a small smile heard from his voice. Ed turned his head up and frowned, eyes sharpening into a glare. They walked forward into the tiny village. Ed internally winced as everyone's eyes turned to the brothers in surprise.

"Edward… Alphonse… what are those?"

"A bet, blame Winry." Ed muttered vehemently under his breath. The townsperson who had spoken smiled fondly, having heard the boy anyways.

"That's just like her. She IS the best mechanic in town, it's only natural."

Ed frowned and shook his head as everyone turned back to their business, the four words being all that they needed to hear to understand.

"That actually worked?" Ed murmured so that only Al could hear.

The young boy chuckled quietly.

They walked forward, spending the day examining the shops and having lunch. It was a small town so there wasn't exactly anything new, but that wasn't really the point. It was more of a day for the two to just spend time together, without the threat of some serial killer or an unknown mega villain. They walked through town, being greeted and greeting people, the latter done by Al. Edward stayed silent through most if it, though he did slowly relax. This was noticeable both by his softer expressions and by the way his tail lay comfortably behind him, curled slightly at the tip so that it was facing the sky.

Al internally smiled, enjoying himself and relishing in the fact that the two of them could be in their home town without having to rush around in search of the ever elusive Philosophers stone.

Sure he wanted his own body back, but their were times when one just needs to relax and enjoy the moment.

And that's what Al, wholeheartedly, did. It was a calming experience.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, letting red light slip over the surrounding houses and land, the two returned back to their latest place of residence. They arrived just in time for dinner, which they ate in peace, well as peaceful as one can get with Ed eating everything in sight. Winry was still in her room, tweaking the automail till she was satisfied.

In the end, she was too busy to join the others for the meal.

That evening the phone rang again, this time it was Havoc saying hi. Al talked to him for a while until the other stated that he had to get going and hung up; afterwards the two went to bed, much more content then they were earlier that morning.

It was the next morning that Ed was finally able to get his proper automail. Winry looked tired, bags sat under her eyes as she handed the pieces to him.

"Here." She muttered, eyes drooping. He looked over the leg and arm holding them precariously in one arm, surprised at how light they were. He turned to the girl, lifting his lips in a slight smile.

"Thanks Winry."

"You better pay me extra for those," She muttered. Her cat ears and tail were also still on, but they were drooping, showing no movement whatsoever, the tail looked skewed, as if it was slipping down the girls waist.

Ed had to chuckle slightly at that.

"We'll see."

Winry glared at the boy half-heartedly.

"Well, come on, we need to get that on, afterwards there should only be a few slight adjustments and you should be all set."

Ed nodded, and sat down onto the bed handing the parts back to Winry. The girl took them, and handed one to Aunt Pinako. The two, then, shuffled around until they were next to the limb they were working on.

Ed grimaced, he hated this part. He grit his teeth and closed his eyes tightly, his ears flattened on to his skull, while his tail stiffened in solemn anticipation, resting flat against the bed. The usually slick fur of the long ebony tail was fluffed out as Ed gulped.

Even though Winry was exhausted she had to admit, the boy did look kind of cute like that.

"Ready?" Ed nodded, keeping his mouth shut firmly.

"Alright… one, two, THREE." On three a searing pain flew up his leg, merging with the one that trembled down his arm. It took all his will power not to scream as his nerves were reconnected. His tail snapped up at a rough 45 degree angle while his ears flattened sideways on his head. After another moment he opened his eyes and moved his hands experimentally, the automail, which had been reconnected, was working well.

"Thanks Winry." He stated. Winry glanced up from her tinkering with the shoulder of the arm and nodded.

"It just needs a little tweaking here… hold on a second."

Ed nodded and waited, after a few more minutes Winry pulled back satisfied. She glanced at the older women, who nodded and walked out.

"Looks like your all set Ed, make sure you come back when you return to normal, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." He stated, waving to her in response. Winry huffed, shaking her head.

"I'm getting some sleep." She muttered and then left, half stumbling up the stairs.

Ed smirked and followed the girls movements as she disappeared onto the top landing. After another moment he stood up, experimenting with the renewed limbs. He smiled in content, and then looked up at the clock.

He let his hands drop to his side as his eyes saddened.

