Chapter Nine ~ Hughes Has a Surprise

Ed yawned as he finally found the Central Inn. He climbed the flights of stairs until he hit the third floor. The door was open. "A break, finally," he muttered as he walked in, the keys in his pocket jingling. It was nice of that other soldier, Cooper, to call ahead and save the room for him.

Walking in, he saw that plenty of furniture was placed, small decor was placed, and the kitchen was stocked with food. "Wow..." He tried to hide his amazement, but realized he didn't have to hide his emotions anymore.

Cooper knocked on the door as he walked in. "Nice place, isn't it?"

"Yeah it is," Ed replied as he stared at the ceiling. "This is better than my old house!"

"Resembool sounds like a nice place," Cooper murmured almost under his breath.

"It was," Ed frowned and looked at his feet.

"Was?" Cooper placed down a vase; a lot of house-warm-y stuff had been placed.

"After an... incident, Resembool became gloomy."

"Incident? Gloomy? Did someone use alchemy or?" Cooper raced his thoughts, curious as to what could make a village gloomy.

"Nothing like that. My mom left, and Resembool just lost its shine."

"Oh... Is that why you're in the military?" Cooper tried not to look at Ed. But anyone who lost a parent and came to make a difference in the world was worth saluting. He was about to turn and salute, but Ed's solution wasn't the one he had thought of.

"I came to find her."

"You know she's in Central?"

"No. I have no idea where she is, but I'm sure she's in the country."

"Good luck on that quest." Cooper blew the dust off of an empty portrait.

"It's going to be a difficult one," Ed sighed as he checked the cabinets in the kitchen. Cups, plates, and silverware below. These apartments were everything. Well, technically it was an Inn, but there were always rooms for the Military that cost what an apartment did.

"Not the most difficult, though," Cooper uttered before realizing it. He had said it quietly, and hoped Ed hadn't heard. But then, he wasn't a very lucky guy.

"Oh? Is your life harder?" Ed's sarcastic disbelief rubbed Cooper the wrong way.

It's not like he's suffered a thousand years. Damn, he must think he's got the hardest life in the world. "I'll tell you another time," Cooper clicked his tongue. "You're going to be late to Hughes' house if you don't hurry."

Ed facepalmed. "Almost forgot. Thanks, buddy!" Ed ran out the door without a second thought.

Cooper put his hands on his hips as he saw Ed's outfit on the floor. "You are too hasty, my friend. And that might just be your end."

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Ed let himself catch his breath. He was a fast sprinter, but it did take a lot out of him. He checked the time on his watch (one he got from Cooper at the apartment). Six minutes early. Ran all that way when I could've walked half of it. That sucks.

Ed adjusted his shirt and collar. He had skinny black jean-like pants and a black button-up with a collar that would make the ladies go wild. Well, girls. He was fifteen after all.

After regaining his cool composure, he knocked on Hughes' door. His golden hair was the first thing Hughes saw as he opened the door. He was still trying to get used to how short Edward was, even as a fifteen year old.

"Welcome, Ed!" Hughes bit his tongue to stop himself from commenting on how short Ed was. Had he hit his growing spurt? Most guys did. Perhaps he was missing nutrition. I guess I'll offer him some milk when we get inside... Hughes opened the door wider and spread his arm out dramatically. "Welcome to my haven."

Ed smiled at Hughes' enthusiasm. He walked inside and was ambushed by welcoming smells. Rice, chili, and some other things were in the other room. He could smell their appetizing aroma.

"Here she comes!" Hughes announced with glee.

"Who?"

"My wonderful wife. She's the one who told me about Resembool."

"Oh..." Ed didn't process anything after wife, and his Oh was just habitual. He hadn't even heard the word Resembool until it was too late.

Trisha Elric was walking down the stairs with a brand new smile. The worst part was that she didn't show any regret on her face when she saw Ed. She wanted him to find out.

Ed did everything he could not to run out the door. Hughes hadn't moved to close it, as if entranced by his new wife.

Ed looked at Trisha's hand as it reached for his face. A ring was on her finger.

Trisha looked at Ed's face and into his eyes. "I'm happy here, Edward." Ed hadn't had to say a word.

As much as Ed missed Trisha's smile, he couldn't be hypnotized by it. "You left us." Trisha's smile faded into that old frown he had never noticed. "Without a second thought." Trisha reached out to his face, but it was futile. Ed turned and ran to the door, tears streaming down his face. "You can just DIE!"