Fullmetal Alchemist: Solitude

Chapter 6: Memories

AN: Thanks to Azulic Blade and Lalalupin for reviewing the last chapter :)

It is June now, but I still remember that meeting with Grumman like it was yesterday. I remember his surprise and his mercy. Most of all, though, I remember how afraid we were as our futures remained uncertain. Christ – what a day that was.

It's hard to believe six months have passed so quickly, though not painlessly. In the beginning, Miles and I kept the whole thing quiet, admittedly we weren't yet sure how to handle the situation. The morning sickness had more or less passed, but we blamed any resurfacing on food poisoning. They all bought it, those unobservant Briggs men of mine. Even the ultrasounds were kept secret. Miles and I swore the doctors there to absolute secrecy, and they were compliant once I added a couple of threats.

The worst part of this ordeal has been the mood swings. Behind that stands cravings. My soldiers think that I was a "nice" general before, now image that, and you see how outrageous these mood swings are. Honestly, it came to the point where Miles had to physically calm me down a couple of times. However, the soldiers became more understanding after being alerted to the situation.

Releasing the statement to my men was strange, to say the least. This one green soldier approached me one day, and asked outright if I was expecting. The kid has guts, and displayed the exact sort of bravery and situational analysis I expect from my men. Mind you, I was into the second trimester by then, so I'm sure my expanding stomach had become a bit noticeable. After his inquiry I gathered everyone under my command together, and rather to - the - point, I told them. It went something along the lines of, "It has been brought to my attention that there are those among you wondering if I am pregnant. Well, those people have gained favor in my eyes for displaying good observational skills – yes, I am expecting. And before the rumors circulate, Major Miles is the father. That is all." I turned to leave, and this one soldier cheered. I still haven't figured out who it was, but he began a chain reaction of cheers. I suppose they liked to see a feminine side to me; however, it was embarrassing. I'm sure I yelled at them without mercy.

Major Miles… where to begin? He's been an excellent partner. It turns out he was right, on that day I told him. Would it really be so bad, us being lovers? No, it hasn't been. In fact, I don't think I could have survived these months without him. He has proven himself a most loyal subordinate: everyday he asks how I am feeling, he is always there to calm my frustrations, he'll concoct the strangest creations to nullify my ridiculous cravings, and he takes great interest in the baby.

I already knew that babies kick, but it's entirely different when you actually feel it inside you. I was at Izumi's house with Miles for dinner the first time. My sentence was stopped short by a semi – strong kick. Everyone was really excited and began to feel my stomach, something I still haven't fully adjusted to.

Izumi has been the best friend I could ask for. She's been ecstatic since I verified our suspicions, and she's visited the fort often. In the beginning though, I'm sure she found it awkward, for lack of a better term. The woman who always wanted a child can never have one, and I, who possesses an inherent dislike of kids, am expecting. But we both adjusted. Miles and I have even named her and her husband godparents, though I sincerely doubt anything will happen to us.

My brother has been completely –

A loud banging on the door jolted Olivier from her writing. It persisted

incessantly for a good seven seconds. Olivier thought she would explode.

"WHAT IS IT?" She shouted. The door burst open, and Alex Louis Armstrong leapt into the room.

"Sister!" He greeted. Olivier rolled her eyes.

"Alex. You could try being more cordial when around a moody pregnant woman. You never know how far she'll go to satisfy her emotions…"

"I don't care!" He cried. "Your due date is quickly approaching! I'm about to be an uncle!" Tears of joy were literally streaming down his cheeks. Olivier glared at him.

"Stop this idiot behavior Alex! You're like this every time you see me!" She turned back to her paper, completing the sentence: absurd; always becoming overexcited about becoming an uncle every time we come into contact.

"I cannot help it! You've finally become a woman, Olivier!" Olivier was on her feet in an instant. Alex held a cheesy grin on his face.

"I've always been a woman, Alex!"

"I know – but you've finally found love and are going to have a baby!" Olivier froze. Love? She didn't really love Miles, did she? A more apt way to describe their relationship would be to call them inseparable, but not "in" love.

"Yes, yes, whatever. Look, why are you here?"

"I have rights to my own house, sister."

"It isn't yours."

"Honestly Olivier, relax. I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Olivier let a smile creep over her face.

"Thank you Alex," she said. "I am fine, truly. I just want this kid out," she confessed. "It's been a long eight months."

"On the bright side you only have one more left."

"Yes, that's true," she paused. "Now that you've assured yourself of my well – being, you may leave." Alex nodded.

"Goodbye sister. Remember to name him after me!" He yelled as he left.

"No way in Hell," muttered Olivier. Ahh… a name. They already had a girl's name picked out. Izumi Mira. That part had been easy. But a boy's? They hadn't yet thought of a good one. Suddenly, a knock came from outside.

"Come in," spoke Olivier. The door opened, and in walked Major Miles. Olivier's face lit up at the sight of her lover. In his hands he held a bouquet of roses.

"This is to put me in a favorable position before I suggest anything," he said.

"Well that's reassuring," said Olivier. "At least they're not hyacinths."

"Hyacinths?"

"Yes. Mustang gave them to me once." Miles raised an eyebrow.

"Don't be jealous Miles," laughed Olivier. "It was a long time ago – before the Promised Day."

"Did you…?"

"NO. I tossed them into a fire after he told my they symbolize feminine grace and beauty." Miles laughed.

"In that case," he smiled, handing the flowers to Olivier. "These roses symbolize your determination and iron fist."

"Thank you Miles," said Olivier, receiving the flowers. "Hm. They smell wonderful." She glanced up at the major. "You said earlier you were going to suggest something?"

"I did," said Miles, pacing.

"Well?"

"It's about a boy's name." Olivier's ears perked up.

"Have you thought of one?"

"Yes. We're going to name a girl after a friend and hero whom we admire. It would only make sense to name a boy for the same reason."

"It would, but who…?" Her voice trailed off as she realized what he meant. "Really?" She asked.

"Yes. Do you like the idea?" Olivier reclined, thinking.

"I do. In a way, it just sounds right." She stood up. "So then it's decided. If it's a boy, we'll name him -," She was cut off as a sharp pain ripped through her. She let out a gasp. Miles was at her side in a second.

"Olivier? What's wrong?"

"I – I don't know…"

"Was it a contraction?"

"It's… probable…" Miles wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Come on then. We're going to a hospital." Olivier shook her head in disbelief as they walked out of the room.

"I don't understand," she said. "I still have a month! Is this a complication…?"

"We better get you to a hospital quickly. Your safety is the priority."

"What if something happened to the baby…?"

Their voices trailed off farther down the hallway, until they were inaudible.

In the previously occupied room, the bouquet of roses lay scattered on the floor, all but forgotten.