"Al's probably not going to be back for a while…" He thought. His lips slipped down into a small frown as he closed his eyes.

He shook his head and threw his clothes back on. Once they were all in place he walked outside.

The sky was grey and dreary. He groaned in annoyance as his arm and leg started to throb.

"Great, it looks like it's going to start raining soon…" he muttered glaring up at the dark sky.

He went to leave when he noticed something gleaming in the distance, coming from the direction of the graveyard. A moment later he smiled.

"Al!" he shouted waving his arms at the suit of armor. The armor in question picked up speed and ran forward. Metal flashed in the dwindling light as the armor skidded to a halt, standing right in front of the grinning blonde.

"You have your automail back!" Ed nodded, moving his arm so that it was at a right angle. He started flexing his fingers and moving the arm in a circle. After another moment he brought the hand over to meet his flesh hand, letting sparks erupt brightly from the connection. Blue light flashed, drowning out the flash of lightening in the distance.

Metal morphed and stretched turning the solid arm into Ed's signature weapon. He took a quick slash with the blade and quickly turned it back into the original form.

"Yep, and it feels a little lighter too." He stated turning to the boy.

"I'm glad." Al stated happily, a grin heard in the others voice. Ed smiled and then blinked as something dripped onto his face.

He looked up, feeling another drop fall onto his skin.

"Come on, let's get inside." He muttered, glaring at the sky. Al nodded following after his brother, who turned and hurried back into the house.

He timed it perfectly. As soon as both passed the doorway the clouds opened up, releasing heaven's tears onto the earth; though neither would actually call it that. Ed's mood soured as he felt his limbs ache even more. He stared outside, frown deepening.

"Well… I guess we're stuck in here for now…" Ed stated, deadpanning.

He leaned against the window sill right next to the doorway, glaring towards the grey world outside.

"It's not that bad…" Al muttered quietly, not really knowing what to say to cheer the other up. His happier mood from a moment ago, once again soured. Ed just shook his head.

"Come on… let's see if there's anything to read." He responded, turning away from the window.

For the next few hours they searched the house, knowing there wasn't anything there that they hadn't already read, but still hoping to find that hidden treasure.

The search came up fruitless. Winry was still asleep and the two boys were bored out of their minds. Ed lay on his side, unable to lie on his back, and groaned.

"Ugh, I knew there was another reason why I hated rain." The boy stated, annoyance layered into his voice. Al glanced at him and then turned back to staring out the window, not really having anything to say regarding the matter.

The rest of the day was spent in this manner: eating, napping and just complaining; the last one done mainly by Ed.

It wasn't until later the next day that the rain finally let up. Ed almost felt like crying in relief when he saw the sun peeking through the clouds. Instead he just grinned and turned to Al.

"Hey, Al? Up for a little sparing?" Al glanced at him, nodding.

Ed raced outside, practically skidding on the muddy ground. Once he was far enough away he turned, facing the younger boy.

"Ready?"

"Whenever you are brother," Al stated, putting his hands up in defense.

Ed smirked and then rushed forward, golden hair flying behind him as he swung a fist towards the others gut. Al put up an arm to defend from the attack, only to have Ed duck down. Ed placed his hand on the ground and kicked out with his automail leg towards the boys ankles.

Al jumped up avoiding the hit and returned with his own kick. Ed, using the hand that was still on the ground, sprang backwards out of the way. The suit of armor, noticing the action, leaped forward in response sending a punch towards the others stomach. Ed dodged to the side and wrapped his arms around Al's arm. Before he could throw him Al twisted, pulling out of the others grip and sending him a round house kick. Ed rolled backwards, just barely avoiding the other's movements. His shirt and pants became bogged down with dirt and mud, his hair, not fairing any better, whipped into his face as he rolled to the side, avoiding another kick from Al.

He sprang and went back onto the offensive. He leaped up and, using the arm that swung towards him as a jumping point, he kicked forward. Al, who noticed the movement, reached up with his other hand, grabbing the boy's leg. He spun and let go, sending Ed flying into the mud. Before he landed Ed put both hands down. He used them as a spring, leaping backwards until he was back on his feet. His eyes shined brightly as his ears perked to attention, his tail was erect, except for the tip which was tilted backwards in anxious glee.

