Chapter 16

Flynn woke up recognizing the white ceiling of the hospital immediately. She was beginning to think she needed a frequent customer discount. She heard the soft sound of man snoring and looked down to see Roy Mustang sitting in a chair beside her bed with his head resting on his arms on her bed. Her fingers ran through his hair in an attempt to gently wake him up.

"Roy," she whispered, tickling his cheek with her fingers.

"No, mom, I don't wanna go," he whined, pushing her hand away.

Flynn giggled and the sound woke him up. She smiled at him as he dug into his eyes with the heels of his hands in an aggressive attempt to wipe the sleep out of them.

"It's about time you woke up. It's been a month," he said, pretending to be angry.

"It has? Damn," she muttered in disbelief. "Where are Ed and Al?"

"Out again on their never-ending quest to get Al's body back. They're a lot closer thanks to you giving them that stone. I receive updates from them on a regular basis, and they're doing well. The little bastard probably wouldn't check in so much if he wasn't worried about you. They miss you of course," he added, taking her hand in his.

"Roy, honey, you look like hell."

"I see you're still a self-esteem builder as always."

"You know what I mean," she said with a smile, touching his face. He was unshaven and his hair was shaggy. Dark circles ringed his eyes as if someone had punched him.

"I haven't wanted to leave you for very long in case you woke up," he admitted. "And to make sure nothing else happened to you."

"I'm not coming back," she announced suddenly.

"I won't ask you to this time. Not after what happened. You tried to quit once, and I wouldn't let you. It's all my fault," he muttered, a tear snaking its way down his cheek.

"Seriously, Mustang," she snapped. "Do you really think I'm a woman who can be forced into decisions?"

"You're right. It's your fault," he teased, kissing her hand.

Flynn felt a shiver of pleasure race through her body from the simple gesture. "I don't think I'll be staying in Central either."

"Oh? Now what am I supposed to do without my annoying next door neighbor?"

"I'm sure you can find another one."

"What if I don't want another one?" he asked, holding her hand tightly as he studied her eyes.

'Oh, damn. He can't be serious. Just stay calm,' Flynn thought to herself.

"I just couldn't imagine my life without you being a part of it," he said, looking away from her.

Flynn was able to breathe finally when he broke eye contact. What now? She jumped when the door to her room opened.

Two men walked in dressed in dark suits. Both were around six feet tall and looked an awful lot alike. One had long golden blond hair pulled back in a ponytail. He had big golden eyes that softened with love when he looked at her: Edward Elric. The other man had short darker blond hair and light brown eyes. He stared at her for a moment then ran toward her, putting his arms around her for a crushing hug. He could only be Alphonse Elric.

"I finally get to touch you," he whispered in her ear.

"Al? Al!" she cried, holding him close to her. "I can't believe it's really you. This is so wonderful!" Tears streamed down her face as she held him. She opened her eyes to see Edward watching them with a small smile on his face. As much as she wanted to keep hugging the boy who had at last found his body, there was someone else she wanted to greet as well. She pulled Al back, kissing him on both cheeks. "Help me out of this bed, would you?" she requested, surprised that he picked her up with as much ease and strength as he did when he was in the armor.

"I've missed you, sister," he said, kissing her on the cheek.

Flynn hugged him again when he sat her down on her feet. She turned to Edward who now towered over her. "Well, you're no longer just my size," she sniffed, wiping tears of off her cheek. She held her breath when he enveloped her with his muscular arms for a tender but strong embrace.

"I might not be your size anymore, but I hope you still love me," he whispered in her ear.

"Oh, god, Ed I've always loved you. More than I thought," she admitted, biting her lip at the inadvertent admission.

"I'm sorry, but I don't love you the same anymore either. I don't love you as my sister any longer," he said, turning her face back to his when she looked away. "I want you as something more."

This was more than Roy Mustang could handle. He was glad to see the boys; even more happy for them that they had gotten their bodies back. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing they had come in right before he admitted to Flynn his feelings for her. It was probably for the best; for her at least. Even he knew he could never be the man she needed.

"What? Are you sure?" she asked, before he bent to place his lips on hers. The kiss was so gentle and so sweet. The unspoken emotion in the kiss caused tears to overflow her eyes again.

"I love you, Flynn Brogan."

"I love you too, Edward Elric."

Author's Note: Well, that's all folks. Due to a terrible case of writer's block and a pure lack of interest in the story, I decided to end this and move on to the next project.