"Wow brother, you're faster than usual." Ed smiled widely glancing at the tail and automail. A moment later he moved forward. Al punched out, causing Ed to dodge to the side. Ed knelt down, put his hands on the ground, and kicked the other boys leg out as he sped past. Al stumbled for a second, but quickly righted himself, just in time to block a kick to his side as Ed used his hands to shift the attack.

Al pushed back and spun out to kick the boy in return. Ed quickly brought his hand up catching it just in time with his automail arm. Ed skidded slightly over the mud as the kick finished its course. Once he had stopped, Ed leaped backwards, gaining ground between him and his brother. He grinned, light dancing in his eyes as Al moved backwards into a more guarded position.

With a spring, Al jumped forward. Ed leaped upwards, kicking outwards with his automail, sending the punch off course. In the same movement he spun his other leg around, kicking at the boys head. Al brought his other arm up, catching the kick just in time. Ed, using the rebound, swung backwards, skidding over the ground as Al kicked out. Ed caught the kick with his arm. Al, also using the rebound quickly put his foot down and spun out, attacking with the other leg. Ed leaned back, feeling the wind rush past his face. His hair pushed sideways as his ears squished against his head due to the sudden air force. He let his momentum carry him backwards, and rolled, just barely managing to avoid landing on his tail.

"Jeez, these stupid appendages are annoying." Ed muttered as he stood back up, letting mud drip down his clothes and hair.

"You okay brother?" Al asked, still keeping his guard up, but letting his red eyes flash in worry.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine, just getting used to proper balance with these things." He stated, glancing backwards at his tail. A moment later he shook his head and turned back to the boy. He gripped his hands into fists, his tail slipping downwards, quivering at the tip. Al's own appendages lay limply, no longer having the same movement as earlier due to all the mud.

Ed leaped forward, closing the distance between them with one jump. Al spun to one side and kicked out. Ed turned, prepared to take the hit.

However, a second later, his eyes widened in panic as he realized his tail had curved around him, also following the spin. The kick connected, immobilizing the tail between cold metal and battle-warn flesh.

Ed screeched as the kick continued sending the boy sprawling as mud erupted from where he had landed.

Ed curled inwards, drenched and holding the tail carefully. Gold eyes gleamed in pain as the boy grit his teeth. Sun-kissed locks splayed around him, hiding part of his face. The tail trembled as he carefully massaged the damaged area. His ears were flat on either side of his head, quivering in obvious pain.

"Brother! Are you okay?! I… I didn't mean too!"

"Alphonse, It's fine." Ed stated as he forced himself to uncurl from the protective position he had instinctively taken. His hands still carefully held his tail as he stumbled to his feet. He held it close to his chest in a protective way. "Now I know I just have to be more careful, it could have been a lot worse." Edward stated, letting a grin slip onto his face. Al watched as the boy went back to focusing on his, still quivering, tail, massaging it gently. After another moment the boy let go. The tail slowly curved back staying mostly still except for the slight twitching at the tip.

"Come on, what are you waiting for? I still need to get my strength back up." Ed grinned, holding both hands up in fists even as pain flashed through his golden eyes. Al paused and then slowly pulled his own hands up in front of him.

"Rin?..." The two paused. Ed blinked and then turned to see an older woman, the same women from the other day.

"Mrs. Halibaster?"

"Rin…" Ed's eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly backed away. The women before him looked strange, she was smiling a little too widely. Alphonse moved forward until he was standing just in front of his brother, protectively.

"Mrs. Halibaster, what are you doing all the way out here?" Al stated firmly. The women turned and glared viciously at the other.

"What have you done to my Rin! I heard her scream and she's covered in dirt!" The woman's eyes flashed, smile wiped from her face in an instant.

"Miss, you have the wrong person, this is Edward." Alphonse stated hurriedly, confusion slipping into his voice.

"That can't be!" the woman screeched, causing both boys to cringe.

"Come on Al, Let's just go inside." Ed stated, eyeing the women carefully.

"Rin! Don't you dare leave! Didn't I tell you never to disobey your mother?!" the woman shouted angrily, fists clenched tightly. Ed suppressed a shiver and turned away, moving back towards the house.

"Come on Al…"

Al nodded, following his brother carefully. They hurried inside only to find Aunt Pinako standing near the door way, eyes narrowed.

"Come on boys, let's get you two changed, your soaked." She stated, turning to the two boys. Ed pursed his lip and nodded, walking in hurriedly. He heard the lock click into place as the older women closed the door tightly.

Winry, who had woken up sometime during the sparing session glanced over at the two worriedly.

"Ed what happened? I heard you scream…"

"… Turns out my tail is more sensitive than I thought." Ed replied simply, turning to walk up the stairs, Alphonse paused for a moment, and then quickly followed after the other boy.

After taking a nice long shower Ed threw on a loose shirt with his normal leather pants, his golden hair dripped with residual water as he walked downstairs, followed by a worried Al.

"Ed…" Ed glanced over to see Winry looking at him, apprehension also apparent on her face. "Granny told me what happened. After you screamed she had gone outside… She was able to convince Mrs. Halibastor to go home but..."

Ed stared at her for a moment in silence and then sat down at the table. "She shouldn't be too much of a problem… but I'll be careful," the boy stated sincerely. Winry frowned.

"Either way, we locked all the doors and window to the first floor… hopefully that should be enough. But you should tell the colonel or something…"

Ed scoffed, thought for a moment and then began to laugh. "Oh, boy, I can just see his face now! 'It's your own fault. You need to know when to back down, or at least learn discretion!'" He said the last part in a snide uppity voice, using his hands in exaggerated gestures. "Maybe I should call him, just to see his reaction at finding out it's HIS fault that my old, slightly delusional, teacher thinks I'm her daughter. Oh that would be priceless!"

"Edward! This isn't funny!" Ed stopped laughing and turned to the girl seriously, his face losing all of its jovial, if fake, humor.

"Winry, It's really not a problem, she'll snap out of it soon, and if not, I'm only here for three more days, including today... plus you know I can take care of this." Winry frowned, pursing her lips.

"Fine, just don't come crying to me when something happens."

"Why the hell would I do that?!"

'Smack!'

"Okay I get it! You don't have to keep hitting me!" Ed glowered towards the old women, who had just walked back in.

"Then stop swearing." She stated simply, putting the pipe between her lips. Ed frowned massaging his head. He huffed and then turned, stomping up stairs.

"I'm going to bed, wake me when dinners ready!" He shouted, before slamming the door closed with a loud bang. The three left behind glanced towards the stairwell unsure what to do.

"Brother…" Al tilted his head forward slightly, staring at the ground. Then, after another moment, he walked upstairs, following the older blonde.

Winry sighed, placing her head on the table. "Wherever Ed is, trouble seems to follow." She muttered. Pinako breathed in deeply and then slowly exhaled the smoke through her lips.

"Indeed…"

Ed lay on the bed, staring at nothing. His tail still throbbed from Al's attack, even though he wouldn't admit it.

He couldn't, he knew it wasn't his brothers fault.

Instead he snarled and moved his head into the pillow, covering his face and closing his eyes. Ever since that bastard had changed him, nothing had wanted to go right.

He curled up slightly, feeling the tail between his legs as his hair collapsed over his shoulders in waves. His hands rested by his side, flesh resting in metal. He closed his eyes and relaxed; he decided he wouldn't think about it… At the moment, he didn't want too.

End of chapter 8.

Sorry for the delay everybody. These next few chapters didn't want to be written. You all probably know what that's like. :/

I must thank every last one of you out there. I am shocked to find that so many people like and follow this story. :) I really appreciate it! And again, I'm sorry if I don't reply to everyones reviews. College can be quite distracting at times...

I forgot to post this last chapter, but I got a fan art, courtesy of HyperV: : / / avatarismylife .deviantart #/ d5gt636 (just put Http in front of it)

You guys should check it out, its cute. :)

If anyone else has fan art, I would love to see it. It makes me happy to know you guys appreciate this story so much.

Last part of this A/N: I realize that I made Winry's ears and tails seem a little advanced last chapter, hopefully this, and future chapters, will clear up how they actually act. Thanks HyperV for pointing that out!

Well, take care until next time~